Hey Guys, I'm back with chapter 30 of Little Light. At the moment I'm hoping to get a chapter out at least once a month. Big thanks to everyone for sticking with me and Little Light. Anyways onto chapter 30 hope you enjoy.
Juvia yawned loudly as she trudged through the doors of Fairy Tail as the sun was beginning to fully rise for the day, the water Mage greeted the other present mage's as she headed to the bar making herself a coffee glancing at Mira who was talking with Laxus and master at the end of the bar while Cana sat at the other trying to get a reading from her cards, she felt slight envy at how both the Rajinishu and the Struss sibling have taken to living in the guild while the threat of Blood Rose loomed, at least they were all married to one another excluding Bixlow, meaning they didn't have to travel to the guild so early in the morning. Stifling another yawn slightly regretting volunteering to take Gray's morning watch shift instead of staying at home with Aizu until late morning, taking a sip from her coffee the water Mage thought back to last night. Aizu had had a nightmare and while both Gray and herself stayed with him and comforted their sleepy son, Gray stayed with him for the rest of the night hence why she had taken his shift knowing that he needed the extra couple of hours of rest she thought as she stared into her drink, fortunately her husband had agreed to take over her shift in the afternoon so she wouldn't be out all day.
Upon hearing muffled laughter Juvia's focus on her drink was broken looking upwards she noticed that the source of the noise was coming from Ru-Ne who was jumping on Bixlow's "babies" giggling as he jumped from one to another with some of them spinning as they he landed on them while others floated upwards to a decent height as the boy jumped from them, it wasn't long before she noticed the runes appearing below each "baby" so if he fell he wouldn't be hurt.
"You know your frowning" a voice spoke breaking Juvia's attention from the mint green haired boy, as they sat down next to her.
"Oh morning Evergreen" Juvia greeted the fairy Mage "I was frowning?" she continued.
"You know you can just call me Ever, and yea as you were watching Ru-Ne you were frowning" Ever replied as she watched the water Mage think to herself for a second.
"I guess I was just surprised to see Ru-Ne up and active so early in the morning, I don't think Aizu even woke up from when I hugged him goodbye this morning and I can imagine that the other kids won't even be up yet" Juvia finished with a small smile taking another sip from her coffee, not noticing the small scoff Evergreen made at the comment, as Juvia placed her mug back onto the counted glancing around the guild hall catching a glimpse of Elfman who was now sitting with his younger sister cooing over Kira as she watched them a thought occurred to her as she looked her fellow guild mate next to her.
"Say Ever, I know that now isn't the best time with Blood Rose and all but have you and Elfman ever thought about kids I mean you two have been married for a whi..." However Juvia trailed off as she noticed the angry glare that Evergreen was suddenly giving her.
"Oh don't worry I get it, yeah totally do, I'm married so that must mean I should have kids that's what your saying isn't it" Evergreen started with venom, if the guild wasn't already getting noisy everyone else would have heard her, shocking the water Mage.
"No Juvia was ju..." But she was interrupted again.
"Well guess what missy it ain't gonna be happening not now, not ever" the fairy Mage finished huffing angrily although her eyes were betraying her hurt. Observing her fellow guild mate Juvia looked back at Elfman who was now holding his niece while Lissanna leaned against him with her eyes closed, giving herself a moment to rest knowing that her baby was in good hands.
"Is it by choice? Or other reasons" Juvia asked in a soft calm tone dreading the answer, she couldn't imagine the pain of not being able to have kids or imagine what her life would be like without her sweet Aizu.
"What?" Evergreen replied back in slight shock not expecting that kind of answer, however looking at the water mage's expression she let out a sigh before continuing
"it's by choice, my choice" she paused "and before you say anything about denying my husband the chance and joys of being a parent it's not like I didn't tell that idiot that I had have no intention of having kids, cause I did before we became a couple, I reminded him several times while dating" she paused smiling with her tone changing "even after he proposed to me I reminded him and each time he just said that it's 'man' to love your wife and respect her decisions, that and he'll basically be helping Mira and Lis raise any of their kids so what does it matter" the fairy Mage finished softly while staring at Elfman cooing at Kira as Juvia just looked on once again caught off guard.
"Juvia thinks she understands, it's a big permanent change in your life, actually before meeting Gray-Sama Juvia would have never imagine having or wanting children herself" she admitted laughing a bit to herself before allowing a comfortable silence take over between the two.
