Hey hope yall enjoy i might post one tomorrow as well. I'll have to see about that. Depending on how yall tbh more like or comments or god forbid a review would definitely help motivate me to finish and post the next one. Any who enjoy please someone review this even a thumbs up would be great :)
A few days had passed since the Strauss siblings joined Fairy Tail, and they'd settled in surprisingly well. Mira's control over her Satan Soul had improved with Makarov's guidance and some practice sessions in the guild's backyard—her demonic arm no longer flaring up unexpectedly. Lisanna bonded quickly with Wendy, her Animal Soul magic turning playtime into adorable chaos as she shifted into cats or birds for games of tag. Elfman found a mentor in figures around the guild, like Macao, who patted him on the back during his teary moments and taught him basic strength training. The house felt fuller now, laughter echoing through the rooms, and Varion's "family" had grown—though the occasional fights between Mira and Erza over silly things, like who got to sit next to him at dinner, kept things lively.
Varion stood at the mission board in the guild hall that morning, scanning the flyers pinned up with requests from across Fiore. His eyes looking for jobs in the southern region—near the Heartfilia estate. He found what he was looking for quickly. It had been a while since he'd checked on Lucy and her family; Layla's recovery, Lucy's magic progress—he wanted to see how they were doing. His heart sped up ever so slightly at the thought of seeing her again, a warmth spreading through his chest, though it left him a bit flustered.
He grabbed the flyers and headed to Makarov at the bar, who was nursing a mug of ale despite the early hour. "Master," Varion said, holding up the papers. "I'll take these. Should be quick—back in a day or two."
Makarov glanced at them, nodding approvingly. "Jobs in the south, eh? Good choices Stay safe, lad. And if you run into trouble, don't die."
Varion bowed his head slightly. "Thanks. I will."
He turned to find the kids—Wendy, Sting, Rogue, Natsu, Gajeel, and now Lisanna and Elfman too—gathered near a table, munching on breakfast snacks Levy had shared. Erza and Mira were nearby, Erza polishing a sword while Mira chatted with Cana, though both glanced his way as he approached.
"Hey," Varion called, waving them over. They clustered around him curiously. "I'm heading out for a bit—some missions down south. Should be back in a day or two. Be good while I'm gone, okay?"
Wendy's eyes widened, but she nodded. "Okay… be safe, Varion!"
Varion ruffled Wendy's hair with a warm smile, then glanced at Erza and Mira. "You two… try not to destroy the guild while I'm gone."
Erza nodded sternly, a faint blush on her cheeks. "We'll manage. Safe travels."
Mira crossed her arms, her own cheeks tinting pink. "Yeah… hurry back."
With a final wave, Varion stepped outside, the guild's cheers fading behind him. Once clear of prying eyes, he let his magic flow—horns curving up, scales rippling across his skin, wings unfurling in a rush of silver-blue energy. He launched into the sky, the wind whipping past as he angled south, the landscape blurring below.
The missions went smoothly, Rewards pocketed, he veered toward the Heartfilia estate, his heart speeding up ever so slightly again at the thought of seeing Lucy.
Varion descended toward the Heartfilia estate under the warm afternoon sun, his wings folding back as he slowed his approach to avoid startling the guards. The sprawling grounds came into view below. He touched down just outside the main gates, his draconic traits retracting seamlessly with a soft hum of magic.
The guards at the gate spotted him immediately. One's eyes widened in recognition, a broad smile breaking across his face. "Varion! Welcome back!"
The other guard nodded enthusiastically, swinging the gates open without hesitation. "Lord Jude and Lady Layla will be thrilled. We've heard all about you from Miss Lucy. Head on in—we'll send word ahead."
Varion returned the smile with a nod. "Thanks. Good to see you both."
He walked through the gates, as he neared the front of the mansion, he spotted something new: out on the manicured lawn, a table was set up with tea and snacks. Lucy sat there, her blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, laughing at something. Beside her was a green-haired girl about his age, dressed in a flowing white top and shorts, her expression relaxed but amused—Brandish, he assumed, from Lucy's letter.
Lucy paused mid-sentence, her head turning as she noticed someone approaching down the main road. She squinted Recognition hit her like a spark, her eyes lighting up with pure joy. "Varion!" she cried, jumping to her feet so fast her chair nearly toppled.
She started running toward him, her blue dress fluttering, arms outstretched. Varion's own face broke into a warm smile as he opened his arms just in time—she leaped into him with a giggling hug, her momentum nearly knocking him back a step. He caught her effortlessly, spinning her around in a quick circle to bleed off the energy, her laughter ringing out like bells as her ponytail whipped through the air.
"Varion! You're here!" Lucy exclaimed as he set her down, still hugging him tight, her face buried in his chest for a second before she looked up, beaming. "I can't believe it! Your letter said you might visit, but I didn't think so soon!"
