Alice
Soler let out a big yawn as he entered the beautiful city of Magnolia. He stretched getting some satisfied pops from his joints,
"Man it's good to be back!" he shouted to no one, "Being gone for a few weeks was torture. Who knew Jellal would have caused that much damage to the Magic Council. But at least it's over and I can head back to the guild," he said with a bit of glee. He strolled through the streets of the city and he could see the completed guildhall from where he was and it was massive.
"Woah the guild really does look like a castle. Master may have gone a bit overboard with the redesign," he joked. He continued his stroll glad to be back and all at once it hit him on what was waiting for him at the guild,
Crap I forgot about the kiss I had with Mira! The night and kisses they shared came flooding back especially the way her lips tasted. He remembered how good it felt but then the other memory of that life popped up,
And Erza told me she loved me! The moment might have been intense but he distinctly remembers how warm he felt on the inside at hearing that. They didn't get to talk about and had a feeling he would have to confront both girls once he returned. He started to sweat at the thought,
Oh man, this isn't good. Mira and I kissed, a few times, but does that mean we're like a couple now or was it just the moment. Of course, she did say that she had been wanting to talk about it so maybe it wasn't just the moment. Then Erza told me she loved me which could be like a brotherly love or the romantic kind. Yet that was pretty intense so I don't know if she meant it or not. Soler's mind was buzzing in thought and he was completely wrapped up in them. He was so wrapped up he didn't notice the small kid wearing a worn and tattered cloak slowly approaching him. When the kid got close to him in one swift moment they were in his pocket and out with his wallet. They quickly left the scene while Soler was still to lost in thought.
Hmm, what to do? Wait I know Erza likes cakes! If I get her a cake beforehand then she should stay calm enough to- He patted his pockets to find his wallet was gone. He instantly began to panic trying to remember if he left it somewhere. As he was checking he looked around and noticed a small cloaked figure scurrying away. He instantly knew what happened and followed behind them. They must have noticed because in the next second they darted down an ally. Soler darted after them but decided to use the rooftops instead of the ground. From above he watched the thief run with all they had through the silly hitting the corners with ease.
If he was a normal guy then got away but as soon they were about to escape they ran head first into two guards on patrol. Soler shook his head,
I know where this is going to lead. He jumped from the roof and headed over to them. The guard grabbed the kid roughly and picked them revealing that under the hood was a little girl that was muddied and dirty. Her face was covered in dirt and her but her hair was the worst as it was so matted and dirtied that he couldn't tell what her hair color was. The guards were easily stronger than her but she struggled against their grip nevertheless. He watched the scene as he neared and he couldn't help but feel for the girl since she reminded him of himself not too long ago. He approached at a slight leisure,
"Finally caught you ya thief," guard one said,
"Yeah no getting away this time. And it looked like you stole a wallet this time," the other said picking up Soler's wallet. The little girl was struggling with everything she got fear was in her eyes but the will to not get caught was shining brighter. Before it got any further Soler walked up,
"How's it going fellas?" he asked. Both guards looked to him and both smiled at him,
"Soler it's going great. We just caught the thief that's shown up recently. And we stopped her from talking whatever was in this wallet," Soler eyed the girl who was staring directly at him.
"Thief huh? Well, my wallet did recently go missing," he admitted. The guard opens it up and inside was his guild I.D.
"Oh, this is yours. Sorry about that," he said handing it over to him.
"It's no problem. So what are you going to do with her?" he asked pointing to the kid.
"Well she's been taking a lot of peoples things lately so I think a few nights in the jail would be a good lesson," the one holding her said. The fear in her eyes reignited at hearing that and his heart felt for her,
"Hmm, that does sound like a fair punishment. But I was wondering if you guys wouldn't mind leaving her to me," all three looked confused at the teen with the girl the most skeptical.
"Soler but she's a thief. Even though she's a kid she-"
"Don't worry guys I promise to handle everything. Trust me," he said giving his beast dis-alarming smile. The two guards looked at each other briefly then the one holding her let her go. Soler instantly placed his hands on her shoulders to keep her from running.
