I'm sooo sorry that it took like a month for me to get this chapter out! December is a crazy month at work and then I took a vacation. This chapter was really hard to write so I'm sorry about the shitty fight scene. I'm determind to finish this story and I have no idea how long that will take. So thank you to those who are sticking this out with me!

I do not own Fairy Tail, but I do own Saphira and any other OC's.

Thank you for reading and let me know what you think!

Chapter 18

The next morning Laxus involuntarily woke up much earlier than usual. He listened for any movement outside the tent or around the camp and found none, everyone else was still sound asleep.

'So Saphira used to be an assassin…' He thought as he looked at her peaceful expression. He found it strange that she had turned to killing for money. Had she been bored? Trying to find her place in a world where she slowly aged. Or had she had a death wish at the time?

Five minutes into his musing, Laxus heard the others in the camp begin to stir. 'Time to get up.' He thought as he woke up the woman beside him.

Saphira had slept in her outfit from yesterday. Not wanting to risk the possibility of another slayer opening her tent and finding her in another skimpy little number, curtesy of Leo. Her first mission for the day was to get some normal clothes… and get her claws into a certain lion.

She kissed Laxus good morning and then exited the tent, heading straight for the blonde celestial mage.

"Good morning Lucy."

"Good morning Saphira! How are you?"

"I'll be better in a moment. Could you summon Leo for me?"

"Uh sure, no problem! Can I ask why?"

"He's responsible for my limited wardrobe. I just want to knock some sense into him. That's all." Saphira replied with a dangerous grin.

'Shit Loke! What did you do this time?' Lucy thought as she grabbed the key belonging to Leo the Lion.

"Open, gate of the Lion! Loke!" In a flash of golden light the celestial spirit appeared and kissed Lucy's hand.

"My dear princess, I do not sense any danger… so is it safe to assume that this is a more pleasurable call." The lion spirit purred.

Lucy pulled her hand from Loke and said. "I'm in no danger, but I think you might be…"

Loke turned around to see what seemed to have Lucy on edge. Once he caught sight of Saphira, his fluffy ears immediately flattened on top of his head and disappeared into his hair.

"Lu… Lucy… I thought we were friends! Partners! Why would… why would you summon me here!" Loke panicked as he took in Saphira's expression. Her dangerous grin had changed into an 'I got you now you little shit' smirk.

"Leo… Let's go have a chat." Saphira said as she stalked closer to the celestial spirit. She grabbed his right ear and dragged him into the tree line.

"Ouch! Ow, ow, ow… Saphira that's hurts! Damnit! I'm sorry!" Loke whined.

The rest of the group watched as Saphira disappeared with Loke. All silently thanking that they were not on the receiving end of her wrath.

"What did he do?" Levy whispered to Gajeel.

"No fucking idea. But better him than me at this point." He grunted.

"That's mean Gajeel!"

"It's true, that woman is a demon."

After she had dragged Loke a good distance from the camp she let go of his ear and aimed a roundhouse kick at his head, which he fluidly dodged. Jumping away he put a good amount of distance between himself and the raven haired dragon slayer.

"Come on Saphira! It was just a joke!" He shouted as she aimed another jab at his head, followed by a sweep at his legs.

"I don't need your help in my love life Leo! I thought we had agreed not to mess with each other's lives! Have you even told Aries how you feel about her?!" Saphira countered as she knocked an incoming punch away from her face.

"That has nothing to do with this! You were waiting too damn long! Slayers that have closer and stronger bonds with their mates are physically stronger! I was trying to speed up your relationship!" That really pissed her off, he noted. Her half ass punches picked up in intensity as she became more serious. Aiming a solid kick towards his abdomen he just barely managed to block it using both hands, missing the uppercut towards his jaw. When it connected he was thrown back 15 feet.

"Fuck! That hurt Saphira!" Loke groaned as he got back on his feet.

"It was meant to hurt! Honestly Leo. No shirts? Skimpy lingerie? I got asked if I was an exotic dancer while I was in town!" She said as she stalked towards the man leaning against a nearby tree.

"I said I was sorry! How the hell was I supposed to know that would happen? I figured you two wouldn't be able to control the mating instinct!" Loke shouted as he dogged another punch. This one hit the tree that was behind him, blowing out an entire section of the trunk, causing the tree to fall with a resounding crash.

(Line Break)

Back at camp, everyone heard a loud crack and turned their attention towards the forest to see a large tree topple over.

"Damn…" Sting muttered. "Which one do you think did that?"

"My money is on Saphira! With the way she dragged Loke out of here, it was definitely her." Lucy said. "I just hope he's still in one piece when they get back..."

