Hi all, time for the next update. I apologies for every grammar mistake. I haven't had the time to look through it effectively. Thanks for the review, likes and followers. It really keep me smiling!

Team Natsu is back from a secret mission. Destroyed a couple things of course.

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy tail, only the OC's and this plot. Enjoy reading.

Stepping forward and thinking Back

'THEY DID WHAT?' roared Laxus in his office. He saw the pile of paperwork in Freed's hand and tried anything to not fry his own desk on the spot. Laxus fingers were resting on the bridge of his nose. They aren't member yet and the council was already complaining. Why must Fairy Tail pay in the first place? He cursed, when it was hitting him. Natsu and Happy were members…..

'Freed,' he calmly said.

'Any more things I need to know?'

Freed shook his head. 'No Master Laxus-sama, this was everything.'

'You can leave.'

Freed left the paperwork on Laxus desk, bowed and left the office.

Why did he wanted to be Guild Master again? He tried to calm down and looked at the note Charle had left them. Freed kept it a secret about Wendy abduction, only for a good reason. Charle could see the future and had explained in detail what could have happened if they tried to save them. He wanted to trust them, but somewhere in his head the possibility that Charle was already under Tyler spell while writing this, that could change everything. He didn't know what to believe or even what kind of decision he should make. It bothered him into his core. Even more after what he had heard from Doranbolt about the dark guild.

Laxus cursed. The smell of his teammate filled his nostrils and he looked up. Even behind that metal mask he knew that Bickslow was looking directly at him.

'What am I doing wrong Bix?'

'What do you mean, Boss?'

'Am I a good guild master?'

'Of course you are. You are only afraid to make mistakes,' said Bickslow without thinking.

'Mistakes, Mistakes.' Yelled his wooden babies to make it even worse.

'What!?'

'Ok, this will sound weird from me boss, but you need to slow down and start listening to yourself. Being guild master isn't the proudest job there is. Sometimes you even need to do things, that will hurt you, that disgust you. You get the woman of your life, or you just lie to everyone's faces because of your damn pride, boss.'

Laxus growled at him when he noticed the subject change. Bickslow grinned slightly, moving his hands up in a surrending position.

'People will hate you or people will love you. In the end you will get old man and get wrinkles from the stress.'

'Tell me about it.' Laxus growled.

'There is a reason why your gramps was getting health problems. He didn't shoved his paperwork onto you, because he didn't like paperwork. His health wouldn't let him.'

'I know…'

'Look Boss-man, either way you choose to send a safe squad for Wendy and Charle or not, we will follow you. You will make mistakes, but your team will be standing behind you.'

Laxus gave a small grin. 'Thanks, Bix.'

He looked up when he noticed the noise downstairs. And what to do with them?

-0o0-

In the meantime tried Lucy to sleep some more. Her team went towards the guild a place she really want to avoid right now. Her headache wasn't really helping either even with the medicine. Lucy looked outside of her window. The joy of her long lost friends, oh how much she has missed it. Natsu coming through the window, Gray through the chimney and Erza just using her collection of keys to blast through the door. Somethings never change, but sometimes something need to change. All the fear, all her pain. She need to let it go. Taking little steps in healing one part. Something she needed to do a year ago. They have moved on, now it's her turn. She isn't alone…never alone. Her team is with her, her spirits are with her and in the hard parts was Laxus always with her. Laxus…

Pain and heartbroken, she had felt the same a year ago. Something familiar. Something she now knew she could fight. She knew this wound will heal. Someday she will be able to laugh with him again and forget the stupid confession. But all in time. Now she need to start fighting the fear. Plue and Cham were nowhere to be found. Trying to find sleep without the familiar comfort. Lucy sighed, knowing all too well that maybe this step was a little bit too big. She asked one of her old spirit something she haven't done in a long time. Asking Lyra to play a good night song before bedtime. Fingers of the spirit were striking softly the harps notes. A soft charming sound was produced and was filling the room. Lucy felt herself calming down and before she knew it, she felt asleep. Without her spirit or anyone else to give her the familiar comfort.

