Heyyy! I'm really really really sorry for not updating. :( Quite busy in school. Anyway, I passed I'm now a 4th year college student! Hoooray for that! 🎉 Huhu I feel old, tho really I'm not yet that old. Just.. Right. Hahaha :) Well, it's vacation time and I have 4 months, which started weeks ago. Anyway, I was trying to finish everything this week. So please, give me the motivation!

Well I pretty much busied myself with increasing every aspect in my life. Haha I even jogged this morning! I was actually working out. Not that I want to be macho, but I want my endurance back. Anyway, I remembered a review asking if I was reading Infernal Devices? Um. Yes! I was! I have the complete set of TMI and ID! Currently reading Divergent, tho I haven't watched the movie. Please keep your mouth shut if you have! Haha :)) Anyway, I have this summer job and I was looking for another, plus I enrolled on a baking class with my sisters! Yayy! And I'm training for volleyball. Hahaha Missed playing so much! So, I'm pretty much busy again. BUT! I had all the idea back. Remember I lost all the files? Well, I was writing a whole new story. So yeah, pretty much finished with it. Just some writing here and there and yes, OA is done. ;)

So has anyone seen the new episode? I really missed it. Watched for like 3 times. Hahaha I actually like the opening song. The first scene where Natsu and Lucy are up against a dragon gave me goosebumps. Hahaha :) Anyway, have you noticed? Or am I the late to notice? Looks like Hiro Mashima's shipping NaLu! 😍😍😍😍 Evident in the opening and closing songs, plus there were some in the manga! Hahaha :)))))))))))

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MY STORIES! REALLY THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS. I'LL REPLY TO ALL OF THEM WHEN I HAVE THE TIME. JUST CAN YOU PLEASE FEEL THAT I'M REALLY GRATEFUL YOU GUYS ARE HERE. REALLY, THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Chapter 38

Gray stood by the doorway.. His eyes are wide and he looked like a statue after what Lisanna said. He felt like air escaped his lungs. He didn't move and his eyes were still on the girl he just talked to. His clenched fists are turning white as he went back to reality. What did she just say? His mouth fell open and he tried to close it as he tries to say something.

Deny it.

Tell her not to mess with Natsu and Lucy this time.

Tell her to back off.

Go away.

Never go back.

Or just tell her he does not believe her.

"Gray? Who's there?" Levy asked with a worried expression clear on her face. The other band members stopped what they are doing to look at the door.

"N-Nothing!" Gray said and stepped forward, he pulled the door with him to block Lisanna from the band's view. Somehow, he'll do something about this. He looked at her face. It shows no sign of doubt, heck she was serious about it! He made a serious face but he can't remove the nervousness. At least he's trying! "Lisanna.."

"Gray.." She asked him questioningly.

"You know, Natsu and Lucy are now.. official." Hell why was he doing this? It's Natsu's problem! "I..I.." But Lucy.. His close friend. He promised he would be that substitute, Natsu was supposed to be. He rolled his eyes and sighed. "I want you to back off. Raise the child yourself in another country. I'll help you with the finance. Just don't tell anyone its Natsu's." He said and looked down. "I never asked you a favor but this will be the first and the last. So please Lisanna?"

Lisanna was taken aback. She looked at Gray.. And suddenly she burst out laughing her ass off. "You always take things seriously.." She said and walked pass him then paused as she enter the HQ. "I'm just kidding Gray!" Lisanna was still laughing as she walks inside.

Gray was left outside dumbfounded.

"It's good to be home." She said smiling contentedly. Lisanna reached the living room and she saw the whole band except Natsu and her smile decreased. "Hey guys!" She waved at them and smiled.

The people at the floor stared at her like she was a ghost. "What are you doing here Lis?" Levy asked, she straightened herself to see who came.

Lisanna happily walked towards them and sat on the couch. "It's good to be back." She said smiling down at her past co band members.

"What?" Jellal asked.

Lisanna sat straight and smiled at the people sitting on the floor. "Is it true?"

Everyone looked dumbfounded.

"Lucy and Natsu? Are they really..?" She asked quite hesitantly.

"Yes." A stern voice came from behind them and they saw Gray walking past Lisanna's seat, towards the couch opposite hers. "You really shouldn't come here. No one's gonna think Natsu's in love with you or whatever. The press are all over them. It's Natsu and Lucy." Gray spat and stomped over his previous spot.

Lisanna giggled at Gray's reaction. She was really enjoying Gray's reaction. Upon noticing everyone's confused stares she cleared her throat and Lisanna became quiet as she tried to regain her composure. "I'm actually not here for that."

It's been quite some time since they had a chance to talk with Lisanna like this. And they were surprised.

"I was blinded by that love I had for him." She smiled weakly not looking at anyone. "I swear I didn't mean anything I've done.. Well I sort of do. But now, I feel stupid."

