Chapter Fifteen

The Ball

"I never thought she would agree," Laxus told himself as he inspected his appearance. He had taken hours to better his presentation. After looking over himself one last time, Laxus turned to Gray and Natsu with a nervous smile.

"You look dapper, my Lord," Natsu said with a grin. "It's great to see you all dressed up like the good old days."

"Miss Mirajane is going to be thrilled," Gray told him.

Laxus fiddled with the cravat tied a bit too tight around his neck. "I cannot believe this is happening."

"Believe it," Natsu exclaimed. "Because it's happening."

"I feel sick."

"I hope you aren't chickening out, Grandson," Makarov hummed. "Miss Strauss is very excited."

"How do you know?" Laxus asked, now fiddling with the buttons on his fine waistcoat.

Makarov laughed. "I asked her. I've never seen her light up like that. Tonight's the night, grandson. You have to tell her your feelings."

Laxus swallowed hard. "I know… but what if she doesn't feel the same way? Mirajane is so special to me. I couldn't bear her rejecting me for my hideous appearance." His eyes cast down. Laxus had become very smitten with Mirajane over her stay. It was beyond alarming.

"Laxus," Makarov said firmly. "You need to be honest with her. She cannot be oblivious to your affections. You invited her to a fine evening of dancing! Don't be worried."

"Yes, I shouldn't be worried."

A knock on the door startled a usually stern Laxus. He felt his heart lurch painfully as if his heart was banging against his ribcage. The sickness in his stomach had him wanting to run away with his tail in between his legs. "Your lady is waiting," Cana shouted unceremoniously.

"I'm worried."

"You will be fine," Natsu coaxed.

Laxus's face twisted. "I think I am going to be sick. I feel funny inside."

Makarov coaxed him forward. "That's a good sign. Use it."

Laxus stood tall on the opposite side of the grand entrance. He didn't know when they all had time to clean this ballroom up. The last time he had been to the ballroom was on his birthday, the night it happened.

This place must have held horrible memories for everyone, yet they banded together to help him. Laxus realized that he hadn't appreciated his companions enough over the years. He had treated them like filth, and they still loved him.

The rose was wilting. There wasn't enough time. He had to get this right.

His heart stopped.

Stepping down the stairs was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen wrapped in gold.

"Mirajane…" he murmured to himself.

Laxus had forgotten the he needed to meet her down there, that it was gentlemanly to do so. And, very greatly, he wanted to be a gentleman for her.

He stepped down carefully to meet her. "Mirajane… you look… You are so beautiful…"

Mirajane didn't fight the reddness for her cheeks. "Oh, I… Thank you, Laxus. So, do you." Her face flashed in horror. "Wait, that's not what I meant. I meant that you look well… Handsome! Even…"

She covered her face in embarrassment, and Laxus could only chuckle in response. Mirajane was just as nervous as he was. "Handsome," he scoffed. "Now, you exaggerate."

Laxus decided to close his mouth. The more words he spoke, the more likely he would embarrass himself in front of her and say the wrong thing. He offered his arm to her just as Makarov taught him all those years ago. Confidently, Mirjane took his arm and allowed herself to be led by him.

This was right.

Suddenly, the weight of the situation crashed down on him when he saw Natsu, Gray, Makarov, Lucy, and Wendy all smiling at him from the bottom of the stairs. Laxus was going to be sick again…

The meal was perfectly picked in Laxus's mind. He had spent hours pacing in the kitchen that morning, discussing the menu with the head chef deliberately. It all had to be perfect, and they did more than deliver.

Laxus watched Mirajane with interest as Cana rattled on about the wine choices of the night, displaying a selection of bottles that Cana had been told her forbidden by a younger, crueler Laxus. The look on her face when he told her she could pick anything from the cellar, and absolutely anything to her taste was one of unbelievable shock.

Mirajane listened so intently to Cana as the sommelier lectured about tannins. Evergreen had outdone herself. Before him was more than a woman, but a goddess. Gold flecks danced in her hair. The shimmering fabric hugged her shoulders. No doubt Laxus was in love with her. It was written all over her eyes.

They talked about whatever Mirajane's heart desired.

Literature. Music. Families. Stories of the past.

