Disclaimer. Idon't own anything!

-Oby Abel-

Chapter 11: Explanations

The sun slipping through her window slowly began to kiss her skin. The warmth stirring her from her slumber, bringing her into the new day.

Groaning she turned around, burying her face in her pillow. Escaping the light.

And what was awaiting her today.

Sleep brain. Sleep.

She tried to sleep but to no avail. She was one of those people who couldn't fall asleep once awake. And right about now she envied those people. Her body and mind were too exhausted after yesterday's events.

She needed more sleep.

Letting out a frustrated sigh for her lack of sleep, she turned around and slowly opened her eyes. It took her four blinks to adjust to the brightness of her room.

"Stupid brain. Stupid curtain-less window." She grumbled closing her eyes. "I just want to freaking sleep! For eternity please!"

"Someone's very grumpy this morning."

Lucy stilled. Then opened her eyes, scowling at her ceiling. "Draco." She hissed his name like it was venom.

"Good morning. Had a-"

"Get out of my head! I told you not to pop inside my head ever again!" Her voice trembled with anger.

She was frustrated by her lack of sleep. She had been sleeping for four hours. Only four fucking hours. Yet it felt like it was only one minute. She was just too drained. And she didn't want to deal with the Dragon God.

"I know but I thought you were awake when Virgo suddenly began prepared breakfast for you. I was bored." She could hear him pouting.

Stupid overgrown lizard! I ought to wring his neck, skin his fucking scaly skin and sell his organs. Fucki-

"You do know I can hear you right?"

She screamed. Angry, annoyed and frustrated. Then stopped abruptly when she heard the thump thump sound from downstairs, even felt the vibration.

Her landlady. Shit. Her screams had woken her landlady this early mornings. Lucy was pretty much screwed the next time she hands in her rent money.

"You- ugh!'

"So…"

"What do you really want Draco. I don't have time for this. I'm tired and have a lot of shit to do today." She sighed frustrated. The Dragon God really liked to pissed her off.

"Well… I'll go straight to it then. In stead of having the feast Saturday let's do it tomorrow. How does that sound, hmm?"

She noticed his nervousness as he spoke and her interest were piqued. Smiling devilishly she answered.

"Who got your panties in a twist?"

"If you haven't noticed I'm a Dragon. I don't wear panties."

Groaned loudly she facepalmed. This God was the weirdest she had ever met. Okay. He was the only one she had met and the Spirit King did not count.

"You are so frustrating. You're like… never mind. Why do you want to change the day?"

"No particular reason. Heh."

"Who are you afraid of?" She didn't know if he was afraid or not but someone was making him nervous. That she was positively sure about.

"I'm not afraid of no one!" She flinched as his roar of denial echoed in her head.

"Don't yell inside my head!" She chided, face contorted in pain and anger.

"Oops. Sorry. But I'm not afraid."

"Sure, just tell yourself that. But no. Saturday it is." Actually tomorrow was good for her too, but she rather mess with him and get him to spill the beans.

"Friday then?" He tried to negotiate.

"Nope. Saturday."

"Thursday?"

"Saturday."

"Thursday?"

"Saturday."

"Saturday?"

"Thur- no you don't." She growled. "Tell me the reason why you are so nervous? What's happening Saturday?" She was glad she caught on before she could blurt Thursday. He played her good. But not good enough. If there was one thing Lucy Heartfilia was that was being stubborn.

"No reason-"

"Draco, do you know what I appreciate most in people?"

"Kindness?"

"That too, but what I appreciate is honesty. I don't like someone who lie to me. You included. So you better fess up or we won't come. And I'll never ever accept."

She heard him sigh.

"Fine." He conceded "It's because stupid Stache invited our siblings as well. To show you off. The other gods of the different Realms will come too and that's why I want to change the date."

Her body tensed. She knew that there was other gods. And she had come to accept that. But Mustache King wanted to show her off? Now that didn't make any sense to her. Should she feels offended?

"Show me off? Why would he want to do that?" Curiosity spoke for her.

"Because you are Lucy Heartfilia. The last of the Heartfilia bloodline. If they can contract with you, they can get free passes to the Neutral Realm, Earth Land. You do know you are the Gatekeeper of Earth Land, right?"

Her eyes widened. That information must've slipped when she was busy beating them – rather attempting to beat them – and cursing them yesterday.

A Gatekeeper?

"Uhm, no?"

"We told you yesterday! That's why I'm so intend on having you and Natsu Dragneel mate. I need to contract with you!" He scolded her.

"Wait, so what you're saying is that the other gods will try to get me to form a contract with them so they can roam Earth Land freely? Is that right?" She repeated his words trying to see if she got it correct.

"Yes!" he told, exasperated.

"But if Earth Land is a Neutral Realm, why does it need a Gatekeeper?" God he was confusing her. And giving her another headache. He was God at that. Just like a certain pink haired Dragon Slayer.

"Because it's the only Realm that cannot be claimed. It's forbidden to claim your Realm and that's why there is a Gatekeeper. The Heartfilia bloodline." He explained. Sounding a bit annoyed. Just a bit.

"Then why do they want to enter this Realm?"

"Because not many gods have. Call it our curiosity."

"But how could the Dragons enter without a Gatekeeper?" He only confused her more.

"It's only us gods that can't. Our children are free to do so. Actually many of our children had clashed before, trying to claim the Realm but without a Gatekeeper to open the gates we can't enter. Or without having a contract. Were you not listening to anything we told you yesterday?"

She blushed. It wasn't like she had room to listen to them. So much information was thrown in her face. And let's not forget about her fury. She wasn't exactly rational when she met him or the Spirit King.

