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I Leave You, My Pride	By : Rhov Category: +. to F > Fairy Tail Views: 5780 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: Fairy Tail is the property of Hiro Mashima. I make no money, I just do this for my own pleasure.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Chapter 8

Determination and Depression
Many Weeks Later
Natsu sat at the bar in the guild hall. All around him, conversations mixed and blended into a murmuring cacophony of voices. Conversation in Fairy Tail seemed to be a living thing, pulsing, swelling, ebbing, part of what made the guild such a great place to hang out between missions. Natsu ignored most of it as he watched Mira make him a drink. Then one voice suddenly came through all the droning noise and sharply pricked at his ears.
"I saw that Ice-Make guy out in a field today. I thought he was training, but he kept shouting something about a lion. Gave me a start!"
Natsu tilted his ear just a little in that direction. The speaker was one of the new girls to join their guild. Although she had been with them for six months, it still meant she had never gotten to meet Gray until his sudden arrival back in Magnolia.
"Oh, a lion," the girl's friend said. Natsu recognized that voice as Chico. She had been in the guild long before Lucy, although she was more a face in the background. "That'd be Lucy Heartfilia."
"Who? Oh, I heard about her. She's the girl who turned into a Celestial Spirit, right?"
"It's why Gray left, to learn how to bring her back. He failed, but he's still trying."
Natsu spun around in his chair. "He didn't fail!"
His shout made the two girls jolt and some of the crowd to fall silent.
"Gray is getting stronger," Natsu insisted loyally. "On our mission yesterday, he called out Scorpio. He's a tough fighting Spirit. I bet he'll have Lucy back before summer."
Just then, Mira set Natsu's drink down in front of him. "How was your mission, anyway?" It was asked purely to calm Natsu down before he did anything to scare the other guild members. She took a lighter to the alcoholic drink, and it suddenly caught on fire.
"It was easy." Natsu gulped the flames rather than the alcohol. "It wasn't S-Class. Erza wants to ease Gray back into the habit. He did well, but he didn't use ice at all. Only Scorpio. I was sort of looking forward to seeing how strong his ice magic is now."
"He probably wants to focus on Celestial Spirit summoning during missions so he can get strong enough to call Lucy," Mira reasoned.
"Yeah," Natsu mumbled, staring at the blue flickering flame. "Just calling out Scorpio drained him. He didn't wanna admit it, but I saw how he looked afterward. It was just one person he called out, though."
"It was a Zodiac Spirit."
"But Lucy could call them out with no problem," Natsu whined.
Mira smiled at him. "Doesn't that just show how strong Lucy was?"
Natsu mindlessly stared at the drink as he let her statement sink in. He knew she was right. Natsu had always known that Lucy was strong with magic, sensing the vast well of magic within her body. Physically, she was still a delicate lady born into a rich family, yet her magical aptitude ran deep.
The two girls were still talking, although they whispered now.
"Don't you think Gray Fullbuster is cute?"
"Cute? He's a sex god! Whenever he takes off his pants…"
"Oh, I know what you mean. Rawr!"
"Oh, Chico, you're hilarious! It's a shame he's so obsessed with that Lucy person."
"He might move on."
"I hope so. I really want to ask him out, but Cana told me to forget it, he's saving himself for Lucy. Then he's always obsessing over those keys…"
Natsu simmered in tense silence and drank the flaming cup quickly. He set it down with a loud clink and paid. "I'm off," he mumbled to Mira. "Do you know where Gray went?"
"He hasn't been by, so he's either training or still at Jellal's place."
Natsu gave her a nod and left. He figured Gray must be training again, and he did not want to interrupt. Even though Natsu really wanted to challenge Gray to a fight, fire against ice, for old time's sake, he also wanted Lucy to come back home. If Gray needed peace and quiet, then Natsu would hold himself back … for now.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Gray was meditating in a rock garden behind Erza and Jellal's house. The married couple discussed him from behind a sliding glass door, able to see him seated in the lotus position, his eyes closed, fingers together in meditation.
Softly, Jellal said, "His obsession is a little serious. It's starting to worry me."
"He's just trying to get stronger," Erza said, although she also had a tenseness to her brow.
"Trying to learn multiple forms of magic is not easy, believe me!" Jellal gave a soft sigh, thinking back to a time when he had learned numerous types of magic and rose to become one of the Ten Wizard Saints. "The problem isn't so much learning new forms. Many wizards know a little bit of different magic, like you with Requip as well as Telekinesis. The problem occurs when someone focuses on one and neglects their prime magic: in Gray's case, Ice-Make. You said that on your mission yesterday, he only used his Spirit Keys."
