** Author's note ** I want to send a personal thank you to all those who have reviewed with such kind and encouraging words **ShadowTeir, lifethroughanotherseyes, Trintiger, lovelyanimeangel, ellakatt, animefreak653, keller75863548274483, KagomeUchiha101, HoshinoSoraxx and other's who have done so annonamously *** Thank you all so much, your reviews have encouraged me to continue the story and keep it interesting!**

*** Disclaimer - I do NOT own the Fairy Tail characters or storyline ***

Chapter 3

Thought's

"Talking"

Memory

Past Thoughts

Re-cap

"Stop it!" Tara screamed. It was the last thing Gray heard before he landed and passed out on the ground, I'm sorry Tara but he's telling the truth. Thank you for trying to protect me, I guess you do like me some what... The last thing he saw was Tara priming an attack Lyon as those two faced off against each other.

"How dare you butt into this!" Lyon cried at Tara as he dodged her water magic.

She was worried about Gray, she could sense his wounds weren't good but she had to deal with Lyon first. What if... I can tell him the truth? Gray is unconscious and i need to try to heal, I don't think I can heal them all but at least so his life isn't in danger...

Stephan was sitting by Gray watching over him but still looking out for Tara, "Your aware that Ur's body became the ice that holds Deliora?"

Lyon froze for a moment, "Are you a survivor of that battle? Is that how you know so much?"

"No." She took a breath as she lowered her head, "I am a Dragon Slayer of Water, I absorb water. When I absorbed the water from the huge chunk of ice, I saw her life... her memories... her final words..." Tara punched into her Dragon Force suddenly and managed to catch Lyon off guard, she stopped just before his face and touched her finger to his forehead.

On her fingertip was a small drop of water, she showed Lyon Ur's memories of when he first came to her. He became to shocked how ever and panicked, Lyon jumped away from Tara.

"W-What is this?" His eyes were wide and fearful, before she could answer his question. Lyon suddenly fled.

She shook her head, "Damn... He didn't finished the memories." She muttered before walking over to Gray's body.

"You can heal most of these injuries, it should regain most of his magical energy back as well." Stephan informed her.

Tara slowly rolled him over and knelt down beside him. She placed her hands on his chest, they suddenly began to glow a sapphire blue. His smaller wounds closed up but the larger once wouldn't. I didn't keep my promise... I'm sorry Gray... A smell invaded her nose as her body stiffened... Natsu?! He came back up this hill? Tara took one last look at Gray before she leaned down and gently placed a feather light kiss upon Gray's fore head. Stephan then picked her up and carried them both from sight as Natsu managed to make it to the top.

It wasn't supposed to be a difficult job for the two, a small group of mercenary wizards had been terrorizing a road leading into a small traders village. They would attack carriages and anyone who tried to enter the town for goods. Gray had mostly observed Tara aboard the train, she had her eyes closed most of the time almost as if she was uncomfortable. When they had made it to the station Gray had to ask what had been nagging at him since they left the Guild Hall.

"Why me?"

She stopped instantly as if she had known that question was coming, "It's hard to explain..." Her back was to him, "It's like I know I can rely on you..." She whispered quietly.

"What?!" He wasn't sure he had heard her right.

She started walking again, "It's nothing. We have a job to do."

He watched move to a station manager to find out some information about the group no doubt, he couldn't stop from staring at her. The way she talks to people seems to always set them at ease, even at the guild hall. I know she said it but its almost as if she's scared to trust others. Why else would she always pick the same partners. In all these years I've known Tara, I haven't once seen her use her magic. In fights to protect members, she always used her skills in hand to hand combat, that alone was always enough to protect.

"Gray! Have you been listening to me?"

Tara had been talking to him while he had been having a monologue in his head, "Sorry Tara, My mind wandered for a moment." He hadn't realized she had managed to finish gathering information so quickly.

"It's alright. Sorry I dragged you into this." She apologized with a small regretful sigh.

Gray smiled at her kindly, "It could be much worse, What we were saying though?"

"It turns out the Leader is the only who can use magic. I managed to find out where they might be set up."

