Chapter 68: Memories

A pair of familiar gloves slowly dropped into her hands as she stared at them. Shaking in fear, her wide eyes looked up to see the Iron Dragon Slayer walking away from her, heading towards the Dragon of Dragons, Acnologia. He turned to smile her way one last time, which triggered her to move forward. After a few steps however, she was raised over Droy's shoulder, taken in the opposite direction as she reached out for who she couldn't reach. "Gajeel!" She screamed, but he refused to turn around. "GAJEEL!" She gave it her all, but the effort was futile as Acnologia took to the sky, gathering a sum of magic in his mouth. Even though she continued screaming, everything became mute as the powerful torrent of

A Dragon's roar descended upon Magnolia. Standing in the midst of it all, Gajeel raised up a right hand, hoisting up the Fairy Tail insignia as the roar barreled down on top of him. One last scream could be heard, Levy crying at the top of her lungs once more. "GAJEEL!"

She snapped awake. Heavy pants filled the room as Levy clutched her chest in a stint of emotional pain. Six months have passed since that day, yet the Solid Script Mage was still haunted by the same nightmare on what seemed like a weekly basis. A nightmare fueled by memories of that horrible day. As she jumped awake, Lily stirred awake as well — well aware of what was happening. It didn't make it any easier no matter how many times it happened, but the petite exceed crawled into her lap as tears fell onto her bed sheets. "I'm so sorry, Lily." Levy expresses as she held Pantherlily close to her. "Its been half a year, but—"

"Don't apologize." He interrupted, curling up to her as close as possible. "No one said you have to get over it, ever. I don't think I will either. I'll always miss him too, Levy."

"Hey Levy!" Cana shouted, walking over to her and a sleeping Lily with a mug in her left hand. As she reached her however, the inebriated one noticed Levy sulking expression. Her drunken state didn't allow her to show sympathy at this moment however. "Man, you look like you didn't sleep a wink. Have a drink instead! That'll knock you out."

Levy looked up with baggy eyes. "No thank you, Cana. I don't want any."

"You sure?" She asked once more, but Levy's silence forced a shrug from the Card Mage as she then chugged the alcohol in her left hand within seconds while walking back towards the guild's bar. "Ah." She sighed in relief thanks to her drink, but then slumped over across the bar just before Mirajane. "What's wrong with that girl? Beer fixes everything!"

"Maybe for you." The demoness replies, turning to face Cana with a brand new mug of beer. She continued on as she switched out that mug with the empty one Cana just devoured. "You're a little to drunk to sympathize right now Cana, but Levy is still grieving you know? It looks like she's being haunted by what happened that day.." Mirajane's eyes were glued to Levy's, but when she turned back to Cana, she gained a surprised outlook as Cana now had a somber expression over her own. A single finger traced around the brim of her mug. "Yeah, I miss him too you know? She isn't the only one here, and I know she's hurting the most, but he was a guild member. He did it for us. So we could be here today.." Cana's words surprised Mirajane, and the barmaid could only nod in agreement. Her eyes shifted back towards Levy, now spotting two people walking her way. "We're all hurt. And even though she's hurting the most, one thing she can't do...is continue blaming those two."

"Hm?" Cana hummed in confusion until she turned around to see Jet and Droy walking towards Levy cautiously.

They arrived, and she didn't even notice, simply staring at the far wall like she was in a depressive trance. Droy finally broke the silence. "Uh..Hey Levy. Want to hang out today? We can go get some food. I'm paying this time." No answer. Instead, her tranced like outlook turned to furrowed brows and a small scowl. Hearing the voice of the man that carried her away from Gajeel's sacrificial actions lit a short fuse, and if they didn't back away quickly..

"How about a job?" Jet asked now. The other culprit, allowing Droy to carry Levy away from Gajeel as he met his end on that horrible day. "Team Shadow Gear, right!? Let's do one for old times sake! It'll be fun!"

"Kch.." She would grit her teeth, and turn a deathly side-eyed glare towards the two with her baggy eyes. Taken back by her expression, the duo took a step back with a gulp and a guilty feeling in their chest. "Levy—"

"Get away from me." The shrimp told them in a stern, low but angered voice. Hesitation ensued, but Droy and Jet turned and walked away with their heads down. As Jet walked off, his hands eventually balled into fists, clenching his teeth as his eyes watered. But, as a crash was heard... — "HEY!" The drunken brunette yelled, now standing with her mug knocked over from her sudden rise. Her eyes were burning holes through Levy Mcgarden, but before she could lash out, a hand was pressed to her shoulder. Mirajane simply whispering "don't" as all eyes remained on Cana in confusion. She stared for a bit longer, causing Levy to turn away and retreat back to the wall she was looming towards. Finally, Cana took in a deep breath, running a hand through her hair as she turned back to Mirajane. "Sorry, Mira. I'll clean the spill. Can you just pour me another instead?"

