Hello everyone! Sorry again that this one took a while to post. I had a hard time deciding which way I wanted to go with this one. Thank you so much for the continued support! It means a lot!
Huge thank you to my favorite reviewers Insane-As-The-Mind and Savage Kill!
I do not own Fairy Tail, but the OC and plot are mine!
Chapter 15
"So we are going back to Fairy Tail without you, then?"
"Yes, Freed. We will be fine; we are just training at Akane Beach..."
"Uhhh… why are you two holding hands? Am I the only one that finds that to be just a little fucking strange?" Interrupted Bickslow.
"We will explain when we come back to the guild. It's still new to us as well." Saphira explained to the members of the Thunder God Tribe.
Before the two groups went their separate ways, Freed had been kind enough to set up runes in the dragon slayer's compartment to keep it from swaying so much and causing motion sickness. The pair would be able to have a conversation without being so sick.
Currently they sat on opposite sides, facing each other. Saphira leaned back in her seat with her legs and arms crossed as she watched Laxus, who had hunched over with his elbows on his thighs while he stared at his left hand.
'Maybe he really is mad that I'm his mate…He hasn't said a word to me since our conversation on our way to the station.' She thought as she looked away towards the window.
'So this is a mate mark? It's the same one from my dream… How long has she kept this a secret? I can't remember if she was wearing gloves when she left the guild…' Laxus thought as he looked up at her and found that she was staring out the window into the fading light of the sunset. The sunlight was bringing out the natural deep blue shine of her dark hair.
'How in the world did I get so lucky? Saphira is amazingly strong and confident. Is a relationship possible between us? We are so distant emotionally… and physically…'
"Saphira."
"Hm?"
"How long have you known?"
Saphira turned her head away from her current view and exchanged it for a much more appealing one… She wasn't sure how this was going to go yet. 'The real battle starts here.'
So she sighed and said, "Do you want the time you spent frozen on Tenrou Island included?"
"Yes."
"… ten years." Her voice came out as barely a whisper, but she knew he heard. The look on his face said as much.
"So since you left? When exactly?"
"I was walking through the guild and I happened to get pushed into you by a drunken Macao." She chuckled and then continued. "I remember it so well. I yelled at you and asked 'What the fuck was that for? You didn't need to electrocute me!' You were so confused and yelled back, 'Bitch! I'm not even using my magic! I'll gladly shock you if that's what you want though.' The next thing I remember was running up to the master's office and freaking out! After I calmed down, I snuck out of his window and that was that."
Laxus remembered that day very well. He had thought it was strange that Saphira claimed that he shocked her. Honestly he had thought she lost he mind, or was trying to get him in trouble with his grandfather. 'So that was the day she disappeared…'
"Why did I not feel anything?"
"You weren't ready to know who your mate was… That happened before you were sent away from the guild. And true to your word I see a different man before me. That mate mark proves it. If you weren't ready that mark would've never shown up."
Laxus looked back down at his hand. The symbol was something he had never seen before, outside his dream that is. "Why do we not have the same mark?"
"Each mark is unique. Each slayer will hold the mark of his or her mate."
Saphira uncrossed her arms and brought her right hand into view. "This is the mark I got from you, the lightning bolt. And since that day I have been able to use lightning magic. Did you feel my magic course through you after I touched you?"
"Actually, yes. At first it felt like I was going to burn from the inside out, and then I felt your magic sooth it."
"Because my magic was shared with you, you will be able to use the four core elements alongside your own lightning magic. But it will take a lot of practice to be able to use them in battle."
"Really?!"
"Really, can I see your mark?"
Laxus held his hand out for her to see. 'It's kinda hard to see from this angle…' Saphira thought. So she switched sides and sat next to Laxus. But since the mark was on his left hand and she was on his right side it was still hard to see. In another effort to see better she moved Laxus's right arm and put it over her shoulders as she scooted closer. Laxus immediately tensed up.
'What the hell is she doing?! Any closer and she'll be in my lap!'
"Ease up would you? In time hopefully we will be a lot closer than this…" She trailed off as she studied his mark. "I always wondered what my mark would look like…" Saphira mumbled.