"Uhm, no… finding out my best friend and Guild mates were from the past pretty much the icing on the cake. It was just too much information to process. And about Natsu being brother to Zeref and having a connection to E.N.D."

"I guess that's okay then. But anyway, that's why I want to change the day. My brothers and sisters are very… sly. Conning even. So they well definitely try any means to have you accept them. So please reconsider.." He actually sounded very worried about her, and it made her smile.

"Alright. But only because you asked nicely. What about tomorrow? Wednesday?"

"Perfect. And thank you Lucy Heartfilia."

"Lucy. It's just Lucy. We are friends now, so it sounds weird having you say my full name." She corrected with a wider smile.

"Alright. Thank you Lucy."

"You are welcomed. Just promise me that you won't scare my friends. Can you shift?" She asked, hoping for a yes.

"Shift? What do you mean?"

"You know, shift into a human? Look less intimidating?"

"Ahh. Like having a human form. I've never tried. But I'll try."

"Thanks. And keep in mind that these people are… how should I put it? Hmm. Some of them can be very very energetic when they met someone powerful. So if you're asked for a fight, refuse." She could already see Natsu and Gajeel ask the Dragon God for a fight. And she feared more for them than the Dragon.

Draco chuckled, sending vibration inside her head. "Don't you worry. They won't be daring to ask for a fight or challenge. They can't."

She rose an eyebrow, curious to why. "And why can't they?"

"Because it's in their blood. They will recognize me as a superior the second their nose catches my scent."

"Like an animal kingdom thing. You are the Supreme." She stated, immediately understand what he meant.

"Yes. Their magic and abilities belong to me. So don't worry, no one will fight. Unless they really, really want to."

She rolled her eyes and decided to finally get out of bed. She walked inside her bathroom to get a warm and nice bath ready.

"Alright. Now that we got that covered, it's time for you to leave my head. Again." She said with returning annoyance.

"Are you going to have a bath? I can jo-"

"Out! Now." She growled threatening. Face scrunched up in anger.

"Fine fine. It's not like your tiny human bath would have room for my big-"

"Now."

And he was gone. Lucy sighed, exasperated. Why was it that she always found the weird ones? Like seriously, why?

Grabbing a set of clean clothes and underwear from her wardrobe and some towels, she began undressing inside the bathroom.

She tested the water, and it was scorching, yet bearable. "Just what I needed." She let out a content sigh, slipping her whole body inside the tub. It was doing wonders to her tired, tense body.

After her long and relaxing bath, she dressed and walked out still with a towel wrapped around her head.

A heavy scent of food assaulted her nose, making her stomach rumble. It reminded her that she hadn't eaten for a long time.

She trudged into the living room and saw her spirit setting her table with lots of food. Making her drool.

"Morning Princess. Had a nice sleep?" Virgo asked when she saw Lucy entered.

Smiling to her spirit she nodded, despite it was a lie. "Morning to you too. And yeah, it was alright. But it could've been even better if Draco hadn't popped inside my head. Again."

"Want me to punish him, princess?"

"No, no." She didn't want another one of her spirits to be used as his toothpick. "I'll handle him myself."

"If you insist princess. Breakfast is ready."

She sat down at her usual chair and smiled kindly at her spirit. "Thanks for the food."

"Lucy! My love!" Just before she could take a bite of her egg roll a over dramatic lion appeared.

"Loke." She gave him a once-over and saw that Draco hadn't been kidding. Despite Loke being an immortal being, his injuries were not healed yet. He was covered from waist up. His head looked like he had a turban on. He was a bandaged mess.

"You didn't agree did you? Please say no." The Spirit looked distraught. Eyes pleading.

"If you are talking about the feast Draco invited us to, then yes. I did. It's tomorrow." She spoke nonchalantly as she continued with her breakfast.

"Tomorrow?" Virgo asked a bit alarmed. "Then I'll take my leave princess. We got a lot preparation to do."

"Okay. And thanks for breakfast. See you later." Virgo smiled and began disappearing into golden mist.

"Eat some breakfast instead of worrying too much."

"But do you know what this means? If the other gods meets you they'll pester me – us till we go insane!" He cried, holding his bandaged hands to his face, imitating The Scream.

She rolled her eyes at his overdramatic antics. "I spoke with Draco earlier and he explained. That's why we decided to change the date. The gods won't pester you. Alright."

"Lucy you don't understand! Zeus, Hades and even Athena will kidnap me and torture me till I arrange a meeting with you… again."

She looked at him with her eyebrow arched. "Again?" She questioned.

Loke nodded. Looking terrified. "They had done it a couple of times whenever they visit the Celestial Realm. They are scary as hell! Athena especially! Think of Erza and Aquarius combined just a million times worse!" He cried.

She blanched at the mental imagine of the Goddess of Wisdom and War she created. A God that was a million times worse than a combined Erza and Aquarius. Just one word. Horrifying.

"But we haven't been contracted for more than two years plus the 7 year gap. So why?" She quickly shrugged off the imagine, and the involuntary shiver that ran through her spine and looked at him confused.

"Because they are plain evil! That's why! They always pick on me! Done for centuries!"

"And you're sure this hasn't anything to do with your flirtatious nature?" She gave him a skeptical look.

"So what if I tried to flirt with her a couple of times! It doesn't mean she get to-"

She hit the bulls eye. Lucy hadn't expected less from Loke and his player ways. So she ignored his rambling and enjoyed her breakfast. He had dug his own grave, not her problem.

"Well, I'm going to the guild. You can sulk and complain all you want. The apartment is yours." She announced when she finished her food and walked over to her coffee table where her whip and keys lay from yesterday.

