Day 3 – Team Up
Lucy internally grumbles about being teamed up with Ichiya during the mission. Nothing against her 'Uncle', but they've never worked together before. He somehow managed to convince everyone to allow them to partner up so he could get some quality time with his niece. Now was not the time for that, but she sucked it up and gave in because they had a job to do.
Ichiya has no clue how to connect with his niece. He never would have imagined that the first time they met she would become his future niece. Even though they had never teamed up before, he thought this would be a good time to get some one-on-one time with her. He's heard about the wonderous mage she has become and has wanted to see it firsthand.
"So, Lucy, how are you and-" Ichiya is cut off by the sound of something whizzing by them.
One of the members of the dark guild slowly makes their way out of the forest and into their sight. "Well, well, well."
Having not worked together before, Lucy and Ichiya worked together better than expected. Even though she could have easily summoned Gemini to turn into Wendy to boost their stats, she let the guy do his thing. Even though it's off-putting watching the man shove vials up his nostrils to attack, it's very useful that said parfums allow him to also use different kinds of attacks.
After the fight, Virgo ties the man up, while Ichiya uses his healing parfum. Once again, Lucy could have summoned Gemini to turn into Wendy to heal them but instead, she gives her Uncle the honor. She needs to cut the man some slack, they are family now after all, "Before we got attacked, what was it you wanted to ask me?"
"Oh right, I was just going to ask how you and Laxus are doing. I trust he is being a gentleman."
"He is."
"Maaaaan that's good to hear. If he ever isn't, let me know. I taught him better than that."
Lucy isn't sure what Ichiya could do against Laxus, but the sentiment is appreciated.
Time Skip
Ichiya heads to the guild first to talk to Master Bob about the mission before going home. Imagine his surprise when not only does he see his beloved in the guild but Laxus, Freed, Evergreen, and Bickslow as well. It really shouldn't be too surprising to see Anna there, in her spare time she likes to sit and chat with Master Bob. They have become quite close, and it makes him happy she can get along with those in his guild.
"I thought I smelled a sweet parfum."
"Hello, my love. I'm glad to see you all made it back safely."
"I got to tell you; our niece is something else."
"Oh?"
Ichiya goes on to tell the tale of their mission. He admitted to practically bullying everyone to let him work with Lucy. As he tells the story he rubs Anna's belly, still in shock that he will be a dad. Once he's done telling his story, Laxus informs them they have to get going and invites them to the Harvest Festival that is coming up. But not before asking Anna his question.
Master Bob has his elbow resting on the counter, chin in his hand watching Mr. and Mrs. Vandalay Kotobuki. Yes, she took his last name thinking it was about time to break the cycle of men taking the Heartfilia name. He's so happy for them. The story of both of them working together, sacrificing themselves to send Acnologia into the time rift randomly pops up in his mind. "You know, you two are going to make the perfect team taking care of your precious baby."