A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back! I have seen the new Hobbit movie…Epic…that's all I can say. Loved every minute of it!
I am very pleased to know that you guys liked what I did with the previous chapter for Gray and Juvia. Like I had previously stated, I had never attempted to write something like that before so it's a big relief to me that you guys thought I did a good job. I can't help but thank all of you for your honesty.
This chapter marks the end of the "Reconnecting" Arc and will focus on Jellal, Erza, Senna, Igneel and a couple I haven't touched base with in a while; Romeo and Wendy. I did my best to hammer this one out and post it as soon as I could so I hope this isn't too late.
I was on Tumblr the other day and I stumbled across the "Twin Dragon Paradox Theory"; y'know, the crack theory that Sting and Rouge are actually Natsu/Lucy and Gajeel/Levy's sons from the future. It instantly piqued my interest (Gee, I wonder why?). But I have to know, what are your, the reader's thoughts, on the whole theory/idea. If you could give me your feedback or thoughts on it, I would appreciate it.
Anyway, enough of my prattle, here is a shout out to you guys; my wonderful readers!
-Darkhope: As always, welcome back! I had a feeling you would like the previous chapter. I actually had a hard time writing the chapter out and putting it all together. I'm just glad it turned out okay. Yeah, from what I know about Gray and Juvia, they seem to be the type to have a very…active love life. As for what Chiara said about wanting to see her daddy, there is a hidden message there. But to what extent, I am at not liberty to discuss…but it shall be revealed when the time is right. I'm glad you like Sam; everyone keeps telling me that they like my characters for this story. It's nice to know that I've made a likeable cast!
-Kaida-Nee Alberona: Hey there, long time no see; it's good to hear from you. I take it from your review that you liked the previous chapter?*smiles*
-Sesshomaru'sCrazygal: As always, welcome back you wonderful crazy girl! Personally I think it would be cool if you had ESP…but if it made you even crazier then-wait…a crazy girl becoming crazier…MY MIND HAS BEEN BLOWN BY THAT THOUGHT! LOL. As always, I'm glad you liked the previous chapter. Of course I would continue writing this story, I have no reason to give up on it. I am very sorry for the long gaps between updates. If that ever happens, it's either because I'm busy with school/work, I am physically incapacitated or I find myself playing my Xbox. But, I will not give up on this; I will see it through to the end. Thank you for being understanding though…it means a lot to me.
-Tomoyo10798: Welcome back Tomoyo-chan! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter. As to what reason you skipped the "sexy-part" in the previous chapter I will not ask. Your reasons are your own reasons and I respect that. If there is, at any point in this story that you feel uncomfortable reading, just skip right over it and continue on.
-skelekc: Welcome back! I will do my best to try and make a scene for Natsu and Lucy like I did for Gray and Juvia. I have the plot already planned out in my head as to where I want to go with this story but I'm already brainstorming ways to incorporate a "love scene" for those two. Just be patient please.
-kazenoseiren: Hello and welcome back mademoiselle! I'm so sorry for not being correct with the whole madam/mademoiselle thing, French isn't my second language so I didn't know the difference. I apologize if I offended you. You're Belgian!? That's so cool, your country is on the list of places I want to visit. I hear it's a very lovely country. I didn't know French was a native language to your country. Hmm…the things you learn! As always, I am glad you enjoyed the chapter. Yeah, writing the chapter out really racked my brain. I put a lot of time into analyzing Gray and Juvia's relationship and it wasn't that easy putting pen to paper when I figured it all out. But, the feedback has been positive so that means I did well. I had fun writing out the scene with Gray and Chiara and yeah, Sam and Saito take after their fathers in the badass department. As for Igneel's dream, I can tell you this; in two chapters I will start to give you guys a look into said dream…but that doesn't mean secrets will be revealed. If anything, I'll be adding to the mystery. Trust me, when the truth comes out it will blow you away…I hope.
Now with that all said and done…let's begin!
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CHAPTER 12: Reconnecting Pt. 4 of 4
In a small, open field near the Fairy Hills apartments, Senna Fernandes sat seiza with her sword gently resting across her bent legs; her eyes closed in deep meditation. The early morning light caused a gentle glow to be emitted by her lightly tanned skin, the shadows from said light hugged the curves of her body.
She was dressed lightly; a red hakama was tied tightly around her waist and above her ankles. Her stomach and naval were bare but her breasts were covered in a series of form fitting bandages. Her feet were also bare and instead of keeping her hair tied in its usual knot with chopsticks, she let it fall loosely down to the middle of her back.
