ANNND I'M BAACCCKKK!
Finally! Another update, right? Yay! Love you guys!
I'm sorry if any of this is a little confusing and lacking in the details that i usually throw in, but I did six hours of homework before sitting down for another six to finish this! (Yes, I've literally been sitting at my computer for twelve hours!) And, it's all for you guys!
I don't own Fairy Tail. It's Hiro Mashima's, and he needs to bring Natsu back to Lucy! Ugh!
Lucy's POV
"We found it," I said nervously into the lacrima as I watched Natsu scan the wall, brushing each rune carved into the mountainside with his fingertips. Dust crumbled away beneath his touch and fell onto his pink tufts of hair and around his face. He wiped his eyes absentmindedly with the back of his hand, smearing the dirt with his sweat, creating a long smear along his forehead.
Before I could comment on it, Mira spoke up from the small rock resting in my hand, reminding me that everyone in the guild was waiting on this report. "Great! Can you tell where the key goes?"
A tremor of trepidation rolled through me, and I swallowed hard. When they told Natsu and me that Nashi had awoken from the spirit world with a key in her hand, fear had nearly knocked me off my feet. True, I had received gifts from the spirit world before—articles of clothing and a whip that Virgo had given me—but that usually meant that my life was in danger, and I needed a way to defend myself, or that I had almost died and my clothes had just fallen off or disappeared somehow. Those were only minor objects…but a key? A key no less that opened the pathway to the spirit world from Earthland? Such a thing I had thought impossible, but now…
"There's only runes and pictures. I assume it's instructions on how to get inside," Natsu suddenly spoke up in an unusual serious tone. Dropping his hand, he backed away from the wall and closer to the lacrima so that Mira could see him. "In the center appears to be a small key hole that Luce found before she called you back."
Mira nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but a set of small tanned hands pushed her shoulders, and pink hair sparked into view. Staring back were a pair of deep brown eyes lightened by a hidden intelligence and amusement. Nashi grinned excitedly, and my heart leaped in my chest at just how similar it was to her father's.
"Hi Mama and Papa!" she shouted eagerly.
"Hello."
"Nashi!" Natsu and I shot back at the same time.
She giggled, and then her expression dropped into a deathly serious face. Just the same flip of emotions… I thought silently looking at Natsu. Without looking, he reached out for my free hand, wrapping warmly around my fingers, just out of view of the lacrima. I blushed slightly, still not used to…well whatever we were.
"We only have tonight before we strike. We'd attack tonight, but some of us need a little more time to heal," Nashi went on, not noticing our small moment.
"I say we get them now!" Natsu yelled, grinning like an idiot and punching his fist into the air.
Erza stepped into view, and Nashi leaned away so that we could see her better. Her brows were pinched tight as she glared at Natsu for his remark. Natsu immediately gulped and hid behind me as if I could shield him. I rolled my eyes; even from here, Natsu was afraid of Erza's wrath.
"Even if all of us were well, we would still need supplies that would take all night to get, and we are still unsure of Morgania's whereabouts. If we went tonight, she could be hiding in the dark and we wouldn't see the ambush until—"
"She's already inside," Nashi interrupted her. Erza looked at her questioningly, and Nashi simply pointed to her head. "I talk to spirits sometimes. Morgania is already on the inside, but the spirit king does not know where yet. Until he has located her and her army, we'd just be searching in the dark."
Erza exhaled sharply. "This does not bode well…"
"It cannot be helped," a voice spoke behind her, and both Erza and Nashi departed as Master Makarov stepped into the lacrima's vision. "We cannot strike out blindly as Nashi says, and this may be our last night to live. I'd advise you use the time you have to your best advantage."
Erza's eyes grew cold, and she nodded, understanding the depth of Master's words. Natsu's hand clenched tightly, almost painfully, and I squeezed back to comfort him. It was the truth, as frightening as it was. We all knew that tonight could very well be our last moments alive, and the future may shatter quicker than anyone realized, but we had to do this. We had to protect the future.
"We understand," I told Master, and he smiled before turning to the guild.
Everyone looked around anxiously, and even miles away, I could sense their worries and their fears. Master Makarov never liked it when they looked helpless, so he addressed everyone as best as he could. "This may be our last fight, but I'll be damned if we aren't going to head into this as one. Tonight we feast and join together again, but this will not be a goodbye. This will be a celebration to the future we will protect. They cannot take away our strength and our love for Fairy Tail!" His hand shot up into the air like a beacon of hope, and we cheered as one. "Let's seize the moment!"
The lacrima filled with the sight of Fairy Tail's symbol, and Natsu and I lifted our own hands in response, smiling brightly at each other. Laughter and joy bounced all around, and we laughed, thankful for at least this one night. Just as I was reaching to turn the lacrima off, Happy's little blue face popped onto the screen.
"Natsu!" he yelled, flying around on his white wings. "We're going to the festival tonight!"
"There's a festival in Magnolia?" Natsu asked, confused.
Nashi appeared beside him, grinning widely. "I wish you guys could come, but I know Papa hates transportation and it would be a waste to come all the way here since you're already at the portal."
"I'm sorry too, but hopefully there won't be any bandits like last time," I said jokingly, and my heart swelled with her laughter.