Lucy's dream after a couple hours of sleep:

Lucy sat at a bar drinking her usual strawberry milkshake. It was pretty noisy in her guild, but she was used to it. Specially that her team was back. 'Is this seat taken?'

Lucy froze at the sound of the man voice and her fist were shaking. 'Yes, it is.'

'Look, I know I screwed up and I shouldn't have said that….'

'You are right, you shouldn't have said that. I was telling you my feelings and you crush them, like it was nothing. Now I'm going to tell you to leave.' It didn't matter if this was real or a dream. She felt so much anger and sadness. She wasn't ready for a real conversation, she just wanted him as far away from her as she could.

Laxus growled slightly, he wanted to object, but instead just left the bar. Lucy sighed and was fighting back her tears. She felt an embracing from behind and looked up. Lisanna was there with a concerned smile on her face. 'Come on girl, what you need, is a night out.'

'Yeah! Let's find you a man,' said Cana.

By the smell of it, Lucy could guess that this wasn't her first beer and she smiled. She had stopped dating, but that was years ago, technical speaking. Maybe it would help her to get over the rejection. 'You girls are right.'

Lucy felt a strange sensation on her skin. Nothing could be seen and she became wary.

'Guys, do you feels that? Guys?'

It was dark around her and the guild had disappeared. Her body stood still like a statue, not able to move. A dark figure standing behind her.

'Finally found you, my dear, ' said the figure with Lucy's mother's voice. Lucy started to tremble.

'Oh yes. Your mind, your pain. It is so delightful.'

A cold hand went sliding along her throat. The sharpness of her nails were making a little wound. Lucy could feel the thingy pain and she looked at the dark figure. Pulling and pushing all her courage together.

'Don't speak in her voice! Who are you?'

An evil laugh was echoing in Lucy's head. The dark figure walking in front of her grabbed Lucy at her chin. 'I'm everyone, my dear.'

The dark figure changed into Lucy's mother Layla. 'I'm your mother or….'

Layla changed into Laxus and Lucy felt the grasp on her chin was getting stronger. 'or I'm this little boy you foolishly felt in love with.'

Lucy just couldn't believe it. She flinched back, when she saw the person she love, was grinning like a mad man. Laxus came closer and kissed hard on Lucy's lips. Lucy gasped for air, there was no love in that kiss. Only joy and lust for power. This wasn't Laxus. It's a dream!

'Lucy!'

Lucy opened her eyes. Again the same feeling as in the hotel, but this time she wasn't drenched. Loke was standing near her bed with a worried look in his eyes. She sat up and flinched back. Her hand went towards her neck and she looked at her fingers. Blood…she was bleeding.

'Sit still Lucy, I will grab something for you!'

Lucy kept staring in front of her when her hand went towards her lips. Her lips were swollen. The taste of someone else lips was still there. Her eyes turned to horror. It was a dream right? How can that inflict me? I'm…. I'm scared.

Loke walked towards here with some bandages and knelt beside her.

Lucy looked at him with determination.

'Lucy.'

'There wasn't anyone here wasn't it.'

Loke felt guilty and pain was visible on his face. 'No, there wasn't anyone here. What happened Lucy?'

She looked at her fingers with the blood. The blood is the proof that it was not simply a dream, but something that exist and when something exists there must be info about it. Lucy grabbed one of her silver keys and poured some of her magic powers into it.

'Open the gate of the The Southern Cross, Crux.'

In a golden flash an old man in form of a giant cross floated before her.

'Crux can you look at anything that is related in controlling dreams, is there a possibility that things in a dream can be inflicted on your real body.' She showed him her wound.

Loke didn't ask and knew when the time was right, that his master would tell him.

'I shall look what I can find, Lucy-sama.' Crux slept for a while before he screamed.

'Hmm, what you are looking for calls The Sandman. This spell gives the mage the power to control dreams. It started in history as a spell to give people a nice dream, especially children. Later on, formally in the dark ages, it was used to torture their prisoners while they were sleeping. When the council found out about this, they made a law that forbid anyone to use this spell ever again. So it became a lost magic. Not many cases were found after that law.'

Lucy looked shocked.

