*I do NOT own Fairy Tail! I can only hope that my own stories eventually become as popular.*

A/N: Some scenes in chapters may be repeated close together, but from a different point of view, and/or at a different time. I'll add indications, or try and find a way to make it clear in some other way.

Overall please please please remember to review! I take all sorts of feedbacks, suggestions when needed, and even ideas if I feel it'll fit into the story.

I've got another idea playing around in my head after being inspired by another story I read, so I'm hoping to have the first chapter of it posted soon! So keep an eye out!

Chapter 4 Not All Is As It Appears

The sun had risen, and Gajeel was moving through the forest surrounding the Redfox estate quickly. His chest still ached, and he swore he could still smell the intoxicating aroma of spices and ink somehow. As the sun rose higher, the skin that had been covered in silver metallic scales faded away to expose a tan body. The glinting of the multiple piercings gracing forearms, ears, and face caught the sun's morning rays.

His back itched something fierce as his wings retracted back under his skin fully. The long tail that helped him keep his balance when in beast mode shifted, melding itself into his lower back. Breaking through the line of trees that was set back from the mansion, Gajeel stopped for a moment to let his eyes roam over the familiar rose colored brick and round towers that reached for the sky. Windows glittered and shone like fire as the sun reflected against them, catching the fog from the night that clung stubbornly to the grass.

He had always loved his home, and he knew he always would. That love for it was strained however, against the desire to be free of the self-made prison he put himself in. He knew he'd never be free though, not when those who accepted his curse were already there with him and no one else ever would.

The familiar footsteps coming towards him didn't bother Gajeel any, knowing that one of his few friends would always meet him at the time of his return from his nightly escapades.

"Another uneventful night Gajeel?" A voice appeared by his side and asked.

"For the most part Lily. Couple of kids tried robbing a store, and a group of idiots thought they were gods gift to women, but as soon as they heard me growling they dropped everything and ran." Gajeel answered, glancing up at the tall cat-like person next to him.

Lily had been with him for as long as he could remember. They grew up together. He was always a steady rock that he took out his frustrations on, and listened to what Gajeel was certain was his worse ideas. Standing at six foot six inches, Gajeel was often considered to be looming over everyone. Standing at seven foot two inches, Lily often made even Gajeel feel tiny.

For a moment a flash of blue hair and porcelain skin teased his memory, and he felt his skin tighten across his bones in awareness. Biting his lip, he glanced up at the humanoid cat beside him. His black fur, round ears, and scarred eye could be very intimidating he supposed, but surely even his friend had luck with some of the ladies? Grunting at that thought, Gajeel moved away from his friend, heading for the main doors of the house.

"I need sleep, you know the drill Lily, don't wake me unless needed and it better be for a damn good reason." Gajeel stated before disappearing inside.

Shaking his head, Lily took a deep breath before shrinking down to his smaller size. Letting the breath out, he looked out at the land around him before climbing the closest tree to hop from one to another until he reached the edge of the trees facing the town. Something had caught his friend and master's attention, and he was determined to figure out what it was.

Knowing that Gajeel only ever ventured into town, he started his search there.

The town was bustling with activity in the early morning sun. Lily tried to recall a time when it was so vibrant. Perhaps there is a festival happening soon, he thought to himself as he ventured through the town. A kiwi stand was among them and Lily smiled to himself. He would have to stop back there after he found what had caught Gajeel's eye.

It was midday and Lily was about ready to give up on his search when he heard a voice.

"Come on Lucy!" A gentle voice called out. "We need to get a move on."

Lily's eyes scanned the area looking for the owner. He found his wandering had taken him right outside the inn. Standing under the sign was a small woman with blue hair and sharp hazel eyes. He saw no one else around, so she must have been the one who spoke. He creeped closer to her.

She looked familiar….

"Coming!" A woman answered seconds before a blonde appeared in front of the blue haired girl. "Let's go." She beamed at her friend.

The two turned to face him and he froze. He hadn't wanted to be seen. The way the two were staring at him set him on edge. Did they know his secret? Looking at the blunette, he saw that she had a look of confused recognition on her face.

"Aw! He's so cute!" The blonde squealed as she hunched down and reached a hand out to him. "Here kitty, kitty!"

Even as he cast a tolerant look at the blonde, Lily was aware of the other on what felt like an insane level. "I'm an exceed actually." He stated, shifting his gaze between the two.

"Oh damn my apologies. I should've realized since there's a couple back home." The blonde cringed, holding a hand out to shake his paw. He watched as a second later the blondes companion crouched down to shake his paw as well.

"I'm Levy, and this is my friend Lucy. What's your name?" Levy asked with a smile.

