Hey Guys,

So this chapter is the last one before everything really gets started. Also, for those of you who have read/watched Rave Master (Hiro Mashima's first manga), then you'll definitely notice a major shout out here. If not, it will all still make sense.

As always, enjoy!

-Singed.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail.

Number Six sat back and sighed. Today was the day and he wasn't sure how he was going to handle it. Somehow Number One had tricked the council, or bribed them, and had convinced them to bring in all the dragon slayers for some "testing." It was a bogus claim of course, but who other than them knew?

"Are you just going to mope around all day?" Number Four asked as she stood to return their plates. They had been eating at the hotel that Number One had rented rooms at for the week.

"No, I'm just not looking forward to all this. Up until this point we've been working from behind the scenes and now we are stepping out into the spotlight. I'm just worried that nothing is going to go as planned."

"Of course it won't," she said with some venom. "It never does with Fairy Tail or Saber Tooth involved. We're all going to be killed or worse, but what can we do? Our fate was sealed long ago." Number Six stared at her for a moment. He'd always assumed that her caustic, sarcastic nature was just who she was. But what he saw behind her eyes was true fear. She didn't want to be a part of this any more than he did, but she was just as stuck. He wasn't sure why though.

"Why did you get involved then, if you knew we have no hope of winning?"

She sighed and for the first time in a long time he saw her walls come down and she gave an honest answer. "Because I was young and foolish and jaded towards the world before I really even understood that what I had was alright and that the world owned me nothing. I bought into the lies that I had been dealt a bad hand. Now, I'd give anything to see my family again and go back to making a quiet living in Hargeon's one and only potions shop." Suddenly her walls came back up and she shook her head. "I can't though. No use dreaming and believing a fantasy. The fact remains that I'm deep into this and so are you thanks to whatever Number One has on you that keeps you here. Though why he wanted you around to begin with is a mystery" She left and sauntered off.

He sneered and shook his head. Normally he liked her harsher side, but not when it was directed towards him. If she only knew the whole truth. She knew more than some. She knew exactly why Number One really wanted him around, but more importantly, she knew why he was dreading this meeting today. They'd smell it or sense it before he said one word. They'd know what only Number One and Four knew for sure and what the others had only guessed at. That he was a dragon slayer, too. But what Number Four didn't know was that the treasure Number One was blackmailing him with was her. Sighing, he stood and walked back to his room. Mates were troublesome creatures.

Juvia sat on her bed and listened as Gray went about his morning routine out in the kitchen. He had a job and would soon be on his way. His bag was packed, right next to hers. She had packed hers only after he'd gotten up that morning. This was honestly the hardest thing Juvia had ever had to do, but all she felt was numb. She'd loved Gray for so long and this child was one of the happiest things that had ever happened to her, but it had changed Gray.

"No," she whispered to herself. "That's not it." No, Gray hadn't changed; just a part of himself that he either hadn't acknowledged before or he didn't even know was there had reared its ugly head. Closing her eyes, Juvia stood as Gray started walking towards their room. Juvia would have lived and died for him, but now she was a mother and her loyalties lied with another. She would not put her child through the kind of pain that Gray would cause in his current state. Until he'd come to terms with a few things and decided that he could be a father and the husband she deserved, then she couldn't stay.

"Hey Juvia," he said, stepping in, "I'm leaving now. I'll see you in a few days." Juvia just looked forward. He'd notice soon. He didn't disappoint.

"Why are you fully dressed? It's still early and you haven't been feeling well. Why is your bag packed?" Gray finally looked at her and his own face fell. "What's wrong?"

"I have to go, Gray."

"Go? Go where?"

"I'm going to stay in my old room at Fairy Hills."

"Good idea. Go hang with the girls and see if you can get Wendy to look after that morning sickness of yours. I'll pick you up when I'm back."

"You misunderstand me. I'm not coming back. Not until you can handle it." Juvia bent down and picked up her bag, going to step around him.

