CHAPTER 9

A/N: I just wanted to say I love NALU and LALU shipping. So you know where this story is moving. I love GALU too. But I took Gajeel out of the picture in my story as I realized he is really for Levy when I watched the whole series. But I still do enjoy reading a very good GALU stories. I want to still hold out on whose Lucy's gonna end up with (Or truthfully I am still undecided yet so I did not put a character pairing in the tag ) Actually I want to experiment with their chemistries.

To tell you the truth, I was going to LALU ship at the initial writing. All the way! But I fell in love with NALU too! Sadly, I am a two timing bitch now I don't want to break Laxus or Natsu's heart or I will be heartbroken too Why did I do this to myself? Let me know who you love most. And hopefully you continue to read my story whoever she ends up with. But I won't force you to if you don't like anymore

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

On the day she left the guild…

She places the flowers down on each of his parents' grave and offers a short prayer for them. Then she sits in front of them staring at their graves as she speaks as if they are just in front of her.

"Papa, I guess I did not listen to you enough when I was younger. Maybe you taught me on what to do in this kind of situation; I just did not pay attention. I'm sorry for being a disobedient child Papa. How I wish you had live longer Mama, I bet it will be part of your lessons too. I feel so lost right now Papa, Mama. Natsu betrayed me. What am I supposed to do? How are we supposed to go back to normal? What happened is too painful but I cannot find myself to really get angry at him. It's odd right? But is there a right or wrong emotions to feel right now?" Then she sighed. "I didn't really go here to talk about this. I wanted you to hear my fun adventures with the guild and the friends that I love. Next time when I see you again I hope everything is alright so I can share more my adventures to you."

They don't need to hear how broken she is feeling inside. How her greatest source of joy becomes her greatest sorrow. She's afraid he is not prepared to the changes that are about to happen.

Then she stands up and she brushes the back of her skirt. "I will see you again. Sayonara." She smiles as if she is smiling to the both of them.

She visited the old Heartfilia mansion. The place is the same the last time they visited it. Except for some cracks that she thinks are the results of their fight with Dan and Samuel of the Legion Corps; the vicinities and the mansion are still well maintained. But no one occupies it yet. She is thankful to the Junelle for still taking care of the property. She smiles as she remembers that time and that's also the time she decided to buy back the mansion someday. The feeling is nostalgic, a warm fuzzy feeling in her heart.

She heard that a resort was built near the area during their seven years stasis in Tenrou Island. She plans to check it out and to stay the entire week there.

But before that she will heed Laxus and Wendy's advice to visit a hospital.

She was really against in putting a cast on her. How can she enjoy the resort if her arm is restricted? So with her insistence, promising him that she will not move her hand so much, the doctor finally gives in. He gives her prescription medicines and some painkillers. He suggested returning to the hospital after a week's time for her follow up check-up.

'And whoever said again of not following Lucy?' Gray thought.

It was the 4th day after they finished their mission and they are now in the resort near where their previous mission was. They already checked in their hotel room.

They are now happily swimming in the beach when he catches a glimpse of a very familiar blonde hair in a far distance. Or maybe he was just seeing things?

His suspicions of Erza get stronger. He smirked, "Kudos to Erza for planning their actions in a cunning way."

Days earlier…

Erza picked out their mission once all of them were in the guild early that morning as she instructed. But before that, she was very near on to losing her sanity when Natsu and Happy do not show up yet in the guild. Luckily, they arrived when she is about to hunt them down.

But what suspicious about their mission is the location. It is very near where Lucy's parents' graves are located and very near the Old Heartfilia mansion. She also stated that since Lucy was on her break, maybe they can also go on their break as well once they finish the mission. She said that she knows a very good resort near where their mission will be. So everyone agreed with her.

She picked out an escorting and catching the bandits' job. So they have planned on dividing their group into two. Erza and Wendy along with the exceeds will be escorting the caravan until it arrives in the next town. Gray and Natsu will be in charged in watching out and catching the bandits.

It was a fairly easy job but a high paying one since they need to do the escorting for 3 days. There will be four caravans going in a day that they need to escort, 2 going to the next town and 2 coming from the town. But they scrapped their plan on Day 1 as Wendy was also inflicted by her motion sickness. And since Natsu and Gray tagged in waiting in the forest, watching out for the bandits, a fight immediately broke out between the two of them, damaging three of the caravans.

So mostly, Erza and Gray were doing the escorting job, going back and forth the town the whole day. But all hell breaks loose on the third day when the bandits started to show themselves up. They have caught the bandits but not without so much damage in the area and the properties.

"After all that work for 3 days and we were only paid half," Natsu complained as they walk out the house of their client.

"Shut up fire freak, you just waited in the forest while we do all the work," Gray said annoyingly.

"If you did not two fight and damaged the caravans, we will be getting our rewards in full," Erza chastised them.

"If we remembered it right, you've done most of the damage this time," both Gray and Natsu grumbled under their breath.

"Are you saying anything?" Erza sent them a threatening look.

