Magnolia, a while later...

As they walked under the rain in the deserted city of Magnolia, Cobra and Dalila exchanged a few words every now and then, mostly Cobra commenting on some thoughts of Dalila, and the wind dragon slayer getting annoyed, but not daring to grudge back. Even if Cobra could hear her sharp answers resonating in her head, and had decided they she had a sharper tongue than he thought at the beginning. She can even be amusing, at times.

In the minutes of silence in between them, Dalila was doing her best not to think about her pulsing ankle. It was hurting more and more, and even the smallest movement of her leg was making her hiss and winch.

Cobra was cursing inside his head that he couldn't go faster. The response of Dalila's soul to pain was a high-pitched note, that was deafening him everytime. Even if I dropped her here, I would hear her for goddam miles! Better take her to the runt as fast as possible, and be fucking done with her!

"If you were heavy, I would let you down, you know." He said at a certain point, exasperated of hearing her little head wrapping around the thought that maybe she was weighting on him. "I am not a pussy like you."

Dalila bit her tongue. "Maybe I could-" "Don't you dare, Snow White. You are already loud as you are, I don't need you becoming fucking unbearable by moving your leg."

Dalila lifted an eyebrow. Unbearable?

"Your soul. It's loud." Cobra groaned. "And I said fucking unbearable." "Ah." I thought he could only only read minds...

"I don not read minds, I hear souls."

"And you are listening to me?" Asked Dalila, a little unease.

"Yes."

"Even now?"

"It's not that you can't be heard!"

The wind slayer pressed her lips together. Isn't that a little indiscreet?

Cobra snorted. "Never said it wasn't. You get useful information at times, you know."

"Got it."

It is indiscreet! Dalila did her best to think about anything.

"You can't think about anything." Sneered the poison slayer. How stupid...

Why is he mocking me now? "Well, excuse me, I have never be in others' people head."

Mindlessly, Cobra turned to her, flashing his teeth. "Not my fault people are loud."

Diamond eyes stared back at him, reflecting the clouds above, the seldom light of a distant lighting, and a strange mixture of curiosity and annoyance that made Cobra's smirk widen just a little.

Having that purple eye so close to her made Dalila feel slightly intimidated. And yet, she found somewhere inside her the guts to narrow her eyes at his smirk. "Well, you could-Eeeek!" "Fuck!"

One thing they could have done was watching the pools of rain on the road, instead of staring at one another.

Cobra jumped aside just in time, avoiding to end up with his feet in the water. Damn, he would have been wet up to his knee. "Shit!"

Dalila had been suddenly clutched to the poison slayer, and his hand had dug into her body, lifting her a few inches. Her ankle protested at the sudden change of height, and a strange, stinging pain traversed her leg and side.

When she lowered her gaze, she saw something that made her skin crawl in fear. "Cobra?" she croaked.

"What?" hissed the poison slayer, busy managing the scent of morning breeze and small flowers that had invested him as he had mindlessly lifted her closer to his nose.

"Ehm... Your... Your..." How can I even say that? Dalila was ready to panic here and then, when Cobra snorted.

"Oh, I see. Scared?" he asked, flexing a bloody scaled hand, and pointing sharp, ivory nails lightly on her tight.

"No?" Dalila had her mouth dried. Yes! "No?" echoed the poison slayer.

"Yes?" she asked hopefully, looking at those dragon-like hands sustaining her. What, whenever Cobra was surprised he pulled out scales and claws?

"Pretty much." Cobra was too amused by her reaction to get angry at the glare she shot him.

Dalila cleared her throat. "I can walk if you-" "No." "But-" "I am perfectly fine." "Then why-" "Why not?"

Dalila could think a handful of reasons why Cobra should have not pulled his dragon force out right now.

"This is not dragon force." grunted Cobra.

"Ah." Dalila breathed out. Does he fully cover himself with scales?

"Not telling."

He was not going to say he had not yet reached that stadium of his magic. Brain had not been able to pull it out from him, and Cobra was already a perfect warrior for his purposes as he was, after he had turned fifteen, his old leader had just stopped insisting.

Not that the Erik had stopped dreaming of it. But for some reason, he had always refused to try it himself. It was his personal, small, silent act of insubordination.

Probably this is why Salamander handed me my ass back then. The memory was still bitter. One day I will return him the favour... Sure as hell!

From her spot, Dalila pouted. She had been so curious about dragon force! It was totally out of reach for her, but she had always dreamed of how was it going to be hers. Maybe I will get wings...

"Aww, don't be sad, Snow White." The poison slayer cooed. Wings! "If you piss me off enough, one day, I will show you mine."

Dalila looked up at him. With his blood-red hair dumped, his smirk showing his canines, and his right eye missing, the invitation looked all but playful. But the glint of amusement in his eye was telling a different story.

Dalila crossed her arms and tried to hide a smile. "Come on, Mr. Dragon Force. We are almost at the guild."


Fairy Tail guild hall, a while later...

"Finally! We made it!" Dalila chirped. Her ankle had started pounding painfully, and she couldn't wait letting Wendy and Porlyusica take good care of her. If they are not too busy with Levy...

The thought sent a shiver down to her spine. Had they made it in time? Had Pantherlily be able to reach safely the guild? Had Natsu and Happy arrived there safe too?

"Three times yes."

Uff, we were lucky. Dalila breathed in relief. "Do you want to put me down?" Maybe he doesn't want anyone to see him carrying me around?

"I can't see why." Either he accepted that Dalila was right, and that he actually was not all happy that anyone saw him carrying anyone, either he didn't give her the satisfaction to have found another weak spot. Like hell I am going to yield. he thought angrily, pushing the door of the guild with a shoulder and stepping inside.

But as soon as he stepped in, he found several very, very good reason why he should have put her down. First, it was Mirajane amazed eyes - and well, the ones of everyone else.

And, a second later, the huge shadow that appeared next to him. Internally, Cobra groaned. Fucking idiot...

"What the hell do you think you are doing?"

Internally, Cobra groaned. On all the idiots out there... The crazy demon would have been better.

Dalila stretched her neck and turned it. "Oh, hello Laxus!" she chimed. "Long time not to see! How have you been doing?"

Laxus didn't respond to her. He was too preoccupied with the fact that she was too close to the only person he truly detested in the whole guild. The lighting dragon slayer growled menacingly, and Dalila be damned if she didn't feel the chest of the poison slayer rumble as well. Of course, since he had just tucked her against him.

"Laxus?"

"Put her down!"

Idiot, and hot-headed. Cobra smirked evilly. "Says who?"

He loved too much getting on Laxus nerves. It was worth the way-too-interested looks Mirajane was shooting them from behind the counter. He heard Kinana

mentally shout something to him, but he ignored her. Cobra knew Laxus had his hands tied with him. And it was a disgrace that the poison slayer was much more good at biting back than the blonde. Not to mention that I can control myself. Truly a fucking idiot.