Levy stood up and walked hurriedly towards her side. She hugged Lisanna. Levy felt how sincere she was with everything she was saying and she is ready to forgive her anytime. Levy didn't really get mad at her, she actually understood Lisanna. They've been friends for so long and being the only 2 girls in the band made them closer to each other. In the past when they were on a tour they used to share a room or share a bed until that incident came. Everything changed between them, between Lisanna and the whole band.

"I wanted to say sorry to you guys.. Especially sorry to Natsu and mostly Lucy. I caused them more pain." She sniffled. "I'm really sorry for everything. I must admit, I really did love Natsu but I didn't know he didn't love me back. Well I actually know he didn't.. But the thought that someday he would.. Well never mind. I pursued him at all cost and I became like this. I'm sorry Jellal." She looked at him and his eyes were on her. "I'm sorry for ruining the band. I'm sorry everyone for all that I've done."

It was silent. Gray was still huffing on one side of the room his head on top of his arm not looking at Lisanna. He still hasn't believed she's sincere. Actually, he will never believe she will come back and do this.

"I'm sorry, Gray. Levy. Gajeel. We made this band. And I ruined it. I'm sorry I left you because I thought you chose Lucy at that time. And now I realized it was childish. Everything was. All that I did was. I'm sorry I didn't fulfill our dreams to be that number one band in the whole world. Well, you did." She paused and looked at them. Never did she plan that someday this will happen, that the band that once she had built dreams with has fulfilled theirs without her. But this is all her fault, there's no one to blame than that blind love she had. And she really is sorry for that. She smiled at them, tears streaming down her pretty face. "You guys did it! You were at the top. Please always remember that I'll always be your number one fan, very much proud of you." She stopped and looked down on her hands that were fisted on top of her lap. Her tears falling as she cried and tried to continue speaking. "Will you forgive me?"

No one answered. Lisanna felt Levy's hug on her tightened. She waited.

"We can and will forgive you." Jellal said standing up from his seat. "In fact, we didn't really hold any grudge on you." Lisanna was taken aback. Levy pulled away from her as she stared at Jellal, confused, surprised and her eyes wide.

"Jellal.." Her voice came out as a whisper, a smile crept its way to her lips as the tears on her eyes flowed heavily and she hugged Levy. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

"But.." They stopped and looked at Jellal. "I'm sorry we can't just let you back in the band. We have Juvia and she will remain."

Lisanna smiled weakly. She really was hoping she could get back to the band. "I guess that serves as my punishment."

"You have The Sabers." Gray spat, still not convinced.

"Yes. But they're not like you guys." Lisanna stood up and walked towards Juvia. She crouched in front of her. "You're really lucky to have them. Please don't hurt them the way I did. Keep them and never leave them or else you'll never know I'll be taking my place back." She reached for her hand and shook it.

Juvia's eyes widened at Lisanna's sudden words.

"I'm just joking Juvia! They're good when I'm with them, but now you're with them I know they're great!" She smiled and walked away from the group. "I'll be heading off now! Tell Natsu I dropped by."

Levy walked Lisanna towards the door. They stopped at the door as Lisanna faced Levy before finally leaving. Her tear stained face now plastered with the sweet smile she always had. Lisanna stepped closer towards Levy and reached for her hands.

She stared straight to her eyes. "Thank you so much Lev! Thank you for believing in me." She squeezed her hands. "Please.." Lisanna stared straight into her eyes. "Please tell Natsu I dropped by. No matter what, I have to see him. Soon."

Lisanna left leaving a dumbfounded Levy in front of the Fairy Law's HQ.

It's been a week since the investigation started. Like what Natsu and Makarov had decided on, there will be a 'surface' investigation and the 'true and secret' investigation which is composed of the things they have already gathered through the course of their investigation, plus some information that Jiemma has acquired. It was difficult and painfully stressing especially for Natsu. He was the chief in all the investigations that is going on.

"Sir, it has been reported that the ship has 50 crews and a total of 100 passengers on that day."

Natsu nodded as he listened to the guy speaking. This was the surface investigation. All he needs to know was who are those passengers and the crews. He needs to know who they are. He needs to identify whom he knows, whom he would remember on that ship. "Is there a possibility that you could identify those who were on board?" Well he already knew some, but he needs them all.

"All of a 150, sir?"

"Yes."

The investigator scratched the back of his head. "I can make a list of their names."

"I want pictures. And try to search on who are affiliated with who, also identify if there are others who also have connections with the company aside from the Dragneels."

The navy blue haired man nodded at Natsu and walked away.

Natsu stood there looking at the man who was walking away. He was wondering how that man could possibly not step on his pants for it was obviously too long for him. He sighed and looked away.

