A/N: Hello everyone, welcome back! I have come back from my mini-break to bring you this new chapter. I think I'm starting to get used to my new schedule here at college. I've been doing my best to get back into my routine but I've been so busy (currently learning how to speak Spanish and figure out Statistics) that I haven't really had time to write. I think we've all had an experience like that at one point or another, right?
In other news, my hours at the bar where I work have been cut due to slow business (it's that time of the year) so that's added a little stress…
…And it's like 4 freaking degrees Fahrenheit outside; LITERALLY! (that's -15 degrees Celsius to you guys…brrrrr; I HATE WINTER!)
Anyway, I've taken the time to write this up and start to hint at some of the secrets our mages from the future are hiding. I'm not giving you full answers; I'm saving that for the big reveal. If anything, this should keep the mystery brewing until it finally boils over. I know you guys have been asking me about the truth…but it's so much fun keeping it from you!
…But, I will reveal it soon. That's all I'll say.
Now, for those of you reviewed, here's a shout out to you guys!
-Darkhope: Hello there, welcome back! Yeah, Sam, Saito and the others are hiding a dark secret and it's finally starting to crawl its way out of the shadows. You were right in your guess about death and it involving the parents. But to what degree I will let you guess. If I told you what was really going on that would spoil everything, now wouldn't it? Thank you for the compliment about my writing. I really appreciate it.
-Kazenoseiren: Hello my friend from afar, welcome back! You didn't have the internet for a week!? Was there a power outage or something!? I'm just glad to hear that you're okay. I didn't know Belgium had three different languages…I thought you guys just spoke a little French and were entirely based around the Dutch language. Heh, the things you learn! I'm glad you liked the previous chapters. Yeah, I put a lot of thought into how I would develop my characters and now more of their back story will start to come to light. Sorry for making you impatient, just wait a little longer; please! As for how the wizards and their significant others/mates interact, I was just taking a wild guess and going on what I know about relationships in general so I may be wrong about a couple of things…oh well. Yeah, Senna and Igneel go together nicely. As for Sam and Lilly being "intimate"…well, you'll have to read to find out more. X)
Now that that's done, let's get started!
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CHAPTER 14: The secrets that we keep
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"Nothing weighs on us so heavily as a secret." – Jean de La Fontaine, French poet
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Makarov sat in his chair as he watched the rain slowly run down the window of his office, the only light coming from the lamp on his desk which casted a soft glow throughout the room. The small clock which sat next to the lamp said: 10:15 PM.
The guild was all but quiet now; there would be no late night parties today.
With his one hand resting on the arm of the chair and the other holding a glass of bourbon on the rocks, many would think that the leader of the most rowdy group of mages in all of Fiore would be taking time to relax considering how rare it was to get some damn peace and quiet.
However, it wasn't meant to be.
Not on this night.
Not after what he had been told.
Makarov sighed a deep and troubled sigh before he brought his glass to his lips and taking a generous sip of the burning liquid.
"I wonder…what are you hiding Igneel Dragneel?" Makarov mused as he thought back to earlier in the evening.
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Earlier…
Shortly after Saito and Sam had stormed into the Guild and had gotten a shaken Igneel to hold a private meeting with his friends, Makarov had held a meeting of his own.
He had taken Gajeel into his office while Gray stayed behind to fill the others in on what had happened at East Gate. Laxus, Mirajane, Cana and Erza had also joined in on the meeting at Makarov's request. He wanted the secondary leaders of the Guild to hear what the Iron mage had to say.
Mira closed the door behind her before taking her place beside Laxus, the Lighting Dragon Slayer gently wrapping his arm around her and pulling her close while Gajeel took a seat in front of Makarov's desk.
"Alright Gajeel, why don't you start from the beginning and tell us what that was all about?"
Gajeel sighed and his brow furrowed.
Starting with the events of the morning to the aftermath of Sam and Saito's brawl with the unknown mages, Gajeel recalled the events of the day. From Saito and Sam's sudden personality change, the ferocity of how they fought and to their avoiding of questions; Gajeel recounted it all, detail by detail.
When he had finished, the air around him had changed to something no one had expected from Gajeel…
…Concern and, most of all; fear.
He was afraid and concerned over his son's safety and his split second change of mood.
He was concerned at how his son had suddenly fought with a brutality and strength he had never seen before.
And he was concerned, most of all, by the fact that Saito had blatantly lied through his teeth to Gajeel. Since Gajeel had met Saito, the young mage had never once lied to his father or to Levy; his mother. The fact that he was now was cause for serious concern…it didn't help that the other kids seemed to be in on it…well; except for Chiara of course.
Erza frowned deeply as she rested her chin on her fist which was held in her arm. She was troubled by the fact that Senna may also be hiding something from her.
"Did you ever figure out who those Mages were?" she asked.
Gajeel shook his head.
"Yes and no, Saito said before they could stop the mages they disappeared; teleported themselves to who knows where? Their names however, from what we were told by the Archive manager, were Talon and Thorn."
Makarov steeped his hands in front of his face.
"Did you find any evidence that may give us an idea as to who they are?"
