When The Day Met the Night (Natsu Dragneel/Original Female Character) - Zellyjs (2024)

Chapter 1

Chapter Text

“Sir?” The train conductor asked, when he checked to make sure all patrons were off the train. He noticed the three people left. He asked the question to the male who was laying face down on the train floor, green in the face, moaning to himself. A blue cat with a green bag on his back, flying in place with his white wings, pulled on the white scarf that belonged to the male. “Natsu, get up!” The cat cried. The conductor looked to the female who leaned on the entrance door frame, arms crossed, a look of annoyance plastered on her face. “Ma'am, is he with you? Is he all right?”

Her eyes in a blink, looked over to the conductor. Her teal eyes looking him up and down, boredly as he also did the same except he was far from bored with her appearance.

She huffed in annoyance towards the human male species in general. “The idiot has terrible motion sickness on anything that moves,” She answered, shaking her head in embarrassment for her partner. “Does he need a doctor? I need to get this train going as soon as possible.” The man asked.

The girl “tch’ed” and rolled her eyes. She stepped off the train. “Nah he’s good. Just get the train going, if he’s still on here, just charge him double. I’m leaving.”

The train conductor decided that was a good enough reason to leave and start the train up.

The blue cat flew over to the girl’s side. “You’re really going to leave him like this?” He asked. “Well this seems like a Natsu problem. Since my name isn’t Natsu, it isn’t my problem.” She looked to the side, the expression on her face reading that she would rather be anywhere else than there. The train whistle blew as the wheels started to spin. “Alice! Please don’t leave me!” The pink haired male cried out in a weak tone.

“See you later, Natsu.” Alice waved as the train left, putting on a sweet, but very fake smile. “I better go get him or he might die!” The cat cried zooming after the train. “See you later then, Happy,” Alice said, disheartened. She was now left alone in the town of Hargeon, on a personal mission that wasn’t even hers. Alice groaned to herself, pulling her fiery red hair back behind her, although, strands getting caught around her many earrings. 8 on each side. 4 on the lobe, and 4 helix. She did in fact contemplate many times to downside the number she had because of how easily her hair got wrapped around almost each stud or hoop. But she was here for the aesthetic.

She sighed heavily to herself. “Great here I am, looking for a huge fire breathing dragon calling itself Salamander. By myself.” After she untangled her hair, she stomped off into the town from the station. “You know, only an idiot would follow such a bogus lead. I mean, the dragon’s name was Igneel. Salamander is a nickname of Natsu’s. Why would Igneel refer to himself as that? And none of the rumors have even stated that this Salamander was a dragon!” Alice continued to rant to herself under her breath.

Igneel, the Fire Dragon King, who raised Natsu from a toddler, to when he was 9 years old, also teaching Natsu Fire Dragon Slayer magic.
Igneel disappeared July 7th of the year X777. Oddly enough for Alice, her Water Dragon, Umiko also disappeared on that day.

Unlike Natsu, Alice didn’t care to follow each rumor of a dragon they heard. But as quest partners, Alice followed Natsu each time, even though after a handful of let-downs, Alice gave up hope.

Alice walked towards the town center, where she could hear many female voices.

“There she is!” Happy shouted as he carried Natsu towards her. “Yeah! Thanks for leaving me behind!” Natsu said in a sarcastic tone. As Happy let Natsu down, Happy continued to stay air-bound. Natsu scowled at Alice, getting into her face, getting ready to challenge her. “It’s not my fault you’re pathetic. What do you want me to do, huh? Ride the train again with you? I can’t lift your dumbass, let alone carry you until you get your stomach back into place,” Alice replied in a snarky tone, casting her eyes away, getting irritated by the pink hair troublemaker. She also couldn’t stand to have his face in hers. It made her cheeks go red, but she hoped her makeup covered it, not giving anything away.

“Salamander! You’re so dreamy!” A very loud squeal of a female running towards a crowd of other girls surrounding a man, caught the attention of the three. The man in the center had blue hair, and a blue wizard’s cloak on. He had a black x symbol over his right eyebrow.

Alice looked at him, and her heart started to pound fast, and her stomach somehow had butterflies. She was not attracted to this man, and his egotistical aura made Alice want to vomit.
But yet he was giving her the same feelings she felt for people she did in fact have feelings for.

While trying to find a logical reason as to why she was acting this way, Alice didn’t realize she found herself gravitating towards the crowd, eyes not moving off of this blue mysterious wizard.

Alice thought to herself that this guy must be the one who is claiming to be this Salamander. Alice did in fact think that whoever was going by this name was in fact trying to impersonate Natsu because that’s how a lot of people knew him by. A mythical salamander of fire.

“Hey, Earthland to Alice!”
Alice was pulled from her trance, by Natsu who was pulling her away from the crowd by one of her forearms. Alice recollected herself and looked at Natsu who was taking her towards this new girl Alice had never seen before.

Blonde hair, brown eyes, a very large chest. She wore a blue and white top, a blue skirt, then a pair of black boots that went up to her knees. She had a brown belt, one side holding a set of keys, the other had a black whip. From Alice’s perspective, this girl had to have been a few inches taller than her.

She had to be a small time magic user with her simple get up.She smiled at Alice and waved.

“Lucy here, is gonna buy us food, so hurry up before she changes her mind,” Natsu explained. “Oh wow, you’re Alice from Fairy Tail! The Fairy Tail Princess in the flesh!” Lucy gasped, gushing over Alice.
“People really call me that still? That's so embarrassing.” Alice blushed and looked away embarrassed. Well at least she associated her with her guild work instead of her modelling.

“You know Alice?” Happy asked Lucy. “She’s a famous wizard of Fairy Tail, how wouldn’t I know her? She was a big time model for Lolita Weekend as "Alice of Earthland", and she does spreads for Sorcerer Weekly all the time!” Lucy with heart eyes, even somehow summoned two magazines, one from Lolita Weekend with Alice in a blue and white lolita style dress, blue and white striped thigh high socks and very cutesy makeup, a couple of years younger than the present Alice. And another magazine from Sorcerer Weekly, with Alice in a blue and white bikini set on, sitting at the side of a pool, looking moderately annoyed at the camera.

Alice was an average height adolescent girl, with a slim figure and ideal proportions. She had shiny soft red hair that shimmered with orange undertones in light that flowed effortlessly to her waist. Surprisingly that wasn't the most standout feature of hers. It was in fact her turquoise angular eyes that she shared with the rest of the Dreyar lineage. She didn't have that model look, which was odd considering how much work she did for magazines and brands. Alice was beautiful, by all means, but her looks were softer and her figure wasn't as round and voluptuous than "professional" models. Her work as a model was only due to her recognition as the Fairy Tail Princess. And yes, Alice was brilliant, and in her time, she was a powerful mage, but her popularity wouldn't have been so grand if it wasn't for her family. Great-Granddaughter of the current master, daughter of the late Fire Fire Yoko and Laxus Dreyar

As Happy and Natsu gawked at the two covers, Alice, extremely flustered, snatched the two magazines and used lightning magic to burn the magazines to dust. “Enough of this nonsense!”
“Right! Let’s go get some grub! I’m starving!” Natsu excitedly shouted, pulling Alice along, who was still a bit spacey after the weird encounter with the blue haired wizard. “You just got done puking your guts out on the train ride here,” Alice responded in a grumble. “That was like 10 minutes ago! Besides all that puking has made some room for some more food!” Natsu justified.

The four went into a small time restaurant and picked a booth.

As they all ordered their food, Happy and Natsu wasted no time shoving all kinds of food into their mouths.

Alice stirred around the ice in her cup of water with her straw, thinking hard to herself why she was still entranced by the idea of this guy. “You haven’t touched any of your food,” Lucy commented. “Do you want me to eat it?” Natsu said, barely incoherent with his mouth stuffed. He reached towards Alice’s plate, and Alice slapped his hands away. “You already eat enough of my food, back off.”

“What’s with you? You’re thinking pretty hard there.” Natsu frowned at the rejection of more food. “I don’t know. That blue haired imposter... he...”

“You must be under his charm still! His rings are magical illegal objects that charms his victims!” Lucy exclaimed. Alice’s mind finally cleared. How could she have not known that’s what was causing her sudden ailments? Ring charms were powerful magic items, which were banned due to their misuse, although there were two ways to break the charm on the person: Acknowledgement of the magic, and also the voice of the person the victim has a strong soul connection which, although the latter had yet to be truly proven.

“Thanks to your friend, Natsu, I was broken from the charm!” Lucy continued on with a smile. "I don’t look like much, but I’m a wizard! I’ve been looking to be in a guild! Guilds are groups of wizards that band together for protection and do jobs. There is one guild I want to join but they probably wouldn’t take me, it’s the most popular and they’re always featured in Sorcerer Weekly! One day I’ll do a lot of jobs and have so much money!” Lucy gushed on.

“You guys probably think I’m talking gibberish.” She laughed. Alice eyed Natsu, seeing if he’d say anything. Happy paused gorging himself. “You talk a lot,” he commented. “Oh yeah. Didn’t you say you’re looking for someone?” Lucy asked, with a grumble, now bummed by Happy’s words. “Yeah. Igneel. We heard this rumor that some salamander was coming through this town so we decided to come see him.” Natsu’s words were muffled by the food in his mouth.

“Yeah, and I said there’d be no way it would be him, but no one wanted to listen to me. So here we are, on a pointless trip for nothing.” Alice butted in rudely, having to add her two cents. “Oh yeah? I don’t remember you ever saying that.” Natsu looked at her with a slight glare. “Oh yeah, I forgot you were too busy being motion sick.” Alice fired at him and then snapped her attention off him. “News about Igneel being here would be bigger news. He is a dragon after all” Alice finished with a huff.

“I bet that guy doesn’t even breathe fire like a real dragon.” Natsu crossed his arms, finally understanding the truth in Alice’s words. “Your friend looks like a dragon?” Lucy asked.
“Well yeah, because he’s a real fire breathing dragon.” Natsu shrugged, as if it was a no big deal situation. Rarely any human has ever seen a real dragon before. Some even go as far and say they don’t exist.

Not believing a word they were saying, and coming to the conclusion that Natsu and Happy were delusional, Lucy put her jewel on the table to pay the tab and got up from her booth. “Well, I’ll be going now.”

Natsu and Happy kneeled on the ground thanking her for the food. She reeled back in shock. “No, serious guys, it’s fine, chill out. You helped me, I’m just returning the favor.” Lucy walked swiftly out of the restaurant, in complete embarrassment.

Alice finally ate her food, at a way slower speed than her two friends, and waited for the two to stop eating. It was dark by the time they made their way to an inn.

“Why didn’t you say anything to her about you also being in Fairy Tail, or inviting her to join? You do that with almost everyone we encounter,” Alice wondered to Natsu, walking alongside him. Natsu stopped and looked over at her, shrugging. “I don’t know. She seemed happy rambling about it. I mean, you could’ve said something to her. She did recognize you.”

Alice looked up at him, also stopping in her tracks. She peered into his eyes, when her sea green eyes and his dark amber ones met for a moment, Alice could feel her heart tighten, and she had to break her gaze. “Yeah well, I’m not the extroverted type to just ask someone to join the guild. Besides, she knows I’m in Fairy Tail, and yet apparently she didn’t even ask or even suggest me getting her into Fairy Tail,” Alice replied, looking off into the distance, at the sea. They were a ways away from it, but were at a higher elevation.

“Besides, your guild mark is right- oh.” Alice turned back to gesture at his mark but saw and realized that Natsu had been wearing a simple cloak, covering his guild mark. Alice referred to Natsu’s dark red guild emblem on his right shoulder and Alice’s own mark on her lower torso, right side of her ribs, under her chest, also dark red in color. Natsu wore a black vest with gold trimming which showed off arms, which kept his guild mark in sight the majority of the time, and since the vest had no features on it to close it up, his entire torso was on show.

Alice, on the other hand, had on a black lace strapless bralette and a black high rise short skirt, so her entire mid riff was exposed but coincidentally too, her mark was covered by wearing a sheer grey cardigan.

It was usually windy in Hargeon, so she came prepared.

“Maybe she thinks since you pose for bikini shoots a lot that you’re retired!” Happy teased. “Yeah, you do quite a lot of modelling, and that’s how people usually recognize you,” Natsu agreed. Alice lowly growled in annoyance. “I haven’t done a shoot for at least 4 months now. But I can’t believe she knows me by my Lolita name.” She puffed out her flushed cheeks in shame. “Isn’t that better? You don’t want people to know you’re a Dreyar?” Natsu wondered. Alice turned away to lean her crossed arms on the nearby stone railing. “Yes, it’s true that I request my given name isn’t put into any of the magazine issues or any interviews but I’m not stopping anyone from using it. Even though me and that worthless Laxus share that last name, I’m not going to change it. Besides, without it, no one would know we’re related. I look nothing like him. I’ve always been told I look like Yoko.”

Yoko Akashiya and Laxus Dreyar. Alice Dreyar’s birth parents.
Yoko Akashiya, a famous Fairy Tail fire wizard, pregnant at age 18 while Laxus was 16.

Laxus, not wanting anything to do with the parent life, cast aside his apparent feelings for Yoko and left her to deal with the pregnancy and care of Alice.

With the knowledge of her growing illness, Yoko decided to make Alice a Dreyar instead of an Akashiya to hopefully give Alice a better future, even with knowing that Laxus would be furious to know that Yoko gave Alice his name.

With fire red hair and those teal eyes, Alice was born at the infirmary at Fairy Tail and was loved by all. Except, Laxus, of course, who would deny having any connection to the child. In three years time, Yoko’s sickness would catch up with her, and she’d die, leaving Alice in the protection of the love Fairy Tail... But legally, she was Laxus' responsibility now.

Laxus, now stricken with guilt, couldn’t bear to look at Alice, with each year grew to look more and more like his ex-flame, would steal her away and give her to an orphanage far east of Fiore.

Until, that is, cultists would raid the orphanage and kidnap all the children for magic experimentation and sacrifices. Alice would spend 4 years fighting to survive each day, until a stranger again, broke in, and cursed Alice with an unknown death magic she couldn’t control. Alice found herself in the care of the water dragon, Umiko, a kind soul who instead of teaching Alice Water Dragon Slayer magic, would try to teach Alice basic education, and to control her magic. Although in those two years, Umiko would disappear, like all the other dragons, July 7, X777.

Alice would then travel to Magnolia, in search of a guild she felt so drawn to.

Alice stood a few meters away from the guild door, which was open. She peered inside, watching all the people in there. She was far too shy to just walk in. She didn’t know why Fairy Tail felt familiar, but it did.
“Hey, you looking for someone in Fairy Tail?” A kid’s voice called out to her. Alice jumped and snapped her attention to the boy her size, smiling at her. “I-uh, no. I-’ll be going. Sorry.” Alice bowed her head and turned to leave. She felt too embarrassed to ask for entry or to enquire about the guild.

“Wait! Do you wanna join or something? You can, they don’t turn anyone down! It’s the Fairy Tail way!” The pink haired kid stepped towards her. Alice stopped, looking back. “Are you in it?”
“Yep!” Natsu pushed down his collar as much as he could, barely reaching down his shoulder, but revealed the dark red mark partially. Alice nodded, and then glanced down at the ground.
“My name is Natsu Dragneel. I’m a fire dragon slayer. I was taught my magic by my dad Igneel the Fire Dragon King!” Natsu introduced himself. “Dragon king? Was he a dragon?” Alice regained her focus.
“Yep! Not a lot of people believe me though.”

“I had a dragon. Her name was Umiko. She was a water dragon.” Alice shyly revealed. “Really? So you’re a dragon slayer too?!” Natsu excited, pushed for more. “Not really. I only knew her for two years. She’s gone now. She didn’t have time to teach me a lot of her magic,” Alice replied, a bit put off by Natsu’s energy.
“Igneel’s gone too. He disappeared a while ago. But then I came across here and I’m a Fairy Tail member now. You should join too!”

Alice didn’t know what to do. “By the way, I told you my name, so what’s yours?” Natsu continued. “I’m Alice. I don’t really have a magic type.”
“That’s okay, Fairy Tail will still have a place for you. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Master.” Natsu grabbed a hold of Alice’s hand and led her into the guild hall. Not at all caring about the beaten up state Alice was in.

“Natsu, you got yourself a girlfriend?” A random guy asked, teasing the fire user. “This is my friend, Alice. She’ll be joining Fairy Tail!” Natsu swerved the question, as he continued on his mission.

“Alice?” “Alice?” “Is it possible there’s more than one Alice in Fiore?” “There’s no doubt about it. That’s Alice Dreyar. She has Yoko’s hair and Laxus’s eyes.” "Man, what a coincidence Natsu was the one to find her.” “What will Laxus say?” “Is Laxus here?”

Natsu led Alice to the bar, where Master Makarov sat on the counter, pipe in one hand, a mug in the other, his staff laying in his lap.

“Now who’s this you’ve dragged in Natsu, my boy?” Master asked, before taking a look at the girl. He placed his pipe in his mouth, taking a drag off it. “This is Alice! She wants to join Fairy Tail!”

The pipe fell out of his mouth, hit the bar, and bounced to the floor. Master gaped at Alice, smoke seeping out of his mouth. “Alice? Our Alice?”

“I’m Alice Dreyar. I came to the guild to join. I’m not that good with magic, but I can use some energy magic and I know some Water Dragon Slayer magic and I can fight really good! I can read and write. I can also do math too. I don’t have a mom or dad but I don’t need one so please-”

“My dear child, there is no need to sell yourself. You’re family. It seems to be you don’t know how special you really are.” Master calmly said, a soft smile, and tears welling in his eyes.

Alice sat in the infirmary bed, hands folded nicely in her lap, as she listened to the people surrounding her tell their story, and how they knew Alice’s mother. Natsu also did Fire Dragon slayer magic to entertain Alice and show off.

Alice had sustained some minor injuries during her journey from the underwater cave she lived in with Umiko in the sea, off the south side of Fiore.

One week of healing later, the Thunder Legion arrived back to Fairy Tail. “What’s with this place? Why is everyone gawking at me?” Laxus asked in a rough tone, glaring at everyone his eyes met as he scanned the hall. Everyone had gone silent, watching Laxus.

“Laxus. I’d like to speak with you in my office.” Master announced from the door of the said room. “What for, old man?” Laxus sneered. “There are some important matters we need to discuss, and I’d rather we do it alone.”
“Yeah, what is it? I just got back from Freesia. I’d like to get some food and go home and take a long nap,” Laxus grumbled, as master shut the door. “I’d like to ask you one question and I would like you to tell me the truth.” Master started off. Laxus turned and looked down at his grandfather quizzically. “What’s this about?”

Master paced over to his desk. “Do you know where Alice is?”
“I told you six years ago, you old bag of dust. I handled it. I also said I wouldn’t discuss this with you. It has nothing to do with you. So if this is it, I’d like to go,” Laxus growled. “No, this isn’t over. It seems that where you think she is, she isn’t.” Master went on. “You know something I don’t? You better tell me what you’re going on about!”

“She is none of your concern anymore. It was my fault she’s been through hell. I watched her too close, and you, not enough. I will not be making the same mistake twice.” Master walked back to the door.

“Where is she?! Is she here?! Where are you hiding her?!” Laxus exploded, electricity dancing over his tall build. “If you lay a finger on her, it’ll be your last mistake,” Master threatened in a quiet, soft tone.
“You listen here, you old bastard! She is my accident to take care of! You have no right to keep her from me! It is my choice what happens with her!”

“It sounds like they are coming back out! Go, go, go!” Hushed voices exclaimed, guiding the two kids back towards the infirmary.
A lightning bolt struck the ground, inches from Alice’s tiny frame. The guild fell still as everyone watched Laxus storm towards the red headed daughter of his.

"You better not take her away! You’ll have to go through me!” Natsu turned and got into a fighting stance, challenging Laxus. Natsu was shoved to the side, easily, flying into a wall.

Face to face, Alice and Laxus stared each other down, or in Alice’s case, up. “So. You managed to sneak yourself back here. You think I wouldn’t notice?” Laxus asked in his dark voice. “I escaped that place almost two years ago!” Alice replied, standing her ground.

“And it took you two years to get back here? You really are pathetic. Let’s see how long it’ll take you to get back when you’re locked up in some-” Laxus had grabbed the top of Alice’s head, a handful of red hair in his hand, pulling her forward.

“You leave her alone!” Natsu shouted, fire dragon iron fist-ing Laxus in the side, although not doing much harm. “Go run off and play, you little pest. She’s not yours to do as you wish.” Laxus glared down at Natsu, who gave him the same look.

“She’s not yours either! I challenge you to a fight! If I win, you have to listen to me and do as I say!” Natsu yelled, determined.

Now, of course, Natsu lost that fight, and was sent to the infirmary to heal. But the ferocity Natsu had, gave the rest of the guild the passion to also fight for Alice’s right to stay at the guild. Laxus gave up and washed his hands of his daughter.

For years afterwards, Alice trained hard, using lightning magic to one day show up her worthless father.

“Your eyes look exactly like Laxus’,” Happy chirped. “And you have his attitude, definitely,” Natsu added. “All right, you two are going to have to find your own place to sleep, because I sure as hell won’t be paying for your inn room!” Alice threatened.

“Hey, isn’t that the yacht that Salamander guy is having his party?” Happy wondered, pointing towards a blue yacht floating out in the ocean. Natsu looked at it and immediately got sick.

Two local girls who were nearby, just happened to start talking about it as well. “I wish I went to that party with Salamander!” “Who’s Salamander?” “He’s a fire wizard from the Fairy Tail guild!”

Natsu leaned over the railing and peered off at the boat, and growled to himself. “Fairy Tail.”

“Why are you acting as if you’re not from it?” Alice asked. Happy and her shared a look and then both glanced at Natsu, who as if on cue, got nauseous again. Alice sighed and patted him on the shoulder. “You’re hopeless.”
Natsu squatted down, giving another serious look towards the boat, and also gagging.

“You better get over it. We’re gonna go check out that boat,” Alice advised. Natsu reached out for Alice’s hand on his shoulder and started to pull himself up with her help. To steady himself better, his calloused hands gripped at both of Alice’s forearms.

Alice took note of the very different body temperatures of her and him. Being a Fire magic user, Natsu naturally had a higher body heat. Alice couldn’t tell if it was Natsu’s touch that was making her body heat up, or it was the warm sea breeze.

Natsu locked his eyes with Alice’s and smirked darkly. “So, he’s in Fairy Tail, huh? I guess we should go greet the new member.” He joked in a deep gravelly voice. Alice thought her heart skipped a beat.
It wasn’t that Alice had feelings for Natsu. She did in fact have a boyfriend, which she also had to remind herself about constantly. Alice also had to keep convincing herself that the feelings Natsu gave her was just from their close friendship. Although, it didn’t help that Natsu was extremely attractive to her.

Alice wrenched herself away from Natsu, taking a few steps away from him.

“Aye, sir!” Happy cheered, grabbing at the back of Natsu’s vest, pulling him up and flying in the direction of the boat.

Alice used her energy magic to create a solid, illuminated yellow, transparent disk which she could hold herself on and levitate and fly through the air. She followed Happy.

Happy dropped Natsu and he crashed through the roof of the boat to where ‘Salamander’ was. Alice’s disk dissipated, and she landed on her feet, in the room. “Way to make an appearance,” Alice groaned at him as Natsu’s strong facade disappeared and he went nauseous.

Natsu liked to take the reins on their missions when it came to fighting. Because he was a violent guy and Alice no longer had the magic power she had before, and got weak very easy. So Alice filled in the spots where Natsu couldn’t be at and together they made a pretty good team.

“You’re so lame!” Lucy cried at Natsu. “I couldn’t agree more with you,” Alice grumbled. “I know you!” Lucy pointed at Alice and Happy. “What’s going on here?” Alice asked her, surveying the room filled with passed out girls and creepy men. “This jerk tricked me into thinking he can get me into Fairy Tail. He used Sleep Magic on all these girls!- When did Happy have wings?” Lucy got off track, noticing that Happy indeed at feathery white wings.

The whole crew aboard also looked to Happy, in surprise. “Since I’ve been born!” Happy smiled. He wrapped his tail around Lucy and flew her off the ship “After them! We can’t let them report us to the Magic Council!” Some random lacky of “Salamander” demanded, as a group of guys went after Alice, trying to apprehend her. “Times 4!” She casted, and a hand out towards her targets. Alice tried to focus on mainly lightning magic but she dabbled in other types as well. As a child, she was taught energy magic, and with Umiko, she learned some Water Dragon Slayer spells as well.

As Alice fought, outside Lucy conjured up a spirit who pushed the boat towards the harbor, and it crashed.

“Water protect.” A spell that conjures water to form a bubble around the user to protect them from attacks. Alice used it to keep herself from getting hurt from the impact, being thrown around in the ship.

“So you say you’re a member of Fairy Tail, huh?” Alice heard Natsu’s voice from outside the ship. Alice climbed over wreckage and passed out bodies to escape the wreckage and to go help Natsu.

“What’s it matter to you? Attack him!” Salamander commanded his cronies.

Alice got ready to help Natsu defeat the guys, but Natsu got to it before her. “No. They’re all mine.”

“Fine, if you wanna risk getting killed, be my guest.” Alice shrugged, climbing off the ship and onto the sandy shore, meeting with Happy and Lucy.
“Watch out!” Lucy cried to Natsu. “I should’ve mentioned this earlier, but he’s a wizard too.” Happy commented. “Seriously?” Lucy gasped.
“I’m a Fairy Tail wizard and I’ve never seen you before!” Natsu growled at the guys he was fighting. “So he’s a Fairy Tail wizard?!” Lucy asked, still shocked.
“He’s Natsu Dragneel of Fairy Tail. And she’s Alice Dreyar, S-Class mage of Fairy Tail.” Happy informed, even though Lucy already knew that much about Alice.

Natsu took off his cloak, and his emblem, seemingly shining bright, standing out on his shoulder.
“That’s Borra. He was kicked out of his guild for bad behaviour,” Happy informed. “Yeah? I can tell the rumors are true,” Alice thought aloud.

“Are you sure you’re a fire wizard? This is the grossest fire I’ve ever tasted,” Natsu commented, sucking up all of Boras’ purple fire. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you the real Salamander.” Alice smiled, muttering to herself. “Fire doesn’t affect Natsu.” Happy added. “Is it some kind of spell?” Lucy wondered. “He has Dragon Lungs so he can breathe fire.”
“Dragon scales to help dissolve the fire.”
“And Dragon Claws to attack with fire.” Happy and Alice took turns explaining Natsu’s magic. “His magic allows his body to take on all the qualities of a dragon. In other words, he’s a Dragon Slayer. This magic was taught to him by Igneel, the fire dragon.” Alice continued on.

Alice had some qualities of her dragon. Although, it took effect in water. When she was in water, her body took on transparent scales so she could swim through water faster, as well as feel the movements in the water by sound or fish and whatnot and water lungs to breathe in the water. Although Alice didn’t have a good relationship with water, and avoided it.

Lucy, Happy and Alice watched attentively as Natsu defeated Borra.... And destroyed half the town, as he usually did every mission.

The town’s army marched their way.
“This is why we can never go anywhere nice!” Alice groaned dramatically.
“Shut it and run!” Natsu replied, running towards her, grabbing her hand.
“We have to go Lucy!” Natsu grabbed Lucy’s arm while still with his hand in Alice’s as they ran together. “Where are you taking me?!” Lucy squealed.

“You said you wanted to join Fairy Tail, so come on!”

Chapter 2

Chapter Text

“I bet you’ve never been to Magnolia before, have you?” Alice asked Lucy who intently looked out the window. “No,” She replied. “Well you’re in for it. It’s the best town ever!” Natsu added. “The park is beautiful,” Alice commented. “The people are super friendly!” Natsu added again. “And there's a big forest you can play hide and seek in!” Happy concluded.

“Aren’t you like extremely motion sick?” Lucy wondered to Natsu. “Yeah, I am, but Alice knows a spell that keeps me from being sick. Although it doesn’t always work.” He nudged Alice in the side, rather hard. She grumbled at him, as his action shoved Alice towards the end of the seat, towards the wall, and she bumped her head on the window.

“Just a warning, Moody here is very bipolar.” Natsu patted her head as if his comment wouldn’t upset her.

There was a story behind Alice’s magic loss and her sudden mood changes.
But because of events that happened in Alice’s life, her magic container was constantly fluctuating all the magic energy in her, which usually led to Alice’s constant mood swings. It also didn’t help that Alice had severe depression and bottled up dark thoughts and trauma within herself.

“Do you want to keep that hand?” Alice threatened, although more out of embarrassment from Natsu’s comment and which led her to be angry with him.

The train ride ended and the group started towards Fairy Tail. The town of Magnolia.

Friendly people, very patient and forgiving since the members of Fairy Tail were rather rowdy and were always causing chaos.

“What’s this place like?” Lucy wondered. “It’s full of idiots. It’s never peaceful. But it has its times, there’s a couple of good people though,” Alice responded with a shrug.
“When she means good people, she’s talking about her boyfriend Loke!” Happy teased. “Do not mention that assface right now!” Alice snapped, crossing her arms, glaring down. “Aww, did you two fight again?” Natsu teased her. “None of your business,” Alice grumbled.

The relationship of Alice Dreyar and Loke.

Loke was a ring magic user, who used a magic ring to do most of his fighting. Loke was a playboy who charmed Alice when he first came to Fairy Tail, two years prior. Being Alice’s first relationship, she was swept off her feet by such an experienced, older guy. The two currently had a relationship that was constantly on the rocks due to infidelity. Loke and his constant hook ups, and Alice with a friend of hers.

Alice didn’t know how to feel about the relationship but didn’t want to deal with a break up, so she kept forgiving him. But with it, she also felt it necessary to have revenge affairs with a friend of hers, as well as being cosy with Natsu when Loke was around.

“We’re back!” Natsu announced as he kicked open the front door. Greetings erupted from most of the members. It was a full house that day. Mostly everyone was there.

Natsu shouted at the guy who gave him the false information about the “salamander” in Hargeon. A few harsh words, here and there, then came the routine full out violent fight among many people.

Alice helped Lucy maneuver herself safely through the chaos. “Yeah, it’s best to stay close to the walls, you can dodge flying objects and people easier,” Alice suggested. “Is it always like this?” Lucy shouted to Alice to be heard. “No.- Usually there’s more blood,” Alice answered casually, both joking and being honest.

“I hear Natsu is back?!” Gray Fullbuster, an ice make wizard, shouted, taking off his clothes. “That’s Gray,” Alice informed Lucy, gesturing towards the tall, muscular, male with dark blue hair, and grey eyes. He was stripped down to his underwear. He wore a cross necklace around his neck, that hung low down his chest, around the same height as his dark blue guild mark.

“Weekdays he’s a wizard, on the weekends, a male stripper.” Alice took a jab at the male. “I heard that!” Gray scolded. “I wouldn’t have to say anything if you didn’t take your clothes off all the time!” Alice fired back.

“Everyone here needs to shut up!”
Alice pointed at the brunette at the bar with a whole keg in hands who yelled.. “That’s Cana. Never play any drinking games with her.”

Alice slowly introduced key members as Lucy and her passed by them, as they tried to make their way to the bar.

“It’s so noisy in here. No place for these lovely ladies.”
“And this is Loke, my trash ex boyfriend. Don’t talk to him unless you want him to hump your leg,” Alice grumbled, pointing daggers in Loke’s direction. He sat at a table, with two non-Fairy Tail girls on each of his legs. Alice could feel her heart squeeze in hurt, but at this point she had gotten used to the feeling.

“Loke? He’s number 4 on the list of the most eligible bachelor wizards of Fiore!” Lucy gushed.

Loke had brown-ish ginger spiked hair, and dark eyes, usually covered by his blue shades, that he always wore. He also wore a green coat, no matter the weather. He was lean and tall. He had a nice face too.

“Come on, princess, lighten up. There’s no harm in having fun,” Loke cooly replied to Alice’s remark, as the two girls on his lap giggled.

“Lighten up?! I was gone for one day and you already have the prostitutes lined up!” Alice raised her voice, and balled up her fists, getting ready to join in on the group fight, bringing Loke into it as well.

“We’re not getting paid, so excuse you!” The short black haired girl stood up. “Yeah! We’re not paid!” The other one added. Alice rolled her eyes and anime kicked both girls out of the guild, flying into the sunset.

“They were just friends!” Loke cried, standing up, shrugging at Alice.
“We’ll be less than that if you can’t keep it in your pants!” Alice said through gritted teeth. “It hasn’t been out once since we’ve been together and or while you’re away!” Loke defended himself, although Alice knew that was a lie, but she didn’t argue with him since she too wasn’t faithful. A cup flew through the air and hit Loke upside the head.

“Excuse me, I’m going to go fight.” He dismissed himself, walking into the crowd of violence. Alice, going to go after him, got clobbered by another fight, so she too started to throw hits at people.

Natsu started to laugh hysterically at Gray, as he swung around Gray’s underwear in his hand. Lucy shrieked in horror as Gray asked to borrow her underwear. Alice wasn’t phased by the act of nudity. She’d seen it plenty of times.

“Hey, Alice, at least I’m not Gray with it out in front of everyone!” Loke shouted to Alice, trying to lighten the tension.

“All of you cut it out!” Cana stood up from the bar, and pulled out her magic cards. “Says you!” Gray put back on his boxers and got into a stance, ready to use his maker magic.

With that, everyone had glowing magic circles at the ready.

“ALL OF YOU NEED TO STOP ACTING LIKE CHILDREN!” Master Makarov or Alice’s great grandfather or just simply grandpa came into the guild, and used his giant magic to get everyone’s attention. And it worked, since it was hard to ignore a giant man that stood nearly as tall as the ceiling.

Natsu, who wasn’t paying attention, laughed in victory. “Hey! It looks like I won!” Master stepped on him.
Master returned to his normal size, landing on the second floor, railing.

“You all like getting the council mad at me! This is the biggest stack of complaints so far! But I say to heck with what they say.” Master lit the papers on fire and tossed it out into the air and Natsu leaped into the air, eating the fire, like he was a dog catching a treat.
“Never let anyone discourage you with rules, because with rules it puts a limitation on your magic and all of you are powerful wizards who are passionate about their magic so that’s what makes the Fairy Tail guild so great!” Master Makarov put his pointer finger and thumb out, palm facing towards himself and hand high in the sky on his right hand. It was a Fairy Tail sign.

The whole guild cheered, also doing the hand sign.

The whole commotion died down. Alice had noticed Loke found himself two new girls to flirt with. Instead of confronting him again, Alice was ready to go find someone to make Loke jealous with.

“Alice!” Natsu called out to Alice, in perfect timing. Alice jogged over to him, at the job request board. “See anything you want?” Natsu asked. Alice scanned the papers, looking for something with a nice reward. “You pick something, I did a pretty big quest Tuesday so I’m set for this month,” Alice replied, not seeing anything that caught her eye.

“Hey guys! Mirajane just gave me the official stamp!” Lucy ran over to them, smiling brightly, showing off the pink mark on the back of her right hand. “Uh Uh, that’s great. Welcome to the guild,” Natsu mumbled, uninterested.

“How’s it that you can get all close up with Natsu but I can’t with other girls?” Loke yelled from somewhere, giving Alice the reaction she wanted, although she was confused as to what he was talking about.

“What are you talking about?” Alice snapped back. “I guess he’s talking about you being on Natsu’s back,” Lucy answered for him. Alice looked down, realizing that she was on Natsu’s back, hands on his shoulders, legs straddling his sides, and his arms hooked under Alice’s legs. “How did you get up there?” Natsu asked. “I’m not sure....” Alice answered hesitantly but honestly. The two shrugged it off and went back to looking at the board.

Back when they were both younger and shorter, neither of them could see the upper half of the board, so Natsu would prop Alice up to look at the top half as he’d look at the bottom. As this went on for years, it had become a habit, even when both of them were tall enough to see all the board. And neither of them seemed to ever want to bring it up or stop it.

Master shouted at a small child. “He’s a wizard, he can take care of himself!”
Alice and Natsu looked over to see what was going on, and seeing Master talking to Romeo, a guild member’s son. Macao was gone on a mission.

Romeo who was sobbing, balled up his fists. “Now go home, have some milk and cookies and wait!” Master added in a harsh voice.
Romeo punched Makarov in the face. Natsu dropped Alice, who with quick thinking landed on her feet. Natsu stormed over to his luggage from their trip to Hargeon and stomped out the guild doors. Alice, not hesitating, ran after Natsu. Happy followed suit.

Lucy tagged along, walking by Alice.

“Why does Natsu want to go check on that wizard?” She asked. “Macao’s been gone for quite a while,” Alice answered. “Is that bad? Do you think he’s hurt? How do we know where he is? Why is Natsu just going after him?” Lucy bombarded Alice with questions. Alice didn’t like all the sudden questions.

“It’s probably because he sees himself in Romeo or something like that. Natsu was taken in by Igneel and he took over as Natsu’s father and suddenly Igneel just vanished. Leaving Natsu an orph-.” Alice answered without thinking, but once realizing Natsu could hear her, she stopped talking.
Alice had yet to test Natsu’s range, but she kept reminding herself to do it because Natsu could hear almost everything.
“Why’d you stop talking?” Lucy wondered. “Natsu is a powerful Dragon Slayer. He has dragon senses which are about 10 times better than any trained dog. His hearing, his smell, they’re extremely sensitive,” Alice replied, looking to Natsu, who was several feet ahead of them, with Happy flying by his side.

Alice, who knew Natsu was upset, skipped over to him, leaving Lucy behind.
“You didn’t have to come,” Natsu grumbled, looking straight ahead. “You think I don’t know that?” Alice smiled softly at him. Alice felt a bit guilty since she knew Natsu most definitely heard her talking with Lucy.

“I don’t need you to watch over me,” Natsu added, still in a grouchy tone. “I’m not watching you. Trust me for I all I honestly care, you can go hurt yourself over some stupid justification you think you have, but I have one reason to not let that happen. I owe you, remember?” Alice said in a sweet tone, linking one of her arms with Natsu’s, who even in a bad mood, let her do it.

Alice and Natsu had known each other for 6 years at this time, and they’d been job partners about the same time, although only becoming close friends for the last 4 years.
With Alice’s traumatic childhood, she was extremely closed off from her guild, not wanting to be friends with anyone. She was curt, she was cold, and she was extremely closed off.
Although, Natsu never let Alice’s sour words affect him, and whenever he could, he was next to her, talking her to death, smiling the whole time.

While everyone in the guild was nice and welcoming towards Alice, she didn’t really care for their affection or bond.

It really meant little to her. Especially Natsu’s.
Until someone else came along and took a part of his attention away. The Strauss siblings; Mirajane, Elfman, and Lisanna, joined Fairy Tail just some months after Alice. Lisanna was Alice’s age and took a liking to Natsu immediately, who also returned the feelings.

Alice could feel something build up inside her and something about Lisanna and Natsu’s relationship, rubbed her the wrong way.

Around the ages of 12-13, Natsu and Lisanna’s relationship became romantic. Alice was jealous of their relationship and hated how Lisanna took away Natsu from her.
Lisanna was a pretty and kind girl, so it’d be hard to truly hate her, but Alice couldn’t stand being around them together.

Sure, Natsu was still Alice’s friend, and Alice had actually warmed up to him eventually, there was still something that made Alice want more of Natsu; And with Lisanna around, Alice couldn’t ever understand what she was feeling.

Although, when Alice was 14, Lisanna had passed away while on a job with her two older siblings.
She felt conflicted about the whole situation. Lisanna was finally out of the picture, and Alice could hopefully (and successfully) get all of Natsu’s attention once more, but yet, the circ*mstances in which it happened were not ideal, but yet, Alice had no really negative emotions about Lisanna’s passing. In fact, Alice was rather apathetic about it. She never liked Lisanna much and had no real memories or connections with Lisanna. Alice avoided her as much as she could because of her jealousy unchecked could get out of control and Alice didn’t want to have to confront her feelings.

Alice panted as she hunched over trying to catch her breath, every exhale fogged in the cold rain. She looked forward, Natsu stood ahead, at Lisanna’s headstone, that Natsu had made at his hideaway that he shared with Lisanna. A straw hut that resided at a cliff at the edge of the forest, next to the lake.

Alice cautiously walked towards him, stopping just several inches away from him. She gazed at Natsu’s tense shoulders. “Natsu...?” Alice’s voice trembled as she warily reached out towards him, fingers just barely brushing against his hot skin. Natsu wheeled around, roughly grabbing Alice, wrapping his arms tightly around her middle as he shoved his face into her neck as he cried into her. Alice stood there frozen, not sure what to do,. But she tried to slowly, as smoothly as possible, returned the embrace letting Natsu get out his sad emotions.

The four of them hopped out of the carriage, Natsu, as his feet hit the frozen ground, was revived once more. Even if they were standing in a severe blizzard.
Lucy gasped, realizing her surroundings. “We’re in a frozen wasteland!”

“Hence. Mt. Meaning mountain. Meaning cold. Meaning snow,” Alice replied rather sharply. “I realize it’s a mountain, but it’s summer there shouldn’t be a blizzard!” Lucy cried. "Did you not get a proper education as a child?" Alice remarked sourly.

As they all trekked on, Lucy complained on and on about how cold she was. “That’s what you get for wearing light clothing,” Alice grouched behind her.
“Yeah,” Natsu and Happy agreed. “None of you should be talking! Now hand me that blanket!” Lucy ran over and stole the blanket from Natsu’s travel pack

Alice, who was completely under dressed for these conditions didn’t mind too much since she walked close Natsu who was a human storage heater, who also mindfully raised his temperature for his two friends who were next to him for heat.

“I have an idea!” Lucy exclaimed to herself. She took out one key, “Open! Gate of the clock, Horologium!” Lucy chanted. And with a plume of white smoke, appeared a tall grandfather clock with arms and legs. Lucy climbed inside where the weights and pendulum should’ve been, wrapped in Natsu’s blanket.

“I’m staying in here and I’m not coming out!” Horologium spoke in a thick posh accent.

Alice glanced back, remembering that Lucy was a celestial mage.

“Why’d you tag along then?” Natsu asked. “What kind of crazy job is Macao on?’ She inquires,” The clock narrated. “You should have asked that before you came. He came to slay a Vulcan,” Natsu replied curtly. “I want to go back to the guild!’ She proclaims,” Horologium added. “Go ahead and be my guest, I say back,” Natsu mocked, annoyed.

Alice was slowly falling behind Natsu, who wrenched one of Alice’s hands into his, pulling her along. Alice grumbled out a thanks, her face already noticeably red from the harsh weather. Alice took out her other arm that was wrapped around her front for warmth and she hooked it around Natsu’s arm, to warm herself and to keep anchored to him.

“How far up do you think he’d be?” Alice wondered. Natsu stopped walking and thought. “I don’t know.... MACAO!” Natsu yelled. A vulcan appeared from what seemed out of nowhere. A big humanoid creature with thick white fur and black spots all over it's large body. It stood up on two legs and towered over all of them, being nearly seven feet tall. It had thick long arms that ended with huge rough ape-ish hands.

“He’s huge!” Happy exclaimed. The vulcan saw Lucy in Horologium and grabbed the two. “I like pretty girls!” It proclaimed in it's loud, uncanny voice then leaped away.
“Don’t just stand there! Help me!’ Lucy cries,” The clock shouted.

Happy, Natsu and Alice stood there for a moment, taking in the situation. Alice, then had a realization. “Wait a moment, why didn’t he grab me too! I’m a pretty girl!”
The lack of response from the two boys, made Alice’s self esteem take a hit. “Right?!” She demanded. “I don’t know. Ask your boyfriend,” Natsu grumbled, pulling his arm from Alice, rather harshly. “Why can’t you answer?” Alice pouted. The response from Natsu made Alice feel something build inside her and she didn’t like the feeling.

“Look, we don’t have time to talk about this!” Natsu snapped, and then ran after the Vulcan, Happy following. Alice huffed and went after all of them, mentally arguing with herself. It really bothered her that Lucy could in fact be prettier than her.

Yes, Alice had a boyfriend, and yes, Alice knew she was a very attractive girl. But it always made her wonder what really made Natsu tick. Natsu could in fact have feelings for others, and for girls. So why did he never fall for Alice, but for Lisanna?
Alice never wanted to be the type of person who compared people by their looks, but with Alice refusing to ever admit she was jealous of Lisanna, had made notice that she was more attractive than Lisanna.
Alice had a modelling job for many years, she had many fans, many admirers, men constantly looking her up and down, and was constantly flirted with by many people.

But none of that ever really mattered to her, because no matter what, she could never get Natsu to look at her like that.

Alice had long, voluminous scarlet red hair, she had a nice heart shaped, slim face. She had big, sparkling teal eyes with long thick lashes. Alice had small but plump lips. She was a tad shorter than average, and her chest wasn’t as near as big as others in her guild. But Alice had a nice figure, and she was fit. But why didn’t Natsu find her attractive?

Alice didn’t know why it bothered her so much. But it did.

They made it up the summit, thanks to Natsu’s scent tracking abilities. Alice trailed Natsu, breathing hard. Alice had to admit she wasn’t as in shape as she used to be. Alice depended on her jobs for exercise and with Natsu constantly taking the lead, Alice didn’t have to work as hard anymore.

All three of them found ‘Apparently Prettier Than Alice' Lucy on the ice with Natsu’s blanket still wrapped around her. The vulcan pranced around her.

“Where’s Macao! TELL ME-” Natsu made his way towards the Vulcan, but then slipped on the ice. “That wasn’t cool. Why does he feel like he has to make an entrance all the time?” Lucy whined to herself. “Because he’s a boy,” Alice answered in a huff.
While the Vulcan was occupied with Natsu, Alice was able to help Lucy over to the other side of the cave, behind Natsu.

“Where’s my friend? You understand me right? He’s a human man. Now tell me where he is!” Natsu crossed his arms, demanding the Vulcan. The monkey-man smiled and gestured to outside through a cave opening.

“There we go!” Natsu smiled, taking the bait, propping himself out the cave, to which the Vulcan shoved him out.
“Dammit, Natsu!” Alice scowled “No!” Lucy cried. Happy flew out the window and caught Natsu, but coincidentally ran out of magic and they both started to fall out of the sky.

“No like man. Me like woman!” The Vulcan jumped up in down in celebration.“They can’t survive out there,” Lucy whined. “You’re right. You hold down the fort, I’ll go after Natsu,” Alice replied, running out the cave, falling down into the abyss where Happy and Natsu were, using energy magic to break her fall and she landed safely on her feet.

“Hey flame breath,” Alice greeted, smiling at Natsu. “Hey,” Natsu replied all fired up. “Need help up there? Or are we gonna ditch the blonde and go look for Macao?” Alice’s yellow disk flared up under her feet. “We can’t just leave her there,” Natsu rejected. Alice dramatically sighed. “Let’s go then.” Alice held out her hand to Natsu, who then took it, and then also stepped on the disk, wrapping an arm around Alice for stability. “Happy, will you be okay?” Natsu asked. “Aye sir!” Happy smiled. Happy just needed a few moments to rest.

Alice flew them back up into the cave.

Now there was another black and white creature in there. It was a humanoid cow man wearing a leotard and wielded an axe. Natsu punched that creature instead of the vulcan, putting it out cold.

“How come there are more creatures here now from when I left?” Natsu asked Lucy. “That was a friend. He’s one of my spirits!” Lucy barked. “Him?” Natsu jabbed a thumb at the Vulcan. “The bull!” Lucy icly replied.

“Wait... How were you able to survive that?” Lucy wondering about Natsu’s fall. “Happy broke my fall.” Natsu shrugged. “So you have extreme motion sickness on any modes of transportation, but when you’re flying with Alice you’re not?”
“She’s not a vehicle! What kind of stupid question is that? Alice is my friend not a mode of transportation!” Natsu demanded in an offended tone.

“I consider everyone in the guild my friend. Gramps, Mira, Erza. Even the annoying ones like Gray and Elfman. Everyone is my friend. Happy, Alice and Lucy are my friends. So I’m not leaving without Macao!” Natsu kicked the Vulcan. The vulcan recovered and knocked icicles from the ceiling and threw the pointed ice at Natsu. “Your ice attacks wouldn’t do anything to my fire!” Natsu laughed. The vulcan ran over to the bull spirit, who was still unconscious, and took his axe.

Natsu easily dodged the attacks until he slipped on the ground. Alice and Lucy tried to wake the unconscious humanoid bull to close his gate and then the axe would go with him back to the celestial world.
Natsu caught the axe with both hands on either side of the blade, raising his body temperature, actually melting the metal, the hot drippings fell into his open mouth. Alice watched in horror and disgust. Lucy was able to wake Taurus and then he left with his partially melted and eaten axe.

Natsu, with more magic power smirked. “Now I got a fire in my belly!” He kicked the vulcan in his torso and he flew back against the ice wall, now out cold.

Alice strode over to Natsu and the knocked out Vulcan. “Weren’t we supposed to get him to give us answers?”
“Oh yeah...” Natsu sheepishly replied, now remembering what he was supposed to be doing. “He won’t be talking now,” Lucy commented.

The Vulcan turned to smoke, and as it dissipated, it revealed Macao.
“Wait. So that perverted creature is your friend?” Lucy gasped in shock. “He must’ve been possessed!” Alice groaned, remembering an important detail.
“What do you mean?” Lucy wondered “Vulcans are body snatchers they take the bodies of their victims that’s how they live,” Alice explained, disappointed in herself for not knowing earlier.

“Now come on everyone, I have enough magic energy to take us back to the path!” Alice announced, standing up and dusting herself off.
“I can take Natsu and Macao!” Happy volunteered. “Yeah, you’re levitating magic is super tricky to stand on, Natsu agreed. “Aye sir!” Happy added.

Alice gritted her teeth in embarrassment turned anger. “Fine. I’ll take Lucy then,” Alice growled lowly.
“I couldn’t hold her anyways!” Happy smiled. “Watch it, cat!” Lucy threatened, offended by the weight joke.

After the awkward and slow carriage ride but to Magnolia, the group reunited Macao and Romeo.

After a job well done, Alice, Natsu, Lucy and Happy walked away into the sunset.

Actually just back to the guild.

Chapter 3

Chapter Text

Alice sat on a bar stool, next to Natsu. She trailed a pointer finger around the rim of her mug. She sighed, a bit disgruntled. She didn’t know how to bring about her question without sounding too desperate. But it really bothered her. With a pout on her lips, her eyes innocently gazed at the pink hair male who was licking his fingers, cleaning the remnants of his meal off his hands, and also his plate as he got all the flavor off his fingers, he’d swipe them back on his plate to pick up more sauce.

Alice couldn’t understand that the unmannered brute’s opinion was so important to her.
She sat up and gathered up all her determination. Natsu, noticing the movement, barely swiveling his head, looked at Alice from the corner of his eyes, curious as to what she was doing.

“Natsu, why can’t you tell me I’m pretty?”

Natsu rolled his eyes, not wanting to discuss something so pointless. “You’re really bringing that up again?”
“Yes, I am!” Alice’s voice raised slightly. “Is it that important?”

Alice swayed on her stool and looked away for a moment, flustered. “Not really, but-” “Then I shouldn’t have to say anything.” Natsu shrugged, and went back to his plate. Alice leaned towards him, “okay, but-” “You have Loke. He’s supposed to do that. It’s really more of your boyfriend’s job to boost your ego, and I’m just your friend.”

Alice was starting to feel defeated, but a petty idea came to her head. “Gray!” She called, swiveling on her stool, scanning the guild hall for the dark haired male.

The ice mage walked over to her. Alice smiled and then trained her eyes on Natsu. “What do you want?” Gray grumbled. “You’re my friend, right?” Alice asked in a sweet voice. “Yeah. Hey, what is this about? Is Natsu giving you a hard time-” Gray stood up straight, getting ready for a fight. Alice glanced at Gray for only a moment before going back to Natsu. “I’m just asking simple questions. So, next question: Are you my boyfriend?” Alice continued on.

Gray hesitated for a moment, swallowing his feelings. “Obviously not.”
“All right, so lastly; Do you think I’m pretty?” Alice got ready to gloat when she’d get the answer she was anticipating. “Are you pretty? I guess.” Gray shrugged. “So what is this even about?”

“Natsu refuses to comment on my appearance because I have a boyfriend.- Well that’s his excuse, so I was just proving a point,” Alice said, a matter-of-factly, finally tearing her gaze off of Natsu to Gray, she looked him up and down then sighed his name in disappointment. “Gray, your clothes.”

Gray jumped in surprise. “How does this even happen?!”

Natsu stood from the bar and stretched. “Well, I’m going over to Lucy’s new apartment.”
Alice finally realized Natsu wasn’t even paying attention to her. “But-but, did you- I...” Alice stuttered, finally defeated. She tried her best to calm her heart that felt like a string was just tugged on roughly.

Lucy.

“I bet it’ll be fun there, and then we- Hey, where are you going?” Natsu was in the middle of talking fondly, when Alice hopped off her stool and stormed off.

Alice walked up the stairs to the second floor where only S-class wizards could go for s-class missions.
She hated how much Natsu’s words hurt and she hated how she didn’t understand why it bothered her so much.

“Looking for a challenge or for money?” Mirajane asked, Alice reeled back, not realizing Mira was behind her. “I-uhm, either or. I don’t care, just something that gets me out of here.” Alice shook her head, as if she was shaking out her thoughts. “Then, this looks like the job for you! You better leave immediately.” Mira pointed out a paper on the board. Alice didn’t even read it as she ripped it from the nail and stomped down the stairs.

“You’re going on a job?” Natsu wondered, as he and Happy were about to leave the guild. Alice ignored him as she kept on walking.

“What her deal?” Natsu mumbled, catching on to Alice’s heavy and short breathing and increased heart beat. He knew she was upset but he didn’t understand the sudden shift in emotion. “Maybe she ate some bad fish.” Happy carelessly threw out there. “She’s a girl in love!” Mira chirped. Natsu furrowed his brows as he focused on Alice walking away until she was out of sight. He didn’t understand this negative emotions swirling around in his head at the thought of Alice loving someone.

Sure, she was in a long-term relationship with a fellow guild-mate. But even Natsu understood the toxicity and loveless behavior between Alice and Loke and he knew that wasn’t love. The thought of Alice in real love with someone made his mind go fuzzy. Natsu, being a simple guy, didn’t want to stress out over understanding what it all meant, threw those thoughts into the bin in his mind.

“I’ll miss you old friend,” Alice sighed dreamily at her bed. She barely had time to properly spend time there. She was off on another adventure. Alice turned to her bedside table on the right side, closing the drawer. Her body shifted enough for light to bounce off her necklace, to the mirror, catching Alice’s eye. She easily unclasped it and held it at eye level by the silver chain. The pendant dangled around.

“Oh Natsu that’s so nice. But I’m allergic to silver and dragon’s breath opal coincidentally.”
Alice’s ears perked up at the mention of his name. She didn’t look up and tuned out again, reading more of her ‘Fire and the Moon’ novel.

Alice, at the time tried to read fiction more and picked out a book that turned out to be a romantic fiction of a fire wizard falling for a girl he rescued on a quest and it follows their adventure together to take her home all the way across the world. Turns out she was a water wizard all along. Alice loved that book after reading it cover to cover many times, hiding it away, ashamed of her dirty secret love of romance books.

A few pages later into her book, “Here.” and something clinked in front of Alice, not stopping the force of whoever threw it making it slide on the table. Alice was caught up into her book but couldn’t let the object fall off the table so she closed the book, setting it on the table, caught and admired the necklace. It looked like the one Lisanna just talked about. Alice realized that it was Natsu who gave it to her. A thudding started in her chest, her cheeks burned and stomach fluttered. With a hot face, Alice’s lips curled into a smile. Natsu had walked off, shoulders slumped. “Thanks... Natsu.” Alice mumbled, admiring the dragon’s breath opal stone hugged by a silver back, hooped on a silver chain.

Alice carefully placed the necklace on her nightstand, on top a book. She was scared to put it into her requip, but didn’t want it to get damaged, so when Alice was questing, she always made sure the necklace was somewhere safe.

Even though it was never intended to be hers, she cared for it dearly.

“Leaving so soon?” A low voice cooly wondered. Alice knew she heard the front door open and close. She didn’t really expect Loke to come by. Without feeling a thing, Alice nonchalantly replied, “Yes.”

“Why so tense?” Loke asked with a soft smile and ambled into the bedroom, towards Alice. “I usually am this way when you’re around.” Alice didn’t bother to look at him. “What did I do wrong this time, princess?” Loke placed his warm hands on Alice’s shoulders. Alice wasn’t in the mood to fight with him.

She hated how little she felt around him. In the beginning, her heart was constantly fluttering, and butterflies were all over in her stomach when Loke even just was in the same room as her. Now she mostly felt annoyed around him. “What didn’t you do?” Alice monotonically replied, walking out of his touch. “If it was those girls today, then I’m sorry, okay? They didn’t mean any harm if it means anything,” Loke explained, following after Alice who strode to the other side of the room. “It’s everything, Loke.” Alice’s tone got harsher. She strutted swiftly out of her bedroom, and Loke was right behind her. “I want to be done with you,” Alice muttered.

“Can you just stop for a moment?” Loke grabbed Alice by the hand. Alice noted the weird coldness his ring had compared to his overall warmth.

Alice stood there silently. They went over this every time.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Loke pleaded. “Because every time I’m not around it always happens! You hook up with random girls doing who knows what and don’t tell me nothing happens because I know it does!” Alice snapped, finally turning to look at Loke, her eyes dark and raged.
“What about you and Gray? And how about those rumors with you and Hibiki Lates? What about you and Natsu?” Loke countered, not matching Alice’s fire. But it was the same script every time.

“There’s nothing going on with me and Natsu!” Alice wrenched away from Loke’s grasp and stormed out of the house. Loke trailed after her. “So you admit you and Gray or Hibiki having a thing? You’re admitting you’re cheating back?”

Alice stood at the stoop, waiting for Loke to leave the house so she could lock the door. “All right, yes! I’m sleeping with Gray behind your back, and with Hibiki when we’re in the same area. Does that make you feel better? I’m screwing other guys, getting back at you for all your countless affairs!”

“You know that’s not fair to Gray.” Loke had only that to say. “That’s all you have? I’m being unfair to Gray? How about you’re being unfair to me?!” Alice locked the door and walked down the stone path towards town. “I want to break up!”

“I love you, Alice-... I really do.” Loke mumbled catching up to Alice and stopping her by wrapping his arms around her middle from behind. Alice lowered her head. “I know but that doesn’t make anything better,” Alice replied solemnly. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“If you can clean up your act, I’ll clean up mine and maybe things’ll work out.” Alice compromised, not being able to finally open the wound. She didn’t have the strength to break up with him when he fought back.

But she knew it would never change. He'd never change.

“That was so humiliating. I can’t believe I went through all that for what?” Alice groaned, planting her face onto the wooden surface of the bar. “I’m sorry. But maybe some good news will cheer you up?” Mira piped up, sliding a coaster under Alice’s forehead. “Go for it.” Alice encouraged, unenthusiastically. “Natsu and Lucy went on a job together. I think he’s adding her to the team!” Mira cheered. “Oh,” Alice whispered. That was not good news to Alice. It felt like Lisanna all over again.

Alice’s mind couldn’t stop from imagining Natsu smiling and wrapping his arm around Lucy.

Alice was content with how things were going for the last two years. Would Natsu fall for Lucy? Or just completely replace Alice?

“Hey, Alice!” Natsu greeted walking up to the bar and slapped Alice’s slumped over back. Alice gritted her teeth and hissed in pain from her aching muscles. Too deflated to fight, she let her anger roll off. “Hey,” She casually replied, sitting up straight. “What’s wrong with you?” Natsu asked. Alice looked at him, and tried to clear her mind. She wanted to ask him about his job or how he was feeling towards Lucy but she didn’t have the guts to ask in fear of what his answers might be. “I went on a mission, and I can’t ever let my face be seen in that town ever again!” Alice cried, trying to add Mira back into the conversation.

“I thought you got the reward?” Mira inquired. “I did but-...” Alice didn’t know if she was willing to let Natsu know how her quest went. Alice had no choice. “I uhm-... got scammed. The guy who sent the job request was just really into bdsm so he tried to pull an elaborate scheme to get freaky with a hot wizard who dressed the part. When I found out what was going on, the damage was done. I mean, I didn’t go through with it, and I demanded the reward regardless of his satisfaction and I... That’s it,” Alice groaned out, putting her face back onto the bar. Mira put down another coaster on top of the other one before Alice’s forehead hit the wood.

Natsu burst into loud laughter. Alice growled and without moving her head, punched Natsu in the side and he fell to the floor. But he continued to keep howling in joyous laughter. “How much did you charge an hour?” He asked in between his cackles. Alice got up from the bar and glared down at Natsu, ready to jump down on top of him and bash his face in. “If that was the case, I would be far too expensive for lousy guys like him and you!” Alice snarled. Natsu sat up and started to breathe deeply to calm himself. “I bet you only got at least 400 jewel.” He wiped his eyes from his tears of happiness. Alice smirked darkly. “The original price was a million but after roughing him up, I was able to get double.”

And in that sudden moment, Natsu got on his knees and graveled at Alice’s feet. “I will do whatever you want for that kind of jewel,” He seriously stated.

Alice’s dirty mind kicked in and her face heated up at the suggestive thoughts running rampant in her head. She kicked Natsu in the shoulder, flipping him onto his back. “So what? Did your job flop?” She teased coldly. Natsu stood up and looked to the side, his expression sad and disappointed. “Yes.” He pouted.

Alice felt a bit better knowing Natsu was suffering working with Lucy. “Good luck on the next one then. At this rate, you’ll be digging through trash cans for food.” Alice sneered. “You busy or something?” Natsu co*cked his head to the side and looked at Alice confused. “No?” Alice replied. “Then why’d you wish me good luck like you’re not coming on the next one?”

“Because working with Lucy, god knows you’ll need all the luck you can get.” Alice turned to walk off. Natsu, not skipping a beat, followed her. “You’re not coming with?”

Alice could’ve sworn Natsu’s tone sounded hurt. She had to talk herself out of that way of thinking. Of course Natsu couldn’t care less if Alice went with. He had Lucy now.

“You added Lucy to the team. You obviously don’t need me anymore. I thought you would figure that out.” Alice stopped and looked back at Natsu who had his head low, and his fists at his sides, balled up. Then he relaxed them. Alice knew that Natsu did that when he was conflicted. “We’re a team,” Natsu argued lowly. “No. You, Happy and Lucy are,” Alice coldly corrected. She was getting aggravated by her own hurt feelings. She didn’t want to confront them. Natsu looked up at Alice, meeting her gaze. His dark amber eyes scowling at Alice’s emotionless blue ones. Natsu noticed Alice’s eyes darkening.

Alice’s eyes darkened or lightened by her emotions. It was the most subtle change for the most part. Barely worth mentioning, but Natsu was just that observant of her. While for a long time now, Alice’s eyes were always darker than they used to be. More lifeless than before. They used to be so bright like two aquamarine gems that had green undertones. So pretty and innocent, full of life. Now over time they were a darker teal color more than anything.

And right now they were clouded over with negative emotion. Natsu knew that Alice was in fact upset. Of course, Alice seemed to always be upset those days.

“I didn’t replace you. I just added her to our team,” Natsu corrected, lightening his tone and expression since he now understood that Alice was feeling like she was being replaced. Alice glared down. “You went on a mission without me! You’ve never left without me, let alone someone else!” Dark lightning danced around her, as her magic and emotions, left unchecked got out of control. “You left, and Lucy needed the money. So I thought it’d be okay,” Natsu defended. “Well, I don’t want to be on a team with her anyways!” Alice changed her approach.

“She’s a lousy partner. I had to save her more than anything. It’s her fault we didn’t get the reward!” Natsu argued, his voice wavering. Alice perked up at the change of his tone and immediately calmed down.

“Hey!” Lucy shouted from across the guild hall. Alice and Natsu ignored her. “That’s your fault you already knew she was a horrible partner. She can’t fight on her own and depends on her lame spirits. You saw that with Boras and when we saved Macao.” Alice lowered her voice.

“I can still hear you!” Lucy outburst once more.

“That’s why I added her to our team, she can’t defend herself alone. Even when you got weaker, I kept you on the team!” Natsu pleaded. Instinctively, Alice threw a punch at Natsu’s face, but wasn’t quick enough and Natsu caught her fist in his hand. He smiled at her, but she glared, but with a blush creeping up on her cheeks.

“Get over yourself and lets go on a job!” He cheerfully suggested. But in that moment, Natsu picked up on the conversation Lucy and Mira were having and let go of Alice’s fist and walked over to join the conversation. Alice couldn’t care less what they were going to be talking about. Though, as Alice was walking away, Natsu was already going back to her, grabbing Alice by her top, dragging her back.

“Stop talking and find us a job,” Natsu ordered Lucy. Alice slumped, with her back still turned, and Natsu still holding on to her. “From what I know, our team is disbanded!” Lucy replied harshly. “Don’t say that,” Natsu countered in a whine.

“You don’t want me on the team, you just needed me because I’m a blonde!”

“Well yeah, that’s the only purpose you serve,” Alice mumbled to herself. “And you’re nice! Now find a job!” Natsu disregarded Alice’s comment. “Why do I have to?” Lucy whined, giving in. “We picked last time!” Happy joined the conversation, although with a whole fish in his mouth.

Natsu spun Alice around and draped his arm around her shoulders. “See, Alice? Teamwork!” Alice grumbled in response.

“Lucy, I wouldn’t stay with those losers. You’ll find other teammates!” Gray shouted, adding his opinion. Natsu ran over to Gray, starting a fight. “What did you say, jerk!” “Did you just call me a jerk!”

And they were at it again. Gray and Natsu, being the cliched fire and ice, never could get along. Call it the clash of the alphas, or an ongoing dick measuring contest, they were constantly fighting.

Alice saw Loke walk over to Lucy, wrapping an arm around her. “How about you join me? I have to keep these shades on or I’ll be blinded by your dazzling beauty,” Loke shamelessly flirted. Alice was steaming mad, lightning once more zapping around her body. Her body didn’t seem to be able to process these many emotions at once.

“You fell for this, Alice?” Lucy replied, unimpressed. “Even the strongest can’t resist me, cutie,” Loke explained. “Don’t listen to a word he says. Everything that comes out of his mouth is a lie.” Alice’s tone was pure venom. “Yeah?” Loke smirked.

“Or you’re just f*cking stupid. For someone who can’t stand celestial wizards, you’re flirting with one now,” Alice informed darkly. Loke looked up and down Lucy, eyes focusing on the keys. “A celestial wizard!” He cried and sped off. “Thank f*cking god. I really can’t stand him.” Alice rolled her eyes, her magic calmed down. “What’s wrong with him?” Lucy asked. “Rumor has it he had dated a celestial wizard and things didn’t end well,” Mira piped in. “Well it looks like he’s about to be scared of lightning wizards too because next time he comes crawling back to me, I’ll kill him,” Alice muttered. That’d be easier than trying to break up with him. She'd maim and destroy than confront her own feelings.

“Guys, Erza’s back!” Loke poked his head back into the guild hall, warning the members.

Dead silence. Everyone stared at the entrance in fear.

Except Lucy, Mira, and Alice. “What’s so scary about that?” Lucy wondered. “She’s the strongest female wizard in the guild,” Mira answered. Alice scoffed. “Yeah, once I get my magic all straightened out we’ll see who's really at the top.” Lucy glanced over to Alice who had her arms crossed, and cheeks puffed out in a pout. “What do you mean?”

“It’s a long story.” Alice waved off. She wasn’t in the mood to go over her tragic backstory.

“I don’t know how the child got any knowledge of it but she seems to know some really dark black magic she can’t control,” Porlyusica said flipping through pages. “Can’t you do something about it?” Makarov asked. “I can seal it far deep inside her, that she won’t be able to cast it. I can’t remove the magic, I can embed it into her second origin. But that doesn’t mean it won’t be impossible to regain. Like normal ability magic, her emotions can alter her magic. But the magic power she possesses, now it will be quite impossible for her to obtain this magic. But by doing this it’ll also take away some of her power now, she might be weaker.”

“Do what you can for her.” Makarov patted the top of a younger Alice’s head. She laid there on the bed, fever high, sweating, rolling down her face mixing with tears, with a pant. “Papa, what is she going to do to me?” Alice cried. “Keep her calm, we don’t need any casualties right now!” Porlyusica snapped.

“It’ll be fine, kid. You’ll be fine.” Makarov smoothed his palm over her clammy hair.

“This will hurt a lot,” Porlyusica warned. Natsu who stood in the corner, watching, finally spoke up. “What are you going to do?”
“What are you doing in here! Get out!” Porlyusica shouted. “He’s her friend. He wants to make sure she’s-” “I don’t care if they’re spouses or if they’re siblings! I don’t need him in here! Besides he should be resting up as is. I don’t even know how he’s alive after what she did to him!”

Porlyusica was referring to the incident that just happened before Alice, teetering between being awake and unconsciousness, was brought to her hut.
Alice, age 11, with still all access to her powers took Natsu along on an S-class mission that went wrong.

Natsu and Alice were surrounded and had no real way to win, Alice was panicking and with it came her dark uncontrollable magic that killed everyone within a 12 feet radius. Except for Natsu, although he wasn't unharmed. Alice collapsed and Natsu, also just a child still, carried her all the way back to Magnolia.

Alice, before her time with Umiko, was sent to an orphanage that got attacked by a cult that worshiped Zeref. That part wasn’t too important for this background story at the current moment, but one day Alice was at that school, another, she found herself running away from the building, after accidentally killing all her classmates and teachers.

After explaining the situation to Makarov as Natsu arrived back to the guild, Master knew what had happened. Alice was taught a very dark magic that her body wasn’t strong enough to control. It created powerful magic and it made her a living legend at 10 years old, becoming an S-class wizard. But it came at an unpredictable cost.

So they ran over to Porlyusica who closed off half of Alice’s magic container, sealing away the dark magic.

Alice couldn’t remember that night, and Natsu never wanted to speak about it except that Alice screamed the whole time.

Because of that whole incident Alice’s magic and emotions were never the same and never functioned properly, leaving her weak and with a lot of questions.

Chapter 4

Chapter Text

A female wizard with strong crimson hair that hung around above her waist walked into the guild hall.

Erza Scarlet.

Arguably the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail at the current moment. She had model looks with her feminine but bold features. She had a slim face with high cheekbones, a strong brow, a sharp jaw and dark round eyes. She was slender and tall but blessed with an hourglass figure that any woman would kill for.

She continued to walk into the silent, tension filled guild hall. She wore black boots, a blue skirt, and armor covering her torso. She carried a decorated horn that was several times bigger than her. She walked half way into the guild and then set down her horn with a loud thud.

“Where is Master Makarov?” She asked in her unwavering voice. “He’s at a conference right now,” Mira answered in her sweet voice, completely unintimidated by Erza. She'd be one of the brave few.

“Erza... What is that thing?” A guild member by the name of Max, bravely asked. “It’s the horn of a beast. The locals were so grateful, they decorated it and gave it to me as a souvenir. Do you have a problem with that?” Erza responded coldly. Max didn’t respond and hid away under his table.

The members stayed silent, watching Erza cautiously.

“Now listen up! I’ve heard that Fairy Tail is causing trouble! Master may not care, but I do!” Erza announced. She pointed towards Cana who sat at a table with a barrel of booze. “Cana, you need to cut back on your drinking! Vijeeter, please take the dancing outside. Wakaba, get rid of that horrible habit. Nab, I suspected I’d see you dawdling about around the request board. Just get a job. Macao, I don’t even know where to begin with you.” Erza went down the line of her complaints, ending it with a sigh. She quickly went back to her confident expression. “Are Natsu and Gray here?” She asked, looking around.

Both said wizards who were at each other's throats just moments before were hugging one another, while holding hands. “Yep. Just being good friends here!” “Aye!” The both strained out the words.

“What’s wrong with Natsu?” Lucy whispered, not used to Natsu cowering in fear. “He challenged Erza to a fight and she kind of well... maybe almost killed him,” Alice replied. “Yeah, after that she went after Gray when she caught him naked.” Macao, who stealthily walked over to the bar, joined the conversation. “And Loke too when he hit on her.”

“Oh. And one more thing!” Erza spoke up again. “Alice!” She pointed towards her. Alice stood up straight, eyes wide like a deer caught in the headlights, started to tremble. “Yes, ma’am?” She answered politely, but voice pitched. “I don’t like the way the media talks about you. I want you to start having a better attitude.”

Alice hunched over, deflated. “Yes, ma’am,” She whimpered out.

She'd never admit it, but she wasn't one of the few that could hold her gaze. She'd say it all day long that she'd win a fight and she's more scared of a rabbit than Erza... But it was a different story when in her presence.

“Gray, Alice, Natsu? I need you to do me a favor. While traveling I overheard something that has me worried. Normally I would consult with the master but seeing as he’s not here and this is urgent. The three of you are the strongest here and I could really use your help. We’ll meet at the train station tomorrow morning,” Erza instructed.

Then Erza picked up her horn and left the guild.
The atmosphere picked up and people started to talk about what Erza could’ve been talking about.

Natsu walked over to the bar where Alice and Lucy were. “You’re off the hook, Lucy. You don’t have to find us a job now.” Natsu smiled. “Yeah, well, I have to go find myself a job since we didn’t get any money from the job because of you.” Lucy slumped over.

“I can’t believe I’ll be stuck with you on this!” Gray stomped over, picking a fight with Natsu. “Oh yeah? Well, at least I don’t strip at random times!” Natsu accepted the challenge. Alice walked in between them, hands on either one’s chest, pushing the two apart the best she could. “Erza literally just left!” She snapped. Alice couldn’t stop them and was squished in between the two boys who were trying to get in each other’s face.

Alice cast a lightning spell and shocked both boys who then flew apart. Alice straightened herself up and huffed, walking away.

“Hey, look it’s raining!” Max commented, opening the door, with a cold breeze blowing through. Alice was sitting at a nearby table, and as the cold air hit her back skin, she shivered. With a growl Alice used magic to slam the door shut, although too strongly and the door cracked in the middle. “You could’ve asked me to just close it!” Max shouted.

Alice with her arms crossed on the table, shoved her face into them. “What’s the matter?” Lucy asked, worried.

“Umi!” Alice screamed out. “Umiko!”

Alice peeked her head out of the ocean, face wet with warm salty water, but then getting hit with cold rain droplets. A strong wave came about and threw Alice under. Alice, with her water dragon lungs could breathe in the water, but she wasn’t strong enough to fight the force of the strong currents, and got thrown into the side of a cliff, getting knocked out immediately.

Alice would awake hours later, laying on the shore. She sat up and looked around wildly, not sure where she was anymore. “Umi. Where’d you go?” She whimpered.

Alice had a few bad memories associated with rainy weather. This one was the worst.

“Hey, Alice.” Natsu put his hands on Alice’s shoulders, standing behind her. Alice perked up a bit, waking from the bad flashback. She hummed in response, relishing in Natsu’s warmth as he rubbed circles into her skin with his thumbs. Gray, who was sitting with Alice, glared at Natsu’s effect on Alice. “Wanna head home?” Natsu suggested softly. Alice sat up and nodded.

While Natsu and Alice at one point shared Natsu’s home, Alice now had her own house, on the other side of town. But Natsu referred to both their homes as “home”.

“Come on, Happy. We’re leaving!” Natsu shouted at Happy who was happily eating a fish at the bar. “Aye, sir!”

Alice’s home was also on the edge of town, near the forest. Her house was secluded by brush, but was easily found once one could find the stone path. It was a small house. All wooden floors, two bedrooms, one bath, kitchen, living room, and cellar. It was painted a happy yellow color, but was covered in many vines.

It was a quiet walk to her house. Alice opened the door and they walked immediately into the living room, towards Alice’s room. Alice had stopped the boys from just waltzing in there and made them go dry off.

As they’ve both tried to pass off damp as ‘dry’ and got Alice’s bed wet before.

Alice sat on her bed, after requiping into a new outfit, but left her towel draped over her head. She zoned off as she listened to the wind pick up and pelt the roof with harder rain.

“ Natsu! I didn’t mean it! I- Hey! Wake up!” Alice was on her knees, cradling a passed out Natsu who was jolting with electricity. A spell gone wrong. “Natsu!”

Alice’s tears were invisible with the rain dripping down her face. “Please...” She whimpered. Was he dead? Did she just kill him?

“Hey! Do you still have hot chocolate left?” Natsu peered into the room. Alice jumped back into reality. She looked over towards Natsu, mind still not completely alert. “Uhm, top cabinet right of the stove.” Alice thoughtlessly answered.

Natsu nodded and left towards the kitchen. Alice, not fully trusting of Natsu’s simple cooking abilities, followed him.

“All right, Happy. The directions say mix with boiling water...” Natsu trailed off. “So that means we have to use the kettle on the stove.” Happy nodded, sitting on the counter. Alice leaned on the door frame, towel still on her head, framing her face. She watched boredly. “Or... I can use my fire?” Natsu brainstormed. The two boys glanced at Alice for permission, who just turned and walked away.

Alice opened the door to the second bedroom, the scent of dust and old books filled her senses. A room with walls covered in shelves which were filled with hundreds of books, notebooks, or magic items.

She sat in the lounge chair, picking up the book that was on the nearby table with a lamp and an empty mug which once held tea.

Alice opened the leather bound book, the first page had fancy cursive.

‘For the daughter of Yoko. From Laxus Dreyar,’

It was on Alice’s doorstep on her 15th birthday. Alice also knew that Laxus didn’t even know about the book. And it was Freed’s writing.

It was a book about the history of lightning magic which had information about wizards, spells, and techniques riddles throughout it.

Alice had read the book many times, but always found herself reaching for it when in need of something to take her mind off of some heavy thoughts. She turned to the page where her marker was at and started to read away.

After some time, Happy called to Alice. “The cocoa is done!”

Alice simply shut the book and left it on the chair as she left the room. She entered the kitchen once more to find her counter covered in new burn marks, hot cocoa powder, and water. Natsu smiled shyly, handing her a cup of dark brown hot liquid. “I think I made them perfect, so don’t get mad at the mess,” Natsu excused. Alice brought the cup to her lips and the strong smell of chocolate entered her nose and mouth before she could take a sip.

Natsu watched her as she took a sip, closed her eyes, and nodded in agreement.

After enjoying their drinks, the sky got darker, and it was dim in the house. So they all decided to turn in.

Happy flew into Alice’s room first, plopping into the cat bed on Alice’s headboard.

Alice was going to wait until Natsu was situated into bed before turning off the lights, but then Natsu sat up and took off his vest, revealing all of his bare torso. Alice’s face heated up and so she had to turn off the lights.

Alice stood there still at the door, hand still on the light switched, she stared out the big window behind her bed, blinds covering the glass, but not keeping out the bright flash of lightning. Alice’s breath stopped as she fearfully anticipated the next thing.

Then came the thunder. Although, for the first roll of the storm, this one was surprisingly loud, and rattled the whole house. Alice whimpered and ran, and dove onto the bed. Natsu pulled Alice into his arms as he laid on his side, cradling the girl into his chest.

Natsu pulled the covers over them, and raised his body heat to comfort the trembling Alice. “It’s all right. Nothing’s gonna hurt you. Not with me around,” Natsu whispered sincerely, nuzzling the top of her head.
“N-N-Natsu...” Happy cried, crawling off the headboard and on to Natsu’s side. “You come here, too, little buddy.” Natsu welcomed, cuddling the two small people who he cared about more than anything else on the planet.

Sure, Natsu had always cared about Alice since the day he met her, but after Lisanna’s passing and Alice’s protective and patient comfort, Natsu grew strongly closer to Alice than ever before.

Natsu, since he was younger, felt something towards Alice but he never knew what for sure it was but just knew better than to pursue it. That feeling faded when he was with Lisanna, but in recent months, it had started to come back.

The three of them, all huddled up under the blankets eventually all fell asleep.

“Alice? I was told this is where you live! I can’t find Natsu or Happy so I- Oh my God!” Lucy walking right into Alice’s home, and wandering into the bedroom, shrieked in embarrassment, eyeing the situation at hand.

