Previously...

Michael had just kissed Lisanna, right in front of us! It was really surprising, but somehow I saw this coming.

'Is this a good thing?' I asked myself. As far as I can tell, Lisanna seemed to be responding to Michael's advances, and with her out of the picture, it'll be much easier to make Natsu jealous. But, now we have a new dilemma.

A Human from this dimension and another from Fairy Tail had fallen in love with each other, making it that much harder to bring Fairy Tail home. If they got this attached already, I don't think either would want the other to leave.

What was a fan/cousin to do?

Chapter 17:

It's Not Pretend

.~ … ~.

MY P.O.V.

Dani and I quickly retreated back up the stairs as silently as we could. Why, oh why did the gods make me see that image?! It's been forever stuck to my memory, and it will shake me to the core! I'm not really shocked that Michael did something like this. I mean, I thought he was after Meredy when he met them. But I never thought he'd be able to charm Lisanna, of all people. She's just as in love with Natsu as Lucy was!

"That was gross..." Dani chuckled silently as we reached the top of the stairs. Everyone was still resuming their own business. Mira came back with some snacks on the trays Natsu and Happy were carrying. Natsu's tray were drinks, so he had to be gentle in handling them. Happy flitted around, providing sandwiches Mira made for them to pass the time. My mother would be here a couple more hours and we would all go to the mall.

"Please don't remind me..." I muttered with a little bit of embarrassment in my voice. It's one thing seeing it in movies or reading it on fics and stories. But it's completely different for me when I see it first-hand!

"Remind you what?" We both gave a start of surprise when we saw Lucy heading our way. She had left Sting when Rogue arrived and they started their own conversation.

"N-nothing..." I muttered and instantly avoiding eye contact. I saw Lucy tilt her head and looked at Dani. I sighed in relief as she didn't continue her question on me and steered it across Dani.

"L-let's just say it's a private matter..." She chuckled sheepishly and rubbed the back of her neck. Strangely, though, it didn't satisfy the blonde and she continued to eye us. She looked back to me, and I steered my head away and whistled ignorantly, and Dani blinked a few times, huffed, and faced the other side when Lucy looked at her. Silence enveloped the three of us as we looked away from the scrutinizing blonde. A few seconds later, we heard Lucy chuckling, causing the two of us to jerk our heads to stare at her.

"What are you laughing at?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, nothing, nothing..." Lucy muttered as she stared at us, a mischievous smirk present on her face. "I know now. So spill it."

"Spill what?" Dani asked. Both of us were really confused as to why Lucy was just staring at us like we ate a two-ton cake and didn't get fat. That's something Erza could do, probably Natsu, too. But us? No way. But as sudden as the confusion entered our minds, a moment of realization elicited a gasp from us. Did she find out about Lisanna and Michael already? Did she already suspect something when we went running for the stairs a little while ago?

"Don't hide it," Lucy tutted. "It's written all over your face. You-!"

"It's not our fault!" I cried out in defense. "We sneaked downstairs, but everything that transpired there isn't our fault!"

"Pen-san!" Dani exclaimed in brief panic. "How could you!?"

"It really isn't our fault!" I said. "Everything was so sudden, and we didn't know!"

"I know," Dani sighed. "Sorry... Still, Lucy knows... Or at least she thinks she knows..."

"Hey, I know." Lucy said. "It's about your and Pen-san's relationship, right?" At that exact moment, our legs gave out and we stumbled to the ground. We quickly stood up and gave our hardest glare straight at Lucy, which caused the blonde to shrink.

"You really think I'd date someone who doesn't have a sense of time?!" I slightly exclaimed. "I'd be waiting for hours if we ever went out! And no, I won't be dating her!"

"I have a boyfriend, Lucy!" Dani exclaimed. "And who wants to spend her time with a pathetic sack who just sits there all day fiddling with his little manga and making fanfiction."

"You make fanfiction, too!" I exclaimed. "And besides, you and you're boyfriend must be doing what Lisanna and Michael di-!" Before I got any further, Dani put a hand over my mouth and shushed me. After realizing what I almost said, I smacked Dani's hand with my own to make sure I don't speak.

