~?'s Intro~

'Light... such a fragile little thing.

You may think what you're doing

is to his benefit... but all you're doing?

You're just using him as an excuse

to make up for what you've done.'

~Chapter 14 - Till Dawn~

-Normal-

||White Tower||

A group of followers remained in a kneeling position as their leader remains in place. The throne she sat upon was silver, its headrest carved to resemble branches of a dead tree as spread apart. Certain dolls were hooked onto certain branches, each one with a long thread that seemed never-ending. Until one started to violently shake. This catches the girl's attention, forcing her to rouse from her slumber. She stands to get a better look. The doll that shook resembled Red. Her blood-red eyes watch as the other end of the thread disintegrates, traveling all the way to the doll's back. The second the string vanishes, the doll falls to the ground. The girl crouches to pick up the lifeless rag doll.

The moment it was in her hands, a certain werewolf comes - literally - crashing into the room. He grunts as he digs his claws to the ground, stopping himself from accidentally flying across the room. The girl stares down at Ulric with cold eyes.

"Why have you come back? Do you not know what happens to those who failed to retrieve her?" she questions in a monotonous tone.

Ulric slowly changes back to his human form, gritting his teeth in pain as he felt every bone in his body become increasingly painful as every inch of his being shrinks. There were various cuts on his body, blood dripping all around him. With one eye open, Ulric watches as the girl impatiently awaits his answer. She had specifically chosen and paired them for the task in retrieving the dragon slayer. The fact they failed was something she could not tolerate. Tightly clutching the doll, the girl throws it to the ground and furiously stomps on it.

"Take him to the purification chamber," she orders, earning horrified looks from every person in the room. Including Ulric. Clicking her teeth, she repeats but this time in a harsher tone, "Did you not hear me? TAKE HIM OR ALL OF YOU WILL BE SUBJECTED TO THE SAME PUNISHMENT!"

Several gather around the man and hurriedly escort him out of the room. Ulric does not resist. He simply watches the girl with vacant eyes as he's escorted to his doom. Biting her thumbnail to ease her nerves, the girl turns a heel and marched straight back to her throne. She had not expected the dragon slayer to grow this strong. She thought that the girl's promise to no longer go near or harm humans would act as her weakness. But the fact that Red had not only failed but also lost her life, Avery's capture would be much harder than anticipated. The girl goes back to her throne. After taking her seat, she gets in a leg crossed position and rests her cheek on her fist.

"The dragon really takes after her mother..." This causes her to grin, amused at the revelation. "Then this will be much more entertaining than expected." She lifts a hand and snaps her fingers. "Snow! Aurora!" Two of the dolls on her throne shake for a moment then disappear. A second later, two women appear before her, both wearing pink dresses underneath their cloaks. They both kneel before their creator.

"Bring me the girl," she orders, her expression ever so cold. "By any means necessary."

-Me-

||Honey Bone Hotel||

I wish I can say that I was excited about our mission, but after yesterday's events, I'm the exact opposite of that. "Morning!" Sting and Lector greet the moment I partially crack open my eyes. I stare at them blankly then pull the blanket over my face.

"Don't pretend you're asleep!" Azul yells while pulling the sheets off. Rolling my eyes, I stiffly sat up and slid off the bed.

"What time is it...?" I yawn. Azul was about to answer only for Sting to abruptly salute. "It's nine o'clock ma'am!" We both blink at the boy then stare at one another with mirroring confused eyes.

"Is something wrong?" I ask as Azul floats into my arms.

He shakes his head and pumps his fist into the air. "I'm just really excited!"

"Someone drinks too much coffee," I deadpan.

"I do not!" he exclaims. Realizing he was out of line, I almost felt my eyes pop out when Sting suddenly goes on his knees and begs for forgiveness. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be so rude!" Feeling a vein throb at the side of my head, I grab him by the ear and yank him back up his feet. "Stop being so stiff!" I yell in his ear before letting him go. Sting collapses onto his knees and covers his ringing ear, still trying to recover from the sudden intense sound to his ears. Dragon slayers have very sensitive hearing, so if he wants me to be his teacher then I'm going to use his heightened senses against him. I cross my arms once I see him regain his composure.

I told him sternly, "As a fellow Dragon Slayer, I'll treat you with the same as Reisswind did during my training. I rarely show this side of myself to anyone for a reason. If you ever cross the line I won't think twice on dropping out as your teacher. You'll be on your own again."

Still on his knees, Sting sat there, sinking in every word I said. "Well?" I stood up so I would tower over him. Finally, he lifts his head and looks back at me with unwavering resolve in his eyes.

"Understand, teacher! I won't let you down!" Sting proclaims, earning an approving nod from me. Azul randomly pulls out a chalkboard and writes down: Training Begins.

||Outer Parts of Town||

"Alright! I let me see your roar!" I yell once we reach a perfect clearing. Sucking in a breath, Sting inhales then lets out his dragon roar. "White dragon's roar!" I stood there and watch with a bored expression as a small tornado of light exits his mouth. "Well?" He turns to me with a glint of excitement in his eyes. I shook my head, bluntly stating, "That was terrible. Even I could let out a bigger roar without even trying." He bows his head, dejected at my words. Sighing, I turn to the direction he was facing. "This is how you roar," I said, causing Sting to lift his head up and watch as I tilt my head back.

I open my mouth to suck in as many clouds as I could and feel it and the magic build up in my stomach.

"Hold onto something!" Azul warns from the side.

"Storm dragon's roar!" I bring my head forward and release a large tornado, the clouds I ingested earlier now darker. "Wow!" I crack open one eye and I couldn't help but smile at that all-too-familiar look in his eyes. They were the same as ours the first time Reisswind demonstrated her magic to us. Once the spell was over, I go on my knees and place a hand over Sting's heart.

"Magic is all around us. You take in too much it'll be too hard to control. Take in too little, then you'll only let out a fraction of the magic inside of you." He seemed a bit discouraged, most likely from his weak performance earlier. Before he could bow his head, I gently held Sting's chin and make him look up at me. "You'll find it someday, your own way of drawing in magic."

I step back and instruct, "Now, I want you to do that again, but this time with a long more conviction! Don't think about your surroundings! Just focus on one thing alone!"

"Right!"

We continued like that for several hours. Sometimes he would let out a large roar, but then immediately lose control. This was the most important thing a dragon learns before moving on to harder skills. Reisswind made sure I gradually improved before anything else. A dragon's roar is one of the most essential feats to intimidate opponents. If Sting fails at that, then he won't become as strong as he wants to be.

"Okay, that's enough!" I said after watching Sting let out one final roar. He drops on the ground and tries to catch his breath. I happily clap my hands together. "Alright then! Let's do the same thing tomorrow afternoon!"

"What, already!?" he whines, clearly not ready to finish.

"Your magic reserves aren't well-developed yet. You need your rest. Plus-" I crouch to this level and lightly flick his forehead, causing him to step back a bit. "I don't think you're ready just yet to push yourself beyond the limits. I'd rather not see Lector freak out if I carry you back to your home."

He pouts at first but relents. Sting gets on his feet and runs straight home, not even once looking back as the distance continues to grow. Azul huffs as she hovers close to me. "Jeez that kid is relentless. I swear, I thought he was literally trying to blow out all the air in his tiny lungs."