Sadness swept over me quickly as all the memories from yesterday swept through my mind. It may be our last night, and I wasn't there, spending the time with my daughter. We had never really had much time together, and I regret not being able to see her often. Then of course… after what I had done to her… it was a miracle she even forgave me for allowing Morgania to take over. I had lost miserably, and then tortured my own child…
"Nashi," I started, hoping that my voice wasn't trembling. "For what happened back at the guild…I-I'm…"
Nashi only laughed, and my eyes shot up to hers. She was smiling as bright as ever, and her eyes hid no pain or fear. She only looked at me with the love I did not feel I deserved. "It's okay, Mama!" She cocked her head to the side and asked, "Will you fight me again sometime?"
Natsu laughed beside me, and I couldn't quite fight back a smile even as my eyes filled with tears. I nodded at Nashi, and her pink hair bounced around her shoulders as she giggled. Happy was still there, and she grabbed onto him, squeezing tightly as Wendy started bidding her to hurry. "Bye Mama!" She waved once and then the lacrima went dark.
My daughter was amazing. She forgave without a second thought, even after everything I did. Warm arms melted around my shoulders, and I found myself crying softly into Natsu's chest. He always knew just how to comfort me. "It will be fine," he promised. "I'm here for you."
"N-Natsu…" I cried. "I'm-I'm…"
He laughed and pulled me back to look at my face. His fingers brushed away the tears, and slowly, he kissed my forehead. My heart clutched tightly in my chest, and my stomach fluttered nervously. I found myself staring into his onyx eyes, drowning in the heated emotions he left so open inside of them.
Before I knew it, I was pulling him down, sealing all of my hurt and confusion with a kiss. Natsu didn't hesitate. He wrapped me closer to his body, his tongue diving into my mouth, and soon, we were lost and drunk on each other. My arms wrapped around his neck, his hands roaming my curves, wandering wherever they dared. His fingers curled around my shirt, and his kisses ventured down my throat. Every primal instinct yearned for more fire, more passion, but my heart hesitated.
"W-wait…"
Natsu froze and looked up. "Is something wrong?"
A hot blush fanned across my cheeks. Now, I just felt embarrassed for stopping him, but I had too. This wasn't right… I had never been with a man before, and even if it was our last night together…
"I promised Mama that I would marry before I gave myself away," I whispered aloud, almost painfully. It was true, though. It was the one thing she told me I should never lose until the moment was right. Even the thought of sex sometimes made me cringe, but now with Natsu, it was almost all I wanted, but I had promised. It was the one thing from Mama I wanted to keep. My hands went to my face, and I shrunk in on myself. "I'm sorry," I told Natsu as he blinked at me blankly. "I just can't…"
I didn't know what kind of answer to expect. Disappointment? Anger? Of course, if I truly knew Natsu, I should have expected this from him. He rolled off of me, clenching his stomach as he was suddenly seized with laughter.
Annoyance flashed hot through me, and I yelled, "Why are you laughing? This is serious!"
"Your…face…" he breathed between bouts of laughter.
I stuck out my tongue and got to my feet. "Well, I'm glad you find this so funny," I called as I started to walk away.
His hand reached out to stop me, grabbing onto my wrist. "Wait. I'm sorry…" he tried, attempting to hide his amusement. "You're just adorable when you get all serious about something like that."
I blushed again and went to say something, but he suddenly pulled me the opposite direction. We took off running through the desert, and I could barely keep up. "N-Natsu!" I screamed. "Where are we going?"
"I have an idea!" he called back, grinning that way that melted my heart just like Nashi.
Scarlet's POV
Jellal—Father—sat perched on the edge of table with me sitting on the bench beneath him, smiling gently as he stroked the brush through my deep red hair. The strands seemed to be like silk in his hands, and though it was uncomfortable allowing some else to care for me, I found it quite enjoyable now. The guild hall was completely silent since everyone had dispersed to go run off to the festival. Mother was off somewhere with Master Makarov. Even though the master said we should take the night to relax with each other, they were both no doubt talking strategy. I wanted to join, but Father insisted on playing with my hair.
I smirked. Mother knew I would want to spend the entire night creating a plan of attack, but she didn't want me to waste this precious time. We had too much in common…
Jellal placed the brush down at his side, and he began to hum a little tune as he tugged on my hair. I leaned my head back, strangely at peace while he braided my hair, and listened closely to him, finding myself lost in the song. With no one around, it was easy to relax and be myself, to finally drop my act of always being the voice of strength and reason, and being the leader I had to be for my team. But, with Father, I smiled back at him and began to hum with him.
"Who taught you this?" he asked playfully, already knowing the answer.
"You did a long time ago," I told him anyways. "It was the one thing I really remember about you."
His smile dropped, and I could tell I upset him. I guess that's one thing Mother and I also had in common. We tended to tell the truth, no matter the cost to anyone. I started to apologize, but he shook his head. "It's strange. Five years ago, I was a different man, being controlled by a fake Zeref and torturing my dearest friends… and now I'm here, sitting in Fairy Tail, braiding the most wonderful little girl's hair…"
Something bubbled inside me, and I could feel a blush on my cheeks. Trying to brush it off, I shrugged and said, "People change. It's not the past we should look to, but the present and then the future."
Father's eyes smiled gently, and he was going to speak when Mother walked into the room, followed by Master Makarov. I sat up straighter, and looked away as Mother smiled at me. It wasn't that I was hiding from her… I was just embarrassed to be caught indulging in something so "girly." Mother only chuckled at my reaction.
Father finished with my hair and tied the end together with a blue ribbon before placing the braid over my shoulder. I stroked it tenderly. Never had anyone shown so much affection towards me, and warm feelings seemed to filling me up. I thanked him, and he smiled back.
Master Makarov greeted us, and we turned toward him. "Jellal, I have spoken with Erza, and we have come to a final conclusion."