Breathing in the cool, crisp morning air, Senna reveled in the shiver that snaked its way up her spine from its base. Despite the fact that the morning presented a very nippy chill, Senna did not notice it so great was her concentration.
Taking another deep breathe, Senna gripped her katana's sheath and slowly withdrew the blade, the metal and wood making a sound so soft, it would be next to impossible to hear it. Senna set the sheath down next to her and held her sword and arm extended and pointing away from her.
She was still.
Then, with lightning fast speed, Senna was on her feet; her sword moving in fast, intricate arcs, spins and slashes. It had all happened so fast that her movement barely made the fraction of a second mark.
Her blade lowered before her, Senna smiled as she watched her practice targets fall to nice, evenly cut pieces around her.
Oh did she love cutting watermelons.
Walking over to a now massacred melon, Senna picked up a piece that hadn't touched the ground when it landed on its pile. Devouring the mouthwatering fruit down to the rind, Senna flicked her wrist with practice ease, thus riding the melon juice from her well maintained blade.
This was just part of her morning routine. Like Sam, Saito and Igneel, Senna had her own morning routine that she liked to perform at least three times a week.
She would arise when it was still dark out and perform a series of grueling calisthenics and flexibility exercises along with a series of weight lifting drills; her weights being the heaviest pieces or slabs of rock that she could find. When that was settled, she would then perform a deep, mediation exercise that usually lasted an hour to an hour and half before she would unleash her swordsmanship skills on whatever practice target she happened to cobble together. Once that was finished, she would then perform her various techniques in a way that could be considered shadow boxing; her only opponent being the one she formed in her mind's eye.
By the time she was finished, the sun would have fully risen and she would be covered in head to toe in sweat, dust and grit.
Which is where she was now.
Using an old towel she had brought with her, Senna wiped her blade down to remove anything that may have been caught on it. She would perform a full-scale maintenance check on it latter but for now, the towel sufficed.
And then, with a silent reverence, Senna sheathed her sword, turned on her heel and made her way back to her mother's apartment.
Considering it was only nine o'clock in the morning, Senna wasn't the least bit surprised to find that most, if not all of the Fairy Hills residents were still asleep. Senna had long ago guessed that aside from her mother, she was the only early riser that lived in the building. Making her way to her Erza's residence, Senna pulled the spare key she had been given out of her bandages. Senna had stashed the key itself conveniently between the cleavage of her ample breasts; something that had proven more than useful on more than one occasion.
Silently opening and closing the door, Senna walked through the apartment with a stealth that could only be matched by a ghost. She didn't want to disturb the apartments other occupant.
Stepping into Erza's room, Senna kneeled down next to her futon to check on her bed's other occupant.
Igneel was still asleep; his chest gently rising and falling in the way Senna had left him when she had awoken.
Erza had spent the night with Jellal at his room at the inn he and Meredy were staying at. This in turn meant that Erza had the apartment all to herself.
A small smile tugged at her lips as she observed her boyfriend…or to be more accurate, the most cherished person in her heart.
Igneel's nude body was covered from the waist down by Senna's bed sheet thus leaving his muscular upper body and ripped torso exposed. Senna felt a blush spread to her cheeks as she took in the lines and shadows his muscles created…they did an excellent job of hiding his scars. The scars were the tiny ones that could only be noticed if someone got up close and personal to closely examine Igneel.
But not all of Igneel's scars were so easily hidden.
Slowly extending her right index finger, Senna slowly, but gently applied a feather light touch to the ragged scar that ran from Igneel's right side of his hip before it curved up across his stomach, his left pectoral, and then across his right shoulder having snaked its way across his back. Even with her simple touch, Senna could feel the cold that permeated through the healed flesh; a grim reminder of the damage that had been caused. Senna stopped just as she reached Igneel's chest before trailing her finger up his clavicle, the left side of his neck and cheek before gently swiping his matted down fringe from his forehead.
Senna frowned as she did so.
She could still distinctly remember Igneel's scream of pure agony from when the vicious, deep laceration had been inflicted.
She remembered his warm blood as it splashed across her face.
It was one of a thousand things that caused her many a nightmare in the past.
Senna's eyes hardened slightly. She would make that bitch pay for what she had done to Igneel…to Senna herself…and to her friends.
Exhaling through her nose, Senna calmed her temper. There would be a time and place to settle old scores…now wasn't one of them.