"He called out Scorpio. It was all he needed to do, really. Also," Erza confessed worriedly, "I think it was all he was capable of doing. It really drained him."
"Celestial summoning is a type of magic that can easily drain a wizard. For someone like Gray, it's not ideal in battle. As a backup to his ice magic, sure, but not as a prime focus."
"He's only focusing on it to get stronger, Jellal."
"I know, but also around here, he never uses ice magic. If he keeps neglecting it, then when an occasion comes when he has to use a major ice spell, the flow of magic will be too confused. He'll know the spell in his mind, but his heart won't be in the right place. The magic could go out of control, and that can be dangerous to him. He either needs to focus equally on both magics, or keep one as a backup."
"Maybe I should urge him and Natsu to fight more instead of always scolding them."
Jellal had to laugh. "That would work!"
"I'll tell Natsu to challenge him, and then you hide Gray's keys so he can't use them. Force him to use ice magic again. For now, let him meditate. He'll keep obsessing until he brings Lucy back. You know how stubbornly loyal Fairy Tail wizards are when it comes to our nakama."
Jellal grinned down to her. "I definitely do! I married one who refused to give up on me, even at my worst." He leaned over and kissed Eza on the mouth.
Just then, Gray leaped out of his meditation and screamed. "Lucy!"
Erza and Jellal jolted apart as they watched Gray trample around the rock garden in a panic.
"Lucy!" he shouted again. He grabbed a golden key. "Open the Gate of the Lion! Leo!" There was a swish of air, but it died away before anything happened. "Come on, dammit. Open the Gate of the Lion! Shit, I know you can open. Leo! Leo! Lucy!" He grabbed the key with both hands and screamed. "Open the Gate of the Lion!"
Suddenly, Gray collapsed onto the pebbles below, gasping and clutching his chest as he found even breathing to be painful. Erza and Jellal ran out to help him.
"Gray!" Erza shouted.
"Magic deprivation. Stop using your magic, Gray," Jellal warned. He pried the Gold Key out of Gray's fist. "It's still too much. You have to ease yourself into something that advanced. Forcing it won't help."
"I felt her," he panted, sensing an intense drain on his magic. "Lucy … I felt her. I could almost see her."
Erza and Jellal shared a worried look. They knew Gray was obsessed but … hallucinating?
"I'm not making it up," Gray growled, glimpsing the silent looks between them. "She must have tried to open the Lion's Gate but failed." He covered his tearful eyes with his arm, yet still he smiled. "She's getting stronger. I sensed it. She's really becoming the Lion!"

In the Spirit World
Lucy collapsed to her knees. Immediately, Aries and Virgo rushed to her side.
"That was closer, Lucy-sama," Capricorn praised. "You summoned the gate yourself and opened it a little."
"But I couldn't step through," the blonde panted heavily. "Damn, that was tiring. I think I need to sleep now. But … but I saw him. I saw Gray, for just a moment. I heard his voice shouting for me. He … he must have sensed me there."
Capricorn gave her a hand to help her up, and Virgo neatly pulled the black skirt Lucy wore into place while Aries straightened her golden hair … although Lucy's hair had taken on a much wilder appearance over the past few Spirit World days.
"What exactly did you see?" Capricorn asked.
"I saw him sitting, meditating I think. It's not a place I know, but it seemed to be in Magnolia. There was a garden, and a house, and … oh! Erza was there with Jellal. They seemed to be watching him, except…" She suddenly blushed.
"Except?" Capricorn urged.
"They … umm … were kissing," Lucy mumbled. Erza and Jellal had looked so happy, so comfortable around one another. Gray looked just the same as how Gemini often liked to appear, teasing Lucy with the vision of his face, a slightly older man with shorter hair but the same stormy blue eyes. "I miss him so much."
Capricorn smiled sympathetically. "Your love for Gray, and his for you, is strengthening you faster than you even know, Lucy-sama. However, you mustn't overdo it or you won't be strong enough to make the connection if he does try to call you out."
"I could use the rest," she admitted, and gladly she followed the others back to the Lion's Mansion.

In the Human World
Gray was in the same location, still emotionally torn by his near encounter. Although sensing Lucy gave him hope, it also tormented him with a sense of yearning.
"Erza, Jellal," he whispered, "could you guys … leave me alone for a while?"
"No more magic today," Jellal warned. "Wearing yourself out won't help you at all. If Lucy tries again, you must be strong enough to help her make that connection. Working together might bridge the rift between worlds."
