First of all, I need to apologize to all of you reading this now. I could have had this up sooner, and I know it. I did have barriers, yes, and I did have lots of things to do, but I could have done it. To tell you the truth, I didn't even start writing anything until two weeks after I posted that note.
I had been so depressed, so ashamed, that I had actually gotten all my work deleted, and that you guys, who had been waiting forever, had to wait even longer, and it was my fault because I didn't try hard enough. Especially because I'd been so proud of them, the new chapters absolutely perfect.The worst part? I could not remember any of it.
I am the type of writer who once writes something, forgets almost entirely what it was unless she sees it constantly. I was practically killing myself at how stupid I was, saying that I should have like, memorized them all or something. Anything to have them there, in front of me so that I could put it up.
I locked myself in my room a lot, only replying to my friends so they wouldn't worry I'd been run over or something, and because they cheered me up. I didn't even read anything or draw or even check my e-mail. I wish I had. You should have seen my face in that one moment. I had finally gone on, looking for an attachment I had on one of them and to my utmost surprise, I had over 270 alerts in my inbox, all from you guys. Your reviews, your favorites, your follows, everything. And I will tell you right now what I did when I saw them. I cried. I honest-to-god cried my thirteen year old ass off after two weeks of doing exactly that.
I let everything out, dried my face, scrolled down, and clicked on the first review I'd gotten. Slowly, I read all of them, crying silently and not even caring at that point anymore because I'm such a fricking sap and you guys are just so awesome that I don't deserve you .You told me that I was actually worth the wait and tried to help me get them back, and told me to keep going. I even got PMs at some point, telling me that they'd always be here if I needed them.
So, right here and now, I am going to name every single person who had favorited, or followed, or PMed, or reviewed, and goddamn being shy, your name will be up here regardless.
To: epicfaillover, QueenofTheShadows297, rockstar55555, Lulu Lollipop, fallendestinyxx, lizzy121314, Bluewater7, ultimatemeister123, Spirit kagome, xchrispx510, PrincessoftheDemons, 4EverETRNL, KodaiKatana, animelover44163, alostt5, lolz55, xMagicMayhem, Kit180, Guests, Ladybug123456, tybat, Emerralld, kochida, mazboberina, Thehellhound, OreoCookie690, AnimeFreak246, Yarrowvixen, blackrose13666, Cherryblossm2, sadieanubis, wickedgirl987, Leonidas701, PhantomSnow100, Kawaii Mea-chan, UnderminetheAuthority, violetvolpe, ScarletAvatre, Usagi-chan123, Chubster9021, YamiHinata, Mansu2013, Clarity in Scarlet, kaylaanime1492901, Kaileychicago, izzywalz1999, The Beast of Fanfiction, Vongolafan16, Ditzy-Dreamer, peachiichu, xXxAuthorSunflowerGirl011xXx, silkbrit, ork123, Deborahpflover, kyle345, KayleeRay, BoredAsYou, The occupied puppet, Mage of Hope, IxiaLiliana, Queen of heart, Wintergrape, benpak97, NinaSkylove, NIGHTANGEL21, The Lady from the Myth, BBQatMidnight, xXJuuLXx, callmek1ng, Queen50, Lulupop XD, royalrosie2000, Ocean of the Moon, FairyDragon159, Ejammer, lilacwolf20, InfamousX07, Ryuuohjin and one of the most important people to ever exist in my life, Maya, I give my UTMOST GRATITUDE AND THANKS.
And now that I've gotten that off my chest I think it's time for you guys to read your story.
Wendy smiled as she noticed the frantic fumbling behind them, giggling as Romeo snickered, the two bursting out into laughter as they heard a dismayed shout, "We lost them!"
The two tried to silence each other's laughter, only laughing even more at their failed attempts of control when they heard the sound of what seemed like a stampede coming as the girls tried to find them. Romeo grinned at Wendy and pulled her behind a accessory stand, the two watching as the frantic girls tried to find them and getting strange looks from the people in the stand.
Romeo laughed, straightening up as the stand owner peered at them warily, seemingly interested in the various necklaces in front of him. Wendy tried very hard to hold in her laughter so that they wouldn't get into trouble, resulting in a comical sight for Romeo as she stood with her cheeks flushed and puffed up, lips pursed and brows furrowed as she tried to hold it all in.
He grinned and she almost let go of it all when something caught her eye, glinting in the bright sunlight. She let go of the breath she'd been holding in and walked over to it, blue eyes curious as she picked it up. It was a ring, very intricate and beautiful, a bright blue jewel in the middle. She stared at it, eyes boring into the small azure stone.