Laxus growled again, and Dalila, being ignored a second time, shoved her arms in between them. "I am telling you two!" she cried, trying to break free from Cobra's grasp - why was he not letting her go, dammit? - "Don't you two dare start a fight before I-" "Dalila!"

They all turned to the sound of the shrill voice. "Lucy!" For once, Dalila was not sorry that Lucy's vocals could get so high.

"What happened?" she panted. "Levy is in the infirmary, and Natsu came and told us that you have been attacked by Vulcans!"

"You have been attacked by Vulcans?" Laxus eyed the fair slayer up and down. She looked ok though, If only that fucking freak let her go...

Cobra hissed angrily. "I am hearing you..."

Laxus growled, but Dalila was quick to stop him. "I am good, Laxus!" she smiled, even if her ankle was killing her. "Don't you worry. Just my ankle, I need to see Wendy, fi she can..." she looked hopeful at Lucy, who nodded vigorously. "Yes, sure! She is in the infirmary, but she is pretty done with Levy."

"Yeah, so maybe..." Dalila moved to descend from Cobra's arms, and the poison slayer carefully let her down, without tearing once his eye from her ankle. "Thanks." she mumbled.

Laxus gaze softened, seeing the petite woman turning and beaming at him. "See?" she chuckled, prancing on her leg towards Lucy. "I am good! I will be back in no time!"

Cobra just shrugged, taking advantage that the other slayer was too concentrate on Dalila's swinging hips to notice him drifting away, placing himself on his usual stool on the bar counter.

Thunder-my-balls-Legion is back, uh-hu? He thought, glancing at the table where Bickslow, Freed and Evergreen were sitting. Bickslow winked at him - he had the helmet but Cobra saw it anyway - and when Laxus went back to their table, Freed started immediately to whisper to him. "See Laxus, I told you she was going to be just fine..."

Cobra rolled his eyes. Snow White has been wandering like in the mountains with nothing but a cloak and a ragged bag of nothing with her, and she has come back in one piece. The hell they are going to worry about her. Idiots.

"Cobra, I am glad you are back safe!" Kinana was immediately next him. "Are you ok? Lily was so scared of the storm, and Natsu and Happy told us about the Vulcans! I was so worried!"

"Nah. I am good." Cobra glanced at the two girls moving towards the infirmary. "Snow White got her ankle sprawled. Couldn't walk."

"It was kind of you to bring her back to the guild." Kinana smiled, already getting him a nice and warm cup of coffee.

"What else should I have done?"

"Last time you left her alone there, if I remember correctly." chuckled the barmaid.

Right. "Just don't tell anything more to the demon, or I will not hear the end of it."

"Promise." Kinana leant over the counter with a small smile. "But I think he has somebody else to question for today."

The two fo them glanced at Mirajane, who had marched at the Thunder Legion table, and was unmercifully submerging Laxus with questions. Next to her, her sister had the same dangerous smile, and the Seith mage babies rolling around her were making the scene somewhat more creepy than it already was.

Meanwhile, Lucy was trying to carry Dalila as fast as she could towards the infirmary. Mirajane's interrogation is not what we need at the moment!

"Thanks Lucy." Dalila whispered, glancing back at Mirajane and Laxus with a feared look. "How is Levy by the way?"

"She is good." whispered the Celestial mage, hoping not to attract the barmaid attention. "She is good, Gajeel and Lily are with her and Wendy. But Dalila, that was close, for the both fo you! Did you knew that there is a free medical check for all the mages that go working in the Muds?"

"Yes - don't tell me! I need to talk to Master about that. As soon as I have this ankle healed, I will go and talk to him. He is in his study, right?"


One hour later...

Dalila had been healed by Wendy, and had talked to Master about the questionable behaviour of their client. "Levy was talking about a letter of complaint Master. For the lack of medical check and the incomplete job request."

Makarov nodded. "I agree, child. Had you not flew here, this could have ended worse, much worse! Let this matter to me, I will write the letter in no time!"

Dalila hadn't said a word about the questionable behaviour of the Rune Knights at the gate of Magnolia. She had debated with herself for a while, but then had decided that Cobra might not have appreciated. If he wants to say something, he will. But I bet he is a little proud, too.

She had erased that thought of her mind before stepping into the guild saw the poison slayer talking with Kinana at the bar counter. He looked perfectly fine. His coat was lying on a stool, and hadn't it be for the muddy booths, he wouldn't have looked like he had been fighting Vulcans in the woods, nor that he had been carrying her through half of the city in the pouring rain.

His hair looks better than mine. She whined, sitting next to Lucy. Porlyusica had to wash them two times to get away all the mud! - yes, the healer had personally washed Dalila's hair while Wendy was taking care of her ankle. No mud was allowed in her spotless realm!

"You are here!" Lucy hugged Dalila tightly to her chest - for the tenth time. "We were so worried!"

"I am good!" The wind slayer smiled. "Now that my ankle is good and I am not stick with dirt, I am feeling much better!"

"Four Vulcans... Wow!" Erza attacked her third strawberry cake slice like it was a Vulcan itself. "I wished I was there."

From next to her, a naked Gray whined and nodded. "Fire brain has gotten all the fun!"

Dalila sweat dropped. "Ehm... alright, next time I promise I will get stuck with more Vulcans, so you can have your fair share!"

Said fire brain was wrestling with Macao and Wakaba in the splinters of a broken table. Dalila was both sorry and glad that Mirajane was too busy glowering at them to come to her and ask her... Whatever Mirajane might ask me! Lucy has told me not to say anything regarding boys, or liking someone, or... Or anything!

"I remember the first time Natsu and I fought a Vulcan!" Lucy remembered very well that trip in the snow storm. The bare thought was making her feel frozen to her very bone. "Vulcans are hideous creatures! He had taken over Macao! Romeo was desperate!"

"I can imagine!" Dalila nodded thoughtfully. "It was pure luck they had no time to take over me or Levy. I wouldn't have know how to defend myself."

"It depends on the kind of magic you have." Erza swallowed and moaned satisfied. Mirajane cakes were the best al always! "For Mira, Elfman or Lisanna, a Vulcan is not a strong enemy."

"Still discussing about the Vulcans?! Stop talking about those horrible creatures! Think about what can I get you, instead!"

Kinana had appeared next to their table, pen in a hand and notepad in the other. "We got a special bowl of soup today!"

"Uh, soup for me!" Chirped Dalila. "I am starving!"

"Soup it is!" Kinana giggled. "Another strawberry smoothie, Lucy?"

"Yes, thanks Kina!"

"Erza?"

"I would like you to save another strawberry cake slice for later, thanks!" "Alright." It's her fourth one today! She is close to pass her own record! "Gray?"

"Mmmh... Frozen yogurt with double chocolate and triple smarties for me." "Perfect!" Kinana closed the notepad. "Coming right up!"

Kinana had just turned to leave, leaving the four mages chatting and laughing, when Dalila caught the bar maid whispering something, in a voice so low that only her dragon slayer ears could catch. "Erik told me what had happened at the entrance gate. Thank you Dalila, for standing up for him."

"Dalila-san?" "Uh, yes, right, sorry! I was zoning out!"