Laxus relaxed and leaned back in his seat to give her more room and gently set his arm around her shoulders and let his hand rest on her hip. When Saphira felt him relax, she let more of her weight settle on his leg as she studied the mark on his hand.
"Do you know what it is?" He asked.
"Actually I do. I've seen this mark quite a few times. Especially when I was with my dragon… It's called the Ouroboros. It's been used in many different cultures and I've even seen it used in a practice called alchemy. Though with the discovery of magic, alchemy hasn't been used or practiced for a long time. At least to my knowledge."
"Does it mean anything?"
"It has many meanings, but those that come up the most are infinity, unity, and creation. Especially with the addition of the sun and moon, here and here." She said pointing to the sun and moon respectively.
"The serpent depicted coiled in a circle and biting its own tail… means infinity… such is my lonely lifespan… Unity, meaning the bringing together of two or more people… We have been brought together and I'm working to bring all the slayers together to defeat an enemy that threatens us. And finally creation…I'm not sure about this one… The creation of a new beginning maybe?"
"In my mark the moon is on the right and the sun on the left… Your mark is on your right hand and mine is on my left. Does that mean you are represented by the moon and I the sun?"
As she stared at the mark on Laxus's hand she couldn't help but come to the same conclusion. The moon seemed to fit her so well, surrounded by stars that were always too far out of her reach. The same way she tried to keep all her relationships in order to protect herself, after all a human life was incredibly short. And Laxus… everyone was drawn to him. Like a bright beacon of light and warmth. Even though he is hesitant to show it, he cares for everyone in the guild. Yes indeed… he was the sun.
"I think you are right about that." She said as she leaned her head on Laxus's shoulder. It had been a long day and she was tired. Just before she fell asleep she whispered, "I think that maybe…you are my light."
Laxus tightened his hold on Saphira as he felt her breathing and heart rate decrease. As she fell asleep Laxus looked down at his mate and took in all her features. Every line that made her who she is, every scar, curve, and dip. She was beautiful in every way… 'She fits here just perfectly too', he thought.
As the train rocked, Laxus found it harder to stay awake, and eventually drifted off to sleep as well.
(Line Break)
As the train pulled into the station and jolted to a stop, Saphira was the first to wake up and she listened to the announcement to find out which station they were at.
"Now arriving at Akane Resort. The train will be departing again in 30 minutes. If this is your stop please exit in an orderly fashion."
She tried to get up out of her seat but found the simple matter to actually be quite difficult. Laxus had also fallen asleep during the train ride and was leaning on her with his head on hers. 'Oh he's going to have an awful crick in his neck from sleeping like that.'
"Laxus wake up. We've arrived." She said as she gently shook him. But the sleeping dragon didn't budge. 'Well this could be a problem… how do I wake him up? Electrical shock maybe? No electricity won't affect him like it did Natsu... and I don't want to start a fire, wind is out of the question as well… leaving…' On her right hand she formed a water sphere and then froze the water as she moved it to coat her palm, almost forming an ice glove. Saphira slightly twisted her body so she could reach him better and placed her hand on Laxus's cheek.
"What the fuck!" He yelled as he jumped out of his seat and grabbed his chilled cheek. He looked over at Saphira still sitting on the bench laughing her ass off. 'I don't think I've ever really heard her laugh before…' he thought as he stared at the obvious culprit to his rude awakening.
"You have no idea how funny that was!"
"What the hell was that for?!"
"You wouldn't wake up! This is our stop, I did genuinely try to wake you up much nicer but you wouldn't budge."
He growled lightly as he grabbed her hand and left the train compartment. "Come on troublemaker…"
'He really has changed… the old Laxus would've sent a thunder bolt after me… or maybe five.' Saphira thought as she sped up to meet Laxus's pace. As she walked beside him, holding his hand, she couldn't help feeling like the luckiest woman in all of Earthland.
The pair of dragon slayers passed through the town of Akane on their way to the forest on the outskirts. As they walked through the bustling resort town they passed many vendors selling their goods on the street.
"Must be a festival going on..."