"We found a bunch of long and short spears that belonged to Talon. They were handmade and had no distinguishing markings."
Gajeel lowered his eyes in concern.
"There's something else you guys should know." Gajeel said as he addressed the group.
"Thorn…the woman Saito fought…I only caught a glimpse of her as Saito hurled her out of the building…but it looked like she too had Dragon Skin."
A stunned silence filled the room.
"The same…the same power Saito has?" Cana asked, her mug of booze long forgotten.
Gajeel nodded.
"Saito told me that the Dragon Skin magic is extremely rare and that it is an especially powerful magic only a few can wield. The odds of running into someone who has Dragon Skin is slim to almost impossible."
"Until today." Laxus added.
"Yeah." Gajeel said.
Makarov frowned. Things weren't adding up. Granted, it was pure chance that Saito ran into someone who had the same power as him. But the way he had reacted and the fact that he was hiding something, no, the fact that Saito and the other kids were hiding something was too much to ignore.
"What should we do?" Erza asked.
Makarov sighed deeply.
"I have suspected for a while that those kids were hiding something. As to what, I'm not sure. But whatever it is, it can't be good. They have dodged too many questions and most of all, they have made no effort as far as I can see to find a way back to their own time. I have come to love and enjoy their company…but we need to find out what it is going on."
"Are you asking us to spy on them?" Gajeel asked as her brow furrowed slightly in anger. Spying on other people was one thing, but this was his son Makarov was talking about. He didn't want to entertain the idea of breaking the trust and bond he had formed with his future son.
"No," Makarov said, "No, I'm not suggesting that. It's too early to confront them about this and I'm sure they would know right off the bat that they were being watched. What I do suggest is that you just keep your ears open and see if anything slips up. They may be talking one day and unknowingly reveal a detail. If need be, approach the issue with them…but do it carefully and when they are not on the defensive…understood?"
The mages nodded. Makarov let a sad look form on his face.
"I don't like this anymore than you do…but it must be done. I'm doing this not because I don't trust them…I'm doing this out of concern for their safety and for ours."
Makarov rose from his seat.
"You are dismissed."
The mages nodded and left the office…
…only to find Igneel and Natsu nose to nose.
"What the-?" Laxus said before-
"It's none of your concern dad; back off and let it go!" Igneel hollered at this father.
"The hell it isn't," Natsu said in an equal tone, "one moment your fine. The next you turn whiter than a ghost. And then your temper rears its ugly head! I'll ask you again; what the hell was that all about!?"
"Natsu…" Lucy said as she tried to calm the Fire mage, only for her to gasp in shock-along with everyone else in the room-when Igneel grabbed his father by his scarf and forcefully pushed him up against the nearby wall.
"I said. Let. It. Go." Igneel said in a tone that was a borderline growl. Igneel's dark green eyes were wild and Natsu could smell the adrenaline course through his son's veins as his chest heaved.
Lucy was at their side in an instant.
"Igneel," Lucy said, her voice filled with concern, as she gently placed her hand on Igneel's arm, "let him go…please…you're…you're scaring me."
Lucy's words and touched seemingly had an instantaneous effect on her son. He suddenly blinked rapidly as the wild look disappeared from his eyes. It was a look that was replaced by something Natsu had only seen once.
It was absolute fear.
Igneel was not only frightened but disturbed by the way he had just acted towards his father.
It was the same look Natsu had seen on the night Igneel had nearly killed his father after suddenly awaking from a painful nightmare.
With a trembling hand, Igneel released his father from his white knuckled grip and quickly backed away from his parents.
"Igneel..." Natsu said but Igneel raised his finger in warning.
"Don't…just…don't." Igneel said as he made his way for the door.
"Igneel wait." Lucy pleaded but Igneel was soon out the door, vanishing into the stormy night.
Lucy wanted to follow but Senna stopped her when she put a gentle hand on the Celestial mage's shoulder.
"He just needs his space," Senna said as a conflicted look formed on her countenance, "just…just give him the chance to cool off."
Lucy frowned but nodded in understanding. Senna herself wanted to be there for the man she loved…but knew that Igneel needed to be alone.
Igneel was the most loving and gentle person Senna knew. But he became a completely different person whenever he was pushed too far. Senna knew all too well that Igneel could and would act violently towards anyone who didn't leave him alone…if only for a little bit.
Things quickly died down after Igneel's outburst and the kids went their separate ways for the evening…leaving more questions than answers in their wake.
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Now…
The light knocking of someone at the door brought Makarov out of his thoughts.
"Come in." He said.
The door opened and Mira walked past the threshold.
"I'm all done for the night Master," Mira said gently, "I'll be locking up in a minute…will you be heading home?"
Makarov set his drink down on the desk and shook his head.
"No, I think I'll be staying a little bit longer. Why don't you leave me the keys and I'll lock up when I'm done."
Mira nodded with a small smile and set the key ring on the desk.
"Okay, if that's what you want." Mira said.
"I'll be fine my dear, don't worry. Now run along now, you don't want to keep my grandson waiting now do you?" Makarov said with a knowing smile.
