Chapter 13: Resolutions

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or High School DxD. The former is owned by Hiro Mashima and the latter is owned by Ichiei Ishibumi.

Akeno is currently wandering the forest in search of Wendy. After her lunch with Natsu, she didn't have anything better to do so she decided to go find her immediately. She did promise Natsu that she would go and talk to her. Also, the sooner that those two make up the sooner she and Natsu can get together. Elfman said that she went off to go train in the forest by herself. She wasn't calling out to her because she knew Wendy would run off if she heard her coming. Hopefully she could get her to stay.

"Sky Dragon's Roar!"

Akeno heard the sound of Wendy's voice in the distance followed by what sounded like a small gust of wind.

"Bingo." She headed in the direction of the voice while being as quiet as she could. She eventually came to a small clearing in the forest next to a small river. Wendy was in the middle of the clearing panting very heavily.

Akeno didn't want to make her presence known yet so she stayed behind one of the bushes. There were multiple scratches on the trees in front of Wendy along with some fallen branches and leaves. Also, there were two pieces of paper pinned to one of the trees that were cut up. Based on what was left of them, they appeared to be poorly drawn pictures of Natsu and Akeno.

After Wendy finished panting, she started to take in a deep breath to prepare another breath attack.

"Sky Dragon's Roar!"

Wendy screamed the words, but only a small gust of wind escaped from her mouth. It was apparent that she was still trying to achieve her breath attack.

Wendy started to stomp on the ground with her right foot in a childish manner. "Stupid magic! Why won't it work right!" she whined. Then, she looked furiously at the torn up picture of Natsu. "Stupid Natsu! This is all your fault! You're supposed to help me with this! Instead, you're goofing around with some harpy that's just waiting to kill you!"

Wendy then stomped over to the tree to tear Natsu's picture off and rip it to shreds. "You idiot!" Once she was done, she sat down against the tree and pulled her knees up to bury her face in them.

With Akeno's enhanced hearing she could tell that Wendy was quietly crying. It looked like the situation was bad, but Akeno knew that Wendy was just having a childish tantrum. She didn't really hate Natsu like that, she's just upset with the choices he's made. It's understandable that she hates having Akeno around after what has happened. It will take some good reasoning to convince the child to go along with this change.

Akeno came out of her hiding spot and started walking over to Wendy. Wendy didn't notice she was right in front of her because she still had her face buried in her legs.

"You know if you want help all you have to do is ask."

"Ah!" Wendy was startled by the sudden voice and scurried deeper into the forest.

"Huh...Well that went a lot better than what I expected." Akeno ran into the forest more to follow her.

"Wendy! Come back! I'm not going to hurt you. I'm sorry if I startled you." Akeno found her hiding behind of one of the trees. Once Wendy got a good look of who it was, her face was etched with anger.

"Why are you following me?!" Wendy shouted pointing her finger at Akeno. "Leave me alone and don't ever scare me like that again!" Wendy shouted furiously and started walking back to where she was training. That still didn't stop Akeno from pursuing her.

"I'm not gonna leave you alone until you let me talk to you."

"I don't want to hear anything that comes out of your mouth you witch!"

"Come on. I'm not all that bad."

"Yes you are! I don't care what Natsu says. You're still evil and your never going to change. I hope you and Natsu live a happy life because I'm not going to be a part of it."

It was obvious that Akeno needed to try a more assertive approach if she wanted to break though Wendy's stubborn exterior. In a flash, Akeno appeared right in front Wendy surprising the little girl with her lightning speed. "What are you planning to do? Are you just going to avoid your brother for the rest of your life? You really think you'll find happiness that way?" She asked of the young dragon slayer.

Wendy just pouted back at her. "It won't be that hard. I will just move in with Mira's family and still go to the Fairy Tail guild. She's always nice to me and would never betray or hurt me." Wendy tried to get past Akeno, but she was way too slow for her. "Out of my way you idiot!"

"Why do you think Natsu has betrayed or hurt you?" Akeno asked calmly ignoring the girls ferocious nature.

"You're a criminal that should be rotting in jail right now, but my brother convinced the council to let you be free. It's like he doesn't remember that he tried to kill you and me."

"I admit I did try to kill your brother, but I did not intend to harm you as well."

"Liar! Why should I believe anything you say! You've probably killed hundreds of innocent people!" Wendy screamed as she began to pound her hands on Akeno's legs. "I hate you! I hate your guts! Why can't you leave me alone!"

