Welcome to all of my new readers and reviewers! If you are reading this: know that I heart you all! And, as always, let me know what you think or just leave some words of encouragement :)
Note: I'm taking Ogro's advice and using his recommended site for the proper characters' name spelling. I'm tired of it being different every week (thanks translations, though I still love the people who take the time to do that!). So, I'll probably go back and edit my earlier chapters for mistakes (thanks for prompting me, LadyShalott) as well as making the names uniform (Gerard will be Jellal, Charlie will be Charle, Gazille will be Gajeel, and Lluvia will be Juvia-and so forth). I apologize for any confusion, as I was just as confused (and annoyed). And finally, some Gajeel revelation, so no more complaints of OOC Gajeel ;) If you have unanswered questions, this isn't Lost, I'll tie up the loose ends. I'm very intentional in my plot development, so have faith that my characterizations are purposeful!
Happy reading! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own FT, I do take credit for the OC's
[*****]
[*****]
They stood outside the guild, staring at the familiar building and its front doors. Those doors had always welcomed them back after so many missions, regardless of whether the team had success or failure. Those doors never judged them. Until now. Lucy anxiously glanced around at the ragtag bunch accompanying her: all were dirty and exhausted except for Reedus. The rotund mage had been kind enough to provide comfortable transportation for the remainder of their trip. Lucy was quite thankful for the oft-silent mage, as his skills had been a wonderful relief to their more recent hardships.
It would have been difficult if we had to carry Erza back, Lucy thought as her chestnut eyes wandered over Erza's injured leg. Erza's ankle was more colorful than it had been earlier, and the swelling had spread up her calf. Below the knee, her leg looked miserable. Elfman had insisted on carrying Erza, who had adamantly denied the prospect—insisting she could walk with assistance. The courtly mage refused her rebukes, sweeping her off of her feet—literally—while the rest of them looked on with muted amusement as Erza's face turned crimson.
"Do not worry, Erza," Juvia earnestly promised, "Elfman-sama is strong and will not let you go."
Lucy met Levy's quick glance, the former raising an eyebrow questioningly at Juvia's ardent and insistent knowledge in regards to Elfman. Lucy opened her mouth to ask the question that had been bothering her, but was silenced by the brief shake of the scholar's head. It wasn't a denial, but more of a wait-and-we'll-discuss-later gesture. Lucy found that she looked forward to hearing the gossip, though it would have to wait until after they went inside...
Inside...
Lucy's stomach sank as she realized that they still had to walk through those doors—the doors that no longer welcomed them. The doors that were now judging them, screaming the silent questions as to why they had left and what they were thinking. Lucy let out a heavy sigh; she had no idea what would be waiting for them on the inside of those doors. Would it be a reprimand from Makarov? Would it be welcoming smiles, instead? Other, more ridiculous possibilities began to emerge inside of Lucy's head as her heart fluttered in her chest. The soft wind that hit her face as Elfman (with Erza in tow), Juvia, Reedus and Levy brushed past her and through the doors quickly brought her back to reality. She blinked a few times, her vision coming into focus. Natsu toothily grinned at her, waving for her to follow as he took the same path as their friends. Happy was at his heels.
"I can't wait to see the look on Gramps' face!" Natsu chuckled, the wound on his face still oozing. "Come on, Luce!" he grabbed her hand, tugging her behind him.
"W-Wait!" Lucy wailed, stumbling from the quick jerking movement. She pried her hand from Natsu's soft, warm grip. Something about the action created a biting sadness inside of her, as if she were suddenly pining for something she had lost...
A slightly pained look crossed Natsu's face as he studied her expression, his eyes falling onto her hand, "Why? What's wrong?"
"N-Nothing!" Lucy assured him, plastering a false smile on her face, "I, uh, I'll follow you two in! Go ahead!" She swiftly grabbed his shoulders, turning him and practically pushing inside.
"OK..." Happy eyed her cautiously. He suddenly lit up as a new thought entered his head, "I hope Mirajane will make me fish for dinner!"
"I'm starving, too!" Natsu agreed, already forgetting about his earlier rejection as the two were forcefully pushed through the doors by Lucy.
"Weeeeee're baaaack!" the dragon slayer bellowed loudly, the doors flinging shut behind him and muffling his voice. Lucy strained to hear the guild's reaction.
"Idiot," Gray muttered, shaking his head and following his friend into the guild. "You two coming?" he asked, eyeing the remaining women as his hand held the door open. Lucy tried to innocently peer inside to gauge the situation.
"Of course, we, uh, just need a minute!" she waved both hands dismissively in front of her. She could feel the sweat beading in the small of her back. Gray said nothing, only nodding his understanding as his eyes once again passed over their faces before he, too, entered the Guild.