"I'm not sulking! Do you know how much it hurts being bitten by Cerberus?! Worse feeling ever!" he cried horrified, flailing his arms.

Lucy just ignored him, rolling her eyes and went for the door. She picked her boots of from the shoe rack and began putting them as he spoke. "If you are so afraid then stay here for a little while. I'll lend my magic to keep your gate open." She offered without looking at him and opened the door.

"You would?!" He asked surprised.

She felt offended that he would even question that. "I'm going to ignore that. Just don't bring any girls to my apartment."

"I have my own house, you know." He said pouting.

"Yeah yeah, whatver. Bye."

She closed the door and silently walked down the stairs shaking her head. Her friend and trusted spirit was just too much for her to deal with sometimes. Always so eccentric, overreacting and forgetting the fault to be his own.

She walked down stealthily dead set on avoiding her landlady, she wasn't ready to die yet by her wrath. So cautiously she slipped out from the building and ran a bit away from the building. Precaution sake.

She waved a hand to the boat men, as she walked past them. The air felt great. Not too warm, not too cold. Perfect Spring weather. She was a bit glad she had left because she had avoided the cold winter air.

"Shit. I forgot the Christmas Party!" Again she missed her first Christmas party at Fairy Tail. "But I'll still give Levy-chan her present."

With a heavy heart she walked towards the guild building frowning. First she missed out Christmas, secondly she had a lot of explaining to do. "Can't I just skip today?"

"No. That wouldn't be fair." Sighing she pushed the door open. There weren't many present. It was only 7 am.

"Lucy." Mira greeted from the bar with that pleasant smile of hers. "Good morning."

Smiling faintly she greeted the barmaid. "Morning, Mira."

"How are you holding up? It must've been a rough day at the Celestial Realm." Mira asked when the blonde sat at her usual stool. She looked at Lucy with a worried frown.

"It was probably the toughest day of my life. And today I only got 4 hours of sleep." The blonde told honestly.

"Coffee then?"

"Yes please. Double shot. No sugar, no milk-"

"But a tint of cinnamon and vanilla. I know." Mira finished for her with a short giggle. "It's coming right up."

"Thanks."

The barmaid went back out to the kitchen the prepare her coffee while the blonde sighed, looking around the guild hall. Only Max, Warren and Nab were at the guild. Not even the old geezers had come in yet. Maybe she should've stayed home a bit longer.

"Here you go. Want anything else? Breakfast?" Mira asked kindly with her usual smile plastered on her face.

Lucy shook her hand and smiled. "No thanks. Virgo prepared breakfast this morning. I'm full."

"Alright. So, about yesterday. I'm sorry we were your conversation. We were just curious." The white haired beauty told with an apologetic smile.

"It's alright. It must've come as a shock to you as well. And I don't blame you if you don't believe me either."

"I do believe you Lucy. Erza too. It's was just a bit of a shock yes. And so unexpected." Mira admitted.

Lucy nodded in agreement. "Very unexpected, indeed."

"So what happened, how did you find out? Who told you?" Mira inquired, curiously.

"I will tell everything when the others arrive. No reason to repeat myself."

"That's understandable." Mira patted her hand. "But did you find a way out of the mating?"

Lucy looked at her surprised. "H-how did you know?"

Mira's smile widened. "I'm Laxus mate. He finally gathered the balls to tell me a while and we started the ritual."

Lucy blushed and muttered an "Oh."

"So did you?"

She shook her head. "Nothing. But I did gather that Laxus and Cobra aren't affected by it. Or rather the threat of death that is." She explained.

"That's good then. And makes sense. Cobra is way over 22 and pretty much alive." Mira mused. "So that means you and Natsu will mate?"

"It… it's a bit more complicated with us… but yeah.. we will…eventually…" Her cheeks felt hot from her blush. And how she admitted that they would mate was just beyond her…

"That's perfect!" The barmaid exclaimed clasping her hands tougher. "Pink haired brown eyed babies and blond onyx eyed babies!" Mira shouted gleefully with faraway eyes as she kept repeated it, making the blonde blush a new color of red.

"Bunny girl." A gruff voice called her from he entrance through Mira's fangirling. Lucy turned around and saw a stoic Gajeel and a smiling Levy with Pantherlily in her arms.

"Levy-chan, Gajeel and Lily. Good morning." Levy took off running to the blonde and Lucy got out of her seat getting ready to hug her. Her embarrassment all forgotten.

"I've missed you Lu-chan! Don't just disappear like that, ever again!" The bluenette cried hugging her best friend tightly.

Lucy getting teary eyed herself nodded, and gave her a squeeze. "I won't. Sorry."

"Alright, alright. Enough hugging. Ya squeezing my cat!" Gajeel said pulling them apart. Lily's eyes were rolling.

"Sorry Lily." They said in unison. Guilty.

The Exceed mumbled something along the line with Kiwi and flew away from Levy's arms, giving both women a look of shock.

Levy and Lucy looked at each other sheepishly before giggling and hugging once more.

"Shrimp let go. And Bunny girl, ya got a lot of explaining to do."

Levy turned her head and scowled at her mate. "Shut up and leave us alone. You're ruining the mood."

"Fine." He bit out and walked towards the bar. He didn't want to deal with an angry Levy. Not early in the morning.

"I gather you finished the ritual." Lucy said with much amusement seeing the male gruffly walking away.

"We did and guess what. I'm pregnant!" Levy announced with a giggle.

Lucy was surprised despite knowing it was what mating led to. She pulled away and finally noticed Levy's baby bump.

How did I not see it before? It's huge!

Touching it she gazed up to her best friend. "Congratulation. Is it twins?"

