A Different Fairy Tail

Episode 9: Stories of our past

"These footprints… No question about it… They passed through here two days ago." spoke a young man of average height as he looked to the dry desert ground. He had long black hair, which had a shade of dark purple to it and covers the right part of his face. His eyes were black as well, and the right one is obscured by his hair. His attire was a western design, mirroring cowboys minus the hat. His outfit consisted of a long brown coat, similar to a poncho, with thin strips hanging from the edges, covering most of his body, together with a shirt, with its sleeves rolled up, torn pants with strips similar to the ones on his coat hanging from their edges, held up by a studded belt with a skull-shaped buckle, and simple shoes, or boots. He had a case on his right hip, attached to a belt and he also sported an ornament circling his left leg, consisting of a large leather belt, seemingly decorated by concentric circles in its widest part.

Behind him with her hand to her hip was a young woman close to his age with long, straight green hair reaching down to her lower back, with a pair of long bangs framing her face. She had brownish purple eyes, and wore red lipstick. Just like the young male, her clothes mirror a traditional cowgirl, with a cowgirl hat on her head, a light, polka-dotted neck scarf, and a pair of reddish brown boots. Her body is covered by a short, strapless one-piece dress decorated by spiraling motifs with darker, striped edges. The young man was kneeled to the ground observing one of the footsteps left by someone while his companion stood behind him.

"They should've definitely reached Magnolia by now, then." The green haired woman added. "I wonder if something happened…"

"Yeah." The young man replied. "For now, let's return and give our report."

"We're not going after them?" the green haired woman asked.

The young man shook his head before they left to return home on large birds. The two were Alzack Connell and Bisca Mulan and these two were members of Fairy Tail. Alzack and Bisca returned to Magnolia to inform Mirajane about where Lisanna's group and Makarov were now. She was surprised and a bit worried.

"Oh, this is a dilemma." Mirajane admitted, "A message from the council has arrived, too…"

"Don't look at me, I wanted to follow them." Bisca replied.

"No, we wouldn't have." Alzack assured her. "Not even experienced members of hunters' guilds can find their way out of that end of Clover Canyon."

"It's a natural labyrinth, why would they go through there?" Bisca asked Mira.

"They must have a reason." Mira assured Bisca, placing a hand to her cheek. "The master's with them, so they should be okay, but…" Mira paused as Alzack spoke up again.

"Well, we'll just hope for the best for them." Alzack admitted.

"By the way Mira, what was the message?" Bisca asked.

"Well Lisanna's group destroyed the conference hall and about three-five mountains." Mira explained to the piar. Alzack and Bisca looked at each other back.

"That bad?" Alzack asked.

"Was there a reason?" Bisca asked curiously.

"All the message was that the Conference was attacked by a demon, but they took care of it. I sure hope it's nothing too bad…" Mira pondered out loud.

Our return to Magnolia took us through the web valley since we left Clover. Our long trek back gave me some time to think about the past few days…

Erza and Luke returned to the guild and requested myself, Sting Gray, and Kyuri for an important mission that they needed our help. A Dark Guild known as Eisenwalllld had in their possession a death flute called Lullaby. Their plan was to use the flute not at the town we thought they would use it, but in clover to the guild masters. Thanks to Lucy and Virgo, we were able to escape Erigor's Wind Wall and myself and Sting were able to put a stop to him. That was until Kageyama took the flute and helped Clover. We manage to make it and the Shadow Dark Guild Wizard seems to have a change of heart. But the Lullaby Flute turned into a giant demon. Together with my team, we managed to defeat it, but we destroyed the conference hall in the process. So now we are making our long way home. As for me…

A few days have passed since the battle at Clover and the fight with Lullaby. Lisanna, Sting, Lucy, Happy, Lector, Kyuri, Erza, Luke, Byakko, Cyan, and Makarov were making their long walk back to Magnolia, knowing it was going to be a long return home with so much that has happened. Lisanna led the group, Sting following Happy and Lector following beside him, Kyuri walking with Cyan, Erza walking with Luke and Byakko, Gray right behind them, and Master Makarov right behind him. As for Lucy herself…

"After that detour we made, leaving this valley we'll take another hour or so..." she explained.

She was being carried by Lisanna, who held the Celestial Spirit Wizard by her thighs. Even with the extra weight of her rapier, it wasn't too much for the Takeover Wizard and leader. Although for Lisanna herself, this was much of her obvious crush she could handle. Her cheeks had a slight pink blush no one could see.

"I'm sorry, those fish looked good to be true…" Happ spoke up from behind the pair in front of him.

"No need to apologize Happy, we just shouldn't have expected much from that, that's all." Lector replied to him.

"We lost some time, but we can make it up if we just leave the Valley faster," Gray pondered.

"Well leader? Do you have anything?" Sting asked his fellow leader.

"Give me a moment okay?" she replied to the White Dragon Slayer, trying to get her mind off that she's carrying Lucy.

"By the way, Lisanna?" Lucy asked, looking at the back of her short white hair, "you didn't have to carry me, I didn't hurt myself that badly."

"But you almost fell off the cliff, I was worried you could have hurt yourself, that's all." she admitted she was still blushing. Lucy was taken aback, but smiled, hugging more closely to her (her chest more pressed to her).

"Thanks Lisanna, you're sweet." only for Lisanna to squeak, her face going red with the contact of Lucy's chest, "What's wrong, you okay?"

"F-Fine, I'm fine!" she stammered, hiding her blushing, 'Calm down Struass, Calm down! Your crush was pressing her soft chest to your... focus, focus!" she screams internally.

"If we had the Magic Mobile, we would have cleared the valley by now. But we never found where Kageyama left it. And we could have asked the Guild Masters for help, but we kind of got them mad at us." Luke explained, to which Erza looked crestfallen that the mess they made.

"We're sorry Master, we should have been more careful back there." Erza said apologetically.

"No big deal, you guys were the only ones who could have done anything. It's not like those meetings are fun outside of the food." He replied.

"Leader, anything?" Kyuri asked, "Unless you got a way we can go through miles of desert valley, we're going to be walking more."

'Stop focusing on her chest, maybe just keep stomping away, wait!" she realized and finally stopped, everyone seeing the young whitre haired wizard turned to them, "I know how we can get to Oshibana Station quicker. I'm sure someone there will give us a Magic Mobile."

"You do?" Cyan asked, her eyes not covered by her mask.

"Yup!" She nodded and looked at her short Master, "Master, I'm going to need your assistance."

"What is it?" he asked and the cats, Kyuri, and even Gray were curious too.

The sound of rumbling echoed in the Web Valley as thunder was booming in the sky. The sound of footsteps was made by Makarov, the size of a monster walking through the desert with tremendous steps. Lisanna, Sting, Lucy, Happy, Lector, Byakko (who were flying by his ears), Erza, Luke, and Cyan sat on his shoulders while Kyuri and Gray were on his head. Using their ice magic, they created an ice umbrella to keep their master free from the heat. They were making better strides than just walking. The Master of Fairy Tail could see the Station from a far distance.

"Oshibana Station is just ahead, we should be there in a couple minutes." spoke Makarov in a booming voice.

"That's great, we'll be there in no time!" Lucy exclaimed excitedly. She looked to Lisanna, who still wasn't over the contact of the Celestial Spirit Wizard and still blushing madly, "You okay Lisanna, you look red."