Wendy, Happy and Carla are just shaking their heads at their friend.

"Let's go to that resort now," Wendy excitedly said to her arguing friends.

"Aye Sir!" Everyone said excitedly.

"Wow you are even more beautiful in person than in the magazine," the lady server squealed in excitement after placing her lunch in front of her.

"Thank you I guess?" Lucy is a bit confused since the last cover she did in the magazine was more than a year ago.

"I'll be rooting for Gajeel, he looks so dreamy and manly, though, I really love every one of them." The girl clasps her hands together in a dreamy way.

She just blinks at the girl not really understanding the things that she was saying.

"Oh by the way this one is on the house. The owner of the resort wishes you a relaxing and joyful stay."

"Really? Please send my gratitude to the owner. And thank you too" Her eyes sparkle as she was able to save for her food money today. Actually this resort is quite expensive and even availing the other services and goods are quite pricey.

She dines in silence savoring the moment of peace it brought her. She's been in this resort for four days already so she is now familiar on the face of every person that walks in and out of the restaurant and in the beach. Some would send a small greeting at her but no one bothers to chat with her longer which she is so thankful of. She likes the peace and the quiet.

Her usual attire is her long beach dresses and a hat. She's a little disappointed as she cannot swim in the beach as the clear blue water looks so inviting and tempting. Her bruises are actually healing now but are still in yellowish and greenish color and which are still odd to look at. Maybe she'll try to swim at her last day in the resort. She can see a lot of people having their fun by the beach side.

She already has her usual routine since she arrived. She skips the breakfast and takes her walk around the resort. The resort does not only offer their pristine beach, pools and waterparks. She was actually surprise as it has bazaars, small museum, art gallery, flower and butterfly garden, entertainment area, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and even a casino. And she has visited all of the places.

But her favorite place is the garden where butterflies are flying freely all around and different kinds of flowers are blooming everywhere. It has a gazebo in the middle with a big beautiful hammock inside where she reads in silence. She has even fallen asleep once in that hammock and woke up at night. The place lights up in different colors illuminating the whole garden. Also to her delight, the roof of the gazebo would part ways so you can watch all the stars at night. It is so magical. Very few persons visit the place since they would rather be in the beach or in other busy area of the resort. They would only visit once just to check out the garden so she has the whole place for herself. The place is so peaceful.

Then she comes to this restaurant at lunch and dinner time. She would dine and try to write her novel however, she was not able to start anything at all. Her concentration and her imagination are still not working. But she would still bring her novel along with her just in case it returns. After lunch, she would go by the beach and lies on one of the covered beach bed there and continue her reading. That's all. Nothing exciting. But she felt contented and relaxed.

"Are you Ms. Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail?" Suddenly a tall and handsome man approached her table. He has a slightly long gray hair in similar fashion of that of Hibiki. He looks so manly with his sharp jaw and angular cheekbones. He is dressed casually in white shirt that fits his broad shoulders and chests and a pair of black pants.

Just standing beside him is a very huge dog in a cream color. It so bulky and hairy but it looks very cute. The dog moves closely to her and sticks the tip of its tongue as if it's asking to be petted. So she pets the dog and in turn it nuzzles and licks her hand, she laughs as she feels ticklish at its action. She reaches for the dog with both hands and rubs its ears.

"I am a little jealous." The guy uttered while looking at the scene before him.

"I'm sorry, yes, I am Lucy," her smile is still plastered on her face as she turns her attention to the owner of the dog. "Sorry your dog is so cute and charming. I should not have touched him without your permission." The dog turned its head on its owner and barked at him.

"It's not an issue," he smiled at her. "He said I am being a bother and do not interrupt him."

"Aww you're a lovely dog," she laughs as she rubs his neck. "Do you need anything from me?" she asks the man.

"I am Lance," and he reaches out his hand for a handshake for which she accepted. "Can I join your table?"

"Please, yes, take a seat," When Lance was seated across from her, the dog moves on instant, crawling under the table and jumps to take the bench seat with her. Then the dog places its head on her lap and closes its eyes.

"Hey Leif that is so rude," he called for the dog but it just ignored him. "He has taken a liking for you. That's very odd. He is usually so snob around others."

"It is no bother. He is very sweet." She talks to the man in front of her while she pets the head of the dog. "Are you new here?" She cannot remember him seeing during her stay in the resort.

"Not really. I've been here for a while. I usually see you every day seat in the exact same spot."

"But I haven't seen you before. I've been here for four days. I almost know everyone's faces now."

"Don't get creep out. I stay in that building that's why I can always see you in this spot. I just go in the restaurant very seldom," pointing out a two-storey building just near the restaurant. "Don't you like the beach? I haven't seen you swam in it.

She's getting a bit uneasy. How can the man in front of her knows that.

Noticing her discomfort, the man quickly apologized to her. "Sorry I realized I have sounded like a stalker right now. I am just actually quite observant and I am familiar with everyone around here just like you. But I swear on Leif's life," the dog's head twitches on her lap at the mention of its name. "I have no ill intention towards you. You can take him away from me if am lying," then the dog's head lifted and he barked at the man.

