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When your hearts beat with the heat of the sun for each other, that is love. This Fairy Tail redo is a story of two people connected by a fire unquenched by any power in the world. Their bond will take change the fate of Fiore and all of Ishgar.

Chapter 40: Reflections

How can you describe a situation as ridiculous as this? That's the thought that went through Lucy Ashley's head as she stared at herself. Literally herself with the same long blonde hair and brown eyes. The glare was also pretty damn similar, and the only thing out of place Ashley could point to was the noticeable scars on her arms and collarbone as if a mad scientist took a scalpel here and there.

There was also that boy Adrian was pinning down. If she were a betting girl, that boy had Adrian's looks if he were at that age. There was even a younger version of Wendy too. Who knew the walking succubus was such a cute little girl long ago?

That's the kind of observation Lucy was making in that small moment when the 'intruders' were discovered, and she wasn't the only one to be caught surprised by their doppelgangers. Edolas' Gray and Juvia eyed their reflections when they sprung up from their own hiding space under a table. Confusing thoughts ran through their head about the strange clothes they wore, or the lack of some depending on the person. Edo Gray couldn't fathom how his counterpart was able to stand there with nothing to cover his top.

Edo Juvia gave a surprised look to her counterpart of Earthland Juvia before switching glances to Earthland Fullbuster. Needless to say, she was staring quite hard at a topless Gray Fullbuster. While Edo Juvia kept a stoic persona, as usual, her body had no such control in the red hue of her cheeks and the single thought running through her head.

'Oh God, you could grind meat on those,' Edo Juvia commented mentally at the sight of Earthland Gray's abs.

In those small seconds, Lucy Ashley's eyes scanned over the new occupants that revealed themselves. When she spotted a head of pink hair, her heart almost leaped to her throat. Her first instinct was the hug the living daylights out of Natsu after having been gone for so long, but that instantly changed when she spotted the red hair. Very familiar crimson hair.

Upon a head of a woman of disarming beauty.

Dark brown eyes with a glare that could make men whimper in droves.

All to make a face that Ashley knew all too well that brought up both her hate and terror.

She couldn't help it. Her fight-or-flight response kicked in, and it chose to fight as usual!

"Fairy Hunter!" Lucy Ashley cried, taking out her whip.

And then everything went to chaos. Tables were flipped, bottles were smashed, weapons were drawn, and sides were taken. When it came to, Lucy Ashley saw their doppelgangers took a defensive formation for Erza 'Knightwalker'. It was unnerving looking at the one with Natsu's face and her own apparent 'clone' had taken to stand between the guild and Erza, lighting their fists in fire. Now that had gotten questions firing in. Like how were they able to do without magical weapons? This was followed by Earthland Gray and Juvia moving into position, preparing their respective magical abilities whilst glaring at their now hostile opponents.

This, compounded with the fact they shared faces with their own guild members was, for lack of better terms, a total mindfuck for everyone included. For Lucy Ashley and those of Edolas Fairy Tail, they couldn't believe those with faces of their own members were defending Erza Knightwalker, the person who for years had killed off their friends including the Guild Master. Even the younger version of Wendy had even stepped in for Erza's defense. Was this some sort of ploy by the kingdom, using clones of themselves?

As for the denizens of Earthland, it was no less confusing that they were put into a position where they had to defend against their own 'guildmates'. At least people who looked very much like their friends. It was hard to put a hostile front when they had to stand against familiar faces such as Jet and Droy that were giving them equally conflicting looks. That did not stop the sudden hostile air, starting with the Edolas Fairy Tail members pulling out weapons of all sorts. In response, the Fairy Tail mages of Earthland prepared their own magic, with Lucy and Natsu heating their air up with their fire magic and Gray's ice magic producing a chilly mist. Even the air was being stirred by little Wendy making her stand.

It was all reaching a boiling point until Adrian kicked his older self off of himself. Instead of bringing out his buster sword or summoning his magic, he chose to get in between everyone before shots were fired. His hands were outstretched on both sides against both his own guild and the people of this alternate world.

"Woah, woah, woah, woah!" Adrian cried, trying to get some measure of peace. "Everyone stand down! Look, this is just all a big misunderstanding."

"A 'misunderstanding', my ass!" Growled what was to Adrian's disbelief Levy, or at least the Edolas version of the Script mage. "You came here with Erza-fucking-Knightwalker! You're probably some agents from the kingdom using disguises to get our guards down!"

"That's not - it's complicated!" Adrian argued. "You have to believe that the Erza here isn't the 'Erza' you all know."

"Bullshit!" Lucy, the Ashley version said. "I'm supposed to believe this isn't the same Erza!? The Erza that murdered so many of my friends, even the master!?"

