Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Sorry for the long wait, everyone. Stupid certification tests...anyway, I'm hoping that updates will be more regular now. Enjoy!

Fairy Tail—The Master and the Dragon

Chapter 61

"So Walker couldn't do it after all?" Cahill asked.

Jarvan sat at his desk, studying the map that was still spread out upon the surface, and shook his head. "No, he was unable to survive this one. I suppose Gracie will be continuing on after all."

"So what now, Boss? Are we going to just let her reach Juniper?"

Jarvan scratched his chin. "If she were to reach Juniper she would surely be captured, but the efforts of getting her back here would make things more difficult. It would be far simpler if we could get our hands on her before she even entered Bosco."

"So what are you going to do, Boss?"

Jarvan leaned back in his chair. "An excellent question." He sat there quietly, eyes closed as he thought things over. Cahill stood uncomfortably, teetering on his feet as he waited for his boss to come up with a new plan. After a few minutes, Jarvan sat up and jabbed the map with his pointer finger. "Well I can only expect that Gracie will head towards Rolen once she leaves Wayhaven."

"Rolen? Why Rolen?"

Jarvan massaged the bridge of his nose. "I'm not positive about it, but it does make sense. From Rolen, she and her band of friends will easily make it into Bosco so it only makes sense that they would at least head in that direction. Also, if they need supplies, Rolen would be the place to restock."

"I guess that makes sense, Boss."

Jarvan stood up. "Now for the real question; who do I send to capture her this time?"

"That is a good question."

Jarvan began to pace. "Clearly keeping our distance isn't effective enough, so it should probably be someone who excels in close combat. It also has to be someone who can blend in with a crowd."

"Why do they have to blend in?"

Jarvan stopped to glare at him. "Try using your brain for once."

"Sorry, Boss."

Jarvan sighed. "It's not that hard to figure out. Rolen is a large trading town as you know."

"Right."

"And what do large trading towns have?"

"A lot of goods?"

Jarvan slapped him hard on the back of his head. "No you moron. People. Large trading towns have lots of people."

Cahill rubbed the back of his head. "Of course. Sorry."

"Now Cahill, do you understand?"

"Yes, Boss. You want someone who can blend in with the crowd at Rolen until they find Gracie and her friends."

"Exactly. Was that so hard?"

"No, Boss. So who do you think would fit this bill?"

Jarvan smiled as an idea hit him. "Oh, I have just the person." He chuckled as he walked over to his desk. He pulled out another Vitals Lacrima and tossed it to Cahill, who caught it with ease. "Go find Diane and give her this. Tell her I said to head to Rolen and to wait for Gracie and however many friends she has left there. Remember that Gracie is to be brought back alive. I don't care what happens to her friends. Go."

"Yes, Boss. I'll go find Diane right away." With that, Cahill bolted out of the office to complete his task.

Jarvan walked back over to his desk and sat down with a sigh. He then removed the bishop that was lying on its side from the map and put it in his desk drawer. He then pulled out a rook and placed it on top of the map where Rolen was located. "This will be my last attempt to retrieve you before you reach Juniper, Gracie. I can only hope that Diane won't fail me like Walker did." He studied his map once more before nodding and standing back up. "Well this plan makes the most sense to me. I'm sure little Gracie will choose this route. I may as well go and take my mind off of things." He walked from behind his desk and headed for the exit of his office, smiling evilly as he walked. "I suppose now is the perfect time to begin the first stage of my experiments."


The sun continued to sink below the horizon, taking the light away from the plain. Natsu, Happy, Gray, Gajeel, and Panther Lily had taken off about an hour ago in search of the runaway horses. With two Dragon Slayer noses, locating them wouldn't be difficult, but it would take a while to bring them back. While the three men and two Exceeds searched, the remainder of the party sat by the cart and awaited their return.

Gracie sat with her legs pulled into her chest, dried tears staining her cheeks. She had managed to stop crying, but she couldn't stop thinking about what that blonde sniper had said to her.

"You really are…just like…Jewel."