Leaning down, Senna placed a slow and warm kiss on the Light Caster's forehead, causing the latter to gently hum in his sleep. Senna then rose to her feet and made her way to the rooms adjacent and generously sized bathroom. The shower stall was large enough that if Senna wanted to, she could lay down and spread herself out underneath the shower head, thus getting an impromptu back massage in the process. Stripping out of her clothes, or lack thereof, Senna went to the shower and ran the water until it came out hot; the bathroom quickly filling with steam. Stepping under the now running water which streamed freely from the large shower head, Senna let out a content sigh as she let the hot liquid run over her body and massage her tense muscles.
If there was one thing Senna enjoyed more than anything else, aside from spending time with her friends and family, it was the feeling of a nice, hot shower. The pulse and flow of the water always put her mind at ease and helped her body relax. Especially after one of her training sessions.
So deep into the feeling of the water was she that Senna was nearly taken by surprise when a pair of muscular arms wrapped themselves around her abdomen as the hands and fingers they were attached to splayed themselves flat against her slim and fit stomach. The arms were then followed by a chest pressing against her back and an all too familiar set of lips pressing themselves against the top of her head in a gentle kiss.
Senna smiled as she turned around and wrapped her arms around Igneel's neck, pulling him with her under the shower's stream. Gazing into his tantalizing blue eyes, Senna stood on the tips of her toes and kissed Igneel in a passionate embrace.
"When did you wake up?" Senna asked as she parted their lips.
Igneel nested his forehead against Senna's.
"The moment you opened the door." Igneel said as he slowly traced his fingers up and down and then across Senna's shoulder blades and spine.
Senna hummed with a dreamy smile.
"And you just let me touch you without saying a thing?"
Igneel withdrew his left hand from Senna's back and used it to gently cup her chin with his thumb and index finger.
"You're the only one who I allow to touch me like that; the only one who lets me feel warmth return to that scar."
Igneel smiled a gentle smile.
"Why wouldn't I let you touch me?" Igneel said as he gently kissed the blue and crimson haired girl.
Senna deepened the kiss as she unlocked her hands from Igneels neck before slowly dragging them to rest on his broad shoulders. Senna parted her lips again and looked at Igneel with clouded eyes as the Light mage guided his right hand down her side and cup her hip.
Senna let a smile quirk to her lips as she felt Igneel massage his thumb against her skin.
"We can't be too long, we are meeting with my parents later."
"We have time." Igneel said as he gently began to focus on Senna's neck with a series of light kisses.
Senna let out a groan of bliss.
"I find it ironic that I came in to take a shower and clean myself…only to get dirty again."
Igneel smirked.
"You know you like it." He whispered into Senna's ear before taking her into a deep kiss. And with those words, Igneel began to slowly lower his and Senna's bodies to the shower floor, the water spilling across his back as the two began another session of lovemaking.
XXXX
On the other side of Magnolia Town, the morning light filtered in through the cracks of the blinds thus filling the room with a dull glow. However, one particularly stubborn beam of light managed to find the right opening through the cloth drapes and cast itself onto the "Queen of Fairy Tail" herself.
Erza Scarlet was not amused.
Letting out a groan, Erza turned on her side and pulled the comforter over her head. She was never really a morning person. Try as she might, Erza found it impossible to fall back to sleep, the light having awoken her with its piercing glare.
"Can't sleep either?" A voice mumbled.
Erza's eyes slowly cracked open and she found herself locking eyes with Jellal Fernandes, the latter himself having hidden under the covers.
Erza shook her head.
"No, I guess the light got you too?"
Jellal nodded and slowly rose, the comforter and bed sheets falling away as he stretched his arms high above his head. The resounding "crick-crack" from his spine could be heard as the bones lightly popped.
Jellal was clad in an old, baggy t-shirt and a pair of plaid pajama pants. Erza herself, was dressed in one of her more revealing nightgowns. Not that Jellal minded, of course.
In the two weeks since they had admitted their true feelings for one another, Erza and Jellal were almost inseparable. Many of the town's residents, at one point or another, had caught a glimpse of the red and blue haired mages walking amongst the towns streets. It had been only recently, that Erza had begun to spend the night with Jellal. This morning marked the third time that she had done so.
Slipping out of bed, Erza donned her bathrobe as she went over to the bathroom door. Jellal's eyes followed her the entire time.
"I'm going to take a shower…" Erza said as she turned her, "unless you'd like to join me that is?" Erza said in a teasing manner.
Jellal blushed but smiled regardless with a shake of his head.
"You go on, I'll take mine after you're done."
Erza shrugged with a coy smile and closed the door behind her.