Alice was the first to wake up, eyes slowing opening, and finding herself against Natsu, hands holding on to his scarf, and Natsu’s chin leaning on the top of her head, and arms strongly around her. Alice could feel the breathing of Happy tightly tucked against her back.

“Nevermind, I found them.” Lucy squeaked, covering her hot face, walking away. Alice groaned, trying to move around. “Natsu, Happy. Wake up.” Nothing.

Alice was able to scoot up, her face at the same level as Natsu’s.

She gasped inaudibly due to the closeness. She studied his sleeping face. She was in awe of how peaceful he looked. Natsu was a very attractive older teen. Alice was always aware of how good looking Natsu was. He had a strong, yet soft face structure. He had a nice tanned complexion and he was impressively muscular, even when he was younger.

It was just his very loud personality, and do first, think second way of thinking that made him a lot to take in.

When he was quiet and well, unconscious, he was the easiest to deal with.

Alice stupidly, and cautiously with one hand, caressed his face.

“What are you doing?” Natsu’s voice suddenly asked, even with his eyes closed, and mouth barely moving. Alice quickly took back her hand, surprised. “Nothing,” Alice replied in a small voice, embarrassed. “Aye,” Happy cooed, still asleep.

Natsu opened his eyes and focused at Alice who was looking at his, anyways. “Were you going to kiss me?” Natsu wondered, smirking tiredly. Alice’s eyes widened and she turned bright red. “No!”

Alice really wasn’t thinking about it, she was just thinking of how smooth and relaxed Natsu's face looked while seemingly but not really sleeping. But now the thought crossed her mind. Her eyes worked against her and glanced at his lips. She thought how soft they looked and she wondered if they’d be warm against hers. She had to snap out of it. She closed her eyes because she couldn’t bare to look back into Natsu’s eyes, and she knew she’d keep staring at his mouth.

“I wouldn’t have stopped you,” Natsu said in a yawn, unraveling his arms from Alice and then sat up. Alice looked up at him, confused but warily. “What does that mean?”
Natsu shrugged, looking as to where he threw his vest to. “It just means that if you were wanting to kiss me, then more power to you, I guess.”

Alice’s heart started to beat wildly. She immediately felt wide awake. In a panic, she used teleportation magic, and she appeared standing up in the door frame.
“Stop being stupid!” Alice shakily warned. Happy finally woke up. “Good morning,” he yawned.

Alice couldn’t stand looking at Natsu anymore. She grunted and stomped off looking for Lucy.

Lucy was in the kitchen, using a damp rag to clean up the sticky mess on the counter. “So have you ever heard of knocking?” Alice asked as she entered the kitchen. Lucy was still completely red in the face. “Gray told me to go wake Natsu up and he wasn’t at home so I was told to come here. I didn’t mean to-”

Alice rolled her eyes. “Calm down, blondie. Whatever you got in your head isn’t what happened,” she interrupted her. “Well, it just looked like... I knew you and Natsu were close I just didn’t expect that close...” Lucy trailed off, ashamed. “Look, we’re just friends...” Alice looked down at the floor and pouted. “And I have a boyfriend.”

Lucy gazed at Alice and then gasped, coming to a sudden realization. “You like Nats-” Alice knew what Lucy was aiming at saying, and quickly leaned over and clamped a hand over Lucy’s mouth. “You finish that sentence and it’ll be the last thing you ever say again!”

Lucy nodded fervently, a bit spooked by Alice’s dark threat. “Good.” Alice removed her hand and wiped it on her pajama shorts, trying to rid the palm of Lucy’s pink lip gloss.

Natsu entered the kitchen and drowsily leaned over on Alice. “What’s all the yelling about?” Natsu still wasn’t wearing a top.

Alice noticed Lucy’s eyes trail from Natsu’s face, slowly down his chest and then- Alice felt something burning inside. “Go get dressed! We gotta leave soon!” Alice shoved Natsu away and out of Lucy’s view.

Alice left Lucy alone to go to the bathroom to go get ready for the day. Lucy followed. “So, how’d you get a house like this?” She asked. “I heard it was haunted so I checked it out to see if it was true, found nothing wrong with it, and noticed it was for sale and bought it. Besides, I couldn’t care less if it was haunted or not. I’d rather live with a ghost than Natsu anymore than I had to.”

After getting her face washed, teeth brushed, and makeup done, Alice went into her bedroom, where Natsu and Happy were no longer. “So, you lived with Natsu? How long? When?”

Alice rolled her eyes annoyed with Lucy’s curiosity. “When I first joined Fairy Tail. He invited me to stay at his place- and no I don’t know how he got his house, but I stayed for some months.” Alice took off her clothes. She liked to wash them after a bit instead of just putting them back into her requip.

“So only stayed as long as it took for my inheritance to kick in.” Alice shrugged, walking over to her hamper. Natsu swung in. “Hurry up. I left my pack at home,” He boredly stated, not lingering his gaze on Alice’s body, but more on her face. Lucy screamed, and stood in front of Alice, blocking Natsu’s line of sight.
She didn’t know how casual Natsu was with nudity. Especially Alice. Alice requiped into her quest outfit but then had a thought. “Natsu, can you go get my new boots? I haven’t got them into my requip yet.”

“Why should I?” He pouted. “Because you’re my best friend who loves me?” Alice bargained. Natsu didn’t budge. “A million jewel.” Alice changed her angle.

Since this is an anime, Natsu flashed out and back with boots in hand. Alice took them and smiled. “You know where it is.”

Natsu was gone.

“Can I do anything for you for money?” Lucy asked politely, but eyes shining. “Lucy! If she gives you that type of money, then she won’t have any! Do you ever think of anyone but yourself?” Happy scolded, flying by. “Shut it, cat!” Lucy snapped.

Alice unhooked her necklace and went over to the nightstand where she usually put it. Lucy caught the gleam. “Where’d you get that?”
“Natsu.” Alice shrugged. Lucy giggled teasingly.
“It’s nothing. It wasn’t even supposed to be mine.” Alice defended. “Who? Did Natsu have a crush or a girlfriend?!”

“Lisanna Strauss. She was Mirajane’s little sister. Natsu and her were really close,” Alice hesitantly answered. “What happened to her?”

“She died while on a job, 2 years ago.” The front door opened and then closed harshly.

Alice hurried after Natsu, who she knew was the one who stormed out.

“Why were you talking about her?” Natsu demanded in a whisper when Alice caught up to him. “Lucy asked about my necklace,” Alice softly responded, knowing it was a soft spot. “I gave it to you,” Natsu coldly replied. “I know.” Alice wasn’t going to go into technicalities. Especially now even though she would die if she wasn’t always right or more right,

“Hey! Wait for me!” Lucy cried.

Chapter 5

Chapter Text

Gray, Natsu, Happy, Lucy and Alice waited for Erza to arrive, which she would, on time, as everyone else left way early just in case and didn’t want to piss off Erza.While Gray, Lucy, and Happy carried one travel bag, Natsu with his whole pack, and Alice with nothing, Erza had a big wagon stacked with at least 50 suitcases.

Natsu and Gray jumped around with their arms linked. “Let’s go, good buddy!” Gray cheered, forcefully. “Aye!” Natsu chirped. “Look, one Happy is good enough!” Lucy scolded, crossing her arms. Alice just waited for Erza to turn her back because then Gray and Natsu would probably start to fight.

Erza smiled softly at the ice and fire wizards. “I really like seeing you two getting along.”

As Alice predicted, Erza turned her back on Gray and Natsu as she introduced herself to Lucy. “Come on guys! Just because she isn’t looking, doesn’t mean this is your chance to go at each other!” Alice grunted, trying to keep the two apart, only to get squished in between them.

“I can’t believe I agreed to come along with you!” Gray hissed at Natsu. “Yeah, yeah. We all can’t believe it either.” Alice huffed, stopping Natsu from countering. Erza glanced over at the three, and in that split second Gray and Natsu were hugging Alice tightly. “Get off me, both of you!” Alice cried, prying them off her, but as a result, was pushed forward and on her face. Alice pushed herself up with her arms and glanced at Erza, since Alice landed right at her feet.

What Alice didn’t see, was the impact flipped her skirt up, revealing her pantied ass in the directions of the two boys, which only Gray gazed upon like it was heavenly.

With a squeak, Alice jumped to her feet and straightened herself out, shyly looking at Erza. “Alice...” Erza shook her head. “Yes, ma’am?” Alice answered in a fearful tone. “You need to work on your manners. I mean, honestly, you are wearing a skirt. Maybe that’s why you have such a bad attitude and low self-esteem. You need to value yourself more,” Erza calmly, but disappointingly advised. Alice hung her head low, ashamed. “Yes ma’am.”

Alice turned to glare at the boys, and noticed Gray’s glazed over expression. “What’s your problem?”
“He got a full view of your ass when you fell,” Natsu giggled. Alice’s face went hot in embarrassment. But she had no words, and stomped off towards the train to get on it.

Though, Alice was over it when the train started to lurch forward and Natsu got sick and took up two spots and made Alice hop onto Gray’s lap.

“Are you okay, Natsu?” Lucy wondered from the other side, sitting with Happy and Erza. “He’ll be fine. Come here, Natsu.” Erza welcomed warmly. So Lucy and Natsu traded spots. Natsu laid in Erza’s arms, groaning up until Erza then knocked him out cold. For awhile it was silent, because everyone was scared of starting a conversation in fear of upsetting Erza in some way.

“I think you all deserve to know now why I need you. While traveling I heard about the guild Eisenwald trying to get ahold of something called Lullaby,” Erza started to explain. “Lullaby?” Gray, Lucy, and Happy asked in unison. “That thing from before?” Lucy added, sharing a knowing look between Happy and Gray who nodded. “What thing from before?” Alice asked. “While Lucy, and Natsu went on their quest, I bumped into them while Happy got kidnapped and so we got a hold of some information from the bandits who tried to eat Happy,” Gray explained, tightening his hold on Alice.

With Lucy taking Natsu’s place, it freed up Alice’s original spot, but Gray and Alice had no intention of moving from their new positions.

“It was scary!” Happy cried. “They might’ve been in hiding because they didn’t want any part of it.” Erza wondered. “So this thing is so bad it even scares dark wizards?” Gray thought aloud. “I’m only hypothesizing, but whoever took your bandits away must’ve been from Eisenwald. Obviously they don’t want their plans getting out.” Erza nodded.

The rest of the train ride, Erza went on explaining how she caught wind of the Lullaby plan, and then they all got onto another train, getting into the same seating as before.

“What magic do you practice, Erza?” Lucy started up a new conversation. “She makes her enemies bleed!” Happy answered excitedly. “I do requip magic, but I think Gray’s magic is way greater than mine,” Erza answered, in between bites of a cake slice she acquired. “I wouldn’t say that, but...” Gray, with his arms still around Alice, was able to make an ice figure of the Fairy Tail emblem. “I use Ice make magic, but if anyone is the best at magic here, I think it’s princess over here.” Gray referred to Alice, using the nickname she somewhat hated because there was only one person who didn’t call her that to make fun of her.

Alice was always portrayed in the media as a “perfect” and spoiled "princess" and she didn’t really help change her image at all when she did interviews. So she earned herself the name "Fairy Tail Princess" which had many variations. So her guild mates would tease her, calling her ‘princess’ ironically. Although, Loke called her it endearingly.

“I still can’t tell what magic you use, Alice,” Lucy said, in thought, as she never really has seen Alice use just one type of magic. “She uses all types of magic! Ability and holder magic!” Happy chirped.

To those of you who don’t know, ability magic is a type of magic that a user makes themselves while holder magic is the type you have to use a specific object, like keys.

“The holder magic is mostly a hobby.” Alice shrugged. “She mainly uses electrical magic and that makes her practically invincible! But she can use nullify magic and energy magic which she uses to drain the magic power from any wizard and use it as her own!” Happy explained further. “Well she can use energy magic, lightning magic, and water dragon slayer magic,” Gray added. Alice listened and nodded along, although confused as to why she wasn’t being allowed to answer for herself. “Don’t forget, she also uses a type of death magic,” Erza added.

Alice’s eyes went blank as she stiffened up and seemed to go into a hypnotized state.
After a moment she snapped back to consciousness. “What?” She looked at the worried faces around her.
Alice had been put under a forgetful charm which made her blank out whenever her dark magic was mentioned. It was a precaution, suggested by Porlyusica.

“You were saying what magic you use to Lucy,” Gray said, bouncing his legs, shaking Alice. “Oh, uhm-.. I use a lot of lightning magic to one day defeat my asshole father, and then I was taught energy magic, so I tend to mix these two magics together into an electrical magic. And for two years I was raised by the water dragon, Umiko, but she used that time to rather teach me normal things like reading, math, cooking, foraging, and stuff, so I don’t know too much water dragon slayer magic. I do a lot of different reading on all types of magic, but right now I’ve really been focusing on teleportation and requip magics,” Alice rambled on, while subconsciously trying to comprehend the reason she seemed to have spaced out. “Wow, that’s really impressive!” Lucy complimented. Alice nodded and turned in Gray’s lap to be able to comfortably lean against him. She felt a bit tired.

“Where’s Natsu?” Alice asked, alarmed, not seeing him at all. “He’s still on the train! I was so busy talking, I forgot! I’m so stupid! He hates all forms of transportation! Someone hit me!” Erza cried, looking at the train roll away. Alice shrugged and stepped forward to hit Erza, but Happy flew in front of her. “I wouldn’t do that if you value your life.”

Erza ran to the emergency brake and pulled it, being yelled at by a station worker. “It’s for our comrade! Also, take our luggage to the hotel.” Erza shrugged off the man. Even though that he was absolutely not a bell boy.

“Is everyone completely insane in this guild?” Lucy sighed, exasperated. Gray started to strip absentmindedly. “I’m not.”
“The fact I’m somehow attracted to him even as he does that means I’m insane.” Alice shook her head disappointed at herself for her poor life choices.

As Gray was getting shouted at by Lucy for stripping in public, Erza had rented a magic car.

The five raced down the side of the tracks, going after the train Natsu was still on. The train was stopped, but it was far away enough where they had to drive to get there. Erza drove, Lucy, Alice and Happy sat inside, and Gray laid on top of the car, holding on to it as it flew down the track side.
The train car that the group originally sat in, and where Natsu presumably would still be, had a gaping hole in it and had smoke emitting from it.

The train’s wheels started to turn. Erza kept up to speed with it. “Alice, I want you to use your levitation magic to get in there and get Natsu.” Alice nodded and as she was in the process of climbing out the window. But, just then Natsu flew out of the train from a window and landed on Gray, knocking him off the car. Erza braked hard, sending Lucy flying into the seats ahead of her, landing on Happy. “So....heavy... can’t....breathe....” Happy said muffled. Lucy got up and strangled the cat, who then started to laugh hysterically.

“You left me!” Natsu shouted at the group. “I’m truly sorry. Here,” Erza apologized, grabbing Natsu and hugged him into her armored body, banging his head hard. “I was stuck facing off with some guy from Eisenwald. Kageyama, I think,” Natsu continued his story, prying himself away from Erza. Erza then slugged him in the face, growling. “That’s who we’ve been looking for! We discussed it on the train!” She shouted, forgetting that Natsu was unconscious that whole time, because of her.

Natsu cowered and jumped behind Alice, hands holding on to either side of her, ready to use her as a human shield. “He had some flute with three eyes.”
“Don’t hide behind me!” Alice scolded, then came to a realization. “I’ve read about that!” Alice said, at the same time as Lucy.

Alice allowed Lucy to say what she knew about it. “I don’t know exactly what it is but I know its lullaby can kill anymore who hears it, but the caster. I can’t remember anything else.”

Alice took in a breath and immediately began to speak right after Lucy. “The Lullaby Flute is a magic tool created by Zeref the dark wizard. So it is initially a type of death magic. While its song can kill the listeners, the flute can turn into a demon since it’s Etherion,” Alice explained. “What’s Etherion?” Gray asked. “It’s a different form of Etherious, a race of demons out of the book of Zeref.” Alice didn’t skip a beat answering his question. “Does she just breathe books?” Lucy grumbled, outshined by Alice. “I’m sorry that you’re just not that smart Lucy,” Alice commented, smirking proudly. She never got a greater high than from being the smartest in the room.

The group got back into the car and drove back to the town, but now there was a large crowd of people surrounding the outside of the train station from the entrance.
After pulling into the station, the group found the guards completely taken out by the various dark guild members of Eisenwald.

The Fairy Tail team ran into the station. “Up ahead!” Alice pointed to the crowd of wizards inside. “It’s them!” Erza confirmed. “Lucy, hurry up!” Happy ordered Lucy who was dragging Natsu on her back. “Hey, I have to slug around sickie here!” “Sorry.” Natsu whimpered.

“Hey, Lucy. If you have enough energy to shout at us, you have enough energy to move a little faster.” Alice instigated, although getting out of breath.

She had to admit, she wasn’t in as much shape as she used to be. Instead of her partner, Natsu, who got stronger with his magic and energy as he went on stronger jobs, Alice’s magic actually waned and she got tired faster. And when she came home, she’d rather go read than go train, like Natsu did. She got winded watching him do pushups. And not just because he was shirtless and his muscles glistened with sweat.

They found themselves in the train station center, where the trains would stop.

“Welcome to our parlor, Fairy Tail flies.” Erigor, a dark wizard welcomed sinisterly. Erigor was a tall, lean-built, yet mildly muscular guy with silver hair which was styled in upward spikes, but hung low in a tuft, partially covering his face. His eyes were dark, not complimented by his long and sharp features. He had tattoos all over his body. Starting from downward pointing arrow like markings under each eye. His upper body was covered in larger, intricate blue spiral formations on his shoulders, biceps, chest and back. He wore a long, ragged black scarf around his neck, and wore no shirt, only Japanese samurai pants.
He had a scythe that had a jagged large blade which was attached to a twisted staff, curving slightly. A top the staff, was an animal skull as decoration.

Although, the scythe itself seemed to be more of an aesthetic choice than a part of Erigor’s fighting style, since he used his wind magic, and rarely used the weapon. Though the scythe matched his nickname, The Reaper . Since in his dark guild, he only took on assassination jobs.

Alice knew of him and had once faced off against him once when she was younger while on a solo S-class mission. While it was Erigor’s job to kill someone, Alice’s job was to protect that someone.Alice failed the mission and barely made it back home with her life, only escaping the fight and hiding until Erigor gave up on pursuing her.

She was younger then, she thought she was bulletproof until she had too many close calls.

She would have been terrified to be in his presence now if she wasn’t with her teammates which she had faith, together, could take him down.

Erza stepped forward. “You fiend. I take it you’re Erigor?”

“Come on! We need you! Wake up!” Lucy quietly pleaded with Natsu, who she laid on the ground and bent over to shake him. “First the train, then the car, and your shaking. It’s a motion sickness triple combo.” Happy commented. “I’m not a vehicle!” Lucy snapped.

The commotion got the attention of Kageyama, a young man with black hair tied into a high, but short ponytail. He was quite plain compared to his guild mate. “Hey, you! It’s your fault I got in trouble with Erigor! Stand up!” He challenged the sickly Natsu.
Natsu’s eyes opened. “I know that voice.” But quickly fell unconscious once more. Alice rolled her eyes.

“We’re not threatened by any of you! Tell us what you’re going to do with Lullaby!” Erza demanded.
Erigor used his wind magic to sweep himself up onto the second floor, standing on its railing. “Tell me, what do train stations do?” He flew down onto the top of a speaker hooked on a pole.

Alice knew what he was referring to, but had to mentally comment to herself that train stations didn't just blare things on speakers. If he was going to use a hint like that, he should’ve done this at a speaker store, or a theater.

“You plan to play the flute on those speakers?” Alice questioned him once no one else spoke to further the dialogue. Erigor recognized her right away. “Fairy girl! It’s been a while. What, no pleasantries? Did I offend you when I almost took your soul?!” Erigor laughed darkly as Alice only glowered up at him, unafraid of him now. “I’m not here for small talk. Tell me what you’re planning!”

“You can not be serious. I mean I thought the Reaper thing was for anyone who couldn’t remember your pathetic name. Well, at least you have another reason besides being brain dead for getting kicked out of the Wizards' League.” Alice spat at him, glaring still. “We’ll show you that we don’t want to be approved anymore!” Kageyama challenged, using a shadow spell, forming fists, aiming the attack right at Alice. Before she could react, Natsu had somehow recovered from near death and jumped in front of Alice, blocking the attack effectively.

“You again??” Kageyama pouted. “Eisenwald dude. I knew I recognized that voice.” Natsu growled. “You’re back to normal!” Lucy rejoiced. “Looks like a party.” Natsu sarcastically said, getting fired up. “No! These are the guys that we have to fight!” Lucy corrected, not at all understanding. Natsu and Alice deadpanned at the stupidity. “Like I said, looks like a party.” Natsu repeated.

“I’ll leave them to you. Show them the real power of Eisenwald.” Erigor directed, then vanishing. “He disappeared!” Lucy gasped, in awe. “I could so do that.” Alice scoffed.

The members of Eisenwald started to get riled up and slowly advanced towards the team.

“Natsu, Gray. I’m leaving you two to Erigor!” Erza instructed. “You against him, it won’t be a challenge. Work together.” Natsu and Gray snarled at each other. “What did I say?” Erza warned, angrily. “Aye!” The boys squeaked and ran off.

Alice leaped into the air, and landed in a sea of Eisenwald members, and then used a lightning spell, electrocuting tens of guys at once.

“How is she so strong?!” Lucy gasped, finally seeing Alice in battle for real. To see her use spell after spell, taking out numerous wizards effortlessly.
“She was put through a lot as a kid. She was raised in a cult that painfully trained her in strong magic for their child army. Also, she's a magic prodigy, being able to learn any type of magic spell no matter the type. Even though she’s weaker than she used to be, she’s a force to be reckoned with!” Happy explained.

“Wait! That blue cat is reminding me of someone. I think I know who this chick is! She’s Fire Fairy Yoko’s daughter!” A guy said, and then was knocked unconscious, getting hit with thousands of bolts of lightning. Alice scowled. "You know, I like that better than Fairy Princess, actually."

Eventually, all but two members were down, who only survived because they ran away cowardly. “Go after them. They’re probably going after Erigor.” Erza panted. Lucy nodded and followed them, with Happy following. Alice hesitated, seeing Erza so worn out.

Erza kneeled, breathless. “Gray was right. I shouldn’t have used so much energy on that car ride.” She then noticed Alice by her side. “Why are you still here? Lucy needs your help!” Erza roughly said to Alice. “I can give you some energy.” Alice replied. “No. I’ll be fine. I just need a moment to recover. Use your magic energy to help Natsu. You two make a good team.” Erza waved her off.

Alice reluctantly listened to Erza. She jumped into the air, her disk cast,and she flew off into a hallway, hoping to catch up with Lucy, knowing damn well that Lucy was probably going to need help.

Chapter 6

Chapter Text

Alice could hear mumbles of voices far off but couldn’t tell where they were coming from. She passed by a window, and noticed some sort of tornado or whirlwind outside, surrounding the building. She decided to go see what it was.

She walked off to some balcony, and studied the whirlwind. It seemed to be a force of strong wind. It blew around her hair and clothes. She knew it was Erigor who made this.
There was no way to go through it. But if Erigor wanted to keep them there, then what was the point? They were just going to get in the way?
Alice gasped. The station was just a trap. But if Erigor wasn’t here and wasn’t going to use the flute here, then what was his real plan?

Alice looked up and down from her balcony, and spotted Erza a few floors down. Alice jumped off the railing and used her energy magic to break her fall.
“We are here just to be trapped! I’m such a fool!” Erza scolded herself. “You’re not a fool. None of us knew what they were really planning. We need to find the others and let them know what we do.” Alice advised. “You go find Natsu and Gray. I’ll go and interrogate some of the enemy guild members.” Erza nodded.

Erza and Alice parted ways, turning different corners. Alice bumped into someone, but as she was falling backwards from the impact, the person caught her.

“Gray.” Alice gasped, catching her breath. Gray helped Alice back to her feet. “I found out what they’re going to use Lullaby for.” Gray informed her. “Well we better get to Erza then. She’ll know what to do.” Alice said. And just like Alice was turning one way, Gray was swiveling her back another way. “This way’s quicker.”

Gray and Alice were a floor above Erza who was back on the ground floor

Gray leaned over the rail. “Erza!”
Erza was busy beating answers out of barely conscious Eisenwald members. “Where’s Natsu?” She growled at Gray. “We split up, but never mind that. Their real target is Clover, the next town over. Erigor is heading to the guild master conference as we speak. He’s planning to use Lullaby on the masters and kill them!” Gray informed her. Erza glared at the guy in her grasp. “Why didn’t you tell me?!”

“We have a problem though. The station is surrounded by a wind barrier.” Alice spoke up. “Yeah. I saw it earlier. If you try to surpass it, it’ll make mincemeat outta you.” Gray leaped off the rail down to the floor Erza was on.

Erza caressed one of her arms. “I know. I already tried.”

“Whoa. Are you okay?” Gray gasped. “That’s not important but what is, is heading down to the conference. And we need to stop... Wait! That Kage guy I heard in the bar. He knew how to break the seal on Lullaby. He’ll know how to break the wind barrier. We need to find him.” Erza shoved down the one guy back down and stood up.

Erza, Alice, and Gray followed the noises of destruction, probably caused by Natsu.

“Natsu! Don’t harm him. We need him alive!” Erza shouted as they entered a room charred. “Way to go.” Gray murmured.
Kageyama was still up, but beaten down. Erza drew her sword and pointed towards him. “You will take down the wind barrier! And you will do it now!”

“You better do it, man. She’s a real monster!” Natsu whispered to Kageyama.

“Okay, I will.” Kageyama whimpered. “We gotta get him out there then.” Gray grabbed at Kageyama. At the same time, some transparent hand came through the wall, and then right through Kageyama.

The four gasped.

Kageyama dropped to the floor, now with a hole in his chest. Erza immediately tended to him.
“Stay with me, Kageyama!” Erza held him up with her arms. But he was out, if not nearly dead.

Either way, the group headed out, meeting up with Happy and Lucy.

“Fire Dragon Iron Fist!” Natsu seized the wind barrier. “Stop it you idiot!” Alice shouted at him in warning. “Brute force isn't going to work!” Gray added.
“I got to try at least!” Natsu growled, getting ready to pounce.

“Stop it!” Lucy wrapped her arms around Natsu’s chest from behind. Alice bit the inside of her cheek at the sight of Lucy holding Natsu, especially while he was without a shirt.

Natsu turned his head to look over at Lucy who blushed. “What?”

“Your spirits! That really big spirit at the mansion! I grabbed onto her and I went into the spirit world!” Natsu brainstormed. Lucy let go of him and took a few feet back.

As Lucy went on explaining why that was a bad idea, Gray turned to Alice. “Can’t you do something?” Alice shook her head. “I know a few things, but nothing at this scale. I barely scratched the surface of dispelling magic enough to break weak seals.”

“Wait!” Happy shouted, grabbing everyone’s attention. “I know now what I was trying to tell you, Lucy!” Happy flew over to her. “When you kept calling me weird?” Lucy snapped. “Yeah! Look what I got!” Happy pulled a golden gate key out of his green pouch. “Stealing is bad you know!” Lucy scolded, grabbing him by the cheeks. “No, we got it as a reward and I was told to give it to you!” Happy defended himself. Alice wasn’t enjoying how harsh Lucy was being with Happy.

Alice never had hurt Happy even when she was in a bad mood. He was way too cute to harm to.

“Great. I get a big ugly spirit now. But I’ll have to deal with her later,” Lucy huffed. “Yeah, but I-” “Shut it cat! Why can’t you be quiet like normal cats!” Lucy barked at Happy, pinching harder.
Alice leaped forward, whisking Happy away from Lucy. “You ever lay a hand on him again and I’ll destroy your bloodline!” Alice seethed at Lucy. “I thought she’d be helpful because she could maybe drill a tunnel under the barrier.” Happy sniffled. “You’re right!” Lucy gasped. “I’m sorry for being mean now can you please give me the key?”

Alice was not even close to considering Lucy’s apology sincere, but Happy was more than willing to bargain. “Okay but fish for a month and I’ll think about forgiving you!” Happy flew up out of Alice’s arms.

Lucy took the key, “Open, gate of the maiden! Virgo!”

With the normal plume of smoke came a very beautiful female with bright blue eyes, short pink hair chopping in a rough lob, and was clothed in a traditional maid’s uniform.

“Who are you?” Lucy asked, completely confused. “Wow! You’re completely different than last time! You definitely lost some weight.” Natsu gasped, very amused.
“That’s different from losing weight!” Lucy argued. “What are you guys even talking about?” Alice asked, a bit irritated still, but now confused. “She’s just completely different.” Lucy shrugged. “Like how?” Gray added.

“I’m a very loyal spirit and change forms as I think my master finds the most appealing.” Virgo calmly answered with a hand bent over her chest, like she was about to take a bow. “I don’t know, I think I liked you better last time.” Natsu smirked. “Really?” Virgo wondered, and then transformed into a grotesque, heavily obese version of her herself.

Alice squealed in shock.

“I’m your master, and I like the other form better!” Lucy cried, and Virgo reversed back to the attractive form. “As you wish."
“I’m sorry we don’t have a lot of time, can we work out the details later?” Lucy pleaded. “Of course, Mistress." Virgo nodded. “Do you really have to call me that?” Lucy cringed. “How about Queen?”
“No.”
“Princess?” “That’s better.”

Alice growled and stepped forward with a fist full of lightning ready to attack Lucy for trying to copy her. Gray had to hold her back. That was her title!

Virgo started to twirl in fast aggressive circles and the chains around her wrist started to drill a hole from under the barrier to the other side. Alice was the first to jump into the tunnel and crawl out the other side.

Her and the others were greeting by a vicious wind. Alice had a hard time trying to hold down her skirt but also keep her hair was wrapping around her head and neck.

“Here, princess, I’ll keep your panties from showing.” Virgo kneeled over, holding down either sides of Lucy’s skirt, but left her own dress skirt to fling up. Gray, the pervert he was, stared in awe at her pantied ass.

“It’s pointless. You can’t catch up to Erigor. We won." Kage grunted out. “Wait. Where’s Natsu?” Alice asked, noticing he was gone, when she realized Kageyama was with them. “Happy’s gone too.” Gray noted. “You don’t think he...?” Lucy trailed off.

Alice gasped in horror just thinking of Natsu battling Erigor on his own.

“Come on then!” Erza urged leading the others to the magic car. “No way you’re still driving!” Gray argued. “It’s fine! I can handle it!” Erza lied. Alice rolled her eyes impatient and shoved Erza back and hopped into the driver seat herself. Alice put on the magic cuff, started the car.

Alice sped down the track, forcing more magic into the car, making it go faster down the side of the tracks.

She got more and more tired and her vision started to blur and she felt herself feel faint but the thought of Natsu in danger made her keep focused.

Chapter 7

Chapter Text

“Hey, Alice, you okay?” Gray asked, as he noticed the car’s speed was all over the place. “Yeah, just peachy.” Alice nodded shaking her head, keeping herself up and going. “Alice! You can’t overwork yourself like this! You’ll be out of magic!” Erza shouted. “Natsu’s my priority!” Alice argued, eyes focused on the smoke in the distance.

Natsu.

“Does she have a thing for this kid, or?” Kageyama asked. Alice felt her face heat up in embarrassment. “I.... Have.... A... BOYFRIEND!” Alice shouted, going even faster down the road as she could see Natsu in the distance.

Alice wasted no time meeting up with Natsu, and a beat down Erigor.

“Took you long enough! You missed me beating him up!’ Natsu laughed.

Alice took off the cuff and jumped over to Natsu. “You shouldn’t have ran off!” Alice snapped, but as she stood there, lost her balance and started to sway. “How fast did you go on that thing?” Natsu mumbled, catching Alice in his arms as she almost fell over. He could sense her low magic. “As fast as I could,” Alice answered tiredly, resting her head into Natsu’s neck, putting her full body weight on him as she leaned into him.

Natsu smiled softly. “You’re a real idiot.” “You look stupid being half naked with a scarf on!” Gray shouted to Natsu. “You’re one to talk!” Natsu countered.

“Bye idiots!” Kageyama announced. He sat in the driver’s seat, waving the flute in a hand as he drove off towards Clover. “We have to follow him!” Erza shouted, taking lead, sprinting down the track. Natsu flung Alice onto his back, as he piggybacked her as he ran.

At that point Alice was passed out.

A deafening roar awoke Alice. Her head was pounding and she was not in the mood for what was going on. The magic power in the air awoke a voice within her with the black magic, possessing her, putting her mind in a fog.

A huge tree looking monster about the size of a small mountain kept up the noise. The flute’s actual form.

But more than anything Alice was wondering something else. “Why am I on the ground?!” She growled. A dark aura formed around her. Her eyes were dilated horrendously, black took over her irises.

Everything went silent. Even the wind. The guild masters gawked at her. “Natsu?” She called in rage. “Yes, ma’am?” He cowered, taking his attention off of the monster watching his best friend in horror. “I’m cold. Do you know what happens when I get cold?” Her voice darkened “You get sick?” He answered mortified.

“Why is there a tiny girl interrupting me?!” The flute roared. “I was having a conversation!” Alice snapped at it. “I don't care! I am going to eat your soul!” It threatened her.
“Not if I don’t eat yours first!” Alice hissed.

“How dare you even-”

“Disintegrate!” The ground started to shake violently, the starry night clouded over, lightning blinking around in the rolling black clouds. A dark purple circle appeared below the flute and a white light came out, surrounding it, each particle of light dissolving the monster until it was no more than barren ground where the conference hall once stood.

“Who is she?”
“Is she from Fairy Tail?”
“How did she do that?”

The smoke and dust cleared, revealing a huge gaping hole from where the conference hall once was. “She destroyed it!” Anger came from the masters. She ignored the calls of disappointment from Erza or the cries of Lucy who tries to catch the master’s soul and successfully did as the master ran up to Alice who walked off to sleep in a patch of grass.

Alice jolted up from the bed she was laying in. She was in a cold sweat.

She breathed heavy, eyes wildly scanning her surroundings. “Calm down,” Natsu said, who stood up from leaning against the wall, across the infirmary bed. Alice in a mild panic, jumped at the sudden voice, head swinging towards the sound. “It’s me. You’re in the guild infirmary,” Natsu explained, putting a hand on Alice’s head, as he sat down on the edge of the bed.

“How-.... How long has it been?” Alice croaked out. It had been so long since she woke up in a cold sweat, feeling drained of energy, her body completely numb and trembling, and an overwhelmingly, nauseously amount of dread.
“It’s been two days, but you’ve only been here about one,” Natsu answered. “I don’t understand? I’ve never passed out that long from using too much magic.” Alice shook her head confused. “You got possessed by the residual dark magic in the air when we got to Clover and the flute turned into a demon. You used your dark magic. You were terrifying. You destroyed the flute demon and the conference hall. Although, that part was kinda awesome.”

Alice’s eyes prickled with tears, she started to tremble more. “No... No! I couldn’t have! Porlyusica blocked off that part of me! I’m not dangerous anymore!” Alice’s mind flashed back to images of the people she killed accidentally. The blood. The life gone from their bodies.

“You’re safe. You’re not dangerous. Porlyusica checked you out. She said you’re fine. We just gotta be more cautious now. You can’t run yourself that low anymore.” Natsu tried to soothe her.
Alice jumped out of bed, and began to pace in a circle, tears streaming down her face. Natsu worriedly watched her. “Alice, it’s fine. You need to-” “Did I kill anyone else?” Alice stopped in her tracks. Natsu stayed silent. “Did I?!” Alice snapped.

It wasn’t that Natsu was scared to answer. He just was scared for his best friend. Alice dropped to her knees. “I’ve done it before! I can’t control myself!”

Natsu leaped forward and sat down, pulling Alice into his lap, hugging her tightly. “You didn’t hurt anyone. This time no one got hurt.”

Chapter 8

Chapter Text

Another day went by and Alice was freed from the infirmary. But she had something to get done. “Come on, Natsu!” Alice cried, trailing after him. He ignored her, continuing to walk down alongside the canal, on his way to the guild.

“I don’t wanna have to do missions on my own while you fight off death in the infirmary!” Alice ran forward, stopping right in front of Natsu who looked at her of boredom and scooted Alice to the side and continued on.

While Alice was out, Natsu had challenged Erza to a fight and today was that day.

Alice huffed. “I didn’t want to do this!” She teleported herself on Natsu. Legs wrapped around his waist, arms hugging his face to her chest. “You can’t see now! You’ll never make it to the guild in time!”
Natsu stood still for a moment, before letting out a deep sigh. His strength overpowered Alice’s and he was able to unravel her from him, and he scooted her up over his shoulder.

“Miss. Princess,” Natsu said mockingly. “You can’t stop me.”
Alice's face broke out into a flustered blush. She puffed out her cheeks as she scowled. Natsu was one of the people who made fun of her for her alias. He always took it one step further and added unnecessary things to it. 'Miss. Fairy Princess.' 'Madam Princess Tail.' 'Your majesty Fairy Tail Princess.'
He always did it when he thought she was acting spoiled and was demanding him things and she needed humbled.

Alice grumbled. While her face was hot and she pouted, she wasn’t going to give up. She crossed her arms, “Why do you think you can win?” She asked. “Because I’m stronger now, obviously. And that was a bad day for me so a rematch is in order!” Natsu replied.
“You can’t win against me so why do you think you can take her?” Alice sighed. “I could totally take you!” Natsu scoffed. “Do it then!” Alice challenged, although a bit lightheaded now that blood was rushing to her head. She banged her fists on his back. “Bring it!”

Natsu chortled, amused by Alice’s defiant nature. He stopped walking and rearranged Alice and held her over the canal by the back of her shirt. “You wouldn’t!” Alice's voice cracked as she screeched, wriggling around. “Try me.” Natsu smirked.

Again with Alice’s body reacting the opposite of what she wanted, even when she was mad at him. “You win,” She admitted sorely. Natsu smiled victoriously, while still holding mischief in his smile. “Perfect!

He threw Alice back over his shoulder and continued on his way to the guild. “But I call for a proper rematch!” Alice challenged.

As they made their way to the guild, there seemed to be a crowd of guild members and towns people alike, standing outside the guild. Catcalls and whistles came from the crowd. Alice wasn’t able to see what it was all about, still hanging on Natsu, only seeing from behind.

“Natsu!” Elfman gasped. “You can’t hold her like that!”
“Well, why not?” Natsu asked. “Her panties are showing!” Elfman whispered. But Alice heard every word and her face heated up in quite the embarrassment. “You let me down, right now! I can’t believe you, you pervert! Now I’ll really let you have it!” Alice wriggled around trying to get Natsu to let her down.

“Here, Gray. Can you take her off my hands? Thanks.” Natsu tossed Alice off his shoulder and Alice landed in Gray’s arms, bridal style. While her cheeks were still red, she refused to look up at the smirking Gray. Even when they had their secret meetings, Alice still felt so uncomfortable around him. “Can you put me down?” She grumbled. “Why? It’s not like you’re heavy.” Gray shrugged.

“Bets! Place your bets now before it’s too late!” Cana announced.

Natsu and Erza stood several feet apart in the middle of the crowd, who made plenty of room for the two to move around. “I have the perfect armor for you, Natsu.” Erza smiled proudly and requiped into her Flame Empress armor, which would make Natsu’s fire attacks half effective.

“Put me down for Erza for the first round!” Happy said to Cana. Alice looked back towards Cana, waving a hand at her. “Put me down for Erza too! I’ll pay up when I get to my feet!” Alice shouted.

“Round one, begin!” The Master yelled, and Natsu and Erza both went at each other, although neither making a hit.

And it went like that for a while. “This is pretty lame,” Gray boredly commented. “I don’t know. They haven’t hit each other yet. Natsu is pretty high strung but his legacy of doing overkill can drain him of energy fast and Erza has stamina but that armor weighs her down plus they both aren’t slowing down yet. It’s a showdown within a showdown!” Loke walked up to Gray and Alice who looked at him, both shamefully blushing.

Loke and Gray were friends. Loke and Alice were still dating. Gray had a major crush on Alice. Alice and Gray were friends. Alice and Gray were going behind Loke’s back, casually doing things. They just did a thing the night before.

“I can take her off your hands,” Loke suggested. Gray was not about to argue with him and handed Alice off.

“This fight is over!” A magic council frog stopped the fight. “I am here on the behalf of the magic council! On the order of destruction of a council building, Alice Dreyar is under arrest!” The frog continued on, reading from a scroll.

Alice jumped out of Loke’s arms and walked forward. “What did I do now?” She muttered.

Natsu stomped forward as well. “What?!”

“I am a messenger. I am only here to get her, I do not have any other information,” The frog said, bowing its head. “She’s not going! Not while I have a say in it!” Natsu’s fists combusted into flames. Alice calmly walked towards the frog. “I’ll be fine. I’ve worked with you for how many years, so I know how to wriggle out of trouble.” Alice smiled at Natsu. “You’re not going!” Natsu took Alice by the hand, wrenching her back. “I have to! I did destroy a building and the ground underneath it, although I have no memory of it, but it was still me.”

“But you don’t even remember it! It wasn’t your fault!” Natsu argued, but then was transformed into a lizard. By someone?

Alice nodded to the frog. “I’m ready to go.”
The frog put cuffs on Alice’s wrists and then teleported them to the council building.

Alice silently followed the front down a hallway.

“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it, Alice?”

Alice stopped since she recognized the voice. The silhouette leaning against a pillar stepped forward into the light. “What do you want, Siegrain?” Alice darkly responded. Alice didn’t like the magic council, or any of the members. Especially Siegrain Fernandes.

Alice didn’t trust him because of his twin brother Jellal. “Be nice. I’ve stuck up for Fairy Tail over the years. I do believe I deserve a bit of respect.”

Alice rolled her eyes at his cool voice, but noticed that his body was in fact a projection just by the lines and glitches that went up and down his body. “Yes. None of us are really here. We thought it was trivial to come here from Era for some petty crime. Of course, there wouldn’t be a trial if there wasn’t so much pressure being shoved down our throats.” Siegrain grimaced. “Yeah, yeah, I destroyed a building, big deal. I also defeated a demon of Zeref; Lullaby. So you’re welcome.” Alice’s voice dripped with sarcasm.

“You’d think that you’d let the old man die. You’d be one step closer to getting the guild, wouldn’t you?” He smirked. Alice scoffed. “Yeah right. My old man would be next in line and he’d rather burn the place to the ground before giving it to me. Now be a good boy and take your seat in the court.”

Siegrain disappeared.

The frog led Alice to the courtroom, and Alice into the defendant’s box.

“This courtroom will now come to order. Before us is the defendant, Alice Dreyar. Please take the stand, Miss Dreyar!" Another frog announced.

“You stand here today facing charges stemming from the dark guild Eisenwald. This includes excessive damage to Oshibana station, collapse of the railway bridge, and the total destruction of the Clover meeting hall. There are 11 property damage charges against you according to eyewitnesses reports. The perpetrator is described as a small girl with...," The member sighed “a smoking hot body."

The door to the courtroom collapsed with great force. “It is I! The great Alice Dreyar you have been looking for!”

Natsu, in a ragged red wig, and a leopard print skin tight mini dress and heels that didn’t even fit his feet, stormed into the courtroom. Alice facepalmed and groaned. Natsu proceeded to roar at the council members. “Take them both away.”

“I can’t believe you!” Alice shoved Natsu into the stone wall of their shared cell. “It was all just a show of power!” Alice then pounded her fist into the wall, inches away from Natsu’s head, barely missing. Natsu looked amused at her. He liked seeing Alice fired up. “Hm?”

“It was just an act for the council to state that the rules still stand and if you break them, you get punished. I was probably just going to get a warning and sent home. The council has been getting pressured by people to control us unruly wizards. I guess they were going to try to make an example out of me, but now with you... it’s... never mind.” Alice sighed defeated and rested her head on Natsu’s shoulder.

“I’m sorry, all right?” Natsu’s voice softened. He wrapped his arms around Alice, pulling her closer to him. “It’s fine. As long as we’re not stuck here for too long. I didn’t remember to lock my door,” Alice mumbled, calming down. “Besides. Where did you get that dress?”
“It was from Lucy’s closet. I couldn’t fit into anything of yours.”

Alice hummed in response.

“I can’t believe that was just for show!” Lucy cried. “Yeah, seriously. That was so not something a real man would do!” Elfman puffed out his chest. “Well I’m glad that Siegrain was there to warn me. I would’ve went Natsu on them if I didn’t know." Alice nodded, looking down at everyone, from sitting up on the railing of the second floor.
“I guess that settles that then.” Gray shrugged.

Everyone in the guild started to get immediately drowsy out of nowhere. “Not now...” Gray grumbled, but then fell out of his seat onto the wooden floor. Everyone else soon fell asleep too.

Alice sat up, with a yawn. She was laying on the floor of the second floor. Alice sat up and realized she was the only one still asleep.

Mystogan. An S-class, mysterious wizard and member of Fairy Tail. Only Master Makarov has ever seen him. A man who uses a sleep charm to put anyone who’s in the hall fast asleep so he can grab a quest and get out without anyone seeing him.

“He’s a contender for Fairy Tail’s strongest wizard.” Elfman continued on a conversation Alice just joined. Alice sat back up on the railing. “Just like me!”
“Of course. But we all know what you look like.” Gray smirked up at her. “I know what he looks like,” Alice lied, crossing her arms and looking to the side.

Alice had once walked right into the guild hall as Mystogan was leaving. Alice then couldn’t recall what he looked like and her memories of the event were blurry. All she could remember is the color blue.
“No, you didn’t! Master is the only one who has!” Gray argued.

“That’s not true."

Alice squeaked and then shuddered at the sudden voice behind her, and it wasn’t a voice she liked.

“I’ve seen him before."

Alice glanced behind her, seeing someone she hated more than anything, standing right behind her. Laxus Dreyar. Alice’s father. Master Makarov’s grandson.

Laxus was one of those guild members who rarely came around the guild hall. Which Alice was thankful for. “Talk about rare.” Elfman commented. “And here’s another contender.” Gray muttered, leaning on his elbows on his table, sitting by Lucy.

Alice glanced back over to Laxus, and rolled her eyes looking back forward. “What are you doing up here? S-Class members only, moron.” Laxus then shoved Alice down off the railing.

Alice was in fact S-class. Laxus just didn’t know. When Alice was 10, she was nominated for the opportunity to be S-class, but Laxus made such a big deal out of it, Alice dropped out of the race but Master made her S-class anyways in secret. Which was very unfair, and a great show of nepotism... But it is what it is.

It was a secret so secret that literally everyone but Laxus knew.

Alice was still new to her teleportation magic and she was still recovering from her incident back in Clover so she wasn’t able to cast a spell to break her fall.

Gray leaped over onto the counter of the bar and caught Alice.
Alice mumbled a thanks to Gray.

“Mystogan is just a little shy. You should all respect his privacy,” Laxus continued on. “And what would you know about respect?” Alice spat. Laxus stared down at Gray jump down to the floor and gently let Alice to her feet. “Hey,” Laxus muttered down at Gray.
“Don’t get too friendly with my daughter if you want to live.” Laxus warned. Not in a fatherly-protective way, more of a, “I hate her so much that if you associate with her, I’ll hate you even more” kinda way.

Natsu suddenly woke up, from Erza’s attack, not Mystogan’s charm. “All right, Laxus! You and me, right now!” Natsu immediately stood and challenged. “Yeah right. If you can’t take the red head, then don’t even bother with me,” Laxus scoffed. “What does that mean?” Erza snapped standing to her feet. “Calm down, Erza,” Gray warily tried to intervene.

“That means I’m the strongest wizard in Fairy Tail!” Laxus beamed proudly. “Come down here and prove it!” Natsu shouted. “No. You come to me.” Laxus tricked.

Natsu ran and then leaped up onto the bar and jumped up to the second floor. Master, sitting on the bar used his giant magic to enlarge his hand and swat Natsu back down. “You’re not allowed on the second floor,” He scolded.

“Alice was up there!” Natsu whined, although had a mischievous look in his eye. While Natsu respected Alice enough to keep the secret, he liked to try to get someone else to spill the beans just because he thought Alice shouldn’t have to hide her power from Laxus and should just beat him up. Alice wanted that too. It was just that she knew she wasn’t nearly strong enough to defeat Laxus. She was biding her time.

“That’s just because the old man is too lenient with her. She’s not allowed up here, just like you,” Laxus answered. “At least not yet,” Master added.
“The strongest wizard here isn’t some chick or some hooded freak. If you want to know what they look like, it’s right here!” Laxus pointed to himself. “So if the strongest wizard looks like you, then it’s Alice, right?” Natsu cheekily teased. “Don’t be so co*cky. She couldn’t beat me even if she wanted to. It’s me, you idiots.”

Alice couldn’t stand sharing the same air with Laxus so she went up the quest board and grabbed the first thing to grab her attention. “One thousand jewel for a lost cat? Sure, that looks good.” She shrugged, leaving the guild hall, letting everyone fight with one another and then by the time she’d be done with her quest, hopefully Laxus would be gone.

“Alice!” Natsu shouted, jogging over to Alice who was walking down a dirt path, to find a carriage to ride in. Alice didn’t stop walking and let Natsu catch up with her. “Flame Breath,” Alice greeted. “Would you mind taking me on a dangerous S-class quest?” Natsu asked sweetly. “Yes, I would mind.” Alice nodded. “What if I just coincidentally find you while you’re on said dangerous job?” Natsu wondered. “Well considering I don’t do those types anymore, but to humor you, I’d tell you to let me do my thing and then if you wouldn’t listen I’d have to abandon the quest and then drag your ass back to safety,” Alice explained. “I’m willing to take that risk! So what S-class mission are you going on now?” Natsu grabbed the paper out of Alice’s hand. He read the paper and then frowned, and frantically flipped the paper, searching for the red stamp with an “s”.

“Where’s the red stamp?”
Alice took the paper back and thumped Natsu on the forehead. “I can’t go on one right now. Laxus is still here, remember?”

“Well how about we wait until he’s gone and then go on one?” Natsu suggested. Alice stopped walking, and Natsu did too, looking at her curiously. “No. While you’re strong enough for an S-class mission, you’re not cleared to do one on your own without an S-class escort. And I’m not strong enough to protect you if things go wrong. While I admire your determination. I can’t help you,” Alice said in a soft, sad tone. Natsu pulled Alice into his side, hugging her with one arm around her. “Alice, we were kids when that happened.” Natsu knew what Alice was thinking of.

“We’re still kids. And I don’t have nearly the power I did then, and even if I did, I still wouldn’t be able to control myself. I just proved that in Clover. If something were to happen, it’d be my responsibility to look after you and you’re more powerful than I am now. So I can’t protect you.”

Two different instances. Both devastating. 1. Accidentally using dark magic, killing 15 people. 2. Accidentally electrocuting Natsu.

Alice stopped taking Natsu on S-class missions after that.

Alice shook her head and let out a loud sigh. She strutted off, out of Natsu’s embrace, and down the path, leaving Natsu behind.

Mirajane ran over to Alice who casually strolled into the guild hall. “Alice! I’m so glad you’re back!” Mirajane cried, distressed. Alice had no idea what had Mira so worked up. “I was only gone for two days, Mira.” Alice replied. “No, it’s not that! One of the S-class posters was taken! We think it was Natsu and Lucy! You need to go get them before they get hurt!” Mira put her hands on Alice’s shoulders and shook her.

Alice didn’t know how to feel. Natsu was fully capable of handling some s-class missions but with Lucy needed protected 24/7, Alice didn’t know what the outcome would be. She was worried that Natsu would get hurt. “What was the request asking?” Alice asked, walking more inside the guild.

“It doesn’t matter. You can’t go.” Loke interjected. “I don’t believe I asked for your opinion.” Alice dismissed him. “He’s right about something. While you possess powerful magic, what this task requests, you don’t have what it takes. You don’t have the stamina or brute strength required to either complete the task, and if Natsu puts up a fight, you might not be able to win.” Master butted into the conversation as Alice reached the bar.

Alice felt her ego bruise, but she knew he was right. She didn't argue.

Gray walked up to the group and put a hand on Alice’s bare shoulder, since it was way too hot to wear her cloak. “Here’s the plan. Alice escorts me to Galuna Island and I’ll be the one to drag that pink haired bastard back.”

Alice co*cked her head in a nodding motion, thinking that that plan could work.

Loke pulled Alice in, draping his arm over her shoulders, slapping Gray’s hand off her in the process.

Alice didn’t like the battle those two were now in. She shrugged off Loke, stepping forwards towards Master. “What do you suggest, Master? Gray’s idea wasn’t bad. If Gray can get Natsu down, I’ll be able to get us there and back safely as long as Natsu didn’t anger some monster or some dark guild. I don’t even know what the quest was for.” Alice wondered. “Well, I agree. Gray’s plan was the best we have. Erza’s off on her own mission and we can’t wait for her to return. Laxus refused to do it. So it will have to be up to you two. That quest is far too difficult for you, so forget completing it. Just get those idiots back home.” Master nodded, smoking off his pipe.

It was an awkward train ride. Gray and Alice had gotten into an argument as they walked to the train station.

“Loke and you should break up.”

That statement didn’t sit well.

Gray was in love with Alice and Alice did know that. She just wasn’t emotionally attracted to Gray. So Gray lived with the fact Alice just wanted his friendship and his physical affection. She used Natsu and Loke for the rest of her needs. But that didn’t mean Gray didn’t try his best to get Alice to fall for him. But that always lead to Alice distancing herself from him for a while.

So when they arrived in Hargeon, the first words to be spoken was from Gray. “If anything, they probably went on boat.” Gray nodded while crossing his arms. “So we need to get to the harbor.” Alice agreed. “So lead the way. You and Natsu were here not too long ago.” Gray said. Alice deadpanned at Gray. "We were?"
“You seriously can’t remember! You were just here not even two weeks ago!” Gray snapped.

Alice gritted her teeth. “Well if you haven’t noticed, it’s been a very eventful several days for me!” She shot back, offended that he was getting frustrated with her, when she was the one who should be since she really felt like that mission was a couple months ago.

Gray started to walk away. “Man, you and Natsu are so alike. Maybe you should just date him instead.” Gray muttered. Alice faltered. Her heart sped up.

She stopped following him and ended up finding herself in the park, sitting on a bench, contemplating Gray’s words.

“I don’t like Natsu. I love Loke. Loke is my boyfriend. We’ve been dating for over a year and we’re happier than ever. Sure, Natsu is really attractive, he has an amazing physique. And he has a really cute smile and is laugh is really adorable. And he’s really loyal to Fairy Tail and to the other members and I really admire that. I guess that’s why we’re so compatible. He’s my best friend. He knows me better than anyone else in the world. Maybe I do like him? Wait! No! I don’t like him! Why would I-”
“Ma’am. I have no idea who you’re talking about.” The older lady who sat next to Alice piped up. “Oh. Well, I guess. I just started to talk on my own.” Alice’s shoulders slumped in embarrassment. “But if I might add something. Just let things take their own natural course. This Natsu fellow seems really nice. But if you really do love your boyfriend, Loke. Then don’t worry so much about what you may or may not feel about someone else. More than anything, talk these things out with these people you’re having problems with. Nothing gets solved talking to a stranger.”

Alice sheepishly stood up and summoned her disk and flew up into the air, to get an aerial view of Hargeon. She came along an area of buildings that were under construction. She recognized those buildings! Those are the buildings Natsu destroyed!

“The harbor must be right there!” Alice flew off.
Alice walked on the harbor, over to some shipmates. “Hey, have any of you seen my teammate, Gray? He’s about this tall, and has dark blue hair and he might’ve not been wearing clothes.” Alice asked around.

Someone recognized the description. “Yeah. He was with some guy with pink hair and his blue cat and his girlfriend.” He nodded.
Pink hair, blue cat? Natsu and Happy. But girlfriend?

“Girlfriend? Did she happen to be a busty blonde bimbo?” Alice asked on. “Yep! Some blonde girl. They kept arguing then your friend came along and pink and him started to argue too then pink K.O’d your guy then they all got on a boat to Galuna Island."

“When?” Alice inquired. “Just about 10 minutes ago but they left with Bobo the fastest boat rider we know, so they could’ve made the journey already.”

Alice kicked a nearby object, which happened to be a post. “Great.” She mumbled.
“Which direction is Galuna? Do you happen to have a map I could reference?” Alice looked back at the guy.

“It’s not on any map. It’s about south east of here. No one besides Bobo could take you. So you’d have to wait until he returns for a ride.” The dude answered.

“That’s completely fine,” Alice recasted her disk, “I’d prefer to go myself."

Alice rode the harsh seas and had to make a pit stop at some tiny tiny island for a night but headed back out when her magic returned.

She finally came across what she hoped to be Galuna Island and found a village, with it’s gates boarded up. “Yo!” She shouted.

“Who goes there!” A male voice called back. “I’m a member of Fairy Tail. I’m looking for my guild mates who took the quest!” Alice answered. “We have Fairy Tail members here already! We don’t need anymore wizards!”

“Yes, but they are not qualified for the job. They’ll probably die or destroy the village before they could help you!”

“Are you qualified?”

“Yes! I’m an S-class wizard! Do you need to see credentials or something?”

“Come in then!” A gate opened and with morning light peeking through from the horizon, the villagers were back to being human. Alice followed someone to the hut the group were staying in.

As Alice opened the door, she was met with a pillow to the face. “Creeper!” Lucy cried. Alice threw the pillow back at Lucy, times more stronger, knocking her back to the floor.
“Relax stupid. It’s me.” Alice whispered. “If you make one more sound and wake up these idiots, I’ll personally make sure you’ll get kicked out of the guild and can never get into any other one. Got it?” She warned Lucy, who was about to yell at her. Lucy kept her mouth shut, nodding along.

Alice then tied up the sleeping Natsu, Gray, and Happy with magic binds. Alice knew Lucy wasn’t stupid enough to run so she didn’t bother to tie her up.
Alice hadn’t slept in over a day, and while she could’ve used this time to doze off, the three boys snored way too loudly.

So she used that time to pester Lucy with questions.

“I’m so sorry! Natsu said we could do it and become real S-class wizards! Then Gray found us in Hargeon and Natsu knocked him out and we got taken out by the storm then we found ourselves here and Gray wants to help us now! I’m sorry! There’s a key in the reward! I want it so bad!” Lucy cried quietly.

The sun was finally up and birds were chirping. Alice took out a bottle of water and doused the three boys with it.

“Lucy! What the hell was that for?!” Natsu whined, turning onto his side, to try to keep sleeping. “I’m sure as hell that I’m not Lucy, but I’m also sure as hell you’re all going to die.” Alice warned in a dark tone. Alice crossed her arms and stood at Natsu’s head, staring down at him.

“Alice!” Natsu shrieked and wriggled around like a worm, realizing he was tied up. “Crap.” Gray muttered to himself, sitting up, ashamed. “All right, little hellions. We’re going back home where you’re all probably going to be punished severely.” Alice singsonged, using her magic to control the binds on the boys, making them all stand up.

“We can’t now! We accepted the job these poor people need our help! We can’t just go back now! It’s gonna look bad on Fairy Tail," Natsu argued.
“You should’ve thought of that before you decided to take an S-CLASS JOB!” Alice raised her voice. “You kinda sound like Erza right now," Happy commented casually. Alice deadpanned, “No I don’t! And even if I did, she’s a great role model!” Alice stubbornly pouted.

Her only weakness was being compared to others.

“No, Happy, I’m thinking she’s more like Laxus, the saying ‘Like father like daughter really is true isn’t it?” Natsu smirked, realizing that manipulating Alice was pretty easy when you knew how.
“I had high hopes for you." Gray added. “Okay! Fine! We can stay to finish the job.” Alice gave into the peer pressure and released the boys of their binds.

Natsu cheered, raising his arms into the air, jumping for joy. Gray massaged his wrists. “They want us to take out the moon.” Gray informed Alice, who was realizing her mistakes. “Yeah, so?” She grumbled. “You have to think that’s completely impossible and stupid!” Gray snapped. “Of course I do. So that’s why we’re gonna figure out a different way to break the curse.” Alice shrugged.

“Though, I suppose, that this may be more difficult. I guess I should take you home and then finish this quest on my own.” Alice thought aloud. “You can’t do that! Come on, Alice! Let us show you we can handle an S-class mission.” Natsu pleaded. “Look, I’ll let you tag along but once there’s trouble, I’m shipping you all off in a tiny box.” Alice bargained, not being able to handle Natsu’s intense puppy eyes.

“Thank you, Alice! You’re the best! We’re gonna show them all we’re strong enough to handle an S-class mission!” Natsu celebrated but then yawned. “It’s so early though.”

“I’m never up this early.” Gray commented. “I’ve had no sleep in the last two days, trying to track your asses down so I don’t want to hear a single yawn out of any of you.” Alice sternly fired back.

“We can start this quest later then.” Gray interjected. “For once I agree with jerkface. You should get some sleep then we’ll start the quest.” Natsu agreed.
“Who are you calling a jerkface, jerkface!” Gray got in Natsu’s face, starting off a new fight.

“Will you be fine with sleep?” Lucy asked Alice over the sound of insults from the boys. “Yeah. I don’t know why those idiots are overreacting.” Alice shrugged off. “Overreact? 2 months ago you came back from a quest and you didn’t sleep for 3 days! You got in a fight with Erza and almost won!” Gray commented.

Lucy gasped. “This chick is crazy strong!”
“The only reason she didn’t win is because Gramps stopped the fight because they destroyed half of Magnolia." Natsu added.

"Will you shut up! You guys want to do this quest so bad, so we're doing it now!"

Chapter 9

Chapter Text

Alice rolled her eyes, noticing Lucy summon Horologium just to make him haul her around.
“You really think we can find another way to beat the curse?” Natsu started up a conversation as they trekked through the forest. “We have to. The village people think its a curse while everyone else likes it. Destroying it might really mess things up.” Gray replied.

“You’re right! Without the moon the tides would get all crazy and at night it would be pitch black!” Natsu gasped. “Without it, salmon might go extinct. And they’re my favorite fish!” Happy whined.

“'Would you keep it down! We don’t know what’s lurking out here and we don’t want to attract attention!' She demands impatiently.” Horologium narrated as Lucy spoke.

“Here we go with the horologium narration.” Alice whispered to herself, getting irritated. “You should walk on your own.” Natsu judged Lucy. “Yeah, you just summon your spirits because you’re lazy.” Gray nodded. “That’s pretty much what a celestial wizard is like. They can’t fight and they’re too stupid to learn anything else so they make spirits from another world do their bidding with nothing in return.” Alice spat.

“She’s so mean!” “I wouldn’t want her to get too grumpy!” The boys cowered. “Listen. This curse is really freaking me out. We don’t know what we’re up against, and I’m scared. She says nervously." Horologium’s voice wavered for effect.

“That’s why you shouldn’t have done an S-class mission! Now you all might die or get the curse because I can’t babysit all of you and or do this quest myself! S-class missions are, the majority of the time, hard. You can’t go in blind or not fully into it! This is a serious deal!” Alice snapped.

Natsu placed an arm around Alice’s shoulders, and ignored the evil glare he got from her. “Are you kidding? S-class missions rule!”
“Yeah! I bet I could freeze the curse.” Gray added.

A thumping so loud and big that it shook the forest ground suddenly began, and everyone turned to see what it was. It blocked out the sun and it towered over them. A giant rat. So big, that it was nearly as big-- Or bigger than the guild hall. The rat was wearing a tightly fitted black and pink frilled blouse, a pink bow tie, and a white frilled headband, like maids wore.
Alice could say that she’s seen stranger things in her time.

“What are you waiting for? Beat it up!' She deplores.” Horologium calmly narrated. Which was funny hearing such a panicked statement come out so smooth and posh. “Oh, right, because you’re too weak to do anything yourself.” Alice said in a low voice.

“Ice make shield!” Gray created an ice barrier which wasn’t even close enough to the size of the rat. The monster opened its mouth and a horrible stench came from it. It was so dreadful that it somehow broke the ice.

Everyone tries their best to shield their noses from the smell. Something that could only be described as fermented milk in a hot dumpster in the middle of summer.

Alice took off her cloak and balled it up, putting it into her face. The ocean salt blocked out the odor enough that she could breathe.

The smell from the rat made Horologium disappear, leaving Lucy vulnerable.
The rat let out a loud, almost deafening roar and then started to charged the group. Each step, once again, making the ground quake.
Natsu and Gray were frozen. “Run!” Alice commanded, dropping her cloak to be able to drag along both boys.

They were able to get a good distance between themselves and the rat, and then Gray stopped to cast. “Ice make floor!” Which was effective, and the rat slipped on the ice and blacked out.

Natsu and Gray ran over to the rat and started to kick and punch it. “There’s a temple! We should go there while we have the chance!” Lucy shouted, pointing off to the side in a clearing. “We should beat it up while we have the chance!” The boys argued. “We’re going to the temple.” Alice monotonously ordered.

“Yes, ma’am!”

It was an ancient pyramid they found themselves upon. It was old and nature had started to claim back it’s territory.

There were red moons and circles decorated all around the inside.

“What are the symbols?” Natsu asked in awe, just like everyone else was. “They look like moons.” Alice answered absentmindedly, staring at the symbols which seemed to glow. “It makes sense. Galuna used to be the island of the moon.” Gray nodded. “A moon island with a moon curse and moon symbols. You really have to think about what it means.” Lucy said.

Natsu started to wander off. “This place is a mess. This floor doesn’t even look safe to walk on.” He commented, stomping around on the stone floor. “Don't do that then!” Lucy shouted. But Natsu didn’t listen and the floor collapsed.

Alice summoned her disk and watched as everyone but Happy fall.

“Is everyone okay?” Natsu dug himself out of a pile of rock. “It’d be better if you didn’t knock out the floor!” Lucy growled. “Yeah, next time, maybe if you think before you act, you wouldn’t cause so much destruction!” Gray yelled.

“Where’s Alice?”

“I’m up here.” Alice called, slowly floating down to them. “Also, Natsu, you’re an idiot.” She sighed, shaking her head. As her feet hit the floor, the disk was gone. They all looked up at the open hole above them where they fell from. “Can you fly us out of here, Alice?” Lucy asked in a tone that Alice was not in favor of. “Not all of you. The more weight I put on my disk, the more magic I use. I think I’d be able to get Gray and Natsu but with you, it’d be too much.” Alice said, looking away from Lucy, flipping her hair behind her, sassily. “I’m not going to take that lightly!” Lucy shouted, offended. “Good. I wasn’t expecting you to.” Alice smirked.

Lucy dismissed Alice’s bad attitude, “What about you, Happy?”

“Nuh-uh.” Happy shook his head.

“Wow! It’s a secret cave! This is so cool! Let’s check it out!” Natsu laughed, wandering off, completely forgetting the issue at hand. “Where do you think you’re going!” Alice called after him, also jogging to him to catch up. “Hey! Stop acting like a crazy person!” Gray also followed along, with Lucy and Happy trailing him.

“Natsu, you can’t just run off like that!” Alice scolded lightly, panting, but then slammed into Natsu’s back when he abruptly stopped. Since Natsu was pretty bulked up, Alice’s collision didn’t even move him at all, as she fell backwards onto her butt from the impact. But Alice was caught off guard looking at what Natsu was, so she didn’t yell at him.

A huge, monster in a block of ice. This creature was large, not as big as the giant rat, but also wasn't round like the rat was. It's skin was shiny, like metal, black with jagged edges all over. Its arms were long, spanning down past its knees. It had a demonic face, with large fangs and tusks.

Gray, Lucy and Happy caught up. “Check this out.” Natsu said.

Gray stood frozen, terrified by the sight. “That’s impossible! It’s Deliora! How can this happen?! Why is it here?! What the hell is it doing on Galuna Island?!” Gray shouted.

Deliora. A demon from the book of Zeref.

The group surrounded him, concerned. Alice noticed he was trembling and put a hand on his chest. “Gray?”
Gray lowered his head and then took a deep breath, calming down. “Deliora? You know it?” Alice asked in a soft voice. “It’s the demon of destruction.”
“Demon of CONstruction?” Natsu wondered aloud, ruining the ominous atmosphere. “DE-struction.” Happy corrected him.
“I don’t understand! Why is it here?! It doesn’t make any sense!” Gray continued to freak out.

Then Natsu with his super sensitive hearing could hear footsteps. “Someone’s coming!” He warned. “We need to hide!”
“Over here!” Gray waved over to the pile of rocks.

They all hid behind some rocks against the wall, as the footsteps got closer.

“The voices seem to come from here. Ugh, I hate being awake during the day.” a short slim young man distinguished by his extremely brushy, square black eyebrows, with bright blue hair that pretty much stated that gravity doesn’t mean crap. He groaned.

“So were you exposed to the moon drip, Toby? You got those pointy ears.” He teased his partner, Toby who was also a young man of average height but with distinctive animal features of a dog. He had a pair of canine ears on his head, a dark small nose and a lower face which resembled a dog’s muzzle. He also had shaggy brown hair. He wore no shirt but wore blue jeans and sandals.

“I already told you! They’re a fashion statement!” Toby barked (no pun intended). “I was messing with you." The blue haired guy muttered, probably annoyed by Toby’s overreaction.
“Well you don’t have to be so mean about it!” Toby cried.

Moon drip. Being exposed? Was it a draw back from their plan? So was there really a curse? Alice thought hard to herself as she watched these people. She’s never heard of a curse like this nor did she ever hear of something called “moon drip”.

A female with bright pink hair, tied into pigtails joined them. She had pale white skin that made her neon hair stand out more. She wore a black dress with what seemed to be wings on her back.
“Yuka, Toby.” She started. “What is it, Sherry?” Yuka asked. “Something terrible has happened. Angelica has been attacked and I’m sad.” Sherry cried.

“You’re moping around because somebody beat up your stupid pet rat?” Toby growled. “She’s not a rat. She’s a brave hunter prowling the jungle to protect us. She is ‘love’," Sherry sighed dreamily.

“What a bunch of weirdos." Lucy commented in a whisper. “From their scent, they’re not from the island." Natsu added in his hushed tone.
“We need to get them to leave. Maybe one of us could sneak off and create a diversion.” Alice planned. “Aye," Happy volunteered, crawling off.

“Intruders, then?” Yuka wondered, trying to get back on track. “Possibly. We must get rid of them before the cold master finds out.” Sherry advised. “Get rid of them, then?”

“Yes. Find them before the moon’s first light.” Sherry nodded at Yuka. “We can’t let them live if they’ve seen Deliora. Yes, we’ll give them eternal rest. We’ll give them... love.”

“You’re talking about death, right?” Toby asked for clarification.

The intentional noise far off somewhere in the temple set them off. And the three ran off to investigate.

Happy flew back and everyone stood up from crouching behind the rocks.

“I still say we should’ve beat them up for answers.” Natsu pouted. “We need to investigate more!” Lucy argued. .
“Still don’t know how they got Deliora.” Gray grumbled. “Was it hidden?” Lucy asked.

Alice rolled her eyes, keeping her sarcastic thoughts to herself.

“It was sealed away on the northern continent. A decade ago this demon ravaged the town Bargo. Countless people lost their lives. The woman who taught me my magic, Ur, sacrificed everything to seal it away. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the curse, but it doesn’t belong here. We need to find this ‘Cold leader’. If they tarnish my master’s legacy, they’ll regret the day they were born." Gray said seriously

“Are you sure this is the demon you master sealed away?” Natsu asked. “Well there is only one Deliora.” Alice nodded.

“Why would it be taken from the northern continent to Galuna Island?” Happy inquired. “You don’t think this is the reason behind the curse do you?” Lucy added.

“Wouldn’t be surprising. Deliora is from the Books of Zeref. There could be some dark energy seeping from it, but I’ve never seen side effects like this before, and then we gotta think about this thing these freaks are doing with the moon. Could there be side effects from it that affects the villagers? Though, I still don't understand any of this.” Alice theorized aloud.
“Yeah, Deliora is still alive even in ice." Gray added onto Alice’s first statement. “All right, let me have a go at it, I ain’t scared of some demon!” Natsu got fired up, ready to take on Deliora.

“Brute force isn’t always the way to go!” Lucy said, defeated by Natsu’s idiocy. “A little fire should do the trick.” Natsu reared up to take aim at Deliora with a fist full of fire.

Gray then socked Natsu in the face. The blow threw Natsu down onto his back.
Alice got in between the two boys to prevent a fight, even though she never was successful at being a peacekeeper.

“What’s the deal? Why’d you hit me, Gray?” Natsu sat up, rubbing his jaw. “I don’t want you or your flames near it! If the ice melts and Deliora is revived, we’d have no way to stop it." Gray explained, still in a bad mood. “Come on, do you think a huge chunk of ice is that easy to melt?” Natsu playfully asked.

“Are you okay, Gray?” Lucy tried to comfort him. “I’m the one that got hit! Watch your temper man.” Natsu pouted.

Alice helped Natsu up to his feet. “Does it really hurt that bad? There’s no swelling, nor any serious bruising, besides your ego.” She smirked up at him. “Oh yeah, let me punch you in the jaw and see how you feel.” Natsu muttered, frowning.

Alice caressed the side of Natsu’s face, her palm over the affected area of his jaw. A purple glow came from her hand as she cast a spell. Natsu jumped back, away from Alice, as a prickly, cold sensation came from Alice’s spell. “What did you do- Hey! It doesn’t hurt anymore!” Natsu said in awe as he felt better.

“Hm. I’ll take note that the spell actually worked. I’ve never done that before.” Alice looked up, mentally take notes.
“You know, I’m not some guinea pig you can do experiments on!” Natsu shouted, offended. Alice gave him a bored look. “Are you still in pain?” She asked in an uninterested tone. “No.”
“Then don’t complain.”

Alice turned her attention to Gray.

“Actually, the spell is so strong that the most powerful flames have no effect on it. Wait- If they know the ice can’t be melted, why did they bring it here?” Gray asked himself, staring at Deliora.
“Maybe they don’t know. Maybe they’re gonna try it.” Alice shrugged. “But why would they do that?!” Gray snapped at Alice who didn’t even flinch, who in fact just gave him a bored look. “Eisenwald tried to use Lullaby. Maybe we’re dealing with a dark guild. Deliora brings destruction and havoc, dark guilds love that stuff.” Alice kept strong with her defense.

“We need answers. Let’s go after those guys.” Natsu said. “Yeah," Lucy agreed. “No! We’ll wait for the moon to come out.” Gray argued. “Why do you want to wait for the moon?” Lucy asked while Natsu complained about being bored.

“I have a feeling the moon and Deliora have a connection. Besides, I heard those guys talk about collecting moonlight." Gray added. “Well then I guess we’ll have to wait until night to find out what’s going on.” Lucy sighed, bored.

Alice thought through the options, and the best one seemed to be Gray’s plan. They needed more information and nightfall would give them just that.

“I’m not waiting around!” Natsu growled, storming away. “You’re not going anywhere!” Alice used a motherly, stern tone. Natsu listened, reluctantly and sat against the wall, arms crossed, pouting.
Alice went to join him. “I don’t want to wait forever.” Natsu mumbled like a child. “It’s not forever. Just a few hours. Besides, you said you were tired a while ago. This would be the chance to take a nap.” Alice nudged him. But she instead ended up being the one to nap.
There was a few moments of silence, when Natsu jumped as Alice’s body leaned on his side. Natsu shifted around, and slid his arm around Alice, pulling her closer. Natsu just listened to what his mind was subconsciously telling him to do. His mind was constantly urging him to be close to Alice. To take the chance to pull her in close. Just some sort of physical contact. And he knew that she wouldn't mind.

Natsu didn’t bother to figure out why he was like this.
Alice leaned harder into him, seeking his heat, lulling her even deeper to sleep. Natsu wasn’t too far from that as well as he scooted against the wall to get comfortable.

But all he really needed was Alice to do that.

Chapter 10

Chapter Text

“Why is it purple?”
“It must be moonlight."

A gigantic magic circle above them, shone a bright purple light over Deliora.

“We have to know where that light is coming from!”
“Aye!”

Alice mentally groaned, as she followed Gray first up the temple, running.

The group found themselves up on top of the temple, and noticed people in a circle, around 4 magic circles which came all the way down from the moon. All of these people were wearing these white masks that were blank except for some odd circle symbol in the middle of their faces.

“It’s the ancient moon drip.” Alice jumped at the unfamiliar voice. Which was one of Lucy’s spirits, Lyra. “Well if you know it then tell us!” Lucy demanded in a whiny voice.
“The moon drip is an ancient spell that is used by collecting moon light." Lyra went on.
“But they can’t melt the ice! Ice shell isn’t just normal ice!” Gray argued against the magical immortal and very old and probably has seen things, celestial spirit.
“I hate to break it to you, The Ice shell is strong but it can be melted by the moon drip. Focused moonlight can break almost any spell." Lyra explained to Gray.

“I got it! The natives think it's a curse but it's just side effects from the moon drip! I know I read that somewhere!” Alice gasped, coming to her own conclusion, forgetting that they were hiding and idiotically stood up when she came to her realization. Natsu pulled Alice back down by her arm, behind the slab of stone they all were hiding behind. “Someone’s coming!”

A person in a white cloak, over a blue cloak, and bull shaped metal helmet that covered their entire face walked in their direction, followed by Sherry, Toby, and Yuka they stopped before the stone slab and faced the magic circles. “I have some sad news. I believe there were intruders but they got away.” Sherry said to the masked man.
“Has Deliora been revived?” Their master asked, in response. “Not yet but it should be later tonight or tomorrow.” Sherry answered.

“If you find those intruders again, kill them. I don’t want anyone getting in my way." The masked man said. He seemed to be the one in charge.

“The only people on the island are the villagers so it must’ve been them." Sherry suggested. “Then kill all of them," Cold Leader guy says.

“It’s a shame there has to be bloodshed.” The Leader sighed. Natsu, enraged, radiating heat, stood up and jumped up onto the stone they were hiding behind. “I’m tired of just sneaking around! We’re the intruders!” Natsu shouted, breathing out fire. Alice sighed. “It can't be helped.” She knew Natsu was bound to blow their cover eventually because he hated being sneaky. He just wanted to jump into action and fight.

The rest of the Fairy Tail group stood up.

“I know their mark! They’re Fairy Tail!” Sherry pointed at the group, looking at Natsu’s, Alice’s, and Lucy’s visible marks.

“The villagers must’ve gone to the magical guilds for help.” Yuka guessed right.
“Don’t worry about them. Go eradicate the village. Anyone either it be deliberate or not, and stands in my way, are my enemy!” The masked guy directed.

Gray and Natsu charged at him.

Gray used his magic to create iced spikes that ran from him all the way to the four enemies. The masked leader dodged the attack easily and cast the same exact spell.

“Lyon!” Gray shouted. “How could you! Do you know what you’re doing?!” Gray demanded, betrayed. “Oh, Gray. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Lyon asked. “Why would you revive Deliora?” Gray growled.

“To think you were one of the wizards called to the island. Did you know you’d find me? Or is it coincidence? Not that it makes any difference to me.” Lyon wondered aloud.

“An acquaintance of yours, Cold Emperor?” Yuka asked. “Just do as I asked!” Lyon commanded.

Toby, Sherry, and Yuka ran off.

“Wait! Come back here!” Natsu started to charge after them. “No, Natsu! Don’t go near him!” Gray warned.

Lyon casted a spell that froze the majority of Natsu’s body, from his legs up to his shoulders, in a giant block of ice.

“Happy get Lucy out of here!” Gray demanded.

“Alice, I know you’re S-class but you need to get out of here too. Trust me!” Gray yelled at Alice who looked at him confused. “Did you just hear yourself? I’m S-class! You should be the one leaving!” Alice argued. “Just go!”

Alice trusted Gray’s decision only because she knew since Gray and Lyon had history that Gray was making the right call. Alice nodded and summoned her disk and followed after Happy carrying Lucy. “We can’t leave Natsu!” Lucy shouted. “He can handle himself. He’s a fire wizard, remember?” Alice replied. “But we can’t just rely on that! He was frozen! We need to go back!” Lucy argued.