"Juvia, I know we don't talk that often and all but thank you" Ever started looking away with a slight blush while said Mage looked on sigh confusion as to why she is being thanked "I'm sorry I snapped just...don't tell Elfman but Mira kinda been on my case about it for a while now especially since Kira was born and I know that there are some people who think there's no point in getting married if you're not gonna have kids, at least with this whole Blood Rose mess provides some excuse as to not having any kids, so thanks for you know not telling me it's wrong" Ever finished nervously avoiding eye contact while fidgeting not really wanting to show this side of her.
"It's ok Juvia understands even if she is the opposite" giggling at the frown Ever gave her so she decided to expand on her comment dropping her third person speaking "I want more kids, I've always wanted a big family, haha at one point I imagined me and Gray having thirty kids...until he talked me out of it and made a five maximum, in a perfect world Aizu would already have at least one sibling and another on their way by now, but Blood Rose has ruined that plan, I don't want to risk being pregnant and unable to fight and protect my family"
"Hmmm makes sense, that's another thing as far as I see it being pregnant just makes being a Mage feel useless that restraint on your magic and lack of mobility plus the destroyed body" Evergreen cringed at the thought, while Juvia smiled as a reply before allowing an comfortable silence to overcome the two however that didn't last long as the guild doors were swung open as Natsu walked through them shouting up out a greeting to everyone while some returned the gesture others glared at the disturbance of the peace that had settled over the guildhall, before heading towards the bar turning his attention to his fellow guild mates as Juvia waved him over towards to the two female mage's at the bar the disruptive fire Mage took a seat next to Juvia.
"Your cheerful for this early in the morning" Ever stated not so nicely feeling slight envy toward the slayer who just turned his head to the side and blinked.
"Hmm this isn't any earlier than usual, me and happy are either training of fishing at this time on most days, fish for breakfast is the best and we need a lot since Nash and Kai seem to have my appetite" Natsu beamed only to earn an huff of disapproval from the fairy Mage over his morning attitude while Juvia inwardly cringed at the thought of always being up this early every day, before thinking back to the conversation her and Ever just shared.
"Say Natsu have you and Love rival ever thought about having more kids, once we've dealt with Blood Rose" Juvia question with curiosity just now realising that no one in the guild really talked about how many kids they had thought the about having. Hearing the mage's question Natsu crossed his arms in thought before answering.
"We have talked about it" he admitted "to be honest both of us are unsure, the whole parenting thing becomes a lot harder when you have two at once" Natsu laughed slightly at his statement before continuing "We're not exactly trying but it's not like we're avoiding it either, I mean we kinda just came to this agreement where if it happens it happens if it doesn't than yea...but in saying that there have been times where we've ummm been reckless although we're trying to be careful because of Blood Rose and Lucy goes on about how with missions sometimes it's hard to remember to take the pill so I think it's likely we'll have a happy accident at some point, and I'll have no problem with that" Natsu finished showcasing one of his childish beams before frowning slightly "actually thinking about it now I think we forgot again just the other night" he finished with a nervous chuckle earning a look of disgust from Ever both due to not wanting to know about others sex life and at how careless they are. While Juvia looked on wide eyed at how casual they are over the idea of having more kids as well as how it's a miracle Lucy hasn't fallen pregnant again.
"Natsu good your here" Laxus stated as he approached the group of three breaking their conversation "as you noticed Juvia is here instead of Gray so instead of talking maybe you two can use this time to work on your strategy together" the thunder Mage commanded taking charge of the three, both the fire and water mage's nodded getting up from their seats walking creating a small distance from the bar seats making sure they weren't close to anyone
"Hmmm strategy" Evergreen questioned with interest to her team leader with this being the first time she's heard of the two working together in such a way as she turned attention to the mentioned pair with Natsu who was beaming was summoning a large flame into his right palm facing Juvia who had created a ball of water in her left hand both waiting for Laxus signal to start.
"Just watched Ever" Laxus smirked before giving his attention to the others "ok Natsu, Juvia keep it small just enough to spread around you" he paused giving them a moment to readjust the size of their elemental magic to fit Laxus's liking. "Ok now on the count of three, one, two, three" he finished counting down as Natsu and Juvia launched their attacks at each other instantly creating a cloud of steam spreading to cover both of them, Ever looked on with mild amazement at the cloud of steam unconsciously fanning herself at the spike humidity it had caused. After being surrounded by the steam for a couple of minutes it finally began to disappear revealing Juvia who was now slightly sweating from the heat while Natsu looked unaffected.