'Why me? Who would do this? How can I stop this? I can't stay awake the rest of my life.'

'The only info I was able to find is that the mage must be in your dream, to control it. Your dream become reality. So like he can hurt you, you can hurt him and for that reason he is mostly in disguise. Be cautious, your dream can attack you any time, but remember it's remains your dream, be strong and take control.'

'What if I can't take control, what if I can't find him?'

'I will inform the others of this problem. They will watch you and wake you up, if it's needed. Leo-sama do you agree with this.'

Loke nodded. 'Please do. Let us protect you, Lucy.'

Lucy nodded unsure, but she trust them. Not sure who was targeting her with the dream magic or what the hell it is, she won't surrender that easily. I should inform the guild…..Laxus….Why does the rejection makes everything so complicated! Urggh!

-0o0-

Everyone was watching patiently at Laxus office door. Holding their breath until the door finally opens. Natsu, Happy and Gray were terrified, even Erza was looking a little bit off. Lisanna chuckled and ran towards them. 'Natsu! Happy! How did it go?'

Happy flew in her arms and started to cry.

'Sorry Lis, I don't want to talk about it,' said Natsu with a pale face.

'Was it that bad?'

Natsu looked at her with fear in his eyes, he shook his head, but couldn't fool anyone.

'Juvia don't understand why she wasn't punished, Juvia was there as well. Gray-sama what the punishment will be, Juvia will protect you!' Juvia said and she hugged his arm.

'You really make me curious now,' said Lisanna impatiently.

Laxus came out of his office and gave a devilish smirk. He went towards Mira and ordered his scotch. 'Laxus, what did you tell them?' Asked Mirajane while getting his scotch.

'Something to keep our debt a little lower. Perhaps they will learn one or two from my old guild.'

'Your old guild? Blue Pegasus? Oh my.' Laughed Mirajane sheepishly, with a slight disappointment.

Laxus grabbed his scotch and glanced at the barwoman. 'I'm sure when they will step out of the line again, that I can count on your support next time to put them back in their place, demon.'

Dark aura emerged from her body and a wicked smile was crossing her face. 'If it is really necessary, I guess I have to.'

He nodded towards her with appreciation, his eyes moved towards the shadow, where Gajeel and Lily sat. 'And you, Metalscrap?'

'Gihi, I can always use some new dancers for my next show.'

'Oj oj, Gajeel,' said Pantherlily sheepishly. He knew that look on his face and he pitied team Natsu. It was always Lucy or Levy who were humiliated in his act….Speaking of Levy. 'Master have you heard anything about team Shadow Gear?'

Laxus looked at the black exceed. 'They are on their way, they had some trouble.'

Lily nodded.

'Tch, those idiots probably gave Levy some extra trouble,' said Gajeel with his arm crossed.

'Something you never gave her, in the time while working for the council?' passed Lily back.

'Huh, what are you talking about?'

Laxus shook his head and looked at the group in the middle of the guild. Team Natsu still looking pale were surrounded by other guild members. Laxus attention went towards the drunkard and animal girl, when he heard the name he wanted to avoid.

'Where is Lucy?' asked Cana tipsy with some ale in her hand.

'She is home, probably sleeping. She was really tired,' said Lisanna sheepishly.

'Tired? From a resort?'

Laxus looked at his scotch and saw an image of Lucy's crying face of last night flashing before him. His grin had disappeared and suddenly he putted down his glass. Without a word he walked back to his office. Mirajane looked at him worriedly.

-0o0-

At dinner Lucy had noticed that the punishment was a topic to be avoid. She was curious, but also little bit scared. What kind of punishment would make even the Titania Erza shiver in fear?

They laughed and chatted, like they had never been a year apart. Lucy could feel a murderous glare from outside and knew it was from Juvia. Nothing really had changed. She felt so stupid to doubt or even to be scared that everything had changed. That they really had left her. Everyone needed their space after Tartaros and she was glad everyone found each other again in such a long time. Before her team went home, was Lucy able to tell them her problem with the a sandman mage. They wanted to stay and protect her. But Lucy knew they aren't able to help if a mage is attacking her in her dreams. She declined their help and even threatened them to never cook for them again if they would stay. Her spirits promised her to help her and would watch her 24-hour a day. It was hard for them but they finally agreed on it, as long as Lucy keep in contact with them. They would tell Freed and Levy about this threat, still unsure why Lucy wanted to avoid the guild. Everyone went home, when it was late, except for Natsu, who had a sleeping Happy in his arms. 'Luce, uhm I have been thinking about your words and I really want to say I'm sorry.'