I couldn't help but laugh at this statement. Natsu was exactly like that when we were kids. Well, he's still like, but compared to back then, he's gotten a better grasp on how to keep his flames from burning everything in his path. Most of the time. Stretching my arms in the air, I allow myself to fall and land on the grass as I lean backward. My arms and legs spread across the green hilltop.

I tiredly stare up at the evening sky and took in the peace and quiet. Azul joins me and lays down right next to me. She usually complains about having her clothes dirtied, but I guess she's just as tired as me after a long day.

"So, I'm guessing we're going to start the mission at a later date," Azul states, causing me to laugh.

"We did come a bit too early to meet with the Mayor of the town, so we have enough time to help Lector train."

"That means more time away from Happy..." she pouts.

I couldn't answer her. Instead, I flash her a sympathetic smile and pet the top of her head, earning a long sigh from the cat. I miss being with everyone just as much, especially Natsu. There hasn't been a single day when I don't think about running back to the guild and be by his side. However, I still have to find them. The pieces that I swore to collect and destroy.

"I know what we can do," I spoke up as I create and gather a fair amount of storm winds around my body. "We could go around the town for a little sightseeing. I'm sure Happy would love to hear all about this place." Happy won't talk to Azul unless their conversation's about fish or a newly visited town.

Understanding where I was going with this, she beams and nearly tackles me to the ground. "THANK YOU AVERY! Happy won't be able to resist once he hears about our journey! Oh, he'll definitely feel jealous if I tell him I had a little 'fling' while we were away!"

"R-Right..." I stutter, feeling slightly uncomfortable with that last part.

There's no way Happy would react like that, but if it gets her to feel a bit better about the trip, then I'll leave her be. Our first stop was the church. I'm not religious as the other humans in this quiet, little town. Though, I do feel envious at their beliefs in a benevolent god. If every religion was as peaceful as this, then I'm sure it would discourage in the creation of cult-type guilds. It's amazing how easily manipulated human beings could be once a man proclaims he's 'spoken' to their god, or has met them once.

"I can just imagine it!" Azul hugs herself and starts dancing around in their air. "Me in my wedding gown and my adorable Happy with his white pouch-" She practically sang the last part. "Oh, the number of children we'll have!"

"Will you stop it!"

I tense when I realized I had raised my voice too high. Sensing the stares, I grab Azul by the tail and made a hasty retreat. She protested at first, upset that I had (literally) pulled her out of her fantasy, but relented once she saw I wasn't going to have it. There was a lot of places I'm sure my friends would enjoy seeing. I haven't known Lucy for long, but judging from how happy she was to receive a dress I made, I can guess she's the fashion fanatic. There was some armor being sold by a blacksmith. Don't know how it works for Erza, but I'm sure she'd have a gander at it. Gray wouldn't mind the park. He's the kind to always take in the scenery first before looking for essentials.

'Natsu...' I giggle as I immediately picture the first time he'd run to. 'He'd just go straight to wherever the food is. Or just try to pick a fight with Gray.'

Things were so peaceful until- "There she is!" We stop and turn to see a group of oddly dressed human males circling us. Before we knew it, we were surrounded. I had to keep myself from breathing through my nose once I caught a whiff of their scent. These guys make Reedus' paint smell more like perfume compared to how bad these guys stunk. Their leader steps in once they knew I wasn't going to make any attempts to leave. He steps in between two of his guys, practically shoving his way in despite the space they were trying to give up. I eye the silver-haired man for a moment then stared up at him with bored eyes. If he's trying to be intimidating, this man needs lessons from Elfman.

I glance up at Azul who looks back at me, mirroring a similar unimpressed expression. Not noticing our reaction, the muscled man attempts to intimidate me by asking, "Are you the little girl that prevented my guys from collecting their taxes?"

I cross my arms and cock a brow. "Taxes? What are you? The ruler of this town?"

He gives me a deep, throaty chuckle. "Something like that."

"You see, these people pay us for their protection. They're trying to keep their 'precious' rock from being taken by the monsters that keep destroying this shithole." My eyes narrow at the mention of the rock. Instead of reacting, I let him continue his pointless rambles. "You see, Guild wizards are too expensive to protect these wimps twenty-four seven. So my guys and I kindly offered to act at their guards! For a little incentive of course."

I've faced all sorts of humans. But the one common trope that I wonder why I keep encountering, is a big human male that thinks he's the strongest of them all. Honestly, it's getting a little boring. He steps closer until the gap between us was barely visible. I painfully tilt my head back to maintain direct eye contact. Using height to glower at me, another common thing these humans love doing. Oh god, his stench was really getting to me.

"But we can't with you beating up our guys. That just makes us seem like wimps for not being able to stand up to someone like you. That would completely turn off our employers."

"So, your men are the ones that were beating Sting," I said once the realization dawned. I drop one arm to my side and tightly clench a fist.

"The little brat that claims to be a dragon slayer?" He scoffs, "He didn't seem like he needed the extra weight or the useless feline."

That's it. I can't this anymore. I open my mouth to say something, and they were all anticipating for me to saying something to initiate a fight, then I covered my nose with both hands. All stared at me with their eyes nearly bulging out and their jaws close to the ground.

"I'm sorry but I have to say something." I lift one hand and gestured him to move back while the other pinches my nose. "You just really stink. My nose is starting to hurt from trying not to inhale your stench. So if you could back up, it'd be very "

His jaw still hanging, his eye twitches in annoyance. None of his men knew how to react. Erza told me it's always nice to be honest, especially around other human beings. That way their feelings won't be hurt. Gnashing his teeth in rage, I wasn't all that surprised when he immediately grabs my head. For some reason, the big humans really think it's intimidating when you do that when it, in reality, it's not. It's just REALLY annoying. My face hardens as he lowers himself to my level.

"Well little girl? Any last words?"

"Just one." I bent my leg and knee him directly under his jaw. "Get your stinky body away from me!"

I grab his arm, and with all my strength, twist and flip the man over my head. "BOSS!" I hear his men shout from all around in disbelief as he lands on his back, hard. Azul, knowing where this was going, flies to safety. Cracking my knuckles, the wind around me starts to pick up until it bursts into a circulation of spiraling, strong windstorms.

"You're lucky I haven't consumed any other element besides wind and clouds..." I spoke with a gruff, dark voice. "Because I'm sure none of you would be able to move for a while with what I'm about to do."

The smell alone wasn't all I needed to know just exactly what they were feeling, I could tell they were afraid the second their boss was over my what seemed like forever, one finally gains the nerve to make the first attack. This one was coming at me from behind. I move my head to the side and stare at the arm as it was passing. It was almost amusing to see it engulfed in flames. Too bad his magic isn't on the same level as Natsu's.

Elbowing him in the gut, I clench my fist as the winds that surrounded me were gathered and focused around my hand.

"Storm dragon's turbulent fist!"

I spun around and punch the wizard in the face, my fist practically crushing the front of his head before he is sent flying backward, rotating before his body collides against the side of a building. I sharply look over my shoulder, glaring at every single one of them. The same look I had adapted myself into using against my guild-mates if they misbehave. Despite their fear, this did not stop them from avenging their boss and comrade. Kicking myself off the ground, I watch from above as they all run into one another in an attempt to grab me. The storm winds automatically wrap themselves around my legs in response to my next spell.