"Thanks, guys! Don't worry I'll handle things from here," he said with a smile. The guards just nodded and left with a wave to go finish their patrol. The moment the two were gone and out of earshot the girl got out of his grasp and glared at him,
"What did you do that for? You want me to own you or something?" she asked her voice full of skepticism. Soler just shrugged casually,
"I don't know. You remind me of someone I once knew," he told her. Now she looked at him confused,
"I remind you of someone? So what you taking pity on me?" she retorted. Soler put his hands up,
"Jeez so offensive kid. Listen If you want to clean up and get some good food in your stomach then just come with me," he said. He didn't wait for a response and was readying to walk away but once he took a few steps she spoke up again,
"What's the catch?" he stopped and looked back at her,
"Hmm?"
"I asked what's the catch? You're helping me so there has to be some catch," she said. Soler really couldn't help but see himself in her and how he was when he was younger.
"There is no catch kid. Now come on we're burning daylight," he then started to walk off and the girl hesitated for a moment but then began to follow. The two walked through the streets and all awhile Soler was thinking on what to do with her and it was then he stopped,
Shit, I have no idea what to do with a girl! He looked back at the girl who was looking at him with confusion. He quickly brained stormed on who as for help,
Well, Mira is out the question since I'm trying to avoid for the day. Erza is definitely out the question too and so is Cana. Though she does go to that orphanage every now and then. But no so who else is left. A light turned on,
"Lucy!" he shouted. The girl just continued to look confused at which he just smiled at her.
"Hey listen I got a friend who could help us out for today,"
"And her name is Lucy?" Soler winked at her,
"You're a quick one. Yep now I have an idea on where she is so let's go!" he said and marched ahead with the little one following. The two made it to a park that had plenty of people around from lounging to playing. But his main target was the blond girl sitting next to the lounging pink haired boy and his blue cat.
"Ok, I'm going to go get her, be right back," before the girl could respond he teleported away surprising her. Soler appeared before Natsu, Lucy, and Happy startling Lucy more than the others. Before anyone could speak Soler scooped up Lucy and looked at Natsu seriously,
"GOing to steal away Lucy for a day. Also, don't tell Erza or Mira I'm back in town," the dragon slayer was so relaxed he just nodded,
"Yeah, yeah," he responded. Soler nodded back and teleported away. He reappeared in front of the girl and put down Lucy who was fuming at him,
"What was that all about?" she questioned. All he did was, motion to the girl and Lucy's mood all changed. When she saw how rough the girl looked her heart just yearned to help,
Yeah, I found her after she pick-pocketed my wallet. Some guards found her and we're going to throw her in jail for a day or two but I have other plans," he explained. He then motioned Lucy closer and he whispered to her his plan. The girl was quiet and watched yet she was curious about what his plans were. And also hoped that they weren't bad though since meeting him he didn't give off any bad vibes like some other adults. Once he was done Lucy had a smile on her face,
"So you down to help me out?" he asked. Lucy nodded happily,
"Of course I am. It's very sweet what you're doing," she responded. He chuckled and scratched the bad of his head,
"Eh, it's nothing. But if we want to get it started we best get going," he said. Lucy nodded then turned to look down at the girl. She squatted down to be more at her level,
"Hey, sweetheart my name is Lucy. What's your name?" she asked holding out her hand. The girl looked hesitant at the gesture for a moment before slowly placing her smaller hand in hers,
"Nice to meet you," she responded. After a moment of pause, Lucy figured she wasn't going to say her name just let so she let it go and stood back up.
"Alright now we're going to do a lot today but first things first we need to get you cleaned up," she held her out again signaling she wanted to hold hers. The girl was very wary of this action since she's never had someone wanting to willingly hold her hand before. It took a few moments but the smile Lucy held didn't weaver or fade which brought a new found warmth in her. She took her and Lucy gave it a little squeeze before beginning to walk up next to Soler.