Levy looked at her confused. "Yeah. How did you know?"

Lucy smiled brightly. "You're huge."

"Am not!" Levy cried out pouting.

"But it's cute. You look great."

"Nice save." Levy giggled. "I'm told I turn into an angry Demon. Hormones."

Lucy joined in on giggling. "Then I guess we all should evacuate when Mira gets pregnant. I'm sure hell will break loose."

"Poor Laxus."

"Poor everyone."

"Anyway. How have you been? We met Natsu yesterday and he told us some of it." Levy asked with a little frown appearing.

The blonde stopped laughing and frowned. "He told you about them being from the past, right?" She nodded making Lucy run a hand through her hair sighing. "It was a lot of information to take in to be honest. I'll tell the rest when the guild fills in."

"Did you least find the answers you sought? A way to stop it from happening."

Lucy shook her head. "Nothing. But," She clenched her fist, still pissed off about it, "I found out why I am Natsu's mate. It has nothing to do with Fate or Destiny."

"Then what?" Levy looked at her surprised.

"Draco." She growled lowly.

Gajeel spun around and looked at Lucy wide eyed. He had been listening in on their conversation.

"Draco?" Levy repeated confused. Then she saw her mate stalk up to them. He turned Lucy around roughly.

"Hey!"

"You said Draco. As in the Dragon God?" He ignored her angry scowl.

"Let me go. You're hurting me asshole."

Relentless he did let go. Lucy's face was contorted in anger.

"Explain." He demanded.

"Gajeel." Levy said his name dangerously. "Ask nicely."

"It's alright Levs. I knew he was listening to our conversation and that Draco's name would make him react. But touch me again Tin Foil and I'll beat your sorry ass." She threatened, narrowing her eyes on him.

"Who's Draco?" Levy was getting concerned and annoyed feeling left out.

"Draco is a God. The Dragon God. Sour puss here probably felt fear run through him when he heard his name." Lucy threw a thumb towards Gajeel with a smirk.

"I ain't afraid of no one!"

"Alright. Draco, come down here!" She yelled, looking at the Slayer.

Gajeel's reaction did not disappoint her. His eyes widened as his body stiffened. He looked beyond terrified. He was petrified.

"Ain't afraid my ass." The blonde scoffed. A sadistic grin replacing her smirk.

"You called Lucy-chaaaan." She stilled before groaning, glaring at Gajeel.

"Are you happy? Look what you did!" She accused angrily.

He looked at her bewildered, not understanding what she meant.

"What did I do now? You call-"

"Not you Draco! Gajeel! And get out of my head! I told you not to pop up ever again!"

The guild members looked at her as if she had gone insane. Talking herself and all. Mira and Levy gave each other worried glances before their eyes landed on the blonde.

And Gajeel. He looked at her wide-eyed, mouth agape.

"You called me. Remember? You said: Draco, come down here! So it isn't my fault." The Dragon God grumbled.

"That was to prove a point! Now get out of my head! I didn't literally thinking you could hear me!" Lucy ground out.

"Whatever you say, Lucy-chaaaan."

"And don't call me Lucy-chaaaan!"

"Okay, Master!"

"Or that!"

"Alright my little miss tamer."

"Argh! You are so dead when I see you!"

"My work here is done. Bye bye!"

"I'm going to kill that overgrown freak of a lizard." She grumbled darkly when the telltale sign of the buzz disappeared.

Levy put a hand on her shoulder and looked at her concerned. "Are you okay Lucy?"

"Yes." She sighed. "It's just that overgrown lizard likes to drop in whenever he wants. And he likes to mess with me. I'm going to kill him next time he does so!"

"Y-you, y-you speak to him?!" She turned to the Slayer, still annoyed at him.

"Yes."

"How and why?!"

"Because he's an annoying Prick that enters my head every other second!"

"But why you! You aren't a Dragon Slayer nor are you a Dragon or even mated yet!"

Lucy rubbed her temples. She might as well answers the blabbering Dragon Slayer.

"Because he needs me. He needs me to pass the gate to Earth Land."

His eyes widened, shock evident in his whole body.

"He needs what?" Levy asked.

She turned to her best friend, softening her expression. "I'm a Gatekeeper. Or rather I'm Earth Land's Gatekeeper. For other beings to enter our Realm they have to go through me. Mainly the gods of other Realms." She explained with a pout. She still wasn't keen on the whole idea of being a Gatekeeper or what it truly meant. She was winging it.

"How many other Realms are there?" Mira asked approaching the trio. Other followed suit.

"I don't know." The blonde shrugged. There could be hundreds for all her to know. "But we already know about two. Edolas and the Celestial World. Plus Earth Land."

"And gods? What do you mean by that?" Max asked, trying to wrap his head around the information.

"That each Realm have their gods and Kings who rule the Realms. Earth Land is a Neutral Realm, and we Heartfilias is its Gatekeeper."

"Wow. So you are like Earth Land's protector." Warren stated awed making the blonde blush.

"N-no. I'm just the one connecting the Realms. Ever heard of Heimdall?" She thought about how her new found job resembled that of Heimdall or that of the Rainbow Bridge, Bifröst.

Only Levy nodded her head. Figures. "He is the one that keeps watch on the Rainbow Bridge, Bifröst, for any danger."

"Yes. You can also say that I'm like Bifröst, because it is I who is the Gateway that connects each Realm. So my job is to decide who can pass the bridge. So I'm like Heimdall and Bifröst." Yeah. That sounds about right. She thought with a nod.

"So you have the power to summon gods to our Realm. Damn Celestial Magic is cool." Lucy smiled at Max' statement.