"I-I'm fine!" she exclaimed, looking away at Lucy, face even more red. Lucy looked confused at this, was she really okay? Luke, Cyan, and Erza spotted the pair and Sting the other shoulder and sighed, Lucy not understanding what's going on. Erza (who wasn't too far off), got a good idea as well.

"Jeez, how can someone be that dense at simple hints?" Luke groaned, only knowing Lucy for only a few days and can catch that Lisanna likes her.

"Now, now, I'm sure she'll understand." Erza said reassuringly.

"I hope so. This is embarrassing to watch." Cyan mumbled, covering her eyes with her hands.

On top of Makarov's head, Kyuri and Gray were holding out their hands still to produce their ice umbrella. They looked at each other for a moment and looked away with a scoff. Kyuri looked back at the distance but looked to her hands to keep the umbrella mantified with Gray. As much she didn't like it, it was to keep Makarov from getting hot in the sun. Her mind flashed to years ago, once looking up to Gray, only for Gray to yell at her and for her to run away. She always liked Gray, an Ice Wizard like her. But how he acted to her, he was colder than her. It still got to her, that's why she trained the three years to be better than Gray, then he'll respect her.

True to Makarov's word, they finally arrived back in Oshibana Station. It was very quiet, since it was evacuated, not many citizens were back, the roads were not as busy, meaning no one was completely back. Taking their spot on a table under an umbrella, Erza, Luke, and Byakko left to see if they could find a Magic mobile left behind here. The group and Makarov sat under the shade, it was better than walking in a valley. Lucy sighed deeply in relief, no more walking in the sun now once the pair and Byakko got the Magic Mobile for them.

"Much better, I feel I'd miss the shade." she said, resting her head on the smooth surface of the table.

"It's going to be a while. The Station is much quieter than normal. Authorities did evacuate the town, so I'm sure there's some who came back after everything cooled down." Cyan said, a hand to umbrella pole.

"Well, since we've been here for a bit, guess we can talk. We haven't had a chance to talk much since leaving Magnolia. I never got to get to know most of you, and I feel it would be okay to share about yourselves. So, tell me about yourself?" she asked, lookin at most of the group. Gray put his elbow to the table and his left hand to his head, looking to Lucy (and for once, his clothes still on).

"Well, my teacher is a member of Fairy Tail. But she's busy right now so I don't see her as often." he explained, "I've known Lisanna, Sting, and Natsu for a few years. Lucas as well. Erza I've known before them. And two years ago Natsu vanished. We aren't sure if he died or not. We're still wondering what happened."

"Lisanna and Sting said he vanished, you sure he didn't die?" Lucy asked.

Lisanna tugged at Natsu's scarf, thinking about it, "It was an accident at a mission, and he vanished. We all took it hard that day…" she paused remembering how Elfman felt days after Natsu's death.

X782. It wasn't long after our mission to deal with the Beast. Myself, Mirajane, Elfman, and Cyan, still trying to get over the loss of our friend. It was a month, close to the start of the fall, and not that long, gained a very odd member I don't see. Mirajane says she's seen him once, but never sees him in the guild. It's strange, he joins not long after Natsu's death… who was he?

"Lisanna!" a voice called to her while in the Fairy Hills dorm, seeing the young white haired wizard making her way out. Lisanna turned to her sister, seeing she was gearing up to head out.

"Morning Mira-nee!" she greeted her sister.

"Heading out again?" she asked, hands behind her back.

"Yup. Sting and I have a quest to find something. So we're going to be gone for the day." she explained before eyeing Mirajane closely, "Mira-nee, your clothes?" Instead of the usually black attire of a halter top and skirt, she was wearing a dress, pink and over her legs. Her hair was even done up more nicely. While her hair was petty, it was much nicer than she looked a month ago.

"You look very cute now." she added.

"Thank you," Mirajane replied, her hands to her front now, "When I asked the Master to step down as S-Class, I figured to change my look. I guess it was time to finally grow out of that phase now. Oh!" she added more brightly, "Remember that offer I was given from Sorcerer Weekly? Well I got the job!"

"That's amazing!" Lisanna replied happily, hugging her sister for getting the job. "I'll promise to get every article you're in!"

"You don't have to go that far, but the thought that counts." she said, patting her on the head.

"Well, I'm off sister. Tell Elfman I'm gone until later at night. I know he's training right now, so I doubt I'll see him until nighttime. Cyan is still off trying to control her power and I know it's hard on her. See you later Mira!" giving her sister one last hug and walking towards the doors. Before she touched the knob, she paused, speaking directly to her sister, tone much more. "Mirajane, I'm certain Natsu is alive somewhere, I won't give up on bringing him home. I know, I know you and Elfman are still hurt by his death, I am too. But I'm not giving up on him. That's why I'm going to get stronger, to protect Fairy Tail. That's what I promised him… Later." and with a wave to her sister, she was out the door. Mira looked at the place of her little sister, worried she'll be okay.

"Lisanna…"

"The same day I left that day was the same quest I found a phoenix." she finished, and Lucy was taken aback.

"For real?! You really found one!" she exclaimed.

"Yeah, I was following rumors of a creature that uses fire. It was a few of our fellow guild mates who helped discover this rumor. They were hesitant because of what happened, but they saw my determination to go. No way they could stop me…" she said, looking up into the sky.

"That was a risky mission we went on, but it did give us a new power for you." Sting chimed in.

"We should arrive at the island by now," Lisanna announced to Sting, Happy and Lector. She looked to the three friends with her on a boat. Sting was slumped over the edge of the boat while Lector comforted him. Happy was starting at the Fiore map, eyeing the location they were going to.

"A few miles. We left Hargeon, the island eyewitness says they saw a bright light at night on this island. No one saw it leave. It should be there." Happy explained.

"Can we get there soon, I'm going to die!" Sting groaned looking into the water.

"We'll be there Sting-kun, don't worry!" Lector assured him.

"Please we get here! I promised I help but I don't want to die of motion sickness!" he groaned around before covering his mouth.

"We're almost there Sting, hang in there!" Lisanna called out to him.

Time passed, and Lisanna and her group made it to the island where the Phoenix presumably was. Lisanna rowed the boat to the pier and grabbed the boat closer to it. Taking the rope, she tied the boat closer to it and around the log. Once the boat was secured, she helped Lector and Happy grabbed Sting and carried him onto the pier.

"Sting, we made it. You okay?" Lisanna asked concerned, lightly slapping his pale face. Color returned to Sting's face as he rose up.

"We made it!" he cheered, jumping up.

"Good to see you're back." she laughed, putting her hand to his shoulder, "Now let's get moving." Grabbing from the boat her bag and Sting's, they looked back and walked off the pier and onto the sandy shore. "Okay. From what we gathered, this island is a great fishing spot for fish and animals that make their homes here. But ever since people saw that red light, no one dared come here worried what might attack them. And that's where we'll find our Phoenix."

"After finding it, can we get those yummy fish you mentioned?" Happy asked, already drooling. As he hopped on Lisanna's shoulder. Lisanna merely giggled, patting his head.

"Later, I promise. Sting, can you get a smell of anything in particular?" she asked, looking at the Dragon Slayer.

"Nope. We are close to the water, so I'm just smelling the salty air. If we go into the forest deep enough, I might be able to smell something." Sting suggested at once, pointing directly at the forest before them.