Dalila went back to the conversation with Lucy, Erza and Gray. But part of her was wrapped up to what Kinana had just said. He told her, then? Well, it was normal. Cobra and Kinana were good friends, after all. I would have done the same for anyone else.

The sole thought of the fear and the memories her nose had detected was enough to make her guts twist and turn. I would have never allowed them to lay a finger on him. I would have flew to Fairy Tail, ankle or not.

Her eyes darted in the direction of the bar counter. Cobra was still there, alone, sipping his steaming coffee like he was alone in the room. But he is well aware that we are here. There is very little he is not aware of. He was listening to all of them, surely.

Dalila averted her gaze. Lucy was recalling how Horologium had defended her form the cold, years ago.

"I was freezing!"

"Aren't you exaggerating for a little snow?"

"Thank you very much Gray, you are an ice mage!" Dalila snorted. I am happy to be home.

Laughing and jesting with the others, she totally missed the purple eye that was, every now and then, gracing on her.


Another hour later...

Evening was fast approaching. The weather was still bad, and no one was thinking about leaving the guild in the pouring rain.

And well, maybe someone was lingering around also for another reason.

"He is not talking his eyes off of you!"

Dalila turned to Lucy, eyebrow raised in surprise. "He... Who?"

"Ssh!" Lucy giggled. "Laxus." She whispered. "He has been staring at you for a while now."

Dalila was about to turn, but Lucy blocked her. "Don't!" She snorted. "Or it will be no fun!"

"Fun?"

"Do you like him, Dali-chan? Eh? He is really handsome, isn't he?"

Dalila bit her lips. Laxus? Extremely tall and bulky, and even more stronger, that was that she knew of him. Oh, and he had a nice smell - a masculine scent of whiskey and cologne that was indeed endearing. And he has been very kind to me, the seldom times we had the chance to speak...

But liking him, was another story.

Lucy saw the uncertainty and the confusion in Dalila's eyes. "Oh, don't you worry, Dali-chan. Everyone in the guild had noticed it, but you. You needed to know." Winked the Celestial mage. "And since soon Levy and Gajeel will be together, we will need someone else to tease!"

Dalila snorted. She glanced at Gajeel and Lily, that had emerged from the infirmary a while ago, with the relieving news that Levy was ok. Wendy was still with her, but the Script mage was out of danger.

I think we will never thank Wendy enough... Thought the wind slayer, as her gaze from Gajeel travelled to Laxus.

The lighting dragon slayer was busy sending one of Bickslow dolls away from his ears, and didn't catch the pair of diamond eyes that were discreetly studying him. Laxus, eh? I can't say I like him, but it is true that I don't even know him!

Well, she was in no hurry.

"Eh, eh, Dali-chan?" Lucy followed her gaze. "You know what they say about him on the sorcerer's weekly?"

"What are you two whispering?" Asked Gray with a raised eyebrow. "Gray-samaaaa~... Juvia has a present for you!"

"Argh!" Gray jumped on his foot - revealing what the table was hiding, that was, the fact that he had already lost his boxer.

"GRAY!" Erza slapped hit butt so hard with a glove fist that even Lucy and Dalila felt it on their posterior. "Cover yourself! There is Asuka!"

While Gray, whispering and stumbling, went in search of his boxers, the three girls realised that indeed there was the little Asuka walking up to their table, hand in hand with Romeo.

The little Asuka with plenty of huge tear drops dotting her eyelashes and cheeks.

"Oh my stars!" Lucy cried, picking up the little girl and seating her on her lap. "Asuka, dear, why are you crying?"

Asuka sniffled soundly, fighting against tears and sobs. "Mom and dad... Not back..."

Erza muscle stiffened. "Romeo, what is going on? Where are Bisca and Alzack?"

The young boy looked worried himself. "They were out on a job together." He murmured. "They were supposed to be back by middle afternoon, but they are not here yet."

Dalila glanced at the clock. It's dinner time already. As long as she knew, Bisca and Alzack would had never be late from a job. Specially knowing that Asuka is waiting for them.

"We must go and search them!" Stated Erza, lifting up from her stool. "they might be in danger!"

"Erza!" Hissed Lucy. 'Do not scare Asuka!' were screaming her narrowed eyes. "I am sure that they had been delayed by the weather, right?"

"Sure, right!" Dalila backed Lucy immediately. "You know Asuka, we also got a problem while coming back... Jet and Droy are still on the train!"

Dalila tried to sound cheerful, but truly she found a good idea that Erza went out looking for them. Better safe than sorry.

Asuka sobbed. "Jet and Droy?"

"Stuck on the train, yes!" Dalila nodded solemly. From behind Asuka, Lucy nodded herself.

"Yes!" Added the Celestial mage. "Dalila-san has flew here with Levy, you know, Asuka?"

"Oh!" The child eyes opened in wonder. "You can fly?"

"Yes she does!" Romeo chimed. "And she goes very fast! She will carry you maybe sometimes!"

Erza exchanged a quick glance with Lucy. 'I will go and ask Mira about Bisca and Alzack.' Mouthed the Requip mage, standing up and moving to the bar counter.

At the mention of flying, Asuka eyes brightened. "Really?" Dalila winked. "If your mom says it's ok..."

Argh! Dalila, you should have said that! Lucy practically feel Asuka eyes watering again.

"Will mom be back?" Asked the child, chocking a sob.

"Sure they will!" "Of course, dear!" "Your parents are strong, Asuka-chan! It will be only the weather or something!"

"Listen here, Asuka!" Lucy hugged the child tightly. "Why don't we do something fun while wait? Time will pass faster, and we will give them time to arrive at the guild!"

Flooded with reassurances, and with the perspective of doing something fun in the meantime, Asuka seemed to calm a little. "Alright." The kid looked up at Dalila hesitantly. "Would you sing a song with me?"

Dalila beamed, her heart melted and all the tiredness of before disappeared in a moment. "Of course! Which song would you like to sing?"

Lucy sighed in relief. Thank the Polar Star Asuka likes Dalila singing! And even more, that Dalila likes to sing! I bet they might spend the whole night this way! And I can't say I haven't missed Dalila sweet voice!

The mage eyes Erza discussing with Mirajane at the bar counter. Mira glanced at them, nodded imperceptibly at Lucy, and took out form a shelf huge pile of folds, searching among them the details of the job that Bisca and Alzack had taken.

"Mmmh..." Asuka was thinking. "I don't know any new songs..."

But if Asuka hadn't any idea, not he other hand Romeo had very clear in his mind what he wanted the wind slayer to sing to them. "The song of Beren and Tinúviel!" exclaimed the boy, jumping happily. "Sing the song of Beren and Tinúviel, Dalila- san!"


Pine Nut Springs, a few days before...

The breeze of the evening lulled Dalila into a state of trance. The light was soft on the steamy water, Romeo was maybe sleeping, and the pool was finally silent.

Dalila took a deep breath, and without even realising, she started singing softly in the dim light of the evening.