"It is only because of my ancestors that I have this duty. And if I think about it, it isn't cool. More like a hassle." It really was if Draco spoke the truth about his siblings being sly and conning. Or if they were as persistent as him.

Plus it all lay on her shoulders if she had to invite a God down on their Realm. Yup. A hassle.

"Fuck the other gods! What do Draco want with you?" He finally asked after collecting himself from the shock. Gajeel didn't care about anything else than about the God that in a sense was his foster great great- and so on – grandfather.

"As I stated earlier. He wants to pass the gates to our realm. He needs to gather the souls of his children, and bring them back to his own Realm. The Dragon Realm."

"Will he revive the Dragons then?!" Gajeel sounded a bit hopeful.

"He said he would. He wants to give them a chance of life without problems." Lucy answered with a small smile. She could see how happy he looked by that information and he could only imagine how the others would look like when they figure there's a possibility that their parents will be revived.

"Then what the fuck are you waiting for! Open the gate!" he demanded harshly.

"Dude, chill. I will… eventually. It isn't as easy as you think with opening a gate for Draco. There are requirements to form a contract with each God." She was that close to wring Gajeel's neck for being so rude, but she decided against it. For now.

Levy glared at her mate, before looking at her best friend and asked. "How do you open his gate?"

"I need to accept Natsu, complete the mating and then form a key for his gate. Then I can summon him down here." She explained glaring at Gajeel.

"By doing so, doesn't that mean he becomes your spirit or whatever to call him?" Mira questioned. Trying to understand everything.

Lucy turned to her and shrugged. "To be honest I don't know much. I was kind of distracted when they explained everything to me." Yeah, I was busy beating their stupid huge asses.

"Then hurry up and complete mating with Salamander so Draco can revive Metalicana!" Gajeel said impatiently.

"Hey, it will happen on my terms. Geez, what is it with your Dragons and Slayers, always pressuring me." She pouted, arms crossed. They were so damn demanding.

"Don't listen to Mr. Grumpy Lu-chan." Levy said smiling. "He is just hoping Draco will revive his dad. He misses him." Levy smiled softly at his mate.

He turned his head but couldn't hide the blush coating his cheeks. He was adorable.

"I don't blame him Levy. I don't. I would be thrilled if I got the opportunity to meet my parents again. But I have so much else to think about, so much to go through and do.." The blonde had such a burden on her shoulders and she felt it was unfair. Why was being a Celestial Spirit Mage so hard?

When she first entered the Celestial Realm it had only been to gather information of her newly found predicament with Natsu. But then she was thrown so much information, and choices she had to make. And that just suck.

"What else do you need to do?" Mira questioned with a worried tone. The look on the blonde only told her she had so much on her shoulder, a burden she carried all alone. She wanted to help but no one could do much.

"Find Aquarius' key." The blonde explained with a sad expression. Her hands wandered to her neck, feeling the chain. She cupped the heavy metal that wad the broken key of her dearest friend.

"Why do you need to find her key? Did someone steal it?" Warren asked confused.

The blonde smiled sadly and shook her head. Not many knew of her sacrifice of her dear friend. Pulling out her necklace that was Aquarius' broken key, she told them. "I had to sacrifice her key to summon the Celestial King. To save everyone from Alegria."

Mira and Levy gasped loudest. Shocked by the information. While the others gaped at her, surprised, shocked.

"I knew you saved us but… to sacrifice your spirit. I'm sorry for your loss." Gajeel said remorseful as he looked at the blonde. He felt guilty for not knowing and acting like a jerk earlier. The blonde loved her spirits as much as she loved Fairy Tail, so he couldn't do anything than apologize. Because he hadn't been the only one who lost that dreadful day. He could sympathize with her.

"It… it had to be done. I was the only one not absorbed, so I had to save you all. And that was the prize to do so. To summon a King or God to our realm." She then beamed brightly. "But that's all in the past! What done is done and Aquarius didn't die. So there isn't anything to be sad about."

"But…"Levy looked at her sadly. She felt sad. She had abandoned her best friend in her grief. "I'm sorry Lu!" She threw herself on to her. "I'm sorry for leaving you all alone!"

Lucy patted her back. "It's alright Levy. It really is. Aquarius' new key has been forged and is in Earth Land, somewhere. All that's left is to find it before someone else does." She said with much reassurance.

Sniffing the bluenette pulled away. "I- I'll help. We'll all help."

The others agreed with a loud, "Yeah!"

"You really don't need to." The blonde insisted with a smile.

"Of course we do. We want to." Mira said with a pleasant smile, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"What do we want to do?" a voice asked from behind them.

"Oh, Erza. Good morning." Mira chirped.

"Good morning. Why are you all standing this close to the entrance and why are Levy crying?" The redhead inquired with her arms folded and eyebrow raised.

"Levy and Lucy missed each other. Neither had a proper reunion after yesterday." The barmaid explained with her usual smile.

Titania looked at Lucy, narrowing her eyes on her with a serious expression. "Are you ready to tell us about everything?"

Lucy smiled and nodded her head, pulling away from Levy. "Yeah, but first when everyone gathers. No reason to repeat myself."

Erza softened her gaze and walked the few steps to the blonde. "It's good to see you again." She hugged her, Lucy hugging her back.

"It's nice seeing you as well."

They walked up to a table with Levy and Gajeel sitting with them by their table. And started conversing about what had happened during her absence, filling her in.

It didn't take much for the other members to arrive. Gray greeted the blonde with a tight hug and scolded her for leaving so abruptly. Juvia caused a minor scene, her jealousy taking over just briefly. But after that she greeted the blonde as well.