"Hey Juvia are you doing ok?" Natsu asked as Laxus observed both of their conditions.
"Yea, Juvia just finds standing the heat a bit harder since she isn't immune to it" the water Mage retorted with light hearted anger as the fire Mage just shook his head with a chuckle at the jab.
"You're looking better than the other times also your control on the size has increased as well as the amount of time it lasts for, can you both still see and concentrate while surround in the steam" Laxus complemented before becoming serious again receiving a nod from Natsu in answer to both.
"Juvia can still see fine but the longer Juvia is in there the harder it is to concentrate sorry" The bluenette explained looking slightly guilty.
"No worries that's why I want you two to practice when you can, in another ten minutes I want to try it again ok" the thunder God leader stated before turning to his teammate who was still waiting for an explanation "our hopes are that in the case of a surprise attack if Natsu and Juvia are near each other at the time they can create a puff of steam to both confused and stun the enemy giving us the advantage instead, it helps that both of them can both see and not be as affected by the heat as others at the moment we know that Erza with her requip can also enter the steam with no problem to give us more advantage for future battles since we're trying to keep her out of fights while she carrying" he finished explaining.
A few moments had passed as both Levy and Gajeel entered the guild. The small bluenette was holding a book and a notepad under hear arms as she and her gruff husband made a bee line towards Master and Mira who were beginning to prepare to start the meeting and plan the days patrol and home teams.
"Morning Master, Mira" Levy greeted looking at both of the respected mage's as Master returned the greeting with a nod before returning to the plans.
"Ahh morning Levy and Gajeel, hmm where's Metty today" Mira greeted while questioning where their daughter was.
"Shrimpette is with Lucy and the twins, Jellal is watching them from a distance, I believe Erza is close behind heading to the guild with Meredy." Gajeel answered before Levy was able to.
"Yea, anyway do any of you know where Mest is" levy directly questioned getting to the point catching both of the older mage's attention.
"He should be coming in around the afternoon or earlier, why are you requesting him my child" Makarov answered with a serious in his voice knowing that Levy has been doing her best along with Lucy to pinpoint the types of mage's in their enemies guild, as the small Mage opened her notebook flipping to a page covered in notes.
"I've been able to identify that there are a couple of mage's in Blood Rose who are able to teleport themselves and others, Knowing that Mest specialises in teleportation I want to know if there's a possibility of tracking their movements once they have teleported" Levy finished looking hopeful at the possible advantage they could have.
"That would definitely be helpful for us if it is at all possible" master excitedly exclaimed "Mira can you prepare everyone alongside with Laxus, Levy you come with me, we're going to head over to Mest's to look into this further" Master commanded receiving acknowledgment from the barmaid, Master than beckon Levy to follow him as the two left the guildhall while Mira called everyone to attention to start the day.
Lucy let out a content sigh as she stretched her arms upwards holding a book in her left hand while sitting on one of the parks benches located near the play equipment, allowing herself a rare moment of relaxation after the last stressful days grinning as she watched her twins along with Metty playing with some of Magnolia's local children in one of the cities popular playground, although despite letting down her guard she still couldn't help her habit letting her right hand trace along her celestial keys at her hip feeling the indents of each of her battle friends keys taking comfort in the slight magic each sent through in acknowledgment to her touch, feeling a small spike of magic in the area the blonde Mage looked up making brief eye contact with Gray before the ice Mage disappeared behind a building along with Elfman and Jellal. The knowledge that this park was in the middle of three different patrol routes meaning that at least someone is nearby is the reason why she was allowing her a slice of normality for both her and the kids' lives to return without feeling threaten. Glancing briefly at the children to see them playing tag with some of the others, she let out another content sigh before continuing on reading her book.
Lucy had no idea exactly how much time had passed but she had found herself losing concentration in her book as concerned whispers were meeting her ears, looking upwards Lucy couldn't help but frown as she saw some parents with concerned and worried looks while others were already in the process of collecting and calling their children back to them. The celestial mage couldn't help the slight alarm she felt at everyone's actions but she also found it odd that many of the children were still acting normal, looking towards the playground Lucy couldn't help the laugh that surfaced as she spotted Gajeel making his way over looking so out of place among all the kid sized equipment.