Father blinked in confusion, and he looked from Mother to Master. "About what?"
Mother sat down beside Father and placed her hand on his shoulder. "We weren't sure how you would react, but we thought it would best. Especially after everything you have sacrificed for Fairy Tail…"
Ah. So this is how it happened, I thought, smiling inwardly. Father was about to get the shock of his life…
Master Makarov cleared his throat and wound his hands behind his back formally, as he said, "There have been tribulations in which you have suffered greatly. You were tricked by someone claiming to be Zeref, you murdered one of your closest friends, and you almost succeeded and creating the tower of heaven."
Father's entire body deflated, and his eyes filled with the deepest sorrow as his mind when back to those dreadful days. I placed my hand over his, and he seemed to perk up a little, but the sadness never left his eyes. "I'm sorry," was his answer.
Master only nodded, then a sly grin grew widely on his face. "However, after the loss of Mystogen, we seem to be missing a familiar blue haired mage in our guild, and with your recent revelation of redemption, I have decided the best course is for you to join us."
Father's head shot up in surprise, and I grinned at his reaction. "What? Join Fairy Tail?"
Mother reached for his other hand and squeezed them gently. "You're giving up everything to fight with us against Morgania. The only way we could thank you, is by making you a member of Fairy Tail."
Father was completely stunned. He searched for words, but he was at a loss. Master chuckled, and held out his hand. "What do you say, Jellal? Will you join?"
He looked at Mother, taking in her earnest smile, and glowing eyes. Something passed between them, something that went beyond the years of friendship. Father smiled, and then his eyes found mine. In my tank top, my guild mark was entirely exposed, and he stared at for a second before turning back to Makarov.
"I think, my choice was already made."
Jane's POV
"Shh! Shh! He's coming!" I whispered loudly.
Mom's white hair bobbed as she giggled and dove behind the couch. We linked our hands in anticipation, trying to be quiet. We could barely see each other in the darkness, but it made the air more enthusiastic. Moments later, Dads heavy footsteps sounded outside the door, and Mom and I almost lost it when he walked in.
"Why is it so dark in here?"
I used my magic to stop time, and to him, it probably seemed as if I appeared out of thin air, as I flicked on the lights, and allowed time to fall back into its normal pace. Mom leaped from behind the couch, her face as bright as the sun.
"Surprise!" we shouted in unison, jumping onto him. Dad stumbled in surprise and collapsed under our sudden weight. He cursed sharply, and Mom threatened to end his life if he ever cursed around me again. It was beautiful how frightening she could be…
"What is all this?" Dad asked, sitting up.
Pointing to the table in the corner where a large three tier cake sat, I exclaimed, "It's your birthday! We have to celebrate!"
He looked at me in utter confusion, and Mom chuckled as his quizzical expression. Impatient, I grabbed his hand and he could only stare as Mom and I drug him over to the birthday cake we had slaved over for hours. Okay, maybe not hours since Mom was an amazing cook, but it had felt like it to me since… Well, I helped light the candles, okay? We plunked Dad down on the seat in front of it, and Mom was in the process of strapping a paper party hat on his spikey blond hair as I grabbed a package from under the table and shoved it into his hands.
Dad's eyes only widened more. "What's all of this? And you know, it's not my—"
"Don't worry," I interrupted and winked at him. "I know it's not your birthday, but we never had a single party together as a family, so I wanted to spend our last night together like this."
A single eyebrow rose, and Mom smiled gently. "Why don't you open it?" she suggested.
Dad sighed heavily, but I knew he was enjoying all of this. He took the large package in his hands and carefully pulled the blue wrapping paper off, oddly not ripping it to shreds as if the paper was precious to him. Then, tossing it aside, he sat for a moment, holding onto the present, his mouthing ajar from the shock.
Earlier, I had paid Rufus to make us a painting of our family. Though Dad would never say anything, he was oddly sentimental. Staring deep into the frame, I could see our faces all reflected in his wide eyes. In the painting, he was holding onto Mom as if she were the most precious piece of his life, but his eyes were on the small bundle in her arms where heart was completely wrapped around by his daughter.
"Do you like it?" I asked, excitedly. Dad placed the painting down and closed his eyes. He was quiet for a few minutes, and Mom shot me a worried look. I only shot a grin at her in response. Then, suddenly, Dad's arms reached out and he pulled us into a large embrace.
A rare smile reached his face, and I could hear him fighting back tears as he said, "Thank you. For everything."
I kissed his cheek before I pulled out of his hug. "What can I say? You're the best dad ever."
Mom and him exchanged a longing look, and I could feel the love threatening to overrun us. It was suffocating! "Okay! Enough with emotions!" I tugged on Dad's hand again. "Now for the real gift!"
"What about the cake?" Dad asked as he followed me down the hall.
"Cake, shmake," I said and stopped in front of a closed door. He stared at it hard, as if he could will it to open. Grinning wildly, I told him, "This is what I really wanted to do tonight!"
I kicked in the door, and I swear, he could have been the happiest man on the world. He was frozen in place for a second, only looking around in awe. Mom touched his shoulder as she walked past him, and she took her place at the mic. Leaving Dad, I called dibs on the drum set and snagged my sticks before I leaped into the chair. Excitedly, I pounded a quick beat on the snares and bass, before Mom started yelling, "Are you going to play the guitar or what?"
He threw back his head and laughed. "Hell yeah! Family rock band!"