Varion chuckled softly, running his hand through her hair gently. "Couldn't stay away too long. Had to check on you and your mom. And see this new friend you wrote about."
The green-haired girl—Brandish—approached at a more leisurely pace, her expression curious but with a lazy smile. "So this is the famous Varion? Lucy talks about you non-stop."
Lucy blushed, pulling back slightly but still holding his hand. "Brandish! Don't say that!" She turned back to Varion, her excitement bubbling over. "Come on—Mom and Dad will be so happy! And you have to tell me everything about Fairy Tail!" trying to brush past what brandish just revealed.
Lucy dragged Varion inside the grand doors of the Heartfilia estate, her hand still locked around his in a firm, excited grip that showed no signs of letting go. She chattered nonstop, her words tumbling out like a joyful waterfall as she pulled him along the polished marble hallway. "You won't believe how much Brandish and I have been practicing! And Mom's been walking every day now—she even helped in my training yesterday! Oh, and she finally let me try a new key"
Varion smiled softly, letting her lead him, his free hand tucked in his pocket as he took in the familiar home. They passed maids and butlers along the way, all of whom paused in their duties to smile warmly at the sight of Lucy's beaming happiness—her laughter echoing off the high ceilings like music. One maid whispered to another, "Look at Miss Lucy—haven't seen her this excited in ages."
They burst through a set of elegant double doors into the living room, a spacious chamber with plush couches. Layla Heartfilia sat on one of the couches, laid back slightly against a pile of pillows, looking a great deal better than when Varion had last seen her—color in her cheeks, her golden hair neatly braided, a book resting in her lap. Jude sat right next to her, reading a newspaper, his glasses perched on his nose.
They looked up at the commotion, and their faces lit up with surprise and delight. Lucy finally stopped, still grinning ear to ear as she pointed dramatically. "Look who's here! It's Varion!"
Layla's eyes widened, a warm smile spreading across her face as she set her book aside. "Varion! What a wonderful surprise. Come, sit— you look well!"
Jude folded his newspaper, standing to shake Varion's hand firmly, his expression grateful. "Indeed! We weren't expecting you, but we're thrilled. How have you been, lad?"
Varion returned the handshake, his soft smile growing as Lucy finally released his hand. "I've been good. Busy, but good. Thought I'd check in—see how you're all doing."
They settled into the couches—Layla and Jude on one, Varion on the adjacent with Lucy plopping down right next to him, her leg brushing his as she leaned in eagerly. Brandish, had followed them in quietly, sitting on the arm of Lucy's couch with a lazy smile, watching the scene unfold.
"So, tell us everything!" Lucy urged, her eyes sparkling. "What have you been up to? Your letter was short—spill!"
Varion chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright. Well, I finally got all the kids together—the dragon slayers I told you about. You meet Wendy, Sting, and Rogue,but Natsu was already a member of fairy tail, and Gajeel was wandering in a scrap yard. They're a handful, but they are all safe now."
Layla nodded approvingly. "That's wonderful. You must be relieved."
"Yeah," Varion said, his voice softening. "After we left we made it to Magnolia and joined Fairy Tail. It's… chaotic, but in a good way. Feels like family."
Jude leaned forward. "Fairy Tail? Excellent choice. Strong guild, good people."
Lucy beamed. "I knew you'd find a place! And the house? You mentioned buying one—how's that?"
Varion grinned. "Thanks to the money you gave me, mr.Jude—it's a big place on the outskirts. Seven bedrooms, backyard for the kids to run around. Couldn't have done it without that."
Jude waved it off. "Nonsense. You earned it, saving Layla like you did."
Varion's expression turned serious. "There was a fight on the way—i had to fight that creep named Jose Porla tried to recruit Gajeel and wouldn't take no for a anwser. He's strong—dark magic, shadows. But I handled it."
Layla's eyes widened. "Jose Porla? The Phantom Lord master, the wizard saint? Varion, that's dangerous!"
Varion shrugged. "Had to. For Gajeel."
Lucy clutched his arm lightly, her worry evident. "You fought a Wizard Saint? Alone? That's… wow."
Varion continued. "After, Erza helped me when I got back injured." He blushed lightly at the memory—her arm linked with his, the quiet support on the walk home. "She's… amazing. Strong, kind, always looking out for everyone."
Lucy's smile faltered slightly, her eyes dropping to the floor as a subtle glare formed—not at Varion, but at the mention of Erza. Upset flickered in her chest—why did that name make her feel so… jealous? She clutched his arm a bit tighter without realizing.
Varion didn't notice, pressing on. "We've been training the kids—play fights that build their skills. It's fun watching them grow."