Gracie turned her gaze to the darkening sky. 'I don't get it. I don't understand.' Ever since she heard those words, she couldn't stop crying. Even when her friends came over after she took down the sniper, she could barely speak. The tears just wouldn't let her. She felt bad because they were clearly concerned, but she couldn't tell them anything, especially since she could barely comprehend it herself. In the end they gave her space and let her calm down without asking questions, but she didn't want to make them feel like she was that fragile. She didn't want to act so delicate, but those words that that man spoke paralyzed her.

"Gracie."

Gracie turned to see everyone standing near her and looking at her with worried expressions. She sniffed and gave them the best smile she could. "Yeah, what's up?"

Erza stepped forward and took a knee to put a hand on her shoulder. "Do you want to talk about what happened today?"

Gracie's smile saddened slightly, but didn't fade. "There's not much to tell. I'm not sure I completely understand things myself."

"Try talking them out," Lucy offered. "It could at least make you feel better."

"And who knows?" Levy spoke up. "Maybe talking about it out loud can help you figure things out."

Gracie giggled. "I doubt it, but I guess it's worth a try."

All six of the other girls sat around Gracie and waited to hear what she would say.

"So where to start?" Gracie thought out loud as she faced her friends.

"You said the sniper spoke of your mother," Mira said. "What do you mean?"

Gracie closed her eyes. "I guess that place is as good as any other to start with." She put her arms behind her to support her body as she leaned backwards and stretched out her legs. "When that sniper was dying, he said something weird to me. He was complimenting my fighting and then he…he said that I was just like Jewel."

"And Jewel, I'm assuming, was your mother's name?" Erza said.

"Yeah, that's right," Gracie answered softly. "My mom's name was Jewel."

"And because of that, you think he knew your mother?" Christina asked.

"Well yeah, that's what I think," Gracie answered, "but I can't get over the fact that it just doesn't make any sense."

"Why not?" Wendy asked.

"My mom and dad weren't fighters," Gracie replied. "Not once did I ever see them act violently or even lift a weapon. They were kind and hard working people. They had debts apparently and that's what got them killed, but they didn't have a violent bone in their bodies." Gracie opened her eyes and looked at her friends. "It has to just be a coincidence, right?"

"We don't know your parents, but it does sound like they wouldn't associate with someone like that sniper," Erza said.

Gracie nodded and took a deep breath. "Yeah, it has to be a coincidence. I mean, he said I fought like Jewel and my mom never fought. She was such a nice person, you know? It's the only thing that makes sense."

"I'm sure you're right," Mira said with a smile. "I'm sure that somewhere in this vast world there are plenty of people named Jewel who fight and do cruel things just like the sniper."

Gracie gave Mira a big smile. "Yeah you're right." She looked at everyone. "Thanks, guys. I feel a lot better already."

"Told you," Levy giggled. "Talking things out helps immensely."

Gracie leapt to her feet and stretched. "Alright, note to self: never doubt Levy McGarden." She turned around with her hands on her hips and stared out over the plain. "Now where are those damn boys? They should've been back by now!"

Lucy stood up. "They probably found them by now, but are having trouble figuring out how to bring them back."

Gracie gave a defeated sigh. "Honestly, how can someone as tough as Natsu and Gajeel have such a weird ass weakness?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," Lucy laughed.

Gracie scratched her chin. "Come to think of it, I've never seen Niky ride any transportation. I wonder if he has the same illness."

"I don't think he does," Mira said with a giggle.

Suddenly, Wendy giggled and pointed. "Look! Here they come!"

Everyone followed her finger to see Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel riding the two horses across the plain with Happy and Panther Lily flying overhead. Gray rode on one, showing an impressive level of riding skill, while Natsu and Gajeel sat slumped, holding on for dear life as they tried not to fall off.

Gracie sweatdropped. "Wow, that looks kinda pathetic."

"Gray looks like a natural," Christina noted with a slight blush. "That's pretty cool."

Gracie giggled at the comment. 'And right about now, Juvia is panicking at the strange feeling of dread that just washed over her.'

The horses pulled up to the group and Gray swung himself off. "Sorry we're late. These two held us back." He pointed over his shoulder at the two Dragon Slayers who were sliding off of their horse and falling to the ground.

Gracie giggled. "Yeah, it took ya long enough, that's for sure."

Gray smiled at her. "You seem like you're in better spirits. Glad to see it."

She smiled sweetly at him. "Yeah, I'm better now. Thanks."