"He actually said that he'd be willing to go away with you." Lance said at her.

"Wait you can actually understand him?" Lucy uttered in disbelief.

The man nodded. "I also have magic. But it's not as cool as yours or your guild. It's more of nature's magic. I can talk to animals and I can do this." Then he makes a flower sprout from the ground and it grows towards him, he reaches for it and plucks it. "Do you know that different flowers symbolize something? This one is for you," as he handed her a white calla lily flower. "That is called calla lily, it symbolizes beauty, purity and innocence; it also represents resurrection and rebirth." He smiles at her while she is mesmerized by his magic.

"Wow that is so cool!" Lucy exclaimed.

The man blushed. "It is not that cool. But thanks anyway. It is not an offensive type of magic."

"But it is still wonderful. Are you a mage too? Are you from a guild?"

"I am just a normal citizen of Fiore who knows a bit of magic. I work here to be exact. So I am very grateful that you appreciate the garden so much. Usually the guests would just take a look and don't spend their time in that area."

Lucy's eyes brightened in realization. So that's why he knows her action in the resort. "Are you the one maintaining it?" she said excitedly at him. He nodded at her. "That's why the place is so magical."

"We are actually thinking if the area needs to be developed or replaced into a more useful spot. What do you think?"

Her eyes become gloomy. "You pour your magic into that garden so I know you also love that place. I just hope they won't tear it down. I actually find solace in that garden. It is one place in this resort aside from the beach that is so peaceful and comforting. But I'm in no position to decide what to do with this place."

Lance made a gesture of thinking but did not say anything. As if remembering something, he bids Lucy good bye. "I am sorry I cannot stay for long as I still have work to do. It was lovely meeting you Lucy. I know I am imposing on your time as you quite enjoy your alone time in the resort. I guess I will take my leave now. Enjoy your stay here." He reaches for her hand and kisses it in a gentlemanly manner.

"Nice meeting you too, Lance. I enjoyed our chat together. It's good to take a break from silence once in a while," she winked and then she smiled sweetly at him.

"Leif come now buddy," Lance called out on the dog. The dog lifted his head, yawned at him, and then placed his head back to Lucy's lap.

"You traitor! I still need to work you dog."

"If it's okay with you, can I borrow him? I'll return him after the sunset at your quarters." Lucy asks the guy.

"If it's not a bother with you, I would be delighted to have a break from that beast."

"Go along. I promise to take care of him" she laughed on how frustrated the man looks at his dog.

"Don't worry. The beast may look like a brute but he will take care of you," he gives her a wink before he left. The dog barks at the retreating man.

"You two do love each other so much, don't you?" she said to the dog teasingly.

The dog growled at what she said which earned a laughter from her.

"Come Leif. Let's rest for now," Lucy directed the dog in the beach bed. She was catching her breath from playing with the dog by the beach side. They are on the far side of the beach now, away from everyone else.

Leif has so much energy. She ran along the shore as the dog chased her. Once the dog caught her, it jumped at her and licked her all over the face. She never had this so much fun in a while.

So she settled on the beach bed and reaches for her book while the dog settled comfortably on the adjacent bed. As she is getting engrossed in her book, a waiter from the restaurant approaches them. It placed a glass of juice and water in the nearby table. "Please enjoy your drinks Miss," the waiter bowed at her and is about to take his leave. "Wait. You must be mistaken. I did not order for this," Lucy said to the waiter. "I am not mistaken Miss. It's a resort's compliment." And then he took his leave.

'What a great resort it is,' she thought as she returns to her books.

After a while, she must have fallen asleep since she was woken up by Leif's incessant barking and she saw a man with an evil smile on his face, standing in front of her watching her sleep. She hastily sits up and the dog moves in front of her, growling dangerously at the man.

"Hey beautiful!" The man is rugged looking, muscular, with short black hair, and brown eyes. He does not look so bad but he has a lustful look on his eyes as he is looking at her.

"What do you want?" she said cautiously at the man, her hand is at her keys, ready to summon her spirit if the man makes unnecessary movement.

"Relax darling. I just want to have a chat with you. But will you shut that dog up or I'll take it down," he said threateningly at her as he is becoming irritated at the dog's non-stop barking.

"Come here Leif. Would you please leave? I don't want to have a chat with you," she hissed at the man as she held the dog by its collar.

"Oh feisty, I like it. But I thought you're an easy woman. I just wanted to apply with your harem, Ms. Lucy of Fairy Tail. I don't know that I will stumble upon such a beauty in this place."

"I don't know what you are talking about. And I don't know you. Leave now or you will regret it," she said threateningly.

"You heard the lady. Leave."

"Oh another applicant? I am not accepted yet, wait in queue Pretty Boy," he was about to attack with his magic when all of a sudden he was encased in ice instantly freezing him.