"Glad to see we're ready to go. Now kid I'm going to teleport us to my place since it's the quickest. Since this is your first time using 'Soler Transit' you might feel a little wobbly after the teleport. To ease this I suggest focusing one thing in your mind to keep balance. Now hold my hand please," he held out his hand for her. She didn't feel any ill will from him but a reassuring squeeze from Lucy helped ease any doubt. She placed her hand in his which made him smile,
"Alright now gonna countdown. 3...2...1…" the girls closed her eyes and pictured and apple in her mind. She felt weightless for a brief moment and then not.
"And thank you for using Soler 'Transit'," she opened her eyes to see she was standing before a logged cabin in some woods. She had never been in the forest surrounding Magnolia but being in one she could feel the change in atmosphere. The constant sounds of wildlife all around mixed with the smell of the trees and plant life it was all so serene.
"Guessing this is the first time you've been in a forest?" Soler asked as he walked in front to his door.
"Yeah, it is. It's so peaceful," she said in wonder. That made both Soler and Lucy.
"So true kid," Soler opened the door and lead the way inside. Once inside the girl's eyes began to dart around taking in the warm house.
"Welcome to my place. So Lucy is going to help get you cleaned up. I think I got some clothes that you should be able to fit," he said,
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that. My spirits can help with that," Lucy told him. He just nodded not knowing the Celestial Spirits made clothes. Lucy led the little girl to the washrooms and Soler pulled a book from the shelf and popped down to wait. After 20 minutes Soler was snoozing with the door over his face. He didn't know how long he was out but the tapping of his book made him sit up wake,
"I'm up, I'm up," he quickly said. He looked over to see Lucy who was giving him a look,
"Just couldn't stay up huh?" she joked. Soler sat up on the couch and some sleep out of his eyes,
"Well sorry, you guys were taking a while. Why were you taking so long?" he asked. Lucy giggled at that,'
"I think it'd be best you see yourself." Soler looked over to where she was motioned and when he saw the girl he didn't believe that it was the same girl. Her skin was clean and there was no dirt anywhere on her body. She was wearing a pretty blue dress that had gold stars running from the side to the collar of the dress. She hid black stockings with brown boots to match, but that wasn't what he was most surprised about it was the white shoulder-length hair she had. Her white hair mixed with her icy blue eyes and the blue dress the girl was completely transformed from before. He stood up his eyes still wide,
"Wow," was all he could say. Lucy nodded in agreement,
"I was the exact same way. When I started working on her hair I realized that it wasn't black but just covered in dirt. It took a bit of work but eventually, I was able to get all of the dirt and gunk out. Seeing the white hair was a surprise," she said. Soler walked up to the girl and squatted down more to her level looking her in the eyes. He then smiled and rubbed her head,
"Looks like me and you have the same color hair. There are these other people too who have white hair in guild also I'm sure you'd like to meet. But you do look very, very pretty," he told her. The softest blush was brought to her face at his words and contact. She became bashful and looked away from him slightly,
"T-Thank you," she responded. His smile brightened at that and with one last pat he stood back up and looked to Lucy.
"Alright time to head back out for some shopping then back here for some dinner," he said. Lucy nodded,
"I'll handle all the shopping since I'm guessing you don't do too much clothes shopping?" she teased. Soler nodded,
"You're right on the money with that. Mira tries to take me shopping and just can't stand it. But no I got to do some grocery shopping too so we'll add that on the list also. But for now let's get a going," The girl was confused on the clothes shopping stuff and was really beginning to wonder what he was planning with her but she was starting to enjoy spending time with the both of them so followed them with a slight warmth in her heart. The three made it back to town and Lucy had taken to holding her hand again while Soler walked on the other side of her. As they walked Soler and Lucy were chatting about something but the girl didn't pay attention but was looking around.