"The name's Pantherlily, Lily for short." He answered, shaking both of their hands.

"It's nice to meet you. Do you live around here or just visiting?" Lucy asked.

"I'm here to get a few things before going home. What about you?" Lily asked politely, managing to keep his curiosity at bay for the moment.

"We're actually here on a job. We're looking into an animal or something that's been scaring the townfolk. Perhaps you've seen or heard something?" Levy explained, letting her gaze wander over him. There was something about him…..

"No, I don't think I have. Do you have any idea what it looks like?" Lily chose his words carefully at this point. He knew of Gajeel's late night habits, and knew that they included coming to the town to keep it safe. He also knew his friend could get a touch out of hand at times.

"We were told it was about man sized, red eyes, a tail, and scales." If she hadn't been paying such close attention, Levy would've missed the way Lily froze for a moment, before answering.

"No, unfortunately I haven't heard anything." Lily answered firmly. Feeling watched, his gaze shifted to find himself staring into a very intelligent pair of hazel eyes. Eyes that could tell he was lying. He fought very hard not to gulp.

"Hmmm." Lucy hummed before moving to stand again. Casting a look around, she took in the many people wandering around before turning back to Levy. "I have an idea. If you're feeling up to it, you can see if you can find that Redfox estate the mayor was talking about, and I'll stay here and ask people if they might have seen anything to do with this creature." Lucy offered, knowing that while Levy was good with making new friends, talking to complete strangers who she was likely never to see again was not her strongest trait.

Before Levy could agree, Lily spoke up.

"The Redfox estate? Why are you going there?" He asked quickly, looking between the two girls.

"The mayor suggested that that might be the closest place for a creature or beast or whatever to stay since it's the only abandoned building anywhere around." Levy explained, shifting to stand once more as well.

"Abandoned. Right. Well, if you'd like, in exchange for some kiwi, I can take you there myself." Lily offered. He couldn't help but feel a bit worried at what might be discovered, and only hoped that Levy would take one look and decide that it was indeed abandoned. Recalling the intelligence he saw in her eyes, he somehow had a feeling that wasn't going to be the case though.

"Sure that would work wonderfully. Would you be willing to bring me back if I buy you some extra kiwi?" Levy asked with an amused smile.

"Indeed, I think that would be agreeable. We should get going though that way you can be back in time for lunch." Lily agreed with an answering smile. That being said, the girls parted ways with Lily leading the way back to the stand he had passed earlier with the kiwi he loved so much. After purchasing what Lily felt was a fair amount for his services, he called forth his wings and picked Levy up from behind, letting her carry the bag of fruit.

He could only hope that Gajeel was deep asleep and wouldn't be aware of a newcomer on his land.

He was dreaming again. Even as he knew it, he couldn't pull himself free. And he wasn't sure he wanted to.

He was in his library. Surrounded by haunting memories and the smell of old paper and ink. Stepping in and closing the doors behind him, he followed the smell of old spices, hoping to maybe see the face of the man that always alluded him. The man who smelled of a mix of spices and brought him endless comfort.

Looking towards the high-backed chair facing the small fire, he strode forward and around it hoping to finally see who was haunting him. Instead he found only an unlit pipe. Scooping it up with a snarl, he flung it towards the fire, hating that he was no closer to getting the answers he needed.

'Far away…long ago…..'

Gajeel could feel his skin chill in shock as soft words in a lilting voice whispered out to him. Spinning around, he cast his eyes everywhere, trying to find the source of that voice.

'Glowing dim as an ember…..'

Picking up the voice coming from the far end of the library, Gajeel broke into a quiet run, rushing past the endless shelves of books, eyes darting down each row to find her, find that tantalizing song.

'Things my heart….used to know….'

He could see the end of the aisle he was running down. Putting on a burst of speed, he reached the end to look around.

'Things it yearns to remember…'

There was no one there, but he saw one of the doors leading to the outside was open. Without hesitation he went to look beyond it.

'And a song…..someone sings….'

He saw her there. A small wisp of a thing. Blue hair dancing lightly in the rend, her flame orange gown bright against the dusting of snow that covered the stone patio and banister. He watched as she turned, felt his eyes widen in shock at the face he had seen bathed in moonlight standing before him. She smiled at him sadly, holding a hand out to him.

That was when he saw it.

The blood staining the torso of her gown, her hands, and painting the snow a vivid red.

'Once upon…a…December….'

A/N: The song being sung at the end is a part of "Once Upon A December" from the movie Anastasia.

And please don't kill me for the cliffhanger!

And many thanks to apriil and fanficlover for their assistance in this chapter!