"Well let's go!" Lector exclaimed excitedly, activating his wings and floated near Sting who walked side by side Lisanna and Happy.

Walking in the forest, Sting was sniffing the air, trying to smell anything that could be related to the Phoenix they were looking for. Animals seem to be shaken in fright, like they couldn't go in a certain direction. Getting more into the thick of the trees, Sting stopped, smelling the air around him. Lisanna, seeing animals popping out of trees and bushes. They were very frightened, it might mean they saw something way bigger or more dangerous than them. She kneeled down with Happy hopping off, the pair looking to what seem like prints were old but still fresh, shaped like a bird's talons. The talons stopped, now feet (barefoot in appearance) looking ahead from where Sting stood sniffing.. There was another thing to take, it wasn't a big Phoenix, it could be the size of a person. But it didn't explain why the bird talon tracks vanished into bare feet.

"Have you picked up anything?" Happy asked.

"Well, here's what I gathered: animals are avoiding somewhere in this forest. Then there's the tracks, talons change to footprints. There's no sign of a struggle or extra footprints from humans or wizards like us. So I can deduce one thing: The phoenix isn't completely a creature." she explained.

"Aye, I kind of noticed too. While on your shoulder, I saw scorch marks on the tree bark. They must belong to it." Happy said.

"Could it be hurt? The rumors said they saw the light zig zag." Lisanna thought aloud. She rose up and spoke to Sting and Lector, "found anything?"

"I smell the scent of something like coal. It's that way. Let's proceed cautiously." he suggested.

"Good plan. Happy, Lector, please stay behind us. If we have to fight, get ready to fly us to a safe location." she instructed the two felines.

"Aye!" Happy exclaimed excitedly.

"You got it." Lector nodded in agreement.

With Sting in the lead, Lisanna behind him, and Happy and Lector taking the rear, they proceed to follow the footprints and scorch marks. More footprints and scorch marks were more clearer, even seeing the footprints having burnt marks too. Sting could smell they were close. Keeping a steady path, the four Fairy Tail members continued to follow the trail. Lisanna could smell something, even if her nose wasn't as sharp as her Dragon Slayer companion. It was the smoke, like something was once on fire. A clearing was visible as they got close, finally emerging in a large clearing. And before them was what they were looking for, or so they thought.

It was a girl, no older than fifteen in appearance. Her hair was shoulder length, red-orange with colorful feathers tufted behind her ears. Her skin was a palish white, like she was in fear. Her clothes were a yukata, colorful like her hair: red, orange, and yellow. Her feet were barefoot, one of them looked to be injured. Around the area, it looked like a fire once was here, logs covered in soot and ashes of bark.

"Is that the Phoenix?" Happy asked, looked at the girl.

"I didn't think it would have such a human shape, the rumors that creatures have an appearance of humans do have some merit." Lisanna spoke up softly, not wanting to alert it. They stepped closer into the opening, only for Sting's boots to step on a twig. The girl woke up, eyes open to hear someone where there. Seeing the two wizards and two cats before her, she held out a hand, fire surrounding it. Happy and Lector looked worried she might attack, sting ready to fight, but Lisanna, she held out her arms to stop them.

"Stay back." she ordered them. Sting and the cats hesitated, knowing it could be dangerous. Sting eyed her, seeing she didn't want them to scare her off with four of them coming up to her. Scaring it is not an option, it's best to let her do it, it's her mission to find it anyway.

Lisanna walked forward, holding her arms in a safe manner, not wanting to show it could hurt her. She smiled to it, her eyes facing it. "Don't be afraid, we mean you no harm."

The Phoenix reacted and a fire shot from it's hand, causing Sting, Lector, and Happy to gasp.

"Lisanna!" they shouted. The fireball passed Lisanna's right cheek and hit the tree, making a little burn mark. Lisanna wasn't fazed, smiling remaining and stepping closer.

"It's alright, you're scared. If you can understand human speech, tell me… How did you get here, and who caused your injured leg?"she asked.

The Phoenix girl kept her arm held out, fire still surrounding it but went out instantly. She looked down sad, her hands to the hem of her yukata. "People are always after us, our power. I left my home to be free. But I was attacked by wizards. I thought I couldn't get away, so I flew here. I've been here for a day, trying to recover my magic to heal my injuries."

"Heal, like healing magic?" Sting asked, keeping his distance from the two.

"I know the legends of Phoenix are able to rise from the dead from the ashes, but I didn't think they also had healing magic too." Lector said in disbelief of it all.

"A Lost Magic, kind of like Natsu's, Luke's, and Sting's." Happy chimed in.

"Once my injuries are gone, I'll probably fly out of this continent. So, I'm sorry for attacking you. I guess you aren't bad wizards, ow!" and her words were cut short but she was shouting out and looking at Lisanna taking hold of her injured leg.

"Hold still, I can't bandage your leg if you move so much." she ordered, wrapping the gauze around her thigh. The Phoenix looked bewildered on this white haired wizard, why was she helping her? She looked at her, seeing her helping her despite knowing she wants to be free, who is she?

"Why are you helping me?" she finally asked.

"I have my reasons, one of them is strength. A boy who I can call family vanished or died or disappeared. I am looking to grow stronger, to protect Fairy Tail like he said. That's why I found you." she smiled, and the two girls' eyes met, "Let's make a deal: I'll keep you safe from anyone who's after your powers, if you let me have your power."

"My power, how come?" she asked.

"I may not look at it, but I am a Takeover Wizard. I did learn how to use it, there was a time I accidentally turned into a pig learning the magic to cheer my sister up," and gave a little giggle, "But I want to get stronger so I can find my friend. So will you join me?"

The Phoenix girl stared at Lisanna, still taken aback by her kindness and her request. It's true, being safe from anyone who is after her. Lisanna promises to protect her by becoming a Takeover Soul for her. Exchanging for life to be within another, it might seem crazy, but at least she'll be free. She held out a hand to her, giving a smile before she winced at the pain again.

"Sure. I'll join you. But do you have a name?" she asked her. Lisanna looked at her, smiling at her again.

"Lisanna. Lisanna Strauss, were you given a name?" Lisanna asked.

"Ayaka. My name is Ayaka." The Phoenix girl named Ayaka introduced herself and Lisanna shaked it once she was finished with the wrapping of her bandages. Ayaka tried to get back on her feet, losing her balance before Lisannna caught her in an embrace. Ayaka felt the warmth of the hug and Lisanna felt her warmth. It was gentle, like Natsu was still there. Ayaka hugged her tighter and spoke to her, Sting, Happy and Lector still watching, knowing not to interfere as their friend was fine, "It's going to be an honor to work with you."

"Likewise…" Lisanna replied, hugging her tightly, a hand to her hair. She held her close, finally speaking out loud, "Take Over…" and a magic circle, a light blue one appeared under hers and Ayaka's feet. Their bodies were then surrounded by red-orange flames and vanished into the fire. Sting could feel the heat around them, feeling the warmth on his face and watched with Happy and Lector on his shoulders. He knows from Mirajane and Elfman that Takeover magic was a double edge sword, the creature controls you or you control it. And he was worried that Lisanna wouldn't be able to control it. He wasn't sure how he would keep Happy and Lector safe and now have Lisanna burn the forest and wildlife down. With the fire finally dead down, Sting geared for the worse as he saw a sight to behold.