"You didn't know? Today is the start of the annual star gazing festival. Around this time of year the stars shine brightly here. So the resort here has a festival and draws in people from all over Fiore." Laxus explained while Saphira pulled him over to one of the vendor's stands.
"Look at all the pretty charms! Wow! This one is even shaped like a lightning bolt! You are very good at your craft, sir!"
The merchant smiled and said, "Thank you so much young lady. Are you interested in any of the charms?"
"They are all so lovely! I can't decide! We will be in town for a little while though so I will be back. Thank you for your time." Saphira said as she walked away still holding Laxus's hand.
"We should start heading towards the forest and find a good place to camp before it gets dark." Laxus said trying to get the woman beside him back on track. "We can always come back."
"Mm yea you're right. Come on! I know a shortcut." She tugged him towards the left, cutting through a corner of town and then out towards the forest.
They walked for almost two hours until they came upon a large clearing hidden in the trees. There was a small meadow off to the side covered in wild flowers and a clear space perfect for tents.
"This is the same place I trained before. It's far enough away from town and there is a water source nearby that we can use. The meadow is calming and an excellent place to meditate. All that's left is the camping stuff."
"And where do you suggest we find that?" Laxus said as he turned his head towards Saphira to give her an exasperated glance.
Saphira rolled her eyes and said, "Yea, yea keep your pants on," while she walked away from his side for the first time since they got off the train. Laxus immediately noticed the loss of warmth and comfort the second she left, and quickly decided the loss was annoying, irritating, and unwelcome.
Saphira had walked about ten feet away from the brooding blonde haired man, when she pulled out the necklace she had hidden in her shirt. On it sat one lone charm, a golden lion that sparkled in the setting sun. She held in her clenched fist and closed her eyes. He could feel a very small portion of her magic flow into the charm. For a few seconds nothing happened, and then there was a flash of golden light.
"It isn't often that you summon me, my queen. What a treat! What can I do for you?"
"Ostentatious as always Leo… We are going to be camping here for a little while. So could you bring some tents and changes of clothes from the spirit world or my house, please?"
"We?" The lion spirit questioned confused.
"Yes, we." Loke turned his head right and saw a very intimidating Laxus walking towards him. But instead of coming at him, Laxus walked over to Saphira and put his huge arm around her tiny waist, effectively warning the spirit.
"Ah… you finally told him then. Of course, you can count on me. I shall return momentarily." Loke returned to the spirit world to talk to Virgo about the supplies Saphira requested.
After Loke had disappeared Laxus lowered his head to Saphira's neck and said, "Why are you able to call upon a spirit? And why did he know about me being your mate?"
Saphira shivered as she felt his breath fan across her neck, and felt the slight rumble in his chest. He was growling… She also got the distinct feeling that he wasn't pleased. Her breaths came at an increased interval as she slightly leaned her head to the left. Giving the overbearing Adonis more access to her neck and unconsciously submitting to him.
"I'll explain later… he's coming back." She could feel her charm warm up as Loke put magic into it to open up his gate. Not a second later he appeared carrying several bags.
"Am I interrupting something?" The inquisitive spirit asked.
"Yes," Laxus growled clearly pissed off with the other male's presence.
In hopes of avoiding an unnecessary fight, Saphira moved away from Laxus slightly to grab a bag from Loke's hands.
"Thank you for the supplies Leo… though you should probably go…" She said as she glanced back at the fuming dragon slayer behind her.
"Of course my lady! Any time!" He said as he set down the rest of the bags and bowed at the waist with the finesse of an old world gentleman. Loke swiftly grabbed Saphira's hand and placed a kiss upon it and immediately disappeared just in time to miss a large fist aimed for his head.
'He's trying to get me killed that stupid lion!' Saphira thought as she looked towards Laxus who was now slowly advancing towards her. She took a step back… then another… and another. The bag in her hand hit the ground with a dull thud completely forgotten as she focused on the man advancing towards her. Pretty soon her back hit the harsh bark of a nearby oak tree. And Laxus placed his forearms on the tree, situating them so he could lean over her effectively caging her in. 'Shit! Shit! Shit! Not good! Pissed off dragon! Oh I'm sooo gunna kill Leo next time I get my hands on him!'