"I... I did what?" Erza muttered downcast, completely in disbelief at the actions against the guild she considered family. "I murdered members of Fairy Tail?"

"It wasn't you, Erza," Gray interjected. "Though, that does mean there's a version of you that's an enemy of Fairy Tail."

"She's not the 'Erza' you know," Adrian tried to placate. "Her full name is Erza Scarlet. And as to exactly who we are... that's a long explanation."

"Then make it snappy!" Growled Edo Droy.

"We're not exactly from around here," Gray started. "We're from an alternate world called Earthland. So as hard as it is to believe it, we are different versions of the people. You know, same faces different lives. Like, look at our Juvia to your Juvia."

Glances were switched between the two Juvias, noticing their differences. Earthland Juvia was more reserved in her demeanor while Edo Juvia was more upfront. Further comparisons were made with other members of Fairy Tail. Edo Gray couldn't help but stare at his alternate self in disbelief at his lack of clothing.

"I can see it now," Edo Jet noted. "But your Lucy doesn't seem too different from ours."

"But there is credence to what they're saying," Edo Droy said. "I mean, look at the girl. Doesn't she look familiar? Hey Wendy, doesn't that girl look like a younger you?"

That caught the attention of both Adrian and Wendy at the prospect of seeing an older version of the Sky Dragon Slayer. It wasn't hard to spot the signature blue hair besides Wendy herself belonging to another woman, and they both dropped their jaws at the sight before them. The woman that was presumably Edo Wendy was a gorgeous beauty that rivaled Mirajane. Wendy gaped in shock with a small part of herself whooping in joy at the prospect of her grown-up future. As for Adrian, he couldn't help his eyes go to a certain part of Edo Wendy's anatomy, specifically two that garnered their deserved attention.

Boing-Boing

'Oh Father, give me strength,' Adrian prayed in vain.

"Oh, you're right," Edo Wendy noted, coming closer to get a get look at Wendy and Adrian. "There's even a little Adrian. Oh, who knew he was so cute?"

As Edo Wendy got closer, the blush on Adrian's cheeks grew brighter. And the more 'frantic' his thoughts went, the harder he prayed to his father to somehow save him. He did not want to perve on an older version of Wendy!

"Looking at you guys, I can see what you're saying," Edo Lucy admitted, her eyes still narrowed on the Fairy Tail mages still suspicious. "So let's say I believe you. But that doesn't explain why you are here."

"It's because of Anima," Adrian explained. "It opened up in our world and took our people, including our own Fairy Tail guild. We're here to get them back from the kingdom that kidnapped them."

"The Anima?" Edo Lucy wondered. "But that's the device the kingdom uses to extract magic from other worlds. And you say they used it to kidnap your friends?"

"Yeah, what about it?" Gray said.

Edo Lucy smirked. "Well, it seems we are allies under common circumstances. We, the Fairy Tail guild of Edolas, are no friends to the kingdom."

'Not friends with the kingdom,' Happy wondered. 'But doesn't that mean this is a dark guild!?'

"That's great," Lucy said. "Just point us in the right direction and we'll be on our way."

"Hey, time out there," Edo Lucy warned. "You can't just barge in on the capital city. It will only be you guys against an entire army armed with magical weapons."

"Don't underestimate us," Natsu proclaimed, lighting his fists on fire for added effect. "Those assholes took our friends and a whole town of innocent families. We aren't gonna leave them like this, and if we have to fight through an army to get them back then so be it."

"You stubborn... it ain't that simple," Edo Lucy argued. "What you're talking about is insanity."

"Try us," Lucy challenged. "And if you are enemies against the kingdom, then help us get to where our friends our. I'm pretty sure my alternate self isn't the type of coward that wouldn't dare go to the capital. So you get us there, and then we can handle the rest. Capiche?"

"But they're-"

"Jeez, what's all the ruckus?"

A new voice broke up the argument, and people made way for a new person just entering the scene. She was a beautiful young lady with a more petite build and possessed snow-white hair and blue eyes. Traits that were too familiar to those of the Strauss siblings as Lucy thought so. However, the reactions of Natsu, Happy, Gray, and Erza were much more profound as tears went down their faces. Their eyes sparkled with recognition meeting a close friend they thought lost forever.

"Lis..." Natsu mumbled. "Lisanna?"

"It can't be..." Erza sobbed softly. "You... You were..."

Lucy sputtered in shock when she heard the name utter from Natsu's lips directed at the young woman. She switched glances between Natsu and the apparently alive 'Lisanna'. The Lisanna that Natsu himself told her that she was dead from a mission, and a grave made for the youngest Strauss sibling in Magnolia.

'It can't be Lisanna,' Lucy thought as the realization hit her. 'Unless this Lisanna is actually Edolas' version.'