"Storm dragon's spiral jaw!" As I twist my body in the air so that I was sideways, I stuck out one leg and start to quickly and confidently spin my body. The storm winds burst once against, this time to increase the momentum. I extend my arms as I perform the actual kick. The second my leg makes contact with the top of their heads, all of them are sent flying in random directions. Some seemed to keep their feet planted to the ground and recovers quick enough to get their individual spells ready.

"Aerial shot!"

"Water-make: blades!"

"Solid script: vines!"

Moving around so that I could avoid every spell that was thrown at me, I took this chance to kick every single human, just hard enough to render them unconscious. After ducking when I see a 'bullet' flying in my direction, I stand back up, spread my arms and brought them back to clap my hands together. "Storm dragon's tornado!" A medium-sized tornado appears, rapidly spinning towards the remaining wizards and sweeps them away. By the time the tornado had died done, every single one of them was sprawled on the ground, one with the upper half of his body inside a nearby trashcan.

"Dang Avery... did you HAVE to do beat them all up?" Azul asks as she lowers herself back down.

I shrug. "It's fine! Besides, if I left some alone, I'm sure they'd call their other human buddies and jump on us later."

I'd rather face these humans again at another time, not on the same day. Clapping the dust off my hands, I turn to leave only to feel something large grab me by the ankle. I look down and also kicked when I saw the battered up face of the guy.

"You... you bitch... I, Moe Lester-" Azul lets out a 'pfft' sound while I bit the side of my cheeks to keep myself from laughing. "Will-" He stops when he sees our faces. "HEY! STOP LAUGHING! I'M TRYING TO THREATEN YOU!"

"Hahahaha! Good luck with that muscle head! Avery's not that easy to threaten," Azul said after wiping her tears.

After I take my leg back, we leave the men as is without a second thought. Azul flies back into my arms. "Why can't we go to one town without a couple of idiots trying to pick a fight with you?" she sighs in mock exasperation. I let out a nervous laugh in response. There's nothing I can really do about that. If it's not my reputation that causes humans to pick fights, then its situations like this. Hopefully, Sting won't do anything stupid. This makes me stop for a moment, confusing Azul as I partially turn so half of my body was facing them.

"Hey, stinky!" I call out, receiving an annoyed response from the latter.

"Stop calling me that! I don't have an odor problem!"

"Yeah, yeah," I wave it off, annoying him even further. I cough and got straight to the point.

-Sting-

I was going to rest just like she told me to, but there as something bothering me. Something told me that I needed to have a walk around before I do anything else. "Avery-san really is amazing! I can't believe we actually bumped into her!" I wasn't really listening to Lector. I was more focused on today's lesson. She was the exact opposite of how I pictured her! Well, she was strong, that's the important thing. It's just she's less scary than I pictured her to be. So many rumors flew around of Fairy Tail's Typhoon, capable of striking fear in the hearts of her enemies with just one look. The teenager we met yesterday is the complete opposite!

'Maybe it was a bad idea to ask her to train me...' I thought after thinking it over. 'I know I was the one to push it, but all she's doing is making me do is practicing my roar. That won't do me any good. Not if I want to hurry up and get stronger.'

"Sting-kun?" I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Lector tug the bottom of my pants. I look down to see him staring straight ahead with a fearful look. I was about to ask what's wrong until a body abruptly lands right at our feet. My instincts made me grab Lector and protectively hold him as I stare down at the person. 'I know this man...' I thought upon recognition. My eyes immediately travel in the direction to where he came from and found myself frozen in place at who it was. Avery. Compared to the sweet, yet stern girl that was teaching me not too long ago, she had this frightening aura looming over her. I couldn't move. My body was violently shaking.

There were some familiar faces, all of them belonged to the group that had kept harassing me and Lector. She hadn't noticed us. She appeared to be saying something to one of them, the big guy, who I can guess is the leader.

"I noticed that several of your human buddies were the ones that tried to attack me. Not to mention they were also the ones that had harassed my pupil and his partner." Her calm expression changes and begins to glower at them. "The next time you even think of laying your filthy hands on him, just remember, you will all be under Fairy Tail's blacklist." Every single wizard began to shiver at the intense magical aura she allowed herself to release. "I won't allow humans like you to lay a single finger on another fellow dragon slayer!"

With that said, she turns a heel and leaves, refusing to look back as Azul sticks her head over the girl's shoulder and sticks her tongue at them. I found myself unable to move since Avery and Azul left. 'Was that really Avery?' My thoughts drift back to how she was earlier this morning. Though uninterested at first in teaching me, she remained enthusiastic the entire time, guided me with the same smile, while also remaining strict.

'She emitted that much magic... just how much has she been holding back?'

-Back to Me-

"Hm... I wonder if Natsu would like this," I said out loud as I held up both items.

It was a pair of matching black wristbands with a small metal plate on it. Although I'm already wearing two, I always considered just wearing one. But it has to be brand-new. Natsu already sports a single wristband, but I'm starting to think he needs to wear a new one as well, or at least have another in his wardrobe. Despite my insistence on making more fire-resistant clothing, he keeps insisting on keeping only one attire. He just chose a random wristband at the market while I was away to complete the outfit.

"If we wore something matching..." I try to picture us wearing different articles of matching outfits.

At first, it was matching accessories, then it became random clothing that neither of us could wear. If I were to go for my usual style, I'm sure Natsu wouldn't be so keen on wearing a black tube top. And, as much as I wouldn't mind it, I don't think the others in the guild would be fine if I walk around without a shirt on. There was a time I did walk into the guild without my top, but I immediately got jumped on by my friends and got forced into borrowing someone's bra and shirt. Though I had to give the bra back since it didn't fit. I still have no understanding of its purpose. Other than the fact it's meant to act as a form of protection.

'Not like Erza needs it...' I thought as I recall returning the pink undergarment.

"Avery! I got the souvenirs you listed down!" Azul shots.

"Okay, hold on!" I quickly grab the wristbands and run up to Azul. Despite her small appearance, the cat is oddly stronger than she looks. So strong, that she's able to carry two crates by herself. Hence why I wasn't surprised to see her carrying a large bag the size of a human. "I think this is enough. Do you think we should buy more? I feel like there's already new members like Lucy that's joined the guild by now."

"If there are, then it'd be too soon." She shakes her head and waves on paw in front of her face. "There's already enough members as it is. If they keep accepting new wizards, I'm pretty sure we won't be able to bring that much back with us. Combined with our stuff and this, there's a limit to how much we can carry."

"I know... but can't leave a single person out! This is the least we can do to compensate for lost times, right?" I tilt my head to the side and smile.

Azul jaws hung for a moment before she bows her head in defeat, giving in to my demands. I approach the shop owner, who seemed ready to faint at the amount we were purchasing until I brought out the Jewels. We don't really use the train much, and I'm not really a huge fan of hotels or inns, so I always have a lot of spare change in my pockets. Once everything was paid for and had them delivered back to the hotel, now comes the question of... what we should do now. It'd be bad to admit this, but I want to finish this mission soon. Despite the fact I'm surprisingly taking my time, I really want to go home and see everyone again. But I can't. I've only regained one piece of it.