"Explain. Now."
She gulped and licked her dry lips as she stared into the blue-grey storm coming straight at her. Better to calm the storm now rather than let it rage and develop into something it should never be.
"Leo is my best friend… I have known him for so long it feels like an eternity now. I am able to call him because of this charm." Saphira said as she pulled her necklace back out and let in sit on top of her shirt. "It doesn't summon him; the charm only allows me to let him know I would like him to come to me. That way I don't interfere with a battle he may be in for his master. And he knows about you simply because I told him... I trust him."
"Why do you call him Leo instead of Loke?"
"I met him shortly after my dragon extended my life. Back then he was Leo, he only changed his name to Loke to try to blend in. To me he will always be Leo."
Laxus exhaled as the tension left his body and he let his head fall onto her shoulder. "I'm sorry…my inner dragon was not happy that he showed up. Or that you were able to call to him…And that he kissed your hand." Laxus half mumbled, half growled into her shoulder.
Saphira brought her hands up placing them around his neck and turning her head towards his. "It's okay. I understand, I didn't think that through. I'm not used to thinking about someone else's feelings." She whispered softly in his ear.
They stood there in the same position, completely unmoving for a few more seconds. And when Laxus lifted his head his eyes drifted down to her lips. Seeing this, Saphira angled her head up, silently giving him permission. He moved his head closer and barely brushed her lips with his.
But then there was nothing. Laxus had moved and he was now making his way towards the bags Loke had left for them. 'Damn… so close…' Saphira sighed.
"We should set up the tents before it gets too dark," he stated.
"Um… sure, I'll go fill up the canteens while you build the tents. I won't be gone long." He nodded and she headed towards the stream that was located two miles east.
Saphira briskly walked through the trees as she made her way to the river. 'The next time I see that pesky lion he is so dead! I'll strangle him with his fucking tie!' She thought venomously. After filling up the canteens with the crystal clear water provided by the river she started to make her way back to the camp site. On her way back she thought of the kiss she almost had with Laxus. They had been so close! Pulling away like that should be a crime!
She lightly brushed her lips with the tips of her fingers. 'There is hope for us yet!'
Back in the clearing Laxus was getting hell from his inner dragon.
'You had her and you walked away! Have you lost your mind?!'
'No! I didn't want to move to fast! For fucks sake I just found out that she's my mate!'
'Yes she is, meaning that she was always meant to be with you! No one else! She gave you permission and still you ran! Man up!'
Saphira walked back into the clearing and noticed that Laxus's face was scrunched up as he stood in front of the tent. "Everything okay Laxus?" She asked as she approached him.
"Oh! Uh yea… I guess… depending on how you look at it…"
'What's that supposed to mean? Nothing seems to be missing on the tent…' Saphira carefully looked at the tent and came to the conclusion that there was absolutely nothing wrong… wait the tent, meaning one…
"There is only one tent isn't there." Saphira sighed.
"Yep."
"I should've known that Leo would pull something like this… Well at least it's a decent size. We will both fit comfortably." She walked away and started to go through the rest of the bags Leo had brought. Surely this wasn't the only surprise.
Laxus was stunned. How was she not freaking out about their situation?! He had almost kissed her and she's acting as if nothing happened? He watched her walk over to the bags and rummage through them, hearing an occasional curse from her. 'There must be more surprises from Loke in there.'
"How are you not bothered by the fact we will have to share a tent?" He watched her stand up and turn around; holding what looked to be a negligee in her fists.
"Honestly it does bother me a little, but hopefully we will be sharing a bed in the near future. So sharing a tent isn't a huge deal. Our connection is still very new so the more time we spend in each other's company the better." She explained.
"Right… makes sense… but… um… what are you holding?"
She held up the sheer black negligee up against herself and said, "This is another one of Leo's fucking ideas. Every single fucking night gown he packed for me looks similar to this one. Obviously he got all our clothes from the spirit world cause I sure as hell don't own anything like this."