Leevi's POV
"She's coming!" I whispered to Gale. He nodded eagerly and took his place behind the grave. Ma and Pop had decided to take a stroll through the haunted forest at the festival, but Gale and I had set up traps all around to make them get separated. It was the perfect way to scare the crap out of Ma. We were all too ready to make her scream. I had taken my position behind a fake tree prop, and I motioned for Gale to be alert.
As if conjured from my thought, Ma suddenly shouted, "Gajeel!" I smirked evilly. Her voice sounded oddly distant, but I knew it was just the fog screwing with us. We had made a potion earlier that when released would make the ones who inhaled it start to hallucinate, which would make this trick all the more easier. Of course, Gale and I were completely exposed, but if we got out quick enough, we wouldn't be affected. Gale and I had stolen the costumes off some dummies in the forest earlier, and the hallucinogenic would make it look like the monsters were real.
"Gajeel! Lily!" Ma called out.
I snickered. She sounded closer, and it was almost time—
The air filled suddenly with Gale's frightened scream, and I almost leaped out of my skin. "What the—" I wondered and peered around the tree and into the thick fog. Gale screamed again, a shriller, more panicked tone creeping into it. I shivered in panic and looked around to make sure no one was coming before sneaking over to Gale's grave.
"Gale?" I whispered into the sudden quiet. When I got there, he was gone except for his cape. I picked it up and felt relief wash over me. "Ha. Ha. Nice trick. Now, c'mon or we'll miss our chance."
"It's too late," said an eerie voice behind me, and I tensed, fear striking through all my nerves. Slowly, oh so slowly, I turned to look, but nothing was there.
I chuckled nervously. "O-okay. You got me." I started walking back slowly, but I ran straight into a large warm body. I jumped and flipped around. A scream crawled up my throat as I looked back into large, glass eyes and a mechanical muzzle that shook as it breathed. Blood coated its body. Taloned hands reached out for me, and I tried to get away but stumbled backwards and fell. "W-What the…?" I looked on the ground and saw what had tripped me. Gale's body lied on the ground, his stomach completely torn open. He whimpered and turned towards me.
"Gale!" I shouted, trying to reach out for him, but someone stepping in my way. The creature's hair was spiked everywhere, and it had the same confusing face with its haunting glass eyes reflecting my freaked expression. It was smaller than the first monster, but it was just as eager to kill me!
I yelled, and took off back towards the festival, stumbling and screaming the entire way. Gale chased after, somehow managing to escape the clutches of the monsters hiding in the forest.
Levy's POV
Gajeel removed his gas mask and chuckled at the two retreating figures. Lily appeared at his side, his nose pinched together with a small clothes pin. He crossed his arms and said, "Good work, Gajeel."
I smiled with them and removed my mask and black cloak. The boys had been plotting this at the guild earlier as soon as they found out about the haunted forest. Of course, it had been my idea to get them back for all their dirty pranks. "We didn't scare them too bad, did we?"
Gajeel pointed at my head, reminding me of how Mira had styled my hair before leaving the guild. "With hair like that, I'm sure they'll have a few nightmares." I rolled my eyes, and he chuckled once before leaning down to kiss my temple. I blushed slightly, and Lily grinned. "C'mon shrimp, we better find them before they shut down the whole park because of viscous blood thirsty monsters."
Evergreen's POV
"Lifting is MAN!" Elfman shouted just as he bent down and wrenched 500 pounds of pure steel into the air. The crowd cheered with him, rooting for "the beast" as they called him. A few minutes ago, we had strode by a carnival side that announced "The World's Strongest Man!" Seeing him as competition, he challenged the man to a contest of true strength.
At first, it had started with just a few dumbbells, but now the morons were lifting whatever they could get their hands on. I sat at a wooden picnic table, trying my best not to be impressed by his strength. I would never hear the end of it if I ever admitted I was having fun admiring his competitive nature. Silently, I cheered for him to win.
"It's okay to want him to win," a small voice said beside me, and I jumped in surprise. Lisanna laughed at my reaction and took a seat next to me. Bickslow and Freed were with her, and they pointed and made comments about "my boyfriend" on the stage. Lisanna slapped Bickslow's arm. "Hey! That's my brother."
"It's also Evergreen's lover!" Bickslow hooted, with his dolls chanting "lover, lover" around him. I blushed wildly, and shot him a wicked glare.
Lisanna laughed, but Freed's the one who spoke, "Don't get so flustered, Ever. You do have a kid with him."
I crossed my arms over my chest and looked around suddenly. "Where is Sakura?" I realized.
I was answered straight away.
On stage, the one Elfman had challenged had finally reached his max and was struggling against 1,000 pounds of iron. His knees buckled underneath him, but he held it high over his head. Elfman grabbed the man, jumped onto a table, and grunted as he lifted it all over his head. The crowd went crazy.
Except, when a little girl leapt onto the stage, and shouted, "Woman!" Sakura pounded her fists into the air, and to everyone's complete and total shock, bent beneath the table. She grunted as she placed her hands on the bottom.
"Is she about to…" Bickslow trailed off.
"Sakura!" I shouted, worried she could hurt herself.
Ignoring me, she screamed out and pushed with all her might, lifting the entire table, Elfman, the carnival man, and the thousand pounds of iron into the air. "Lifting is WOMAN!" Sakura shouted.
Everyone in the crowd including me jumped up, going insane, pointing at the crazy spectacle, and chanting, "Beast girl!"
A smile spread wide across my lips, and I cheered Elfman's and Sakura's name. Lisanna caught me and grinned back. "See? It's okay to love them."
She was right, I thought as I watched them carefully place everything down. Elfman hugged his daughter on stage, and they waved at me. I do love them.