Only when he heard the water running did Jellal let out the breath he'd been holding. Letting his legs hang over the side of the bed, Jellal let his breathing calm. As much as he was tempted to take Erza up on her offer, Jellal had maintained his self-control and had gotten a grip on his hormones. He didn't want to rush things between him and Erza. In fact the furthest the two had ever gotten when it came to intimate contact was heavy touching and passionate kissing. They had always managed to stop themselves before going beyond that, however, not wanting to push the envelope further.
They instead enjoyed their time together by cuddling up with each other at night, taking walks around town and the surrounding woodland, or just finding ways to enjoy each other.
Jellal sighed again.
But still…he was pretty sure Erza was in the same boat as he was. She had been by his side since that fateful day, wanting to make up for all the time they had lost over the years.
But they found themselves wanting more.
And it was taking all their will power to prevent themselves from running blindly and headlong into something they may regret later on.
Jellal loved Erza and for now, he was content with what they had.
XXXX
Erza leaned out the open window as she took in a deep breathe of the morning air. It was crisp and clear, just the way she liked it.
Jellal was currently taking his own shower which left Erza alone with her thoughts.
"So much has changed in such a short amount of time." Erza muttered to herself aloud.
In the timespan of about two weeks, Erza had gone from learning that her daughter from the future had accidently been sent back in time, along with the children of some of her closest friends and Guild Mates, to being in a committed relationship with the man who held her heart since she had first met him.
And now it seemed the same was happening for her aforementioned Guild Mates. First it had been Natsu and Lucy. Then it had been Gajeel and Levy. And just the other day she had seen Gray and Juvia walking hand in hand. And this had all happened after they had each had an encounter with their kids. Erza suspected that the child of each couple had somehow brought their parents together, but she chose not to address the matter.
If anything, if the kids had played a part in bringing their parents together, she was glad they did. She was starting to worry that her friends would never overcome the awkwardness between each other and their children. It was nice to see them in high spirits once again.
Her thoughts then turned to Senna, her daughter.
"Daughter…" Erza said aloud, letting the word roll off her tongue. It had taken some getting used to, but the more time she spent with Senna, the more it felt natural to be around her.
"Natural," Erza said with a small smile and she rested her hands on her palms, "my maternal instincts have been in overdrive ever since she's arrived…of course it feels natural."
Erza and Jellal had long since gotten over the awkwardness between themselves and their daughter. After what they had admitted and accepted of themselves, they found interacting with Senna to be easier.
"And speaking of interacting," Erza said as she glanced over her shoulder at the wall mounted clock, "we're going to be late if you don't hurry up." Erza called out.
"I know, I know, I just lost track of time." Jellal said as he opened the bathroom door and pulled his shirt over his head.
Erza found her eyes glued to Jellal's torso…a very muscular torso if she might add.
Jellal noticed Erza's look and smirked as he pulled the rest of his shirt down and donned his jacket.
"Like what you saw?" Jellal asked with a cheeky grin.
Erza blinked rapidly as a crimson blush that matched her hair color spread across her cheeks. Jellal let out a good natured laugh.
"Why does he have to be so tempting!?" Erza mentally berated herself. This coming from the woman who had just proposed the idea of a romantic shower with her boyfriend.
Clearing her thoughts, Erza took Jellal's awaiting hand and followed him out the door.
They had something important to discuss with Senna after all.
XXXX
It was mid-day by the time Jellal and Erza arrived at the Guild Hall. For some reason everyone seemed to be particularly rowdy today. Erza wondered why.
Saying their fair share of greetings to those that acknowledged their arrival, the two were about to enter the meeting room when Erza noticed something out of the corner of her eye. Turning her head, and much to her surprise, she saw Romeo and Wendy sitting side by side at a nearby table. The latter of the two was resting her head on the young fire mages shoulder. Despite the heavy blush on both of the younger mages cheeks, the two sat with their hands locked together as they received a couple shout outs from the other guild mates.
And off in the background she saw Carla blow her nose into a handkerchief as tears of either joy or sadness comically streamed from her eyes. Happy and Pantherlily sat next to her, each comfortingly patting her on the back.
"She's all grown up now; my baby is all grown up now!" Erza heard Carla wail.
"My boy has become a man! A man I tell ya, a man!" Mako called out from somewhere over the din.
From those statements, Erza guessed that Wendy and Romeo had chosen to make their relationship known. Smiling for the two, Erza followed Jellal into the waiting room.
"Sorry we're late." Erza said as she entered the waiting room.
"No, we just got in here a couple of minutes ago actually." Senna said from her spot on the couch adjacent to Jellal and Erza's.