If I don't get them all back, then someday soon, harm will come to the only family I have left. In order for that to happen, I need to use this remaining time I have in searching for the remaining two. "Just a two more..." I mutter out loud, earning a confused look from Azul. I shook my head. They will try and stop me, but I'm ready. Despite how I cruelly ended Red's life without a second thought, I do wish there could have been another way.

'If only there was a way to keep on living without further bloodshed...' I thought as I stare down at my hands with sad eyes.

"AVERY!"

We stop in our tracks to see Sting and Lector. Lector seemed scared about something while Sting was angrily glaring at me. Azul and I look at one another then back at them with mirroring confused looks. I don't know why he was upset. When we parted ways after training, he seemed pretty excited for another day of training. "Is something wrong?" I ask. He clutches his fists then jabs a finger towards me.

"I challenge you, Typhoon!" Sting loudly declares, surprising us and attracting much attention from nearby onlookers.

Azul's jaw hangs as I cock my head to the side. I had expected him to challenge me once he feels he's honed his skills, but this soon? Something must have happened after we finished today's training. I decided to approach them. The closer I got, the more the brown cat started to quake. This alone confirmed neither of them was okay.

"Lector, are you feeling alright?" I asked as I crouch to his level.

"I'm fine!" Lector yelps, earning concerned looks from me and Azul.

"Sting." I turn my attention to the blonde boy. "Is everything really alright?"

He clenches his jaw and yells at my face, "No! It's not alright!"

I drew back a bit, stunned at his outburst. Something really must have happened to rile him up like this.

He proceeds to angrily explain, "I saw you talk down the guys that's been harassing us! Not only told them off, but you beat them so much they could hardly stand? I didn't ask for your help!"

Azul gives me a worried look while I try to figure out how to respond. It hadn't occurred to me that my actions would have some effect on his pride. I didn't even know he was nearby. Even if I didn't see him, I would have stopped if I had caught his scent nearby. His issues with those humans were something only he could resolve himself, and I respect it, it's just he's not that strong enough to face him. That's why I - albeit reluctantly - accepted his request to train him. I look down at him with sad eyes, guilty for intervening in something so personal. Sting's head was completely bowed, refusing to even look up at me even for a split second.

Knowing there was no talking to him, I decided this is where we end things once and for all. I planned to do this once I saw Sting was able to grow on his own, but I don't think there's any other choice at this point. With a tight fist, I march over to him.

"Avery..." Azul quietly calls out but stops herself from doing anything. At least I know she understands what I'm planning on doing.

Sting's expression darkens as I drew near. Lector watches us with fearful eyes, mentally debating on what he can do. I stop when I was about a foot in front of the boy. Our height differed greatly, but that alone isn't enough to measure our difference in strength. We intently stare at one another directly in the eye. I needed to see, to feel if he's serious about challenging me. The look in his eyes never changes. We stay like that for a few more minutes. Eventually, I back away, surprising the boy as my expression softens. Just as I was about to say something, I felt something a strange sensation strike me from behind.

Next thing I knew, I painful, buzzing sensation courses through my body, starting from my back. I hiss in pain and stumble as the sudden force slightly pushes me forward. I was about to look over to see who or what it was that attacked me, only to find myself knocked to the ground. Before I could get back up, I felt something stab the back of my neck and felt an electric wave course throughout my body. I scream in pain at the intense shock. Azul shouts and tries to fly towards me, but I saw her get grabbed by the tail and shoved into a sack. I force my head to turn to find Sting and Lector frozen in fear. I attempt to shout at them, but all that came out was a cracking sound from my voice.

Neither of them was about to move any time soon. My nose finally picks up the scent of our attackers and knew they were drawing closer to the two. I will myself to lift my upper body, my fingers digging into the ground as I strain my arms. My resistance only prompted the person above me to increase the voltage. I fought back from screaming as I order, "Lector! Get Sting out of here!"

"But-" he tries to protest.

Two pairs of feet walk past my head. I tried to grab one leg, but a hand grabs the back of my head and harshly forces it against the ground.

"NOW!" I shout one last time before allowing my screams to be heard.

Despite having been on the receiving end of both Lancaster and Laxus' lightning magic, I was able to form some resistance towards it. But it's been so long that sudden attacks such as this is too much for my body to suddenly adjust to.

"Hahahaha! I told you, didn't I?" a familiar voice mocks me from above. He stops his spell and continues, "You'd pay for getting in the way."

I cough, trying to relieve the pain in my throat from screaming so much. Forcing one eye open, I sneer, "Really? Last I checked, you didn't say squat."

And for that, as I expected will be this humans only response to every answer, I received another electric shock. This time in the exact spot Lancaster last shocked me a few weeks ago. I didn't scream, I knew it would be pointless. All I could hope for was that Sting and Lector are safe and that everyone back at the guild, including Natsu and Gray, won't mind if I'm away for a little bit longer.

-Sting-

"Why did you drag me away!?" I shout after Lector flew me to another part of town. I didn't want to be saved, and I didn't want to just leave them there!

"It was dangerous! If we stayed any longer, you'd get hurt!"

"I could have taken then!" I argued.

"No! You're not that strong yet!"

"Are you saying I'm weak? Are you saying that I can't handle a bunch of idiots!?" I snap. I recall every single moment those bastards tormented Lector, how they used to beat me whenever I ran out of magic, and worst of all- "I'm tired of being called a weakling! I'm a dragon slayer! I slayed my only father-figure to become a full-fledged dragon slayer! I'm going to prove to those bastards that I wasn't lying!"

For that, for the first time since I found Lector as an egg, I received a slap to the face, with additional claws. I blink, slightly touching my cheek as I register the slight stinging sensation. Lector floats back down to the ground in tears. He didn't like that he slapped me, it's obvious from how much water is pouring out of his eyes, but he and I knew that was the only way to stop me from talking. I'm not saying that I was okay that he slapped me; I would have preferred it if he didn't use his claws. We would just continue arguing until it was too late. Looking back down at Lector, he was shaking all over as he avoided making direct eye contact, afraid that I was going to yell at him again.

Just seeing him act like this is exactly how he was when the harassment was aimed at us. I didn't mean to direct my frustrations at him. I was just tired of being treated like a kid. For Avery to treat me as her equal, agree to train me and then acknowledge my potential, it was all I ever wanted. But when I saw her confront the wizards that's been causing us and the town trouble, I lost it. I never realized I let it affect my pride that much until I saw the pitiful expression Lector wore

My face fell at the thought. "Sorry..." I mutter my apology with my head bowed. "I didn't mean to- I just-" I struggle to find the proper words.

"Sting-kun..."

"It's already bad enough people don't believe that I was raised by a dragon. So when Avery showed up," I close my eyes and recall the moment I first saw her. "It was like fate had answered me. She was the opportunity I needed to become stronger!" I clench my jaw and punch the wall of the nearest building in frustration. Eventually, I started to cry, my emotions too overwhelming for me to control.

"I blew it..." my voice cracks as hot tears ran down my face. "I only trained with her for a day but I ended up challenging her... what kind of student am I? I let her down..." I immediately recall the expression she wore as she was being electrocuted. "I didn't do anything."

