AN: Yeesh, it took way too long to get started on this. Well, like I said, this is the last Wendy chapter for a bit, and then we'll go back to the original three, I think. Either way, the chronological nonsense will end soon and we'll return to regular nonsense. I'm thinking Merudy's first period and Ultear having to give them The Talk, or something. Anyhow, it took some time to decide who should escort Wendy to Lamia Scale. I already decided that Richard and Merudy should go, and I think Jellal and Erik too, but I couldn't decide whether I wanted Sawyer to go or not, and then I remembered that they can't all go because they'd attract too much attention, so I eventually ended up choosing Richard, Merudy, and Sawyer. I hope I don't have to change that, because I'm not revising the AN.
Story the Ninth: Richard and Sawyer's Excellent Adventure
Leaving was harder than expected, for both Wendy and Carla. They had not expected to bond with the fugitive group, and saying goodbye had an odd sort of finality to it, though Jellal swore that this would not be their last meeting. It had been decided that the duo would be escorted to Lamia Scale – not because anyone thought they couldn't take care of themselves, Merudy assured them, but rather because Richard wanted an excuse to say hi to Jura.
Despite this claim, however, Richard was not the only one accompanying the two. Merudy and Sawyer had decided to come along as well, which meant that Jellal had to stay behind and keep an eye on Macbeth, Sorano, and Erik, since he didn't trust them to behave. Erik gave Wendy a pat on the head and asked her to say hi to "that purple-haired chick from your guild" for whatever reason, Sorano hugged the young girl (and the cat, for whatever reason) and declared that they should come and chat again sometime, and Macbeth, who Wendy had been 99% sure was fast asleep, actually lifted his arm to wave goodbye.
Jellal, however, just smiled, and cryptically said that there was no need for goodbyes, as they would see each other again soon enough. Wendy hugged him anyway, and he returned the embrace.
"Bye, Onii-chan," she mumbled, not even bothering to pretend she wasn't crying. "See you soon."
"Definitely," he agreed. He knelt down and placed his hands on her shoulders, looking her directly in the eyes. "If anyone gives you any trouble, come let us know, alright?" Wendy beamed at him.
"So cute!" Merudy sniffed, rubbing at her eyes. Jellal just sighed.
"Don't let them corrupt her anymore," he told Carla. The Exceed smiled.
"I'll do my best," she promised. As the strange group took off, Wendy glanced once more over her shoulder and wondered if maybe she shouldn't have left.
As soon as they were out of earshot, Merudy began to giggle.
"Did you see the look on Jellal's face?" she asked. "I haven't seen him smile like that since–" she stopped, and her smile faded. "Actually, I don't think I've ever seen him smile like that."
"Didn't even know he could," Sawyer commented. "The only time I've ever seen him smile was in Macbeth's illusion, right before Zero killed him."
"What?" Wendy shrieked, spinning around to look at the thin man.
"Never fear," Richard boomed, patting Wendy's shoulder. "Jellal was unharmed, yes." Sawyer nodded.
"Completely embarrassing," he complained. "He was dodging my attacks like it was easy."
"Well, his Meteor spell is quite powerful." Carla stated.
"Yeah," Sawyer agreed, annoyed. "But he wasn't using Meteor."
"He was not, no." Richard confirmed. "He simply dodged. It was very impressive. Oh yeah!" Sawyer scowled.
"Jerk didn't even let us get a few hits in," he grumbled. "Though I gotta admit that it's better than just letting us hit him."
"That would be embarrassing," Merudy agreed. "Especially since you'd know he wasn't just doing it to piss you off. Honestly, when Ultear and I sparred with him for the first time, he won by a landslide. Mind you, we were holding back, since he'd just gotten out of prison, but I was so embarrassed that I started crying!" she laughed. "After that, he made sure I won every single fight, until Ul told him that that was actually worse. He wouldn't stop apologizing for days."
"Good thing he's on our side, then," Carla commented. "I'd hate having to go against someone who nearly beat Jura."
"Jellal-san fought Jura-san?" Richard asked, curious. Wendy nodded.
"He used Mystogan's magic," she explained. "If Ultear-san hadn't intervened, he would have won."
"A good thing she did," Carla snapped. "What do you think would have happened if he'd been caught?" Wendy frowned, thinking about what Carla had said.
"That's true." She agreed.
"It really was incredible, though," Merudy sighed. "I only watched it through Ul's lacrima, but Jellal put up a great fight before we made him stop."
"I didn't know he knew Staves Magic," Sawyer said suspiciously.
"Neither did I," Merudy told him happily. "I think that was his first time, actually." There was a silence.
"What a frightening thought," Richard mused. "Jellal-san is very powerful. Oh yeah!" Sawyer shrugged, sticking his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah, well," he grumbled. "Least he didn't send us back to prison."
"Did they treat you badly?" Wendy asked, worried. Sawyer stared at her for a moment, before remembering that she cared about him for some reason and snickering.