Mira blushed a deep crimson but smiled regardless. As gripped the handle to the door, Mira paused and lowered her head in thought as she began to bite her lip.
"Is something wrong Mira?"
Mira looked to her feet before sitting down in one of Makarov's leather office chairs.
"Can…can I talk to you about something that happened between me and Igneel?"
"You know you can my dear…did…did Igneel do something wrong?" Makarov asked, his voice becoming concerned.
"No," Mira said as he held up her hands defensively, "it's nothing like that. It's just something I noticed a few days ago."
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Mira had, as usual, been bar tending to the afternoon crowd the usually filled the Guild. The lunch rush had just run through and Mira busy cleaning the mugs and glasses for later. Her only company had been Igneel, who sat at the bar slowly nursing a whiskey on the rocks while reading that book he always seemed to have with him.
"Busy day eh Mira?" Igneel asked as the barista made her way over to her new favorite patron.
"As busy as it ever is." Mira answered.
Igneel turned a page.
"How about you, have you been busy?" Mira asked as she picked up another glass.
"Not really," Igneel said with a shrug of his shoulders, "I've taken a job here and there and have helped out around town but other than that, my schedule is clear."
Igneel looked up from beneath his glasses.
"You?"
Mira smiled.
"Aside from working here and taking a job on the side, I'd say I'm busy."
Igneel smirked.
"C'mon, you have to have some semblance of a social life?"
Mira blushed before setting her glass down and twirling a strand of hair around her finger as her cheeks took a pink tint.
"Well…Laxus and I actually have made plans this weekend."
"Oh," Igneel said, "is he taking you to dinner or do you two have something else in mind?" Igneel said as he wiggled his eye brows.
"Igneel!" Mira squealed out in embarrassment as Igneel let a bought of laughter escape from his lips.
"In all seriousness," Igneel said as calmed down, "is Laxus treating you well? I mean, you two have only been together for like…what, four months now?"
Mira smiled as her blush began to fade.
"Laxus may be all hard on the outside…but once you get past the tough exterior, he's a real sweetheart on the inside. We may have been together for only four months as of this moment, but when we were younger, we dated on and off again. It was only recently that he took a renewed interest in going steady."
Mira leaned against the bar top.
"I guess we have you to thank for that."
Igneel quirked an eye brow.
"Ever since you and the others arrived and helped bring your parents together…I think you put things into perspective for Laxus…made him think about the future and what he wants in life."
Igneel smiled before shaking his head.
"I haven't done anything…I just gave my parents a nudge in the right direction, that's all."
"If you say so," Mira giggled, "at this rate, I may have to place the title of matchmaker unto you."
"Not interested." Igneel said with a good natured tone.
The two fell silent.
"…Igneel," Mira said softly, "can I ask you a question?"
Igneel took a sip of his whiskey and knitted his brow.
"What is it?"
"…You said a while ago that Laxus and I would end up together…and that we'd start a family. Can…can you please tell me about our children…and why they're not here with you and the others?"
Igneel inhaled slowly through his nose. Igneel locked eyes with Mira in a manner that made her think he was looking for any sign of ill intent. Exhaling audibly through his nose, Igneel flipped to the very back of his book before gently pulling something from the back page.
Mira soon found herself looking at a photograph as Igneel placed it on the counter.
The picture had obviously seen better days. It was starting to fade at the edges and the browning at the tips of the edges indicated heat damage. But Mira could see the three teenagers in the photo as clear as day, their arms draped across each other's shoulders as they smiled brightly for the camera.
"That's Kaito, your nephew." Igneel said as he tapped the photo. Kaito looked like Elfman but was in remarkable physical shape for his age of seventeen years; his broad chest and shoulders combined with his trunk thick arms made him the epitome of the phrase, "Gentle Giant.". He wasn't chubby in the way his father had been when he was younger. Mira also noticed that he wore dark, wire framed glasses and that his spiky hair had brown streaks appear here and there. Mira immediately knew who his mother was.
"And these two girls…"Igneel said as pointed at the picture, "are yours."
Mira placed her hand over her mouth and felt her eyes begin to tear up.
"They are your daughters; Selina and Kiri."
Selina was tall and slender, much like Mira. Her snowy white hair was tied up into a ponytail while a dark red headband framed the top of her head. Two long, wavy bangs framed her face. She looked exactly like Mira, once upon a time. Selina had her arms wrapped around her little sister while resting her chin atop the younger girls head. Kiri had beautiful, golden blonde hair that was cropped short in a pixie style cut. Her blue eyes gleamed brightly in the light and her smile…she had her father's smile.
Mira found her eyes glued to the photo. The Guild could have been blasted to pieces and Mira would never have noticed.
"They're…they're beautiful." Mira managed to choke out.
Igneel smiled as he placed the photo back into its protective sleeve.
"Selina is a little rambunctious believe it or not. It's Kiri who takes after you."
Mira wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Has…has Elfman seen this yet?" Mira asked.
Igneel nodded as he closed the book.
"I didn't know who cried the most, Uncle Elfman or Aunt Evergreen." Igneel said as Mira let out a hearty giggle.