He grabbed her by both arms and pulled her around. "What? Juvia, what's gotten into you? You're pregnant with our child! What do you mean by leaving?"

"Right," Juvia said, her hurt turning into a raging inferno. "I am pregnant with your child Gray and all you've done is complain, insult and belittle me, and left me alone to go on job after job."

Gray stepped back in shock, like she'd slapped him. His face contorted in anger and he stood straight. "I have done no such thing!"

In answer Juvia pointed to a small journal by the bed. "I made a list. It was the only way I could deal with the pain of watching the man I love turn into a stranger. Gray, I will always love you, but I must think of our child and that means my health. It's not just the pregnancy that has me so sick. I'm heart sick and stressed because I never know what is going to have you insult me or gripe about our 'little bundle from hell.'" Gray flinched because he couldn't deny that one. He'd used it just the night before when Juvia had barely been able to touch her food.

"Gray, I want us to be a family, but until you can handle that, then I must leave. Hopefully, it won't be a permanent thing, but that's up to you." With that, Juvia stepped out of the room and the house. All the girls were staying at Fairy Hills for the next five days anyway because of the dragon slayers mandatory meeting in Crocus. What was one more pregnant chick? Besides, she could use the distraction from the tears coursing down her face. If she'd turned back, she would have seen mirrored tears on Gray's cheeks.

A pair of bright, crystal blue eyes stared up at him from a perfectly shaped, flushed face. Her white, iridescent hair was spilled around her like a halo. Her lips were slightly parted and red, primed for the taking. He smiled and decided to do so, since her eyes were begging him so imploringly. As he leaned forward, her cool fingers gripped the hair on the back of his neck and she whispered his name, "Laxus."

Laxus shot up from his dream and cradled his head in his hands. He took a big breath and let it out slowly. He'd been dreaming about Mira for over a year and a half now, ever since that stupid kiss, but the dreams had been getting more and more realistic since he'd left a few months ago. They almost seemed like memories some of the time, especially since a few of them were reoccurring. That was apparently one of his favorites since he dreamed of it four nights out of seven. His alarm lacrima sounded next to him and he shut it off with a snap of his fingers. He sighed and went to take a shower. He made the water as cold he could stand and washed quickly, but no matter what he did, the images of Mira just kept coming. Mira at work. Mira laughing. Mira crying. Mira in battle. Mira comforting a guild mate. Mira playing a game. Mira kissing him. Mira, Mira, Mira!

"Enough!" He screamed. Lightening shot in every direction and caused his apartment to shake. He heard exclamations of surprise from some of the other residents, but it didn't sound like anyone was hurt. He took another deep breath and headed for his room to dress. He needed to deal with this whole stupid thing once and for all.

"And really deal with it this time." He told his reflection, now blackened a little from the lightening. He was still mentally murdering himself for thinking that running away had been the answer. He could admit now that that was what he'd done. He'd ran away in hopes that his affections for her would disappear, but they'd stayed, and grown all the stronger.

He'd dreamed of Mira every night and on every train when he could fall asleep before it started moving. Why did he have to go on those stupid missions? They hadn't helped anything. He knew his reasoning. He'd wanted to keep his freedom, but he hadn't realized the cost. No real rest, no one he could talk to, and now a possible future with no Mira.

He stopped at his door and sighed, before letting himself out. The night he'd left he'd almost allowed the little voice inside of him that was telling him to slow down and rethink this leaving Mira thing over. He wish he'd listened. He must have gotten drunk to drown out the suddenly loud and obnoxious voice demanding that he go and speak to her right then and there. The funny part was that he didn't even remember getting drunk. In the past, he'd always had memories of the first few drinks, but this time it was almost like he was drunk before he was intoxicated. In fact, the next real memory he had was being on a train headed for his first job, with a packed bag, a fuzzy head, and a feeling of peace and relaxation he hadn't had in over a year. At the time, he'd thought that it meant his plan was working. But it hadn't, in fact everything just got worse.