Many members gathered around her, greeting her and asking about what she had been up to. She answered them with a kind smile.

Even if she had only been away for a day, it felt like she had been gone for an eternity. It felt good to be surrounded by her family and friends again.

When Natsu arrived. It was awkward. Super awkward. The blonde constantly blushed whenever she looked at him, or he her. The only thing replaying in her mind was him saying I love you. I love you. She couldn't even control her heart beating.

So she avoided him as much she could, while Natsu did the opposite. He just stared at her at any given opportunity. His eyes were almost constantly glued to her. And he envied Happy. The cat had tackled her the first second he got and stayed in her arms throughout the afternoon.

He wished it was him.

Erza nudged the blonde and leaned in to whisper. "I believe this is enough of stalling. Everyone is here."

Makarov had just arrived and was sitting cross-legged on the bar counter with already a keg in his hand.

"Right." The blonde sighed. "Happy, you need to let go."

The cat looked at her with a pout. "Do I?"

Before she could say anything Mira called. "Happy, your fish is ready." At Mira's call he zoomed out from her arms. Lucy giggled and shook her head.

Walking up to the middle of the guild, she cleared her throat. God she felt embarrassed. "Everyone, I have something to say." Her voice weren't strong enough to gather their attention.

"Everyone shut up and listen to Lucy!" Erza yelled making everyone flinch and immediately shut up and turn to the blonde. "Good."

"Alright. I have some explaining to do." She started with a small blush. Everyone was staring at her. The makes confused whole the females expectantly. "Yesterday, some of you may have overhead my conversation with Natsu. And what I said were probably shocking. I don't blame you if you think it's a lie, but sadly it isn't." She was tempted to look at Natsu but didn't. Not for now.

"What did you say?" Gray asked curious. He gave his frenemy a look that held pity, thinking Lucy flat out rejected him.

Makarov looked at the blonde curiously and Mavis were sitting next to him with the same expression of curiosity on her face. Neither had no idea about what was going on.

"This will shock most of you, but Natsu has a brother.."

Many glanced at each other, not understand where the blonde was going with this.

"Who?"

"So what?"

"Why are you telling us this?"

"Everyone shut up!" Erza slammed her hands on the table, glaring at everyone. She turned to Lucy. "You may continue."

"Natsu should probably tell …" She chickened out, and finally looked at him. His eyes widened as he met her eyes, he panicked.

"No! You tell them!"

"But-"

"No, you tell them. Come on Luce."

Lucy gathered courage and looked around the guild hall. "Alright." She bit out. Bracing herself for the next to come. "Natsu's brother is none other than Zeref. Zeref Dragneel."

One

Two

Three

And hell broke loose.

"WHAT?!" Those who hadn't known roared.

"Is this true?" Mavis asked, approaching the blonde. "What you just said, is it true?" The First looked more ghostly than ever.

Lucy nodded guiltily. "Yes."

"But this isn't all." She looked at Wendy and Gajeel before finally her gaze landed on Natsu. "Natsu, Gajeel, Wendy, Sting and Rogue. They are from the past."

"What?"

"Are you joking? This is not funny!"

"I'm what?" Little Wendy asked, looking at the blonde surprised. Her eyes wide.

"You are from the past with the rest of the Slayers." Lucy said apologetically. "The day your parents left you, the 7th of July, year X777, was the day you entered this time through Zeref's gate, the Eclipse Gate."

"W-why?" Wendy was getting teary eyed as the information overwhelmed her.

"Because your parents were already half dead after Acnologia reaped their souls. They sent you to this time were the Ethernano were richer, so they could heal inside you whilst also creating antibodies preventing you all from a fate like Acnologia."

"How do you know all this child?" Makarov asked. He couldn't believe what he had heard but he couldn't deny it either. Not when it came from Lucy's mouth.

Lucy looked at the tiny man, smiling sadly. "Because it was my mother who opened the gate, sacrificing her life force, and I witnessed everything."

"What?! You never said she sacrificed herself or that you saw everything!" Natsu yelled, standing up from his seat. Disbelief was written on his face.

"She had to. One of her former servants, Grammi, had the last key, Aquarius', but she was unreachable so my mother had to use her own life force as compensation for Aquarius' key." The blonde told solemnly and clenched her fists. The scene replayed in her head.

"You were there?" Gajeel looked at her surprised. The blonde nodded.

"I had followed my mother. Hiding in her carriage because she left the mansion making me curious. And then I saw her stand in front of the gate, opening it. At the time I had no idea. I was enthralled by so much magic, and the gate opening. I saw you all. Dazed. And then I saw Natsu."

She turned to her best friend. "You saw me too and grinned, before passing out. Everyone of you passed out before your parents took you away and disappeared too. Completing the spell."

"You… saw me?" Natsu whispered locking his eyes with the blonde.

"Yes. That's why we are mates. Draco had marked me since my birth. The first Slayer I meet will become my mate or I theirs. And that was you." She explained, feeling a bit embarrassed. She still remember his grin and how it make her heart beat. It was the weirdest she had ever encountered.

If Aquarius hadn't unlocked her memories, made her remember she would've never known. She was glad she had.

"Draco?" Erza asked, ignoring the murmurs in the guild. Natsu was dumbfounded, fell back to his seat

"Draco the Dragon God." She began telling her about her new friend and about everything else that happened in the Celestial Realm. It took a little hour to tell with constant interruption from the members but she managed to finish.

It was a lot to take in yet the worse was yet to came. She still had to tell them about The book of E.N.D. and its connection to Natsu.