"HEY! Hey, Old Man!" Natsu's voice briefly floated out before the doors closed behind Gray.
Lucy slid her hand between the double doors, peering into the building. She was still hesitant to barge in like her companions given that she had practically been confined to the guild prior to her leaving. You were not a prisoner, why would they be angry? Still, she silently wondered what Master Makarov would say to her. She was lost in her self-created 'possible scenarios'-chewing on her bottom lip while peeking into the main hall of the guild. She had forgotten that Adie was still behind her.
"What are you doing?" came the familiar, wary voice. Lucy jumped, yelping as her fingers were crushed between the heavy doors.
"Ouch!" she sucked on her forefinger like a child. She glanced at Adie, noticing that the blacksmith was furiously chewing her own fingernails, oblivious to her habit as she watched Lucy.
"What are you doing?" Lucy challenged, narrowing her eye, defensively.
Adie opened her mouth to answer, but must have realized the awkwardness of her own situation, as her mouth snapped shut and her gaze wandered to her feet. Lucy immediately felt guilty, quickly understanding Adie's hesitation. The latter was returning to a place where she had been dishonest. She had lied to everyone, taking advantage of their trust; she was now concerned that her betrayal would make her an outcast. And the last thing she needed was to feel like she did not belong, Lucy knew.
"You're worried," Lucy softly murmured, her tone apologetic.
"Am not!" Adie quickly replied, raising her head and staring past Lucy in defiance.
"I'm worried, too," Lucy shared, glancing over her shoulder, "I left, despite orders to remain in the Guild."
Adie's eyes quickly flickered to Lucy's face, her features softening slightly. Lucy met her pale gaze, noticing that the circles under Adie's eyes were darker than she could remember. She looked extremely worse for wear—as Lucy was sure they all did. There was hesitance in Adie's expression, but Lucy knew that sharing her own worries had calmed the blacksmith.
"We all have past mistakes and things we are not proud of. That's what forgiveness is for—it lessens the burdens we carry. This is the only place where I find that I'm not judged on who I seem to be. I'm accepted for who I am," Lucy smiled her encouragement as she turned, and waved for Adie to follow her into the guild, "Besides, we can only get the answers if we go inside."
She heard Adie's sharp intake of breath and she felt a strange sense of pride at knowing she had been able to comfort the demi-spirit in any way. Lucy's hand gently rested on the door as she glanced behind her, calling over her shoulder, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get in there and get those answers!"
"Right," Adie whispered, a nervous smile tugging at the corners of her mouth as she silently read and re-read the Guild name that arced above the entrance. Fairy Tail. She remembered Natsu's question from one of their first encounters: Do fairies have tails? The seemingly ridiculous question now brought a smile to her face, washing away some of her earlier hesitation. The blacksmith closed her eyes, saying a silent prayer before she followed Lucy into the building.
The two women disappeared through the double doors, neither knowing what would await them on the other side.
[***]
[***]
Silence. Complete silence.
Lucy suspected that she would be able to hear a blade of grass hitting the floor as the room was that quiet. Every pair of eyes were focused on her and Adie as they walked through the heavy double doors. Lucy looked for Natsu, finding him to be a few feet away, confusion on his face as he furiously waved his arms in front of Makarov. She noticed the elderly mage sitting cross-legged on the bar counter, Mirajane next to him with her most stern look upon her face as she held a pair of drinking glasses between slender fingers.
"Old Man! I know you hear me! Wake up!" Natsu yelled, pouting slightly while glancing at Mirajane for help. "We're home! Dontcha care?"
"Idiot! Of course he's awake. He's just pissed off," Gray shook his head, muttering under his breath as he ran a hand through his hair, "Man, this is not good."
"Master..." Erza murmured softly as Elfman allowed her to stand on her good foot. He supported her by her elbow as she lightly rested her swollen toes on the planked flooring.
"Erza!" Mirajane's stern demeanor quickly changed when she saw the angry, purple ankle. Her face blanched and she handed the glasses to a bewildered Natsu as she moved toward Erza, dropping down to examine the injured joint. "What happened? Are you alright? Oh no..."
Erza grimaced as she anticipated Mirajane's fingers palpating her ankle, "We were in an accident..."
"Quit down playing it!" Natsu growled. "That monster wrecked the train! Then it attacked us! We could have died!"
Mirajane's face grew more ashen as a wave of murmuring whispers swept through the guild. It was not like Natsu to admit that he had been close to defeat—or death. The pale haired barkeep stood, her hands tugging on her long skirt as her eyes grew round, "T-Train? Monster?"