Laxus started to make his way out of camp but he was held back by Gajeel.

"You don't want to do that man."

"And why not?" Laxus growled.

"Let them sort it out. It will probably be worse if you go out there. Besides, they've known each other forever. Maybe this is just the way they sort things out."

"Saphira is my mate! How can I just let them beat the shit out of each other?"

There was a couple gasps from those who still had no idea Saphira had actually found her mate, and none the less told him. And Wendy muttered, "I knew it!" Under her breath.

Unphased by the reactions around them Gajeel continued, "You need to let her sort this out herself. Show her that you trust her and have faith in her abilities. And hope that she doesn't go overboard. She'll be fine Laxus."

"Damn it!" Laxus growled out as he stalked back over to his original spot and sat down to wait it out.

(Line Break)

"What the fuck woman! That would've killed me!" Loke shouted as he stared at what once was a proud oak tree.

"Figured you would dodge it."

"Seriously?! Are we really going to settle this the way we did when you joined the Crimson Fighters?" Loke asked annoyed.

"Do you remember the outcome of that fight? We promised then not to meddle in each other's lives. And look at what you fucking did. Just humor me and fight this out with me." She said as she stood on the opposite side of the clearing.

"Last time we destroyed half of a village. Granted it was abandoned and falling apart anyway but still."

"And this time we are surrounded by trees. We are in no danger of hurting anyone out here. Come on Leo!"

"Fine! Let's go."

The pair lunged at each other and continued to trade blows until neither one could stand. Throughout the many years they had been friends, sparing had always been a way that they could wordlessly express themselves. Every time their fists connected they gained a better understanding of themselves and each other. As they laid down in the new clearing catching their breaths Saphira spoke up first.

"I forgive you… I wasn't that mad. I'm just stressed out… I feel like there's a lot of pressure on me to get everyone ready and find my place with Laxus."

"… You know they are looking for you, right?"

"Yea… I know… I already have someone on that. Thanks for always being there Leo."

"Anything for you… Now come on, let's go back to camp before they come to us."

(Line Break)

Waiting for Saphira and Loke to get back was like sitting on hot coals. Not a single person was able to sit in one place for very long before switching places and looking towards the forest.

There was no shortage of noise coming from that direction either, loud crashes and an occasional tree falling over.

'How much longer can they actually keep this up?' Laxus thought. The lightning dragon slayer was ready for her to come back. As much as he loved the thought of her beating the shit out of Loke, he wanted, no needed her back next to him.

A few minutes later everything went silent as the group held their breath to see who would come back. Had Loke disappeared back to the celestial spirit world? Had they passed out? Or was Saphira going to come back dragging Loke behind her much like she did when they left.

Instead they came back to the clearing together, each holding the other one up. Laxus raced over to the pair and pulled Saphira into his arms. Immediately looking her over for any major damage.

"I'm fine! Really Laxus! I was just letting off some pent up frustration." Saphira said trying to reassure the frantic lightning dragon slayer.

"Wendy! Come take a look at Saphira would you?"

"Of course, big brother!"

Saphira sent Erik a 'help me dammit' look but all he said was, "You're on you own."

'You're no help, ya little shit.' Saphira thought, knowing he would hear it. So she gave in and let Wendy lead her over to a clear spot to check out her bruises and small scrapes. 'Everyone is over reacting! I'm fine!' She ranted internally until Wendy pushed slightly on her rib cage. Saphira immediately hissed and pulled back from the young slayer.

"It looks like you have a couple cracked ribs. But nothing major, I'm actually surprised it's just your ribs." Wendy announced.

"Yeah, Leo managed a couple of good hits." Saphira said as she leaned back on her hands to give Wendy better access to her cracked ribs.

"Yes well if that is everything, I will be heading back to the spirit world to heal. Saphira also managed quite a few good hits on me." Loke said while glancing over at the blonde slayer whom was currently sending him a nasty glare.

"Oh no you don't!" Saphira shouted. "You are going to send some normal clothes for Laxus and I. And I don't want to have to send Virgo or Lucy after you. So don't even think about pulling something else."

"Of course… wouldn't dream of it." He said before disappearing in a shimmering gold shower.

After Loke disappeared, Laxus sat down next to his battered mate. Once Wendy was done healing her she left the two alone.

"What was all that about?" He asked.

"I was just blowing of some steam." The raven haired woman replied as she moved to sit in front of Laxus.

"You call coming back with fractured ribs and causing five trees to fall, 'blowing off steam?'"