Alice growled at Lucy’s worry. “I’m going my own way, you two go back to the village!” Alice ordered, flying her board off into the direction of the three minions of Lyon’s.

Alice noticed smoke and knew that had to be them. As she got closer she saw Sherry and her giant rat, Angelica.

Alice got in as close as possible.

“Sherry. It’s time." Yuka came out of the nearby hut with Toby. “I’m confused here, what is the plan?” Toby asked, very coincidentally at the same time Alice was there to listen in.

“Like I said earlier, we take this poisonous jelly and we pour it all over the villagers! By the time we get there, the wizards will be too and we won’t have to deal with them either!” Yuka explained in a rough tone.

Alice’s disk dimmed and flashed as Alice’s magic was fluctuating at the wrong time. Her body has a hard time doing continuous spells. Alice, who had lowered herself a few feet from the ground gasped as she then dropped to the ground.

“What is it, Angelica?” Sherry wondered at her rat who started to get antsy at the noise.

Alice had to get out of there. With as much willpower as she could, Alice summoned her disk but accidentally put too much power into it and when the disk came but, it shined brighter than before, giving away her location.

“There!” Toby pointed to the light, and all of them looked to Alice who then zoomed off towards the village

Alice flew as fast as she could as she could feel her magic start to drain fast. “Come on, come on!” She groaned.

As she was over the village, her disk went out. “Help me! I’m falling to my death because I’m out of magic!” Alice shouted, when she got closer to the ground, she could see Natsu’s pink hair and he was no longer frozen.

Natsu heard Alice’s cry and ran off to catch her at the last moment possible. Alice caught her breath, ragged and worn out. “Thanks.” Alice hopped out of Natsu’s arms. “What happened?” Natsu asked. “They have a plan to use-” Alice looked up to the sky, and stopped when she saw the ginormous bucket of green jelly. “Jelly?” Lucy wondered as a tiny drop had fallen and was coming right for her. “Lucy, get out of the way!” Alice gasped. Natsu had charged at Lucy, grabbing her and sliding to the ground as the green jelly acid hit the ground and started to immediately dissolve through the dirt.

Alice started to regret every decision she ever made which led her to this moment. She had no clue how to save everyone.

She didn’t have the magic power to make a protective shield that would hold strong against the acid and she couldn’t teleport that many people at once. She didn’t have enough time to go up and maybe do a strong attack and fight the rat.

Think, Alice, Think!

“Everyone! Get to the center of the village!” Natsu shouted, bringing Alice back out of her thoughts. “Natsu!” She gasped. “Get to the center. Keep everyone there.” Natsu sternly replied to Alice, who looked at him wildly. She knew he had a plan and maybe the willpower to make it work.

She nodded, and ran off in the opposite direction, herding villagers to the center.

As everyone was safely huddled up together, the acid started to spill from the bucket. Happy and Natsu flew up into the sky and Natsu used his fire magic to push away the acid from the center of the village where everyone stared up at him.

The village was gone, except for the center where everyone was huddled, now standing several feet from the new drop to the ground.

“We can never go on a mission that doesn’t destroy homes.” Alice groaned at the destruction. “What’s the fun in that?” Natsu joked, landing back on the ground, next to Lucy. Alice rolled her eyes, just imagining the trouble she was going to get in when she got home.

1. Doing the mission
2. Letting Natsu, Gray, Happy, and Lucy do the mission
3. Destruction

“Bobo’s grave!” The chief of the village celebrated, seeing the stones intact of the small grave, that happened to be right out of range of the corrosive acid jelly.

The three enemies walked into the crater, Yuka being the villain he was, knocked over the stones.

“The Cold Emperor told us to eradicate the villagers. We were trying to make your deaths quick and easy. But I guess we’ll have to resort to bloodshed." Sherry said, putting her hands on her hips. “Are you ready guys?” Natsu asked Lucy and Alice. “Yeah!” Lucy enthusiastically shouted. “Not really.” Alice groaned. Gray, who hadn’t been in the dialogue for a while and had been knocked out cold at some point, came to. “Let me help.”

“Not going to happen. We don’t need your help.” Natsu walked over to Gray, helped him stand up and then punched him in the stomach, taking a page out of Erza’s book, apparently. Gray was back out of action.

A villager volunteered to take Gray somewhere safe.

“We’re not leaving until everyone is dead." Sherry warned. “Angelica."

The huge rat flew over the village crater. “You’re not getting away!” Lucy shouted and then for some reason grabbed onto the rat, and was getting carried away. “Oh no! I got so excited I grabbed on!” She cried.

Alice shook her head. “She’s hopeless.”

And then as Angelica was flying off, she crashed into the ground somewhere in the forest.

“Well, since Lucy’s gone, we’re back to our old team!” Alice darkly, yet in a light tone, joked. “You’re really insensitive.” Happy commented. “I was joking.” Alice pouted, hating that she got called out on her bullsh*t. “Although, it can’t be that bad with her out of the picture.”

“I wonder if she’s okay.” Natsu looked off in the distance, ignoring Alice’s pouting session. “I’ll go check.” Happy volunteered and then flew off, leaving Natsu and Alice up against Yuka and Toby.

“You up to a fight?” Natsu asked in Alice’s direction. She jumped out of her sad spell. “I’m not too sure I could take on a real challenge right now, but I’ll be able to take these losers out.” She answered as she co*ckily smirked down at the two boys in the crater.

“So since we don’t know what they’re capable of yet, I’m thinking we can go to D.S.B.” Alice suggested to Natsu.

Referring to a fight strategy Alice and Natsu came up with years ago to keep opponents on their feet. Trading off their enemies to one another before the enemy could figure out their fighting patterns. D.S.B. meant Defense Strategy B. Which was so cooler to say than Plan B.

“I’ll see how it goes. I call dibs on eyebrows.” Natsu nodded, and then leaping off towards Yuka. “I guess I get dog boy, then.” Alice said, wishing she would fight with the less weird of the two.

Alice stepped off the center and landing down into the crater, walking in Toby’s direction, with volts dancing around in her hands.

“There’s no way I’m fighting a girl!” Toby whined, backing off of Alice. Alice then shrugged and put her hands together to make a gun, and then aimed her fingers at Toby. “Pew.” Alice sounded off as a tiny bolt of lightning came from her two pointer fingers and shot out at Toby.

It was minimal damage but it was fun to Alice. The pain being very similar to being snapped by a thick rubber band. She didn’t even have to make the noise. It was just more entertaining.

And since he said he wasn't going to fight her....

“Don’t!” Toby cried as he got shocked, making that pained noise dogs would.

Alice was mildly entertained at Toby running around trying to dodge her shots. Natsu flew out, and landed on his face, feet from Alice.

“My magic can diffuse any spell!” Yuka shouted.

“Hey, Alice, wanna trade?” Natsu said, muffled by the ground. “I don’t know. Does eyebrows fight girls? Because Dog Boy refuses.” Alice said, shooting Toby again.
Toby yelped. “Quit it!”

Alice and Natsu shared the same philosophy. There’s no honor in fighting an opponent that won’t fight back. While Natsu did it because he wanted an equal, fair fight, Alice just got bored of fighting someone who wouldn’t fight back.

“Find out how to beat eyebrows, I’ll take a swing at furry freak.” Natsu stood up.

“We can hear you use nicknames on us!" Toby shouted.

Alice smirked at Natsu, and nodded in agreement.

Alice skipped over to Yuka who stood in a defensive stance. “So, Yuka, I hear you got a special magic.” Alice smiled. He frowned at her. “If you knew my name then why do you keep calling me that ridiculous name?” “Because your eyebrows are so big they deserve more recognition.” Alice shrugged coming up with a quick response which was not at all true.

Alice wasn’t sure what magic he had yet, she was too busy picking fun at Toby. She raised a finger gun at him and shot at Yuka, who then nullified the attack. “Wave magic. It’s an interesting magic type but I wouldn’t dedicate myself to just that. It’s a weak magic.” Alice walked closer to him, instantly recognizing his magic type. “How so? It can block any spell.” Yuka then cast a wave barrier, pushing Alice away when she was getting dangerously close. She flew back, scraping up her exposed skin.

Alice teleported herself right behind Yuka. “See, here’s the thing.” She pulled him by the collar, bringing him to his knees. “You’re not really fighting. You’re just blocking my attacks.”

“Wave!” Yuka flung Alice up into the air.

She requipped out a claw dagger and she landed on top of a new barrier, piercing the wave with the dagger’s tip. She noticed that she was able to beat him with strength. Something she didn’t really have.

“Wave blast!”

Alice was flying back again.

She landed on her feet, sliding on the ground. As she stopped, she noticed Toby on the ground, frozen. The thought that he was dead crossed her mind. “He’s paralyzed.” Natsu said with a shrug. Alice would have to ask more about that later, but it made her remember something she could use against Yuka.

Teleported behind him, and as Yuka turned to wave blast her again, she poked him in the head with her index finger. “Nerve shot.” A small magic circle no bigger than the space between his eyebrows appeared on his skin for a split second before appearing to seep into his skin.
“Wave blast!” Yuka shouted but nothing happened. Shock ran across his face. “Wave!”

Nothing.

“What did you do to me?!” Yuka screamed at Alice, afraid. “I kinda did this thing where the part of your nervous system that connects to your magic container has been given a tiny shock which has left you unable to do magic, but only for a tiny bit. Once the shock wears off in a few moments, you’ll be fine. But... until then...” Alice then kicked Yuka in the stomach and he flew back and was knocked out cold as his back his the edge of the crater.

“And he’s down for the count! Man! It’s been awhile since I’ve had such a fun fight!” Alice smiled proudly. “Cool. Can we go now? I’m bored.” Natsu said, uninterested. Alice pouted. “It’s not my fault dog boy wouldn’t fight me. And that you... you know, what did you do to him?”

Natsu shrugged. “I don’t know. He has this paralyzing jelly on his nails or whatever and so he scratched himself and whatever.”

Natsu turned at walked over to Bobo’s grave, placing the rocks back up in the tower formation from before Yuka knocked them over.

“I promise you, I’ll avenge your death somehow." He promised.
“Go find the villagers.” Natsu told Alice as he stood back up straight. “What? No way. I’m staying with you.” Alice stepped forward in protest. Natsu smiled softly and faced Alice and tousled her hair. She jumped back and fixed her hair all while glaring up at those amused dark eyes.

Natsu was amused by Alice’s temper. She was tired and was all over the place with her emotions, but mainly grumpy.
That weird voice in the back of his mind just told him to make contact and so he listened, casually doing the tiniest, innocent thing to satisfy the weird need that came about when he was around Alice.

“I’m going to go back to the temple." Natsu said, looking past Alice into the forest. “Then, I’m going with you!" Alice urged. “No, you need to go check to make sure S nowflake is fine. I’ll stay out of trouble." Natsu bargained. Alice gave him a worried look. She could not ever forgive herself if something happened to him.

“I promise." He added with a goofy smile and held out his left pinkie finger, sticking it out towards Alice, who nodded at him, linking her right pinkie with it. “Remember last time you broke a promise?” Alice raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’m not going to do this." Natsu huffed with angry eyes and a blush of embarrassment. “Yes you are. You ate my cupcake!” Alice snapped at him with her tiny arms crossed. An 11 year old Alice, glaring up at 10 year old Natsu, who, even then was taller than Alice.

Alice had just came back from her first S-Class mission and with that pay, she bought 5 gourmet cupcakes for herself. Natsu had taken the last one when Alice’s back was turned.

“You ate four! I just wanted one!” Natsu also crossed his arms. “Buy your own!” Alice simmered with anger. “Geesh, chill out.” Natsu mumbled, annoyed with Alice’s new found temper. “No, I won’t. And since you wanted something so sweet, I dressed you up in something just as sweet as that cupcake was.” Alice smiled darkly. “I see you were able to get me into the bunny costume, but I’d like to see you get me out into the hall!” Natsu thought he had her beat. “Wanna see a new trick I have?” Alice laughed lowly. She grabbed one of his hands and teleported them out of the closet and into the open guild hall.

Alice smirked and leaned back on the closet door so Natsu couldn’t hide so easily.

“Alice! Please! I’m sorry, just let me back in there and let me change!” He panicked.

Alice’s eyes dark with mischief she chuckled. “Everyone look at Natsu!”

All eyes were on the pink haired boy with a bright red face in a fluffy bunny costume, complete with bunny ears.

“Aw, Natsu! You’re so cute!” Lisanna was the first to say something besides laugh. She patted him on the head. Natsu looked down, and growled lowly to himself. Alice noticed how calm he responded to Lisanna’s touch and Alice didn’t know this new feeling that clicked inside. That would be the first time of many for years to come.

After 20 minutes of embarrassment Natsu had enough and burnt of the bunny suit, and while completely naked, stomped out of the guild hall, home.

Natsu lowered his gaze in shame at the memory.
“Except, this isn’t a cupcake, Natsu. So if you break this promise, the punishment will be more extreme.” Alice warned, while smirking darkly. Then realized what she said and squeaked in embarrassment. A statement not meant to be taken suggestively, was moments too soon.

Alice had Loke to thank for corrupting her and she had to watch what she said because she now knew innocent things had way naughtier meanings.

Natsu hadn’t noticed Alice’s expression change and he wrenched his hand down and away. “Yeah, whatever, I’m going now.” He turned away and stomped off

“Please... be safe....” Alice muttered softly. Natsu stopped and his bad attitude disappeared. There was that stupid feeling coming back. “This isn't the time.” Natsu whispered to himself, trekking on.

Chapter 11

Chapter Text

Alice came across a small setup of tents on the edge of the island, on the shore line. “Miss Dreyar!” A village girl ran up to her. Alice was taken back by the formal name and she had no idea how this girl would know her last name.

Alice discarded her disk and let the girl come up to her. “Is Lucy and Happy back? Is Gray awake?” Alice asked. “No ma’am. Gray is still asleep but his breathing is much better now. Your other friends are in another tent waiting for you.” The girl answered with a smile and pointed to the biggest tent of them all.

Without a second thought, Alice had walked forwards, towards it, thinking she’s find Lucy and Happy and maybe Natsu.

She pushed open the tent’s flap and she was greeted with a sternful, deadly gaze. With a guilty smile, Alice immediately turned 180 and tried to escape, but was caught by the hair, and pulled back into the tent. “You’re not going anywhere!” The redhead warrior shouted. Alice fell on her back and looked up at the fire in those brown eyes. “Yes ma’am!” Alice jumped to her feet. “Sit down by Lucy and then tell me why it’s taken you so long to bring them all back?”

Lucy and Happy were tied up.

“Gray and I went to Hargeon and split up and then I found out Gray went with Lucy and Natsu here and so I followed! Then I was gonna bring them back but then we got too invested in helping! There’s so much going on here that we can’t just leave!” Alice trembled as she quickly explained her story.

Alice was then also tied up as Erza had them all wait for Gray and Natsu to show up.

It was late afternoon before Gray would wake up. Natsu hadn’t shown up yet.

Alice was mentally beating herself up for listening to him. She worried about what could’ve happened to him. Why hadn’t he come back yet?

Gray, bandaged up, naively walked into the tent. As he saw Erza sitting there waiting for him, with her arms crossed, and a peeved look, Gray turned around to leave the tent silently, like he saw nothing.

But Erza was prepared for that. She reeled him back in. “You kept me waiting, Gray. Not. Smart.” Erza growled. Gray paled. “Why are they tied up?” He noticed the three victims. “Lucy and Alice have gotten me up to date on what’s happened. You and Alice had a job to do. You were sent to stop these fools. Needless to say, I’m disappointed.”

“You’ve betrayed Master, your own Great Grandfather, I’ll be surprised if he lets you stay S-class let alone go on missions.”

“Where is Natsu anyways?” Gray asked, finally noticing the pink haired annoyance was missing. “Alice had told me that he was off looking for Lucy.” Erza answered.
Alice had lied. She was hoping to prolong the quest

“But now you’re up, we’ll be going to find Natsu and then leave.” Erza advised, pulling on a rope that tied the three together and also acted as a leash. “But we can’t!” Gray bravely yelled. “If they filled you in then you know what these villagers are going through right now.”
“And what would be your point?” Erza coldly countered. “I’m only here to apprehend you fools and take you back for breaking the rules.”

“Rules? Have you seen what has happened?” Gray wondered. “I have." Erza nodded.
“And you’re just gonna turn your back on them?”
“Their request is posted on every guild hall. These villagers will be better of with wizards cleared for S-class. You’re not qualified.” Erza was not going to budge.

“How can you be so heartless?” Gray mumbled. “What did you say?” Erza requipped a sword and pointed it at Gray’s throat. “You dare betray the guild? You will face the same consequences."

Gray took the blade in between his hands and guided the point to his guild mark on his chest. “Do what you must.” Gray challenged. “For me there’s no other choice to be made. I can’t walk away from what I know is right.” Gray then took his hands off the blade and walked to the tent’s entrance.

Alice was impressed. Of course this mission was now far more personal now that Gray’s past was involved. Alice wished she had that bravery.
Alice tensed and pressed against the tight rope around her.

Erza trembled with anger and Lucy and Happy went crazy and begged for their lives. Erza seemed to repose herself. With two swift, smooth cuts, all three were cut from their binds. Alice stood up and stretched her body.

“These acts are intolerable but we will act on the immediate events right now.” Erza said with a rough sigh.

So with Lucy, Happy, Erza, Gray and Alice running through the forest, Alice panted as her body was on fire.

“What do you mean Ur’s still alive?” Erza asked, continuing the expositional conversation, which Alice was too worn out to pay attention to. “It’s been 10 years. Deliora attacked my home town. I never seen such destruction. The whole place was wiped out within a day. Ur and Lyon found me.” Gray went on his with story.

Alice contemplated stopping and laying on the ground, hoping no one would notice her. And then she could take a nap.

She was hungry, tired, stressed and more tired after that. Her vision had dots in it, she was lightheaded and she was getting more irritable than before but with Erza around, Alice knew better than to lash out at anyone. Having to mask her distress was even more exhausting on her.

The group was close enough to see the temple. “Why is the temple crooked?” Lucy was the first to ask. “10 jewel says it’s Natsu.” Alice answered. “Most likely. It’s a pretty great idea if he did it on purpose. If it’s tilted like that, then they can’t get any moonlight in there.” Gray nodded. “You mean Natsu’s destruction did good this time?: Lucy sardonically joked.

Erza shoved Lucy and Happy into a tree. “Look out!”

Flying blades sliced through the air to the group. Gray, Alice and Erza were able to dodge and block them with ease.

Cloaked figures from the moon drip ceremony. “We found you, Fairy Tail! We won’t allow you to interfere!” One of them warned.
“Are these Lyon’s minions?” Erza wondered. “They’re all around!” Lucy cried. She was right.

They were surrounded.

“Leave it to me.” Erza directed as she requiped a sword. “Are you sure?” Alice asked. She wasn’t underestimating Erza, she just was looking out for her. “Yes. I can handle it. You go on.” Erza said with a nod and look of determination. “We’ll stay with and help!” Lucy volunteered, taking her whip from her hip.

“All right, let’s go Alice.” Gray started to run off. Alice huffed and had to ignore the screaming pain her legs were in. But, out of stamina, she was running behind so to save time, Alice rode on her disk, catching up to Gray. “You’d think you would run more since you have little to no stamina.” Gray commented. Alice didn’t answer because she knew Gray was right.

As they got to the temple, Gray revealed his plan. “We find Lyon and then you leave him to me.”
“No offense but last time you went against him, he kicked your ass.” Alice argued. “I know what to do this time.” Gray countered.

A room of ice. Gray broke open a hole in it and entered. Alice followed, scanning the room. Natsu and Lyon squaring off.

Alice’s heart skipped a beat as her eyes met Lyon’s face. Love at first sight? His white spiky hair, cold black eyes, strong jaw line.
Alice was shocked to be so love stricken so immediately. He had a narrow, ovular shaped face with cool black eyes that were slanted. He was the most beautiful man Alice had ever laid eyes on.

“Gray!” Natsu acknowledged. “Leave him to me. It’s time we settle things once and for all.” Gray walked closer into the fight. “No way man! You already lost to him once.” Natsu said. “I know but this time it isn’t going to happen.” Gray reassured. Alice kept staring at Lyon with a flustered expression. “You see awfully confident.” Lyon smirked.
Alice had to fight the urge to kneel before him and ask him to do whatever he wanted to her.

“You were right Lyon. I am the reason our master is dead. But you’re no better. You threaten my comrades. You bring harm to the villagers and you sought our to destroy what Ur made. It’s time we accept our punishment; Together.” Gray then got into a stance, crossing his arms out in front of him.

“Not Iced Shell!” Lyon gasped, but stood his ground. “You wouldn’t dare.”

“If you return the villagers back to normal and leave the island, then I’ll agree to stop or this is the end.” Gray bargained, as a blue magic circle appeared under him. “Is that so? I don’t believe a word of it.” Lyon attempted to catch Gray bluffing.

As the spell started to build energy, it created a powerful wind that started to push Alice away since she was in fact standing on ice. She was the only one to move.

Alice knew Gray was being serious now. “Gray! Don’t!” She cried. “My time is up! I will stop you!” Gray threatened Lyon. Natsu seemed to have had enough of Gray’s angst, as he strode over to Gray and then punched him in the face, stopping the spell.

Alice had to lean forward to keep her balance, and as the wind died, she then fell over with a squeak. The three boys stared down at Alice. She turned bright red in embarrassment. She jumped back to her feet. “Hey, look! Natsu hit Gray!” She pointed back to the action.

“Anyways. You can’t just walk in here with some fancy talk and steal the scene. Get to the back of the line.” Natsu got back on topic and was speaking to Gray. “What line?” Gray rudely asked in a scoff. “Behind me. I was here first so it’s my fight.” Natsu dramatically explained with a pose. “When I first got here, the first words out of my mouth were ‘leave him to me’.” Gray argued childishly. “Yeah, so? I said ‘no way, man’ like a second after that.” Natsu crossed his arms.

Angry, Gray reached for Natsu’s scarf. “You want some of this?” Natsu challenged. “I don’t care who said what! I have a score to settle with him! And I’ll die if that’s what I gotta do!” Gray shouted. “Oh yeah? And how’s dying going to settle it? It sounds like you’re running away to me.” Natsu said, grabbing Gray by the wrist, of the hand that was holding Natsu by the scarf.

The building shook and leveled out. Natsu started to jump and kick around like a mad toddler. “Now the moondrip can start again.” Alice noted, staring up to the ceiling.

A small man with a tribal mask on and dark green thick hair ran in through the hole in the ice wall. “Pardon.”
“I should’ve known. You did this?” Lyon looked to the man. “The moon is out so I decided to fix things up again.”

“And I went through all that trouble to wreck it all up! Hey, so what’d you do to fix it?” Natsu grumbled and then his tone lightened with curiosity. The little man laughed and ignored Natsu. “Tell me, you jerk!” Natsu didn’t like being ignored.

“Since that’s back, I shall commence the Moon Drip.” The guy said to Lyon and then ran off. “Hey! You come back here!” Natsu went out after him. “Wait!” Gray stopped him. “I’m gonna pound that guy’s face in a million times. I’ll leave you the Ice Guy.” Natsu replied and disappeared.

Alice felt awkward in the room with Gray and the guy she so suddenly fell for. She slumped her shoulders forward and shuffled out of the room.

Alice thought to herself that it’d be a good idea to go to the top to prevent anyone from starting the ritual.

A deafening roar rung through the temple, shaking the whole thing. Alice felt a shiver go up her spine. Something dark.

Alice turned herself around and headed to the bottom of the temple to stop Deliora, if that roar was from it.

“Alice!”
“Erza!” Her, Lucy and Happy came up from a corner. “Where are the others?” Erza asked. “Natsu went to fight this guy who’s in charge of the ceremony and Gray is fighting the leader of it all....Lyon.” Alice answered, breathy, panting hard.

“Why did you get red when you said his name?” Happy asked. Alice felt herself heat up more. “I am not- You’re seeing things!” Alice didn’t know how to excuse it.

“We don’t have time for this. We need to stop that ceremony!” Erza interrupted and lead the group towards the top.

Alice’s lungs were on fire, her legs felt like cooked noodles and barely lifted off the ground as she jogged with the group.

“Alice!” Gray shouted, reaching the team. “We need to get to Deliora!”

“You go on ahead,” Erza nodded at Alice.

Alice whined. “I’m dying!”

They found themselves at the lowest level, witnessing Deliora basing in green light. The ritual was successful.

“Okay, now we’re all dying.” Alice commented.

“Hey! What are you guys doing down here? Anyways, there’s only one thing we can do and that is to take that thing dow- Alice, why do you look tired and sweating and not breathing?” Natsu hopped up on a rock. He noticed Alice panting like a dog, bent over.

“Running. Bad.” Alice said in between breaths. “You’re going on runs with me in the mornings," Natsu ordered, receiving a cry of protest.

“No one is strong enough to defeat him but I am! I can defeat Deliora!” Lyon declared, on the ground crawling through the water.
“How’d he even get down here?” Alice wondered.

“How can you? You can’t even get up?” Natsu pointed out to Lyon still crawling. Deliora let out another roar.
It shook Alice to her core. Her eyes widened as she felt herself lose the ability to keep herself up and she felt backwards into a puddle. In a state of subconsciousness.

Gray and Natsu gasped. Alice’s eyes faded into a muddled darkness. She could feel something crawl its way into control

“Alice!” Natsu cried. “Oh no! Is it the magic?” Gray added in worry. “Yeah just like in Clover! Her eyes are huge and black!” Natsu noticed, as he squatted down, hands on Alice’s shoulders as she sat there staring off like she was seeing something that wasn’t there. Her pupils were blown, her complexion paled, she was zoned out completely.

“Alice! Stay with me. Don’t fade on us!” Natsu gently shook her. Alice could hear him, but it sounded so far away. “Natsu..." She muttered, trailing off. “Ha! Look at your guild member, she is so weak she can’t even handle the magic power of Deliora!” Lyon laughed, pressing whatever buttons he could.
“No you idiot! She’s been cursed with black magic!”

Natsu patted Alice’s head and stood up. Alice laid on her back, in the shallow puddle. Staring up at the stone ceiling. Her sight faded to darkness, she fought so hard to keep on the ground.

“And I’m back!” Alice jumped, sitting up straight, back to herself again. Still tired and her legs were numb, and she was cold, but she was no longer entranced.
“There’s no hope now.” Lyon started to cry. Alice was lost. “All I did was wake up, geesh.” Alice pouted, confused. “I will never surpass Ur!” Lyon continued.
Alice looked around and her eyes landed on Gray, who was also crying. “Okay not to seem insensitive here, but why are the ice wizards crying?” She asked no one in particular.

But she got no answer. She decided to slowly lower herself back down into the water. Maybe someone would come and fix things.

Chapter 12

Chapter Text

The whole Fairy Tail team grouped up outside the temple, on a nearby cliff side.

“You scared me there for a moment!” Natsu laughed, slapping Alice on the back, who jolted back into reality. She was zoning off every so often, fatigued.
“What happened?” Happy asked. “Alice started to go all dark possessed Alice again,” Natsu answered with a smile. “But Deliora was dead the whole time, so how did it affect her?” Lucy questioned. “I’m guessing it’s the residual dark energy left by Deliora. It could very well also be that Alice is in a very vulnerable state right now, so it’s easier for dark energy to take possession. We should be glad all she did was pass out,” Erza answered with a nod. “Last time she was so scary!” Happy cowered, hurting Alice’s feelings. She didn't want anyone to be scared of her for no reason.

“Yeah, she totally took out Lullaby with one spell and it was dust!” Natsu said, enthused. Alice also didn’t like Natsu romanticizing this side of her. “I don’t need my forbidden magic to take you out!” Alice barked at him. Natsu wasn’t fazed. “Oh yeah?” He playfully challenged. “Yeah!” Alice took the bait. “When we get back we’ll find out who the winner is!” Natsu was fired up, even though he was at an advantage with Alice being exhausted.

“You couldn’t take on an S-class wizard even if you tried!” Alice argued. “But we totally finished the S-Class mission by ourselves!” Natsu countered. “Technically not since the mission is to return the villagers back to normal and you haven’t done that yet, have you?” Alice arrogantly shrugged.

“But we broke the curse!” Lucy cried. “It had nothing to do with a curse. The intense magic from the moon drip altered them. So Deliora’s death isn’t going to do anything," Alice lightly corrected. “Correct.” Erza nodded “Then what do we do? Lyon, do you know?” Gray asked behind him.

Alice perked up at the name. She had no idea Lyon was nearby.
She looked to where Gray was, and there he was brooding against a boulder, arms crossed, pouting.

“Alice is blushing again!” Happy teased. Alice put her hands to her face. “I am not!”

“No clue,” Lyon answered Gray. “But they said that the curse started about the time you guys got here,” Lucy said, confused. “When we arrived 3 years ago, we were aware there was a village on the island but we never needed to communicate with them so we never went to them and they never came to us,” Lyon continued on. “I don’t understand. The moon drip is so bright you can see it anywhere on the island.” Lucy looked up at the moon.

“The moon drip doesn’t affect the human body,” Lyon corrected. “You could be lying so you and your lackies get off the hook!” Natsu shouted. “Think about it. I’ve been on the island exposed to the moon drip just as long as them and I’ve never changed.” Lyon had a point.

“Well I wouldn’t trust them. They’re hiding something. But I bet this is something you guild wizards can handle.” Lyon brooded more. “We’re not done with you! You destroyed the villa-” Natsu is cut off by Erza interrupting him abruptly. “They were doing what they thought was right. Now, come on.” Erza stood up and started to walk off. The group slowly followed her.

Alice noticed Gray stay behind and she decided to stay with him. She kept her distance, listening in to Gray and Lyon’s conversation.

“I know you don’t want to hear this, but you should join a guild. You’ll make new friends, new rivals, and even find a new dream.” Gray suggested. Alice popped in, hanging off Gray’s shoulders. “You can join Fairy Tail!” She smiled. “No.” Both ice wizards rejected the idea. Alice pouted, and whined to herself, and turned to trudge off after the others.

Gray and Alice caught up with the others at the beach side, where the shelter was. But everything was gone.
“Are you sure this is the place?” Natsu wondered. “Yes. This was it. You can see the prints in the sand,” Alice said, pointing to the tracks and holes in the sand.

A villager, turned demon with green scales ran up to the group. “There you are! You better come with me.”

So there they went, across the island back to the village, where it was in pristine condition. Like it was never destroyed.

“It was completely destroyed!” Lucy gasped. “This wasn’t here! How are they doing this!” Natsu started to bang his fist against someone’s home. “You shouldn’t be doing that! We’ve done good not destroying any innocent homes!” Alice scolded, worried. She flinched with every moment Natsu made. “What? Are you saying I destroy everything I touch?” Natsu asked offended, breathing fire, in a tantrum.

“Yes.”

“Come over here,” Erza ordered the team. They gathered around Lucy talking to the chief. “When are you guys going to destroy the moon!” He asked impatiently. “Destroying the moon in an easy task. But before I do that, I must ask your people a few questions. Would you kindly call everyone up for a meeting?” Erza kindly asked. Alice wondered to herself as to why Erza couldn’t be this nice all the time.

“So let me get this straight, you turn into monsters at night?”
“Yes."
“And the moon has been doing this since it's been purple for 3 years?”
“Yes."

“There has been a Moon drip ceremony on this island every night for the light 3 years producing a light so brilliant you couldn’t possibly miss it." Erza stepped on a pile of leaves and “EH!” She squealed, falling into a trap.

“Wow, even Lucy’s pitfall is back!” Happy said. “She screamed...like a girl...” Natsu said taken back and blushing, as was Gray. “And it was cute.”
“I’m so dead!” Lucy cried. Since it was her trap.

Erza climbed out and brushed herself off, “Did you seriously never wonder where that light came from?” She continued on without a beat.
“That is peculiar. No one ever investigated." Alice tilted her head to the side, perplexed at how mysterious this mission got with each step. “Village lore says we cannot go to the temple." The chief answered. “But people were dying! You had to have tried to do something except request help from wizards." Alice interjected.

“Tell us what’s really going on here." Erza demanded. “Well... Honestly we don’t know. We have tried to go to the temple. We get out weapons that we’ve never used before and we get to the trees and we can see the temple but if we go any further we always find ourselves at the village gates,” Chief explained.

“Could it be a memory spell?” Alice pondered.

“Natsu, come with me.” Erza waved over, as she transformed into her Giantess Armor. “I need your help to destroy the moon.” Natsu was excited for such mass destruction.
“You cannot be serious!” Lucy was astonished.

“It’s the only way to change the villagers back.” Erza simply put it. The villagers began to cheer.

“This armor increases my strength and this spear repels darkness.” She explained to the villagers. “Where should we do this? The temple is really high up.” Natsu was practically dancing with excitement. “We’ll do it here. When I tell you, I want you to use your fire power on the back of my spear to give it a boost.”

Maybe the moon drip made Erza crazy too. Alice was sure that Erza wasn’t being serious or had something else planned. So Natsu used his fire to amplify his strength and Erza threw the spear. As it flew through the air, going higher and higher, it stopped and it appeared to hit something.

The moon cracked. Or that’s what it looked like. But the crack continued and it went past the moon to more of the sky and then it shattered.

A magical membrane that covered the sky.

The moon’s purple hue was gone.

“Crystalised dark energy from the moon drip!” Alice was embarrassed that she didn’t figure it out sooner. “Yes that is correct.” Erza nodded.
Under the feet of each villager, a glowing appeared and then faded, but they all stayed demons.

“They didn’t change?” Gray said. “That’s because only their memories were altered!” Alice started to piece it all together. “What do you mean?” Lucy asked Alice. “I don’t know the whole story but it seems to be that this demon transformation they go through at night was the normal part. They just forgot about it.” Alice concentrated hard.

“Close. They think they’re humans cursed as demons, when they’re just demons that turn into humans during the day," Erza answered.

Natsu, Gray, and Lucy freaked out.

“I knew what was going on when they said they couldn’t go to the temple. It’s a sacred place that repels the dark, and being demons, that’s them." Erza shrugged with Alice. “I knew I could trust you wizards." A blue demon came out of nowhere.

“You’re the guy from the boat!” Gray gasped. “Bobo?” Chief asked. “But you disappeared when we got to the island!” Lucy cried in confusion, Bobo sprouted wings and flew into the air. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you what was really going on. I seemed to be the only one who wasn’t affected by the spell and I had to leave because everyone went nuts.” Bobo explained. The rest of the villagers spreaded their wings and flew around in the air. “Definitely demons.” Erza smiled to herself. “I don’t know. Up there, they kind of look like angels.” Natsu said.

“Lyon is like an angel.” Alice dreamily said. But she thought she had said it herself. “What?” Gray chortled.

“Alice likes Lyon! Alice loves Lyon!” Happy laughed, flying around. Alice flustered hard and looked down. "I didn't mean to say that out loud!"

“First Loke and now Lyon? You have terrible taste in men,” Natsu commented.

“You’re all so mean to me!” She covered her glowing cheeks with her hands, trying to hide.
“It’s not our fault you think out loud!” Happy teased.

“We’re going to have a demon party!” The chief announced. “I don’t know if I’m wild enough to party with demons.” Lucy laughed nervously. “Finally! Somewhere I belong!” Alice cheered. “You’re not a demon?” Gray interjected. “Last party I went to I got sent home.” Alice pouted. “That’s because you got drunk and started to strip and every male in the room got really excited and it turned into a massacre. And you started flirting with Alzack, and Bisca was drunk too so you two got in a fight and then Loke and Alzack started fighting. All the while in your panties and my shirt since you took your top off and refused to put it back on and my shirt was long enough to cover your ass," Gray explained to Alice. A night she didn’t have a memory of.

While she didn’t remember doing it, she knew of it. Erza had intervened and gave Alice a stern talking to while demanding a 10 page apology paper and how she would learn from her mistakes and then read it to the guild.

Plus Alice was no longer allowed to be served after 10 pm or more than one drink per hour.

“That was a long time ago!” Alice brushed off. “It was last month!” Gray argued. “Okay, it was Mizore’s year anniversary,” Alice excused. “It was a remembrance! And that ended hours before you got drunk!”
Alice was at a moot point. She glowered. “I learned my lesson.”
“It was really funny! Natsu took Alice home and when he came back to the guild he was all blushy and he kept covering his pe-”
“That’s quite enough, Happy,” Erza cut him off.

The night went on, and the party had slowly died down. Alice and Natsu sat at a table together. Alice was picking at a weird animal plated with potatoes and leaves. Natsu was eating fire on a stick.
“That looks gross,” Natsu commented at Alice poking the thing in the face with a spoon.
Alice nodded. “10 jewel says you won’t eat it!” Natsu challenged. “No way I’d do it for 10! You do it for 10!” Alice squealed. “Deal.” Natsu grabbed the slimy fish, rat, creature and swallowed it whole. Alice stared at him with glassy, wide eyes. “Okay. Here you go. I’ll also willingly pay for the doctor visit when you get sick off the thing.” Alice handed over the jewel. She took a big gulp of her drink. “You should slow down,” Natsu commented. “ You should slow down, ” Alice countered.

A few drinks later she was a giggly mess. “Natsu!” Alice draped herself over his shoulders. He ignored her. “You’re so cute! Why are you so cute?” Alice continued to giggle about. “Because you’re wasted.” Natsu fired back.

He was never the biggest fan of Alice’s drinking problem. It wasn’t a continuous thing. She just drank when she was offered alcohol, which was usually only at parties or celebrations. And she was an extreme light weight with no self control.
Natsu knew Alice also drank whenever something was really bothering her, and whenever Alice got buzzed, she got emotional so she drank more to make that feeling go away. Also, Alice was a stripper when she got drunk. She stripped and tried to go home with someone.

No one was stupid enough to listen to her because she had an attack dog named Natsu that would go to war with anyone who would actually try to take her up on her offer. So eventually at some point, usually before she took of her bra, Natsu would drag her home.

And so Alice would turn on him. Sure, Natsu had experience in the physical touch department and Master Makarov had given Natsu the talk about consent and when Alice is drinking, that is not consent, so when Alice would pull Natsu in for a sloppy make out and grind session, Natsu would have to pull himself away no matter how much his body screamed to keep going. To get Alice closer.

And Alice never remembered ever coming onto Natsu like that.
Natsu and her have kissed, made out a bit until Natsu could get the strength to stop. It was always Natsu who stopped every advance and never told Alice about it.

“I’m not drunk. I got this many more to go,” Alice held up two fingers. “But you’re so cute!” She continued on. Natsu took a deep breath in and out and then continued to eat his fire, diverting his eyes from Alice’s cleavage pressed up against his arm. Alice sat back down in her chair and pouted. “I’m flirting with you. You’re supposed to do it back!”

“You have a boyfriend, and you’re my best friend and....no,” Natsu sternly stated.

The buzz of chatter died down as Yuka and Sherry walked into the village.

“It’s the Cold Emperor’s minions.”

Erza stood up, and other people followed suit.
“How may I help you?” Erza strongly asked. “You Fairy Tail-ers are strong. You banged up the Cold Emperor so bad he couldn’t make it down here.” Yuka started off. “That’s why we came down to pay you a visit, in his place.” Sherry added.

Alice attempted to stand up, but lost her balance and then fell back into her chair. She was too tired to try that again.

“Lyon is cool with us. Didn’t he tell you what happened?” Lucy said. “Yes. But that doesn’t matter to us. We wanted to settle things with you ourselves.” Sherry replied. Natsu ran over, fists blazing. “All right! Show me what you got!”

“Wait. We can fight for ourselves. We’re already in your debt.” Bobo intervened.
“Normally, I would agree with you. But I’ll take this one.” Erza stepped up. “We meet again, Titanita of Fairy Tail. You gave Angelica quite the beating.” Sherry greeted as Erza walked up closer.

“She seems like a formidable opponent," Eyebrows said impressed.

“Careful with the girl! She can control inanimate objects!” Lucy warned. “And don’t even bother using your magic on Megabrows," Natsu added.
“Then I’ll just do it the old fashion way." In like two smooth moves Erza knocked them both down.

At some point Eyebrows and Sherry go into some sad story about their lives, but Alice crawled out of her chair, under the table and fell asleep.

She would stay out cold until they returned back in Magnolia.

Chapter 13

Chapter Text

The team arrived back at the guild. “Is Master Makarov here?” Erza asked, as they stood at the bar.

She made it clear that all of them would not leave until they were punished. “So you’re back from your trip. Was it fun?” Mira greeted with a smile. “It was work, not a vacation. Where is he?” Erza asked once more. “He’s been out of town since yesterday for some random council meeting.” Macao answered from a few seats down.

“Yes! We can live for another day!” Natsu cheered. “I don’t want to die! I have so much more to live for!” Lucy cried. “Quiet!” Erza shouted. The group cowered. “Now listen, all of you. You’re not getting off the hook! You still broke the rules.” Erza scolded.

Alice was sat at the bar, eating a piece of cake. “You’re gonna die.” Alice mocked the three non-S-Class wizards, plus Happy.
“When did you sit down?” Erza asked. “Aren’t you scared too?” Lucy added. “I’m S-class. I didn’t break any rules. Plus, I’m the master’s Great Granddaughter. He’s never punished me! It's the only good thing to come from being Laxus' love child.” Alice proudly smiled and swiveled back and forth on the stool. She finished the cake slice and put down a few jewel.
“Well.” She hopped down. “I’m going to go home and take a nice hot shower. It was nice knowing you all.” Alice smiled mischievously. “No! Don’t leave us here to die!” Natsu latched onto Alice’s legs, kneeling. “I’m not going to get into the way.” Alice used a lightning kick to get him off her. “You’re so mean.” Natsu whimpered, laying on the floor.

Alice walked into her home and sighed happily. “I’ve missed you, home!” She smiled.

Alice stood in the shower stream, using plentiful amounts of conditioner and a comb to try to untangle her hair. From battle, to storms and salt water, to Erza’s manhandling, to lying down in muddy temple water... Alice’s hair was a rats mess. But after 10 minutes of work, Alice’s bright red hair was smooth and soft once more. She scrubbed her skin, she shaved her legs, she plucked her eyebrows, brushed her teeth, moisturized, and dried her hair.

Two hours of maintenance and she was clean and well groomed. She requiped into a corset-style cropped top, and a red hip-high skirt, along with some black ankle boots with heels. Walking to the door, she grabbed a red hood and shrugged it on.

And out the door she was once more.

Once more in the guild hall, Alice noticed the chaos. “What’s with all the commotion? Did you find out your punishment?” Alice wandered over to a table where everyone was surrounding a small girl with blue hair. Levy McGarden. Bright blue shoulder length hair, a yellow ribbon and a pink flower always in her hair. She wore an orange mid-thigh dress with white ribbon. She had big brown eyes that were adorned with Gale-Force glasses when she was reading.

And she was reading what seemed to be a job request.

“This is gonna be fun.” Loke, who was at the table, strode over to Alice, smirking. Alice gave him a bored look as he inched closer. Alice noticed his voice was a bit pitched and the tone was off. “What are you-” Alice was cut off as Loke grabbed her roughly, dipping her down into a deep kiss. Like on reflex, Alice kissed back, trying to reciprocate the intensity.
This kiss was different than all the other ones. It was filled with hastiness, intensity and warmth. And... It wasn't his style.

“What are you doing with my girl?!” Natsu, whose voice was also a bit different than normal, demanded. Alice was severely confused. A bit dazed from the kiss, but now flustered at Natsu’s new found possessiveness-- Well, at least towards Loke.

Loke dropped Alice and she fell to the floor. “Hey!” She snapped, landing on her butt hard on the dirty wood floor. Natsu rushed over and picked up Alice in his arms. “Just because things are switched up doesn’t mean you can go touching her! You do that enough in your body!” Natsu shouted at Loke.

“What?” Alice mumbled, bewildered. Was she still passed out and dreaming?

“It’s okay Princess, I won’t let him do that again.” Natsu reassured Alice in a sultry tone. And he called her "Princess". Not demeaning or mocking... Like Loke did...?

In shock Alice teleported out of his arms and to her feet. “What is going on?!”

“We’ve been cursed! Natsu decided to read this paper, Levy is trying to decipher, and now we’ve all switched bodies!” Gray explained, with an unnaturally high and feminine voice. “Uhm, what?” Alice asked again.

“Gray and Lucy switched, Loke and Natsu, and then me and Happy!” Happy said in a deep voice.

“So....” Alice turned to Gray and Lucy. Gray was sitting at the table, Lucy holding her back in pain. “Gray? Lucy?” Alice pointed to the opposite of them. They both nodded. “Happy? Erza?”

“Aye!” Erza’s body cheered. Alice couldn’t hold back a giggle. She turned to Loke and Natsu and that’s when it hit her.

Loke wasn’t the one who kissed her. Natsu, in Loke’s body did. “Loke?” She pointed to Natsu’s body. “Hey, princess.” He waved. “N-...Natsu?” Alice looked horrified at Loke’s body.

She was conflicted. Natsu in Loke’s body kissed her. Natsu kissed her. Why was she now reacting to it? Her heart was beating rapidly, and her thoughts went to war. She felt exhilarated.

Natsu (Loke) walked over to Alice. “It’s going to be all right. We’ll get this figured out.” He said, comforting Alice. He tilted Alice’s face up and he kissed her softly.

That was the kiss she knew. Soft, confident, and yet, no emotion. But this one was way too warm than it was usually. Alice didn’t respond to it. She closed her eyes but her lips moved none. Natsu (Loke) pulled away and rested his head against Alice’s. She kept her eyes closed. “I love you.” He said.

Alice wanted to run away. Scream. Anything.

This was Natsu’s body, Natsu’s voice.

Loke (Natsu) watched, also conflicted. He just kissed Alice himself. This was the kiss he was always wanting. Not the desperate, lust and alcohol filled one Alice forced on him when she was drunk.
And since Alice thought that it was really Loke. She kissed back. And now here he was, watching his body kiss a scared Alice.
In Loke’s body, Natsu no longer had his dragon senses. He could no longer hear Alice’s heart beat, he could no longer smell her familiar, comforting scent unless he was in close proximity to her.

He had no way to gauge how she was feeling.
But his heart was pounding hard in his chest. A feeling of jealousy but hope filling his mind, watching himself kiss Alice but yet, knowing it was actually Loke doing it.

Did he make a mistake kissing her? He had to focus on what was important. Which was not this.

He looked over to Macao who was keeping time. “How much time is left?” He asked. “8 minutes.”

“I can’t do this.” Alice stepped away from Natsu (Loke). “I understand.” He nodded. The affected people swarmed Levy again. “What if we’re stuck like this?” Lucy (Gray) asked, worried. “What do you mean?” Loke (Natsu) asked. “Well are we going to adjust to our new bodies and go back to work?” She clarified. “I’d guess we’d have to.” He shrugged.

“If it happens it’s totally fine with me! I just have to be quiet and everyone will be nice to me because I’m scary!” Erza (Happy) smiled. “No! I want to go back to being a cute girl!” Gray (Lucy) cried. Natsu (Loke) and Gray (Lucy) had no control of their new magic and both started to drool fire and ice, respectively.
“Are those frozen chunks of drool? That’s gross, man!” Loke (Natsu) cringed. “I know it is! I can’t help it and I’m not a man!” Gray (Lucy) cried.

Gray (Lucy) doubled over on the table. “What is it Gray- I mean, Lucy?” Happy (Erza) asked. “If we get stuck like this and we don’t know how to use each other’s magic, even if we did take a job we wouldn’t be able to finish it.” Gray (Lucy) realized. And the rest of the group let it sink in. “That means we’re the weakest team in Fairy Tail!” The victims shouted.

Alice decided to make light of the situation. “Well, I guess I’m back to going solo. No more sharing rewards!” She sat up on the table. “You’re not helping any.” Natsu (Loke) commented.

“I got it!” Levy stood up. “Well spit it out!” Loke (Natsu) demanded, hastily. “It says with this internal exchange come eternal happiness!” Levy smiled, proud of her translation.
“That’s deep." Alice nodded. “We wanted you to reverse the spell not translate it!” Lucy (Gray) shouted. “Oh, yeah. Sorry." Levy blushed in embarrassment. “It’s so okay. Just keeping trying!” Gray (Lucy) encouraged.

“I remember something about the spell!” Master Makarov said. “What?” All affected jumped over to him. “In order for you all to be changed back it must be done in pairs." He answered. “Well obviously me and Loke will go first!” Loke (Natsu) volunteered. “I don’t see why not." Natsu (Loke) agreed.
"1 minute left!” Macao announced. Loke (Natsu) kicked Macao into a table. “No one asked you!”
“I figured it out!” Levy stood up again. “I’ll quickly tell you about it-” “Just reverse it!” Loke (Natsu) shouted
Levy started to chant, what sounded like gibberish and the piece of paper started to glow, as it dimmed down: “It worked!” Lucy back to herself cheered. “I’m back!” Gray added.

“All I had to do was read it backwards. Back then they didn’t have a lot of letters so they had to be creative so saying it backwards reversed the spell!” Levy explained.

“Hey! We’re not changed back yet!” Loke and Natsu cried
“Me either!” Happy (Erza) trembled. “You mean I get to stay like this?” Erza (Happy) smiled. “Well that’s it for time." Macao said.

“There has to be something else you can do Levy!” Loke (Natsu) cired

“Maybe I didn’t pronounce it right." Levy looked down at the paper. “WHAT?!” Everyone still not changed back gasped incredulously.
“So that’s it then?!” Loke (Natsu) cried. “I can’t stay like a pink hair, fire drooling freak forever!” Natsu (Loke) shouted but then recovered for a moment. “I might be stuck like this forever, Alice. I hope we can still make it work since I’m no longer handsome." Natsu (Loke) kneeled down in front of her in apology. “Well if you don’t have your good looks anymore, then I don’t have to worry about you picking up random girls anymore." Alice sneered, looking away, still not over the switch.

“I told you they’re just friends!” He argued.

“Now, now don’t lose heart there has to be another way!" Mira said, sitting crossed legged on the bar, holding master’s staff and pipe. “Something's not right. Hey guys did I get shorter?” Master asked in a pitched tone.

“Mira switched bodies with Gramps?!” Gray gasped. “Now I have a problem.” Alice said in shock.
“Oh boy, you won’t hear me complaining about this!” Mira (Makarov) stood up and posed seductively “Grandfather!” Alice whined in trauma.

Chapter 14

Chapter Text

The East Forest, right by Magnolia. Right in Alice’s backyard.
A forest filled with memories. Nostalgia. Childhood wonder.

Many games played, nights camped out in the forest, staring up at the stars. So many weird animals as well.

A sunny, warm day.

Alice, Natsu, Happy, and Lucy were at a creek. Alice laid on the grass floor, wearing a black bikini top and black boy shorts, relaxing, basking in the sunlight. She had a fishing pole, stood up in a hole in the ground. Alice swore that she was watching it, but Natsu knew he was going to have to manage two poles.

Lucy sat there, bored. Natsu and Happy were happily fishing. Only thing that could ruin Alice’s relaxation was Lucy’s constant complaining.
“Why did you drag me out here?” Lucy continued on to complain. “Stop whining. You said you had writers block.” Natsu replied. “And nothing gets those creative juices flowing like a change in pace!” Happy added. “Yeah, but why does it have to be fishing?” Lucy asked in a whine. “Because fish is my most favoritest favorite food!” Happy answered with love in his eyes.

“You’re missing the point! I’m asking why I have to fish for your favorite food!” Lucy growled. “I got one!” Natsu stood up and started to reel it in. Alice, in wonder, sat up to watch. Natsu caught himself a massive fish.

Alice looked away as Natsu started to grill it with his fire magic. Alice once watched Natsu kill a fish when they were younger, and then proceeded to throw up and then pass out once watching the eyes pop from the fish’s sockets.

Alice looked back once Natsu was done. “Now this looks great!” Natsu admired his cooking. “You ruined it!” Happy screamed in horror. “What do you mean?” Natsu asked. “Fish is better raw!” Happy answered, still appalled. “Well, I like it grilled. I caught it so I eat it!” Natsu then ate the entire fish within seconds.

Happy screeched in horror. “I can’t believe you! That’s it! Our friendship is over!” Happy declared and ran off into the forest.

Alice shook her head, rolled her eyes, and laid down on her stomach, arms out and crossed to support her head. They had this fight at least once a month, to some varying degree.

Natsu sat down, like a scorned toddler. He crossed his arms and looked to the side, sulking. Alice closed her eyes and rested. “Aren’t you going to follow him?” Lucy ruined the silence. Alice’s eyes snapped open.
Natsu ‘hmph’ed and looked in the opposite direction of Lucy. “Fine. Keep up that tough guy act and you’ll never get the girls to like you.” Lucy said, which seemed out of character.

Alice heard those exact set of words before, but where?
But also, Alice was a bit ticked off by Lucy’s comment. Who was she to say anything?

Natsu stood up.

“That’s the spirit! Now go and-” Lucy was smiling and encouraging, but Natsu gave her a glare and interrupted her with spiteful words. “Why don’t you just shut your mouth for once?” He stormed off. Lucy was frozen, shocked and a bit intimidated.

Alice laid her head back down again and shut her eyes. She was going to let Natsu cool down before she’d attempt to intervene.

“What was that?” Lucy asked, voice slightly trembling. “Natsu.” Alice shrugged, eyes still shut, body still relaxing. “That was scary,” Lucy commented. Alice was hoping Lucy would leave or stop talking, but she wasn’t going to get that. “What do we do?” Lucy asked.

Alice’s face contorted into an expression of irritability. “We? I’ll deal with it. You can stay out of it,” Alice growled. “But...But I don’t know what I did wrong? Why is Natsu so mad at me now?” Lucy whimpered. Alice knew she wasn’t going to get rest. She huffed hard and sat up, and gazed over at Lucy with an annoyed glare. “You need to stop overstepping your boundaries. You know nothing about Natsu or Happy to tell them how or what to do. So butt out of things that you don’t know nothing about. Natsu’s my best friend. I know him more than anyone else does. So I’ll handle things. You go be useless somewhere else,” Alice spouted off.

“You all need to take a nap or something! I don’t need all the sass! But you got me thinking. I really don’t know much about any of you. I’ll go ask Mira, she has to know. ” Lucy scolded Alice, who couldn’t care what she had to say. Lucy walked off.

Alice, finally alone, laid on her back, arms behind her head. She looked up at the trees above her. Sky peaking through spaces of the branches and leaves. Alice’s spot, which used to be a perfect opening in the trees and had a ray of sunshine, now was shaded, as the sun moved across the blue sky.
“Great, Mira will probably take her down into the archive,” Alice muttered. She didn’t need Lucy to know about her. She also didn’t like Lucy’s curiosity about Natsu.

Why did she need to know more about him? It was none of her business. What would she even find out to develop a better bond with him?

Natsu joined Fairy Tail several months before Alice, and months after that the Strausses joined. In that time Alice and Natsu were confirmed team partners. But the moment Natsu and Lisanna met, they became friends. Lisanna had a certain bubbly personality about her. She was bright and extremely kind. She was a ray of sunshine and sparkles. Of course Natsu liked her.

Alice wasn’t like that. Alice didn’t want friends. She came to Fairy Tail because she felt drawn to it. She came to find out more about herself and making friends wasn’t necessary. The guild was for food and jobs. Even when Natsu’s incessant ploys to get Alice to open up or to be his friend didn’t work.
Her attacking him or cursing him out turned to silent acknowledgement, nodding, and eventually Alice could talk to Natsu without getting a headache and she would inevitably be drawn to him. But it was too late at that point.

Natsu found a new person to be friends with. Lisanna. Natsu and Alice were teammates, so they still bonded and hung out and truly became friends.
It took Alice a long time to trust. Not remembering her life in the guild before the cult school was a foggy dream. And Alice would be trained to fight to the death. How to end a life. There was no making friends.

Even those two years with the Water Dragon, Umiko, Alice didn’t loosen up. Umiko taught Alice about the value of life and how to contain her dark magic and also basic education.
Coming to the guild was a new world. Alice, a dark thunder cloud, surrounded by rainbows and love. The friendliness and openness of these people gave Alice anxiety. All the loud laughter and conversation would make her visibly shake.

Natsu was the one who slowly taught Alice friendship and how to not attack people when they come up to her and try to be friendly. Natsu liked Alice the moment he saw her. A new friend. Someone who also knew of dragons.

Alice’s dark and closed off personality would usually have made Natsu lose interest. But Natsu saw a piece of Alice that no one else would see for years.

Natsu woke up to the sound of someone trying to silently cry. He was lying in a bed in the infirmary. Alice kneeled on the side of the bed, using her magic to draw out the lightning that ran through Natsu’s body. Both hands out, a yellow glow and a warm feeling. But Alice was trembling as she tried to concentrate on the spell. Tears continuously streamed from her eyes, down her face. She sniffled to keep her nose from dripping and she would occasionally make a sobbing noise as she tried to stop herself from crying.

“Why are you crying?” Natsu croaked out. “You sacrificed yourself for me. You went up against Laxus to keep me from leaving.” Alice’s voice shook as she answered hesitantly. “Why would you cry about that?” Natsu asked. “Because I don’t know why you would do that. You didn’t have to get hurt for me.”

Natsu knew Alice was just a frightened kid, experiencing life for the first time. She was scared of everything and as a defensive mechanism, she came off as a cold, rough person.
It took Natsu a long time to get through to Alice. He was patient and valued their friendship but Lisanna took a lot of his attention.

There was plenty of moments Alice and Natsu could have shared together if Alice wasn’t so distant and unfeeling. And she constantly thought if she broke out of her shell earlier, she would’ve been the one Natsu fawned over.

Happy and Alice were good friends, but Alice wasn’t there for a good part of his life before Lisanna passed.

Alice walked into the guild from a 3 day long s-class mission. A time before her dark magic was sealed off. Where difficult missions were a walk in the park.
As Alice walked into the hall, her path, straight to the bar, head down, shoulders slumped inward, like she was trying to take up less space.
Other guild members saying hello to her, or asking her how her mission went. Alice would nod in acknowledgement but she dared not say a word.

She plopped down at the bar, and was served her normal ice cream shake and there she would sit and slurp it down until it was gone, she’d pay her tab and go home.
But that day was different. Natsu stormed into the guild hall. “All right! Who stole it!” He shouted, stomping around. A young and tiny Lisanna trailing him, smiling and calmly talking to people.

“We don’t want your dumb egg!” Gray shouted back. “I don’t know anything about it,” Cana also responded.
“Laxus?” Natsu interrogated. “No,” The older blond answered. Alice glowered at his voice. Natsu ran over to the request board where Erza was, scanning the board. “All right! Erza, just say you took it!” Natsu accused her. “Let’s not jump to conclusions,” Erza calmly responded. Alice could hear Natsu get closer and she thought hard to herself that if she made no sudden movements, Natsu would not notice her.
But that didn’t work. Natsu stood behind Alice and pointed to her from behind. “Alice, I know you took it!”

Alice swiveled in her seat to face the pink haired child. Natsu wore a red long sleeve shirt in those days. Alice, wore a similar red colored shirt, but hers was short sleeved and she had a blue long sleeve shirt underneath. She also wore dark jean shorts which barely peaked out from under the hem of her shirts. She was a 10 year old kid who lived on her own. Of course she didn’t know how to dress herself yet.

She also had white sneakers and black socks. Her hair had no real defined part. Where it was when she woke up was where it’d stay. It wouldn’t be until Erza intervened in Alice’s low maintenance, that Alice started to look more presentable.

Alice glared at Natsu. “I’ve been here for 5 minutes. What the f*ck are you accusing me of taking?”
“Alice! We talked about your use of bad words!” Erza warned. “Bite me, bitch.” Alice snapped harshly. Natsu, believing Alice wouldn’t know anything of his egg, and also a bit scared of getting hurt, took Alice’s word. “So it wouldn’t have been you. All right, Mira! It has to have been you, then!” Natsu turned his attention to the young Mira.

Alice turned back to her dessert but then a fight broke out and someone accidentally hit Alice, so naturally Alice had to fight too.

Natsu would start crying and Gray, Erza, Mira and Alice would stop hitting one another.
Mira laughed. “Look at you crying over your egg!”

“I’m not crying!” Natsu said, with tears in his eyes. “Quit teasing him about it. Now, will you please stop crying?” Erza scolded Mira and then turned to Natsu. “I’ll make you cry!” Natsu challenged, while still crying. Erza and Mira violently whispered to each other to give back an egg neither of them had.

“You know. Elfman was telling me how jealous he was of your egg,” Cana spoke up. “He ate it then!” Natsu jumped to conclusions. Elfman would conveniently walk into the guild hall with a big white egg with a blue flame mark.

“You stole it!” Natsu yelled at him, as Elfman said hello. “I didn’t mean to. I just thought with you tossing and turning so much in your sleep, you wouldn’t keep it warm. I’m not that good with magic so I kept it warm with my body heat.” Elfman explained, handing the egg back to Natsu, who struggled to hold it, since the egg was about the same size as him.

Then the egg started to move and cracked. A lot of guild members, including Alice, were curious and gathered to see what would hatch. And then a blue cat with white wings flew out of the egg.

While Happy would sometimes go on missions with Natsu and Alice, he would also stay home with Lisanna.
Since Lisanna prided herself on calling Natsu and Happy her family. Natsu and Lisanna the mom and dad of Happy.

Alice was jealous of their bond and would eventually get jealous in other ways too which would drive herself away from the loving couple and their blue cat son.

Four years later from Happy’s hatching, Alice warmed up. Magic sealed away, a few traumatizing missions, but four years of Natsu finally cracking through Alice’s dark shell. Alice was finally very fond of Natsu. She valued his friendship and wanted to get closer, but Lisanna’s presence stopped her.

A rage and sadness would fill Alice when Lisanna and Natsu were together, especially when they officially starting calling each other "boyfriend" and "girlfriend".

So she tried to stay away from that, but as Natsu’s friend and job partner, there were times Alice had to be around the happy couple together.

Happy and Natsu were fighting. Alice leaned against a tree as they were in South Gate Park. She rolled her eyes. “You guys are such idiots,” She’d huff.
And there appeared Lisanna with her cloud clearing smile. “What’s wrong with you three?” She’d sweetly ask. Alice turned to look the other way. “Natsu ate my fish!” Happy tattled. “It was mine! I caught it!” Natsu argued.

“You’re the daddy. You’re supposed to take care of you wife and son!” Lisanna said, bringing up a make up family Alice was now catching wind of. Her chest ached at the words. She grabbed at the necklace pendant that hung against her exposed chest. Her eyes prickled with tears.

Natsu blushed at the words. “That was like a million years ago, though,” Natsu said, embarrassed. “It’s normal for families to fight every once in a while but you always need to make up and no matter what, Happy is still our son! And Alice, you can be Happy’s aunt!” Lisanna had to involve Alice.

“Leave me out of your bullsh*t fantasies!” Alice would bark and storm on. Lisanna smiled sadly. “I wish I could get through to her, like you do, Natsu.”

Natsu felt conflicted. Angry at Alice’s harsh words towards Lisanna, but also he was already missing Alice even though she just left. “Yeah, well, she’s hard to understand,” Natsu mumbled.

Natsu felt drawn to Alice in ways he didn’t understand but the constant rejection to even try to get close to her to see if this is what his body and mind was needing, discouraged him, so Lisanna took the space that Alice refused to fill and for a while Natsu’s attention was focused solely on Lisanna, and his thoughts of Alice would quiet down.

Natsu didn’t like thinking complex things anyways. And nearly everything about Alice was complex.

Now, two years later, in the present, Alice’s puzzling feelings of Natsu just got worse. Did she like him? No way. Why would she?
But...

Alice sat up when her heart started to flutter at the thought of maybe realizing her feelings for Natsu. An epiphany of sorts. “There’s no way I fell for that idiot!” Alice groaned and rubbed her face with her hands in aggravation.
Her face heated up at the thought of any of those moments they shared where she would get flustered.

“No. No. No.” Tears welled up in her eyes. Why was she crying? Why did the realization hurt?
Perhaps because if she realized it so much sooner, something would've come of it? She wouldn't have gotten with Loke perhaps? Maybe her and Natsu could've been the ones together.. and-..

She wiped her eyes, with a long sigh to calm herself down. "There's no point getting worked up about it now."
Alice stood up and requiped into a black simple tank top, over it a salmon pink spaghetti strap top. Still wearing the same shorts, and black sandals, Alice went to go find the guy her heart was beating so wildly about.

She found him standing in a clearing, his back to her. She knew he was still sulking, but this was about Lisanna. Those words Lucy said to Natsu. A phrase Lisanna had said years ago. Plus, this was a fight that Natsu and Happy had gotten into before, which Lisanna had helped resolve.

Even though it was a fight that happened often, it always put Natsu into this depression for a moment.

“Hey,” Alice called to Natsu as she stepped closer. Natsu turned to her. A sudden strong breeze rushed through. Alice’s hair flew into her face. Alice pulled her hair behind her ears to see Natsu.
“Hey, Alice,” Natsu replied, somberly, but in a better mood than before.

Just feet apart, Alice looked up at Natsu shyly. “As much as I would really want to make up some cute inspirational quote about love and family and what not, I’m not going to. You’ve heard something like that before,” She smiled softly at him, hopefully getting through to him. “Yeah.” He returned the smile. Another breeze.

Alice was temporarily blinded by her hair in her face once more. Natsu stepped closer and pulled Alice’s bangs behind her ear for her. Alice’s heart couldn’t take all this excitement. Alice tried to stay calm.

Inches apart.

“We got some fishing to do,” Natsu mumbled. Alice thoughtlessly nodded.

Cue a montage of fishing.

With Natsu carrying ten big fish, Alice and him found Happy pouting at the creek, fishing by himself. “Hey!” Natsu called out. “I can’t hear you!” Happy replied. “That’s a shame because I can’t eat all these by myself,” Natsu playfully responded. Happy glanced back and gasped, excited. “So are you happy now?” Natsu smiled. “Of course! Who else would I be?” Happy smiled back, joining Natsu and Alice.

They sat down at a flat area of grass. Natsu and Happy split the fish, Alice couldn’t possibly eat an entire gigantic fish, so Natsu would share what he considered a nibble of fish with her.

And then Happy and Natsu ate their fish. Alice had to dodge fish bones that went flying as both boys could almost swallow a whole fish. “I know I’m not the cleanest eater, but at least have some decency!” Alice whined, disgusted. “It’s so good though! You should have some!” Happy encouraged. “I already did.” Alice responded, realizing she was not getting anywhere with this conversation. “If it was something gross like vegetables, you’d be all over it!” Natsu interjected with a wide smile. Alice couldn’t help her lips from curling up.

She was in love with Natsu Dragneel.

She always was.

Chapter 15

Chapter Text

Team Natsu returned to Magnolia. Another quest done.
Since Galuna Island, Team Natsu had become more than just Natsu, Alice and Happy. It had become Team Natsu with Lucy, Gray, Erza, Alice, Natsu and Happy.
Alice wasn’t too pleased with the arrangements. She missed the small team. But missions got done faster. But now there was more damage, and more chaos. And more depressingly, less coin.

Lucy yelling at Natsu and Happy, Gray and Natsu getting into fights, Alice growling at Lucy, Erza yelling at everyone for not behaving.

But they all grew closer. Erza and Alice could be in the same room without Alice losing her mind. Gray and Natsu’s fights were less destructive and happened less often. And everyone was a bit more bold around Erza, no longer that scared of her.

“Was that an awesome job or what?” Natsu laughed to himself. “Or what?” Alice snarkily replied. “The client seemed so,” Happy replied to Natsu. “Face it. You guys are just lucky I decided to come along,” Gray smugly announced. The group were walking down a sidewalk. Lucy and her suitcase, Natsu and his normal camping pack, Gray and his single bag, Alice with everything she needed in her requip, and Erza with her wagon of several tens and tens of suitcases.

“We’re lucky that you begged to come along? How you figure?” Natsu scowled at Gray. “You were as helpful as one of Erza’s suitcases.” Gray shrugged, like that answered the question fully. “You better shut it before I pack you in a suitcase!” Natsu countered. Alice glowered, being in between the budding fight. “You’re dumb that doesn’t make any sense!”

“Gray. Your clothes.” Erza butted in.
“Why does this keep happening to me?!

“Hey guys, I was planning on this to be a solo mission. So why did you have to come along?” Lucy asked. “Isn’t it obvious?” Natsu replied. “No, I don’t think so.”
“We’re Fairy Tail’s strongest team, so we gotta stick together.” Natsu smiled. “Nothing is too tough. Not for me, Happy, Alice, Erza, and ol’ droopy drawers here.” Natsu had to add in that jab at Gray.
“Don’t call me that,” Gray grumbled. “We’re all a capable bunch,” Erza agreed along. “You forgot about me!” Lucy complained. “Maybe he really didn’t.” Alice shrugged.
“I was just messing with you, Loopy," Natsu joked. “Well I don’t appreciate it and that’s not my name,” Lucy replied, exasperated. “Please forgive me. I truly didn’t mean to upset you. I let myself get carried away. You may strike me.” Erza sincerely apologized. Alice shrugged, hand raised at the ready-- Then Gray grabbed her wrist. "Please don't try that."

The team stepped into the town square where there was the most civilian population at.

Random people would stop and stare at the team. Whispers, and pitiful glances.

It wasn’t hard to notice.

“Why are they all staring?” Gray wondered what everyone else was. “And it’s not the good kind of staring,” Alice mumbled, and stepped closer to Natsu, so they brushed against each other with each step.
But the group kept on until they reached a heart breaking scene.

The guild hall. Broken windows. Cracks and holes. Parts of the stone outside broken off.

Iron rods all over, that seemed to be the cause of the destruction.

An attack.

Alice’s eyes opened wide, already tearing up at the ruins. “No!” She screamed, running towards the doors. Gray stepped forward, grabbing her at the waist, holding her back. “Let me go! I have to see!” Alice wriggled around, crying, and screamed.

A black magic energy came from Alice’s body. She grew limp.

“Alice?” Lucy asked. Alice felt something dark in her head. The want of destruction, death, to retaliate. An evil hatred.
A strong feeling of a negative emotion could awaken a part of her sealed off magic. Alice’s thoughts were jumbled whispers.

“It was Phantom Lord.” Mirajane appeared. “We couldn’t stop them.”

Alice’s head shot back up. Gray let go of Alice. “I’ll kill them,” Alice growled. Her voice was dark and gravely.

“Let’s group up with the others,” Erza advised as Mira led them to the untouched guild basem*nt. A place for storage but now it’s where Fairy Tail members mend their broken spirits.

“What’s up kids?” Master slured, obviously drunk. As if Alice wasn’t angry enough.
“We’re sorry we weren’t here sooner," Erza apologized solemnly. “Why the heck are you all just sitting around down here?!” Natsu angrily demanded.
“How’s it going Lucy? Did you finish the job like a good girl?” Master hiccuped out, ignoring Natsu’s outburst. “I guess," Lucy answered awkwardly.

“Master, do you understand the gravity of the situation?” Erza asked.

“The guild hall is completely destroyed!” Natsu snapped. “There’s no need to get so worked up. It’s not the end of the world or anything. It just shows you how cowardly those dunderheads in Phantom Lord are.They struck when no one was here. Is that something really to brag about?” Master rambled on. “So we will stay down here doing jobs until the upstairs is fixed.”

“So you’re just going to let them get away with it?” Alice spat, a growl came from her throat. “We don’t need to worry about people who can’t face us head on. Forget about those fools!”

Natsu turned a punched a crate, demolishing it and others around it. “Not going to happen! We can’t let them trash us!” Natsu raged. “I’m not talking about this any longer.-” “We need to be-” “NATSU!”
Master yelled at Natsu for interrupting him and then used his magic, stretching his arm so he could spank Lucy.

“Hands to yourself master," Mira scolded. Master laughed, jumped to his feet and skipped away out the basem*nt. “Where are you going?” Natsu grumbled. “Keep your dress on, I’m going to take a leak."

“I can’t believe him,” Alice muttered lowly “Why is he acting like this?” Natsu asked under his breath. “It's hard on him too. But it's forbidden for there to be any conflict between guilds," Mira explained.
“But they attacked us!” “They started it!” Alice and Natsu shouted at the same time.

“We just can’t go and retaliate. And besides it’s master’s decision,” Erza calmly responded.

Alice started to twitch, black magic energy in a swirl surrounded her body. “Alice?” Natsu gasped. He noticed Alice’s skin pale, and her eyes dilated dramatically. Her eyes were almost completely black. Her mind was clouded.

The only thing she could do to release this energy just a bit was to punch a support beam. It cracked down the middle, and the dust from the ceiling flew as the entire building and ground shook.

Erza kicked Alice and she flew into the pile of crates Natsu had destroyed. Alice stood up and teleported in front of Erza, ready to attack. “Alice, that’s enough! Get a hold of yourself!” Gray shouted, holding Alice back. Gray used an ice spell to hold Alice in place. “You need to stop acting so childish. You’re letting your emotions get the better of your better judgement,” Erza scolded. “I need to take initiative!” Alice spat, her voice raw and guttural. “Master is the one who says what we’ll do and we’re not going to attack!” Erza quickly replied. “Then I’ll go by myself!” Alice argued. “If you go and retaliate, what will be the difference between you and them?” Erza asked, matter of factly.

Alice sad*stically smiled. Eyes wild. “Easy. They’ll be dead and I’ll be the one to kill them.” Her voice started to shift darker, effected by her magic.
This wasn’t Alice.

“Black Alice!” Mira gasped.

Erza was taken back by this side of Alice. She backhanded Alice. A red mark immediately welted on Alice’s left face, a small skin split, millimeters long, a tiny stream of blood dripped down Alice’s cheek, rounding down her chin and her neck.

The wound would close soon.
The shock of the slap woke up Alice from her trance. She blinked wildly as her eyes lightened.

Alice used a lightning spell to break the ice that held her legs and feet to the ground. “I’m going home.” She announced, wiping the blood away with her hand, but smudging it across her face.
She strode across the basem*nt, towards the steps out.

“Phantom Lord probably knows where all of us live. It would be better if we stuck together," Mira hesitantly said. “If I see a Phantom Lord, I’ll make sure to greet them kindly." Alice huffed. “You’re not going alone.” Gray jogged over to her to meet her stride. Alice didn’t care. “I don’t know what you’re doing. I’m going home for the day.”

“I’ve never seen Alice like that before," Lucy commented. “It’s a rare occasion." Mira shrugged. “I never knew she was that passionate about the guild," Lucy added. “She is Laxus’ daughter. Master’s Great granddaughter. Her great great grandfather helped found Fairy Tail. It runs through her veins.” Natsu casually butt into the conversation. A topic that could help calm him. To distract him from Phantom Lord and Gray alone with a mentally unstable Alice. Not that he didn't trust Gray-- But, he wasn't stupid. Gray was obsessed with Alice, to the point some days he would show up to the guild hall smelling of her. Natsu wasn't sure how Gray was doing it. Did he steal some of Alice's clothes and sleeps with them in his bed? Because there was obviously no other way how Gray could get her scent on him, and Alice was in a relationship and had 0 interest in Gray.

But she wasn't in the right state at the moment, perhaps she'd have a moment of lapsed judgement and Gray wouldn't have the strength or smarts to tell her no?

“Really?” Lucy wondered.
“Not only that. Fairy Tail is her first real home and family.” Mira added on.
“I’ve never heard much about her past," Lucy expressed. “Well she was born to Yoko Akashiya-” “The one and only Fire Fairy Yoko?” Lucy gushed. “Yep. Yoko and Laxus fell in love. While Laxus was 15 and Yoko was 18, Alice was born. Hopefully the Archive room is okay, Reedus has painted some cute pictures of Alice when she was a baby. But anyways when Alice was 3, Yoko died and Laxus sent Alice away to an orphanage that eventually got taken over by a cult.” “They literally beat the education into the kids. Alice had some really bad scars before she used magic on them. She actually has a dark scar on her right thigh, she got that when she refused to let them implant a lacrima in her- you’d have to pull her skirt up to see it or to walk in on her changing to-” Natsu interrupted Mira but then she interrupted him.

“Anyways, she was there for 4 years and during that time, a man attacked the cult and gave her a dark magic that no one knows but we know it is cursed black magic. A magic that Alice couldn’t control and she killed everyone around her. That’s when she ran away and she met Umiko, a Water Dragon. Umiko took her in for 2 years then Umiko disappeared-” “-Just like Igneel."
“-For about a year she wandered around Fiore and then came here to Magnolia where she found Fairy Tail! But Laxus wasn’t pleased. In the midst Laxus seeing his daughter for the first time in years, he was determined to take Alice away again. It was actually Natsu who intervened and challenged Laxus to a fight. If Natsu won, Alice got to stay...”

“No you’re not. You’re a really powerful mage of Fairy Tail. They’ll most likely target you if they plan anything. And I bet Erza won’t let you out of her sight for very long even with me, so if we’re not back in about 40 minutes she might hunt us down," Gray argued with Alice “My house is fine.” Alice disagreed as they came across the rock path. “From what we know. So why do you need to come here?” Gray wondered, walking behind Alice, since the path was narrow.
“I want to shower and go to bed,” Alice answered. “Wait!” Gray stopped Alice from walking in first. “What? Are you scared of dust bunnies or something? Cause that’s all that’s here.” Alice shoved past him inside.

Gray looked down at the ground. Alice could sense his bad mood. “What’s your deal anyways? If you’re worried about the guild, then you should’ve stayed there.”

“It’s not just the guild. I care about you." Gray answered. “Well stop caring so much, I don’t need you to be worrying about me." Alice turned away from him, heading towards her bathroom. “Lock the door behind you. I’m gonna shower.”

“Can... I.. join?”

“So Master ended the fight, Natsu was down but Laxus wasn’t done beating him. Then all the members of Fairy Tail told him that if they want her, he’d have to go against all of them. So she was officially a member of Fairy Tail. When she was 10 she was extremely powerful and she became S-Class. Then it was revealed. Her dark secret. The black magic. Master had it blocked off in her magic container and it makes her magic weaker now and sometimes, copious amounts of dark magic awakens the magic possessing her like at Clover. Or now, if she doesn’t keep her emotions under control, her black magic can seep through."

“She’s been through a lot hasn’t she?” Lucy sighed not really knowing what to really say. “Last week when I saw that picture in the Archives, she looked really different too, did she act differently too?” Lucy wondered.

“Look Gray. Whatever’s went on between us stops now,” Alice replied to Gray’s shy request. She didn’t let him respond and she closed the bathroom down. With a sigh and a requip out of her clothes, Alice turned on the hot water, it slightly burned her skin as it touched her skin. But the sensation kept her grounded.

Gray’s advances. Loke’s distance. Natsu.

Natsu.

Alice was absolutely in love with Natsu and she came to terms with it. But she loved Loke. It was a familiar love. Did she see a future with Loke where he became loyal and broke ties to all his affairs? No.
If he even did and attempted to make up all the times he hurt Alice, and was on the road to redemption, would Alice fall back in love with him like the way she used to be? Most likely not.
A year and a half relationship and Alice and Loke never planned to move forward with their relationship. They both lived separately and had no plans to move in together. Loke’s never talked about a future with Alice and Alice learned to live with it. She no longer got her hopes up. She learned to appreciate whatever she had.

She loved Loke but not in the way she loved Natsu.

But she couldn’t end things with Loke for Natsu. She didn’t even know if Natsu had feelings for anyone besides Lisanna. Was he even over Lisanna? Alice and Natsu were best friends. They trusted each other with everything. They were extremely close.

There was no one in the world Alice cared more about. So with her new realization, she no longer had the need to sleep with Gray. She just wanted a normal friendship with him. Being involved with anyone felt like betrayal. Except Loke. Loke felt natural. An intrinsic action. There was no right or wrong with Loke. It was just it. There was no thought, no feeling. It was thoughtless. Each kiss, each smile, each sigh blended into the background.

It was Alice’s responsibility to be with Loke it felt like.