"Yeah," Levy began, scratching her head as her thick book thudded on the bar counter, "it was as Master Makarov had said-"
"You knew about this?" Natsu's jaw fell open as he slammed the drinking glasses on the bar. Makarov did not address the unruly guild member; his eyes remained closed as the familiar wooden pipe dangled from between his lips.
"We could have been killed! This is no laughing matter-" Natsu continued, his cheeks burning as he glanced toward Lucy. "It destroyed an entire village! What's worse was that it wore its victims' heads around its-"
"Enough," came the low-pitched interruption.
Natsu's mouth snapped shut at Makarov's soft command. Despite his anger, Natsu would respect the guild's authoritative figure. The guild master opened one eye, glaring angrily at the dragon slayer in front of him. He slowly opened his other eye, his gaze sliding toward Gray, Erza and Happy before lingering on Lucy and the newcomer. With a deep sigh, he closed his eyes and remained silent for a few moments. Lucy could feel her teeth softly chattering as she watched the rest of the guild observe the interaction with silent expectation. Her own cheeks grew hot as she awaited the old man's reprimand.
"Quit your whinin', you fools!" Makarov plucked the pipe from his mouth, setting it on the bar's surface next to him. "You're the ones who left without telling anyone where you went!"
"B-But," Natsu stuttered, suddenly realizing that he was technically in the wrong, "we had to. It was important to her. I—we, couldn't not help her-"
"It's my fault," Lucy stepped forward, tugging at the hem of her soiled shirt. She was sure that she was a sight for sore eyes, but she didn't care. She had suddenly left. It was childish, and it was unforgivable. She would not let her friends get into trouble for her impetuosity.
"I didn't mean for all of this to happen," Lucy cast a glance toward Erza, who smiled grimly in response. "I had questions I needed answered, and I had hoped I could do it alone."
"Your guild is your family, Lucy," Makarov considered her words. "If you cannot share your trials with them, then who can you share them with?"
Lucy opened her mouth to answer, but the warm touch of something on her shoulder stopped her. She was surprised to find Adie beside her, shaking her head softly. The pale-haired woman took a step forward, slightly bending at her waist in a respectful bow to Makarov.
"If I may?" she offered.
"Eh, go ahead," Makarov grunted, an eyebrow raised in slight amusement.
"Please forgive them," Adie requested, her tone filled with regret, "It was my doing. I am guilty of taking advantage of the kindness and welcome of this guild. It was only natural that my sudden leave would cause questions. I will take the punishment for whatever grievance they have caused both you and this guild."
Lucy's mouth fell open as she stared at Adie. How does she do that? Lucy wondered, suddenly surprised at the eloquent speech flowing from the blacksmith. Or is she being honest? Is this really her? she silently wondered. Was Adie changing? Was she allowing her wall to crumble—even if only a tiny bit?
"B-But-" Lucy protested, "it's not right!"
"It is my fault, plain and simple, Lucy," Adie murmured, her uneven hair falling into her face. "If I had not been such a fool and come here with false intentions, none of this would have happened. You and your friends would not be in this predicament, right?"
Lucy said nothing, instead casting a sideways glance toward her friends. Natsu shrugged slightly while Gray's eyes remained on the floor. In reality, if Lucy hadn't left, no one would have felt the need to follow her. She knew it was wrong, but Lucy also knew that Adie wanted to take the blame—she wanted to give something back them.
"It was my choice," Adie whispered.
"That is was," Makarov scoffed, his arms folding over his chest as he stared down at the woman in front of him. His eyes suddenly narrowed,"You look familiar. Do I know you?"
Lucy saw a slight sparkle in the old man's eyes, and she immediately knew that they were not in any immediate danger of Makarov's wrath. In fact, she would even go so far as to say that the wizened mage was toying with them...
Adie quickly straightened, her hair suddenly turning black and a pair of horn-rimmed glasses settling on her nose. Gasps from the guild told Lucy that the other mages recognized her. Lucy braced for the commotion that was about to be unleashed by the guild members, but seconds passed and still...nothing. Soft chuckling interrupted the hypothetical situations resounding in Lucy's head. She blinked, her eyes falling on Makarov as he leaped from the counter, tugging his mustache as he watched Adie in amusement.
"Decided that disguise was not so advantageous, huh?" the wizard enthused as he looked over Team Natsu.
Adie's cheeks turned pink as her hair returned to its usual pale blonde, "You knew?"
"Of course I knew! You can't fool me that easily, child!" he shook his head. "Besides, I had Gajeel watch over you. That should have told you something."
Adie's face became more ashen as her eyes widened in remembrance, "That idiot...was watching me? Not stalking me?"
