Hi everybody! Thanks for sticking with me up until now ^.^
It's time for Fantasia! I know I said this already, but expect it to be a loooong chapter. Got lots to say c:
And I also wanted to say that I plan on drawing scenes from Crossfire. Somehow, someday, I'll create a full out manga for it ^.^ But not anytime soon. I'll let you know if I draw anything c:
Nothing else to say, so... Enjoy chapter 7!
"Alright brats, ya' know what today is?!" Makarov's voice boomed at his children.
"FANTASIA!"
"That's right! And you better enjoy it, 'cuz the life of a mage is a short one. I don't wanna see no tears, no frowns, no nu'in. You see a townsperson break these rules, you best get your ass over there and a smile on their face! Any of you brats break it, you gonna go through 'that'!" Groans of dismay echoed throughout the room. Those who have already experienced it trembled in fear.
"'That' is truly terrifying..." Erza mumbled under her breath.
Lucy looked over at her incredulously, shaking rather badly herself. "You guys never even told me what 'that' is!" What kind of punishment could scare even Erza?
Makarov continued his speech. "Tonight, there are no worries. Laughter will echo throughout the town, filling every corner, every building, and everyone. And you brats will be the source! Laugh, frolick, do whatever this generation does to express happiness!" He then gave a stern look to Lucy. "But don't get too frisky!"
"Why are you lookin' at me?!" Her jaw dropped, embarrassment and shock written all over he face. Everyone looked at her strangely, and some chuckled.
"You're all so mean..." Lucy sobbed.
"Awww..." Cana whined from the far corner of the room. "Way to ruin it, Gramps!" The guild erupted in laughter at the woman's usual vulgarity.
"Cana, those were for the festival!" Mirajane scolded. An empty barrel lay on its side by the woman's feet, and a second was currently being drained.
"Eeeehh?... But I'm thirsty..."
The Takeover Mage was about to retort something when the master cleared his throat, and all eyes turned back on him.
"Also..." He pointed a finger at his children. "You put on a show that the citizens of this town will never forget! You hear me?!"
"WE HEAR YA'!" Fists pumped in the air, and their cheers were almost deafening.
"Good." He hopped down from his balcony, and sat at his usual spot on the bar. "Now get the damn thing ready for tonight. I want no complications!"
Chorus's of agreement were shouted back at him, and they scurried off to prepare for the festival. The eager members were setting up stalls faster than you can say their name. Upon walking out, scattered cheers from the citizens echoed in their ears, no doubt excited for the event. The Strauss's worked diligently in the kitchen, getting as much of the food ready as they can before the festival, preparing the pastries and laying out ingredients for the hot foods.
An hour later, everything was all set to go. The lanterns were hung and lit (by Natsu, of course), the stalls set up, and the floats put into order. All the mages left the site to prepare themselves for the festival.
"Lucyyyyyyyy..." Levy moaned.
Lucy looked at her friend, shocked. She was practically dragging herself through the street. "A-are you okay?"
"A bunch of people said they were coming over..." Her head hung low, and Lucy could easily imagine tears pooling at her feet.
"Oh, gosh... Well, I'll be sure to help you out, just like I said I would." Lucy flashed Levy a reassuring smile, and Levy jumped on her, shrieking rapidly in delight.
"ThankyousomuchLu-cahnyouarethebestItotallylov eyoulet'sgotomydormrightawayandprepa re!" She immediately began dragging the poor blonde by the wrist towards Fairy Hills, whose protesting whimpers were deaf to the Script Mage's ears.
Natsu strolled through the plaza with Happy, kicking around pebbles out of sheer boredom. Everything had already been set up. He wished the festival would just come already.
His blue-furred friend hummed as he trotted along, mumbling something about fish and Carla. The cat was clutching the pillow that was hanging around his neck, for Happy had hidden and stored his reward money in it, saving up jewels just for the festival.
"Hey, Happy." Natsu glanced at him, suddenly curious.
"Aye Natsu?"
"Is Carla going with you to the festival?"