"Huh? What was that?" Lucy asked us. I quietly sighed in relief, knowing that she didn't hear what I almost said. It wasn't my fault Dani had a boyfriend. Still, he's a nice guy, don't know who he is, though. I never actually got to see him. It's either he's too busy or stuck at home or with his friends. I still don't know what he looks like.

"I-it's nothing~" Dani shrugged casually. Before I, or Lucy, could push the topic any further, Dani dragged me all the way to my mom's room, grabbing Erza on the way and locking us inside. Erza and I stumbled a little, her regaining her balance, and me landing on my mom's bed.

"Excuse me," Erza interrupted the tense silence. She was probably pissed off because Dani dragged her away from Jellal. "But what are we doing here?" Silence filled the room once more. I was too awkward to answer, and for the life of me, I don't know why Dani dragged Erza here in the first place. The two of us glanced at each other, and then glanced expectantly at Dani. She had her head lowered and her back against the door, all drama-y and what not. Then, from out of nowhere, she glomped Erza and started to cry animatedly. She wasn't crying, really, just an act.

"Erza~" she whined silently. "We need your help!"

"I...still don't get it." I muttered as Erza pushes Dani away for a moment, sitting down next to me and looking at Dani once more.

"Yes, I don't either." Erza said. "What is it you need help with? Is someone after you?" Erza quickly readied her hand to summon a sword if necessary, her body immediately getting tense. But I gently laid a hand on her armor and lowered it with a smile.

"I think if we're being attacked, everyone would've known about it..." I chuckled a little when Erza showed a visible sign of relief when her body relaxed.

"It's less than a problem," Dani said. "But we really need expert advice on this." Dani started telling Erza our experience about finding Michael and Lisanna downstairs and their, well, current situation. Erza was surprised at first, but kept an attentive look on her face as Dani relayed the problem.

"You see," Dani stated. "If Michael fell in love with Lisanna, that would mean he wouldn't want her to leave."

"So you dragged Erza here to ask her opinion about the situation." At least I finally got it.

"Yeah," Dani muttered with a nod. We both focused on Erza as she tried to think of an opinion in the matter. It didn't take her long to answer, as expected.

"We knew this was coming..." Erza said. "Mira and I already had our own speculations about the matter. We both already guessed that Michael has his eye out for Lisanna, but we didn't think of the consequences if their relationship ever came to fruition." We sat there for a few seconds, really already getting frustrated and stressed out over the gravity of the situation. Then, Erza suddenly stood up and went for the door, making Dani step sideways to grant her access. She opened it, intensifying the growing noise Natsu and Gray were making, followed by Lector's cheers and Frosch's agreements. Before she walked out, she gave us both a warm smile and said, "I'm sure everything will be fine. You don't have to worry about things right now."

"A-alright..." The two of us nodded, and the redhead left my mom's room, leaving the door open. Silence fell upon us once again, and before any of us could speak up, my phone, that was left on my mom's drawer last night, rang. I stood up and grabbed my phone, seeing that my mom left me a text message.

"Get everyone outside. Love 'ya- Mom." I muttered aloud.

"Wonder what your mom wants..." Dani said as she walked out the door, me following suite. It had to be something important or else she wouldn't have sent me that text. But, considering that it's my mom, maybe it's something wacky.

"Hey guys," I called out, immediately getting the attention of all the members present. "My mom is asking us to go outside. Is that okay with you?" They all stopped what they're doing and just nodded at me.

"Sure," Gray shrugged. "But did she tell you why she wanted us outside?"

"Nope." I shook my head. "I don't know. But maybe we'll be going to the mall now."

"Mall?!" Lucy suddenly exclaimed. "Come on Levy-chan, Meredy-chan, let's go!" She grabbed both girls and started to drag them down the stairs. But just in time, Lisanna and Michael were walking up the stairs, locked into fairly light conversation.

"What's the rush, Lucy-chan?" Lisanna asked, sensing the excitement in her eyes.