Standing before them was only Lisanna, as sparks flames were dying out. It was a cotton yukata decorated with red-orange flames. It was a sleeveless yukata and the skirt reached past her knees. On her back was a red bow and her arms were red half way up her arms, but not red skin but red feathers. Her two hands each resembled a bird's talon but still looked like her hand. Lastly was Lisanna's white hair now red, orange, and yellow, with tufts of feathers behind her ears. Much of her white hair was still there, as she looked to her friends. She tugged at Natsu's scarf and looked at them.

"Lisanna?" Sting asked, not sure if that was Lisanna anymore.

All they were greeted with was Lisanna's sweet smile.

"I can't believe something like that exists and you found it!" Lucy exclaimed as Lisanna paused her story.

"I was shocked too but Ayaka is within me. Mira and Elfman were very taken aback: first I had a new Takeover, second it was fire based, and third I was in control. But they were proud of me, but they scolded me for not letting Sting try to handle it while I was not using any magic. Those two can be such doting parents." she sighed, stretching her arms out.

"Well you helped me back with Bora, so I own you. Thanks Lisanna." Lucy added, smiling at her. Lisanna blushed, turning her head away to hide her embarrassment.

"It was nothing." She replied, but Sting and Kyuri felt a little rejected; they didn't get any praise. They helped too.

"What about us?" they asked coolly.

"Oh, Sting, Kyuri-chan, thanks as well. If I didn't meet the three of you, I would probably be tricked by Bora and sent into another country, losing all hope of Fairy Tail. Thanks." she added, now putting them on the spot.

"It was nothing. I didn't like him using my brother's nickname in vian. I couldn't sit by and let him get away with it." Sting admitted.

"Your brother must be a good person that you wouldn't want his name tarnished." Lucy spoke.

"Of course. We aren't related by blood, but I've known him since I was little, when our dragons took care of us. It's hard for me to explain it, but I have.. Gaps in my memories that I don't remember."

"Gaps?" Lucy asked, Happy and Lector looking at him.

"I never told Luke this, but I felt like I knew him, long ago. But I didn't meet him until a year after we came to Fairy Tail, so it doesn't make sense. And in my memories, there are others, kids I knew." Sting replied, his elbow to the table.

"Other kids Sting-kin?" Kyuri repeated.

"Several is the keyword. If I had an estimate, it would be seven kids, adding me it will be eight." Sting explained and circled his finger to the looked to Sting, curious on what he meant. Eight kids, but he apparently knows Luke. Gray put his own arm to the table, looking to the White Dragon Slayer. Of all his time knowing the two, he never heard Sting mention knowing Luke. Thinking back, Natsu never knew his own age than remember facies from his childhood.

"Eight, does Luke know?" Gray asked.

"I haven't told him. I'm sure he would bring it up. We were young when our dragons disappeared but I'm certain I met Luke before. But a favor: don't tell Luke or Byakko, I don't want to worry him. He's got enough on his plate as it is."

"Sure Sting, but are you sure you don't want to tell him?" Cyan asked this time.

"It's better not to make him concerned as I am on our memories." he replied, before crossing his arms in thought, 'Natsu and I were taken in by our Dragons, and then they vanished on July 7th, x777. Still, why that day and why do my memories feel foggy?'

"We're back!" called a familiar voice, breaking Sting from his thoughts. Erza, Luke, and Byakko were back, the three standing in the cobblestone road with a magic mobile with them.

"Good to see you're back. Was it hard to find one?" Master Makarov asked, the short master walking to the three.

"It was, but we found one. Apparently someone didn't mind giving this one to us. Plus getting home safely is our priority." Erza replied before looking at everyone, knowing there were eight people and three cats, "We might be a bit snug in it, only six people will fit inside."

"I don't mind flying more, so Lucas and I won't mind flying again." Byakko chimed in.

"I'm not in the mood to be sick in the vehicle, Lector we'll fly beside them." Sting said, crossing his arms.

"Sure." Lector nodded.

"So myself, Lucy, Gray, Kyuri, Cyan, and the master will ride inside the Magic Mobile. Sounds fair, but will you be okay Erza, it's still a ways home." Lisanna wondered, concerned Erza will be too tired to drive all the way back. The Scarlet haired wizard might exhaust herself before they even reach Magnolia. Erza smiled calmly at the Takeover Wizard.

"I'll be fine as long as I take breaks from driving back. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine." she assured Lisanna.

"If you say so…" Lisanna replied and picked up Happy and walked to the Magic Mobile. Lisanna climbed in, followed by Lucy and Kyuri. Makrov, Gray, and Cyan followed suit and closed the carriage door. Erza took her spot in the driver and attached the SE plug to her wrist. She took a deep breath, it was going to be a long way home. Looking to her left and right, Luke and Sting were already lifted by Lector and Byakko. With her hands on the wheel and feet on the pedals, Erza and the members of Team Strauss took off.

Lucy watched from the window the passing by of the railroad tracks, the Magic Mobile riding beside it. It was nice to not be walking forever and just relax watching the landscape. It was still a little rocky, it was a slightly bumpy road. Nevertheless, walking feeling hungry wouldn't be grand. His head rests on the door window, enjoying the scenery. Of course, the Celestial wizard did have questions. Her foot rests on her rapier, tapping at it with her boot and now looking at her friends. It wasn't long, like days ago, meeting some of these people and now forming a team with them. She wondered why she wanted to stick around them, their reason why she wanted her to be a part of their team was because she was blonde. But getting to know and enjoy her time with Sting, Lisanna, Happy, Lector, and Kyuri, helping them and meeting Kaby Melon, it was fun and exciting. Maybe sticking around them would be fun. She was scared of the whole Eisenwald situation, but she remembers Lisanna's words of being brave. She fought a demon with a rapier sword, she never thought that could happen. She won't deny it, it was… great being these guys, she's happy she met them in Hargeon,

But does she know a lot about them? Sting is looking for Natsu with Lisanna, Happy, and Lector. Gray has a teacher. There's not a lot she knows of Erza, Luke, Cyan, and Kyuri. She thought about it, there's things she wants to keep secret, but she was curious to learn more about them. While they got home,it was time to ask them.

"Hey Cyan-chan, Kyuri-chan, you never told me anything about yourselves. Well I like to know more. Especially you Cyan-chan, you were a shock of someone I never met before." Lucy spoke up, looking at the two girls.

"Well what do you want to know Lucy?" Cyan asked, cocking her head to the blonde.

"Anything, I want to get to know more about others. So, tell me about yourself." she replied. Cyan looked at Cyan, her red eyes looking at Lucy's brown eyes.

"Hmm, well, I guess I'll go into this. My full name is Cyan Mitsu, and I'm the adopted sister Mirajane Strauss, Lisanna Strauss, and Elfman Straus." she confirmed and she gasped in shock.

"What?! You're their sister?!" she exclaimed, making everyone else jump off their seats.

"Yes dear, she is a part of their family. Three years ago, they found her and brought her into Fairy Tail. Without a family, Mirajane personally wanted her to be a part of their family, acting as her guardian and older sister." Makarov explained, hands to his lap.

"Whoa. I never knew Mira had an adopted sister." Lucy realized.

"It's not common knowledge, only a few official records knows of her adoption to the Strauss family," Kyuri said, kicking her feet, "At least, what I was told. I left the guild the same time she came."