Inside the ring was an engraving, careful and precise, the words in another language. She tried to read it but it was so unlike anything she'd ever seen. And even though she was absolutely sure she'd never come here before she felt like she knew this ring from somewhere. The question was, where? Romeo walked over to her. "Wendy? What is it?"
She looked up at him, cobalt eyes confused as she lifted the ring.
"I know I've seen this somewhere, but I just can't figure it out. It just seems so familiar, like I should remember it, but it was long forgotten. A distant memory that I can't quite seem to find."
Romeo studied the ring carefully, looking for any sort of emblem or insignia that would make it stand out from others, but nothing seemed off about it In fact, it was like every other ring there, simply had more finesse and beauty, but he knew what Wendy was talking about. The ring gave him a feeling he couldn't quite explain, an underlying sense of something familiar….
"That's it," he shouted suddenly, fist landing on his flat palm as he looked at her. "It's magic! The ring has magic! That's why it feels so familiar."
Wendy shook her head, causing her hair to swish around her as she did so. "It's not just that. It does answer a few questions, but there's something else. I've seen this before, I just can't remember where."
Suddenly, a young woman appeared before them, startling them as she exclaimed, "Aerith!"
Wendy looked at her, confused. "Um, my name is Wendy."
The lady laughed softly, blue hair swishing around her face as her kind aqua eyes sparkled with mirth. "No, no, the ring's name is Aerith."
"Oh," she said as her face flushed in embarrassment. Figuring that this woman knew about the ring, she realized she might be able to find out what made it seem so familiar. "Um, Miss?"
She laughed, waving her hands in front of her face. "No need to call me miss, Aira will do just fine."
Wendy nodded, smiling. "Could you tell me what you know about this ring?"
Lyla looked at her strangely before nodding to herself, eyes filled with an emotion she couldn't quite place as she smiled. "I see… This ring was made thousands of years ago, in a time when magic was everything and dragons roamed the lands."
The two froze at this, sharing a look. Dragons? They listened carefully as she continued, her voice changing as she spoke, an almost nostalgic tone to her voice.
"The princess of a foreign land had been traveling with an escort of guards through the mountain pass when a giant roar was heard, the roar of a dragon. Her guards were brave and told her to run to safety while they distracted the dragon, their love and devotion to the princess strong. She ignored their words, refusing to leave her men to fight the dragon so she could get away. "
At this point Romeo had pulled up chairs for them as they sat down and listened to her speak, Wendy fingering the ring and rubbing her fingers over it.
"When the dragon appeared, for indeed it was a dragon, it gave a great bellow, clawing at the guards and blowing gales of blue wind. The princess stood strong and walked forward through the gales, asking the dragon what its purpose was. It continued to claw at roar, her words unheard. She struggled even farther into its reach, arms raised in front of her face to protect her from the great flapping of its wings as wind gushed around her."
"She came closer and closer until she was right in front of it, hair flapping about and clothes torn as the forest around her flew apart, trees in the air and ground breaking. When she could see it clearly, she noticed something off about the dragon. It was roaring and thundering, but there was something about the way it screeched that made her stop. It sounded like it was….in pain. Looking for the source of the dragon's anguish, she found a large gash in its side, blood dripping out and a purple liquid coating the wound."
They leaned forward in their seats, eyes wide as they she grew excited, practically leaning on the edge. Wendy had at some point managed to lace her fingers through Romeo's, the action unnoticed by either of the two as they held their breath.
"It was dragonsbane. Now," she said, admonishing them as they looked at each other, confused. "Don't tell me you don't know what dragonsbane is!"
The two shook their head in unison, Aira sighing as she muttered something about foolish people forgetting things. "Dragonsbane," she explained, "is a plant poisonous only to dragons, and very very rare. Now you see, back then, Dragon Slaying had not been a magic, nor was it actually known to exist. A way to slay dragons, that is. However," she said, "there was a way to cripple them beyond belief."
"Dragonsbane is found only in the rarest of places, generally areas magic thrives in. Because they grow in these places, the magic becomes part of the plant and gives it special abilities. Since there are different types of magic, there are also different types of dragonsbane. To be honest, it isn't truly called dragonsbane, it's just the one. The actual herb is called a firae, and the one that is deadly to dragons called dragonsbane.