He nodded, and said "Aye. Carla said she'd go with me, but only if I made sure she'd have fun." The cat smiled to himself, thinking of all the things he had planned for their date. The cat then looked up at Natsu, smirking. "I hear you asked out Lucy." He paused, then teasingly sang "You liiiiiiiiiiike her."
Natsu only stared at him. "Of course I do. She's my friend."
"Nu-uh Natsu." The cat shook his head. "It's more than that. The way you treat her, the way you look at her, it's all different." He paused. "She does too."
Natsu froze. Was it possible that Lucy, his Lucy, the Lucy that sends him flying through windows, the Lucy that smashes him against walls with her foot, the Lucy that was always yelling at him, liked him?
"No way." He suddenly felt upset after saying those words, and vowed right there to himself to never say it again.
Happy shook his head. "She doesn't know." Natsu looked at Happy quizically, unsure of what he meant. But the cat didn't notice him, trapped in his own thoughts.
The Exceed was far from a love expert, but even he could tell that his two partners had different something between them. Something strong, deep. But both were unaware of it, and that made Happy kind of sad. The cat wasn't sure why though.
Natsu glanced worriedly at Happy, who seemed a bit sad. "You okay, Happy?"
"Aye." The cat said robotically.
Natsu pondered the issue, thinking of the best way to cheer his friend up. "Oh, I know! You wanna go fishing?"
He immediately brightened up, and yelled "Aye!" The two friends dashed into the forest, fish on their minds.
Levy and Lucy worked hard to prepare Levy's book-cluttered dorm, leaving as much space as possible for their on-paying customers. Mirajane came much earlier than expected, and helped them out. Pretty soon, there was a decent amount of cleared floor to work with, and Lucy summoned Cancer to go over the plan. Cancer would do haircuts, Levy would choose the hairdos, and all three girls would do the actual styling. Their stations were set up throughout the room, each supplied as necessary. All that was left was to let the girls in.
"So... should we let them in now?" Lucy cringed at all the racket behind Levy's door.
The bluenette sighed. "Now's a good time as any Lu-chan."
"We're ready right?" Mirajane asked nervously.
"It seems so, shrimp."
Levy took a deep breath, and placed her hand on the door knob. The others stood up, trying not to look nervous.
The door clicked open, and, to Lucy's surprise, there seemed to be only a few. They smiled and waved, looking rather excited.
Mirajane read her thoughts, and said grimly "Look outside."
Lucy gulped, and headed towards the door. "Nope." The white-haired woman said "The window."
She obeyed, and had the window not been closed, she would've fallen out, as she saw a line of girls, standing outside the dorm. Were there really so many that they couldn't fit in the lobby?
Levy's instructions to their customers sounded distant as Lucy sank into the couch. It will be a long night.
"Jellal-kuuuun~" Meredy sang. "I hear you agreed to hang out with Erza at the festival." The pink-haired girl winked, and Jellal did a face-palm.
"I swear to God, I didn't mean to! It just kinda... slipped out." And it was the truth. Every corner of Jellal's mind had insisted that he absolutely could not do such a thing, but his heart, his soul, and every other bit of him wanted to, which led to him unconsciously agreeing.
"Jellal, I'm really glad you found a love-life, but it's just too risky." Ultear said solemnly. The dark-haired woman was sitting high in a tree, her legs dangling off the branch.
Jellal sputtered. "L-love life?!"
"Yeah, such a shame, huh?"
"Wait, I don't-"
"Lies." They both grinned.
"You obviously like her. It's written all over your face!" Meredy snorted.
Jellal groaned, and slammed his forehead against the nearest tree.
"If the council finds you, they'll probably jail you again and we might not be able to get you out. And Fairy Tail may no longer be recognized by the council for 'aiding' a criminal."
"A Dark Guild?!" Jellal's face turned to horror. Fairy Tail? A Dark Guild? "But it's not- they're not aiding me in doing anything!"
"Technically, they are." Meredy pointed out. "Fairy Tail saw you, and instead of reporting you to the council, they allowed you to stay at the festival."
"Oh, God." Jellal paced back and forth, worry etched in his face. "Oh dear God, I'm screwed."