"…As to why the girls aren't here, well…" Igneel said as he took another sip of his drink, "you remember how we got here right?"
"You and the others were on a camping trip and accidently got sent to our time." Mira said with a nod.
"Well, not everyone enjoys camping." Igneel said with smile and chuckle.
""I guess you're right." Mira said a little disheartened. She hated to admit it, but she was a little jealous of her friends due to the fact that they were getting to spend time with their future children.
Mira went back to cleaning mugs but from the corner of her eye, she noticed that something was different about Igneel. His aura had changed slightly and he stared at his glass with a…empty look in his eyes and a small frown on his face.
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"I don't know how to describe that look," Mira said after recalling the memory, "he just seemed so sad…like he was trying to forget something but couldn't."
"I see." Makarov said as he took in this new tidbit of information.
"And," Mira said before sighing, "I got the impression that he was lying to me. As to what it was, I'm not sure."
Makarov let out a tired sigh of his own.
"That makes two of us my dear."
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With Sam and Lilly…
"You have to speak sometime." Sam said as he and Lilly walked up the path that led to Natsu and Happy's house. Natsu was staying with Lucy for the night and it was Igneel's turn to visit Lucy for the week so he wouldn't be home.
Despite the pouring rain, neither Sam nor Lilly seemed to be in any rush to get inside.
Sam was emotionally and physically tired from the day's events and Lilly…well, Lilly was just quiet.
Sam had known Lilly long enough to recognize when she was seriously upset or in pain. Her silence and the way she walked, the way she dragged her feet and the limpness of her arms, all but indicated that she was feeling both emotions.
"Lilly, I can't help you if you don't say something." Sam said, his voice slightly muffled by the rain.
Lilly turned her head to look at Sam, her eyes hidden by her matted down bangs only to be illuminated briefly by a flash of lightning.
Oh yeah, she was not in the best of moods.
"Like your one to talk?" Lilly bit out.
Sam sighed. She had him there.
They soon arrived at the front door which Lilly numbly opened, forgoing removing the key from the lock. She entered the living room and stood in the center, the water slowly dripping off of her frame.
Sam removed her key and closed the door.
"Lilly-"Sam begun to say as he turned around but was silenced when Lilly suddenly pounced on him, causing Sam to be slammed against the door; her lips forcefully connecting with his while wrapping her legs around his waist. Her fingers dug into the skin of arms.
Sam was momentarily stunned by what Lilly had just done but soon met her intense kissing with his own, his arms wrapping around her waist for support.
It was all tongue and teeth, their kissing.
It was aggressive…it was primal.
The need for air forced them to break apart and the two were left panting, their breathe mingling with each other's.
"Lilly…" Sam said.
Lilly rested her forehead against Sam's and in the dim illumination of the room, Sam could see tears slowly run down Lilly's cheeks.
"Please…"Lilly said in a pleading whisper, "please…Sammy…I-I need you."
Sam felt his heart ache at the pain in Lilly's voice. The news of what had happened during the day, the revelation of Sam and Saito's encounter, was now finally showing how much it had affected her.
"It's okay…" Sam said in a comforting whisper of his own, "it's okay…"
It was Sam who brought Lilly into another kiss, but more gentle this time.
Sam got his legs to move and together, the two mages made their way to Natsu's bedroom. Sam gently lowered Lilly onto the mattress, undoing her pigtails as he did so, thus making her damp hair fan out behind her.
Cupping Sam's cheeks with her hands, Lilly pulled Sam into another kiss as their hands began to roam about each other's bodies. But the urge to be closer made itself apparent; the need to feel skin against skin became too great.
Clothing, or lack thereof in Sam's case, was stripped away with a rough and forceful tugging of hands and legs.
The two mages quickly found themselves settling into a familiar rhythm, their bodies moving to meet the needs of the each other. It wasn't gentle lovemaking, however. It was like the first kiss that sparked it all; it was rough, heated and full of primal energy.
Time lost all meaning. All that mattered was what was happening in that bedroom.
A full hour had passed before Sam and Lilly reached the apex of their passion. With a scream of unparalleled ecstasy as liquid fire coursed through her veins, Lilly bit down on the crook Sam's neck while her fingernails dug into the tribal style tattoos that ran from his muscular shoulder blades to his upper arms; her naturally sharp canines easily piercing his skin as Sam's body collapsed on top of hers.
It was a patch of skin she had bitten before; it was where she had marked Sam as her mate. It was where she marked him as hers and hers alone.
The Ice mage himself let out a groan that rumbled from deep within his chest while their intertwined hands clenched together painfully.
The two lay together for a minute; each panting and recovering from their orgasm. But, slowly, Sam lifted his body up from Lilly's and collapsed on his side.
Neither spoke as Sam grabbed the bed sheet and pulled it over himself and Lilly. It was then that Sam heard it.
It started out soft, but it gradually became louder. It took Sam a second to realize that Lilly was crying.
Tears ran down the fire mages face as she bit down on her quivering lip in hopes of muting her sobs.
Sam quickly rolled Lilly onto her side and pulled her close, his chin resting atop her head as he began to run his hand in calming, circular motions across her back.
