A/N: I do not claim to own Fairy Tail, I just love it very much.

"Oh? And what are you up to, Lizell?" Minerva peered over the woman's shoulder curiously.

"Me?" Zella looked up at the imposing woman, smiling lightly. "Nothing really, Minerva-san. How did your job go?" The cards shifted back into place and Zella dropped her hands to her lap, giving the Territory Mage her full attention.

"As you can expect." Minerva took a seat on the bench beside her, resting her elbow on the table and chin on her hand, raising a brow. "Shall we look again?" She gestured to the cards and Zella glanced back at them, Aura taking hold and pulling out three. "It's been awhile."

"Two weeks," Zella answered and the woman's smile curled.

"Awhile."

The teal-haired woman consented. Oddly enough, the Territory Mage was fascinated with the future she could read and took every opportunity to see how her path could change. And ultimately bullied the green-eyed woman into looking at Yukino's, despite the Celestial Mage's lack of permission.

It was strange to think that already a year had gone by since that family reunion. Shortly afterwards, there was the war with Tartaros and at the end of it, Magnolia was in ruins, the Magic Council was destroyed, Fairy Tail had disbanded, it's members scattering, and then the Twin Dragons brought back the former Master's daughter. The stories she had heard of Minerva Orlando painted her in such a dark light, but the woman she had greeted upon their arrival was imposing, yes, but broken. When Yukino had welcomed her so fondly, she cried. And when Sabertooth greeted her, she couldn't control her tears.

Minerva had always wanted to be accepted for just being her and the old Sabertooth wouldn't have cared. But this was a new day for them all and bonds were more important now than strength. She realized that.

She could still be ruthless, but Zella always saw a happy light in her eyes when she did so—typically it was to scare Sting into actually doing work, something he tried to wiggle out of all too often. Zella admits to filling out damage reports on more than one occasion as secretary of Sabertooth.

That was her official title. She was like Mirajane Strauss of Fairy Tail in that regard, helping behind the bar and filing paperwork—and dealing with the new council and their reports. Still not an official member, but honorary.

"Lizell?"

"Hm? Oh, right." A flick of her wrist and the cards turned, showing the same cards from the last time. "Sorry, no change. Are you looking for something particular, Minerva?" She glanced over at the woman, who shook her head.

"Nothing in particular. I'm interested in how choices affect our fates. How something so small could change the course of our lives." Zella was impressed until Minerva looked away, swallowing, the barest tint of pink on her cheeks.

Zella smiled. "Of-course." Minerva shot her a look, but the teal-haired woman continued to smile innocently. "I look forward to when your fate changes, Minerva-san." The woman looked away again, cheeks burning brighter.

Something brushed against her back and she felt the tingle of magic before she glanced over her shoulder. Burg grinned down at her. "Hello, my cute little Lizell."

"Burg," she smiled. "Are you leaving now?"

"Yeah, gotta pay the bills. You coming with me?" Zella rose, rolling her shoulders as her cards slipped into her bag. "I'll go tell your friend. You deal with the hell-cat," he strode away and Zella turned towards said hell-cat, also affectionately known as Pepper.

The purple feline narrowed her red eyes. "Don't tell me," she drawled. "You're leaving with that man and would like us to spend the night with Yukino."

"It's only a few days, Pepper. No need to get huffy." Zella raised a brow at her and her Exceed rolled her eyes.

"Fine. Honestly, Zella, you treat us like we're children… We can spend the night fine by ourselves. Nothing will happen."

"You don't know that." Pepper sprouted her wings, fluttering away. "Pepper, please?" She spiraled back, hovering before her, red staring into green. Zella smiled lightly.

"Fine. But I want you to actually be paid this time! Agreed?"

"Sure, Violet, sure," Burg waved her off and Pepper flashed her claws. "I invited her along so she'll be paid. I won't let my cute little niece fall behind on her bills. What kind of man do you take me for, huh?" Pepper didn't answer, only glared. "Honestly, your cat has no faith in me, Lizell."

"Hm."

"Don't you have any faith in me?!"

"L-lizell?" Zella paused, brows furrowing as the voice called out. She turned her head, glancing behind at the woman staring at her. Golden eyes were widened in surprise. Burg raised a brow and Zella turned fully, smiling softly. "Lizell…"

"I much prefer Zella, Jodian. And how is George-san doing? And your father?" Burg immediately scowled at the names. Her cousin, Jody, ducked her head, biting at her lip. Zella continued smiling. "If I may, how have you been?"