"We had a slight issue to resolve." Said the person sitting next to Senna.
It was then that both Jellal and Erza noticed that Senna wasn't alone because sitting next to her daughter was Igneel Dragneel.
Both Jellal and Erza had talked to each other on their thoughts about their daughter's relationship with Igneel and of the son of Natsu and Lucy in general.
Both Igneel and Senna had made it a point that they were together from the get go and Erza suspected, no, knew that their relationship also had a sexual nature to it. It didn't take an expert to guess that the two mages had made love on more than one occasion. At first, Erza and Jellal had wanted to ask Senna about this. But the two had eventually given up on the idea. Senna was eighteen and Igneel was seventeen, but by many standards, especially in the magical world, they were already considered adults. And like any adult, they made their own decisions. What went on between Senna and Igneel was their business and their business alone. Sex was just a part of any healthy relationship and from Erza had seen, the two were head over heels for each other.
It was true love.
Igneel himself was a pleasant guy to be around. Even though he looked like Natsu, he didn't act like his father. He was calm, quiet, and polite and was always ready to lend a hand if one needed it. Erza and Jellal found that he was extremely mature for his age and had an outlook on life that was rarely seen by others his age.
To put it bluntly, the two mages liked Igneel, plain and simple. And rom what they had seen, he treated his friends and family with the utmost respect and love…especially towards Senna.
However, Erza had noted one thing about Igneel that unnerved her. Igneel was a man with many secrets and he guarded those secrets closely. Whenever someone asked him something about the future, he would either play it off or be vague with his responses.
Igneel was hiding something.
And even though Erza, along with the rest of the Guild trusted the Light mage, the fact that Igneel refused to divulge anything was a cause for concern. It was something that had certainly gotten Master Makarov's and Laxus's attention. That alone was cause for concern. If Igneel had noticed this, he didn't show it or didn't care.
However, it all came down to one simple fact for both Erza and Jellal; Igneel made Senna happy. And so long as their daughter was happy, that was all that mattered.
"Mom…are you okay, we've been trying to get your attention for two minutes now." Senna asked.
Erza blinked and straightened her back.
"Sorry, I was lost in thought."
Senna shrugged at Erza's disarming smile.
"So…" Igneel said, "What is it you wanted to talk to us about?"
Erza looked at Jellal and nodded.
"Erza and I have been talking. Since you, Senna and the others have arrived in our time period, Meredy and I have been staying at a local inn. We have nowhere else to go and I decided I wanted to get to know my future daughter better." Jellal said with a smile as he looked at Senna.
"And I wanted to reconnect with someone very special to me." Jellal said as he gently held Erza's hand.
Senna smiled at this action.
"But Meredy and I both know that we can't stay at the inn forever. We are running low on money and will need to find work soon if we wish to continue our stay."
Senna frowned at this and gave her parents a concerned look.
"But…" Erza said, "There is one other alternative."
Senna arched her eyebrow in confusion but Igneel, on the other hand, had an idea as to where this conversation was heading. He did his best to control the smile spreading across his face.
"Erza and I have have decided that I will be moving into her apartment…so long as I help pay rent that is." Jellal finished the last part with a light humored tone.
Senna's eyes began to widen as a smile spread across her face and she gripped Igneel's hand.
"Meredy has spoken to both Ruchio and Chico and she will be staying at Fairy Hills; she got a good price for a room and will not have to pay rent until she gets her finances organized."
Jellal smiled.
"And there is more to it."
"Here it comes." Igneel thought.
"Seeing as how we will permanently be staying here at Magnolia, Meredy and I have also decided to disband Crime Sorciere…and pledge our loyalty and magic to Fairy Tail."
"You mean…you mean you and Aunt Meredy are…are…" Senna asked as tears of joy streamed down her face.
Erza and Jellal nodded.
"That's right Senna," Jellal said, "we have asked Master Makarov and he has given his approval. The ceremony will be held later tonight."
Erza found herself crying as well.
"We're joining Fairy Tail."
With those words, Senna launched herself across the table and pulled her parents into back breaking hug as soft sobs of happiness were choked out by Senna. After the initial shock was overcome, Erza and Jellal returned their daughters embrace.
Igneel smiled at the scene and when the parents released their daughter, he gave both Erza and Jellal a firm forearm clasp with a shake.
"Congratulations…this has been a long time coming." Igneel said.
"Indeed," Jellal said, "we wanted to tell you sooner but thought it better to surprise you before we let the rest of the Guild know."
"I had a feeling something big was about to go down. I'm glad you decided to settle down…I can't wait to see everyone's reaction."