"I'm here…it's okay," Sam whispered, "it's okay, don't worry."
Lilly leaned closer into Sam as her trembling hands pulled him even closer, her silent sobs wracking her body.
Sam could do nothing more than to hold Lilly close. And frankly, that's all he could do.
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With Natsu and Lucy…
"Is Igneel going to be okay?" Happy asked as he began to curl up on the bed.
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Lucy said as she finished brushing her hair, "Igneel just needs some time to himself, that's all."
Happy silently wondered if Lucy really believed that. Her tone said she was just as worried as he was.
"But why did he get so angry?" Happy said.
"The only time I saw him that angry was when he had that really bad dream."
"You don't need to remind me." Natsu said as he walked out of the bathroom.
"What bad dream?" Lucy asked as Natsu sat on the bed.
"You haven't told her Natsu?" Happy asked.
"Haven't told me what?" Lucy said as her brow knitted together, "Have you been hiding something about Igneel from me?" Lucy said, her tone taking an accusing edge.
Natsu sighed and massaged his temples.
"I guess there's no point in hiding it anymore." Natsu said as his shoulders slumped forward.
"I had wanted Igneel to tell you…but after what happened back at the Guild, I think it's time you knew something."
Igneel took a deep breathe.
"The night we arrived back from Crocus, the night Igneel, Lilly and the others had introduced themselves, Igneel…had this really bad nightmare…and he…" Natsu said as he began to rub the back of his neck.
"He what?" Lucy asked.
"Igneel…he attacked me," Igneel winced when Lucy gasped out in shock as her hand covered her mouth, "he attacked me and tried to kill me."
"What!" Lucy yelled, "Natsu, why on Earthland didn't you tell me!?"
"Because Igneel snapped out of it and panicked!" Natsu yelled back before calming down, "He…he still thought he was in the nightmare. When he realized what he'd done he immediately apologized and asked if he had hurt me. I asked him about it and he told me not to worry."
"Not worry? Natsu, Igneel could have killed you!" Lucy said as she grabbed Natsu's shoulders. The prospect of Natsu dying, let alone at the hands of their son none the less, was something that terrified Lucy beyond words.
"But he didn't…I'm still here Luce. The only reason that happened was because Igneel was scared out of his mind. It hasn't happened since. The only reason I kept this whole thing a secret was because Igneel asked me to do so. His secrets are his secrets…and he'll tell them to us when he's ready."
"But Natsu," Lucy said as she took Natsu's hands into her own, "After what happened today, can you really be so sure of that?"
Natsu found himself unable to answer. He simply sighed and laid down on the bed, gently pulling Lucy down with him.
"I'm just…I'm just so worried about him and Lilly." Lucy said as Natsu pulled the covers over them while Happy curled up at their feet.
"I know…I am too." Natsu said as he listened to the rain continue to fall outside.
1:30 AM…
The sound of the apartment door opening woke Natsu from his sleep. To anyone else, the sound would have gone unnoticed. But Natsu's enhanced hearing immediately picked up the sound. Blinking his eyes rapidly, Natsu began to assume that someone had found a way to break into the apartment. But, after taking a quick sniff of the air, Natsu picked up a scent he instantly recognized; it was Igneel's scent. It was a little masked from having been outside in the rain for so long, but it was Igneel's scent none the less.
Natsu listened to the sound of the floor boards creaking as Igneel removed his shoes before making his way over to the couch.
"Mhnnn," Lucy groaned as she began to awake herself, "Natsu…what is it?"
Natsu held his finger to his lips in a shushing motion.
All was quiet…
…until Natsu heard it.
It was faint at first but as he focused on the noise, Natsu heard the quiet sounds of sniffling followed by short, pained gasps. He then smelled the faintest hint of salt in the air.
Igneel was crying.
A hushed but choked sob was suddenly heard.
"Natsu," Lucy whispered, "that's Igneel, he's…"
"I know." Natsu said as a sullen look formed on his face.
Whatever Igneel was going through, it was obviously tearing him apart on the inside.
Lucy made to get up but Natsu shook his head. Lucy casted a concerned look towards the bedroom door and reluctantly crawled back into bed and Natsu's arms.
Eventually, Igneel's sobs died down and the two mages fell into an uneasy sleep.
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Morning…
Gajeel woke with a start as the sound of dripping water caught his attention. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Gajeel slowly sat up, thankful that the overcast sky dulled the early morning light. Levy mumbled something in her sleep as she tried to snuggle closer to Gajeel.
Gajeel made a small smile before gently pecking Levy on her forehead and rising from bed. Silently stepping over Pantherlily and closing the bedroom door behind him, Gajeel cracked his neck as he went to the kitchen.
He stopped in his tracks when he reached the end of the hallway.
There, sitting on the couch, his head bent back and resting, was Saito; who was fast asleep.
His chest rose slowly but the dark circles under his eyes dissuaded any notion that he had been having a restful sleep.
Gajeel sighed deeply and made his way over to his son. Despite their argument the previous night, Gajeel had admitted to himself that he was worried about his son. His son's current appearance did nothing to assuage those fears.