"If you really hate me that much then really try to hurt me. Your puny punches aren't doing a thing to me." Akeno said unaffected by Wendy. She thought of a way to get through to her. Wendy looked up at her with a furious glare showing that her provoking had gotten the right response.

"Stop teasing me! I'll make you suffer!"

"Sky Dragon's Crushing Fang!"

A small whirlwind formed around Wendy's hand as she swiped at Akeno with her fingertips. The trail of wind cut through Akeno's clothes and skin leaving some thin cuts.

"Sky Dragon's Wing Attack!"

Wendy leaped up into the air and generated two large whirlwinds from her arms. She brought her arms down causing the winds to swirl towards Akeno. Akeno just stood there motionless and took the attack. The powerful winds flung Akeno's body like a rag doll all the way back to the clearing they were at before. Wendy ran back to the clearing and found her still lying on the ground.

'What's going on? Why isn't she fighting back?' Wendy thought as she stared at Akeno's face. Her facial expression didn't show any hostility. It didn't really show any emotion. It just looked empty. She hasn't done anything to try and defend herself from Wendy's attacks, but that still didn't stop Wendy.

"Are you making fun of me! You think I'm so weak that you don't have to fight back! I'm a lot stronger than you think!" Wendy yelled in an annoyed manner.

"Sky Dragon's Roar!"

Wendy attempted her breath attack again. This time she managed to fire an even larger blast of wind. It still wasn't close to perfection, but it was noticeably stronger than the last time. The blast struck Akeno dead on and shot her body directly into a tree. Akeno grimaced slightly as she felt bruises form on her back. Wendy noticed this and was satisfied to see that she was actually able to hurt her.

"How do you feel now? Now you know how everyone else feels. This is what you get for hurting all of those people!" Wendy spoke strongly and continued to hit Akeno with her spells.

This went on for a good twenty minutes. Wendy kept firing off spells and replenishing some energy by eating the air around her. Akeno didn't say or do anything. She laid down motionless the entire time and endured the pain. By now there were several cuts and bruises around her body from being thrown around with wind the whole time. Wendy made be a young girl, but her dragon slaying magic is still a force to be reckoned with.

Wendy felt like she was completely out of magic as she was on her knees panting heavily. She wasn't used to releasing that much magic in such little time.

"You alright? You look really tired out."

Wendy looked up and saw Akeno standing before her. Her clothes were all torn up, her body was all banged up, and she was asking Wendy if she was alright. The little girl was becoming confused.

"What is wrong with you? Why wouldn't you fight back? Are you stupid or something?" Wendy demanded.

"It's not really that complicated. I know you wanted to hurt me. I just don't want to hurt you. Do you feel better after making me suffer like that?" Akeno asked calmly.

"Yeah it did feel good! You deserved it after everything you did. It doesn't change anything. I still hate you." That wasn't the answer Akeno wanted. She knew want Wendy really wanted to say, but she was too stubborn to admit it. She has had a way to make her say it.

"You act like you don't care about your brother anymore, then why do you hate me?"

"Because you're a criminal."

"Why do you hate me?" Akeno repeated.

"Can you not me hear me! Because you're a criminal!" Wendy yelled getting irritated be Akeno's persistence.

"Why do you hate me?"

"Knock it off!"

"Why do you hate me?"

"BECAUSE YOU HURT MY BROTHER!" Wendy screamed finally breaking. "You tried to take the most important person in my life away from me! I don't want to live a life without him! And now you're trying to take him away from me again! You're the one hurting me!" Wendy couldn't hold it anymore and broke down sobbing. Akeno hated to see her cry like this, but she knew this was the best way to get through to her.

Wendy gasped as Akeno suddenly wrapped her arms around Wendy and embraced her. "You obviously still care about your brother. If you really care about him, then go to him. Do you really think just because he's with me that's forgotten about you. He's been trying constantly to reach out to you, but you're the one pushing him away. He's been suffering as much as you because he believes that you've given up on him. It doesn't matter if he cares about me, he still loves you just as much. He doesn't show it, but I can tell that he has been crying without you in his life." Akeno spoke softly and sincerely.

Wendy didn't have any words. she just stayed in Akeno's arms and processed what she just said. Was Natsu really feeling as bad as she was?

