Dragon Instinct
Chapter Eighteen
"Freed, you've been pacing for an hour now, please calm down."
He paused looking over at Eve shaking his head. He couldn't explain it to him if he tried. No matter how much he told himself to calm down, he wasn't able to convince himself to do so. Everytime he stopped moving his mind went back to Laxus and his sister. They were both lying in hospital cots completely motionless. If he didn't know better he'd think they were dead.
"I can't."
"I know this is difficult, but everything will be fine."
"I told you, it's not fine. We still don't know how to break the enchantment on Freya, and Laxus..."
He broke off as he looked down at Laxus' form blinking back the tears threatening to fall. There didn't appear to be anything wrong with Laxus. He looked as if he were just sleeping, but it'd been hours since Freya had cast her enchantment on Laxus and he still hadn't woken up. The witch in charge of the infirmary insisted that nothing showed up on her medical scanner, but Freed knew she was wrong. He could feel it. It was a feeling deep in his chest, a sense of doom, a feeling that something wasn't quite right and it'd been with him since Laxus had fallen unconscious. There was something seriously wrong with him.
Hibiki looked up from where he was using Archive to do another scan of Laxus' body looking for any possible conditions. Freed sunk into the chair beside Laxus' bed, letting his eyes drift closed for a second while Hibiki worked. He was exhausted. He wasn't sure if half of it wasn't from the feelings he was getting from Laxus. Now he knew why Laxus had been so paranoid when Freed first woke up. If he had felt half of what Freed was feeling at the moment, he could understand why Laxus wouldn't want him to go into battle. Eve turned to Hibiki, who shook his head quietly.
"Freed...I'm sorry, but we didn't find anything," Eve said softly, looking at him in concern. "You need to sleep, you haven't been to bed since we got back."
"I can't sleep."
"Do you want us to get you something?"
"No, I want you to find out what is wrong with Laxus," Freed said looking up at him, pleading. "There is something wrong with him. He needs help."
"Freed," Eve began with a sigh. "I just said..."
"He's Laxus' mate! If he's says something is wrong, then something is wrong!"
Freed jumped at the voice turning to see Gajeel in the doorway. He hadn't even known he was listening to them. He rubbed his face tiredly as Gajeel walked into the infirmary room.
"We've done scans, there is nothing wrong with him," Hibiki said running his fingers through his hair. "We don't know why he won't wake up."
"Well try again, because if he dies, we don't know what will happen to Freed." Gajeel growled stepping closer.
Eve paused glancing at Freed, before looking back at Gajeel swallowing slowly.
"What do you mean?"
"Look at him, does he look healthy to you? The bond between Laxus and Freed is something you will never be able to understand. It's ancient. Freed can feel when Laxus is in danger or hurt, and Laxus can feel the same about Freed. No one knows what happens when a dragon slayer or their mate dies. It's been too long since dragon slayers were more than a myth."
Freed looked away as Eve tried to meet his eyes. He knew how Eve probably felt hearing what Gajeel had to say. He probably thought Gajeel was talking about a myth. He knew it was true though, and at the moment he felt like someone was stabbing him in the chest. There was something terribly wrong with Laxus, and they weren't listening to him.
"We don't even know what enchantment Freya used," Hibiki said. "If we did, we'd know where to start."
"Then wake her up," Freed said through gritted teeth.
"If we wake her up now, we have no clue what she'll be like. We need to break the spell she's under." Eve said softly. "Besides, you cast the enchantment on her, you need to be the one to wake her."
Freed groaned sliding into a chair. He couldn't concentrate. He'd kept watch by Laxus' bed all night waiting for the dragon slayer to walk up. His mind was muddled with sleep and any time he tried to concentrate on something, all he could think about was Laxus.
"I know this is hard Freed, but the only way we're going to be able to wake Laxus up is if we break Freya out of the curse the guild put on her."
"I don't know how to do that." He said softly. "I don't use marionette or soul magic."
"No, but Bickslow does," Gajeel said quietly. "Though I don't know if he'd know how to break this spell."
Freed swallowed standing up slowly.
"Give me a couple minutes, please."
"What do you mean?" Eve asked stepping back.
"I can't think like this. I need a few minutes to myself."