As gently as he could without waking Saito, Gajeel laid the young mage out on the couch so he could at least stretch out. Grabbing a spare blanket, Gejeel covered Saito. Hopefully that would help him sleep better. Gajeel crouched down in front of Saito as he watched the younger mage sleep before he slowly ran his fingers through his sons jet black hair. Saito's brows briefly knitted together.
Gajeel stood and crept back to the kitchen.
He was going to brew a pot of coffee when he saw Saito's jacket draped over one of the table chairs. His curiosity getting the better of him, Gajeel picked up the jacket.
The black filed jacket had seen better days since it was well traveled and used but it was designed to last. There were visible scuff marks on the back and sleeves and some of the material was fraying here and there. Gajeel opened the jacket and saw a name tag that simply read: . It was in Gajeel's own hand writing but the lettering was starting to fade from being worn so often.
The idea of trying it on came to mind and that's what he did.
Despite Gajeel's impressively broad physique, the Jacket still had some room to spare. It was also comfortable…very comfortable.
Gajeel felt something in the outer breast pocket. He dug his hand in and removed Saito's bandana and sunglasses. Gajeel smiled and set the items on the table. He was removing the jacket when he felt something else. Something on the inside.
Feeling around until he found the mystery item, Gajeel was rewarded when he found a hidden pocket.
Pulling his hand out, he found three photographs.
Examining the first one, Gajeel felt a smile slowly tug at his face.
In it, there was a picture of himself, Levy, and a young Saito who appeared to be seven or eight years old.
Levy had longer hair that reached the small of her back, while two thick bangs framed her face and her hair band was still in place. She was sporting a pair of dark framed glasses and had a small scar near her right temple. She wore a brown leather jacket with the sleeves rolled halfway up her forearms, a black-long sleeved undershirt and pair of fingerless gloves. She was smiling brightly for the camera.
Gajeel was still tall and strong as ever. He wore Saito's field jacket over grey and red, graphic t-shirt. His tri-colored bandana was wrapped around his forehead, causing his bangs to frame his face but his hair had been cut to where it was now shoulder length. He grinned his trademark grin at the camera.
And in the middle of the photo, with both his parents arms wrapped around him, stood a young and smiling Saito. His hair was cut short and spikey and his piercing red eyes, his father's eyes, gleamed in the light. He wore a simple light blue t-shirt.
The Second photograph was of a very young Saito, probably around the age of four or three. Though he was out of the camera, Gajeel recognized that it was his hand holding Saito's who was looking at the camera with wide eyes. What really made the picture was the fact that Saito wore a pair of sunglasses that were much too big for him to be wearing. They were the exact same sunglasses resting on the table.
The third and final picture was that of Gajeel and Saito. They appeared to be sitting at the bar in the Guild Hall. The picture, in future terms, had been taken around the time when Saito was fifteen. He was dressed in a black, long-sleeved thermal shirt. He wore his white bandana around his forehead and his now, better fitting sunglasses. He used his hand to tilt the shades down so his piercing red eyes were revealed. Gajeel was dressed as he was in the first picture.
The father and son had been caught knocking their mugs together in a toast, but as for what, Gajeel wasn't sure. Regardless, the two seemed to be enjoying themselves. Their grins showed that much.
It was then that Gajeel noticed through the kitchen light that something was written on the back of the first photo. Flipping it over, Gajeel saw a simple sentence written in fading blue ink that read: NEVER FORGET.
Gajeel frowned at this.
"Never forget what?" He mumbled.
Gajeel placed the pictures back in the jacket and set it back on the chair before looking over his shoulder at Saito who still slept soundly on the couch.
From what Gajeel had learned from the photos, Saito was a very happy young man who had been raised by loving parents. Gajeel felt a small sense of pride fill his heart when he thought of himself and Levy raising Saito into the man he would become.
But still, Saito's cryptic message nagged at the back of Gajeel's mind. What did it mean…and did it have any connection as to why Saito, and possibly the others, were acting so secretive all of the sudden?
XXXX
Back with Natsu and Lucy…
Lucy had awoken with a start. She didn't know what prompted her to do so, but something had caused her to awaken from her dreamless sleep. Sitting up, Lucy looked at her bedside clock. It was eight-thirty in the morning.
"So much for sleeping in." Lucy thought.
Dragging her feet out of bed, careful to not wake Natsu and Happy, Lucy opened her bedroom door and walked down the hall as she donned her bath robe.
Stepping into her kitchen, Lucy made her way over to her couch where she found Igneel asleep. His eyes fluttered behind his eyelids in deep R.E.M. sleep but aside from that, he appeared just fine. She could see, however, the dried tear stains on his cheeks.
Lucy frowned and gently kissed Igneel's forehead, earning a small groan from the latter.
Standing up, Lucy was going to head back to the kitchen when she saw something out of the corner of her eye. Igneel's belt with all its pouches lay on her coffee table. The one pouch, which held the book Igneel always read, was open.
Biting her lip and letting her curiosity take over, Lucy slowly removed the book from its pouch.
She didn't like the idea of snooping through Igneel's personal belongings…but she was tired of being kept in the dark. Perhaps this book could help give her some insight into what was troubling her son.