He looked at the night gown she was currently holding up against her body and had to admit to himself that is was downright sexy. Sheer black material, black lace along the bottom and the chest, even tiny little spaghetti straps that he was sure served no purpose to actually hold the garment on. 'If she was wearing that it would be so easy to just tear it off of her and ha…'
Saphira interrupted his thought by adding, "I'm sure he's laughing his ass of in the spirit world thanking every star that I can't get to him there…. Whatever I'll just sleep in a shirt and shorts."
'Damn.' Laxus could help the disappointment he felt because of not being able to see her wear the sexy little number. Based off of what Loke had already done he was sure he'd have another opportunity, besides its only day one.
(Line Break)
Once they had set up camp, the pair of dragon slayers decided to watch the sun set as their day drew to a close. 'What an insane day! I'm completely exhausted…' Saphira thought. Unconsciously her body started to lean towards Laxus's.
Laxus had also been thinking about the crazy day. And wondered what else the woman beside him was hiding. When he felt something hit his shoulder he glanced over to find Saphira half asleep.
"Saphira?" He whispered as he moved his arm around her. The moment he did her head fell onto his chest.
"I'm tired…" she mumbled into his chest.
"Come on."
Laxus leaned her over to the tent and un-zipped it. He then picked Saphira up and put her inside. He followed her in and settled on the blankets they had laid out. Laxus took off his shirt and pants, then tossed them into his designated bag. Saphira on the other hand had already changed before and was currently curled up on her side.
Following her lead he lay down on his back with right hand behind his head and left arm across his stomach. Shortly after he closed his eyes he heard Saphira move beside him and felt a weight settle on chest. Opening his eyes he was greeted by a mass of soft black hair and a small hand directly over his heart. A warm feeling flooded his body and settled in his heart. Carefully he moved his right arm around her and pulled her closer, until there was no space let between their two bodies.
'What a strange feeling…' He thought as he slowly lifted his head up and kissed the top of her head lightly so he didn't disturb the sleeping dragoness beside him.
Unbeknownst to him, she was actually still very much so awake and she felt him place a kiss on her head. Saphira scooted closer and held on tighter, if such an action was even possible. And found that the sleep that sometimes eluded her was easier to come by in the arms of someone dear to her heart.
(Line Break)
Earlier that day, having finally caught up on the paperwork that cluttered his desk, the master of Fairy Tail had chosen to sit downstairs and watch over his children throughout the day. As the time approached 6 in the evening he noticed that two were unaccounted for. 'The majority of the team that was sent out on that job has returned. So where are the other two?' He wondered.
He called out to Freed, Bickslow and Evergreen and motioned for them to make their way towards him.
"What's up Master?" Bickslow asked.
"We are actually glad that you called us over. There is something we need to discuss with you, master." Freed said as the approached the bar.
"Alright, what is it?"
"Saphira-san asked us to inform you that she will be sending coordinates via lacrima to a training place for the dragon slayers. She asks that you get the information together and send the slayers as soon as possible."
"Where are Laxus and Saphira anyway?"
Bickslow answered, "They went to Akane to train."
"That's what they said anyway. Honestly no one goes to Akane to train." Evergreen added with a small smile.
"Why do you think it would be something different with them?" Makarov asked.
"I can explain, we had to temporarily split up during the job. Laxus had to retrieve Saphira from the mayor's mansion. But when they came back they were… uh… were…" Freed trailed off in his explanation almost as if the outcome was too terrible for him to say.
"Spit it out already my boy! They were what?" Makarov went through all the possibilities that could've happened. 'Were the injured? Clothes torn to shreds? Had they beaten each other up in some sort of disagreement? Had they kil…'
"Geez Bookworm! They were totally holding hands! See that wasn't so hard." Behind Bickslow his dolls chanted, "Holding hands, Holding hands!"
"…"
"Oi Master? Are you okay?" The seith mage asked as he waved his hand in front of the old man's face.
"I think we broke him…" Evergreen mumbled.
'… holding… hands…he knows! Grandchildren are in my future!'
The three members of the Thunder God Tribe watched as their master swayed back and forth gushing about grand babies.
"Ummm… I vote that we all walk away slowly. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