But Gray. Gray was different. Alice hated being alone with Gray, it made her uneasy. It made her guilty. She knew Gray had feelings for her and he took his chance when he could and Alice had to put an end to it. She was just scared of the confrontation.

Exiting the bathroom, hair still wet, but clothed, Alice avoided eye contact with Gray, as she made her way to her bedroom.

Gray got up from the couch and followed her. He stopped at the door frame. “Hey, listen,” he started off.
Alice didn’t acknowledge him. She put on her necklace and then slipped past Gray and sped off to her library.

Gray knew Alice wasn’t in the mood to talk. But he needed to mend things.

Alice would touch the binding of a book and with a sparkle, it’d disappear into Alice’s requip.
She opened a book and started to read a passage to see if it was what she was looking for.

“If this is about Loke, I understand you’re feeling guilty but-” “Gray. I’ve gotten past how I feel about Loke. I’m just done with what you and I were doing. I was using you for my own selfish reasons and to get back at Loke. But I’m done with that. I’m sorry if you’re hurt and feel betrayed. So this isn’t about you or Loke,” Alice curtly responded.

“I’m ready to leave now.” Alice had everything she needed.

Gray wouldn’t move as Alice stood in front of him, waiting for him to turn. “Do you know how I feel about you?” He asked, staring her down. “While you’ve never told me. I’ve heard from others so I think I do know and I’m sorry for exploiting your feelings for my own selfish gain. It was heartless of me,” Alice said sincerely, but yet, she had this script ready for a while now.

“Even though I knew you have been using me, I always did what I could to make you happy. I put my feelings into every touch, kiss, and even now. I care about you, Alice. I’ve felt this way about you since we were kids.”

“What do you want me to do about it? Gray, you’re a good friend and I appreciate all the times you’ve had my back but I can’t return your feelings. I’m done hooking up with you. It was nothing you did I just...”

“It’s Natsu.”

“No. I’m with Loke,” Alice excused. “But you don’t love him, obviously. I mean, if you did you wouldn’t have been sleeping with me, or that Blue Pegasus wizard.”

Alice teleported around Gray, and stomped off.

“She was very quiet. Kept to herself. She was at the guild for food and jobs only. And if she stuck around, it was for Natsu. Natsu and her have been a team since she’s been a member. Only two years ago she finally warmed up to us all. Even to Natsu. They’re best friends who are inseparable, but it took many years for Alice to trust Natsu. In fact I find them really cute together," Mira giggled.

Two years ago. A thought crosses Natsu’s mind. Two years ago she died. Two years ago Alice actually started to-

“Well I’m glad it’s not just me,” Lucy commented. “She’s not very friendly with new people, but don’t worry. She isn’t as bad as she used to be. She used to electrocute Natsu all the time when he annoyed her.” Mira giggled. Natsu smiled to himself. He had to admit. He made quite the progress with Alice.

“Look who’s back!” Mira said as she heard footsteps come down the stairs. Natsu knew Alice was on her way. He could hear her. But either way, as she walked in, his heart went crazy. Like it always did.

“It took you long enough," Erza commented. “You’re lucky I even came back,” Alice snapped. “Welcome back! So that’s what you went and got!" Mira hopped over and picked up the necklace pendant with her fingers and gave Alice and mischievous smile.

“Yeah. We had to go all the way there for that stupid thing,” Gray grumbled and roughly brushed past Alice. Alice would have gotten flustered in embarrassment, especially as her eyes met Natsu’s but Gray’s bad attitude distracted her.

“No. I wanted to go shower AND get out of here for a while.” Alice clarified. But either way, her cheeks blazed as Natsu kept staring at her. Mira stepped back and Natsu’s eyes flitted to behind Alice. “Look at my princess. She’s so adorable when she’s all flustered.” Loke surprised Alice with a hug from behind. “You want to lose those hands?” Alice snarled. Loke was the person she was least looking forward to seeing.

Alice wrenched out his hold and turned to glare at him. “Where’s all the girls? Can’t pick them up if you can’t show them your guild, huh?” Alice then flipped her hair back as she walked back away from him and sat at the table with Lucy, Natsu, and Mira. “Don’t be like that!” Loke whined, going after Alice. “Celestial mage right there.” Alice boredly gestured to Lucy and Loke then ran out of the basem*nt. “And that’s how you get him to leave." Alice sighed and put her arms on the table and her face into her arms and groaned. “Are you that annoyed with him?” Lucy asked. “I’m annoyed at everything right now, and I don’t want to deal with relationship issues right now. God, especially right now." Alice muttered, muffled. “Why? What’s going on this time?” Mira wondered, patting Alice’s head.

“Well the issues with him, he can’t decide what he wants. It’s like he’s trying to salvage what’s left of us but I can tell there’s something bothering him and he refuses to talk about it so then he’ll get distant and do his cheating bullsh*t but then hours later he comes back wallowing. Something he hasn’t done since the beginning of our relationship.”

“Have you talked to him about it?” Lucy asked, truly invested in the conversation. “I’ve been in a relationship with the dude for over a year, of course I’ve tried to. And he’s usually very open about his feelings like he’s just waiting for me to ask. But this time he’s very closed off. And so when he comes back and then we go back to his place and then he still refuses to talk but he’s very physical so we don’t talk but all we do is-” Alice felt very shy with Natsu right there. “We sleep a lot.” Alice corrected herself and peered up to the people around her. Lucy understood what Alice was meaning and was very flustered. Natsu was looking off to the side, he knew what Alice meant and he was trying to block out her voice, and stared away. Mira was 100% engrossed with Alice’s story, smiling and hands under her chin, leaning towards Alice.

“So you must be really tired then," Mira giggled. Alice grumbled and shoved her head back down. “But Alice just said they sleep a lot!” Happy butted in, confused, listening in. “Um, well you know if you oversleep, you can still be very tired.” Lucy saved Happy’s innocence, or what was left of it. He didn’t need to know more. “Alice and Natsu sleep a lot. Sometimes its all day!" Happy announced. Anyone who was listening started to laugh. Except, Alice, Natsu and Gray.

The laughter eventually died down.

Natsu, curious, finally joined the conversation. “So why don’t you break up with Loke?” Alice shot her head up, stared at him in shock. “I uhm....” She averted her gaze. Natsu was finally piecing things together.
The time of Lisanna’s passing and Alice’s eventual true friendship. He was now trying to get more pieces of the puzzle.

Natsu and Alice would have been together already if there weren't two things in the way. Lisanna and Loke. If there was no Lisanna, Natsu would have had no choice but to confront whatever he was feeling for Alice, much sooner, and without Loke, Alice would have had to do the same with Natsu. Although, there were some variables.

Without Lisanna, Alice wouldn’t have gotten so jealous and would have no reason to keep her distance from Natsu. But that jealousy is what got things in motion. And then, without Loke, Natsu wouldn’t have seen Alice in that new light. Alice was a girl with emotions.

Sure, Natsu knew this, but not at those extremes. Alice wasn’t like other girls before Loke. She was calm and rational. She didn’t fall victim to romance. But then came in Loke, waltzing up to Alice. And there Alice was smiling like a love stricken idiot.

“I mean you’re always fighting and you complain about him a lot, plus he lies and openly cheats on you." Natsu added with an innocent shrug.

And I just figured out I’m in love with you, Alice thought to herself.

But that was a thing Alice wasn’t about to say out loud.
“We don’t fight we just-..argue. And I don’t always complain about him. And I kinda....love him, I guess." Alice hesitantly excused, her voice trailing off. She finally looked at Natsu, who looked away, apparently no longer interested in the conversation.

What was Alice expecting? Was she looking for a sign? Any indication from Natsu that he might’ve had feelings for her?

Just something, maybe?

Chapter 16

Chapter Text

Alice sat against the bed, sitting like a grumpy toddler. Arms and legs crossed, pouting. “Why are we over here?” She grumbled. “Because we need to stick together,” Erza coldy replied. She was getting annoyed with Alice’s bad mood and comments. “My house is bigger than this box,” Alice snidely commented. “I already told you. You’re one of the most powerful wizards of Fairy Tail. You have a higher price on your head than Lucy does,” Gray responded.

“And I told you, Ice princess , that they’re cowards and they’ll go for the weakest of the bunch. But no, be a sh*t for brains.” Alice pointed daggers at him.

Team Natsu was spending the night at Lucy’s apartment. Without Lucy’s knowledge. And then on cue, Lucy walked in. “Why are you here?!” She screeched and then chucked her suitcase at Natsu, who was sitting near Alice, mirroring her sitting position and posture. Natsu, who got hit in the face, fell backwards.

“Since the guild has been attacked, it's safe to assume there are Phantom Lord members in town," Erza explained, sipping some tea she took the liberty to make, still without Lucy’s permission. “They’ve probably figured out where everyone in Fairy Tail lives by now, so you know, strength in numbers." Gray shrugged.

“That’s why everyone in Fairy Tail is having a slumber party tonight!” Happy added. “You’re an attractive teenage girl after all,” Erza started off, with Alice brooding even more.
“I wasn’t completely comfortable leaving you here with Natsu and Gray, I felt I would be more relaxed if I stay here as well, and Alice is grounded.”

Natsu, Alice, and Happy were going to stay at Alice’s, or Natsu’s place for the night, but then Erza caught wind of Alice grumbling to Natsu about going rogue if she had the power to, so then Erza grounded Alice and kept her in her sight at all times, so naturally, all of team Natsu was staying at Lucy’s then.

To make matters worse, for Alice, Levy used her letter magic to bind Alice and Erza together with a magic link. Alice wasn’t allowed so far away from Erza before Erza being alerted. Also, Alice’s magic was completely blocked for the moment. She wasn't to be trusted.

Natsu laid on his side, brushing against Alice as he got comfortable. “This isn’t a time for relaxing though!” Natsu snapped.

“But why are those two here? Who decided they come here?” Lucy cried.

“Wow you sure have a lot of dirty clothes!” Happy commented, digging through a basket and Lucy’s companion spirit, Plue, started to go through a box of candy.
That’s when the chaos started.

“Hey don’t go through my stuff. You two better stop right now!” She yelled. “Hey Plue did you find something to eat? Don’t go hogging it all!" Natsu hopped over. Only food brings Natsu back to himself.

“Hey Erza I found some panties that are way more lacy than Alice’s!” Happy said before going back to eating whatever.
“Hey Alice!” Natsu called with his mouth full. Alice boredly looked over at him. “I found you some candy!” He waved.

“No,” Alice said with a ‘hmph’. But, she softened a bit. She had a weakness for hard candy.

“Ooh what’s this? This looks like a lollipop!” Natsu loudly stated, “If Alice doesn’t want it, I guess I can give it to Plue."

“I want it!” Alice caved, crawling over to Natsu, leaning up against his back, reaching out for a red lollipop candy. Natsu kept it away, teasingly. “Gimmie!” Alice whined. Natsu laughed. “What’s the magic words?” He playfully asked. “Natsu is the strongest wizard in the world and could easily defeat me!” Alice shouted. “Damn right!” Natsu gave in. Alice made no hesitation taking the plastic off the candy and shoving it in her mouth, savoring the cherry artificial flavor.

Curious if there was more, she leaned further against Natsu, to see what other sweets were available.

Gray laid on Lucy’s bed in his boxers. “You guys are taking this ‘Make yourselves at home’ thing way too far," Lucy grumbled, defeated.

“We have a serious problem. You boys’ hygiene. I refuse to sleep in a room that reeks of sweat," Erza announced.

“But I don’t wanna take a bath!” Natsu whined. “But I just got into bed," Gray added. “Come on boys. Do we have to take a bath together like when we were kids?” Erza bargained softly with a smile.

Alice cringed. Even she knew the horrors of bathing with Erza. Back in the day when Alice and the two boys were hitting puberty, and didn’t understand routine hygiene, Erza took matters into her own hands.

Alice didn’t know too much about being high maintenance before then. In a cult school where bathing was done as only a luxury, and then with a dragon, where you lived in the water so you never really needed to clean up.

After Erza made the three kids take joint baths with her, Alice quickly learned her lesson.

“What kind of relationship do you guys have?!” Lucy asked, obviously very creeped out. “They’re the strongest team!” Happy answered, naively. “More like the strangest team." Lucy corrected.
Lucy and Erza went to take a bath together. “Are you sure you don’t want to join Alice?” Erza asked.

“My, Alice, you seem to be developing very well!” Young Erza said doing a once over Alice’s pubescent body as Alice sat in the farthest corner of the bath, away from the two boys, and also trying to keep her modesty.

“What do you mean by that?” Natsu asked. “It means she’s going through puberty. Have you not noticed her chest is starting to get bigger?” Erza said. “Have none of you had the talk yet? Well, I suppose it can’t be helped! When a child hits that special time of puberty their-...”

“I’m very sure, I don’t want to. I showered already today,” Alice curtly responded. “But a bath is very relaxing. It’ll help you unwind.” Erza sweetly tried to persuade. “I’ll unwind on my own, thank you very much!” “Fine, have it your way. Don’t go wandering off.”

“You look like you’ve been traumatized," Gray commented, with a smirk. Alice was sitting against a wall, knees tucked up against herself. He had gotten over that tense moment they had at Alice’s place. Alice hadn’t. “Sure, you might’ve enjoyed your baths with Erza, but I didn’t.”
“I never enjoyed those baths. It was the worst time of my life.” Gray could sense Alice’s hostility.

At least her dark magic mood was gone. “Sure, you had the hardest time learning to bathe on your own out of the three of us, and had the hardest times in general in the bath.” Alice grouched, trying to hit a nerve.

Gray left the conversation and sat over at Lucy’s desk, reading Lucy’s rough draft of her new story.

Alice had no way to requip anything so she was stuck reading some romance novel Lucy had, all the while stealing glances at Natsu who dozed off, leaning against the coffee table.

After a while, Erza and Lucy emerged from the bathroom. Lucy dressed, Erza in a bath towel. “You should’ve joined. It was very relaxing,” Erza said to Alice. “You’ve ruined baths for me,” Alice mumbled, not taking her eyes off the book. “I really don’t appreciate your attitude,” Erza sighed. “And I don’t really appreciate your overbearing need to be mother hen,” Alice countered quickly.

“Okay Natsu you’re up." Lucy announced, but Natsu didn’t stir. “Wanna take his spot, Gray?” Lucy sighed. Gray responded with a small grunt, meaning he acknowledged her talking to him, but he wasn’t actually listening.

“I suppose I should get dressed." Erza requiped into a two piece pajama set colored soft violet with pink crosses printed all over on her pants and shirt.
“You should get into pajamas too, Alice." She suggested.
“You blocked off my magic, remember? I can’t get into anything,” Alice spitefully replied. “I’m sure I have something you can borrow.” Lucy suggested. Alice grunted, annoyed and followed Lucy to her dresser of pajamas.

Alice settled on a set of footie pajamas. It was in the style of a blue cat, resembling Happy. It came with a hood that had cat ears, and from the back, at the tailbone, there was a tail. Alice was shorter and less curvy in places than Lucy, so there was much room to be filled in the body, arms and legs.

“You really like that? I suppose if you want to keep it you can. I don’t wear it. It was a gift from an old maid at home.” Lucy looked over Alice. “Well, I don’t like your tacky style, and I’m not going to wear any of those lacy negligees of yours. What I wouldn’t give to be able to wear an oversized shirt and nothing else!” Alice pouted, shuffling away. “Geesh, if you don’t want it, GIVE IT BACK!” Lucy shouted at Alice’s ungratefulness.

“So it wasn’t just me then,” Gray commented. “Hm?” Alice looked over at him. “You only wore my shirt when you spent the night and you kept that black shirt of mine from when I had to cover you during that party quite a few months ago for Mizure.”

Alice tried to ignore him. “You do have a drinking problem Alice. I guess this could be a good time for an intervention.” Erza butt in. Alice got ashamed, and her face heated up. “I don’t have a problem. I’m just a social drinker.” She lied. Natsu laughed, while in his sleep. Even he didn’t buy her excuse.

“Well if we’re going to be taking a jab at me, why don’t we all go digging through everyone else’s personal inventory,” Alice challenged.

“So, do you know why Phantom attacked us out of the blue like that?” Lucy changed the subject really fast. She sat in a chair at her coffee table.
“No clue. We’ve had our fair share of scuffles with them but not like anything of this magnitude before," Erza answered, sitting on the bed.
“If Pops wasn’t so scared we go and attack those guys," Natsu mumbled. “Since when were you awake?” Lucy asked, since Natsu was deep asleep moments ago.

“Come on Natsu you know Master isn’t afraid of them. You seem to be forgetting he’s one of the ten wizard saints," Gray said. Lucy finally realized he was reading her story. “You can’t snatch it out of my hands without telling me what happens next!” Gray complained. “Yes I can. I told Levy she can be the first one to read it!” Lucy held the papers close to her chest.

Alice and Erza held out their hands, silently requesting to read it.
“You guys aren’t reading it either! Besides what are these ten wizard saints thing?” Lucy put the group back on topic. “From the Council it's a coveted title given to ten of the most powerful wizards on the continent,” Alice recited. “And I happen to be one!” She lied, playfully. “No you’re not," Erza quickly shot her down. “Lucy will believe anything.” Alice pouted, her fun ruined.

Natsu stood up and then pounded a fist on the table. “He is too afraid! He’s scared Phantom has too many members for us to handle!”
“That’s why he’s out getting wasted!” Alice agreed with him, her fiery passion burning up.

“You two know that’s not true! It’s just like what Mira and master said before, our consequences if we go to war with Phantom is not worth the fight! The order of the magic world is at stake here!” Gray shouted. Alice grimaced.
“I don’t get why. Are they that powerful?” Lucy wondered. “Oh please, we’re the top dogs,” “they ain’t got nothin’ on us.” Natsu and Alice said one after another.

“No, if we were to engage them in battle, neither guild would survive. Their strength equals ours.”

Alice rolled her eyes, annoyed.

“Phantom’s master, Jose is also a wizard saint, meaning our master isn’t any stronger. They also have a superior group like our S-class called known as the Element Four but I feel our biggest threat is Black Steel Gajeel. I believe he’s the one behind our guild’s destruction. He’s known as an Iron Dragon Slayer.” Erza voiced.
“He’s a Dragon Slayer? I thought Natsu was the only one!” Lucy gasped. Natsu tch’ed at her statement. Alice stiffened up, getting irritated.

“We could take them in a heartbeat. I could all by myself if my magic wasn’t contained,” Alice said determined. “When did you get on the table?” Lucy jumped, seeing Alice sitting on the table, right next to Natsu. She leaned back on her arms behind her, and she crossed her legs over another at the knees. Natsu in fact, was brushing up against Alice.

Alice had mindlessly walked over to the table, sat on it, and Natsu had stood closer to her. Neither of them, thinking about their actions. Just a subconscious need to be by each other. Alice decided not to answer Lucy.

At this point, it was only Lucy who even noticed the two together like that. It was just normal to everyone else. Gray had zeroed in on Natsu placing a hand on Alice’s shoulder, and Alice tensing up and trying to conceal her excitement.

It was in fact, Natsu. The one Alice broke things off with Gray for. Because Alice no longer cared about what damage her actions did to Loke and she obviously didn’t have feelings for Gray. So it was Natsu she cut Gray off for. She didn’t feel guilty about cheating on her own boyfriend, but her feelings for her best friend.

So something had to have changed. Sure, everyone in the guild had always teased Natsu about Alice for a long time before he got with Lisanna, and after the guild had gotten over Lisanna, and it was no longer tense, everyone started to ship Natsu and Alice once more. But the two never confirmed anything, and always denied that there was something more to their friendship. But Gray always knew Alice would eventually fall for Natsu. It was a matter of time, and he hoped maybe he could change things before it’d happen. Because Gray saw the constant glances to one another, the touching, the blushing. It began to happen a year after Lisanna’s passing. And it had gotten worse with each day.

But now Alice avoiding Gray, and cutting off their FWB’s ordeal, Gray finally paid more attention to her and Natsu’s interactions. They were in love with each other.
Gray snapped his eyes off Natsu’s hand, and towards Erza who replied to Alice’s statement.

“Why? So you can lose control again? Murder innocent people because of your emotions? Just because you have a few spells that aren’t out of control that doesn’t mean you have the right to the black magic! You still have, cursed black magic!” Erza yelled and Alice lost consciousness for a moment, falling off the table. In a swift motion, Natsu had caught her.

“Sorry," Erza apologized. Alice startled back awake, staring up into Natsu’s worried eyes. Alice never blacked out like that unless her magic was starting to get out of control.

“About what?” Alice asked Erza. “Nevermind. We should go to sleep now.” Erza nodded.

Erza and Lucy took Lucy’s bed. Gray laid on the floor. Natsu and Happy snuggled together on the other side of the room, farthest away from Gray, and Alice balled herself up in the big chair. At some point, Happy would get too hot with Natsu and would lay on Alice’s side.

“Wake up everyone!”

Gray shouted, waking everyone. Alice shot up, accidentally knocking Happy on the floor. “Five more minutes, snowflake,” Natsu mumbled and turned on his side. Gray ran over to Natsu and kicked him. “No! This is urgent!” Gray shouted once more.

Everyone quickly got up and got ready to go. Alice, not caring about her modesty, got changed right there in the room.

“What is it?” Erza asked, requiping into her normal gear. “Team shadow gear were attacked in South Gate Park. We need to go there now!" Gray explained urgently.

Within minutes the team made it to South Gate Park. Alice shoved through the crowd of civilians, “move out of the f*cking way!” Erza, right behind her, apologizing. “So sorry for her behavior, we’re Fairy Tail wizards, so please excuse us.”

On the big tree, there was all there members of Shadow Gear. Jet, Droy, and Levy, pinned to a tree with iron beams. They all were heavily battered. Levy’s top was torn, and revealed her abdomen, the Phantom Lord symbol.

Alice felt sick, and her body felt like it was on fire. She was frozen, eyes brimming with tears. Again, dark emotions, Alice not controlling herself, dark magic got out.

Dark lightning danced around her. “Someone is getting killed! And I know the f*cking Dragon Slayer who is getting it first!” Alice screamed with rage. Alice turned away and started to storm off. People around her saw the expression on her face and her intensity and stepped out of her way.

“You’re not going anywhere!” Erza shouted after her. “f*cking watch me.” Alice darkly replied.
“You stay right where you are!” Master demanded, one of the only people who could tell Alice what to do at the moment in the state she was in.

Alice stood there, head down, body trembling with so much magic energy.

Master Makarov witnessed the mess ahead of him and his body radiated with light magic.

“I can tolerate our headquarters getting reduced to rubble, but I will not let any harm come to my children without taking revenge. We have no choice but to go to war!”

Alice smirked darkly. But as she walked on, the magic link that connected her to Erza, alerted her. And in result, both Alice and Erza felt burning pain all across their body. While Erza dropped to her knees, frozen with pain, Alice took deep breaths and continued on.

Chapter 17

Chapter Text

“FAIRY TAIL HAS COME CALLING!” Master Makarov roared out. Both Alice and Natsu, with combined attacks, obliterated the front door to the Phantom Lord guild hall, located in Oak Town.

Alice was the first to attack, a large lightning attack, hitting every single Phantom Lord wizard on the first floor. “Attack!” She lead the battalion.
With her being the first to attack, she took out a handful of wizards right off the bat, and that also made her the priority target.

But with so much dark energy in her, Alice was able to keep the upper hand. No matter the wizard, no matter the power, or how many came at her at once, she kept on top. She wasn’t in control of herself. The dark power in her took the reigns of her body. Alice was only able to control the part that didn’t kill anyone.

The black magic that took control of her desired the power it wielded. Each person hurt, fueled her.
Besides Alice on the warpath, Master was using his giant magic and was a huge giant version of his normally tiny self and he crushed Phantom Lord wizards with just his hands.

They cried out saying he was a monster. “AND HOW DARE YOU PUT YOUR HANDS ON THIS MONSTER’S CHILDREN! DO YOU REALLY THINK HUMAN LAWS CAN PROTECT YOU FROM MY RAGE?! JOSE! SHOW YOURSELF!”

“Someone tell me where Gajeel the Iron Bitch is hiding!” Alice screamed, standing on a pile of knocked out mages. And then a huge crash came from the front lines. A shadowy figure. He stood up high on a support beam.

Alice knew it had to be him. She ran that way, finding herself upon a tall, tanned man with long, ragged black hair, red piercing eyes and piercings all over his body. The most visible studs were on his face, with three of them above each of his eyes acting as eyebrows of sorts, two on each side of his nose, and two on his chin, just below his mouth. His ears were adorned by two sets of five earrings each.
He also sported four studs on each of his forearms, with his right one being covered in scars. As a member of Phantom Lord Guild, he bore his Phantom Lord mark at the top of his right shoulder.

He wore black clothes, that Alice could only describe as "Biker gang aesthetic"

A Fairy Tail-er, Nab, went to attack him first. “You attacked Levy!”
Gajeel transformed one arm into a long iron rod and slammed Nab on the ground, taking out many Phantom Lord members with him.

Gajeel spotted Alice and leapt down, in front of her, and leaned down to her face, smirking. “You called, babe?” His voice was deep and smokey. Alice glowered, but then adorned a sad*stic expression. “Only to return your calls,” she snarled, going in to punch him, but Gajeel caught her tiny fist in the palm of his large hand. Alice, using Water Dragon Slayer Magic, collected water molecules in the air and formed it around her hand and it traveled down Gajeel's arm and then she froze the water, as Alice was about to break away from him to get distance, Gajeel transformed his free arm into a rod and he swung at her, Alice used magic to jump high up into the air. Gajeel swung again, Alice used the impact of his swing to push herself away, though as she touched him, she shocked him.
Gajeel received little damage and recovered fast. Alice started to come back down, and at the perfect height, she kicked Gajeel in the face using a spell called “Hell Raiser”. It was a powerful explosion spell, so as Alice kicked, the spell amplified her attack and Gajeel flew far back and hit a far away wall.

His own members gasped in shock

“I’ve never seen anyone get a hit on him before!”
“Who is she?”
“Wait, I know her. She has a lot of different names to go by. Lightning Strike, because lightning never strikes twice and she gets you out the first time. Some call her Fairy Princess because of her Fairy Tail blood. She’s the Thunder Legion's leader Laxus Dreyar's daughter. She’s Alice Dreyar!”

“Oh come on, is this really all Phantom Lord has to offer me?” Alice strutted confidently over to the limp body. But as she got closer, Gajeel shot out a rod and it hit Alice in the abdomen, and she flew back across the room.

Before Alice hit anything, she teleported back to Gajeel, who dug himself out of a pile of rubble. “Is that all?” Alice asked, sardonically, smiling. “I hope you’re not holding back on me.”

Gajeel dusted himself off and laughed darkly. “Nah, I was just letting you have your moment.”
Alice hardened her expression, “good. Because I’m not done with you until you beg for you life.” She threatened. “You won’t have the chance!” Gajeel said with a punch which Alice dodged. But that was what he wanted. As Alice stepped back, Gajeel whacked her up in the air with his iron rod arm. It was a hard hit so Alice flew up fast, not enough time to think about teleporting.

She hit the ceiling, knocking dust from it, and she bounced back down. The impact knocked the breath out of her. She felt her normal self take back control. Gajeel went to swing at Alice again like she was a baseball and his arm was the bat and he was going for a homerun.

“Don’t you dare touch her!” Natsu roared out. He jumped out of the fight to Gajeel. Natsu got ready to do a Fire Dragon Iron Fist, and that distracted Gajeel from Alice who was able to cast a neuro spell, which made the mind feel an imaginary pain.

Gajeel hesitated feeling the spell, but since it didn’t last long, he was back in action already. Alice teleported to Natsu’s side. Natsu punched Gajeel, who flew into the guild’s bar.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Fairy Tail’s Dragon Slayer.” Natsu roughly shouted. Gajeel stood back up.

“Alice, leave him to me.” Natsu ordered her. Alice pouted. “You just want all the glory!” “I can beat him down harder, just trust me.” Natsu argued. He was trying to protect Alice from accidentally killing someone. He stared down Gajeel. He also wanted a few hits on the ass who attacked his guild hall, and his guildmates. And now his Alice.

Alice sighed and patted Natsu’s shoulder, turning away from the fight. “You better come out on top.” She started to walk off.

“Iron Dragon Iron Club!”

“Natsu!”

Alice sensed something behind her and jumped, catching Natsu blocking a rod coming Alice’s way.
Alice teleported herself a far distance away.

She was next to Erza. “you okay?” Erza asked her. “Yeah. Peachy.” Alice nodded, still trying to catch her breath from Gajeel’s hit.

“You attacked our guild. And Levy’s team!” Natsu roared as he fought Gajeel.

It was an almost equal fight. Natsu would get a beating, then dodge and then get a few hits on Gajeel and then Gajeel would do the same. Neither one better than the other.

Alice watched in awe. Natsu pissed off, fighting hard. Alice had to stop herself from completely drooling over him.

With the two dragon slayers duking it out up in the rafters, something from the next floor up was shaking the ceiling, knocking boards off it.

“This is what happens when Master Makarov gets angry." Cana commented.
“Its called the ‘Giant’s Wrath’.” Loke added
“Nobody will be able to stop him now." Nab smirked.

“He’s gonna make the guild hall collapse!”

“When the Master gets angry, he gets even manlier.” Elfman commented.

“Listen everyone! Prepare to fight! We cannot lose as long as Master Makarov is with us!” Erza shouted. Inspiring the able bodied Fairy Tail members to fight harder. But moments later...

“Something fell from the rafters!” Someone noted.

“Master!”
“Is he okay?”

Master Makarov laid on the floor, paralyzed and green in color. Members surrounded him. “That’s weird, I don’t sense any magic power coming from him.” Gray muttered. Which was true. Master had no magic left in him.

“Their master has been defeated!"
“They don’t stand a chance now he’s gone!"
“ATTACK!”

Phantom Lord had the upper hand once more. With Fairy Tail members distracted, or beaten down, Phantom Lord fought even harder.

“Retreat!” Erza commanded.
“We can’t now!”
“I still have some fight in me!” Protests come from members.

“We have no choice! Everyone! Retreat to the Fairy Tail guild!” Erza commanded again.

Alice nodded. “Retreat! Back to the guild!” Alice shouted, carrying the message to others, running back into the fray to get her guild mates out of the fight.

Alice panted, and looked around to see if there was anyone else. Natsu.

His shout caught Alice’s attention. Phantom Members started to surround Alice, the last Fairy Tail-er left, besides Natsu who was still up in the rafters.

Alice kept her eyes on Natsu as she energy blasted people away from her. Natsu stared over at Gajeel and another Phantom Lord enemy in a long trench coat, eyes covered. They vanished. “Gajeel!” Natsu shouted again.
Why was Natsu still so tense? “Natsu!” Alice called after him. “They took Lucy!” Natsu replied, jumping down to the first floor, near Alice. A Phantom wizard ran by, but not fast enough as Natsu grabbed the guy by the collar, fists blazing. “Not the Salamander!” The guy screamed, staring into Natsu’s merciless, dark eyes. “You got it, buddy. And we need to chat.” Natsu coldly replied. Alice hadn’t seen this side of Natsu in a long while. A part of her, a dark side of her, liked it.
Natsu glared up at Alice who continued to watch him. “Leave.” He ordered. “No.” Alice simply refused. Natsu “tch”ed at her and dragged off his victim, and allowed Alice to come along.

They headed up into the mountainous area, outside of town. “What are we going to do?” Happy asked, flying next to Natsu. “We’re going to save Lucy.” Natsu replied sharply. “So why’d they take her?” Alice wondered. “I’m gonna find out. So,” Natsu stopped abruptly and turned to his hostage. “Where is she?” He demanded roughly. “How should I know? I never heard of a Lucy!” The guy cried.

Natsu pulled the guy up by his shirt and Natsu started to burn him with his ferocious flames. The dude started to scream in agony. “Start talking!” Natsu growled. “I told you! If I knew a Lucy or where she was I would’ve told you! Please!” The guy pleaded.

Natsu threw the guy back on the ground and started to drag him once more, only this time the guy was on fire.
“If you Phantom guys hurt another one of my friends, I’ll burn you to ashes." Natsu threatened.

“I don’t know where she would be! Please put out the fire!”

“You know it’s funny you say that. I was thinking about why I haven’t burned you to a crisp yet." Natsu, mused darkly. Alice trailed behind and the guy looked up at her. “Miss, please believe me. Make him stop! I don’t know anything. You look like a genuine person, you can tell I’m not lying!” He begged Alice.

“Look, you may be telling the truth here, but...-” “Alice! They have Lucy!” Natsu snapped back at her. “Yeah but...”

Natsu stopped and turned his gaze back towards Alice, giving her a warning with his vicious glare. “I knew I shouldn’t have let you come with! Black Alice would’ve been on my side!”

Those words cut Alice deep. In fact, it was enough to bring back out “black Alice”.

A term coined from Alice’s eyes that turned black when her emotions and magic went hand in hand and she seemed to get possessed by the magic sealed away inside her.
It first started years ago, during Alice’s time as a model for the “Lolita Weekend” magazine. Alice had many fans, and a few crazy ones too. And when one of those crazed obsessed fans had attacked Cana in attempts to get Alice’s attention, it brought out Black Alice for the first time. Another accidental, confirmed kill.

“Black Alice doesn’t give a f*ck about Lucy! Why do you care so much about her! She doesn’t know you like I do! I-”

“Hey, so if you don’t like Lucy, can you convince your friend here to let me go?” Phantom guy interrupted, resulting in Alice giving him hundreds of volts of electricity. “But... if you want to go save her, I’ll help.”
The guy whimpered out.
“Our headquarters are up ahead. My guess is that they’re keeping her there!” The guy finally fessed up.. “You should’ve said that in the first place!” Natsu shouted, turning up the heat. “You got your answer! Let me go! Or please stop with the fire!” The guy screamed.

“Make sure he can’t get too far away. If she’s not there, you’ll be dealing with not only me next time." Natsu dropped the guy, and the flames went out. He looked up at Alice. “She’s our friend. She’s a part of Fairy Tail. If it was anyone else, I’d still do the same.” Natsu gave Alice a look of indifference.
Natsu then sprinted off. “Yeah, go save the bitch. See if I care.” She scoffed. “Alice is jealous!” Happy teased. Alice’s head suddenly to hurt immensely. She hissed in pain, and grabbed her head with both hands on either side. With his chance to run, the Phantom guy ran off in the opposite direction of Natsu.

“Are you okay?” Happy dropped the teasing demeanor. “I’m- ah! All this dark energy.... I don’t know if I can handle it!” Alice groaned. A cloud of dark energy came from Alice’s body and then dissipated. She doubled over, in relief, and panted. “Alice?” Happy asked, cautiously. “I’m fine. I’m fine...I just...My magic container can’t handle all that magic with half of it sealed. So my body started to react violently. I have to control myself better.”

“If you’re all right, do you want to go after Natsu, or that Phantom guy?”

“I don’t care about that extra. We don’t know what’s at the tower, so we should go after Natsu.” Alice stood back up, vision hazy, sweating, but yet freezing. “I’ll fly us!” Happy volunteered, grabbing Alice from the back of her top, and took off after Natsu.

Happy and Alice made it in time to see Lucy fall from the tower, and Natsu catch her before she fell to the ground.

Lucy sat on the ground and Natsu stood there as Happy and Alice met up with them. As Happy let go of Alice, she fell to her hands and knees.

“Alice!” All three gasped. “I’m fine! I’m great...” Alice stood up to her feet weakly. “No you’re not. You just had that headache a few minutes ago. You said that your body can’t handle all the magic.” Happy argued. Natsu put his hand to Alice’s forehead. “You’re burning up. You have a fever. I guess Black Alice isn’t a good thing after all.” Alice swatted his hand away. She was a bit miffed by his comment about her right when she turned Black again.

“We better get out of here.” Happy suggested. “This is the headquarters! Let’s get them!” Natsu argued. “Erza said retreat!” Happy countered. “To hell with what she said! She’s not in charge. She can’t come kick our asses because she doesn’t know any of this right here and now!” Alice added, even though she was dizzy and weak, she still had a fighting spirit. “That doesn’t matter! You saw what happened to Master!” Happy yelled at the two. “That’s why we need to get back at them!” Natsu replied.
“Neither of you are strong enough!” The blue cat declared. “What did you say?” Natsu asked offended. “I said you can’t face them on your own!” Happy repeated. “I heard you the first time!” Natsu replied, angered.

“Everybody’s hurt!” Happy pointed out. “I’m not. He’s not." Alice gestured to herself and Natsu, but her point didn’t stand since she was pale in the face, and her eyes didn’t want to focus on anything. “Nab’s got a broken arm!” Happy argued again.
“So what I’m stronger than him anyways," Natsu scoffed.
“Macao’s beat up too."
“He got beat up by a Vulcan too.” Alice stood strong with her case.

Lucy spoke up in a whimper. “I’m sorry.” The three looked down at her puzzled but shocked. “I’m so sorry.” Lucy’s voice broke and she started to breathe raggedly. She started to cry.

Alice stood there awkwardly, not knowing how to handle what was now going on. She wasn’t good at handling other people’s emotions. She looked wildly at the boys to see if they had a clue what to do, but then glanced back down at Lucy. “All of this. Everything is my fault! But I don’t want to leave! I want to stay with you guys! Because I love being in Fairy Tail!” Lucy sincerely confessed, looking up at the three who looked down at her.

Alice was lost. She didn’t know how to comfort others. She barely knew how to comfort herself. Sure, she’s dealt with Happy’s crying episodes, but that was just how he was. And Natsu cried to Alice maybe once or twice, and she was blind on what to do then.
When Alice was bothered by something she avoided her own emotions. She wanted to be by herself and repress her emotions.

“So, what’s the matter?” Alice asked awkwardly, but unsure of herself. “Why are you crying?” Natsu mirrored Alice’s tone. “Remember: girls are delicate.” Happy advised the two.

“We better get to the guild then” Alice shrugged. “I guess. Come on Lucy," Natsu’s voice was soft. Lucy kept on crying. Alice was a bit scared. “You’re a girl, do something.” Natsu whispered roughly to Alice. “You’re a boy. Do something.” Alice snapped quietly.

“Hey, you want me to carry you on my back?” Natsu suggestd to Lucy who then cried harder. “Look what you’ve done!” Happy accused Natsu.

Alice sighed hard, and kneeled by Lucy, putting a hand on her shoulder. “Look, I get it. You’re in a difficult spot right now. I’ve been there too. You love Fairy Tail and you think you did something that’s unforgivable that makes you less deserving to be in the guild. I don’t know you’re reason but I know mine. I’ve hurt people I care about. I used to not be able to control my magic as well as I can now and that’s gotten someone hurt and even though they might forgive me, I can never forgive myself. In fact, I shouldn’t be allowed to stay in Fairy Tail. I’m a murderer. I’ve killed innocent children, and people who I never knew. I couldn’t control the darkness within me and I’m still dangerous because even though it’s sealed off, sometimes my darkness comes back out. I know you don’t think you belong because of something you think you did wrong, but no matter what you are a part of Fairy Tail. If I’m still allowed to be there, you damn well belong as well.” Alice spewed out. Natsu and Happy confused where this came from. Lucy nodded and then hugged Alice and cried more. “Thank you, Alice!”

Alice’s eyes widen, and she froze. She didn’t know she was capable of relating to someone, and she didn’t know how to respond to Lucy hugging her. So she awkwardly patted Lucy’s back. “Hey, so we should go back. So if you like, I’m sure Natsu’s still willing to carry you.” Alice offered.

And so there the group went on their way back to Fairy Tail.

Chapter 18

Chapter Text

Alice laid on her stomach, propped up by her elbows. Natsu was leaning against the next wall, near Alice, who was up atop of wall of crates. Lucy sat on a barrel next to Natsu.

The members of Fairy Tail mended their broken spirits in the basem*nt.

Alice wore 120x Gale-Force reading glasses, trying to cram 5 books worth of information in before any retaliation from Phantom Lord. She had a fire magic spell book, an advanced Secret Lightning Magic book, a book with diagrams and instructions for hand to hand combat, a book with a specific passage about Unison Raids, and a book about increasing magic power.

She had already read up on the archives of Phantom Lord, a beginners book on Air Magic, documents on the Heartfilia Konzern, and finally another book about Goddess Magic.

It turned out that Lucy ran away from home. Her father wanted Lucy to marry some rich guy from another rich family. So Lucy ran away from home and her father wanted her back home. So he reached out to Phantom Lord and was going to pay them handsomely for bringing Lucy back home.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get them back for this.” Gray reassured Lucy. Alice tried to tune everyone out as she was on her last book. “That’s not what I’m worried about. It’s just all my fault,” Lucy replied, voice still trembling. “Being targeted by people is just a downside of being rich,” Elfman commented in sympathy. “At least you’re protected by a real man, like me.”
“I’m just surprised. Why did you hide that from us Lucy?” Happy asked. “I wasn’t hiding it. It’s hard to bring up I’m a runaway in casual conversation. I’ve been gone for a year and my father hasn’t cared. Now all of a sudden he wants to force me to come home? He’s done all those horrible things just to get me back. I hate his guts! But if I hadn't run away, none of this would’ve happened," Lucy expressed.
“It’s not your fault, it's your dad’s," Elfman said. “Dude,” Gray scolded. “I mean it's Phantom’s fault," Elfman corrected himself.

“It’s my fault they attacked us. I’m so very sorry. I’m just going to go back home and hopefully all of this will be over with.” Lucy apologized.
“I don’t know. I can’t see you playing the part of the pretty princess sitting in her mansion. Laughing in this filthy guild hall with us, going on adventures even though you freak out all the time, that’s who you really are. You said you wanted to stay here with us, why would you go back to the place you wanna stay away from? Come on, who are you trying to kid? You’re Lucy of Fairy Tail. No more running because you belong here with us.” Natsu genuinely comforted her, patting her head.

And cute the jealousy.
Alice could feel an evil feeling in the pit of her stomach, unrelated to the other dark feelings swirling in her head. “Now that was lovely, can you all be quiet? I have reading to do!” Alice snapped, scowling. The four boys looked up at Alice in shock and disappointment since Alice decided to be a bitch in a trying time, especially since they were trying to comfort, a still crying, Lucy.
Alice went back to read her book about Magic Energy, reading a chapter about how to expand one’s magic container.

“Hey, Happy, go get that book from her.” Natsu shrugged at the blue cat. “Aye sir.”

And like that, Happy flew up, grabbed the book out of Alice’s hands, and brought it back down to Natsu.

Alice gasped and then glared down at Natsu. She jumped down from the crates and stomped over to him, getting into his face as he read the part Alice was at, and also holding the book up out of Alice’s reach. “Why are you reading about Magic Containers?” He asked, ignoring Alice hopping up and down, trying to reach the book. “What?” Gray demanded and took the book. Alice then went over to him to get the book back, but now with a blush of embarrassment. “It’s nothing. Light reading.” Alice shrugged off.

“What are you trying to do?” Gray interrogated her. Holding up at his arm’s length, up away from Alice, several inches shorter. “It’s nothing!” Alice jumped up, trying to grab the book, finger tips only able to brush the binding.

“You’re trying to figure out how to access your dark magic!” He accused. Alice sputtered trying to play it off. “No. I’m just taking up a new hobby.” Alice stuttered out an excuse.

Gray gave Alice a scolding look that would rival Erza’s own expression. “What? With my magic all back, you can send me out there and tell me I was adopted- no that I wasn’t adopted, and with that overwhelming emotion, they’ll all be dead!” Alice explained, getting very irritated.

“Black Alice," Elfman commented, assuming something. “Not this time.” Gray gazed down into Alice’s angry blue eyes. “Her eyes dilate when she’s Black Alice. This is just normal Alice.” Gray theorized. “Oh wow, want a medal for being so freaking smart?” Alice growled, hating being analyzed.
“And Black Alice cusses," Happy added. “Give me back my book!" Alice menacingly ordered Gray. “Burn it, Natsu." Gray, with a flick of the wrist, tossed the book to the Pink mage.

The moment the book was in his hands, it caught fire and was ash within seconds. Alice glared at Natsu, who just smirked proudly at her.

From the center tower of the building, a hole appeared and from within it, a canon. The canon started to emit a dark ominous aura around it and a dark purple circle. “EVERYONE RUN!” Erza yelled still in her bath towel. But she requipped into her Adamantine Armor and ran forward. It was a set of black bulky armor with strong magical properties, used for defense, rather offense.

“What are you doing?” Cana yelled after her. “Protecting the guild! Everyone stay back!” Erza announced.

Gray held back Natsu, who fought him to go to Erza.

The cannon fired. The blast pushed the water out away from it. A Jupiter canon. For a moment, Erza’s shield held against the blast, but eventually her shield cracked.
“Erza!” Alice cried, her feet carrying her towards her guildmate. Loke quickly ran after Alice, wrapping his arms tightly around Alice’s middle, holding her back. “Let me go!” Alice cried fighting against him
“You can’t help!” Loke grunted, using all his strength to keep a hold Alice. With sheer luck, Erza wasn’t killed. Her shield disintegrated, and the remaining blast hit Erza head on, also destroying her armor, leaving her in day clothes. Erza laid on the ground, heavily damaged.

Natsu was able to get away from Gray and ran over to Erza.

“Makarov has fallen. Now Erza can no longer stand.” A voice came from the structure from speakers. “And chance of victory has fallen through your fingers. Surrender Lucy Heartfilia immediately. You have no choice.” The voice demanded.

“As as I can fight, Lucy isn’t going anywhere!” Alice challenged, at the top of her voice. Her spirit encouraging other guild mates to protect Lucy.
Not that Alice was that attached to Lucy. But she had gotten used to her. She had started to get to know more about her against her will. Other Fairy Tailers had started to like her. Mirajane, Cana, Levy, and Natsu and Happy had saw her as a friend.

It wouldn't be right to tear their bonds apart-- Also, it wasn't the Fairy Tail way to give up on another member. Lucy had become a part of their family.

“Be that way! But I’ll fire back up the Jupiter cannon in 15 minutes if you don’t give her up!” The voice said aggravated.

Loke distracted, loosened his grip and Alice broke free and sprinted towards Gray and Natsu who were kneeling by Erza.
“Erza’s out now. She’s the only reason we’re still standing from the first shot." Gray commented.

Dark figures emerged from the Phantom Lord building, wearing purple capes, flying towards Fairy Tail. “You Fairy Tail-ers are stubborn. There’s only two ways this will play out. Either my troops will tear you apart, or you’ll be blown away by Jupiter.”

“We have to destroy that cannon before it blasts again.” Alice planned. “I’ll smash it. I only have 15 minutes to wreck it, right?” Natsu looked to Alice for confirmation. She nodded.
“All right! Come on, Happy!” Natsu ran towards the building and jumped up, Happy catching him and flying towards the structure.

“Let’s go storm the place!” Gray said, to Alice, and Elfman who appeared out of nowhere.

Inside, the three split up. All going in different directions.

Alice’s route was coincidentally the only one with dead ends, and no enemies. Alice felt left out, and useless having no one to beat up. As she got back to the starting place, the whole building started to shake.

And then the floor started to tilt. “No! No, no no!” Alice lost balance and fell face first on the ground, and started to slide. Alice screamed more and then caught herself on a door frame, as the building seemed to shift around and Alice, who was on the floor, hung vertically in the air now, and then all these things start to fall her way. Furniture, like chairs, bookshelves, tables, and light structures. Smaller items like books, utensils, and every day objects.

“Where did these all come from!” Alice said, exasperated. And then a wardrobe, from somewhere came her direction. There was no dodging this.

She gripped harder to the door frame with her left hand and let go of it with her right, and tried to do a spell to obliterate the wardrobe, but Alice overestimated her strength and could no longer hold on and there she went, flying down the hallway.

Alice looked at where she was going to keep going, and that would be right out of the structure and into the water below!

“Alice!” Happy shouted delighted to see her, as she fell right into their room. Happy flew up and caught her. “Gotcha!”

“Happy! Nats- Are you serious?” Alice was at first, relieved and joyous until she saw Natsu motion sick, wobbling about, doubled over. The cannon was destroyed, so Alice couldn’t be too disappointed.
The floor finally leveled back out and Happy placed Alice down, safe. But the structure seemed to be moving.

“What’s going on?” Natsu mumbled, trying not to open his mouth to much, in fear of throwing up. “I’ve heard rumors but there’s never been evidence of it before. But I think this is Phantom Lord’s greatest weapon, Super Mage Giant Phantom MK II,” Alice said, thoughtfully.

“Yes! Phantom Lord will be victorious! Now that your friend here is sick, I can take care of both of-” A fire wizard with lightly tanned skin, half white and half black hair, with the black side over overlaying the front and left side of his head, leaving the smaller white portion concentrated on the left-- All of it tied back into a short pony tail. This was a young man with an average build. His had three black lines going horizontal on his face across the right of his nose and both cheeks. He was dressed in a long red orange ninja robe.

His looked at Alice as she turned to face him. His face turned red and his eyes went wide, but then he calmed himself down, clearing his throat.

“When did you get here?” Alice asked, uninterested. “When did I get here?- I’ve been here!” He answered, slightly offended. “I didn’t mean to yell, I mean- Yes I did because you’re an annoying Fairy Tail-er! But... after this whole thing is over, and we kick your butts, would you like to maybe go out for-- Wait!” As he got to the end of his question, his body had been encased in a solid block of ice.

“You’re not a man! You have to get in line like the rest of us!” Elfman and Gray ran into the room, and Elfman yelled and punched the dude out a window.

“What was that Natsu? That was sad!” Gray commented on his sickness, but also to get a jab in. “If you were a real man, you would make the giant motion sick of you!” Elfman preached. “But anyways, is this what’s left of the Jupiter cannon?” Gray wondered. “Aye!” Happy answered. “Then you did good."

Happy would fly back in moments later to describe what he saw.

“Abyss Break? That’s a forbidden spell! And if it’s as big as Happy says, it can do way worse than the Jupiter cannon and this time it can take out all of Magnolia!” Alice expressed. “We’re doomed!” Happy cried. “What are we going to do? We gotta stop them!” Natsu said getting fired up.
“I guess we gotta split up and look for this thing’s power source," Gray suggested. “Are we ever gonna get a break?” Elfman sighed.

“Come on, let's do this guys!” Natsu encouraged. “Yeah!” Elfman and Gray agreed. “Aye!” Happy added.

Natsu unraveled himself from Alice but took hold of her wrist, as he pulled her along, down the hallway. “Come on!” Natsu said, as Alice stumbled, trying to regain her footing.

“Hey guys, I just thought of something really cool!” Natsu started up. “A plan?” Alice asked. “No, I bet if we beat Jose it’ll put an end to all this crazy fighting!” Natsu suggested.
“Are you completely out of your mind?!” Happy’s flying faltered for a moment. “That guy is as strong- if not stronger than Master!” Alice tried to put some sense into Natsu’s head for once.

“Well gramps is out of commission, it’ll have to be up to someone else to beat that jerk!” Natsu huffed.
“You idiot! Now you’ve got me thinking about Master and Erza being injured and now we have no one to defeat Jose!” Alice said, voice breaking with worry. Natsu stopped, and so did the other two. “I thought this would bring out Dark Alice?” Natsu wondered. “Instead you just made Alice sad.” Happy replied.

“We can’t face him on our own. We don’t have Master, or Erza and they’re our best hope! Laxus is M.I.A., Gildarts is out on his Century Quest, and the Thunder Legion wouldn’t even help if we asked! And with those phantom minions out there attacking the rest of us outside, while we didn’t get any time to recuperate after we attacked them, no one else will be strong enough to take down Jose!” Alice cried, getting stressed out. Natsu placed a hand on top of her head. Alice perked up to look him in the eye. “Don’t worry. Together, we can handle it!” He smiled. Alice’s heart pounded, and that did comfort her a bit.

“Are you two going to kiss?” Happy teased with a giggle. “You’re such a child!” Alice snapped, looking away from Natsu as her cheeks heated up.

And so off they went again down the halls, looking for Jose.

They came across a flight of stairs. “I bet they’ll lead us to Jose!” Natsu pointed. They went up the stairs and came across a room with red carpet that led to two different staircases, that went to another door.

“Well it’s worth a shot,” Alice shrugged.

The three were suddenly lifted up into the air with magic. They floated several feet into the air for a moment before violently crashing back down to the floor.

In front of the group, a small vortex of multicolored air currents.
“How sad.” A voice came from the tornado, the swirl of air died down and from within the vortex came the Air Magic wizard, Aria, a member of the Element 4. He was a tall, bulky male wearing simple clothing under a long green robe. His most notable feature being the white cloth tied around his eyes.

“I will make your wings of fire wither and fall and all that will remain is a dragon’s corpse. While I shall take your fairy heart full of life and drain it until the brightness in your eyes vanish.” Aria threatened poetically. Alice pouted, because her threat wasn’t as beautifully tragic as Natsu’s was. Why was he a dragon, but she was just a fairy?

“Careful he’s from the Element 4," Happy warned. “I am Aria, the strongest of the Element 4. I have come in the hopes of hunting a dragon and silencing a lightning storm.” Aria announced, as his eyes started to pour tears.
“Let me guess. You’re a wind wizard. I’ve dealt with your kind.” Natsu replied, indifferently. “This is different Natsu. He’s far more powerful than Erigor.” Alice cautioned. “Doesn’t mean we can’t take him, come on Alice!” Natsu charged Aria.

Chapter 19

Chapter Text

“Lightning beam!”
Aria easily deflected Alice’s spell, but with it, a wind spell that blocked Alice’s lightning, also carried Alice away, and threw her against a wall, for what seemed like the millionth time.

Neither Alice or Natsu could get a hit on the guy. Alice couldn't get close to him, was she allowed a moment to focus and try more experimental magic.

“Fire dragon iron fist!” Natsu charged at him.
Slammed into a wall.

Alice stood up, warily, breathing hard. “I can’t believe either of you are still standing," Aria said. “Don’t underestimate the power of Fairy Tail!” Alice burst out, her pride still alive.

“How can you stand this? Seven.” Aria cast a spell that set off small but powerful explosions all around Alice’s body. Alice screamed in pain, as she was sent backwards.
“Alice!” Natsu shouted, running towards her, as she landed on the ground. Natsu was hit with the same attack.

Alice stood back up, but Aria wasn’t giving her a chance. “Seven!”

Alice tried to keep her cries in. Her body felt like it was on fire, and her muscles were tense and hard to move. Alice laid back down on the ground, breathless. She could barely twitch her fingers.

“Let’s see how you go against this, Fire dragon roar!” Natsu aimed the spell at Aria, who then disappeared from his spot. “Where did he go?”

“I’ll let you have a gift, I’ll let you join your master in suffering!” Aria teleported behind Natsu and before Alice could even gasp.
“Airspace: Drain!”

“Are you sure you’re okay to fight?” Natsu asked, but the look on Erza’s face said it all. “So you’re the one who drained our Master’s power.” Erza turned to Aria..
“The great Erza Scarlet, so unfortunate, seems that Titania with lose her head alongside her friends, Salamander and Child of the Fairies," Aria smiled. Alice groaned, annoyed that no one could agree on a name for her.

“Our master suffered greatly by your hands, I will avenge him!” Erza stated passionately. “Well since I have a worthy opponent it’s time I take things a little more seriously." Aria removed his blindfold.
“Now, step into Zero! Anyone you touch it dies." Aria’s spell made the air whip around violently.

“A spell that consumes life? Tell me, how can you take lives so easily, you scoundrel!” Erza requiped into a different set of armor.

“Attention all Fairy Tail scum, listen carefully because I’m only gonna say this once:” Jose's voice rang throughout the guild hall, like on a magical PA system. A bloody murder scream ripped through the air. Lucy. She sounded hurt.

“We have captured your precious Lucy Heartfilia, which means our first order of business is out of the way, so that leaves us with one more thing, my favorite line: Wiping all of you pathetic brats off the face of the earth." Jose’s voice called out through the building.

“Lucy.” Alice groaned, her head splitting migraine returning. She pounded her fist to the ground to maybe work out the pain. She breathed in deep, closing her eyes and focusing on her breathing. Using a Water Dragon Slayer technique, she filtered out the water molecules in the air and taking them into her body to create energy. It wasn't much, but it was a considerable amount, as Magnolia was a river town.

But there was a very discerning reason why Alice never used this technique often: The water came from any and all surfaces. It didn't matter where it came from, or how it was formed. Her body would absorb it and it'd leave a leathery taste in the back of her mouth.

Alice came to the rescue, at Lucy's side. But her and Lucy watched the fight between the two Dragon Slayers.

Gajeel laughed, “It ain’t hard to catch a salamander if you use the right bait!”
“Unlike you Phantom creeps, I watch out for my friends. I won’t let you lay a hand on her!” Natsu growled. “Stay back, this could get ugly," he warned his three friends.

“Gajeel!” One of the Phantom freaks cautioned to Gajeel. “Stay back, he’s mine." Gajeel smirked

And then they were fighting. They both were so fast, it was hard to pick out who was who and who had the upper hand. It was just a blur of black and red.

“Lucy, are you okay?” Happy asked. “Yes, but just watching them....I’ve never seen Natsu like this before.” Lucy said, fixated on the hot fire breather. “He’s so amazing.” Alice commented. “Alice is in love!” Happy teased. “I-I didn’t say anything like that! I have a boyfriend, I think!” Alice shouted at the blue cat, embarrassed.

But she had to admit, angry, beaten up, hot and sweaty Natsu was hot af.

Natsu and Gajeel stopped for a moment. “For Fairy Tail scum, you’re pretty co*cky." Gajeel mocked.
“You’re the scum here, for hurting Lucy I’m gonna use my fire power to melt your ugly face." Natsu lamely challenged. “I’d like to see you try," Gajeel scoffed in amusem*nt.

This figure had an ethereal glow to it's body and features. It was a young woman with flowing fiery red hair tied back into a long pony tail, with tufts of hair framing her soft face. She had open sharp eyes the shade of a dark sangria. On her glowey skin, on her left cheek, under her eye she had two star shaped rhinestones. She was about Alice's size and height, and looked around the same age.

"She looks just like you Alice! Wait, is this your m-" Happy cried in awe. "Mom..." Alice gasped, breathless at the sight before her. This spirit indeed had taken on the appearance of Alice's late mother.

Her chest thudded and her mind muddled with millions of thoughts, bringing tears to her eyes. But she knew this wasn't really her mother. The spirit was just taking on the form of a person Alice missed. Rumor had it that goddess spirits took on various forms based on the user's thoughts and emotions. Their truest desire, their family, loved ones, idols, anything that gained trust.

"What is this, Alice? Is this really your mom?" Lucy gasped.
Alice swallowed hard, unable to take her eyes of the image of her mother in the flesh. “Its Goddess magic. With a price of whatever the illusion desires, it does what it's meant to with me as its master. It takes on the appearance of whoever it needs to in order to get you to agree to its terms. They have tremendous magic power, magic humans are unable to possess on their own, which makes their deals deadly. And this spirit decided my mother was the best person to use against me."

The spirit smiled warmly at Alice, like a mother proud to see how her daughter had grown up. "Look at you, little bean. You've grown into such a beautiful woman. Tell me, what can I do to make you smile?" The false Yoko reached out to caress Alice's cheek. Wanting to melt into her warmth and finally know what her mother's touch was like, Alice felt herself wanting to ask for more than she needed.

She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists, taking in a stable breath. "I know you're not really my mother. I need you to assess this girl's injuries and heal them." She replied strained.

“Deal.” Alice agreed, without hesitation. Ten years? Okay. How old did people get to now a days? So many powerful wizards in their hundreds and still full of so much life. What was ten years to how long she could potentially live to? She'd never feel it, and by the time it came, she'd hardly remember ever making this deal.

“Because I can. So what did I miss?” Alice looked back to the two Dragon Slayers who weren’t even slowing down.

“I think you’re scared!” Gajeel swung this thing at Natsu who dodged it with every slice in the air going for him.
“I’ll give you credit for being a nimble little fairy," Gajeel teased. “You’re no slouch yourself," Natsu commented. “But we have a score to settle from the other day. No time like the present, wouldn’t you agree?” Gajeel challenged. “Let’s go, rivet face!"

“Natsu, if you lose, I’ll kick your ass!” Alice warned as encouragement. At this time Gajeel covered himself in iron dragon scales, making his skin nearly impenetrable, and his melee attacks even more damaging. “Okay, if he kills you, then don’t worry about it.” Alice added after the fact.
“Iron dragon iron fist!” Gajeel punched Natsu and Natsu went flying into a wall. “Hearing you hit that wall was music to my ears," Gajeel laughed.

Gajeel went for more hits but Natsu dodged them, Natsu went for a hit to Gajeel’s face. “I bet that hurt, didn’t it. Your hits are nothing to me." Gajeel said. Natsu rolled on the ground, in pain. “That didn’t hurt! Nope! Not at all!” He cried. He stood back to his feet but then Gajeel headbutted him into the ground. “Quit the act, you just don’t wanna cry in front of the girls do you?” Gajeel teased.

“Fire Dragon Roar!”

“Iron Dragon Roar!”

Both spells went head to head against each other, the intensity pushed Lucy, Happy, Alice, and the other Phantom freaks back. Plus the impact of both spells colliding created a hole in the wall to the outside.

Alice picked herself up off the ground, to her feet.

“Fire and iron dragons are so different, aren’t they, Salamander? You can shower me with fire until you run out of hot air, but it's not gonna crack my armor, on the other hand, my iron blade attacks can rip your body to shreds.” Gajeel explained, co*ckily. Natsu was slouched over, breathing hard.
“I can’t crack your armor huh? Don’t you feel a draft?” Natsu barely had the energy to smile.

And on cue, a small spot on of scale on Gajeel’s face cracked, and popped off. “I don’t breathe regular ol’ fire. Fire dragon roar destroys anything it touches." Natsu took off his vest and flung it elsewhere. Natsu engulfed himself in fire and both Slayers were fighting once more, back up in the sky.

They moved so fast, they looked like fireworks when they collided. Eventually they crashed back down, the impact threw dirt and debris up in the air

The dust cleared and Gajeel was eating iron scraps. “Oh really? That’s no fair!” Natsu cried. “Now I got a fire in my belly," Gajeel swallowed. “Hey! That’s my line!” Natsu cried again.

Gajeel let off immense power. Now he had the advantage. “How did he become so powerful?” Lucy gasped. “When dragon slayers eat their element they regain all their magic energy!” Happy explained. “We need to get Natsu some fire then!” Lucy exclaimed. “He can’t eat his own fire and my fire magic is really weak so he wouldn’t gain anything from it!” Alice shook her head.

Lucy pulled out a key. “I haven’t worked out a contract yet, but I don’t care! I call upon thee Sagittarius!”

Out came some man in some poorly made horse costume with a bow and a quiver of arrows. The spirit saluted to Lucy. “We can do all the important stuff later I need to know if you do fire!” Lucy said quite demanding.
“No. I do archery. Yes indeed."

“I finally feel useless!” Lucy sighed depressingly.

“Wait! Is there anything electrical around here? I can override it with my own electricity and it’ll cause an explosion, ergo fire!” Alice brainstormed, then she looked back over to the fight.

Natsu laid on the floor. “I think I’ve had my fun with you, so get lost!” Gajeel smiled to himself. Natsu didn’t move. “Natsu, get up!” Alice murmured to herself, her anxiety rising.

“Hey look, it looks like my guild is doing you guys a favor and redecorating." Gajeel said gesturing to the hole gaping hole in the wall. Those shadow creatures were still terrorizing Fairy Tail members on the ground but now there was a huge one who was completely wrecking the guild, reducing it to rubble.

Her home.

~

Alice stood a few meters away from the guild door, which was open. She peered inside, watching all the people in there. She was far too shy to just walk in. She didn’t know why Fairy Tail felt familiar, but it did.

“Hey, you looking for someone in Fairy Tail?” A kid’s voice called out to her. Alice jumped and snapped her attention to the boy her size, smiling at her. “I-uh, no. I-’ll be going. Sorry.” Alice bowed her head and turned to leave. She felt too embarrassed to ask for entry or to inquire about the guild. “Wait! Do you wanna join or something? You can, they don’t turn anyone down! It’s the Fairy Tail way!” The pink haired kid stepped towards her. Alice stopped, looking back. “Are you in it?”

“Yep!” Natsu pushed down his collar as much as he could, barely reaching down his shoulder, but revealed the dark red mark partially. Alice nodded, and then glanced down at the ground. “My name is Natsu Dragneel. I’m a fire dragon slayer. I was taught my magic by my dad Igneel the Fire Dragon King!” Natsu introduced himself. “Dragon king? Was he a dragon?” Alice regained her focus.
“Yep! Not a lot of people believe me though.”

“I had a dragon. Her name was Umiko. She was a water dragon.” Alice shyly revealed. “Really! So you’re a dragon slayer too?!” Natsu excited pushed for more. “Not really. I only knew her for two years. She’s gone now. She didn’t have time to teach me a lot of her magic.” Alice replied, a bit off put by Natsu’s energy.

“Igneel’s gone too. He disappeared a while ago. But then I came across here and I’m a Fairy Tail member now. You should join too!”
Alice didn’t know what to do. “By the way, I told you my name, so what’s yours?” Natsu continued. “I’m Alice. I don’t really have a magic type.”

“That’s okay, Fairy Tail will still have a place for you. Come on, I’ll introduce you to Master.” Natsu grabbed a hold of Alice’s hand and lead her into the guild hall. Not at all caring about the beaten up state Alice was in.

“Natsu, you got yourself a girlfriend?” A random guy asked, teasing the fire user. “This is my friend, Alice. She’ll be joining Fairy Tail!” Natsu swerved the question, as he continued on his mission.

“Alice?” “Alice?” “Is it possible there’s more than one Alice in Fiore?” “There’s no doubt about it. That’s Alice Dreyar. She has Yoko’s hair and Laxus’s eyes.” “Man, what the coincidence Natsu was the one to find her.”

Alice sat at a table, by herself, reading a book, while taking mindless spoonfuls of stew into her mouth periodically. A small child with such a serious aura around her. “You’re new, right?” Another small child stood in front of Alice. Black spiked hair, grey eyes, no clothes except his boxers, a cross necklace, and his dark blue guild mark on his chest.

Alice averted her gaze to him and eyed him up and down. “I don’t like to talk to people who don’t wear clothes.” Alice replied coldly. “Eh?! I don’t know why this keeps happening!” He shouted to himself and immediately put his clothes back on. He sat down in a spot across from Alice. “So, I’m Gray, you’re called Alice, right?” He continued the conversation. Nothing about his tone said he was particularly excited to meet her, but he was curious about this new girl who happened to be a Dreyar. “Yes. I’m Alice.” She nodded, going back to her book. “So, I heard about your story. I didn’t know Laxus could have a kid, especially how young he is.” Gray responded. Alice didn’t want to talk about that, so she ignored him.

“So you’re one of those too good to talk to people types, huh?” Gray scoffed. “No. I just don’t want to talk to a stripper.” Alice muttered.

Natsu skipped over. “Hey, Moody!” He greeted. “Call me that one more time, you’ll see how moody I can really be.” Alice responded in a warning tone. “Okay, whatever. Wanna go to the forest?” He smiled, not phased by Alice’s harsh words. “What’s in the forest that so important?” She asked, not interested in the least bit.

“Well there’s ton of things! There’s a river we can fish at, or swim! You’re a Water Dragon Slayer,right? So you must like water! Or there’s a lot of trees, we can have a climbing competition. Or- or there’s tons of animals to chase!” Natsu listed excitedly. “You’re an animal in your own right. Those all sounded like a waste of time. Go ask Lisanna,” Alice replied. “Lisanna went on a quest with Mirajane and Elfman. She won’t be back for a few days.” Natsu pouted, disheartened. “Hey, Fire Brain, go pester someone else.” Gray butt in. “You wanna piece of me?!” Natsu jumped on the table and got ready to fight Gray. “Wow, Fire and Ice fighting each other. How cliche.” Alice closed her book and scooted off the bench and walked off.

“Hey! Wait for me!” Natsu called, running after her.

“Hey!” Natsu greeted Alice from behind, as she sat at the bar, talking with new comer, Cana. “Natsu, I’m having a conversation. Be kind.” Alice hastily responded and then went back to talk to Cana. Natsu crossed his arms and waited there, impatiently for several minutes.

And after a while, Cana left the bar, and Natsu immediately took her stool. “So, what’d you want?” Alice boredly asked. “Let’s go on a quest together!” Natsu requested. “I haven’t been on one yet. I don’t know if I’m ready to do that.” Alice shook her head. “Aw, come on! You’ll have me! We’ll be a team!”

Alice fell to her knees, broken sounds coming from her agape mouth. Tears streamed freely down her face. Her home!

“You’re here early.” Alice commented on Natsu’s appearance at the guild hall early morning, the sun barely up. “You’re even earlier. How’d you get in?” Natsu replied, walking over to Alice who was behind the bar making herself breakfast. “I’m currently sleeping here.” Alice answered. “Why aren’t you at Fairy Hills like the rest of the girls?” Natsu asked.

“I’ve been here for a few days, I don’t have enough money to live anywhere. Master Makarov was kind enough to share his home with me, but I declined and I’m staying here.”
“Come live with me! It won’t be as lonely as this place can be when everyone’s gone.”

"It's fine. I'm used to being alone now. It's not that bad anymore." Alice declined with a shrug. Natsu scrunched up his eyebrows. "I'm sorry that you feel like that. But you shouldn't have to be alone. You have a family now, I'm your family, so if you want to live with me, you can. You can have the hammock, I'll be fine on the floor. I have a kitchen and a fireplace too. It's small, but it's okay! I'll make it work so you feel safe and not alone anymore!"

Alice cautiously walked towards him, stopping just several inches away from him. She gazed at Natsu’s tense shoulders. “Natsu...?” Alice’s voice trembled as she warily reached out towards him, fingers just barely brushing against his hot skin. Natsu wheeled around, roughly grabbing Alice, wrapping his arms tightly around her middle as he shoved his face into her neck as he cried into her. Alice, frozen, not sure what to do, tried to slowly, as smoothly as possible, return the embrace, letting Natsu work out his emotions. “It’s cold out here. You’ll get sick.” Alice softly whispered. She didn’t get a response.

“Come on, it’s nice and dry at my home. You can even take a warm bath if you want.” She lightly coaxed. “I don’t want to leave.” Natsu muttered. “I know. But, you gotta go at some point. You can always come back in the morning. It’s getting late out.” Alice bargained. Natsu nodded.

After a long shower, Natsu walked into Alice’s room. His hair was still wet, and water dripped from the tips of the pink hair. Alice walked over to Natsu, and took his towel that hung around his neck. His eyes were red, heavy, and void of any light. She took the towel and lightly rubbed it around on his head to dry the water. “Going to bed with wet hair is bad for you, you know?” Alice lightly smiled. Natsu hummed lowly in response. “If you want the bed, I’ll happily let you have it.” Alice continued to talk. “But either way, you gotta get some sleep, okay?” Alice looked sincerely into his eyes. She was truly worried for him. She had no idea that Natsu could get depressed like this.

Natsu nodded, still looking away from Alice. Alice relaxed, relieved that he was better. She had never seen him like this. Sad. Depressed. She didn't know how to fix it.

“All right, I’ll be out in the living room, if you need me.” Alice advised, taking the towel with her, heading towards the door. Natsu grabbed Alice by the arm, stopping her. “Hm?” Alice looked back at him. “Stay.” Natsu simply stated. “N-...Natsu...” Alice trailed off. Together?

In the same bed?

“Please?” Natsu asked, he finally locked his eyes with Alice’s, which took away Alice’s hesitance. “Okay.” She nodded.

So, there they lay together on the bed. Both laying on their sides, facing one another.
Alice couldn’t handle it, so she switched to her other side, now facing away from Natsu, who then grabbed Alice by the shirt and roughly pulled her to him. “Natsu!” Alice exclaimed.

Natsu put his forehead to Alice’s back. “I’m always going to protect you, Alice. You have my word that I will never let you get hurt. If you cry, I’ll do what I can to make you smile. If you fall, I’ll always pick you up, if you ever have a bad day, I’ll always be there. I promise you. I will never let you go on a quest that is too dangerous, I will never let you go out alone in the dark, because I love you, I love everyone at Fairy Tail and I won’t let anyone else die.” Natsu’s voice broke and he sobbed. Alice had to do something, so she faced him once more. Natsu took that as an invitation, wrapping his arms around Alice, tucking his forehead into Alice’s neck.

She eventually worked up the courage to stroke his hair, which with several minutes, close to a half hour, got him to calm down and fall asleep.

Alice stood at the bar by herself, waiting for Natsu to finally arrive so they could get a job.
A young, attractive male walked over to Alice and leaned over on the bar. He had light brown hair, smooth skin, and a nice face. He wore sunglasses, jeans, and a green coat.
“Hey there, pretty girl.” He confidently greeted Alice who looked at him, amused at the nerve this guy had. “So you got a name, princess?” He continued, even when Alice ignored him.
“Alice. So you’re new here, huh?” Alice shook her head at him. “Alice, that’s a very beautiful name, for a very beautiful girl. So how’d you know I was new here?”

Alice had to give it to him. He was getting her to blush and that was a big feat. He was very good looking and had the moves. “I’ve never seen you here before, plus anyone who’s been here a while knows better than to do what you’re doing.” Alice responded, smiling at this new guy. “Well, hey, what can I say? I can’t help but introduce myself to angels. The names, Loke, by the way.”

No one had ever had the nerve to hit on her, let alone do it so suavely.

“Who’s the creep with the winter coat in the middle of summer?” Natsu intimidatingly strode over to the bar, standing near Alice. He gave Loke a look over. “This is Loke. He’s a new member.” Alice introduced him. “What’s with the weird smile? Are you sick or something? Your face is red!” Happy teased. “Shut it cat!” Alice snapped at him, embarrassed. “Well I think your smile is gorgeous. Plus that blush makes you look way cuter than before.” Loke smoothly complimented, receiving a giggle from Alice. Natsu was confused by this new side of Alice. He’s never seen her giggle like a girl before. “Okay...While you two ogle at each other, I’m gonna look for a quest for just us, all right?” Natsu excused himself.

“Natsu, Alice! Look, Mirajane just gave me the official guild stamp!” Lucy smiled brightly, showing off her light pink mark on the back of her hand.

“Alice? Alice!”

Alice jumped, waking from her flashbacks. “Alice! There’s a machine thing over there!” Happy pointed across the room to some generator. Alice remembered the task on hand, and wiped her tears.

Gajeel slammed Natsu onto a wall, with his arm transformed into his sword.

Alice teleported herself over to the generator, and placed her hands on the cold metal, and closed her eyes, mustering up all the magic energy she could and with it, shot millions of volts into the generator and then it went boom. Alice’s ears rung as she opened her eyes. The explosion flew her feet away from it.

“Thanks a million, Alice!” Natsu thanked, consuming the flames. Alice turned her head and watched Natsu. “You gotta win, Natsu.” She said, but it came out in a whisper. Alice closed her eyes and fell out of consciousness.

From both major injury, hitting her head, and also depleted of magic. But Alice couldn’t just stay down, so somewhere in her subconscious she found the will to wake back up.

Alice found herself alone. Her vision was distorted, her head was filled with a loud ringing noise, and she ached all over. Barely able to stand, Alice coughed, as dust filled her lungs.
Lucy, Happy, and Natsu were gone. Even Gajeel and his other members.

Alice tasted something metallic in her mouth. Too much lightning magic made her taste metal eventually. But this very could have been from overloading the generator.
Alice had to find Natsu. Her first thought was to walk over to the hole in the wall. The sunlight burned her eyes.

Alice stumbled across a beaten down Gajeel. He looked up at her, defeated.
“You got any energy left?” Alice croaked out. “Enough to kick your ass!” Gajeel tiredly challenged, not moving at all. “Good.” Alice nodded, kneeling down to him and put a hand down on his chest. “Get-’way,” Gajeel grumbled.

“Energy drain.” A warmth filled Alice as her body took in Gajeel’s leftover magic energy. It wasn’t much, but Alice could see without spinning.

Alice walked and hopped over rubble. She finally spotted Natsu. He stood hunched over, covered in bruises, scrapes and dirt. “Natsu!” Alice was relieved. She ran to him, tripping countless times, being light headed and her balance off.

She ran to him in time, catching him as he fell over.

His weight made Alice fall to her knees, try to support his body. Alice’s arms hooked under his, his arms wrapped around her neck. Alice’s mouth was against Natsu’s jaw, under his right ear. “Well that was fun. But I think I’m gonna rest a bit.” Natsu uttered exhausted, but his tone held amusem*nt.
“That’s fine by me. You deserve a break.” Alice laughed, breathlessly, her lips brushing against his warm skin. The vibrations of her voice, the softness of her lips, the warmth of her breath, sent a shiver down Natsu’s body.

“You know something though, I think you’re strong enough to control your dark magic, since they blocked off a lot of your energy, you’re weak.” Natsu rambled off, mind racing, but also tired.
“Yeah, whatever. Can you stand at all?” Alice grunted as Natsu was putting even more weight onto Alice’s small body. “I don’t know." Natsu replied.
Alice was having a hard time keeping them both up. “Can you at least try?”
“Yeah, I guess."

As Natsu got to his feet and intense magic energy filled the air. “That energy. It’s...” Alice gasped, shocked. “Yeah, its warm like Gramps’.” Natsu nodded, arms around Alice’s shoulders as he used her as support to stay up.

The ground shook violently and the sky went dark with clouds over the Phantom Lord guild building, blue lightning constantly striking. The river below crashed against the legs.

Master Jose against Master Makarov. Two Wizard Saints head to head.

The ground Alice and Natsu were standing on gave out and the two toppled to another level below.Coincidentally, Natsu landed on his back and Alice on top of him. They both groaned. Alice sat up in Natsu’s lap, straddling one of his legs. Natsu smiled widely at the magic energy, knowing Master was kicking ass, not caring how much that fall hurt-- With the added weight of another human on him.

Alice couldn’t focus on the fight because of her compromising position. Natsu continued to lay on his back, arms outstretched.

Another bright light and more quaking. Another floor giving out. Another crashing down on each other.

Only Master Makarov’s energy remained.

Still sitting on him, Alice was calculating in her head what just happened.
Natsu sat up, face to face with Alice. Natsu was brightly smiling, Alice’s smile was soft, as she shyly gazed into Natsu’s eyes.

Being so close, her feelings for him stronger than ever, a battle won, emotions were all over the place.

They two stared at one another, eyes constantly flickering from eyes to lips. Both silently looking for a sign to move forward.

And then it happened all at once. Both moving in sync, closing the distance between their lips.

Natsu’s hands caressed Alice’s face, as Alice’s fingers tangled in his pink locks as their lips moved against one another.

Chapter 20

Chapter Text

In and intense and heated kiss, neither of the two barely broke apart, only taking in tiny gasps of air when needed. Alice gripped at his hair, gently, but also in a way to pull him even more closer, if possible.
Alice’s heart pounded immensely, her body covered in a warmth like never before, her mind in a daze. She’s never felt so good before.

Alice didn’t know kissing Natsu could feel so amazing. Even though she couldn't get any closer, chests pressed together, breaths and saliva shared-- Teeth clashing, tongues overlapping-- She needed more of him. She didn’t know what she was missing out on this whole time. Her chest filled with excitement and she felt a burst of energy rush into her head. Like a hit of cocaine-- Addicting and exhilarating. She felt invincible. There was nothing she couldn't do, there was nothing in the world that could pull her down from this high.

How could she go this far in her life without getting feeling a strong sensation of love and lust with just this one passionate moment before?
Loke never felt like this. And he’d never feel like this.

Alice finally realized what was going on. Loke popped into her mind. Never mind. Guilt could do the trick and steal her from the stars and back down to the rubble that she was surrounded by.

Natsu deserved more than one secret passionate make out session with a girl already in a relationship.

Alice teleported a few feet away from Natsu, suddenly, standing to her feet. Natsu’s eyes opened, his body already missing the touch of Alice’s. He stared up at her, breathless, but smiling.

