Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Chapter 4

The Fairy Tail mages were led to their room by a maid. Erza and Lucy were led to a room; then Gray and Natsu were led to the opposite room. They gave each other goodnights and proceeded to their respective rooms. Not long after that, a knock was heard at the men's room. Natsu and Happy were already snoring their heads off on the other bed, while Gray was silently laying on his. He didn't respond, feeling lazy, when he heard a voice, "Open up!" came Erza's booming voice. Gray hurriedly started to the door, not minding that he was in his boxers, and opened it to reveal the Titania wearing a purple night gown. Her hands were on her waist; a disapproving look on her face. "What happened down there Gray?" She asked, her tone was the usual demanding one.

Gray didn't want to answer, but afraid that Erza might hurt him if he didn't answer her question. "I don't know," was his answer. He looked down, then turned around and held the door, "Is that all?"

"Are you kidding me Gray?!" Erza was furious, she was already ex-quipped to her Heaven's wheel armor when Gray spoke, "Please Erza, I just – I want to be alone right now."

Feeling the frustration in Gray's voice, Erza returned to her normal wardrobe and left. Gray closed the door and sat in front of the window. He couldn't get himself to sleep, so he sat there and watched the moon bask in its glory. After half an hour, another knock was heard from their door, feeling annoyed, Gray, without moving his body, said, "Not now Erza! Please, maybe tomorrow, I'll talk to you, or apologize to everyone, but, just – not now, okay?"

"Uhm, It's me, Lucy," a soft voice said from behind the door, "ah, I-I'll just go back, sorry." She was about to go back, when the door swung open.

"Something bothering you, Lucy?" Lucy turned to see a shirtless Gray at the door.

"I should be asking you the same thing. Is something bothering you, Gray?"

Gray just looked at Lucy; unlike Erza, she was wearing white PJs, designed with bears and clouds, she didn't put her hair up the usual way, instead, she let it fall off her shoulders. A few seconds had passed; no one was talking, Lucy was intently looking at Gray's face, while Gray looked down, not directly looking at her. Natsu's snores can be heard from behind Gray. "I'll be going out; would you like to go, too?" Gray finally broke the silence, still not looking at Lucy. Lucy just nodded; Gray immediately responded by stepping forward, closer to Lucy, and closing the door. Lucy looked up to him, and smiled, "Where would you like to go Gray?" Gray, staring at Lucy, did not respond for a few seconds; when he realized what she said, he coughed and turned to his left without saying a word. Shit! I looked so stupid back there. Lucy followed Gray until they got to the staircase. Gray went down, and proceeded to the hallway; all the while no one was talking. Gray was focusing on his memories to find an answer to his situation; Lucy busied herself at observing the decorations of the house. Gray found a door at his left, leading to the spacious garden just outside the hallway. He went out to the garden, as did Lucy. Lucy decided to walk beside Gray; she knew where he was going – to that tree.

Meanwhile, in Gray's head was chaos. He did not notice Lucy beside him; he didn't even notice where he was going.

"Gray," Lucy's soft voice made Gray come back to reality. He almost forgot that he had company. He looked at Lucy; as he was about to ask what made her stop, she spoke, "Why don't we stay here?"

Gray then realized where they were. A garden?

Lucy took Gray's unresponsiveness as a confirmation, so she took the swing and sat on it. She started swinging as she looked up at the tree's branches, "You know Gray, we didn't have this beautiful garden when I was young."

Gray had to raise one of his brows, sat on the grass, and said, "You had a big land, but you didn't have a garden?"

Lucy just looked down and smiled, "We did, but not this beautiful. I didn't have a swing."

Gray looked at her, confused, "a swing?"