Gray nodded his head and they set out for their job, it hadn't taken them long to find the main road used in and out of the small village. They hadn't come across anyone how ever many towns people warned them not to go near the roads due to possible danger. The train had been used so much more recently that it was causing interruptions in the schedules.

"I doubt they would just wait out in the open, even they must have noticed people have been using the train instead." Gray muttered.

Tara stopped, he wasn't sure but it almost seemed as if she was sniffing the air, "Tara?"

"You have to be right, we should check the area for a camp of some sort." She muttered before turning away from him.

Was she really sniffing the air? That sounds like something Natsu would do... but that's not possible... Right? Gray was starting to grow more curious about her and her powers how ever he shook the thoughts away as he followed her. They started to search the valley but didn't get far before the weather turned against them and started to rain. Gray had grabbed Tara instinctively and pulled her arm to get her out of the rain, he noted how shocked she seemed at first but seemed to understand after a moment and follwed Gray underneath a rock cut to hide from the rain. It was awkward at first for both of them, I don't know what to say or ask her... Does she even want or need me here?

"Thank you..." She whispered quietly but then gave a small sigh, she faced Gray before bowing deeply, "Thank you for your help Gray."

He looked away from her but she still caught the slight pink on his cheeks as she stood up, "You don't have to bow like that, jeez." He muttered to her embarrassed by her behavior.

She let a small giggle which caught his attention instantly, it was the first time he had ever heard her laugh in any way. He could help but stare wide eyed at her a bit which began to make her uncomfortable, "I do mean it though. I doubt many would be willing to help after being slightly forced."

She expected him to laugh at her joke but when Tara looked at him his face was very serious, "Gramps always says the Guild is our own family which I can understand but what about when people change?"

"I... I don't know...", she muttered but Laxus's face came to her mind... Can I forgive him for what he did to me? What if Mystogan hadn't saved me that day? Tara was confused but was stunned that Gray even knew about the incident.

She looked up to find him staring at the now clear blue sky, the sun began to shine down as the clouds cleared, "I think... it's the bonds we share that keeps us close, that keeps us growing stronger because our feelings make us powerful."

"Gray..." Tara blushed, "Your naked again."

Wow!

"Ah! Why does this keep happening!" Gray cried out as Tara looked away with a small giggle, So he doesn't know exactly what happened but he knows I have been sad.

Tara turned around to find a dressed but embarrassed Gray, "I think you might be right Gray." He smiled feeling a bit better, "Shall ww continue on our job request?"

It took them some time to search the valley for an opening to their hide-out, Tara was surprised that it was Gray who had figured out that there was a magical barrier hiding the entrance. She couldn't deny she was impressed, he usually seemed like a dumbass, Especially around Natsu... She thought with a sweat drop. There was a small pathway just off the main road that they followed through, it lead them to a camp just as Tara had mentioned, only there wasn't anyone there.

"This might be a..." Gray was trying to state something only a group of eight muscle bound men jumped down from the trees.

Tara smirked, "A trap?" She finished for him.

*Sweat drop* "Yeah, That." He muttered, Why does she seemed excited almost? "Tara... I don't sense any magic from these guys..."

Her smirk grew ever so slightly, "Can you find him?"

"Yea, I can feel him not far away."

"Then I'll deal with the small fry, you take the Leader out."

"Right."

The two went their separate ways, Gray started to run further into the camp, one of the thugs tried to attack him how ever Tara kicked him and knocked him away, "I'm you opponent."

"Let's finish her quick before that punk gets to the boss."

All of them went to attack Tara at once, She let out a small breath, "I guess he is far enough away now..." She willed herself into a dragon force. The first man she plucked with ease from his attack and swung him into another, knocking them out. Another two charged her, she dodge the first punch and lnading her own into his gut knocking him down and out. She swung her right leg out to catch the second quickly and sent him flying.

"Damn it!" One of them yelled and grabbed her from behind, Tara stomped on his foot and brought her head back with all her might breaking his nose, she then used a round house kick to send him into a tree. The last three decided to attack her all at once causing her to sigh, "I wanted to avoid using magic..."