"We know." They said at the same time. Jellal had to resist hitting his head against the tree again. Like mother, like daughter.
"UGH! It's bad, I know! But I can't just back out!" The blue-haired mage briskly walked back in forth among the clearing, trying to figure out a solution.
"Sure you can." Ultear said bluntly. "You just don't want to."
"How can I hurt Erza again?" His face was pained, and the two women were sympathetic.
"Would you rather hurt her, or the entire guild?" Ultear jumped off the branch, landing silently on the ground. "Erza's strong. She'd be able to handle it."
Jellal knew all too well just how strong she was. He had hurt her the most, left the deepest scar, yet she could still smile in that rambunctious guild of hers. And he was glad.
"Come on, Mom, just tonight? Please?" Meredy begged her foster mother, hating to see Jellal so upset. "We can always save him right?"
Ultear furrowed her brow. "There's a small chance that we could rescue him if the time comes, but saving Fairy Tail from their punishment is impossible." She looked at Jellal. "This is your decision, and we'll support whatever you choose. But know that the risks are extremely high."
Jellal bit his lip, trying to think of the best solution. He looked at the ground, shying away from rom their expecting gaze.
Moments passed in silence, and he finally he said "...I want to go." He said it slowly, but surely. There was no moving him.
Meredy and Ultear gave sad smiles. This could very well be the last time they see him.
"But..." Jellal looked sternly at the two woman. "This is solely my problem. If I get in trouble, just leave. Don't try to save me or anything. I can't let you guys get in trouble."
"But-" Meredy protested, but was cut off by her mother. "Alright."
"Mom!"
"I'm sorry, Meredy, but I can't let you go to jail." If it was just her, Ultear would gladly risk his life to save him, but she was not alone. She had a daughter to take care of.
Ultear watched as Meredy placed a Sensory Link on her shoulder, then slowly disappear as her feelings were silently conveyed to Meredy. She gave Ultear a sad smile, understanding her mother's protective thoughts. Though the girl's personality had developed vastly during 7 years, there were still times where she didn't understand people. Her magic was her way of doing so. It was very clumsy, but much like Meredy.
Jellal nodded. "Good." He then turned and walked away, heading toward Fairy Hills.
Or so he thought. He inwardly groaned as Meredy and Ultear said monotonously in sync "The girls' dorm is the other way."
"Same difference!" He stalked towards the other direction, but gave a last smile over his shoulder before truly leaving. "Thanks! Ultear, Meredy!"
"Don't mention it!" Meredy shouted between cupped hands.
"Take care of yourself, Jellal." Ultear said, her gaze piercing his eyes.
"I will." He promised.
I really hope I don't break that promise. He thought grimly. Fairy Tail is at stake.
Lucy sighed as she flopped onto the couch, exhausted with the day's work. Not only did she help for 3 hours straight, she had to keep Cancer's gate open for the whole time.
She turned towards the crab spirit. "Thanks a lot Cancer! I owe you one!" And she knew she did. No being could deal with squealing, demanding women for 3 hours and enjoy it.
"Anytime, shrimp." He then disappeared in a flash of light, leaving nothing behind.
"Are we all set for the festival?" Levy asked. "I could do some last-minute styling."
Lucy glanced at herself in the mirror. Her hair had miraculously survived the ordeal untouched. "Nah, I think I'm good."
There was a light knock, and they froze. There weren't still more, were there?
"Levy-san!" Came a familiar, high pitched voice.
Levy dashed over to the door and let the young girl in. "Hello, Wendy!" The girl was wearing her usual outfit, and her usual pigtails, but they could tell she did her hair more carefully than usual. And, as the three noted, Carla wasn't with her.
"Hi Levy-san!" She peeked in, and saw the other two women, who smiled and waved. "Mirajane-san, Lucy-san!"
"Hello Wendy!" The two replied enthusiastically.
"Is there anything you need Wendy?" The blue-haired girl turned back to Levy.
"Yes! Chico-san told me to tell everyone that anyone who is getting picked up must wait in the lobby." The three nodded. That was understandable. Who would want a bunch of men running through the halls?