"Oh, Lisanna!" Lucy exclaimed. "Don't you know? Pen-san's mom is going to take us shopping!" The blonde gave a squeal before charging downstairs again, Michael and Lisanna moving to the side and waving to the two girls Lucy was dragging. Erza, Dani, Jellal and I were also heading down the stairs. I made sudden eye-contact with Michael, and he smiled back at me. I was about to smile back, but the image of him and Lisanna kissing flashed in the back of my mind, and my face heated up in pure embarrassment and fear that he was going to or already know that we knew.

"I-I forgot something, wait here!" I stuttered hopelessly and ran back to my room before anyone got to answer. Everyone was already heading downstairs anyway, so I was the only one going to be stuck up here. I reached my room and quickly went for my cabinet. There were two small drawers under the original cabinet, and a large one under those two. I opened the small drawer on the right, piled with useless wires and gadgets collected over the years. There was one thing that I was really after, a small, blue bag that had a number sixteen on it.

"Ah, there you are..." I whispered with a small smile on my face. It was my dog hat again, the Siberian Husky one. Though I don't remember leaving it back here, I was glad I had it again. It sorta boosts my confidence, and I always need to wear it whenever we go on outings because I'm socially awkward without confidence and self-esteem. My dog hat helps me with that. Wearing it, it makes me, me. It became a part of me that I never want to grow out of.

Rummaging through the bag once more, I found a small leather case. I opened it and found my glasses that I never seem to wear. Again, I only wear them during outings, and it adds to my confidence. I look like a total dork without my dog hat, and I look like a total idiot without my glasses on. Without both of them, I feel normal. I feel like I'm part of the crowd. I don't want to be normal, because being normal is too mainstream. I want to be who I want to be, and I don't really care if people accepted me for who I am. At least I'm not a fake like most people are nowadays.

"Pen-san!" I heard Happy call from downstairs. "Hurry up up there!" My thoughts derailed and I blinked a few times.

"C-coming!" I exclaimed, putting my glasses and dog hat on. Then I rushed down the stairs, halfway I could already hear some of them going out because of the clanking gate. When I got down, more than half had already gone out.

"That's a weird-looking hat." Sting remarked as I came into view. He was with Rogue, Lector, Natsu, and Erza. Ultear was being dragged by Meredy and Jellal to go outside. Lucy, Mira and her siblings, Dani, Michael, Wendy and the other exceeds along with Gajeel and Levy were already outside. Gray was in the bathroom, Juvia standing in the corner waiting for her turn.

"None of your business." I rolled my eyes at him when he chuckled.

"I meant it in a good way," he said and raised his hands to emphasize his pacified comment. I raised an eyebrow at the strange action, but smiled nonetheless.

"Well... thanks." I said. I walked over to their group and asked, "Why haven't you gone outside yet?"

"We were waiting for you," Rogue answered. "It'd be rude to leave before the host."

"Ah, I see..." I said. "Well, let's go then." Everyone nodded and we started to head outside.

"What a cute hat," Erza said. "I think I'll want to have one of those as well."

"Thanks," I answered. "Sure, we can buy one in the mall later. There's even a hat that looks like Happy, if you like that."

"There is!?" Natsu exclaimed. I nodded a little, and his eyes widened. "No way! I don't believe it!"

"Didn't I mention you were famous here?" I asked. Immediately his defying attitude washed down and he slumped a little.

"Oh yeah..." he muttered. "I guess I forgot."

"It's because you're an idiot." Gray said from behind. We all stopped and turned to see him and Juvia heading towards us. "Sorry for the wait, guys."

"What was that, Popsicle Stand?!" Natsu fumed. But before he could even get a response, Erza blew the air out of him by punching him in the stomach. He was knocked out instantly, so I had to keep him up by pulling his arm up and slinging it around me, which was really hard considering he's heavier than me.

"It's no problem," Erza said to Gray as if she hadn't knocked someone unconscious earlier. I sweat dropped at such a cold turn of her attitude, but shrugged just the same. That's Erza for you, I'm sure Happy would say.

"Is he heavy?" Rogue asked me. He was the only one who saw me carrying Natsu as the others went along. I nodded a little as I walked, nearly lost my balance, and chuckled a bit.

"Y-yeah," I said. "I don't know how Erza manages to keep him like this..."