"Hey!"

Natsu was surprised as he turned back from the man to be greeted by those eyes he would love to see every second of every day.

"Did I scare you now?" Lucy asked smiling, proud of what she just did.

He pulled her by the arm, snaked his arms on her waist and hugged her. "Nope, not a little, love." He whispered to her hair.

Lucy pulled away from him and pouted.

"What?" Natsu asked defensively as she looked at him accusingly.

"You're lying! You were surprised! You were shocked!"

He smiled at her and pulled her again into a warm hug. Natsu just didn't have the energy to argue with her anymore, he was still recharging by hugging her! He chuckled to himself. "Okay, okay. I was. But, I was more enchanted to be met by those pretty eyes of yours."

She blushed. Lucy could feel him chuckling, there was vibration on his chest ringing loudly in her ear. "What's so funny?"

"You're blushing. And that's so cute." Natsu chuckled again.

"I'm… I'm not!" She said defensively.

"Hey. Don't get any redder." He said as he pulled away from her. Lucy looked away which made him chuckle more. "Come here, I need more recharging." Natsu said and pulled her once more.

"Are you okay?" Lucy asked, feeling the oddness Natsu was showing her. He was quite not so rowdy right now.

"Yes. I just need to have.."

"Hug is good." Lucy said and hugged him back. "How was the investigation?" Lucy said breaking the silence.

He pulled away from her and looked her in the eyes. "Well, I just asked the investigators to search for all of the passengers' identity and pictures. Plus their affiliation with your company."

"Affiliation with our company? Heartfilia?" She asked confused.

Natsu scratched the back of his head and stopped abruptly. He felt conscious about his every move suddenly, he looked around.

As Lucy sensed his distress she called for him. "Natsu? Hey?" He snapped out of his thoughts. "Are you okay?"

He just nodded.

"Maybe you need to rest a little." She said brushing his hair with her fingers.

"Naaaah. I don't really do a lot of things.. Just reports and all. Thanks to the investigators." He grinned down at her.

"Yes, I forgot to thank Juvia for recommending them. Thank God she knows some people, we started the investigation faster." She smiled knowingly,

Natsu smiled back and he kissed the top of her head. He pulled away from her as he holds her hand and pulled her for a walk. "So how was everything going? Well, except for the investigation because that was MY problem." Lucy rolled her eyes.

"Well, we still have the issue." Lucy said. "Sting and Yukino are coming back from their break, I guess we could have the Band Battle again."

"WHAT?!" Natsu shouted. Lucy looked at him confusedly. "Well, I thought you were going to cancel the Band Battle for good. You know.."

"Erza told me not to. She said we could use the issue as popularity. You know still for the company's good." She smiled at him. "And the Board won't let me stop it for good.."

"Why's that?"

Lucy looked at him once more and shrugged. "I don't know. It seems that they were on Erza's side."

Natsu huffed, mumbling incoherent words as they walk.

She laughed at his antics. "You know, Erza's just concerned about the company. She's looking after it for me."

Natsu stopped abruptly pulling Lucy into a halt with their laced hands. "What?!"

"Well, she said I should help.. you." She said not looking in his eyes.

"I knew you well enough to know you're lying." She pouted. "You want to help, okay. But I already told you it's going to be dangerous."

"But if you continue to do that you'll be in danger."

"Better me than you."

"Sometimes, I hate how your mouth could say something so sweet it makes me.. UGGGGGH!" She said irritated as her cheeks flushed. Lucy walked away from him. "The Band Battle's still on anyway!"

"But what about you 'manipulating the results' because we're together now?" He said as he jog towards her until he reached her.

"I don't really care if they bad mouth me.. I just hope they won't do that to you. That would really affect the band's reputation."

Natsu snorted. "You know I'm the prince here aren't I? I should be the one protecting and caring for you.. not the other way around."

And with that Lucy just glared at him as her cheeks flushed a little redder this time. "I was worried about the Fairy Law!" She defensed.

"Riiiiiight!" Natsu said mockingly.

As they were leaving the hall Natsu felt like they were being watched. He looked at Lucy and just in time, in his peripheral vision, saw a black fleeting figure. He stopped and turned to look thoroughly but no one's there.

"What's wrong?" Lucy asked, worried at Natsu's sudden change in mood. He pulled her close making Lucy frightened a little. "Natsu?"

Her worried voice brought him back and as soon as he secured no one's there he kissed her forehead. "I felt like someone's watching, then I saw someone in black moving away."

"Maybe they're our staff, you know, almost everyone here is in black." She smiled at him. "Or maybe, you're imagining things."

He looked back for one last time, still trying to convince himself that Lucy must be right.

"It just sucks how we don't have anything to do while Natsu is so busy doing those investigations.." Levy wondered out loud. Fairy Law, as well as the other bands, was still held in their headquarters up until the next announcement for the Band Battle after it was 'temporarily stopped'.