-Back to Me-

By the time I came to, I was blindfolded, but I could feel that my hands were bound behind my back and so were my legs. I tried to break through them, but no matter how hard I tried, there seemed to be no effect whatsoever. I stopped struggling when I heard a door open. They must be the captors. I remained still and caught the scent of one- No two humans, both being male. I don't have to recognize the smell to know Moe Lester was in the room, but the other with him was definitely new. Unless it's a human I meet on a near-daily basis, I don't usually memorize the scents of strangers. There are two exceptions; either they're my client or an enemy with the most pungent smell that's too difficult to forget.

Suddenly, I was being lifted off the ground, the back of my net tank top being used as leverage. I almost choked when I felt the neckline press against my neck, but I was lowered back to my feet. With that, the blindfold was ripped off my face, allowing me to see finally where I was. The room was barely lit, but it was still enough to briefly blur my vision. While my eyes were adjusting to the light, I was able to make out the outlines of the two before me, the first and only bulky one obviously being Molester. Once my vision cleared, he held up the blindfold for me to see while flashing a triumphant smile. I don't know why but something about him seems offs. I just can't put my finger on it.

I brought my attention to the person beside him. I couldn't see his face since he wore a black cloak, and the bad lighting in the room wasn't helping either.

"So, when am I going to get my payment?" Molester questions, almost sounding as if he was demanding. "I risked my neck in grabbing the girl for you. Kidnapping isn't my thing, ya know?"

Without listening to the man's ramblings, the stranger silently approaches me. Confused at what he's doing, I remained defensive and waited to see what he was going to do. He grabs my face and forces me to tilt my head back.

"Looks like you've groan..." he said, breathing directly into my face.

I scrunch my nose at the putrid smell that entered my nostrils. "What is it with you human males and not brushing your teeth...? I get that you're trying to appear more intimidating, but doesn't the term 'bath' mean anything to you?"

"Will you stop talking about how I smell! It's getting annoying already!" Molester snaps, even though I didn't address him this time.

"Don't worry about Molester, I've already gotten used to your stench!" I answer with an eye roll, further ticking him off.

"It's MOE Lester! Not Molester!"

Just as he was about to say something, his companion raises his arm, silently telling him to cease and be still. Although reluctant, he does as he's told, crossing his arms and looking to the side while incoherently muttering something to himself. I snicker for a moment. I almost feel grateful for learning how to annoy my enemies by watching how my friends talk to each other. I never knew it was so easy to piss off humans with words alone!

What I didn't expect was to hear the man currently holding my face... laugh.

"It's good to see that you've gained some spunk since I last saw you," he said with a deep, throaty chuckle.

It took me a moment, but I immediately recognized his voice. How can I not? Despite how many years its been, I could never forget one of the voices of those I was once close with. I open my mouth, too scared to even utter his name but felt the urge to. It had been so long. I had hoped Red was just a one-time occurrence, though I guess I should have known better. But before I could find my voice, the wall to my right explodes. Light began to properly pour into the room, and it was then was I able to see Azul, asleep in an iron birdcage. This alone sets me off.

I don't know why I had been holding back since I woke up. The only reason I don't go all out all the time is because of the vow I made after I became an official Fairy Tail wizard; to never hurt a human unless it was absolutely necessary. But to cage Azul? My best friend? My partner? That's where I draw the line. Snapping my head back in the direction of the men, I quickly generate enough wind and clouds around my fists and legs to uppercut the man in front of me with both hands and then jump to kick Moe directly in the face. Since my limbs were bound, I fell flat on my back after knocking both men away.

Pain radiated through my spine for a moment. Just as I was about to force myself in sitting up, I was caught off guard when a tornado of light - more like a white laser beam- is blown over by body, directly hitting Moe. I remained in place, both dumbfounded and petrified at the magic spell that completely obliterated the other wall. By the time I had brought myself to sit up, Moe was already on the ground, his entire body completely covered in soot. The other man was gone. Probably ran off when he realized he won't be able to take on two dragon slayers by himself.

Smirking at the thought, I look over and felt a swell of pride to see Sting and Lector. Sting was panting heavily, but seeing him still stand on his two feet after forcing a dragon's roar that big was impressive alone. Compared to this morning, I was more than happy to see that he was able to let out that much in one go. Lector runs to Moe, grabs the key from his belt then flies over to free Azul. Sting runs up to me and attempts to break off the cuffs, but all he did was strain his own hands.

"It's no use," I told him after taking my hands back. "I didn't think it'd be that easy, but I think these are specially made cuffs." Now that I get a better look at them, they're completely different than the usual handcuffs I've - thanks to the magic council - become acquainted with. There's something embedded into the metal, and I can only guess what it is, it's the reason why I haven't been able to break free the moment I decked my kidnappers. "Looks like these were made with magic sealing stones," I concluded.

"So, what do we do now?" Sting asks.

"The guy that hired Moe must have had the keys. Figures..." I mutter the last part with a frown. I look over at Lector to see Azul being escorted out. "As soon as Azul's ready to do, she and Lector will have to carry me out." I stare at the boy with serious eyes. "You're going to have to be to do all the fighting.

"Me!?" he shouts. Seems like Sting wasn't expecting to be doing the fighting by himself. "But you're the expert fighter! I've only punched kids only than me!"

"You can do it!" I exclaim. When I saw Sting jolt, I grab his hand and repeat in a firm tone, "You can do it. You were raised by a dragon, that alone means you're more than capable of taking whoever comes at you." Several footsteps began to echo from the entryway, prompting me to let go and for Sting to turn to face the upcoming enemies.

"You never needed a teacher," I told him as a white aura began to emit from various parts of his body. "All you needed was the right push."

The second three wizards enter the room, Sting seemingly vanishes from his both and reappears in front of them in a blink of the eye. "White Dragon's Claw!" With a raised hand, he shoots a ray of light at their faces. The one thing that caught my eye was the short appearance of a sigil on their skin. I didn't have time to process what it was as a female human was able to make her way past Sting, charging straight towards me with a rainbow-colored mist forming in between her hands. As much as I am curious to learn what kind of magic she's using, I do not want to find out just yet. Especially if it's aimed at me!

"Rainbow Sleeping Mist!"

I lean all the way back till I hit the ground as the mist flies over me and hits the wall behind.

"I'm starting to get used to this position..." I deadpan. I laid there for a few more seconds then kicked myself off the ground.

I create enough storm winds to help me float and NOT blast the entire area. The woman's eyes flickered with fear as I adjust myself to an upright position in midair, slowly backing away as I carefully lowered myself to the ground. I almost lost my balance since my feet were chained so close to each other, but I was able to find my center of gravity. Letting out a breath once I was stable on my feet, my eyes darted back to the woman. My jaw slightly hangs as I slouch my shoulders forward in disbelief. I didn't know it was possible to see gravity-defying hair on those of the same sex. To see twin drills instead of horsetails attached to her head just... amazes me.

"Are you going to fight?" I ask, earning a loud squeak as her response. "Uh... you can just sit in the corner till everything's over." The second I said that she disappears from her spot and hides behind a nearby stack of boxes.