"The leaves were long, the grass was green/The hemlock-umbels tall and fair/And in the glade a light was seen/Of stars in shadow shimmering..."

Romeo slowly opened his eyes. With his mouth hanging open, he looked at the wind slayer, who was singing with a soft, caressing voice, a melody so beautiful that his heart started beating a little faster.

"Tinúviel was dancing there/To music of a pipe unseen,/And light of stars was in her hair,/And in her raiment glimmering."

Dalila, unaware of Romeo stare, kept singing for many minutes.

And Romeo didn't move a muscle, not wanting to break the enchantment Dalila had cast on the spring around them.

The boy so heard, for the first time, the story of the elfven-maiden Tinúviel, daughter of the King of the Elves, the most beautiful creature who has ever lived on Earthland, and of her lover Beren, a hero among the humans.

Dalila sang of them, their love and their adventures, and as the words rolled in the air and the melody unfolded, the boy believed her was seeing the maiden with the long, dark hair glimmering in the dark, dancing light on her feet among the trees of a forbidden forest...


Back to the Fairy Tail guild hall, present time...

"The song of Beren and Tinúviel!" exclaimed the boy, jumping happily. "Sing the song of Beren and Tinúviel, Dalila-san!"

"Do not jump like that, Romeo!" barked Macao from his table - Natsu had uneaten him enough times by then, that he had renounced to fight. But the boy was not listening. "Oh please, Dalila-san!" he pleaded again, "Sing the song of Beren and Tinúviel! I am sure Asuka-chan will like it!"

Dalila chuckled. "You really like that song, didn't you, Romeo?" I remember I sang it to him while we were at the hot spring near Pine Nuts... I didn't expected him to like it that much!

Asuka sniffed. "Beren and Tinúviel?" she asked cautiously. "Is it a new song?"

"Ehm, actually it is quite old, but it is very nice!" said Dalila, blushing.

From behind Asuka, Lucy smiled and nodded. "Yes, I know it too, Asuka! It is really beautiful!" Lucy had heard that song once or twice. Maybe it was not the best song for a kid of six, but if Romeo had liked it... "I am sure you might like it!"

Asuka dried her tears with the back of her hands. "Are Beren and Tinúviel friends?"

"Ehm... Yeah, they are!" Dalila nodded frantically to Lucy, looking for support. "It is the story of... uhm..."

"Weren't they lovers?" Pointed out Romeo.

"Sure, also, they are... hum, yes..." Dalila cleared her throat. "They had lived many adventures, Asuka. They went to the lord of darkness, and stole a precious gem for him. And then fought him, and won!"

"Oh." Asuka looked immediately interested in the song. "They did battles?"

"Plenty!" Dalila chuckled. "They fought Vulcans and trolls, and came back to Earthland with the precious tone! I even know to chords to play at the piano! Would you like to hear it?"

"Yes yes, we want!" Romeo eyed the old piano, placed right next to the bar counter. Sometimes, during the guild parties, Mirajane was playing it, but most often it was laying untouched, miraculously surviving the daily brawls and fights of Fairy Tail.

Dalila was about to ask Lucy if she could play the piano, when an unexpected voice interrupted them.

"If you are singing the song of Beren and Tinúviel, I can't but ask you to let me sing the male part."

The girls and the kids turned, and saw no one else but Freed. Freed! Singing! Lucy eyes opened wide. Is this real?

The Rune Mage bowed slightly, smiling at Lucy surprised expression. "I had the chance to study music during my upbringing. I know the song of Beren and Tinúviel by heart, and I could not think about a better way to lighten up our mood."

"You know the song?" asked Dalila whit a bright smile. The song of Berena and Tinúviel is extremely old! It's part of some epic cycle I do not remember the name... True it is, many that study music know it, at least by name!

Even so, it was hard to find someone performing it. I have heard it at weather once... Mom brought me to see a concert, I do remember... Lucy remembered that night - the women elegantly dressed, and her mom guiding her to a huge, red velvet sitting. And then, the beauty of music, the orchestra...

"It is a very difficult piece of music," was saying Freed. "But it is very pleasing to hear. And the story is just romantic and incredibly poetic."

"I agree!" Dalila smile had reached her ears. And she was not the only one.

Asuka had light up and was now looking with huge eyes at Freed. "Freed is going to sing?"

"If you ask him, then he surely will do!" chuckled Lucy. She mentally thanked Freed.

Maybe a love song is not the best way to entertain a six ears old, but seeing the Freed singing seems to be enough to distract Asuka until Alzack and Visca were back. They were going to be back soon, right?

Lucy peeked at the Thunder Legion table. Bickslow was sticking his tongue out, but had a huge smile on his face. Yes Freed! Smart ass, as always! Evergreen was giving Lucy and Dalila the thumbs up, and Laxus had the most satisfied expression on his face. Dalila is going to sing, alright!

Freed bowed gallantry again and smiled. "I will be pleased to sing for you, Asuka, if you allow me!"

"Yeah!" Asuka jumped on her feet. "Let's go! I want to hear you sing!"

"I also want to hear!" Romeo took Asuka by the hand and dragged her onto a stool next to the piano seat. Freed laid out a hand to Dalila. "Shall we?"

"My pleasure!"

Freed accompanied Dalila to the piano. Lucy followed, taking a sit next to Romeo and Asuka. She intercepted the bored eye of Cobra, sitting a few stools from her. Come on Cobra, it's not like Dalila sings as Gajeel!

The poison slayer made no answer, and went back to his coffee. Only because it is for the little one. The soul of Asuka was still crying and whine with worry, and he could have gone even through Gajeel's terrible singing, if necessary to calm the child.

Around them the other guild members where gathering, curious to listen - the staid Freed Justine singing? Unbelievable!

"I am also curious, aren't you, old man?" "I am not old, Wakaba! And I am going, just in case!" grunted Macao, grabbing his beer and sitting with Wakaba on a table next to the piano.

Max, who was wrestling with Natsu, lifted his head. "What is happening?" he asked, dodging a fireball from the dragon slayer.

"Dalila is going to sing a song for Asuka." whispered Mirajane, "Alzack and Bisca are not yet here, and the child is worried."

"What song is she-" "Fire Dragon Fist!"

Max couldn't finish his sentence for Natsu had crushed him to the ground. "I won!" he beamed, "Hey Mira, what are you-" "You!"
Natsu paled when Mirajane seized him by the collar of his vest. "What have I done?" he whined. "I was not fighting Gray!"

Gray had probably much preferred to fight the fire dragon slayer. Juvia had finally got the better of him, and had been trying to put back on his shirt - which he wasn't minding, if it wasn't for the scary hearts glinting in her eyes.

"I know," hissed Mira, looking at him with a much scarier look, "but Asuka was crying, and Freed and Dalila are going to sing for her, so do not start any fight in the next half hour!"

Natsu frowned. "Asuka is crying?"

"Yes," the barmaid sighed. "Alzack and Bisca are not home yet, and she is worried. Erza is going to look for them outside."