"That idiot's job was to push your buttons," Makarov guffawed, "looks like he did just that!" He walked past Adie, leaving the stunned blacksmith to ponder his words as her mouth opened and closed like a fish. The elderly sorcerer eyed Erza's ankle as Elfman supported her body weight.
"Looks like you're gonna need a healer, hmm?" he softly studied the young woman's injury.
"Not much of a choice, I think," Erza admitted, looking almost deflated. She knew that a broken bone was going to take time to heal. And time was not on their side at the moment.
"Hmmph! Got a good one for you, so it'll be an easy injury to heal," he winked at Erza, who smiled in return. He turned to look at the tiny band of rogue mages, "What's most important is that you are back in one piece...all of you."
"Wha?" Natsu's eyes widened in surprise. "That's it? No yelling?"
"Yell?" Makarov plucked at his mustache. "You want yelling?"
"No, he does not want that," Gray spoke for Natsu. You idiot! he mouthed to the dragon slayer.
"Well, he looked kinda mad when we came in, and now look at him!" Natsu pointed out as Gray slapped his own forehead in annoyance.
"Oh no," Lucy muttered, already realizing that Makarov's shadow was expanding.
"SHUT UP, BOY!" Makarov boomed as he towered over Natsu. "You cost me a fortune with your leveling of an Enchanted Forest!"
"B-But, Erza helped!" Natsu protested.
"Do not bring me into this," Erza replied, her face serious. Lucy could have laughed at Erza's cruelty had she not been worried about Natsu's well-being.
In one quick kick, the toe of Makarov's shoe hit Natsu in the stomach. Lucy cringed as the dragon slayer was launched into the air. His body barreled into a mass of congregating guild members. The mages scattered as Natsu flew toward them, leaving a lone table to break his fall. Sure enough, his back hit the table, pushing it across the floor and into a far wall as it splintered into tiny pieces.
"Fool!" Makarov growled as he quickly returned to his earlier spot on the bar.
"Was that necessary, Master?" Mirajane asked, wringing her hands nervously as her eyes darted to where Natsu was lying.
"Hmph!" he replied, the pipe returning to his lips as he sucked in a deep breath. His eyes flickered to Mirajane's brother, "Elfman, please take Erza upstairs where she can be examined."
"Yes, sir!" Elfman quickly swooped down and lifted Erza off of the ground.
"I can walk," Erza stiffened at the unfamiliar contact, her face reddening as her carrier strode past the bar and took her upstairs, two steps at a time.
"I understand that, Erza, but an injured woman must rest herself..." Elfman enthusiastically retorted as they brushed past Lucy. Catcalls and whistles rang out as Elfman swept Erza away like she was his bride.
"...Go, Elfman!"
"Show her the beast inside of you..."
"Give her the ride of her life!"
"ENOUGH!" Mirajane bellowed, her hands thrust onto her hips and her eyes glaring menacingly at the handful of perverts. When she realized her anger, she cleared her throat, smiling sweetly, "Any more of that, and I'll close down the kitchen for a week!"
Groans and apologies were thrown around as Lucy stifled a smile. It was rare for Mirajane to be anything other than her cheerful, kind self. She couldn't deny that she rather enjoyed these rare gems of moments—where Mirajane's anger brought about her more dangerous side.
"You pain in the ass, Geezer!" Natsu barked as he pushed his sleeves up his newly scraped arms. His face was twisted into a mixture of amusement and mock anger as he stomped toward the bar.
"Shut it, boy. If you know what's good for ya!" Makarov tsked, glowering at the group. "So you've at least gathered information to share with me, correct?"
"Yes, sir," Lucy replied weakly. What little information they had, at least.
"Aye!" Happy supported Lucy's assertion.
"Good," the older wizard remarked thoughtfully, "Get yourselves cleaned up and eat something, will ya?"
"T-That's it?" Adie was visibly shocked that they—or she—was not getting more of a reprimand.
"Yeah, what about it?" Makarov raised an eyebrow as he studied her reaction in amusement, "You think I'm not in control of my own guild? That I don't know what's going on?"
Adie looked confused, "I d-d-don't understand."
"Or is it that you want a good spanking?" the old wizard mused, winking at Adie as he tapped his lip in consideration, "I don't mind spanking pretty women. You could probably use a spanking, eh?"
The blacksmith's face grew red as glanced between Lucy and Gray. Lucy felt slightly sorry for Adie, as she, too, remembered her own initial interaction with Makarov when she was a newbie addition to the guild.
"You...p-pervert!" Adie barked, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to make him angry after he had just invited her inside, but she would definitely not tolerate his hand...there!
"Thank you, my dear!" Makarov cheerfully answered, waving his dismissal. "Why don't you get yourself cleaned up and something in your belly? Then we'll talk. We'll all talk." His eyes swept across the group.