"There are many others that go by different names, but that's not the point here. The magic surrounding the firae eventually merged with it and changing it's makeup, somehow making it the deadliest weapon in the world against dragons. It gave the firae the ability to destroy a dragon's magic. And that is why it's called dragonsbane. To strip a dragon if it's magic is like cutting off a limb or rupturing an organ meant for survival. "
"And so the princess, who had been a master at the medical and healing arts, knew what it was and how fatal it was to dragons, one of the mages of her kingdom. She pulled out a flask of water and poured it over the wound, washing off the purple poison and cleaning the wound. Almost immediately the dragon stopped, slumping on the ground with a giant heave as she used her magic to try and close the wound. When it was finally done she stepped back and was surprised to see the eye of the dragon watching her."
"She was unafraid but still wary for it was a dragon, and not all of them were to be trusted. She bowed to the dragon, hair falling around her face as it acknowledged her presence. Her mouth opened as if to speak when she heard a voice in her mind speak to her."
"Thank you, young one."
She started, turquoise eyes widening and looking up towards the dragon as it spoke to her through it's magic.
"A hunter had given me that wound as I watched over the mountain. The people down below had asked him to kill me, thinking it unsafe for me to live. I was unaware of the poison on his sword, but I was able to defeat him for only a dragon can defeat a dragon. For your kindness, I give you this."
Suddenly her family heirloom, an engraved ring of silver with an azure gem in the middle that sat on a chain around her neck began to glow a bright blue. She lifted it and stared at it in wonder as the gem's glow spread and the entire ring seemed to levitate above her fingers.
"This ring is now enchanted by my own magic. You can now heal others to a greater extent than before, and it shall protect you in times of danger, bringing you comfort in times of hardship, and help to guide your way through the maze of life. You are bonded to this ring, and this ring to you. I wish you a good life, child, and may you live a happy life."
And the dragon flew off, leaving the princess with her ring and the upturned forest path around her. She managed to reach her destination in the end, and she never forgot the dragon. In fact, when she came to be the ruler of her kingdom, she mandated that no one shall ever harm or try to harm a dragon in her lands. The kingdom grew to be blessed with magic until times grew old and it faded. But even now, the ring exists, waiting for the next owner to arrive, the kind-hearted princess's descendant and true owner of the heirloom. Then, and only then will it make itself known."
She laughed at the expressions of awe on their faces and smiled kindly at them as they stared at the ring in shock, not able to believe that this had been the ring from her tale.
"You know," she said, giggling, "you can take the ring. She likes you, Aerith. Her magic seems to flow quite well with hers."
Wendy looked up as she spluttered against it, thrusting the ring at her.
"N-No-, I could never! Besides, i-its not even mine to take! A-After all, isn't Aerith waiting for her true master?" she said, twiddling her fingers as she peeked at Aira through her bangs.
She shook her head and placed the ring in Wendy's hand, closing her fingers around it. "Take Aerith with you, and make sure to treat her with respect and care. She would just be gathering dust here, and with you she will experience adventures and love and joy, the way she should have. Take it with you, Wendy."
She nodded slowly as opened her fist and stared at the ring in her palm, the blue stone glinting in the sunlight with a dare I say it magical shine. There was that feeling again, the familiar one that just made her feel right, and she couldn't place it but she knew that it made her feel complete in a sense she hadn't known existed.
The two thanked her for the story and stood up, about to walk away when Romeo stopped and turned around with a curious look on his face as he asked Aira a question, brows furrowing.
"During the entire story, you never told us what the princess was called. What was her name?"
Aira smiled with her eyes closed in a serene expression as the wind blew behind her and her blue hair flew in front of her face as she answered, "Aera. Her name was Aera."
He nodded before weaving his fingers with Wendy's as they took off, Aira watching them with the same smile she was known for before the wind blew again and she disappeared, her words carried into the sky.
It was nice to meet you, Wendy. Good luck, and may your love be strong so that one day your descendants wear that same ring around your fingers.
Natsu sniffed the air angrily as he came up with nothing, not even a lingering scent in the air as he searched for Wendy and the stupid bastard brave enough to ask her out. When he got his hands on him…
"Oi, Natsu! You got anything?" came a holler from Gajeel as he came back around the corner, red eyes irate and body tensed.
"Nothing," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew that driving away everyone wasn't good for Wendy, but he just couldn't stand it, not when he knew what most of them were thinking. Nearly all of them just wanted to use her, either a way to get into the guild, to meet people from there, or simply for her body. He clenched his fists at the thought and growled as his irises narrowed and his vision tinted red.
"Calm down dumbass," a voice said, one hand on his shoulder as he exhaled slowly before turning to Laxus. "Nothing's going to happen to her, not on our watch."
