Child of Hidden Magic

Series: Fairy Tail, Fairy Tail Future

Type: On-going Fanfiction

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Adventure

Pairings: NaLu, Gruvia, Gajevy, Jerza; Elfever, Miraxus; and their children.

Updates: Weekly; Fridays

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or the characters. Purely fan made. However, their children I created from my own imagination.

Chapter Seventeen

When Lucille opened the doors, the spontaneous and rowdy environment of Fairy Tail greeted her with open arms. She smiled, the atmosphere almost soothing her nerves. She scanned her eyes over the members of Fairy Tail when she suddenly heard an outburst from her fathers voice.

"CAIN!"

Lucille turned to Ray who was surprised as well. He pointed to the middle of the floor and they made there way over, as people seemed to turn and gaze at the commotion. Natsu marched his way over to where Cain stood, his hand gently holding Natalie's. Cain slowly turned around in time to see a fuming Natsu right in front of him. Cain was unfazed and spoke calmly.

"Hello Natsu. What can I do for you?" He asked, still holding Natalie's hand; who's had begun to shake. Cain squeezed her hand. He wasn't afraid of her father. Maybe a little bit, but he mostly respected Natsu, which replaced his fear of him. Natalie glanced at Cain and swallowed her nerves. By this time, Lucille, Ray, Lucy, Lance, Lydia, Gajeel, Levy, Naja, Ultear, Max, Mirajane, Laxus, Jax, Elfman, and Evergreen had gathered around.

Natsu puffed out his chest. "You know exactly why I'm here!" He said as he eyed their joined hands. Oh heck no. He growled as he called out, "ERZA! JELLAL!" Lucy had joined beside her husband and patted his back, in an attempt to calm him a little. There's no way in Earthland she'd be able to stop him.

Erza calmly walked down the stairs to see why she was called, Jellal following her with a curious gaze. When she saw Natsu fuming, she sighed. She turned to Jellal who gave her a small smile and nudged her forward. They walked to Natsu, who stood glaring daggers at her son. Erza became defensive. Why was he mad at Cain? Her perfect son? She was getting a little angry but Jellal put a calm hand on her shoulder.

"Natsu. What's the matter?" Jellal asked calmly.

Natsu turned and his eye twitched. How could Jellal be so calm? They were in a crisis! Albeit, a crisis that was out of their control, but Natsu was not going to just float along with it. Natsu got in front of Jellal and pointed to his son. "Your son is my daughters mate!"

Jellal and Erza exchanged looks of surprise. They had been briefed by Wendy all about the dragon habits and history on them. And seeing as Natalie was also a dragon slayer, of course she'd have a dragon mate. Jellal looked at his son who had a slight blush, but had a calm expression, that gradually turned into a small smile. Natalie looked a tad nervous, but seeing Cain seemed to calm her nerves and she broke out into a smile as well. Jellal just smiled and looked at Erza and Natsu. Erza, being a romantic herself, saw nothing wrong with this situation. She knew that when a dragon slayer found their mate, they were mates for life. And her son was a hopeless romantic as well whom, once he found a woman he found worthy of himself, he'd never leave her for another. Most like Jellal in that way.

Erza smiled. "Well, that's great news! Congratulations Cain, Natalie!" She said grabbing them into a bone crushing hug. They winced in pain but gladly accepted Erza's approval, and hug.

"O-Oi! This isn't the reaction I was hoping for! How can you just accept this?!" Natsu complained. Where they all insane?!

Jellal just patted Natsu's shoulder as he watched his wife gush over the new couple. "What can we do, Natsu? We know about the mate bond, and once they've accepted it, it's pretty much out of our hands. Even you know that." He said as Natsu's shoulders slumped.

"I know, I know! But I expected at least some sort of disapproval from you two! Even a little bit!" Natsu said as he crossed his arms. He noticed everyone was coming up to Cain and Natalie, congratulating them. Lucy and Erza gushing over them, probably planning the wedding at that very moment. Oh Mavis, a wedding?! Natsu shook his head to rid himself of the thought and sighed. "She's one of my little girls Jellal. She's too young.. I wish she could have waited till she was in her twenties at least."

Jellal nodded. "But the good thing is you know the guy she's dating. Doesn't that comfort you some?" He asked, trying to console Natsu.