"I've been… fine."

"Hm." Aura swirled around her fingers and Jody swallowed, looking up cautiously. "Shall I gaze into your future for you, Jody? I assume you're interested, given how last you knew your life was going much different than you always pictured. Yes?"

When Zella had entertained herself and Brady over a year ago in that house, Jody had paused just outside her room, listening to the futures she predicted. When Zella came to her new-found cousin's, she learned the woman would remain under her grandfather's rule for the next few years and because of that loyalty, she would be close to thirty before she married. She would never have children after the first three were miscarriages and she refused to build up hope again. Her husband would pass away before she was forty in an accident. Zella had known she was devastated at the news and looking into her cards after Brady left, it was always her dream to marry, have a family, and be happy.

When Zella drew those cards so long ago and spoke of how the future had changed, she looked into Jody's future and saw she would have twins. That had been the first time her cards had ever changed and it hadn't been the last. Journeying to Fairy Tail for the sole purpose of meeting Cana again (Sting had thrown a fit when she came back) Zella learned that what she had been taught hadn't been entirely correct.

To be fair, she had been taught by her mother, but Daphne had passed away all too soon.

Cana took the next few hours to go over with the teal-haired woman the ins and outs of seeing the future. Their magicks were different, something the brunette was positively tickled over. While Cana used the traditional Tarot cards and offensive magic, Zella's was a different set of cards entirely, used more for specifics than Cana's were.

All in all, it had been a good visit. And then, Tartaros happened and… well…

"No… No, thank you, Lizell, I'm not—"

Zella peered down at the card in her hand and Jody swallowed thickly. Burg moved off, not wanting to be around a George and possibly go through that whole ordeal again. "Your future hasn't changed since last I saw." Jody dropped her head, eyes closed tightly as she tried not to cry. "You've met someone. He's a good man. I warn you though, twins can be a handful, especially two little boys." Golden eyes flew open, staring into green, uncomprehending. Zella turned the card around, showing the picture of twins. "Apologies, Jody. After you left, I looked into your future again and saw it had changed. Continue on your path. Pull away from what makes you unhappy."

Jody's bottom lip trembled as her form shook with the effort of keeping her sobs in. "Li-lizell… I'm so… so sorry…"

"It was a long time ago. Let's start over, alright?" Zella reached out her hands. "I am Zella. It's nice to meet you." Jody reached out with shaking hands, taking hold of hers cousins'. Zella squeezed them gently.

"I-I-I'm Jody," She stammered out, eyes glassy.

"I hope we can be friends now. And I will be willing to babysit anytime."

Jody broke down, collapsing to her knees in the middle of the sidewalk as Zella kneeled down beside her, holding onto her as people paused and stared.

"Zel!" She prepared herself for the flying force that would be Lector and Hyou, waving a bit to Sting before she was attacked. "You're back!"

"Yes, I'm—oomph!" She stumbled back a step, holding onto the Exceeds as they welcomed her back. "Hello, Lector, Hyou. I missed you," she grinned down at them while Lector chattered on about how the past few days had gone, Hyou murmuring quietly about how Pepper sulked.

Sting stood a few feet before her, arms crossed and foot tapping as he waited for the Exceeds to get over their welcome and let him finally say hello. He was still iffy about her going on jobs—and still refused to let her go anywhere with Rogue—but he realized he couldn't stop her.

And she had gone on jobs with Rogue. He was not happy and made sure his friend knew such every time they returned.

"Alright, alright! My turn!" He was still impatient, which was always hilarious to Sabertooth. Lector pouted, but obeyed, fluttering off to flirt with Pepper. He was much like Happy in that regard, but Pepper at-least seemed to reciprocate his feelings—sometimes. Hyou lingered a little longer, holding onto her as she straightened up, patting his head gently. "So? How'd it go?" Burg breezed past them, plucking Hyou from her arms to allow the blond to welcome her back.

"Fine, as always. I saw Jody and she's doing much better." The blond titled his head and she smiled at the look of confusion on his face. "My cousin."

"Ah. Do I know her?"

"No."