"That was a pretty fast reaction..."

"AVERY!" I hear Azul scream. I flinch when I see her trying to fly away only to be grabbed by the tail. "Help! I heard what these two were saying! They plan on selling me to the circus!"

I stare for a moment, silently contemplating just how to react to this. I've never seen a human circus, but I've heard they're a lot of fun. I immediately turn around. "I don't see any problem. Have fun at the circus!"

"How mean! Don't let these guys turn me into a flying circus attraction! If they do, I'll never see my beloved Happy again!"

I roll my eyes but decided to help her. Creating a small ball of storm winds in my hands to the best of my ability, I blew it and sent it towards Azul before turning so my back was facing her. "3...2...1..." I quietly count down until I heard a short but loud blast. I already know what Azul's going to say.

"I said HELP ME! Not KILL ME!" she shouts.

Just as I was about to turn back around, the roof above our heads was suddenly torn off. I look at the wizards and they look back at me, both of us equally confused as to what just happened. Since none of them were moving, I can only guess that it was not one of them. They were so scared that Azul was able to slide herself out of her captor's arms to freedom without notice. Azul was going to fly back into my arms, but not before purposely flapping her wings - even though it's not really necessary for her to flap them - in my face. Okay, I deserved that. After spitting out some of her feathers, I move to leave the room and look for Sting and Lector.

They ended up going out before we could to fight and distract the humans for quite some time. I hope nothing happened to them while I was busy with the batch that got in the room. When I got out, Azul and I let out a gasp at the amount of destruction that laid before us. Whatever building we were in, none of it was left except the room we were held captive in. I trace over one hand on the rubble while Azul floats out of my arms and goes up to the sky to survey the area. This wasn't Sting's doing, I know he's not yet capable to cause this much destruction. That's why I had him attack the humans in the first place!

Azul flies back down and shakes her head, notifying me that she couldn't find them. I look around once again and notice there were several human laying all over the place. They weren't severely injured, but none of them seemed they were going to wake up anytime soon. I kept walking until I was at the center. Nothing. Where did everyone go? I sniff the air, hoping to at least catch his scent, but there was nothing except nearby humans. That's all I've ever smelt since I arrived in this country.

"Do you think they're okay?" Azul asks, worriedly looking around at our surroundings.

"I don't smell them anywhere," I pause to take in one last whiff. "And I don't smell any blood either. They must have gone after Constantine," I said bitterly when I uttered his name. I grit my teeth and ball both hands into tight fists.

'First Red and Ulric... now Constantine is here?' Silhouettes of several children briefly appear in my head. 'How many is she planning on using to bring me back?' I could feel my heart beating hard against my chance, the fear I once felt back then resurfacing. 'If this keeps up, they might start attacking my friends. I can't let any of them near my only family.' I could easily picture Natsu's back turned at me, only to sense my presence and turn then flash his signature smile at me. I flinch and thought, 'I can't let them know. I can't get them involved.'

"Avery?" Azul's voice causes me to break from my thoughts and snap my head at her. She nervously eyes me while asking, "Do you know him?"

Without any choice, I shift my gaze back at the rubble and told her, "A long time ago, before the old man brought me from my homeland and to Magnolia."

"Oh..." was her only response.

Azul's the only one I've been allowed to tell that I'm not from Fiore. As much as I want to tell the others, Master told me that council doesn't want the memories of where I'm from to resurface. No one is to know, no one is to remember. That was the deal in allowing me to stay within their borders.

"So, this Constantine guy, is he with the guys that almost killed you back on the island?"

"Yes, but they weren't going to kill me. I'm too important for that..." I mutter the last sentence quietly, earning a confused look from the cat.

Before I could answer, there was an explosion coming from another part of town.

-Normal-

"You know kid... I was starting to like your spunk, but-" Constantine grabs the boy by his neck and lifts him up above the man's eye level. "Now you're just getting annoying."

"Sting-kun!" Lector cries out, only to find himself surrounded by large spikes of earth.

After purposely destroying the building, he had hoped it would draw the girl's attention and force her to follow him to the outer parts of the town. Instead, all he got was a pup and his bird-cat. Wasn't much of a fight, one punch in the stomach and the boy was already on his knees.

"You remind me of our guild Master's sister." His off-handed comment both surprised and confused Sting. "She appeared as the weaker sibling, but her heart always pushed her to fight. You're the same..." Constantine tightens his hold around the boy's small neck, causing him to cough and choke while struggling to break free. To his avail, all he did was slightly bruise the man's skin.

The man sneers at his failed attempt. "You continue to fight even when you know your opponent is strong than you... Tell me, boy," he brings Sting closer and loosens his grip, giving him the leeway to speak his thoughts. "Why do you continue fighting?"

Coughing loudly once he was able to breathe, with only one eye cracked open, he angrily stares back at the cold eyes that were partially hidden underneath the man's hood. Sting didn't know what exactly he SHOULD say. He doesn't know who this man is!

"I... I..." he coughs while trying to regain his voice. This prompts Constantine to slightly lean forward to get a better listen to what Sting has to say, only to receive a nice little spit to the face. His disgust brings a smile to Sting's face. "The fact you're asking a kid just shows how much weaker you are compared to her!"

For an adult to use a kid like him to get at least some insight on his enemy? That was just sad. Angered at both the boy's words and his heinous act, he re-tightens his grip, raises the boy high above his head and attempts to slam him on the ground. This would have killed Sting if Azul hadn't flown and snatch the boy away, exactly at the moment Constantine was about to let go to allow the momentum to crush him. Once they were at a safe distance, Azul stops so they could have a minute to control their frantic breathing. Sting was scared because he thought he was going to die, the same goes for Azul but she thought she was going to lose her wings from flying over the limit.

"A-Are you okay?" Azul stutters, earning a quick nod from the boy. "Good..." She lets out a relieved breath. "Now hold on! You grab Lector then I'll bring you both somewhere safe!"

"No! We can't just leave!" Sting protests.

She shakes her head with a playful smile, confusing the boy. "You're not going to leave, silly! Avery wants you to watch what it is a dragon slayer at their full potential can do!"

Before he could say anything, Azul folds her wings and dives back down. Seeing where her trajectory was aimed, Constantine attempts to trap the two inside an earth dome, only for a small portion of the sky to turn dark and a sudden small-scale downdraft comes spiraling down. He jumps back before the rapid rotating column of air could strike, only to find himself flying back from the sudden blast of wind that struck his body. This strong gust pushes Azul forward, but at an even higher speed.

"Make sure to grab Lector!" she shouts, feeling her sides of her mouth stretch out.

"As if I was planning to miss!"

The second Sting grabs the top of the cat's head, Constantine crashes against a nearby brick home, causing the residence to run out, terrified after the collision creates a large crack on the wall. He tries to pry himself only to find that he was stuck. Avery gently lands on the ground, her entire body surrounded by inward spiraling winds and thunderstorms, almost appearing as a literal typhoon.

Constantine scoffs at her serious demeanor. "You think you can scare me? I've already had a taste of that terrible power of yours first hand."