Seconds later, the door to the guild swung open, and entered Team Natsu. "Everyone!" Natsu greeted with the usual smile and wave. Walking in, the group received their greetings from the other members until they finally came to a seat at Levy's table. The sound of rustling and inaudible conversation around her caused Levy to snap out of her trance once more. This time however, she had no malice towards those around her, just a quietness unless she was addressed, in which Lucy did so. "Levy! How're you feeling today?" The blonde asked. Levy turned to her with a weakened smile, and Lucy simply nodded with a quick understanding. Following, she stood up from seat, lifting Lily up into her arms. "I'm going home. I'll be back tomorrow."

"Huh?" Was all Natsu managed as the Solid Script Mage walked off with a sleeping Pantherlily. As she left, Lucy sighed heavily before face planting into the table. "I wish there was something I could do. I'm supposed to be her closest friend."

"You're doing all you can." Erza added, sitting with her arms folded. The rest kept quiet until a newly familiar voice called out to one of them.

"Wendy!" She shouted, running over. In the midst of her run, she realized just how far away she was, and with the assumption that all eyes were now on her, quickly shelled up, ducking her head in embarrassment. Wendy however, called back to the girl while waving. "Cynthia!" Eyes meeting, It uplifted her spirits as she ran over once more, this time fighting the feeling from before we she quickly ducked into the seat next to Wendy Marvell. "She's really takes a liking to Wendy, huh?" Gray pointed out. Erza nodded. "That's good. She'll eventually open up to everyone, surely." She then held out her hand to Cynthia, nearly startling her as she did. "We didn't get to properly meet, Cynthia. My name is Erza. This is Gray, Lucy, Carla and Happy The exceeds, and I heard you already met Natsu before your first day here."

Cynthia nodded quietly, staring at the armored hand before her. Slowly she reached out, gently grasping Erza's hand.

Natsu then slapped the table, standing up and screaming out.

"Who taught ya Dragon Slayer Magic!? Do you have a dragon parent too!? Or was it lacrima like Laxus!? Both!? Fight me!"

Thud! A punch to the back of his head by none other than Erza, Natsu was face down into the table, the fear induced Cynthia still keeping her distance from the Salamander.

"Where did I learn Dragon Slaying...?" She asked the question herself before falling silent. Everyone noticed, but to escape the somber mood that was impending, Lucy clasped her hands together. "Hey! How about we all go on a job together instead of sitting here! Something easy so we can show Cynthia how it works!"

Gray turned to a wall, looking towards the calendar with a cheeky grin. "Almost rent time, huh?" He prodded, causing Lucy to gain her own guilty smile. "I'm just a couple jewel short."

"I'll go grab us one!" A suddenly awakened Natsu said, hopping up and walking over to the job board. There, he violently pushed Nab out of the way, sending him crashing off screen. "The simplest one!" Lucy shouted to him, as if she didn't just see Natsu manhandle Nab.

"I guess it's settled then." Erza stared. She then smiled Cynthia's way. "Join us, Cynthia. It'll be a good time indeed."

"Yeah!" Wendy added with a smile of her own. Looking around at all the smiling faces, Cynthia eventually folded, smiling herself as she agreed. "Okay! Then I'll go!"

"Hey! Stop hogging everyone!" Max shouted, half serious, half smiling. Cynthia perked up as she noticed Max yelling their way. Warren jumped in as well with the same expression. "That's three Dragon Slayers on your team! You gonna take Reo too? What about us! We want some fire power too!"

Cynthia blinked in confusion. She hasn't even said a word to anyone outside of Wendy and

Team Natsu, so — "Why...?" She whispered to herself.

"Hey hey now." Bisca said, cocking her shotgun as she stood next to her husband Alzack and their daughter, Asuka. "Cynthia looks like the perfect big sister model for Asuka. Why don't she join our team instead? Max and Warren aren't the safest people to be around anyways."

Now she was becoming (comically) frantic. Every which way she turned, guild members were standing up and protesting Team Natsu's move. "Cynthia is a MAN! So she should join the Strauss Family!" Elfman shouted with a raised fist. Cynthia gave a sweat drop at that one though. "That doesn't even make sense."

"Hey hey hey!" He yelled from the second floor, floating just over the railing with his totems. Tongue stretched out, showing his Fairy Tail guild mark, Bickslow appeared next to Freed and Evergreen. And behind them, Laxus sat with his feet placed upon the table's surface, grinning. "You guys got two already, so to remain the strongest team, we need Cynthia so we can have two Dragon Slayers! It's only right!"