He stepped closer, gazing down at her, a grin pulling at his lips. Some were used to the scene and ignored it, while others still found it adorable and watched. Minerva and Yukino were in the latter category. "Sting." The blond tensed, looking over his shoulder at the Territory Mage. She leaned back against the bar, legs crossed as she smiled. "Kiss her already. We're waiting."

"Milady, really, I wasn't—"

"Oh, you weren't?" It wasn't so much a question as it was a threat. He swallowed and Minerva's smile grew. Beside her, Yukino bit her lip, looking over at Rogue. The Shadow Dragon Slayer had just barely asked her out only a few months prior and he was still reluctant to show affection in public—something Minerva took great pains to bring about. Yukino was a willing participant in her plans. "Really?"

"It's good to be back, Sting. Did you miss me?" The blond went red as Zella teased him, leaning up to peck his cheek.

"Zel, do you always have to side with them?" She merely smiled, patting his shoulder and moving to sit with the women, Yukino giggling as Minerva looked triumphant—as she should be. "Rogue, you agree with me, don't you?" The red-eyed man shot him a blank look. "Well?"

"I value my life, thank you," was his quiet remark, causing the Master to hang his head and groan. Some laughed at the typical scene and returned to their beers.

"Zella!" Sabertooth's doors rocked open, a bikini clad figure ambling in, beer in hand. "How ya been?!"

"Cana-san," Zella rose from the table she was at, gazing at the brunette curiously. "Hello, it's been awhile. How are you?" The woman laughed, ambling towards the table, grinning and waving brightly to some of the members she was familiar with. "You should have told me prior to your visit. I would have prepared accordingly."

"Aww, ain't you sweet! Come 'ere, Honey!" Cana flung an arm around the teal haired fortune teller, drawing her in close and kissing her cheek. "Missed ya!"

"Hands off, Fairy!" came from the upstairs office. Cana snickered, sticking her tongue out.

"Make me!" There was a thud from upstairs, several footsteps that were then suspiciously cut off with a louder thud. "Hehe~" Cana settled them down, arm still around the fortune teller as she took a gulp of her beer. "Someone bring me a barrel!" Behind the bar, Yukino waved a bit, assuring the brunette it'd be handled. "So! Let's compare notes, eh, Sweetheart?" from her bag, Cana pulled out her cards, wiggling her brows.

Zella smiled, her cards slipping from her own bag on the other bench. "But of-course."

Sting scowled, stomping down the stairs with Rogue following leisurely behind him. "What's she even doing here?"

"Depleting our alcohol," was the simple response, gathered from the two empty barrels, four mugs, and seven bottles around the table, and the pink-cheeked brunette squishing their secretary into her bosom.

"Oi! Hands off, Drunkard!" Sting howled, leaping the last three steps.

"Ahahaha! Lookee here! It's yer boyfriend~" Cana purred, squishing Zella cheeks together and wobbling.

"Infeed, Cana," Zella managed, pink spots on her cheek where her friend pinched. "Wet go, peas." Cana wobbled back, picking up a half full bottle and gulping it down, grinning widely as the blond flopped onto the bench before her, frowning heavily. "Have you finished all your work?" Sting clicked his tongue. "Rogue?" The shadow slayer nodded. "Alright. I'll send them to the Council tomorrow. Cana, are you sure you're okay to drink all this?"

"Ha! Of-cooourse I am!" she threw an arm out, smacking the secretary hard on the back. "Oh! Here's an idea!" she wrapped the arm around Zella's neck, pulling her in close. "It's perfect!" Cana beamed across at the blond, who watched on, highly suspicious of the drunk. "Let's see what we can find out 'bout Lover Boy! Come on, it'll be fun! Come on, come on!" Cana shook her, obviously excited by her idea.

"We're doing what?"

"We'll look at Blondie here! You go first!" Cana helped her out, grabbing the cards and shoving them into her much steadier hands. "Since ya'll are dating!" Lector fluttered over, hovered on the edge of the table before dropping down, sitting and cocking his head. "Hey, Red!" he wasn't fast enough, a squeak all he managed before he was held tight to Cana's chest. "We're gonna take a look-see into Blondie's future! See if you ever become Godfather to some future brats!"

"Are we?" He looked to his partner, who rolled his eyes, but didn't seem adverse to the idea. "Zella?"