"Eh, I guess.." Natsu mumbled as he watched Natalie and Cain. Natalie's smile was so bright as she thanked everyone, and holding onto Cain's arm like a life line. She truly looked happy. Gradually, a small smile formed upon his lips. If she was happy, that's all that matters, right? He sighed and nodded. "As long as she's happy, that's all that matters." He voiced his somewhat approval.

Jellal looked at Natsu and smiled. Happy that he approved of his son, at least a little. "Well, guess this makes us father-in-laws." He said as a joke. Technically, it was the truth. Cain and Natalie were now mates, and that meant for life. So now him and Natsu would be related. He didn't mind at all, but of course he knew Natsu wasn't ready yet, so he decided to tease him some. After his "father-in-law comment" he received a gasp and a groan from Natsu. Jellal snickered and continued to talk about the future with Natsu groaning the whole time.

Natalie held Cain's arm and chatted with the girls while Cain chatted with the guys. At some point, Cain put his hand over hers. She jumped but looked at him to see him gazing at her with so much love, she thought he'd burst. She blushed but smiled. Just that look filled her with so much happiness, she felt like she was on cloud nine. Suddenly, Erza grasped her hand and pulled Natalie to her. She gasped.

"Oh Natalie! I'm so happy to welcome you into our family! You've always been one of my favorites. You're strong willed, passionate, always happy, and a lovely young woman. I'm so fortunate to watch you grow into the woman you are." Erza said smiling warmly. Such a motherly smile that brought happy tears to Natalie's eyes. Natalie kept the tears at bay but smiled.

"Thank you so much, Erza. I feel blessed to have such an amazing mate like Cain. I mean, who could ask for better?!" Natalie said as she gazed at Cain talking the others. Then turning to smile at Erza. "And I'm happy to have such a wonderful mother-in-law like you, Erza." She said giving her her signature grin and Erza gave her a look of surprise. But suddenly she grabbed Natalie into a hug and let a couple tears escape.

"Natalie! You have no idea how happy I am to have you say that!" Erza cried. The two held each other and talked a bit. About the future, the past and about how Natalie gradually realized her feelings.

Ray glanced at Lucille, who was talking with Lucy, Lydia, and Evergreen. He furrowed his brow. Cain seemed to notice and asked to have a moment with Ray, since he had been talking with the other guys. Ray hadn't realized that Cain had moved him to speak privately until they were sitting down. "Uh.."

"Tell me what's on your mind. You've been in a daze since all this commotion started. What's up?" Cain asked bluntly.

Ray slightly blushed then sighed. "Alright. So you know about last night, how me and Lucille went into the closet.." Cain only nodded. Ray sighed. "Well she…she kissed me. She initiated it. I was shocked at first but um..well…I-" he was interrupted by Cain.

"Ray. I know you had a crush on Lucille. I've known since before she left. Regardless if you were best friends, I know you wanted more. Even back then." Cain smiled as Ray hung his head into his hands.

Dang. If even Cain knew and Ultear knew, no doubt everyone did! With a sigh, Ray continued. "After she continued to kiss me..I gave in and kissed her back. I mean, how could I not? I had longed for something like that too happen, and since she initiated it, I felt it was alright. So, ahem, after awhile, and after we had begun to hold each other and other stuff.." Cain merely chuckled and gave Ray a sly smile. Ray blushed and continued. "She suddenly pulled away, like I had slapped her or something. She looked scared and I went to touch her arm to ask if she was okay…she jerked away, eyes closed. Like she was afraid I hurt her or something. It hurt me that she jerked away from my touch. I was…upset. I didn't understand. I felt like I had been teased then slapped. She went to say something but I didn't listen and that's when I marched out and went home." Ray had stopped to see Cain's reaction.

Cain had his eyes closed as he listened intently. He opened his eyes slowly and nodded. "I see. So what happened next? You two seem alright today. Did you talk to each other about it?" He asked curiously.

Ray nodded. "Yeah, she came over to talk and told me that she was just a little tipsy. That she didn't mean anything by that kiss."

Cain saw Ray's hurt expression and frowned. "I'm sorry, man-" he started but then saw Ray form a side ways smirk. He tilted his head to the side, curious.