"You and me both." Jellal said before an exuberant Senna pulled him out of the waiting room as she went to go find Master Makarov.
"She's taking this rather well." Igneel said as he and Erza made their way for the door.
Erza wiped the tears from her eyes.
"She is…I don't think I've seen her this excited since she's arrived."
Igneel smiled.
"Don't worry, you'll have eighteen years to see her smile like that."
Erza paused at this before smiling.
"I guess you're right."
Before Igneel could exit, Erza stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Before you go, I have to ask; do you know anything about Romeo and Wendy?"
"We~ll," Igneel said as he rubbed the back of his neck, "you see, about that…"
XXXX
1 Hour and a half earlier…
Senna and Igneel had just left Fairy Hills and were making their way to the Guild Hall. Having taken the time to clean themselves up after their morning coupling, the two shared a quick breakfast before heading out the door.
Senna explained that her parents had told her the previous day that there was something important they wanted to tell her. What it was, Senna had no idea.
They had decided to cross through North Gate Park as a short cut. They wanted to be early to avoid the morning crowds that filled the streets near the Guild Hall and Market district.
The area of the park that they were heading through was a relatively secluded spot so that meant there weren't a lot of people around. Which is why both the Light Caster and Swordswoman paused in their tracks when they heard the sound of someone crying.
Following the sound, the two soon came upon a surprising scene. There, sitting with her knees drawn up to her chest and head buried into her arms, short hair and all; was Wendy.
"Wendy!?" Igneel asked.
The Sky Dragon Mage's head snapped up with a surprised gasp. Her eyes were red and tears streamed freely down her cheeks.
Wendy began to wipe away her tears but Senna was at her side.
"H-hey guys, what's up? Wendy asked with a sniffle.
"Wendy what's wrong?" Senna asked as she wrapped her arm in comforting manner around her shoulders.
"Wrong? Nothing…nothing is wrong."
"Wendy…" Senna said with a look.
Wendy tried to say something but found herself unable to. Her lip began to quiver as new tears began to stream from her eyes. Senna pulled Wendy close.
"Shhh," Senna said, "it's okay…it's okay. Tell me what's wrong." Senna said soothingly.
Wendy took a shaky breath as she wiped her eyes again.
"Romeo…I was…I was crying over Romeo."
"…Romeo?" Senna asked as she looked at Igneel. Igneel folded his arms across his chest and gave Wendy a concerned look.
"Did Romeo say or do something to you?" Igneel asked.
Wendy's head snapped at Igneel, her eyes wide at what Igneel may have been implying.
"What!? No! No, it's nothing like that!" Wendy said.
"Then what is wrong…" Senna said, "Sweetheart, we can't help you if you don't tell is what's going on."
Wendy looked down as she wrung her hands together.
"…A few…a few days ago…Romeo and I were going for a walk in the East Forest. We've been trying to sort things out. Ever since we found out that we would be married…that we would be having a baby sometime in the future…we've grown apart. It's just so much to take in…I mean we're still so young and…and I just don't know what to think anymore. We're still trying to keep our…our relationship a secret to everyone who hasn't figured it out yet. So we've been trying to figure out where we stand at the moment. That's why we went on a walk…to just…talk things out."
Wendy took a breath.
"We were crossing this one path and I suddenly lost my footing on the rocks. It would have been a really bad fall if Romeo hadn't caught me. But when I grabbed onto him, my fingers dug into the skin on his arms…I kind of scratched him really bad. Romeo said it didn't hurt…that it just stung a little."
Wendy's hands began to shake.
"But as the day went on…the two of us started to feel weird. Romeo began to say that the scratches were starting to burn and…that his chest was starting to feel really warm. I began to feel the same way only my chest felt like it was burning from the inside out. My heart couldn't stop beating and I noticed that Romeo's scent had changed."
Senna looked at Igneel, whose arms had fallen to his sides. He had a very concerned look on his face.
"Please continue." Igneel said.
Wendy nodded.
"It's only gotten worse since then. The warmth in my chest has increased, no medicine seems to be able to stop it, and…and I can smell Romeo from a greater distance than before now."
Wendy swallowed hard
"I can't…I can't stop thinking about him. When I go to sleep, I see him. When I try to read, I can't focus on the words and…and I just can't stop thinking about Romeo! I think about him all the time to the point where it hurts; there's a longing that wasn't there before! I'm so scared…I don't know what's going on; that's the reason why I was crying. I asked Romeo to meet me here so we could figure out what's happening." Wendy said as she began to tear up.
