Dragon Instinct

Chapter Twelve

It was a week after Laxus and Freed had become mates, and to Freed it seemed as if everything had changed and yet nothing at all. He knew now that he and Laxus would always be together and that he, Laxus, and Eliana were a family. However, that didn't change their dynamic by much at all. It was a testament to how comfortable the three of them were together that their life was not disrupted after Freed and Laxus mated.

Laxus still spent most of his time at the guild doing research with his grandfather. He was more determined than ever to find out who destroyed Eliana's home and killed her mother. He knew his father was behind it, and it seemed he was determined to ensure his father couldn't do anymore damage. When Freed asked him about it, he'd been unable to explain his need to figure it out.

Freed began spending more of his days in the guild hall with Eliana. Levy and Shadowgear had left on a mission, meaning Freed had very few options on how to pass the time. Spending his days with Eliana was hardly something he would complain about though. He greatly enjoyed his time with her, especially having the ability to teach her some basic magic. If he was honest with himself, she was becoming just as much his daughter as she was Laxus'. If the way she treated Freed was any indication, she felt the same way about him.

It was because of Freed's extended visits to the guild hall that Wendy had managed to clear up a few questions about dragon slayer mates, but she also raised more. It seemed Eliana was the only child of a Dragon slayer that anyone had heard of. Freed was curious about that. If Dragon slayers had mates, then why had no one heard of them having children? It didn't make any sense. When Freed voiced his concerns to the two older Dragon slayers neither of them had an answer. Freed was not surprised that Natsu had never thought about it. The pink haired fire mage never seemed to think of anything further ahead than his next meal. He'd looked at Freed as if he'd just grown a new head when Freed questioned him. Freed had been surprised at Gajeel's lack of knowledge however. The steel dragon seemed to have a better grasp on the mate mythology than the others. However, he'd just been confused when asked about the inheritance of powers. Finally, he admitted Metallicana never spoke to him about what to expect from children. Freed accepted it in stride. Most parents go into parenting blind, he and Laxus were no different. It just seemed their experience would be more unique than others.

"Kind of reminds you of all of us when we were young, hmm?" A voice said behind him breaking him out of his thoughts.

Freed turned to see Lisanna standing beside him, he glanced back at Wendy and Eliana training in the grass and grinned. She was right, it was a lot like Fairy Tail had been when he first joined.

"I suppose so," Freed conceded. "Only, less violent than Gray and Natsu were."

Lisanna laughed, a clear and bright sound that Freed didn't realize he missed in the two years Lisanna was in Edolas.

"Too true," she said with a grin sitting down. "You know, I don't think I quite realized how much things changed in the time I was away."

"What do you mean?"

"Well...like Gray and Natsu. You know they consider each other friends now, even if they don't say it out loud? And then there's you and the rest of the Thunder Legion," she said thoughtfully. "I mean, you guys were never unkind, but you've been more...friendly than I ever remember you being. Not that it's a bad thing. I actually like it."

Freed nodded slowly looking away from her letting it sink in. Despite him actively trying to befriend his guild mates during Laxus' exile, he'd barely had a chance to talk to Lisanna before the S Class trials.

"We went through a lot while you were gone. After Laxus got exiled from the guild, we tried to repair friendships we destroyed with our ignorance."

"Why did Laxus get exiled? People haven't wanted to discuss it since I returned."

"He uh, he tried to take over the guild by making all the members fight each other, and then us," Freed told her quietly, feeling the shame that always accompanied the memory of that day.

"He got pretty intense, huh?"

"I think it had a lot to do with his father."

"I'm sure it did." She told him with a kind smile. "At least he's realized his mistakes. He's changed a lot."

"Yes," Freed agreed with a smile. "He really has."

"I don't know how I never realized you were in love with him. It's been pretty obvious since I got back."

"I didn't hide it well, that's for sure." He said with a laugh.

"So you two are together, really? I know people are assuming, but I just wanted to ask..." she began slowly.

Freed looked at her surprised. No one in the guild had outright asked him if he and Laxus were together. He'd noticed the whispering since in the past week or so, but no one had been bold enough to ask. Freed had a feeling they were just too scared of Laxus to ask. Although, he and Laxus had agreed that if anyone did ask, then they'd tell them. Freed was just glad he didn't have to worry about actively keeping it a secret anymore. He was ready for everyone to know, especially now that he knew their relationship was permanent.

"Yeah, we are."

"That's really romantic. Being able to fall in love with your best friend like that," she said with a sigh. "It's what I wanted with Natsu when I was younger."

"Not anymore? I know you guys aren't close like you used to be, but when you left you still seemed to love him."

"I don't think he was ever as serious about it as I was." She said softly. "But I think he's falling for someone else."

"Oh?"

"I think anyone who doesn't know him as well as I do wouldn't see it as clearly as I do, but it's there. He just hasn't noticed it yet."

"And you?"

"I don't think I have to tell you that, it's been pretty obvious I'm sure."

"Well, I have noticed you're flirting with Bickslow lately," he agreed with a grin.

"Do you think his feelings are serious Freed? Or do you think it would just be a fling?"

