Author's Note: A big thanks to all those who favorited and followed this story! And as always, kudos to my lovely reviewers of the last chapter: SistershoOk, FireShifter and valerioux!

Now… before you guys read this chapter… Let me just reiterate that this IS a Nalu story. It is a slow burn, but when it gets going it's going to be intense. HOWEVER… I am also one of those people who likes the character of Lisanna, and the relationship (budding romance even?) she sort of shared with Natsu. I actually feel really bad that it was not given some sort of conclusion in the anime or manga - it needed to be addressed, dammit! That's all I'm trying to do here guys!

But of course any opinions, whether they are nay or yay, are always welcome! So, without further ado, here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

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"Perhaps make that side a tad softer? His right wing is a little bent…"

"You're quite right. Like this then?"

"Yes, that's perfect!" Lisanna cooed, leaning over Lucy's shoulder to admire her handiwork. Lucy added a few more finishing touches to the bird's nest she had woven from hay and cotton, gently maneuvering its sleeping occupant into a more comfortable position.

A pleasant spring breeze drifted through the shady alcove, ruffling the fur and feathers of the many beasts and birds sheltered in the comfortable nook.

Over the past few months, Lucy had been enjoying exploring all of Fairy Tail. Her exuberant friends had introduced her to almost every other member of the community-like establishment and had taken it upon themselves to show her every nook and cranny of their beloved home-away-from-home. Levy and she had spent hours pouring over fascinating tomes about magic, pointing out their favorite phrases to each other and giggling over riddles to their heart's content. She, Wendy and Carla had visited the infirmary where Wendy shyly showed Lucy her progress in the healing arts - after which the pair spent hours playing 'doctor' with their dolls, joined by Levy a little later and (to their shock) a bashful Erza. Natsu somehow dragged Lucy to the training grounds, where he proceeded to challenge a surprisingly reluctant Gray to a duel, which resulted in one half of the training grounds being reduced to a molten pit while the other half was turned into a frozen tundra. In a rather clever move, Gray tricked Natsu into entering one of the training rooms (that had not yet been destroyed by them) and promptly froze the door shut with a LARGE quantity of ice that should have taken the incensed fire dragon all day to burn through. Gray then escorted a bewildered Lucy to the Fairy Tail gardens, where he had been preparing a surprise for her. He then proceeded to delight the fair little maiden with ice sculptures he had arranged all over the beautiful garden, even making a few smaller ones on the spot, just to relish in how lovely she looked when pleased. The busy pair was interrupted just an hour later by a furious Natsu, who had used his black flames to melt the ice much faster than usual, the angry dragon promptly picking up his fight with Gray where it had been left off. The oblivious pair would have no doubt destroyed the garden (and a terrified Lucy) had not the Master and an irate Erza passed by at that moment, effectively halting their scuffle and saving the garden (and Lucy) from becoming casualties. Soon after that debacle, Happy and a subdued Natsu took Lucy to their favourite fishing spot, the three friends having a wonderful time playing in the cool creek and not catching a single fish - much to Happy's chagrin. The only places left on her friends' list of 'must-see spots of Fairy Tail' were the wine cellar (which Lucy steadfastly avoided, much to Cana's never-ending amusement) the lake (which was not yet completely free of the winter frost) and the animal sanctuary, the last place being the spot where she had decided to spend her current day with Mira and Lisanna, helping them settle in a few birds that had recently arrived at Fairy Tail seeking shelter.

"Thank you so much for aiding us today! Making the mockingbirds comfortable was so difficult, fussy little rascals that they are." Mira chimed in her sing-song voice.

"Aye!" Lisanna added shyly, a radiant smile of gratitude on her lovely face. "Your nests are so comfy and beautiful, I fear the birds will never want to leave the sanctuary!"

Lucy laughed, her own eyes sparkling with mirth. "Just let Natsu and Happy in here to 'take care' of the poor dears, they'll be out of this cove faster than we can blink!"

The girls giggled, envisioning the destructive duo causing mayhem in their usual clueless and good-natured fashion.

"Where are those two lounging about today anyway?" Mira frowned slightly. "They promised to help Elfman with some of the larger creatures in the stables."

"I'm not sure…" Lucy hesitated, "But Gray did mention something about a sparring tournament. And I believe Erza referenced it in passing as well. Perhaps they are there?"

"Oh umm…" Lisanna blushed, "Sister Mira, Natsu and Happy asked me if they could help brother Elfman tomorrow - they truly wished to participate in that very tournament. Natsu just looked so excited I-I couldn't refuse…"

Mira shot her sister a sly smile. "I'm not the least bit surprised. That dragon boy has you wrapped around his little finger, my dear sister. You're as smitten with him as Gray is of a certain dainty human girl."