Lucy said, "I always wanted one; I thought that it would be fun. My father, however, didn't agree; he wanted me to just stay in my room and study, which I did." Then, there was silence. "Uhm, Gray?" Lucy started, but Gray didn't respond, so she continued, "On our way here, even before we got the mission details, I noticed that there was something off with you. At first, I brushed it off, but then, when we arrived, you became more troubled. I wanted to ask what was bothering you, but I decided against it, I wanted to give you your own time until you tell it to me yourself. But what happened earlier, it really caught me off guard; that wasn't the usual cool Gray I know, it was even different to those times you get into arguments with Natsu. I couldn't even speak. You know, thanks to Erza, the tension had been eased, for now." Lucy tried to peek through her bangs to look at Gray. She couldn't see his face. Could he be sleeping? Still, Lucy decided to continue. "It's not like I would force you to tell me anything, you know. I just…" she looked at Gray who wasn't moving, "I want you to know that I'm here – all of us are – we're here to listen to you when you're ready, Gray." Lucy stood up and walked towards the door leading to the hallway. Lucy had only made two steps when someone held her hand making her stop from walking. She wasn't able to turn around because, "Lucy," she heard Gray's cool voice so close behind her. Gray was holding Lucy's right hand; he was slowly wrapping his other arm around her waist. Lucy froze; she didn't know how to respond. "I…" was all that Gray said before he buried his face on Lucy's hair. Lucy put her left hand on Gray's enveloping arm. She was about to turn and face him, when she felt him shaking, "Gray…" "P-Please Lucy, just for a while." Gray's shaking voice startled Lucy. She didn't move, but said, "I told you Gray, I'm here." She closed her eyes and listened to her own breathing.

Gray's POV

Gray felt his head was about to explode. He couldn't explain his actions earlier; those people didn't do anything to him, yet he was so angry. He couldn't fathom the idea of having one of his memories lost from his mind – then it's all a lie. He tried to find loopholes in their story, but, why are they familiar? There must be another explanation for that. Gray almost forgot Lucy was there until she stood up and started walking away – wait!

He didn't know what happened, but he couldn't stop. It was as if his body was acting on its own; all of those emotions he kept until this time, it came all crashing down on him. He started shaking; everything doesn't make sense. Lucy started to move; Gray panicked he thought Lucy was about to protest and leave him there, "P-Please Lucy, just for a while." Damn, I don't care how pathetic I look right now.

He felt grateful because Lucy didn't move, "I told you Gray, I'm here." Although he didn't really hear her say that at first, Gray had to smile; amidst all of what happened, he could still smile because it was Lucy.

A few minutes passed, and the two just stayed that way. Gray loved the feeling of hugging Lucy, but he had to let her go – at least let her sleep, that is. He loosened his hold on her and unwrapped his arm from Lucy. Lucy was about to turn, but Gray held her shoulders, "Go to sleep, Lucy." She nodded and ran back to the hallway. Gray just watched Lucy run, until she turned and waved at him, "You go to sleep, too!" Gray waved his hand until Lucy disappeared into the house.

He went back to the swing and held the chains. Memories came flashing in his mind.

"Hahaha! Higher Gray!" a laughing child was riding on the swing; she was wearing a blue dress, white knee-high socks in her black doll shoes, and a pink ribbon tied around her purple curly hair. Behind her, pushing her swing as it goes down was a shirtless boy, a teenager. He was smiling and laughing; he had blue eyes, blue hair, and a fairy tail mark on his right chest.

The scene changed; it was the same garden, the same people, but the young girl was crying. "*sniff* Graaay! Why are you leaving me? Can't you stay? Just take me with you instead!" She was clutching the teen's right arm so tightly; the boy gently tugged her hands off his arms. He put his arm in his pocket, and when he pulled it back, he revealed a necklace to the crying girl. He held her arms in his and placed the necklace on top of it. He then removed his hold on her arms and patted her head as he said, "Don't worry, I'll be back!" He smiled and looked at her eyes; this must have been very effective because the girl stopped crying, though her eyes were still watery.

Gray abruptly opened his eyes; it seemed like he had been dreaming for hours, but it was still nighttime. With a new found determination, he turned around and ran towards the house. He was going to get his answers tonight. When he got to the hallway, he quickly – but quietly – closed the door; however, when he got to the staircase, he saw a figure on top of it. It was dark so he couldn't recognize the person walking towards him, until it spoke – "Gray," a small voice said, "somehow I knew I'd see you tonight."

"Kisa? But how…?"

"I told you, somehow, I knew."

"Nevermind that. I have to ask you something." Gray said as he grabbed Kisa by her arms and gently led her to the garden.

"Ah. We had fun memories there." Kisa said when she realized where they were going.

"Tell me, did I really spend time here?" Gray said as he released Kisa's arms. Kisa walked towards the tree and sat on the swing. She didn't answer Gray's question, instead she pushed herself back gently; when she was able to stretch her legs far enough, she removed her feet from the ground making her swing forward.