Lucy and Levy walked over to Natsu and Gajeel and helped them to their feet.

"Honestly, Natsu," Lucy sighed. "You kept us waiting."

"Sorry," Natsu groaned. "If it makes you feel better, I'm probably gonna die."

"Damn Salamander's moaning and groaning made me feel sick to my stomach," Gajeel said as he stood on wobbly legs.

Levy giggled while gently patting his stomach. "Right. Natsu made you sick."

Gracie pumped her fists. "Alright! Christina, let's get these horses hitched up again so that we can get to Wayhaven!"

"Right!" Christina said as she and Gracie ran to the horses.

Natsu practically turned to jelly. "You mean we have to ride a vehicle again? Can't we rest?"

"There's no time," Erza said. "It's getting late and we need lodgings for the night."

Natsu turned incredibly pale. "Why?" he whined softly.

"Get over it," Gray said. "We can't just goof off. We've got places to be."

"He's right, Natsu," Happy said while raising a paw. "We've gotta save Nikolias."

"Yeah, you're right," Natsu said as he tried to fight back against the nausea. "We'll do this for Nikolias!"

"Right!" everyone cheered.

Mira stood off to the side, gazing at the faint stars in the early night sky. 'Just hang on, Nikolias. Hang on a little bit longer. We're all coming for you.'


Wayhaven was a small town, but incredibly active. The streets were bustling with people even despite the late hour. Children ran in the streets, playing games of tag. Vendors called out to passersby to try their food or to admire their fabrics. Street lamps hung on strings that lined the walls of the houses, bathing the streets in a warm, orange glow. The streets were made of cobblestones, so the hooves of Christina's horses echoed in the air, attracting a lot of attention as the group walked along.

"This place hasn't changed much," Gracie said. She then giggled. "I still remember the last time Niky and I passed through this place."

"What happened?" Mira asked with a smile.

"Some schmuck tried to mug Niky when we were walking through. Mind you, this was about fourteen years ago including the seven years we all missed, so Niky was still not the biggest fan of people."

"So what happened next?" Wendy asked.

"Niky turned around and punted the guy down the street!" Gracie then burst out laughing. "That guy flew!"

"That does sound funny!" Natsu said. "I wish I coulda seen it."

Gracie wiped her eyes. "Yeah, it really is never a dull moment with him."

"He sounds like a great guy," Christina noted as she pulled the horses along.

"Only the best!" Gracie said with a thumbs up.

Erza, who was walking in front of the group, stopped and turned around. "It's starting to get late, so I think that we should find a hotel for the night. Do you know of a place, Gracie?"

Gracie hummed as she thought. "If the Daybreak Inn is still around, that would be a pretty nice place to stay for the night."

"Alright then lead the way," Erza said.

Gracie nodded and led the group down the cobblestone streets. They winded down street after street, seeing almost the same exact thing everywhere. What impressed the group the most was the fact that Gracie never once hesitated as she led them along. She maneuvered the streets with ease as if she lived there. No one would have guessed that it had been over fourteen years.

Eventually, Gracie stopped near the edge of town where a simple building sat surrounded by grass, trees, and flowers. The building was made of old wood, but it still seemed well kept. There were two floors and a thin stone chimney that blew out thick clouds of white smoke. She turned on her heels and proudly presented the building. "Ta da! I give you the Daybreak Inn! It's a quaint little inn that will give us plenty of peace and quiet for the night. Plus, it even has a place to keep your horses, Chrisina."

"That's great!" Christina said with a bright smile.

"This looks like a wonderful place to stay," Wendy complimented. "How do you know about this place?"

"Niky and I stayed here after completing the job we did," Gracie explained. "The manager was so thankful for taking care of the town's problem that he let us stay for free. Anyway, shall we go in?"

Everyone nodded and followed Gracie toward the entrance. They waited for Christina to run around back and hitch up the horses before entering inside.

The inside of the inn had a very homey feel. It was warm and well lit with a soft light. There were numerous trinkets lying around from various towns in Seven. The fireplace roared with a warm fire as smoke rose up the chimney. The walls were made of wood and the floor was covered with a light beige carpet. The front desk was nestled in a corner and the stairs leading to the second floor sat behind it.