Lucy felt surprised as a pang of an unidentifiable emotion shot through her. She turned hesitantly to the younger sibling who was still being playfully nettled by the elder elf maiden.

"Err… Lisanna? Is what Mira said true? Do you have romantic feelings for Natsu?"

Lisanna blushed, shooting her newest friend a shy smile. "I wouldn't really say my feelings are romantic, but I am rather fond of him. More than I am of my other friends, I think. He was the first true friend I made after my siblings and I were forced to move to these southern parts. I suppose I'll always have a special place in my heart for him for that reason."

Lucy felt the pang of unease again. "I see…" She whispered, a strained smile upon her lips. "How quaint. Our Natsu certainly seems to have a penchant for befriending lonely females."

Mira giggled, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "When you word it that way, it does make him seem like a lady's man of sorts."

Lucy snorted. "That reckless braggart - a lady's man?! How laughable! He hasn't an ounce of amorous sensibility in his body. He wouldn't know finesse or romance unless it roundhouse kicked him in the groin!"

Mira and Lisanna both burst into peals of laughter at Lucy's indignant speech. Lisanna recovered first to give Lucy a lightly admonishing look.

"I know Natsu seems a little… err… dense, but in truth he can be very affectionate when he chooses to be. He was so sweet and caring when I first met him! If it weren't for his friendship, I doubt I would have ever felt at home here in the south."

Lucy smiled, the gesture soft and genuine. "Aye. I agree. He is quite special… He can make any place feel like home." Her fondness for the dragon warmed her tone. "Oh! Speaking of home, that reminds me… I've been curious about this for quite some time, but have never had the opportunity to ask you, Lisanna and Mira." Lucy hesitated a moment, mulling over her next words carefully. "I recollect you saying when we first met, Mira, that the Master adopted you and your siblings five years ago. How did that come about? And why did you leave your home in the northern parts to come down here with him? Wouldn't you have preferred staying closer to your first home?" She paused, adding softly, "I apologize if my questions are rude, it's just that I've been so curious! I hope I have not offended you…"

Mira smiled, gently cutting off Lucy's rambling with an affectionate squeeze of her hand. "It is quite alright dear. The rest of our friends are familiar with the story, so why shouldn't you be too? We'd be happy to tell you..."

Lisanna sunk down onto the grassy embankment, gesturing to Lucy and her sister to do the same. The three settled themselves down on the grass, Lucy seated between the two beauteous elven maidens.

"To begin," Mira commenced briskly, "Do you know how our parents died?"

"I remember what Levy said on the first day I came to Fairy Tail - she mentioned that your parents were killed in a demon attack six years ago?"

Lisanna and Mira nodded solemnly. "Yes." Mira continued, "I was but eight years at the time. Elfman and Lisanna were seven and six. Our parents were members of the elven royal family, and at that time we all resided in the palace even though another branch of our family was in power. Our parents were gentle folk - they dedicated their lives to helping the poor and disabled amongst our kind." Mira paused, a nostalgic look in her eyes. "Our mother was a powerful wind-affinity elf who was also blessed with the gift of healing. It is rather rare for an elf to have more than one kind of magic - most elves possess nature based talents, or 'affinities' or in its absence they may have 'take over' powers. The fact that she had two incredible gifts made many amongst our kind jealous of her." Mirajane sighed, her face reflecting her sorrow. "Still, it was not too bad as she did not have the curse of 3 upon her. Or so she thought."

Lisanna piped up shyly as her sister paused in her narrative. "The curse of 3 is an elven superstition. As you must know, 3 is considered a powerful number because it represents maximum magical potential. Magical studies have proven that a spell multiplied by 3 reaches its maximum potency, and no amount of multiplication after that can make it stronger. I suppose that fact became a bit twisted in our culture, for we believe that anything in a quantity of 3 will bring intensely bad luck to the elven owner. Abilities are one example, but so are… err… Children…"

"Elves usually have no more than two children. In our parent's case, Lisanna was unplanned. From what I vaguely remember of the conversations of our elders at the time, that caused quite a few of the elves to accuse our parents of being the recipients of the curse of 3. Some of our relatives even suggested that mother abort her, out of fear of the superstition. But she flat out refused. As did our father." Mira frowned, her brow furrowed. "A few years after Lisanna was born, the demons further North became more aggressive towards us. Some of the more narrow-minded elves in our village blamed our family for the new troubles with the demons." She bit her lip, gazing thoughtfully into the distance. "We found out later that they weren't entirely wrong…"

"We are not only 3 siblings, Lucy." Lisanna interjected softly. "We each have 3 special magical abilities. And one of those abilities represents the 3 states of time…"

"In short," Mira finished with a wry smile, "The 3 of us housed elven power so potent that it attracted the attention of the demons. It was in an effort to find us, that the demons attacked our village one fateful day. Our parents and the ruling royal pair died trying to protect us."