"Why did you leave?" Lucy asked. The carriage went silent, Gray and Kyuri not seeing each other. The air went silent, Lucy everyone not looking at each other. Even Happy, the cheerful one, didn't have a smile on his face. Her gaze looked at Lisanna, who growed in anger, eyeing the male Ice Wizard. Gray wasn't even looking at everyone, eyewing the window. Kyuri spoke up, her tone as cold as her magic.

"You don't need to know… Ask again, and you'll regret it…" and Lucy's face went pale.

"R-r-right…" she stammered, before looking to Cyan, hoping to change the subject, "Anyway, tell me how you guys met."

"Sure," she nodded, "Three years ago, I lived with my parents and my sister. Of course, I caused a grave incident, something that the Magic Council were to know the true culprit, I'd be taken for questioning. I'm not good at Full Body Takeover like Lisanna-nii. So when they met, I did something terrible. I'll never get over what I did..."

X781

Lisanna was staring out the opening of the horse drawn carriage, looking at the dirt road, feeling every bump of the ride. A sigh escaped her lips. When her sister asked her to help with a mission, she didn't think it would take them to an unknown small village. She wanted to spend time with the newcomer Kyuri, a Ice Sculpt Wizard, a type of ice Wizard like Gray and Ur. But when asked, she knew Mira wouldn't go alone without her siblings on a quest. Kicking her feet off the wagon bench, she looked back to her older sister and brother, Mirajane was reading an article of Sorcerer Weekly, flipping through pages. Her older brother was tapping on his legs. He looked eager for things, albeit he looked a bit curious. He was always to be the man of the family, he will protect them on what they find. Reluctantly Mira finally spoke up to her siblings, now that their destination was close at hand.

"Sorry I had to drag you two, but this situation might need us, being Takeover Wizards after all." Mira spoke.

"The sure fact you need our help, being a s-Class and all, must be a serious Big Sis." Elfman said, looking at her.

"A village there Takeover Wizards live, that's what you told us, correct?" Lisanna asked, smiling at her.

"Yes. And it seems a disturbance that the Master told me that the Magic Council wanted to investigate." Mirajane explained to which Elfman gave a low groan.

"The Magic Council asking us for a favor. I swear the next thing from them will be a blast of magical energy at our guild or try to wipe the magic from the continent." Lisanna gave her older brother a nervous chuckle.

"Elf-nii chain, don't even joke about that. No way the Council would use that kind of measures on even us." Lisanna assured him, albeit her tone was nervous about the idea.

"In any case, it's better that we investigate and not the Council. I'm not a fan of them either and who knows what they'll do." Mirajane assured them, before steep to the front of the carriage to peer out, "We're here."

The Carriage finally arrived in the outskirts of the village that the Strauss Siblings were to investigate. Elfman hopped first out of the carriage, before taking Lisanna's hand to help, followed by Mirajane. The driver of the carriage, a young man, held the reins of his horse and parred it's neck.

"Ms. Mirajane, I'll wait here when you return." the man instructed, "Be careful, even though I have heard things about this place."

"Thank you. Elfman, Lisanna, let's move!" Mirajane ordered her siblings.

"Right!" they replied and walked towards the village.

Entering inside, the thick smell of blood hit the three Wizards. Mirajane kept a cool head at the smell, but Elfman and Lisanna felt they were hit by a blast of it. Walking more into the village, it was stained in blood and even clothes . It was a horrible side, to even be in here gave Lisanna the creeps. They stopped for a moment, Mirajane looking to the two. Her arms crossed and face stern, the She Devil being the most calm of them all.

"It's insane, it's like a ghost town." she realized.

"You don't think anyone's dead?" Elfman asked, his own arms crossed.

"Let's not count it as a possibility. There might be survivors. I'll head deeper in. You two look around the building for any survivors. If they need any emergency medical attention, do it , Okay?" Mirajane asked.

"Sure Sis, but will you be okay?" Elfman asked. A confidant smirk passed Mirajane's lips.

"I can handle myself, it's you two I'm worried about and splitting you two up would be a bad move as a S-class Wizard. I'm a lot stronger than you should remember that. Anyway, come back in half an hour. Do not engage in a fight you know you can't win. That goes for you Elfman, the last time you didn't listen, we toppled a whole building… Granted, I laughed, but the Master scolded me for an hour." Mirajane sighed.

"Okay, okay, I can follow the order this time. As the man of this family, I should do this." he replied proudly, puffing his chest with pride.

"If you say so. Be careful/" she ordered, walking away, her back facing the two siblings.

Following their older sistyer's orders, Elfmana nd Lisanna investigate several of the houses around them while Mirajane was deeper in the village. Looking around, it was still blood stain and doors were all open. Lisanna took airborne over her brother's head with Animal soul: Wings, to cover over her brother's head. But they checked over five to eight, all bare of people and all looked to have broken in or the door swung open. Lisanna took a spot by her brother, dismissing her wings and crouching down with concern.

"Hey Elf-nii chan, I have a question?" Lisanna asked.

"If you think someone ate these people in an attack, then I would say yes. I'm not smart, but I tell you this was the work of a monster. Actually did you see some of the bones we found as well," remember in their searchy they discovered bodies of people, their flesh cleaned off, "This means a monster ate them, that's why we can't find a person. They're dead."

"But this is a Takeover Wizard village, can someone really go as far as cannibalism?" Lisanna asked, her tone deep in fear.

"Maybe. Master told us once that our magic is a part of us, but the same can be the monster or creature we take over. Mira ended up learning the magic and we learned it too, but could one day, we'll fall into the hands of our magic." Elfman said, making Lisanna worry.

"Elfman…" she spoke softly, before he patted a hand to her white hair.

"Don't be, we are part of the same guild and team as our big Sister, nothing will happen as long as I am here." he said proudly. Lisanna giggled, smiling at her big brother.

"Thank you Elf nii-chan. I need that to pick me up." she replied, getting up from the ground. Before looking back to the house they stood near, a voice started to call out weakly, almost in pain.

"Please, help me… please, help.." it was girl's voice, the two younger Struass siblings look around when both heard that voice

"You hear something?" Elfman asked.

"I'll check in the air. Take Over: Wings!" Lisanna exclaimed, her arms glowing before her arms turned into pink and green wings and took overhead. Elfman crossed his arms and pondered, his hand to his chin.

"This can't be real, someone's alive in this ghost town?" he asked himself.

"Elfman, there's someone over in that direction of a tree!"Lisanna called from above.

"What!? Well don't just float there, lead me to them!" he called to her. Lisanna nodded and took off east of the village, Elfman following his little sister. The went through more of the village, coming to the east side, where a large oak tree stood. On the tree's trunk, a girl was laying there. If it wasn't for how close they were, they were lucky to hear. Lisanna floated down and dismissed her takeover, standing by her older brother. It was a girl close to fifteen years old. Blue hair a lighter shade, clothes ripped and body covered by claw marks. She looked up weakly, her vision blurry seeing two Wizards in front of her.

"Are you… wizards?" she asked.

"Yes, we are Wizards from the Fairy Tail guild. Are you okay?" Lisanna asked, cornened for her state, she looked like she'll kill over in a minute..

"Wizards... Then, please you need to... You need to," she tried to get up but the pain in her legs was giving up as she was about to fall into the ground. Lisanna caught her, the girl's to her neck.

"What are you doing, you can barely walk!" she screamed.

The girl looked up at Lisanna, a slight blush on her face, "what a pretty girl!"