"Daddy" Metty yelled excitedly as she spotted her father and running excitedly over to him, as Lucy closed her book before heading over to the group.
"Hey there Shrimpy" Gajeel greeted in a slightly higher pitch voice as he knelt down wrapping an arm around the small girls waist scooping her up so the blue steeled hair girl was laying on his arm giggling the whole time as her dad briefly spun them before stopping.
"Gajeel are you on a break?" Lucy inquired with a hint of seriousness as the metal user put his daughter down who looked at the adults curiously as she walked over next to Kai and Nashi.
"Yea Levy been with Master and Mest for most of the morning so I haven't actually been on one of the patrol teams, Erza just joined them, being pregnant has just made her ten times more scary and demands that if she can't go on patrols than at least she should be allowed to guard, I think Master only agreed just to get her to calm down" Gajeel stated with a shiver before noticing that his fellow Mage was looking tense as she eyed him
"Yea fair enough but I'm sorry Gajeel just in case H..C..P" Lucy replied before saying three letters separately observing how he reacted to the random saying with her hand ready at her keys just in case.
"N..W..G" he immediately replied not knowing whether to feel offended at Lucy for asking him the secret phrase or to be glad that Metty is with someone who doesn't want to take any chances.
"Ok, sorry about that Gajeel but at this point I don't want to be taking chances" Lucy apologised visibly relaxing at his answer. Using a secret code among guild members was something that Mira had wanted to use since no one new if Blood Ross had any skilled take over mage's among their ranks, while the letters H,C,P and the response being N,W,G may have seemed like random letters being said out loud to a civilian or enemy ears to anyone in Fairy Tail the first set represented the names of each of the exceeds while the answer related to each of their corresponding dragon slayer.
"Geez bunny nice to know that you have such trust in me as if any take over mage can look as good as this" Gajeel teased as he gestured to himself earning an eye roll from his fellow guild Mage who simply turned to the three kids who have been watching the conversation.
"I don't know about you three but I think there's a bad dragon here that needs to be defeated" Lucy smirked at the three who looked at her with wide eyes before turning to Gajeel who was now pretending to look evil as three set of mischievous little eyes turned towards him.
"Ha as if three little pipsqueaks can bring me down" Gajeel boasted giving a fake laugh.
"Get him the evil dragon must be taken down" Kai cheered pointing towards the slayer as the three of them let out a 'war cry' before working together to tackle Gajeel who fell easily obviously letting them take him down before he started to rough house with them as Lucy leaned against one of the plastic walls of the playground not really one for play fighting but was more than content to watch as they played ignoring the stares the other parents were giving the group, feeling a slight disgust as she heard a whisper or two referring to Gajeel as her husband, Lucy couldn't help the cringe or the unpleasant shiver down her spine as she imagine the thought, no thanks but a disruptive handsome pink hair fire slayer was she wanted and needed. However as she watched them play Lucy couldn't help but noticed how the iron slayer was a lot rougher with his daughter than he was with Nashi and Kai despite the two being older but despite the rougher play Metty hadn't seemed to be effected by it at all, actually thinking back on it she couldn't help but noticed that there has been many times lately where Metty has hurt herself and seemed unfazed while any other kid would have had a bump or a bruise almost as if she had skin as tough as...steel. Her eyes widen as she glanced back to Gajeel who was now almost pinned by the kids, it was entirely possible that Metty had inherited parts of Gajeels magic including his tough skin.
"Ahh ok enough enough, I give I give" Gajeel surrendered as he was finally pinned by the three kids who all beamed down at him.
"Yay we got the evil dragon" Nashi cheered realising her grip on the man grabbing Kai's arm and pulling him into a small spin in celebration.
"Yea now that you have been defeated evil dragon you have to be good now" Metty pointed at her father's face with a victorious smile.
"Ahh yes I will no longer do anymore evil" Gajeel stated before smirking at his daughter with this being my last act of evil" he added quickly wrapping both arms around the little girl who squeaked in surprised as her father rolled them over before standing up so that he was now carrying her "and now I'm a good dragon" he finished before readjusting the girl in his arms to be more comfortable.
"Daddy that's cheating, you were supposed to be good from when you admitted defeat" Metty whined.