"Of course," Lisanna hissed in my ear. "If you ever hurt Nii-san, I'll kill you."
I sweat dropped. Sweet little Lisanna, was not so sweet…
Cana's POV
This feels so right, I thought, laughing at Cane's joke. We were sitting at a picnic table where they were serving fresh food, and the smell weighed heavy in the air. Cane and I had snuck in alcohol, and we were perfectly content, joking around and talking as if we had been friends since childhood. I may die in the future, but at least I could have this time with my son.
But… I wasn't the only parent here who wanted to spend time with their newly realized grown-up child.
Gildarts appeared in front of us, pointing and exclaiming wild accusations to Cane. I had wanted to tell the old man the truth, but Cane insisted on teasing Gildarts a little bit longer. "If you're so upset that I'm stealing all of your daughter's attention, why don't have a duel?" Cane asked, smirking wickedly.
My father laughed once. "You're on."
That's basically the summation of how we got here, chasing down every carny game, cramming our money into his hands, and fighting. Master Makarov would kill all of us if Gildarts and Cane actually decided to battle each other in the middle of the festival. Gildarts got too excited and accidentally destroyed everything, and Cane, since he had the same magic, acted exactly the same way.
With each new game, they would bark insults and yell boisterously, claiming whoever won was a cheater and that the next game would decide the winner. I played along for the hell of it, but of course, neither were paying any attention to me because they were too wrapped up in their own "duel."
"Ah!" Cane yelled, falling to his knees in defeat. Gildarts stared at the basketball score proudly. He had managed to win by a single point. Both of them really sucked at the game, and Cane had lost because he had managed to pop all of his basketballs. "Next game, old man!"
"Bring it!" Gildarts challenged, and they raced towards the goldfish pond. I rolled my eyes and followed, taking a sip from my flask.
They grabbed a miniature pink fishing pole, and stuck it in the water, watching the floating rubber ducks intently. Ugh…men. I hated their entire species. I must have procreated with booze to make Cane, I swear.
The point of this game was to hook a rubber duck, and if you caught the one marked with a star on its underside you would win a fish. What were we even going to do with a fish? I dunno. Maybe we could give it to Mira to show off in the guild later.
"You're going down duck!" Cane shouted just as he hooked a yellow bird and ripped his cane out of the water with too much enthusiasm. The five year old girl next to him glared at him loathingly. Cane grabbed the duck eagerly, but when he flipped it over his face dropped. "No!" He reached into his pocket and placed a five into the carnival worker's outstretched hand. The worker smiled joyfully and nodded for him to continue.
Gildarts was in the process of hooking his first duck, but just at the last second, it escaped. The girl beside him managed to catch the exact one he had dropped. She stuck her tongue out. He yelled in frustration, and his magic exploded around him, knocking over the kiddie pool and all the ducks. Luckily, the fish weren't injured, but that five year old girl was suddenly Gildart's mortal enemy.
Admitting another defeat at this game, Cane and Gildarts ran towards another game. I started to follow again, but the carnival cleared his throat and demanded payment for his ruined game. Growling in frustration, I shoved most of my money at him and stalked after the idiot duo.
We came upon bumper cars, and I sighed inwardly. This was going to be awful. I was right. They managed to derail their cars within the first two minutes, and we ran away before more carnival workers could make us pay for damages. There would be bills at Fairy Tail for sure now…
Finally, we approached the final game, and Cane started to pay the carnie when Gildarts started to yell. "No!" he cried. "I have no money left." He looked at me pleadingly and was suddenly hugging my legs, tears rolling down his eyes. "Please, my daughter. Help your father win this fight!"
"As if," I said, kicking him off of me.
He fell back, crying out. Cane smirked at him. "If you can't pay, then I win."
"Never!" Gildarts shouted, leaping back to his feet and lifting Cane up by his shirt. "I will never let Cana love another man and leave me!"
"Not this shit again," I grumbled. "Just shut up and say you love each other."
Gildarts looked at me sternly. "Why would I ever tell this prick I love him?"
Cane placed his hand over Gildarts's, and he smiled warmly. "Because I'm your grandson."
My father's eyes widened and he dropped his grip on Cane and stared wildly between us. I laughed, loving the confusion in his expression. It reminded me of Tenrou Island when I finally told him I was his daughter. "Baka."
His lip began to tremble and tears streamed down his cheeks. "Cane…" he muttered. He reached out, but Cane punched him in the face. Gildarts fell back in surprise, but he recovered quickly and hopped back to his feet. A sweat drop fell down my face. And here I thought this was going to be another touching moment.
"That's for calling me a prick!" Cane shouted with a challenging smile on his face. "And our battle isn't done! We can still see who can eat the most and ride the Terminator without throwing up!"
Gildarts threw his head back and laughed. He winked at me, and I smiled back gently. "I guess I could pay for this one…" His arms embraced me quickly, and then he and Cane were running towards the food stands. I shook my head.
Idiots. Both of them.
But, I wouldn't love them for any other reason.
Nashi's POV
"C'mon Loke!" I yelled, grabbing his hand and tugging him towards the open plains. It was getting late, and the celestial spirit had promised to watch them beside me. We had spent the entire night gorging on the good food, carnival games, and spent most of our time with Wendy, Romeo, Carla and Happy. However, they had wandered off to ride the roller coasters. I didn't get as sick as my father whenever I rode transportation, but it was still unpleasant. I guess it was something young dragonslayers had—an immunity to transportation—but, I was a little older than Wendy, and it was starting to grow on me. Loke had instead tagged along as I walked around, enjoying the light atmosphere.