In that, Lucy felt pity for Natsu swell in her chest. To her expectations, Natsu did not figure it out, too distracted by the raw emotions of seeing a face he never thought he'd see again. Tears streamed down not just Natsu but also Happy and Erza herself. Gray looked at Edo Lisanna in equal shock, but his features cooled when he connected the dots to her presence. But those that couldn't see the truth of the matter couldn't take in any more.

"LISANNA!"

As one, Natsu, Erza, and Happy leaped towards Lisanna with arms stretched wide in a hug. Adrian, Juvia, and Wendy were appalled by the sudden odd behavior displayed by the trio. What Lucy knew however was their stunt could be seen as an unprovoked attack on the guild. Acting quickly, Lucy conjured a whip of flame around Natsu, Erza, and Happy and tugged them towards an empty table.

Natsu sputtered, "What the - Lucy!?"

"Can it!" Lucy cried, dismissing the whip of flame. "I expected this from you and Happy, but Erza? Really? Jeez, it's like you share the same brain cell with Natsu sometimes."

"B-But... it's her," Erza said. "Why would she..."

"I'm sorry, but that isn't Lisanna you know," Lucy said, giving them a pitying look. "This confirms it all anyway."

"Confirms what?" Edo Lucy barked, glaring at the trio that almost glomped Edo Lisanna. "To me, it looks like those three were about to crush Lisanna here. What the heck is going on with them?"

"Because, unlike your Lisanna, ours died years ago," Gray answered cooly. "Would that be something we would make up to trick you? Do you believe us now?"

At Gray's exclamation, all doubt of the mages' origins from an alternate world was gone. Some of the guild's faces melted into pitiful looks, fully knowing the pain of losing a guildmate. Edo Lucy finally backed down, leveling a more neutral stance toward the Earthland mages. Meanwhile, Lucy had managed to get Erza, Happy, and Natsu to calm down from their little episode at seeing an alive Lisanna.

"I almost messed up, didn't I?" Natsu said, feeling down. "I acted like a complete dumbass right there. I couldn't be that lucky to have a friend come back to life. Stupid multiverse bullshit."

"It's not your fault, Natsu," Lucy rebuffed. "I would have done the same if I saw my mom and dad there alive. It's not a bad thing to want those you love to come back to life. But it's never possible."

Suddenly, Lucy felt familiar lips smash onto her own. Once she beheld only salmon-colored hair, Lucy immediately melted into the kiss. She opened her mouth, relishing the taste of her lover and the crimson flames that followed. It was brief, lasting only a few seconds before they broke off.

"I don't want that for you," Natsu declared with fierce onyx eyes. "Missing you. Knowing that you're never there. So I promise on my life I'm never gonna let you die."

"You're so sweet, my dragon king," Lucy purred. "I'll hold you to that, and like I hell I'd let both of us die."

None saw how 'Edo' Lisanna looked at the pair with a complicated face. Nor did anyone see her walking out of the guild hall holding a fist to her chest.

"Hey," Gray interjected, drawing both the ire of Lucy and Natsu, "so if you're done flirting over there, we have more pressing matters right now."

"Oh, Gray, why don't we also show our love?" Juvia interrupted, getting into Gray's personal space and leaning close to his face with puckered lips.

"Woah, time and place, Juvia!" Gray exclaimed with a flushed face, keeping Juvia at a distance.

Those of Edolas looked at the Juvia's open display of affection towards Gray Fullbuster with a bewildered look. They never thought to see the Juvia they knew that usually gave a cool exterior and now her lookalike is more extroverted, especially towards Gray. As for Edo Juvia herself, she was quite perplexed at the scene and had the impression the roles were reversed in their case. Another, smaller part of her mind thought that she herself should be in Earthland Juvia's place to hug such a hunk.

'Why couldn't our Gray be like that?' Edo Juvia thought. 'I wonder if he can lose all those clothes and see if has the same underneath.'

Before any thought or further dialog could commence, Edo Nab had barged through the doors panic constricting his features.

"Fairy Hunter!" Edo Nab shouted. "The Fairy Hunter is here! She'll be on us at any moment!"

Instantly, the guild around the mages moved in a frenzy. The topic of their alternate universe visitors was completely forgotten as they stood still in shock. Most braced themselves as beads of cold sweat went down their brows as if they were preparing themselves for the fight of their lives. Edo Lucy took command keeping everyone in order instead of devolving into a chaotic panic.

"They said the Fairy Hunter, right?" Lucy said, looking at Erza. "That's who they thought you were when they first saw you. Like you came here to kill them. Fairy Hunter is this Fairy Tail's enemy, and the Fairy Hunter..."

"...Is the Edolas version of me," Erza concluded with a harrowing tone.