Sitting on a bench in the train station, waiting for the others, Laxus finally had to admit something to himself. If getting his freedom meant losing Mira, than it wasn't worth it. The problem was, of course, that he'd apparently already lost her. He'd always assumed that if he were this in-love with Mira, than she felt the same. He hadn't wanted anyone else but her since that kiss, and hadn't even tried. He'd assumed that she would wait for whenever he was ready, but she hadn't. It killed him to realize that it wasn't Mira being a jerk, it was him being a jerk and assuming on her unselfish nature to wait. It wasn't fair and in assuming such a thing, he'd been cruel. She should have been wooed and secured. She should have been treated like a queen, not like someone's second-rate "I'll take you if I have to woman."

He thought of his grandfather for a moment and smiled. "You always did say that I learned the hard way." And he had, but when he got a lesson he stuck to it. He'd learned not to treat Mira like dirt. When he got back from this stupid thing, he'd approach her and tell her. He'd find the idiot who'd leave her like a piece of trash with his child growing inside and make the guy straighten up. If he did and Mira preferred him, then he'd make sure the scumbag stayed true. He didn't deserve Mira, but if she gave him even a little hope, he'd claim her and never let her go. He'd even raise the child as his own, but he'd make sure that Mira had at least two of his.

"Yo, Laxus," he snapped out of his thoughts as Gajeel, Eric, and Natsu approached. He sighed again and stood. Time to get this started.

"This sucks," Natsu huffed as he sat on the train. It had just started moving and he could already feel the motion sickness. Gajeel, Eric, and Laxus were seated with him and two of them nodded, while Laxus just grunted. All four of them were sick soon enough and Natsu found that the only thing that helped him was to reach through the bond and listen to Lucy's thoughts.

After the whole master fiasco, Natsu had learned to use the bond as a one way tracking device. He was determined to never be able to not find Lucy ever again. Imagine his surprise and delight when he soon realized that he could use it as a radio as well. Why she never picked up on the fact that he could hear her unguarded thoughts was a mystery, but he'd never told her. He wasn't sure why, but his instincts told him time and time again that it would be better if only he knew. Also, it helped with getting the information he needed if she had no idea that any and every thought could be heard. It wasn't like he listened all the time either. Just on occasion and when he knew she was hiding something. He always made sure though that he had an excuse as to why he knew. She never questioned him though, thus showing that once again, it was beneficial to have everyone believe you were completely thick.

At the moment, the girls were all settling into Fairy Hills. Juvia had joined them. Something Erza and Wendy had been aware of, but it was a surprise to the rest. Juvia was a wreck by the time she got to Fairy Hills. The story soon spilled out, as Lucy quietly called Gray every name in the book. Natsu smiled. He loved it when Lucy showed her inner fire. But then his smiled turned sour. Gray, in so many ways, was like a brother to him. The Gray that Juvia was describing and that Lucy was remembering was not the Gray he knew or one he'd like very much. What had happened?

Natsu pondered this as he watched the girls go throughout their day. Talking, cleaning, baking, playing games, and gossip were the highlights. He also loved to watch Lucy's interactions with Igneel. She watched their son with so much love and tenderness that he knew that he'd picked the perfect mate, because she was the right mother for his children. Her love and tenderness would sooth and nourish them, and her inner fire and wit would protect them. Yes, he adored his mate and heaven help anyone who ever even thought of brining harm to her or their child. A sudden image of that creep Julius popped into his head. He should have killed the guy while he had the chance. He smelled like someone who'd come back.

"Hey, fire brain," Gajeel groaned as he stood. "We're here. Get moving." Natsu stood, and followed the others out. Sting and Rogue were waiting for them out on the platform. They had all decided to go together, a unified force so that when they complained about being forced to be there it would sound better. They made it to their hotel soon enough and were greeted by a magic council researcher.

She was beautiful, Natsu supposed, with her curvy body that she flaunted, her green hair and eyes, and her heart shaped face. But honestly, after his mating bond, he could see the beauty in other women, but it never affected him. He saw Eric sigh a little, but other than that, he reacted like the rest of them. "Welcome dragon slayers! I'm so glad you've come. But tell me, where is little Wendy?"