*Water Dragon Wing Attack*

Funnels of water poured from around her arms and slammed into the remaining thugs knocking the breath right out of them causing them to be knocked out instantly. She brought up her personal shield to conceal her magic but before Tara could even be proud of her work a sudden chill crawled up her body making her stop and freeze instantly. She slowly started to turn to the side to find a cloaked man was charging full speed at her with a weapon drawn.

*Ice Make Shield*

Tara prepared her stance how ever Gray had appeared between them and his ice made shield blocked the words downward swing, pushing the man back, "Are you alright?" He asked as she stared wide eyed.

"Yes."

Why does she look so surprised? Gray thought to himself but the cloaked figure earned his attention again, "I didn't think I'd find another like me..." The man drawled in a deep voice.

"What are you talking about?" Tara answered knowing it was her he spoke to.

Gray wanted to know, I can't... I want her trust, not her secret... "I don't know what your talking about buddy, but if you want her..." Gray's eyes narrowed dangerously, "You have to go through me first."

*Ice Make Lance*

*Water Slicer*

A water mage?! Both Tara and Gray thought together as Gray's attack was countered. The Leader stood up removing his hood and cloak entirely, He had messy short red hair that went to the nape of his neck and pale icy blue eyes.

"I have no interest in fighting you boy!" The man stated staring straight at Tara.

Gray stepped in front of her, "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"My name is Darian, The most famous water user!" He struck a pose with a his pointer finger in the air trying to prove his statement.

*Sweat drops* "Never heard of you..." Tara and Gray muttered together.

An irk mark appeared on Darian's head, "Obviously your both very naive and not very powerful to know my name!"

*Ice Make Hammer*

Gray didn't bother listening to Darian's rant as he sent a massive chunk of ice formed in the shape of a large hammer downwards onto him, "That was easy..." Gray muttered.

"Watch it Gray!"

*Water Punch*

A water convered fist went towards Gray but Tara managed to get between and took the punch in the stomach, she was knocked back into Gray and they were both pushed back by the force of the hit.

"What the hell are you doing Tara!" Gray yelled at her as he moved her off the to the side as Darian's body slowly formed back together by the water. Gray how ever didn't notice this as he focused on Tara, "Stay here and out of the way, I can handle this!"

He stood and faced his opponent, "Why would you protect a weakling like him?" Darian asked looking directly at Tara and ignoring Gray as if he wasn't there, "With your power you could easily defeat me."

Gray's face held pure surprise, How does he know what kind of Magic Tara uses? Darian noticed his surprise, "So you keep your talents a secret? I wonder why that is?"

Tara grind-ed her teeth in irritation, "Shut up!" Gray's outburst caught them all by surprise, "I don't care!"

"Gray..." Tara whispered stunned yet touched by his loyalty.

Gray took a fighting stance with both hands ready, Darian was finally paying attention to him, "Tara is a member of Fairy Tail and beyond that I trust her. I believe in her and I will always protect her."

"What a pathetic way of trying to look cool..."

"It's time to finish this!"

"I couldn't agree more!"

*Water Beam*

*Ice Make Geyser*

Darian's water beam was quickly frozen and used against him as Gray's magic consumed his whole body in a massive chunk of ice before it shattered and sent an unconscious Darian to the ground. Gray stood proudly and confidently over him, "It's not about looking cool, it's about something you couldn't understand."

Gray had insisted on carrying Tara back to town on his back, she eventually gave in and as the sun set in the distance they made it closer to town slowly, "I meant what I said..." He whispered to her suddenly but didn't stop walking, "You don't have to tell me anything and I will still stand by you."

"I'm not always at the guild..." She started to reply hesitantly, "but you taught me something Gray."

He was clueless how ever, "What o you mean?"

"That it's okay to believe in people, I may not start right away but I have gained back some faith in others thanks to you." She paused, "So I swear to you now that I will always have faith in you and your magic."

Gray chuckled, "Can you promise me something else too?"

"What's that?" It was Tara's turn to be clueless.

Gray stopped walking and let Tara gently down, "Promise you won't jump into anymore of my fights?"

"What?"

He sighed but turn to face her anyways, "I would hate myself if you ever got killed or hurt because of me. If you have faith in me then you should be able to promise me that!"

"I promise."

"Really?"