She noticed that no one was looking at her like she shouldn't be here. In fact, some of the people waved to her and gave her smiles. She hadn't ever gotten this attention before since she was so used to being ignored or shooed away. The three stopped in a square to plan on where to go first, well Soler and Lucy were. The girl was paying attention to a family of three, a mom, a dad, and their daughter. She watched them and saw how they looked so happy as they held hands and walked down the street. The girl looked at her hand being held gently by Lucy then looked to Soler's hand. She could feel the urge bubbling in her to grab it and she did reach out but stopped before she could as doubt crept up instead. What she wasn't ready for was for the had she was reaching for to reach back and took up hers. With a surprised look, she looked up to both Soler and Lucy smiling at her,
"No need to hesitate around us ok?" he told her. She could feel the flushing on her cheeks as that warmth in her heart came back in full, and for the first time, she smiled back at them. The gesture made the other twos smiles brighten,
"Now that's a great smile. So Lucy clothes shopping first then?" Soler said.
"Yep I know some places that have the cutest clothes and aren't too pricey," she boasted.
"Alright then lead the way," the three walked hand in hand to the shops and for the first time in the girl's life, she felt like she had a family.
*** Later that Night ***
Soler was standing in his kitchen washing the dishes from the dinner they had. After they went shopping, and after he had to drag Lucy from going into another store even though she picked out dozens of outfits for the girl, they came back to his place and he cooked them a nice dinner. It must have been the first dinner the little had in a while because she went through a few plates full of food. He was more than prepared since he made enough for tonight and for some leftover later this week. After dinner she got tired and Lucy went to go tuck her in tonight leaving him to wash the dishes. He didn't mind since the smile on her face was worth any of it.
"She's asleep," Soler looked behind to see Lucy in the doorway. He smiled and nodded,
"I bet. She ate as much as Natsu," he joked that made Lucy giggle a bit and she took a seat at the kitchen table. WIthout even looking at her he could feel her smile faded as other thoughts came to mind,
"What's on your mind, Luc. I can feel that frown," he said. Lucy let out a sigh,
"It's just the thought that a sweet girl like that was out on the streets for so long alone. It's saddening," she said. Soler finished up, wiped his hands and went over and placed a hand on her shoulder,
"Yeah it does but that's why I'm taking her in. I've been where she was and it can be hell out there alone as a child," he told her. That made her brighten up some,
"You're a good person Soler," she told him. Soler smiled and sat next to her,
"I'm just trying to look out for someone who needs it y'know. Plus I have no idea on how to raise a kid so you guys will definitely be helping me," he said which made her laugh.
"Don't worry I'm sure everyone will help the best they can. I'm sure Mira will just love that she has white hair like her and Elfman," Lucy said. Saying her name made her remember what Soler said earlier,
"Speaking of Mira, earlier you told Natsu not to tell her or Mira that you're back. Is something going on between you guys?" she asked. Lucy watched as Soler visibly tensed which told her everything, "There is something going on," she gasped. Soler sighed,
"Alright there is something going on and actually I could probably use your advice. But hold on a sec I'm going to make some tea it helps calm me down," without a response he quickly got up and got the supplies. Lucy watched as he pulled out some leaves with the kettle. He brought the pot, leaves, and cups over to the table with a black warmer. After filling with water he placed the pot on the warmer and gave Lucy her cup which wasn't the normal ones she's used too. They were just small black cups with no handle.
"What type of tea cups are these?" she asked.
"Oh uh, my sensei gave me this tea set awhile back. He's not from this country so I'm guessing it's native to his home," he explained, "I actually like this since making the tea itself is apart of the calming process y'know," as he was explaining steam was rising from the pot meaning it was ready. He took it off the warmer placed the leaves inside and closed the lid letting it sit for a minute,
"It's almost ready just gotta let it sit like that for a bit," he said.