Sitting at the front desk was a thin old man with gray hair and a small gray moustache. A cup of hot coffee rested next to him as he buried his face in a newspaper. The group walked over to him. "Hi there!" Gracie called out.

The old man put down his paper and looked up at his guests with a smile. However, his eyes soon widened. "Why, could that be Miss Gracie?"

Gracie blinked. "You know me?"

The old man stood with a laugh. "It's me! Niewhaus Vandis, the manager of the Daybreak Inn."

Gracie's jaw dropped. "Holy crap, Mr. Vandy? It's been so long! How are you?"

Mr. Vandis chuckled as he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm well, but clearly not as well as you. Look at you. You look so young."

Gracie blushed and waved her hand in front of her face. "Oh, stop."

"Is this the same manager that you were just telling us about?" Mira asked.

Gracie giggled as she ran over and gave Mr. Vandis a big hug. "Yup. Mr. Vandy put me and Niky up for the night years ago. He's a sweetheart."

Mr. Vandis patted Gracie's head. "You did this town a big favor all those years ago, Miss Gracie. By the way, where's that boy who was with you? You know, the one with the scowl."

Gracie pulled out of the hug and looked sadly at the floor. "Actually, Niky's in a bit of trouble right now and we're off to find him."

Mr. Vandis raised an eyebrow. "Really? I'm sorry to hear it. Tell you what. Why don't you and your friends spend the night here? My treat."

Gracie shook her head. "Oh no, we couldn't do that to you, Mr. Vandy."

"Please, think nothing of it. Business here is good and you were so kind all those years ago. The least I can do is let you and your friends spend one night here."

Gracie scratched her head. "But there are so many of us. Don't the rooms here only accommodate two people?"

Mr. Vandis walked behind his desk to where the keys hung on the wall. He pulled five keys from their rings and walked back over to Gracie. "Here," he said as he handed them over with a smile. "You need to rest if you're going to save your friend."

Gracie stared at the keys as tears began to fill her eyes. She sniffed as she looked back up at Mr. Vandis. "You really are the best." She took the keys and bowed her head. "Thank you so much."

Mr. Vandis chuckled. "Now go on up and rest. I'm sure that you're going to need an early start."

Gracie looked up at him, a big smile on her face. "Right!"


The Fairy Tail mages had all retired to their rooms. Natsu, Lucy, and Happy took the first room, Gajeel, Gray, and Panther Lily took the second room, Levy, Wendy, and Carla took the third room, Erza and Christina took the fourth room, and the last room was taken by Gracie and Mira.

Mira giggled as she dried off her damp hair. "You know, you and Nikolias sure did have a lot of amazing adventures together over the years and met so many amazing people."

Gracie sighed as she lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. "Yeah, we sure did. But now we have Fairy Tail so we have a lot of amazing adventures and meet so many amazing people with all you guys!"

"True." Mira put down the towel and looked at it as her mind wandered. 'How many more nights will I have to sleep without him by my side, without knowing where he is?' She looked over at Gracie. "Gracie?"

"Yeah?"

"What are the chances that Nikolias is actually in Juniper?" Mira asked softly.

Gracie sat up and looked at Mira. "Chances, huh? Well I don't know about any chances, but I'm hoping that he's there. If he's not, then I have no idea where he could be. So I'm trying not to think about it. I'm really counting on Niky being in Juniper."

Mira looked back at the towel. "I wish we could be sure. I wish we had some kind of sure thing to go on. It would make me feel so much better."

Gracie stood from her bed and climbed onto Mira's bed. She wrapped her arms around Mira and tightly embraced her. "I know. Me too."

Mira returned the hug, burying her face in Gracie's neck. The smell of her shampooed blonde hair overwhelmed her senses, and yet all that she could think about was Nikolias and the way he smelled after a shower. She would always feel so relaxed whenever she wrapped her arms around his strong body and breathed in his scent. She wished that she could hold him again. She would give anything to have him back.


The large wooden door to the laboratory creaked open, causing Nikolias to stir. His eyes fluttered open as he slowly lifted his head.

His entire body felt numb. Vyril had been cutting him open, scraping his bones and draining his blood constantly. The pain never stopped. He was always drifting in and out of consciousness as the Red Eye worked vigorously to replenish the blood that he had lost. During the most recent operation, Vyril had cut off some skin from his arms and legs to search for scales and had dug into his gums to study his teeth before scuttling off to God-knows-where. He narrowed his eyes at the approaching figure, but was surprised by what he saw, for it wasn't Vyril or even Jarvan.