Mama and Papa were still in the desert, and I wished I had had more time to be with them, but I was grateful for the moments I could enjoy with my friends. Loke picked out a spot near the back, away from the crowd. "This is going to be great!" I shouted enthusiastically at Loke.
The lion-man smiled down at me as he sat down. "Yeah," he agreed. Lately, he acted so sad, but I guess it was because he was finally seeing where Mama's real affections lied. My Loke in the future had been upset, but he had grown out of that depression. This pain was still new to this Loke, I guess.
Ignoring his mood though, I threw myself back, stretching out my limbs against the cool grass as I stared back at the stars. I pointed up and started to name them. "Stars aren't named of course, just the constellations," I found myself explaining to Loke. "But, I feel like they are just stuck up there, so lonely, so I named them."
"I'm sure they appreciate being noticed," Loke said and he lied next to me and started playing along, naming a few that I had missed.
I rattled off a few names that I remembered using back in the future, and one in particular caught my eye. "Oh! That's Luna! She's my cat!"
"Your cat?" Loke asked, totally distraught by my randomness.
I smiled at him. "Yeah. My exceed."
"You had an exceed like Happy and Carla?"
I laughed guiltily. "Actually, she was just some random stray I adopted once. I used to feed her fish Papa would bring home from fishing trips with Happy. Mama would cut them up and let me cook them to feed Luna. After Magnolia was destroyed, she kind of disappeared, so whenever I find a cat like her, I keep it and call it Luna."
"Th-that's pretty pathetic," Loke said.
I punched his arm. "Hey! We all have our weird quirks!"
I started to argue more, when a loud explosion went off in the sky, and I snapped my attention to the green sparks burning up the midnight sky. I exclaimed happily, and Loke and I watched as the entire sky was lit with rainbow flames, and bright blasts. They looked like Papa's fire soaring through the air, but they held all the beauty of Mama's stars as they burst.
I guess that's what our family was like. Fireworks. Bright, loud, and beautiful.
I smiled. Wherever they were, I knew they were thinking of me. Even though we were apart right now, I would see them again because they were still here. Alive.
Tears I didn't know I felt were streaming hotly down my cheeks. Loke started panicking beside me, but I shook my head. "No," I told him. "I'm just happy."
Happy to have such an amazing and loving family. Happy to have wonderful friends. Happy to be a part of Fairy Tail.
Natsu's POV
Maybe this wasn't my best idea, but this was for Lucy, and I would follow through with it no matter what, but this was my last resort. No one else was close, and he was a captain of a ship. Ugh… I better not regret this.
Ichiya flipped his auburn hair back out of his face, sparkles and glitter flying everywhere like pixie dust was coming out his ass. "Ah, the sweet perfume of love," he said in his usual creepy voice.
I wasn't too overly-fond of this guy, but he owed Fairy Tail a favor, and I figured, Gramps would approve of us calling that in about now. The black clothing I wore was also courtesy of them, even if it was itchy and uncomfortable.
"Where's Lucy…?" I grumbled, half in annoyance, half in anticipation. Usually, couples took months to plan these things out, but we were out of time, and I didn't want to die tomorrow knowing I could have had this chance today.
As if she were conjured from my thoughts, the piano besides was struck to life by one of the members of Blue Pegasus, and I stared down the aisle and straight into the warmest set of brown eyes I had ever seen. Lucy was blushing, but I could see the excitement in her eyes and her smile. Jenny had taken her as soon as I proposed my idea, and I didn't know for what until now.
My mouth fell and I went numb with awe, my heart jumping into my throat. Virgo always called her a princess, but it never truly fit her as it did now. I took in every inch of her as she sauntered towards me slowly, her blond hair curled down her shoulders, and her white ball gown glittered around her like a sea of stars. A diamond tiara sat on top of her head followed by a long, white veil.
I gulped heavily, trying not to shake as she finally came to a stop in front of me. Ichiya winked at us, and I normally would have throat punched him if I wasn't so distracted by Lucy's beauty to even move.
The normal crew including the Lyon and Bob took their seats, and I grabbed Lucy's hands. She was trembling in my grip, and I grinned down at her. Are you ready? I asked her through our silent bond.
She nodded as if to say, If you are.
We turned to Ichiya, his captain's hat suddenly topped on his head. I sweat dropped and tried to keep my annoyance to myself as he started. "You may kiss."
"What?" Lucy and I shouted in unison.
"That's it?" I growled, holding out a threatening fist. "I paid you fifty thousand jewel for this!"
Ichiya crossed his arms and nodded. "If what you say is true, and this is your last night together, then you will not want to waste it with a lot of words. My perfume would be sour with guilt for wasting your precious time."
"Why you—!" My fist lit up brightly with flames, but Lucy started chuckling and I extinguished it.
Master Bob in the front pew laughed as well. "He is right. You love each other do you not?" We looked at each other and nodded. "Well then, you'll want this night to be filled with passion and alone time."
"Remember what I taught you!" Jenny called out to Lucy, who squeaked in embarrassment.
"This is a night for love-making, and you've wasted much of it already," Lyon agreed.
Ichiya breathed in deeply and began to dance. "Ah! I have the perfect perfume. The perfume of pheromones."
A strange heat filled my cheeks. "Marriage brings out the perverted side in people doesn't it?" I asked rhetorically.
"Natsu," Lucy peeped quietly. My eyes wandered down to her innocent face, and she held out two small rings. One was as black as volcanic ash, and the other was smaller, silver, and with a small pink diamond peeking out. It was the rings we had bought on the way here at a small jewelry store. Though we didn't have much money at the time, it was what the rings symbolized that truly mattered.