"First lesson kids don't let your guard down even after the enemy admits defeat, cause like me they like to cheat Giihii" Gajeel couldn't help but laugh at the three pouty looks he was receiving "anyway since I'm a good dragon now I'll take you to mummy, if that's all good with you bunny?"
"Yea that's all fine by me, to be honest I was thinking of heading out soon anyway but do you have someone to go with you two?" Lucy replied as she gesture to the twins to grab their stuff.
"Yea I'm meeting with Jellal just down the street since he wants to see Erza, If your heading out than I'll get Gray to come join you he should be here in a couple of minutes while Elfmam will be joining Laxus's team as the routes overlap" Gajeel shared as he waved goodbye before he started to leave.
"Ok thanks for letting me know" Lucy nodded in a acknowledgment.
"Bye Nashi, cya Kai I'll see you guys tomorrow" Metty waved as her father carried her away.
"Bye Metty" the twins yelled in unison waving as their friend left before turning to their mother wanting to know what to do next.
"Ok you two, gather your stuff we'll be heading home as soon as Gray gets here ok" Lucy asked her children as she looked around noting how most of the families had left the park while they were play fighting with Gajeel.
"Ayeeee" Nashi and Kai cheered as Nashi scurried over to the bench her mother had previously occupied picking up a small backpack while Kai went to pick up some of the toys they brought along with them, Lucy watched on proudly as they packed themselves up enthusiastically without argument glad that they didn't inherit Natsu's inability to clean up after himself without complaint, Lucy found herself brought out of her thoughts as she felt a slight tugging on her skirt, looking downwards she saw Kai staring back as her with nervous eyes.
"Ummm mum since we have some time and there's no one around" Kai started before trailing off speaking softly while nervously fidgeting with his hands turning to Nashi gave him a thumbs up of encouragement for him to continue "and we've been practicing a lot would it be ok if I tried to summon a spirit" He finished squeezing his eyes closed and pulling at his shirt as he nervously awaited his mum's answer while his sister bounced excitedly in place. While Lucy found herself slightly taken back by the question before smiling softly placing her left hand in Kai's untamed hair ruffling it as she leaned downwards so she was resting on her knees as her right hand started reaching towards her belt, removing her hand from her sons hair reaching for one of his hands gently pulling it towards her while Kai watched her trying to contain his excitement as he saw her bring her right hand towards his palm not missing the gleam from the object light shined on it.
"So Kai you want to try summoning spirits" Lucy questioned not even trying to hide her smile at the face Kai was making as she placed the key in his small hand still holding onto it gently or when she felt Nashi leaning on her shoulder still bouncing.
"Yes I do mum" Kai added with full focused on his palm waiting for his mum to let go.
"Ok than now remember like Nashi you have to start out small" The celestial Mage instructed removing her palm from Kai's revealing the Nikora key "We'll start with Plue's key since Nikora's take barely any energy ok" she finished 'it also helps that I have checked with Plue so that I could change our contract making it possible for Kai to summon him' The blonde reflected to herself glad she took the time to think ahead and change Plue's contract, since Kai had started to show interest in her summoning during their training sessions and while they focused on meditation and physical celestial attacks.
Meanwhile the younger blonde was staring in disbelief and awe at the small key that was just given to him part of him still not believing that his mum had actually agreed to let him try to open a gate, not even caring that it wasn't one of the gold keys.
"Wow mummy gave you Plue's key, Kai are you gonna summon Plue that would be so cool if you could" Nashi cheered not noticing the small flames that sparked from her hands.
"Nashi careful" Lucy said in a gentle but stern tone, knowing that the inexperienced fire Mage wasn't intentionally summoning the fire.
"Hmmm ah sorry mum" Nashi briefly panicked when she finally noticed the fire, quickly holding her hands behind her back, giving her twin an annoyed look when he stifled a laugh at her.
"It's ok sweetie, just try to pay more attention to your magic" Lucy gently replied before she stood up pulling out Loke's key from her pouch "now Kai I'm going to summon Loke while you open Plue's gate so we can do this together, Nashi just make sure to stand behind us ok sweetie" Lucy finished watching as Kai happily nodded walking so he was besides his mum while Nashi climbed onto one of the playground forts sitting down behind her family watching them intently. "Ok now Kai hold Plue's key in your dominate hand ok" Lucy advised only to receive a perplex look from the emerald eyed boy before he looked downwards at both his palms not sure what his mum meant "your dominate hand is the hand you write with sweety" Lucy added looking apologetic at her choice of words again forgetting that Nashi and Kai were only six.