Tara smiled, nodded and stuck out her hand for Gray to shake. He grasped her hand as they both smiled at one another...

Gray's P.O.V.

I obviously didn't know her secret back then but something always felt different about Tara's magic. My need to protect her overpowered my curiosity about her secret that day, maybe it was that reason that caused Tara to start to open up her heart to me more. She was always taking missions with the Thunder Legion until one day she starting taking missions with Mystogan all the time. I didn't need telepathy to know something had happened between the three of them only a few weeks before our own adventure.

That mission we went on together was the first real opportunity I had to get to know her better but in the end I only had more questions about her. She was different then as she is now yet after that time , when ever she returned to the guild she would take the few minutes to speak with not only but slowly others as well. I didn't know why but knowing she came to my aid against Lyon and the words she spoke in my defense caused me to not be angry about our promise. In the end... You did keep your promise Tara, more than you know... Now it's my turn...

Tara's P.O.V.

His kindness, loyalty and devotion opened my eyes that day; He didn't know my past and yet his words still struck my heart. Gray had never given in to the taunting Darian had done and chose to protect me instead of using the chance to discover my secret. That loyalty is what made me realize that I could trust Gray and maybe even others. Even though I was more than able of protecting myself, he still stood his ground and won. I was surprised how ever by my own need to try and protect him, I had suddenly felt that I didn't want Gray to be hurt for my sake.

He had been so upset when I had jumped into the fight against Darian, so when I jumped into his fight against Lyon I felt as though I was betraying him in more ways than one. After everything he had done for me, I wasn't even able to keep the promise I had made so long ago. Yet watching him get hurt was something I couldn't bare. I don't know why but maybe I care about him... For now though, I have to make it up to him... No matter what the cost!

Tara couldn't help but let a deep sigh as she came back to the present, she had made sure Gray got help but there was other things she had to focus on. Tara had used her water cloak to sneak into the temple once more, there was a scent that seemed to be nagging at her but it wasn't one from her own memory. She shook her head to try and focus on her current priorities, she came to the center of the temple to find Lyon seated on the throne chair. The cold aura around him slightly froze the moisture in the air... Tara could feel the subtle warning coming from Lyon.

"I was wondering when you would show up." His voice was just as cold and angry, "Where is your furry friend?"

She looked at him with an empty expression but she could feel his confusion and loneliness behind his cold exterior, "My friend is none of your concern and you know should know why I am here..."

"I have no interest in seeing or hearing your lies. I also have no reason to believe them."

Tara was beginning to become angry with Lyon and how stubborn he was acting, "What reason would I have to lie to you? Just because you fear the truth doesn't mean you can run from it!"

It appeared Lyon was afraid as he too became angry how ever he figured something important out that he could use against Tara, "Why is it Gray seemed so surprised by your magic?" Tara froze instantly, "You also ran away when the Fire Dragon Slayer came for Gray... Why is that I wonder?"

She grounded her teeth but still didn't say anything, Lyon smirked, "I see. Your guild members don't know that you too are a Dragon Slayer."

"That is of no importance to them."

"Then why hide it?"

Because I have to prevent the possible future's destruction! She knew she couldn't explain it to him, Tara couldn't explain it to anyone.

"How about we make a deal...", Her eyes narrowed but Tara nodded her head anyways for him to continue, "If you don't get in my way, I won't tell your 'friends' about your dirty little secret."

"How ever, if you insist on interfering, I will make sure you are exposed for your lies!"

Damn it! I was careless... what do I do? Tara didn't get the chance to answer before she smelt Lyon's lackeys coming their way, "Son of a..." She sighed, "Very well."

Lyon smirked as Tara disappeared from sight, Perhaps... I can convince her to join me... Her power would be a massive benefit! Lyon thought to himself as Toby and Salty entered the large open room.

Tara how ever wasn't thinking anything like Lyon, If I didn't keep my promise to Gray then I am defiantly not going to give into your demands Lyon. I won't let you hurt anyone in Fairy Tail... NO matter what!

I know this is a short chapter but it is meant to fill you in on some of the past between Tara and Gray! And yes Natsu will EVENTUALLY discover her secret but please be patient, the story will progress! Thanks for all your support, Please R&R