"Neither do I," the raven-haired Dragon Slayer said. "I'll help you, then." He grabbed Natsu's other arm and we started to walk faster, eventually catching up to the group.

"Thanks, Rogue." I smiled up to him. He just smiled back and nodded. We opened the gate and went outside, and for a brief moment, everything was silent, until we heard the girlish screams of Lucy, Levy, Lisanna and Meredy. I didn't know what they were screaming about, but when I saw it from a distance, I almost dropped Natsu. I immediately ran, apologizing to Rogue when he got the full weight of the knocked out Slayer, and made my way to the crowd of Fairy Tail members.

.~ … ~.

They were crowding over a large red bus, driven by none other than my mom, much to my surprise. She was just waving at everyone, yelling to get in. Lucy was the very first to enter, probably excited to go to the mall. Dani and the others soon followed, and I was still staring at the large transportation device with an open mouth.

"Close your mouth honey," Mom said. "You'll catch flies!" I shut my jaw tight and walked over to the door, still a curious look on my face.

"How the heck did you get a bus?!" I outraged.

"Oh, this?" she asked. "Well, I know a guy, who knows a guy, who dated this girl, who knows this guy, that knows this place owned by a guy he knows, who knows a janitor, who knows a painter, who knows this student, whose father owns a bus company. So I called in a favor and test-drove this new release model for them." I just stood there for a few seconds with an unreadable expression before sighing.

"You and your 'connections'..." I muttered, entering the vehicle again when Rogue was behind me. "Oh, before I forget, mom," I glanced over to her.

"Yes?" she asked.

"Some of my friends have motion-sickness," I said. "Do you still have medicine that prevents that?"

"Oh, yes." She answered. She rummaged through her purse, and pulled out a small rectangular case containing little orange pills. "Give these to your friends so they won't have to sit through the entire trip holding on to their lunches."

"Sure," I said. "Thanks, mom." She nodded and I proceeded to put a mental head count on everyone on board. Natsu was with Erza, lying on her lap as he willed his stomach not to throw his food back up. Gajeel was being soothed by Levy as he sat by the window seat in the same row as Erza's. Jellal didn't mind being stuck with Dani, because they were already locked in conversation the next row. Next to them were Rogue, Frosch, Wendy and Charles. The two seemed to be enjoying each other's company as well, Rogue making little Wendy giggle at something I cannot hear. On the next row, Michael and Lisanna sat, talking to each other again, but this time a little more seriously than before. I can feel the tension between them. At least Lisanna's siblings didn't notice, or pretended not to. Ultear and Meredy were at the back, conversing on how many clothes and what style they want to buy. I can hear them from where I'm standing. Gray and Juvia were at the other side, Juvia snuggling close to her Gray-sama as the man slept half-naked. The other Exceed grouped themselves in the other row, so at the very back of the bus were Sting and Lucy. Lucy's face seemed scrunched up and annoyed, even though she was talking with a slightly immobile Sting.

As I wonder what they were talking about, the bust began to move.

"Everyone, put your seat belts on!" My mom called out. Everyone did so, except for the other Dragon Slayers who were still motion sick. Sensing the need, I started to hand out each the medicine, giving some to Rogue and Wendy just in case. Erza forced Natsu's mouth open, as usual, and he drank the medicine with little resistance. Just a little gagging. Gajeel couldn't take feeling like he was going to explode every time the bus were to come across a bump, so he gladly took the pill. Michael was also feeling a little sick, so I gave him some medicine, too. And when I got to the last row, I sat down next to them, since it was the last row and was just a conjoined long couch-thing.

"Here," I said, giving Lucy the medicine. "Give this to Sting so he'll feel better later." Lucy nodded and did so, Sting opening his mouth for Lucy to just drop the medicine in it. Since my job was done, we just all sat back until the medicine's effect started to show.

.~ … ~.

It only took fifteen minutes, but I was already regretting giving them the medicine. Natsu suddenly got up and boasted that he just conquered his motion-sickness, pointing at Gajeel that he was weak for not doing it. Gajeel did the same, saying that he was weaker, and they started a foul-mouthed war. Minutes later, Gray woke up to the noise and threw a couple of snowballs in their faces. This aggravated the two stooges even more, and they started to use their magic. And if that wasn't enough, Erza had to be the one to stop them! And with swords, of all things! She almost broke a window if not for Rogue's quick reflexes. He caught a sword just before it hit the glass.