"Right," Gray, Lucy, and Happy barked in unison.
"Mirajane!" Makarov called over his shoulder.
"Yes, Master Makarov?" she replied cheerfully, winking at Lucy.
"Can you get this bunch something to eat, my dear?"
"Of course," she agreed, quickly disappearing into the kitchen.
"I want fish!" Happy called after her, deciding that it was best to follow her in order to ensure his meal. Lucy shook her head at Happy's sudden enthusiasm. She caught Natsu grinning from ear-to-ear, his arms folded behind his head.
"What's so funny?" Lucy asked cautiously.
"It's good to be home," Natsu sighed, his eyes closing as he inhaled the familiar scent of the spacious hall.
Lucy realized that the entire guild was still staring at them, "W-Why are they staring at us? Still!"
"Oh, them," Makarov waved his hand, "I told them to. Wanted you to feel uncomfortable for a bit. Make you squirm."
"How mean!" Lucy yelped, suddenly angry at his ruse.
"Well, I can't just let a pretty face just walk all over me, now can I? What's an old man supposed to do?" Makarov feigned innocence as his eyes grew round.
"You're dirty, Gramps," Natsu shook his head as he hopped onto the stool nearest him. "Hey, Lucy!" he patted the seat beside him. Lucy felt her face turn red as the entire guild watched.
"Stop staring!" she barked, suddenly. She raised her hand to cover her mouth, realizing her tone. "I-I'm sorry!"
Laughter broke out at her reaction. Cheers were suddenly thrown around: "Welcome back, Lucy! Natsu! Gray! Happy!"
Names were shouted out as the familiar roar of conversation returned. Lucy laughed, too, as relief washed over her. She sat next to Natsu, who was already grinning enthusiastically and watching the familiar interactions. Makarov had returned to his previous state, his eyes closed as he sat on the bar. Lucy looked around, quickly realizing that Adie was still standing there, uncomfortably staring at the floor.
"Master?" Lucy whispered.
He opened his eyes, glancing toward her, "Hmm?"
"What about Adassandra?" she nodded toward the pale-haired woman.
Makarov said nothing for a few moments before gently tugging the pipe from his mouth. "My children!" he roared, causing the crowd's conversation to immediately die down. He raised an eyebrow as he glanced toward Adie, "You all remember Adassandra, do you not?"
"Yeah!"
"Of course!"
"Yes, Master!"
"She's naturally blonde?"
Lucy inwardly groaned at the last comment. She knew it came from Macao's friend—the married one. He had a penchant for blondes, and now he probably had a penchant for Adie. Lucy had no doubt that his pestering would quickly end in a broken nose.
Makarov smiled his warm welcome, "Well, show her how we Fairy Tail mages welcome someone who tried to fool us!"
Lucy felt her breath hitch in her throat as she watched the mages suddenly become silent. Adie's face turned more pink as she lowered her head in defeat. Suddenly, the familiar playful twinkle shone in Makarov's eyes. Lucy watched people slowly stand and walk forward, smiles of greeting on their faces. She felt the tears well in her eyes at the sight.
"This is why I love this guild..." Natsu whispered, glancing at Lucy and smiling softly, "When you walk through those doors, all of your mistakes are washed clean."
The sound of feet shuffling toward her forced Adie to look up. Her eyes widened in surprise as she noticed the mages ready to greet her. Confusion slowly crossed her face as she took a step backward, "Huh?"
"Hey! Welcome back!" a young girl Lucy barely recognized, greeted Adie.
"You stayin' a while, this time?" Cana asked, handing a drink to Adie. The pale-haired woman took the offered beverage between unsure fingers.
"Uh..." she trailed off, looking toward Natsu and Lucy.
"Sure she is!" Levy interrupted, her smile widening as she approached. Adie's brow furrowed in confusion—as if she didn't really trust the guild members' actions. Even Makarov picked upon her hesitance.
He nodded slightly, smiling as Adie's eyes fell on him, "Welcome to Fairy Tail. We do not judge you here, only accept you as you are, my dear. That is the Fairy Tail way."
"Right!" Levy placed a guiding hand on Adie's arm, "Let's go sit down and you can tell us all about what has happened since Lu-chan left us so suddenly! I wanna hear all about it!"
"Yeah!" Droy agreed with his teammate.
Adie resisted the urging at first, her eyes wildly sweeping over the familiar faces at the bar. Lucy opened her mouth to encourage the newcomer, but Natsu had beaten her to it. Though, Lucy would have preferred his mouth not be full of food.
"Go 'head, Dee" he waved. "It's what bein' nakama is all 'bout! 'Member what I told ya?"