Bracing herself, she started. "But that's isn't the worse part." She glanced at Gray, knowing that this information would break him. "The Book of E.N.D.." he flinched just by its name, and his jaw clenched. "Is connected to Natsu. We can't open the book nor destroy. They are linked."

Gray shot up from the bench. "What do you mean, Lucy? My father said I need to destroy it!" he yelled.

The blonde flinched. He was fuming. "Zeref created E.N.D. in Natsu's image, by his DNA. If we destroy the book then we will kill Natsu."

"So he is E.N.D?" Another members asked horrified.

Alarmed the blonde shook her head. Repeatedly. "No! He is not E.N.D. he is Natsu Dragneel," She pointed at Natsu. "while E.N.D is an Etherious, Etherious Natsu Dragneel. Think of him as Natsu's evil twin. But not Natsu. Got it?"

"Why would Zeref create a Demon with his brother's name and with his DNA?" Freed questioned from the sidelines.

"Because I had a weak body as a child. Igneel saved me." Natsu answered in her stead. "Zeref created his strongest Demon as a way to fuse our bodies together."

"Dude, your brother is sick." Bixslow stated.

"He ain't my brother." Natsu growled. "He won't ever be my brother."

"So Zeref just created a Demon to use him to fuse with Natsu. Why?" Freed continued with his questioned. He was fascinated by the information yet also confused like the rest of the members.

"The same reason he created all his other Demons. To die." The blonde stated. Look of disbelief passed the guild expect two. Natsu and Mavis.

"Why did Aquarius tell you all this? How did she know all that about Natsu?" Levy asked, still trying to process the given information.

"Aquarius was one of my mother's most trusted spirits and a trusted friend. She knew everything my mother knew. So the right questions would be, how did my mother know all this." The blonde said with a smile.

"So how did your mother know all this?"

"From a journal from Anna Heartfilia. Every information about the plan was written in there. Sadly the journal had to be destroyed after the success. If it fell into the wrong hands, they would all be in danger." She told with a frown. She really wished they hadn't destroyed it because then she could maybe learn about Anna Heartfilia and her spells. The way her spirit mentioned her just made her want to meet her too. Anna Heartfilia had been a Celestial Spirit Mage on her own league.

"This is a lot information to take in." Makarov admitted rubbing his mustache. "But I'm glad you told us either way. It's surprising and will get awhile to get used to, but I'm sure we will get used to it somehow." He finish with a grin.

"And I'm happy to get it out of my chest. But," the master frowned, bracing himself for whatever she had to tell. "I need to warn you all about us missing for a while."

"Us?"

"Who?"

"What?"

She grinned and pointed at the Slayers, Laxus included. "I'm taking them with me to the Celestial Realm. Their mates included. Someone is very eager to meet them all." She decided that she might as well announce that when she was already there. And to deter the away from the dreaded things she had shared.

The Slayers looked at her surprised. Mira and Levy included. "Who?" They asked in unison.

"Draco of course. He invites you to a feast in the Celestial Realm tomorrow. And I need to inform Cobra and the Twins Slayers too."

"Why?" Levy asked a bit nervous. She was going to meet a God? The of Dragons no less.

"He didn't tell me the specifics, just that I should bring you with me to the Celestial Realm tomorrow. Don't you want to?" She questioned with a pout.

"Why us?" Laxus asked with his eyebrow raised. He couldn't see a reason for him to be there when he didn't have a Dragon parent.

"Ask him when you arrive. I'm just the mediator. Messenger." The blonde answered with a shrug.

"Then we're coming too." Erza announced with a determined look.

"He only said the Slayers and their mates. Sorry." She smiled apologetic.

"We'll come either way. I want to meet this God." The redhead left no room for argument, making the blonde inwardly groan.

"Fine." Even though he isn't special. Just a super overgrown lizard and the biggest pervert.

"Good." She got up from her seat and walked up to the blonde, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I'll deliver the message to Erik." And she left the guild.

"Okay then. Anyone else who has something to say? No? Good." The blonde walked back to her table and sat between Gray and Lisanna.

"So…" there was a bit of an awkward tension around the table. Everyone was still processing every information given to them. So to break the tension Lucy smiled at her best friend. "I got you a Christmas present, even though it's way past Christmas."

Levy smiled happily at that. "You didn't have to. But I have your present too. At home."

"Then let's go get them."

Levy glanced at her mate, as if asking permission. "No. I'll get it. You stay here."

"Come on!" She pouted. "It won't even take 20 minutes. Please?"

"No."

"Talk about being overprotective." The blonde shook her head and smiled at her best friend. "Alright Levy. We'll just exchange our gifts tomorrow since that mutt is being an idiot."

"Sorry Lu."

"You know what. Since he is afraid of-"

"I ain't afraid!"

" – Draco I'll just have him punish him. Sounds like a good idea right?" The blonde ignored the terrified look of the Slayers while grinning at Levy.

The petite bluenette grinned as well. "Yes. Please do so. Maybe he'll learn manners too." The two best friends laughed sadistically.

"You know, Draco told me that he used Loke as a toothpick, maybe you'll be his favorite one." She winked to the frightened Iron Dragon Slayer.

"Lucy-san, how is D-Draco? I-is he scary?" Little Wendy asked nervously, cutting in on their teasing. She was a bit frightened to meet him. Grandeeney had only told her so little about him. And hearing how he used Loke as a toothpick she was frightened.

The blonde turned to youngest of the Slayers and reached for her hand. "You have nothing to worry about. He may seem intimidating for you all, since he is your God. But he is really kind. He doesn't get mad easily. I think I used every disrespectful word on him, and even hit him, " she grin sheepishly, "But he didn't do anything. Actually the idiot laughed along with stupid Mustache Man." She pouted remembered how fun they had at her expense. Not cool.