Carefully, I reached out for her hand, and gently kissed her knuckles before picking the small ring off her palm. Sliding it into place on her left hand, I said, "Lucy Heartfilia, I promise to make you mine, and to forever love you with all the fire in my soul."
A single tear strolled down her cheek, but I could only smile as she lifted my left hand. Carefully placing on my finger, she vowed, "Natsu Dragneel, I promise to make you mine, and to forever love you with all the power of the heavens."
The small church erupted with applause, and Ichiya spoke loudly over them all, "You may kiss your bride, Mr. Dragneel."
He didn't have to tell me twice.
I caught Lucy's waist and crashed my lips hard against her. She was slightly taken back by the force, but she slowly melted into it. Her hands clenched against my back, and I was vaguely aware of everyone else cheering for us.
Reluctantly, I pulled back, and Lucy smiled up at me brightly. "Well, Mrs. Dragnell. It's not a fairy tale wedding, but I hope it's everything you could dream of."
"It is as long as you're in it," she said back, diving into another hot kiss.
Master Bob cleared his throat, and we pulled back. "Tonight should be filled with passion, but not in here!"
We laughed, and I grabbed Lucy's hand and started pulling her towards the doors.
This scene reminded me of the first time I invited her to Fairy Tail in Hargeon. We were running away together to start a new life and never looking back.
Gajeel's POV
It was late in the night, and I was shuffling through the house after a late night snack. I yawned widely, and scratched Lily's ear as I passed by the couch. He was fast asleep, and though he would never admit it, was purring loudly, smiling. Must be a good dream, I thought.
Then again, everything lately seemed like a good dream. I had the smartest and most beautiful woman lying with me, and she was everything I could possibly ever want. And the twins… A smirk struck up as I thought about last night's little mischievous prank. They were scared shitless, and when we had finally calmed them down, the potion's affects must have taken its toll and they crashed. Lily helped me carry them home, and Levy placed a blanket over their small bodies.
As I creaked open the bedroom door, using my dragonslayer sight to help me see a little bit in the darkness, my smile spread widely across my face. Levy was sleeping between them, her tiny form almost lost by the twin's. They were wrapped around her, hugging her closely as they slept. Levy fell asleep with a grin on her face. The blue mage looked completely content, and I shook my head, feeling the same.
Silently, I crept into the side of the bed, and I tugged all of them into a warm embrace. This was my last night… and I wanted these last few hours to find out what it was like to be a family.
Juvia's POV
"Gray-sama," I whimpered, staring back at the cold shower walls enclosed around me. The guild had all went to the festival, and I had gone too, enjoying the feeling of my companions… but Gray-sama was nowhere to be found. Even Jay had wandered off… "Juvia's always alone."
Suddenly, the hot water seemed freezing, and I wrapped my arms around myself as I slunk down sadly against the shower floor. Everyone was at home, spending their last moments together, and I was alone. Hopelessly, and terribly alone. Tears that I normally fought back, I released, and they strolled down my cheeks like knives.
"Gray-sama," I cried. "Why can you not love Juvia?" The pain in my chest cut hard against my heart, and I sobbed loudly. "Why do you always leave me, Gray-sama…?" I sniffled. "Gray-sama… Gray-sama…"
I was crying, biting down hard as I sobbed into the water, wondering what it would be like to just for once to melt away with it down the drain and flee somewhere far away… I dreamed of far off shores filled with hot sands, of castles by the ocean, of a princess and her dark prince…
"Gray-sama…"
"Juvia," a soft voice whispered next to me, and I jumped in surprise. My eyes were swollen, and I knew I looked a terrific fright, but Gray stood just outside the plastic shower curtain, staring back at me like I was the most perfect creation he had ever seen.
He was clothed in his black pants and purple floral print shirt, but he didn't ever notice the difference between clothes and his bareness. He pulled aside the plastic and stepped into the shower, his clothes clinging tightly to his toned body as it streamed down like a heavy, unending rain.
"Gray-sama…"
"Juvia," he repeated, and sunk down beside me, not hesitating a second as he reached across and cupped my cheeks with his cold hands. "You're warm."
"Gray-sama…"
His mouth was hot against mine, and he fought desperately against my lips as if pleading for it to never end. "Gray-sama…" I whimpered between his kisses. His hands ripped open his shirt, and he threw it aside, his breath ragged with the effort. I tried to help, but he came rushing back at me, his hands roaming over my exposed skin. I moaned against him, and he thrusted his hips against mine. "G-Gray-sama…"
"Juvia." He kissed with such a ferocity, I did not think I would survive this war for long. My own trembling fingers raked down his back, and his lips left mine as they trailed wet kisses down my neck. My eyes closed, and I almost lost myself in his lips.
But then his fingers trailed between my legs, rubbing at first hesitantly. I bucked towards him, and he bit my neck, making me groan in pleasure. His fingers finally slid past my folds, and into the hot wet center. He tensed slightly like he could feel the same orgasmic desire building. His eyes looked up into mine, and I could see that he could. His mouth came back to mine, as he worked on stroking his fingers in and out carefully and slowly.
Against his mouth, my kisses started becoming sloppy, and I nearly lost it when he began rubbing my clit at the same time. My hands pulled him closer, and I whimpered against him. He smiled back and just as I was about to climax, he stopped. "Gray-sama?"
He only shook his head once, and began fumbling with his belt. I reached out to help him, and they were almost literally ripped off. You would think a stripper would be able to take them off with more ease than this.