Meanwhile, as they have their fun, the three of us look like corpses, utterly speechless at the commotion they'd cause. Sting was the one who broke our trance by asking me a question.

"Aren't you supposed to read us a fiction about me and Lucy-san?" The blonde asked me. I jolted back a little for being reminded of that, but nonetheless shook my head.

"I'm sorry," I said. "I didn't bring the laptop with me, and I was a little excited that I forgot about it." I gave a sheepish smile that intensified my trying-to-look-cute-to-get-off-the-hook face. Sting seemed to have bought it and sighed, but the tone and stress of disappointment laid heavily on my shoulder. I can't help but wonder if Sting was excited to hear a story about him and Lucy or not.

"Fine," he muttered. "Don't worry about it. I have a story, too." At that, my ears twitched with interest, and my eyebrows raised a little.

"You?" I asked curiously. "What story would that be?"

"Just shut up and listen." He said to me. I grumbled at being ignored like that, but I was still curious about his story, so I let him continue. Lucy was just listening in on our conversation, so she knew what we were talking about.

"Anytime, Sting." Lucy said, yawning a little.

"Just give me a minute..." Sting muttered, closing his eyes and seemingly deepening his breathing. One, big exhale later, he reopened them and I think he was ready.

.~ … ~.

"The Prince's Love" ( Me: Prince? Sting: Just shut up.)

Once there was a prince that ruled over gold. Everything he and his kingdom owned was made of gold. Even their hair was golden in color. Houses, streets, cobblestone roads, brick walls, paint. All were made of gold. The kingdom the prince ruled was amazingly beautiful, every morning as the sun rises, it's rays reflect on the gold and they make the kingdom shine like an Earthly Star.

One day, the prince decided to take a stroll down to his garden. As expected, everything was made and colored gold, even the leaves and flowers. The flowers were a gentler, more paler color of yellow, but the prince did not mind. He appreciated everything his kingdom had to offer. Then, out in the clearing near one of the fountains that spouted golden water, sat a maiden with beautiful blond hair, and the prince was immediately smitten by her.

He had to have her, the prince thought to himself. And since he was the prince, no one would ever deny him. He confidently walked up to the maiden, his golden cape brimming as it swayed in the early morning winds. The woman looked up to him, her brown eyes shining with a smile on her face. His own blue orbs lit up at the sight, and he gained more confidence at that.

"My dear maiden," The prince said, his elegance never leaving him. "Would you mind accompanying me at the castle for a feast tonight?"

"Feast, sire?" She asked. "My, whatever is the occasion?" The prince smirked up a little at the question and gently took the hand of the maiden. He pulled it up near to his lips, and placed a gentle kiss on it.

"Because I have found someone who can share my kingdom with me." The prince smiled warmly and set her hand down. "Will you accept me as your lover, my dear?" Hopeful, blue eyes peered at the princess-to-be, expecting the obvious answer.

"I'm sorry," The maiden muttered. Those two words alone made his heart sank and despair set in his eyes. However, the smile on the maiden made it somewhat easier to hear the news.

"I cannot accept your offer, your Highness." She stood up from the fountain, her layered dress spreading out, and she gave a curt bow to the prince. "For you see, I am engaged."

"Engaged?" The prince repeated. The maiden nodded, showing him her hand. There was a ring on her ring finger made of silver with the prettiest pink-colored gemstone attached to it. His despair quickly turned to jealousy when he spotted that ring.

"To whom are you engaged?" The prince asked again.

"I am the bride of a loyal knight, your Highness." She spoke again, pride dripping in her voice. "Although, a Knight from a neighboring kingdom. His hair is a strange color of pink... But it only adds to his charm. We fell in love the instant we met, and in a few weeks time, he proposed to me."