"I know it's hard to trust me after what has happened. I don't blame you. I feel nothing except regret for my actions. Not just for hurting the two of you, but for every bad deed I have committed. It's hard to explain. Sometimes people forget what really matters. They lose their judgement on what's right or wrong. I promise that I will never make you feel pain again." What Akeno was saying made sense, but Wendy was still very skeptical. She pulled away from the hug and looked at Akeno straight in the eyes.

It's hard for me to believe that you've changed so much in such little time. What exactly are your reasons for this completely different thinking." Wendy asked. She was surprisingly bright for a ten-year old. She wouldn't be convinced that easily.

"I had a feeling you might say that. You have a right to know. I have actually doubted my decisions in the past, but I pushed those thoughts away wanting to stay loyal to my father figure. Natsu was the one who brought those thoughts out again. He opened my eyes to how poorly I was being treated by my so-called father and other people. He felt sympathy for someone like me and forgave me for what I had done. I knows it seems like he doesn't care about me hurting you, but he trusts me enough to believe that I had no intent on harming you. If I really wanted to hurt you, why would I be concerned with your condition before I went after Natsu.

Akeno did have a point. Wendy remembers the look of concern on Akeno's face when she ran over to her right after she unleashed her attack. She reacted like the whole incident was an accident. "I guess you have a point there." Wendy spoke softly hating to admit it.

"It's interesting actually. I feel like I'm trying to reconnect you with your brother not just for Natsu's sake, but for my sake as well."

Wendy looked at her like she was joking. "Come on. I know you're just doing so that you can stay together with him."

"You got me there, but there is an even deeper reason I want to help you now that I think way back." Akeno said as her face turned serious and somber. Wendy looked at her now having her interest and wanting to hear more.

"Believe it or not I used to be a sweet little girl just like you. I was in a similar situation to the one you are in now... Just a different argument." Akeno spoke carefully trying not to tell Wendy too much. She wanted to reveal as little as possible. She wasn't prepared to bring this up just yet.

"I got into an argument with someone very important to me. I was very upset by something they didn't cause directly...Still, I felt like that person should be blamed. I was in such a state of anguish that it caused me to hate this person." Akeno stopped talking as she was reliving the memory. Wendy was surprised to see her in such pain emotionally. Sadness and pain was all over her face as tears began to well up in her eyes.

"What happened?" Wendy asked prompting her to finish.

"I never saw that person again."

"That person tried to bring us together again, but I just pushed them away. I couldn't stand being near that person anymore so I just left them for good. I thought would be happier that way...And for a while I actually was...But I can never forget that person...I try to forget, but eventually I will start thinking about them...Years later I feel regret for how I treated that person...I don't know if I can truly forgive them, but I wish I could see them again."

Wendy didn't know what to feel at the time. She still felt hatred for this person, but she too has suffered a lot. Wendy just saw Akeno as some person intent on killing her brother, but she is still human. She feels pain just like everybody else and is capable of compassion despite what she's done.

"It's too late for me, but not for you. I don't want you want to go down the same path I did. You need to remember how important Natsu is to you before you do something drastic. I want you to keep being the happy girl you are. I feel like I can ease this burden if I can save you from a similar fate." Akeno stood up and extended her hand to Wendy.

"I'm not asking you to forgive me. I just want you to give me a chance." Wendy stared at Akeno's hand in thought. She felt like this is one of those moments that affects everything else to come. Could she really go against the strong hatred she feels for her and forgive her brother?

Natsu is currently taking a smooth walk along one of the canals that run through Magnolia. The sun was shining off the water as it began to set. Natsu enjoyed the sight of the radiant light sparkling in the water so much that he couldn't take his eyes off it. This peaceful walk is just what he needed to clear his head. He hoped that Akeno and Wendy were doing alright. He was hesitant to be around her after this morning, but after lunch he was comfortable around her again. He was really thinking about how a relationship with her would turn out.

'I guess it wouldn't hurt to give her a chance. I gotta start dating girls at some point. She did come to Fairy Tail because of me and she really values what I did for her. She sounds like she genuinely likes the kind of person I am. I've already trusted her enough to allow her in the guild.'

Natsu was staring at the water the whole time that he didn't notice the person sitting on the edge in front of him. That person was also too busy staring at the water to notice Natsu approaching. Natsu finally stopped and looked forward when he heard the person humming in front of him. He nearly jumped out of skin when he realized Levy was in front of him with her legs in the water. Levy sensed someone was next to her and turned her eyes away from the water to see Natsu staring at her. She gasped and leaned her body sideways almost falling into the water.