“I... I-uh, that’s not what... you-.... I have a boyfriend!” Alice stuttered out, mind fuzzy with all the new stimulation she had yet to fully process. It was hard for her mind to come up with a coherent thought. Natsu’s smug expression wasn’t helping. “I know. But either way, we kissed.” Natsu replied, full of himself. He was on cloud 9. This wasn’t a drunken kiss he kept secret to save Alice’s pride. Nor was it a kiss stolen while guised as Alice’s boyfriend.

This was Natsu and Alice, as two people in love. This is all he ever wanted and more. It was better than any other kiss. Every other time felt weighed down by the circ*mstances-- Never allowed to meet it's full potential, constantly edged to its limits. Capped and teasing-- Mocking.

But this? He could jump up and be launched up the moon with the energy he was suddenly flooded with. This only confirmed it! She liked him back! She loved him! Now, everything could fall into place! They'd be able to hold hands, and kiss all the time, and Alice would blush and tell him how cute he is-- And be sober! And actually mean it! She'd only look at him and no one else, which was the best decision really, because no one else understood her like he did. He could treat her better than Loke ever could, or that jerk Gray!

There would be no complicated junk in his head telling him why he couldn't have what he wanted. It would only be love and happiness!

“We- I mean.. me, but you too- if you want to-... ugh! If the battle is over with, I- WE should go down there and meet up with the others.” Alice was getting irritated with her own loss of words. She was a flustered mess. “Yeah, okay, help me up.” Natsu nodded, still smiling, hands out, reaching towards Alice.

Alice couldn’t risk another incident happening so instead she used a telekinesis spell, lifting Natsu to his feet, without having to touch him.

Natsu up to his feet, stood near the ledge. “Hey Gajeel! Can you hear me?” He called out, still overjoyed and high on victory.
“I can’t hear anything.” Gajeel responded in a grunt, a few levels down. “I just wanna know where you learned your dragon magic!” Natsu responded anyways. “I told you. I can’t hear you.” Gajeel grumbled back. “You’re the first person I’ve met that actually uses that magic. Come man just tell me!” Natsu whined.

Gajeel said something Alice’s ears could not pick up but it obviously wasn’t what Natsu wanted to hear. “Don’t be like that!” Natsu cried. “Metallicana," Gajeel gave in and answered. “Huh?” Natsu wondered at the strange name. “The iron dragon.”.

Natsu leaned forward in excitement and his weight was enough to make the slab of stone Alice and him stood on, break and they both fell down to Gajeel. “No way!” Natsu continued the conversation completely unfazed by the fall, while Alice on the other hand, fell on her face. She was too tired to get back up. Using that magic on Natsu to get him to his feet, too embarrassed to touch him again, was enough to wear her back out since even her stolen magic energy didn’t fill much of her container.

“Were you taught by a dragon?” Gajeel asked but Natsu just talks over him, “Where’s Metallicana now?” Natsu inquired. “I don’t know," Gajeel answered. Natsu didn’t believe him. “Tell me where he is!” Natsu demanded. “I don’t know!” Gajeel repeated, angrily.

“He disappeared. Yeah, I was taught by Metallicana but then one day he just left!"

Alice groaned in exhaustion and pain as the boys started to ramble on about the coincidence and what not of the date 7/7/X777. The same day Alice’s, Natsu’s and now Gajeel’s dragons disappeared.

Alice laid there, still on her stomach side, on her cheek. And then she was picked up, hoisted onto Natsu’s shoulder. She wanted to protest.

“Just let me know if you see Igneel, okay?” Natsu asked of Gajeel, and then walked away. Alice, facing towards Gajeel, her eyes locked with his. “Why would I?” Gajeel replied, breaking contact with Alice. “Because we’re fellow Dragon Slayers!” Natsu pointed out. “Yeah, well, screw you! Next time I get my hands on you, you’re dead meat! You’ll be begging for mercy!” Gajeel shouted in challenge.

Natsu stopped and turned to face Gajeel. “Don’t be so brutal! I was thinking about a truce but after that outburst, I don’t know!” Natsu warned.
“Brutal? You destroyed my guild hall!” Gajeel answered, harshly. “After you demolished ours! Forget it! I’m never gonna truce with you!” Natsu turned on his feet and walked off.

"My panties better not be showing!" Alice screeched in warning. “Well we just kissed, so I though we were past formalities.” Natsu played, as he skillfully jumped down rocks and other types of rubble on the way to a good exit.

"Natsu! This doesn't change anything between us! I have a boyfriend!" Alice stressed. It saddened her that was the truth of it. If she could, she’d continue on the road she could've went with Natsu, but her relationship stopped it.
Sure, break up with Loke, and then be with Natsu. But... She didn’t want to have to go through the confrontation. Loke always fought with Alice when it came to breaking up that at this point Alice just gave up. Besides. She still loved him in a way. And no way in hell would she admit that she was ending their relationship because of her feelings for Natsu. Which wasn't the only reason why they needed to break up.

And also, just because her and Natsu kissed didn’t mean Natsu liked her back. Obviously.

“All right, but you’re gonna tell Loke, right?” Natsu bargained, not in the mood at all to figure out that hurt in the back of his head, bringing his head back down to Earthland.
“I was hoping that....this could be a secret?” Alice wondered, hopeful that he'd agree.
“Well, like you said, you do have a boyfriend. It only be right if you told him.” Natsu countered, honestly.

“Fine.” Alice gave in, defeated. If Natsu was going to act this casual about it, Alice was going to, too. “But I am surprised you went that far.” Alice shyly started up the conversation. She was trying to get him flustered now. It was only right.

“Why? I’ve done that before.” Natsu replied. Alice didn’t like the sharp pang in her chest. Of course he had done that with Lisanna before. But Alice couldn’t falter. She didn't like imagining him kissing her-- His hands on her where his had touched Alice-- She remembered the one and only time she saw them kiss. She only saw Lisanna's face since Natsu's back was to her, but the damage was done. Alice couldn't even play it off as just being disgusted be the PDA, it was Lisanna's fault that she kissed him so suddenly when Natsu could hear Alice coming.

She remembered the brutal pang in her chest. She didn't understand why she was so angry-- To the point that she cried.. But it was the worst pain she had ever felt.

“Oh, please don’t tell me what you do with Happy!” Alice tried to joke, hoping Natsu would continue to keep the atmosphere merry and jestful even though Alice had already begun digging her grave.
But Natsu wasn’t willing to go through with it. “You know better than to say that.” Natsu warned, solemnly. “Right, okay.” Alice’s tone lowered in shame. “So, yeah.” Natsu ended that conversation.

Alice was afraid to talk after that. So it was a quiet travel to the entrance doors.

“Hey, so, can you not carry me like this anymore?” Alice peeped out. Natsu stopped before the doors and put Alice on her feet. She straightened out her skirt and then pulled up her top that had started to inch down. Alice finally looked up at Natsu who gave her an intense look of determination. Natsu neared her in a swift motion, and Alice reeled back, but her back hit the wall. Natsu smirked mischievously at Alice’s worried expression. A part of him knew this might be his last chance.

Natsu pinned Alice against the wall, between his arms above her shoulders. But Natsu saw Alice’s expression. She wasn’t anticipating a kiss, she averted her eyes, and slouched into herself, like she was trying to hide. Natsu couldn’t kiss her if it wasn’t what she wanted. So he went for a simple peck to the corner of her lips and then he let her go.

Alice finally took a breath in and out, relieved. She wanted to kiss him, god, did she want to. But Natsu deserved more than her and her messiness.

“You love Loke, right?” Natsu asked Alice, who perked up at his voice. “Yeah. I do.” Alice nodded but hesitantly answered. Natsu wanted to delve deeper.
“But do you-...Nevermind. Come on, we shouldn’t keep everyone waiting!” Natsu smiled, dropping the subject. “Right.” Alice agreed. Natsu picked Alice back up, but bridal style this time as he kicked open the huge door, which then fell off the hinges and landed down into the water. Natsu hopped down, landing on the door, but as it waded in the water, Natsu became sick, and dropped Alice as he collapsed on the door.

Alice couldn’t believe what just happened. She was really in love with this guy.

Alice growled, and pounded her fists on the table. “How many times do I have to repeat myself?!”

“We need to get your story straight! This is a serious matter!” The rune knight sternly replied. “What more is there to say? You want to know my story but then it’s like you don’t believe me! We were attacked by them first!” Alice argued against the knight.

For a whole week, Rune Knights were put on scene to get the story straight and figure out what really happened, since it was strictly forbidden for guilds to fight.
“Just tell me the beginning again!”
“All right! Like I’ve said 10 times now, my team came back from a job. Me, Lucy Heartfilia, Natsu Dragneel, Erza Scarlet, Happy the cat, and Gray Fullbuster. We just walked into town when we noticed that people were....”

A week had gone by since the final battle. And Fairy Tail was rebuilding. Alice was assigned lacrima installments but they were still building the foundation, so until then-- She had to help with the manual labor.

With a loud sigh, Alice made her way back to the construction site. “What’s this? Alice wearing something that actually covers her stomach? Impossible.” Gray teased, eyeing Alice’s outfit. She was wearing a white v neck t-shirt, black denim shorts, white and pink sneakers. She also had her long hair tied back, but the short hair that framed her face was too short to reach the ponytail. She really looked like her mother with her hair up.

“I’m sorry, are you complaining that I’m wearing clothes? Are you getting lonely as the only streaker around here?” Alice jabbed back, and tried to walk away. Natsu came over and stopped Alice, with just one arm over her collar and shoulders, and then started to push against Alice, making her walk back over to Gray. “I’ve finally been released from interrogations! I’m tired! I wanna take a break!” Alice whined, childishly, trying to fight against Natsu, but lost, falling backwards, landing on her butt on the ground. She decided to stay sitting.

“Yeah, I’m starving.” Gray complained. “Yeah, we need a break.” Natsu nodded. Suddenly a wave of water splashed over Alice, Happy and Natsu. And now Gray had a lunch box in his hands.

Alice stood up as to not get muddy from the dirt and water mixing. “Look at this!” Gray outburst, opening the lunch box.
The top box had rice and vegetables, one side had veggies spelling the word “love” and on the rice side had the form of Gray’s face.

Erza came over, catching the five distracted by the lunch box. “Hey, I never said any of you could take a break- Gray, is that a lunch box with food with your face?” Erza, too got distracted. She somewhere got a fork and stabbed into Gray’s face from the box.

“This is actually pretty good, I’d eat the whole thing!” Erza said with a mouthful, stabbing into Gray’s face more. Natsu took some of the octopus. “There’s even mushrooms. Alice these are definitely yours!” Gray shuttered. Alice cheered at the free food and mushrooms. Alice loved mushrooms.

“Hey guys. Can you do me a favor?” The group, with stuffed faced, turned around to the voice. Alice’s stomach turned.

“Hey, it’s Loke, Alice’s boyfriend!” Natsu smiled knowingly. Alice hadn’t told Loke about it yet, and Natsu knew that and he openly expressed to Alice how disappointed he was that Alice hadn’t told Loke yet because Natsu was a guy all about honesty and trust, even if he was the mistress in this situation. Natsu had no clue about Alice’s affairs. He thought only Loke cheated and that he was Alice’s first offense. Alice just happened to smell like Gray sometimes, and vice-versa. That was just because that obsessed jerk was constantly hanging off her. There was no other reason.

Gray obviously had never gotten to home base with Alice several times, even experimenting with the ever elusive and mythical fifth base, while Natsu only just got to first base with her when she was sober!

Alice stared over at Loke, noticing how tired and pale he looked. “When I was in town, I found Lucy’s gate keys.” His voice was even coarse.

What was wrong with him? Alice still at least cared about him, so she felt concern. “Hey, are you okay?” Alice had walked over to him, fretting about his apparently ailment of some sort. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little beat, maybe.” Loke shrugged, giving Alice a tired smile. But she wasn’t convinced.
“Hey, if you need me I can take you home or I ca-” “No, it’s fine. You can keep working. I’m heading home and I’ll go to bed.” Loke nodded, trying to calm Alice. Alice nodded hesitantly. “I’ll go check on you after I’m done, all right?” Alice asked sweetly. “Sounds good to me.” Loke said with a kiss to Alice’s forehead and then he was gone.

Something was wrong with him. Alice knew she had to tell him about Natsu, and that’d open a whole new can of worms, and Alice didn’t want to do that now. But now seeing a break-up actually in the foreseeable future, Alice was realizing how distant she and Loke were.

“I can see Alice’s bra!” Happy pointed out, shouting but it didn’t phase Alice. She was too busy dreading the inevitable.

“I’m gonna head out now, okay?” Alice announced to the group. “You’ve worked really hard today, Alice. I’m proud. Go get plenty of rest.” Erza nodded and waved Alice off. “Hey, can I talk to you real quick?” Natsu jogged over to Alice. “I suppose but I’m rather against it.” Alice warily replied. “Come on, it’ll be real quick.” Natsu pulled Alice to the side.

“What?” Alice gave in. “I can tell you’re upset.” Natsu simply stated. “Yeah, no sh*t. I’m stressed the hell out. Now let me be.” Alice shortly responded. “Hey, hey. I hate this feely stuff but I gotta say it. Alice, that kiss doesn’t have to mean anything to you if you don’t want it to. I want you to tell Loke anyways, but don't let it affect you and Loke.” Natsu tried to smooth things over. “Whaaaattt? You and Alice kissed?” Happy gasped, walking into the conversation. “Thanks.” Alice gave Natsu a sarcastic look and walked off, only pausing for a moment to turn back to him, angry and offended-- Even slightly heartbroken. “And guess what! It did mean something and it’s not affecting me and Loke! It’s just affecting me and you!” And with that Alice stomped off.

How could Natsu just say something like that? It doesn’t have to mean anything? What the hell did that mean?
Maybe Natsu didn’t like Alice back. If that was the case, why break up with Loke? Why even tell him about Natsu?
Sure, for the last few months, Loke and Alice were farther apart than usual, but that wasn’t something a loving night couldn’t fix, right? Alice had gone on more jobs, Loke was out of town more often. They just needed to adjust their schedules.

Maybe saying that she loved Natsu was an overstatement, and it was just a small crush? That had to be. Plus, it wasn’t like Natsu even had feelings for Alice.
Besides, Natsu’s kiss wasn’t anything compared to Alice’s multiple affairs with Gray and Hibiki Lates. But those didn’t mean anything. They just were friends of Alice’s who were on the same page as her. It didn’t mean anything.

Okay, maybe to Gray, it did, but he knew what he was getting himself into when Alice had first kissed him all those months ago. And Hibiki was just an occasional thing once or twice-- Maybe a third or fourth time after too many drinks. It was his job anyways to be a host. He was just doing a good job.

Alice found herself at the door of Loke’s pad. She knocked at the door. No answer.
He was probably sleeping. Alice requiped out the key to his place and as she was about to put the key in the hole Loke walked up the stairs.

“Loke? I thought you were supposed to be in there sleeping?” Alice mumbled awkwardly.
“I went for a walk, I didn’t think you’d be done so fast.” Loke responded as tensely at Alice did. “Oh, okay. Um,- So do you want me to stick around for a while?” Alice teetered on her feet. “Actually, Alice.” Alice knew this tone. It was Loke’s serious voice. But Loke wasn’t that serious of a guy so whatever it was, it was going to be bad.

“I know you’ve been thinking about this too. I’ve been acting weird lately. And our relationship is pretty screwed up so, I’ll make this quick-” “No, it’s fine. We’re fine!” Alice interrupted him hurriedly. sh*t.
“Alice. We haven’t been for awhile. I’ve been messing around with other girls. You know that. Everyone does. It bewilders everyone that you haven’t broke up with me yet. I mean, you’re messing around with other guys too.” “I’ve broken things off with both of them! Loke, please, you...” Alice found it sickly funny how the roles switched. Why was she fighting this? This is what she always wanted. She was just scared because Loke was the one to fight for them.

“I love you, Alice, but I have a dark past, I have a secret no one knows about, and it's back to get me. I just want things to end like this between us instead of what would.” Loke continued. “But, Loke..I thought you loved me?” Alice’s voice broke with heartbreak. “I do. God, I love you, Alice. You’re probably the only girl I’ll ever love but...I got things to work through. And I’ll be gone for a long time. So, while you’re surrounded by your friends, and you’re busy rebuilding the guild hall, you can forget about me, all right?”

Alice had no thought. “So... I’ll see you around, or maybe not.” Loke brushed past Alice, into his apartment, and he closed the door. Leaving Alice there wide eyed, mind running millions of miles per millisecond.

She didn’t know how to feel. Relieved? No. Sad? No clue.

But she sure as hell knew that her body felt heavy.

She just didn’t know what to do.

Chapter 21

Chapter Text

Alice mindlessly walked past to the guild hall, where everyone was still working, but wrapping things up.

“Alice. What’s up?” Gray was surprised to see Alice back. She was supposed to be done for the day. “I- uh, I’m just back.” Alice replied, emotionless. Natsu kept his distance. He knew Alice was upset with him, and he knew there was now something bothering Alice.

“How’s Loke doing?” Erza asked, still carrying a piece of lumber. “He’s fine.” Alice replied curtly. That question broke her stride. “I know you two have had your faults, but I’m so glad to see you two still thriving. It really gives me hope.” Erza smiled softly.

That hurt a lot. “Yeah.” Alice’s eyes were glossed over with tears that refused to spill. “Well, we’re going over to Lucy’s once we get cleaned up here, you gonna join?” Gray invited. Alice thought distraction would help. “Yeah, I’ll go.” She nodded.

That’s what Loke wanted, right? Because Alice was surrounded by friends. Might as well put them to use.

Alice joined up with Natsu and Happy. “So, why’re you going through the window?” She asked, as Natsu was halfway through a window, with Happy helping pull him through. Alice decided that’d be the way she’d go through too.

“Hey, Lucy! How are you doing?!” Natsu shouted once inside.
“Come on man, don’t go through the window!” Gray said emerging from the chimney. “Has anyone ever taught you boys to use a door?” Erza said, already sitting down at the tea table, with tea made and sipping from a tea cup.

“When are you Miss Manners?” Both Natsu and Gray deadpanned. “Isn’t this around the time Lucy screams at us?” Alice asked, realizing it was very Lucy quiet.

“Yeah, like, GET OUT OF HERE!” Happy shouted in example, throwing a ginormous whole ass whale at Natsu. “I wonder where she could be?” Erza wondered.

"I just want to know where Happy got a whale."
Gray checked the bath, which Natsu was in while being in the living room..... At the same time? Then Happy checked her underwear drawer. And the whole group gathered around the drawer in flustered wonder. “She wears this?” Erza blushed. “How would you even put it on?” Alice wondered aloud, even though she had plenty of risque underwear herself. “What would you wear these for?” Gray asked. “Family gathering?” Natsu guessed. “Definitely not.” Alice disproved.

Erza wandered away.

“Okay just shut the drawer!” Alice ordered Happy who was still looking in amazement. “Wait!” Gray said, but he ended up pushing Happy who knocked down a box of unopened letters. “That’s a lot," Erza commented. “No kidding. And they’re still all sealed," Gray added.

“‘ Dear Mom, today I joined the Fairy Tail guild. There I met a very beautiful wizard named Erza, she yells a lot but she’s really fun to be around. I also met Alice Dreyar and Mirajane Strauss! They’re both so gorgeous it’s unbelievable! There’s this crazy fire wizard named Natsu who is very loud. Him and Alice are best friends but I think there might be something more.' ” Natsu read out loud.

Great; even Lucy thinks that.

“I have a clue to where she is. She left us a note obviously. It says she’s going home." Erza said, observing a note on Lucy’s desk. “We gotta go then!” Natsu jumped out the window, Gray went back up the chimney, and Happy, Erza, and Alice went through the door like civilized humans/cats.

On the train, Natsu sat next to Alice, but as the train started, Natsu leaned on Alice’s shoulder, sick out of his mind. Alice was not in the mood for him at all. “Yeah, no.” She cast her balance spell and Natsu jumped up out of his seat, to his feet, revived. “Sit down.” Erza ordered casually, and he plopped back down.

“So is Loke doing better? He looked rough.” Gray started up a conversation Alice wanted nothing to do with. “He’s sleeping so who knows.” Alice replied shortly. “Well I’m glad. It was so nice of him to return Lucy’s keys. He’s a bit brash, but deep down he’s a nice guy.” Erza nodded with a smile. “Yeah, he’s prince charming.” Alice grumbled, leaning towards the window, staring out at the world in a blur.

Alice felt guilty that she wasn’t more torn up about it. Maybe it’d hit her later. Should she go home and cry and eat ice cream and watch cheesy rom/coms? Should she go get drunk? Get a haircut? Get her nipples pierced?
Why’d she come along on this trip to get Lucy? She just wanted to go home and force herself to be more sad.

Was it because that’s how bad of a relationship it really was? Loke really left no imprint of Alice’s life. He didn’t have anything left at Alice’s, and she never kept anything at his place either. It was like they existed in different timelines.

“Alice?” Natsu peered over at her. “Hm?” Alice replied. “You look off. Are you sure Loke’s okay?” Gray asked further. “He’s fine!” Alice snapped, not meaning to but it happened. It got tense.
She slumped over, giving in. “I mean, he’s fine, but it doesn’t matter anymore. We broke up.”

“I’m so sorry Alice," Erza leaned forward and patted Alice on the knee. “Yeah, no it’s fine. We were having problems for months. I guess he was the one to realize that there was nothing to try to save first.” Alice could feel herself slink away. She hated feeling emotions around others.

“It might’ve been for the best." Gray comforted. “Guys, it’s fine. I mean, sure it’ll hurt for a bit, and seeing him at the guild might be awkward, but I’m fine." Alice tried to reassure them all.

“So you told him then.” Natsu assumed, stupidly talking about it in front of Gray and Erza. “No. It doesn’t matter,” Alice curtly replied. God, she hated Natsu for even asking that around everyone. “Told him what?” Erza asked. It was too late. “Nothing-” “I think it’s about Natsu and Alice kissing!” Happy chimed in. Alice groaned, very aggravated. “God! Can no one ever shut up!” Alice snapped and pulled her knees to her chest, to sulk. They all dropped the subject.

Alice stayed back, waiting at the train station. She knew it was a mistake to come along. She wasn’t ready to be around Natsu yet.

She didn’t like feeling not right, away from home. Where she could be alone. That’s how Alice was. She isolated herself when she was bothered by something. She shut off and hid away in her mind.
She sat on a bench and zoned out, waiting for the group to return. They were just going to drag Lucy back, after all.

It was always about Lucy. Ever since she joined Fairy Tail, she was the center of attention. She always needed saved, always needed encouragement, and she became everyone’s friend right away.
Even Alice had to admit she liked Lucy, but she also hated her because of it.

Alice sat on Lucy’s bed, watching her friends talking and laughing amongst themselves. She wasn't present in any of the conversation because they all knew. So they didn’t bother her.
As the night when on, Alice finally had enough of pretending like she wasn’t about to break down. “I’m going home.” Alice excused herself, not waiting for a response, head to the door.

“All right, see you later, Alice!” Lucy waved off. “Get plenty of rest, and don’t be pressured to come into work tomorrow, take some time off!” Erza added.

Alice was out the door and the group all let out a big sigh. “She’s in rough shape.” Gray commented solemnly.
“They were together for almost two years. I’m surprised she didn’t leave earlier. She’s stronger than I give her credit for.” Erza nodded. “I’ve never seen Alice sad before. But I also never seen her and Loke interact much except when they’re fighting.” Lucy wondered. “I’m glad they broke up. Alice will be better now.” Natsu said what was on his mind. “I suppose that it might be for the best, but it’s not our place to say.” Erza replied. “Loke was a terrible boyfriend. No one saw how it affected her. Except...” Natsu stopped his outburst. “Except what, Natsu?” Gray asked roughly. “It’s not my business to say.” Natsu stood up. “Where are you going?” Lucy asked. “I’m going after Alice. She’s my friend and she shouldn’t be alone right now!” Natsu stomped over to the window. “I think it’d be best if you let her be. Girls are a delicate thing. You wouldn’t understand, Natsu. Relationships are a complicated matter.” Erza shrugged with a sip of her tea, but accidentally set Natsu off. “Did you all just forget about Lisanna?! She’s gone but you can’t just pretend she didn’t exist!”

“Dude, calm down, we didn’t forget about her, it’s just... Why are you even talking about her?” Gray tried to interrupt. “Lisanna was my girlfriend! We were together for as long as Alice and Loke were together. I do understand the situation because when I lost Lisanna, Alice helped me through it. Alice needs me.” Natsu jumped out the window.

“Okay, he’s totally in love with her. I’m not the only one sees it, right?” Gray said, while shocked at Natsu’s outburst. “I don’t know... I think Natsu just really cares about her. Like Mira said, Natsu was Alice’s first friend here in Fairy Tail. They have a really close bond I don’t think any of us can understand.” Lucy hesitantly discussed. “Yes, they have a bond none of us can comprehend and its not our place to try.” Erza nodded.

“They’re in love! Alice and Natsu kiss like a couple!” Happy ruined the mood, shouting out in a teasing tone. “What?! They’ve kissed?!” Lucy gasped, burning up. “Uh huh!”
“Man, we sound like a group of old broads gossiping.” Gray shook his head.

The night air was still.

Alice stood at the edge of the canal, staring down into the water.

“I know you’ve been thinking about this too. I’ve been acting weird lately. And our relationship is pretty screwed up so, I’ll make this quick-” “No, it’s fine. We’re fine!”
“Alice. We haven’t been for awhile. I’ve been messing around with other girls. You know that. Everyone does. It bewilders everyone that you haven’t broke up with me yet. I mean, you’re messing around with other guys too.”
“I’ve broken things off with both of them! Loke, please, you...”
“I love you, Alice, but I have a dark past, I have a secret no one knows about, and it's back to get me. I just want things to end like this between us instead of what would.”
“But, Loke..I thought you loved me?”
“I do. God, I love you, Alice. You’re probably the only girl I’ll ever love but...I got things to work through. And I’ll be gone for a long time. So, while you’re surrounded by your friends, and you’re busy rebuilding the guild hall, you can forget about me, all right?”

Where did they go wrong? When did it go wrong? The cheating was the biggest factor. All the constant lying and pretending for what? What was there to really salvage?

Loke first cheated on Alice 2 months into their relationship, a week after they finally made things official. Alice had been told by the girl who he did the deed with. She knew Loke had a girlfriend, but she didn’t care up until Loke tossed her to the side and messed around with yet again another girl.

Alice had confronted Loke and tried to end things right there, but Loke cried and told Alice he loved her and he’d never hurt her again. And Alice believed him when she should’ve stood her ground and broke up with him. But she was young, impressionable, and naive. And after every transgression, they’d go through the same cycle until Alice went crying to Gray about Loke.
And while Alice was vulnerable, Gray wasn’t going to take advantage of her because of his feelings for her, but Alice kissed him when she got tipsy that night and Gray didn’t stop her and let her continue to take her frustrations out on him over and over again.

Alice would’ve let Gray be the only one she cheated with, but then she met Hibiki Lates, a wizard from the guild Blue Pegasus. He was a very attractive guy, just a couple years older than Alice. Alice was in town and the trimen got wind of the attractive model/wizard in the area and thought to meet her themselves and Alice took to Hibiki’s charm and looks easy. So when the two were near one another, they always met up for the day.

At first Alice felt guilty but as time went on, these affairs were just routine. Loke and Alice could’ve just had an open relationship but Alice didn’t like that idea. She wanted the hook ups to stop on both sides but they never did.

Not like she needed sex, or the rush of doing something bad. She just wanted to feel... wanted. And both Gray and Hibiki made her feel like a queen. Both of them were so keen on her attention, for different reasons, but for being guys she didn't mind in that way, in the moment... She felt loved, important, needed.

For awhile now, it just seemed like Loke and Alice were strangers. As Alice grew closer to Natsu, Loke took notice. He knew Alice and Natsu were very close and he could tell there was more to their friendship from the very beginning but when Alice swore heavily against that idea, Loke rolled with it. He didn’t care. He planned on wining and dining Alice like any other girl but she was way too sweet and innocent he actually felt bad dropping her. So he took her out like a proper gentleman and waited to take her innocence after a while and then he was in too deep. He loved Alice but not enough to give up his playboy lifestyle. So it never bothered him when Alice slept with his friends, or when Alice chose to spend time with Natsu over him. Well, he did mind. But he wasn't about to stop his transgressions, so why would he expect her to?

He thought when the time came that it’d be easier on Alice when he finally ended things.

But when Alice got swept up in her infatuation with Natsu, she barely noticed Loke when he was around. Alice finally realized the signs. Loke was slowly pulling away from her as she did with him and it showed in those final weeks.

Everything became a chore. A routine. It was something that needed to be done. Alice felt a resistance in her mind when she spent time with Loke. She was less willing to pretend they were happy together. Loke was more absent than ever before even when Alice was with him.

Was she that in love with Natsu to never see it before?

Alice sighed sadly with tears in her eyes and looked up at the dark cloud covered sky.
A drop hit her face. It was cold and much larger than a tear. And then another drop. Alice looked to the ground as the rain began. “Of course it just had to rain!”

Then finally the sense of heartbreak finally weighed down on her like a ton of bricks. Alice began to cry. Here she was in the middle of town at night during a rainstorm, all while crying.

The rain drowned out Alice’s sobs as she finally broke down.

A warmth enveloped her from behind. “It’s cold out here. You’ll catch a cold.” Natsu gently spoke. Alice didn’t respond. She felt conflicted being around him, let alone being comforted by him or letting him see her so vulnerable.

“Come on, let me take you home.” Natsu coaxed. Alice nodded, sniffling hard and wiping her face although, it didn’t make a difference since she was soaked by the sudden heavy rain. Natsu let Alice climb on his back. Alice slouched over, trying her best to calm down but it wasn’t working.

Alice got down off Natsu as they arrived at her place. “So, you wanna talk about it?” Natsu asked. Alice weighed the pros and cons and letting Natsu stay or talking to him.
She ignored all her thoughts, running back over to Natsu, shoving her body into his chest, holding him tight as she started to cry hard into his chest, soaking his vest. Natsu nodded, gently holding her, trying to warm her up.

“I don’t know what went wrong.” Alice sobbed. “Did I not love him enough? Did I let my feelings for you get in the way? Why am I so terrible?” This would be the second time Alice voiced her feelings about Loke to Natsu. The first time would be a night Alice was somberly drunk, getting carried on Natsu’s back all the way home from the guild.
Loke had came into the guild with a new girl on his hip. Alice tried to ignore it, so tried to drown her sorrows away but as she got intoxicated, she became very agitated so Natsu took it upon himself to take Alice home.

“What am I doing wrong?” Alice spoke up. “What’d you mean?” Natsu asked, shifting Alice higher up to get a comfortable hold on her. “I do everything he wants. I’m trying to be a good girlfriend but he continues to punish me it seems. He tells me he loves me but... why does he continue to hurt me?” Alice whimpered out as her voice began to break. “Maybe you two aren’t meant to be.” Natsu shrugged. “But I love him. I want him and if this is the only way I can have just a part of him, I have to endure this right? He’ll shape up some day, I just gotta be patient.”

“Alice, no. That shouldn’t be the way to think. You can’t let him hurt you like this.” Natsu argued, shocked to see how submissive Alice was when it came down to her feelings.

Natsu always knew Alice was hurt by Loke and that eventually she just got used to how it felt to be in such a toxic relationship. Alice was so desperate for love and validation that she was willing to let Loke hurt her.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. You just weren’t meant to be.” Natsu replied softly.
“But I tried my best.” Alice weakly argued. “Sometimes your best isn’t enough. You can’t change a person unless they’re willing to change themselves.” Natsu explained. “Maybe I should’ve tried even harder.” Alice continued on.

Natsu pushed Alice away from him so he could look her in the eyes. “Alice. Loke wasn’t willing to stop cheating on you. He could’ve easily stopped at any time. Sure, there could’ve been somethings you did wrong but he was always in the wrong. He went into this knowing he was going to hurt you. You can’t keep letting him off the hook when he’s the reason you’re crying.”

Alice felt a pang of guilt cloud her mind. Here she was crying out Loke but yet feeling pure unadulterated love for Natsu. How she wanted to be enveloped into his warmth, to kiss him again. Because Natsu made everything okay. He felt like home.

Alice didn’t know what to do.

Chapter 22

Chapter Text

“Hiya there, Alice. How you holding up?” Mira welcomed her as Alice sluggishly sat over at the makeshift bar. “Well, I’d do better if everyone stopped acting like I’m dying or something.” Alice replied with a look over of the others around her. “Everyone just worries about you.” Mira comforted, and handed Alice a saucer with complimentary pancakes with sprinkles. “So, who let the news out?” Alice asked giving Mira a knowing look. “I did,” Lucy answered, stepping over to Alice. “Hm, great. Because I needed everyone in my business.” Alice took a forkful of pancake into her mouth while rolling her eyes.

“Hey, I just wanted you to be surrounded by all your friends. We all care about you, you know.” Lucy replied genuinely. “She also told us about you and Natsu kissing!” Mira smiled brightly, proud of her ship becoming canon. “Hmm, does everyone know that too?” Alice gave Lucy a threatening look. “We all knew you two would be an item! You guys are so cute together! I know you and Loke just broke up but now you can be with Natsu!” Mira cheered. “What about me?” Natsu asked, sitting down next to Alice. “Don’t act like you didn’t hear that,” Alice mumbled, looking away from him while her face turned red. “You’re so cute when you’re all flustered!” Mira gushed, poking at one of Alice’s red cheeks. “Mira!” Alice groaned but couldn’t be too mad with her. There was no way to ever be mad at Mirajane.

A flying barrel flew towards Alice, who ducked and then it hit Natsu in the face, knocking him to the ground

“Why don’t you tell the others how you feel?” Erza shouted. Everyone’s attention was on her yelling at Laxus. Great. Alice was already in a bad mood, she didn’t need to deal with this. Everyone gathered around the two.

“I have no problem telling them how I feel. This guild is full of nothing but losers and weaklings. Especially the two of you morons." Laxus looked over at Droy and Jet. “You were Phantom’s personal punching bag, I’m glad I never took time to learn your names."

“Which brings me to the worst of them all. The rich little princess wannabe wizard. This was your fault." He accused knowingly, giving Lucy a bored look. “Laxus! Would you shut up! The master said no one was to be held accountable for what happened. Even you, despite the fact I begged you to help and you turned your back on us!” Mira snapped at him.

Laxus refused to help. Alice had to admit, with his help the war would’ve been over faster than it lasted.

“This fight had nothing to do with me! But if I was here you wouldn’t be drowning your sorrows in this pile of rubble."

Alice’s prickled with electricity. “What?” Erza growled and then Natsu stepped forward throwing a punch at Laxus who teleported a few steps to the side out of the way. “Come on Laxus, fight me!” Natsu challenged, furious. “Fight me? How can you if you can’t even touch me? I can’t wait until I inherit this place and kick you all out to the curb."

“You won’t get it! If anything Alice will!” Natsu countered. Although that was very unlikely. As much of an asshole Laxus was, he was the heir to the guild. Alice was far too young and inexperienced to run a guild. She had quite a few decades before she’d be a candidate. “That’s the most idiotic thing I’ve ever heard out of your mouth. Your days are numbered here kids. Especially you.” Laxus pointedly glared at Alice who gave him the same dark expression. Laxus phased out.

“What a jerk. There’s no way he could get the guild!" Lucy vented. “It could very well happen. He’s the master’s grandson and Alice is still far too young.” Mira replied sadly. Alice’s magic fluctuated and with her anger, her body generated enough lightning and it set off a lightning bolt from Alice all the way up into the air. Everyone’s hair stood up from the electrical charge now in the air. Alice huffed angrily, patted down her hair, and then settled for crossing her arms. “We all need to calm down. Getting angry is just a waste of energy. I know, let’s go get a job to distract us! Gray and Lucy can come too.” Erza encouraged.

None of the team was thrilled. “We’ve been working together since Eisenwald so the five of us should be officially a team. Well six if we include Happy. I already have a job. Taking down an occult in the cascade mountains in the town of Lupinus. With me?” Erza smiled.

“Heyo, Alice, where you at?” Natsu shouted walking into Alice’s home. “Maybe she’s sleeping.” Happy shrugged. “No, I can smell that bath oil Alice uses. She must be in the bath.” Natsu replied as he shut the front door. “You better go join her!” Happy joked. “Not cool, man!” Natsu whined.

Alice whined sinking her whole body under the water, trying to stay relaxed. She was hoping to be alone.
But now her mind was gnawing at what Natsu and Happy were doing at her home so late. They were supposed to go bother Lucy.

Alice got out of the bath, drained the water, dried off and requiped into pajamas set consisting of a thin strap blue and white plaid cotton top and matching shorts.

She emerged from the bathroom and ignored the two boys who were laying on the wood flooring in the living room/dining room area. “Alice. I’m so bored! Why do you not have anything at your place?” Natsu whined, staring up at the ceiling.

It was true. Alice’s house was very minimalistic. It was a small house, sure, but she didn’t have decorations, any momentos from quests, no plants inside, not even a stuffed animal in her room.

As you walked into the house, you saw a living room with a sectional, light grey, couch that sat against the south east corner, a table to accompany it with a red rug underneath, a television lacrima with a basic wooden stand against the west wall and a coat rack next to the door.

She did have linen gray sheer curtains that covered all the windows except the one in the bathroom, that window had double lens, tempered glass.

In her bedroom, she had a plain double bed, a boring headboard, along with two basic night stands on either side of the bed. She had a full sized mirror with a stand and then a dresser. In her closet she had storage items like suitcases, clothes that no longer fit but she kept a hold for memory but didn’t keep in her requip, bed sheets and blankets.

In her dining area, she had a basic wood table and three wooden chairs on either side and one on each end. Not that she ever had that many people over at once.

The most interesting room in her house was the library/second bedroom which was much smaller than her bedroom but held many more items. She had shelves and bookcases filled with books and other magical trinkets. She had a light yellow armchair that she often sat in when reading in there, along with a big lamp and a stand on either side of the chair.

Her backyard had her garden which she attempted to keep up with. But she lived on the edge of town, practically in the forest so her house was hidden by many shrubs and trees. She was a secluded witch.

All she did in her free time was read or sleep. She didn’t spend much time at her home and all quest momentos went to Natsu’s place.

Alice didn’t have picture books for Happy or Natsu to read. She didn’t have games to play on a cold or rainy day. Her kitchen barely had food in it because she just ate at the guild or restaurants in town or on quests. She had instant noodles, canned food, and hot chocolate in her kitchen. Her fridge held a jar of pickles, cold water, and the occasional fish that’d belong to Happy.

Alice’s house was boring. She also had extreme depression from birth to present so she had no motivation to do much with her house.

“So if it’s so boring, why are you here?” Alice asked, boredly. “Because we like you.” Natsu answered, like it was such an obvious answer. “Then don’t complain. If you’re bored go somewhere else. There’s a forest right outside.” Alice folded her arms. Natsu laid on his side, facing Alice, propping his head up with a bent arm. “You know it sounds like you’re trying to get rid of us.” He smirked. “You’re correct. Leave.” Alice deadpanned. He pouted. “You’re no fun!”

“Hey! Let’s watch a movie!” Happy suggested excitedly, flying up into the air. “I have only like 4 movies and you’ve seen them all.”
“I just so happen to have this lacrima movie right now! Mira borrowed it to me! It’s a cheesy romance movie!”

“I’m definitely not watching that.” “I’d rather not.” Natsu and Alice both rejected the idea at the same time. “Come on! It’ll get all those romantic juices flowing!” Happy was already speeding over to the T.V.
Alice cringed at Happy’s wording there. But she now understood that Happy was also trying to hook Alice and Natsu up together.

Alice just got broken up with the day before. She was nowhere near wanting a new relationship. Even if it was Natsu.

The guild hall needed rebuilding, and....Alice just had her reasons. She needed time to recuperate herself. Shacking up with Natsu right out of another relationship felt unfair to everyone involved. Besides, Natsu still hadn’t confirmed if he even liked Alice back yet.

But anyways, Happy got his way. Lights off, mood set, and asleep within minutes of the movie playing.

Alice and Natsu sat far away from each other. Alice wanted it that way. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t constantly glancing over at him when that rom/com movie was getting those said romantic juices flowing. Plenty of kissing, sweet words, inspiration quotes, even two very detailed sex scenes. Luckily Natsu would also fall asleep before the end of the movie so Alice could quietly turn off the lacrima T.V. and sneak off to her room where she’d read the book that she’d kept in the headboard.

Alice hadn’t slept through the night since the night before they came home finding the guild in ruins the first time.

Her anxiety was through the roof. So she filled the time with magic study.

Natsu, barely awake, emerged from the bathroom when he woke with the sudden urge to relieve himself. He knew he fell asleep on the couch while watching the movie, so there was no confusion there.
On instinct, Natsu went to Alice’s bedroom. Alice had a light lacrima to give her enough light to read, but not bright enough to lit the room even a fraction.

But Alice was asleep, slumped over to the side, while halfway sitting up against the headboard, cushioned with a pillow. The book and light laid in her lap, a hand holding the book open.

Natsu, the good friend he was, eased Alice into a more comfortable sleeping position and put the book down on the nightstand. He would then lay down on his side, several inches away from Alice, watching her sleep until it lulled him to sleep himself.

Not even an hour later, Happy would too, wake but he’d just simply crawl into bed, and sprawl out in the space between his two friends.

Chapter 23

Chapter Text

Alice woke to the birds singing next to her window outside. She was weighed down, and uncomfortably warm. She didn’t have to open her eyes to know what it was, because Natsu was laying on her.
Natsu wrapped his arms around Alice’s waist, and his face was resting on her chest. Alice had naturally placed one around Natsu’s neck, and her other arm was taken by Happy sleeping in the bend.

For the last few months Natsu had gotten far more clingy in his sleep. He grabbed anything and everything to him. Pillows, bunches of blanket, Happy, Alice, Happy AND Alice. Though, in fact because of the common practice, when questing, they’d only have to share one bed, instead of trying to find an inn with two beds, or a room with a bed and a chair or at least a couch because Alice didn’t want to sleep next to Natsu. Alice hated cuddling. She liked her space, she liked the freedom to move at ease. But she had gotten used to being confined to his strong arms.

Alice was mostly fine with this except sometimes Natsu was way too warm for her liking, usually depending on the season. But she eventually started to like cuddling up to him when trying to fall asleep or relaxing. He made her feel safe. But once she was asleep, she'd usually want to move away.

She wanted to move but she didn’t want to wake the two because they were the most quiet when sleeping. Except sometimes Happy had very exciting dreams in which he tossed and turned, or spoke aloud. Usually about fish.

Alice tried to wiggle free in small motions. Natsu stirred, his face nuzzled into Alice’s breasts. Alice squealed in embarrassment and shoved Natsu off her and he rolled off the bed onto the floor. “Ouch! What was that for?” Natsu whined groggily sitting on the floor, pouting at Alice who also was sitting up, she crossed her arms over her chest and she averted her gaze from him as her cheeks were extremely hot. Happy sat up and groaned, “What’s going on?”

“I don’t know! She pushed me on the floor!” Natsu pointed at Alice. “You’re a pervert!” Alice argued, her voice pitched. “I don’t even know what I did!” Natsu cried. “You....You rubbed your face....intomychest.” Alice mumbled and jumped out of bed and out of her room. “Natsu’s a pervert!” Happy singsonged. “Shut up, man!” Natsu berated.

Alice pouted, sitting at the bar. “Hey, we didn’t get the reward from the last job and I need to pay rent!” Lucy explained angrily at Alice, who was complaining about going on a mission. “Not everyone is loaded like you are," Gray mumbled towards Alice. “Loaded?” Lucy whimpered, envious. “Alice inherited both her mother’s and her mother’s stepmother's life savings. And Yoko came from a rich family. Why she came to this dirty place, is beyond me,” Gray explained.

“Alice also used to go on dangerous s-class missions that paid very well before her incident,” Erza added. “Natsu would be well off too if he didn’t blow all his money on food. He went on most of those quests with Alice, getting half the jewel.” Gray rolled his eyes at the pink haired wizard, currently gorging himself. “Alice is also a model! She used to be a big model for Lolita Weekend!” Happy said in a teasing tone, knowing that Alice regretted her time as a lolita model. And also being recognized just solely on her work there.

“And she still does regular work for Sorcerer Weekly," Natsu concluded. “Natsu’s a big fan of her work!” Happy giggled. “Will you lay off that, man?” Natsu lightly scolded his friend.

“Well I don’t pay rent since I own my house, and I have my own well and my own electricity. I don’t buy expensive armor or weapons, I don’t eat so much food I get sick every time. I buy pricey clothes only every so often. If you really need money, Lucy, I need my cellar cleaned out. I’ve never been down in there since I’ve had my house and apparently there’s some antique things down there from the last owner.” Alice shrugged. “Why don’t you do it yourself?” Lucy grumbled, a bit offended by Alice. “There’s probably snakes and spiders down there, and maybe a dead animal. I don’t want to touch anything down there.” Alice cringed. “I’ll do it!” Natsu volunteered. “I already buy you enough things. You don’t need the money.”

“Because you love him!” Happy chirped in.

“Okay, that’s it, I’m not going! I don’t need this harassment." Alice crossed her arms. “Okay, be like that then," Lucy grumbled.

“She can stay here with me!” Mira smiled finally using the silence as her time to shine. “She can help me recover files from the old archive. We have every issue of Lolita Weekend that she was in!” She giggled.
“I’d rather you look at my Sorcerer Weekly spreads than those!” Alice slammed her face on the bar.

“Well we’re not leaving for a few hours, so we can look at all of them!” Erza suggested. “I was kidding,” Alice grumbled against the wood.

“You know you’re looking pretty cute in these," Gray commented, flipping through issue 27 of Lolita Weekend, it was the maid edition. He was already over Alice’s rejection and since her and Loke were over, he thought that maybe he had a chance again. Alice muttered profanities under her breath. “Yeah, I bet Alice of Wonderland wouldn’t say that," He ridiculed her. “She also wouldn’t think of bashing your face in, but here we are," Alice threatened. He didn’t say anything, he just kept looking at the magazine. “Hey, stop zoning out!” Alice scolded. “Sorry, your maid outfit, and those stockings. You don’t dress up anymore,” Gray replied.

Alice growled. “So what, me and Loke break up and you’re going for the rebound?” Alice barked at him, taking the magazine out of his hands and folding it back up and slamming it on the bar. “Are you offering something?” He arched his eyebrows, not phased by Alice’s bad attitude.

“No. Natsu apparently has that covered," Alice admitted, sourly.

“You serious?” Gray’s eyes widened and then he glanced over to Natsu and Happy playing around with the magazines trying to make a big tower. “Well he’s certainly more clingy than usual.” Alice looked over at Natsu as well. She liked him a lot, maybe even loved him but she was a bit put off by him at the moment.

Alice moped around, playing around with the peas on her plate. She was bored and lonely without her usual annoying friends. While before she complained about not having time alone, having over a week was too much time alone.

Mira slid Alice a theatre flier. Team Natsu’s job was to be fill ins for a play that all the original actors walked out on. “Nah, I think I’ll pass.” Alice denied. “Oh come on! They’re all playing a part in it!” Mira tried to persuade. “Look, Mira, I’m not a fan of plays.” Alice nicely rejected once more.

Mira teared up. “It’s been such a long time since you’ve been happy!” Alice was taken back by the sudden show of emotion. ‘Mirajane...” Alice trailed off, truly guilty of hurting Mira’s feelings. “I know you’ve been through a lot and with the guild gone, there’s not much to be excited about, but there was a while where you used to smile!” Mira bawled. Alice slumped over.
There was a time where Alice finally warmed up to the guild and her and Natsu were perfect best friends. Alice was friends with everyone. Sure, Loke was still cheating and Alice was too, but Alice had fun times with her friends.

Nowadays, Alice was depressed. Everything was mundane. She was more stressed than before.

“I know, Mira. I’m thankful you care so much but...I... I promise I’m gonna get better, all right?” Alice tried to soothe. “You’re gonna have the best birthday ever! I’ll make sure of it!” Mira declared, wiping her tears. Alice’s 17th birthday was just around the corner. September 22nd.

After calming Mirajane, Alice went home.

She tended to her garden. She grew her own vegetables which she usually donated to the orphanage, a town over. She grew tomatoes, strawberries, peppers, onions, carrots, and cabbage. Those were rather easy to keep alive.

Alice watered the plants, weeded the garden, picked a few ready fruits, lightning beamed a tomato plant for not growing, then replanted it in hopes it’d re-sprout.

After that work she took a hot shower. She sat at her dining table eating instant ramen. The silence was maddening.

And that went on repeat for countless days. Team Natsu’s performance was so bad it was good so they had full houses for weeks. Alice was going mad trying to find things to do to keep herself occupied.

“Guess who’s back!” Natsu shouted with the rest of the group behind him. “I’m gonna guess it's not Team Natsu that’s back," Alice sardonically replied, hiding her excitement with a frown. Of course she missed them but to hell with letting them know. “Welcome back, guys!” Mira greeted.

“I got to say, I missed you, Moody," Natsu patted Alice’s head. “I haven’t missed you, Fire breathing idiot," Alice muttered lowly. “Yeah, you have! Besides, I brought you a present!” He dangled a gift bag in front of Alice’s face. She snatched it away from him greedily. A box of different assortments of earrings.
"I thought since you have so many piercings, these would come in handy."

“Oh my god! How? What? Why?” Alice jumped out of her seat at the box of rock candy she absolutely loved. It was very rare. “Yeah, it’s extremely hard to come by but as we were getting on the train there was a vendor selling them, so I got whatever he had left. Now did you miss me?” Natsu smiled proudly to himself

“No." Alice sat back down, and frowned once more. He snatched the box away. “Give it back!” Alice cried, standing back up. Natsu held it up over his head. “I got these for my best friend, and if you didn’t miss me, then I’ll give these to Lucy," he challenged. “I bet it was Lucy who told you to buy me these anyways!” Alice argued. “So? Doesn’t mean I can’t give them to her." Natsu shrugged.

“I missed you! Now gimme!” Alice pressed herself up against him, jumping to try to reach. “Heh, too bad you’re too short!” Natsu laughed. Alice jumped up onto the bar to at least match Natsu’s height. He did have 8 inches on her. Alice stood up on the bar and easily grabbed Natsu’s arm and pulled him closer to grab the candy from him. Natsu pulled away, Alice lost balance, and so Natsu heroically caught Alice.

Natsu held Alice in his arms and then let her to her feet. The box of candy was on the ground, forgotten about as Natsu and Alice gazed into each other’s eyes, seeing who’d pull away first, or who’d make the next move.

Lucy walked over, picking up the box. “Hey, what’s this? I thought you were giving these to Al-” She looked back up at Natsu and Alice and stopped talking as she witnessed Natsu and Alice in a heated kiss.

Yeah, they missed each other. Natsu backed Alice up to the bar, trapping her against him, hands pressed firmly to the exposed skin under her cropped shirt, fingers digging in the soft skin. Alice had one hand lost in his mess of pink hair, the other hand was pressed against his chest in light protest, but it didn’t matter either way.

Teeth clashing together, Natsu and Alice were in a heated world of their own.

“Can you not do that at the bar?!”

“I think it’s cute!” “Mira, you’re not helping!”

Chapter 24

Chapter Text

“Well that was no fair! I was hoping for a challenge!” Natsu whined. “Seriously, I haven’t had a good fight in awhile," Alice added. “You two make quite the couple," Lucy noted. Alice blushed hard.
Sure, Natsu and Alice had their share of moments now, and sure, everyone at the guild witnessed the two passionately kiss, but they weren’t an item. Alice wasn’t in the market for a boyfriend. And Natsu had yet to even express romantic interest in Alice.

“Is that Loke over there?” Natsu looked down the road, and Alice froze. Alice hadn’t seen Loke since the break up. A month had passed and Alice was slowly coming back to herself. But seeing him could undo all her progress.
“It’s fine. Come on.” Gray put a hand to Alice’s back, gently guiding her forward, she swerved and out of Gray’s reach. “You know, I think I’m gonna stay over here.” Alice excused. “Alice-” “Gray, leave her be. It’s her decision.” Erza intervened.

“What’s up guys? “ Loke asked the group as they met. “Beating bad guys and being awesome," Natsu replied casually. Then Loke stiffened as Lucy stepped forward. “Hey, I’m so glad we ran into you-”
“Sorry! I have to go now!” Loke dashed away. “Man you must’ve done something to him," Gray commented. “He avoids you like the plague.” Natsu added. “Hey, where’s Alic- Why is she all the way back there?” Happy asked, noticing Alice several feet away, looking the other way. “Obviously she didn’t want to come near Loke.” Lucy answered. “Oh, is she still sad?”

“I don’t know, but seeing him must bother her a lot.”

“Well I guess we gotta go back now," Gray sighed before the group started into the town they may or may not of destroyed. “Wait, since we got done early, can we go to a spa?” Lucy suggested.

“Lucy,” Erza started with her stern tone, “That’s a great idea."
“Since the majority of the reward is gonna go to the repairs, I suppose I can pay,” Alice volunteered. “Don’t worry about it. And I’ll even pay for you as well as an early birthday present.” Erza patted Alice’s shoulder

“Oh. All right then.”

“I really needed this," Lucy sighed sitting in the hot water. “Yes, this is very much needed." Erza stood up in the springs, while wearing her armor. “You bathe in your armor?” Lucy asked, weirded out. “I feel comfortable in it," Erza responded. “Well I guess that’s your own thing," Lucy shrugged. “Maybe I should be completely relaxed.” Erza requiped out of her armor completely nude. “Wow you look great no matter what!” Lucy gasped. “Really? Maybe I should walk around like this in the guild.” Erza joked. “That was a joke.” Erza added to make sure that Lucy and Alice really knew it was indeed a joke. “Get in, Alice!” Lucy encouraged.

“I’m getting there. I’m not as excited as you are,” Alice replied, standing near the entrance still. “It’s a hot spring! It’s super relaxing. Or do you have one?” “No, no. I have a Natsu so I get plenty of heat constantly. I don’t even have to turn on my heat during the winter.” Alice grumbled. “Oh, come on Alice, get in. Enjoy yourself!” Erza waved over. Alice gave in, requiping naked.

“You’re gorgeous naked too!” Lucy commented, eyeing Alice up and down. “Thanks, I get plenty of offers to do nude shoots so I know I look good naked,” Alice replied, avoiding eye contact. She sat in the water, knees up to her chest. “Natsu’s a pretty lucky guy!” Lucy singsonged, teasing Alice. “We’re not dating,” Alice denied curtly.

“So, I must ask, Alice.” Erza started a new conversation. “What is the deal with you and Natsu?”

“Eh?” Alice froze. “Oh come on, we’re all girls here! Let’s have a bit of gossip!” Erza smiled excitedly. “You know, I didn’t want to ask myself, but I’m curious too,” Lucy admitted.

Alice was lucky that the heat from the springs made her face red and hot as is. “Fine. We’re...just friends.” “Just friends? I’ve seen you two make out! So from what I know, you two have kissed at least twice now in the last month!” Lucy argued, exasperated with Alice’s denial. “Look, we’re not dating. Sure, I’ll admit, I do have strong feelings for Natsu, and I actually did tell him that but he’s never returned my feelings yet. Sure, we’ve kissed twice, very passionately, but he hasn’t said anything yet, and I don’t know. I’m not sure if I want another relationship yet.” Alice shrugged, as her tone got lamentful.

“So you two have kissed. And you guys cuddle while you sleep. And you two are always with each other and usually touching but you don’t know if he has feelings for you?” Erza asked. “No. Natsu’s always been a physical guy. Since we were kids he’s always been touchy with me. I mean ever since-.... Ever since Lisanna’s been gone, Natsu’s been more physical, like the cuddling, the hand holding, the head pats, the...everything. And I mean, we’re teenagers. Platonic kissing isn’t uncommon at this age.”

“All right, all right. I get it. So what it like with Natsu?” “Erza!” “What? I’m just asking. We’re girlfriends who can talk like this!”

Alice sighed. “He’s a good guy. He’s genuine with everything he does. He’s prideful. He’s actually smarter than he leads on. And he is really in tune with my feelings somehow.-” “Okay but what’s it like kissing him?” Erza leaned towards Alice, really into the conversation. “Uhm. it’s nice? Like, so far we’ve only just kissed like really intensely so, so far, he’s kinda rough but really into it. He’s a bit out of practice with it I think or Lisanna didn’t give him any pointers and he’s had to learn on his own because he’s a bit intense and sloppy but...”

“But what?!”

“Erza, calm down.”

“I really like it. Like I don’t know, those cliche sparks happen and it’s amazing and yeah. I mean, Loke was an amazing kisser, he knew what he was doing and he is very skilled in the art apparently and that was nice but....emotionally it was mundane. My body reacted different to him than it does to Natsu. With him I want to pull him closer and it’s hard to be around him without wanting to kiss him more. I don’t know, I really crave his touch now and it makes my body feel like it’s floating. Loke was different. I liked it, and stuff but I wasn’t as excited like I am now.”

“Wow, Alice. You make me wanna fall in love with someone and feel the way you feel about Natsu!” Lucy gushed. “So when did you and Loke first do it?” “ERZA.”

“Uhm, I was still 15. And a month and a half into our relationship. Of course, I think we only dated in the first place because he wanted to sleep with me. But for some reason, we kept dating and I don’t know why. And if you’re going to ask what he was like, he was great. He felt nice and he really knew what he was doing. It’s the best I’ve had except-!.... Nothing... Nothing at all, I had nothing to say after that.” Alice felt too comfortable and walked herself into a corner.

“So it is true.” Erza nodded. “What?- What?” Lucy was now too into it. Alice huffed. “I’ve also cheated on Loke with others. I’m not proud of it! It’s just... well you guys wouldn’t understand. I’m not a cheater. Loke was an isolated case! You know, I’m relaxed enough.” Alice hopped out of the springs.

“Wait! Alice!” Lucy called after her, but knew there wasn’t anything to convince Alice to get back in.

Alice requiped into a towel and walked off.

“Let’s get this party started!” Natsu busted into the room wearing a robe and was equipped with two pillows. “Oh come on, I’m trying to sleep here!” Gray grumbled. “It’s a sleepover, Gray. You can’t go to sleep now!” Alice whined, singsongy.
“Why are you up there?” Gray asked. “Wait. Are you already drinking?” Natsu asked as well. Alice was laying on her back on a tall wardrobe and her head hung on the ledge so she could see the room. She was also wearing a robe. But hers had loosened so the top was open to leave very little to imagination. She held a bottle of wine in her hand, making sure not to tip it over. “I feel tall, and this is my first drink.” Alice slurred. “It’ll be your last too, because right now you have to bust out your pillow-fu or you’ll be K.O’d!” Natsu challenged, raising his pillows into a fighting stance.

Alice quickly chugged her bottle, fell off the wardrobe, stood up, fixed her robe and then grabbed a pillow to fight with.

“My arsenal is full of only the powerfullest pillows," Erza said carrying pillows as she walked into the room. “You’re going down!” Natsu threw a pillow at her, she dodged and it hit Gray.

Gray somehow found a convenient pile of pillows next to him, and threw one at Natsu and then at Erza. Lucy tried to join but was pelted and thrown against a sliding door and outside.

“I’m coming after you now, Alice!” Natsu said throwing a pillow at her. Alice dodged, threw her pillow back, Natsu caught it and as he got ready to attack again, Erza pelted Alice with three pillows in succession. Alice flew back and hit a wall. There was definitely going to be a repair bill sent to the guild a day after.

“That was all your fault!” Gray shouted. “It was yours. You got so worked up over a pillow fight!” Natsu shouted back. “You did! Because you 100% lost!” Gray countered. “No, I was 100% awesome! You’re just mad because you lost!” Natsu growled.

“Alice!” “Lucy!” “”Which one of us won?”” Both boys asked, one of them asking for either Alice or Lucy. “Both of you! Shut it!” Lucy and Alice snapped at the same time. Lucy wasn’t in a good mood, and Alice had a hangover and was pissed off.

Lucy had revealed to Alice that Loke was at the same resort that night. Lucy and Happy were walking alone and got into some trouble with some gang guys. Loke stepped in and rescued them. And Loke hit on her, telling her that he was dying.

So here the two girls were.

Lucy was eating angrily, as Alice sat up on the bar in her party dress and tiara. She wore a gothic lolita dress that was a black and red violet criss cross pattern. She also wore lace up heels. Alice was a tired, angry, princess. It was her birthday after all.

She got woken up at some time very early in the morning by Natsu who wanted to make sure he was the first to tell Alice Happy Birthday. And then Erza woke up and declared it was time for everyone to get up and head out.

Alice wasn’t happy, even surrounded by presents. There wasn’t much of a party since the guild had yet to be rebuilt.

There was a banner that sparkled and lit up.

Alice had gotten a two piece lace lingerie set from Mira. She had a habit of buying Alice risque things. Alice had a baby blue baby doll negligee, she had yet to wear from Christmas-- Also from Mira.

Gray had gotten Alice a cross, similar to his, but way smaller, black and it had a red stone in the center. Alice was a bit hesitant to wear it because she already had a necklace from Natsu that she never took off except for missions. So Alice put Gray’s gift in her requip. Alice never wanted to put Natsu’s necklace in her requip in case she lost access to it.

Happy gave Alice a drawing of a fish. She was going to treasure this picture like any other one she got from him. They all went on the fridge.

Erza got Alice a cheesecake. And also, Erza played a “woe is me” thing to get at least one piece of it.

Lucy got Alice a frilly romance novel, because Lucy remembered that Alice was reading one of hers while staying at her apartment.

Master Makarov promised Alice that she’d have her own piano when the new hall was finished. And he also cried because Alice was now 17 and growing up fast and he felt he was at fault for their distant and strained relationship.

Elfman gave Alice a speech about the responsibility of being a man and she should keep up her manly standards.

Cana got Alice a bottle of Wizard Whisky and a free reading. “You will have a relatively pleasant day. There’s a chance of some storm that has been brewing for some time, but overall, I think it’ll all be worthwhile.”

Macao gave Alice 50 jewel, but then Wakaba gave her 60, so Macao had to match that, giving an extra 10.

Levy gifted to Alice the next book on runes, that Alice needed for her collection. Droy and Jet gave Alice a picture of Levy asleep. Which she had no clue how they got that picture.

And then all these girls crowded the bar demanding of Mira.
“Last night he said he wanted to break up with me!”
“Me too!”
“Loke! Come back!”

“Lucy save me!” Mira cried. The girls crowded Lucy menacingly.

Alice was very upset to say the least. “Your top is cheap, your shorts are sending the wrong message, your hair is out of style and that fur is too obviously fake. And while you were all living on Loke’s cheap promises, he was going down on me. So f*ck off my guild before I remove you myself!” Alice had snapped. Three of the girls cried, two threatened Alice back, and one was smart enough to run off. So Alice had to make her promise stick and get rid of the girls.

Alice stood at the entrance and contemplated going back to the guild but her eyes filling with tears told her to go home.

“Where’s Alice going?” Natsu asked Lucy, as he just got back from a brawl with Gray. “Wait, why’s Mira crying?” He then noticed Mirajane hiding behind the bar, crouched down in a ball, bawling.
“She’s just so sad!” Mira howled.

“Apparently Loke is far more trashy than before. He pulls his stunt last night and now sends his five other girlfriends, demanding why he broke up with them.” Lucy scowled, crossing her arms. “She didn’t take her presents.” Natsu noticed all the various items. “I suppose she’ll come by later to pick them up, though I hope it doesn’t rain by then.” Lucy glanced up at the clear sky. “Rain? Where?” Natsu mirrored her actions. “Well Cana did a reading for Alice and said she has a storm coming so I don’t know what it really meant.”

Natsu knocked on the front door, well kicked at it, since his hands were full. Alice reluctantly opened the door, although, at first opening it only a sliver to see who it was. Upon seeing Natsu and Happy, Alice simply walked away from the door and let it swing open. “We brought you your stuff!” Happy announced. “Oh, thanks. I was gonna go get them myself, later.” Alice half heartedly said, gesturing for Natsu to place them all on the table.

Alice had just finished washing off her makeup before the two showed up. She was wearing a simple tank top that showed off her stomach, right above her belly button along with black and white checkered plaid cotton shorts that went mid thigh.

“You changed out of that get up,” Natsu commented, eyeing Alice up and down. Alice shrugged. “Well, yeah. My birthday party is over.” “But your birthday isn’t! It’s still daylight out!” Happy argued, going over to the window behind the couch and threw back the curtains, letting in unfiltered sunlight in. “Well, when you get as old as me, birthdays aren’t that big of a deal anymore.” Alice smiled lightly.
“Of course they are! And you’re only 17! You have a whole long life to live, and you gotta celebrate your birthday!” Happy debated. “I did celebrate. I’m just not in the party mood anymore. Loke feelings are still hanging over me and today of all days he has to-...” Alice trailed off, finding an envelope, colored green with ‘Princess’ written in slopped cursive. Her fingers brushed over it but she stopped herself from picking it up. “Where’d you get this?” She gave Natsu a wild look of worry and muddled emotion. “It was in your mailbox!” Happy answered for Natsu. “It’s from Loke. I can smell him. He was here earlier.” Natsu nodded. “He must’ve dropped this off.”

“Open it!” Happy chirped excitedly. “No. I...I’ll wait. It’s probably just an apology letter or some bullsh*t.” Alice cleared her throat and stood up straight, rolling her shoulders back to stretch her back. “So, if that’s all you were here for...”

“I’m gonna go back to the guild!” Happy waved and made his way out the door.

Natsu and Alice stood there feet apart. The door closed, echoing through the whole house. “Why did that sound so staged?” Alice asked, a smile threatened to ruin her pout. Her eyes flitted over to Natsu’s strong build. “Happy’s got an evil plan in that furry head of his. I’m not sure what it is but it can’t be good.” Natsu shook his head.

Alice nodded, picked up the cheesecake platter and walked away to her kitchen. “So, yesterday, I accidentally overheard something.” Natsu began, as he followed Alice to the kitchen. “Oh?” Alice inquired. “You know, with my dragon hearing and all, I can’t really control it,” Natsu continued. Alice knew Natsu was going to say something shocking.

So Alice hurried to put the cheesecake away in the fridge before he could speak again. “So, I may have heard your conversation with Erza and Lucy when you guys were in the hot springs.” Natsu finally opened the floodgates.

Alice’s body felt extremely warm as it seemed her entire being was on fire. She didn’t know how to react to that. “So what do you want me to say to that? You already know that I like you so what difference did that make?”

“I like you too.”
“What?” Alice turned around, taking in the view of Natsu, embarrassed.

“I’ve liked you for a while now I just didn’t understand it until recently.”

“Natsu...” “And I know you said you don’t-”

It was now or never. “I'm in love with you, Natsu. I have been for a long time.” Alice finally got the courage to express herself to Natsu. He stepped closer to Alice. “I just... I-” Alice was stressed out, so she subconsciously started to pick at her nails. Natsu grabbed her hands in his. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“Because I didn’t know what it was until more recently and besides, with you and Lisanna and then me and Loke, I didn’t want to figure my feelings out. But I’ve felt this way for years now, I guess.” Alice meekly confessed. She looked down at their hands. “But...if things didn’t get so messy with Loke, I might’ve wanted to explore more of my feelings for you but I’m not ready for that yet.” “Okay. I’ll wait.” Natsu expressed without a second of hesitance.

“No. Don’t wait. You shouldn’t have to wait for me!” Alice shot her gaze back up at him, revealing her distressed expression. Natsu lightly smiled. “You’re right. But I want to. You’re my best friend Alice and you’re the only person in the world right now that I want to do these things with.”

Alice bit her lip, conflicted with too many emotions. Natsu kept one of Alice’s hands in his, and let the other one go as he took his free hand and caressed Alice’s face. He thumbed over her cheek, his roughness lightly scratching against her smooth supple red cheek. “You know, this seems very out of character for you.” Alice commented softly. “I know. But I’m just listening to what my heart wants.” Natsu took a half step forward, bringing himself inches from Alice. “Natsu, I don’t want to lead you on, or get your hopes up, so I don’t think we should do this.” Alice spoke lightly, barely a whisper, her voice trapped in her throat. “Just one more time then.” Natsu replied, pulling Alice towards him, and leading her lips to his.

And for that one moment. Everything was fine. Natsu kissed Alice gently. This was something different than before. He wasn’t too rough or too lost in his desire.
This time they kissed, promising themselves to each other, in a silent embrace. Alice pulled away first, pursing her lips together, fighting her internal instincts to continue.

“I should put all those gifts away.” She excused herself, walking past Natsu, who ended up following anyways. “Yeah, but you know, your birthday isn’t over yet.” Natsu brought up the argument from before. “Okay, and? I’m not in the mood to go out on a special job or whatever.” Alice replied, opening the box from Mira. “Okay, how about we go play a game in the forest?” Natsu sat down beside Alice on the couch. “Maybe tomorrow.” Alice shrugged.

“So what’s that for?” Natsu eyed the negligee. “At the moment, nothing. I’ve told Mira I haven’t had the need to wear these things.” Alice added it to her requip anyway. “Did you ever wear stuff like that for Loke?” Natsu asked, making Alice choke on her own breath.

“Maybe.” She decided to be honest.

While Loke would constantly initiate things at random times, Alice rarely dressed up for him unless she felt he was distant and maybe sex would fix things temporarily.

“Wow, baby, you look so beautiful in that.”

“Oh, okay. So why does Mirajane buy you things like that?” “Because she hates me.”

Alice moved on to the card from Loke. She hesitated from opening the seal.

“So why did Droy and Jet give you a picture of Levy sleeping? And how’d they do it?” Natsu studied the tiny polaroid picture. Alice put down the green envelope, to focus on Natsu’s inquiry. “Because they’re weird. But it’s not too bad, now I have a picture of the cute little Levy to treasure for forever.” Alice smiled. Natsu put it down and reached for the book Lucy gave Alice. “So did Gray get you anything?”

“Yeah, a necklace. You interested in that book? I’ll let you have it.” Alice teased Natsu, who read the back cover. “Is there any blood or fighting?” “No. It’s a romance novel. There’s just going to be a lot of kissing and intense sex scenes.” Alice replied with a giggle. “You’re into that type of stuff?” Natsu looked at Alice with a blush. “It’s a girl thing, you wouldn’t understand.” Alice leaned over Natsu to grab the book from him. “What? Girls like reading that kinda stuff?”

“Well yeah. It’s a fantasy thing. It’s not like real life sex, it’s better. It’s all about what girls want.”

“Girls want sex? I thought it was just a guy thing.” “No, guys like to just hump us like dogs and take a nap right after. Girls like sensual kissing and soft touches, and attention to their needs.” Alice shrugged. “What needs do you girls have that guys don’t?”

Alice looked up at Natsu, but gasped silently seeing Natsu’s glazed over, dark eyes. She swallowed hard. “You’ll understand when you’re older.” Alice dropped the conversation real quick. Natsu was a typical guy after all.

Alice got up from the couch and picked up the note, picture of Levy, and the two books. “Be a dear and hang that drawing from Happy with the others.” Alice quickly ordered as she scurried off. Natsu blinked a few times and shook his head to get back to himself. Alice’s scent invaded his senses, her touch sent him into a daze, and thoughts of what Alice meant by “Girls and their needs”, and Alice just looked so more beautiful and mouth watering than before. “Dammit,” Natsu muttered to himself, adjusting his pants before standing up. His Dragon mating season was coming up. Mid fall to early winter.

Something he seemed to inherit with his Dragon Slayer magic along with the dragon like senses.

Dragons usually had one mate all their lives, but if that mate died, they could potentially get a new mate depending on their age. And male dragons found their mate with instinct. Their bodies just felt more attracted to other dragons with “good genes”.
And female dragons just smelled better during the season. They didn’t get many urges except they felt more attracted to their mates. But if they didn’t have a mate, they didn’t feel anything during the season.

Apparently Natsu’s dragon instincts told him Alice was the one. Since he was younger and even with Lisanna, Natsu felt attraction to Alice he couldn’t understand and barely control, no matter how much he willed Lisanna to be that mate-- Even though he was far too young to do the mating thing.

Sure, during his season, he felt a stronger attraction to Lisanna, just to fill that instinctive void. Because he was in love with Lisanna and that did trump his underlying feelings for Alice even during that time. But Alice drove him crazy in those times. She smelled so good, and she seemed to glow in his eyes.

It wasn’t until now Natsu realized that Alice was that one.

Someone that Igneel had talked about when Natsu was a child. Natsu’s potential mate.

“Hey, can I go take a shower, real quick?” Natsu called after Alice. “Uh, sure, I suppose. I’ve never heard you want to willingly want to bathe but I’m not gonna argue,” Alice replied. Natsu hurried to the kitchen, put a magnet on the picture on the fridge and made a beeline to the bathroom.

Alice sat still, Natsu draping himself over her as they were cuddling on the couch. Natsu insisted on cuddling with Alice as she read her new book from Lucy. After Natsu’s ice cold shower, he was tired and freezing, so he huddled up with Alice under a blanket. So, with relaxed boredom, Natsu fell asleep and Alice read her book but her mind kept trailing to that green envelope. So, as the hours went by, Alice couldn’t focus and had to keep rereading passages over and over again to comprehend the words, so gave up. So she wrenched herself out of Natsu’s stronghold and sped over to the library.

“You done reading?” Natsu drowsily asked. Alice ignored him as she ripped open the green envelope paper. She opened the cheesy, cheap birthday card and a piece of parchment fell out onto the floor.

Hey there princess,

So, here goes nothing. I’m not one for writing letters but I felt this more fitting than talking to you in person since you probably don’t want to see me especially after what I did with Lucy and then those girls at the guild looking for me. And well, if Lucy told you what happened. I told her I was dying and in a way I am. You may not believe me but I am a celestial spirit. Leo the lion, the so called leader of the Zodiac. Years ago, I had a celestial wizard I was contracted to, Karen Lilica. She was one of those wizards who saw us spirits as property and she could do as she pleased, and honestly, she could. She was the only one who could break the contract. And so she liked to abuse us spirits. She’d hit us, scream at us, throw things at us, and sometimes she wouldn’t let us go back to the spirit world and we’d get tired. And I got tired of the abuse and I put my foot down. With my own magic energy, I came into the human world, and also it put a strain on Karen’s magic too, so as long as I was out on my own, she couldn’t close my gate, but she also couldn’t summon another spirit. I demanded her to release Aries and I from our contracts with her and only then I’d go back to the celestial world and she could do as she wanted. But she refused. And so days, weeks, and even months went on, and Karen was getting tired from all the energy of hers I was using to stay in the human world, and she went on a job on her own, and died due to her inability to summon another spirit. It’s a crime in my world to kill your wizard and that’s what I did. So I was no longer allowed back into the celestial world. So for three years I’ve roamed the human world, waiting to die when my own magic energy was gone. In my time here, I’ve always been a bit of a player as you might call it. I used women for my entertainment to maybe fill a void. You do a lot of crazy things when you’re staring death in the face. And then coming to Fairy Tail, I met you. And I’ll admit, I wanted you just to use you for my own selfish gain. I wanted to sleep with you and leave you. You were a big prize. A young, smart, beautiful girl with so much untouched innocence. I couldn’t resist. But leading you on, I saw how much the people around you cared, and I saw why. So I couldn’t hurt you. At first. I planned on sleeping with you, taking your virginity our first date. But you hadn’t even had your first kiss yet. I couldn’t just take it all right then. So I played it out, and finally, a month of dating, I took your virginity and I was ready to move on to the next girl , so by the next morning when I was ready to leave you behind like the rest of the girls before you, I realized....I had feelings for you. I just wanted to screw you and have the honor of taking your firsts. You were Miss Alice Dreyar. Powerful wizard, top model, the figurative heart of Fairy Tail. I just wanted bragging rights, but you went and charmed me in your own way. You were so sweet and endearing. Something I never had from someone before. So... I couldn’t bring myself to leaving you in the dust, but seeing how things played out, I should’ve done just that. I didn’t mean for things to go this way. As much as I loved you, you couldn’t fill the hole inside me and as my death day gets closer, I didn’t want to put you through the pain of losing me like that. But I think that’s going to happen anyways. So, I just want to say sorry. Sorry that I’ve hurt you. Sorry for all the lying, the cheating. Sorry for making you cry. Sorry for making you cheat on me. Sorry for leading you on like I did. If I didn’t do what I did to you, you could have been in a long and happy relationship with Natsu because I know you love him. You had since the day I met you, you just refused to realize it. So, I’m forever sorry for stealing your time, and your happiness. I do love you, Alice and I think that’s my biggest crime of all. But, my time is up. I can feel myself fading. Today will be the day I die. I wish I picked a better day. So, by the time you see this, I’ll be gone. There was nothing you could’ve done. The only way to save me would to get me back into the celestial world which I’ve been banished from. So, goodbye princess. I wish you the best of luck.

Loke/Leo

Chapter 25

Chapter Text

“No, she won’t come out. She’s been in the bath for hours now. I tried to get her to talk. Water Dragon Slayers, what can ya say?” Natsu shrugged. “It’s really all my fault. I should go talk to her.” Loke, now Leo, suggested. His hair spiked out, two tufts on either side spiked out in curved shapes that resembled cat ears. His hair was fuller and a bit longer than before. He still wore sunglasses, but now wore a black suit and red tie outfit. “I still say you should go get more rest. You aren’t healed up all the way,” Lucy disagreed, shaking her head. “But I gotta make things right with her. I’ve put her through so much. That letter... I shouldn’t have gave it to her.” Loke hung his head low. “But, you did what you thought was r-” “You heard the man, he’s gonna go talk to her.” Natsu interrupted Lucy, and he shoved Loke forward. “Natsu!” Lucy gasped. “It’s all right, Lucy. After this I’ll go rest like a good boy.” Loke reassured Lucy. “Go get packed. I’ll have Alice here in a bit.” Natsu called after Erza, Gray and Lucy.

“So, how has she been?” Loke asked hesitantly, feeling Natsu’s upset mood. “Well she’s locked herself in her bathroom since last night and hasn’t come out. I woke up hearing her screaming and crying and that eventually stopped about an hour ago. So she’s just peachy.” Natsu sarcastically replied. God, was Natsu pissed off. The girl he loved, in so much pain that he couldn’t fix or heal. And Loke caused it.

“So, you’re mad at me too, then?” Loke smiled weakly. “I’m not mad at you, I’m disappointed. I thought you could at least give her a break, man.” Natsu sighed out, lying partially. He didn’t want to cause a scene and beat the living sh*t out of Loke. It wouldn’t be a fair fight after all. “I know. I’m sorry for all of it and... I didn’t think it’d go this way. I didn’t-” “Yeah, I know. I read that letter. You’re a pretty cold dude.”
Loke snickered shortly, shaking his head lightly, more at himself. “Yeah, I am. I really do love her, you know. And maybe if things were different... If I were human, maybe things could’ve worked out different. But, I don’t know. I was selfish. I wanted to keep her to myself even though I didn’t want to be with her, you know?”

Natsu rolled his eyes.” Yeah, now she’s crying, thinking she’s killed you.” “But it wouldn’t be-” “It’s Alice. She blames herself for everything.”

Loke walked inside, eyes on the bathroom light that seeped through from the small sliver between the door and floor. “I’ll wait out here.” Natsu nodded, as he sat down on the stone step before the front door. Loke closed the door and then fixed his tie.

Loke strode over to the door, and put his ear to the door. He could make out the small hiccups from Alice, and the sound of water. “Alice?” Loke knocked once. Silence.

“Alice, princess, it’s me, Loke.” He tried the handle. Of course it was locked. The sound of a lot of movement in water, and then the door opened. Alice with red-puffy eyes, swollen lips, flushed cheeks, and a blocked nose. Her hair was matted and curly from being wet, tangled, and then dried as is. She may have been sitting in a bathtub for hours, but she sat up in the water for the most part. The tips of her hair dripped with water, though that was the most wet her hair was. She wore a bath towel secured in place around her body.