Something inside Avery snapped. With one small step forward, she disappeared from her spot. Azul places Sting and Lector down at the exact moment Avery reappears with a raised fist. "Storm dragon's turbulent fist!" But instead of smashing his head in, his entire body transformed into stone. Avery hisses in pain as quickly retracts her hand. Constantine takes this chance to go for the kill, no longer deeming his previous orders important. He underestimated the dragon slayer's growth. According to the intel that was given to them by an unknown source, Avery made a vow to never harm humans unless it was deemed necessary.

That's why he hired Moe Lester and his crew to capture her, but that was a mistake as she still used brute force to free herself. Though seeing her now, completely in control of her magic and attacking him without a second thought, either she must really not want to go back or the intel was false.

'Looks like I have to deliver the bad news to the master once I get out of this,' he thought as he continues to taunt the girl. "How does it feel like to be free?"

Surprise flickered in her eyes but was quickly replaced with rage. Wordlessly, she focuses all her magic in her limbs, generating a small hurricane around them before attempting to punch him several times. Constantine takes several hits due to earth made armor, but had to dodge when he saw his protection was starting to crumble. His face almost exposed, he sinks into the earth before Avery could completely breakthrough. He rises up again only for a storm to suddenly appear over his head. Thinking she was going to use that same spell again, he sinks his feet into the earth to anchor himself in place. Avery appears above him, a tight ball of wing spiraling in between her hands.

"Storm Dragon's Ryūjin!" The ball was thrown right at him. Before Constantine could remove his feet, it comes into contact with his shoulder and explodes within seconds. A vortex of wind explodes, forcefully pulling him out of the ground and carries him up into the sky as the whirlwind rapidly rises upwards.

From below, Sting and Lector watch in awe. For Azul, it wasn't much of a surprise, she was more cautious about the situation. As great as it is to watch Avery in action, her years as her partner has taught her much, and that was to get the hell out of there if things get too messy. She can control the storm when she's calm, but the longer she fights, the more emotional she becomes. And that will be a problem since her magic is tied with her emotions. Azul keeps her paws on the two just in case she has to bring them as far from this place as possible.

"You say that you've had a taste of my power." Avery appears above him, staring down at the man with serious eyes. They didn't hold any hate in them. Quite the opposite. "But you and I remember the reason why things ended the way they did."

"Right..." Constantine sadly smiles. "How could I forget? How could any of us forget..?"

It surprised her to hear the sudden change in his voice. He seemed genuinely remorseful, almost appearing as if he was about ready to cry. Before she could respond, she was horrified at what happened next. In the blink of an eye, without any reason at all, his entire body crystallizes.

"That's enough, Audinor," a voice echoes in Avery's ears. "I sent you here because my two puppets have yet to set their plan in stone. To think you'd gain some sense of freedom while you were out there." The body begins to crumble into dust. "That was a mistake. Time for you to return to your master."

-Back to Me-

"Wait!" I tried to reach out for him but he completely shatters.

I lowered myself down to the ground, my anger dissipating as fast as the storm. Once I was on the ground, I fell on my knees, taking in what had just happened. SHE was here, again. I don't know how I didn't sense her presence, but she was here, somewhere.

'Is she starting to take more action?' I thought as I stare down at my hands with worried eyes. It's been so long since I last heard their voice, since

"Avery!"

I lift my head and look over my shoulder to see Sting, Lector, and Azul running towards me. Azul was the first to reach me, practically slamming herself into my stomach. Sting and Lector stop and seemed just as relieved to see that I was fine. Neither had a scratch on them. Relieved, I grab the two and bring them into a tight hug.

"You're both okay..." I sighed happily.

"Y-Yeah..."

"I almost thought you two- I almost-" Then I remembered. Pulling away, I slowly raise my fist and angrily bop the top of the blonde's head. "You idiots! Why did you go after him!? If you knew he was stronger, why'd you still go after him!"

"Please don't be mad!" Lector defends his friend, jumping in between us. "Sting-kun overheard his plans on taking you dead rather than alive! He wanted to go back and warn you, but the man spotted us before we could do anything!"

I look down at Lector then intently stare at Sting, silently studying him as he remained in place, refusing to lift his head and make direct eye contact. He wasn't denying it, but he wasn't trying to defending his actions either. There was this overwhelming surge of pride that filled up my chest. In an instant, to Lector's surprise and Azul's annoyance, I place a hand on Sting's cheek, and before he could question what I was doing, I lean forward and kiss his cheek. We stayed like that for several minutes, his jaw hanging wide open as he remains still. When I pull back, I cough out a small laugh at the sight of his red face.

I learned from the girls that it's a normal reaction for the opposite sex, though Cana DID want to add something, Erza stopped her before she could finish. I didn't understand where that part of the conversation was going, but I decided it was best to Something about a stick?

"With that!" I clap my hands together. "I now conclude my service as your teacher."

"What? You're already done teaching me?" he asks in disbelief. "But what about the rest of my training!? I thought there was more that I had to learn!"

I bring a hand back to his face, but this time to lightly flick his forehead, which he didn't mind this time and didn't give me a look. Though he was still upset about me no longer being his teacher.

"You never needed me to teach you." I lower my hand and tap his chest, exactly where his heart should be. "You just needed someone to set you on the right path. There's no exact way in becoming stronger, it all depends on you how you want to gain that strength." I bring him back in for another hug, which Sting happily accepted by hugging me back. "You're a good kid, Sting. I hope we can fight again together properly, as fully-developed dragon slayers."

"Does that mean your leaving?" Lector asks after I pull away.

I nod as Azul informs them, "We just stopped by to rest. We have a BIG mission to handle in the next town!"

Standing back up, I nearly tripped when Sting grabbed the bottom of my shorts. Confused, I was about to ask him what wrong until he reaches for my arm and pulls me down. I blink several times as Sting glares at me, brings his face closer and points his finger at me.

"You better keep your word!" Sting said, almost a little aggressively. "I'm going to train every day! When I feel I've become slightly stronger, I'll defeat either a strong monster or a wizard to test out my skills! If I don't win..." He lets go and pumps his fist into the air. "Then I'll train even more!"

Azul sighs and shakes her head while I laugh at his enthusiasm. Seeing him grinning up at me, his determination to become stronger, almost every aspect of him reminds me of Natsu. I can't tell if I should find that adorable or... scary. I'm not saying it's entirely a bad thing - in fact, it would be exciting to see how fast he's grown if we meet each other again in the near future - but given how Natsu can be a little excessive during missions, I don't want to hear that there's another destructive wizard on the loose. The old man gives me enough trouble as it is when it's time for me to go on solo missions!

If I never joined, I'm sure I would have never learned the term 'self-control'. Though a few of my friends back in Fairy Tail are no better as, according to Erza, collateral damage is something that cannot be completely avoided. Just minimized, if there are some that even know how to. I can't really say we've really learned our lesson, but our 'punishments' distributed by the old man has definitely reminded us of the consequences if we don't at least follow some rules. Or just - as he calls it - use our common sense.

I firmly plant my hands on his shoulders, the color drained from my face as I told- No, BEGGED him when I said, "Join a guild. Please, if you want to get stronger, join a guild!"

"Huh? Okay?" he agrees despite his confusion at my request.