Freed turned walking out the infirmary before they could argue with him. He quickly walked outside taking a deep breath of air closing his eyes. He needed to get out of the room before he lost his mind. He couldn't concentrate with all of them staring at him like they were waiting for him to break down any second. With his head finally clear for the first time all day he slowly walked back into the guild. He could still feel that Laxus was suffering, but it wasn't as pronounced as it was before he walked outside.
"We need to get Bickslow," he said as soon as he walked into the infirmary. "I'm not sure he'll know exactly what magic was used on Freya, but he should be able to cast a counter curse."
"How? When we don't know exactly how they cursed her?" Eve asked slowly.
"Hibiki could use Archive. There aren't that many spells that can control the minds of humans."
Eve turned to Hibiki slowly who nodded.
"I'm on it, I'll see what I can do."
Freed turned walking back out the infirmary going to find Bickslow, who was downstairs talking to Wendy. He stood up as soon as he saw Freed walking into the room.
"Everything okay baby?" he asked.
Freed bit back the urge to tell Bickslow not to call him baby for the millionth time. Now was definitely not the time to focus on something like that.
"We need your help up in the infirmary."
"Everything okay?"
"No."
"What can I do?" Bickslow asked following Freed as he began to walk back up the stairs.
"They think Freya is under some sort of soul or marionette magic. You are the only one around here who uses soul magic."
"But, my magic doesn't control humans."
"No, but you could cast a counter curse, as soon as we figure out what counter curse it is." Freed said looking at him. "Please try Bickslow, this is Freya. Besides, she's the only one who can help Laxus."
"There's something wrong with Laxus?"
"Yes. They don't believe me, but I can feel it. Whatever enchantment Freya put on him . . . I think he's dying."
"I'll do the best I can."
"That's all I ask," Freed said before walking back into the infirmary with him.
Bickslow followed him, sitting in the chair beside Freya's bed. Freed paced nervously as Bickslow took off his helmet looking down at Freya's unconscious form. Freed glanced at Gajeel standing watch in the corner. He was leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He wasn't sure exactly why the other dragon slayer was so concerned with him, but he was thankful for the support. At least Gajeel had believed him when he said Laxus was in danger.
"I know this magic," Bickslow said suddenly causing Freed to spin around staring at him.
"What?"
"I know this magic," he said again turning to Freed. "I don't know how to cast it, because I never cared to learn, but I know it. I know the feel of it. My grandfather specialized in this kind of Seith magic."
Freed sat down in the chair beside him looking at Freya concerned.
"You can recognize the feel of magic?"
"Only because I spent so many years around it, and because I was trying to sense Freya's soul."
Freed reached out touching Freya's hand gently.
"Do you think we can break it?" he asked turning to Bickslow again.
"Find me a counter curse and I know I can."
Freed let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and turned to Hibiki, who was furiously typing on Archive. Eve had moved to sit on the side of Freya's bed holding one of her hands between his two. Freed felt a pang of guilt. He'd been a mess all night, arguing with them over Freya and Laxus and he'd let himself forget that Eve was just as tied up in this mess as he was. Eve probably felt just as overwhelmed as Freed was and yet he'd kept himself composed the whole time.
"Eve," Freed started softly and Eve turned to him slowly. "You heard Bickslow, right? He said he can fix this."
Eve nodded with a relieved smile on his face.
"I heard him, but thanks. Are you feeling better?"
"Yes. I'm sorry I caused such a scene."
"It's okay. I didn't realize dragon slayers and their mates had a form of body link magic to them. It must be awful for you, knowing something is wrong and us not being able to find what it is. I wish we were more help."
"It's not your fault," Freed said shaking his head. "As soon as we get our Freya back, we'll focus on Laxus."
Freed only hoped he held out that long. He could feel that Laxus was getting worse by the second. It was if there was a weight on his chest. He didn't know how to explain it to anyone else. He could feel the seconds ticking by, and with every minute that passed he grew closer and closer to losing Laxus.
He jumped as Bickslow got up walking to Hibiki. He watched as Bickslow said something pointing to Hibiki's screen. He couldn't hear what they were saying but Hibiki seemed to listen, because he began typing furiously again and Bickslow was crossing his arms watching. Finally Hibiki looked up from Archive with a sigh.