"Ohhh ok" Kai beamed as he moved the silver key so that he was holding it in his left hand.
"Good now hold his key with the tips of your fingers like so" instructed Lucy as she lowered her right hand showing how she held Leo's key waiting patiently as Kai adjusted his hold before it mimicked the older mage's hold. "Yes just like that, next is that you're going to need to raise your arm into the air as you shout 'open gate of the Canis Minor Nikola' as you finish calling you're going to need to bring your arm down so that your pointing forwards" Lucy demonstrated the required movements knowing that both Nashi and Kai had watched her summon her spirits multiple times over the years "ok so are you ready?"
"Yes" Kai all but squealed finding it hard to stand still
"Ok than lets go" Lucy finished as both she and Kai held each key out ready to summon.
"Open gate of the Iion Leo"
"Open gate of the Canis Minor Nikola"
Both shouted as the park was eloped in a golden light as both mage's mother and son summoned their spirits while Nashi looked on in amazement.
"I must say you never get less beautiful m'lady" Loke immediately flirted as he passed through his gate only to receive a playful smack from his summoner.
"And you never become less of a pervert Loke" Lucy retorted as the light began to fade, turning to her side she had to hold her laughter at the site of Kai gripping Plue's key tightly holding his eyes closed tightly as if he was afraid to look scared that he had failed, walking towards him Lucy placed her hand on his shoulder "ok Kai you can open your eyes now" she spoke softly. In response to the gentle tone Kai slowly opened his eyes only to be met face to face with a shaky white creature.
"Punnnnn" Plue greeted tapping the boy who just stared back at him in shock.
"It's Plue, Plue's here...mummy I did it I summoned Plue" Kai yelled happily as he lunged himself at the small spirt encasing it in a hug before toppling over as Nashi joined in their celebration.
"KAI DID IT" Nashi cheered on her brother.
"congratulations Kai you did a great job, I'm so proud" Lucy beamed as she watch the twins celebrate while slightly crushing Plue, feeling a bit bad for the spirit she silently promised the dog spirit that she'll buy him some lollies to make it up to him.
"I must say they certainly are getting stronger" Loke agreed walking up to the young Dragneels who were still tangled in their celebratory hug.
"Ahh Loke" Nashi shouted as if she just noticed the spirit, untangling herself from her brother and Plue she than charged into the lion spirit who responded by picking her up, while Lucy deciding to show mercy to the now squished Plue pulled Kai away into a hug.
"Wow you certainly are getting bigger princess" Loke proudly teased.
"Yea and my magic getting stronger too look at how big I can make flames now" Nashi boasted as she summoned a small fire into her palm as the lion spirit watched in amazement.
"Wow you really have gotten better, at this point you two may surpass even you parents" Loke encouraged as his summoned send him a greatfull look.
"Yea I would just love to see the look on flamebrain's face as his own daughter and son beats him at his own game" a familiar voice added from a distance getting closer.
"Oh hey Gray" Lucy greeted the ice Mage as he joined their small group.
"Yo I just passed Gajeel and Metty, asked if I would join you on the way home" Gray returned the greeting. "So are you guys ready to head out or still need to pack up."
"Thanks, and yea we're all good just one second though" Lucy answered before turning to Plue and Kai "Plue it's been great to see you and thanks for letting Kai summoned you" Lucy started before giving her attention to her son "now Kai since we're leaving can you close Plue's gate?"
"Aww ok mum" Kai answered as he gave the spirit one final hug before closing the gate, however as the little spirit disappeared the boy suddenly felt very tired and for a second momentarily lost his balance, thankfully Lucy has suspected that her son would feel a bit drained as he finished using his magic so she was ready to catch him before he could fall. "Hmmm thank you mummy" he tiredly mummeres.
"It's ok dear, you did very good just now so you can rest, I'll carry you" Lucy calmly spoke as she hugged her son to her, turning back to the ice Mage "ok now we're all good to leave, Loke do you want to walk with us" she offered.
"Of course I would, been a while since we had a nice stroll and caught up with Gray" Loke mused.
"Alright than let's head home" Lucy answered as the three adult mage's began to the trail back to the Dragneel house.