Adie's lips pursed and she nodded her head slightly, moving awkwardly with the crowd of welcomers. They disappeared into the lively hall, finding a far away table to sit and talk. Lucy watched Adie disappear, a slight feeling of knowing washing over her.
"Wasn't too long ago...that it was you, huh, Luce?" Natsu asked, his voice a low murmur as his eyes studied her face.
"Yeah..." Lucy smiled, spinning on her stool as she told herself that Adie would be perfectly fine without her. The blacksmith could use some human interaction—after all that had happened.
"Eat up, you two," Makarov spoke as he released a cloud of smoke from his lips. "Because when you are done, we are going to have a long talk."
"'Bout what?" Natsu asked between bites as Mirajane brought a plate of steaming food for Lucy. Her mouth watered at the sight of a warm meal-she hadn't realized how famished she was until now. She grasped her utensils between shaky, dirt-encrusted fingers. She was looking worse for wear, but she could care less. She was home. Finally.
"Because," Makarov spoke quickly, "a lot has been occurring since you left."
"Hmm, like what?" Lucy asked as her bites became more ravenous.
"I don't know," Makarov whispered as he watched his children welcome the newcomer he had anticipated would come return with Lucy, "but whatever it is...it's unlike anything I've ever felt before."
[***]
[***]
Lucy reached for the glass of water, her mouth dry from talking. Her friends remained silent, offering encouraging nods and short interjections when necessary. Lucy omitted a majority of Adie's personal history, and most of what Barsky told her, only including the pertinent extras. She sent many cautious glances toward the blacksmith, who only answered with a stiff nod or short shake of her head.
Erza was hobbling around on a cast, apparently having been treated. She used her crutches sparingly, her face puckered in frustration as she attempted to adjust to the new restriction of her broken ankle. The rest of Team Natsu, plus Adie, had been fortunate enough to shower before regrouping. The hall was now empty aside from them. Levy had joined the group, as Lucy has requested her presence. The scholarly mage was an invaluable fountain of knowledge, and her ability to read ancient script would undoubtedly come in handy.
"I think," Lucy sent a questioning look toward her friends, "that's it!" She took a long gulp of the cold water, wiping her mouth when she was finished. The empty glass never hit the counter, as Mirajane quickly stole it away-only to return with a freshly filled glass. Lucy smiled at Mirajane's motherly nature. Mirajane the caretaker, she mused. How does she do it?
"Master?" Erza asked, suddenly aware of the long pause from the elderly mage. Makarov squeezed the bridge of his nose between two fingers as he closed his eyes. Lucy began to feel the raking fingers of premonition as it slid up her neck to the base of her skull.
"You already knew," she softly blurted, sliding the cool glass of water toward her. The ice clinked against the side of the glass, forcing some liquid of splash onto the bar. Mirajane quickly wiped it away, sending a knowing glance toward Lucy.
"It's as bad as he thought," the white-haired mage frowned. Makarov nodded his agreement to Mirajane's statement.
"Oh no," Lucy groaned, staring into her glass. She could see the wavy form of her reflection in the water's surface.
The wizened man looked at his brethren as they were scattered around him, "I have been patching together information I have received. Gajeel has been quite accommodating in that aspect-"
"Thank you," came the growling reply as footsteps announced the newcomer. Gajeel looked around at the attendants, his eyes flickering over Adie and his jaw clenching slightly. Lucy felt her stomach flop; she was sure that this reunion was not welcomed by the blacksmith.
"Ah, yes, did you find out anything new?" Makarov asked, nodding at the dragon slayer.
"Nothing more than before. They have all apparently fallen off the map," Gajeel admitted, cryptically, his forehead wrinkling as he frowned. He reached back and scratched his neck, and Lucy noticed that he was wearing his hair differently. It was longer than she remembered, pulled back into a low ponytail with a few stray strands falling into his face. His facial piercings were still as obvious as ever, but Lucy definitely could see the change in the former Phantom Lord Guild member. He, too, looked worn out. Weary, almost.
"This is troubling indeed," Makarov admitted, his hand covering his mouth as his brows swooped down in contemplation. His eyes flickered over the mages, finally settling on Adie. "You remember Gajeel, don't you?"
Lucy's stomach sank. She knew that Master Makarov could be dubious when he wanted to be. She watched Adie stiffen as Levy covered her mouth with a hand to hide her snicker. The blacksmith looked disinterested as her eyes wandered over the dragon slayer.
"I do, despite my preference to forget him." Her answer was monotonous yet filled with dislike.
Gajeel said nothing, chewing the inside of his cheek for some time. He took a deep breath before grunting, "Look, I told you it was an accident-"
"Bullshit!" Adie hissed, her cheeks reddening.