Lucy's gaze held sympathy and sorrow. "That's… horrible. I'm so sorry. What did you do after that?"

"We ran." Lisanna stated simply. "We could not remain in our village any longer, as the elves remaining after the attack wished to attack us as well, and the demons who were still after us would surely have found us if we hadn't moved away."

"We wandered for months." Mira's voice was low and haunted. "We were hunted by the demons for a time, as well as a great manner of birds and beasts. It was only thanks to our take over abilities that we were able to survive. Eventually, the Master found us, adopted us, and brought us back here to Fairy Tail. We have never been back home since."

A silence reigned as the echo of Mira's final words ebbed. Lucy gazed at the lake, her eyes unfocused, lost in contemplation of the story she had just heard. She finally broke the quiet in the glade with an apologetic cough.

"If I may ask… What are your 3 abilities?"

"I have a wind affinity, and can take over the spirit of a bird or any fleet footed animal." Lisanna explained patiently. "I also represent the state of the future, and therefore have visions of events that will come to pass. But they are sporadic and willful, and I do not control them - they come of their own volition from time to time. Brother Elfman has a rock affinity and can take over the spirit of bigger, stronger animals. He also possesses the ability to see into the past. Unlike mine, his ability is very controlled and concise - simply by holding the hand of an individual, he can divine everything about their past for many lifetimes. And finally, Sister Mira…"

"I have a water affinity. And I represent the state of the present. I can see every intricate detail of what happens around me. Every tiny thing every being is doing, nothing can be hidden from me even by magical means - all upto a certain radius, though. For example, I can see all of Fairy Tail, Alagesia and even Pergrande, but I still cannot see anything in Alvarez. And… I also possess the ability to take over a demon spirit."

Lucy paled. "D-does that mean you can become a demon at will?"

Mira laughed, the silvery, soothing sound wafting in the gentle breeze caressing the nook.

"Nay, little Lucy! A 'take over' does not mean that I become a demon. I emulate its characteristics and abilities and even its appearance to an extent, but I'm still Mira! The art of a take-over is in how well you can adapt those new abilities to your own form, and I have had much practice over the years to do that quite well."

"Amazing…" Lucy breathed in awe. She frowned slightly as a thought struck her. "... Why haven't I seen you practice in the training grounds though? I've seen Elfman doing his beast transformation, and I believe I've even seen Lisanna in her hawk form, but I've never had the pleasure of seeing you."

Mira grinned brightly at the little human girl. "Do not fret, Lucy! You shall see my take over spell very soon - for I plan on challenging Erza to a match tomorrow."

"WHAT?!"

Both Lucy and Lisanna screeched, their mouths agape.

"Why didn't you tell me of this plan, sister?! And why in heavens would you want to challenge her? Is this another of your crazy love schemes?..."

"ARE YOU CRAZY?! Haven't you seen the way she manhandles Natsu and Gray with complete ease? She's beyond a demon… She's a monster! You're far too nice to die so young!"

Mira's musical laugh held an edge of sharpness, and her responding smile was a little too predatorial for comfort. Lucy and Lisanna shuddered a bit at the suddenly dangerous aura that seemed to envelope the usually sweet and gentle elf maiden.

"Oh, I assure you I am up for the challenge, girls. And to answer your impertinent question Lisanna… Yes! This is a part of one of my brilliant love schemes! Just the other day, I heard Cana lamenting over the fact that she couldn't figure out who the lucky person was who held Erza's heart in such thrall, and I simply couldn't resist offering to help her with her noble quest!" Mira pouted. "She wasn't as thankful as I thought she would be…"

Lucy smiled wryly. "Contrary to appearances, Mira, Cana is a strong believer in the 'love and let love' philosophy…"

Lisanna grimaced. "A philosophy we should probably adopt, dear sister! Remember what happened with Brother Elfman and Lady Evergreen?!"

"Whatever do you mean?! That is one of my most proud successes."

"They fight all the time!"

"Lover's quarrels. Inconsequential."

"And how about the way you try to push Natsu and I together? That hasn't worked out at all…"

"I'm sorry little sister, but as Lucy has pointed out, the boy is romantically impaired. For now at least. Plus he is a dragon, and they have their whole soul bonding thing when they reach magical maturity… Are you sure you really want him? He is a rather lost cause, my dear…"

"Well, how about Gray and Lucy? That seems just as hopeless…"

"WAIT, WHAT?!" Lucy screamed, her eyes wide in horror. "GRAY AND I?!"