“Hey there,” Loke started off. “Don’t ‘hey there’ me! What the hell is your problem?!” Alice shouted in his face. “Well, I- uhm,” “What? Don’t have a thing to say because you put it all in that f*cking stupid letter?!”

Alice got in his face, eyes black with mixed, strong emotion. “I know, you’re upset with me, but Alice, you gotta hear me out!” Loke raised the tone of his voice, trying to soothe Alice. “What is there to hear out! You tell me you’re f*cking dying! That you’d be dead by the time I’d find out! What the f*ck was going through your head?! Do you not know that’s not something you do? And then the next f*cking day you show up in a f*cking new get-up!” Alice’s voice broke. Her throat was sore and raw. It took a lot of determination and strength to keep her voice up.

She’d cry if she had tears to spare. She ran dry hours ago.

“I was planning on dying! Lucy found me somehow and she somehow pulled some strings with the Celestial King and he lifted my ban! I’m back at my place in the Zodiac! Was sending you a letter the wrong way to go about things? Probably. Should I have told you in person, maybe a long time ago? Maybe. But come on, this isn’t something you just tell people!” Loke defended himself. “So you thought that you could keep this secret from me? I mean, sure, you never were serious about me in the first place, so why trust me to something like that?” Alice continued, piercing.

Loke held Alice’s wrists in his hands. “Alice. I love you. You’re the love of Loke’s life. He just had a lot of things going on. He... I .... I was trying to pass time before I died, I didn’t mean to string you along into it. I should’ve left things well enough alone the first time I saw you. I just couldn’t help myself. You were, and still are so breathtakingly beautiful. And if it means anything to you, if things were different, if I wasn’t a dying celestial spirit, you’d be the one for me. If I could, I’d never hurt you and I’d do everything in my power to make you proud and happy but I was too scared of getting too close because I knew I was supposed to die. So now that I’ve got my second chance, I want you to be happy again. Be the you before me.”

Alice’s eyes cleared of the darkness, her eyes re-dilating. “There is no me before you! I’m the way I am today because of you! You’re the reason I can’t look Gray in the eye anymore! The reason I act the way I do! The reason I can’t be with Natsu now even though I want to be! You really think I can pretend you don’t exist?!”

“Well no, because I’m now contracted to Lucy, so there’s a possibility you’ll see me again on the battlefield.” Loke interjected casually with a shrug. “You’re what?! You’re Lucy’s spirit now?”

“Well she did save my life. I have an obligation to her now.” Loke shrugged. Alice scoffed. “I can’t believe her. I-...” Alice huffed, defeated, she hung her head low, shoulders hunched, and she breathed deep. “I’m sorry, baby. I love you, but things will be different now. I’m a celestial spirit who now lives for Lucy. So, you got be Alice of Fairy Tail, beauty and power, smarts and charm, and be with Natsu. You two really deserve each other.” Loke smiled softly, one hand from Alice’s wrists and hooked a finger under her chin, guiding her to look back up at him. Alice sniffled and nodded. “Your friends are packing for a trip to Akane. It’s an all paid vacation for all of you, on me. So go get cleaned up, Natsu’s waiting outside for us to finish up.”

“There’s Alice and Natsu!” Erza waved, trying to look happy and not impatient. “They look too close for comfort,” Gray grumbled. Eyeing the two holding hands, Alice clinging hard to Natsu’s side. “Well I haven’t seen you being at her side while all of this was going on,” Lucy snapped back at him.

“All right, ready to go?” Erza asked as Alice and Natsu met them at the train station. “Yeah!”

“You should probably get some rest on the way there.” Natsu commented as they took their seats. The train lurched, getting ready to leave. Natsu slumped over, sick. Alice poked Natsu in the temple of his head and he sat back up, revived. Alice silently nestled into Natsu’s side, head on his shoulder as she closed her eyes to rest. Like instinct, Natsu wrapped an arm around Alice. “So you two a thing now?” Gray muttered lowly. “Nah. She just really likes me.” Natsu shrugged. “Sure. It’s a really low move swooping in while she’s vulnerable.” Gray crossed his arms. “Hey, look man, she made her choice. If it was you she wanted to cuddle up with, then I wouldn’t make a fuss about it.” Natsu growled softly, not to disturb Alice, although, sporting a noticeable blush. “Well, yeah you’d be too sick to say anything.” Gray rebutted. “That’s not what I meant, but sure.” “What’d you mean then, huh?” “Natsu and Alice are in love!” Happy squealed. Natsu lowered his gaze to the floor. “I think it’s cute!” Lucy chimed.

Gray scooted closer to the window and looked out the window, disgruntled.

Alice held tight, arms locked around Natsu’s neck, legs crossed around his torso as Natsu splashed around in the water, locked in a water fight with Gray. Alice giggled as she closed her eyes, keeping salt water out of her eyes. “You’re not gonna survive this next attack! I call it: Water Explosion!” Natsu shouted using his fire power to push a wave of water in Gray’s direction.

Gray resurfaced and wiped his hair back out of his face. “Oh yeah, you call that an attack? How about this? Water....uh, Water attack!” Gray couldn’t come up with a name, but the attack was much larger than Natsu’s, washing both him and Alice away with mighty waves.

Alice let go of Natsu, swimming back up the surface. Natsu wasted no time, going back to war with Gray. Alice swam back to the shore line, and sat in the shallow tide, watching Gray and Natsu splash each other with water.

Alice took a deep breath in and out, relishing in the warm, late summer sun. A vacation was what she needed.

“You look like you’re relaxing.”

Alice’s eyes shot up to the unfamiliar voice. She scowled up at the person rudely interrupting her relaxation time. “Good job, captain obvious. Go tell other people at the resort they’re relaxing. I’m sure you’ll eventually find someone who’s impressed by your observation skills.” Alice curtly replied.

A young male with dark blond hair, blue eyes, a charming smile. He was of average height, medium build. He wore blue swim trunks. He was a rather attractive young man. Not as built as Natsu, but there was definition to his arms, chest and stomach. His skin was sunkissed. He obviously been in the sun a lot this year.

Alice sat up, ready to move if needed. She was a very attractive girl. While her chest wasn’t nearly as big as her two female teammates, she still had a very sought after body type. A slim, toned stomach, rounded hips, a defined posterior, average length toned legs, glowing tanned skin, she was a model after all. Of course she was ridiculously beautiful, so with it, came unnecessary male attention she wasn’t asking for.

Alice wore a black simple bikini set. It was a magic bikini that let the sun pass through it like she was nude, so she wouldn’t get tan lines.
Her hair was wet, her eyes seemed to glow in the summer sun, her previous emotional breakdown left her lips and cheeks somewhat red and puffy but that could easily excused by the hot weather.

“A cold wall to strangers. A defense mechanism to keep people away from you.” This guy smirked down at Alice.

“No. I just don’t want to be disturbed. I’m here on vacation with my friends, so bother some other pretty girl or something.” Alice rudely waved him off.

He frowned. “Alice Dreyar. Ex Lolita model, current Fairy Tail icon. Who knew you could be such a bitch in real life. Fame got to your head much?” He squatted down to Alice’s height. Alice sneered in disbelief. “Are you a fan or something? An aspiring famous wizard?” Alice snapped. “Haru Tachibana at your service ma’am. I’m familiar with your work. So you here with a boyfriend?”

“I just told you I’m here with friends.” Alice stood up and walked out into the water. “Well you’re not with them right now.”

“Yeah, cause I want to be alone. Leave me alone!”

“I’ve waited years for your attention. I’ve sent you letters, bought every one of your spreads, any newspaper you were featured in for your wizard work. I even met you twice. I was giving you another chance to prove you’re not some stuck up celebrity.” Haru shouted after Alice.

Alice stared back at him incredulous at this random guy. Who was this dude? “I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to deal with creeps.” Alice put her arms up into a fighting position, trying to warn this guy to leave her alone. “You really don’t recognize me, do you?!” Haru asked Alice, wide eyed, crazy smile. “You’re the kid who harassed me once in Machi and again in Lily Town. Even when I told you to stop mailing me, you didn’t so I had my post master toss your letters. Of course I know who you are. But you don’t really look like that. Looks like someone paid some good money to look average.” Alice darkly, but calmly responded. Haru relaxed, a light smile. “See, Alice. I knew you were nice. But there’s something I want.” Haru snapped his fingers and Alice was naked. Alice squealed in embarrassment, trying to requip but nothing was happening.

“Dispel magic. You’re magicless around me.”

Alice squatted down, trying to cover herself, trying to hide herself. “Why?!” “Because I wanted to see what you hid under all those clothes.”

“That’s enough out of you!” Natsu fly-kicked Haru, sending him into the distance. Gray created a wall of ice around Alice. “You okay, Alice?”

Alice stayed frozen, in embarrassment. “Why is it always me?”

“Hey, what happened?” Lucy ran over with Erza and Happy. “Some creep just undressed Alice with a snap of his fingers,” Gray responded. “You put all your clothes into your requip? You don’t wear clothes outside of it?” Erza asked. “No. I-.” “I’ve dealt with dispel magic before. It cancels any clothes, armor, or objects from your requip. That’s why I wear something else from the material world. Once they cancel your magic, you’ll be dressed at least.”

“I’ll go buy you a new swimsuit. There’s gotta be a vendor somewhere in this resort!” Lucy offered. “I can be of assistance.” Virgo popped out of the ground. “How did you get here?!” Lucy screeched. “Don’t worry, I’m here with my own energy.” “That’s not my problem. Anyway, you said you can be of assistance?”

“Yes, I can get her a new swimsuit from the celestial world,” Virgo answered. “Well why didn’t you just bring one with you?!” Alice demanded, still squatting on the ground. “I wanted permission first.” “Well, just go get one then!” Lucy sighed, exasperated. “Very well, princess.”

And within seconds Virgo was back with a blue bikini set. “Would you like me to assist you?” “No, I’m fine, thanks, Virgo.” Alice stood up, grabbing the blue set from Virgo.

Alice quickly put it on. So much for no tan lines. “Though, why hasn’t my magic come back yet?” Alice wondered, breaking a hole through the ice wall, and walking out. “He might have temporarily blocked it. But since he’s been kicked into oblivion, we can’t get him to undo it.” Gray then glared over at Natsu.

Alice’s good mood was gone and she no longer wanted to play in the water. So she would lounge in a chair, tanning in the bright and warm sun, watching her friends play beach volleyball.

With her magic back, Alice requiped into a gold sequined mini dress with silver sparkly heels. She put her hair halfway up, into a bun. Her and Lucy walked over to Erza’s hotel room. Lucy was in the mood to have a girls night, even making a fuss over Alice’s makeup and doing it herself. It was more glam that she’d like, since Alice wasn’t much of a makeup guru, only ever applying eyeliner and curling her lashes and then the occasional lipstick if ever. She knew how to do it, in theory-- Watching artists do up her face for model jobs, but Alice had never done it to this extent because she hated trying to get the makeup off, and she'd always break out afterwards.

Lucy went all out. Shimmery eyeshadow, black eyeliner and mascara, a face full of contour and highlight, and a pink shimmery lipstick to top it off. Alice looked like she was about to go out on a night on the town, when in reality, she was just going to go down to the casino.

“Erza? Let’s go have fun! The boys are downstairs playing games.” Lucy knocked on the door. Alice leaned against the hallway wall. Erza waltzed out her room. “All right, how do I look?” Erza wore a deep purple long dress with a cut down the middle in the front. The hem of the dress was adorned with red and purple flower print. Lucy had worn a deep red gown with two slits on either side of the skirt thigh down. Both Erza and Lucy had their hair in bun updos.

“A little on the glitzy side.” Lucy commented. “Great, if she’s glitzy then what am I? A clown?” Alice muttered. “No! You look wonderful! I was just glamming you up to impress Natsu!” Lucy defended herself. “You look absolutely gorgeous Alice.” Erza nodded along with a faint smile. “Well thanks. But I don’t need any makeovers to impress anyone. I’m not looking for anything right now.” Alice crossed her arms, with a dark blush on her cheeks.

“Yeah, yeah, but you wanna keep him interested, don’t you?” Lucy teased. Alice didn’t respond.

“Now, let’s get going! You know, in some circles I’m known as a blackjack devil.” Erza said, taking lead down the hall. “You are?” Lucy gasped. “Well it’s been a while so I might be a bit rusty.”

The three girls made their way to a card table, with only two spots open. “Go ahead.” Alice nodded at Lucy who took the spot next to Erza. “Are you sure, Alice? We can switch after this round if another spot doesn’t open.” Lucy suggested. “No, no. It’s fine. I’m not a good gambler.” Alice shook her head, standing behind Lucy and Erza. Alice only knew some card games from people in the guild, but she never won much. She was terrible at calling bluffs, or when to fold. She liked the slot machine games. Those were easy.

Alice stood there, watching Erza on a roll. She kept winning and winning. It was scary how good she was at this game. After several rounds, Lucy winning only a few hands, Erza the majority of the rounds, the dealers change. The first guy was some run of the mill guy. Plain middle aged guy in a suit. This next dealer was way younger, dark blonde hair, very dark tanned skin, and a dangly earring in one ear. He had dark piercing green eyes. “Wow, you’re so good at this, Erza!” Lucy gasped. “Maybe I’m just lucky,” Erza said casually, although pridefully smiling. “If so, I have a special game for you folks, tonight.” The dealer smiled and dealt out five cards. They all had a big letter on them. ‘D’ ‘E’ ‘A’ ‘T’ ‘H’.

“And while we’re at it, we raise the stakes a bit higher, sister?” The guy asked Erza, who looked up at him, looking at him like he was a ghost. “Sho? Is that you?” Erza’s voice shook. “So you do remember.” Sho replied.

“You’re alive?”

“Erza. Who is this?” Alice asked sternly, concerned. The power went out all of a sudden. It was pitch black. “Hey, are you guys still here?” Lucy called out. “Yeah.” Erza and Alice sounded off.

A gunshot. The power came back on. All the other patrons were gone except Erza, Lucy, and Alice.

“What’s going?” Erza demanded. “Where’d he go?” Alice noticed Sho was gone. “I’m right here.” He popped out from behind the girls.

He scattered a deck of cards out all over the floor. Screams came from each card. Upon further inspection, the previous patrons in the casino were in the cards. One card per person. “You use magic?” Erza gasped, surprised. “You’re not the only special one, sis.” Sho replied.

Alice let out a strangulated noise as she suddenly was being hogtied and she was on the floor, her binds getting tighter every moment. Lucy as well.

A meow.

A young woman with a semi female human face, although a cat nose and mouth and cat ears a top her head matching the same color as her auburn shoulder length hair. She had red markings on both sides of her cheeks. She even had a cat tail.

“Please let them go. They’re all right. They’re friends of mine.” Erza pleaded. “We used to be friends too, remember? Close friends until you decided to betray us.” Sho said in an angry, hurt tone.

“Quit the games and take it easy.” A guy with a square body dressed in old fashioned gangster garb materialized in front of them. “You practice magic too, Wally?” Erza gasped once more, apparently knowing this guy too.

“It’s not that hard once you get the hang of it.” Yet again, another guy appeared, this time behind Erza. He was rather tall and extremely built up. He wore a black eye patch on his left eye. His massive jaw was obscured by an armored metal plate, bearing lines of studs on its upper edges and two side protrusions jutting upwards, plus a set of teeth-like ornaments, overall resembling a skeletal jaw. The top of his head was covered in a light cloth wrapped around it, tied on the back, where a pair of long wrappings were left hanging over his neck, with another one hanging on the right side of his face; such headgear bore a great resemblance to a turban.

“Simon!” Erza exclaimed.

Alice on her knees, was shoved face first into the ground. “Okay, I-,” Alice shimmed to her side, breathless. “I’m tired of not knowing what’s going on.” Alice finished her statement. “Yeah, who are these people? Why does that one call you sister?” Lucy asked. “We’re not related but we grew up together.” Erza answered. “You said you joined Fairy Tail when you were little.” Lucy argued, confused. “This was before that.” Erza turned to the four strange people. “Now, what do you want?”

“We’re gonna take you back with us.” Wally, the block guy, answered. “I’m begging you. Release Lucy and Alice.” Erza bargained.

“Why should we care about what happens with them? We just want you sister.” Sho replied. Wally materialized and gun and a laser light pointed Lucy square in the eyes. “Please don’t hurt her!” Erza pleaded.

And then the gun in midair appeared behind Erza’s back and shot her. “Erza!” Lucy and Alice cried. Alice squirmed in her binds, but it was no use. In fact, they got even tighter.

“Someone, please help!” Lucy screamed, fighting her roped binds. Alice worried about Natsu, Happy and Gray. Where were they and why weren’t they coming? Were they hurt or trapped too?

Simon picked up the unconscious Erza. “Erza! Put her down!” Alice shouted. “You’re not going to get away with this!” Lucy yelled. “Gray and Natsu will come! You’ll see!” Lucy warned. “They were nothing but talk.” Simon replied.

“You mean...?” Alice breathed out. How could they be defeated? How strong were these people? Alice couldn’t sense strong power from them but how could they take down those two?

“They’re sleeping the big sleep.” Wally finished the statement. The ropes began to tighten at a quickened rate. Alice’s mind raced with nervous thoughts. There was no way Gray and Natsu were....

“Hey, Millianna, I got you something,” Wally said with his hands out and then Happy showed up in his hands. “A kitty!” Millianna squealed with joy. Alice’s eyes widened. “You put him down! Don’t you take him!” Alice cried. “Don’t take Happy!”

They all vanished. Alice laid limp, well as limp as she could with her body being bent in ways it shouldn’t. She was losing hope.

Both Happy and Erza gone and Alice had no clue where they were being taken. Natsu would be devastated to lose Happy. But also, where was Natsu?

“Alice?” Lucy asked, as she freed Alice from her binds. Lucy had used a person with a knife in a card to help free herself and then used them again for Alice. “Alice? Come on!” Lucy shook her. Alice jumped to her feet, out of her trance. Her body free to move, it had a mind of it’s own as she dashed down the casino. The only thing on her mind was to find Natsu.

“Wait for me!” Lucy cried, running after Alice. Adrenaline pumped through Alice’s system. Her senses heightened, her stamina increased, her willpower 100%.

Alice’s right ankle bent as the heel of her shoe broke. Alice didn’t care. She requiped out of that dress and those shoes. She now wore her typical job gear. The black strapless top that covered her chest to midriff right above her guild mark. Her cropped black jacket. A red and black checkered, pleated mini skirt, and her black boots. Her hair also cascaded down her back, undone of its bun.

A destroyed bar, rubble its place. And there laid an unconscious Gray, to the unskilled eye, but really an ice double that looked exactly like him until Lucy got to her knees to shake ‘him’. The color disappeared, leaving it a blue ice sculpture.

“There’s no need to worry.” A familiar (to Alice) female voice said, although no body to it until a woman came out of nowhere, with Gray under her. This woman had blue hair that curled into circle rings. She had dark emotionless eyes. She was very pale compared to Gray’s complexion. She wore a blue dress, similar in style to Lucy’s and she wore a necklace with the Fairy Tail’s emblem as a pendant.

“Juvia.” Alice monotonously nodded. Of course Alice knew of Juvia Lockser, once a member of Phantom Lord’s s-class team, Element Four.

“Alice.” Juvia replied in the same manner. “She’s all right. She’s not our enemy.” Gray insured, getting up from under her, as she also stood up.
“Yes, I pulled my precious Gray into me to insure his safety.” Juvia explained. “Is it just me or did that sound weird?” Lucy asked.

“Are you jealous that he was in me but not you?”

“What about you Alice? Are you jealous?” Juvia egged. “Not really. While you all get to know each other, I got something more important to do.” Alice said with a wave before running off to look for her beloved, best friend.

She came across what seemed to look like a gigantic bouncy ball dispenser, although it was broken, with the glass shattered all around the floor and the many colorful balls were strewn around the machine, some still in place on top. Natsu laid unconscious on the ground in front of it. “Natsu!” Alice shouted, relieved only for a moment. She knelt to the ground, pulling his head up onto her lap. He was still breathing and almost boiling to the touch. “Natsu?” Alice asked, lightly shaking him. He seemed to look uninjured. He didn’t respond. So Alice did the next logical thing, smacking him upside the head. “Natsu!”

Natsu shot up to a sitting position, breathing fire. “Ouch!....Ouch again!” He held the top of his head where Alice smacked him. “That hurt! But this also hurt!” He pointed to his mouth. Alice scooted closer to him. She caressed his face, as she eyed his lips, assessing any damage. “I don’t see anything.” She mumbled. “But I can feel it! It hurts. My lips, my tongue! All of it!” Natsu whined. “Well there’s no redness, no swelling, no blood, nothing.” Alice argued. “Well...” Natsu trailed off, closed his eyes, leaning forward, putting his lips to Alice’s. Alice’s eyes remained open in shock until Natsu forced his tongue into her mouth. Alice responded to the kiss, but as she relaxed into it, Gray, Juvia and Lucy ran over. Natsu pulled away first.

With a prominent blush, Alice pouted. Natsu stood to his feet. “What was that for, idiot?”

“I had to make sure it still worked,” Natsu replied with a shrug as he surveyed the wreckage. “What still worked? Your ability to kiss?” Alice warily stood with him. “Well yeah. That guy shot me in the mouth.” Natsu casually answered. “And on the topic of that... That stupid blockhead! That guy shot me in the mouth! I mean someone could get really hurt like that.” Natsu scowled. “I’m pretty sure that would kill a normal person.” Lucy commented. “I’m going to get him!” Natsu shouted, charging off out of the casino.

And the group had their lead. Alice hopped down and joined the three still standing there, dumbfounded by Natsu’s extreme mood change. “What is-...Does he know where he’s going?” Lucy deadpanned. “Natsu has a sense of smell that puts wild animals to shame.” Gray said with a shake of the head.

“Can’t you do that spell?” Gray asked in direction of Alice, referring to the pathetic Natsu lying down groaning, sick to death. Or to him it was to death. Alice stared boredly off at the sea that lied ahead. Natsu’s head in her lap as she mindlessly combed her fingers through his pink locks. It seemed to soothe him a bit. “I’ve told you already. I’ve tried the spell three times. It seems the more I use it, the less likely I get it to work at all. Maybe I shouldn’t have used it early on the way to Akabane. That was really selfish of me.” Alice replied, slumping her shoulders. “I’m sorry...” Natsu whimpered out. “Just don’t throw up on me or I’ll throw you overboard.” Alice sighed.

“I think I might be sick.” Gray rolled his eyes.

“You know. We’re pathetic. We get taken out by those guys and let Erza get kidnapped.” Gray huffed, while being very irritable. “In our defense, they must’ve been pretty powerful to be able to take Erza.” Juvia said as she navigated the boat with her water magic. “No they weren’t! Stop acting like you know her.” Gray snapped at her. “Don’t take your anger out on her!” Alice scolded him.

“Yeah, she said they’re old friends of hers, so maybe we don’t know her like we thought," Lucy said. “There’s obviously something about her life before Fairy Tail that she wants hidden. We know Erza now. Don’t take it so personally that she hasn’t spilt her entire life story.” Alice sighed once more, this time leaning her head against her hand propped up on the edge of the boat. Natsu got to his feet, no longer sick. Alice watched him. “I sense something strange.” Natsu looked ahead. Alice took to her feet too, also taking in the weird scenery. Sea birds flying in the same direction the boat was heading, but as they seemed to cross a weird invisible line, the birds fell out of the sky, dead. Hundreds of bird corpses floated up in the sea.

“Those poor birds." Alice cringed. “Not the fish too.” Gray pointed to fish corpses on the surface of the water.

The boat came to a wreckage of a ship. Broken wood boards, supplies of sorts bobbing with the current. “That’s the symbol of the Fiore Navy.” Alice pointed to a partially submerged flag.

Alice reeled back. It was like a horror movie. “Check out ahead.” Natsu gestured ahead. In the distance, a tower of several hundred meters high. The style of the shape was twisted and misshapen. It looked like it came out of a horror novel. “That must be the Tower of Heaven.” Lucy guessed. Juvia used a spell to make a fog barrier around the boat. “It’ll keep us from being seen.” _______________________________

Getting to shore was the easy part. Now they had to sneak into the tower.

“They have a lot of guards.” Lucy commented as the four Fairy Tail members peeked from a distance. “Let’s charge them!” Natsu proposed. “No.” Alice curtly replied.

Juvia swam back up to the dock. “There’s an underwater passage.” Juvia informed, climbing up to the dock. “Really? Good job, Juvia.” Gray nodded. “Did you two girls hear that? He praised me! Not you!” Juvia bragged smugly to Alice and Lucy who shrugged at each other in confusion.

A moment after Juvia stopped sparkling in joy, she got back to business. “It’s about a 10 minute swim.” Juvia informed. “We can hold our breaths that long.” Gray nodded, getting undressed. “Easy.” Natsu added. “No, we can’t! That’s crazy!” Lucy disagreed. “If not, I can do this.” Juvia holds up a bubble of water. “It’s a water barrier with oxygen in it so you can breathe.” Juvia explained. “Wow! You’re so awesome! But who are you again?” Natsu cheered and then deadpanned at Juvia.

“Well let’s get going then.” Alice requiped into the bikini Virgo gave her. “You’re still gonna wear that one?” Gray asked, eyes glued to Alice’s body. The bikini top, deep blue, was padded and gave Alice’s chest a more bigger and perkier appearance. The bottoms of the same color. The ties were stung high up on her waist, and braided down into bows on either side of Alice’s hips. The front covered plenty, but the backside left less to the imagination. “Well, I just got it today, might as well get use out of it.” Alice shrugged. “So, what happened to the one that covered, you know, more of you?” Natsu shortly asked. “What do you mean?” Alice coyly responded. “Come on! We gotta get going.” Lucy interrupted the argument in pursuit. Natsu glowered at Gray’s eyes washing over every inch of exposed skin on Alice. God, that swim suit looked amazing on her. Natsu didn’t want anyone else to be able to see that much of her.

Alice dove into the water. “Hey, don’t you need one of these bubble things?” Lucy called after Alice who waded underwater, looking up at the team, waved. “She’s a water dragon slayer.” Natsu answered. “I forget about that. She doesn’t really use her water magic.” Lucy nodded. “Umiko didn’t really teach her much dragon slayer magic because they were only together for 2 years. But Alice did get water dragon lungs to breathe underwater, dragon scales so she can swim faster, feel vibrations, and live underwater. She’s pretty much a mermaid.”

“Wouldn’t that mean she needs to stay in water?” Lucy wondered. “No. Her scales disappear once she’s back on land.” Gray said, hopping into the water with a water bubble over his head.

Juvia led the way down underwater through the passage.

Chapter 26

Chapter Text

Alice wrung out her hair as the group found their way to land. “So we’re underground, then?” Gray wondered, looking around where they ended up. “I wonder where they’re keeping Happy and Erza.” Alice thought aloud.

“These things sure look silly but they work.” Lucy smiled, admiring the bubble, holding it in her hands. “I’m surprised you made it. I made yours smaller so you’d have trouble breathing.” Juvia admitted to attempting to murder Lucy.

“Intruders!” A guard riding a strange bat creature, caught the group.
His cry brought out over 20 other guards.

“Well, we have no choice, we’ll have to fight.”

Alice was surrounded by 6 guards, wielding weapons. “Wow!” “She’s fighting in a bikini!” “She’s so hot!”
Alice rolled her eyes at the comments. “Wanna see something hotter?” Alice huffed. “Lightning Fire whip!” Alice summoned a whip made of lightning and a red line twirling around the whip. And she easily took out all the guards.

“Nice work, team!” Gray praised as the five regrouped together. Natsu dragged over a guard who was half conscious. “All right, where’s blockhead?”

Before the guard could speak, a steep, stone path opened up from the ceiling to the floor. “What’s that?” Lucy asked. “I think it is their way of saying ‘come on in’.” Alice shrugged. “They must be pretty confident they’ll take us down.” Gray nodded. “Well let’s go then!” Alice said, requiping into her quest gear, walking up the slope.

“Don’t go by yourself!” Gray snapped. Alice huffed and listened. She had to wait for them to get changed out of their swimsuits and back into their clothes, except for Lucy who was stuck in her bikini.

“Everyone stay close together. They’re letting us in but that doesn’t mean they’re welcoming us warmly," Gray said, taking the lead. “Hey, I smell food!” Natsu picked up speed. “Idiot!” Gray ran after him. “I’m coming, Gray darling!” Juvia followed.

Lucy and Alice picked up their pace, following the three into a big banquet hall. A long table filled with several types of meals. Meats, breads, vegetables, dishes of all types, and even fruit.
Gray, Juvia, and Natsu sat at the table. Gray and Natsu indulging themselves.

Juvia sat there, next to Gray, just staring at him.

Alice and Lucy sat near each other, in the end, on the opposite side of the others.

“The door was opened by a magic user.” Juvia started up the previous conversation. “And they know our presence.” Virgo added, popping in out of nowhere. “Why’d they just let us in?” Lucy pondered. “Not to interrupt, Miss, but your bikini leaves little to the imagination.” Virgo commented to Lucy, who gasped. “Should I change?”

“Yes. Let me help you.” Virgo then, without permission started to undress Lucy and change her into a new outfit.

“Stop staring at her, you ice perv!” Alice snapped at Gray who focused solely on Lucy, wide eyed, mouth agape. Alice threw a grape at Gray’s face.

Virgo dressed Lucy in a green puffy dress. “How do I look boys?” Lucy posed. “You look great actually," Gray commented. “He loves her," Virgo stated plainly. Juvia, Alice, Lucy and Gray were silent, not knowing how to respond to that.

Natsu was busy eating still, not paying attention.

Alice noticed both Lucy and Juvia were wearing dresses felt left out. She requiped into a pink. knee length dress, with a black lace ribbon tied around her middle. She wore short white socks and black button up flats. To add to her cute outfit, Alice put a pink bow in her hair.

Alice had an inferiority complex and needed to be the one in the attention spotlight. “It reminds me of your lolita days. You look cute in it.” Gray commented, eyeing her up and down. Alice smiled.

“Your chest looks bigger in it.” Virgo added. “Yeah and it makes you look curvier.” Gray added, also agreeing. “Hey, back off.” Natsu warned, mouthful of food.

“You just had to steal the spotlight, didn’t you?” Lucy mumbled, defeated. “Gray, my darling, stop torturing me like this!” Juvia whined.

Guards burst into the room, but then suddenly a wild Erza appeared taking them out.

She noticed the five staring at her. She paled with shock. “What are you doing here?” She asked, dread in her tone. “Looking for you.” Lucy answered. “Go home! This place is way too dangerous!” Erza warned. “That ain’t scaring me away! I’m gonna give that blockhead a mouthful!” Natsu said, fired up. “You can’t!” Erza urged. “Natsu’s not too far off. That block guy is who took Happy. We have to get him back.” Alice firmly stated. “They got him?” Erza gasped but looked off understanding. “That must’ve been for Millianna.”

“Where can I find them?” Natsu asked. “I don’t know. " Erza replied. “This means war.” Natsu growled. “Who are you declaring war on?” Gray asked as Natsu charged off. “What an idiot.” Alice sighed. “You usually follow him, yes? Go.” Juvia urged in an attempt to separate Alice and Gray. Alice eyed Juvia suspiciously. “I will. Damn.”

“We have to go too to help him!” Lucy said. “No!” Erza put her sword out, stopping Alice from taking the lead after Natsu. “Millianna is a cat lover. She would never do anything to hurt Happy. I promise I’ll bring them back to the guild safe. But you four need to leave.” Erza strongly advised. “But we can help!” Lucy pleaded. “I don’t want your help! This is my problem; It doesn’t involve you.” Erza took a few steps away. “How can you say that? You saw Natsu. I’d say we’re plenty involved.” Gray argued.

Erza started to tremble.

“You’re freaking me out Erza. Where is the woman who’d tell us to shut up and follow no matter what?” Gray continued. “We want to stay and help you out. Master said even the strongest of wizards need back up every once in a while.”

Erza turned and faced them, tears streaming down her face. Everyone gasped in surprise. None of them had ever seen Erza cry.

“I’m sorry but you can’t help me now. The odds are stacked against me. Win or lose this battle, I’m staring death in the face.” She wiped her tears. “What do you mean by that?” Gray inquired. “There’s no point fighting the inevitable. I can’t... But what I can do is tell you my story, while I’m still here.” This place is called the Tower of Heaven, or the R-System. Over a decade ago, a cult dedicated to black magic began its construction. It would be used to cast a forbidden spell that brings the dead back to life. The spell required many human sacrifices so the cult abducted many citizens from the surrounding areas and forced them to build the tower as their slaves. The only reason I know this is because I was one of those people. Anyone who’d try to escape would always disappear. We never had any peace of mind. We lived in constant fear but we boded and made friends even though we knew we wouldn’t be together long. One of my friends in the tower was a boy named Jellal.”

There was a cool flashback they all saw, it was nice, you should’ve been there.

“So we took a stand for our freedom. We hoped to save our dear friend Jellal. He was like the leader of our group back then. He had a strong sense of justice which I truly admired. However, something happened to him. He almost became like a new person entirely. There is only one way I could describe his new persona: Pure unadulterated evil."

Oh, look! Another flashback.

“I have to find Jellal."

“The name Zeref sounds very familiar," Gray said. “Well yeah, he’s a very famous black magic wizard.” Alice replied. “He’s the one who created Lullaby, I thought I discussed this a few arcs ago.”
“Wait, I remember someone saying something about Lullaby being one of his demons," Lucy wondered.. “It was me! Also I mentioned Deliora being one of his demons too," Alice argued, facepalming.

“Well, why would Jellal want to revive Zeref?” Juvia wondered. Erza replied quickly, “I don’t understand his motives either but there was something about being sacrificed and sent to heaven then the world will be reborn and they will become its rulers."

“Wait, one thing confuses me. These old friends of yours think you betrayed them. Don’t they know Jellal is the bad guy here?” Lucy pointed out. “Its not their fault. I’m sure Jellal fed them a lot of lies about me as soon as I left," Erza defended, but then, she bowed her head in grief. “It doesn’t change the fact that I abandoned them so long ago. In the end I guess you could say I did betray them."

“You couldn’t come back! He threatened to kill them if you did!” Lucy yelled feeling Erza was being treated unfair. “None of that matters anymore. If I can defeat Jellal then it’ll all be over. Leave it to me, okay?” Erza promised.

Sho came out of the shadows. “That’s not true. Sister, why are you lying to them? Thinking you’ll be the martyr you’ll get sympathy from your friends? Tell them the truth! That’s not how it happened and you know it! You blew up the boat that we were gonna use for escape and then you left on your own. We would’ve been at the bottom of the sea if Jellal hadn’t of saved us! He warned us not to trust wizards like you, who haven’t learned to use their magic properly. He said you became drunk with magical power, and you didn’t want anything to do with the past or the people you left behind!" Sho seriously had some sissy issues.

“Has it ever crossed your mind that, I don’t know, Jellal was lying?” Alice sardonically countered. “Yeah, if you knew Erza enough you’d know she would never do that," Lucy backed her up.

Sho was taken back a moment but recovered. “You only think you know her. You weren’t there back then. You don’t know anything about us. After you left, sis, Jellal’s words were my only salvation! That's why I’ve spent all these years working on the tower for him, I did it for his sake, now are you telling me it was all a lie? You expect me to think he’s been lying to us the whole time?” Sho trembled.

“That’s right.” A dark voice said and then appeared Simon. Gray stepped forward in challenge.

“He means no harm to you, my dear, he knew he attacked your ice decoy. Since it was him casting the darkness he could see in it. I came along to find out why he didn’t wish to harm you." Juvia stopped Gray.
“I expect no less from Phantom Lord’s Element four," Simon praised.

“But why?” Sho asked feeling betrayed. “I had to make you believe I killed him, I hoped our attack would lure them here," Simon explained.

“So you were lying too...How could you do that?!” Sho cried. “I’m sorry,” Simon put his hand on Sho’s shoulder. “Jellal had you under a spell and I couldn’t convince you otherwise. So I played along until the time was right."

“So you knew the whole time?” Erza asked. “Yes. I always believed in you, Erza. And there’s nothing that could change that. I mean those words from the bottom of my heart." Erza and Simon hugged. “I ship it," Alice whispered to herself.

“So all this time, I’ve been blindly following Jellal? I doubted you, because you left me all alone. You have no idea how much that hurt!” Sho dropped to his hands and knees, crying “I don’t know what to do! I don’t know who I should believe!”

Erza kneeled down next to him. “I know this is a lot to take in, but there’s one thing you should know, for all those years, I never forgotten any of you."

“I’ve been waiting for this day. When a group of magical wizards would help," Simon said, gesturing to Alice, Gray, Lucy, and Juvia. “What do you have planned?” Alice asked. “We’re going to take down Jellal. We can do it if we work together. But first, we must keep Salamander and Wally from clashing into each other.” Simon replied. Alice smiled nervously. “Yeah, well he was headed that way and when Natsu catches a scent, you can’t call him off.” She scratched the back of her head.

Chapter 27

Chapter Text

Alice panted hard but kept up with the group, being in better shape since Galuna Island.

They all were running up many many, many stairs. “I don’t seem to be able to contact Wally or Millianna. I can’t even tell where they are now.” Simon said. “What?” Lucy wondered. “It’s telepathic communication.” Alice informed her. Gray had muttered something over to Juvia about Simon. Alice couldn’t pick up on it, but Simon did. “I don’t care either way if you fully trust me. I had faith Natsu would survive that attack and when he’s able to awaken the dragon within himself, evil will fall.” Simon replied.

Alice didn’t want to think further about that statement. But her legs were on fire and her ankles felt like jelly. “How much more running?” Alice breathed out hard. “Not much longer only until we get inside.” Simon answered. “I thought Natsu has been making you run with him in the mornings?” Gray teased Alice. “He has. But I can’t keep up with him so when he gets so far ahead he can’t see me, I take a short break.” Alice replied, ashamed.

“I welcome you to the Tower of Heaven. My name is Jellal and I am the ruler of this tower. I see the players have been arranged.” This voice spoke in everyone’s head. Alice knew this voice... But where? The face that popped up in her head was Seigrain Fernandez. But that couldn’t be possible, right?

“So he knows we’re here.” Simon noted. “He could be lurking anywhere in the tower waiting for us.”

“I’m delighted you came all this way to see me. Shall we play along to Heaven’s game? The rules are really quite simple, I want to use Erza as my sacrifice to resurrect Zeref. If I succeed, the gates of Heaven will open crowning my victory. However if you can find a way to stop me, you’ll be the winners of the game, to make things a little more interesting, I have enlisted these knights to play on my behalf. The only way to get to me is if you defeat them in other words, a three on nine battle royale, and there’s one more surprise, the magic council has satellite squares focused directly on this tower and it's highly likely they will attack. At this moment they’re in the midst of voting on whether to cast an etherion blast. There is no telling how much time it left. Should the etherian cannon fire, death and destruction is imminent, no players left to win; Game over." Jellal announced.

Alice pouted. No real strategy in mind except to run, get Natsu and Happy and then leave the tower immediately. “This is no fun. A game with no real rules or strategy. We don’t know who or where these three ‘players’ are and there’s an etherion blast to come at any moment without notice.” Alice muttered, nibbling on her bottom lip.

The only thing they could use to win were power and speed and maybe even some cleverness on the side. Alice was sure they could defeat these three strangers and Jellal-- but the etherion blast? It could go off any second. While they’re fighting or while they’re fleeing, or while they defeat Jellal. It was a big risk and Alice wasn’t sure what to do. The only plausible route was getting the hell out of there.

Sho snapped mentally and used his magic to trap Erza in a card. “What are you doing, sister-issues-psycho?” Alice gasped and then menacingly snapped at Sho. “Jellal is not laying a finger on her! I’ll fight him by myself if I have to!” Then Sho ran off. Simon followed.

Now they had to get Natsu, Happy AND Erza. This wasn’t looking good.

“You two, Juvia and Lucy go look for Natsu. Alice and I will go after Sho and rescue Erza.” Gray directed, leaving no time for arguing or bargaining as he ran off after Simon and Sho. Alice looked at the two girls and shrugged before sprinting after Gray.

“Hey, you good with jumping?” Gray said suddenly. “Yeah, what are you thinking?” Alice replied. “A cool entrance."

The doorway ahead looked like it just dropped off and there were many, many bird cages of all sizes hanging in no particular way all about the room. None seemed to be the same height or distance away from one another.
Alice had a moment of dejavu, going back to a time where she locked Natsu in a cage, the previous year for spooking her on the way home one dark night. But that was a story for a different time.

Alice gasped, horrified, eyes wide with terror. She stepped forward. Simon put an arm out to stop her. “Don’t. He’s from Trinity Raven. He’s a professional hitman.” Simon warned. Alice took her eyes off the owl man to give Simon her look of terror.

“Like that’ll stop her. They’re soulmates or whatever.” Gray rolled his eyes. “I’ve handled hitmen before! I need to save him!” Alice argued against Simon. “He’s not going to die. You can’t just jump in headfirst!” Simon firmly, but calmly explained. Alice took a moment to listen.

And then Natsu’s body was completely inside.

“Not only is my victim tasty but I gain their magic energy as well!” The owl man announced. Alice gritted her teeth.

“Give him back!” Happy flew into the room at him, the owl used Natsu’s fire magic. “Happy!” Alice cried, as the cat, injured, fell from the air, hitting a cage top. “For the final blow!” The owl guy leaped down and did a fire attack.

Alice teleported herself over to Happy and just as the fire licked her skin, she tried to teleport once more back to Gray and Simon. But the heat burned her back and distracted her a moment. But she protected Happy, holding him tightly to her chest. “Alice!” Gray shouted. As the fire attack finished, Alice teleported back up to Gray and Simon. The back of her dress was burned away, leaving red and charred skin. Several inches of her hair also burned off, leaving the ends black and brittle. She let go of Happy as she sat on her knees, leaning forward on her hands as she panted in pain.
“It’s a pretty bad burn. There’s not much I can do about it since ice isn’t the way to cool a burn. We have to get out of here to get it treated right.” Gray kneeled down to Alice, inspecting the burnt skin. “I thought you were going after Sho and rescuing Erza?” Gray tensely asked of Simon, as he stood back up.

Alice requiped into a black spaghetti strapped top that showed a lot of back, which was good so her burn wouldn’t be irritated by the tank top. Also, her normal red and black skirt and boots. But those weren’t as important to talk about.

“I was until I ran into this thing and Salamander," Simon replied. “We don’t have time to mess around with this guy. As long as we stand around, Erza is closer to being Jellal’s sacrifice. She usually can handle herself.” Gray growled, growing irritated with the situation. “In this situation, in that card, she’s helpless.”

“I’m sorry. I thought Sho could handle the truth, I never thought he’d go berserk like that,” Simon apologized.
“Gray, save him please. He needs you.” Happy pleaded with Gray in a weak voice, paining Alice more than her injuries could ever. “I’ll help too.” Alice volunteered, back on her feet.
“No, use your water magic to cool your burn and Happy’s.- But this is the last time I’m putting my neck out for you, you hear, fire idiot!” Gray turned to the bird hoping Natsu can hear.

“The digestion process has begun!” The owl head announced. “In a mere 10 minutes, Salamander will be dissolved and his body with be within my own forever, and when I do that, I’ll use his magic to bring you to justice!”

Alice couldn’t stand the watch the fight as she used cool water mist to cool down Happy from his own burns. And within minutes the fight was over.

“He beat him!” Happy jumped out of Alice’s arms. Alice looked down at the ground far below with surprise, relief and disgust as Natsu was out cold and was covered in slimy saliva and digestion stuff. Happy flew down over to them, as did Simon and Alice.

As Alice kept her distance from Natsu since just looking at him made her want to gag, and also because he gave off heat that she knew would hurt. So she stood close to Gray.

“I can’t believe you beat him. That was incredible," Simon said bewildered. “Are you going to kiss Natsu again like last time he was almost dead?” Happy said to Alice giving her a teasing smile. Alice who wasn’t even looking at Natsu kept her gaze low. “I could’ve left you to roast, cat. Remember that.” She warned lowly.

“Now we don’t have time to waste." Gray collapsed on to Alice, who in the nick of time caught him in her arms, as she struggled to keep him and her up. “You can’t fight anymore.” Alice grunted, trying to get a firm footing. “Take him to a safe place.” Simon urged Alice.

“Look at all those guards leaving.” Alice noticed as she looked down from the sky at the many guards of the tower.. “I guess the guards got scared of the etherion cannon that can go off any moment.” Gray commented in a weak voice. “But there’s no boats!” Happy gasped. “There’s one there.” Alice pointed to the dock they arrived at. “Wow! Who knew we’d be so lucky!” Happy cheered. “No. She just showed you the boat we got here on.” Gray muttered. “Let him have his moment.” Alice chided him.

After Happy and Gray were situated on the boat, Alice stood up to leave. “You’ll be safe here. I’m going after the others.” Alice said, although was stopped by Wally and Millianna. Wally carrying Juvia and Millianna dragging Lucy and Sho down the steps.
“That ain’t gonna happen, toots.” Wally stopped Alice.

Wally, and Millianna helped Juvia and Lucy into the boat and the two and Sho also sat down. And then the boat set off into the sea. But that’s when Gray’s anxiety increased and he started to get up, fighting the others to let him off the boat, which woke Lucy up, who also fought with him to get off. And with those two spouting off, Alice thought she might as well join in.
Happy, who sat on the bow of the rowing boat, turned around to face the others, tears going down his face. “All of you shut up!” He silenced them all. “Look, I want to go back too but the etherion is going to go off any minute and Simon told me Natsu and Erza are going to come back! He said once Natsu’s true power awakens, he’ll be unstoppable and not even Jellal will hurt him.”

Alice took a deep breath as she gave a worried look out to the Tower, lip quivering. Gray took Alice’s hand into his, squeezing it gently, trying to soothe her.

The boat had sailed some odd numbers of meters away and as time passed dusk arrived. “Why aren’t they back yet?” Alice croaked out, tired and impatient, leaning her head on Gray’s shoulder. “They’ll be fine. This is Natsu and Erza we’re talking about.” Gray replied. “Hey guys... What’s that bright light?” Lucy warily said, pointing to the sky, right above the tower. Alice’s eyes widened as she realized what was going on. She crawled over to the edge of the boat, ready to jump out. “It’s the etherion! I have to go save them!”

Gray held her back. “You know there’s nothing you can do now.” Alice didn’t fight his grip around her as she squeezed her eyes shut, tears escaping through the corners of her eyes.

Natsu.

And as the etherion cannon gained more magic power, the light from it grew brighter as the sea grew violent. A giant wave knocked the boat over and Juvia made a water bubble, gathering everyone up in it and it floated on the water’s surface.

And then suddenly the blast. Alice’s mouth opened, but nothing came out as her heart seemed to stop. Tears streaming down her face.

The light was gone and the sea calmed. The tower still intact, but now seemingly made of pure etherion crystal. A lacrima.

“Do you think they’re okay? That’s they made it?” Lucy wondered. “Well if this was part of the plan, then they have to be. If Erza’s the sacrifice then she has to be alive," Gray answered. “And if she made it, then you know for a fact Natsu did too," Happy added.

Alice seemed to teeter back and forth as her eyes unblinking stared up at the tower. Natsu has to be alive.

A brilliant bright fire on top of the tower. “That’s Salamander.” Juvia pointed out. A weight seemed to lift from Alice. Natsu was alive and okay. All he had to do was win the fight and come back to Alice.

But then Alice could sense something with Natsu’s magic. “I can feel his energy but... it’s so intense. Could it be Dragon Force? No, he’s never been able to enter it and... but... He’s so strong. Stronger than ever before.” Alice said aloud.

And then another bright light came from the tower. It’s so much energy, Alice felt like she couldn’t breathe. “It’s ethernano. It’s building.”

“That’s not good. Too much of it being contained is bad. It’s going to keep building," Happy trembled. “Yes, and it’ll keep building until it bursts," Juvia added. “We better start making tracks," Wally said

“Natsu and Erza! They’ll still in there!” Sho panicked. “It doesn’t matter who’ll live or not, at this rate we’ll all die." Gray shouted over the new panic.

“Alice! Stop!” Gray had to, once more hold Alice back. “Please! I need him! I can’t-”

“Wait, it’s explodin’!” Wally exclaimed. The waves started up again and the sea thrashed the bubble around. “No, look, it’s shooting upwards!” Gray corrected. Alice stared in horror as the tower vanished completely.

“It was just there a moment ago."

Natsu, where the hell are you now?

Chapter 28

Chapter Text

The waves pushed the bubble near shore and then Juvia let them out of the bubble. “Wait, what’s that over there?” Lucy pointed towards the shore.

Natsu standing in the water, Erza in his arms.

Natsu

Natsu

“Natsu!” Alice’s mind stopped as she let her body push her forward, fighting the water as she ran that direction. Alice stumbled around but always managed to stay on her feet.

Natsu fell to his knees, Erza woke up and sat up next to him. Alice noticed they seemed to have a moment but she didn’t care to let them continue.

“Natsu!” Alice shouted again, Natsu holding his arms open as Alice crashed down into the water, on her knees into his waiting embrace. Her face in his neck as she cried, hugging him tight. “You scare me like that again and I’ll kill you myself!” She sobbed out.

“I hope we all learned that lesson because of me. You never die for your friends, you live for them," Erza said in a quiet tone. Alice had no clue what prompted that but understood the message. Natsu gripped Alice tighter, with one arm around her back and then his other hand caressing the back of Alice’s head, grabbing a fistful of her wet hair. He nuzzled his head on her shoulder as he cried. Alice could feel the warmth of his tears. “You’re crying.” Alice gasped. Natsu let her pull away and see him with tears down his face. Alice wiped away his tears and cradled his face in both hands. His hand that was holding her hair let go and went to caress one of her hands, and he seemed to lean into her.

“I’m sorry for worrying you.” He mumbled out, while he smiled softly. Alice let out a breathless laugh. “No you’re not. Cause you’re just gonna keep doing it.” Alice replied, pulling him in for a harsh and chaste kiss. With Erza there and the others coming their way, it was only brief.

“And this marks the third day he’s been sleeping non-stop,” Alice commented as she sat on the edge of the bed, doing another removal spell on Natsu. She was trying to remove the ethernano that was making Natsu ill. “He’s an idiot for eating all that ethernano,” Gray commented with a shrug.

Natsu, eyes barely open, shot up in bed, spooking Alice who then jumped and fell off the bed onto the floor. “Say that again and I’ll smack you!” Natsu threatened Gray.

“You’re awake!”

And suddenly Natsu fell back down on his back, unconscious once more. Alice sat up on the floor, incredulously staring at Natsu.
“That punk woke up just to pick a fight with me!” Gray snapped, while in surprise.

“Hey, calm down. All the shouting will stress him out and it’ll take him longer to heal,” Alice muttered lowly, scolding Gray, while sitting back up on the bed. “Whatever. Do you guys wanna go to the amusem*nt park while he’s out? We can do rides without him being sick.” Gray stood up, suggesting to the group. “That’ll be fun!” Lucy chimed in, agreeing. “Yes, it’d be fun. He’ll be fine here by himself.” Erza nodded. “No, you guys go ahead. I’m sticking with him to, you know, heal him and stuff.” Alice excused. She stretched her shoulders to get relief from the stiffness of sitting up. Although, she flinched in pain from her burn, instantly regretting moving. “You’re so keen to treat him but you won’t do the same for yourself.” Gray shook his head.

“A burn goes away but this idiot ate toxic ethernano. Of course he’s a priority,” Alice mumbled.

“Alice?”

Alice perked up at Natsu’s groggy voice. She was sitting at the chair and table nearby in the hotel room, sorting a deck of cards. Natsu slowly sat up with a groan. Alice immediately stopped what she was doing to go to him. “Hey, how’re you feeling?” Alice asked in a light voice, sitting next to him. “Tired, sore, the usual.” Natsu shrugged, and then noticed they were alone. “Where is everyone?”

“They went to check out the amusem*nt park and then I think the beach, since we’ll be leaving soon,” Alice answered as she put the back of her hand to Natsu’s forehead. “Well you’re no longer scalding hot where I can’t touch you, so I think you’re doing good,” Alice commented with a smile. “Why’d you not go with them? You were excited about the amusem*nt park.” Natsu frowned. Alice looked down with an embarrassed blush. “Because I didn’t want to leave you.”

Natsu tried to get off the bed. “How’s Erza doing?” He asked. Alice put her hands to his chest, stopping him. “You need to rest awhile longer. And don’t worry about her. She’s fine. She’s started to smile again. But you need to lay down and rest. There is still ethernano in you,” Alice explained. Natsu pouted, leaning up against the headboard and then slid down with a grumble. “I know you don’t like it and since you’ve been sleeping for three days as is, but just a while longer, you’ll be good as new, all right?” Alice coaxed in a gentle tone and a light smile. “Here, I’ll go get you something to eat but you gotta stay laying down, all right?” Alice added. As Alice went to stand up, Natsu reached out, ghosting his fingertips on Alice’s burn. “I did that, didn’t I?”

Alice tensed at his touch. Heat on a burn didn’t feel good in the slightest--- And he was a radiator of heat. “The weird owl guy from Trinity Raven used your magic to do it, not you.”

“But it was my fire. If I didn’t let him eat me this wouldn’t have happened. Where is that guy?! I want a rematch!” Natsu sat up, getting fired up. Alice laughed. “All right, calm down, flame head. Wherever he is, he’s long gone. If we ever see him again, you’ll have your chance.”

Natsu relaxed at Alice’s giggles. She was relaxed and her eyes were brightening up. She was going to be happy again.

Alice sighed content. Natsu leaned back down again, although this time he gently pulled Alice down with him. “Hey-! I thought you-” “Never mind that. I’m not hungry.”

“What’s up with you, all of a sudden?” Alice mumbled, giving in, with no way to escape. “While I’ve been out I’ve been having the same nightmare and it’s on loop. And even if I was able to do things differently in the dream it had the same ending no matter what. And I don’t wanna talk about it, but I need you here right now. I can’t lose you.” Natsu muttered lowly.

“Natsu, where is this coming from?” Alice gasped. “I don’t know. I forgot about it when I woke up but seeing you smile and laugh...it made me remember how important you are to me.” Natsu replied. Alice didn’t know what to say.

“So you know what happened with me, Erza, and Jellal on the tower right? And then what Erza said when you came over to me?-- Don’t ever sacrifice yourself for anyone all right? You’re more important alive than as some martyr.”

“I mean, I guess, okay.” Alice shrugged, not knowing at all what to say to that.

“Hey, guys, Erza needs you guys for fireworks," Lucy panted, as she burst into the boys’ hotel room where Gray, Happy, Natsu and Alice played ‘Go fish’ and Alice was winning. “Why?” Happy asked. “Something about Sho, Millianna and Wally leaving, I think? Now come on."

“We’re not done with this game. After this, we’re coming back to finish it, okay?” Gray placed his cards down. “Right." The other three nodded.

They gathered on the beach where Erza, Sho, Millianna, Wally were. Erza was wearing some sort of ceremonial samurai armor, all while wielding a flag with Fairy Tail’s emblem.

“There are three rules every member who decides to leave the Fairy Tail guild must abide by: Number one: You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live. Number two: You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain. And three: Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant, and you must never forget about your friends for as long as you live. Let the Fairy Tail farewell begin now!”

Natsu, Gray, Lucy and Alice created fireworks with their respective magics.

And with that Sho, Millianna, and Wally left.

“Let’s go down to the beach one last time," Natsu said. “It’s dark out.” Alice shook her head. “That makes it cooler. The stars reflecting on the ocean, the moon, big and bright, I agree with flame breath, we should go," Gray agreed with Natsu and slung an arm around Alice resulting in Alice retracting in pain. “OW! Ow ow ow ow. Dammit! You sick son of a dick! OUCH!” Alice cursed and cried, wriggling away from Natsu and Gray. “I’m sorry! I totally forgot it was there!” Gray bowed.

“All right Gray, I’m gonna kick your ass for hurting my girl!” Natsu shouted, running after Gray with fire coming out with each word.

“I am not anyone’s girl! I am my own free spirit!” Alice shouted after him in embarrassment. Although, she had to admit to herself that at this point, she wasn’t planning on ever being anyone else’s.

Alice gasped in awe at the new guild hall. “Woah, is this really it?”

It was many more stories taller than before and the property was far bigger. There was an outside bar, a swimming pool, a garden, an outside dining area, and a merchandise shop.

Inside there was a way bigger hall than before. Several more tables, a bigger bar, a stage with a piano. There was more rooms than before including a game room and a library.

Alice gasped very audibly at the stage, seeing a piano. “You play the piano?” Lucy asked. “No.” Natsu grumbled out a response for Alice. He hated the new guild hall. He hated change.

“I’m not anywhere a pro at it, but I’ve learned a few songs. There used to be a music store a few years ago and I played the piano there when I was down there but then... the store wasn’t getting enough customers....so...they...closed down.... And I didn't have any place for a piano..” Alice replied sadly. She liked that store.

“Isn’t it nice? I’d like you to meet our newest member, Juvia, isn’t she a cutie," Master came up behind the group with Juvia next to him, shyly smiling. She had gone through an entirely new style since the two days before. She had cut her hair and no longer had the ring curls. She wore a more revealing, white and blue dress.

“And we added someone else, you might recognize him."

“Gajeel?!”

Gajeel hadn’t a new appearance. Except that his past Phantom Lord mark was gone and on the other shoulder he had a black Fairy Tail mark.

Alice’s anger for him had vanished for the most part. She took Fairy Tail’s teachings seriously. Sure, she didn’t fully trust him but... There was something else?
“Juvia, I don’t mind but he destroyed our guild hall," Erza argued. “What have I told you? Yesterday’s enemy can be today’s new friend," Master reminded. Which was why Alice was okay with Gajeel.

She knew he had that ‘bad boy’ act going for him and since he was on their side now, he couldn’t be too bad except that he was an asshole.

“There’s no way, I’m gonna work with him!" Natsu stormed over to the table Gajeel sat at. “Not like I wanted to be your buddy. And listen, I’m only here because I need work. I hate everyone in this guild but times are tough so I had no choice," Gajeel growled at him.

“Hey, dragon dicks.” Alice calmly started off as she walked over and stood between them. “Natsu, master says he’s in the guild, so he’s in the guild. He’s not the bad guy anymore. And Gajeel, since you’re in the guild now, be less of an asshole. Yes, you’ve made it clear you’re just here for the jobs but as a Fairy Tail member, you can’t hate us. So, both of you, no ill will. Clean slate. And no-”

“Alice! You’re back! Come play the piano!” Mirajane shouted from the stage. “Don’t kill each other.” Alice said as a goodbye as she dashed up to the stage.

“It’s so shiny and new and pretty!” Alice gasped seeing the piano up close. The keys glistened with polish. The paint on the wood was smooth and pristine. There were no marks anywhere. “I’m gonna go play a song and then you can go next, okay?” Mira said, as she got out her magic guitar. “You mean, like now? I haven’t played in years!” Alice replied, in a squeak. “Well if you wanna play it I wanna hear you sing too!” Mira smiled as she stepped out to center front, and the curtains closed, leaving Alice behind them and Mira out to the crowd.

“Next up is Alice!” Mira exited the stage, “Go get em, Tiger," She giggled, walking off to the side as the curtains parted. Alice took a quick shot of Fairy juice to help calm her nerves. She always liked to sing and play music. But she also hated being the center of attention of this degree for something she wasn't confident in. So she had to calm her stage fright.

Long ago, whenever we'd meet
We would always fight, lie and scream.
Yet, I still look back on those days so fondly.
Because of you, I am the person who is standing here so proudly (before you)
And no matter how hard it may be I can grasp a hold of happiness, I believe (on my own).
Even though my heart is aching,
And my weakened spirit, breaking,
I will find a way to keep,
all those dreams we made so long ago.
I'll return to where it began,
And I'll thank God for the times we had.
So when I wake up to morning, I won't cry, even though I'm alone.

When I try to look through the past,
I can finally start to see,
That we were so young, full of life, and naive.
And now I question if this life we hold is nothing more than fleeting dreams.
But those thoughts, they only hold me back from becoming all that I can be. I'll move on.
I'll go anywhere, just watch me.
Never stopping, always growing.
Oh, this happiness I long for,
I know one day it will be with me.
Though our distance may grow further,
And our hearts are overwhelmed at times,
We can look back on all we made. I proclaim, I will be born again.

I can feel my heart is breaking,
And although my strength is dying,
I can hear a voice inside me, telling me that I must go on.
Life will always be so painful,
With this loneliness consuming me.
Still, I know that deep in my heart, there's a light that's shining brightly.

Now is where I take my last stand.
This is all I have, my last chance.
Time to make all our dreams come true.
If I fail, I'll just keep moving on.
When I close my eyes at night,
I can hear our laughter loud and clear,
Now I know what keeps me living,
You are my most precious treasure.

“Way to go Alice!”

“I never knew she sang in the first place, it was incredible."

Alice never claimed to have a good singing voice. She felt that her voice was subpar. It wasn't bad, and she could hold a tune-- but she didn't have a wide range and she didn't know how to control her breathing, mix her head and chest voice-- And she didn't know proper techniques and often left her voice sore and worn out after attempting a power ballad.

But Natsu said she had a pretty voice, and he'd know since he had dragon hearing.

Alice sat down at the table where her friends had settled at. “Is there someone up next?” Alice asked, sitting down next to Lucy. “No clue. But Gajeel disappeared.” Lucy replied.
And then suddenly the spotlight flashed onto Gajeel sitting on a stool, crossing his legs, holding a white guitar. He slicked his hair back, wore sunglasses and had put on a white suit.

“I wrote a song called: “Best Friend”.” Gajeel said. And started to play a jazzy-blues song. “Shobee do ba!”

He had the guitar skill but had a terrible voice and wrote weird lyrics.

The majority of the crowd booed him and threw food at him. “I can’t take anymore of this bad song!” Natsu cried, Gajeel threw his guitar at him and then pounced on him, and that led onto a huge guild fight. Even Erza joined in.

“Hey there, Alice.” Levy started up a conversation, walking over to Alice who helped clean up the mess from the huge fight. Many people were passed out. “Hey, Levy.” Alice smiled as she swept the floor. “I need to ask a favor of you.” Levy started off. Alice put down the broom against the bar to give Levy all her attention. It was rare for Levy to ask anything of Alice. “Yeah?” She nodded.

“Okay, so I didn’t want to drag anyone into this, but.... Droy and Jet are gonna call Gajeel out to a fight at South Gate park. And I want you there in case anything goes wrong. You know, my boys are strong and are good at their magic but against Gajeel? I’m no future teller like Cana but I know that if something doesn’t intervene, Droy and Jet are gonna get hurt pretty bad.” Levy shyly explained. “Sure, Levy, but I gotta ask, why me? Gajeel and I aren’t exactly on good terms either.” Alice co*cked her head to the side. “Yeah, but I just saw how you two talked to each other a while ago and you seemed pretty calm. I thought you’d be the best, what would I call it? Referee?” Levy uncomfortably smiled.

“All right. I’m in. I always wanted a rematch against him and this might be the best time.” Alice smiled deviantly.

Levy and Alice showed up to the park, where Droy and Jet were already at. “Why’d you bring her here, Levy?” Droy gave Alice an annoyed look. She sneered at him. “Well just in case things go wrong.” Levy calmly replied. “We don’t need her. She’ll just stop us!” Jet argued. Alice couldn’t keep quiet. “Look idiots. Gajeel is way stronger than both of you combined. If he takes this fight seriously, you two are done for so I don’t know why you even thought challenging him was a good idea.” Alice crossed her arms and shook her head. She leaned up against the tree.

And then Gajeel arrived. Levy stood by Alice. “All right. I’m here. Why’d you want to meet me?” Gajeel grumbled at the two boys. “We have a bone to pick with you!” Jet started off, shouting. “Yeah, after what you did to us, there’s no way you’re joining the guild!” Droy added.

Alice sighed, rolling her eyes. Boys.

“Come on guys, can’t you just forgive and forget?” Gajeel sighed, getting irritated. “Yeah, he’s right. Besides now that he’s in the guild, he’s not gonna do it again," Levy pointed out, bravely, although still noticeably scared of Gajeel. “Well we gotta let him know,” “That he can’t mess with us!"

Droy and Jet started beating on him. Gajeel stood there and took it, not retaliating. . “Maybe you should stop it now." Levy trembled. “I will soon enough. While I think this is pointless, Droy and Jet do have what any person does, the need to get revenge. Plus, I think at some point they’ll realize they’re only doing damage to their egos,” Alice said with a shrug.

“You’re not being rough on the new guy are you?”

Alice stiffened up at the voice. As he walked over, Alice stared him down with a dreadful glare. “You of all people.” Alice growled. “Cool it.” Laxus waved her off, which pissed her off more.

That cold sickening voice.

“Anyways, seeing as this is the punk that wrecked our guild hall, I understand how you feel,” Laxus walked closer to Gajeel. Alarm bells went off in Alice’s head.
“I bet the only reason the old man let you join the guild is because he was scared of you wrecking the place again."

“Leave him alone." Alice warned in a dark, cold tone. Electricity danced on her skin.
“Shut it, twerp! We’ve become the laughing stock of the magic community, because of you.” Laxus aimed that at Alice before going back to Gajeel. “On my way from my last job, I stopped at a few pubs and I heard some things that really pissed me off. Everyone was talking about how weak the Fairy Tail guild has become now. No one dared to say that about us until you came along. Now you’re going to pay!”

Laxus casted a Lightning Dragon Slayer spell at Gajeel, flinging him back. “Stop it!” Alice ran over, trying to intervene. Laxus shoved Alice to the side, and she hit the ground hard.

“No! Since you’ve came along this place has sunk, and he’s taking us down even further than before! He’s gonna mess with me now!” Laxus began to kick Gajeel. “He’s not even fighting back!” Alice cast a spell at Laxus although it seemed to have no effect. “Hitting your father even though he’s doing nothing wrong? Learn some respect!” He threw a stronger attack at her, she flew back.

“You’re taking this too far Laxus, leave him alone!” Jet shouted. Alice stood back up, although doubled over trying to regain her breath.

“I’m not taking orders from idiots like you!” Laxus cast a spell in the direction of Levy. Alice didn’t have time to teleport to save her. Her teleportation magic wasn’t strong enough yet to be on pure instinct. And Alice hated admitting it, but Laxus was on a level she had yet to ever brush against. She was getting there-- Then she hit a bump in the road. And now? He could kill her so easy if he wanted to. And that spell he threw at her was anything but merciful. She needed a moment to recover.

Gajeel, on the other hand got there in the nick of time, taking the lightning attack head on.

“Gajeel!”

“Are you done now? I have things to do.” Gajeel grumbled out, raggedly and then walked off. Alice was at a loss of words. Laxus had gotten bored and walked off in the other direction.

“Gajeel!” Alice called after him, jogging his way, way out of breath.

“Leave me alone," He grumbled as Alice caught up to him. “Didn’t you hear? Get lost, I have a job to do," he growled at her, noticing her at his side. “I’m not stopping you. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am at you for how you acted. With Droy and Jet and taking that hit for Levy.” Alice sincerely said. Gajeel scoffed with a dark smirk. “Nice to know I can appease the princess.”

Alice scowled. “Can you drop the asshole persona for like five minutes?!” Alice snapped. “Persona? Drop it? What did you think that was back there? I could've beat the daylights our of those two idiots and let that shrimp fry.” Gajeel snapped back, stopping and looking down at Alice who glared up at him. “Well you didn’t and I’m thankful for that but I’m glad that that attitude is just an act then.” Alice shot back sarcastically.

Gajeel sneered and continued walking off. “Damn Fairy Tail.” He muttered under his breath but Alice heard. She trailed after him. “Yeah, and that damn Fairy Tail gave you an opportunity to make a living!” Alice rebuked. “Yeah, I know! Can you get off my ass and leave me alone!” Gajeel stopped once more, abruptly and turned to get down into Alice’s face. “You know if you keep this up you’re not gonna make any friends.” Alice crossed her arms. “I don’t need any. I got myself and that’s good enough. I didn’t let those bastards hit me because I wanted your damn acceptance. I just want all of you off my ass.” He ended the sentence with a lower tone to get the message to set in.

Alice could see past his attitude. She saw her old self. She would’ve acted the same if someone got in her face like this. She smirked. “You know that's too bad. Because I’ve decided I’m gonna be your friend.”
Gajeel rolled his eyes while scoffing. He stood up straight. “I don’t need any damn friendship from some dried up fairy.”
“Oh yeah, call me names. I could still kick your ass. Sure, I’m not as strong as I used to be. And my dark magic is contained but guess what? I’m a dried up fairy- but I’m the dried up fairy that’s gonna make you love me and we’re gonna be the best of friends!”

“Oh sure. What happened to the Alice I saw at the beginning of this whole mess? I’d f*ck around with her.” Gajeel spun around and headed off. “She’s my dark side. Whenever my emotions get out of whack it triggers my dark magic and that’s where she comes from. She’s what they call Black Alice.” Alice shyly explained.

“Well what I gotta do to bring her out? She wasn’t as annoying as you.”

Chapter 29

Chapter Text

Alice strolled into the guild hall, and noticed all the preparations going on for the Fantasia event.
And then she saw Gajeel sitting at a table by himself and thought to go annoy him. A while had gone by since he joined the guild and Alice took it upon herself to bother him as much as possible.

She skipped over to him. As he noticed her, he frowned with a loud sigh. “Hey, Gajeel!” Alice smiled. “Leave me alone.” He grumbled. Which was the normal dialogue from him. Alice innocently pouted. “You were gone for so long this time and I just wanted to say hi before you left again.”
Gajeel rolled his eyes. “Whatever. You little friends left a while ago, so go find them and stop bothering me.”
Alice then smirked and rolled her eyes at him. “There you go with your asshole attitude.”

Gajeel made a “tch” noise. “If you’re that bothered by it, then go away!” He snapped. “As much as I’d love to listen to you, I can’t. I gotta stay here since the Miss Fairy Contest will be happening soon.”

“What’s it anyways? A beauty pageant?”

“Pretty much. Fairy Tail female wizards go up on stage, one by one, looking as hot as possible, trying to win as many votes as possible and the winner gets jewel and bragging rights for the year. Mirajane has been winning it for the last few years. But I’m gonna win if it’s the last thing I do!” Alice proclaimed. “Good luck with that. Can’t imagine who’d vote for you. You’re the spitin’ image of that piece of work father of yours.”

Alice gasped, offended. Right in her pride. “Yeah, well!- You’re gonna vote for me, dammit!”
Gajeel scoffed. “Listen, sweetheart, if I’m voting for anyone, it ain’t gonna be you.”
Alice wasn’t gonna win this battle. “So, if not me, then Levy, right? She’s entering the contest too and since you saved her from Laxus’ attack, you like her then!” Alice teased, although her heart wasn’t fully in it. But she did think Levy and Gajeel were gonna be canon now.

“It sure as hell ain’t gonna be that shrimp either. Now f*ck off.”

“Oh, Gajee. You’re no fun. But I’ll forgive you for being mean to me when you vote for me!” Alice said, walking off.
She didn’t win the battle. Gajeel’s asshole personality, while fun to mess with, was taxing because he was well.... An asshole.

Alice needed a self-esteem boost because she wasn’t gonna get it from the contest.

“And coming in as entry number 5, the Princess of magic, Alice Dreyar."

No one appeared on stage. “Alice?” The announcer said.

Alice teleported right on a table right in the middle of the hall. “I’m right, here, boys.” She sat there, legs crossed. She wore a black and red bikini set alone with bright red stiletto heels. Years before she leaned on her ability to do lolita right but she assumed that the cute factor wasn’t gonna work anymore.

The spot light found her. She slid off the table slowly and alluringly, making sure to make eye contact with Alzack, as she ‘accidentally’ fell right into his lap. She had a thing for his emo/shy personality. Of course, she shipped him and Bisca together. And while they weren't together, Bisca got aggressively jealous when Alice flirted when Alzack.

The boy turned bright red. “Oops, sorry. I seem to be too smooth against this table. I took a really long, hot, steamy bath today just for this occasion. I guess I’m too smooth and soft.”
Alzack was speechless. The men around her whistled and cat-called. Something she would’ve hated if it wasn’t for this occasion.

She got off him and sashayed over to the stage, making sure to touch and brush up against as many men as possible. She also made sure not to make eye contact with Natsu. She could feel his eyes burn her body. Here she was flirting and strutting around barely clothed, trying to please numerous men that were either too old, too young, or creepy. People she would never have an interest in.

Alice made her way up the stage, making sure to blow a kiss at the crowd and then strutting back stage.

She requiped into a kimono style slip over her bikini. She was cold.

Alice noticed many of her friends frozen, and seemingly made out of stone. “Evergreen?” Alice wondered, seeing a familiar face. Evergreen was a tall, voluptuous woman with sandy brown hair that she combed up into a side ponytail... Alice always assumed Evergreen was in love with her father and was subtly trying to copy Yoko's old style.
But Evergreen wore a short and green "pixie" dress and a pair of matching dress gloves. She also had a pair of pastel purple wings on her back. She primarily used "Fairy" magic, trying to be the poster girl for Fairy Tail. But she was a stuck up bitch with a holier than thou attitude.

She was part of the Thunder Legion, therefore, one of Laxus' worshipers.

Along with Fairy magic, she had a "stone eyes" spell that made anyone who made eye-contact with her turn to stone. Seeing that all of the girls backstage were statues, it was only simple to assume Evergreen had done it. But why?

“Oh, you’re so right, Alice.” As Alice heard her voice, it was too late. Alice looked into her eyes and suddenly was frozen.

Alice unfroze, laying on the ground in the guild hall. “Was I... Evergreen!” Alice gasped, remembering her last moments before she was stone.

“You’re back to normal!” Happy cheered. Alice sat up, seeing Master, Happy, Gajeel, and the other girls. Bisca, Cana, Lucy, Levy, Mira and other unimportant characters.

“Can someone please tell me what’s going on?” Alice asked. Happy took in a big breath.
“Laxus and the Thunder Legion turned you all to stone and then made everyone fight each other. But Master, Gajeel and Natsu can’t go because of Freed’s runes. Erza was able to come back and she just defeated Evergreen and now you are all back!"

“At any rate it's over now. I only played his game because your lives were at risk, but I won’t indulge him anymore." Master crossed his arms, shaking his head. “Wait... Laxus is behind all of this?” Alice was feeling too many emotions. Confusion, anger, betrayal, fear, sadness, and that one feeling of missing something her whole life. Why would Laxus do this? Sure, he was the world's biggest asshole and he was a friend of no one.. But he was a part of Fairy Tail.

Of course, perhaps if his god-complex got too big for his britches, then maybe he finally snapped.

“We can’t let him get away with this," Bisca said, in her southern accent. “Trust me, he won’t. I’ll teach him a lesson. He should know better. You can mess with me but not my guild," Master assured.
“Hey now, I don’t know about taking hostages, but I don’t mind finding out who’s the strongest in Fairy Tail. I think we should keep the battle going," Natsu suggested. “Well it’s been a long time coming, but I assure you, I’m not giving up my title as the strongest in Fairy Tail.” Alice lightly teased although the looks she got told her that no one saw her as the strongest.

No. She couldn’t even put a scratch on Laxus.

“Well anyways I bet he was just trying to have some fun before the festival. Give him a break." Natsu defended Laxus. And there was more conflicting feelings. Alice wanted to believe Natsu.
“Now let’s go, round 2 right here!" Natsu shouted but no one took him seriously.

“Come on! let’s fight! I have all this pent up energy! Alice let’s go, right now," Natsu challenged, lightly punching Alice in the shoulder. Not enough to hurt her, but maybe enough to fire her up. “I think it's bad to fight your girlfriend," Happy commented. “I don’t care who she is! Let’s fight Alice!” Natsu shook off Happy’s comment.

Alice squealed. “I’m not his girlfriend!”
“Well you two sure kiss a lot," Happy shrugged with a devious smile. “If I’m fighting anyone, it’s gonna be you, cat!” Alice threatened.

Runes that covered the main doors flew to the center to the room and made the shape of a skull. “Can you hear me, old man?” Laxus’ voice came from it. “The rest of you better listen up too!”

“What do you want?” Natsu demanded. “Looks like one of the rules went out the window, that’s fine. I’ll just add a new one. In other words, since I would hate to end the Battle of Fairy Tail early, I decided to activate the Thunder Palace. You have an hour and ten minutes. If you think you can win, then you better get moving. Unless you’re ready to hand the guild over to me now.” The runes flew back to the barrier and went back to being transparent.

Alice was speechless. There was no excusing it now.
But even then-- Something that she hated about herself, is that she was Yoko Akashiya's daughter-- Who somehow something good in Laxus. (Apparently enough to sleep with him ((gross)) and so Alice couldn't hate the guy.

Deep down, she really yearned for that father-daughter bond that she missed out on due to the giant Rainbow Sakura tree up his ass.

“This has gone on long enough Laxus! I swea-” Master collapsed, suddenly from the distress.

“Grandpa!” Alice gasped and ran over to him. “I’ll go get his medicine.” Mira said, running off. “Laxus’ temper tantrum must’ve caused him too much stress.” Alice worried.

Everyone took a glance at one another before heading to the outside balcony.

“Those are lightning lacrimas. So this is Laxus’ doing.” Alice noticed the designs of them. Big yellow transparent orbs with a lightning bolt in the middle and a metal ring around the outside. There were dozens of them spaced out evenly in the air around Magnolia.

“When they go off, everything inside the circle will be shot with voltage and be burnt to a crisp."

“Well let’s shoot them down." Bisca requiped a sniper rifle and shot one and it exploded. “There we go!”

Bisca’s body was suddenly broke out in electric shocks. She screamed and then collapsed. “It’s body link magic.” Alice commented with a growl. Why was Laxus doing this?!

“We better go defeat Laxus then!” Cana suggested. “I’ll go warn the citizens," Lucy said running off first.
Then Alice, Levy, Gajeel, and Natsu were left. Alice planned on going after Laxas herself. It was a suicide mission-- But, it would be one hell of a way to go out.

Natsu smashed his forehead against the rune wall.

Alice, with no thought in her thinking she’d be stopped, climbed over the rail, ready to summon her disk. But then as she touched the rune wall, instead of going through it, being stopped, she was shocked. Alice fell over backwards with a small surprised scream. Natsu, immediately was at her side, helping her up. “What happened?”

“Look, it’s another rune. It says "No black magic shall go past. Consequence: Painful magic drain".” Levy read. “The only way to get passed it would be to be drained of all magic energy.” Levy then theorized. “But my dark magic is locked away. I have no way to even access it.” Alice lightly argued, confused.

“Just because you can’t access it doesn’t mean you don’t have it. I’ve always been able to sense the darkness in your energy," Levy clarified. “So I just gotta let this thing deplete me of magic energy? That’s fine by me.” Alice said with a shrug, about to touch it.
“Yeah, you’re not gonna do that.” Natsu slapped Alice’s wrist scornfully. “Screw your damn promise!” Alice snapped, switching quickly. Natsu then held her against himself, wrapping his arms around her from behind and taking her wrists into his hands. Alice squirmed around. “f*cking let me go!”

“Woah, that was a quick change.” Gajeel commented with a laugh. “It’s Black Alice. We believe that it’s from blocking her dark magic. Since her magic is very emotionally driven, it also acts out when she feels very strongly about negative things.” Levy shyly explained, her cheeks hot and warm with embarrassment. She refused to look into Gajeel’s intense red eyes. “Yeah, Black Alice is way much more stronger and likes using colorful language." Natsu struggled to keep Alice contained in his arms. Gajeel looked down at her, amused. Alice glared up at him as she wriggled around. “What are you looking at you Iron Dragon asshole! I’ll bash your head into the stone until you can’t smirk ever again. I swear to fu-”

“Yep this is the one I first met during the fight. I like her." Gajeel chuckled

“Let go of me Flame idiot, your stupid heat is making my burn hurt like hell, and also while we’re at it, can you get your erection off my ass!" Alice barked at Natsu, now trying to elbow him. “Gimme back normal you first!" Natsu calmly replied.
“This got boring fast.” Gajeel grumbled, walking back downstairs. “I better get working on the runes," Levy excused.