Everyone stiffened at that. The invitation had said every dragon slayer who could pass down their genes, but she wasn't mated, or even the right age to be mated. She still had three years to go before she could even be physically ready for such things. As such, they'd never realized that she was included in the invite. She had never even questioned it. Also, it was the assurance that she'd be there with the mates as a defense that even allowed Natsu the freedom to come. Magic council or not, he'd down right refuse if she hadn't been there.

"Not here," Laxus finally said. "She's not mated and she's only eighteen. A dragon slayer must be 21 before he or she can choose a mate and even have children. So, she stayed behind." The woman covered her reaction well, but Natsu could feel the tension.

"Oh, what an unfortunate misunderstanding. I'll have to tell the boss of this hiccup. It's no matter however. Let's get you settled and then I'm to take you to see the rest of the research team over dinner." The dragon slayers nodded and were escorted out of the lobby. They were split into pairs, Natsu and Gajeel, Sting and Rogue, Laxus and Eric, and then shown to their rooms. All the rooms connected however, and so it made it a bit easier, because now all of them were beginning to chafe at some unseen tension.

"Something's up," Sting said, buttoning up his dress shirt. It was to be a formal dinner and Natsu wished Lucy was there. Partly because she always did his ties, but mostly because she always appreciated him in such clothes. It usually led to very enjoyable encounters. He checked in with her quickly and was glad to see that she was eating as well, while Igneel slept in a crib nearby.

"I agree," Gajeel said. "However, let's just let them play a few cards before we play ours. The only thing that we can be glad about is that Wendy isn't here. That really seemed to wad her panties."

"True," Eric said, with another sigh and he shuttered.

"What's up with you man," Natsu asked sitting and looking up at Eric.

"What?"

"You did that earlier when you first met the research chick."

"It's not really any of your business is it?"

"No," Laxus said coming to lean against a wall, "but we're all curious. And if you can't tell a fellow dragon slayer, who can you tell?"

Eric sighed and hunched for a moment before straightening. "I just wish that I was a normal dragon slayer sometimes."

"Huh? But you are a dragon slayer."

"Yes, Natsu, I am. However, not being raised by a dragon and receiving my magic naturally, means that my instincts react and demand things a bit differently. For instance, all of you never even looked at a woman until you found your mates. Then she was the only one you desired. Well, I've been with more woman than I could count. I'm sure Laxus knows what I'm talking about." Laxus nodded, but it was stiff.

"More or less," he finally said. "I won't lie, I've been with my fair share, but not countless." The other dragon slayers were stunned. The idea that they'd be with anyone other than their mates, or even want another, was ridiculous.

"Anyway, once my instincts made it clear that Kinana was my mate, my desires for other women lessened and then stopped completely. I don't even notice them now, just like you guys. I was sighing because I was grateful that I wasn't affected by her beauty. No ridiculous lust demanding something. Not that I would have listened to it even if I had. I have Kinana now and our child. I'd die before I betrayed them, however, I can hear thoughts, remember? Well, while most were actually surprisingly hidden, something that instantly told me that she's up to no good, one was clear. She purposely made herself as sexy as possible to see if the rumors of our asexuality are true. Of course, that's a misnomer."

"I'd say so," Gajeel growled.

"Yeah," Sting said. "I'd have sex every day, all day, as long as it was Yukino."

Eric nodded and motioned towards the door. They were already late. "Precisely. Anyway, I don't like this one bit. I have a feeling that these researchers are up to something and either fooled the council or have their full blessing."

"Something we can figure out later. For now, let's just get their plan," Laxus said leading them down to the dining room. He just wanted to get this done and over with because after listening to Eric, he had a lot of other questions for him. When the dragon slayers walked in, they found a total of five researchers, including the one from before, waiting for them.