Laxus couldn't believe that he could smile that much. But, whenever he felt scared, he glanced at Makarov and he would deliver an approving nod. This was going well. The conversation was dazzling, but Laxus couldn't shake the nerves of the confession on his tongue.

"Dance with me, Laxus," Mirajane blurted, a brave smile on her lips.

He nearly choked. "Oh, I don't know. I've never been one for dancing."

Laxus glanced at the dramatically empty ballroom that was only filled with the sound of Warren playing a tune.

Lucy glared at him. 'Dance. With. Her,' she mouthed at him, unable to understand his stupidity at times.

"I mean," he backpedaled. "Yes, I believe we should dance. There is a perfectly good ballroom right in front of us, and it would be a waste not to use it. That was the entire purpose of a room like this. To dance. To not do so would be a complete and utter—"

"Laxus," Mirajane cut off.

Abruptly, Laxus stood and walked over to her. With an overly formal bow, he offered his hand to Mirajane. She laughed, crystal clear as day. Laxus led her to the center of the floor when Warren started to play a joyous waltz.

His heart was pounding beyond belief. Mirajane had to have felt it through his palm and was far too polite to say anything.

"I haven't danced in many years," Laxus confessed. "I don't know if I remember the steps."

Mirajane took his limp hand and placed it on her lower back. Laxus exhaled harshly. "Don't worry about the steps. That's how you get messed up in the first place. Just follow the music."

"Mira…"

Her smile dropped, and she lowered her eyes to her feet.

Laxus, immediately thinking that he did something wrong, tried to fix the situation. "Excuse me, I shouldn't have…"

"No," Mirajane murmured. It was only when her hand came up to his should that he saw the radiant blush on her face. "You can call me, Mira. I like that."

Laxus busied himself with the start of the waltz. Despite Mirajane's advice, he focused heavily on the steps. Laxus knew that if he looked at her, he would get distracted and trip over his feet.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three.

"Laxus, look at me."

One… Two… He glanced down and lost the count of the music.

The moment Laxus's eyes met Mirajane's, she erupted into a beaming smile. Overflowed with confidence, Laxus spun her around the floor. He had no idea if it looked good at all. The only thing Laxus cared about what how much fun he was having doing it.

Fun.

He hadn't had genuine fun in so long, that he didn't remember when it was.


Mirajane had whispered something about wanting some air, and the pair left for the balcony.

The moment the door closed behind them, Natsu cheered. "We did it! Can you believe it?!"

"No," Gray smirked. "No, I'm afraid I can't. Just thinking about what I'm going to do when I'm a man again… I can't wrap my head around it. I'll get to walk and run without potentially screwing up gears. I could even… see Juvia more often."

Wendy turned to Lucy. "Is it true? Are we going to turn into humans again?"

Lucy couldn't help but smile, glancing at the door while doing so. "As long as the Master properly confesses his love, that curse is as good as broken!"


Laxus was staring at the wall, dying for Mirajane to start the conversation. His claws scratched against the stone balcony, a reflection of his growing anxiety. Carefully, Mirajane put a hand on top of his to comfort him.

"Thank you for tonight," Mirajane said softly. "I've never been to a ball before, so this was absolutely perfect."

"You danced far better than someone who had never been to a ball," he teased.

"I used to practice in my room when I was a girl," she laughed. "I had quite the imagination. I always believed that one day I would be invited to a castle dance and dance until I couldn't dance anymore."

"Well, that partially happened."

Another brief laugh. "Yes, partially."

Laxus paused for a beat, thinking about how he could maneuver the conversation. "That dream isn't all that strange."

Mirajane turned to face him fully. "Hm?"

It was now or never.

Laxus took both of her hands. "Mira, are you happy here?"

"Oh, yes! Everyone has been so kind to me."

"I mean… with me."

Mirajane's face fell, and Laxus started to panic. She hesitated with her answer, looking off into the distance. "...Yes…"

He curved his head around to get a better look at her sorrowful gaze. Laxus nearly left, then and there with a wounded pride. "What's wrong?" he asked gently.

She finally looked at him. "I just wish I could see Elfman and Lisanna again. I miss them so dearly, and I worry about them. They are so smart, but they can be rash."