She hummed. "If Sting agrees…" He nodded, shrugging. "Alright." Blue mist surrounded her cards before a single card pulled itself free. She took hold, blinking down at the card.

"Well? What's it say?" Sting leaned forward, finding it odd that only one card came free. Zella jerked, slapping the card face-down on the table. "Zel? Hey, come on, let me see!" he reached out, poking at her hand. "Zel! Not fair, come on! Tell me!"

Cana, meanwhile, had let go of Lector to topple off the bench, laughing hysterically. "Oh—oh—oh, that's just—just PERFECT!" Zella slapped her other hand over the card, pressing down hard and hunching her shoulders.

"Y-you don't need to see it! It's nothing bad, don't worry!"

"Then let me see!"

"N-no!"

"Zella-san, why are you blushing?" Yukino set the tray down, the glasses clinking. Zella froze, giving Sting the opening he needed to swipe the card. Zella squeaked, reaching out for it just as he flipped it up. "Sting-san?"

"It's… blank?" he looked up at his girlfriend, her face buried in her hands, shaking her head slowly. "Zel? Why's it blank?" Behind the bar, Minerva grabbed at Rogue's collar, bringing him close and squeezing, eyes bright. Rogue held still, fearing slightly for his life. "Does… Does this… mean I don't have a future? Zel, it's blank!?" he stared down at the card with both hands gripping it tight, as if it's meaning would reveal itself if only he stared hard enough. "Zel?! I don't have a future?! How long to I have?! Am I sick?! Am I dying?!" Cana let out a rather loud shout, breathing heavily as she laid on the floor. "I'm dying, you shouldn't be laughing! Quick, Wendy's in Lamia, right?! We need her here ASAP! Her and Chelia! Zel!" Cana pounded her fist against the floor, chest heaving as she tried hard to bring air into her lungs.

"A-actually," Yukino bit at her lip, fingers tracing the tray once more before she leaned over, motioning her Guild Master close. Despite his hysterics, he complied. She glanced over to Zel, her face still hidden, as she whispered quickly, giving him the basic rundown of what a blank card meant in Zella's deck.

"Oh. That's what it means." Yukino stepped back, slipping the glasses off and taking the tray, scurrying back to the bar where Minerva let go of rogue to cling to the Celestial Mage, the two girls watching closely. "Zel. You can't see your own future. So you draw a blank card." There was a long moment as he waited for her to answer. The smallest nod meant she agreed. "So if I draw a blank card…" Her form tensed. "That means…"

Cana's arm slammed onto the table and Zella jumped, inching down the bench as the brunette hauled herself up, letting out a few raspy breaths before she wiped her eyes. "Ah, ahaa, okay, that was great, whooo," she dragged herself back onto the bench, settled herself down and letting out a few lingering chuckles. A deep breath in and she proper her arm on the table, holding up her chin and grinning, looking much more sober than she did five minutes ago. "So. You're in her future. Imagine that." Cana's grin was feral.

(Minerva and Yukino squeaked. Rogue twitched.)

"Hey, hey, lemme see," Cana swiped the cards she only knew the basics for. "Alright, alright…" she took the blank card, shuffling it in before spreading them out in a line across the table. "Let's see… Let's see… Children…" her hand hovered over the cards before plucking one near the edge. "Aha! See heee…" Her smile curled further as she flipped the card around, showing the blank white box. "Lookat that. I can't tell. Now, let's see for you, Blondie," she shuffled the cards again before plucking one from the stack. "Oh? My my my, would you look at this? Blank too. What a coincidence. Both blank. For the both of you. My. I wonder what that means. Any thoughts? Zella? Sting?"

Both stared across at each other before turning slowly to look at Cana.

"Congratulations!" Someone from a few tables over sang and then the room filled with cheering.

At the bar, Burg eyed the blond with distaste, Pepper beside him sharing the same expression as she watched the two blush and spluttered.

Well. It's been a very long time and for that, I apologize. I did mean to finish this, that's why this sat in my files for almost a year, half-finished (bet you can find the exact point in which I started the second half) and if it wasn't for a very nice Anon on tumblr, it probably would've been another year or so before I finished this~

So! Sorry for the wait, but thank you for waiting so very patiently!

Fall From Grace is now complete!

Thank you for much for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Until the next time, ciao!