Ray looked at Cain, almost laughing at Cain's confused expression. "I know I should be sad but," he began. "When she said that. I could tell she didn't one hundred percent mean it. She looked torn. Like she wanted to say that but was confused. I know it doesn't make sense but that's what her expression said." Ray smiled. "Cain, I may still have a chance. I was afraid at first because," Ray stopped and looked torn. He hadn't told anyone about the nightmare Shizuka put him under. He sighed. "You know that nightmare Shizuka put me under?" Cain's face turned grim but he only nodded. "Well in the nightmare, Lucille and I declared our feelings. But we were in a battle and I kept failing to protect her. Each time she died, she died a different and horrific way. It drove me insane because I always want to protect her, hold her. But I could never defend her. I couldn't stop her death. Slowly I began to go mad after seeing her die so many times.. Finally, I decided I was going to take the hit, die in her place. That's when Locksmith came and stopped me. Luckily, because I would have really died if I had taken the hit." Cain breathed a sigh of relief, but he knew that wasn't the end of it. Ray looked serious as he stared at the table. "After we defeated Shizuka, I couldn't sleep that night. I couldn't really sleep last night either; and not just because I was upset over the kiss. I'm too afraid that the nightmare will come to pass. And if she won't let our relationship be more…I won't be able to protect her like I want to." Ray sighed.

Cain frowned. "It sounds like you have PSTD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Maybe not as bad, but you have it a little." This caused Cain to worry. PSTD wasn't good. How would he get over it. Was their even a way? Maybe if him and Lucille were to become more, Ray's PSTD may go away gradually. But..

Ray was hit with realization when Cain said that. PSTD. So that's what it was. But…how could he..get over it? Especially, if she didn't want him close to her. He sighed. "The thing about all this is. I know she didn't truly mean what she said. I possibly still have a chance." Ray said as he stared hard at the table, determined. "It's just hard..knowing she doesn't really want me right now." He said.

Cain nodded and smiled. Well, if Ray was determined, maybe he'd still have a chance. And if he knew Lucille was sort of lying, then maybe Lucille just didn't want a relationship right now? "Well, I'm cheering for you. If you need anything, help or assistance, let me know." Cain said smiling as he began to stand, Ray doing the same.

Ray smiled. "Thanks. I just don't know how long I'll be able to stay away from her, not holding her or touching her. Especially, when I got a taste of it, ya know?" Ray said nudging Cain as he stared at Lucille who had sat down with Natalie, Lydia, and Lance.

Cain scoffed. "Yeah, I get it. If I couldn't even touch Natalie's hand, I'd probably lose it." He patted Ray's shoulder. "You can do it. You've held out this long, surely you can withstand your desire and try to win her over." He encouraged him as he winked.

Ray nodded. "Thanks for the support, man." He said as they fist bumped.

"Of course. What are best friends for?" Cain chuckled and began walking over to their group. Ray soon following.

Lucille looked up to see Cain and Ray make their way over. She smiled. "So, what were you two talking about?"

Ray just shrugged. "Guy stuff. You wouldn't understand."

Lucille gasped and puffed out her cheeks. Earning a chuckle from Cain and a smirk from Ray.

"Riiiiight. Guy stuff. Anyway, you wanted to talk to us about something, Lucille?" Lydia asked.

Lucille turned her attention to everyone. "Yes." She answered as she hesitated. To say she wasn't nervous was an understatement. I mean, she had put Shizuka's words to the back of her mind. They unnerved her. Scared her, even. She breathed in to gather her nerves and spoke. "I want to talk about what Shizuka said. Why she needed me, and her so called "friends" that know the real reason why I am needed for their.."project."" Everyone's faces seemed to harden or seem deep in thought. "It's been bothering me ever since. But, I just tried to ignore it for the time being. But now..I just can't." She said as she held her hands on top of the table, squeezing them a bit. The next thing she knows, Ray put his hand on top of hers.

"Don't worry. You're not alone. We're going to help you figure this out." Ray said nodding and looked to everyone else, who nodded also in agreement.

"Yeah! She's not taking my sister after I just got her back!" Natalie chimed in, enthusiastically.

Lucille looked at them and smiled. "Thank you. That makes me feel a little better." She said as she breathed a sigh of relief.

"So, Shizuka said they need you for some plan. Some purpose that would change the world. Question is, why do they want to change the world. And why do they need you?" Lance inquired, listing off the big questions.

Natalie slammed her fist down on the table. "Wait..maybe it's because you're a Celestial Spirit Mage! That's why they need you!" Everyone looked at her curiously.