"Gray!" Lucy exclaimed.

"You're too slow," he smirked and kicked the block of ice into the middle of the sea.

"What are you doing here?" Lucy's brows twitched in anger realizing that he might have followed him here.

Gray faced the girl and he turned deathly pale at the look she is giving him. "Sorry Lucy!" he kneels down and bows his head repeatedly, apologizing to the girl. He is afraid for his life now.

"Here you are Gray. We've been looking for -. Lucy?" Erza exclaimed in pure shock when they finally found Gray together with Lucy. "What are you doing here?"

'What the heck? What a good actress, very different from when she was on stage,' Gray thought. He is very sure that Erza planned it. She plans to go after Lucy.

"You are all here?!" Lucy was so shocked looking at the other mages tailing Erza. Natsu, Wendy, Happy and Carla are following behind.

"What a coincidence you are also here. We are taking our break here since we've just finished our mission yesterday." Erza explained.

"Really?" Lucy said still in disbelief, her brow rose.

Bead of sweats are now forming on Erza's forehead and she's now turning pale. 'I am right,' Gray thought looking at Erza.

Titania was saved when a very handsome man approach their group.

"Lucy. Here you are. Wow! More Fairy Tail mages. I hope you are enjoying your stay in the resort. I am Lance at your service. I am working at this resort." He bowed at all the mages politely then turned on to Lucy. "Lucy I prepared some snacks and refreshments in the garden as a 'thank you' for looking out for Leif, it would be a pleasure if you can join me," he said to her with pleading eyes. Lucy smiled and nodded at him. She can't say no as the guy is asking so kindly. He returned her smile.

"It would be my honor if you can join us too," Lance turned his attention to the group.

No one answered as their a bit suspicious on the kindness that the man is showing. But Wendy steps forward and curtsied at the man with her imaginary dress. "It would be our pleasure to join an honorable man." Lance and Wendy both laughed at each other. "My name is Wendy, Lance-san." She introduced herself to the man. And she introduced all the other mages.

Wendy runs into Lucy and gives her a hug which she gladly returns.

"Come along guys or we will leave you behind," Lucy said turning her back, linking her arm with Wendy while Carla flies over and takes her place on Wendy's shoulder. When she feels that no one is moving, she turns around and faces them. "Will you move?" But no one moves. "Come on. I am not angry anymore as long as you promise to give me a break and do not bother me during our stay here." She smiled at the group warmly. She cannot really stay angry at her friends for so long.

"Y-yes we promise," Erza and Gray said in unison.

She takes a peek at Natsu and Happy.

"Lushi," Happy flies towards here but is stopped by the barking dog in front of her. All the hair in Happy's body stands up. "Help me Lushi, it's gonna eat me."

"Easy now Lief, he's our friend. Please be nice to him too." She pets the dog and places Happy on top of the dog's head. Lief lifts his head and Happy tumbles and rolls at the back of the dog then the dog started to walk following all the other mages. "Wow you are not bad after all Lief," Happy said to the dog. "Come here Carla, let's ride Lief like a horse." The white exceed takes a look, she didn't say a word, but she flies towards Happy. When Carla settled on top, Lief jumps and runs excitedly in circles. Carla is laughing happily while Happy is getting dizzy. "Someone help me. I am seeing stars."

"Natsu…," Lucy softly called for him. The boy is looking at her sadly. "Please come."

Through her invitation, his face suddenly brightens and a smile forms on his lips. She turns around and walks hurriedly to catch up with the group.

'That's an improvement.' He thought he saw the side of her lips lifts up before she turns around. Even for a brief moment, he is happy that the girl did not avoid her this time. His mood suddenly changes and he becomes energetic again. He runs chasing after the dog and Happy.

Lance slows his stride and purposely falls behind to talk to Lucy. A resort attendant is already leading the group the way to the garden.

"You look happy," he says as he comes closer at her.

"I am happy." Lucy smiles at the man beside him. 'I am unexpectedly happy.' She just realized that she misses her friends.

'It is nice to see you happy today.' For days, he was haunted by her eyes. She would stare in the open beach with her haunted eyes and if you look closely at it, it held a deep sorrow. He noticed her during his rounds in the resort. He can see her by the balcony of his house. She's always at the garden when he's working his magic on it. Somehow he needed to approach the girl to make sure she is okay.

She was woken up by the ringing bell. She went to her hotel room just to take a quick nap after they had their snacks but she plans to go out again to watch the setting sun by the beach. When she looks at the clock it was already quarter past 8 in the evening. She reaches for the door to check who is outside.

"Good evening Miss Lucy. Room service," the attendant is pushing the cart inside.

"Wait. I didn't order any."

"Don't worry. It is our hotel's complimentary meal." She just left standing confuse at her door. When the attendant goes out, she gives a small thank you. 'This resort seems to be taking care of their guests well.'

On the other room where all her friends are checked in together, everyone is happily eating with the food just delivered to their room. They are about to go out earlier when suddenly the bell rang, and an attendant greeted them with foods in cart.