"Got it," he said sounding tired.
Freed blinked at the exhausted in his voice. He hadn't realized Archive wore down Hibiki's magical power as much as it did. He supposed it made sense, as that was his kind of magic. He felt another pang of guilt as he thought about how much Blue Pegasus had done to help them and how he had treated them. Then he realized what Hibiki said.
"You found the counter curse?!"
"Yes," he said stepping towards Bickslow. "When I put my hands on your shoulders the curse will flow from my mind to yours, and you'll be able to cast it instantly."
Freed saw a muscle twitch in Bickslow's jaw and knew the Seith mage was fighting the urge to make a joke out of the situation. Eventually he nodded turning towards Freya.
"Ready."
Hibiki put his hands on Bickslow's shoulders and Freed turned away as light filled Bickslow's eyes. He knew how dangerous Bickslow's figure eyes could be. Even though he was casting a counter curse, Freed wasn't taking any chances.
He could feel the swell of magic gather around him as Bickslow slowly spoke the words of the counter curse and he shivered. The magic was dark that was for sure. He could tell by the way it made his skin crawl. He knew many of his enchantments were considered dark and even they didn't affect him the way the counter curse for Freya did.
"You can wake her up now," Hibiki said after Bickslow stopped.
Freed turned watching Bickslow drop into one of the chairs by Freya with a small smirk on his face. Freed carefully drew his runes in the air watching as they once again appeared on Freya's chest.
Freya's eyelids fluttered before they opened fully and Bickslow leaned forward before Freed could move.
"Hello baby."
Freya turned quickly to the sound of Bickslow's voice.
"Bicks!"
"You feeling better."
She smiled widely before realizing what he said.
"How many times have I told you not to call me baby?!" She scolded slapping his arm.
"Hey! Is that any way to treat me after I helped save you?" He asked. "Can't I even get a kiss?"
Eve went to move forward at that and Freed grabbed his arm with a small smile shaking his head.
"He's harmless," he murmured as Freya leaned forward hugging Bickslow tightly.
"Welcome back baby," Bickslow said softly hugging her back. "We missed you."
"I missed you too," Freya said her voice breaking.
"Your brother and fiancé might be getting a bit jealous of me baby," Bickslow said softly and Freya pulled back turning around quickly.
"Freed!" She cried out scrambling out of the covers.
Freed laughed as she threw her arms around him hugging him tightly. He hugged her tightly feeling tears gathering in his eyes. He couldn't believe she was back. He'd been terrified the counter curse wouldn't work.
"I can't believe you're back," she said sniffling. "When did you get back?"
"Almost two months ago," Freed said softly. "Eve, Hibiki, and Ren found us."
Freya pulled back slowly wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"I...I looked for you for so long."
"I know sister. Eve told me," he said softly.
Freya turned her head slowly finally meeting Eve's eyes. Eve stepped forward reaching up touching Freya's cheek gently.
"Eve..."
"Welcome home Freya," he said softly.
Freya's eyes filled with tears and Eve pulled her into his arms.
"It's okay," he said softly. "You're home again."
Freya buried her face in his neck clinging to him.
"I'm so sorry," she cried beginning to sob quietly.
"I'm just glad you're alive darling." He said softly running his fingers through her hair.
She slowly calmed herself down pulling back from him. Eve reached up wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Sweetie, I know you just woke up but your brother needs your help."
Freya took a deep breath visibly composing herself before turning to Freed.
"What's wrong Freed?"
"I...It's Laxus," he said quietly turning to Laxus' bed. "I know you've never been a fan of his, but...I...I think he's dying."
"You haven't managed to break the curse?!"
"No..." Freed said softly. "You remember casting it?"
Freya sighed softly.
"I remember everything."
Eve put his hand on her shoulder gently.
"We know that wasn't you," he said softly. "You weren't in control of your own actions."
Freya took a deep breath and released it slowly before walking over to Laxus' bed.
"So you will help him?"
"Of course, he risked his life for you," Freya said looking over at Freed. "How could I not?"
Freed gave her a sad smile before joining her a Laxus' side.
"Thank you Freya," he said softly. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
"Oh, I remember how you feel about him," she said before taking a deep breath beginning to concentrate.