"I don't care, they provide food and shelter here." Gray said munching on his chips while playing 2k14 against Gajeel. "Hahaha! You suck at this Gajeel!" He shouted.

Gajeel was getting angry and was thrashing the game controller. "This game is for noob!"

"You just can't play this." Gray laughed mockingly.

"Hey Gray?" Levy asked. She heard him hum in question and continued. "When do you think I could see Natsu?"

"Why you miss that flame idiot already?" Gray teased.

Gajeel suddenly stopped playing and waited for Levy to answer.

"Um. No. I just remembered Lisanna saying she really wanted to meet with Natsu.. I really haven't talked to her for a while after she visited us." They both heard Gajeel sigh but ignored it.

Gray hissed. He remembered how she made him feel so embarrassed after what he had told her of raising the child away from Natsu.. bla bla bla. "Forget her she won't do you anything good."

"But Gray, she is serious. There's something in her eyes when she told me I need to tell Natsu that they should meet, as soon as possible." She stopped and thinks. "What do you think is it? I was trying to call her after that.. But she –"

"WHAT THE HELL GAJEEL! DON'T DESTROY THAT! I JUST BOUGHT THAT!" Jellal said as he stormed into the room carrying groceries with Erza following suit.

Erza placed the groceries on the table and watched as Jellal scold Gajeel for ruining his game controller. She smiled.

"Hey Erza!" She snapped out of her thoughts when Juvia called for her. "What do you have there?"

Erza returned her smile. "We bought food and some things. I don't know."

"Oh. Juvia was quite hungry." She said and pulled the food from the paper bags. "Juvia will start cooking then."

"Wait, I have an announcement. I almost forgot why I'm here." Erza started to walk towards where the others are but stopped to look back at Juvia. "Come!" She said and in an instant, Juvia was right behind her.

As they reached the room, Levy was still on the couch a book on her face. Gray was laughing as Jellal gets mad at Gajeel. Erza clapped her hands to get their attention and in an instant, they stopped in everything that they were doing and Erza smiled.

"I came here to personally congratulate you for qualifying for the last Band Battles, so far Fairy Law has garnered the largest number of fans, of course Sabertooth is not really that far from yours." She finished. "Well, the Band Battle will start again."

Levy's face brightened and she pumped her fist. "Yessss!" She whisper shouted.

"Be ready, because it'll be the final Band Battle." Erza smirked and turned around leaving everyone dumbfounded.

"Last?"

In an office, a window tinted to the darkest shade, room spacious and was walled with the dark glass. A man in grayish purple suit sat by the largest table in the room, files and loads of paper seated on his table as a knock on his door came.

"What is it?" The man said never looking up, knowing it was only his secretary.

The girl in perfectly ironed pencil skirt and flowery top entered the room and bowed to him. "Sir, Mr. Aria has arrived."

The man behind the table stopped and smiled wickedly. He looked up from what he was doing and gestured for his secretary to let them in. "Let them."

Aria is a weird man in green suit he stood tall and was followed by a green haired man. "Sir, we did what you told us to."

"Good grace, marvelous!" He said as he reached for the papers that Aria gave him. He read everything and was nodding and chuckling to himself. "Just.. look for pictures. Any picture will do, any name will do." Said a man sitting behind his large chair as he plays with his cigar in his hand.

"What should be done next sir?"

"Watch him." Said the man in grayish purple suit.

Aria reached back for the papers and placed it in his envelop. "We have assigned men to watch over him. His every move will be reported to me at once."

"Very good. What about Heartfilia?"

"Always seen with him sir. But we also have men watching her." Aria said.

"Don't let them capture you." Said the man behind the large table and went back to work. Marking that this was the end of their conversation Aria together with the green haired man turned around to exit the room. "Wait." Said the man. "I have a better idea."

Both turned back to face him. The man behind the large table welcomed them back with a devious smile. "Why not, tell that Natsu that you've found out whom of the Dragneels was deemed alive." He stopped and placed his elbows on top of the table. "Tell me, what will his reaction be."

Aria and the green haired man nodded in agreement. The green haired man standing in front of his table was holding a notebook and pieces of documents as he hears orders from the man sitting. He was smiling at the orders

"Play with him a little more until you learn who he really is." The man chuckled. "Observe if he really is the Natsu Dragneel." The surname Drganeel came out in a like a poison in his mouth. A wicked smile grazed his lips.

"Yes sir." Said Aria.

"Soon it will all be mine." The man behind the table chuckled to himself and turned his swivel chair around, turning away from them.

"Ou Yes sir."

"Leave!"

"Right away." The green haired man said as he place his navy blue wig back on his head and walks away with Aria from the man's office.