"We should have gone here sooner. With these lots of foods and it's for free," Natsu happily chomps down on his food.

"Don't get used to it Natsu. They said it's just a complimentary dinner for the night." Gray reminded Natsu.

But it happened again to Lucy in the morning.

"Good morning. Your breakfast is here." The attendant greeted her cheerfully upon opening the door.

"Hotel's compliment again?" The attendant nodded at her.

"Thank you but I don't think I can't take more of it. I appreciate the gesture though." She knows how business works and she thinks the resort is being too considerate to her.

"But Miss, just accept this please. Or I'll be in trouble. Well, I won't really get in trouble but I don't want to disappoint." The attendant begs of her.

Lucy's brow rose at the guy. 'Hmm something is not right.' "Are these really resort's complimentary meals?" she interrogated the man.

"Y-yes ma'am. The owner is just fascinated with mages, especially with the Fairy Tail guild, so your friends are also receiving the same treatment."

"If that is so, can I meet the owner? So I can thank him personally?"

"That is not possible Miss as he is a very busy man. I will just tell it to him," he bowed and left. The restaurant was instructed to deliver food to Lucy whenever she does not show up to have a meal. He just reasoned out with her for her to accept the food.

She comes near the tray which the attendant left on the table. Aside from the food, it holds a single yellow tulip and a note beside it which simply reads –

'To our beloved guest,

A warm meal to start your day right. You can repay us by gracing us with your warm smile.'

"Is everything clear?" Erza asks the group as they were dining in the restaurant by the beach.

Everyone nodded at her. She has given an instruction not to bother their friend during their stay. She can see that her break is doing her good as she looks refreshing when they saw her yesterday. She felt that something is bothering their friend and she just confirmed it with what Natsu just said back then. She wanted to talk to her that morning she went to her house, but she stumbled upon Gray who was also going to her place and what more, Wendy and the exceeds beat them to her place. 'Seems like everyone is having the same feeling.'

She did actually plan for this but she did not think that Lucy will find out about them soon before she can even tell the others about it. She knew that this is the only resort near where Lucy is headed so she just guessed that she may be going to this place. Luckily she found a mission that morning very near the place and that will give them ample time to finish the job and go to this place. But it was not her intention to bother the girl; she was just so worried about her. She was a bit relief seeing the girl in good condition. And she guessed that speaking to her now is not a good time.

"Happy, let's go to the beach now," Natsu said excitedly to his exceed.

"Aye Sir."

All of them go on their in separate ways, planning to explore the resort.

He was walking around looking for Happy which just disappeared all of a sudden.

He remembered this place; this is the garden from yesterday. Then he saw Lucy. She is reading a book while swaying slowly in the hammock. She looks comfortably lying there while her legs are bent up. He contemplated if he should approach her or leave her alone as Erza instructed them. 'Erza wouldn't know.' So he motioned to approach the girl but a voice startled him.

"If I were you I wouldn't go there."

He looks at the man that just speaks beside him, he saw the same man from yesterday. He thinks his name is Lander or something like that. "Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't want you to disturb her peace." He knows that the girl found solace in this garden. Somehow, he does not want anyone or anything to disturb it. And he knows if that peace was disturbed, the girl might not go to his garden anymore.

"I'm her friend. I just want to talk to her." Natsu told the man, sizing him up.

"I know. I am not forbidding you to do so. If you think that's a good idea right now, then be my guest." So he turns around, leaves the boy alone and heads to a hidden quarter in the garden surrounded by crawling vines and flowers.

Natsu was left frozen. After a while, he sighs in surrender and leaves the place before giving the girl a final glance. He remembered the last time they talk in the library and he doesn't want a repeat of that scene. 'Maybe it is not yet time to talk to her again.' Her face looks so peaceful just reading there.

Lance sighs in relief. It was the second time this morning. Earlier he also interrupted Gray from going to her. Call him selfish, but he prefers seeing her serene face than looking at her haunted eyes. And he heard her yesterday when she talks about giving her a break. By the looks of it, he knows that the girl has a problem and this resort is her escape. She does not do the usual fun stuff that their guests would do in the resort.

He always saw her here but he did not dare talk to her. Once he even saw her crying when she wakes up from her nap, he was so tempted to comfort her but a maid like creature appears out of nowhere, which he knows is her spirit, who comforted the girl. Then he also saw her summons her other spirits, a handsome guy and some half human, half animal spirits showing how beautiful the garden is. And that's make him proud and he starts to go again in the garden more often.

Lunch time and she is dining again at the restaurant. Though she misses her friends and she knows that they are just around somewhere at the resort but she is still grateful to them on holding on to their promise. No one bothered her since last night and the entire morning.

She took out her novel and started writing something but immediately scrapped the idea. It has been days. She is feeling relaxed in the resort but still, why can't she write anything at all? Is it related to what Wendy said about her concussion? She feels disturbed just thinking that it may be worst.

