I am extremely happy at how many people are into his! I really encourage guesses and if you have a question about this mystery guy and Ariana, please comment it as well! I would love to answer them! (Ex: Where did they come from?) Thanks for the support! ~Dragon

~~~4~~~

"Ariana, I'm back," the ravenette announced, opening the door to the room that belonged to his niece.

"You could have stayed for longer, you know?" the brunette replied before looking to greet her uncle and the small bluenette by his side.

"Actually, I couldn't. This is Wendy," the ravenette rebutted.

The shy bluenette waved, "Hi, I can heal you right up."

As the magic energy healed the brunette, the girl happily sighed at the feeling. The pain that remained from healing was vanishing entirely. When Wendy was done, Ariana grabbed the girl for a hug and thanked her.

The ravenette interrupted, "Alright, any more and you could suffocate the poor girl."

"Yes, Uncle. Sorry, Wendy," Ariana apologized as she released the bluenette.

"So, he's your uncle?" Carla asked.

"Well, he's not actually my uncle, but he's close enough to be. I don't know my real family; I was adopted," Ariana revealed.

"Um, can you explain the similarity between you and Gray, Mister?" Wendy questioned.

The ravenette hesitated, "It's not a coincidence that we look alike, that's all I'll say for now."

Carla announced, "I find it suspicious at the similarities. Gray had said multiple times at how his father is dead, but that's the only logical thing that you can be. Even if that is the case, then why are you hiding? What are you hiding?"

Ariana interrupted the man before he could speak, "He said we'll tell you when we're ready. I know you're confused, but it's hard on us too. Uncle really needs time to get his bearings before he can tell anyone besides the old man. When he's ready, and when I am too, we'll tell you."

Carla and Wendy dropped the subject in exchange for finding the duo a place to stay. Having no personal items but the clothes on their backs, Wendy offered to take them out shopping with Lucy and Erza the next day. Ariana greatly enjoyed the social call and agreed, although the man was more hesitant. Carla even softened up for the girl. Something about Ari made the white cat feel comfortable.

The next day at the guild, Wendy was nearly pounced on by curious members. Master cleared his throat, leaving the guild silenced, then greeted Wendy kindly. Carla announced to Lucy, Natsu, and Happy (with Erza, Gray, and Cana listening in) that Ariana and her uncle were invited to a shopping spree and they were invited to come along. Lucy and Erza quickly jumped in to tag along.

Gray inquired, "They told you something, didn't they?"

Wendy answered, "No. They wouldn't tell us anything, really. If you want to come along you can, but I'm not sure if he'll be up for it."

"So you do know something," Gray pressed.

"He said that he knows you, that's it!" Wendy recovered.

"You don't have to cover me up, Wendy," the man's voice came from above.

Gray instantly tensed and looked up to find the man and a young girl about Wendy's age by his side. The ravenette hopped down to meet the other ravenette at eye level. Ice daggers were passed on through the eyes of the other, though he did not stutter or falter. The mysterious man stood straight as if proving the point that he was not affected by Gray's aggression.

Gray growled, "Explain, now."

The man replied, "All in time, I promise you that. All I told Wendy and I will tell you is that our similarities are not some coincidence. I would certainly tell you all more, but I don't think that telling others before facing myself is a good idea."

The girl left up on the second floor disappeared to reappear in between the stiff as boards ravenettes. She offered her hand to Gray and greeted, "Hi, I'm Ariana! It's great to meet you!"

Gray forced, "Hi, Gray."

"I'm Lucy!" the blonde gladly joined in, hoping the change in subject stuck.

"Erza; and I heard something of a shopping trip," the scarlenette added.

"Yeah! I'm sure Uncle will need some clothes and I like changing it up a bit. We really need this," Ariana quickly responded.

"Eh, can I come?" Natsu questioned.

The ravenette flinched but didn't have a say in the matter as Erza swooned about dressing the pinkette as well. There was no backing out as Titania set her sights on her models, or victims… Lucy deadpanning at the two's reaction. Happy volunteering to tag along, claiming his excitement to see Natsu get treated like a manikin.