"Only right! Only right!" His totems mimicked while floating around him. Evergreen pushed up her glasses, creating the patented screen that covered her eyes. "Plus, hanging around Lucy and Erza...her taste would turn horrific."

"You like Elfman." Happy interrupted, to which she quickly shouted in embarrassment. "NO I DONT!"

"...What's wrong with me?" Elfman asked as Mirajane patted him on the back. Freed then cleared his throat to continue the guild's charade. "The Raijinshu votes to take Cynthia Rose under our wing, and teach her the proper way to be a Mage. Maybe we'll have less property damage if we start this trend with all members."

Cynthia didn't know what to say. There was an uproar in the guild about her joining everyone's team, and she hadn't even done anything to prove her worth yet! Her face almost completely red at this point, shielding her face with her hands until she heard a loud stomp just before her. Removing her hands, she saw Natsu standing on the table, grinning with a job flyer in one hand, and his flames in the other.

"Oh yeah, ya blowhards!?" He shouted as Gray appeared beside him, shirtless and ready to rumble. "Try and take her from us!"

A sword manifested from thin air, and Erza grabbed it, pointing in the direction of her other guild mates. "These are bold claims. Dare you wish to act upon them against us?"

Happy then hovered over another group with a giant fish in his hands. His eyes gleamed an evil gleam. "Aye sir!" Yet, it was when Wendy stood next to Lucy with that same determined visage upon their faces that Cynthia realized what she was feeling as everyone in the guild started a unified battle cry of pre-battle. "Cynthia is with us! Not because she's a Dragon Slayer, but because she's our friend!"

It was the feeling of being accepted.

Just outside of their guild, near the forest in its backyard, the brunette stood within the snowy weather. The lower part of her face covered by a scarf that wavered in the blizzard wind, but her eyes held a somber expression as she kept her hands dug deep into her pockets. Her golden hues remained glued to the tombstone before her. Even through the scarf, the warmth of her breath could be seen at a steady pace. Skye remained silent for just a little bit longer, just staring at the tombstone and the name engraved within.

"Adam." She finally spoke, never moving from her spot. "How are you today?" A slight chuckle, almost feeling stupid for asking such a question to a tombstone. "I said I would come out here at least once a month to let tell you about everything going on, but...nothing really has changed in the past six months. We got some new members yesterday. They're..well, they'll fit in. I just wish they could've met you. Maybe then they wouldn't be so loud." A smile finally formed, Skye pressing a left hand against the top of the tombstone. Caressing the rigid structure, she bowed just a bit. "We miss you, always. I miss you...always."

"I'm not going to let it go until you apologize, you shit head!" Reiss shouted, held back by a simple grasp of the back of his collar by Reve Volver.

"Oh just shut up already! I'm not apologizing!" Tyson shouted in return, also being held back by the one known as Zalen Castle. Both original members let out a long sigh as the two rookies continued fighting amongst each other. The three girls just stood to the side, watching in exhaustion as the two exampled unlimited stamina, arguing and struggling within the vet's grasp relentlessly. "Oi, Reiss. Cut this out. He just said that what you said was stupid. You couldn't even sleep this off?"

"What!? No way Reve! He's trying to make me look bad!"

"You're doing that yourself, idiot." Tyson added, followed by a yelp as Zalen twisted his collar. "Not helping, Tyson." Zalen then peered around Tyson to speak to Reve. "Any ideas?"

"If only." He replied, sighing in defeat. At this time, Lluvi and Micaiah began walking off. "Boys." The blue haired one stated, heading for anywhere but here. Micaiah hummed once in agreement as Ilaria remained where she stood, enjoying the show. "I love dramas. Who will win? The great Tyson-Sama!...Or Reiss. Find out next time!"

Reiss turned to Ilaria, sneering. "Why did he get a Sama but you said my name all lazily? What kinda fairness is that?"

"I just want to train, or go on a job or something." Lluvi murmured, but it caught the ears of the gunslinger, causing an idea to raise as he snagged a random flyer from the board. "That's a great idea, Lluvi!" He exclaimed, stopping everyone in their tracks. Lluvi arched a brow as Micaiah gave an inquisitive look as well. Reve held up the job flyer. "All five of you are going on a job together as a team building exercise."

"No way!" Tyson and Reiss shouted in unison. Right after, gunshots were heard, and in the second after that, Tyson and Reiss were on the ground twitching; riddled with bullets. Reve handed the flyer to the girls with a smile. "Make sure to work as a team. That's the whole point of this."

Even Zalen had to interject at this point, clearing his throat. "Are you sure it's okay to send them without supervision? It's their first job after all."