Finally, when they were off, he grabbed me, and kissed me passionately once more. "Juvia." Then he plunged into me, hiding his face in my shoulder as I cried out. We had done this once before, several times. It was our greatest secret that we hid from the guild, and yet most of the times lately, I had felt empty, used. Though I knew it probably wasn't supposed to be like this, I could not deny my feelings.
His breathing was labored in my ears, and his fingers returned to the gently place right above where his cock was sliding in and out. I threw my head back, completely losing it. "Nnngg… Gray-sama…"
"Juvia…" he breathed, and he moaned, his rhythm speeding up as he drove deeper. My legs encircled his hips, and I cried out against him, losing everything. It felt as if the world was spinning fast, and we were falling together. "Juvia!" he called out loudly, holding me tightly against him as his man hood throbbed and released into me.
He trembled in my arms and slumped heavily. "G-Gray-sama?"
"Juvia," he said sadly. "I'm sorry."
"Gray-sama!" I pushed him back and stared at him. "Why are you sorry?"
I couldn't tell if that was tears on his face or the water from the shower pouring above. His wet hair clung to his temples, and droplets caught in his hair. He sighed heavily and shook his head. "This is poor actions on my part. I should have told you since I realized it, but now I'm afraid…"
"Afraid of what, Gray-sama?"
"That I may lose you tomorrow without telling you how I feel," he said so quietly I could barely hear him. My heart clenched, and I gasped. He closed his eyes, as he continued. "I should have told you before now…but I thought it was obvious… I don't know. It was selfish of me, and I'm sorry if you felt as if I was taking advantage of you…but…"
He started to shake and cry. I smiled. It was the strangest feeling. I had just been thinking about how empty I felt, but now it was like my heart was soaring again. It was funny how the one who caused me so much pain could also wash it away down the drain…
I hugged him, and he continued to cry. "I love you too, Gray-sama."
He sniffed. "Juvia…"
We stayed that way for a long time, holding onto one another as if the other was the anchor keeping us connected to this life. Gray-sama was a difficult and serious man, but he didn't need to explain himself to me.
Nashi's POV
The quiet was peaceful.
In the future, it hung like a weight, threatening to suffocate anyone that happened to be caught in its trap, and it would drive you mad.
Here, now…It was serene. I could breathe. I could think. I loved it outside, and looking out to the starry sky alone in the dark was the best way that for me to be alone with my thoughts. But, then…even in the future, I was never alone.
He knew by now it was pointless watching from the shadows. I knew he was there. I could sense him anywhere. After a while, he had grown tired of his hiding game, and like now, he strode confidently out of the shadows and into the bright moonlight to sit beside me on the guild's rooftop.
"I didn't know where else to go," I told him.
Jay shrugged. "It's not like I couldn't find you."
I smiled and leaned against him for warmth. It wasn't that I was cold; I just craved the comfort of his arms. He was more than willing to oblige. Silently, he pulled me against him, and we gazed out at the horizon, waiting quietly for the start of the new day. The final day.
"You know it has to happen," he told me. "It won't hurt."
I flinched at his words. "I-I know. I just don't want to."
Jay's arms tensed, but his eyes softened. "I know."
"Will they be okay?" I asked him quietly.
He shrugged again. "Who knows."
I sighed heavily. It was a constant worry of mine. We knew it had to happen, but neither of us were willing to leap into it. "Papa had told me once that if you're scared, stand up straighter. It was okay to have fear, but you shouldn't let it hold you back."
"He's a wise man," Jay said, smiling. "Even if he is Natsu."
I chuckled. "Yeah, luckily I inherited most of Mama's wisdom." Jay laughed with me, and then he rested his head against mine. "I'll miss you," I told him.
He nodded, and I knew, this moment was too precious to be spoken with words. Jay had always been in love with me. At first, I had thought it was a simple, annoying crush, but slowly, it transcended everything I knew, and somewhere along the way, I was swept up in it.
"Marry me," he whispered into my ear.
"Jay!" I yelled, pulling away from him. "It's just us. You don't have to pretend."
That's when I looked down and noticed in his hand the small ring resting in the palm of his hand. It was simple, two strands of red and black metal woven around each other, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
"Marry me," he said again, staring longingly into my eyes. "I just want to go into tomorrow, knowing it's all going to end, that you had finally accepted it…accepted me. I didn't want any regrets."
I gasped, covering my mouth. Jay's mouth pulled at the edges, but there was a silent pleadingly honesty in his eyes. "Where did you get this?"
"I've had it for a while. It traveled with me from the future," he admitted, scratching the back of his head. "There was never a good moment to give it to you though."
I smiled, and I felt tears trying to break free, but I fought them back. I plucked the small ring from his hand and slipped it onto my finger. It gleamed coolly against the pale light. "It's beautiful…"
Jay grinned. "Thanks. It seemed something that you would—"
I stopped his words with a kiss.
His eyes were wide open in shock, and I couldn't blame him. It was the first time I had ever kissed him, but as he said, no regrets. I pulled back swiftly, my face felt as if I had used dragonslayer magic on it, and I was slightly worried I might burn Jay if I kissed him any longer. He simply stared back, his mouth hanging open slightly.
He chuckled once, and then he smirked. His arms wrapped around me, and I sighed into his arms. "I love you, Jay," I finally admitted, feeling a weight I didn't know was there lifted off my chest.
"I love you too, Nashi," he replied warmly. "At least for a little while, I can call you my fiancé."
Sweet! So, how did you like it? :)
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