The prince listened intently on her words. She was going to marry a knight? A lowly bodyguard for someone such as him? He was far more capable in protecting her than a peasant! But still, he had a sinister idea developing in his head. Desire and envy began to cloud his judgment, and in almost an instant, he had taken the maiden's hand once more, but this time, with more force, causing the maiden to wince in pain.

"Y-your Highness!" The maiden gasped. "What on earth are you doing?!"

"I will not let you be wed to some peasant from another kingdom..." The prince muttered darkly. "You will be married to me, and only me."

"M-my prince, I-"

"Yes, I am your prince." He interrupted her. "And you are my princess. I promise to love and protect you from everything you fear. I'll be far more successful in doing that than some random knight with obscurely weird hair."

"But your Highness, I..." The maiden of blonde didn't even have time to complete her sentence when she saw the prince's guards inside the castle grounds.

"My prince," one of the guards said. "What brings this maiden here?"

"She is my guest." He said. "Escort her to a room next to mine, and under all circumstances, do NOT let her out of that room." The prince leaned near the maiden's ear and whispered, "You will not leave this castle until you fall in love with me, is that clear?"

Before the princess could react, the guards had already taken her and were dragging her away from the prince. The maiden cried silent tears, and each drop tore a piece of the prince's heart. But in ordre for her to love him, he has to do this. He had to be hated first before she fell in love with him. Such a sad fate for a man who falls in love too fast, too soon...

. The End .

.~ … ~.

MY P.O.V.

Lucy and I listened with jaws dropped at what we just heard was presumably Sting's own creation. Sting had just finished telling us his story, and it seemed to hit a little too close to home, well for the two of them at least. The prince is him, Lucy's the maiden, and Natsu's the knight. I get that. But what's with the locking the maiden away until she falls in love with the prince?

"Uh... Sting?" I gulped a little when he looked at me, his eyes saying that he'll kill me but his mood saying to go ahead and ask. "I-is that story...uh..."

"About me and Lucy?" He cut me off. "You doofus, you said to tell a story about me and Lucy, so I did since you didn't." I was about to retort about the maiden thing when the bus came to a halt.

"Alright, kids~" My mom called through the mic system. "We're here!" At that, everyone shouted in glee and went running out. Everyone must've been waiting for this. Granted, I was a little excited, too. More new cool gadgets. Lucy and I were actually about to step out of our seats when Sting blocked Lucy suddenly.

"Huh?" Lucy asked a bit dumfounded. "What's wrong, Sting?" Sting said nothing, but smiled at both of us.

"This is were the story continues..." He said. While he left me to figure that out, he punched a hole on the roof of the bus and grabbed Lucy. The last thing I heard from Lucy was a loud yelp before Sting jumped out of the roof and suddenly began to jump from roof to roof.

"S-Sting!?" I exclaimed in utter shock. "Sting...!" I followed everyone outside, and right after I stepped out of the bus, an arm wrapped around my waist and I was catapulted about thirty feet off the ground. I practically screamed like a girl, which was very awkward. When I looked up at the person holding me, that fiery expression couldn't even begin to comprehend the nerves that were getting to me.

"Natsu...?" I asked.

"Where's Sting...?" He asked me back. That look on his face. He always had it whenever he was going to save Lucy.

"So you're finally giving up the stubborn act?" I asked, but I winced in pain when he squeezed my side. "Okay, okay... Whatever."

"Hello, Pen-san~" I heard another voice from the other side. Looking past Natsu, I saw Wendy smiling at me.

"Oh, hello Wendy!" I waved a little. Natsu's anger seems to be getting to a whole new level, because he's body's starting to burn my face, literally.

"As for your question, Natsu..." I said quickly. "I don't know where they're going. Sting just took off with her in hand." I expected his features, which wasn't changing, and notice that we were still in the air. At least his anger subsided a little.

"Happy," I heard Natsu call. "Tell the others to split up and search for Lucy and Sting."

"Aye!" Happy exclaimed. I can't see him, but he's there. Suddenly, we were thrown ways away from where we were. "Good luck, you guys!" I heard Happy exclaim again.