Wendy closed her eyes as she let the small breeze past over her and through her long blue locks, opening them again she let out a long breath of air before placing her chin on the rails of the guild balcony overlooking the town. She was supposed to be on lookout for any suspicious movement nearby but she just couldn't bring herself to focus on watching every movement of every person she could see, her mind was just too cluttered as she thought about her recent conversation with Porlyusica while they were finishing their last lesson.
"Wendy" Porlyusica stated with a sudden seriousness in her town catching the young adult off guard seeing that she had gained her student's attention the old healer continued "as I hope you have noticed, I'm getting a lot older these years along with your foolish master, I cannot guaranteed that in the coming years we'll still be around" she harshly stated watching the Sky Maiden carefully before continuing "now I have an important question for you What path do you choose" Porlysuica finished staring at Wendy keeping the eye contact they had made.
"The path I choose?" Wendy all but whispered in confusion.
"Yes, do you want to continue as you are now as a Mage with skill in both magic and non-magic based healing or would you become my successor and study healing full time which one do you choose" was the harsh answer she was given.
"What do you mean, I don't understand why do I have to choose, why can't I do both" was the confused answer the bluenette gave the shiver in her tone giving away her worry.
"Because unfortunately accidents happen often and when they do you need to either be there or nearby and if you're going on quest than as a healer for a guild you cannot be relied on" Porlysuica stated harshly before sorting her tone as seeing her students expression "I don't need an answer now or anytime soon, just think about it ok"
"This is so annoying and confusing" Wendy angrily said to herself as she began to pace the balcony "I want to help people and I really do enjoy learning about all the ways I can help others but... I also love going and missions and meeting new people, and spending them with Romeo" she paused leaning on the railing once again this time with her head resting in her palms "I really wish you were here Charle at least than I'll have someone to talk to about this, you've always been there before but now you've just left" she finished with a slight harshness in her voice.
"Well if that's how you feel than I just leave again" an all too familiar voice spoke making the dragon slayer instantly look upwards in time to see the white exceed gently land on the railing as her wings disappeared, despite looking visible exhausted she still had her signature playful scowl on her face as she held her arms out, upon seeing her long-time friend Wendy couldn't help the tears from falling as she quickly rushed towards the exceed wrapping her arms around her in a gently hug.
"Charle your back, I'm so sorry I didn't mean what I said" Wendy whimpered all previous angry and confusion temporary replaced by the relief and happiness, Charle gently patted her best friends hair in hopes of comforting the sobbing adult.
"Geeze Wendy look at you, you're in your young twenties, and here you are crying like a child" Charle teased gently causing Wendy to laugh slightly in their embrace.
"You're not one to talk, look at yourself" was her response causing her companions eyes to widen as she finally noticed her own tears cascading down her fur, wiping them away she face a small giggle.
"Guess you're not the only one haha, now I heard you saying some things you wanted to talk about" the cat giggled before getting serious waiting patiently as her partner began to vent and discuss her previously dilemma.
An hour had passed with just the two talking, neither realising how much time had passed before hearing a knock on the balcony door before opening as Natsu walked though.
"Hey Wendy, Bisca and Alzack are back and want to know if you want to swit...oh hey Charle" Natsu started reporting before looking at in surprise seeing the female exceed before looking around excitedly.
"Happy's not here Natsu" Charle tiredly stated already knowing that the fire Mage was looking for his friend.
"Oh" Natsu silently replied not trying to hide his disappointment at the knowledge that Happy wasn't present, the fire mage was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath "so then Charle how you been lately haven't seen you in ages, that and your looking kinda tired" He quickly changed the topic
"Yeah actually Charle I've noticed as well you look kinda... Exhausted" Wendy added. At the questions the white exceed look away shyly feeling slight embarrassment not really knowing how to approach the subject.
"Umm I have been with Happy the whole time" she stuttered beginning to feel to overwhelm at admitting as to why her and Happy had left "mm you remember how Lilly left for a bit" Charle questioned deciding to take another route. Both slayers looked confused before looking at each other as they remember the conversation they had not too long ago.
"Wait so you mean that you guys..." Wendy started before trailing off in wonder only to be picked up by Natsu.
"Charle do you and Happy have an egg?" He questioned barely containing himself awaiting her answer.
"We did" Charle replied shyly looking away although neither slayers misses the small proud smile that she had.