"What are you doing?" When she looks up, she saw Lance and Lief standing near her table. Her face suddenly lit up. Lief on the other hand wags his tail excitedly and jumps on her side reaching for her and nudging her by his nose. She gestures for him to take a seat.

"I am trying to write."

"But?" He added when he notice that she wanted to say more.

"But nothing comes to my mind," she looks so bothered as she said that.

"Do not worry. It will come soon. Writers sometimes experience that from time to time," he reassured her.

"Do you think so? I am worried as it may be the result of a concussion as Wendy told me." She just said all of a sudden without thinking.

"Why? What happened?" His face full of concern. He noticed that her face suddenly becomes pale at his question. And the dog nudges his side. 'Oops way to be too nosy.'

"It's okay you don't have to tell me but I am sure it is nothing serious. If it was a concussion, you just need plenty of time to rest and avoid stress. You will be able to write soon," he said to her gently.

"Thank you for your encouraging words." She arranged the papers and put it inside her tote bag.

"By the way, did you get the flower?"

"You mean the yellow tulip?" He smiles and nods at her. "I ask them to add it earlier as they deliver your food."

"So what does the flower says?"

"In the old times, it means unrequited love or hopeless love. But now, it is connected to happiness, hope and cheerful thoughts. If you receive one, the giver simply wants to say, 'there's sunshine in your smile'," he said as he looks sincerely at her eyes. Then the dog barks at Lance saying, 'Smooth moves boy.'

Her cheeks were tinted with pink with what he just said. Then she remembered Laxus all of a sudden. She wonders what the man is doing right now.

"You know before, people are using flowers in order to communicate with each other since it has its own language. I also use them to communicate, though sadly its meaning has been lost along the way. One can simply give flower without knowing the meaning behind it."

"You don't fail to amaze me. It's very interesting. Your magic is really amazing and beautiful." It is starting to interest her. She will try to look for some books later on about it. She is also about to finish all the books she brought with her so might as well look for something new at the bookstore.

"Sorry I've taken your time again. But before I leave, this is for you," he takes her hand and he places on her palm three delicate little white flowers attached to its tiny stems which is not familiar to her.

"What are these called?"

He stands up and motions on Lief to follow him. "Those are snowdrop flowers."

"And?" He just looks at her and then he just gives her a warm smile then he leaves her alone. Though it is small to look at, the flower itself held a deeper meaning. He wanted to say so much to her but he will just let the flower speak for himself.

She looks at the tiny little flowers. So what is he trying to say with these delicate flowers now? She smiles at herself. Sometimes it's good to talk to strangers as you know they will not pry so much in your personal life. Fewer questions are asked. But she is beginning to look at Lance and Lief as her friends now. Her very welcome companions in her break from the reality.

In the guild… First day…

"Mira, do you happen to know where Lucy is?" Laxus asks Mira when he can't see Lucy all day in the guild. He went to see her earlier in her apartment but there seems to be no one inside.

"She went to visit her parents' graves Laxus. And she'll not be back in a while. Her teammates said that she will be taking a short break from the guild."

"And Team Natsu?"

"They went on a mission."

He nods at the barmaid as his 'thank you' then acts to leave when Mirajane speaks to him again.

"You are free to follow her if you want. I might know where she might be." Mirajane is obviously scheming on something.

"And why would I do that?"

"I don't know. You tell me why you would not."

He looked daggers at her and left the scheming demon with her giggling sister.

Lisanna chuckled beside Mirajane and whispered at her "You made him mad Mira-nee."

Well, she has a life of her own. What she really needed is space and time away from this place to recuperate. He was really tempted to follow and was really tempted to ask more information from the scheming demon. But, he will settle an urgent matter first. It's time to pay a visit to the man who also knows her situation.

Cobra smirks at where he is seated. "They are here." Meredy and Angel notice the smirking man seated by the window pane. "We have visitors."

"Why are you following me?" Laxus utters. He can feel he has been following him for quite a while now.

"I am not following you. It seems like we are going to the same place," Gajeel answered Laxus who is just walking ahead of him.

They have reached an abandoned place in the middle of the forest where they heard the Crime Sorceire is currently using as their base for the moment. They went inside and they were greeted by Richard preparing their food. "Lovely. What brings you here people of Fairy Tail?" as he leaves what he is doing and greeted the two mages with a smile.

"Hi Hoteye. We are looking for Cobra," Laxus told the guy.

"I never expected for you to come to me this early. You're quick to figure it out." Cobra moves from his position the moment the two mages entered the place. He knows why the two is here as he can already hear them from afar.

"Can we speak somewhere in private?" Gajeel asks the man as all his other nakamas are looking at them. They just made with a quick greetings at the others which they also found out that Jellal was not there at the moment.

He guided them outside the building as they can't talk privately in that dilapidated building.

"How much do you know?" Laxus asks him once they are outside.

"I heard most of it."

"So tell us what you know. We want to know any lead to the man who did it." Gajeel said.

Cobra just shrugged his shoulder at the two dragon slayers. "You will not get anything from me."