It was a woman.

This woman was very tall, thin, and fit. She was wearing a skin tight red shirt that covered her from just above the peak of her large breasts down to her belly button. She wore black pants and running sneakers that looked extremely worn. She wore ruby red lipstick and heavy black eyeliner that made her blue eyes stand out. She had long pink hair that draped over one shoulder. She strode over to Nikolias with an erotic smile on her face.

"So this is the prized catch that everyone's been talking about," the woman purred as she walked even closer. "I've heard a lot about you. They say that you're quite something." Her eyes quickly scanned him from head to toe. "You know, you're pretty cute for a dragon."

"Who the hell are you?" he hissed at her.

The woman walked up to him and stroked his cheek, causing him to jerk his head away. "That's not important," she said as she kept trying to touch Nikolias' face. "I think a little bit of mystery is exciting.

"Stop touching me," he growled as he kept jerking his head away.

"You're feisty," she giggled as she grabbed hold of his face to keep him still. "You're also really hot. I like it."

"Back off," he growled as he tried to wiggle his head free. However, he could barely move. 'This woman's grip is deceptively strong.'

"Don't be like that," she said as she inched her face closer. "You don't find me attractive?"

"No."

She shivered. "How cold. But that's okay. We can still make this work."

"The hell are you talking about?"

Her lips were a hair away from his. "I'm gonna make you mine, sexy."

"Not interested."

"Oh come on, of course you are," she whispered. She then closed the distance between them and planted a firm kiss on Nikolias' lips. However, she quickly cried out in pain and backed off, holding her lips. "You bit me!"

Nikolias spat off to the side. "I told you to back off." However, the woman soon began to blush and giggle. "What's so funny?"

"I never would have thought that you'd be into that kind of stuff," she said as she slowly licked away the small amount of blood from her lips. "Now I want you even more."

Nikolias sweatdropped. 'Great, I made things worse somehow. Seriously, how deranged is this woman?'

The woman quickly strode back up to Nikolias and brought her face close to him once again. "I'm gonna have to beg that old pervert Vyril to keep you alive so that once Boss Man Jarvan is done with you, I can have you all to myself."

"Done with me? What do you mean?"

She pressed a slender finger against his lips. "It's a secret," she said before giggling. "For now, let's not think about anyone but you and me. Okay, lover boy?"


The Fairy Tail team gathered outside of the Daybreak Inn just as the sun began to rise. They had all slept well and were ready to continue on towards Juniper.

Gracie pumped her fist. "I feel great! What a great sleep!"

Mr. Vandis bowed. "I'm so glad that you enjoyed your stay. Best of luck to you, Miss Gracie and I hope that you can find your friend."

Gracie ran up and hugged Mr. Vandis. "Thanks for everything, Mr. Vandy. We really appreciate everything you've done and can't thank you enough for your kindness."

Mr. Vandis chuckled. "Of course. And please, feel free to visit again anytime."

Gracie giggled as she hopped backwards. "Sure thing!"

With a smile and a nod, Mr. Vandis turned around and walked back into the inn.

Gracie sighed. "Alright, we should get moving." She then turned to Christina. "I guess this is where we part ways, Christina. Thanks so much for everything. I don't know where we'd be without your help."

Christina fidgeted as she stared at the ground.

"Everything okay?" Natsu asked.

"I, uh…," Christina started, but stopped herself as her fidgeting increased.

"Are you feeling alright?" Mira asked.

Christina took a deep breath as she lifted her head. She then bowed to Gracie. "Please let me come with you!"

"Say wha?" Gracie asked as she took a step back.

"Please take me with you! I want to stay with you guys and help you find Nikolias!" Christina begged.

"Christina, it's going to be dangerous from now on," Erza said. "Once we reach Juniper, we anticipate a lot of trouble."

"I don't care," Christina said as she stood up straight, tears forming in her eyes. "Being with you all has been so much fun. And I know that all you needed was a ride to Wayhaven, but I want to keep helping however I can!"

"What about your parents?" Lucy asked. "Won't they be worried?"