"Well, I should get going now." Mirajane stepped out the door.
"Wait, you don't have a date?"
"I thought Freed would've asked you or something..."
The white-haired girl chuckled. "I caught him staring a couple times, but he never approached me. Guess he couldn't work up the guts to." She began walking down the hall. "Maybe next year!"
"Bye Mirajane!" The three girls said in unison, with the exception of Wendy who added her little 'san' at the end."
She waved over her shoulder. "Bye girls!"
She disappeared, Levy laughed. "She's not really leaving yet."
"What?" Wendy and Lucy asked.
"Mirajane. She always stays in the lobby to make sure every girl who's waiting gets picked up. And at the proper time." Levy mused. "Any guy who took out a Fairy Tail Mage before knows that coming late means dealing with her." She snorted. "And not coming at all means a certain demon's wrath."
"...S-scary..."
The Script Mage clapped her hands together. "Alright! Let's get downstairs!"
"I can't go just yet, but I'll meet you there soon." Wendy glanced down the hall. "I still have to deliver my message to a few people."
"You need any help?"
She shook her head, but was grateful for the offer. "No, thank you. I only have a few more rooms left."
"Oh, alright." Lucy and Levy waved, and walking making their way to the lobby. "If you need any help, just call us!"
"I will!" She promised. She dashed down the hall, pigtails streaming behind her.
The two women made their way down the stairs and into the lobby, Fairy Tail mages sitting around the comfortable room here and there.
"...There were a lot more people here about 7 years ago." Levy said quietly.
Lucy looked at her friend sadly. She knew that many mages had left the guild during their absence, due to the lack of money and the jeering they got from other guilds. Without their strongest members, Fairy Tail was greatly weakened, and were being abused by Twilight Ogre. (They were quickly... 'dealt' with though.)
"It's alright. I bet people will come back to join later!"
"...Maybe..."
Lucy lightly slapped her friend on the back. "Don't looks so down! Who knows what Gajeel will do if he sees you with a face like that."
Levy gave a small smile,and said "Yeah, you're right." She then laughed. "Imagine if he comes here wearing that white suit of his..."
Lucy laughed as well. "I'd feel bad for you, having to walk around with a guy dressed like that."
Levy didn't say anything, being the kind soul she is, but Lucy knew she agreed.
The two sat down on an unoccupied sofa, and waited for their dates to show up.
Soon, Wendy had finished her errand and sat and waited with them. They soon found out where Carla was (she decided to wait at the guild) and chatted about the festival as minutes ticked by.
One by one, the women were getting picked up by their dates. Lucy was surprised, awed, and just straight out terrified at how strong Mirajane's hold was even after 7 years, for none had dared come late. Out of the three of them, Wendy was the first to go, greeted by a shy Conbolt who took her arm and led her out. Next was Gajeel, who was dangerously close to being late, and sporting that white suit he loved so much. Lucy watched as Levy's face turned horrified, no matter how badly she tried to hide it behind her small hands, as the Script Mage realized her worst fear had come true. But before the Dragon Slayer could say a single word, he was promptly greeted by Mirajane, who yelled his name, dragged him to the nearest bathroom (women's, Lucy noted) and shoved him back out, wearing his normal clothing.
He scowled at Mira, but quickly took Levy by the wrist and proceeded to dragging her out the door.
Soon, Lucy saw Jellal come into the lobby, much to her surprise. Catching her stare, the blue-haired man quickly pulled Erza out of the room, leaving both her and Mira dumbfounded.
Half an hour later, Lucy was the only one left. She watched out of the corner of her eye as Mira paced the room back and forth, clearly agitated.
Natsu, where are you...? She was angry, sad, and afraid all at once. Of the three, fear dominated. Angry that he dared come late, seeing he was the one who asked her, sad because he couldn't even bother to show up on time, and afraid of what Mirajane would do to him when he did come. If he came at all.
Gosh Lucy, don't think that! Lucy silently reprimanded herself. Natsu was an idiot, to be sure, but he always kept his promises. She looked down at her hands, tears threatening to slip through their fingers.