"He's crazy about you."

"Yeah?"

"Definitely. As crazy for you as Ever is Elfman."

Lisanna laughed loudly shaking her head.

"Those two are hopeless."

"What two?" Freed heard a voice drawl behind him. He felt himself grinning before he even turned around. He didn't need to look to know who it was.

"Evergreen and Elfman," he said looking up at Laxus with a grin.

Laxus laughed softly, reaching to slowly run his fingers through Freed's long hair.

"Yes they are." He agreed finally leaning down to kiss Freed's forehead. Freed felt himself flushing at the open display of affection. He knew they had agreed to let others know if they asked about their relationship, but he didn't realize Laxus would be so comfortable showing him affection in front of others.

"You two are adorable," Lisanna gushed softly.

"Thanks," Freed said softly, turning even more red, if that was possible.

"Thanks for the talk Freed. I'll give you two some privacy," she said standing up hurrying off.

"She okay?"

"She wanted to know if Bickslow was serious about her."

"She didn't know?"

"Well, I think part of her was having trouble giving up on Natsu."

"Ah."

"Are you okay? You seem tense."

"Gramps and I figured out the guild that attacked Eliana's family."

"...You're going after them aren't you?"

"I have to Freed. They've killed so many innocent people."

"...will you be taking us?"

Somehow Freed knew the answer without asking, and he was dreading it.

"Eliana needs someone with her Freed."

"You can't go alone! They're dangerous!"

"I won't go alone. I'm taking a team. I think I'm gonna bring Erza and Natsu."

"You know Lucy will tag along too then," Freed said with a smirk.

"Unfortunately. She's hopeless. I might ask Gray as well. If I can get him to join us without Juvia trying to follow us, it'll be great."

"Good luck."

Laxus groaned sitting beside him. He wasn't looking forward to being stuck near Gray while Juvia threw herself at him, but he needed a team he could count on. He'd much rather take his own with him, but he wanted someone he could trust watching Eliana. And as much as he loved his grandpa, he didn't trust him with a six year old. The old man was too busy hitting on girls a quarter his age.

"Why not Mirajane?"

"What?"

"She raised her siblings, maybe she could watch Eliana long enough for us to join you. I'm sure Lisanna would help. Eliana would love to stay in Fairy Hills with all the other girls."

Freed hated the idea of leaving Eliana behind. He loved having her around, but the idea of Laxus going into a battle with a team he didn't know filled Freed with dread. The Thunder Legion had a dynamic when they fought together. They knew how to balance each other's strengths and weaknesses and that was developed after years of fighting. It would be near suicide for Laxus to take a team he had never fought with before.

"That might work." Laxus reluctantly agreed.

"Laxus, you need a team you know and trust, not just strong fighters."

"You're right...I'll talk to her."

"Good. So, this guild, who are they?"

"Their name is Serpent's Tongue. My dad formed them three years ago."

Freed bit his lip looking over at Eliana and Wendy. He wouldn't question Laxus about his father. That was one subject he knew to avoid after all these years. He also knew any guild that man created would be hard to defeat.

"Then we're going. I don't care what we have to do to ensure that we are going, but the Thunder Legion and I are going." Freed said fiercely. "You are not facing that man without me by your side."

Laxus looked at him speechless. It had been awhile since he had seen Freed look so serious. It added a level to the rune mage most didn't get to see. Laxus considered himself lucky when it did show.

"I'll talk to Mira, like I said. I'll feel better if it were you three."

"Good," Freed said turning back to watching Eliana train.

Laxus sat beside him slowly looking out at Wendy and Eliana in the grass.

"She's gettin' pretty good."

"Wendy's a great teacher," Freed said with a small smile.

"Thank you, for lookin' after her." Laxus said looking at him. "It shouldn't have been on you so much."

"You were helping grandfather, and I don't mind. I like being around her."

"Well, when we get back, we're definitely gonna take some time off jobs," Laxus said quietly. "That way she can adjust better. Us leavin' is really gonna mess with her."

"Well, then you will be the one to tell her."

Laxus sighed quietly.

"I tell her tonight."

Review Replies:

So, I just realized that they now give you the option of private messaging to reply to reviews. I feel extremely behind in times, but I started writing on this site when I was in junior high, nearly 15 years ago. I then took an extremely long hiatus from writing fanfics until I started watching Fairy Tail last spring. I feel like an idiot, but I think I may start using the private messaging feature after this chapter. However, for this chapter here they are:

Astra199: Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate you taking the time to read my story. I'm touched that you had such amazing things to say about it. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

kurahieiritr JIO: Thank you once again. I'm glad you found Freed's actions amusing as well. I just picture him pacing, and he definitely talks with his hands, so his hands flying everywhere while he's rambling and Laxus is just staring at him confused. So far there haven't been many changes to their life since the mate bond has been established, and Freed is convinced there won't be many, but he's optimistic. Right now, only a week has gone by and that's not enough time to notice the changes. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I know there hasn't been much that's happened, but soon. In a couple chapters things pick up again. We passed the half way point. I only have this story planned for 20 chapters. I am in the process of considering a sequel. I will let you know if I start writing it.