"I'll keep that in mind," Gray nodded wearily, "but I think both of us have had enough for today."
He drifted off to a secluded area within the property Jellal owned. It was a little clearing with a wall of bamboo plants shielding it from the rest of the house. Gray knew that Jellal and Erza used this secluded place to secretly kiss and cuddle while he lived with them—he once came out into the garden and heard them in the midst of some heavy petting back here—so he knew it was completely blocked from view. There was a bench set up under a cherry tree. Although all the flowers were now gone, it was still a shady and lovely place to sit and relax.
Gray collapsed weakly onto the bench and leaned his head back against the tree trunk. He usually tried to ignore thinking too deeply about Lucy, but now memories were surging up. That night together, their one and only time making love, was something Gray would never forget. He recalled the fierceness of her kisses, her clawing fingers, and her wild screams as he showed her just how deeply he loved her.
"Lucy…" he whispered.
There was a reason he never let himself think about these things. It made him aroused, and he felt guilty pleasuring himself without Lucy around. Cana had already teased him that he should ease his itch by dating a few of the new girls in the guild, but he wanted to stay loyal. There was only one woman who could ease the craving he felt. She was a woman who kissed and made love like a wild lioness!
His hand drifted up to his face, and his fingers lightly brushed over his lips. He tried to remember how warm those kisses felt, but it was hard. Over two years had passed. He was forgetting details.
"I know I promised Jellal, but…" Gray pulled out the keyring and took one of the Gold Keys. It was not the one he really wanted to use, but—for now, at least—it was the closest he could get. With a sigh of disappointment, he called out, "Open the Gate of the Twins! Gemini!"
The two round-headed creatures poofed before him, floating in the air and dancing around in a carefree, childlike manner.
"It's Gray again," Gemi cheered.
"Gray again!" Mini echoed.
"What can we do, Gray?"
"Do! Do!"
With a shaky voice, he requested, "Look like her."
In unison, both Gemi and Mini tilted their heads to the side with wordless confusion.
"Transform into Lucy," he whispered, as if that was a taboo thing to ask. "I just … I need to see her. I need to remember her better." His fists clenched as his head dropped in anguish. "After two years being apart, I … I need to be reminded."
The two poofed, and suddenly the buxomly blonde stood in front of him. Gray's breath caught. She looked … different. He knew only a few days had passed in the Spirit World, yet he realized that this must be the new Lucy, with wild hair that puffed out around her head like a shaggy golden mane. The gleam in her eyes was brighter. She wore a tiny black skirt, a black suit coat over a button-up white blouse, the first few buttons undone to show off cleavage, with a loosened tiger-striped tie hanging from around her neck in a seductively casual style. On her fingers were the gold and silver rings.
"Lucy?" he whispered in awe.
"Has it been so challenging for you, Gray?" Lucy's warm voice spoke with a hint of sadness. "Are you already forgetting this face?"
He looked up at her, and for once, just a moment of weakness, he let himself pretend. "I miss you so much, Lucy. I want you with me."
Those soft hands took his face, and a gentle thumb wiped away one of his stray tears. "Your love burns so brightly. We're all inspired by it, Gray."
"Lucy," he sobbed. Gray grabbed around the thin waist, pulling that curvaceous body to him. "I need you," he shuddered. "God, I miss you!"
"Cry all you need," whispered tender words as delicate hands stroked his raven hair. "I'm here for you, Gray. I know how deeply your love flows."
He let himself be cradled in those arms. He buried his face into her stomach, hugging around her lithe body, pulling her between his knees as he wept with grief and happiness on that hard wooden bench. The feel of fingers running through his hair made him shudder with elation.
Gray looked up, his face a moist mess, and gazed at the features of Lucy's face, recalling everything. He stood up, towering over her. Those gentle brown eyes turned up to him, catching the sunlight filtering through the cherry tree leaves. He touched her face, felt the soft cheeks, and the heat of the flushed skin. Lucy's face leaned into his hand, and a sensual hum rang through the late spring air. He could almost let himself completely succumb to the fantasy that she was here with him. He wanted … so much … just to…
"Do you really need to be kissed so desperately, Gray?" the Twins asked.
He suddenly drew back. He had hardly realized that his face had drawn so close to those pink lips.
"Oh … s-sorry," he stuttered with embarrassment.
The pink-marked hand took his cheek again and turned it back. He gazed down into those chocolaty eyes as his heart struggled between desire and knowing this was a mere fantasy.
"We stole a kiss from Lucy," the Twins told him.