She quickly blinked them away. Why was she crying? She already knew he would come.
"Natsu..." Mirajane growled. Lucy's head snapped up to see the Dragon Slayer, stumbling through the doorway, half-covered in dirt.
Lucy could have done a number of things. She could have yelled at him for being late, she could have jumped him out of relief that he was here, or she could have just plain given him a Lucy Kick. But she instead decided to fuss over his soiled appearance. "Natsu, what the heck were you doing?" Lucy shrieked.
He met her gaze. "Fishing." He said simply. He then muttered "Stupid cat left me behind..." They two were out in the woods, but Happy had suddenly looked up at the sky and yelled "It's getting late!" and quickly zoomed off towards the guild, yelling over his shoulder "You better get to Lucy, Natsu!" The Fire Mage had done what his friend suggested, but being rather deep in the woods, it had taken him a while to get here.
He quickly broke off from Lucy's gaze to see a rather angry, dark looking Mirajane. "Natsu!" She yelled. He tried to get away, but she caught him by the scarf and dragged him to the (women's) bathroom. Lucy cringed as she heard a few of those familiar pummeling sounds she hears so often in the guild, water running, and a couple shouts in behalf of Natsu. He then shot out the bathroom straight through the door with a crash, leaving a large hole in the wood and a pink-haired mage with his head buried in the brick surface of the chimney, burning brightly directly across from the bathroom.
A rather cross-looking Mirajane stomped out of the bathroom, but she gave her sweetest smile to Lucy and said "I hope you have fun Lucy!~" She then looked at Natsu, who had removed his head from the chimney and was brushing the rubble from his hair. Still using the familiar, motherly tone, she told him "Make sure you take care of your date!" But her voice dripped venom, a very clear threat of annihilation if he did anything otherwise.
Natsu mumbled something Lucy couldn't hear, and Mira flashed one last smile at the dumbfounded blonde before leaving. It was only then Lucy noticed that all the dirt that was on him before was now replaced by water.
"N-Natsu?... What exactly did she do?..."
Natsu swung his elbows around, and Lucy heard a sickening crack. "Oh, nothing much. She only tried to drown me in a sink, dyed the skin beneath my clothes purple with her fists, and flung me into a chimney." Natsu peeled his vest to reveal a rather ugly, purple bruise on his left side.
Lucy cringed. That wasn't disappearing anytime soon.
A couple seconds later, she found herself thinking that Natsu was leaving his vest open just a bit longer than needed. (Open more than it already was) Her face flushed, and she turned away.
Silence ruled the room the next few moments, and she turned to look back at Natsu only to find that he was only a couple inches away from her face. "Lucy, your face was red. Ya' sick?" God, he was so, ridiculously, close.
She backed up slightly. "N-no!"
He leaned back. "Your eyes too. Like you were crying."
Lucy bit her lip. Her two seconds of threatening tears had left a mark. "I'm not..."
"Look, if someone made you cry, I can go beat them up." He said earnestly.
Anger flared up inside her. The dense fool! She screamed in her mind. It was you!
But the anger quickly dissapated. How could she tell him that? Even if he didn't know it was his fault, she found it kind of sweet that he would be so willingly to do something like that for her.
Oh god, this was too confusing. Was she angry or not?
Just to make things easier for the night, she chose the latter. "I'm perfectly fine, idiot!" She crossed her arms. "Just take me somewhere already!"
Natsu grinned. "Alright." He slowly took her hand and led her out the dorm. They stepped out into the fading light, the sun setting and casting a warm glow on the dorm, and began walking over to the site of the festival.
Soon, their walk became more of a run. And within seconds, it was as if they were sprinting for their lives.
Lucy looked down at the strong hand around hers. So warm, so inviting.
Just like the hand that brought her to Fairy Tail.
Waah... I'M SO SORRY EVERYONE! I know I said this was going to be the last chapter for Fantasia, but I just wrote the whole thing out and I couldn't bring myself to post an 8,000 word chapter when my first was only 2,000. I'm sorry! I'll update the other one immediately to make up for it. D:
As always, reviews are welcome! Thanks for reading!