“Let me go! I need to go teach that sh*t father of mine a lesson!” Alice took as much strength from within her to slam Natsu into the stone wall.
“I don’t want you to hurt yourself just to get out. Without any magic how are you gonna do anything?” Natsu logically argued. “I’ll sap some from Mira if I have to.” Alice casually replied.
“You’re not doing that, she needs her magic too," He argued. “To hell with all of you," Alice muttered lowly.

“You don’t mean that."

“If you’re gonna rub yourself on me like that, wouldn’t you like me to face you?” Alice knew she couldn’t hurt him, but she was now turned on. Black Alice was a sexual deviant. And Natsu had a major hard on at the moment, only because Alice had her ass wriggling up against him. It wasn’t like he meant to get like this. Although since mating season was upon them, it seemed like Natsu had a constant hard on when he was around Alice.

“It’s not my fault. You-Ah!” Natsu gasped as Alice grinded skillfully against him. With that Alice broke free enough to turn around, facing him, and pinning him against the wall. Even though she was several inches shorter than him, her piercing gaze on him, made him feel small. “Come on, you’ve had to have wanted to f*ck me, right? All those things I’ve done to you when I’m wasted? All these skimpy outfits I wear? Look at what I’m wearing right now! Look at how this bikini top pushes my tit* together, they look so good, don’-” Natsu cut off Alice’s vulgar words, kissing her hard.

Alice kissed back, but roughly, trying to take the reigns. But Natsu, kept Alice at bay, holding her at a distance, not allowing her to move up against him.

He broke away, staring down at Alice’s light blue eyes. “Alice, please don’t hurt yourself, all right?”

Alice, while back to normal, was ashamed at her inappropriate language and her shameless flirting.
She was done being that girl and she now felt sick to her stomach just knowing those things came out of her mouth.

She walked away and back down into the hall. Levy had sat on the ground, surrounded by books, trying to decode the runes.

“Did you guys kiss and make up? Or you still the fun Alice?” Gajeel teased. “Don’t say another word.” Alice snapped at him. Natsu followed Alice down.

He sped over to the front entranced and pressed his forehead against the rune wall.

Alice strode over to Gajeel who sat at the table closest to the stage, and Alice sat on the stage. “I’ll give you credit. You got some good hoots.” Gajeel said.
“What does that mean?” Alice, grumpily asked. “The pageant. You got the biggest noise. Of course, a lot were mad that you didn’t do lolita. Didn’t know you used to do Lolita modeling.” Gajeel smirked over at Alice who gave him a bored look. She rolled her eyes. “Yep. "Alice of Earthland". One of Lolita Weekend’s top models. I quit them when Sorcerer Weekly offers became more regular. Lolita got angry at me for working with their competitor but like I wasn’t gonna stick with them. Lolita Weekend liked me because of my looks while Sorcerer Weekly at least recognized my wizard work too. Lolita Weekend wanted to erase that because it ruined my cute image. But I still have a fan base because of them.” Alice shrugged, slouching forward, in a bad mood, but relatively calm, talking to Gajeel.

“I wouldn’t have known. I have only known you for being the Fairy Princess. It all started when you became S-Class at 11 and then reports and people were just constantly talking about you kicking ass. And then suddenly you weren’t the big star anymore. Just Titania and Salamander. If I did catch wind of you, it was being that lizard’s pet. Even meeting you, you’re a handful. I admit, you and me can do some damage fighting. Wish it would’ve been you in that last showdown. You’d’ve been a bigger challenge. I’m not tryna build your ego here, but why are you settling for Salamander? You could own his ass.”

Gajeel was catching feelings for Alice. More in a lustful way than anything.
He was trying to flirt out of boredom but without being too forward because then he’d get Natsu on his ass. But what was he supposed to do? She was wearing a freaking bikini, for crying out loud!

Alice sat up, kinda shocked at his words. “Have you been drinking?”

Gajeel took offense to that. “Why?” He demanded. “The Gajeel I know is an ass from Hell who woke up on the wrong side of the wrong bed.” Alice said with a shrug, being honest. Him being decent was a nice change she wasn’t expecting. She didn’t like the way she liked being with him.

“I don’t know. I’m bored out of my mind so I was trying to have a nice conversation with you, damn.” Gajeel grumbled, looking to the side. Alice smiled wryly.
“What? I don’t really care what you think!” Gajeel scowled at her. “I just didn’t think you’d open up like that.” Alice innocently looked away. “I’m not opening up! And I don’t need to! If I need you to know what I’m thinking, I’ll tell ya!” Gajeel raised his voice in stubborn embarrassment.

Alice laughed. “You’re something else, Gajeel Redfox.”

Gajeel looked down, flustered. “Yeah, yeah. Now tell me, you’re a Dragon Slayer, aren’t ya?” He changed the subject. “I mean, I guess. I had Umiko the Water Dragon for like two years. I know some Slayer magic but since we didn’t have much time together, she thought basic education was more important than magic. I mean, I got water lungs and scales to breathe and live underwater but that’s not that cool. After I ran away from the cult school, I found her. She was in the forest looking for leaves for her home underwater. She has wings but she doesn’t really use them to fly, more to propel through water. She found me and she took me in, and we lived above water until I got my water lungs but not much later, she disappeared.”

“Hold up a minute, cult school? Man, Laxus is a piece of work father.”

Alice shrugged. “Yeah. After Mom died, Laxus shipped me off far away where he wouldn’t have to deal with me, and cult school was the best option apparently. I was 3 and I didn’t escape until I was 7. That’s where I got my black magic. Umiko helped me control it and my emotions. Since I can’t access my dark magic and can’t really control it and I don’t know much water dragon slayer magic, I use lightning magic. Which, no offense to you real slayers, I find this more freeing and stronger for me.”

“How so?” Gajeel asked intrigued. “Well first off I can manipulate magic energy. I can drain your magic and use it as my own. And it works extremely well with my lightning magic and so much more while a water dragon slayer doesn’t seem as cool as an Iron Dragon Slayer or even Fire Dragon Slayer. I mean your elements are so much cooler. Like "oh look at Gajeel being hardcore and eating f*cking iron", or "Natsu eating fire, woah." And..."Alice is drinking a glass of water".” Alice sarcastically joked, getting a chuckle out of Gajeel. “I can see that, yeah, but you just need water right? You’re in the forest, you can eat a damn leaf and get energy. Do you know how hard it is to just find Iron? Or fire?” Gajeel countered..

“Okay, well aren’t your piercings iron?” Alice pointed out. “Yeah, but that’s for last resort. Though, for emergencies, what are your piercings made of?”

“Uh, I don't know. Metal?” Alice shrugged. “Hm. Well that’s no help.”
“You’re not eating my earrings! Besides you got way more than I do!”

“Woah, Lucy just beat Bickslow!” Natsu shouted, reading the runes give updates on the fights. Natsu’s outburst grabbed Alice’s and Gajeel’s attention. Alice hopped down, skipping over to Natsu. “No way she could’ve done that!” Alice said in disbelief. “She’s just a cheerleader.” Gajeel commented, referring to Lucy’s performance in the pageant. She dressed in a cheerleader’s outfit and with the help of her spirits, did a cheer for her act.

Alice got closer to the rune and then slammed face first into her own rune, which was smaller than theirs, a few feet behind. She felt a zap and fell back on her butt. “I am not liking that at all! Why is mine the one that’s invisible?” Alice complained.

“Hey, cheerleaders can be tough too!” Natsu ignored Alice’s complaint to defend Lucy. Alice did not like that. She noticed that there was something off in Natsu’s eyes, but she couldn’t tell what.

What it was though was Natsu being extremely jealous of the attention Alice was giving Gajeel in recent weeks. Alice hung out at the guild longer with Gajeel. Alice always was sitting with Gajeel. Always laughing and talking with Gajeel. She smiled and blushed, her heart even pounded harder. Alice might’ve not noticed her attraction to Gajeel, but Natsu sure did. And it angered him so he avoided her more. He spent nights at Lucy’s, he kept his distance from Alice just because he associated his jealousy with her and he didn’t like feeling anything negative towards her.

He was also now miffed by Alice and Gajeel’s flirting moments ago.

So when he wasn’t fawning over Alice, he naturally, and unintentionally went to Lucy.

Alice stood up. “It was probably Leo or Aquarius. She couldn’t do anything on her own.” Alice crossed her arms, throwing Lucy under the bus. “Since when have cheerleaders been tough?” Gajeel argued with Natsu.

She felt weird being trapped behind a line, while Natsu and Gajeel were up ahead. She felt ignored. But she wasn’t going to let that get her down, although she was going to let it get to her.

“Haven’t you ever heard of the story of the tortoise and the race?” Natsu countered, inaccurately. “It was a hare," Alice corrected. “Yeah and it didn’t even win!” Gajeel added.

“That’s it!” Levy outburst. “That’s what...?” Alice looked back to Levy, confused as to if Levy was going on with the conversation or was having an epiphany about her translations and yelled at the wrong time. “I have to translate the two....” Levy mumbled, going back to her world of books. “She’s a whole different kind of smart.” Alice nodded, admiring Levy’s quirkiness. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you fell in love with her, Gajeel." She jabbed at Gajeel. He crossed his arms and grumbled, “If so maybe you’d follow my lead and fall for someone with a brain."

“You know how hard it is to find a guy with one of those? I had to go with what I could get!” Alice argued, accidentally insulting any guys she had an interest in.

“Okay I got it!” Levy jumped to her feet. “I got theirs, but I’ll start on yours next Alice, but once I get this, you two will be able to go after Laxus."

Levy walked over to Natsu and Gajeel’s rune and started to rewrite it.

“Freed has traps all over town and we don’t have time for another full out battle between you two, so split up so you don’t get caught together in a rune again.” Alice advised. “Got it.” Natsu nodded, with a mischievous smirk, fired up to run out the door once he was cleared to go.

Natsu then was caught off guard by Alice’s gaze at him. She looked like she was caught in a few different emotions and then she gazed at Gajeel who gave her a bored look. Her heart skipped a beat.

Natsu was losing Alice to Gajeel?

Natsu, with a dark, hidden eyes, strode over to Alice. “Natsu?” Alice wondered as he pulled her a few feet away from her rune. Natsu hugged Alice, and put his lips to Alice’s temple. Alice hesitated and saw Gajeel look at them, stopping her from reciprocating the embrace. “I know what you’re gonna do once I leave because you’re too impatient to let Levy work her stuff.” Natsu mumbled against Alice. “Okay and? I can’t stand around while Laxus makes a mockery of our guild.” Alice replied, embarrassed that her intentions were that predictable.

“Okay guys, go. I did it!” Levy announced. Gajeel didn’t hesitate and was gone. Natsu let go of Alice, and looked down at her watching Gajeel speed off. “I know you like him. But I’m not gonna lose to him.” Natsu said boldly, turning to leave. Alice grabbed his wrist, making him hesitate. He looked back at her heart stricken expression. She leapt the distance between them, pulling him into a tight hug. Natsu let out a relieved breath, hoping that he said something to break her out of the spell Gajeel put her under.

Alice wrapped her arms tight around his neck, as Natsu held her firmly.

"Please don't wait for me. You'll be disappointed when you realize how much you miss out on for me."

Natsu's own heart faltered, dropping down into his stomach.

“But...if things didn’t get so messy with Loke, I might’ve wanted to explore more of my feelings for you but I’m not ready for that yet.” “Okay. I’ll wait.” “No. Don’t wait. You shouldn’t have to wait for me!” Alice shot her gaze back up at him, revealing her distressed expression. Natsu lightly smiled. “You’re right. But I want to. You’re my best friend Alice and you’re the only person in the world right now that I want to do these things with.”

"Go." Alice let go of him, pushing him around back towards the entrance.
There wasn't time to discuss this, so Natsu felt there was nothing more he could do but run off into battle, hopefully going to pummel Laxus down into a bleeding pulp. Maybe that'd make the dark cloud over his head go away.

Alice pursed her lips, watching him disappear out of the guild hall. Was she falling for Gajeel?
Was she that obvious? And if so, was she hurting Natsu?

She loved Natsu with almost her entire being. So why would her heart linger off and fall for Gajeel of all people?

“Okay, now that I figured out how to decode that one, maybe yours will be the same.” Levy said with a sigh and went back to work with her books. Alice sat down next to her. “Don’t push yourself. I can open my own rune, you know.” Alice smiled softly at Levy’s determination. “What? And let you hurt yourself and deplete your energy? No way! This is what I’m good at so let me help out in the best way I can.” Levy replied.

“Okay, but like you have to give me some advice first.”

Chapter 30

Chapter Text

“-WAit! You’re saying you have a crush on Gajeel?!” Levy gasped, horrified. She looked at a bashful Alice with wide eyes. “I mean...I wanna say that I don’t but Natsu said I do.” Alice looked down, feeling wrong about herself.
“Just cause he says so doesn’t mean he’s right....right?” Levy asked her, a hand to her frail heart.

“Look, Natsu knows things about me that I don’t even know and he hasn’t been wrong yet. I mean, thinking about it, I don’t think he is wrong. I didn’t mean for it to happen. It just did. And I don’t know how to stop it.” Alice said, feeling agitated with her own mind battling itself.

“Well, Gajeel said something and you were acting like Black Alice, maybe that side of you likes him," Levy tried to reason with Alice. Which could be possible.

The conversation stopped when someone walked into the guild hall. An older woman with pink hair tied into a bun with a hair pin, red piercing eyes, and a pink cloak. “Porlyusica?” Alice wondered. “Where can I find the old fool?” Porlyusica asked firmly. “In the infirmary, come on.” Alice got up and walked her there.

“So why are you here? He can’t be that ill, right?” Alice was getting worried.

“Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be out running a muck like the other idiots?” Porlyusica avoided the question. “No, Freed put up a rune, the dark magic in me disables me from going past it unless I deplete myself of magic energy.” Alice answered, not going to fight with the old woman.

“I think it's the stress that did this.” Alice guessed, standing at the door, letting the healer look Master over. “Of course it is, he’s a fool for not retiring like I told him to. Get Laxus here.” Porlyusica ordered

“Why? Wouldn’t he make things worse?” Alice crossed her arms, stubbornly. “That’s not the point. He shouldn’t be acting like this. Makarov’s family should be here with him as he lays on his deathbed.” Porlyuisca said, giving Alice a dreadful look. “No. There’s no way!” Alice shook her head. Sure, Alice was rather distant from her Great Grandfather and only really called him Master but he was family.

“There’s no time for denial!”

Alice rushed out back into the hall. “Levy! You need to stop what you’re doing and go get Laxus!” Alice shouted as she parkoured over a rail, not wasting time. “What?!” Levy squeaked out. “Master is on his deathbed according to Porlyusica. She said Laxus should know and he needs to be here for Master. I can’t go, so you’ll have to do it!” Alice explained, reaching her. “What about your rune? Someone needs to decode it.” Levy tried to argue. “Levy. This is more important if I have to I’ll do what needs done. You’re the only one who can go. The Thunder Legion is down and Natsu and Gajeel are probably at Laxus by now, so you know they won’t let him hurt you.” Alice reasoned. Levy nodded uneasily.

Levy stood up, took off her glasses. “Take care, Alice. Don’t be too hard on yourself.” Levy then ran out.

Alice strode over to her rune and sat down, leaning up against it, letting it take all her energy.
Alice bit her lip, and squeezed her eyes shut as they watered. She took deep breaths in and out. It hurt like hell. It felt like a million little needles emptying out into her skin. And as it sunk deeper into her, she felt worn. Tired, unfocused, weak.

In that time the Thunder Palace was taken out and then Alice was out of enough energy to be depleted of dark magic.

She knew when she fell through what used to be the rune.

She couldn’t see straight and it hurt to try to focus her eyes, her head was light and dizzy. It was hard to focus on the task at hand but her body got up and ran to Kardia Cathedral where she felt all the magic energy.

Her head pounded with every step. And-- DAMMIT she forgot to requip out of her bikini before she drained herself! Now she's stuck running through Magnolia, practially naked with only a sheer kimino slip as coverage!

There was a crowd of civilians gawking at Laxus and Natsu on the roof of the cathedral, fighting. Natsu was all beat up, and hunched over. Laxus was in his ultimate form, using his Dragon Slayer Magic.

Alice made her way through the crowd, wobbling the whole way. “Alice!” Levy exclaimed, holding up a battered Gajeel. “What’s happened?” Alice asked, not tearing her gaze off the fight. “Back in the Cathedral, Laxus tried to use Fairy Law but turns out the spell was able to sense in his heart that Fairy Tail is not his enemy.” Levy informed.

Figures Alice thought to herself. Laxus would go through all this trouble to wipe out Fairy Tail and Magnolia, just to prove that he did care for them all.

Alice knew that Laxus was her father and she knew she wasn’t obligated to love him or accept him. But... as much as she hated him, was disgusted by him, and knew he acted the same to her, she had to at least acknowledge him as her only surviving parent and not to alienate him for forever and she could get over this transgression eventually.

Sound seemed to sound muffled in Alice’s ears as she was losing focus. Laxus hit Natsu with a lightning spell, and Natsu laid down twitching.

“Come on, Natsu.” Alice said, but she couldn’t tell if sound came out of her mouth.

Natsu stood back up but wasn’t doing well.
Alice realized Natsu was right; Once she got out, she’d be useless without her magic. She couldn’t do any magic, she could barely move, all she could do was watch.

But it pained her to sit there and watch Natsu get his ass kicked. It reminded her of when she first came to Fairy Tail. When Natsu challenged Laxus to a fight and if Natsu won, Alice would stay at Fairy Tail, of course Natsu didn’t win that fight but his fiery passion inspired others to stand up to Laxus and fight for her as well.

Laxus started to build more energy for another powerful spell. The lightning was blinding. “No, Laxus! That could kill him!” Freed shouted.

Alice caught notice of Gajeel hobbling away from Levy, with an arm transformed into a rod. Alice knew Gajeel’s plan and concocted one of her own.

She ran over to Gajeel. “Take me up there with you. You attract the lightning and then I’ll be able to use it to convert it to magic energy and I’ll give it to Natsu and he’ll have the upper hand.” Alice said. Gajeel was too tired to argue and in his other arm, he held up Alice as he also climbed up the cathedral outside.

Alice knew this would have consequences for her.

Laxus fired the spell, Natsu flinched getting ready for impact, too battered to dodge it. Gajeel, right on time, got on the roof, and his iron attracted the spell, hitting him and Alice with it. Alice closed her eyes and she took in all the lightning dragon slayer magic. Her normal lightning magic was no match for this and her body wasn’t compatible with it. Using her energy magic and all the focus she could manage, because if she was a hair off, she could hurt herself, Gajeel, or Natsu too.

Alice knelt on the ground, as her body vibrated with power. She shot up, her eyes dilated, her body paled and yet glowed, her hair standing up on its ends. “What’s going on?!” Laxus roared. Her body was trying to reject the Lightning Dragon Slayer magic but she refused to give in and fought harder, and at the last minute before Laxus would focus back on his fight with Natsu, Alice raised a hand in Natsu’s direction and shooting him with pure magic energy.

Alice finally blacked out, her body twitching with lightning.

“With the help of Porlyusica, the master will be fine. He’ll be back to work in no time.” Erza announced. The guild cheered. Alice clapped excitedly.

“Do you really think we should do the parade still?” Lucy asked over the commotion. “Yeah. Nothing can stop Fairy Tail," Gray replied. “I can’t wait to see what the parade is like!” Juvia smiled, sitting next to Gray. “Really?” Gray smiled softly at her.

Alice shipped it.

“You’ll be in it!” Cana walked up from behind, drunkenly leaning against Juvia. Juvia gasped and blushed. “You’re in the guild, aren’t you?” Macao asked, walking by. “Yeah, I just though since I’m a new member, I wouldn’t be in it.” Juvia got up and walked over to a nearby pillar to trace small circles on it with her finger. “You’d think she’d have more enthusiasm.” Alice hummed, leaning back on her arms, since she was sitting on the table. “Isn’t she the cutest?” Cana giggled. Alice shipped that too.

“Well we do need everyone, since those two won’t be in it." Gray shrugged over to the two Dragon Slayers who were completely covered in bandages, even Natsu’s mouth- of course Alice was convinced it was patched there just to keep him quiet. "Screw you and your festival," Gajeel grumbled. Natsu tried to speak but it was impossible to understand, since it was muffled. The table exchanged confused glances. “Maybe he’s just speaking stupid," Happy said, biting into a fish. Alice laughed at his comment.

Natsu grouched at Gajeel, “It had nothing to do with that!” Gajeel blushed. “How could he understand that?” Lucy wondered. “Maybe it’s because he speaks stupid too.” Alice shrugged, high fiving Happy. “You guys have a serious mean streak," Lucy commented. Alice laughed. But she stopped when she sensed a familiar magic energy. Laxus.

He walked shyly into the guild with the whole room's attention on him. Alice and him gave each other the same indifferent expression.

Everyone gathered around, surrounding Laxus. It was a violent atmosphere.

"What do you want?"

"Laxus?!"

"Where's the old man?" Laxus asked. "We ain't telling!" Droy said and people started threatening Laxus. Alice pushed herself forward to the front. “Everyone keep your mouth shut. The master is his family and he has every right to see him.” Alice warned, quieting the room. Alice was surprised by her sudden need to protect him. Maybe she truly was a Dreyar after all.

The Fairy Tail way was her moral code.

"He's in the infirmary," Erza answered. Laxus nodded walking towards that way. Natsu hopped forward, shouting muffled noises at him. “May I ask for a translation?” Alice looked towards Gajeel. “He’s pretty much challenging him to another fight, this time one on one.” Gajeel shrugged, boredly.

"I thought you guys beat him?" Lucy asked. "Did you see what he did to us? It was more of a draw. If he was around during the Phantom Lord battle, I would be six feet under," Gajeel admitted.

Laxus turned away from Natsu to go to the infirmary. "Where do you think you're going?" Natsu asked. Alice was able to understand this because it was the same tone and length as that question he constantly asked Alice when they got in a fight and Alice would storm off, and Natsu, agitated, would go after her.

Laxus waved him off and he was out of the hall.

"Show's over. Let's get ready for the Fantasia parade!" Erza clapped her hands, getting everyone back on board with the parade.

Alice float was a cute little princess set. Pastel colors, flowers, woodland creatures, butterflies, the works. She stood there in a frilly rainbow dress, with her ears transfigured into pointy elf ears. She was embarrassed at her float and how much positive response there was.

She had to hop around, dancing, waving her fake magic wand around. She wanted to die. She hadZERO say in her float, but Mirajane was on the verge of tears, so Alice had to agree to it.

As the final float came though, came the cue to do the Fairy Tail hand gesture. Even if I can’t see you, I’ll be looking your way.

Alice looked through the crowd and actually spotted her father, crying. And then he walked away. Alice started to cry herself. She never witnessed this before. She knew this would be the last time she’d see him for a long time. If ever again.

“Don’t you think you were being harsh?!” Alice shouted at her great grandfather. “No, not at all. He put the lives of my children at risk and even the whole town! That was not excusable." Master crossed his arms. “Everyone makes mistakes, you taught me that everyone can be forgiven," Alice desperately argued. “I did, but as the master of Fairy Tail I have to follow rules and my rule is we are a family, we don’t harm one another. I’m sorry that this hurts your feelings, Alice, but it also breaks my heart too. If you feel so strongly about it, how about reaching out to him outside of the guild to build a relationship with him?“

Chapter 31

Chapter Text

“There goes my rent money!” Lucy cried. “Why? What happened?” Alice walked over to her. “The Miss Fairy Tail results are in! And I didn’t win!”
“Oh, yeah, I forgot about that.” Alice gasped, skipping over.

1. Erza
2. Alice
3. Lucy
4. Juvia
5. Cana
6. Bisca
7. Levy
8. Mirajane

“I knew I should have went Lolita! It’s always a winner!” Alice cried, defeated. “Wait...I knew how many votes it would take to win...All right! Who didn’t vote for me that I told to!” Alice shouted, turning to the rest of the guild. “You voted for me, didn’t you?” Alice pointed at Happy. “Aye!”

“How about you, Flame Dick?” Alice hopped over to Natsu. They weren’t on the best terms at the moment. They had an argument the night before, and that would result in Alice kicking him out for the night. “I only vote for my friends!” Natsu raised his voice at Alice, trying to start another argument. “So we’re not friends now? Well, it looks like Gray’s my love interest now.” Alice shrugged, walking away. “ARE YOU SURE IT’S NOT GAJEEL BECAUSE YOU SURE LIKE TO-” Natsu was shut up by Alice throwing a whole table at him.

Dragon Mating Season wasn’t being kind to anyone. Alice, Natsu and Gajeel all strung up on hormones, although it didn’t seem to actually mess with Gajeel at all from how he acted.
But Alice and Natsu were letting out pent up frustration on each other.

“Did you vote, Gray?” Alice casually asked, sitting by him. “Huh?”
“Miss Fairy Tail Contest. You voted for me, right?”
“Yeah. You didn’t win, did you?” He guessed. “I got second," Alice grumbled, hunching over, depressed. “Well I think you’re the prettiest girl I know," He complimented. “Suck up," Natsu mumbled, walking past, already done with the table business.

“So did you hear, Sorcerer Weekly is coming by today! Fairy Tail is going to be the cover!” Happy flew over. “Oh really?”

A man of average looks, height, and build ran over to Alice. He had bright yellow short hair swept to the side. He wore a plain t-shirt and jeans and he had a pencil in his hair. He jumped around Alice, taking multiple photos from multiple angles. His name was Jason and he was a big writer and editor for Sorcerer Weekly.

“Alice! You’re still so cool!”
“Thank you.” Alice sweetly smiled, trying not to move too much.
“It is rumored you and Loke broke up, is that true?”
“Yes it is. It was mutual though. We had different ideas and our schedules were just too busy," Alice calmly and professionally replied. Of course he would get brought up but Alice tried to keep an image.

“No, its because he’s a celestial spirit and fell in love with Lucy," Natsu grumbled, who was nearby. Jason somehow didn’t hear him.

“So now that you’re back on the market, what kind of guy are you looking for?”
“Well right now, I’m enjoying being single and having fun. But if I had to choose a type, I’d pick the typical cool guy. You know, calm, collected, smart with a sarcastic humor.” Alice pretended to think a moment before answering.
“That is so cool! There has been reports of you crushing on three guys, Ice mage, Gray Fullbuster, Black Steel Gajeel and Archive wizard Hibiki Lates, what are your opinions on these three guys?”
“Well Gray is my close friend, we go on missions together, we get along great, he’s the best guy friend a girl could have. Gajeel is the newest member of Fairy Tail, though everyone has had their suspicions of him, he really has a soft side. He’s a very tough guy but I can respect him. And I haven’t seen Hibiki in a long time but he’s a good guy." When in reality, Gray and Hibiki were Alice’s old hook-ups who she had 0 interest in ever pursuing romantically and Gajeel was hopefully a crush she’d get over soon. But she couldn’t let anyone know that.

“So cool! You have been best friends with Salamander/Natsu Dragneel, you two have very different personalities, how do you guys stay so close?”
“Well he was my first friend so many years ago when I came to Fairy Tail. Of course he’s explosive and has a temper, I guess I just roll with it. But I think the biggest part is that we have a close connection because we can relate to each other in different ways and we’ve been together since the beginning, we have a history, when we get into fights or he annoys me, I just remember that and I know I can’t throw away our friendship over small things." Alice replied curtly.
“That was so touching, could there be a blossoming romance between the two of you? The fans are dying to know!” That was the question Alice got asked a lot when it came to her working with a male wizard. There always had to be a romance plot hidden somewhere in there. And this time there really was. Alice hesitated. She didn’t want to deny it nor confirm something. She didn’t want to hurt Natsu nor get his hopes up.

“Well you can never say never, but you know I’m not Cana I can’t predict the future, but I can say if anything ever happens it won’t be for a long long time. But Natsu and I are best friends and I don’t want to ruin that so if a romance could potentially sever our ties, then I don’t want to chance anything."
“You are so cool! We’re hoping to have you come by and model for us again!”

“Wow, Alice, I don’t know if you’re fans really know the real you," Lucy commented as Alice slumped over on a booth spot at a table. “I’d like to keep it that way." Alice requiped back into her outfit from before, a cropped black t-shirt and a white mini skirt. She was wearing her pretend questing outfit, which was like her normal attire, but the top was much lacier and smaller, the skirt was high waisted and had decorative chains, the shoes were 4 inch black ankle boots. She also wore black fingerless gloves and a red jacket. She wanted people to think she was cool and tough. Someone with a dark past that comes to haunt them, but they have a lavish lifestyle. She wanted her image and her true self to be two different people. She was also trying to get her ‘princess’/’lolita’ image erased with a new persona.

“Salamander!” Jason finally saw Natsu. And then it all went downhill. Natsu punched Jason, Lucy changed into a bunny suit and went on stage to grab Jason’s attention because he was ignoring her, Gajeel took her light and started singing a song, Natsu got annoyed of Gajeel, they started to fight and Jason got in the middle of it trying to get pictures and in the end Jason still loved Fairy Tail.

And by lunchtime, Alice was ready to go home. “Hey Alice, wanna go on stage?” Mira asked from the stage. Alice wanted to say no but really had no choice in the matter when her guild mates got riled up, excited for her performance. “All right! Alice is about to perform a song for us again!”

Applause started up as Alice gave in and walked up to the stage.

“I haven’t done anything yet, so hold the applause.” Alice grumbled, not in the mood for any of this. “Well we know you’ll be way better than Gajeel!” Macao joked. “Hey, be nice, where would we be without his iron blues?” Alice pretended to be in a good mood.

“In a better place!”

Think of me when you're out
When you're out there
I'll beg you nice from my knees
And when the world treats you way too fairly
Well it's a shame I'm a dream

All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you

I think I'll pace my apartment a few times
And fall asleep on the couch
Wake up early to black and white reruns
That escape from my mouth, oh

All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you

I could follow you to the beginning
Just to relive the start
Maybe then we'd remember to slow down
At all of our favorite parts

All I wanted was you

All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you
All I wanted was you

Alice had a few stray tears that didn’t make it all the way down her face, which was good because then no one would know that she was crying. She didn’t know who it was that she affiliated with the words of the song. Natsu or Loke.

Think of me when you're out
When you're out there
I'll beg you nice from my knees
And when the world treats you way too fairly
Well it's a shame I'm a dream

Felt more like Loke and the chorus lines probably made more sense with him because this song sounded like it was for a person already gone.

But

I could follow you to the beginning
Just to relive the start
Maybe then we'd remember to slow down
At all of our favorite parts

Made her remember Natsu. To go back in time and with the same feelings and experiences she had now. Maybe she could do something more or maybe she missed the good old days where she didn’t know about her feelings for him.

Overall, she was still depressed over Loke but now she was stressed about Natsu.

Alice jumped back into reality when she heard applause and hollers of rejoice.

Alice smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes as she ducked off stage. She finally was free to go home. She made it halfway down the hall when she was stopped.

“Alice, come look at jobs with us.” Happy called. “You know, actually, you guys go without me. I’m not...- I’m going home.” Alice replied, trying to find the words without revealing her depression episode.
It didn’t help that her and Natsu fought the night before or that Natsu was spending more time with Lucy. “Are you sure? We need a job to help pay Lucy’s rent.” Happy tried once more. Alice looked to Natsu. To see if he wanted her to stay.

She was scared she might be losing him. And it was her fault. Sure, Natsu had confessed his feelings to her and he said he’d wait for her and Alice told him that he shouldn’t but she didn’t want that. She wanted him to wait for however long it took for her to be ready for love again. And that wasn’t too long ago but time had gone by. Alice was unwillingly and unknowingly going out with Gajeel.

Alice and Natsu with their petty jealousness and refusing to talk it out like mature people, just decided to ignore each other. Alice would go out with Gajeel, and Natsu and Happy spent time with Lucy and that all just made the other one even more jealous and insecure.

Alice liked Gajeel and she hated it. But she couldn’t stop herself from being with him. He was a grumpy, give no sh*ts, bad boy. What girl could resist that?

But she would forget about him when she was with Natsu but if Natsu was pushing her away, where else was she to go?

“Yeah, you go ahead. Unless you want me to go?” Alice asked, a bit hopeful. “Nah, if you wanna go, go. This is about Lucy so don’t bother.” Natsu waved off, not even looking at her.

Alice’s heart sank. As her eyes filled with tears she ran out of the guild, because she didn’t want anyone to see her heart get broken, especially not Natsu.

No. If he was going to treat her this way, he didn’t deserve to see her break down over it.

All I wanted was you

Chapter 32

Chapter Text

A week had gone by. And they didn’t talk to each other at all, barely acknowledging the other’s presence.

They even sat at the other end of the guild hall away from each other, refused to talk or make eye contact. Of course it all could be fixed with a good conversation, explaining feelings and thoughts but were either one gonna do that?

Nope.

“You listenin’ or not?” Gajeel grouched at the spaced out Alice who woke to reality. “Hm?”
Gajeel sighed, getting irritated. “I said, I need help tuning my guitar, you wanna help?”
“I don’t know how to play a guitar, let alone tune one.” Alice shook her head, looking up at him confused. “You can play the piano though and I can’t, so get up and help.” Gajeel apparently wasn’t taking no for an answer.

Alice got up from the table and followed him up the stage.

Not only was she still sad and angry because of her ongoing fight with Natsu, but it was also raining. She would end up in a bad mood regardless of Natsu.

“Hey, Alice.” Gray greeted, coming up as Alice was halfway up the stairs. “Gray?” She wondered. “I just wanted to ask how you are, and if you wanted to go on a quest.” Gray offered. “Uhm, no I’m okay. Thanks, though...” Alice replied rather awkwardly. “Beat it stripper. We’re busy.” Gajeel grunted, going back for Alice. Gray sneered up at him.

“I’m helping him tune his guitar so maybe later, all right?” Alice bargained, trying to alleviate a possible fight between the two males. Gray didn’t want to argue with her and nodded before walking away.

"Geesh, turning down sex really hurts a guy's ego." Gajeel shook his head, teasing Alice. "He wasn’t asking me to sleep with him. You're the one who told him to beat it!" Alice argued, temper rising. "He probably will since you won't for him." Gajeel shot a smirk at her. “Find someone else to help you.” Alice turned on her heel, but Gajeel caught her by the wrist, pulling her his direction.

Several inches away, but staring up at each other, Alice noticed she wasn’t as affected by this as she thought she would. All the late nights together, the lovely moments, the closeness, it used to make her heart pound, her cheeks warm up, but now there was barely a warmth to her face.

Alice wrenched herself away from him. “Just stop with the dramatics and help me.” Gajeel asked in a gentler tone, still rough, but not as coarse.

"Okay now maybe you can catch up with the ice stripper." Gajeel teased in his normal gravelly voice. Alice scoffed and turned away from Gajeel as they were finishing up. “I don’t want to have sex with him. I don’t want to pursue him in any and I-... I don’t have to explain myself to you.” Alice exclaimed with a tinge of anger.

“Alice!” Natsu appeared from seemingly nowhere as Alice descended the stairs. Alice was surprised to see him wanting to be anywhere near her since they hadn’t talked in a while. Alice stopped in her tracks, with no thought to what to say, just stood there, looking at Natsu. Her heart seemed to pound so hard that it hurt. It wasn’t in an excited, lovestruck way. More of an ‘anxious, waiting for the drop to happen’ way.

“How’re you feeling?” He asked in a casual tone. “I’m fine...-You?” Alice replied, barely able to get the words out. “I’m good. I just wanted to see if you wanted to...It’s raining out, you know, so if you wanted to-” “Damn, there’s more sexual tension between you two than two recovering sex addicts trapped in a sex shop together.” Gajeel scoffed, shoving past Alice, making her stumble forward and into Natsu, who put his arms around her, stabilizing himself and her.

Alice quickly recollected herself, getting off Natsu, and at a safe distance from him. Alice scowled at Gajeel’s back as he walked off. “You know, how’d you come up with that analogy?” Alice asked without expecting nor wanting a real answer. “Just telling it how it is. Anyways, if you guys are gonna do it, do it where I can’t hear ya.” He shrugged not stopping.

Usually that would’ve made Alice flustered but she felt rather disappointed because she thought her and Natsu weren’t gonna ever go down that road at this rate. She lowered her head, putting her gaze to the side.

Natsu growled. “All right, Gajeel! You and me right now!” Natsu challenged, running after him. Alice was grateful he was gone now.

She walked over to the bar as Gajeel and Natsu engaged in battle. She plopped down on a bar stool and leaned over the bar, slouching. “Hey, Mira.” She greeted as Mira came over to her with a glass of water and a coaster. “Hiya there, Alice. What’s gotcha down?” Mira smiled. “Everything honestly.” Alice sighed. “Well it is raining out. Gajeel and Natsu fighting over you should distract you!” Mira suggested. “You’d think but no. I thought even maybe helping Gajeel with his stupid guitar would do the job and then Natsu came over and ugh.” Alice ended her statement in a groan.

“I think you and Gajeel are a cute couple!” Mira chimed. Those words made Alice feel sick. Her and Gajeel? A couple? That didn’t sound right.

Alice cringed at that statement. “No. That’s not gonna happen. I mean, maybe I liked him and all but now I’m kinda over him and... I don’t know.... Although, Natsu and Lucy are getting comfy together so maybe I should go for Gajeel then but...”
“Natsu and Lucy would be cute together too.” Mira nodded absentmindedly which surprised Alice as well made her whole world come crashing down.

Mira always said Alice and Natsu were a match made in heaven so how could she say something like that? All it did was solidify Alice’s worries. “Yeah. I suppose. I mean... We haven’t made up and he’s been staying over at her place a lot and they’ve went on a lot of quests together now. I guess it was stupid of me to think he and I would...I told him not to wait for me but I didn’t think he’d listen. Oh well, maybe him and Lucy will last longer than me and Loke.” Alice was now gonna go home. She was done and she wanted to go scream into a pillow.

Alice got off the stool without taking a sip of complementary water.

“Whatever Salamander, this isn’t over! And I’m taking your girl!” Gajeel surprised Alice, coming up from behind her and picking up off the ground by her top. She flailed around. “What the hell are you doing?!” Alice screamed. “What do you think? I’m taking Salamander’s girl. Stop moving around, I’ll end up dropping ya’.” Gajeel said in a gruff.

Alice kept silent. She hated being referred to as his girl. She never was and she never was going to be now that she somehow screwed everything up.

Alice requiped into a different shirt, a black plain t-shirt, which resulting in Gajeel no longer having a grip on her, and she fell on the floor on her hands and knees. She sat up and glared up at Gajeel. He sighed, defeated. “I have a family of cats with their kittens at my place.” He said simply. Alice’s weak spot. Baby animals.

“All right. I’ll go. But only for kittens!” Alice sternly laid out the rules. Gajeel smirked over at Natsu. “See, Salamander? Your girl is going willingly!” Gajeel laughed.

Alice asked herself what this all was and she looked over at Natsu.
He balled up his fists and looked down to the side, showing a face full of emotions that Alice couldn’t figure out. Was going over to Gajeel’s a good thing or would it dig Alice into a bigger hole?

But she thought that Natsu and Lucy were already becoming a thing so there was no point trying to save something no longer there.

“Oh my gosh! They’re all wet! Can we take them inside?” Alice sadly cried. “No.” Gajeel replied firmly. “But they might get sick!” Alice whined, looking back over at him, giving him her best puppy eyes. It was a cool wet day. The rain didn’t seem to be letting up.

Gajeel turned off and left into his small home. Alice pouted, and used a water spell as a shield from the elements. Gajeel came out moments later with a towel, and a big sheet of metal.

He bent the metal into a box and set the towel at the bottom. He placed the box under a tree, where it kept out some of the rain. “Put the cats in here.” Gajeel gruffed. Alice did so, gently picking up each baby one by one in first, and then guided mama and papa into the box. “All right, Mrs and Mr. Kitty, your babies should dry up in here. Cuddle them nice and tight so they warm up.” Alice sweetly baby talked at the adult cats. Gajeel sputtered out a laugh. “What are you, 10?” He teased. Alice looked at him with an unimpressed expression. “Eleven, thank you very much.” Alice stood up and crossed her arms tightly to her body to try to warm up.

“I could believe you being eleven, but you’re like what, 15?" Gajeel muttered. “I’m Seventeen, dumbass." Alice corrected curtly. “All right, get back inside, Miss Seventeen.” Gajeel replied, turning off, going inside. “Whatever, Mr. Thirteen." Alice huffed, trailing after him.

“Ooh, you’re so original. But I’m 20, little girl," Gajeel said, closing the door after Alice was in. It wasn’t very much warmer inside and Alice thought about never being cold when she was with Natsu.

She missed his overbearing warmth.

Her chest felt heavy with many emotions. She had to bury them.

“If you wreck anything in my house, I’ll personally kick your ass," Gajeel warned, getting another towel for himself. “Get me one too!” Alice called after him. “Yours is the one the cats are on, so go get it if you want it," He replied.

“Oh well, I guess I’ll just lay on your bed, and get it all wet.” Alice had challenged wandering through the place looking for his bedroom. “Good luck finding a bed in here," Gajeel teased, coming up from behind her. Alice looked at him quizzically as he threw a towel at her face. She quickly caught it and put it on her head, trying to dry her soaked hair.

“You don’t have a bed?” “I have a couch." Gajeel walked to the living room, Alice following.

She sat on said couch, towel under her butt, to try to keep her from getting the couch wet. “What if you bring a girl home?” Alice hypothetically asked. “Once again, I have a couch.” Gajeel plopped down next to her. “You’re never gonna get a girl like that. ‘Oh hey, wanna be uncomfortable and squished on my couch? ’” Alice teased. “I got you here, didn’t I?”Gajeel countered, smirking at her. “But I came for kittens, not your couch.” Alice argued, crossing her arms. “And yet, you’re still here?” Gajeel leaned over, closer to her. Alice refused to look at him, because he was right. She just had nowhere else to go. It was still raining and she was freezing, and why go to an empty home?

“So what’s with your deal with the rain?” Gajeel struck up a new conversation. “Hm?” Alice glanced over at him. “Both Ice Freak and Salamander brought it up.”

“Oh, rain seems to happen on all my bad days. The day I lost Umiko, almost killing Natsu, the day we found out Lisanna passed, the day Loke broke up with me. It’s like the weather knows how I’m feeling.” Alice muttered lowly. “Well that sucks. Here, I got something to cheer you up.” Gajeel hopped off the couch, and went off to the kitchen. Alice could hear the clinking of glass.

Gajeel came back with two shot glasses and two big glass bottles of some dark liquid. He sat them down at the coffee table in front of them and sat back down. Alice gave him a disapproving look. “Are you trying to get me drunk?”

Alice could feel the buzz of that little voice in her head telling her this was a bad idea. But... maybe getting drunk could numb her broken heart? And maybe this time she’ll know when to stop?

“What? You don’t drink your problems away?” Gajeel shrugged, pouring both glasses full. Alice grabbed one as did Gajeel. “Cheers?” He gestured, holding his glass out. Alice clinked hers to his and quickly put the glass to her lips and poured the dark alcohol into her mouth, swallowing quickly, but not fast enough, and got a good taste.

She shivered as she held back a gag. Her throat burned and she could feel the shot make its way down into her stomach immediately.

It didn’t take long for the effects to come on and it took about the same time to finish a bottle and a half between the two.

“Okay, okay...Uhm, hottest Fairy Tail female.” Alice slurred out. “Easy, Mirajane. Hottest Fairy Tail male," Gajeel replied quickly. “Gray. Hottest female you’ve ever known?” Alice asked, taking another shot. The taste and feeling no longer affecting her.

“f*ck.... There’s two I can’t choose between. Claudia Masters. She was a storm mage and she’s was powerful. She was absolutely stunning, a rude bitch but damn, if she could’ve given me a time of day. She had a nice rack and... that ass! Too bad she decided to join some independent guild because apparently Phantom Lord was too mainstream. And then there’s another, I never met her but she was in a magazine I was looking through. It was the top 20 hottest mage with a kick, and she was a Fairy Tailer. I remember she was number 4. Fire Fairy Yoko Akashiya. Damn she was my first crush, though she was dead by the time I was 6, but from her pictures. She was so beautiful. She had those red eyes, and the red hair. She had the nicest figure I’ve ever seen to this day.” Gajeel had zeroed in on one specific spot on the floor, trying his best to remember this woman. Alice laughed.

“What? Making fun of me?” Gajeel grumbled. “No, it’s just that Yoko Akashiya is my mother.” Alice replied, with a giggle in her tone.

“No, sh*t. I mean, I knew you reminded me of her but.." Gajeel laughed to himself, shaking his head, eyes slowly trailing down Alice’s body, taking in every inch. “Well, no one can tell who I look more like; Her or my dad.” Alice shrugged. “Your eyes are Laxus’...Wait, Laxus actually scored with her then? Damn, this is gold. I would’ve never imagined he bedded her. Damn."

“Yeah, he was 15 and she just turned 18. Then when she found out she was pregnant with me, Laxus abandoned both of us. She used all her energy to raise me and work. When I was 3 she got really sick but she never bothered to get treated, so she just got weaker and weaker until she died.” Alice emotionlessly answered, eyes drooping, drowsiness taking over her. “Your life sucks. Here, take it.” Gajeel wildly grabbed the remaining bottle with less than 1/4 of liquid left in it and handed to Alice as he swayed, not being able to fully control his movements.

Alice thought none as she took the bottle top to her mouth and downed what was left of its contents.

“Okay, uhm, hottest male you’ve ever known." Gajeel put them back on topic. “Easy, Lyon Vastia. I don't know where he is now, but back on Galuna Island he was this huge leader of some moon drip ceremony to revive Deliora, we stopped him obviously but anyways he also shared the same master as Gray. But yeah, the most gorgeous man I’ve ever witnessed." Alice replied, finishing with a hiccup.

“You always go for the weird ones, don’t you? The Spirit, that cultist, the stripper, the pyro, what next? The dancer dude?” Gajeel teased. “Actually it’s the asshole sad*st with 30 piercings," Alice shamelessly flirted.

“Woah there, darling, you better be careful there. That might’ve been enough alcohol for you as well. Don’t want you to do something stupid because this is my house, I ain’t watching you." Gajeel, half-heartedly said.

“Oh please, I haven’t had enough. I haven’t started to take my clothes off yet.” Alice waved him off. “You..What?”
“When I start to drink I become the biggest flirt you’ve even seen. I start to take my clothes off when I get drunk enough. But I don’t become blackout drunk until I can no longer make coherent sentences. I mean I think. I can never remember. I’m just recalling what I’ve been told.”

Alice woke up, in a nauseated-sweaty state. Her head was spinning and her eyes couldn’t focus on anything. She sat up, taking in what she could of her surroundings. “f*ck. It happened.” She whispered to herself, disappointed in herself. She sat up, awkwardly, trying not to wake the person under her. “You better believe it happened. I mean, I don’t remember much of it.” Gajeel groggily said.

“What time is it?” Gajeel sat up with Alice on top of him. She could feel his bare member against her thigh. They were both naked.
Guilt ran through Alice’s body. She felt a scream well up in her throat and her eyes burned, watering. What the hell is wrong with her? Why does she do this?

Wait, no, she doesn’t do this. Because Natsu was always there to stop her from going this far. Natsu. Alice wanted to cry.

Any and all lingering feelings for Gajeel disappeared.

“4 something. I can’t see the other hand.” Alice said, trying to focus on the second hand, but couldn’t. “I need to go home.” Alice shook her head, voice softening, because she could feel her emotions start to unravel.
“You don’t have to. Not yet at least," Gajeel murmured, one of his hands playing with a lock of Alice’s red hair. Alarm bells went off in Alice’s head. Gajeel acting affectionate with her.

It wasn’t possible that he...?

Alice felt wrong for even thinking of the possibility that Gajeel had feelings for her. “No. No I gotta go. I didn’t buy the house to not sleep in it.” Alice had excused. Her normal excuse that Natsu was there waiting for her no longer could work. He’d been staying at Lucy’s in the recent weeks.

But she had to say at least something. She couldn’t stay here any moment longer.
Alice used three spells. One to get rid of her headache, another to requip into clothes, and then a teleportation spell outside of the house, at the front door.

She took a deep breath of cold air. The rain had stopped some time ago but the sky was still filled with dark clouds and the temperature had dropped. It was a foggy morning.
Hopefully early enough where no one would witness her walk of shame.

Alice found herself at home, the door unlocked. Natsu came to mind.
But he hadn’t been over in weeks. Why on this day would he...? He obviously came over to grab something. He couldn’t have been there still.

At the front door, under the coat rack, was Natsu’s sandals. Alice’s throat closed up but yet all the contents in her stomach were threatening to force their way up.
Alice’s eyes filled with tears. Of all nights. Of all days. Why tonight? Alice wasn’t even there to bother, why would he be there?

Alice peered into her bedroom, seeing two figures on the bed, sleeping away. And she was violently sick. She made a beeline to the bathroom, slamming the door shut and dropped to her knees as she emptied her stomach of all the alcohol that still remained.

After there was nothing left. She sat up, wiping her mouth, and leaned against the door. She turned on the shower with magic, hoping to drown out the sounds of her sobbing.
She was a wreck. Her guilt for sleeping with Gajeel, even when she shouldn’t feel bad because her and Natsu weren’t ever going to be together, and yet here he was in her home. It also terrified her that she had sex without feeling in control, nor remembering what happened. It shook her to her core. Natsu was always around to prevent that from happening.

Natsu had jolted up, awake to the sound of the bathroom door slamming shut. Alice was home. He could immediately smell Gajeel’s scent on her and he could hear the sounds of Alice throwing up.
He felt guilty. He knew what had happened. Alice reeked of sweat, Gajeel, and alcohol. Natsu wasn’t stupid. But he felt responsible. It had to have been his fault that he had distanced himself from her and that he refused to apologize to her. He let his own feelings get in the way and Alice was suffering.
Alice had feelings for Gajeel, no matter how little or much, it set Natsu into a fit of jealousy that he expressed by passive aggressively taking it out on Alice and staying over at Lucy’s. Because mating season wanted him to be far more forceful and aggressive. Take his mate by whatever means necessary. He knew he'd never get forceful with her,but the urge to get rid of this pent up, well,urge was so aggressive. It had never been so chaotic in his life. What was it? His realization and acceptance of his feelings for Alice? Another alpha male encroaching on his territory and stinking up the place with his own scent?

And here they were. Alice had went over to Gajeel’s, got drunk, slept with him and was now throwing up so violent-

Natsu heard the shower turn on, but his dragon hearing also picked up on Alice’s wailing. “What’s wrong with me? Why did I do that?”

And, a wave of worry. Natsu had always been there to watch after her when she drank because she couldn’t seem to control herself around alcohol, as much as Natsu knew that it was Alice’s own fault, he still felt responsible in some way.

“We haven’t made up and he’s been staying over at her place a lot and they’ve went on a lot of quests together now. I guess it was stupid of me to think he and I would...I told him not to wait for me but I didn’t think he’d listen. Oh well, maybe him and Lucy will last longer than me and Loke....”

Even though Natsu was busy fighting Gajeel, he still could hear Alice’s conversation. That’s why he came over that day. After Alice left to Gajeel’s, Natsu hung out with Lucy and then planned going over to Alice’s when she went home, but Alice never came home.
So she had to come back at some point, right? She wouldn’t stay the night with Gajeel, would she?

Natsu wanted to finally make up with her but considering that now was no longer the right time, Natsu sat up, waiting for Alice to come out.

Alice would eventually get into the shower, mild scalding water and harsh scrubbing, Alice would try to clean away her mistakes.
Light red skin and eyes, swollen lips and cheeks, and a slight sniffle, Alice emerged from the bathroom as quietly as possible. She tiptoed to the kitchen, taking sips of water to help her upcoming hangover.

And then she went to the library room, closing the door, and sitting in the farthest corner away from the door and huddled up against the wall. She threw her head back, the top of her crown lightly tapping the wall, as she would rest like that, closing her eyes.
She took in the noises of the light breeze and frogs nearby. She tried to keep her breathing under control.

In the coldest room in her home, sitting near the window, the heat from the hot shower was leaving her. She would once again break out in a shiver.
Never had she felt as vulnerable as she did then. Freezing, sick, heartbroken, terrified of herself, and sitting in the corner on the floor of her own home, trying to hide from the world at least for a night.

Thinking that Natsu and her would be something and then just disappointing herself. Sleeping with Gajeel because she depended on someone else to stop her from herself. But she’d soon realize that the person she’d think to save her from making stupid mistakes would move on from her. And she’d watch him grow into a person of brilliance, and passion, watching him with Lucy and people in the guild. He’d slowly forget her.

Or she was being overdramatic. But maybe she should leave Magnolia for a while? To figure herself out, distancing herself from people who reminded her of her mistakes. Maybe she’d learn independence and self control. Get her nipples pierced?

Maybe she should just disappear altogether and never come back? She’d no longer be Alice of Fairy Tail. Make a new life for herself somewhere else?

Her eyes shot open as she heard the creak of wood planks being stepped on. Happy was too tiny to do that. It’d have to be Natsu.
Maybe if she took slower breaths and stayed still he’d think she wasn’t there. He was probably getting up to pee or get some water.

But then the door opened. Alice continued to stay still and take quiet breaths. Maybe dragon slayers had dinosaur vision and could only see things that were moving.
But Alice couldn’t stop her body from shivering and she couldn’t tell if it was from being cold or it was a tremble of fear.

“Hey buddy, you’re home late, aren't you?” Natsu smiled softly, as he spoke the same way. Trying to be comforting and pretending like he didn’t know what she was out doing.
Alice could barely find her voice. “Please-. Just leave me alone.” She requested.
Natsu walked forward, coming closer to her. “You know, I tried to stay awake until you came home.”
“Why? Why are you even here?” Alice croaked out. “Because I l-...You’re my best friend. I wanted to come over and apologize for being a real ass to you.”

Well that made Alice’s hookup with Gajeel even more sickening. If Alice had come home and not drank with Gajeel and then sleep with him, then....She could’ve been without this horrible feeling and her and Natsu would’ve made up earlier.

Alice kept silent. She looked to the side, like she wasn’t going to move and indeed planned on sleeping in that corner.

“Come on, bud. You’ve had a nice shower, how about get some more water and some tylenol and we head back to bed?” Natsu stepped over to Alice and crouched down to her level.
It made Alice feel like some sort of ‘out of control alcoholic’ if Natsu knew how to help her and seemed to have made a routine out of it.

“Natsu... I-uh...Everytime before tonight, when I went out and drank, you’ve taken care of me, right?” Alice asked in a whisper, voice breaking. She refused to look at him.

Natsu put a hand on Alice’s head. “Yeah. And I’ll continue to take care of you.” The way he sounded so sincere. Alice didn’t want to cry in front of him.

“Have I ever...made a move on you, or you know, tried anything with you when I get bad?”

Natsu hesitated. Did he dare answer that truthfully? “Well that’s why I’m the one who takes you home. Because I know that I don’t fall for your tricks.” He partially lied. He dared not tell her that he slipped sometimes and let a kiss last too long or he’s seen her naked way more times wasted than sober.

Alice nodded slowly. Was she that dependent on Natsu?

She had to stop drinking. She knew that there was definitely a problem now she’s faced her consequences. She had to stop relying so much on Natsu to watch out for her.

“So come on, let’s get you ready for bed.”

Chapter 33

Chapter Text

Natsu woke up to Alice shifting around in his arms while still sleeping. The sun shone brightly through the window. Natsu’s eyes slowing adjusted. He saw Happy on the other pillow, still snoozing away peacefully. This brought a small smile to Natsu’s lips. And there was Alice, cuddling Natsu’s balled up scarf to her chest, her forehead touched his chest, her breathing gently tickling Natsu. He shifted a bit, to get a better look at her. He was worried after last night. Something in his chest ached when she left with Gajeel last night, and came back home some time early morning, smelling of him. Shutting herself into the bathroom for a couple hours, crying. Then what she was saying last night.

Sure, in the last several months, Natsu and Alice were way closer than before. A few shared moments sprinkled in there. A few stolen kisses. Natsu didn’t see a problem with it. He liked their friendship. He noticed that Alice was trying to distance herself for a while. Spending more time with Gajeel. And so he spent time with Lucy, like it was nothing.

But it was something. Alice was trying to figure herself out. Between the stress of Loke still looming over her, her low self-esteem and worsening depression, along with her magic still out of control, no matter how weak it was. And then her feelings for Gajeel which bothered Natsu.

Now with her feelings for them both straightened out, Alice still wasn’t ready to pursue anything with Natsu.

Alice let out a small groan with Natsu’s movements. Natsu smiled at her. How he loved these soft moments. When Alice would stir in her sleep and usually nuzzle in closer to his body or how relaxed she looked.

Or how natural and right it felt holding her. How safe and warm he felt.
Alice’s face scrunched up as she lightly groaned, waking up. Within seconds, where she usually took the time to let her body wake up, relaxed and get a feel for her surroundings, Alice felt her head spinning and yet pounding so hard.

It was so hot. Why was she feeling so unbearably hot? As her mind turned on, she remembered the night before, well, the early morning hours where she came home.
And then came a violent bout of nausea. Her eyes flew open and she wrestled herself out of Natsu’s grasp, and the mess of blankets, leaping and almost falling off the bed, and made her way to the bathroom where she’d only dry gag, since there was nothing in her stomach to get rid of.

“Did Alice come home?” Happy mumbled, rolling over, eyes still closed. “Yeah, and its the normal routine.” Natsu replied with a nod getting out of bed to go fetch a glass of water for Alice.

“Come on, let’s go on a job then." Natsu gave into Lucy’s whining. Those two, Happy and Alice sat at a table together. Alice had sat there with her head into her hands, as she sat there, trying to not get sick off of the smell of greasy food, booze and the strong smell of Lucy’s perfume.

She had taken a potion to lessen her hangover but she still felt a bit of it. Even her spell to cure her intoxication didn’t work. She really did over do it the night before.

“Really? You mean it? Thank you, Natsu!” Lucy cried, grateful. “I wasn't trying to be lazy or anything, I was waiting for the right moment.” Natsu shrugged, not getting why Lucy was so excited about a job.

Lucy gazed out to the front doors, wide open and jumped in fear. Alice had looked up, giving Lucy a strange look. “What’s wrong, Lucy?” Happy asked, as him and Natsu looked to where Lucy was, to see nothing there. “I don’t know. This may sound weird, but lately I’ve been feeling like someone has been watching me,” Lucy confessed, looking back to the table.

Happy grabbed a dictionary from out of nowhere and he and Natsu flipped through pages, landing on one term. “What do you think, Happy?” Natsu asked in a serious tone.
“I’d say it’s a textbook case of excessive ego.” Happy nodded. “Take me seriously! It’s not like I want to be followed!” Lucy snapped, partially embarrassed and irritated for being treated so childishly.

Alice snapped her head up. “Can we not shout?”
“It’s not our fault you got crazy drunk last.” Happy shrugged, casually not knowing the full truth of what happened last night. Alice cast her gaze to the side, and brushed her hair back behind her. “Hey, what’s that?” Happy then pointed out to several dark marks on Alice’s neck between her right ear lobe and collarbone.

Lucy, Natsu and Alice looked all different types of shocked.

Alice then realized that Gajeel had apparently left his mark on her. She hadn’t checked her appearance that day, not really caring how she looked and Natsu hadn’t noticed them until now, now her hair was out of the way.

Alice pulled her hair to the side, covering that side, hopefully hiding those marks. She knew it was a bad idea to leave the house. “It’s a rash.” Alice quickly excused. Happy seemed satisfied with that answer and left the matter alone. But Lucy and Natsu shared a looked between them and then back to Alice who stared down, ashamed of herself.
“Let’s go look for that job we’re gonna go on.” Lucy got up from the table and skipped off to the request board with Happy carelessly following.

Alice hesitantly got up. “Hey, are you-” “I’m fine.” Alice cut off Natsu’s concern and followed after Happy and Lucy. Natsu stood there, watching her for a moment before joining the group.

“There’s one I was looking at this morning while waiting for you guys to show up,” Lucy commented, as Alice and Natsu joined her. “We would’ve been here sooner but someone made me take a shower!” Natsu casually played, leaving alone the previous conversation. “Oh no! How dare you be forced to practice good hygiene.” Lucy mocked boredly and then returned her eyes to the board. “So here’s the one I was looking at. We would leave tomorrow at noon.” Lucy pointed to the paper.

Natsu ripped it off the board and skimmed the details, going for the most important part: The reward. He nodded. “Sounds good to me!”
“Aye!” Happy added.

“You gonna come with, Alice?” Lucy asked. Alice seemed to come out of a thoughtful trance. “Uhm, yeah. Sounds good.” She nodded absentmindedly.
Lucy jogged over to the table, grabbed her jacket, put it on. “I got some things to do today, so I’ll see you tomorrow at the station!” Lucy called before dashing out the guild hall.

“So what do you guys wanna do?” Natsu wondered. “I’m going shopping.” Alice answered, walking off, but not before Natsu caught her by the wrist.

Alice wanted to go buy material items to maybe make herself feel better.

“I don’t wanna do that though.” Natsu said. Alice wrenched herself away from him. “I didn’t say anything about you tagging along,” she harshly replied. “Fine, you convinced me, I’ll go with you.” Natsu went along with it. “I’m gonna go fishing!” Happy announced flying off.

Alice cringed to herself. Why couldn’t Natsu leave her alone? Alice, without a word started off out of the hall, with Natsu tailing her.

“So you wanna talk about what happened?” Natsu piped up, as he sat down in a chair, in the dressing room.

Alice, was behind the curtain, trying on a new dress. “Not particularly.” Alice curtly replied. “You know though, that you came home reeking of him.” Natsu once again said. Alice grew impatient with Natsu’s constant badgering. “So you know what happened. What is there to talk about then?” Alice curtly replied, sliding open the curtain, revealing the new top she had tried on. Natsu had studied each detail and thread of this red and black lace top. He zeroed in on the low cut v-shape. If he liked it, so would every other male on the planet. And he was selfish. No one else should be allowed to see her like that.

“I don’t like it.” He commented. “Then go get me something you’d like.” Alice crossed her arms. Natsu shrugged and hopped up to his feet, and went back to the clothes and came back quickly with a black and white gothic-lolita style dress with an assymetrical hem.

Even he liked Lolita Alice.

Alice rolled her eyes and wrenched the hanger with the article of clothing from him and closed the curtains once more.

“Did you do it because you like him?” Natsu couldn’t help but gnaw at the aching curiosity inside him. “If I tell you, will you shut up?” Alice gritted her teeth. “I just wanna know what’s going on with you.” Natsu sincerely replied.

Alice finished getting dressed up and then opened the curtain. “See, I like this. Keeps things to the imagination.” Natsu nodded, thumbing up at her. His eyes slid down her body. Her chest was covered, and the frills made her look more curvier, and the dress’ asymmetrical cut, showed off her legs nicely and made them appear longer.

“If I get this, then I need shoes to go with it.” Alice rolled her eyes, her face started to light up. “All ready on top of it! Stay right there and don’t move!” Natsu hopped off the chair and sped off.
For someone who hated the girly shopping, he surprisingly had a good eye for fashion.

Natsu was back in less than a minute with a pair of black t-strap platform/wedge lolita shoes. “Great.” Alice huffed.

After paying for the outfit, Alice was ready to go home. “Where to next?” Natsu chimed. “ I’m going home. I don’t know what you’re gonna do.” Alice curtly responded. “What’s the point of buying one thing then?”

“Oddly enough you nosing into my business put me out of the mood.” Alice didn’t know how to escape him.
“I’m sorry for butting into it but I just wanna know things.” Natsu tried to carefully plan each word out. “Like what? Like if I’m over you and into him now? That’s why you care, obviously.” Alice snapped.
“No that’s- If I’m coming off as jealous, it’s because I am but I’m also trying to help you talk things out.”

“God. You sound like Gray.” Alice scoffed, getting irritated. “Alice. You came home, threw up and then cried and then crawled up into a ball in the library room. That’s not exactly normal behavior for you.” Natsu replied knowingly.

Alice stopped in her tracks, eyes about to spill tears that seemed to fill way too fast. She closed her eyes, imagining her home. Living room to be exact.

Natsu would never shut up if he didn’t get his answers but they were still quite a way from her home.

“Give me your hand.” Alice said, eyes not opening. She didn’t want to mess this up. Natsu didn’t hesitate, fully trusting his partner.

And as his burning hot skin brushed against the palm of her hand, they were at Alice’s home, standing in the middle of the living room.

Alice let out a shaky breath, becoming woozy, never had done that big of a jump before, quickly draining her magic.

“Hey, idiot. What was that for?” Natsu took Alice’s shoulders into his hands, keeping her steady.

Alice’s eyes opened and tears fell from her eyes, streaming down her cheeks.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” Natsu cooed, not expecting the emotion change. “Ask me all you want about him. I’ll talk-. I just wanted to be out of the public eye for it.” Alice shrugged away from him, walking over to the couch.

“Are you sure? If you don’t wanna talk about-” “Yes. I’m sure. You deserve answers.” Alice nodded, cutting him off. Natsu walked over, sitting several inches away, giving her space.

This was going to be a long day.

Chapter 34

Chapter Text

In the good ole town of Hargeon, there was a little diner just in its first few days of the grand opening. "8 Island", owned by ex council member, Yajima.

And here we had our Team Natsu working a job, which was to wait tables at the restaurant.

Alice strode over to a table with an elderly couple. Alice wore a classic waitress’ uniform in the color orange and white. She tied her hair back, although leaving out a part of her bangs for a cute flair.

She was a hit with the customers, with her lovely customer service. Which was just the act she naturally put on for the press or fans.

“How’re you two doing? Enjoying your meals?” Alice inquired sweetly, showing a polite smile. “Yes we are. Thank you.” The elder man replied with a nod. “Might I suggest the desert menu? I can’t say we have anything on the menu as sweet as your wife, but I can say they’re worth the try.” Alice sweetly suggested. The elderly woman giggled, blush hidden under her antique makeup. “You know, I think we’ll do just that.”

Alice took their finished dishes off the table and walked off.

A table of young teens dressed as local gangsters snapped at Alice. “I’ll be right there.” Alice called in a sing-song tone, trying her best to let their snapping slide. She’d pass that table off to Lucy indefinitely.

Alice put the dirty dishes in the tub of water.
Natsu walked towards her with plates of food in his hands, but also mouth full of food as well. And from what it seemed to be, Natsu was eating customers’ food. “I think you’re taking this job a little too serious.” He commented, swallowing. Alice rolled up a menu and started to smack Natsu in the arm with it. “We. Don’t. Eat. The. Customer’s. Food!” She said in between hits. “Okay I get it! Stop!”

Alice didn’t stop. Natsu grabbed her by the wrist, reeling her in to him. “I’ll bite you.” He warned in a low tone.
And Alice knew better to egg him on, because he would indeed bite her.
He had the fanged canines to do some serious damage.

But times had changed. Alice didn’t see this threat as a punishment, it was more of an incentive. Alice smirked. “All right. Do it then, dragon boy.”

Natsu’s face deadpanned and his cheeks went red.

Sure, Alice and him had gotten over their hurt feelings and were on the way to an almost perfect replica of their past friendship.
Except this time they knew they had feelings for each other.

Alice was in a rather good mood. Natsu frowned and let go of her. “You know, I remember the days when my threats scared you.” Alice gave him a knowing smile. “Well, you’re no longer scary.” She walked away from him.

A few weeks had passed since Alice’s incident with Gajeel and she was slowly getting over it. She was no longer drinking at the guild when a celebration party arose, which was pretty much every time a new member joined. And she avoided Gajeel like the plague.
Of course he had tried to talk to her, but Alice made the message loud and clear. When he’d look towards her or found her by herself, Alice would go the fastest route to Natsu as possible, and nuzzle into him, and more often than not, Natsu would happily wrap an arm around her, pulling her closer into him. Sure, it was leading Natsu on in some way, but it got Gajeel off her tail.

Of course, Alice wasn’t happy at all. She had moments where things seemed fine and on the right path, but the rest of the times she pretended she was okay. Putting on a fake smile for her friends, going on jobs, the usual things.

Another quest done and over with.

Alice wanted to go home but was dragged along to the guild with the rest of her teammates.
They walked in while Reedus drew the web of dark guilds up in the air, like a hologram. “What’s up with the chart?” Alice inquired. They all gathered near the bar. Except Happy and Natsu who made themselves at home at a table chowing down on food they somehow acquired.

“There’s been a lot more activity recently. That means we need to strengthen our relationships with other guilds.” Mira answered. “So the three big ones in the center circle...?” Lucy trailed off. “It’s the Balam Alliance. The alliance between the three strongest dark guilds. Oracion Seis, Tartaros, and Grimoire Heart. The smaller guilds around them are the guilds that do all the smaller jobs that they think are too simple for them. Though, there is one guild that’s very well known as well but considers themselves an independent guild, Raven Tail. And the guild we faced, Eisenwald. It’s a part of this whole thing as well I suppose.” Alice explained.

Alice’s true grandfather, Laxus’ father, Makarov’s son. Ivan Dreyar was the master of Raven Tail.

Alice never met the guy. He was excommunicated years before Alice was even born. And Alice had no desire to ever meet him except to take down his guild.

“There was also Ghoul Spirit, but the Thunder Legion took that out a while ago," Mira added. “When Gajeel and I were apart of Phantom Lord, we took out a lot of guilds, though not Fairy Tail though," Juvia gushed. “I wouldn’t remind everyone about that,” Gray commented. “I took out a number of them in my younger years.” Alice’s eyes scanned over the small guilds, recognizing names.

“Wait, the Oracion Seis won’t take it out on us will they?” Lucy cowered. “Don’t worry, there’s only 6 members," Wakaba assured. “Yeah, just 6, that ain’t nothing." Macao waved off the matter. “I wouldn’t just underestimate them. Those 6 members make up one of the most powerful guilds," Mira reminded.

“Speaking of the Oracion Seis, word has come out that we must destroy them.” Master Makarov entered the hall, creating so much tension, Alice could barely breathe. Everyone stood there wide eyed, speechless.

“Welcome back, Master!” Mira greeted cheerfully, despite her guildmates around her, frozen.

“What do you mean?” Erza asked Master, ignoring Mira. “At my conference, Oracion Seis’ recent activity was the most heated discussion. They pose an urgent threat that can no longer be ignored, that’s why they must be dealt with immediately. We will take them down before they attack one of the many guilds we’ve sworn to protect. To fight them alone would be too dangerous, they will be the biggest challenge we will have to face, our attack would bait out the wrath of the entire Balam Alliance. That’s why Fairy Tail will join a coalition of other magical guilds," Master explained.

Alice pouted. She hated working with strangers, or not well known people. She just wanted to go home.

“Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, and Cait Shelter. These four guilds will hand out representatives to join the allied force, together we will work together to bring down the enemy," Master announced.

Alice drooped over. Anything but Blue Pegasus.

“We don’t need help. In fact I could probably take them all down by myself.” Natsu jumped up on a table. “Don’t be a fool, master has made the right decision." Erza smacked him in the face.

“Having to consider, I have chosen the members I wish to partake in this coalition. Erza, Natsu, Gray, Lucy and Alice. I have faith you can take down this threat.” Master made his decision.

“Why am I even here? I’m not that strong and I can’t help any of you." Lucy pouted. “Yeah, I don’t know what Master was thinking adding you to the group. Talk about the weakest link," Alice grumbled with her arms crossed, facing away from Lucy, staring out the window. “Both of you need to stop," Gray groaned, annoyed with the constant complaining..

“Listen up, we’re here for one reason, because Master put his faith in us, so let’s not disappoint him," Erza reminded. “Why didn’t master send someone stronger though? Like Juvia or even the Thunder Legion?” Alice wondered in a huff. “Well he sent Juvia and Gajeel on their own quest and the Thunder Legion have been out on a quest for a few weeks now.” Happy replied, like Alice really wanted an answer.

“I don’t care. Just make it stop!" Natsu cried weakly. “There it is!” Happy announced, while steering the boar. The second house of Blue Pegasus’ Master Bob. Alice moped, hunched over, not at all ready for the adventure.

“Last person on the carriage has to help Natsu!” Lucy shouted, hopping out of the carriage, everyone but Alice was out. Alice looked at everyone confused and then looked at Natsu. She hadn’t paid attention to what Lucy said.

“You would’ve thought Alice would’ve been the first out," Happy laughed. “I wasn’t paying attention!” Alice snapped. “Have fun!” Lucy giggled leading the rest of the team to the building. Alice had no choice but to haul her friend out. And who knew when he’d recover. “Come on, Sickie," Alice huffed standing up and proceeding to pull Natsu up to at least a sitting position. He moaned out, still in a daze. “It’s not even moving!” Alice said in a grunt, trying to pull on him.

After the harsh mission of getting Natsu inside, Alice plopped him on the ground. “Just tell me when we’re there, guys.” Natsu weakly let out. “Okay, we’re there!” Happy chimed.

“Yes, they’re here at last!~” A male voice poorly sang.

Not them. Alice's blood ran lukewarm. She grimaced, hoping it wasn't true. That she was just hallucinating, even though she knew it was too good to be true.
The lights dimmed, and three singular spotlights joined together to shine on three young men standing at the end of a grand staircase.

“We are~,”
"The Blue Pegasus’~,”
“Elite crew~,”
“~The Trimens~”

“Hundred Night, Hibiki,” An averagely tall older adolescent male with sandy colored hair spoke.
Fiore’s #3 most sought-after male wizard. An extremely intelligent and charming, attractive man, just a year older than Alice. He had a quite feminine, yet handsome face. It was mostly his big dark eyes surrounded by thick, long lashes. Or how his soft hair fell artistically into his eyes. Or how he had such a small waist, and yet round posterior for a man. But it was part of his appeal. Waifish, pretty boys were very in style. Which was why all three trimen, and Loke were at the top of Fiore's most saught-after bachelors.

“Holy Night, Eve,” a smaller male with lighter hair. He had a very youthful appearance, which had to be part of his charm. But he looked like an adorable 12 year old at best.

“Still Night, Ren,” same height as Hibiki, dark skin, and dark hair. He was leaner, and he also was quite attractive, but it was very obvious that Hibiki was the most popular among them.

Alice had the pleasure of meeting them before. Although, she spent the most time with Hibiki when either one was in the area. Alice couldn’t lie, Hibiki was a very hot dude. He knew how to charm a woman. Sure, some of his antics were over the top, but once alone, he was much more subtle. And he didn't have to try as hard to bed Alice. He was more himself, which Alice preferred over his host persona. He was intelligent, easy-going, and kind. Unlike his on-personality. Loud, flirtatious, and over-the-top charming.

She used to get excited and anxious when she met him but now she was just anxious just because she hadn’t told him about her break up with Loke and that she was done messing around with other guys. Surely Hibiki heard the news about Loke and Alice splitting up, but sometimes, you couldn't trust media outlets.

She knew he'd take it well, but the risk that he'd ask why was far too much for Alice to just be casual about it.

“Oh wow, the trimens of Blue Pegasus? They’re the hottest around nowadays. Hibiki Lates has been number 3 on Sorcerer Weekly’s most eligible bachelors list!” Lucy fangirled.
The men worked their magic on Erza and Lucy. Being over the top polite and formal, while flirting so ridiculously. They even pulled out an entire host room out of thin air to better charm the girls. A plush pink sofa, a coffee table with tea cakes, co*cktails, tea, coffee and candy.
There was somehow a portable fireplace with already burning logs in it.

Alice rolled her eyes and kept by Natsu’s side, in the corner where he sulked with Gray. Apparently the two male wizards of Fairy Tail felt underwhelmed. Three attractive men from another guild successfully making Erza and Lucy flustered... Something those two could never.

Natsu was more sick than jealous. Of course his girl was there by his side and being left alone by those fancy boys.
But Natsu recognized Hibiki’s scent. Something Alice came home covered in or at least traces of it left in her hair or clothes.
And Natsu wasn’t naive. Alice had admitted to cheating on Loke and at this point Natsu knew Alice was a heavily desired attractive and powerful wizard. How could any male resist her? Natsu surely couldn’t.
His dragon mating season was coming to an end and his urges were calming down. But not without a dramatic end.
Natsu was always more grumpy and possessive during the final week of the season. But that just meant Natsu was far more clingier to Alice. In a bad mood? Lay in Alice’s lap. Feeling motion sick ? Lay on Alice’s shoulder while she strokes his hair. Some guy flirting with Alice or even just looking at her for too long? Give that low life a menacing glare and then pull Alice close to him.

Although, this didn’t work well with Alice’s goal to be home alone as much as possible to unhealthily cope with her depression. Natsu had to be at her side constantly. It was like there was a body link connection between them.

Alice wanting to take a shower or a nice bath? Natsu was sitting at the door, waiting for her to be done. She wanted to read a book? She’d have to choose between Natsu laying on her, or sitting in his lap. Did she want to tend to her garden? Natsu was there. Take a nap? Natsu was there for her to cuddle with.

Did it matter that it was a rather muggy day? Nope.

It was the least Natsu could do. His body and mind kept nudging at him. Mate with Alice. Have many, healthy and strong young with Alice. She is in the peak of fertility at the same time you are. MATE!!! Alice. Alice. Alice. His mind kept giving him thoughts. How’d Alice look underneath him as he made love to her? He constantly spaced out staring at nothing, imagining he was screwing Alice. It was a long season now that Natsu at least knew what it was like to hold Alice, to kiss her, and how she felt pressed up against him. His mind had real experiences to work with. But Natsu wasn’t getting any of it in reality.

Alice wasn’t very willing to return affection to Natsu. No kissing, no talking about feelings, and she tried her best to keep physical touch to a minimum. So there was definitely no mating going on. So Natsu couldn’t sate his desire and urges. So he had to settle with just being near her.

Alice understood mating season. That’s one thing Umiko discussed with her at least about dragons. But since Alice didn’t practice much dragon slayer magic, her dragon instincts didn’t come in strong. So mating season didn’t bother her much more than just missing Natsu when he wasn't around and not wanting to part with him. She remembered when she was thirteen, when she hit puberty and she really really wanted to see Natsu. She even hugged him and was nice to him. Not one insult or threat.

And even now, she was the same. She just wanted him around 24/7 and got irritated when he wasn't.
But she knew it effected him differently than her. Just like everything else that came with dragon slayer magic. He was a powerful slayer and so his instincts, senses, and magic was stronger. She didn't understand everything he was feeling, but she new why he was just as clingy and intense. It was awkward to ask him about it because she knew it was all about sex and making children. And she didn't want to hear his carnal desires for her. Especially with all the tension about their unsaid situationship.

But this season was the most tense one yet, she assumed it was one or two things-- Or a mix.
1. Another male dragon slayer threatening his territory, and female
2. Having realized feelings for Alice and knowing she felt the same and the only thing that stood in the way of him fufilling his instinctual needs was her inability to regulate her thoughts and feelings about him and everything else.

“Why aren’t they all over you, Alice? Did you do something wrong and scare them?” Happy asked, curiously. Alice casted a quick glare at him. Great, he brought attention to her!

“On the contrary! Alice is our honorary princess!” Hibiki spoke silkily, sliding over to Alice, the other two Trimen following, dragging Alice away from Natsu and Gray.
Hibiki draped an arm over Alice’s shoulders, smirking down at her. Alice swallowed and took in a deep breath. She could resist his charm and more. She could do it! She looked up at him with an expression mixed with indifference and focus.

Eve kneeled before her with a bright, but yet shy smile. “Oh, yes. Princess Alice is our favorite!”
Ren snaked an arm around Alice’s waist but refused to look at her. “We save the best of our attention for Princess Alice.”

“Please don't call me that. I hate being called that anymore." Alice said with a pout to her lips and glowing cheeks as she glowered at the attention.
“What would you like us to call you then, my beautiful rose?” Hibiki inquired thoughtfully. "Queen? Your Majesty? Mistress?"

Alice's eyebrows twitched. Queen? She liked the sound of that.
No longer the Fairy Tail Princess, but theQueen?
Of course, not that she was trying to compete with Erza, Titania, Queen of the Fairies.

