A/N Procrastinating is so much fun! I'm at the point where just looking at my homework puts me in a bad mood…yuck. I hate when this happens because then any poor soul who tried to communicate with me gets this death glare. (^.^) on the bright side I scared the crud outta this very disgusting person at school. I don't think that pervert will try to get near me again soon!

Natsu: Can we get on with the story? I'm all pumped up for my fight!

Miu: Uhhh, we might need to put that off for a bit. Sorry Natsu…

Natsu: WHAT? You promised!

Miu: I'm sorry, I had an epiphany last night and I wanna see if I can add it to this chapter, but I might put it off so you can have your fight scene. Actually, I don't think I write fight scenes very well so your fight might seem dull and boring to the readers.

Natsu: WHAT?

Gajeel: Shuddap! Let the girl get on with the story!

Kotone gazed dejectedly at the sleeping Makarov in her arms. He looked so peaceful, Kotone felt tears start to form in the corners of her eyes.

Everyone had gone home and it was only Kotone and Makarov in the guild. It seemed eerie to Kotone, who felt the walls' unease at the lack of sound.

Kotone rested her icy forehead on Makarov's wrinkled one, taking comfort in his serenity.

She recalled their conversation right after the last of Makarov's little fairies left, regretting her soft nature.

(FLASH BACK)

"Onee-chan?" Makarov had called.

Kotone face lit up at the old nick-name, "Yes dear?"

Makarov placed a stamp of some kind in front of her. His hand lingered, caressing the handle. His face was determined as he looked up at her face, "I'm asking you the same thing Mavis did. I want you to join my guild."

Kotone's eyes widened and her fists clenched, "Why?" It was blunt and to the point. She saw Makarov flinch at her question and she wanted to apologize. Unfortunately, she knew that Makarov wouldn't tell her unless she asked, so she had to be blunt in order to get answers.

Makarov quickly regained his composure before continuing, "I know you're way above an S-class wizard. You can teach my youngsters some things I can't. I have no idea how old you are, but I know you're ancient…" Makarov glanced at Kotone to make sure he didn't hurt her feelings at the crack at her age. He seemed satisfied by the serious expression she had, for he knew that she knew he meant no offense. "With age comes wisdom, and everyone beside myself are youngsters. It's about time I retire, but I don't have anyone to take over the guild. Erza is the best candidate, but she is still young and has a lot to learn. Gildarts is too destructive, and Mirajane is too soft. Also, you seem to have made an impression on my dragon slayers…

"Besides, if you become part of the guild, you can't leave me behind again."

That last statement had Kotone looking anywhere but at Makarov. The guilt was eating her alive. She wanted to find a rock, a boulder, a deserted island, anywhere that would protect her from his eyes. They were like the fangs of a snake, biting into her and refusing to release.

After building up her courage, she dared to glance at Makarov, but looked away, knowing it would be easier to talk to him if she wasn't looking at him. She said, "I can't become the guild master. Just imagine it, I would still be here generation after generation. I'm over 500 years old now and I look like I just became a teenager! How could anyone trust a girl who doesn't seem to age? I wouldn't be surprised if there was a mutiny if I'm in charge."

"Then just be a member of the guild and work your way up. I would have to classify you as an S-class wizard automatically because it wouldn't be fair for the others who want to be S-class. You would probably wipe them out and then bake them a pie to make up for it."

Kotone chewed on her lip and made the mistake of looking into Makarov's eyes again. His face may have been calm and serious, but his eyes were pleading, begging. In other words, they were slowly ripping her heart in two.

"Are you sure you want someone like me in the guild? I'm not human."

Makarov smiled, knowing he got her, "Your body may change into a dragon, but your heart is the biggest one I've ever seen. Who cares if it's in a dragon?"

Kotone smiled and pulled her hair to one side, "If that's the case, then could I have it here?" She pointed to the right side of her neck.

Makarov jumped up and stamped on a black symbol of Fairy Tail, not noticing the fake smile fade away into nothing.

Makarov grinned and his smile warmed Kotone's heart, even though it was slowly crumbling and being carried away by an unmerciful wind.

"I'm glad," she smiled her last angelic smile, as a tear streaked down her face, "that I was able to make you happy in the end…"

Makarov's eyes closed at the haunting melody and he collapsed into her arms.

(END OF FLASH BACK)

"…Because this time," her voice cracked, "I won't be coming back."

Her lips brushed his forehead and she laid him down on the counter exactly like she did last time. She opened his hand and kissed his palm before placing a little black pouch in it.

She held his hand with the pouch in it, bringing it to her face. She decided to tell him one last thing, even though he wouldn't hear it, "My little brother, I don't know if you'll ever know why I'm doing this, or if you'll forgive me. But, I have no regrets. You were the best family I could ever have, and I'm glad yours was able to expand so greatly."

Kotone looked at the huge empty guild she was standing in, knowing that it would be full the next day. Makarov's family was precious to him and Kotone wanted to protect that no matter what.

She walked out of the guild, watching in despair as the door closed behind her. She wiped the unending tears away as the sight of Makarov, sleeping peacefully, became a sliver and then was gone. She calmed herself, taking in deep breaths, and moved through the night silently.

Makarov awoke to find his back sore and someone gently nudging him.

"Master? Are you okay? Master?" Mirajane asked.

Makarov rubbed his eyes and looked around. The morning seeped into the empty guild, filling it with fresh air and light.

His head whipped around frantically…but there was no Kotone.

"Mirajane, are any of the mission requests taken?"

"Why no, should there be?"

Makarov fisted his hands, but then he felt something in his right hand. He brought it to his face and saw a little black pouch. He pulled out the string and a white heap came into his sight. It blurred and he rubbed his eyes to make sure they were not deceiving him. In his hand were the bandages Kotone had kept around her eyes for around 400 years.

He took it into his hands and saw scribbles on a part of the bandages. He investigated and saw the scribbles were a note to him from Kotone. On the bandages it said, "This was my life and all I knew for over 400 years. I didn't know it at the time, but this belongs to you. It always did, from the moment I put it on."

Makarov closed his eyes and sighed in defeat. This time he couldn't go after her, he needed to stay at the guild so he wouldn't worry his fairies.

"Mirajane," he called, "where is Natsu?"

A/N AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I don't think I did this chapter justice! It was supposed to be really dramatic and I don't think I did a good job at expressing it!

Kotone: No, you didn't.

Miu: Exactly! I'm going to keep this and make sure I get it right!...Okay, I think I fixed it a little bit. It certainly sounds more dramatic, like it should be.

Kotone: It's a lot better.

Miu: Yay!

Natsu: NO FIGHT SCENE?

Gajeel: SHUDDAP! Can't you go through one review without asking for a fight?

Natsu: I have!...I think...

Miu: OOOOOOOOOHHHHH! I'm so excited for what's next!

TheOrangeNeko You're welcome! I'm happy you reviewed just to say thank you!