Saphira's shoulders slouched a little as she looked off to the side and muttered, "It could've been a lot worse…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing!" Saphira shouted as she rapidly straightened herself, causing her newly healed but still sore ribs to ache. "Ow…"

"That's it! When Loke gets back with new clothes you are changing and then you are going to relax. I'll lead the training." Laxus demanded.

"I'm not a child! I got along just fine without you! I don't need to be watched or taken care of." She said as she got to her feet. For a moment she was taller than her currently overbearing mate.

Laxus stood to his full height as well and leaned over Saphira and whispered. "I want to take care of you. So let me."

It was like being hit by another of Loke's punches, straight at her stomach. All the air was knocked out of Saphira's lungs. No words came to mind so her inner dragon came forth.

'Let him do this… You know you won't be any help sparing now. Let him put them through strength training. Trust him.'

"… Okay…" Saphira muttered. "Yea… you can train them…" She said as she looked up at her mate's face.

Happy with her reply, he kissed her forehead and called for the other slayers to follow him into the forest. And as they left, Saphira glared at Erik's back as he headed into the forest.

Saphira was deep in thought after most of the people at camp left. Lucy, Kinana and Levy, were the only ones that stayed behind. And all three girls had silently agreed to give the raven-haired slayer some time to herself. That is until Loke showed up again with a new bag of clothes.

"How long has she been like that?" The spirit asked Lucy.

"Since Laxus left with the slayers. She hasn't moved an inch in five minutes…"

Glancing from Lucy to Levy and Kinana then back to Lucy he said, "Could you give me a minute or two alone with her?"

Lucy almost protested the idea but a reassuring hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Come on Lucy, he can't make her worse." Levy said.

With that the small group of slayer mates left to check on the others. Leaving Loke to deal with Saphira. So he sat down in front of her and dropped the bag on the ground beside her, successfully snapping Saphira out of her daze.

"You know I can't keep doing this intervention shit. You have to pull yourself together and stop making your friends worry about you."

Saphira sent a brief glare his way but her expression quickly faded into a melancholy one. "I will try, but I make no promises."

"Alright… well here is the normal clothing you asked for. And I swear there are no surprises in there." Loke added after receiving a 'I'm not sure I trust you' look from Saphira. "But I would like to offer up some advice…"

Hearing no disapproval from the elemental slayer, Loke continued, "Put all of your trust in Laxus… He can't help you if you don't let him in."

"Thanks Leo… go back and rest."

Carefully avoiding her ribs Loke hugged Saphira and then disappeared with a salute.

Wanting to enjoy her peace and quite a little bit longer, Saphira sat down in a sunny part of the meadow and decided to meditate until everyone came back.

(Line Break)

Hours later, Laxus walked back in to camp followed by several worn out slayers. Slowly they dragged themselves to their respective tents to get some rest. The lightning dragon slayer turned out to be quite the slave driver.

Laxus on the other hand made his way straight towards his mate. Sensing the added presences in the meadow, Saphira stirred and stretched as Laxus approached her.

She yawned and said, "I'm glad your back. I want to talk to you about some things… Let's grab our new bag and go to the hot spring." Laxus nodded in agreement and the pair made their way to the hot spring silently.

'She seems on edge about something…' Laxus thought to himself as he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. Hoping to assure her that everything was fine, but Saphira just kept on walking like she hadn't felt anything.

When they reached the spring, Saphira immediately took off her top and skirt and walked into the water. Leaving Laxus the option of joining her or staying on the bank. He decided to join her.

After watching her for a few minutes, Laxus decided he would make the first move. After last time, it was odd for her to be so withdrawn. So, he swam up behind her and pulled her back to his chest.

"Tell me what's wrong." He muttered.

Saphira sighed before turning around in his protective embrace and laying her head on his chest.

"…The Crimson Fighters guild has a new master. And she didn't take it very well when I decided to leave the guild. My closest ally also left with me… For such a small guild to lose two of their prized members wasn't good. The jobs they could take and the ones that were offered to them decreased in value. She is hunting me down. Me and my friend, Luna. Luna likes to stick to the shadows so she has been an informant for me for years. She was very young when she was a part of the Crimson Fighters…The new master, Rea, she's close. Too close for comfort. And we also have Acnologia to deal with as well as train the slayers to be elite fighters. Not to mention the council… I'm sure their waiting for me to fuck up so they can take Erik back… And maybe even me…"

By this point silent tears were streaming down Saphira's face. The stress of keeping everything to herself finally broke the dam as her tears ran down her face and on to Laxus's chest.

"Luna missed our last rendezvous." Saphira said as she sniffed. "I'm so worried about her. She has always been like a daughter to me! I knew I should've pushed harder to have her join Fairy Tail… I don't know what I'll do if I loose her."