"What do you mean?" Lydia asked.

"Think about it. Throughout our parents' adventures here in Fairy Tail, our mom has been the key to a couple of the disasters they faced. For instance, when Michelle, or Imitatia, used mom because they wanted to use the Infinity Clock. And during the Grand Magic Games, when mom and Yukino-san were used to open the Eclipse Gate. Yeah, they needed Yukino-san for that last one cause they needed all the keys, but still." Natalie informed as she looked at them all. They seemed to think about what she told them. Natalie knew her hunch was at least semi-right. "Plus, you said the Spirit King said that you had the power to be a Spirit Mage, it was just dormant. Possibly because you were a twin or something along those lines. So maybe you have something else in you, since your power was dormant." She watched her sister put her chin on top of her folded hands, deep in thought.

"I think Natalie is right." Lance chirped in. "If she's right, and they need a celestial mage, maybe we should tell Lucy and make a visit to Yukino-san. Maybe they could help us out." But Lucille shook her head at Lance's comment.

"No. I don't want to worry my mom. Not until we figure this out and know for sure what's up." Lucille said still gazing at the table in thought. If Natalie was right, and they needed her magic, they needed to figure out why. "So, the next thing is, how does Shizuka know me? I mean, I can't recall ever meeting her in my past when I was younger.." Lucille said as she furrowed her brow, trying to recall any memory of Shizuka.

"Could she have wiped your memory of meeting her?" Cain asked.

"Hm, she didn't seem surprised when Lucille said she didn't remember her. So maybe?" Lydia said as she twirled some of her hair around her finger.

"No. I mean you're right, Lydia. She didn't seem surprised but, my gut is telling me she didn't wipe my memory. I just can't seem to remember." Lucille said as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

Ray watched her and thought. "Maybe you were to young to remember her. I think she's a few years older than you, so maybe you met her at too young of an age?"

"No, Shizuka said that Lucille told her to call her Lu. So she had to be at an age where she could comprehend speech." Cain said logically.

"Ugh! How did she meet you?!" Natalie groaned as she hit her head on the table.

"There's just too many gaps.." Lance said thoughtfully. "And since you can't remember, that doesn't help. But if you can't remember, maybe that's because you blocked it out for some reason." Everyone hummed. That would be the only logical reason for why she couldn't remember.

"So since you can't remember, that also doesn't help explain why they need you. Or what their plan might be." Lydia commented.

With her head still on the table, Natalie spoke up. "So, we're back to square one." She said with her hand in the air and one finger up.

Lucille sighed. Even with her friends help, they still couldn't figure it out. What could they do? Surely, Shizuka, or even one of her "friends" would come for her once more. And who knows what they would do to get her to come with them. She sighed. "Maybe we should stop here then?" She declared.

"But," Natalie went to say but Lucille stopped her.

"We'll stop here. There's nothing more we can do. I think, though, I might go see Yukino-san. Maybe she could help by giving me more Spirit Mage knowledge that mom can't." Lucille said as she began to stand. Everyone stood with her. "I think I'll head home. After talking about this, I've sorta developed a headache." She said scratching the back of her head as she laughed slightly. This made them worry, of course. But Lucille just put on a smile. "I'll be alright guys. I'm just going to go straight to bed. I'll talk to you all tomorrow." She said, waving goodbye.

Natalie watched her leave, Lucille looking like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. And in some weird way, that was true. 'A plan to change the world they said.'she thought. She frowned. But why her sister? She's already had it hard with her magic, she didn't need to be hunted on top of it all! She looked at the others who just shrugged.

"Let's leave her be." Lance said knowingly. They all nodded and sat back down to talk about other things.

Lucille walked home, sighing along the way. She looked up at the moon as she walked, the stars had finally come out. She sighed once more as she finally made it home. Walking straight into her room and putting on her pajamas, she crawled into bed. She looked at her keys, which she had placed on her nightstand. She grabbed one and saw it to be Aquarius. She traced the outline of it and sighed, holding it close to her chest for comfort. The last thing she thought of before drifting to sleep was, 'Why me?'

Sorry I'm a day late. But here it is! Still so many questions! And I had to add some comedy from Jellal, Erza, and Natsu. Lol Which was quite fun. And I know the Starry Sky arc was only in the anime, but I decided to add it anyway. So I hope you like this chapter!