Both elven maidens regarded her with curiosity.

"Why are you so surprised, Lucy? Haven't you noticed the way he looks at you?" Lisanna probed, a gentle smile on her face.

"Not to mention all the little things he does to make you smile…" Mira added, her eyes alight with mischief.

"I-I thought he was fond of me as a friend."

"Well, that he is," Lisanna began hesitantly, "But haven't you noticed how he singles you out whenever he can? He seeks you out, tries to get you alone with him…"

"So do Natsu and Happy! And heaven knows THEY aren't in love with me!"

Mira opened her mouth and then closed it, glancing furtively at her sister. "Very well, Lucy…" She said slowly, "If seeking you out is simply a friendly gesture, then what will you say of the way he seems so much more joyful when you are nearby? I have even heard from Natsu and Wendy that they have never seen him this friendly and happy at home. Why, even Gray's dragon guardians have noticed the positive change in his demeanour! And they can all trace it back to the moment that he met you..."

Lucy took a deep breath, willing herself to calmness. "If I have helped him find happiness, in whatever little way, then I am deeply honored." Her visage took on a stubborn set. "However, any feelings he may possess for me are probably just out of gratitude or kindness. Nothing more. He cannot have real feelings for me. He had better not, the fool, for I do not wish to see his heart broken."

Mira and Lisanna exchanged worried looks. Mira cleared her throat gently, and attempted to soothe the frazzled girl. "Of course, Lucy. What we said was partly in jest. But truly, would it be so bad if he did feel strongly for you? Perhaps even love you? Is there any chance you could return his affection? Maybe not now, but in the future?"

"No."

Lucy's response was sharp and bitter, startling the concerned elven sisters. At their questioning glances, Lucy relented a little, relaxing her tense frame and sighing.

"Gray is a wonderful person, truly worthy of any lucky female's love and affection. It is not that I cannot return his affection… it is simply that I will not. Even if I were to ever feel that way about him, or any male, I will not let myself act upon it."

Mira and Lisanna's eyes widened in surprise. "But why, Lucy?"

Lucy looked away from the pair, her eyes distant and haunted. "It would be foolish and dangerous for me to fall in love. I shall never make that mistake."

"Love is never a mistake, dear." Mira said gently, "Do humans have a soul bonding like the dragons too? Is that why you fear giving your heart too soon?"

Lucy frowned. "What is this 'soul bonding' you speak of? I haven't come across it in any of Natsu's books…"

Mira and Lisanna giggled. "Probably not, it is a topic 'officially' introduced to hatchlings only around the time they reach magical maturity, and all the dragons we know are not old enough for that event. Luckily for us, Wendy and a few of the other female dragons know a little about it already from their mothers…"

"A dragon soul bond is a special feeling that they experience when they discover their lifelong soulmate." Lisanna explained. "They say that their heart stops for 3 beats, and an intense desire to claim and protect that being overtakes them. Once they experience this phenomenon, they are bound to that being for the rest of their life. Whether that being reciprocates or not." Lisanna's brow furrowed. "Usually, if they bond with another dragon, the dragon will bond back and they will live together peacefully. But in the rare instances that a dragon bonds with a being of another race, the situation can become… complicated."

"That being may not return the dragon's affection… And the dragon will still not be able to move on… Right?" Lucy said in a strained whisper.

Lisanna nodded sadly. Lucy took a deep breath, a prayer for her dragon best friend on her lips.

"Well, that won't happen to Natsu! Whomever he chooses to bond with will have no choice but to reciprocate his love! For there is no better being than he… SiIly faults and all." Lucy hesitated, turning to face Lisanna. "And… I hope it is you that he falls for, Lisanna. You obviously care for him a great deal, and I hope that when we are older, he will care for you in the same way." Lucy gave Lisanna a small smile, purposely ignoring the unfamiliar ache in her chest.

Lisanna's eyes glistened with unshed tears of joy as she hugged Lucy. Lucy awkwardly patted her back, pulling away a moment later.

"You did not tell us your predicament, Lucy." Mira probed gently. "Is it similar to what Natsu and the other dragons face?"

"Nay." Lucy shot the elves a twisted smile, rising from her spot on the grass and turning away from the pair. "It is not nearly as noble a reason, and I do not feel like discussing it." She paused, throwing a small, more genuine smile over her shoulder at the girls still regarding her curiously. "Suffice it to say, it is purely my choice not to fall in love. It is a sacrifice that I am more than willing to make to protect all that I hold dear… I only pray that it will be enough…"

And with that enigmatic statement, Lucy gathered her things and walked out of the alcove, leaving two very confused and mystified elves in her wake.