Gray just watched her; his expression, blank.

"Something tells me you already know what the answer is." Kisa broke the silence. The moon was shining brightly that night. Gray could get a glimpse of Kisa's angelic face as the moonlight shines on it; that is when she swings farther forward. It must be the moon, Gray decided, when he realized that he was slowly drawing closer to the girl. He had to get his thoughts together; he had to get answers, and that's what he was going to do.

"I think I remember some things, but that doesn't explain why I can't remember it clearly!" Gray looked away feeling frustrated. He tried to put his hands in his pockets, only to realize they were not there. Gray gasped in shock, "Where did my clothes go?" He tried to look around to check if his clothes were scattered somewhere, when he heard Kisa giggling.

"At least you haven't changed, Gray." Kisa said not looking at Gray. She just continued busying herself with the swing, "You weren't wearing your pants nor your shirt when I saw you." Gray could hear the amusement in Kisa's voice. He didn't realize he was shirtless until she told him. He was about to go back inside to find his clothes when Kisa abruptly stood up from the swing, "Wait Gray!" She moved closer to Gray, she tried to lift her hands as if to cling to Gray's arms, but withdrew them immediately. "I'm sorry, you should rest, I know, but before you go, I want you to know something. I don't know how you can't remember me, or what happened with you here, but I am willing to help you. Believe me Gray, I'm your friend. Even though I haven't seen you in years, I am. Just…" Kisa stopped and looked down, feeling embarrassed, "please give me a chance to be your friend again."

Gray just nodded and left. Kisa, on the other hand went back to playing in the swing. Gray was running back to his room. It wouldn't be good if daylight comes and everybody sees me with their princess in only my boxers. He was running through the stairs as he processed Kisa's words. A chance to be your friend… If what they tell me is true, then she must have waited for fourteen years. Why couldn't she just let it go?

Gray finally got to their room. He quietly opened the door and slipped himself in. Natsu's and Happy's snoring could still be heard even when he was outside; who he feared would wake was Erza. He shuddered at the thought of waking up the Titania. He hurriedly went to his bed and lay on top of it, putting his arms behind his head. Maybe tomorrow, with that thought he instantly fell asleep.

Lucy went back to her room. She passed through Erza's bed so quietly so as not to wake her up. When she was in front of her bed she lifted up the sheets and slipped under it. She couldn't sleep that night; Gray definitely gave her a shock; first, at dinner, and then that night. She thought that he just needed a friend; he was confused, that was why he was acting so uncharacteristically. I hope that it would all be alright in the morning. She rolled to her back and looked at the ceiling. Gray hugged me; when Erza went to their room, he sent her away. Maybe he was just scared Erza would punish him. But, this is even different when we were at Garuna Island; last night, he was more, Lucy closed her eyes, she felt her heart beat racing as she tried to remember what happened in the garden, more like he was scared.

Lucy tried to get the picture out of her mind. Now, this is driving me crazy. She turned to her left towards the window; the moon was still shining in the sky. Morning is still so far away. Gah! I can't sleep. Then she heard footsteps followed by the creaking of a door. Gray finally decided to get back. What's happening to you Gray? We shouldn't have taken this mission after all. Lucy felt a bit guilty; it was, after all, because she needed payment for her rent that's why they took the mission. But, if we didn't, then Kisa would have been stuck in that dungeon. Lucy, feeling restless, stood up. She was tired, but she couldn't sleep as well. She couldn't stay at their room; otherwise, Erza would see her restless state. She decided to go outside, with no clear destination. She let her feet drag her anywhere. She realized she was in front of the door leading to the garden. Maybe I'll sit on the swing until I feel tired enough to sleep.

She went towards the big tree, but saw that someone was already there. She decided to go back when the person stood up, "Kisa?" she said.

"Lucy, can't sleep?" Kisa said as she went towards Lucy.

Lucy wanted to ask her questions. Why are you doing this to Gray? Why him? What does he have to do with you? She didn't know where to start, until she blurted out, "Gray's really confused. You see what this is doing to him, so why?" Lucy didn't intend to shout, but the image of a shaking Gray came into her mind.