"Alright then while we wait why don't you tell me what's going on?" she asked. Soler slouched slightly in his seat and messed with his cup,
"Well, I guess starting from the beginning is best. So you remember the tower…" he explained to her everything that's happened and the faces Lucy made during his story went from blushing to surprised to furiously blushing by the end. She was glad that he made the tea because its taste was calming her. He took his sip and let out a relaxed sigh,
"Man this is some good tea. But yep that's everything that's happening," he said. Lucy took another sip of tea letting it ease her,
"That definitely is a predicament. Avoiding them both isn't a good answer for it either. You're going to have to confront them about this," she said. Soler nodded,
"Yeah I know but I just don't know what to do. I mean Mira kissed me the same night that Erza said she loved me. What is a guy supposed to do?" he groaned. Lucy felt for him though she knew that dealing with women there is no easy way out. Someone is going to have their feeling hurt in this situation,
"Soler what do you want out of this?" she asked. He looked back at her confused,
"What do I want?" she nodded,
Yeah, what do you want or more who do you want to be with? Who makes you happy?" she asked.
"Well they both make me happy but really I just want to make sure that they both are happy y'know," he said. Lucy smiled sweetly at him,
"You really are a catch, but I'm sorry someone is going to get hurt in this situation. Of course, I wouldn't want to be the guy caught in the middle of those two. Especially since Mira is using her magic again," she said. That took him completely by surprise,
"Wait Mira is using her Satan Souls again? Wha when did this happen?" he asked her. Lucy was going to look at him confused but quickly remembered he wasn't in the city for a few weeks,
"Well let me explain…" Lucy told him about everything that happened while he was gone.
"Ok so the Thunder Tribe came back, Everfree turned the girls into stone, Erza turned you guys back, you beat Bixlow with Loke, Loke is a Celestial Spirit that's still pretty new, Mira beat Freed who had the town on hold, Gajeel and Juvia joined the guild and Natsu with Gajeels help beat Laxus. And to top it off the lighting boy got himself kicked out the guild. Wow, I missed a lot," he said laying back in his seat. Lucy just nodded finishing her tea,
"Yep, a lot has happened but back to the topic, what are you going to do? You can't keep avoiding them," she said.
"Well, I think I'm just going to have to go with whatever happens tomorrow. I was planning to take the kid up to the guild tomorrow to get her registered as a member either way. Plus I need to give Master an update on somethings. I know its crummy and I sound like a jerk but once I get a feel for things then I'll make a choice. Things could have happened because of the moment y'know. Mira and I were in a romantic setting and Erza was in a do or die situation. So I don't know we'll just see," he said. Lucy gave a sympathetic look,
"I guess we will," she then let out a soft yawn,
"It is getting late. You're more than welcome to crash her for the night. You've helped me a ton today so it's the least I can do," Lucy smiled and stood,
"Thank you. It's a good thing I bought a new outfit for tomorrow," she was about to walk away but then stopped, "Oh yeah speaking of her. Her name is Alice. She told me when I was tucking her in," Soler nodded,
"Alice, A pretty name. I'll just pretend I don't know it and wait for her to tell me herself. Y'know to show trust," he said. Lucy gave another smile before heading in for the night. Soler finished up the last bit of tea, glad he chose chamomile and put the pot in the sink to wash in the morning. With that, he got ready for bed and laid down but his mind was too clouded with thoughts to fall asleep. He tossed and turned until he eventually sighed and sat up turning on his light,
"Welp sleeping isn't on my agenda I see so might as well do some reading. He took a book from the small shelf he had in the room and quietly began to read. He was reading for a few minutes and the sweet relief of drowsiness as creeping up on his. He was ready to turn it in until he heard a knock on his door,
"Yeah?" he called out. In through the door was Alice wearing a cute set of pajamas. She stood at the door looking a bit nervous,
"Well come on in no need to be nervous," he said. She walked in shutting the door behind her. She walked up next to his bed and he placed his book down,
"So what's up?" Alice didn't speak for a few moments obviously gathering her thoughts and Soler just waited patiently even though sleep was calling him ever so louder.