“Now, gentlemen, give these ladies some breathing room.” Another male voice spoke, and Alice grimaced hard. Not him!

“It’s been far too long, Ms. Scarlet," Ichiya purred, seeing her immediately. Ichiya tried to be a lady killer but seemed to have only interest in Erza.

“It seems that destiny has brought us together, Miss Erza, Miss Lucy, Miss Alice.” Ichiya dreamily stated to the girls and then frowned, pointing at Gray and Natsu, “You two, not so much."

Ichiya did another weird pose, “Sweet Perfume~."

“Listen you Blue Pegasus Playboy Wannabes, you’d be wise to keep your hands off these ladies, we clear?” Gray warned, obviously getting jealous and also not liking the sweetness of the atmosphere. “Clear as crystal, now take your leave," Ichiya replied rather coldly.

And that pissed of Gray.. “Look, we’re here on official business, can you pretty boys even fight?” Gray jabbed. “You wanna see?” Ren threatened. “Yeah, we’re real tough," Eve added.
Natsu seemed to be cured of his motion sickness. “A fight? Sign me up!”

And then it happened.

Ichiya took it upon himself to sniff Erza, she got creeped out and gave him a good right hook and sent him flying, right into-
“This is how you greet us? With this flying buffoon?” A man with cool white hair and dark eyes stood at the door, deflecting Ichiya’s body flying towards him.

Lyon.

Alice started to frantically flit over her appearance, smoothing out her hair, straightening out her outfit-- Adjusting her top to make her boobs look bigger and perkier. Making sure she looked as attractive as she could on such short notice. She had no idea Lyon was going to be here!

Her eyes never leave from Lyon’s figure as he came into the house.
“Lamia Scale deserves more respect, we insist on it."

And then Sherry Blendy walked in. She seemed to have underwent a new style. Far much more makeup than before, dramatic voluminous hair, and a sultry tight dress. (That wasn't that flattering for her body type, but whatever). She walked over to pick a fight with Lucy.

Alice just stood there, going back to tuning everything else out to admire Lyon.

And then Jura walked in. The most powerful member from Lamia Scale, and the Tenth wizard saint. He was a very tall and strongly built man. He radiated a lot of magic power. “Stop this madness!” He shouted. And everyone stood still. When they all tore apart from each other, Jura calmed down.

“There’s only three guilds here, the members from Cait Shelter have yet to arrive," Jura noted. “Its funny, four from Blue Pegasus, five from Fairy Tail and only three from my guild you guys are pathetic," Sherry laughed. “Didn’t you hear, from Cait Shelter, they’re only sending one member?" Hibiki countered.

“Only one? We’re going against a crazy powerful force and they’re only sending one?” Gray shouted. “Well whoever it is must be insanely powerful.” Alice shrugged. "Although, I have to be honest, I've never heard of them before."

And walking in, behind everyone, a small girl tripped on the carpet and fell face first to the ground with a “oof”. Everyone glanced at her, curious and surprised. A tiny girl that couldn’t have been older than 12. She had royal blue, straight long hair, and big sparkling brown eyes. She wore a yellow, blue and white striped dress and sandals with wings on them.

She looked up at everyone staring at her and picked herself up off the floor.

“Hello. I’m from the Cait Shelter guild it's nice to meet all of you," She said shyly.

How in the world could this child be so powerful that she could travel here by herself, let alone be allowed on this mission?

Chapter 35

Chapter Text

“Wow, they must be in some serious trouble sending her alone," Sherry scoffed. And then a white cat with wings walked up beside the girl. This cat was almost like Happy. Walked on two legs, had wings and seemed to be the same species of flying cat.
This cat appeared female and it wore a pink dress.
“She isn’t alone, don’t just jump to conclusions, you gaudy trollop!" The white cat scolded Sherry in her posh voice.

Alice already liked this cat.

“Oh Carla, you followed me here?” Wendy asked the cat. “Of course I did. You’re far too young to be traveling on your own," Carla responded.

“Lucy, I’ll give you a whole fish if you go tell that pretty cat I haven’t been neutered yet," Happy whispered to Lucy. Alice was appalled to hear Happy talk like that. But now at least he found a potential mate?
“I know I’m smaller and a lot younger than most of you, but I can use a lot of support magic, so please let me join the group? I’d be so embarrassed if you sent me back!” Wendy begged.
“My, you’ll never gain their respect without any confidence, child," Carla scolded her. “I’m sorry!” Wendy apologized. “I swear, you’ll drive me to catnip," Carla shook her head. “I can’t help it!” Wendy cried.

“I’m sorry, I was caught off guard. Rest assured no offense was meant. We’re glad to have you aboard, Wendy. Erza made the first move before any of us.

Alice sensed a weird magic energy from her. Like Dragon Slayer magic, maybe?

The Trimen busted out the couch, and started ‘comforting’ her. “What did I tell you? The ladies are here on business!” Ichiya yelled at the boys. “Yes, master!” The boys cleaned up again.
Ichiya stood on a mini stage, complete with spot lights on all four corners, he started to tell the group the plan. “Now that all the involved parties are present, I think it’s about time to get the mission briefing underway.”
“Are you going to brief us through interpretive dance?” Lucy asked, annoyed, referring to Ichiya constant poses throughout his lecture.

“Our first order of business is to location the Oracion Seis,” he paused. “Right after I make a letter of the alphabet." He scurried off. “We’re rooting for you, teacher!" The Trimen clapped. “Pick a title," Lucy commented.

Alice felt little hope for success on this mission.

“Much better, now to the north lies the Worthwood sea, where the ancients once sealed a powerful force, a magic called Nirvana."
“So Nirvana...I don’t know it, how about you, Jura?” Sherry asked. “No. I’ve never heard of it before," Jura replied.

“All we know of Nirvana is the name, and it’s a powerful destruction magic. That’s why Oracion Seis wants it. So we think they’re camped out somewhere out north.” Hibiki further explained.
“So this is why we can’t let them get a hold of it.” Ichiya and the three Trimen do a group pose altogether. Sparkles danced around them in the air.
Where did they get sparkles?

“We have the advantage in numbers, but remember, they’re incredibly strong and we may be well way over our heads.” Hibiki summoned a projection into the air for presentation, using his archive magic.
He showcased various images of what information he had been able to find.
“These are pictures of our enemy- Don’t ask how we got these pictures... First up is the snake wizard, Cobra.”

Cobra was a young adult man with brown hair spiked back and up, except one tuft of hair that hung in the middle of his forehead. He had reptilian purple eyes, sharp teeth and pointed ears. His teeth and sharp eyes were oddly familiar.
Behind him in the picture was a giant purple snake, taller than him by several meters.

“Beady eyes and a mischievous smirk. He looks like trouble to me.” Natsu scoffed, disgusted.
Wait. That’s where Alice knew Cobra’s looks from. He had that dragon-ness to him.

Great, another Dragon Slayer, perhaps?

“That’s like the pot calling the kettle black.” Both Ice-Make wizards muttered towards Natsu.

“Next is a wizard, who, judging by his name, uses Speed magic. Racer.” Hibiki continued on.
The man was very slender. He had a long, narrow face with a long pointed nose. He had long spiked eyebrows. He had a tall, spiky yellow mohawk. He wore green racing goggles, and wore an outfit similar to a dirt-bike sports uniform.

“Next, we have a wizard who could wipe out an entire military unit if the price is right, Divine Eyes Hoteye.”
A ginormous man in height and stature. He had long fiery ginger hair and black beady eyes. His most prominent feature being his blocky face. Alice wondered if there was any relation between this guy and Wally, from Jellal’s cult.

“And here we have a wizard who is just as gorgeous as she is viscous. Angel.”
Angel had a very short and soft face with very hooded eyes. She was pretty, but she had short white hair with blocky bangs. And she wore a feathery dress with a deep V-cut that showed off her very busty chest. She also wore a pair of white angel wings.

“The next guy is a mystery. All we know is his name, Midnight. And finally the coordinator of the Oracion Seis, Brain. And that’s it.”
Apparently Hibiki couldn’t obtain any pictures of these two.
“We have twelve to their six, but that’s our only advantage.” Hibiki concluded his presentation.

Alice raised her hand. “Do we have any idea or estimation on magic types?”
“I’m afraid we don’t. So we will be going in blind. Like I said, our numbers are all that we have against them.” Hibiki answered.

Alice lowered her hand and frowned. Well this was going to be a mission full of a lot of getting their asses handed to them. If they knew what magic they were going against, maybe they could’ve coordinated teams and a plan.

“Can I stay back and not die?” Lucy asked pathetically.
“I don’t want to die either, so can I go home?” Wendy chimed in with her.

“You may not, child!” Carla chided.

“Curb your fear, there is more to our operation than mortal combat, with your help, maybe we can find the enemy’s stronghold," Ichiya encouraged while sparkling.
“Stronghold?” Natsu asked, curiously. “Yeah, you heard the man, we’ve looked everywhere but have had no luck.” Ren replied while crossing his arms.

“Here's the deal, they have to have a hideout around here.” Eve pointed on a map that Hibiki conjured up of the woods they’d be traveling.

“Once we locate it, we must gather up the information inside," Ichiya said.
“That’s better said than done until we know what we’re dealing with.” Alice remarked.
“That’s why we beat ‘em up and drag their butts there!” Natsu pumped his fist up into the air, getting fired up.

“What’s the next part of the plan?” Erza asked.
“And then, we’ll give them a one way ticket to an oblivion, courtesy of Christina. The pride of the Blue Pegasus guild.” Ichiya answered.
Most guilds had secret cards up their sleeves.
Fairy Tail had... Okay, Alice didn’t know what their weapon was except extremely powerful wizards in the ranks.

But Phantom Lord had a jupiter canon and a secret form, Super Mage Giant Phantom MK II.
And Blue Pegasus had a not so secret aircraft with magic canons, and they called it Christina.

“Now remember, you must never engage in solo battle with the enemy, our plan is to separate them and have at least two wizards on them.“ Jura advised all his teammates.

“All right!” Natsu took that as a personal cue to completely do the opposite. And he immediately charged out of the building. Alone.

Everyone in the room was silent for a good second or two, just taking a moment to process that he really did something so reckless and idiotic. And he did.
Alice shook her head, totally questioning her ability to make good choices. This was her partner. The person she was in love with.

And she’d continue to be.

“Sometimes I wonder about his mental state.” Lucy said with a heavy sigh.
“I swear, he never thinks about his actions.” Erza added, disappointed.
“How much do you want to bet that he didn’t even hear the plan?” Gray asked, with no amusem*nt in his voice. “I bet you five fish!” Happy excitedly bet, wanting to play a game that he didn’t realize was rhetorical. “You’re on. I say twelve for him hearing it and thinking that was stupid and decided to do his own thing anyways.” Alice added her own input.

“Well, there’s no time to lose, we need to go after him.” Erza advised, taking the lead after Natsu.

Erza was the first to catch up with Natsu. “I command you to stop now!”
Which was no use because it was far too late, and he should’ve stopped way sooner-- Because he was heading for a cliff, and by the time he suddenly halted, he was already barrelling over the edge.

Both Alice and Erza watched him scream as he fell to the lower ground beneath them.
“If he’s not dead, I’ll kill him.” Erza shook her head. Natsu was capable of so much more if he just used his head.
“By the time I’m done with him, it’ll be a mercy.” Alice mirrored Erza’s head shake.

Sherry and Lyon caught up with the two redheads at the cliff side. Alice stiffened up at Lyon’s proximity. She seemed to forget how gorgeous he really was all these months later. His fashion sense was a bit iffy, the red button up looked good, but the white fur-lined coat was a bit much. And it’d all look so much more tasteful on the floor.

Goddamn, Alice was so horny for Lyon. And she wasn’t sure if it was for anything more than just his appearance. Something about his face structure was so intricately put together in such a way that made Alice’s body tingle.
She hadn’t been so attracted to someone solely off looks since her early obsession with the boy band STB.

“I see he hasn’t changed.” Sherry commented, watching Natsu’s decline.
“To think I almost crossed fists with that fool, it’s kind of embarrassing now.” Lyon smiled fondly.

“It’s another form of.... love~! ” Sherry sighed dreamily. “Not quite.” Gray disagreed.

They caught up with Natsu, finally once more.
Gray, doing so with a hard crash into Natsu, as Natsu halted abruptly.
A large shadow loomed over them, looking directly up to the sky, Alice gasped. “Is that the Magic Bomber?”
“Yes, that’s Christina.” Erza confirmed.
It was indeed a giant airship, crafted into the style of an inflated blue pegasus.
“I want one!” Natsu cried, like it was unfair that he wasn’t just gifted a giant airship.

“All right, focus! Next we should start looking for their-” Just as Erza tried to reign everyone back in, the airship took an explosive hit to the side-- Then to the other side, the front-- Christina started to lose altitude quickly, and crashed to the ground nearby.
The ground shook violently with a loud boom as the ship made impact.
Smoke and heat from the ship whipped through the air.

Natsu and Gray both stood in front of the girls, ready for another attack by the Oracion Seis.

Six figures appeared in the smoke, as it started to thin out.
Alice could sense their intense magic energies. This had to be them. The Oracion Seis.
How did they know that a battalion had come looking for them, and where to start?

The smoke cleared, showing the six people.

“Lowly maggots, swarming together.” A tall man with deep, tan skin, slicked back white hair, and on his face, odd black line markings. He had to be Brain, since the other guy had to be Midnight from the looks of it. He sat on a magic carpet that hovered in the air. He had black shaggy hair and gothic makeup on his face. He appeared to be... sleeping?

“I’m afraid Short Stuff isn’t going to be making it to the party.” The one named Angel said with a delicate female voice. She had two small creatures floating over each shoulder. They looked like sentient sock puppets. “Neither is that big bald wizard saint,” “We took them down!” They both had tiny, squeaky voices. Like you’d expect from sentient puppet looking creatures.

Alice was breathless. They took out both Ichiya and Jura?
Jura? The wizard saint?
Were they telling the truth? Why’d they lie if it wasn’t true though?
But how could they take out Jura? There was no way these guys were that powerful. Absolutely no way!

But...

“They’re defeated?” “Impossible!” “There’s terror in their voices, I can hear it.” The one named Cobra said, smirking sinisterly at Hibiki and Lyon, who exclaimed their disbelief.
“The quicker we get this done, the better. I’ll run you over so fast, I’ll make your head spin," Racer threatened..
“Money determines strength in this world, oh yeah. If you save a penny today, it’ll be a vast fortune in the future," Hoteye....gave them financial advice?

“I’ll admit, I didn’t expect you guys to show yourselves.” Erza said.

“You ready, Gray?” Natsu popped his knuckles, smiling wickedly.. “Oh yeah," Gray replied, in agreement..

“You want an invitation?” Cobra smirked, “You being here is enough!” Natsu and Gray charged at them together. Racer, with his speed magic, looked like he was teleporting more than running by how fast he was that no one could keep track of his movements, and only seeing him when he was in a new place.

He easily was able to evade Gray and Natsu while speeding around them so fast, they couldn't see him until he was right behind one of them and punched them.

“Gray! Natsu!” Lucy cried-- Both Lucy’s cried.. Wait, why were there two Lucys? Right next to Lucy, was an exact doppelganger of hers. She gasped, looking at this imposter next to her. This other Lucy smiled wickedly and pulled out their whip and started to whip the Real Lucy. “Surprise!”

“Sherry!” “Right!”

Lyon and Sherry charged forwards to help someone, Alice wasn’t completely sure if they were going to aid Natsu and Gray or go after another member.

“I’ve waited for this moment!” Alice turned to Lucy’s twin. “Taser shock!” Alice cast in the direction of the Fake Lucy that cackled at Lucy cowering at being whipped. But at the last second, they noticed Alice’s attack and jumped out of the way.
And then with a plume of smoke, changed appearances-- To a completely identical version of Alice.
“What the hell? Which one of them are you?” Alice asked, baffled at this turn of events. Which Oracion Seis member was this? The other ones were accounted for.

Racer was in between the Trimen, Natsu and Erza. Cobra was primarily attacking Erza. Hoteye had just dealt with Sherry and Lyon. Midnight was still sleeping, and Brain and Angel were just... standing there watching. Was it one of their magic? Could they create clones?

The Fake Alice smiled darkly. “You’re an interesting one! We’re gonna have so much fun playing with your magic!”
Alice was disturbed to see her own twin talking to her. But it was a good way to gauge herself. She had to admit, she was quite beautiful. But she could easily see her insecurities. Her chin shape, how small her eyes were, and damn, she was pale.

“Black Lightning!” This fake cast one of her own spells at her. Alice easily absorbed the spell like a sponge. Lightning magic had no effect on her.
“What is this thing? Why are there two Alices now?!” Lucy cried, so confused and defeated, laying on the ground.
“I’m not sure. But it seems whatever form it takes, it gains knowledge from it.” Alice quickly assessed.

“Revert!” Alice cast a reversal spell, just curious to see if it’d work or not. She used this spell mostly for restoration and cleaning, since it wasn’t a spell meant for magic reversal.
And unsurprisingly it did nothing. “You knew that was a longshot. You just want to know what we are. But you don’t know any magic that can reveal that.” The false Alice smiled crookedly.

“I don’t have to. I just have to-” As Alice was about to deliver an awesome line of dialogue, Racer zoomed over and kicked her hard in the middle. Alice grunted hard, landing on the ground hard. She wrapped her arms over her ribcage, feeling something definitely crack. “That was so not fair...” She groaned, laying on the ground.

Brain lifted his staff in the air. It was a metal staff with a skull with a decorative headpiece on top. The eye holes of the skull glowed a murky dark green.
“Dark Rondo!”

Dark green magic seeped from the ground all over the radius of defeated wizards.
“What is this magic, it feels dark?” Sherry asked, wearily.
“I can’t move!” Hibiki cried. “Me either!” “Me as well!” Eve and Ren chimed in weakly.

Alice, as well couldn’t lift her body much at all. Her body felt achy and weighed down by darkness.

And then suddenly the spell stopped, as Brain gaped at the sight of Wendy peering over a boulder, trembling.
“What’s the matter, Brain?” “Aren’t you going to cast the spell, or what?” Racer and Cobra asked their leader.

“Wendy?”

How did he know Wendy?

“You know her or something?” Racer asked. “No, but it’s so coincidental she’s here, Wendy Maiden of the Sky. We have quite the find,"

Maiden of the Sky?
Just what magic did Wendy possess? And why did it feel so strange, yet familiar? And apparently, how strong was it if the leader of the Oracion Seis knew about her?

Brain lowered his staff down and held it out towards the direction of Wendy. And from it came a long green misty shape of a long arm and it wrapped about Wendy’s middle.
She screamed, as the hand reeled her towards Brain.

“Wendy! Unhand her!” Carla shouted, running after her. But her stubby little legs couldn’t keep up.
“Save me!” Wendy pleaded.
“Striking while we’re down, huh? That’s not fair!” Natsu shouted.
“All’s fair in money and war. Oh yeah!” Hot Eye cast a spell that warped the ground underneath the good guys, flinging everyone which way or another.

“Grab my paw!” Carla shouted to Wendy, who reached back-- Only to somehow catch onto Happy’s instead. Happy was no use to break her free. Wendy and Happy got sucked up into the green hand and disappeared.

“WENDY!”
“HAPPY!”

“No, Happy! We have to get them back!” Alice pushed herself up, trying to stand back up.

“I have no need for the rest of you worms. Dark Rondo!” Brain cast the spell once more, this time actually letting it go.

“Lucy, get down!” Hibiki grabbed her, and tried to jump out of the way.
“I’ve got you,” Lyon assured Sherry, doing the same with her.

“Alice!” Natsu got to his feet, but he knew he’d be too late to get to her in time. She was too far away and he didn’t act in time, too caught up in what just happened and Happy getting kidnapped.

Gray sprung to his feet, being closer to her and pulled her close to his chest, shielding her from the oncoming spell. “I got you.”

“Iron Rock Wall!” Jura got there in time, casting an Earth Magic spell that manipulated the earth and molded it to successfully shield his allies from the spell.

“You’re awesome!”
“Right in the nick of time!”
“Good work Jura!”
Many of them sang praise for Jura, but Natsu was just focused on getting back to the fight.

“Okay, let’s take them down now-!” He jumped up to his feet, ready to charge once more, but there was no one to fight.

“They’re long gone by now.” Gray sighed, standing up from shielding Alice. He held his hand out for her to help her stand.
“We let them get away!” Natsu cried.

“They wiped the floor with us.” Ren said, breathless.
“They’re stronger than any of us thought. We never stood a chance.” Eve added.

“According to Angel, the woman who can read minds, they know all about are mission. We’re lucky no lives were lost.” Jura informed the group.
“Well, I’m just glad you got out unscathed.” Lyon smiled weakly at Jura.
“I barely got out with my life. I hate to admit it, but if it wasn’t for the capable Ichiyia and his pain-killing perfume, I’d be in utter agony right now.” Jura admitted.

Unfortunately, Ichiya was still alive and kicking, doing his god-awful poses.
“Detestable Oración Seis. Instead of bravely facing your foes, you decided to flee. Which means we win by default!”

“That’s not how that works, you weirdo!” Gray barked at him.
“Look pal, while we may be battered, we are not defeated. Here, take a whiff of my amazing pain-killer parfum and let it take away your ailments!” Ichiya pulled out a tiny glass vial and popped off the cork.

“Wow, such a lovely scent.” Sherry sighed, relieved. “Yeah, and all my pain is just fading away!” Lucy added.

“I will be doing no such thing.” Alice was frantically waving her hand in front of her face, while walking over to Natsu, grabbing the loose end of his scarf and blocking her nose and mouth. She did not care that it was stubborn and childish of her-- And that she was letting her bias get in the way. She was not about to breathe in anything that Ichiya concocted.

“How dare those punks run off with Happy and Wendy! This sucks! I’m going after them!” Natsu pulled away from Alice and ran off. Not before Carla was flying after him and grabbed him by the scarf, pulling him back and he fell backwards.

“You can’t be so reckless. You need to calm down and think this through.”

“Just like Happy...” Alice gasped. So she really was the same species of talking and flying cat like Happy.
“What, you’ve never seen Aeria Magic before?” Carla shrugged.

“You’re just trying to copy Happy.” Natsu gritted his teeth, glaring up at her-- Not getting up yet from falling backwards. “I am not, you dimwit!” Carla snapped back.
“Hey, it’s okay. We can have two flying cats.” Lucy tried to mediate.

“Besides that, I am concerned for Wendy and the Tomcat, but this foe is not one to take lightly. We cannot face them again until we come up with an attack plan.” Carla said logically.
Alice nodded, thinking that’s what they should’ve done in the first place but since Natsu ran off by himself things just went downhill after that.

“I wholeheartedly agree, Lady Carla. The enemy is far more capable than anticipated.” Jura agreed.
“Yes, but first...” Carla nodded to the left, getting everyone to take notice of Erza trembling and shuddering in pain. She was holding her right upper arm firmly. Purple magic inflicted the area.

Alice gasped, horrified. “Erza!”
Natsu, Gray, and Lucy followed after her to get a closer look at Erza.
“Are you okay?” Natsu asked, ignorantly. “What’s the matter?” Lucy reached out to her cautiously.

“She got bitten by that snake. Do you think that’s it?” Gray pondered. Alice nodded thoughtfully. “If that’s the case, then that snake has some nasty venom. Considering who it belongs to, I’m worried what will happen to her if we don’t get this treated.”

“I got what you need, don’t you worry my sweet honey! Aroma increase!” Ichiya got out another vial of pain-killer parfum.

Erza whimpered loudly.
“It looks like it’s getting worse!” Natsu cried.
“Oh really, oh man...” Ichiya inched away, ashamed.

“You have to have some sort of healing spell that can help her, Alice!” Natsu turned to her. Alice frowned. “Healing magic is a very lost magic that very few know or can master. I don’t have anything. The most I can do is use a reversal spell that might just only reverse the venom but it’ll only spread and worsen again since I can’t get rid of it. If I had the time, resources and the snake’s venom, I’d be able to create an antivenom but until then... I don’t--- I don’t have anything.”

“Hang in there, Erza. We’ll figure something out.” Gray tried to encourage, if that’d help any.

“Well what do you need to make it?” Natsu asked Alice, as if he’d be able to gather everything she needed. “Oh, I don’t know. A sterile alchemy table, unicorn blood, a centrifuge, the snake’s venom, time, and everything we can’t get to right now!” Alice snapped at him, since this was only wasting time.

“I’m sorry, Lucy. But I need to borrow your belt!” Erza weakly said, stepping over to her and undoing Lucy’s belt from her skirt.
“Wait-! Don’t-..!” Lucy’s skirt immediately slid down her hips and down to her ankles.
The Trimen shamelessly stared at her butt.

Erza secured the belt over the wound, creating a tourniquet. “What are you doing, Erza?” Alice gasped, horrified at what she imagined what Erza was going to do.

Erza plopped down on the ground and pulled off her other glove, shoving it between her teeth. “It’s harsh, but it’s the only way I can keep fighting!” Erza then tossed one of her swords out. “Someone cut it off!”

“Fine, I’ll be the one to cut it," Lyon grabbed the sword and steadied himself.
Alice stood in front of Erza, putting herself between her and Lyon. “You won’t go anywhere near her!”
“Put it down, Lyon!” Gray shouted.
“Do it!” Erza argued.
“She’s one of the strongest wizards in the group, we need her to keep fighting," Lyon argued against them.
“I want to see you try! We’ll find another way!” Alice strictly warned Lyon to back off. Any attraction she had for him was immediately zapped away.

Being a cult leader, trying to revive one of Zeref’s demons; She could look past that, everyone had their faults. But to not even blink at the thought of trying to find something else to do before going to the extreme of cutting off Erza’s arm? Absolutely not!

“I can’t believe we got stuck with a bunch of wimpy fairies like you! You need to buck up and let Lyon do it!” Sherry spat.
Alice’s eyes snapped to her, cold and dark. Her blood boiling. “Shut your whor* mouth before I do it for you.”

“We’re not doing it! We have to find another way," Gray argued with Lyon again.
“Just do it before the venom spreads to the rest of my body!” Erza grunted.

“I’m doing it. You better get out of the way before I cut you as well!” Lyon raised the sword, fully ready to strike at Alice as well.
Gray stepped in front of them, using an ice spell to stop the sword.
“You’d rather save her arm than her life?” Lyon asked, disgusted.

“This will affect her for the rest of her life, so we can’t jump the gun! We’ll find another way," Gray shouted.
“You’re just as spineless as ever. Figures.” Lyon spat at him.
“And I really thought you changed, but you’re just as shady as ever.” Gray fired back.

Erza fainted, collapsing to the ground. Her Fairy Tail friends surrounded her.
Alice put a hand to Erza’s clammy forehead. “She’s burning up.”
“We need to find a way to stop the venom from spreading.” Eve said, as if that wasn’t obvious.

“Everyone calm down. Wendy is the only one who can save her. We need to come up with a plan to rescue Wendy and I suppose that Tom-cat too. We need to work together to save them," Carla directed, being the only rational one among them.

“Wait, you’re saying that little girl has an antivenom magic?” Eve gasped, excitedly.
“Not just anti-venom. She can cure fevers, relieve pain, and heal wounds.” Carla stuck her nose up proudly.

“Amazing!”
“Everyone knows healing spells are a lost magic, so there’s no way a kid like her could have healing magic." Sherry said. “I’d consider your combover to hide your biggass forehead a lost magic and we all know you aren’t capable of something that great.” Alice grumbled at her.

“Does her healing magic have anything to do with her being called the “Maiden of the Sky” but that Brain guy?” Lucy asked Carla.
“Yes it does, as you see, that little girl is the Sky Dragon Slayer. She’s Wendy the Sky Dragon!”

A Dragon Slayer?

Chapter 36

Chapter Text

Alice panted hard. “I know we’re on a time crunch here-- But do we need to run so fast?”

“Yes! We have to keep at this pace! Wendy’s and that Tomcat’s lives are in danger, did you forget?” Carla sternly replied back.

Alice kept her comments to herself. She was just in pain from running for so long.

“So Wendy’s a Sky Dragon Slayer, huh? So what does she eat for her element?” Natsu continued to quiz Carla.
“Air, of course.”
“I wonder what that tastes like.” Natsu wondered, as if he didn’t breathe constantly.

“Just so you know, she only took this mission just so she could meet you.” Carla revealed, seemingly annoyed by the fact. “Why me?” Natsu asked.
“Because you’re a fellow Dragon Slayer. She wanted to ask you something rather important to her.”
“Did she tell you?”
“Yes, apparently the dragon that taught her magic disappeared seven years ago. She was hoping you could tell her its whereabouts," Carla explained.
“Just like ours.” Alice noted. Hers, Natsu’s, Gajeel’s, and Wendy’s.... It was starting to sound far bigger than just a case of random disappearances. What was so significant about July 7, X777 except for it being about the number seven?

“You're a Dragon Slayer, as well?” Carla asked, not knowing about Alice’s magic. “Technically, but it’s a long story.”

“I need more info than that. What was its name?” Natsu asked Carla further. “I believe, the Sky Dragon, Grandeeney," Carla answered.

Natsu was so lost in thought that he didn’t take in the low hanging tree branch in his way, and smacked his face into it, falling backwards. The group stopped to wait for him.

“What is up with the trees?” Gray wondered.

Alice perked up at the sound of footsteps behind her.

“Word on the street is that it’s the cause of Nirvana, ain’t that right big brother Zato?” Two very large guys followed after them. The one who spoke was a massive man with slim arms and legs. His face mirrored that of a monkey, with very prominent ears. He had very long, fluffy, albeit, spiky hair. He had a small purple guild stamp on his flat, large nose. His small thin lips were decorated in several thick rings, almost reminiscent of stitches when his mouth was shut.

“Oh, yeah. Magic so powerful the planet can’t take it. Everything it touches makes it wither up and die." The other one, from what was inferred, named Zato. He always was a large man whose face resembled a monkey. He had an Afro, which bared his guild stamp, paired with similar sideburns.

Several more guys very similar in appearance surrounded the group.
And they started to attack the wizards, but being super weak, Gray, Alice, Natsu and Carla were able to defeat the group quickly. So quickly, the narrator didn't have time to write down all the boring details.

Natsu huffed. “That was more of a workout than I thought." He strutted over to Gato, wanting to interrogate him.

“A lot, you get them what they got coming." Gato said. It was mystic but Alice had to wonder if he was just concussed.

“Well well, it seems you pesky flies are still buzzing around." A familiar voice said, out of nowhere.
Up in a tree nearby, stood Erigor. Once a worrisome foe, but now just a pest.
“That’s why I’ve been sent to swat you down, once and for all."

“Hey Cool Breeze! Long time no see! How you been, man?” Natsu greeted him warmly.
“Are you really that dense?” Gray deadpanned.
“He’s the guy who tried to use Lullaby, and that you went against on the way to Cloverfield." Alice refreshed his mind.
“Oh yeah! I totally roasted that guy!"

"There you go, Flame-Brain."

“Leave him to me then."

Alice and Gray allowed Natsu to deal with Erigor again, having full faith he'd have no trouble with him.

“Fire doesn’t seem like it goes against wind," Carla commented, thinking about it reasonably.
“You wouldn’t think so, but Natsu has gone against this guy before and won, of course, Erigor stepped up his game, but so has Natsu." Alice said with a proud smile, watching Natsu fight Erigor.

“You’re on a whole 'nother level, but so am I!” Erigor cast an attack.
Alice cast her own spell to block the heavy winds that also blew her direction.

“I’ve spent all my time after our last fight to get stronger, and to be able to take you down once and for all!” Erigor declared, offended that Natsu was uninjured from his attack.

“That’s pretty pathetic. Spending all this time planning revenge, I didn’t know I was so important to you," Natsu smirked.
Erigor matched his smile. “You don’t understand a thing. This isn’t about what you did to Eisenwald, or on the behalf of the Oracion Seis. It’s not about you at all. It’s about me! I won’t be beaten!”

“Then let’s fight!” Natsu released a lot of magic energy. Erigor went for a hit with a strong spell, but Natsu was faster and stronger and used Crimson Lotus: Fire Dragon’s Fists. A spell Alice hadn't seen Natsu use before. She gasped in awe of his power.

Of course Natsu was powerful. He took out Jellal Fernandes of all people, he took out Laxus, and Gajeel.
Erigor was nothing compared to any of them. But this attack was just an ode to his power.
Erigor didn't stand a chance and laid on the ground, completely unconscious.

“What took you so long, you Pyro!” Gray shouted to Natsu, not wanting to praise him any. “Like you could do it any better!” Natsu scoffed.
"No one does it better than you, all right? Let's go." Alice didn't want to waste time and have the two fight.
"You're just saying that because you're in love with him. I could totally-" "I am, but he's still a powerful mage. So what's your point?"
Alice didn't give into Gray, knowing he was wanting her to get flustered and deny having feelings for Natsu. But she didn't have the patience to spare his feelings.

Gray's frown deepened. "Nevermind. Let's get going." He took charge, running off.

"Did you mean it?" Natsu asked Alice, grabbing her arm to stop her from leaving.
"You don't need me to stroke your ego. We need to get going." Alice didn't want to linger on it and get Natsu's hopes up.

“You all are a crazy bunch!” Carla sneered.

The four come across a small ancient village surrounded by a river.
It looked like it had been abandoned for decades, if not a century or two.

“Wendy! Happy!” Natsu shouted, using his hands to amplify his cry.
“Shut up! If they’re down there, the enemy can hear us too!” Carla whispered harshly to the idiot.
“There's a good chance they're all down there. Do you want a worse redo from earlier?" Alice snapped softly at him.

They all waited to see if there was anyone down there, and if they heard Natsu. For a moment there, the coast seemed to be clear.

Until suddenly, Racer had appeared, doing quick attacks on each one of them. Being too fast for anyone to see him as he moved from Natsu, to Gray, to Alice, and then to Carla.

Alice groaned with a high whine at the sting of her road rash on her arms, after the exposed skin was dragged against the dirt. The sting was minute compared to the new ache in her side after being kicked with extreme force. And the impact didn’t help her previous injury from Racer.

Carla laid on the ground, very hurt.

If Racer used the same amount of force that he did on the humans, Carla was going to be very injured compared to them. She was just a small thing.

“What’s this guy doing here?” Natsu growled, agitated that he got blindsided.
“Gee, I’m sure it wasn’t from all the yelling that ticked them off.” Alice snapped at him.

If there was only one, this was the perfect opportunity to slowly take their numbers down.

“You guys go and save them. I got him.” Gray urged, casting an ice spell that turned the ground to ice. As Racer came back around for another attack, he slipped on the ice. If he couldn’t get traction, and with his speed magic, he was useless.

“Are you sure, Gray? It’s okay to admit to wanting help.” Alice said roughly, as she got back to her feet.
“I’ll be fine! Now go! We can’t waste any time if Wendy’s down there. We need her to save Erza!” Gray defiantly declared.

Alice weighed her options. Gray seemed to have found Racer’s weakness, and had the advantage.

But if Racer was up here, then there had to be more down there.. And Natsu needed all the help he could get if that was the case.

And the more manpower, the better the outcome to get Wendy and Happy-- And then saving Erza.

“Here, I’ll save you some time.” Gray made a long ice slide off the cliff, down to the village below.

“Let’s go then!” Natsu didn’t waste any time, grabbing Carla gently and jumping down the slide.
Alice followed after, toppling over an incapacitated Natsu, sick to his stomach. “Dumbass, it’s not even moving, you are!”

Exploring cautiously, Natsu still haphazardly calling out for Happy and Carla, he finally got a call back.

“Natsu!” Happy’s voice shouted from a cave that was near the waterfall that fed into the stream around the village.

“There!”

It was a small cave illuminated by several tiny candles.

Running into the cave, Alice gasped. “No way...” She stopped in her tracks at the man in the cave with them.

“I’m so, so sorry! I had to! I owed him!” Wendy sobbed frantically.
“You used your healing magic? You know what that does to you!” Carla scolded as Wendy collapsed from exhaustion.

Jellal Fernandes.

Last anyone had heard about him, he disappeared after the Tower of Heaven exploded due to being unable to handle all 2.7 billion units of Etherion after Natsu destroyed the integrity of the tower’s ability to hold that much magic power.

No one knew if he had died, or got captured, or went into hiding or whatever.

But apparently he was working with the Oracion Seis.

Alice was breathless. She knew nothing about Jellal’s power except from Natsu’s word, which wasn’t much.

“I don’t know how you got here, but I’m gonna take you down!” Natsu charged at him without giving it a second thought.

“Wait, Natsu-!” Alice reached out for him, but was rather hesitant about the whole thing. Jellal’s presence threw her for a loop. The fact that Brain was in there was also a big factor into whether they just grabbed Happy and Wendy and fled or tried to fight.

She knew nothing of Jellal’s magic power, his magic type (besides it being called Heavenly Body Magic), or what he was doing with the Oracion Seis.

Let alone Brain’s power, but he was the leader of the Oracion Seis, so he had to be powerful.

Natsu charged at Jellal, full force, just for Jellal to raise a hand at him, and hit Natsu with a spell that flung him backwards against the cave’s wall and Natsu hit the ground, with large chunks of the cave piling on top of him.

“Natsu!” Happy cried.

“Thankfully your condition hasn’t weakened your power.” Brain said, hopeful to Jellal.

Jellal looked at him, uninterested and performed the same spell, but forcing Brain downwards into the floor.

Jellal didn’t even acknowledge Alice’s presence, even as he walked her direction. Jellal slowly walked towards her, and Alice stood her ground watching him carefully, watching any sudden movements. Jellal wasn’t even looking at her... And then as he got closer, looking as if he was just going to go around her, he raised his hand to her.

Using the same spell as before on Natsu and Brain.

The yellow light of the spell felt light and ticklish, and for the brief second Alice was flying through the air, her breath knocked out of her chest-- It was like riding a rollercoaster, that is, until her body was flung against the exterior wall of a stone hut. Her neck whiplashed back against the wall and her head smacked against it with a loud thud.

She immediately blacked out from the collision.

Happy dug Natsu out of the rock pile, teary eyed. “Natsu!”

“Alice! Wendy!” Natsu jumped to his feet. Seeing Wendy laying on the ground still, his focus was back to Alice.

“Alice!” He shouted, seeing her nowhere in the cave. Having only his senses to lead him, he smelled her scent linger out of the cave. Looking out to the outside, he saw her limp body laying on the ground.

“Alice!” He cried again, running towards her. Immediately he could hear her heartbeat and gentle breathing. She was alive.

She was so fragile compared to him.
Seeing the cracked exterior wall of the stone house, Natsu knew she was hit hard. Of course these buildings had to be centuries old, but even then Alice wasn’t durable like Natsu.

“We need to get Wendy back to Erza. Carla, Happy, you can manage Wendy, right?” Natsu looked over his shoulder to see Carla already on it.

“I can carry you guys, too!” Happy flew over, determined. “Thanks Buddy.” Natsu carefully scooped Alice into his arms. She groaned, grimacing in pain. She slowly came to, trying to open her eyes. But the sun was so bright and it turned her migraine into something that made her want to end it all just to stop the pain. Her ears rang, she was incredibly dizzy, and her entire body ached.
“It’s okay, Alice. I got you. We’re going back to the others and getting Erza healed up, okay?” Natsu said to her, as Happy grabbed him back the back of his vest and lifted them up in the air.

“Is Wendy okay?” Alice weakly muttered. “She’s just tired. Hopefully by the time we get back, she’ll be up to healing Erza.” Natsu replied. “You just rest up. Maybe Wendy can do some healing on you too.”

Alice could barely open her eyes,and even when she did, her vision was heavily unfocused and only made her nauseous.

Only to be jostled violently and then dropping from the air.
Natsu held tightly to her, turning her over so as they crashed to the ground, he absorbed all of the impact.

“What happened?!” Alice scrambled to her feet uneasily, only to be extremely unbalanced and she fell over.
“Happy, Carla! Wendy!” Natsu shouted, running over to the three.

“Natsu, what happened?!” Alice shouted after him.
“Racer, that bastard!” Natsu slammed his fist on the ground.

“I’ll have to carry you all myself.”

Alice scrunched her eyebrows, confused. But watching Natsu grab Happy, Carla-- Then try to shift them to one side so he could also grab Wendy, and-- “You can ride on my back, okay? I got them all here so,-”

“I’ll be fine. Let me help. I can... I can carry the cats, or Wendy.. Or-”
“Alice, you just got concussed so bad that you can’t even stand. You can’t.” Natsu argued against her.

Alice requiped a canteen of water, taking several gulps and then poured the last remaining swallows over her head to help cool her down.

Her balance improved and she felt just a bit lighter. “I’m good. Let me help.”

Natsu thought for a moment. “Fine. Take Happy.”
“Natsu, I can take Carla too-” “Take Happy, and let’s go.”

They trekked through the forest in silence for the most part, Alice panting heavily the entire time.

Happy stirred awake. “Natsu?” He called for his best friend immediately.

“I’m here, buddy.” Natsu slowed his pace to match Alice’s. “Where are we, Natsu?” Happy asked.
“We’re fine. Just rest up, Buddy.”
“But Jellal is out there!”
“Yeah, I know, but don’t worry. I’m gonna make sure he doesn’t stick around long.” Natsu assured sternly.

“”What ever happened to him? I guess he made it off the Tower in time.” Alice wondered. “I don’t know. After Erza and I landed on shore, I don’t know what happened with him.”

Natsu then stopped abruptly.
“What?” Alice asked, concerned. He turned to a tree, face slack with surprise. “This tree is talking to me?”

“What?” Alice cried, horrified that Natsu had finally lost his mind after so many injuries.
Natsu only responded to the tree. “Yes, Great Tree.”

Alice and Happy shared a confused look.

“You’re a ventriloquist?” Natsu asked the tree.

“Maybe Jellal’s attack hit his head a little too hard," Happy suggested.
“All the head trauma in his life caught up to him.” Alice nodded, giving out more suggestions.

“Yeah, Wendy’s out, but Happy has already woken up."

Then Alice straightened out, relieved. Hibiki. Him and his archive magic was something else. It had to be it.

Although, Natsu finally losing his mind was never off the table.

“What is this upload stuff you’re doing? Stay out of my head-” Natsu’s face brightened up. “Follow me, Alice, I know where to go now," He started running off with no other indication of doing so.

“Let up a bit! I can’t keep up!” Alice whined after him, but felt relieved to see him more upbeat.
“Natsu, I think it’s time you get some professional help," Happy said, not on the same page yet..

“Finally!” Alice shouted, relieved to see Hibiki, Lucy and Erza.
She stopped and dramatically fell on to her back, only thing on her mind was to catch her breath and let her burning legs rest.

“Is Wendy okay?” Hibiki asked Natsu. “Yeah, she just needs to wake up," Natsu nodded.

Wendy came to, once more apologizing frantically. “I’m sorry, but I had to do it!”
“I’m willing to overlook that, but you need to save my friends. Erza was bitten by a poisonous snake, you can save her, right?” Natsu spoke gently to her. “Yeah, I’ll try. No- I will!” Wendy obliged fervently.

Alice closed her eyes and zoned off as Wendy healed Erza.

“Now please, don’t make Wendy use anymore of her sky magic. None of you can see it but I can. She’s already exhausted!” Carla said, in scolding.

“No! You got it wrong! I’m just worried," Wendy argued.
“Don’t. We’ll strike back as soon as Erza wakes up. There’s no need to worry, okay?” Hibiki tried to assure her.

“Yeah! We won’t let them take Nirvana!” Lucy added passionately.

“What’s that light...?”

A large beam of light somewhere off in the distance illuminated the forest and the sky.

Alice’s eyes snapped open. Oh, no... Something was definitely wrong.

She felt her body go numb, her cognition and empathy started to go fuzzy. Like something else was trying to turn off her control of herself... It was odd to say the least. But it was the only way she could describe it. She felt lost while knowing exactly where she was. But she was panicked like some overwhelming looming doom was right behind her.

“It's been unsealed! That’s Nirvana!”

Chapter 37

Chapter Text

"Jellal has to be there, where that light is coming from.. I'm gonna beat him up before Erza wakes up!" Natsu took off without warning, leaving the rest of the party behind.

"Natsu..." Alice called to him, although softly, like everything was muddled in her head and it was so hard to get her head to think of what to say, and then get her mouth to say it.
The thought of Natsu by himself to fend off Jellal, and all of the Oracion Seis?
Alice felt a mindless instinct try to rise up inside her. To protect Natsu at all costs. Even if it harmed him. To keep him safe.

Hibiki noticed the dark look in Alice's eyes. A rise in her magic power as she stood up, ready to run after Natsu.
Hibiki shouted something Alice didn't hear, but immediately afterwards, she felt an invisible wall pull her back. Watching her body slam against something that no one could see and she fell backwards, confused as to what just happened.

"Hibiki, why'd you say that? What did Alice do?" Happy cried, shaken by the sudden events.
Alice stood back up, turning back to Hibiki, her brows hardened in a confused scowl.
"I can't explain it yet, but you need to stay with us. With Nirvana unsealed, I need to keep my eye on you."

"What the f*ck does that mean?" Alice demanded him harshly, baring her teeth at him as she glared at him.
"With your cursed magic-"

Alice's face dropped, as she fell into a trance.
"I have to be extra precautions. It was ignorant of Natsu to run off by himself, he should've stayed with us. Alice's black magic is far too volatile now with Nirvana unsealed, we needed him here with her." Hibiki continued on.

Wendy started to sob uncontrollably again. "It's all my fault! It's all my fault! I'm so sorry! I healed him and now this is happening!"
"Erza's gone!" Carla gasped.

"We need to go after Natsu!" Happy shouted along with the chaos going on around him.

Hibiki noticed Wendy's will start to dissolve, he didn't know her magic well enough to risk her losing control as well. He used his magic to knock her unconscious. "Lucy, pull Alice along. Happy, Carla, let's go. We have to go after Natsu." Hibiki sternly directed, trying his best to keep everyone on track.

He pulled Wendy on to his back, and Lucy grabbed Alice's hand. "Let's go, Alice, okay? I'm sure Hibiki will explain anything soon."

Alice stared off, eyes clouded and unfocused. But she listened, following along.

"I'm sorry for scaring you all back there. Wendy will be fine, I just knocked her out." Hibiki briskly explained.
"Why'd you do it? And why are we suddenly in a hurry?" Lucy cried, begging for an explanation.
"We have to catch up with Natsu and Erza. Just keep running until we reach the light." Hibiki said.

"Why should we take orders from a brute like you? I realize that Wendy can be a bit of whiner, but there was no reason to strike her!" Carla questioned.
"I did it because I had to. Just like using Alice's curse against her...." Hibiki slowed to a stop.
"I haven’t been completely honest with anyone. I know a lot more about Nirvana than I originally lead on," he confessed. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Happy asked.
“I couldn’t. Because of the nature of the magic, I couldn’t say a word. Even saying it now, is risky and could put us in danger. That’s why master Bob only told me about it. Ichiya, Eve or Ren have no clue."

“So what did he tell you?” Lucy asked. “It uses a powerful magic. It alone has the ability to turn light into darkness. Of course that doesn’t happen until it’s been activated, but it's been unsealed so it shot off a black beam that searches for those who are weak. It’ll switch anyone wavering from light to dark to the opposing. So a good guy feeling a bit down, can fall to the dark side. That’s why I knocked out Wendy, and why I keep mentioning Alice’s dark magic. Wendy, I don’t know what could happen. Alice, I have a better idea. I can’t just knock her out though, we don’t have the manpower to put her out of the game, but her strong feelings for Natsu and her dark magic will do just the trick. If I can blank her mind every once in awhile maybe Nirvana can’t change her," Hibiki said, hoping that would be enough of an explanation.

"You could've let me know. I'm not that weak-willed like you think. And you know, I told you about my magic in confidence, not for you to exploit me!" Alice griped, coming back to reality.
"I'm sure you'd like to think of it like that. But the moment Natsu ran off, I saw something change in you. It's not that I don't trust your judgement, but right now, we don't know what'll happen. Nothing can be overlooked." Hibiki logically argued.

“Let’s keep going, and still just in case, Lucy keep a hold on Alice." Hibiki started running again, and Lucy tugged Alice along, even thought she could run on her own.

“You’ve got me worried now, isn’t anger a negative emotion? Isn’t Natsu at risk?” Lucy wondered. “For his sake, I don’t think so. His anger is for someone else’s benefit, so he should be fine, but yet again, I don’t know. I wouldn’t be worried about Alice because of her worry and anguish since it’s for Natsu, but I’ve heard the stories about her slip ups, when her dark magic comes out when she feels threatened.”

Alice tripped, reeling forwards. Lucy lurched back, but pulled on her again.
“Can you give me a heads up before you do that?! Even though she keeps running, she does slow down!” Lucy complained, trying to catch her breath.
“I suppose I should cut down how much I say it, we don’t want her passing out on us," Hibiki replied.

“Hibiki, I’ll be fine, you don’t have to keep incapacitating me, I can keep my cool." Alice tried to sound as level headed as possible. “I’ll lay off just as long as you promise you’ll tell me if you start feeling....-” “Evil!” Happy interrupted Hibiki.

“As long as Natsu’s safe, I’ll be fine,” Alice assured. “Wait, do you hear that?” Lucy stopped abruptly, hearing something no one else did. Then she took off in a new direction, still pulling Alice along.
“Wait, Lucy! Don’t go off on your own! Alice, come ba-” Hibiki called after them.

Lucy pulled Alice to a river, seeing Gray standing on a raft going down the stream with Natsu laying on his tummy, sick out of his mind.
Gray didn't notice the two girls, continuing on his way conjuring an ice spear and... pointing it at Natsu!

"Natsu!" Alice cried.

"Open! Gate of the archer, Sagittarius!" Lucy summoned Sagittarius, and from immediately being summoned, he pulled out his bow and an arrow, shooting at Gray's spear, shattering the ice.

"Gray, what are you doing?!" Alice gasped at him.

“I think it’s pretty obvious, Alice!” Happy said, with a hard glare at Gray.
“It seems we foiled his foul play!” Sagittarius neighed.

But why? Gray would never try to hurt Natsu for no reason, not while he was down. It wasn't-..
Was Gray affected by Nirvana? But why? Gray wasn't questioning his morality, he was a straightforward guy!

Natsu tried to sit up. "Nice shot, Lucy..." He said in between a dry heave.
"I know you're motion-sick and all, but watching you nearly throw up after saying my name is seriously killing my self-esteem!" Lucy whined. .

“Shall I shoot him?” Sagittarius saluted Lucy.
"Don't you even think about it, Secretariat." Alice warned the horse spirit.

“What’s the matter with you Gray? You’re taking this way too far!” Happy shouted, outraged. “Unless he took your fish, then it’s completely justified!”
“Don’t give him an out!” Lucy scolded.
“Just shut it all of you. You all wait your turn, I’ll get you after I done with him,” Gray smiled wickedly.

Oh, he was definitely under the effects of Nirvana. There was no doubt about it now.

“I’m coming, buddy!” Happy attempted to fly over to Natsu, but Gray froze a block of ice around him, and Happy fell back to the ground.

“Happy may be able to fly, but he doesn’t have any combat skills, that’s all that Gray has info on the pest," Gray said thoughtfully.

“What?”

Why was Gray talking in third person, like he was in a manga?

“Gray has a lot of information on Alice. Most likely the next one to proceed Makarov. Daughter of Laxus. An S- Class wizard of Fairy Tail. She’s an extremely strong fighter though she’s unable to use all her magic. Her fighting style is very volatile, and she's very sturdy and stubborn in battle. Gray is in love with Alice, body and mind. There's nothing he wouldn't do to have her in his bed again. Oh, the dirty things he's done to her and wants to do again...He's in denial about her feelings for him, thinking she's just lying. But he knows in reality, Alice is in love with Natsu Dragneel. She'd be a real challenge if Gray didn't know her weaknesses."

"Okay, what with you taking my inventory like that?" Alice crossed her arms, his glowing red cheeks.
“I’ll save you for last,” Gray smirked at her, not giving her any real answer. He looked at Lucy.
“Lucy is a newcomer to Fairy Tail, easy on the eyes, Gray likes the whole package. Has a strong mind and a heart like Erza and Alice, and- oh, she’s a celestial wizard?” Gray cast an ice spell at Lucy, while Alice was still too spacey to react fact enough.

Hibiki conjured his archive screens to block the attack. “This isn’t Gray. Imposter, drop the act!” Hibiki shouted.
"What are you talking about, Hibiki?"

“Accessing information on Hibiki Lates, member of Blue Pegasus, ladies’ man, had a purely sexual relationship with Alice Dreyar. No other information available," Gray muttered, thoughtfully.

With a glow of light, "Gray" suddenly transformed into Lucy.
An exact replica.
This had to be those odd creatures from before!
What did they do to Gray then?

“You don’t honestly think we’ll fall for this? We know you’re not the real Lucy so just show us who you really are!” Hibiki coldly shouted at the imposter.
"Oh, I'm real all right! And I can prove it!" Fake Lucy pulled up her green spaghetti strapped top, revealing her bare breasts to them all.

Hibiki and Sagittarius both hooted and hollered. "Yep, they're real!"

Alice crossed her arms tighter over her chest, feeling self conscious. Her breasts were no way as big as hers... Something she got from both sides of her family, medium-sized boobs. Big enough to impress, but was constantly out shadowed by these K cups! Cana, Erza, Mirajane, and Lucy and their huge boobs made Alice feel flat chested, as if she was Levy with her mosquito bites.

And it was only solidified by brutes like Hibiki who drooled over them. They were so big, he wouldn't be able to do anything with them! He always fawned over Alice's, saying how perfect they were for his hands and-...

"Stop staring!" Lucy cried, embarrassed that her body (even though it wasn't really her's, just a copy) was being violated and celebrated by these gross pigs.

“Okay now that you know, Sagittarius, take them out!” The fake Lucy commanded. Although, Alice just scoffed. How would that even work, that wasn't the real Lucy, there was no way-

Three arrows ripped through the air, Hibiki grabbed Alice, whisking her to the side, trying to dodge. Alice cried at the slice in her calf, blood immediately dripping down her leg, filling her boot uncomfortably, besides the fact that her leg burned and stung unbearably.
Hibiki groaned at the arrow in his side.

Alice sat up, using her energy magic to block more arrows that came their way. Hibiki also weakly brought up some screens to help protect Wendy, who was still out.

"How are you doing this?!" Lucy cried.
"I'm an exact copy of you, so whatever I say, your spirits have to follow." The imposter smiled cruelly.

"I'm sorry, Madam Alice, Sir Hibiki, Miss. Lucy, I can't control myself! My body is moving on it's own! I'm fighting with all my strength to stop!" Sagittarius trembled, trying to fight his body from pulling more arrows out and pulling back the string.

Lucy ran over, helping Alice carry Hibiki.
Hibiki used his screens, pulling up as many as possible.

"Carla, get Wendy out of here as fast as possible!"
Carla didn't hesitate, speeding out of there.

"Don't worry, Sagittarius, I'm going to close your gate and give you a break. I know it's not your fault!" Lucy pulled the key back out.
"I'm sorry, Miss. Lucy! I regret that I cannot aid you any further!" And he disappeared.

Alice sighed, setting Hibiki down. She tore off a few inches of her skirt hem and tied it over her deep wound. So much blood... She was already in poor condition, her body was sore and heavy and it took so much willpower to stay upright. Her head was spinning and she could barely keep her thoughts on track. Was it from Hibiki abusing her weakness? Or from losing blood? Or her concussion?

"I was waiting for that. Open! Gate of the Archer! Come back Sagittarius!" The fake Lucy pulled out an identical gold key. And next to her, popped out Sagittarius. "Always happy to help, Lady Lucy, I- How did you summon me?!" Sagittarius gasped, seeing who summoned him.

"Don't sweat the small details, and you'll live longer. The only thing that matters is that I summoned you, so you have to do whatever I ask!"
"I will not!"

"Let's give it a shot. I command you to shoot an arrow right in the back of that white cat up there!" Fake Lucy pointed up in the sky at Carla flying away. "I cannot!" The horse denied.

"What's that? Are you disobeying an order from your master?"

Alice's body broke out in a clammy sweat. She conjured up an energy shield, but she had to imagine it, rather than see it. And she made it as large as possible to block any arrows.
Her arms trembled, she could barely keep standing. Her vision blurred. Come on, Sagittarius! Fight it harder!

The way he stood there, fighting himself so hard, but never putting the arrow down, Alice had to keep going until he stopped!

"I close your gate!" Lucy shouted, but nothing happened.
"Did you forget? Only the wizard who summoned a spirit can close their gate." The other Lucy smiled mockingly. "Now shoot the cat down!"

"Hurry and do something, Lucy! I can't-- I can't keep holding it!" Alice cried, feeling her body want to give out.

"That's quite enough. Nirvana's been found, so the Runt is useless." Angel came out from behind a bush, revealing herself. Sagittarius lowered his bow, right as Alice collapsed.

"Natsu!"

Alice's eyes shot open at Lucy's shrill cry.
She tried to sit up, looking around. Her stomach turned as her head spun violently.

She could barely make out Hibiki's passed out form.

Where was Lucy? Alice could hear her, but she was nowhere to be found.

She stood up, shaking. She swallowed the bile that rose up her throat.
Hibiki was down, and-- Angel?
Angel was laying on her back, floating in the shallow stream. Who took her out? Was it Hibiki? Natsu?

Natsu... Where was Natsu?

"Hibiki!-- Hibiki, wake up!" Alice shouted at him, rocking him back and forth with her foot. Nothing.
She needed help.

"Natsu!" She shouted once more. "Natsu!"

Her eyes drooped, and her body felt heavy once more. No! She had...

She had to keep going!

Chapter 38

Chapter Text

"Alice, wake up! Alice!" Happy shouted.
Alice startled awake, screaming at being woken up so abruptly, and being in the sky. "It's okay, I got you! I found you passed out in the forest, but I need you to use your magic! I can't catch Natsu if I'm still holding you!" Happy loaded all that information on a still foggy Alice.

But she knew enough to nod. Happy trusted that, dropping her and swooping down to catch a falling Natsu.

"Come on, Alice!" Natsu shouted, watching Alice just free fall.
She just kept falling and falling... Why wasn't she using her magic?

Just meters from the ground, Alice finally was able to conjure up her disk.

Happy cheered, not having to regret letting her fall to her death.

She looked around, using the clues around her to see what was going on. Nirvana was a large stone octopus looking thing. Like the entire ground of a city raised up on eight legs. It was ginormous, several miles long. The legs were huge and thick like long pipes, but solid stone.

She missed out on so much.

"Alice!" She heard Gray's voice. On one of the legs, the closest one, she could see the faint outline of Gray and Lucy.

Happy brought Natsu around, so everyone could reconvene.
"How's it hanging, trooper?" Natsu smiled brightly at her.
"Don't call me that.- What's with the outfit?-- Why are you and Lucy both wearing matching outfits?" Alice glanced between him and her.
Natsu wore some sort of long-sleeved pullover top. It was royal blue, a gold heart in the middle of his chest. He wore orange pants with it. He still had his scarf.
Lucy wore a matching sleeveless dress. Her hair was pulled back into two low ponytails with hairpins with dangling star charms.

Lucy's face broke out into a nervous blush. "Don't worry about that!"

"Take it all the way to the top. We'll find you after we go in!" Gray says starting up the leg of Nirvana to the door opening he was talking about.
"Aye, sir!" Happy and Natsu went over the wall of the city and away.

They entered through the open gate, going into the decrepit old city of stone and ash. Old buildings made from an ancient civilization, looking untouched for centuries. With no upkeep, most structures had collapsed and wore down. Nature overtook most of it. It was a ghost town on legs.

"Any clue on what's going on?" Gray asked when no one else made any observations.
"Besides it being an old city on the back of a monster, no." Lucy replied, having nothing important to add.
"Yeah, I thought Nirvana was supposed to be a powerful magic." Gray mumbled.
“If it’s a city then what happened to the people?” Lucy asked, quite unnecessarily.

“An excellent question. Oh yeah!" Hoteye said, coming from seemingly nowhere. “This is the mystical city of Nirvana."
And wait, why is Jura with him? Walking among him? Had Nirvana taken Jura?
No, Jura was a sure man, with a strong good heart.

“Seeing you here puts the odds in our favor.--Not too worry, Hoteye is our ally," Jura explained, greeting his Fairy Tail friends.
“All you need is love!” Hoteye declared."
Alice grimaced. Regardless of the circ*mstances, Alice didn't want to work with another idiot obsessed with an overinflated fantasy about love.

“We were in the midst of duking it out and then he had a change of heart," Jura continued further.
“Just like Sherry but she took a turn for the worst." Gray nodded, understanding. “Yeah Lady Love went psycho on us for a bit," Lucy agreed.

“What, is she okay?” Jura asks, worried for his guild mate. “Yeah she’s safe with Lyon," Gray answered..

“As I was saying Nirvana was once a place where the Nirvit lived and prospered," Hoteye continued his explanation. “I’ve never heard of the Nirvit," Lucy said, not adding anything to the conversation.

“I can’t say I’m surprised. There is no record of them. They lived 400 years ago, a time where the earth was engulfed in war. The Nirvits were neutral but the bloodshed was too much and they intervened. They created a magic that would create balance and restore the world, oh yeah. Nirvana, a spell that could switch light and darkness, so confident of their creation they named it after their homeland, a word anonymous to peace, oh yeah!"

“Such irony. They named it Nirvana and was made to make peace and now it's in the hands of someone who will use it just for destruction." Gray shook his head.

“There’s no use worrying about that, the Nirvits probably never thought their creation would be used for evil. Villains can find the dark side of even the most constructive of magic," Jura said. “In any case now that Nirvana has been activated and poses a threat to the entire world. We must do everything in our power to destroy it. Brain is up in the throne, the heart of the city controlling Nirvana. Luckily, he can't use any other magic while driving it. So now would be the right time to strike." Hoteye advised.

“Sounds like a plan.” Gray nodded. “In any case, do we know where Brain is deciding to take Nirvana first?” Jura asks. “Sadly Brain never discussed his plan with the rest of us." Hoteye shook his head.

"Not true." A male, young sound voice spoke from behind the group.
Midnight, but now awake and alert. “Father didn’t trust the rest of you enough to tell you. You only proved him right."

In the blink of an eye he was no longer there.
"You betrayed us." He reappeared behind them once more.
Was this teleportation magic?

“I didn’t think you’d have the guts." In another place once more.

"I didn’t betray anyone," Hoteye defended himself. “I’ve come to see the error of Brain’s misguided ways,"

“What was that? How about you come over here and say that, big guy?” Midnight moved again, talking about some serious whiplash.
“How’s he doing that?” Lucy wondered the obvious. “Hang on, what is this whole father thing anyways?” Gray asked, hung up at that piece of information.
“Some kind of family that slays together?” Lucy shrugged.

“I say he’s truly misguided because he thinks you can change someone’s heart with magic. But love can make even the weakest hearts strong, oh yeah!" Hoteye preached.

Not even moving a single muscle, not even blinking, Midnight cast a powerful spell-- That the group didn't see, at the same type Hoteye liquefied the ground under them into a crater, protecting them from the spell. But the ground trembled with several loud booms.

"Can someone explain what just happened?" Gray groaned from the impact, with Lucy landing on top of him. Alice raised her head to look at all the destruction. Many of the surrounding buildings had been obliterated. How did he cast such a destructive spell without moving an inch, nor saying any incantation?

"I can. Hoteye liquefied the ground beneath us, protecting us from Midnight's spell." Jura answered.

“Get to the royal throne quick. I’ll stay behind and take care of midnight but you needn’t worry about me, all members of the Oracion Seis are equal in power!" Hoteye declared.

Hoteye cast another spell, just for Midnight to nullify it.

"Be careful, Hoteye!" Jura warned, cautious. "Don't worry, I will! Also, I would prefer if you wouldn't call me that anymore, the name's Richard-- Oh yeah!" Hoteye Richard requested. Jura nodded with a gracious smile. "Thanks Richard."

Jura led the three towards the throne, clambering through piles and piles of rubble and stone debris.
Alice halted at a sudden boom somewhere nearby. She turned the direction, only seeing the orange light of flames. Her chest pounded.

Natsu.

She felt comfort knowing he was fighting along them, just not with them. Although, she wished she was there by his side. She knew he was capable of managing himself. He defied all logic and reason with pure will and determination-- And plainly, stupidity. But he always won. He'd get beat to a pulp, but he'd always stand back up and his fire would grow and swell, giving him the strength to succeed.

And yet, she always feared the day he couldn't do so. What if it was today? Right now, and she couldn't get to him?

“So how’s Hibiki? I know I left all of you but I was trying to help Natsu." Lucy asked, bringing Alice back to reality. She quickened her pace to catch back up.
"He was out cold when I came too. Although, while I shouldn't have, I left him alone. I hope he's okay.-- But looks like you managed just fine. Even had time to corroborate a whole outfit with Natsu while the rest of us were fighting for our lives." Alice squinted a scowl her direction. Lucy flushed bright red. "I woke up like this, okay? Natsu and I went down a waterfall and when we woke up Virgo was dressing us up! I didn't do it on purpose!"'

A tower holding a orb of orange light toppled over, paired with a loud boom-- And more fire.

"What was that?!" Lucy gasped. "Don't know, maybe we should check it out." Gray suggested. "Yes, it might be one of our allies in need of some assistance." Jura nodded.
"Bet I know who it was, too." Gray smirked. Alice felt her feet carry her with fervor. Natsu.

Moments later, coming to the crash site and seeing no one around, a roar ripped through the air. Something akin to a monster-- No... Alice wondered.... It sounded so familiar..

"What was that? Is that someone screaming? It almost sounds inhuman." Gray said. "It sounds like a monster! Please, I can take one right now!" Lucy cried.

Alice pursed her lips. "It's no monster, but I'm not sure what it is."
"I don't know either. We should investigate, nonetheless." Jura decided.

“Hey! There’s- There’s Natsu," Lucy pointed out. Alice gasped, her lungs seizing. That day had come unfortunately.

Brain stood there, dragging Natsu by the scarf. Natsu was limp, barely conscious.
Gray moved his arm out, stopping Alice just as her feet shifted. He knew before she realized it, she'd do anything to save Natsu.

"What happened to you?" Lucy asked, worried-- Talking over the Leader of the Oracion Seis. As if he wasn't their biggest threat.
"This thing.... It's moving..." Natsu whimpered.

"Oh."

“Hey guys....!" Happy sounded off, making his presence known-- Although, quite pitifully. He was worse for wear, laying on the ground, helplessly-- He was sniveling.
"Sir Cat is still alive!" Jura said amazed.

"You gotta help Natsu, Brain's taken him away!" Happy cried.

“It seems that the six demons have been cut down to a meager three. We’ve been chopped in half. So in order to stop the bleeding in our ranks, I will fortify them with this one." Brain said, as if it was likely. It bothered none of the Fairy Tailers, or the Wizard Saint.

Alice rolled her eyes. As if it didn't happen at least twice a year.
“We all knew this day would come. A dark guild would try to switch Natsu over to their side," Gray scoffed.
“Good luck trying to get that hard head to cooperate." Lucy crossed her arms.

Although, Alice pursed her lips, Natsu turned dark-side would be quite... appealing. She shuddered remembering his darker side during the Phantom Lord quarrel.

Her eyebrows twitched. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all. She'd switch sides for him any day as long as he spoke raspy and low-- Maybe muttered a cuss word here and there. She quivered at the thought. Although, she knew that day would never come. Natsu hated being told what to do. He was far too stubborn to be someone's minion.

“With the power of Nirvana, I can darken his heart," Brain said, justifiably. Natsu shifted in his hold, chomping on his hand. "Not gonna happen." He said, muffled with a whole hand in his mouth. Brain snarled and he used brute strength to use that same hand to swing Natsu over his body-- And then slamming him on the ground. Natsu let go, getting green in the face once more.

"So....sick...."

“The spirit is strong, but stomach weak," Jura said as if quoting a old saying.

“Please help. I’m begging you. Beat this guy," Natsu mumbled weakly. Alice frowned, her heart breaking for him. He looked so battered and exhausted, now he had motion-sickness to top it off.

"Oh, we're gonna stop it all right. But not just for your sake." Gray nodded. Lucy agreed with him.
"I mean, I'll do it for you, Natsu. Stopping Nirvana and taking down the Oracion Seis is just a bonus." Alice smirked.
"Really? Do you have to flirt with him in front of my face?" Gray muttered.

"You'll stop Nirvana? Try your best. But you mustn't waste any time. We're quickly approaching our first target: The Cait Shelter guild hall."

Cait Shelter? Wasn't that Wendy and Carla's guild? Why were they the target? Some small, unheard of guild who's only capable members were a young Dragon Slayer with very little offensive magic and a flying cat?

What was the reason? Were they just the first thing in the line of fire, or was there a purpose? And why?
Alice hadn't even heard of Cait Shelter until Wendy and Carla came tripping into the room, so what beef did they have with the third most powerful dark wizard guild in Fiore?

“Why them? What is your objective? What could you possibly hope to gain from their loss?” Jura asked when everyone else were too busy wondering about it themselves than ask.

“The world on its head. In the blink of an eye, this guild of light will be soon draped in darkness. Oh the things we shall see. What splendid horrors await us," Brain replied, not giving much context still.

Gray and Lucy shouted in disapproval while Alice scratched every crevice of her brain to find any rhyme or reason as to why this guild was Oracion Seis' target. Usually a villain's first target was their most personal objective. Just who were Carla and Wendy and their mysterious guild?

Jura stepped forward, letting off immense magic power. It was very overwhelming. “You still haven’t told me what you wish to gain." He demanded in a strong voice.
Brain stood there, unbothered. He laughed. "I don't have to answer to you! I hold the reigns of light and darkness. Kneel before me and ask for one thing only: Mercy!"

Jura brushed past the three in front of him towards Brain. "What a bothersome fool."

“I told you to kneel!" Brain held out his staff, casting a spell. Jura held out his hand, summoning rocks from the ruins around him to build a wall and shield him from Brain's attack, then hurtling towards him at lightning speed, shaking the entire city of Nirvana.

Once the dust settled, it revealed Brain pushed back against a crumbling wall. His expression held surprise and shock. He was a bit shook up, but he seemed rather uninjured.

Alice had to admit; Jura was powerful.
A Wizard Saint of all things, something Makarov and he had in common. And if there was one thing Alice told seriously, it was that title. Something she set her eyes upon, but knew she was a very long ways from even starting that path. Jura was immensely powerful. He was light on his feet, and a quick strategist, never losing his cool in battle. He was wise and humble because he knew there was no reason to boast his power. He let his actions speak for himself.

And for Brain to let alone survive this spell said a lot.

“Stand up, once you explain to me why you set your gaze upon the Cait Shelter guild, I may let you rest. I know there are many guilds closer than the Cait Shelter. To go so far out of your way, it betrays a certain intention." Jura demanded of Brain.

But with the distraction, Alice finally took her chance to jog over to Natsu. "Hey buddy."
"Alice...!" Natsu exclaimed weakly. Alice bent down to him, smoothing Natsu's pink hair. His face was pale and clammy. He was cool and trembling. "This is more than just a weak stomach. What happened?"
"I took on that beady eyed dude with the snake and won. But not before he used his poison magic to make me feel nothing but this thing move and-- It's about to make me puke."

"Aw, baby. You took on Cobra by yourself? Incredible!" Alice smiled sympathetically. As much as it was a celebration of a battle won, she knew Natsu was in no real shape to keep going. "I'd cast my balance spell on you, but it wouldn't do much. Just hang on until we find Wendy, I'm sure she'll be able to undo Cobra's poison."

"Call me that again..." Natsu said.
"What?-" Alice hesitated before turning pink. "No, you perv! We're in the middle of a fight, you can't say things like that to me right now!"
Natsu's stomach gurgled and he groaned. "You started it by calling me that."

Alice smiled softly, trying her best to keep her composure. "Well... I guess if it helps any, I could say it again...But not like it means anything."

Hilariously enough, in this moment the two were too wrapped up in each other, they both blocked out the ground-breaking fight right next to them.
Just for the moment to be ruined by Wendy running in.
"What happened to Natsu? Is he poisoned too?" Wendy asked, concerned. "Yeah, but it's the least of his problems." Alice said, gesturing to the green hue in his cheeks.

“It’s moving. Make it stop," Natsu whined.

“It should, we took care of Brain, so Nirvana should stop moving any second," Lucy said thoughtfully. Alice perked up looking around, startled by this news. Jura beat Brain? When?!

“I still have some lingering concerns. But the worst is over," Jura said. “No, I don’t think so. Just please. Make it stop moving," Natsu whined once more.

“We need to get up there then." Gray suggested. “Agreed," Jura nodded, finalizing the plan.

They made their way to the highest point of the city to a large terrace that overlooked the entire city and the ground below it as it took one giant step in front of the other. There was nothing.

There was nothing to control Nirvana. No table with a button or books with an incantation. There was nothing whatsoever. No furniture or decorate either. No tables, chairs, walls or benches. It was just a flat stone floor with a high ceiling held up by large pillars. So underwhelming.

"Now I'm just confused." Gray scowled. "Me too. There's no control panel or anything, so how are we supposed to stop this thing?" Lucy added. "There has to be something." Alice said determined.

Wendy continued to heal Natsu. "I don't get it, I've cleared Natsu of the poison, but he's still sick." She pouted, dumbfounded. "Vehicles and Natsu don't have a good history together." Happy chimed in.
"How pathetic." Carla shook her head. "I don't think my stomach wants to be inside me anymore." Natsu whimpered.

“Oh, it's just that?" Wendy observed simply. "Yeah, I said that earlier." Alice crossed her arms.

“Well if it’s just that then I’ll just use my Troia to restore his sense of balance." Wendy's hands emanated a light blue glow as she then caressed either side of Natsu's head, at his temples and the glow transferred to him, then disappeared-- But his complexion returned. Natsu suddenly stood to his feet and started to jump up in down with joy. "I'm back! I feel a million times better!"

He ran over to Lucy, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Hey Lucy, summon one of those train or boat spirits of yours!"
Lucy tensed up and growled. "I don't have any of those! Listen here, this isn't the time to be messing around! We're still in big trouble!"

“Yeah, we need to do something to stop this thing and there’s obviously nothing up here to help," Gray said, reminding Natsu of their problem.

“I don’t get it. I thought this is where Hoteye, I mean Richard said Brain was controlling it. Was he lying?” Lucy wondered. “No, I believe him to be a man of his word," Jura defended him staunchly. “There is a bigger question on hand or a different way to phrase the question that is. There is no visible controls, the royal throne is empty and the one presumed to be controlling it is defeated, so perhaps instead we should ask why is it still moving like it was before?” Carla tried to get them to think of it in another way but Alice just thought she said the exact same thing they were already thinking about.

“Do you think he left it on autopilot? If that’s the case then it’s probably set to fire too," Gray realized.
"Do you think the Nirvits left a manual laying around so we can figure out how to turn this thing off?" Alice asked humorously. "That'd make our job so much easier." Gray sighed.

Wendy felt hopeless and started to sob. "My guild!"

Natsu calmed down and went over to comfort her “Don’t worry. We’ll find a way to stop it." He patted her head. “I won’t let it hurt your friends. I owe it to you, I’ll stop it. I promise."

Wendy exclaimed, perking up suddenly.
“Think of something?” Gray asked her.
“Yeah. Well maybe. I’m not quite sure. But it may be our best option so I’ll my best to find it." Wendy took off without a second to waste, Carla flying at her heels.

‘My friends, can you hear me?’

Alice felt a chill run down her spine at the loud voice blaring in her head. Hoteye?

“Um, is anyone else hearing that?” She asked, feeling violated. “Yeah, I hear it too," Natsu confirmed.

‘It is I, the wizard known as Hoteye,’

“Did you defeat Midnight, Richard?” Jura asked out loud.

‘I tried my best, but it seems in the end my magic wasn’t strong enough to trump his. Do not concern yourself with my rescue. You must all work together to bring Midnight down for good. If you succeed, if you end up defeating him, Nirvana’s source of power will be rendered dry and the city will cease its destructive path.’

“Am I supposed to know this guy?” Natsu wondered, ruining the moment with his stupidity.
“So we stop this guy, it will stop Nirvana without us having to destroy all of it?” Gray summarized.

‘He’s right below you, by the throne room, his power is not one to be underestimated. Please be cautious my friends,’

“The same to you, Richard," Jura smiled contently. “This mess just got easier!” Gray felt hope once more.

‘I wish you luck, my faithful comrades.’

"Well let's go then! I'm all fired up now!" Natsu declared, running down the stairs after Wendy. "Yeah, we can take him down easy!" Gray said bravely.

“All right, let’s go Mr. Snooze!” Natsu kicked open the doors on the final level of the throne building. As he opened the two big doors, there was an extremely bright light.
“Everyone get down!” Jura shouted before anyone had time to process or see what was going on, as it all happened so suddenly.

"Wait, no, ALICE!" Natsu screamed, but then the explosion went off.
Jura had created a large dome of stone to protect his Fairy Tail friends-- Except for one.

"Alice! Alice!" Natsu shouted, punching his way out of the dome. "Is she all right, what happened?" Lucy cried, crawling out of the tiny dome.
Jura stood weakly in front of the shield he made. And... Alice.

"I'm sorry my friends... I couldn't... get her in the dome in time... I failed her..." Jura trembled, barely being able to stand. "I protected her with my body, but I fear it wasn't enough..."

Alice laid on the ground between Jura and the stone dome. She laid there unconscious. "Alice!" Everyone cried.

"Jura, did you really take on that spell by yourself to protect us?" Lucy gasped.

Gray knelt down to try to rouse the red hair girl. "She's alive. I think she's just passed out. Jura took most of the impact."

“I'm.... relieved..The strength and courage you as a guild possess makes your guild a lucky one.... It brings me great relief to know you’re still alive." Jura couldn't hold on any longer, collapsing to the ground, as did his stone shields.

Chapter 39: Literally not a chapter. Chapter cancelled.

Chapter Text

Yeah, no this is just a filler chapter because I reread the chapter 39 I had and deemed it too cringe and I honestly have no motivated to rewrite it so... SKIP

And I don't want to mess up the chapter numbers so yeah

sorry that I went MIA. I told you that I lose motivation and stop updating for months. This time it was like what? One month? I got really invested in Hogwarts Legacy, and I played it for like two weeks straight.. Then because the Hunger Games renaissance started up, I got back into that series again... Then I lost all passion for life and spiraled. But now I'm back and I finally finished chapter 38 since for some reason my brain kept malfunctioning and I forgot that this site doesn't auto-save so I kept losing my progress and having to start over and over again. But I finally did it!!!

if you haven't noticed, we have come across another instance of author being too lazy to write dialogue and used the "Alice gets beat up and passes out" and we don't watch through anyone else's POVs so we just skip ahead. Yeah, I got too bored with this and just deleted 3/4's of it that just is filler comedic effect and the revival of Zero

Chapter 40

Chapter Text

“Look at this! It’s so adorable!” Lucy cried out, admiring her outfit. “Yeah, yeah. You look cute and all but you’ll never be as sexy as me.” Sherry shamelessly posed in front of the mirror.
“If you’re what’s considered ‘sexy’ I’d hate to see what they consider ‘unattractive’ because the bar is obviously really low.” Alice commented, scowling over at the bright pink-haired woman who pouted at her.

“It’s okay. I know you’re only mean because you’re jealous.” Sherry crossed her arms and tried to look proud of her burn.

“I’m one of the most sought after women in Fiore. I have three men of the ‘most eligible bachelors’ list under my belt. You don’t even have Lyon trailing after you. If anything you’re the one most likely jealous of me. I’ve been on the cover and or the centerfold of how many magazines? And you’ve been mentioned in what? None?” Alice tilted her head to the side, looking at Sherry with an innocent expression and a raised eyebrow. “We can all be friends! There’s no need to fight!” Wendy piped in nervously, able to feel the tension between the two women. She was currently adding little flowers to Alice’s braided updo, which she also wove herself.