"We need you to cooperate, Cobra," Laxus said in an authoritative voice.

Cobra just stared at the two mages. He made a promise to Lucy so he can't betray her. But ever since he knows about it, it's been bothering him. But how can these two will be able to help her? Worst comes to worst, what would their guild do about it? Then realization hits him. Is that why Lucy protecting the man? She's afraid of the further chaos the truth will bring to their guild. "What a pity." Both mages brows rose at what he uttered.

"I pity the girl." Then Cobra laughs sarcastically. Not to mock Lucy but the irony of her situation. "I will not help you." Maybe it is for the best. He will trust the girl's judgment on the matter if his assumption is correct. He doesn't understand how one can be so selfless. He will go with what she wants but it doesn't mean he approves of her decision.

Gajeel snarled. "Dammit, you know that she was -," he cannot finish the thing he wants to say.

"Violated is the word Gajeel. Raped to be exact," Cobra continues what he can't finish.

"You damn bastard! You know and you won't cooperate," Gajeel is seething in anger now. He's been fighting his urge to pummel the bastard in front of him.

"I promised her that I will stay out of it. You're searching for answers but Lucy doesn't like anyone to find out the truth. If it is the truth you seek then you come to the wrong person."

Gajeel was about to attack Cobra when Laxus stops him. "Calm down Gajeel. Cobra is not our enemy."

Gajeel clenches his fist on his anger.

"What do you mean Cobra? Why doesn't Lucy wants us to find out the truth?" Laxus asks.

"Ask her yourself. I still have other things to do." So he made a motion to leave the two mages.

He was halted on his track when Gajeel speaks. "The man. Just a description or a lead."

He admires the guy's persistence. So he will give them some credit for going here.

"Someone you know." 'Someone very close,' he added on his thought. But he can't say more, that's giving out too much information. He promised not to say but giving a hint is alright, right? At least he helps them narrow their manhunt.

"Who - ?"

"That's all I can tell you. What you don't know won't hurt you."

He left the mages for good without waiting for their reply.

Laxus and Gajeel were baffled as they left frozen outside. Someone they know? So it isn't some unknown offender. Who could it be? They don't know if it's helpful but at least the guy gives some hint.

As for Laxus, what Cobra said bothers him. Why would Lucy withholds the truth from them?

"Laxus, Gajeel, why are you here? Come inside," Jellal said to the two man standing just outside the building.

"We are just about to go," Laxus told their ex-teammate.

Jellal just nods at them and watches them go. When they are out of sight, he goes inside and notices Cobra by the entrance. "Why did they go here?"

"Lucy." Cobra simply stated.

So something is really going on. He just looks at Eric and but he did not say more.

Three days after Lucy's goes on a break…

There is a commotion happening in the guild and that is cause by one article in the magazine.

Mirajane looks worriedly at Lisanna while Elfman is obviously spouting bloody murder to an absent Natsu. "I am okay Mira-nee, Elf-nii-chan, I know what happened. I was there with them when it happened. That article is not true." Lisanna told her sister in Natsu's defense. Her boyfriend is not here to explain himself to them so she also needs to protect him.

"Levy..," Gajeel tentatively approached the girl.

"Baka! Do you think I will believe some stupid gossip article?" Levy hit Gajeel's head with the book she is reading. Lily already informed her of what happened since he was also present at that moment. How one gossip actually twist the reality is quite amazing. "I trust both of you. So this kind of article will not faze me," Levy said lovingly to him. Gajeel finally sighed in relief. Their relationship was already out on the entire guild the day Lucy left for her break.

But, it was Laxus who has the hardest time of them all. They are just back yesterday from visiting Cobra, if he knows that this is what is going to happen in the guild today then he might have stayed away for longer from the guild. The rumor about him and Lucy just died down and now another article surfaces out reviving the rumor.

"Is that true Laxus?"

"Are you in a secret relationship?

"You are very lucky Laxus"

"Tell us more about it, Laxus."

"How was it Laxus?"

"Why are you hiding it Laxus?

"When did it happen Laxus?"

Laxus… Laxus… Laxus…

His brow twitches at all the questions his guildmates are throwing at him.

"Shut up," his voice boomed, echoing at the entire guild. Everyone keeps quiet when they heard him roar.

The thunder god tribe was once again ignored by Laxus. With issues relating to Lucy, Laxus seems to be so tight-lipped.

"Damned if you do, damned if you don't," he said to his three teammates. He sighed in relief when the guild noise finally died down.

Well, the magazine article reads –

Hey Minna, the gossip column of Sorcerer's Weekly is now back in service. It is really hard to deliver some juicy information to all of you as the respected mages of Fiore are actually quite honorable. We are not saying that those featured here are not. They are just (unlucky ) super lucky to be the chosen ones. So we bring you…

A Celestial Mage Handsome Harem

Not just one…

Not only two….

Not even three…

But FOUR!

Yes, you read it right!