"I...I want to thank you for today," she finally said. Soler smiled softly,
"Don't sweat it, kid," he said. Alice smiled back but then it wavered slightly,
"I-I know that tomorrow your probably going turn me into the orphanage so I wanted to thank you and tell you that my name is Alice. I never told you earlier," she said. He just held his soft smile as he gazed at her,
"Well first thank you for telling me your name. Second I'm not turning you into the orphanage," a slight fear showed up in Alice,
"Then you're going to turn me into the guards after all," she said sounding defeated. Soler then placed a hand on her head causing her to look back at him,
"I'm not turning you into the guard either. Actually, I was hoping that you'd like to stay here with me?" he said. Alice froze at the offer, "Well you'd stay with me but of course you'll be joining the guild if you want to that is. I'm sure you'd love it, everyone, there is great-" he was cut off by the sudden hug. He looked down to see Alice was hugging him tightly and he felt the wetness of tears on his shirt. He didn't mind any and just rubbed her head gently. He held her in that position until her trembling and tears ended in which she looked up to him with puffy eyes,
"Thank you, Soler," she said with the brightest smile. He gave back his own,
"No problem Alice. Now, how about we both get some sleep. You can sleep in here with me tonight if you want. Alice nodded and moved onto the bed to get under the covers and comfy. Soler quickly changed shirts and crawled back in himself. He turned off his light and the two got comfy and Alice snuggled closer to him in which he didn't mind in the slightest. In that silence of night Soler was awake and in that time of hearing nothing but Alice's soft snores and feeling her breathing he looked over to her and wrapped an arm around her and he felt completely at ease.
If this is what being a dad feels like then I think I could get used to this. He thought and with ease in his heart he drifted off to sleep.
Soler yawned as he was slowly waking himself up.
"Man I don't why I'm so tired this morning," he said out loud. Lucy and Alice both giggled at him,
"Honestly I can't believe you're drowsing knowing what's awaiting you at the guild," Lucy joked. The life seemed to drain from his face remembering his predicament. Alice through wondered what was awaiting him at the guild. It was her first time going into a wizards guild and Fairy Tails building looked so massive no matter what part of the city you were in. But if something was making him this nervous then she wondered what it was. Lucy patted him on his back,
"Don't worry. Like you said things could have just been a misunderstanding or a just in the heat of the moment thing," she said. That brought some life back into him as he stood a bit straighter,
"You or I might be right. Let's just see what happens," The trio walked up the guild doors and with one last breath Soler opened them and walked inside. He was instantly blown away by how big the guild looked from the inside which was saying something since it looked huge from the outside.
"Man Master really went all out with the renovations," he said. But it was as lively if not more so than before since there were members everywhere. He recognized the regulars but there were a lot of new faces meaning they got some new members. He could instantly make out Juvia and Gajeel who were near Natsu, Gray and,
"Erza," he said quietly. The red was focused on the conversation they were having but she could feel someone looking at her and she turned to look directly at Soler who froze in place. Time slowed when their eyes met and he wasn't moving. Time resumed when she broke out into a smile,
"Sol-"
"Soler you're back!" the teen was rushed with a hug by Mira. Soler swung her around with the momentum and placed her back down.
"That I am. Good to see you again," he said. She giggled and moved closer to him,
"It's good to see you again too. And for your return I got something for you," she told him. He looked at her confused,
"Whatcha got for me?" without missing a beat Mira moved forward kissed him with a passion. Soler accepted the kiss and kissed back himself. The two broke the kiss with Mira having the cutest smile and slight blush on her face,
"I don't think I'll ever get used to that," she said. Before he could respond Mira noticed the little white haired girl and instantly switched her full attention to her. As she did Soler looked back to where Erza was to see wasn't there anymore. He didn't know why but he felt a strong pain in his chest which he quickly knew was his heart. That with the missing Erza he knew exactly what the pain was and the only thought running through his mind,
I'm so sorry Erza.
And this one is a done. Man got a little emotional toward the end there. I made this one short since this chapter was mainly focused on Alice. Next chapter I'm going to be jumping right back into the story stuff with the Oracion Seis stuff and man do I have something planned for that. Also if I didn't say before Alice is around the same age and height as Wendy. Anywho I thank those who reviewed for the last chapter and I can't wait to hear what you guys have o say on this one. So this has been Solerwolf...later.