"Happy, you dimwit!" I shouted as we fell to our doom. Or at least, I thought was our doom. On second thought, we landed safely on a street that we haven't explored yet. Natsu immediately set us down, but their top priority is finding Lucy. The moment they touched the ground, Natsu and Wendy started to run. I stumbled to follow behind them, and it's a good thing I was behind them, too.

.~ … ~.

As I followed Natsu and Wendy through the streets, I wondered briefly, what the hell was Sting thinking?!

He couldn't just keep his word and NOT fall in love with Lucy, did he?! He had to make up some story about their struggles, well mostly his, and then kidnap her. Bravo, Sting. Bravo. The next time I see you, I will kick you in the face.

Now we're chasing him in some town that I don't even recognize anymore. Seriously, where is this?

"I can smell him..." Natsu growled out. "He's gonna get it when I find him!"

"Feeling jealous, Natsu...?" I teased. I just couldn't help it, it was a vulnerable moment, but I had to. I'm cruel, I think.

"Shut up, we need to get Lucy back!" the Dragon Slayer glared at me and I just rolled my eyes. A minute of his glaring made me sigh in irritation and just nodded my head.

"Fine, fine..." I said. "Just be sure we're fast enough. If rumors about Sting being... aggressive in a relationship is true, then I have no idea what will happen if we get there too late." Just before I catch my breath, I was screaming as Natsu grabbed me and Wendy and jumped up to a roof.

"N-Natsu!" I yelled. 'What the hell are you doing!?" It was just a rumor, and it was baseless, too. No one ever confirmed that, but I guess it counts if he falls in love too fast.

"We need to get to Lucy!" he said. "Fine! I'll accept your stupid teasing! Let's just keep moving!"

"Very well then..." I smiled and let him continue carrying the two of us. Wendy's eyes suddenly narrowed as we passed by an alley. I had a feeling that she spotted something or smelled something out of the ordinary.

"What is it, Wendy?" I asked. She looked at me for a moment before looking down on the alley again.

"I smell Lucy-san down there..." Wendy pointed, causing Natsu and I to look down as well. Acting quickly, Natsu had set us down and we were standing in the gross, sewer-smelling alley.

"Eww..." I said in disgust as I covered my nose. "Are you sure Lucy's here?" I asked Wendy and Natsu, who were looking around and virtually ignoring me as they got caught up in searching. Not long afterward, Wendy found a pink ribbon. The same ribbon that Lucy was wearing when we went to the mall.

"So this is what I smelled..." Wendy said, obvious disappointment lacing her voice. "I'm sorry, Natsu-san... I thought-"

"It's okay..." Natsu quickly said, cutting her off. "It's not your fault. You were trying to help." When that didn't work to cheer her up, Natsu made a big, goofy-looking grin that made me and Wendy smile.

"Don't be so sad!" he exclaimed. "We're going to find Lucy, no matter what!"

"That's right," I continued, walking towards them and patting Wendy's head. "And then we'll give that Sting the beating he deserves, okay?"

"O-okay..." Wendy said and nodded. I smiled at her before landing my eyes at the end of the alleyway, my eyes widening when I saw someone watching us. Natsu followed my look and his eyes narrowed. The figure moved into what seemed like shock before it rushed to hide behind the wall.

We decided to follow since we have no idea what the person would do. Whether be it telling us to the authorities or imagine some kind of kidnapping scene, I'll never know.

When we got there, we saw a girl with small-framed glasses blushing and hiding behind the wall. She had curly, and I mean CURLY, brown hair and green eyes. The moment she looked at us, her eyes widened and she looked around again, possibly looking for a way out, before she sighed and nervously looked at us.

"H-hello," she muttered, still acting shy.

"Hey there!" I said, stepping closer. "Were you watching us back there?"

"A-ah! I'm so sorry about that!" she exclaimed, shocking all three of us when she broke down and started to cry. I got startled and rubbed my head.

"P-please don't cry," I said, feeling nervous and thinking what I did to make her cry. "W-we're not going to hurt you, if that's what you're thinking..."

"S-sorry..." she said again as she tried to calm down. "I-it's just, I tend to get emotional at times..."

'Over what?!' I thought. There wasn't even anything to get emotional about.

"I-It's okay..." I chuckled. "Anyway, care to tell us why you were peeking?"