Four of the hottest mages in Fiore are at the mercy of Magnolia's beloved celestial mage, Lucy Heartfilia.

Yes dear readers a love pentagram has been confirmed.

And do take note; those are NO ORDINARY wizards!

We are speaking of the three drop-dead gorgeous Dragon Slayers coming from the same guild and one dangerously handsome S-class mage of a neighboring guild.

While we have witnessed that three of the wizards were fighting over the hands of our blonde bombshell just outside the Fairy Tail guild; she was secretly seeing the Iron Dragon Slayer just outside her apartment complex.

Does all the favor already go to the Iron Dragon Slayer? Or can the three still catch up?

Oh but we forgot to mention more, yay, the fun is not over yet!

Our celestial mage was also caught cozying up with the Thunder Dragon Slayer in a secluded place away from everyone's prying eyes. Oh way to be too secretive! Don't they?

So what now? You are already lagging behind. We are calling your attention –

Fire Dragon Slayer of Fairy Tail; and

The Drunk Falcon of Quatro Cerberus!

P.S.

If you do not believe us, see proof on the next page.

Written and photo taken by: Barbara

There are really photos shown in the next page which took up the whole page of the magazine

- Lucy and Laxus in the restaurant, where Laxus face is too close to Lucy. His eyes are gazing at her lips and the girl has a tiny blush on her face.

- Laxus is holding Lucy's hands while the two looks compassionately at each other.

- A picture taken with all of them, Lisanna, Natsu, Lucy, Laxus and Bacchus, outside the guild

- Bacchus cupping Lucy's chin, her head tilted upwards while the two gazed at each other.

- Bacchus is holding Lucy by the shoulder leaving the other mages behind.

- Bacchus hands are now holding Lucy's waist.

- Bacchus, Natsu and Lucy in the picture when Natsu grabs Lucy's arm away from Bacchus.

- Natsu standing protectively in front of Lucy.

- Gajeel and Lucy sitting beside each other. Look of adoration on both faces while they stare at the setting sun.

- Lucy holding Gajeel's hands just outside her apartment building

- Lucy's index fingers are on either side of Gajeel's lips.

They sure selected the best photos that tell part of a story and the photographer has a real talent to capture every moment without them knowing.

"This is actually really creepy if she followed Lucy the whole day just to take these pictures." One of the mages in the Fairy Tail stated. Every one nodded as chills are running from them.

Master Goldmine throws the latest edition of Sorcerer's Weekly in the table startling the drinking mages.

"Just so you know," he said. Warcry lifted the magazine and read out load the article that their master is pointing at. On his excitement, he releases his magic and cried while reading. "This is wild."

Bacchus snickered. It's not every day you get to be featured in the gossip column of the magazine.

'Might as well take on the challenge for fun.' He snags and gulps down his beer.

"Barbara!" Jason's voice is booming, the guy is obviously pissed off.

'Shit! He must have read the article now' In Barbara's mind.

"What is the meaning of this?" his face looks very angry while holding the magazine. "This is not cool!"

"I don't know, I thought you have scrapped the envelope already. I left it at your table before and submitted the new one." Barbara said in defense.

"Shit! Shit! Shit! We must have submitted the wrong envelope for printing," Jason massaged his temple for his budding headache.

When Barbara submitted the gossip article to him for his review together with the pictures, he immediately scrapped it and asked her to submit another article. He doesn't want to put Lucy, his old friend, on the spotlight. Though the article is not detrimental to her, he just not wanted to start a gossip involving her.

So he has been dreading when Lucy is going to contact him.

"Anyway, it has already been out since morning and you haven't heard from her right? She must have read it already; I guess it is alright with her. So don't panic." Barbara reassured her colleague.

He shrieked when all of a sudden his communication lacrima rings. He was relieved when it was only the publication company owner who called; loving the gossip that they have published for this week's edition.

Barbara left and fixed her eyeglasses and secretly grinned in triumph.

She actually purposely switched the two envelopes. Sometimes, she does not understand Jason at all. It is clear that Lucy's gossip is juicier than the other one that he forced her to submit as a replacement of the article she has written. Her boss is obviously protecting his old colleague, and in her irritation, she did what she has to do.

Ever since she joined, he has been praising his ex-colleague, Lucy, non-stop at her face. That Lucy is a very talented writer. Lucy has a lot of potential. But he was happy that she went back to being a mage and all. Though, he does not let her spirit down too but it still secretly annoys her. It is like she is always competing in the shadow of Lucy. Actually, she does not hold a grudge on the girl. In fact, she really admires her.

Well, it wasn't really Lucy her target at first but it was Laxus. She told Jason that she was not feeling well that day so she left the guy alone in the restaurant. When she followed the two, that was when it got interesting. So Lucy was the one who's hiding a harem. Her target was wrong. It might be really juicy. So she stayed some more even after the commotion. She cannot enter the guild, but she bet it was even better if she got inside. Instead, she just decided to wait outside. And when she finally got out, she followed her all day long until she went home.

….