"What's happening to me?" Wendy pleaded as she looked at Igneel for answers.
Igneel placed his hands on hips and chewed his lower lip in thought.
"…Have the cuts on Romeo's arm healed yet?" Igneel asked.
Wendy shook her head.
"N-no…why?"
Igneel sighed.
"Oh dear." He muttered.
Igneel slowly ran his hand through his hair.
"I think I know what's going on." Igneel said as he kneeled before Wendy and took her hands in his.
"Wendy…I think when you scratched Romeo…you marked him as your mate."
"What?" Wendy said, her voice was nothing more than a hoarse whisper.
Igneel nodded.
"From what you've told us…it sounds like you gave Romeo your mate mark."
Senna's eyes widened as she held a shaking Wendy.
"N-no…it…it can't be." Wendy said.
"Igneel are you sure?" Senna asked.
Igneel nodded again.
"This all sounds like what my mom told me about how she and my dad went through courting each other. The symptoms all match what my parents went through after my dad had bit my mother during one of their more private evenings."
Senna let out a long sigh while Wendy silently cried, her eyes wide and streaming with tears.
"But…but I…I didn't mean to." Wendy said.
"Wendy…" Igneel said as he placed his hands on Wendy's shoulders, "it was an accident. There is no way you could have known."
"But how did it happen!?"
"…Odds are that despite the problems you two have encountered, you and Romeo are still attracted to each other but on a deeper, primal level. When a Dragonslayer is attracted to someone they love, their bodies begin to imprint on the person of their affections. It's complicated for me to explain, but basically, your body secretes an unrecognizable scent, a scent that is barely noticeable through your sense of smell. It is all fueled by that primal attraction I was talking about. When the Slayer marks their desired mate, whether it be through a bite, scratch or…or orgasm…" Igneel said with a blush.
Wendy blushed a fiery shade of red.
"…Or some form of pain or pleasure induced contact, the scent reacts to the recipients pain or pleasure pheromones that are created by the contact of the Slayer and their mate. When these two scents mingle, it forms an instant connection between the two bodies. However, if the Slayers spend too much time apart from each other the new "Mate Scent" begins to take over. It's the bodies way of trying to bring the Slayer and their mate back together…that's why it's been so painful for you."
Wendy swallowed hard as she took all of this in.
"If all of this is correct, then I'm pretty sure Romeo is experiencing the same thing you are."
Wendy's eyes widened at this revelation. If Romeo was going through the same feelings she was experiencing…then what would happen when he arrived at the park.
Wendy suddenly began to panic.
"Romeo is going to be here any minute now…Igneel, what do I do; how do I stop this!?"
"Calm down. The only way to stop the attraction is for you and Romeo to both acknowledge that you two are now mates…you two must consummate the bond."
"C-c-c-co-consummate!" Wendy spluttered out, "You mean we have to…we have to have sex!?"
"NO!" Igneel and Senna said in unison.
"No, no, no, absolutely not!" Igneel said as he waved his arms disarmingly.
"When I say "consummate" I mean that you and Romeo have to just simply engage in physical contact like holding hands or a hug. I wouldn't go farther than that but I've heard that a full blown kiss on the lips also does the trick."
"…And if I do that…will the feeling stop."
Igneel nodded.
"It will. But Wendy…once you two go through with this, it is something that can never be undone. Dragonslayers mate for life. Do you understand? You and Romeo will be tied together until one or both of you die…for Romeo's sake and your sake…it has to be done. Because if you don't correct this, it will not end well for both of you. This is a massive undertaking…can you handle the responsibility?"
Wendy was silent before she looked at Igneel.
She nodded.
"I can…I can do this."
Igneel exhaled through his nose.
"Good…because here he comes."
Igneel moved out of Wendy's way and sure enough, Romeo Conbolt was heading right for them. Even from their spot, Senna and Igneel could see the scratches on Romeo's right forearm.
"Go to him." Senna said as she released Wendy.
"It'll be alright."
Wendy nodded, stood on her feet and went across the open ground to meet Romeo.
"I hope this works." Igneel said.
"You and me both." Senna added.
The two watched as Romeo and Wendy met up. Romeo had his hands in his pockets while Wendy had her hands tightly clasped together.
The two were silent, both were unable to form words. The burning sensations in their chests had returned with intensified strength. Romeo pulled his hands out of his pockets and clutched his chest. His breathing had become labored.
Wendy was in a similar position. Her breathing came out ragged and sweat beaded on her forehead.
Romeo noticed this and his brow furrowed in concern.