"W-What?!" Lisanna blushed, almost taken aback from a comment like that. Sure, guild members have commented on her looks, saying she'll be a beautiful young woman, but never another girl so up front.

"A manly confession!" Elfman exclaimed, fists clenched together.

"Please pretty girl, you need to protect her…" the blue haired girl said, gripping Lisanna's shoulder tightly, "My sister, Cyan... she didn't mean to. She lost control of her magic and killed everyone... My mother, father, everyone. I'm sure I'm the only one left. You have to protect her, please!" her voice trembled, her eyes tearing up, Lisanna seeing the distress in her eyes, their eyes meeting.

"You want us to protect her?" Lisanna asked. The girl nodde, her wounded legs giving way as she was about to fall. Lisanna caught her, looking at the wounded girl, "I promise. Just let us tend to your wounds before we look for Cyan-san."

"Thank you. Tell me, what is your name?" the girl asked, her eyes mid open.

"It's Lisanna." she replied, looking at the girl's face.

"Lisanna… that's a cute name…" and the girl's eyes closed, a smile and blush on her face.

It wasn't long that Lisanna and Elfman had bandaged the girls arms and legs, even putting a gauze on her cheek. Resting her on the tree trunk, there wasn't much they could do, instead look for Mirajane. Despite finding that girl, Lisanna couldn't get her words out of her head. Protect Cyan, She wasn't going to break the promise she made to the girl. A Wizard's word is unbroken vow, no way she could break it. Walking with her brother, her mind was settled.

"Elfman…" she spoke up, the pair stopping in the middle of the village.

"What is it?" Elfman asked back, crossing his arms

"I'm going to keep that girl's promise and protect Cyan-san. I think it's the right thing to do." she replied, her tone most serious.

"I have a feeling you say that. It's what we were always doing: never go back on our word. Of course, we should inform Mira first before we make a huge decision first." Elfman reminded her.

"You got that right." Lisanna nodded, before a voice called from behind them.

"Lisanna, Elfman!" turning around, their older sister turned up on cue, running up to them and stopping in her tracks.

"Mira!" Elfman exclaimed.

"Mira-nee, what's up?" Lisanna asked.

"I found someone in a house, follow me!" she panted, before even giving them a chance to ask what men, Mira was already running off. Elfman and Lisanna quickly followed her, going to the north edge of the village, a house that looked to have been semi burned. It's condition was decent, but looked to have taken a beating from the attack caused by Cyan. Mira stopped in front of the house, her two siblings stopping behind her.

"Mira, you found someone?" Lisanna asked.

"Yes. It took some time but I found a survivor. The scratches to her body means she was the cause, but I don't think she meant to." Mirajane explained, "Also I found her parents in their room… You shouldn't see it, I cover their bodies with a sheet, but," she covered her mouth, a rare sight to see wuch fear in Mira's eyes, shaking like that, "It was like a monster clawed and chewed at them. I felt my stomach was about to lerch."

"Nii-san." Elfman said softly.

"Can we report something too, but it's best this stays between us and if we tell the guild." Lisanna informed.

"Sure, let's go inside. Mind the smell, I did my best to clean up the blood." Mirajane replied, leading her brother and sister into the house. Broken picture frames littered the living room, several of them had ripped up photos. Lisanna picked up an undamaged one, showing that it looked to be her family. All having the shades of blue in their hair. The parents look very calm and happy, their children the same. He recognized the girl from before, blue hair very memorable. On her shoulders was her sister, similar hair and eyes to her. To think, they were happy but now, tragedy. Finding some tea cups and tea leaves, Lisanna sat with her brother, eyeing the picture in her hands. The more she looked at it, the more she still wanted to keep up on her promise. With the tea made, Lisanna went into finding the other girl and told them to protect Cyan, the girl in the picture Lisanna picked up. From how the girl explained,Cyan had no control of her take over and attacked people under animal instincts. Once their tea was finished, Mirajane took in everything the young sister told her.

"Protect Cyan, you sure Lisanna?" Mirajane asked after minutes of her sister explaining everything.

"Better than letting the Council have the girl. She will be framed for murder and be taken into questioning. I wouldn't want that on her." Elfman siad.

"I wouldn't either, but this someone we are going to be responsible with. Not to be taken lightly." Mirajane explained.

"You mean we can't?" Lisanna asked, devastated by her response.

"I didn't say no," Mirajane assured her, "We know how it feels to lost parents. But for her, she will have to live with the guilt of killing them, for the rest of her life. And with most of our generations being orphans I feel like we should be her family."

"You mean, we'll adopt her into her family?" Lisanna asked once more, her blue eyes wid.

"Yes. Although, I have to wait until I'm eighteen to adopt her into our family. But with the proper paperwork, she'll be a Struass by name sooner or later." Mirajane said, a hand to her teacup. Lisanna was delighted, clapping her hands.

"Thank you Mira!" she exclaimed.

"No problem. No way I was going to abandon her or let the Council get their hands on her. So, let's not waste any time sitting around talking more. Elfman, you carry Cyan on your back. And do be careful with her." Mirajane ordered.

"Okay!" Elfman nodded, walking to the sofa Cyan slept, a girl around thirteen year old, her hair light shade of blue and a fresh dress over her bandaged body. Once Cyan was on his back, Elfman looked to her sisters who looked ready to go. Lisanna pocketed the photo in her dress pocket, with Mirajane looking confident as ever. With one last glance, they exited the house and exited the village.

"When I came to, I woke up in a carriage with Mirajane, Elfman, and Lisanna. They told me how they found me in my parents' house after I was the cause of so many deaths. I killed everyone, my parents, my sister, so many people…" Cyan's voice started to tremble, looking at her hands, the blood of three years ago still didn't wash away metaphorically, "I still hear their cries, every day I can never get over the fact I killed them." she then sighed, looking at Lucy with a smile, "But with everyday, I know I can fully control it. I'm not going to let the deaths of my past affect my future."

"Cyan-san…" Lucy breathed softly, taken aback from her own tale.

"Remember that mask I wear?" Cyan asked, the mask she was wearing at the Station days prior sat on her lap, "I use it to give me a bit of courage. Lisanna-nee was the one who requested it" Cyan explained and Lisanna blushed.

"It's nothing much, I didn't want you to feel like you were a monster, that's all." Lisanna said fidgeting her hands while holding Happy.

"Aww, look who's the bashful big sis!" Lucy teased, jabbing at Lisanna's rib cage. Lisanna gave the Celestial Spirit Wizard a pout as Makarov, Kyuri, Gray, and Cyanas started to laugh. The laughter broke when the mobile's window was tapped. Lucy looked to see Sting and Lector waving for her to open the window. With the Window down, Sting spoke through the light wind.

"We're taking a break. We are just two hours from Magnolia!" Sting called.

"Really? How long did that story go, time flew." Lucy realized.

"Well, we are going to take a break in the forest separating the town. Let Erza recover her magic energy." Sting explained.

"Okay!" Lucy exclaimed to the White Dragon Slayer.

The forest that was between Onibus and Magnolia was where Team Strauss and Makarov decided to stop while Erza recovered her magic. While being bathed in the tall trees, Lucy could barely see the sun in the treetops. From how it looked, they'll be home by nightfall. The cats, Happy, Lector, and Byakko went search for any edible and safe fruit on trees while Lisanna went hunting in the forest for an animal to cook (Lucy flinching at the idea of a sweet girl like Lisanna hurting animals). Gray and Cyan searched for firewood with Luke just sitting with Erza and the Master. Sting wanted to join Lisanna on hunting but she was fine on her own, saying, 'As the leader, I should handle the big stuff, you all relax.' She didn't admit it but Lisanna was very smart, obviously she knows how to handle herself.