Laxus understood. It was all his fault, but there was a glimmer of hope. "There's a way."

He had taken her to his chambers. Mirajane followed hesitantly as he picked up the mirror next to the bell jar. Laxus saw Mirajane glance at the wilting rose. It was none of her concern. He didn't want her to focus on any more bad things.

The mirror was placed in her hands. "This mirror can show you anything you wish to see. You just have to tell it."

Mirajane looked hesitantly between his confident smirk and her own reflection. "Show me… Elfman and Lisanna, please."

The reflection swirled. Her brows furrowed, waiting for the mirror to show her what she had asked. When the mirror cleared, Mirajane did not see them waiting in their home. No. She saw lightning and rain. Swirling wind, knocking them off their feet. They were in the forest, wandering in the cold. Lisanna turned to help Elfman, but he wasn't healed. He collapsed on the ground as Lisanna tried and failed to get him up.

Her breath hitched. "No… They couldn't be…"

"Mira?"

"T-They're in the woods, lost a-and they… Elfman's hurt. He'll die out there. Why would they look for me in the woods? I told them to stay put."

Laxus looked from the mirror to the wilting rose. Another petal dropped. His time was running out. Laxus's stomach dropped, watching Mirajane attempt to stifle her sobs with a hand over her mouth.

He knew what he had to do.

"Go to them…"

She turned to him, tears helplessly running down her face. Laxus raised a claw and wiped her tears. "What did you say?" she stammered through her cries.

"You're free. You are no longer my… prisoner…"

Mirajane's lips trembled. "Really? I'm free?"

"Yes."

"Thank you!" Mirajane clutched the mirror and said to them as if they could hear, "I'm coming for you. Don't you worry." She moved to hand the mirror back to Laxus, but he pushed it away.

"It's yours, a gift from me. That way… You'll remember me."

Mirajane stilled. She took his hand and squeezed, but he didn't have the strength to squeeze back. "Thank you, Laxus." She let go but didn't run off right away. Instead, she touched his cheek briefly. "Goodbye."

And, then she was gone.

It was like she was never there.

Laxus blinked and realized that this was the end for him. Carefully, he put a hand to the bell jar.

Makarov came rushing in some time after.

"Grandson, why did I see Miss Strauss running away?" he said with great concern. "You did confess your feelings, did you? Was she… unaccepting?" The rest of the servants came rushing in, hoping that Laxus would chase after her. "Grandson, please say something. You're scaring me."

He dropped his head. "I let her go…"

It was quiet.

"You did what?!" Lucy screamed. "What happened to telling her how you feel? I thought that was an excellent plan, if I must admit, my Lord."

"Laxus," Makarov pleaded. "Why?"

"I had to…"

Natsu reached for his metallic hair, pulling it back frantically. "I don't understand. I'm confused. Why did you do that?"

"Because… I love her…"

It was quiet once again. No one had the guts to say anything.

Makarov sighed. "I see. You've finally learned to love, Grandson. I'm proud of you."

"I couldn't keep her here," Laxus admitted. "Not when her siblings needed her more than I did. It's for the best…"

"It is not for the best," Natsu cried out. "You just admitted that you love her. That should break the curse!"

"That's not enough," Gray muttered. "He has to be loved in return."

Laxus sunk his head deeper.

"And, now it's too late," Lucy whispered.

"I'm sorry for getting everyone cursed," Laxus told them. "This is my fault, completely. I just want you to know… that you've been the best family I could have ever had. You all deserved so much more." He turned from them and sat in his chair. "I don't think I can stand to watch everyone's final moments. I need to spend the end alone. So, please leave me."


After nearly 3 years, I have followed up and updated this STORY!

I absolutely have to apologize. I'm sure many will be annoyed, but I simply lost my interest in Fairy Tail. It's as simple as that. BUT. I recently watched Beauty and the Beast and was filled with an overwhelming sense of guilt. Because, it's not fair that I didn't finish. I should have finished. There where like 4 chapters left. So, here I am to finish.

It's been a while, so I am trying to pick up the story as best I can. Just because I don't really care for Fairy Tail anymore doesn't mean I can't finish a story I truly enjoyed.

So, please enjoy the end of the story.