There was a long silence while the two just tried to look away from each other like that didn't just happen. Natsu hadn't really figured out his lines for when he had to talk to Levy. He knew how she felt about him and could understand why she was upset and avoiding him as well. He didn't really think there was any way to make this situation with Akeno sound better. So mine as well just start talking.

"Hey." Natsu finally said and smiled at her to try and ease the tension.

"Hey." Levy replied back in a neutral tone.

Natsu just kept standing while Levy kept sitting with her legs in the water. He didn't want to try to get closer to her and risk scaring her off.

"How's the water feel."

"It's cold...but also relaxing."

"Are you ever gonna come back to the guild?"

"Only because I have to...I have to make a living somehow."

"What about our team?"

"I'm leaving your team. I've decided to join Lucy's team with Jet and Droy. I'm good friends with Lucy and I'm sure I'll warm up to Jet and Droy."

"Won't you miss Erza and Elfman?"

"This is the only way I can keep living my life. I can trust Lucy. She'll never do anything to hurt me."

It killed Natsu some more to hear those words come out of her mouth. It's like he was talking to a whole different person. It's like their entire friendship meant nothing.

Natsu's hair foreshadowed his eyes as he frowned. "Do you honestly believe I intended to hurt you by doing this? He said feeling betrayed by his friend. "I care a lot about everybody at Fairy Tail. Their well being is my top priority. You're an amazing person Levy. I love having you on the team all these years. You're one of the greatest friends I have-

"If you care about me so much, then why don't you love me!" Levy shouted at Natsu with tears streaming down her eyes. She was staring right at Natsu with despair on her face. "Are you in a relationship with that girl or not. Give me an answer and stop playing games with me!" She cried out.

Natsu knew he had to be honest with her and stop leading her on. "We are not in a relationship, but I would be lying if I said I don't want to be. I appreciate how affectionate you have been towards me, but I just don't feel the same way for you. I'm sorry if I let you believe that there could be a chance for us because there probably isn't."

"Why are you giving her a chance and not me!"

Natsu sighed."It's complicated. I've always been hesitant to get into a relationship. Not just because of Wendy, but also Kagura. I'm not dense. I've noticed how you two are always at each others necks. I know me and Kagura don't know each other as well as me and you, but I've grown close to her in the few times we have interacted. We've had a lot fun sparring and she can be an interesting person once you break through her thick shell. I guess I was scared that if I chose one of you I would disappoint the other entirely. I would never forgive myself if I hurt either of you like that. That's why I'm always running from those situations when you try to get close to me. I don't know what I was thinking. I should have known that eventually reality would catch up to me.

"Okay I get that, but that still doesn't answer why you're giving that bitch a chance."

"As for Akeno, it's more like I was being pressured into a relationship and you and Wendy started ganging up on me without letting me explain myself. I thought Akeno was just messing around with me at first, but when I actually sat down and talked to her she sounded like she really wants to be in a serious relationship with me. I feel like she deserves a chance since she left her guild and joined Fairy Tail because of me. I know that she could be a good person if she has someone to guide her.

Levy was silent for a moment. "I see. So you feel like you're saving this girl. I can understand how you feel that way, but I need to give me a real reason why you've never had feelings me all these years. I know you were afraid of betraying your sister and hurting Kagura, but have you never felt anything more for me all this time." She asked Natsu while staring directly into his eyes and soul.

"Okay. I'll admit it. At some point I have thought of liking you more as a friend...You care so much for me and we've a lot of good memories since we were kids...but I don't want to risk to changing any of that."

"What do you mean?"

"I like the connection we have now. I'm scared of what would change if we tried to be something more.

"I think you put yourself down too much. If you worry that much about about upsetting or hurting me, then I think you would have made a great boyfriend.

Levy got her legs out of the water and picked up her shoes. She stood up and looked at Natsu one more time. "You know sometimes you're too nice for your own good. You see anyone suffering and you feel it's your responsibility to save them. If you're really serious about this girl then I won't stop you."

Natsu smiled feeling he got some kind of closure with Levy. "Thanks Levy. I hope we can still be friends."

Levy's face turned grim. "I'm sorry, but I can't promise you that. I'm still upset with you and I don't want to see you right now. I have to get over these feelings I have for you... Your an idiot if you ask me. You may seem like you're making the right decision, but now you suffer the consequence of hurting both me and the swordswoman.