"Ehi, I will go and look for them as well! Right Happy?" "Yes!" The blue Exceed flew next to them. "They might me stuck with their car somewhere! It is still raining outside!"

Indeed, after Dalila and Cobra had arrived at Fairy Tail, the storm had restarted with new energy, instead.

"Maybe that would be a good idea. Thank you guys! Asuka will be happy!"

"Great!" Natsu grinned. "We will find them in no time! I am sure they are on their way and the rain has just slowed their journey home! Happy! Erza!" he called, "Let's go!"

Erza, with her Rescue Armour, was next to them. Mirajane waved goodbye, and the three exited the guild.

At least now we can hope for a little peace for a while! Mirajane thought, wiping her hands in her apron.

Lucy chuckled. Natsu could not sing, and Erza was no better, but that was definitively something he could do for Asuka. I don't want even think what might happen if Erza decided sh was going to sing as well!

Dalila was already warming her hands, playing a few scales up and down the whole length of the keyboard. I hadn't realised I have not played the piano since...

Since one hundred years.

At the beginning of her new life at Fairy Tail, she had seldom sang, and there was a time she had played the guitar.

So little, for a thing that I used to do every day... That I used to love so much.

And yet, there she was, the ivories glinted in the light of the lamps, inviting her to move her hands over them. Just as she remembered them. And before she could think more, she was already exchanging a glance with Freed, and smiling to Asuka, as she had done many many times with the children she taught to and...

Her hands touched the keys, light as feathers, playing a, few long chords.

From her seat, Asuka was immediately captured by the sweet, mysterious melody. Next to her, Romeo beamed. I have heard her singing, but the music is so... beautiful! he thought, impatient to hear the wind slayer sing again.

The main theme rose and melded with the initial chords, a languid, nostalgic music that spoke of ancient times and faraway lands.

Asuka is already caught in the music... Good! Lucy glanced relieved at the kid. Let's hope that Natsu and Erza be back soon. The music woke in the Celestial mage memories of afternoons spend listening to her mom playing, of precious moments of happiness of her childhood. This is...

"Sappy."

But Cobra had spoken too low for anyone to hear him. Sure, Lucy's soul was pulsing with longing and nostalgia, Romeo was dreaming a lost land where Elves danced and sand, Asuka was growing into the sweet melody, and Dalila... Well, the guild hall could crumble and be turned to dust, and Snow White wouldn't mind. So fucking much she is al wrapped up in this... song, as she is.

However he too listened. Dalila's soul was a sweet melody in tune with the chords, and so far, Cobra couldn't remember he had ever heard such a thing in his whole life. And I have heard a good deal of souls.

Dalila started to sing, her voice crystal clear in the silence that, all of a sudden, had fallen around them. "The leaves were long, the grass was green/The hemlock- umbels tall and fair/And in the glade a light was seen/Of stars in shadow shimmering..."

Lucy fell her mouth open a little. She remembered hearing Dalila singing, but...
This hits differently. As the hands of Dalila danced on the keyboard, Lucy forgot she was in her guild hall, and saw instead the beauty of fair hemlock-umbels and green, soft grass.

"...Tinúviel was dancing there/To music of a pipe unseen,/And light of stars was in her hair,/And in her raiment glimmering."

Romeo smile widened. It was beautiful. As he remembered. He looked at Asuka, who was staring at the young woman playing the piano, captured by the magic of her voice.

Freed smiled proudly. I knew Dalila was a good singer. I expected nothing less from her. He thought she played beautifully, hands moving effortlessly on the white and black keys.

When he heard bass notes playing, Freed took a deep breath, and started singing, looking at Asuka, as if he was telling her a story. "There Beren came from mountains cold/And lost he wandered under leaves/And where the Elven-river rolled/He walked alone and sorrowing..."

For the second time that day, Cobra had to remember himself not to fell with his mouth wide open. Well, that is a fucking surprise. First of all, Freed had a very nice, perfectly tuned voice, perfectly matching the melody, but his soul! From a fucking stiffed controlled asshole, shaken to its depths like... I don't fucking even know how to say it! What had come to uptight his ass?

For the first time since Cobra had met him, Freed soul was glistening and shining, humming softly along with the music.

"He peered between the hemlock-leaves," chanted Freed raising his voice, until it filled the guild hall. He sang of how Beren, the hero and a human, discovered for the first time the beautiful Tinúviel, dancing on flowers in a lost clearing of the forest. "And saw in wander flowers of gold..."

"What is happening?" asked Kinana, emerging on that moment from the kitchen, a pile of mugs in her hands. "Is that Freed?"

"Yep." mumbled Cobra. "The tightest ass I have ever know is turning to mush."

"Cobra!" Hissed Kinana angrily, intercepting a glare from the Lighting dragon slayer, from the other side of the guild.

"Well, you can't hear what I hear."

Kinana wasn't sure the words and the smirk were directed to her. Erik, what is going on? Why is Freed singing?

Cobra shrugged. "Trying to cheer the kid up. Bisca and Alzack are not back yet." "...Upon her mantle and her sleeves/And her hair like shadow following.""

This is so beautiful... Dalila is really good playing, and Freed's voice... The mugs she had taken from the kitchen were put aside, and the barmaid could do nothing but stare with wide eyes at the green haired mage and the fair wind slayer.

Cobra huffed, sipping the last remnants of his coffee. It was nothing special really. But at least, Asuka soul was fully concentrated onto the story. Damn, the kid is seeing Tinúviel dancing in the light of the forest, with her hair full of stars...

The guild hall had fallen completely silent now. Max had awoke by the fire fist Natsu had thrown him a moment ago, and he had been reduced to silence by a heavy, death-looking Mirajane, pressing one of her fingers on her mouth.

Lisanna had fallen onto a chair, and was left with blue eyes wide open. Not even Mira sings so beautifully...

"Enchantment healed his weary feet/That over hills were doomed to roam..." Sang Freed with tenor voice. He didn't expect a deep voice of bass joined him. "And forth he hastened, strong and fleet/And grasped at moonbeams glistening."

Lucy blinked. Was it really Bickslow, the prankster of the guild, singing with a voice that made her skin crawl in pleasure?

"Oh." Evergreen and Laxus had seen Bickslow standing up from their table and nearing the piano. The Lighting slayer had been afraid that the Seith mage was about to pull on elf his terrible prank of Freed, but Bickslow had surprised him.

Surprised is a euphemism! Shit, Bicks is good! He thought, staring in disbelief as his friend sang of how Tinúviel fled fled from Beren, and he desperately run after her.

"Through woven woods in Elvenhome/She tightly fled on dancing feet/And left him lonely still to roam/In the silent forest listening."

Dalila glanced at the two mages next to the piano, and smiled. Who knew Bickslow had such a nice voice?

She loved the song of Beren and Tinúviel. It was speaking to her very soul - the music, the words, everything was in accord to something nestled deep inside her being. It looked like a piece written from a mysterious author for her and only her. It is one of the songs you suddenly hear, and then you ask yourselves how could you have lived without them for so long.