Gajeel's own face was turning pink, "I-I tripped. I didn't mean to grab your, uh..." He waved his hand in an odd gesture as Adie snarled at him. Lucy watched Makarov suck his bottom lip into to his mouth to control the smile that was threatening to surface. The old man could be quite an instigator at times.
"You weren't even sincere in your apology, you jerk!" Adie spat, rolling her eyes.
Gajeel's mouth opened before he violently snapped it shut. He looked at Makarov, who nodded his answer. Lucy found that she actually felt sorry for the dragon slayer, as the look on his face told her that he was being honest. She decided that it was best if she didn't verbalize that thought.
"Fine. Say what you want, but it was an accident," Gajeel sighed. "Makarov asked me to keep an eye on you. He didn't trust you from the start, and he wanted me to try to 'push your buttons'," he continued, using his fingers to emphasize the Guild Master's direct quote.
"Take that how you wanna, my boy," Makarov chuckled, avoiding Adie's glare, "Sounds like you were pushing all the wrong things!"
"You knew the entire time and let me in, anyhow?" Adie's jaw dropped open as her ears turned pink, "Then you assigned this idiot to follow me around and harass me?"
"I have been around for quite some time, Adassandra. Besides, I know how the Magic Council works. I assumed you had ulterior motives, and who was I to stop you from taking action on 'em?" he asked slipping his pipe between his lips. "And, yes, I did ask Gajeel to keep a close eye on you. You were already out of your element, so it wouldn't take much to get you to riled up."
Adie looked taken aback at the unexpected admission and subsequent wink from the old man. "D-Did you just...w-wink at me?"
Lucy dropped her forehead into her palm as Natsu snorted his disbelief, "Man, that old man is a troublemaker."
"You can say that again," Lucy groaned. She glanced over at Gray, nearly spilling her water. "What the hell? Where are your clothes?"
"Huh?" Gray blinked, not immediately registering her question. He looked down, quickly realizing that he was clad in only his underwear, "Shit, where are my clothes?"
"I just asked you that!" Lucy shrilly replied, her eyes wide as her cheeks flushed.
"I said I'm sorry!" Gajeel barked at Adie. "I was just doin' my job! I may have...overdiditabit-"
"A bit?" Adie laughed angrily, "You were a complete pig!"
"Annnnd it gets interesting," Natsu whispered to Lucy, rubbing his palms together as he eyed the two as they verbally sparred. Gray was pulling the tablecloth from the table and wrapping it around himself.
Gajeel winced at Adie's sentiments, and Lucy found herself once again feeling sorry for him. He had, on more than one occasion, been a vital member for their guild. Perhaps this was just a misunderstanding...
"Guys," Lucy interrupted from her seat, "Maybe this is all just one big mistake..."
Adie glared at Gajeel, but remained silent. He said nothing, though his sagging posture told Lucy that he had taken pride in his acting skills and was disappointed that Adie's portrayal of him was not how he had intended.
"Maybe I did act like an asshole," he grunted sheepishly. "But I swear it was an accident! I tried to offer an explanation, but..."
"And the formal? What's your explanation for that?" Adie tapped her foot on the floor, her arms crossing over her chest.
"Oh, yeah," Gajeel blushed, much to everyone's surprise. "I had actually wrote out my apology and was going to give it to you, but you got mouthy and it just pissed me off."
"Eh?" Adie squeaked her surprise at his confession.
"Nothing, nevermind!" he blurted, looking at the floor in embarrassment. "Just forget about it. I said I'm sorry...you can either take it or leave it."
Adie said nothing, studying the dragon slayer as he stood there, shifting from one foot to another. Lucy had never seen him like this and wondered about the change. Maybe being around friendly people was finally getting him to open up...
"I think it was an accident," Levy interrupted, a sly smile on her face as she looked from one angry mage to the other.
"Maybe," Adie considered, "I possibly overreacted a bit, I'll give you that. But you weren't exactly defending your actions!"
Gajeel said nothing as Levy leaned back on her chair, her grin growing. "Adie, when I first met Gajeel, he beat me up and left me hanging from a tree-"
"What is this? A trial?" Gajeel's eyes were bulging. "I didn't lay a hand on you! I may have pinned you to the tree, yes-"
Adie's face lost all color as she looked between the two incredulous at how dismissive Levy was of that instance, "What the hell?"
"My point is," Levy interrupted, her eyes on Gajeel, "that when he apologized, he looked just as uncomfortable as he does now. And I believed he was sincere. So, what I wanted to say was that I think he is telling the truth. Just my two cents, Dee-chan!"