"Welcome dragon slayers," the leader said, standing and motioning for them to sit. He was a huge man with a full gray beard and his movements spoke of power and great control, but his eyes were also dangerous. The dragon slayers weren't fooled. "My name is Haja and I welcome you to my banquet."

The dragon slayers sat and watched as the researchers did the same. They were introduced to the rest of the team. Haja was the lead researcher, followed by Reina, the woman they'd met from earlier, then a freaky looking dude by the name of Berial, Deep Snow, who was second in command and server looking, and finally the man that had all the dragon slayers attention. A man by the name of Jegan. They all knew that he was a dragon slayer. His scent was unmistakable, but none of them had heard of him before.

He nodded when they expressed their surprise. "Yes, I am a second generation dragon slayer like Cobra and Laxus."

"I go by Eric now," Cobra corrected and Jegan nodded.

"As I was saying, I have kept to myself and have no desire to join a guild, but I'm just as curious about how my magic informs my biology. So, when Haja approached me about this project, I joined." The dragon slayers accepted his explanation, but Natsu was unsettled. There was something seriously off about his scent. He smelled as if he'd gone through some great and tragic event. Whatever that was, Natsu couldn't place, but he was sure he'd find out sooner or later, he usually did. When the banquet was over, they were ushered into a separate room and given schedules for the next five days. It would seem that every moment of every day was determined for them, but Natsu was glad to see that they kept them together for most of it.

"We will see you at nine tomorrow out in the lobby to head over to the research facility. Please have breakfast beforehand." With that, they were dismissed and they headed upstairs. As they were leaving, the researchers were heading out through a separate door and as the door closed Natsu caught a scent that sent him rigid. If he'd been younger, he'd have gone into a fury of action before thinking it through. The scent belonged to Julius.

"That was a neat, and flawless lie Jegan," Haja said with praise. Jegan wasn't fooled. The others soon joined in. They all now knew his secret and Deep Snow, Berial, and Julius were impressed that he'd kept it to himself for so long.

"But what exactly did he lie about?" Reina asked as they reached their suite.

"That he is a second generation dragon slayer."

"You're a first?" She asked with some surprise.

"Yes," he said downing a glass of something, honestly he was to distracted to care.

"Anyway, it hardly seems to matter," Deep Snow sighed. "I'm going to bed." Haja, Berial, and Julius followed, but Reina stayed behind.

"Why did Haja think it so praise worthy to lie about that?"

"Because if the others knew the truth, that I'd been trained by a dragon, but not sent through by Anna or Zeref, it would have raised a lot of questions."

"Like who you're dragon is and where he is."

"Exactly. It would be hard to convince them of the truth though. He hid himself for centuries and found me by accident. He decided to train me and died shortly after I turned 18 and mastered the last dragon slayer secret art. After his death, I've been wandering around until Haja found me and made me his puppet."

"I guess I see some of why you didn't want them knowing the whole truth." He sighed and hid a smile. She was asking him for more information without actually asking.

"Also, it would hold some other ramifications. Like they would know that I was more atune with my senses and that my pull for my mate was stronger."

"Why should your mate have any play in this?" She asked with some venom. He stiffened and stared at her. She fidgeted and looked away. She thought he was offended, but he was wondering why she cared so much. She'd never shown any desire to be more than friends.

"Because we're about to do a pretty nasty job and that includes their mates. If they do escape, I don't want them coming after her."

She stiffed and stared him down. "So you already know who she is?"

"Yes." There was no point in hiding it.

"So why haven't you claimed her? You're already 25."

"Because she's what keeps me here." Silence reigned in the room and he saw a spark of hope before she squashed it and shook her head.

"Now I finally know what Haja has on you. He keeps her locked up does he?"

"In a manner of speaking." She nodded and turned away towards her room.

"Well, tough break for you Jegan. I hope you both survive this, though I can't say that with any real certainty."

"My thoughts exactly." He watched her leave and then sat back down. He hadn't been mistaken. She wanted to be his mate. Well, he finally had the missing puzzle piece. He was surviving this and he was making sure that she did too, at any cost.