Kuimori pulled at my leg.
"Come on! It's the parade soon!" He exclaimed excitedly.
I knew he was going be a bundle of fluffy overexcited joy until this was over so I might as well get it done with.
I dragged my self out the chair and got my dress on.
"Your still upset about Laxus, aren't ya?"
I walked to my dresser without even a glance in his direction. In the mirror I could see the cut across my cheek. Just looking at it reminded me of Laxus.
"No. So leave it, please."
He flew over and sat on the dresser.
"What ya say we go shopping tomorrow?" He offered.
"I'm not that kind of girl. You know that."
I picked up my brush and started on my hair.
"I know but what if we shopped for games, or weapons?" He smiled
I gave him a side glance and considered his offer.
"Ok. You've got a deal" I smiled.
I finished with my hair and took a step back so I could see if it looked okay. It was curled a little hear and there and fell in elegant, gentle swirls. My single blue streak curled down on one side towards the back. My original hair colour was brown but I'd died it black a while go with a blue highlight to signify my new life.
I had to admit I liked it like this.
"Come one Ren. Or we'll be late." Kuimori encouraged.
"I'm coming"
I took one last look in the mirror before I headed for the door.
I could sense everyone's excitement before I even entered the guild. I could almost smell it although being a Dragon slayer means I have a extreme sense of smell, so that's not necessarily impossible. I'd picked up a dress for Magena on the way. Kuimori said that she hadn't been turned to stone but she wouldn't be able to get one herself due to other problems. I didn't know what he meant by that but he was usually right so I went with it.
Everyone in the guild hall was getting ready for the parade. All the girls were dressed up while the guys were in their usual clothes. That didn't seem fair.
"REN!" Wendy called to me from a table at the side of the room. I walked over to her and Carla.
"Hello Renka" Carla greeted me.
I'd given up trying to get her to call me Ren.
"Hey Wendy. Hello Carla" I smiled
"I just wanted to wish you luck. You look great." Wendy said
"Thank. Same to you" I smiled more. "And you Carla"
"Thank you" Carla said "I think hot head wants you"
I spun round to see Natsu waving from the other side of the guild.
"I'm gonna go see what he wants see you too later"
I ran over to Natsu.
"You look great" he said when I reached him.
"Thanks. Seems like you didn't make much of an effort" I giggled.
Natsu laughed
"Na, I guess not"
"Magena's here"
Kuimori poked my leg.
I looked over to the door to see her walking in.
"Be back in a second" I told Natsu.
I wanted to get this done quickly. Magena never seemed to be very fond of me, not that I'm surprised.
"Magena, put this on." I attempted a smile as I pushed the dress into her hands.
"It's pink." She frowned in disapproval.
I didn't think she'd like it but its the best I could get.
"It's fuchsia" I corrected her. "Just get dressed."
I spun round and darted back to Natsu.
I watched Magena greet Raven and
Shinsuke with a hug. Then I realized the time.
"Come on! We have to go!" I called to everyone as I reached the door.
I looked at the hight of the platform. There was no way I was pulling myself up there in this dress but I didn't have to. As if he could read my mind Kuimori opened his wings and lifted me onto the platform.
I landed neatly next to Natsu and Kuimori sat at my feet.
"Ready for your first fantasia parade?" Natsu asked
"Ready as I'll ever be" I said nervously.
"That means terrified" Kuimori translated.
Natsu put an arm round my neck.
"You'll be fine" he smiled brightly.
I put my arms round him and looked out at the many people we were passing.
As the parade went on I got more confident and eventually let go of Natsu and stood with him at my side. Kuimori enjoyed it all the way, occasionally flying or standing but mostly sitting, even on my shoulder. At one point I could have sworn I saw Laxus in the crown but when I looked back he wasn't there. The parade hadn't been anywhere near as bad as I'd expected but it would have been better with Laxus.