'I think she'll make someone really happy.' she thought, a hand to her cheek with a smile, with her other hand having the rapier sitting on her lap.

"Lucy!" Luke called out, breaking her thoughts. Lucy looked to the Sun Dragon Slayer standing over her, hands behind.

"Luke-san, what's up?" Lucy asked.

"Can you follow me for a bit, while everyone is doing their own thing, let's do a little training." he suggested excitedly.

"Training?" Lucy asked, cocking her head.

"Yeah. Come on, bring your sword with you." he replied and grabbed his dual blades and put them on his back. Lucy got up and hoisted the rapier to her belt and followed Luke deep into the forest, far from the aera Kyuri and the Master were. Once some distance, Luke turned around, his coattails flowing behind him. Sliming to the Celestial Spirit Wizard, looked directly at her, "Okay, let's do some basic training for you with your rapier. You probably don't know the name of it, do you?"

"Not really? Do you?" Lucy asked.

"Only the basic swords from other continents, but I'm sure your rapier, the one that an Eisenwald member had, I should identify it. Wind Fleuret." Luke explained, and Lucy held the rapier in her right hand, letting the rays that could peek through the trees reflected her face in the light and blade.

"Wind Fleuret, what an interesting name." Lucy said, and brought the blade to her side, "so, what are you going to teach me?"

"Basic Sword magic, using skills, able to bring your blade from far away, the simple stuff. It would be easier if I used a single sword. Watch," Luke instructed and held out his left hand and a yellow circle appeared from his hand. Lucy watched the two blades vanish from Luke back anda new blade appeared on his back. It was a longblade, black with a silver edge to it.

"Whoa. where do they go? That was Sword Magic?" Lucy asked.

"Yes. very advanced Sword Magic, I put my blades in a pocket, when I don't need them and brought a single sword. Don't worry, I won't overwhelm you, so getting into a stance you feel comfortable in." he instructed her.

"What do I feel comfortable holding it in?" she asked. She looked at her rapier, it was still very early she's really used a weapon that wasn't her whip. She took a deep breath, raising her arm above her shoulder.

"Well if that's how you want to do it." and Luke took a one handed sword stance, keeping his legs apart, "come at me with all you Lucy."

Minutes passed and the sound of metal on metal echoed in the forest. Luke was obviously the most skilled, blocking Lucy's swings and pushing her back. Stumbled a little, the weight of a weapon she wasn't used to pulling her down. As time went on, Lucy's footwork started to quicken, guarding Luke's swings and pushed him back. Luke was impressed, she was adapting quicker than he thought. Holder type Wizards weren't the most physically fit and aren't strong as Caster types or those who are more skilled with weapon magic. Lucy was improving, adapting, which was impressive for a wizard who was more used to fighting from afar. Time passed and the two stopped. Lucy was panting, kneeling to her knees, still holding her rapier in her hand and sweat all over. Her arms sand drop to the ground.

"I think I could go for a breather." she said, shortness of breath.

"Sure." Luke nodded and beside her, his blade on his left, "So how did it feel?"

Lucy wiped the sweat from her forehead and held out her right hand, where her pink guild crest showed, "My body never felt like it could do anything like that just now. But as we practiced, I felt stronger. "Like I feel my body feeling stronger than ever."

"That's the spirit!" Luke exclaimed cheerfully, proud of her. He half expected her to give up or whine, but she actually put effort.

"Hey Luke, can I ask you a personal question?" Lucy asked.

"Sure." he replied.

"You and Erza are very close, almost like brother and sister." she smiled.

"She's more than like a sister to me, she is someone I'm happy to call my friend. Erza and I have known each other since the time of Natsu and to Fairy Tail. I remember we actually fought." and Lucy was flabbergasted.

"No way, you fought Erza? Unprovoked?" she asked.

"Yeah. She and I were still young but I could feel her potential. The feeling of her swings, the force of her strength. And this was before Erza was a S-Class Wizard. I know Erza is stronger now than ever."

"Whoa. And another question, it's Kyuri-chan… What happened between her and Gray?" Lucy asked again. Luke sighed, and put his hands to the smooth grass.

"Lucy… There are times Wizards feel the need to take their anger out on others, at simes they lash out without knowing how the other person felt. What happened between Gray and Kyuri-chan… That's between them, and It's not our place to get involved."

"I see…" Lucy replied sadly, "I guess it's best we all keep secrets… Even me." and Luke's ears perked up.

"Yes?" he asked at once and Lucy shooker head, getting up and looking at the Sun Dragon slayer.

"Let's head back. I'm sure everyone is waiting." Lucy suggested, holding out a hand.

"Okay." and took hold of Luke's hand and got him up from the ground.

When Luke and Lucy returned, Sting was helping Lisanna and company make a fire to cook the small boars isanna found in the woods (and caught some fresh Fish for Happy). The Cats sat with Makarov as the group was cooking meat and fish on an open fire. Lucy was impressed Lisanna caught them on her own, but makes sense since she's able to use Animal souls herself, so she would know how to trap animals. Now that they aren't hungry, they probably can get back by nightfall once they are ready to go. Lucy was still at best taken aback she was eating a once lived boar but it didn't matter. Still, she still couldn't believe it: they fought a dark guild, she got a new key and sword, a nd fought a demon. If she had a bucket list, she should check those out. And this experience with Eisenwald and Lullaby will be great sources for her book. She looked at her guild mates, she couldn't believe she was part of the strongest test. And she can say this for the first time, she was getting more and more braver with every minute passed. She was ready for what life will throw at her. Looking at Lisanna, a faint rosy blush was on her face.

'Yeah I'm terrified too, but you gotta be brave.' and remembered her words to her in the

'Thank you, Lisanna…"' she thought before a thought popped in her head, she promised coffee with Lisanna when this mission was over. She'll have to remember that.

When they were all full, it was time to get back to Magnolia. This time, Luke and Byakko rode the Magic Mobile while Cyan and Sting flew. Lucy took her spot sitting with Lisanna (Happy on her lap), and Kyuri while facing the master, Gray, and Luke and Byakko. The sun was setting and the road back home was very calm. Lisanna was patting Happy's head while the cat ate his fish. It wasn't long, Lucy fell asleep and dropped her head to her shoulder, startling her.

"Ummm!" she responded, didn't think Lucy would sleep on her shoulder.

"It has been a long day, plus she did train with Luke so she must be tired. You should take her once we get back to town." Gray requested.

"Erza will drop us off at our Dorm. I think I miss a shower after a few days." Cyan chimed in.

"But I must say, it's great to see such young love bloom in youth." Makarov beamed and looked at Lisanna and Lucy. Lisanna's blue eyes blinked before looking sheepish.

"Am i really that obvious?" she asked Gray, Makarov, and Luke.

"I thought you married that flame brain but I guess I can't be upset, you needed to move on from the past." Gray said, his elbow to the window.

"Same, It's great you are moving forward. He will be proud of you." Luke chimed in with Byakko.

"Sting and Levy noticed too... You don't think I am betraying our friend?" she asked, feeling if she ever showed feelings for someone else, it be like she's replacing Natsu with someone else.