Every time she sang it, it was like her own soul was speaking a language she had no idea she knew. It was only through music that she felt she could express what words and action could not tell.

She soaked into the melody, half-lidded eyes. "He heard there oft the flying sound/ Of feet as light as linden-leaves/Or music welling underground/In hidden hollows quavering."

Lucy felt some tears prickling her eyes. I am going to cry.

Around, everyone had stopped whatever they were doing. Max was looking at Dalila as if he had never seen a woman before. Wakaba and Macao had forgotten their beers not he table, and even Cana had stopped drinking - Cana! Asuka and Romeo couldn't avert their gaze from the singers, and even Juvia was paying attention to them - squeezing Gray at her chest mercilessly.

Unaware of everything but Asuka's and Freed's presence next to her, lost in the melody, Dalila kept singing, her pure voice sounding like a spell cast on the guild hall. "Now withered lay the hemlock-sheaves/And one by one with sighing sound/ Whispering fell the beechen leaves/In the wintry woodland wavering."

Kinana had put down the place she was drying, and put a hand to her heart. Cobra huffed again, but he would have lied if he was going to say the melody wasn't... Better than I thought.

Freed took the lead again, and he sung on a higher octave beautifully carved verses, describing the pain and the sorrow of Beren, looking for his beloved Tinúviel. "He sought her ever, wandering far/Where leaves of years were thickly strewn/By light of moon and ray of star/In frosty heavens shivering."

From his corner, Gajeel grumbled. "Yeah, not bad... But if only I could-" "No, Gajeel." whispered Lily. "I think you don't know the words..." "Right."

Lily - and Cobra with him - thanked they good star. It isn't the case to make Asuka cry again. Not in the moment that, in front of the stupefied, widen eyes of the child, the three mages were singing all together. Dalila pressed hard on the keys, sustaining their voices, as the melody filled the room, strong and clear.

"Her mantle glinted in the moon/As on a hill-top high and far/She danced, and at her feet was strewn/A mist of silver quivering."

After that, the music seemed to come to a halt. Dalila slowed it down, until only a few notes were sounding.

Romeo held his breath. It was not finished, he knew it. Now comes the part I liked the most! For Beren was destined to finally find Tinúviel, and she was fated to lie in his arms, forever.

Dalila played one last, long note. Then, lifted her hands from the piano. She looked at Asuka, the expectant eyes of the child fixed on her, and winked.

A second later, her hands were on the keys, playing low notes, dragging everyone again into the mystery.

Freed was back singing, with renewed energy, a big smile on his features. "When winter passed, she came again/And her song released the sudden spring/Like rising lark, and falling rain/And melting water bubbling."

Dalila's voice cut in, taking the melody, and everyone in the guild felt shiver running over their backs. "He saw the elven-flowers spring/About her feet, and healed again/He longed by her to dance and sing/Upon the grass untroubling."

The melody slightly accelerated. In a crescendo of tones and strength, the voice of Beren was going to cast a spell on Tinúviel, doomed to belong to him and to him only. And Beren, reflecting himself in Tinúviel eyes, was going to understood than nothing, nothing else on all Earthland was going to give him any peace, but to belong to the beautiful daughter of the elvish King.

"Again she fled, but swift he came." sang Bickslow, and Freed raised his voice, imitating Beren calling the name of Tinúviel. "Tinúviel! Tinúviel!"

"He called her by her elvish name," continued Bickslow, "And there she halted listening."

Dalila soul stirred, and stretched. So much she liked how that simple name was sung. The whole song and music prepares the calling of that simple name. She thought. If Beren had not spoke, Tinúviel would have not stopped her fleet.

Cobra raised an eyebrow. The way Dalila soul was waiting for that single verse - "Tinúviel! Tinúviel!" - was intriguing and strange.

Like she also was expecting someone to call her name, someone she is going to belong to for the rest of her life, He considered. But as soon as Cobra thought that, he forgot about it. And he was destined to not remember it for a long, long time.

"One moment stood she, and a spell/His voice laid on her: Beren came..." Now, Freed was singing of how the beautiful Tinúviel fell for Beren. "And doom fell on Tinúviel/That in his arms lay glistening."

The volume raised, and Bickslow sung in turn of Beren, bewitched by the beauty of the Elf. "As Beren looked into her eyes/Within the shadows of her hair/The trembling starlight of the skies/He saw there mirrored shimmering."

Dalila played solitary notes. She smiled tenderly to Asuka, before adding her voice to the ones of the two other mages. "Tinúviel the elven-fair/Immortal maiden elven- wise/About him cast her shadowy hair/And arms like silver glimmering."

Lucy felt a tear run down her cheek. How beautiful...

Romeo was not crying, but he sighed. Dalila had told him the end of the story, and, despite the two lovers being together, they had to fight against much evil, before getting finally reunited in eternity.

"Long was the way that fate them bore/O'er stony mountains cold and grey/ Through halls of iron and darkling door/And woods of nightshade morrowless..."

Dalila played the last, glorious chords, as they all sung all together. "The Sundering Seas between them lay/And yet at last they met once more..."

A few notes accompanied their last words, telling the end of the story. "And long ago they passed away/In the forest singing sorrowless."

Conclusive chords closed the song, and Dalila let them stay in the air, before lifting the pedal of the piano, and letting silence filled the room.

No one spoke for a few seconds.

She is good with kids... was thinking Laxus, Indeed, she made Asuka stop crying in no time...

Cobra wanted to bang his head in the counter of the bar. How could that idiot thought about Dalila being simply 'good with kids', when she had led two of the less-singing people of the whole guild to sung with her, and a love song, nothing else? And all this with Gajeel keeping his mouth shut? Or being good enough for Mira to glare at Max and Cana, forbidding them to start a fight? And why is Tinkerbell fucking crying?

No, for all he was concerned, Dalila was a damn witch, and like Wendy, she probably had another kind of magic Hypnosis, or some other kind of shit.

It was Romeo who broke the silence. "That was amazing!" he cried. "Did you like that, Asuka-chan?"

"Yes! Thank you, Dalila, Freed and Bickslow!" beamed the kid.

"Yeah, not bad, kid." Macao chuckled from his seat. Wakaba was still speechless. He recovered himself in time to smile at Asuka, but he was still in the lands were Tinúviel was dancing.

Cana went back to her barrel and took a large gulp. "It was fucking awesome! You drag those three asses to sing, Asuka-chan! You are the best!"

"Cana! Language!" hissed Mirajane, her voice covered by Bickslow loud cries of protest. His babies, silent until that moment, rose to life and started circling Cana's head.

"Thank you, Cana-san!" The Seith mage bowed theatrically. "I am at least better than Gajeel!" "Gajeel, Gajeel!" chanted his babies.

"What the fuck ya just said?" Gajeel was already at his throat, his guitar in his hands. Dalila felt like it was a threat way more dangerous than his metal poles. Better sneak away before he starts singing... I need a shower, I still stink of troll!

"Repeat it!" "You are out of tune." "I am fucking not!" "I didn't say you were not fucking, I said you were out of tune..." "Language! You two!"