Stunned, Laxus had no idea what to do or say. Saphira had a way of making this intense stupor come over him. Especially when she lets the cat out of the bag, or so to speak. And this was a god damn tiger in a bag! Why did she hide all this for so long? So he pulled her shivering form closer and said, "Why did you hide it all this time?"

"It's my problem… And I don't want to burden others with my issues… Master always said that I expect too much from myself, and that I'm only one person… But what good comes from having others know my problems? I don't want people to worry about me, so I keep to myself… I suppose that living alone for a century or two will do that to someone though."

"You aren't alone anymore… I used to think that relying on others was a weakness. And that the only strength you could count on was your own… Now I know that isn't the case, and it took getting my ass handed to me by Natsu and Gajeel and then being kicked out of the guild for me to learn that. It takes strength to let another person into your life, to share your life with that person… No matter what you tell me, I'm not going to leave you. And your Fairy Tail family won't leave you either."

Saphira chuckled a little before saying, "I never thought that the great and terrifying Laxus Dreyar could be so soft and sensitive. You have quite the reputation you know." Saphira looked up into his stormy blue-grey eyes and decided that there was nowhere else she would rather be.

"Only for you… it's our little secret." Laxus whispered as he leaned down to seal a kiss on Saphira's lips. "Are you alright now?"

"Yea, I feel better. Thank you Laxus."

Both slayers exited the spring and changed into some comfy clothes from Loke. Luckily for him, there were no surprises this time.

(Line Break)

Back at camp, Natsu was having a difficult time deciding if he should tell Lucy that she was his mate. He would also have to tell her about his actual personality. So, he was currently laying in his tent with Lucy right beside him.

When had it become normal that they always shared a bed? He basically lived in her apartment now. 'When was the last time I was home?' Natsu asked himself. 'I can't remember…'

"Lucy? Are you awake?"

"Hm?" He heard as Lucy rolled over to face him. "What is it Natsu?"

"There's… I… I have something to tell you."

That got her attention. Natsu being serious was a rare thing. 'Must be something big!' Lucy thought.

"Alright… I'm listening." She said as she sat up.

"Not here. There's too many ears. Let's go into the forest." He said as he left the tent.

"B… but it's dark and cold out there… Natsu!" Lucy whispered harshly.

He poked his head back into the tent and said, "Don't worry Luce. I'll keep you safe and warm." With a comforting smile, he offered her his hand. And without any hesitation, Lucy took his hand and he pulled her out of the tent and into his arms.

As they left the camp, Saphira and Laxus came back. Saphira smiled as she watched them leave. "Looks like we have another pair on our hands."

Laxus followed her line of sight and saw Natsu and Lucy. "Finally! Maybe now they will stop dancing around each other."

Saphira laughed lightly, so she wouldn't disturb the rest of the slayers. "I don't think we are in any condition to judge them. Come on I'm tired."

(Line Break)

The next morning, all the slayers slept in except for Saphira and Laxus.

"How hard did you push them yesterday?" Saphira asked.

"Not hard at all! I put them through a normal training day for myself."

Saphira stared at him blankly for a few seconds before saying, "Ohhh, they are going to hate you when they finally get up. A normal day for you turned out to be an intense whirlwind and probably back breaking work out for everyone else. No wonder they are still sleeping."

"You're making it out to sound like I'm going to get stoned."

"I wouldn't put it past them! Come on you can get a head start on the days training. Back to meditation!"

"I really don't see how this is going to help." Laxus grumbled.

"You will, sooner or later. I'm hoping that either you or Rouge will be able to move on to the next step soon. Then that will motivate the others to try harder."

"What's the next step?"

"Manifesting your wings and tail. And then flying lessons."

"NO WAY!"

Both slayers rapidly turned around and were confronted by an overactive flaming dragon slayer.

"NO WAY! I didn't know we could fly and have a tail! Wait! How do you know about it Saphira?"

Because I am able to use them Natsu."

The salmon haired dragon slayer stared at her utterly confused. "But…. Saphira…. I don't see any wings… or a tail."

She sighed heavily before saying, "That's because I'm not using them right now… idiot… On a side note, did you tell Lucy last night?" Saphira asked in a hushed voice.

"Shhhh! Trying to blow my cover?"

"…yes." Saphira replied plainly. "Alright, enough messing around. You start meditating with Laxus and I'll check on everyone else."

Natsu begrudgingly walks over to Laxus and sits down. There was no disobeying the Alpha.

After rousing everyone else from their tents, Saphira immediately had everyone started on meditating.

"Now, if you don't feel like meditating or if I feel that you aren't trying… You'll be running laps to and from town. Let's make some dragons out of you slayers."