"Of course not!" Byakko exclaimed.

"It's important to find happiness, child. We all have to make strides to always push forward. Isn't that why you found that Phoenix, to be able to protect the guild?" Makarov asked. Lisanna looked to her hands, both of them on her lap.

"Yeah, I did." she replied.

"Then, you are moving forward. So don't feel you're betraying Natsu-san or replacing him. Be happy for yourself Lisanna-san." Kyuri said. Lisanna looked around the carriage, her master and friends all nodded to her.

"Thanks everyone." she replied. As the sun vanished from the horizon and night fall came. The streets of Magnolia were bathed in the dim lights from the houses and stores. When in town, Lisanna decided to hop off of the Magic Mobile and take Lucy home herself. Carrying Lucy on her back, she stood with Happy beside her.

"I'll report to the guild of our return, you'll be okay getting Lucy in her apartment?" Erza asked, looking at the Takeover Wizard.

"Don't worry. Just let Mira know I'll be home soon." Lisanna replied, carrying Lucy's sleeping body on her back and waved good night to her guild mates.

"Well Night Lisanna, see you tomorrow for our match." Sting waved.

"Night Lisanna, night Happy!" Lector exclaimed, the red cat grabbing hold of Sting and the pair flying towards their house.

"I'll head to the guild as well with the Master and the others. Goodnight Lisanna, you too Happy." Gray waved, who was without his shirt and jacket again. Lisanna stared wide eyed.

"Where are your clothes?" she asked and Gray looked down, already stripped from his clothes and stood without his shirt.

"Crap!" and run back into the Magic Mobile. Erza groaned, but gave Lisanna a Good night wave and drove off with the Master, Cyan, Kyuri, Luke, Byakko, and Cyan in tow as Cyan waved at her sister from the window.

"I'll see at home!" she exclaimed and the Magic Mobile vanished from sight and towards the Guild Hall. Lisanna waved goodbye and walked with Happy back to Lucy's apartment. It was a quiet walk, collecting her thoughts.

'Been a long few days have it?' a familiar voice spoke in her head.

'You've been quiet these past few days yourself Ayaka." Lisanna thought mentally.

'You've been thinking a lot of stuff, I didn't want to bother you.' Ayaka said, 'you love that girl, do you?'

'I feel happy when I am around Lucy, maybe that's why I fell for her.' Lisanna said, looking up at the night sky.

'And are you worried she might not feel the same way?' Aya asked and Lisanna smiled, not a care in the world.

'As long I can be around her, I don't mind if she rejects me.' Lisanna said and Ayaka chuckled, she truly has a optimistic partner.

Happy and Lisanna made it to Lucy's apartment, Lisanna talking from her pocket a single key. Unknown by Lucy, Lisanna and Sting were given copies of Lucy's apartment key. Mirajane gave them a spare key to get into Lucy's apartment. Lisanna should never ask or doubt Mira's ways of acquiring things. Opening the door, they walked into the apartment and into Lucy's home. The pair bathed in the dark with the moon shining through. Lisanna placed Lucy on her bed, her rapier by her dresser, stroked her blonde hair and smiled at her.

"Thank you Lucy. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have escaped Erigor's trap. You helped us once again, thank you. You helped with bora, helping Macao, our mission with the Daybreak, and with Eisenwald. Thank you, thank so much for helping us." and leaned in and kissed her forehead, 'I hope you'll always be there for us, the same way I'll be there for you.'

'This feeling... It feels so warm…' Lucy thought in her sleep, not realizing it was Lisanna's lips to her forehead.

Lisanna kneed down and took Lucy's boots off and tucked her into her bed. Happy jumped onto her shoulder and smiled at Lucy.

"Well, should we get going?" Happy asked Lisanna.

"Yeah, let's go home." Lisanna replied and turned around from Lucy's bed and walked from her bed. Before leaving her bedroom, Lisanna gave her one last look and the two walked away. Outside, Lisanna tugged at Natsu's scarf and made their way back to the Fairy Hills dorm.

In Margaret Town, a girl stood looking out in the night sky, sitting out on a bridge, her feet kicking off on the edge. Her hair a lighter shade of blue, tied into a loose ponytail, wearing a dress with a dark blue short sleeve jacket she wore. On her arms and legs, visible scars were present on her body.

"What a peaceful night." The moon looks so full." she said, enjoying the quiet night time.

"Hey Roi-chan!" a voice called from behind her. She turned around and a young woman was behind her.

"What's up?" The girl called Roi asked.

"Master has a request for you. She wants you to investigate where three of our members left." the girl replied.

"Sherry, Toby, and Yura? They vanished three years ago, not that long after I joined. Is the master concerned for them?" roi asked.

"Yes, they just leave without a word? She's worried for them. Another guild has this request, so you can get a piece of the reward money. It's Galuna Island, can you check it out for us?" the girl asked again.

"Galune Island? You think that's where they went?" Roi asked, crossing her arms and tilt her head in thought.

"That's what she thinks. So will you do it for the guild?" the girl asked.

"Of course, as a member of Lamia Scale, I'll do my best!"

The girl's name was Roiyaru Mitsu, a member of Lamia Scale Wizard Guild

…And Cyan Mitsu's biological older sister…

Michael: Took some time and a lot of brainstorming, but finished this chapter and finally completed with the Lullaby arc. Two arcs completed, and still thirteen more to go. Skipping the Daphne arc. But this doesn't have all the stories of the OCs but the beauty of writing if you can space background on others at another time as along it is paced well. The early arcs before Nirvana arc are a good time to flesh these characters out.

Now this had many and I mean many brainstorming ideas. And I will tell you as you can see the madness I was going for. The first thing was Ayaka in Lisanna's hwas, she was going to take the form of another person Lisanna had on her mind: Lucy. Yeah, you can guess why that got scraped. I wanted to cover the Erza meeting Seigrain with Luke with her but I'll save that for the Tower of Heaven arc. I was going to a small scene with Kyuri but I'll save that for Galuna Island as she will play a big role in that arc and show her improvement of her magic. I would say each OC and Lisanna will take up a lot of the Natsu moments as well as Sting, this is my plan besides Lsianna is one of the main characters

Galuna Island: Lisanna, Sting, Cyan, and Kyuri focus with Gray and Ur

Phantom Lord: Lisanna and Sting

Tower of Heaven: Lisanna and Luke

The Battle of Fairy Tail: Lisanna, Sting, and Luke

And yes, shouldn't Sting have top billing being Natus's brother and a Dragon slayer? Yes, but this isn't just his story, this is Lisanna's story so Everything until Edolas is her story. Sting will still have moments but he'll be as much a member as Gray, Erza, or Wendy: get their moments to grow. It's to be fair and allow an underappreciated character whose fans are questionable and her haters out for her blood for coming back. The NaLu fans/Lisanna haters have it out for her so much that well… if you check you know where. But I don't cater to fans or haters, my preferences shouldn't be an issue to you as long it's not favoritism or bias. And the sheer fact I am going at this very slowly, one chapter at a time to flesh out and develop many characters, and hope I have most of them to talk about, matters more than what people think of me or what I write. Fanfiction isn't canon, everyone should know this.

But that's all my rambling. Next chapter this story's take on the Natsu vs Erza episode. But how will it go with no Natsu to make trouble? And was that Cyan's sister?

See you next time!