"And who are you exactly?" Natsu asked from behind, receiving a glare from me as he shrugged.

"Oh right..." the girl said. "My name is June."

"Nice to meet you, June," I said smiling. "My name is Pen."

"Pen?" she asked, and I nodded my head. "That's a weird name..."

"It ought to be," I joked. "I have an image to keep!" She laughed at that, causing me to smile, too.

"Well, as for my spying. I was just impressed about their costumes," she pointed to Natsu and Wendy, who raised their brows in slight confusion.

"But these aren't-" Natsu was about to say something obviously naive when my hand reached and stuffed his mouth so he couldn't talk.

"R-right!" I exclaimed, trying to sound casual. "They really are amazing costumes, aren't they?"

"Yes," June replied. "I was just wondering if you guys are looking for someone." At this, my eyes narrowed a millimeter of a second before returning to normal again.

"Really...?" I asked. "Have you seen anyone looking like them?"

"Oh yes," She said. "I saw a Lucy and Sting cosplay not too long ago. Then I saw an Erza cosplay following them. I just thought that since you all seem to have the same amazing outfits, you would be looking for them..."

"Exactly!" I said. "Where are they now? Do you know where they're going?" This girl's proving more useful than I thought. She'd seen Erza following Sting and Lucy, which means it wouldn't be long before she's safe and sound.

That is, if we can find them in this huge town.

"Huh?" she asked suddenly. "Aren't you guys going to the cosplay convention at the mall today?"

"C-cosplay convention...?" I repeated. "R-right! I must've forgotten... C-can you tell me how to get there from here?"

"Just head down this street and turn left. Then turn right and head straight back to the mall." she said.

"You got that, Natsu...?" I whispered, and when I felt him nodding, due to the fact I haven't removed my hand from his mouth, I removed my hand from his mouth and wiped his spit with his shirt.

"Thanks, June-san." I said, rubbing the last of Natsu's spit on his vest. "Well, we better get going now. Our friends might be waiting for us."

"Oh, before you go," June said, getting something from her pocket. She pulled out a purple card and gave it to me. The writing said, 'Delph's Library'.

"What's this?" I asked, putting the card in pocket.

"It's the address to our library," June said. "If you'd like, you could meet me there later. I want to know more about their costumes and who made them. That is, if it's okay with you."

"Of course," I said. "We'll just walk here and there inside the convention a little while, then we'll go afterward, okay?"

"Sure," she replied. "You know," she added. "I'm usually shy around new people... But with you guys, I'm not... I wonder why..."

"Well," I hummed. "Maybe we're long lost twins!?"

"No, that's not it," she giggled. "Anyway, I should be heading back. I'll be seeing you all later, right?"

"You can count on it!" I exclaimed, raising a thumb. "It's nice to meet new friends!"

"Yes it is," she said. "Well, I'm off. See you later, everyone!" She started to walk to the opposite side of the street, and when she was completely out of hearing range, I turned serious.

"This is bad..." I said.

"Huh?" Natsu asked. "What is it? Why is it bad...?"

"If Sting is taking Lucy to a convention..." I stated. "It might be a little tedious to track them by sight alone."

"Why?" Wendy asked.

"I'll explain on the way," I said, starting to jog from my spot. "Let's just hurry now!"

A/N:

Weeeeeeeeeeehhh~! XD I finally updated! One week from the author's note, just like I promised~ :3 Sorry for the really, really long wait, you guys! Anyway, here's a chapter where NaLu gets a development! XD We're finally getting close to the end of NaLu~ XD or StiLu... X)

Anyway, someone asked me the name of my manga. Well, my manga is called, "The Millennium Earl". It's still not out in any site since I don't know how to draw... :/ But I've already written the story out and I'll be posting that on my wattpad if I ever get a chance. XD

On another side note, I'm thinking of pairing Pen-san up with an FT character. Anyone would do, except, you know, couples already taken. Any gender, too. I don't really care~ :D Oh, and for the link of my fb page? Just look for it in my profile~ :3

Tell me what you think of this chapter, okay? Okay, see you guys later~!

Ja Ne~