Dee-chan, Adie mouthed to Lucy—who shrugged at the new nickname. There was no getting away from Levy's nicknames, she knew. Adie sighed, nodding her head softly. "You're right. I should have let you explain," she took a few steps forward, her hand thrust out toward Gajeel, "Apology accepted."
He looked at her hand for some time, as if not sure what to make of it. Levy sighed, "You shake it."
"I know that!" Gajeel barked as he quickly grabbed Adie's fingers. "I'm just waitin' for another right hook!"
Everyone laughed at his rare display of humor. Adie took a few steps in retreat, a smile on her face, "It was actually a right jab, I didn't have the room to swing my arm back to get a good hook in."
"Whatever," Gajeel shook his head, his fingers touching his face, "it fucking hurt like hell!"
More laughter. Lucy looked around, feeling relieved that they had all made it back in one piece. She noticed Natsu staring at her. She raised her eyebrows in question, but he only averted his gaze, his cheeks turning pink in the process.
"I do owe everyone an apology," Adie suddenly admitted. "I was deceitful and it was wrong."
"Don't worry about it," Makarov waved his acceptance.
"But-" Adie interrupted.
"Forget it," Natsu chimed in. "He let Juvia and Gajeel stay, and they practically ruined our guild! That makes you an angel in comparison! So, no worries if Gramps says not to worry. Just sit back and enjoy our home."
Adie looked at everyone, her gaze incredulous. Nods and smiles affirmed Natsu's short-winded speech. A small smile twisted the corners of her lips upward as she settled back against the tall wooden pillar next to the bar. It was her first, real smile in weeks. Lucy watched the slight sheen of tears build in her eyes as she tried to furiously blink them away.
"I-I didn't know that people could be so nice. So...genuinely," Adie grunted, "nice."
"Well, get use to it!" Levy chirped, "We are one big family, here!"
Makarov sighed as he watched his children talk amongst themselves. His face lit up as he remembered what he wanted to share with the returning mages, "I guess, while we are on happier topics, I should share the good news since you were absent...Bisca and Alzack have just recently married."
"WHAT?" Lucy and Natsu yelled in unison. They hadn't even been a couple when Lucy had left, though they were dangerously close to confessing their feelings to one another.
"Yep," Makarov chuckled, "they finally did what everyone had been expecting."
"What prompted that? I mean, m-marriage is a long way from dating!" Lucy responded, suddenly all-too-aware of Makarov's suggestive tone.
"Well, if you must, I did take the liberty to give them the push that they needed-"
"I knew it!" Natsu slapped his palm on the table, "Someone was going to have to take initiative!"
"Well," Makarov spoke, his eyes on Lucy as he did so, "it's difficult not to when you see two young people in love...and it's so obvious to those of us around them."
What the- Lucy frantically wondered, was that a message to me? Her heart began to race at Makarov's potential innuendo. She glanced at Natsu, who was smiling like an idiot.
Is it that obvious? she silently wondered. Was she that obvious? And did Makarov mean that Natsu obviously returned her sentiment? Lucy had always known that she and Natsu were close, but he had never really done anything to make her feel as if he thought of her as something...more. Sure, they had held hands, but holding hands didn't mean much, did it?
Did it? she wondered as she watched Natsu and Gray talk about how the marriage between the two Westerners was 'bound to happen'.
"Lucy?" Makarov snapped his fingers in her face, suddenly very close to her nose.
"Huh?" she blinked a few times, an awkward smile on her face.
"I asked if you could tell me a little more about what you've learned," Makarov asked softly, a twinkle in his eye.
Lucy felt her face grow hot. She lifted her fingers to her cheeks, "Oh...y-yes! Anything to help!"
"Good girl," he nodded, his expression growing serious.
"M-Master?" Lucy inquired softly, "What do you think is going on?"
The sound of wood splintering interrupted the guild master's answer. Natsu and Gray were now quarreling, and Erza was doing her best to break up their dispute by waving her crutch between their faces. Natsu attempted to push it away, resulting in Gray being poked in the eye. That led to a broken crutch and Erza's rare use of profanities. Soon, the two men were mere millimeters from each other's face—Gray with his tablecloth toga in tow. Makarov shook his head as he listened to the argument. The wizard's eyes flickered over the empty hall before returning to Lucy's face. She could tell that whatever was bothering Makarov must be very ominous, as he didn't peek at her cleavage for once. She felt her heart race in fearful anticipation of his explanation.
"I'm not sure, Lucy," Makarov answered honestly, glancing at his hands. He looked down at her, his gaze serious, "But whatever it is that's going on, all hell's about to break loose. And it looks like we may be the only Guild who's going to stand up and fight it."
With that, he stood-his form growing slightly larger with each passing second. He turned his head so that she could hear him. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have two idiot mages that I need to control."