"Nah," he replied. "The food was crap, though." Merudy frowned.
"Actually, that reminds me," she said, suddenly. "Jellal was only in prison for a year before Ul and I broke him out, but you guys were there for like seven years, and you looked completely fine. Jellal looked like a famine victim or something."
"He embarrassed the Council," Sawyer explained. "As far as they're concerned, that's pretty much the worst offence there is. I heard something about solitary confinement. Couldn't say for sure, though. Just count yourself lucky that you didn't end up there." Merudy sighed.
"Ah, corrupt government officials," she said, shaking her head. "The only enemy worse than Zeref." Wendy giggled, Sawyer smirked, and Richard let out a booming laugh. Carla frowned.
"You shouldn't make light of such a fearsome opponent," she scolded. "Natsu, Elfman, and Evergreen ran into him on Tenrou Island, and they barely made it out alive. Apparently he showed up during the fight with Tartarus as well. He's the one who killed Mard Geer."
"He killed his own demon?" Richard asked, shocked. "How terrible."
"From what Gray-san said, he didn't approve of what they were doing," Wendy remembered. "Though I don't understand why he waited so long to interfere." Merudy shrugged.
"Probably comes from the whole 'batshit insane evil wizard' thing," she pointed out. "I mean, even if he weren't evil, living that long can't be healthy."
"I would argue that living so long is the freaking definition of healthy," Sawyer pointed out. Wendy looked down at the top of Carla's head, frowning.
"He's so strange…" she murmured. "I wish I understood him."
"Anyway," Merudy broke in, deciding that changing the subject was probably for the best. "What are you going to do once we reach Margaret Town?"
"I'll go to Lamia Scale, of course," Wendy replied. Sawyer crossed his arms behind his head.
"Do you know where it is?" he asked. Wendy was silent. Her cheeks reddened and she bit her lip. Merudy, Carla, and Richard all shot him death glares. "Uh, I'm sure we'll find it, no problem!" he yelped, wondering when Richard had learned to make such an evil look. "It's the only guild in town, isn't it? I'm sure everyone knows where to find it!" Wendy brightened up immediately.
"That's right!" she agreed happily. "Will you guys be alright, though? I mean, you're all wanted criminals…" Merudy shrugged.
"I, for one, will be fine," she said cheerfully. "The only one who knows what I look like is Doranbolt, and he's not telling. Actually, most of the Council doesn't even know I exist. The perks of only having been twelve when I was evil."
"Thanks for rubbin' it in," Sawyer grumbled, glaring at the pinkette.
"You're welcome!" she chirped.
"It will be worth the risk, yes," said Richard. "I am excited to see Jura-san again. Oh yeah!" Carla sighed.
"You realize that you're risking your freedom solely to see someone you had a five minute conversation with seven years ago, right?" she asked. Merudy grinned.
"Don't bother," she said. "He's been excited about it for ages. Plus, I need to make sure that Lyon's really over Juvia. Lyvia was fine back when Ul was still around for me to ship with Gray, but now that she's gone, it's Gruvia all the way."
"Definitely," Wendy agreed. "Gruvia forever."
"You turned her into a shipper?" Sawyer asked. "Why does Jellal seem to think that you're more trustworthy than us again?"
"He thinks Richard is the most trustworthy, actually," the pinkette replied. "I just have group seniority. Besides, he didn't have to beat the crap out of me to get me to join."
"Well, you did break him out of prison," Carla pointed out.
"He still says we kidnapped him," Merudy told them cheerfully. "I still say it was puppies." Wendy stared at her blankly.
"Don't ask," Sawyer advised. "You really don't want to know." Wendy nodded, and looked at the path in front of them. Margaret Town was beginning to come into view, and Wendy allowed thoughts of bubblegum pink hair and mischievous blue eyes to enter her mind.
"Ah, Wendy-san is thinking of her friend as well, no?" Richard asked, beaming down at the young girl. Wendy's already red cheeks darkened.
"Aw, that's adorable." Sawyer teased. "I remember when I was your age."
"Weren't you in a Dark Guild?" Merudy asked. Sawyer thought about it.
"Pretty sure I was still in the Tower," he admitted. "I'm pretty sure that the Rebellion didn't happen until I was around thirteen, but I don't really remember."
"I was fourteen, yes," Richard announced. "Brain came and got us rather soon after the Rebellion, however. Oh yeah!"
"That sounds like more of an "oh no" to me," Carla deadpanned. Merudy just laughed. The rest of the walk was filled with jokes, light-hearted teasing, and occasional random comments. Before Wendy realized it, she was standing in front of the Lamia Scale guildhall.
"You ready, squirt?" Sawyer asked, ruffling her hair. Wendy took a deep breath and nodded.
"Yeah." she said, eyes glinting. Merudy walked up to the door and knocked.
"Hello?" she called. "Anyone home?" The door opened, and a dog-like man poked his head out.