"Let's go back sitting, Asuka!" cried Lucy, waking up from her stupor, jumping down from her seat and dragging the child away with her. She didn't even try to stop the two speaking with some manner in front of the kid, leaving the task to Mirajane. But I am afraid it is too late already... Asuka is already ruined. Too much Fairy Tail!

"Fucking right." chuckled Cobra as the two passed next to him.

Cobra! Lucy glared at the poison slayer. Do not start!

"If I wanted to fuck, I would!" "Fine with me man, I am not picky!" "Iron Club!"

Bickslow dodged easily Gajeel's attacks. "Babies, formation: iron idiot!" "The what?"

Cobra sneered. 'Iron idiot wasn't part of Bickslow arsenal, but it was cool to see his babies snatching the guitar from Gajeel's hands and starting flying all around the guild hall.

"I am offended I do not have an attack formation under my name!" cried a woman voice. A barrel flew and hit a cackling Bickslow, sending him flying against Freed.

Too slow to get out the way, the Rune mage was crashed with his friend against the wall.

"You boys!" Evergreen groaned, slapping her hand on her forehead. "You missed the piano for an inch, Cana!"

"But that will serve them well!" from her corner, Cana fell on the seat next to Evergreen. "As long as the piano is intact, I am free of doing what I want!" She laughed, snatching the beer from Laxus hand.

"Hey, give it back!" snarled angrily the blonde.

But before he could say anything, his beer was gone, and Cana was looking at him with a smug smile.

Laxus, who had wanted to take the chance of the song to speak to Dalila - damn, he hadn't seen her for motnhs, and she was even more pretty than he remembered her! - but before he could do anything, he was hit full force in his face by a guitar.

And a second later, by his very mad owner.

"Ah, got ya!" cried Gajeel triumphantly, waving the guitar in his hand like a club, and hitting Pappa on the head. "Now, try to fuckin' take it from me ag-" "Lighting Dragon Roar!"

Gotta go-gotta go-gotta go! Dalila zig-zaged among tables and chairs - when exactly had Gray and Max started to quarrel? she asked herself, dodging for a few inches an ice-something that fled in her direction, and tripping on a pile of sand the instant later.

"Hey, Dalila~" called Max, turning his attention away from the fight. "How about you and-" "Ice Make! Spear!"

"Sorry!" Cried Dalila, crawling her way towards Lucy and Asuka, in a safe corner of the guild hall. They had reached Juvia, who was clapping her hands and shouting "Go Gray-sama!"

Dalila plopped on the seat and sighed. "I had forgotten how dangerous can it be to stay in the middle of the guild hall!"

"I am afraid you will remember soon enough!" Lucy muttered, eyeing the distinct fights that were promising to become a single, huge brawl. Laxus and Gajeel and Cana on a table, Gray and Max throwing enchantments one another, and Mirajane and Lisanna that were scolding Wakaba for asking a beer for Romeo.

"By the way, Asuka, did you liked the song?" Asked Dalila, trying not to look as Bickslow's babies hitting Freed's head, making the Rune mage faint again.

"Yes!" The kid exulted. "Freed and Bickslow sang vey well!"

"Right!" Lucy nodded enthusiastically. "I knew the song, but let me tell you Dali- chan, that was-"

Lucy never got to finish her sentence. Because among cried, flying cards and wooden dolls, ice cubes and sand, suddenly a blazing fire forced to guild door open, unhinged it from its frame, and sent it flying towards the guild hall.

Gajeel lowered his head just in time, head-butting Laxus under him. It hit Gray's ice wall enchantment, sending ice splinters all around. One ice block hit Juvia, who fainted on the spot.

The door continue its run, missed by an inch Romeo and the beer Wakaba was handing him. Mirajane shrieked, lowering Lisanna head's just in time before the door hit her. Bickslow backflipped two times and dodged it.

However, Master Makarov, who was coming down the stairs on that very moment with the letter of complaint in his hands, had not time to realise a flying table of heavy wood was coming in his direction.

The door invested the small Master, dragged him back a few stairs, and broke into pieces, leaving the poor old man very confused for a moment about what had hit him.

The guild hall fell dead silent.

Cobra swallowed. Holy fucking...

Shit. Thought Gajeel.

Oh no... Thought Lily.

Gramps' going to kill us... Thought Laxus.

We're in trouble... Thought Cana.

The door again! Thought Mirajane.

Master is going to be so mad... Thought Lisanna.

Bad timing... Thought Gray, glancing at Juvia and seeing her below a table. But who... Thought Lucy.

Isn't it... Thought Dalila.

Why am I hearing this silence... It means more troubles are coming. Thought Freed, slowly pulling up.

Only the main cause of the incident was not silent.

"Asuka-chan!" cried Natsu, entering from the door frame.

"Hello everyone!" Drenched with rain, but with a fiery look in her eyes, Erza stepped in behind the fire dragon slayer. "Everything is under control!"

"Pffft, you broke the door again, Natsu!" Happy was flying behind him.

Natsu frowned, and looked around. "Did I? Ehi!" he cried. "Why are you all looking at me?"

A groan and the rattling sound of broken wood was heard from the stairs. "Natsu..." The fire dragon slayer beamed. "Ehi Gramps!" he yelled. "Where are you?"
Cobra had no idea if he could laugh or not. He decided not to, but it was hard.

One second before the fury of Master Makarov exploded, and with him his whole body, and before cries of surprised filled the still air, coming in particular form a certain fire dragon slayer, the voice of Asuka sounded. "Mum! Dad!" she cried happily. "You are back!"

As the fights in the guild roared again to life, Bisca and Alzack, entered the guild hall, with tired faces and muddy boots and clothes.

"Hi honey!" Bisca hugged her child. "Sorry we have been late!"

"Hello guys! Sorry, thank you for checking Asuka for us!" Alzack walked towards Lucy and Dalila. "The car was stuck in a huge pool in the middle of the road!"

"We were getting worried, Alzack!" said Lucy. "But it is good that you are back!" "But are you ok?" enquired Dalila.

"Yes!" Alzack let himself fall on a chair. "We are good, the job was not that difficult. But when the car got stucked, we had no idea who to come back. Without Natsu and Erza, we wouldn't have moved it!"

"Yes, thank you for sending him to us!" thanked Bisca with a huge smile, as Asuka nuzzled happily in her neck.

Dalila sighed in relief. They are home safe. Thank Mavis! Well, it is time for me to go and have a shower! "I am happy you two are home! Now, I think I must go... I also have been out in the mud, I need a shower!" laughed Dalila. "Lucy, are you staying more?"

Lucy eyed the hall. Natsu and Erza had been caught in the huge hands of Master Makarov, who was screaming out of himself: "The door! The door!"

"Maybe I am staying a little longer." Muttered the Celestial mage with a worried look. "Just in case... Will you be at the guild tomorrow, Dalila?"

"Yes. I wanted to come and check on Levy."

Lucy smiled. "Breakfast?"

"Deal!"