Kisa's smile did not fade. She continued to walk until she was close enough to hold Lucy by her hands, "Lucy, would you like to play with me?" She said as she dragged Lucy towards the swing. When they got there she let Lucy sit on it, and she excitedly went behind Lucy to gently push her forward. Lucy was surprised with Kisa's actions; she just followed her and sat on the swing. She didn't realize what Kisa was doing until she felt a gentle push from behind her. As her swing moved forward, Lucy wasn't able to hold on to the chains making her almost fall back, but then she felt Kisa's arms supporting her back.

"Isn't this fun, Lucy?" Kisa said as she continued to push Lucy on the swing as it moves backwards. "When I was young I loved playing here; I still do." And then she was quiet; Lucy didn't know what to say, so she didn't talk either.

After minutes of playing, Kisa stopped pushing and sat down the grass by Lucy's feet. Lucy made the swing stop and proceeded to sit beside Kisa. She turned to face Kisa, only to see sadness in her expression. "Kisa…" was all that Lucy said because she didn't know how to talk to her in this state.

"Lucy, I'm sorry. I know you think that I should apologize to Gray. I will, but I know how difficult this must be for you, his friends, seeing him act like this. Believe me Lucy, I did know Gray when I was a child; he was a lot older than me before, though, but I don't know how he could forget us. You know, those days he spent here were one of the happiest memories of my life. I didn't have many friends as I was growing up, so I treasure those who are. He was one of them. You know, Gray and I used to play here before; he acted like a big brother to me then, but as for me, I already liked him." Kisa smiled as she recalled memories of her and Gray. "In all those years that I waited for him to come back and visit us, I busied myself in learning magic. Mr. Yuki might have told you that it was so that I could defend myself from those dark guilds who tried to kidnap me; yes, but for the most part, I wanted to be a mage because I feel that I could be closer to Gray when I become one. I spent most of my day learning magic, other times I would stay here and sit; I would remember those times with him here. I think that was my motivation of sorts."

Kisa, with a worried expression on her face, looked at Lucy, "Please tell me if you're getting bored. I apologize I have kept this for a very long time, and I can't stop saying it to you right now; I guess, I just need to tell it to someone, and you are the nearest one right now. But, if you don't want to hear it anymore, you can tell me."

"No! Not at all Kisa, go on. I know that we don't know each other yet, and you're driving my friend crazy, but, I want to be of help to you, right now. If you need a friend, I can be that. Don't worry, just go on." Lucy said, as she waved her hands in front of her, and returned Kisa's smile.

"I really like him." Kisa said looking down the grass.

Lucy slowly adjusted her legs to hug her knees and rest her head on top. "I believe you Kisa," Lucy started, "but I still think you should go easy on Gray. I think he's really confused."

"Yeah I know" was Kisa's response.

Silence ensued from then; the two girls felt content with staring at the grass for a long time until Lucy invited Kisa to sleep. They both went inside and proceeded to their own rooms to sleep. Lucy was able to sleep as she got on her bed.

Morning came so fast; at least, for Lucy. She didn't know what time she got to bed but she was sure that her sleep was abruptly cut by a shouting Natsu very early in the morning. Erza already opened the curtains so Lucy saw that the sun had just risen. Natsu and Gray got into a fight while Lucy was sleeping; Erza was gone, and Lucy doesn't know where she is. Lucy didn't want to get up yet so she decided to bury her head under the pillow, but the two mages managed to get into her room while throwing things at each other. Lucy felt something thrown at her; this made her stand up, neglecting the poor unconscious blue cat, thrown at her, by her bedside. Lucy was in a very bad mood; first, she still couldn't figure out what happened with Gray and in this place; second, she slept very late last night; third, the two were very loud early in the morning; and four, they're just so damn loud.

The two boys stopped fighting when they felt a different aura approaching them; and then, they saw Lucy. The two boys gulped; they couldn't do anything but shiver and hug each other.

Not long after, Happy woke up – on the floor beside Lucy's bed. It was quiet. They couldn't have left me. Happy thought, as he flew towards the bed. He felt relieved when he saw a sleeping Lucy on it. He decided to find Natsu, but when he turned around, he saw a beaten-up Gray and Natsu lying on the floor. He immediately flew by Natsu's side. He would have thought that Erza punished them again for fighting if he had not heard what Natsu said, "Lucy's… a… m-monster." Then, Natsu fell unconscious. Happy couldn't do anything but sigh.

"Oh well, I should find Erza. Maybe she's got some fish!" Happy turned around as he flew out the room.