Sitting down at the kitchen table, Lucy examined the book.
It was a hardcover wrapped in a dark brown leather. She saw a prominent crease along the spine of the book indicating that the book was frequently opened. The leather was fading on the front and back covers of the book, evidence that the book had been taken out of and placed back in the pouch many times. She noticed that there were some black stains on the middle and ending pages…which made her frown.
Slowly opening the book, Lucy was surprised to find a thick, blank page staring back at her. Perplexed, Lucy looked for a title on the back of the front cover.
She was rewarded with a handwritten sentence that read, "Diary of Lucy Heartfilia. DO NOT READ. THAT MEANS YOU TOO NATSU."
Lucy's eye's widened in shock. Igneel had been reading her diary this whole time!? What on Earthland was Igneel doing with it!?
Lucy kept her diary in her bedside table's drawer buried deep so no one would find it. If this was the same Diary, did that mean that Igneel knew ever deep and dark secret about her? Was that how he was able to bring her and Natsu together? Had he…had been lying this whole time?
Not wanting those thoughts to be true, Lucy turned the page….
….and let out a relieved sigh.
The date on the first entry was X794. Three years from now.
Relieved that her thoughts were proven wrong, Lucy turned the page again. Despite the diary being three years older than her current diary, which meant she had gone through two others within that time frame, Lucy was compelled to read on. There must be something with the pages that could help her find answers.
So she focused on the entries and began to read.
February 7/X794,
Natsu and I have finally and officially moved into our new apartment. It's a medium sized loft centered near the edge of town, but it's really convenient for us. As much as we loved our old place, we felt the need for a change in scenery. It was a little pricy but we have enough money stored up that we can make the first few payments for rent until we get another job from the Guild. It took us a couple of hours and some help from Gray and Erza but we were done by the evening. We're both exhausted so I'm going to keep this entry short.
February 12/X794,
I think I caught a bug or something. I woke up this morning feeling really queasy and I even threw up once or twice. Natsu was by my side though, so I felt better. Dear Mavis, its times like this that I'm reminded just how much I love Natsu. He may be dense when it comes to some things but he always knows how to make you feel better. I…I feel really tired now so I think I'll stop here for today…and I have the strangest craving for fried food and sweet and sour sauce…weird.
February 20/X794,
Just came back from the doctors today…and…AND I'M PREGNANT! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, I'M HAVING A BABY! I thought that I had caught a bug or even a small thing of the flu, due to me throwing up and feeling tired for the last eight days. So Natsu and I went to the doctors and after running some tests, were given the news! We were shocked, we thought the doctor was joking. But when the doctor confirmed that I was pregnant…oh, I just wish I could describe the look on Natsu's face. He was…he was just so happy. He picked me up off my feet and spun me around, tears of joy running from both our eyes. This is unexpected to say the least…but right now, all that I can think of is that there is a little life growing within me…I…I just can't believe that this is happening. I now have the chance to be a mother…I can be a mommy now.
Lucy turned the next page and covered her mouth to stifle her gasp as she felt tears form in her eyes.
This entry, which was dated March 14/X794, had a single picture glued to the page with a single caption beneath it. The picture was that of a black and white sonogram. Within it, she could see the distinct outlines of two developing babies. The caption read: TWINS! A BOY AND A GIRL!
From there, Lucy was completely absorbed in the diary. The entries covered everything from Igneel and Lilly's development and birth, their first steps, words and birthdays and there were entries that focused other members of the Guild and their children.
She was halfway through her diary when she finally reached the middle of the book. And what she found, shocked her.
The black markings she had seen earlier weren't stains…they were scorch marks. Something had set the pages on fire to the point where her writing wasn't legible anymore.
Lucy flipped frantically through the rest of the book. She was met with the same result every time. The pages were burned or damaged.
Lucy was crestfallen.
She wanted to continue to read…she wanted to know more about the future; about her children.
She was about to close the diary when she saw something sticking out of the back. Opening the back pages carefully, Lucy was surprised to find two, intact photograph sleeves. The photos appeared to be family photos, photos of the guild and photos of the other kids and their families.
But there was something about the photos that caught her attention…they appeared to be…damaged in a manner of speaking.
Some were faded and others had burn marks on them. Was there a connection between the burns and her diary?
Lucy groaned in frustration.
"Instead of answers, I have more questions…uggghhh." Lucy groaned.
A sudden and terrified gasp nearly caused Lucy to jump right out of her skin. She spun around…and saw Igneel sitting bolt upright on the couch, his hair matted down in a cold sweat as he panted for air.
XXXX
"RUN" Igneel screamed to himself.
He had to get away, she was right behind him!
Igneel was running through the streets of Magnolia like a bat out of hell. He didn't know how he got there and he didn't care. All he knew was that he had to get away from the woman who was chasing him.
He could hear her laughing as she took in the sweet pleasure of chasing him. He could see her out of the corner of his eyes, feel her presence crawl up his spine.
It was a feeling that made him sick.
"You can't run forever boy!" The woman called out.
Igneel did his best to ignore her.