Dalila waved goodbye the Connell family and to Lucy, and rushed outside, before the fights resumed and she got caught in between ice, sand, iron, lighting, cards and whatever her guild mated could pull out of their sleeves.

As she reached the door - or better, what was left of the doorframe - she met a purple, serious eye.

For a second, Dalila thought Cobra was going to make some rude comment on her singing, or mocking her somehow. She was ready to bit back, but surprisingly the poison smirked at her.

And then Dalila heard him whisper, so low that only her could hear him: "Good job... Tinúviel."


The morning after, Fairy Tail guild hall...

The next day, Master Makarov anger had subsided. Still, he looked begrudgingly at Natsu as he entered the guild in the morning.

"Do not think about that too much, Master!" Chirped Kinana. "Here is your morning beer!"

"Still, the door... Ah, you are right, child! I shouldn't think about it!"

The good news was that Levy was feeling better. Under Wendy's and Porlyusica cares, in one night she was herself again. Now she was having breakfast with Lucy and Dalila, and the three were chatting happily on a table in the middle of the guild hall.

Sipping his beer, Makarov studied thoughtfully the wind dragon slayer. She had been very brave. Flying into the storm in the state she was... Definitively ill- considered, and yet...

"She was about to become Vulcans' food when we arrived. Damn weak she is, still." "And yet you run to her aid." Makarov chuckled. "Isn't it, Cobra?"

It was quite out of the ordinary for the poison slayer to start a conversation, but when Makarov raised an eyebrow at Cobra, the poison slayer shrugged.

"She might be weak, but it is much more stronger than when she left. You don't have to forget that she had started to use her magic only a few months ago."

Cobra looked thoughtful himself for a moment.

Mmmh... I know that face. Makarov fought back a smile. He is about to say something nice, and is trying to say it in the rudest way possible.

"I am not about to say something nice, you old geezer." Hissed Cobra, glowering at the table where Lucy and Levy where showing excitedly to Dalila a copy of the Sorcerer's Weekly. "Tinúviel over there needs to learn. Being with Warrod Sequen has been useful, but not enough. She is a slayer. Slayers learn better by watching."

Makarov frowned. "Watching? Watching what?"

Cobra pointed with his chin to Natsu, that was racing with Gray on who would steal a bite of cake from Erza's place. Fuckign death wish they have... "How the hell do you think that idiot over there could have learned? He doesn't even know how to read."

He wanted to add that Tinúviel was also not stupid as Natsu was, and as it was a rare quality in the guild Makarov should have put to good use, but he bite his tongue.

Mirajane was right there, and he didn't want the demon to mistake his words and pestering him with questions and allusions. Allusions, mainly. The demon doesn't need to ask any question.

"Tinúviel needs to learn." He repeated, slamming his cup of coffee on the bar counter, calling Kinana with a hand for a refill of coffee.

Makarov sent him a questioning glance. "Tinúviel?" Cobra huffed. "Snow White."

"Oh, you mean Dalila?" Makarov smirked. "I had no idea you had choose another nickname for her."

"Do not get strange ideas."

"I am not." chuckled Makarov glancing at Kinana as she poured more coffee into the poison slayer cup.

"Tinúviel, fine. She needs to learn, so what?"

"She needs to be put working with someone. Take a team, pair her up with a slayer, do something." stated Cobra. "It was pure luck she caught the scent of the bookworm being sick. There are some things you just learn if someone tells you."

When he saw two pair of eyes staring at him wide open - and most important, felt two souls marvelling at his one words. These shitty bollocks... He rolled his eyes. "I know what it is to learn by yourself." He smirked. "I did it, but Snow White is not as smart as me."

And what he was saying was the damn truth. You could have all the sense of smell you wanted, but knowing how to recognise a smell from the other was another story. Cobra knew that Dalila had been spent months with Warrod, and some time alone, and he was ready to admit her magic was more consistent than before, But it is not enough. Damn, she doesn't even know how to fucking roar properly!

Back when he was with Brain, he had been forced to learn by himself. Had he had someone else to teach him back then, he would have done it in half of the time.

"Tinúviel has potential... but if she is to go with... those..." muttered Cobra, looking at Jet and Droy. The had arrived at the guild in the morning, after the train had been stuck in the railway until nighttime, and the two mages were in a very poor state. And they are stinking as if they had been in a stable, not a fucking train.

"Your point makes sense indeed, Cobra." Makarov nodded. "You mean I should send her with another slayer, so that she can truly learn how to use her magic. But I can't just decided for her if she has to work with someone."

"Hey Master, why don't you put her in a team?" Kinana said. "It will be temporary solution, and when she will be stronger, she might decide if she wants to go solo or not."

"This is a good idea, Kinana!"

Despite being one of the most feared criminal in circulation, Cobra saw a mischievous glint in Kinana's eyes. A shiver run down his spine. Cubellios, what the hell are you thinking of?

"So, maybe..." Makarov eyes lingered on Gajeel empty table. No, Gajeel is not a good idea. He and Lily would have been excellent team for Dalila, but they were taking risky jobs. Putting an extra member on their team...

"Laxus would be a nice idea, Master! He is so strong..." Kinana enjoyed the way Cobra head snapped to her side with a disgusted expression. "But maybe it is not the best match..."

"Right!" Happy to be able to make fun of the proudest, cockiest mage he had aver met, Cobra didn't realised he was making Kinana's game. "If you want her to be guarded like a fucking diamond ring, and not learn anything, then put the powerhouse around her." He sneered. "Everyone will be fried and crispy before even try to take a step around her."

"Oh." Makarov pursue his lips. Cobra is not wrong. Laxus has been staring at Dalila a little too much... Even if Makarov was still dreaming of grand-grandchildren, he thought it was not the best of ideas to pair the two blondes.

"You got it, old geezer." Muttered Cobra, trying to ignore Kinana giggles. I hate the lighting rod more than I hate Snow White, Cubellios. Deal with it!

Makarov looked at the fair wind dragon slayer. Wendy and Charle had joined them at the breakfast table, and the four girls were chatting happily in the morning light.

Oh, well... he thought. Well... Speaking about a team with dragon slayers... Kinana had followed his gaze. "I think it would be a great idea, Master."
"Yes..." A smile stretched the lips of the small Master. "A great idea, yes indeed..."

Cobra blank face froze. It took to him a second to understand what Kinana and Makarov were talking about. And when he did, his expression went to surprised to annoyed to totally pissed off in the blink of an eye. "What?" he hissed. "Don't you fucking dare..."

It was like he was talking to the wall. Makarov grinned to him from ear to ear. Kinana had eyes lighted up, sparkling like torches. Come on Erik! You two will be great friends!

"Excellent solution, don't you think, my children?" Said Makarov with a satisfied smile. "Dalila will be part of team Natsu!"


Ok so small author note! The song that is mentioned is the song of Beren and Tinúviel (Check it on YouTube!) of course it is not mine - credits to J. R. R. Tolkien! Do not worry, it is not a crossover! I am just using the song so that Cobra has an alternative way of calling Dalila...