"Good point." Reve added, looking around the guild for the perfect chaperone. Oh how he stepped in at the wrong time, walking towards his room only to be stopped by the gunslinger — a hand firmly on his shoulder. "Hey, Takeru. Join the rookies on their first job. Do the bare minimum, but teach them the basics."

"I refuse." Takeru quickly fired back, shrugging Reve's grasp off as he kept walking. Once again, bullets went off, and in the next second, Tak joined Reiss and Tyson on the floor, twitching with a body filled with bullets. Reve then pointed towards Takeru with a smile. "Alright, there's your coach for this exercise. Good luck with all three of them, ladies."

They glanced over at their fallen male peers, and then back to the flyer in Lluvi's hand. Suddenly, a small smile appeared on the blunette's features as she marked the official beginning of her growth here in White Eclipse.

Dawn City, northwest Fiore. At the tip of the city limit lied a giant castle that sticks out like a sore thumb in comparison to the rest of its appearance. Inside that castle, a number of figures sat around a table, with a familiar face sitting at the head.

"Have I ever told you guys how much I love our new hangout?" The female spoke. She was completely slender with thick glasses that granted the illusion of swirly eyes. Her silver hair was pulled back into a bun, and her ears pointed like an elf's. "After taking it over and kicking that bag of bones out, it's just been such a cozy place, right?" Laughing, she kicked her feet up upon the table, leaning back with her hands tied behind her head.

"How unsightly. Remove your feet from the table, Cirana." The male across from her demanded. He too had silver hair, draped down to his backside. Silver eyes also featured upon him, and as he closed them, folding his arms over his chest, he huffed as the female named Cirana debated. "Ah, big bro. Always with the decency. Ironically it makes you hard to be around, Cirano!"

"Both of you are hard to stomach. You're too old for a siblings quarrel." Another man spoke. He was much bigger than average, bald yet with three black stripes running through his head and stopping before his brows. The giant male had one (left) eye scarred shut, and on that same side, a scarred gash on his chin. "Says Boro, the insatiable one." Cirana, the female murmured in retaliation. Boro clicked his teeth. "Hey, Sero, Ino, Palm. You three having a good time up there with the Madam or what? You're awfully quiet.

Their sights turned to not the head of the table, but below it as the "chair" that rested at the table's end, was actually a person on his hands and knees. Dark brown hair dangled over his eyes, hiding their color, the slender male gave a thumbs up over the table's surface to signify he was just fine. As he did however, a scythe appeared around his neck, threatening his life. "You're knocking me off balance, Sero." The familiar voice rang. "My apologies, Madam!" He squealed, remaining still for her again. "Please, allow me to remain as use for you!"

Boro snorted. "Masochist. Ino? Palm?"

"We're fine." The two females voiced simultaneously. Ino, the pink haired-green eyed female stood to the left with a nail file, manicuring the nails of who sat at the head of the table. Palm, the green haired-pink eyed female stood to the right, doing the same despite the scythe in her hands.

"It's sweet of you to look after your former subjects Boro." She said, causing his attention to turn to her completely. "But it's bugging me. Don't forget who owns this gang now, unless you want the right side of your face to mirror your left."

Boro gulped, keeping his arms folded as the two locked eyes. "It feels like I'm staring death in the face." He thought to himself in comparison to the overwhelming atmosphere she created when her presence was known. "Not at all, Madam. It was more of a tease than anything. We are all yours now, and I'd never betray that."

"How thoughtful." She said sarcastically. As the moonlight tilted past the open window, her face and more was revealed. Long black hair that reached down to her seat as deep blue eyes gazed into Boro's one good one in a fear consuming manner. The revealing moonlight as revealed two creatures behind her, dark as the pitch black night — a three headed canine and a large snake — both giants compared to their average sizes. Six months have passed since that war between demons and mages, and just as Lucy stated in her writing, Tartaros had disappeared. No one was sure how, or where they went, but for some reason here in Dawn City, in front of this slew of bandits, sat one of Tartaros's deadliest members... Kiora Sidero. Boro, a pretty infamous criminal himself, was frozen still in his seat, caught within her glare as fear filled his entire person completely with just a single look. Out of fear and fear alone, he spoke again in a pleading voice as if she had intention of ending his life right there. "Madam... I apologize for any inconvenience I caused...forgive me, please..."

A small curve of the lips from the demoness, Kiora finally turned her sights away from what she saw as a grotesque visage to begin with. "Next time, don't sit across from me. You're hard to look at." Boro swallowed, remaining quiet since he wanted to keep his life. Palm and Ino laughing along with Cirana, Boro's own former lackies, Kiora snapped her fingers, instantly shutting them up.

"Now then. Since most of us are here. Let's talk about swallowing Dawn City in complete darkness."