"If you've got a request, it's gotta go through the Council first," he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Merudy sighed.
"I'm here to see Lyon," she said sweetly. "I thought he'd like to know that Gray's been selected as one of the next Ten Wizard Saints."
"WHAT?" they heard a voice from inside bellow. In a blur, Toby was tossed to the side and Lyon grabbed Merudy's shoulders. "Tell me you're joking!"
"I'm joking," she told him. Lyon sighed, relieved.
"Oh thank god," he mumbled. He took a better look at her. "Hey, I know you."
"Oh, wow," said Sawyer sarcastically. "Truly, your observational skills are something to behold." Lyon gave him a weird look.
"Have we met?" he asked. Realization crossed his face. "Oh, you're that guy who goes really fast! No, wait; you're the slow one. No, you're the one who makes everyone else fast! Jet, right?" Sawyer twitched.
"I know it's been seven years," he grumbled. "But you could at least remember the name of the guy who nearly killed you. It's Racer. And I make everyone else go slower, dumbass." Lyon nodded.
"Right, right, I knew that." he said, distractedly. "Hey, aren't you with the Oración Seis?" he asked suspiciously.
"That depends," Sawyer responded. "Are you still trying to resurrect Deliora?" Lyon flinched.
"Low blow, man." He muttered, looking ashamed. "Still, I guess that was seven years ago. And you've got Wendy with you– did you kidnap her?"
"If it didn't work the first time, why would they try it again?" Carla snapped.
"Practice makes perfect, yes!" Richard exclaimed happily. Toby gave him a weird look.
"You aren't exactly helping your case, oon." He stated. Richard shrugged.
"Is Jura-san here?" he asked. Lyon shook his head.
"No, he's not," the Ice Make mage said. "He's out on official Wizard Saint business." Richard looked down sadly.
"Don't worry, Richard-san," Wendy patted him on the arm. "I'm sure you'll see him again soon." Richard brightened.
"Oh yeah!" he cheered. Lyon glanced up at the sky.
"It's going to rain soon," he said. "Why don't you guys come on in?"
"You do know that three of us are wanted criminals, right?" Merudy asked.
"You had my back during the Games," Lyon told the pinkette. "I haven't forgotten. Juvia and Gray as well. I've learned to put more faith in Fairy Tail than the Council." He turned to Wendy. "I heard about the whole disbanding thing," Lyon added, softly. "I'm sorry." Wendy gave him a tiny smile, and he and Toby walked the five guests into the guild. It wasn't too big a deal, since the only other people who really knew Richard and Sawyer were Jura and Sherry, neither of which would give them away. Almost as soon as Wendy entered the building, a blur of pink launched itself towards her, leaving Carla with barely enough time to squirm out of Wendy's arms before impact.
"Wendy!" Sherria squealed. "Oh gosh, it's been way too long!"
"It's only been a couple months!" Carla pointed out, disgruntled. Wendy laughed, embracing her friend.
"I missed you," Sherria told her. Merudy giggled, and Wendy beamed.
"Me too!"
AN: So, yeah, I haven't been working on my stories much lately, for a lot of reasons. Anyway, this is the last chapter of the mini-arc that I've decided to call the "Wendy Adventures" arc. Hey, if it works for Pokémon, it works for me. Anyhow, I usually do a little epilogue thing in the AN at the end of the chapter, which is mostly just encouragement for you guys to actually read the bloody author's notes. Seriously, guys, they're there for a reason. Regardless, here you go: It really did start raining, and the CS group ended up spending the night. However, they didn't have anyway of contacting Jellal, so he panicked and came after them, dragging Erik, Sorano, and Macbeth along with him, and Wendy got to say goodbye all over again. Jellal was a lot more recognizable than the others, but nobody did anything since he'd saved all of them at least once. Despite this, he insisted upon apologizing anyway, though not before giving Lyon a very dark look and loudly mentioning that Ultear could and most likely would pop up again if anything were to happen to Merudy. Having all the emotional sensitivity of his longtime rival/adoptive brother Gray, Lyon had no idea what he was talking about. Erik collected blackmail material on everyone and told Wendy to yell really loudly if she needed anything, Sorano ended up chatting with Sherry in what was a very awkward conversation that turned into a very awkward silence when the former learned that the latter would soon be joining Blue Pegasus, Sawyer gained the respect of the entire guild by slowing down their Master's spinning, Richard built a stone statue of Jura for no reason based off of a picture he saw, Merudy tried to get Sherria and Wendy together while also making sure that Lyon was completely and totally over Juvia, Jellal sat in a corner and drowned in a puddle of self-loathing, and Macbeth either slept through the whole thing or did a very good job of not noticing the pudding that landed on top of his head. Lamia Scale wasn't Fairy Tail, but they had their moments. Eventually, Crime Sorcière left, Carla learned how to turn into a catgirl, and Wendy and Sherria's relationship gained even more erotic subtext. The end. Happy? See you next time!