Gray's eyes flashed in anger. "You kissed her? Gemini!" he scolded harshly.
"We did it so we could give that kiss to you. Will you accept Lucy's stolen kiss?"
Gray's heart now burned. He wanted it … badly. He needed to feel those lips, just once. And that face looked so … inviting. Almost begging! He knew it was nothing more than a mimicked substitute, yet … he needed something. Anything! Silently, feeling guilty, he nodded in response.
Gemini cradled his face. "This is Lucy's kiss to you."
Those soft lips pressed against his mouth. Gray held still, trying to remember those kisses from the past. They had felt exactly like this! Gemini was a perfect copy, after all. The way those hands drifted through his hair and tickled down his neck was precisely how Lucy had kissed him.
Then, he lost his control. He grabbed at that body and yanked it to him. Lucy's voice made a startled gasp, and his tongue thrust into that warm mouth. Rather than pull away, a gentle moan vibrated from her mouth into his. His tongue dueled within a warm and inviting entrance. Even her taste was the same! It brought up memories of passion and lust.
"Lucy," he groaned.
"G-Gray," spoke a shuddering whimper.
He stalked a step closer, and those black heeled boots took a step back until Gray pressed the blonde up against the cherry tree, caging her in with his arms. Two hands suddenly clutched at his hips to pull him even closer, until he felt those soft breasts pressed against his bare chest and felt his groin crash into her body. Purely on instinct, his hips gave a thrust, pinning the warm body against the tree.
The hums and gentle gasps, the whimpers that strained out of a tense throat, even the flighty sounds of breaths huffing between kisses, catching enough air before diving back in for another deep and moist kiss, were all just as he remembered. He made another slow, deliberate thrust against those shapely hips, letting his hardening length stroke against the edge of a hip bone. Gray listened to the shuddering moan vibrating into his mouth. Hearing Lucy's hungry growl made him smirk. His hands drifted down to the hem of the blouse. Slowly, his icy fingers slipped up, gliding under the shirt and over warm, soft, tender skin. His hands kept sliding upward until he felt the underwire of a lacy bra.
There was a louder gasp, and two hands suddenly shoved him back. Gray was startled by the rejection. Lucy's face looked astonished, but also intensely flushed. The blond strands were even more disheveled, and her lips and chin were glossy wet.
"We draw the line at fondling," Gemini warned sharply.
It took a moment for Gray to understand what those words meant. When it dawned on him, he cried out in astonishment and covered his moist mouth, wiping the saliva away.
"Oh God, Gemini, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to molest you or anything. Are … are you okay?" he asked in real worry, looking over the mimicked body. "I didn't hurt you, did I? Oh damn, I … I didn't mean … You know I'd never do that to one of my Celestial Spirits."
"We almost wish you would," Gemini confessed softly, "but you belong to the Lion. We can't steal you away from her. Well, that's Lucy's kiss. We stole it, and now we give it to you. We won't steal from her or you again."
"Gemini," he sighed, finally seeing past the blond hair and brown eyes. "God, I'm really sorry. I feel so terrible." He not only felt guilty at indulging in someone other than Lucy herself, but for using one of his Celestial Spirits for such an abominable act. Even though it had been Gemini's idea, still Gray felt like he must be the very worst owner in the history of Earthland!
Those plump lips, redder now from the passionate kissing, smiled gently. "You're a kind owner, Gray. Don't feel guilty about this. It was our fault for tempting you. We know we shouldn't have, but we so easily feel the love that exists between you and Lucy. We know your thoughts, your passion, and how desperately both of you want to be united again. We shouldn't take advantage of that. We wish you and Lucy happiness, truly. Now, no more kisses, but we can sit with you. Tell us everything that's happened since you arrived back in Fairy Tail. Lucy has been asking. We'll tell her everything. It'll make her happy."
Gray nodded, still shaken by the kiss. He took a seat on the bench again, and Gemini sat beside him, so close that their thighs were touching. That warm skin now made Gray feel a little awkward.
However, he felt a firmer determination now. The passion from two years ago had not dimmed in the slightest. He knew now in his heart, even if it took him two more years, or twenty, that initial ardor would never cool off. He did not need some random lady from the guild to ease his itch. He only needed—and only wanted—Lucy.
If he could make Lucy happy and think about home, think about him, giving her the same sort of goal to keep her going, then he would tell Gemini all about what had been going on around Fairy Tail, from Juvia and Lyon's engagement, to Erza expecting a baby. Maybe hearing about home and the people waiting for her would make Lucy's love stronger, too.

End of Chapter 8
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I Leave You, My Pride