"Y-you cursed a God and hit him?" Natsu asked wide-eyed. She turned her head and grinned proudly.

"Yup." She answered popping the past. "And Mustache Man is a God too. I vented my anger on them both. To my defense though, they deserved it"

"I knew you were bad-ass but this, I had no idea." Gray grinned and put his hand to high five her.

"Thanks." She high fived him.

"Lucy, child can you come here for a second." Master called from the bar. She turned around and nodded.

"Luce.." Natsu halted her movement. She glanced at him nervously, her heart skipping a bit. Her playfulness immediately gone by the tone of his voice.

"Let's talk when you're done. Okay?" pressing her lips together in a thin line she nodded her head and went up to the Master.

"I thought that you would want to invite the Sabers yourself. There's a communication lacrima in my office. Just type in Sabertooth and press on the call corner, then you're set to go." Makarov explained with a kind smile.

"Thanks Master."

She walked upstairs and entered his office. The comm. lacrima was standing by the corner of his desk next to an endless pile of papers, files and whatnot.

Picking it up, typing the name she pressed on the call button. She jumped back when a blue transparent screen with her in it appeared from the lacrima, taking her by surprise. Putting it down, she decided to sit down while waiting for the other end to pick it up. It was her first time ever using a communication lacrima.

"Hallo?" Sting appeared inside the screen, her picture minimizing to the far corner.

Smiling she greeted the Sabertooth guild master. "Good afternoon Sting."

He looked at her surprised. "Blondie? Why are you with the guild master lacrima comm.?"

"Master Makarov gave me permission to use it. I'm calling to invite you and Rogue along with your mates, mated or not, to Magnolia." She explained still smiling ignoring his slightly offending tone.

"Why? Is it Fairy Tail or you who are inviting us?" The blond inquired with a look of skepticism.

"Me. No rather it's not me but Draco." She saw him freeze but continued. "He invites all the Slayers and theirs mates for a feast. In the Celestial Realm of course."

"How do you know about Draco? Did Natsu-san tell you?"

She shook her head. "Actually I believe I told Natsu. He was oblivious to who Draco was but he knows now." It was true. The pinkette had no idea who he was until Lucy told him along with the rest of their guild. Talk about another surprise for him.

"Then how do you know him? " He held a demanding tone. The blonde glared at him lightly.

"Just because he is your God doesn't mean he is unknown to other people, you know." She huffed.

"Still, not many know of him other than the Dragons and their Slayers. So I'm curious to why you, a mere-"

"Don't." She growled threatening-ly. "And my connection to Draco is far greater than yours. So don't get arrogant with me."

"Then do tell me about you're connection to our God." He said challenging.

Rolling her eyes, the blonde told him off. "Look here mister arrogant. Are you coming to Magnolia tomorrow or not? I didn't call you to argue about who knows Draco best. And if you want to meet your God then I suggest you to be nice to me."

"And why should I believe this isn't just a way for you to-"

"If you don't believe me then don't. Geez, it's my fault for being nice." She glared into the screen. "You either come here and figure out if I speak the truth or you don't. Simple as that."

They glared at each other for a few seconds, before Sting sighed and looked away.

"What time?"

Smirking the blonde told him the time and ended the call. "God he is arrogant. I pity his mate. Hopefully it isn't Yukino. That's would just be too sad." She mused, feeling pity for Yukino if she happens to be Sting's mate. She knew how close she was to both Slayers so if fate chose her, then she hoped at least it would be Rogue. Yukino was too kind for Sting.

Pulling out from her musings she pushed herself up from Makarov's chair, she laid the lacrima on its former place and then she headed for the door.

Makarov looked at her when she entered downstairs.

"They'll be here." She told with a smile.

"Good. I gather he was being an annoying brat from the look on your face?"

"He is an arrogant piece of shit but I got him to shut up." She told with a grin.

"Wouldn't expect less. Good work."

She walked up to her table and her eyes met with Natsu's.

"I'm ready to go." She told him, and began bracing herself for what to come.

And done!

Damn. I usually don't write long chapters like I did the last two chapters but I just can't help myself with this story. I love it! I know many of the characters are OOC but I believe they still fit my story. And I still have a love-hate relationship to Lucy's character in the story. XD

I know I told that I wouldn't be updating for at least two weeks, but guess what? My darling friend took me to a bar/pub were there was free WiFi! Yaaaaaaaaaas.

I also know that the chapter may be a bit boring, but it is more like an explanatory chapter. I promise next chapter will be full of NALU goodness! And perhaps some DraLu too xD haven't finished the chapter yet, but who knows. I'm just writing as I go – sometimes I change the plot, sometimes I change back to the original. It's just sooooo me to me so chaotic. Hmm. Speaking of chaotic, maybe a certain chaotic someone should make a cameo too? No?

Anyway thanks a lot for your love and support! Thanks to: Lizard Dragon – I'll think about having Zeref and Lucy meet, let him have a crush on her perhaps? XD Guest – thanks for the love. I can't wait either xD lol Flipperzz – I know about her being OCC and it's mainly intentional. Thanks for liking it still though. I just want to write a different kind of NALU story where Lucy is the hesitant one for a change. And I'm happy that you'll stick around. Thanks! ^-^ NaLu and InuKag- thanks, appreciate if a bunch. ^-^ and here's your update xD

And of course thank to everyone who faved and followed! Love you all!

Before I go, I would like to quickly apologize to Sting lovers and StingXYukino. I'm still having a hard time figuring out who their mates have to be. So please help me!

Till next time! \^o^/

Peace out!

-Oby Abel-