He had to get away, he had to get away from her!
Without warning, the buildings in front of him collapsed in on themselves, filling the streets with debris.
Before he could stop himself, Igneel ran headlong into a pile of rubble. He was down for the count and he knew it.
"There you are." The woman said in a sickly sweet tone.
Igneel rose to his knees. He swallowed hard and began to turn around, his eyes wide with fear. Every instinct screamed at him not to face the woman…but he couldn't stop himself.
That's when he saw the shadow lash out at him…and slice him clean across the chest.
Igneel screamed out in pure agony and as he collapsed to the ground, he heard a woman's voice call out to him in terror.
"IGNEEL!" The woman screamed.
"…Mother…" Igneel whispered before he passed out…
…And bolted awake with a gasp of pain and fear. The scar on his chest throbbed and Igneel clutched his hand to his chest.
"Igneel?" A voice said.
Igneel turned his head and found Lucy staring at him in open concern.
"Mom?" Igneel said, his voice hoarse.
"Are you alright?" Lucy said as she stood and went to her son's side.
"Yeah…I just had…I just had a really bad dream that's all." Igneel said in-between pants.
Lucy bit her lip.
"Was it like the one you had that first night?" Lucy asked.
Igneel's eyes widened in shock.
"How did you...?" Igneel asked but noticed the diary was still in Lucy's hand. His eyes hardened for the briefest of moments and his lips became a thin line. He had put two and two together rather quickly. Natsu had finally told Lucy what had happened between him and Igneel…and she went looking for answers
But, his feeling of anger quickly passed and he let out a deflated and tired sigh.
"I see you've read your diary." Igneel said.
A guilty look crossed Lucy's face.
"I'm sorry." Lucy said.
Igneel shook his head as he stood up.
"Don't be…I don't blame you for wanting to no more."
Igneel looked at Lucy and he placed his hands on her shoulders in a comforting manner.
"Look…I'm sorry for what happened last night. I shouldn't have acted like that…" Igneel said as he paused, "But my secrets are my secrets…and I'm not ready to reveal them just yet. What happened with Sam and Saito is my problem and my problem alone…it's a responsibility I must bear."
Igneel gave a small smile.
"I would never do anything to hurt you or dad…I just need you to trust me."
Igneel took in a deep breathe.
"Please mom…for me?"
Lucy was silent as she contemplated Igneel's words.
Lucy closed her eyes…before taking Igneel into a gentle hug.
"Alright Igneel…," Lucy said, "I trust you."
XXXX
In an unknown location…
"YOU HAD ONE JOB!" Aya Higurashi screamed, "YOU HAD ONE, SIMPLE TASK TO COMPLETE AND WHAT HAPPENED!?"
Aya's eyes were black as her iris's glowed a fearsome blue. Her glare which could have easily killed someone on the spot were directed to a very petrified Talon and Thorn.
"YOU FUCKED IT UP!"
Talon swallowed hard while Thorn wrung her hands behind her back.
"We were so close to completing our goal and yet here I find you not only without the Master Key but you had your asses handed to you by two teenagers!" Aya hissed.
"I wasn't our fault," Talon pleaded desperately, "they got the jump on us!"
"You two are two of the most powerful S-Class Mages in the world…how did they get the jump on you!?"
"The one guy had these insane Ice powers." Talon started.
"Gray Fullbuster you mean?" Aya retorted.
"No, some other guy. Some guy I've never seen before. And the other guy had Dragon Skin."
Aya paused when she heard this.
"What?"
"It's just as she said," Thorn began, "the other guy had Dragon Skin. And he was powerful enough to stop me." Thorn said the last part bitterly.
Aya let out an anger laced groan and palmed her forehead.
"Great…that's just fucking great."
Aya placed her hands on the round table as she began to contemplate her options.
"Now that they have the Key, it will only be a matter of time before they catch onto what we're doing." Shriek said as he leaned against the wall.
"You don't think I know that?" Aya said as she shot Shriek a glare.
The room fell silent…before Wraith cleared his throat.
"I may have an idea on how to retrieve the Key." The armored mage said.
Aya gave Wraith a critical look.
"What do you have in mind?"
Wraith rose from his seat.
"Simple…we take it back."
XXXX
A/N: DUN-DUN-DUN!
Well there you have it folks. It seems there are more questions than answers now…and it seems our Dark Mages are starting along the war path. What will happen next, I wonder?
It has come to my attention that I have been seriously neglecting my other FT story "Vendetta." I haven't updated it since December.
So…here's the thing. I'm going to take a short break from working on this story and focus on Vendetta for just a little bit. It won't be a long absence, I'll probably just write three or four chapters for it and then hop back on this before I continue. I feel that I'm at a part where I can leave you off at a cliff hanger…if only for a little bit.
I am not abandoning this…I just need to take a break and focus on something else. I do encourage you, however, to check out my other story and leave a review once I get the chapter posted…lord knows I need 'em. Who knows, you may like what my other FT story has to offer.
But for when I do return, here's something to look forward to: Side Story 3, 4, and 5 and CHAPTER 15: The Return to Crocus; A Night to Remember!
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!