Lucy just gave him a hug. 'Oh Natsu, I have already forgave you. But don't ever do leave me again, with just a simple note!'

Natsu flinched back at the sudden dark aura crawling out of her body. 'I won't. See you tomorrow Luce. Yell when you need my help.' He waved and run home.

Lucy just chuckled. Her smile disappeared and a yawn had escaped her mouth. She took a shower and changed in her pajamas. She took her medicines, when a golden light appeared in her room.

'Lucy, I will stay here the whole night.' Loke looked at her with concern in his eyes. Lucy sighed and shook her head. 'Thanks Loke, I don't know what I should have done without you guys. This new threat…..and everything….It's normal to be afraid right?'

'Of course it is Lucy.'

'Why is she or he targeting me?'

'I don't know. We will find out. You got your team and your spirits to back you up.'

She smiled and embraced her spirit. 'Don't do anything pervert as I'm sleeping.'

Loke chuckled. 'I wouldn't dare.'

There was no time to be scared. No sleeping at all would be no option, I could better try to defeat this mage while I'm full of energy then half dead of not sleeping at all. Looked around curious were the dream had taken me. I laid in the grass in Magnolia park with Plue left of me. I send Plue home without any reason. Well I had my reason, I didn't trust anything around me. It wasn't really my plan to wait for him to come. I wanted to check some things out first, so I stood up and walked through the park. Through the forest, where I stood still for a couple minutes. Area around me was getting hazy. I had never came in these parts of the forest and the hazy image of the surrounding confirms my thought. The mage is using my memory and it can used against me.

'Blondie, what are you doing here?'

Lucy cursed herself. Why is his figure popping up everywhere. Now I definitely want to beat the crap out of this mage.

'I can ask you the same thing.'

'As far as I know, I live here.'

Wait he lives here, I have no memories of that? Is he lying? Is he the mage in disguise? Before I could grab to my keys I heard some familiar voices from behind. Freed had a confused look on his face, while Mirajane had hearts in her eyes. She had clearly a wrong idea by this.

'Lucy, what are you doing here?' asked Freed.

'I was taking a stroll on this beautiful day, when I crossed my path with Laxus.'

'Really….?' Asked Mirajane doubtful.

'Is everything ok, Lucy? You seemed a little bit stressed.' Freed said while walking towards her.

'Stay away from me!' Lucy grabbed her keys and her whip and took her stance.

'Lucy? What's going on?' asked Mirajane.

'I know you are here sandman mage.'

'Lucy, call down. We are your friends.'

'Open the gates of the lion and ram, Loke, Aries.'

In a golden flash Loke and Aries appeared.

'Your prince have arrived.'

'I'm sorry, I will try my best.'

No one moved for a couple seconds. Lucy stared at them, watching every movement. Lucy wrapped her whip around Freed, when she had noticed the smallest movement towards his sword. Mirajane had changed into her Satan Soul and grabbed her whip. She pulled Lucy in the air with one sweep, her arm ready to punch her. Purple wool had stopped the demons attack, while Loke caught Lucy in his arms and ran towards a safe distance. Mirajane and Freed wanted to attack again, but flinched back when Laxus had punched a hole in the ground with his lightning blast. Lucy eyes opened wide. Why did Laxus helped her? Isn't everything in control of this mage?

She didn't had time to find out, before she knew it she was drenched in cold water. 'Loke!'

'Well that worked.'

'Why did you do that?'

'I tried to wake you up for minutes now and this was the only thing I hadn't tried. I couldn't explain but I felt a slightly disturbance in your magic, so I thought you were in danger.'

Lucy checked her magic and could feel a slightly drained amount of magic. A dream that is affecting the reality. She had used magic in her dream and magic had been drained from her real body.