"You did... So that means it's already hatched" Wendy inquired seeing her parter nod.
"Is it a boy, girl, oh what colour are they, what about their eyes or wings, are they already saying Aye sir" Natsu hurriedly asked in excitement listing off many possibilities.
"All those can be a surprise" the exceed started before turning to Wendy "although you don't have to wait too long SHE's almost old enough to make the journey back" Charle finished putting emphasise on the 'she', neither the new mother nor the female slayer noticed the sudden change in the fire mage's attitude.
"Charle" Natsu spoke with a sudden seriousness catching the others off guard" as much as a really want to meet Happy and yours baby I think..." Natsu stop breathing deeply "I think it may be best for you two to wait a bit longer before bringing her home, Blood Rose has gotten worse while you've been gone" he finished look downwards feeling bad for killing the happy mood but knew this is for the best.
"Natsu is right, Lilly has even taken Rippie back to the village a few weeks ago, and he's making her stay with her mother until we've dealt with Blood Rose" Wendt added looked equally upset only to look upwards upon feeling Charles paw on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I understand, I wouldn't want to bring her here only to be put in danger...speaking of which I think she's been alone with that Tom cat for to long now" Charle spoke with understanding and mock concern.
"You should have a bit more trust in Happy, he's been great with Nashi and Kai" Natsu added standing up before heading to the door "I'll leave you two to say goodbyes, Charle can you say hi to Happy for me" Natsu waved as he left the balcony.
The walk back to the Dragneels house was a calming one, the small group was just reaching the outskirts of the town when Nashi began to squirm in Loke's arms before stating that she can now walk on her own like a big girl, laughing at her actions the celestial spirt gently placed the girl on the ground before continuing his conversation with Gray.
"Nashi remember not too far ahead" Lucy reminded her daughter as she stroked a hand through Kai's hair who was still resting in her arms although his small moans signalled that he would be up soon, truthfully she was confused as to why he was so tired summoning Plue shouldn't have taken so much out of him "hey Loke" she asked catching her spirits attention instantly before giving Gray and apologetic look at interrupting there talk. "Should we be concerned about how much energy it took Kai to summon a Nikola" she couldn't help but bring to attention watching the lead zodiac as he looked deep in thought, deciding that this was a conversation for the celestial Mage and the spirit Gray decided to break away from the two to walk with Nashi.
"Hmmm if Kai was a usual celestial Mage than I admit it would be concerning but..." Loke trailed off.
"Kai isn't a normal celestial Mage" Lucy whisper looking at her son as he began to squirm before slowly waking up breaking the conversation between the two, Kai briefly looked confused as he took in his surroundings slowly becoming more aware and awake.
"Are we going home" Kai asked looking at his mother who beamed back at him.
"Yea, and we're not far" Lucy replied.
"Oh" was his basic answer as he looked around confused frowning before trying to move as if he wasn't asleep out to it just seconds ago. "Can I walk please?" He questioned seeming unsure as to why he was being carried in the first place.
"Off course" Lucy answered before gently placing him on the ground giving a small laugh as he ran over to join his twin and Gray.
"His energy definitely returned fast, that's a good sign" Loke observed "Back to our conversation, I think it may be because the celestial magic he possesses seems more focused on the physical attacks rather than summoning, so it's possible that opening gates could take more magic than it does for a average celestial Mage, judging by his quick recovery in magic though summoning still take less for him than it would a normal Mage" Loke theorise as he watched the twins up a head who now had Gray making sculptures out of ice for them.
"It definitely makes sense, I'll try to keep an eye on him during our training sessions, if all that is true it may be worthwhile to change our training methods" Lucy muses not paying attention to where she was going only to bump into Gray's back who gave her a amused looked at her embarrassment at being caught out not paying attention. "Why did you stop?" She question earning laughter from her kids.
"Because while you and Loke where talking we've reached your house" Gray answered with a teasing tone smirking at the look he received.
"Oh right haha yea I didn't notice...anyway since we're here do you wanna come in for a bit" Lucy invited opening the door to her house standing to the side as the twins rushed in followed by Loke.
"Yea don't see any reason not to..." Gray started before both he and Lucy stiffen both feeling the sudden change in the air.
It was then the explosions started throughout the town.
There you go that's it for now.
Things are really beginning to heat up and get serious. Hope you're ready for the next chapter its planned to be a big one.
Until next time
R&R