He nodded stiffly before slumping against the wall and looking at his hands. "It's just," he began, "we can't always stop them. There has to be someone out there who'll like her for herself, and I feel like we're not helping her find her happiness somehow. And then these assholes show up and I just lose it."
Laxus turned to him, eyes softening as he punched his shoulder. "I know, but we have to protect her. When the time comes and the right person arrives, I'll welcome him gladly. But right now she's our little sister and we have to protect her. I don't want her to get hurt, and neither do you or Gajeel. And besides, she knows we'll protect her. We always have and always will."
He nodded more fiercely this time as his eyes shone with determination as Gajeel laughed. "Of course we will. What kind of dumbass doesn't protect his family?"
The air warmed as they shared grins and punched each other gently, different and yet the same, a family. Suddenly Natsu froze and Gajeel and Laxus turned to him immediately, eyes narrowing and stances offensive as he sniffed the air with a look of concentration.
"What is it?" they asked, own noses sniffing the air. It seemed almost the same to them, but you could never be sure.
His eyes widened as a giant grin spread across his face and his teeth shone, points coming out as he cackled. "Lucy's here."
Erza sighed as her red hair tossed in the wind and she shook her head, the rest of the girls groaning.
"Seriously, how far could they go?" asked Lucy, slumping in her chair as Erza sat down. They'd been looking for Romeo and Wendy for about an hour when they'd realized it would be better if they split up and searched. They agreed to meet at an outdoor café when they were finished, and Erza had been the last to come back.
Suddenly, Lucy stiffened in her chair as a burning heat over came her in her stomach, brown eyes widening as she lightly placed a hand over it.
"Lucy?" Mirajane asked as she lifted her face off the table to look at her. "Are you okay?"
She nodded slowly. "I'm fine. I just have a little stomachache, that's all." Gasping as the heat intensified, she perked up as she realized what it was. A happy grin split across her face and her cheeks reddened as the girls stared at her weirdly and she stood up. What was up with her?
Skipping happily to the street, she sat down on the curb and waited, her actions freaking out the girls.
"What's up with Lucy?" Lisanna asked as they huddled together, blue eyes looking over to the blond worriedly.
"I have no idea," Erza replied, "but it looks like Juvia does."
They all turned to stare at the girl in question who was still seated at the table and was giggling behind her hands as she stared at Lucy, a knowing smile on her face.
"Um, Juvia?" Lisanna asked tentatively, a nervous smile on her face. "Why are you doing that?"
"Doing what?" she asked, head tilted. "What is Juvia doing?"
"You're giggling, and quite strangely I may add," Mirajane pointed out. The bluenette raised an eyebrow at this before answering.
"Is it weird for Juvia to smile? Juvia feels happy, so Juvia is smiling."
"I know that," she began when all of a sudden a scream came from Lucy's direction.
They all turned immediately, prepared to use their magic in case of danger only to gape at the sight before them. Natsu Dragneel, Dragon Slayer and mage of Fairy Tail was twirling Lucy Heartphilia, princess and Key Holder while she laughed and hugged him.
"What the hell," Mira screeched as he set her down and placed his forehead against hers. "Is EVERYONE getting together and not telling me?!"
Erza looked over to Juvia faintly as she giggled again, "Is this what you were talking about? No more competition over Gray because she was already with Natsu?"
Juvia nodded as she pointed to them couple, smiling cheerily. "Yup! Juvia is happy for her friend and now Juvia can have Gray-sama all for herself! Also, Juvia thinks they are very very cute together!"
Mira stomped over to the two, a confused Lisanna following her. "What is the meaning of this?!" she asked, folding her arms together as Lucy blushed and turned towards her.
"Yes, indeed. Would you like to explain this to us as well, Natsu?" came Laxus' voice from behind them.
He laughed nervously, one hand rubbing the back of his head and the other intertwining with Lucy's as he said, "Um, we're together?"
Yay! That was the chapter! Honestly though, you shouldn't complain that it was unfair for me to upload my other update first *cough*Alex*cough* because this one was like a thousand words longer. This is like the longest thing I've ever written, definitely.
Anyways, I hope you all enjoyed the little ring and storytelling bit. I don't think I'm going to have any actual plot concerning that, I just wanted to put it in. I may add stuff to it, but nothing big.
Also, what about you NaLu lovers, huh? Finally got some in there for you! And how did they know where they were anyways? What's up with that? And how come only Juvia knew? That's seriously messed up. You'll find out in the next chapter, and thank you all for being patient with me!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
I love you all
So read and review?
Published 11/24/13
~ForeverBlackSun