Erza clearly remembered the fear and hatred in the eyes of the faces that she called guildmates back home. The same feeling she had towards Jellal when he first banished her from the Tower of Heaven and forced the rest of her friends on the island. It was the same hatred Erza felt towards Jose Porla for threatening to wipe out all of Magnolia. She was not used to such emotions aimed at her, and the actual target was a person that was technically herself to boot.

"What are you doing?" Natsu asked Edo Lucy, pumping his fists with dragon fire. "Are we gonna fight this Fairy Hunter that's after you?"

"Levy over here is preparing our teleportation mechanism to get us out of here," Edo Lucy informed.

"You're running away!?" Exclaimed Natsu. "But wait. You don't have to do that. Stand your ground and take the fight to these bastards. We're here too. With our power, we can beat them. You said they killed your friends, even your master. It's time they get what's coming to them-"

"I'VE LOST TOO MANY FRIENDS BECAUSE OF THOSE REASONS!" Edo Lucy snapped, brown eyes wide in fury. "I REFUSE TO ENDANGER THE LIVES OF THIS GUILD FOR FUCKING REVENGE! SO SHUT UP, SIT DOWN, AND BRACE YOURSELVES!"

'Damn, even without Demon Slayer magic, Edo Lucy is as scary as my Lucy,' Natsu thought as his demeanor turned meek from fright.

"Preparing reactor ignition," Levy said mechanically, working on a console that demanded her full attention to operate. "Coordinates set. Error correction in 5, 4, 3, 2-"

"Would you kindly hurry the fuck up, Levy!?" Lucy exclaimed at the end of her patience. "The Fairy Hunter's coming!"

"What the hell do you think I'm doing, you blonde gorilla!?" Levy bit back.

Once Levy pulled a lever, the ground began to vibrate like freshly pulled string and continued to get stronger in intensity. Pebbles started to defy gravity and float up to face level. Chais and tables soon followed by the growing intensity of the rumblings, and then at the rumbling's strongest people were finding themselves off the ground. Their vision was blurred as the air distorted in waves, and all color around them diminished to a blank white.

The last thing Natsu felt at the crescendo was the worst stomachache he ever felt in his life.

From outside, the twin twisting vines that served as Edolas Fairy Tail's base glowed and condensed on itself before disappearing, right before a giant winged beast crashed down in its previous location. Upon its head was a woman with the looks to match Erza Scarlet from her beauty to the fearsome aura that clung to her. She was more risque in appearance, wearing only an armored breastplate and a black bikini bottom as the only things to maintain her modesty. Clutched in her right hand was a mighty black spear tipped with four jagged ends akin to claws. Unlike Erza, the Edolas lookalike held a more cold and ruthless visage in her brown eyes, added by the disappointed scowl marring her face.

"They got away again," the Fairy Hunter grumbled. "I was looking forward to killing whoever killed that leviathan."

The scowl turned into a feral grin, hungry to continue the hunt and promising a painful murder once she had quarry. Just like every member of Fairy Tail that was felled by her spear. All enemies of the kingdom will fall by Erza Knightwalker.


(Within the deserts of Edolas...)

In the mostly empty desert, there was a sudden glow disrupting the still sandy plains. The land was blown away into a flat clearing where twin vines rose up from the light to a towering height. They twisted around each other till the banner of Fairy Tail was held between them in its full glory under the sun. Edolas' Fairy Tail guild had escaped the clutches of the Fairy Hunter and were now a whole continent away within the land's deserts.

Inside the guildmates were getting their bearings after the intense teleportation. Erza, Wendy, and Adrian managed to right themselves with the rest of the guild, shaking their heads of any discomfort. Gray tried to get up, but a body was weighing him down. Looking downward, it was his shock to see his Juvia sprawled over his body with her eyes basically swirling and a hand clutching her head in pain.

"Juvia, are you okay?" Gray asked, more concerned by Sea God Slayer's obvious headache.

"It feels like a toddler's on a sugar rush banging my brain with a hammer," Juvia whined, wincing from the agonizing pain of the headache. "Gray darling, I need a kiss from you to ease this pain~."

"Wait, hold on-!"

Natsu and Lucy were the last to get up, suffering from one of the worst cases of an upset stomach and full-bodied cramps. Before they could move to get up, a shadow passed over them and the pair looked to meet the eyes of Lucy Ashley.

"You're not giving up till what happened to your Fairy Tail, right?" Edo Lucy said before sighing. "I'd do the same if that happened to my guild. So, I'm gonna help you, alright? But listen here. This isn't your Earthland. So if you want to get to the capital and figure out what happened to your friends, you will listen to me. Got it?"

What Lucy Ashley received were two toothy smiles.


SURPRISE! Betcha you didn't another chapter of this story so soon.

Up next is Chapter 41.

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