Freed watched as the magic circle began to surround her. It wasn't purple like it was when she cast the original enchantment. Instead it was blue and much brighter than before. Freed didn't know if it was because she was casting the counter to her enchantment or if it was because she was acting on her own free will. He watched as the magic circle spread and the light surrounded her and Laxus before disappearing again.
He paused waiting for Laxus to move or wake up, to give any indication that the magic worked. However, Laxus just kept sleeping.
"D...Did it work?" He asked softly.
"I believe so," Freya replied sitting down. "The Ecriture I cast was called execution. It slowly shuts down bodily functions until the person affected dies."
Freed looked back at Laxus horrified.
"Those functions that were affected have to start back up one at a time before Laxus will wake."
"My god...who would create such an Ecriture."
"I...I think it was Ivan."
"O...Of course it was," Freed said sitting down slowly.
"I'm so sorry Freed, I..."
"Don't do that Freya," he said softly. "None of this was your fault."
She turned to him slowly and he pulled her into his arms holding her tightly. She buried her face in his chest sobbing softly.
"Shh...sister, it's okay," he told her. "No one blames you."
"I think we should give them some privacy," Hibiki said quietly pulling Bickslow to the door.
"I'll let the others know Laxus is gonna be okay," Gajeel said softly touching Freed on the shoulder.
Freed jumped turning to him. He'd forgotten Gajeel was in the room with them.
"Thank you Gajeel," he said softly.
"Just make sure you get some rest."
Freed nodded slowly before Gajeel walked away heading for the door.
"Was that Blacksteel Gajeel," Freya asked softly.
"Yes, he joined Fairy Tail just before Fantasia."
"I...I see."
"Are you going to be okay?"
"I think so," she said softly.
"You're lying."
"I'll take care of her," Eve told him.
"I'd like to see you try. Freya doesn't let anyone take care of her."
Freya laughed softly looking away.
"Tell me what happened after Fantasia. Laxus wrote me after he was exiled. He asked me to go back to Magnolia. How is he back in Fairy Tail? How did he get Makarov to cave?"
"Laxus wrote you?" Freed asked stunned.
"He didn't tell you?"
"No..." Freed said looking down at Laxus before clearing his throat. "Gildarts let him back in the guild. After Tenrou Makarov made Gildarts guildmaster."
"Gildarts?!"
"For a day," Freed said with a small smile. He let Laxus back into the guild, renamed Makarov as guildmaster, and then left. No one's seen him since."
Freya stared at him before laughing loudly.
"Certainly sounds like him." She said shaking her head.
He smiled slowly at her.
"You know, Laxus has a daughter that you would love," he said softly. "You should come back to Magnolia. I know Blue Pegasus is your home, but...just for a little while."
Freya looked at Eve slowly giving his hand a squeeze.
"Does that invite extend to my fiance?"
"Of course. You two have been separated long enough," Freed said softly.
Freya smiled slowly before hugging him again.
"I'm so glad you're back Freed. I've missed you so much." She said in his ear. "I was so awful to you before you left."
"No, you were right. I let my love for Laxus blind me. I knew what he was doing was wrong, but I loved him too much to abandon him."
"But he's changed?"
"More than you know," Freed said smiling slowly.
"Thank god." She said. "Wait, did you say daughter?"
"Yes, her name is Eliana."
"How are you handling that?"
Freed shook his head with a smile.
"She's a beautiful six year old. Laxus just found out about her recently. We're all still adjusting."
"I see," Freya said looking back at Laxus. "A father, huh? What's the mom like?"
"She uh, she was killed, by...by Serpent's Tongue," Freed said softly. "In a town named Amaryllis."
Freya turned to him quickly before clearing her throat.
"I wasn't on that mission, thankfully."
"We should get you downstairs to get something to drink," Eve said softly, interrupting them.
Freya hesitated looking back at Freed who smiled at her.
"Go on, you have a lot of catching up to do. I'll be down in a bit."
Freya smiled slowly kissing his cheek.
"I see you down there," she said softly before walking out with Eve.
Freed sighed turning back to Laxus, reaching down to grab his hand, holding it between both of his. The tightness in his chest had gone away soon after Freya had finished her enchantment. It seemed Laxus was out of the woods, but he was still reluctant to leave the dragon slayers side before he woke up.