Azul immediately gets in between us, shoving her paws over our mouths as she pushes us away. "Alright, that's enough! There's a thing called personal space, and I've seen you two break that for quite enough!" I didn't understand what she was talking about, but Sting seemed to understand what she was implying and turned red. Asking her will be useless, and based on personal experience, I know Sting won't explain, so I'd rather save such questions for Cana. At least she's honest with me.

I lift myself in the air and so does Azul, but before we could take off, Sting grabs my foot.

"Oh, what now!?" Azul whines, which I ignore.

"One last time!" Sting blurts out. "At least give me another lesson! I know you think you're done, but at least teach me one last time! Just knowing how to roar properly isn't good enough!"

As much as I want to, there's just one person I need to get permission since she's the one that's in a hurry. I look at Azul, silently giving her what I call is my best attempt in giving her the puppy-dog eyes. It's worked about two times since Happy taught me how to pull it off, and both times its worked. Azul tries to remain defiant, narrowing her eyes as deep as she possibly could as we stare at one another. Then, with a long, annoyed sigh, she gives me a short wave, signaling for me to go on ahead before flying off to the nearest roof to sit and watch. Sting and Lector immediately go on their knees, their eyes twinkling with excitement and they stare up at me.

I laugh and clap my hands several times. "Since you're so excited, I'll give you one last lesson. But that's it! After that, we have to go our separate ways! Got it?"

He eagerly nods. Pleased to see this, I placed a hand on my hips and point towards the sky. A confident smile crosses my cheeks as I declare, "For our next and final lesson-"

||Magnolia Town||

-Lucy-

After the magic council came by to arrest some of Phantom Lord wizards and their guild master, Jose, the rest of us acted immediately tending to the wounded and salvage what's left of the guildhall. While it was a relief to see no one was seriously hurt, I was sad after I realized all of this was indirectly my fault. I ran away, and my dad hired a guild to take me back, that's all they needed as an excuse to attack Fairy Tail. Although I was told none of this was my fault and that they would protect anyone that's apart of their family, there was this lingering feeling inside when I saw Natsu facing away from the guild.

I heard him while he was fighting Gajeel.

+ Memory +

"You bastards!" Without warning, Natsu's entire body was engulfed in flames. I had to raise my arms up to shield my face from the intense heat. "You destroyed it... You destroyed our home!" I yelp when I see him violently ram his body against Gajeel's metal form. "I told her that I don't break promises!" Natsu punches Gajeel up to the ceiling. "I told her that there will always be a home waiting for her!" I low my arms just in time to see Natsu launch himself up in the air, twist and sidekick Gajeel in the stomach.

"I don't want her to disappear for the next three years again!" he roars as he dives down with a flaming fist.

+ End of Memory +

"Natsu!" I shout, causing him to snap out of his thoughts and turn to me. I flash him a reassuring smile. "She won't disappear." His eyes widen when I said this. "I'm sure she'll come back in a heartbeat once news reaches."

I wasn't able to get to know her for long, but I can understand their attachment to her. When I first met her, I was intimidated by her magic aura, and then I got to see her in action. I was horrified when I saw her walk into the hut back in Galuna Island, I swore I almost thought she was going to die. The injuries that were all over her body were so extensive that it shocked us when we saw Natsu carrying her with Gray following them after their last fight with Lyon. I'm surprised until now that Erza didn't reprimand the girl for her recklessness when they got back and to volunteer in helping her attempt to 'destroy' the moon.

When Natsu doesn't respond, I almost thought I had accidentally said something to upset him. Instead, he brightly grins.

"I know!" Natsu walks over and slaps a hand on my shoulder. "Av's already seen the guild trashed on the inside loads of times! I'm sure she'll be okay with seeing it like this!"

He walks past me and continues to laugh. Hearing Natsu joke around was a relief until I heard him cackle from behind, "Well, that is if she doesn't blow up the place, then we're screwed!"

I was speechless. I look around to see if he was still joking, but I got the opposite of what I was hoping for. Almost everyone was as white as a sheet, only Erza and Mirajane being the ones that kept a neutral face. When I spotted Master, he seemed calm so I thought everyone was just overreacting, again. Then I noticed his legs were shaking. Happy seemingly faints into my arms after seemingly having difficulty floating.

"Lucy... I don't want it to happy again... I still have seven lives left..." he rambles, his blue fur now pure white.

"Can someone tell me what she did!?" I cry out, now more terrified than ever. When I felt an extremely cold hand on my shoulder, I knew on the spot it was Gray. I turn to him for answers, hoping and praying it praying it's not as bad as Natsu's making it out to be only to find him quaking all over.

"Let's just put it this way... Natsu's emotions sometimes fuel his flames. Same goes for Avery except..." he trails off, unable to finish.

I finish for him with a nervous gulp, "Her's affects the weather..."

I don't think I've ever seen her actually do it. Maybe I did, but every time she was upset, we were indoors. Hopefully, she doesn't actually blow up... I don't want to be caught in a literal storm!

-Normal-

Avery and Azul flew off after finishing their final lesson and carried the various items they bought the day before, leaving Sting and Lector below as they watch them slowly disappear above the clouds. Sting, although sad that his time with his teacher was shortlived, appreciated everything they did and taught him.

"Someday... We'll see each other again. And I'll be the dragon slayer you hope for me to be," he swore.

Lector looks up and asks, "What guild are you planning to join?"

Sting stood there for a moment before slumping his shoulders. "I-I actually haven't thought about that..."

"How about Fairy Tail?"

"No, I don't think we can go there. Avery wants me to grow my own way. If I join the exact same guild as her, she might think I'm there just for her to supervise my training." He clutches his hands into a tight fist. "I need to grow stronger in a place where strength is everything!"

As Sting thought over a list of other guilds he knows, a girl hobbles past him, covered in various injuries -which were kept hidden under the boar-skin cloak she made - as she stares off with vacant eyes. Waiting for her in distance was a tall, elderly man with a seemingly permanent dark expression on his face. As the two boys run off to start their new set path, Avery lowers herself down from the clouds and watches them with pride.

"Avery! Hurry up! Let's get to the next town and drop off the stuff before air traffic comes in again!"

Avery laughs at Azul's usual address to birds even though they were too far avoid for any winged animal to fly. Back in Magnolia, Natsu and Gray argue after one made fun of the other for carrying too much wood as the other walks by with only one long piece of wood. Erza stepped in to stop the argument by grabbing and bashing their heads together. Those nearby only laugh at their antics. While rubbing his forehead, he stops to look up at the sky.

"We'll be waiting Av..." he said under his breath before getting punched in the face by his rival.

As if she heard this, Avery stops to look in the direction of where Magnolia is.

"I'll be home soon guys... I promise.

To Be Done

Hey guys! I've been looking back at the previous chapters and realized... just how messy they are back when I wrote this on wattpad, which was back in 2013. I just copied and pasted everything without checking. So as of now, I am fixing it all so it can be more readable and understandable. And adding parts that I know should have been there in the first place. I've been in Bangkok for a while with my parents so I haven't really been able to write much, mainly due to how much my mom wants to go out and buy souvenirs. ^^' Anyway, hope you enjoyed! I'm said that the Fairy Tail anime is over, but that just gives me enough plot to figure out how to fit in Avery's story! Please R&R and we'll definitely see you in the next chapter!