A/N: I still own nothing.

12. Clockwork Artist

The cold wind was blowing. He was standing on the edge of a cliff, his cape fluttering in the wind. On his face was despair and the fiery flames dancing on it were slowly inching closer to his skin. He ripped it off and let the wind steal it, push it away in a matter of seconds. It flapped into the darkness below him.

His hair was short, as if cut by an unprofessional hand. It was uneven and shabby, but boyish enough to make everyone believe she was really a he. On her waist, you could see the shining keys she hadn't dared to use just yet.

She'd really done it this time. Cutting her hair was one thing, taking time off to think was another. Especially without really telling anyone so. They would probably all be looking for her by now.

She called out Gemini and asked it to take the form of Laxus, as she knew the spirit could do so. Gemini didn't question her and obeyed. However, when Lucy asked the spirit to tell about his thoughts on her, they fell apart, saying simply: "He's interested in you." No more, no less.

Not that she had really expected Gemi and Mimi to go along with her plan. Laxus was a nakama and the twin spirits knew she preferred to stay out of their heads. Instead, they took the form of Lucy herself.

"You like him!" Gemi cheered, proving Lucy her innermost fears to be true. She sighed, lowering her head.

"What should I do?" she questioned. The twin spirits did not know how to answer. She threw her head back and cried the question again. This time, loudly and in voice full of pain. It ached in her heart, it ached in her body. It hurt her mind.

"Maybe.." Gemi started and Mimi finished his thought: "Aquarius knows?"

But there was no water albeit her fresh tears. She sighed again and wiped them away and stood. A Fairy Tail wizard never gives up. She shouldn't either. If it was a quest for his heart, she would do it.

The spirits disappeared as she spread her arms out wide, letting the world engulf her feelings. She knew exactly what Aquarius would say. She would tease her about being so much of a loser she would never get a boyfriend, then go off to have fun with Scorpio.

She gave a short laugh and straightened her clothes, smiling sweetly like she had always done to get whatever she wanted. Gemini's words about Laxus were encouraging enough. The thought of it made her heart flutter.

She turned around and started walking back to Magnolia. Her each step resounded in her head. One step, then other. Short, calculated, as if she was going to a war. She was swinging side to side, although nothing was weighing her down. Perhaps it was her heart, thumping slower and slower, because she had found her resolve.

The guild was empty, excluding Mirajane who seemed to be left out of the research party. She poured Lucy a drink and smiled sweetly, asking if there was anything she wanted to talk about. The blond thought about it.

"I've decided," Lucy said quietly. "I'm not leaving the guild." Mira sighed and smiled widely, earning a slight blush from the blonde. "I have someone in mind, but I need the guild master's approval, don't I?" Her smile lingered. "I won't give up!"

"That's good to hear," Mira said, bringing out the communication lacrima. "I'll let everyone know you're safe and sound." Lucy nodded and sipped from her drink, looking absent-mindedly away. There was still a lot on her mind, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to burden her guild mate with that. When Mira finished the call, she had decided to take up her offer to talk.

"Don't you think it's a little bit unfair?" she asked. "All the dragon slayers, they don't really have a choice in the matter, do they? If I choose one, they can't opt out because of the guild master. What if the one I choose doesn't really want to spend an eternity with me?" Mira's smile didn't falter. Instead, it grew hearing Lucy's concerns.

"Clockwork Artist?" Lucy couldn't hide her confusion. It was the first time she heard of the name. Mira nodded.

"There is a lost magic that can turn the person's thoughts to what it was before a stronger magic started messing with them," she explained. "If the one you choose was attracted to you before you came to your inheritance, there will be no problem. Master really cares about each and every one in our guild."

The guild doors burst open. Mira winked at Lucy, who turned in surprise to see Laxus storming in. He was alone, but he was frantically looking around. When he noticed Lucy, he quickly made his way towards her and engulfed her in a big hug, pressing the fragile girl against his muscled chest.
"They all are completely infatuated with you by now," she said gently. "But just in case, the master has called forward the Clockwork Artist."

"Clockwork Artist?" Lucy couldn't hide her confusion. It was the first time she heard of the name. Mira nodded.

"There is a lost magic that can turn the person's thoughts to what it was before a stronger magic started messing with them," she explained. "If the one you choose was attracted to you before you came to your inheritance, there will be no problem. Master really cares about each and every one in our guild."

The guild doors burst open. Mira winked at Lucy, who turned in surprise to see Laxus storming in. He was alone, but he was frantically looking around. When he noticed Lucy, he quickly made his way towards her and engulfed her in a big hug, pressing the fragile girl against his muscled chest.

"You frightened me," he whispered so lowly that only Lucy could hear him. "Never do that again."

Lucy could hear his heart thumping in his chest. It matched her own erratic beats perfectly.