'I was in danger, thank you. How long have I been sleeping?'

'Around three hours. Get some new clothes and tried to sleep some more. I will change your bedsheets.'

Lucy nodded, but was slightly annoyed. She couldn't understand some pieces in the puzzle. Is it true that Laxus lives there? How did the mage knew that, it wasn't in her memories and why did Laxus helped her? Isn't everything in the dream in control of the mage power?

-0o0-

'Tyler?'

Tyler turned around by the calling of his name and saw his sister sitting in a wheelchair. 'Rose.'

'I have been wondering, how is it with Sebastian?'

Tyler looked at her sister like if she was lost. 'Sebastian? I haven't spoken him since the day of my escape.'

Rose looked at him closely, trying to figure out what was going on. Was he lying right in her face, while she was right there when a guard had told him that Sebastian had wanted to speak to him.

'A guard had pointed out for you of a call from Sebastian a couple days ago.'

Tyler was now really confused thinking back in his own memories. No memories of that call had come into his mind.

'Sorry, sister I have really no idea.'

Rose face turned into a forceful smile. 'Oh my bad, I think I will call him right now. It has been such a long time.'

Before Tyler could say anything was his sister already gone, leaving only slightly the noises of bones tapping on the floor.

Rose kept her skeleton pushing her until she was save in her room. She smiled slightly when she noticed Melanie lying asleep on her bed. She grabbed her communication lacrima and stood still of a memory. The words of Tyler still echoing in her head. 'When I had escaped my cell, I went to get Melanie. Melanie was stuck in one of her illusions. When I saw that…..I snapped. I killed her, slowly and painful. Every scar she had inflicted on us. Every terror she had created in our mind. Every drop of blood, reminded me of our death little sister.'

'Is she really dead,' asked Rose herself. She pushed a little bit of magic into the lacrima while thinking of Sebastian. The lacrima lighted up and Sebastian could be seen.

'Rose, how good to see you. You look awful. Is everything alright? I can't really talk long. Dragonbolt is keeping a close eye onto me.'

'It's good to see you Basti. I could be better. Had you called my little brother a couple days ago.'

'Not as far as I know.'

Rose looked closer at Sebastian's eye patron and noticed the same reaction like her little brother. They have no memories of that part. They can't lie about it, because they can't remember it. Someone has taken that particular memory out of them. And she knew which person was able to do that.

'Is Zero still in his cell.'

'You don't have to worry, your father is sentenced for the rest of his live. We will keep an eye out for him.'

'I wish you could come with us.'

'You know I can't and your husband wouldn't allow it.'

'I will talk him into it, when we free him.'

'I need to go. Just be safe, Rose.'

'You to Basti.'

The lacrima went off and Rose cursed behind her teeth. The memories were erased and the only person she knew was able to do that to Tyler and Sebastian was her mother. She was alive and well. Using her mind tricks to let Tyler believe he had killed her. A woman too powerful for her own liking. While craving for more power, she finally found her husband named Zero, also known as Brain. Oh no she wasn't in love with Brain. He was too weak for her liking, but Zero, for Zero she would do anything. And in return he would do anything for her. He gave her children from the Bureau of Magical Development to experiment on, to torture their minds. Just for fun or to find the hidden magic they hadn't discovered yet.

It wouldn't take long before Zero would escape and hell would break loose. Rose looked at Melanie. 'What had really happened that night between you, mother and Tyler? Leoric, my husband even if we will be united, there will still be danger. I can't fight this without you.'

Pweh done….ok ok couple days late and everything. I was a little bit stuck how I should proceed. The headlines have been placed. So I have made a lot of decisions. Now it really is time for me to start writing. I'm really enjoying writing this, you have no idea how much I learn from this. The paths that I choose and the struggles that comes with it. Zero had been in my head as their farther the whole time and their mother is still alive.

I hope you still enjoy reading it. I will try to get the next update on Thursday. (^_^)

I want to wish you all a nice weekend.

Smash, hug or kick the following/favorite button or leave a reply. Let me know what you think.\(^_^)