Natsu's face saddened at this. He tried reaching his had out to her. "Come on Levy. I-"

"Stay away from me!" She demanded as she stepped away from him. "Just do what you do and forget about me. Goodbye Natsu." She turned in the other direction and walked off. She didn't look back. Natsu just stood there for a while with his hair shadowing his eyes. He tried looking at the river again. It pained him to lose one of his friends like this. This is what is exactly what he feared would happen. Maybe he was too nice for his own good at times. He just wants something to go right for him.

Natsu felt something tug on his vest. He looked down to see Wendy with a concerned look on her face. "Please don't cry Natsu. I'm sorry if I made you sad."

It looks like things don't have to be so bad. Natsu managed a small smile while he looked down at Wendy with tears streaming down his face. It's like his tears were a mix of sadness and happiness. He knelled down so that he was eye level with Wendy. Wendy was surprised as Natsu launched himself at her and embraced her so tight that he never wanted to let go.

"It's okay Wendy... I don't hold anything against you... No matter what... I will always welcome you with loving arms." Natsu said in between sobs as his joy was now overcoming his sadness. He knew that Wendy had forgiven him.

Wendy returned the tight embrace as she was jubilant To see Natsu so forgiving of her. It was if nothing had ever happened.

"I still don't like this women, but as long as she doesn't change anything between us I don't care. I can't stand living my life without you." Wendy spoke softly.

Natsu eased off of Wendy and looked at her with a smile on his face. "You don't need to worry. I want you to understand that I won't let anything separate us. You are part of what makes me strong."

"What do mean you mean by that." Wendy asked in a confused tone.

"You know what's crazy. I actually swore to myself that I would never cry in front of you. Just look at me balling my eyes out." Natsu said with tears still spilling down his face.

"Why's that?"

"I didn't want you to think I'm weak. I've always wanted you to see me as your strong big brother that could always protect you. Look what happens when I'm not with you. I've turned into some depressed weakling. I can't even fight my best when I'm like this. I thought I had to be strong for the both of us, but you help make me strong by just being you. Your smile keeps me going. I can keep fighting and stay alive knowing that you're waiting for me to come back."

Wendy was amazed by Natsu's words. She had never thought of it that way. He needs her just as much as she needs him. She always thought of herself as inferior to him, but he could be weak too. She had never seen him in such a state of despair or helplessness.

The silence between them was broken when Wendy started to chuckle lightly.

'Is she laughing at me!' Natsu thought. "Hey! What's so funny!" Natsu exclaimed with tick marks on his head. That was possibly the most deep speech Natsu has given to anyone and she was laughing.

"I'm sorry Natsu, but you've been weak many times before." She said as she pointed her finger at Natsu objectively. "You've been scared of me countless times when I was about to beat you with a kitchen utensil. Are you embarrassed to recall all the times I've chased you with killer intent. I think I dented the frying pan last time I used it on you. I think I'm the stronger one!"

"No fair Wendy! You can't use that! What was I was supposed to do?! I can't hit a 10-year old girl!" Natsu exclaimed in an annoyed tone and steam coming out of his mouth.

Wendy laughed even harder at seeing his reaction. He sounded like he was back to his old self. Natsu calmed down once he realized what she was doing. It sounded like things were back to normal.

"How about I buy take you for ice cream and we agree that we're both equally strong." Natsu proposed with a smirk.

"Yay!" Wendy squealed.

"I'll take that as a yes." Natsu knelled down again and opened his arms wide in front of Wendy. "I know a way to get there faster." Natsu grinned. Wendy's eyes glimmered and her mouth was open in excitement as she turned around and put herself in Natsu's arms. Once Natsu was sure he held her tight enough, he unleashed his fiery wings and took off for the ice cream shop.

Sorry for the delay. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted this chapter to go down. Also, I had some other conflicts that came up. All that matters is I'm not giving up on this story. I'm far from over. Trust me. There's still plenty of good stuff to come!

Btw, now that I'm getting more reviews I'm only going to respond to the ones that are asking me a question or that I feel deserves a response. It doesn't mean that I'm not taking all of my reviews into consideration. Everybody's reviews will be read and I love all the positive feedback I'm getting. Your support is what keeps me going.

Review Responses:

DaedricSlayer1337: Thanks for clearing that up. It means a lot that you made an account just for my story.

Guest: Don't worry she won't always be like that. I'll try to make Natsu funnier, but I really thought that last scene would be enough. Not sure about that last request.

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