"Wendy…what's wrong?" Romeo managed to pant out.
Wendy bit her lip and closed her eyes hard…the sensation in her chest having intensified. Her heart was pounding like the beat of a drum in her chest.
She…she couldn't take it anymore.
Her hands shaking, Wendy suddenly grabbed Romeo's scarf with both hands.
"W-Wendy, what-Mmmpphh!" Romeo was silenced when Wendy mashed her lips together with his.
"Oh my…" Senna said as she covered her mouth.
"Whoa." Igneel said, his eyebrows raised in surprise.
Romeo's eyes were wide as saucers as he gripped Wendy's upper arms tightly.
A calming sensation suddenly washed over Romeo and Wendy's bodies. The burning in their chests became a dull warmth. If felt nice…really nice. Romeo slowly closed his eyes and returned Wendy's kiss with a vigor that matched her own.
The need for air, however, became apparent and the two broke apart.
"W-Wendy?" Romeo asked.
Wendy said nothing as she framed Romeo's face with her hands. Tears began to stream from her eyes as she lost the ability to stand, her knees having begun to shake. Slowly the two sank to the ground and Wendy buried her face into Romeo's chest.
Igneel let out a relieved sigh as he slumped forward and rested his hands on his knees.
"They're alright…they're alright."
Igneel straightened up.
"I guess I have to explain this to Romeo."
Senna took his hand.
"You did the right thing Igneel…if you hadn't told her all of that, who knows what would have happened?"
Igneel nodded.
"I know…still, I wish this hadn't happened to those two. Their lives have now taken a road that neither can never turn back on."
"It was an accident that couldn't be avoided. As much as we try Igneel, we can't stop everything that is bad in the world from happening."
Igneel smiled.
"…You always manage to put things into focus you know that right?"
"Only when things need an adjustment."
Igneel chuckled and the two went over to the newly mated pair.
XXXX
Now…
"Wow." Was all Erza could say. No words could properly describe what was racing through her mind.
"Just…wow."
Igneel nodded.
"Yup. That pretty much sums it all up."
"What…what happened next?"
"Senna and I helped Romeo and Wendy back here to the Guild Hall. Everyone instantly picked up that something was amiss so Romeo and Wendy took the bold move of telling everyone what happened. Senna and I stood by and let them tell everyone the truth about what had occurred in the park. At first everyone's reaction mirrored yours. But then my dad, Laxus and Gajeel happened."
"Happened?"
"You know how protective they can be of Wendy. They nearly throttled Romeo when they overcame their shock. Being Dragonsalyers I thought they would have remembered to never threaten a Slayers mate. Guess I was wrong."
Igneel looked over to Wendy and Romeo's table. Wendy noticed and gave a small wave. Igneel nodded in return.
"Let's just say that everyone has a new reason to fear that little lady."
"I'll bet." Erza added.
"Once everyone fully understood the situation, their shock turned to comforting and, surprisingly, joy. Of course Carla began to openly sob and was hard to be comforted and Uncle Mako was no better. But he had taken those two into a large hug. Last I saw he was at the bar…somewhere." Igneel said as he gestured off towards the crowd.
Erza chuckled at that remark before looking at Romeo and Wendy.
"Will they be alright?"
"Honestly…I don't know. Like I said, things might get hard for them along the way…but if they truly care about each other, everything will work out just fine."
"Yeah…you're right. I guess what Master Makarov has to announce about Jellal and Meredy is even more cause for celebration."
"I guess that's true." Igneel chuckled.
Igneel suddenly found himself taken into a gentle hug by Erza. Hesitantly returning the embrace, Erza released Igneel with a smile as she clasped his shoulders.
"You're a good man Igneel…you really are."
Erza stepped back from Igneel.
"I'm glad you were able to help Romeo and Wendy…things definitely wouldn't have ended well if you hadn't stumbled upon Wendy. I hate to imagine what could have happened."
"That makes two of us."
Erza nodded.
"Senna was right about you." Erza said before she turned around and left to go find Jellal and Senna.
Watching Erza leave, Igneel let a small frown form on his face. Looking around the Guild Hall, Igneel crossed his arms across his chest.
"Sorry Aunt Erza…but I'm not as good as you think." Igneel thought before heading over to the table that Sam was calling him over to.
XXXX
A/N: And that does it everyone! The "Reconnecting" Arc is over. It took a little longer than I would have liked to put all the chapters together but hey, life happens.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter because next time, THE NEW THREAT is revealed. I start to pick up the action and the plot so I hope you'll stay tuned.
As per usual, if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter.
Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING!