AN: Evening again, everyone! I need to apologize for not addressing this in the first Chapter. I'm starting from the LaFleur Siblings parent's background first. It's to do with certain reasons and will be revealed later as the chapters go. I plan just two more chapters on William and Maria's POV until the Siblings emerge. Also, any of my "Seeking the Truth and Finding a Way Back Home" readers that are wondering when the next chapter will be posted, I honestly have no idea when I'll be able to post the next chapter. I am still working on it and plan to update soon, but I start Nursing School this week and will try my absolute best to finish the chapter AND the fanfiction I have been dedicated to since I first published it. Anyway, here is the second chapter! Enjoy!
William
Later that evening, I accompanied Maria to Fairy Tail's base camp. She wasn't exactly amused when I informed her that Erza requested her presence tonight, but she willingly agreed to meet our wonderful and powerful guild master. The temporary base was settled fairy close to the Uchiha clan settlement for reasons I was not to mention. Average sized tents were pitched eight per row and, as would have it, each was stamped with the guild mark in an array of colors. As we approached a much larger and taller tent I could hear the cheerful bellows of my -more than likely- buzzed guild mates. I grimaced and quickly halted our walking.
"Alright before we step into the provisional guild hall, Maria. My guild mates, Matthias included, can be a bit…brash when they're drinking. Just stay close to me and none of the others will bother you," I cautioned.
"Oh, William. I knew if I continued to date you that I would eventually meet the rest of your guild family. I'm sure none of them would try to harm me," Maria assured.
"Some of them can't control themselves when they're intoxicated I'm afraid. You know about the brawls that happen here, if one starts please stay behind me," I forewarned.
"I promise, William. Now let's hurry! I wouldn't want to keep the great Master Erza waiting," She chuckled.
"You have no idea," I shivered at the thought of Erza's temper boiling.
I raised the flap of the tent and allowed Maria to enter first and I followed after her. Faint music could be heard through the tent among the yells and laughs of the wizards and I decided to use that to our advantage. I guided Maria around the boisterous throng and we were about halfway across from Erza's quarters when Matthias appeared out of nowhere.
"Aye, William! You finally decided to come back home. Shall I get you a drink- Oh and you brought Maria too!" Matthias's tittered smiling with overly rosy cheeks.
"Gee, Matthias, it's great to see you too," I heightened my sarcasm, " do you happen to know if Erza is in her quarters?"
"Hey, don't sass me. I was trying to be nice to you, arse," He slurred in a thick accent.
"Matthias, as much as Maria and I would love to share a drink with you were kind of busy and need to get to Erz-," I was cut off by Matthias's unbelievably hard punch to my gut.
I could hear Maria inhale as I gasped. The sucker punch exhausted all the air from my lungs and stomach then I felt myself be pinned to the side of the tent by Matthias's grip on my coat. I grabbed the collar of his dark shirt and glared at him.
"Take your damn hands off me! I'm not here to brawl I'm here to see Master Erza," I growled.
"And how are you going to that, mate?" Matthias challenged.
"That's it!" I exclaimed and hauled an arm back.
I concentrated my magic from my forearm to my fist which began to be layered with ice,
"Ice God's Breakdown fist!" I shouted and returned a punch to Matthias.
Matthias's body soared across the tent and collided with Natsu who was arguing with Gray. Gajeel then shouted 'fight' and tension was escalating very fast.
"Shit! Maria, behind me now," I directed her.
"William-," Maria begun to speak but was cut off as I was dragged into the fight by none other than the 'Salamander' himself.
"Get ready to eat my fire you Ice slaying punk!" The older Natsu drew back his fist.
"That's Ice God Slayer you fire breathing, old asshole!" I grasped Natsu's head and struck him with mine.
The headbutt surprised Natsu enough that he stumbled back holding his nose as blood seeped between his fingers. Gray laughed in the background for a second before an object hit him on the head causing me to laugh. Natsu's fire magic began swirl around his free hand and he charged at me.
"Oh shit!" I cringed.
"Take this, ice breath! Fire Dragon Iron Fist!" he launched his fist to me.
I was about to create an ice wall when a column of iron nailed Natsu in the cheek and sent him flying away from me. Thank goodness for Gajeel, he'll keep old fire man Natsu busy.
"Water Dragon's-!" Matthias cheeks swelled as he prepared for his attack.
"Ice God's-!" I readied my attack.
"ENOUGH!" Erza's voice boomed through the tent.
All was quiet as a church mouse. Most of the guild members were in mid attack with their own and frozen with fear. I tried to spot Maria but I was too afraid to move. When I glanced at Erza -brandishing her classic armor outfit with her scarlet hair braided-, Maria was beside her looking at me…she was not amused,
"Just what the hell is going on here?! You guys go a whole two days without brawling and this happens? Especially since we have a guest here! William De Lefleur get your ass up here this instant!" Erza bellowed.
"Y-yes ma'am!" I sweated bullets as I approached her.
"Shame on you, William! Starting this fight," Maria scolded me.
"Matthias would leave me alone and I would say he start this fight because he punch me in my gut!" I argued.
"You rip him a new one, lass!" Matthias cheered for Maria.
"I don't care who started this fight! So, you're Maria Yurika?" Erza's braid whipped as she turned her head to Maria.
"Yes ma'am. You must be Master Erza," Maria bowed slightly.
"Indeed I am. Be right with you and William," Erza walked to the crowd of wizards, " I want all of you clean up this damn mess and it better be back how it was when I'm finished talking to Mrs. Yurika!"
"Yes, Master!" the wizards, including Natsu, saluted and began to clean up the debris.
Smiling with satisfaction, Erza motioned us to follow her to her office. When we entered her office, Maria smacked the back of my head and scolded me once more.
"Damn, Maria, for no talent with Chakra your physical hits are hard," I commented.
"Oh, don't even think you can try and woo you're way out of this, William!" Maria snapped.
"It's alright, Maria, fights are common among the Fairy Guild, wanted or not. William has had his fair share of bruises and scrapes. No need for reproach," Erza politely calmed Maria.
"Yes, enough about me. What about you? Are you hurt?" I inspected every inch of Maria and gently tilted her head sideways.
"I'm alright, William. I told you I would be," she sighed.
"William has told me you're a talentless ninja?" Erza crossed her arms across her chest.
"Yes ma'am, since the age of eight," Maria elaborated.
"Please no more formalities. Call me Erza, " Erza giggled then glanced at me, "you are right, William, I sense magic power in her,"
"Really?" Maria's eyes beamed.
"Yes, now the only question is, what kind of magic you possess," I nodded at Maria.
"I have a feeling what it is. Maria, step in front of me please," Erza commanded.
"Yes, Erza," Maria obeyed and stood a few feet away from Erza.
"What I want you to do is concentrate on that energy you have stored in your body and envision a weapon. This takes a lot of concentration and energy so do your absolute best," Ezra instructed.
With an acknowledging nod, Maria closed her eyes for better awareness and I could feel her suppressed magic flow and circle around her. Her aquamarine qipao fluttered as the magic flow increased then Maria raised an arm to her side and, sure enough, something began to manifest in her hand. A smile crept on Erza's face. That was confirmation that she knew Maria's magic.
Maria Yurika
I felt this swell of energy deep in my body as I did as Erza explained. I had no idea this much energy -no, magic- was stored in me this entire time. As I continued to concentrate, I saw this opening in my mind and I peeked inside. I saw this beautiful sword and decided that that was the weapon I would summon for this demonstration. Mentally, I took hold of it and the magic exploded.
"Mhm, I was right. Open your eyes, Maria," Erza stated.
My eyes fluttered open and adjusted to the dimness of Erza's office. Suddenly my arm felt heavy and I flexed to hold the counter weight. I turned my head to see that same beautiful sword I held in my mind. The sword longer than my body and was sterling, light silver color with navy blue swirls beside the middle border of it. The top of the hilt had a bi-layer of pointed edges that resembled closely to feathers and placed in the middle of the layers was ruby stone. The hilt was a swirl of black and blue and the end of the hilt was a sharp blue stone.
"That sword-" William finally spoke.
"Is a sword from my Heaven's Wheel Armor," Erza Finished.
"Heaven's What?" I asked confused.
"Heaven's Wheel Armor. It's a part of a caster and spatial magic called Requip Magic. This particular Requip Magic is known as The Knight, which happens to be my magic. In other words, Maria, you're holding one of my swords," Erza explained.
"How is that possible, Erza? You're the only one who can access the dimension you store all your armor in," William walked to my side.
"I'm wanting to know the same thing, William. Maria, please tell me what you witnessed," Erza looked back at Maria.
"There was a tear in a space so I decided to look into it. I saw this sword and just grabbed it. Honestly, Erza I had no thought that it belonged to you," I apologized.
"It's alright, you did nothing wrong. However, this means you can become a user of The Knight. If you would like to learn, I will mentor you, but you would have to travel back to Fiore with me on some occasions. Would you like to become, not only a wizard, a wizard of Fairy Tail?" Erza asked seriously.
"William already knows my answer," I glanced at my wonderful boyfriend then back to Erza, "I would love to become a wizard and a member of Fairy Tail."
Erza closed her eyes and noded, "Welcome to the guild Maria Yurika. I promise to be dedicated master to you and as long as you are dedicated to your training with me, you will be one of the strongest wizards among Fairy Tail."
"Master Erza…You have no idea how much this means to me, truly," I felt myself getting emotional.
"We start your training tomorrow. Oh, before I forget, where would you like your guild mark placed?" Erza held the stamp for the permenant guild mark.
"Hm, over my heart," I answered and unbuttoned the top of my dress to expose part of my breast.
Erza pressed the stamp on the exposed skin and within seconds I was branded with a lavender colored Fairy Tail guild mark. William averted his eyes throughout the process and as I rebuttoned my dress I caught a glimpse of redness in his cheeks. After that I was officially introduced to the rest of the guild members and was welcomed with open arms. William introduced me to the older guild members, one of them included the famous 'Salamander' I heard so much from Inoichi. Sadly, the official celebration of my admittance to Fairy Tail would have to be tomorrow night. Everyone said 'goodbye', 'goodnight', and Matthias told William 'not to be home too late' as he walked me home, which earned him a glare from William.
"Your guild is so homey and familiar," I commended.
"Yea, we may get on each other's nerves but in the end, we're family," William chuckled.
"It might be late for me, but I'm excited to be a part of your family," I leaned into William and gently held his arm, "words can't express how grateful I am to, William. All I can say is just thank you."
"Maria, you know I will do anything to make you happy. Seeing you smile is my goal and if someone or something were to upset you, I'll do everything to reverse it," William promised.
"William-" I started to confess my feelings.
Swiftly, we stopped walking and I was lifted off the ground then William caressed my cheek with a hand, and we shared our first kiss. Aware of what is happening I -of course- give in and wrap my hands around his neck returning the kiss. His lips were slightly cold but not death-like cold. He did mention that his magic made his body colder than normal but I barely felt it through his clothing. Minutes later we pulled apart and I felt his broad arm holding me up close to his chest.
"I love you," I confessed.
"I know," He acknowledged.
"Oh, so you don't feel the same way?" I teased.
"Of course, I love you too! Stop being such a tease," William chuckled and lowered me to the ground.
William and I shared one last kiss at my door before he returned to the temporary guild. I, still, cannot believe that I actually have found someone…and in the unlikeliest of places. I guess destiny had a part for me after all. I trained with Master Erza and began the basics of mastering Requip magic. Weeks into training Erza was rigorous mentoring me. She exercised me to the point of exhaustion and would follow combat training with the different armors with hardly any breaks. However, it payed off. September throughout October Erza felt I was ready to start helping with the war effort and we gathered with the Minato -the fourth Hokage- for approval, which was granted. I mostly assisted with recon missions with Matthias, interrogation with Inoichi, and, on rare occasions, teamed with William on duo missions. Watching William use his magic in combat was beautiful yet frightening. Slowly, but surely, I worked my way up to the rank of S-Class wizard by December, on my twenty third birthday to be exact. Erza wasn't too surprised. She said it was because I had what she quoted "a great mentor and a desire to become stronger" and I later found out she has been a S-Class wizard since a young age. Around that same time frame, I moved out of my apartment in Konoha and transitioned to living at the temporary guild, and by that, I mean sharing a tent with a particular guild mate I haven't gotten acquainted with yet. Mrs. Yamanaka agreed to store some of medium-sized belongings in the flower shop's storage room until I find housing in Fiore. On the first day of the new year, William proposed to me at the temporary guild hall. I said 'yes' of course! How could I not? That night there was a celebration and Inoichi and his wife attended. Thankfully, everyone was on their best behavior and no brawls happened. Natsu and his wife Lucy, along with their young adult children, congratulated us. So did Gajeel and his family, hell practically everyone -young and old- congratulated us.
We scheduled the wedding to take place in February and were given that day of rest to have our ceremony. And a wonderful wedding it was, the attire, the vows…everything was perfect. After the wedding, there was no time for a honeymoon, William and I were back to fighting this -what seems like to be- never ending war. By early March, I discovered I was pregnant and immediately informed William when he returned from his duties. We were thrilled and so was everyone in the guild and the Yamanaka's. Erza and the Fourth Hokage allowed me help with the war effort until I reached my second trimester of pregnancy, so, my best friend -Mrs. Yamanaka- permitted me to work at the flower shop again. She accompanied me to my doctor's appointment, since William was not able to with duty. The doctor informed me that the gender was male. A baby boy…words did not define how happy me and William were.
Being my first pregnancy, morning sickness was an understatement. I was nauseous all the time, from early morning to late at night. I wobbled rather than walked in a straight line. I also had very weird and scary dreams, so not being able to sleep was the worst. However, carrying our child is worth all of it and, on odd not, I craved ice alot. Everything was flawless until the day I almost lost William. At the time, I was six months pregnant arranging Wisterias' at the flower shop when the shop's phone rang.
"Yamanaka Flower Shop, this is Mrs. Yamanaka speaking. How may I help you?" Mrs. Yamanaka greeted.
"Oh dear! Maria the phone call is for you. Its urgent," my friend frantically informed me.
I patted the dirt off my hands and retrieved the phone from Mrs. Yamanaka.
"This is Maria Lefleur." I spoke cluelessly.
"Maria, its Matthias. William is hurt," Matthias choked.
"Hurt?! How bad, Matthias?" I asked hysterically.
"Critical," Matthias answered, "were at the hospital in Konoha, come as soon as possible."
I quickly hung up, untied my apron and exited the flower shop. I heard Mrs. Yamanaka calling my name, but all I cared about was my husband. I had to walk at a steady, but, fast pace and it made me worry more. I finally arrived at the hospital and instantly found Matthias. He was covered in blood and he brandished no wounds on his body.
"Where is he?!" I grabbed him his shirt and pulled him to my eye level.
"He's in surgery, Maria. He has been for ten minutes," Matthias's voice shook.
"TEN MINUTES? Damn you, Matthias! Why didn't you let me know sooner?" I yelled tears rolled down my face.
"I-it all happened so fast, Maria. I'm sorry," Matthias lowered to his knees while keeping eye contact with me.
Matthias's face was red as the roses at the flower shop along with his bloodshot eyes. My fury faded away and turned into sadness. I couldn't blame Matthias for what befell my beloved. I cupped his cheeks and gently pressed them upward. Matthias rose back to his feet still grieving.
"I'm sorry, Matthias. I shouldn't have spoken to you that harshly. Let's sit down and you tell me what transpired for William to be in such critical condition," I grasped his hand and we chose the few available seats in the emergency department.
Matthias calmed himself enough to recall what happened. He and William were on a duo retrieve mission for the Intelligence Division, but they were compromised. The enemy ninja summoned their most powerful attacks and targeted them at Matthias because he was in possession of the Intel. William shielded Matthias with his own body and suffered multiple wounds. With William's almost-sacrifice, Matthias's Dragon Force awakened within him and he launched a brutal and fatal attack against the ninjas who greatly wounded his friend. Matthias carried my husband to the hospital here in Konaha then transferred the intel to Inoichi. After that, I get a call and here I am. I held Matthias's head against my shoulder and let him cry. As I attempted to sooth him I began to worry and cry as well. Here I am six months pregnant with my- William's and my- son and they may never meet. I placed a hand on my swollen belly and felt a kick. I guess our son could sense my distress and expressed in his own way.
An hour later a Medical Ninja advocating for William came to use with an update. William suffered multiple lacerations, both internally and externally, which tore many organs and broken ribs. The Medical Ninja said the surgery will be more than 5 hours to accurately repair what has been damaged, and offered us to travel back home and would notify me as soon as his procedure was finished. As badly as I wanted to stay in the waiting room, I knew it would have been in my best interest to return the guild with Matthias. With that said, we gloomily returned to the guild. All of my friends expressed their grief to I and Matthias by hugging us, and would keep William in their thoughts. Everyone surrounded me with hope and affirmation that William would survive this ordeal and be there for the day our son will be born. Erza and Matthias boarded with me at our tent. They both kept watch over me as I tried to sleep, but sleep wouldn't come for me until I would get notification if my husband would live or died on the operating table.
Seven hours had passed until the same medical ninja came to the temporary guild. I dreaded the news, however I was thrilled to know that William persisted through the surgery, but time will tell how much the attacks took their toll on him. I, Erza and Matthias wanted to go to the hospital, but only immediate family could visit. So, I promised that I would be back with William's condition and followed the medical ninja to the hospital. The medical ninja stopped in front of the door and warned me that my husband was connected to oxygen machine and an IV. I nodded and grateful for knowing about what to expect. I opened the door and staggered into my husband's room. I was mortified. The medical ninja's description was right. William's entire body was wrapped with bandages with the exemption of his mouth, nose, ears and a paper with a seal drawn on it over his eyes. The oxygen machine made hissing sounds as his chest rose and blood bags and fluid bags hung on the IV pole. Tears spilled from my eyes and I slowly sat on the bedside chair.
"My heavens, William," I choked.
I expected him to respond but remembered he's still unconscious.
"Oh, how much you scared me," I gently stroked what little hair was exposed, "please heal quickly. I can't raise our son on my own! He needs his father,"
Later a nurse wheeled a hospital bed into the room. She said it would be more comfortable for me to sleep on this instead of the chair. I thanked her as she positioned it close to my husband's bed and made the bed. Once she finished dressing the bed she waited until I was in the bed on my side and placed the call button near me, letting me know if I need anything to press the button. Out of curiosity, I asked her the time and she told the time was three forty-five am. Had it been that long and why haven't I felt this tired back waiting at the guild? I thanked the nurse and held William's IV-free hand and, finally, drifted to sleep.
AN: Please let me know if any of you readers love this fanfic. I greatly appreciate feedback and if I need to correct some grammatical errors. Remember: Constructive Criticism not Destructive Criticism! More about that Read a particular description on my profile. Stay frosty!