"I'm sure they will be, but I'm 20 years old and haven't really gone on any adventures," Christina said. "I'd like this one to continue, even if it's only for a little bit longer."

"But won't your father need the cart?" Levy asked.

"Not for a while."

"What about when we reach Rolen? We're going to be taking a train as soon as we get into Bosco," Gray said.

"I talked it over with Mr. Vandis last night," Christina said. "He said that I can leave the cart here in his care until we return. That way it wouldn't be an issue later." Natsu quietly breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this.

"But Christina…," Lucy began, but she was interrupted by Gracie throwing her arm around Christina's shoulders. "Gracie?"

Gracie giggled with a big smile on her face. "I think it sounds like fun!"

Christina's eyes shone. "You mean it?"

Gracie threw her fist in the air. "Of course! Every girl wants to have a fun adventure. If you want to come along, who am I to say no?"

"I'm still not sure that this is a great idea," Lucy said.

Erza sighed. "Once Gracie's made up her mind, it's a waste of energy to try and change it."

"That's right," Gracie said triumphantly. "Alright then, everyone! Let's be off! There's not a moment to waste! We're off to Rolen!"

Everyone cheered and followed Gracie as she led them to the exit of Wayhaven so that their journey could continue.


The door to the laboratory creaked open once again as Cahill strode in. He had been looking everywhere for Diane, but he couldn't find her anywhere. The only place that he hadn't checked was the lab, but he couldn't see why she would be there. But of course, as soon as he stepped inside, he found her. It's always the last place you look. "There you are, Diane. I've been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing in here?"

Diane turned around. "Oh, it's Cahill. Well that ruins the mood."

Cahill walked over to her. "Why are you in here?" he repeated.

She smiled at him. "I came to see dragon boy and after spending some quality time with him, I've decided that he will become my lover."

"Like that'd ever happen," Nikolias growled.

Diane shivered. "I love how cold and distant he is."

"Alright, alright, you can play with him later," Cahill said. "Right now, the Boss needs you to do something."

"Oh?"

Cahill tossed her the Vitals Lacrima. "First, swallow that."

Diane caught it. "Aw, I don't like these things. There so hard to swallow." She turned to Nikolias, placed the lacrima on her tongue, and offered her tongue to Nikolias. "Hel e hwawow wi?"

"No, I won't help you swallow it," Nikolias said as he turned away. However, his head was forced back towards Diane as she crashed her lips over his. He felt her tongue gliding over his before she pulled back and swallowed. Nikolias spat over to the side again.

Diane licked her lips. "Thanks, darling. That made it so much easier to swallow." She turned to Cahill. "What is it that I'm doing?"

"The Boss wants you to head to Rolen," Cahill said.

"What's in Rolen?" she asked.

"The Boss believes that Gracie Amier and her friends will head there."

Nikolias' eyes widened. 'Gracie? No, please don't tell me that you're coming for me.'

"Gracie Amier? Don't know her."

"Well, you're fairly new here, so I suppose you wouldn't." Cahill reached into his pocket and pulled out the newspaper clipping of Gracie with Fairy Tail, her face circled in red pen. He held out the picture to Diane. "Here. She's the one that's circled."

Diane walked over and took the picture, making sure to study it carefully. "Okay. What am I doing with her?"

"The Boss wants you to bring Gracie here. Kill any of the friends that she has with her if you want."

"NO!" Nikolias roared, pulling on the chains hard enough to send volts of electricity shooting through his body.

Diane looked at Nikolias with a lustful gaze. "Oh? Sounds like this Gracie and her friends are pretty special to you."

"YOU SO MUCH AS TOUCH THEM AND I WILL TEAR YOU IN HALF!" Nikolias shouted.

Diane licked her lips. "Sounds like a good deal."

Nikolias gritted his teeth. 'Gracie, please don't go to Rolen. If you're really out looking for me, just turn around and go home. Please.'

Diane blew a kiss at Nikolias before making her way for the exit. "Alright, I'm off."

"Good luck," Cahill said.

Diane strolled down the hall, a sadistic smile on her face. "Just you wait, my darling. I'll come back with your friends' corpses and little Gracie bound and beaten, leaving you broken inside. Then I'll be there to help you feel all better."