Jude chuckled. "Sounds like you're building quite the family."
"And the mission?" Layla asked gently. "The one with the 'demon' you mentioned going on?"
Varion nodded. "Turned out to be Mira—Mirajane. Her Take Over magic went wrong; she absorbed a demon's power to save her siblings, but couldn't control it. The villagers turned on her. I brought them back—me and Makarov helped her tame it." He blushed slightly again, thinking of Mira's hug after, the way she'd buried her face in his chest. "She's… really strong. Protective."
Lucy's grip tightened harder on his arm, her upset growing—another girl? She glared at the floor, her free hand clenching in her lap, jealousy twisting in her stomach like a knot.
Layla noticed immediately, her mother's intuition picking up on Lucy's subtle reactions—the blush on Varion's face when mentioning Erza and Mira, the way Lucy's hand clutched harder. She smiled knowingly, seeing the jealousy plain as day, but said nothing, letting the moment pass.
"That's incredible, Varion," Layla said warmly. "You've done so much good in such a short time."
Jude nodded. "We're happy you decided to visit. Will you stay for dinner?"
Layla leaned forward slightly on the couch, her book set aside as she glanced between Varion and Lucy with a knowing smile. "That sounds lovely," she said warmly, her voice still soft but steady. "We'd be delighted if you'd stay for dinner."
Varion nodded, his smile genuine as he settled back into the couch. "I'd like that. Thank you."
Before Lucy could chime in with more excitement, Layla held up a hand gently. "Actually, if you don't mind, Varion—could I borrow Lucy for a minute? Just a quick mother-daughter chat. Brandish, dear, why don't you show Varion around the gardens a bit? He hasn't seen the new greenhouse."
Brandish perked up from her spot on the couch arm, her lazy smile widening as she stood. "Sure thing. Come on, hero boy—let's see if you can keep up with my tour." She winked at Lucy, who looked a bit reluctant but nodded.
Varion glanced at Lucy, noticing her slight hesitation, but he stood with a chuckle. "Lead the way, Brandish."
As they headed out through the french doors to the sprawling gardens—Brandish pointing out the exotic plants her grandmother had brought from afar, her Shrink magic demonstrating on a flower to make it tiny then back—Lucy followed her mother to a side room, a cozy study lined with bookshelves and a large window overlooking the estate's lake.
Once inside, Layla closed the door softly and turned to her daughter, her expression gentle but perceptive. "Lucy, come here," she said, patting the spot beside her on a velvet chaise lounge.
Lucy sat, fidgeting with her hands in her lap, her earlier excitement dimmed by a cloud of confusion and upset. "What is it, Mom?"
Layla cupped Lucy's cheek tenderly, her thumb brushing away an imaginary speck as she looked into her daughter's eyes. "I can tell, sweetheart. You're jealous—of those girls Varion mentioned. Erza, Mira… it's written all over your face."
Lucy's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes widening in denial. "What? No, I'm not! I just… I mean, he's a friend, and—"
Layla shook her head, her smile kind but firm, not letting her dodge. "Don't try to deny it, Lucy. A mother knows. The way you clutched his arm tighter, the little glare at the floor… you're upset because you like him, and hearing him talk about other girls bothers you."
Lucy bit her lip, tears starting to well up as the truth hit her. She nodded slowly, her voice small. "I… I guess. It's more than just a crush from him saving you. He's… kind, and strong, and he makes me feel… safe. Happy."
Layla's eyes softened further, her hand still on Lucy's cheek. "If you want him, then go after him—with full intent to capture his heart. Worm your way into it, secure your place. If you hesitate, you might regret it. I can see the way you look at him—it's real, isn't it?"
Lucy tears up fully now, nodding rapidly, her voice choked. "Yes… it is."
Layla paused, her expression thoughtful as she studied her daughter's face for a few seconds. Then, she spoke softly. "What if you were given the chance to go with him? Join Fairy Tail?"
Lucy's eyes widened in shock, her tears halting as she stared at her mother. "W-What? But Dad— the estate— I couldn't—"
Layla cut her off gently, her hand dropping to Lucy's shoulder. "I'll convince your father. But if I allow this, there are stipulations."
Lucy nodded rapidly, hanging on every word, her heart pounding with hope.
"First," Layla said, "you'll send us letters once a week and visit at least once a month. We want to know you're safe."
Lucy nodded again. "Of course!"
"Second, you'll support yourself—except for an emergency fund we'll give you. Don't touch it unless you truly need it. No relying on our wealth."
"I can do that," Lucy said firmly.
"Third, get a house near Varion—or live with him if possible. I trust him to keep you safe. But if you do, help with chores and everything else. No freeloading."
Lucy blushed at the thought but nodded. "Okay…"
Layla smiled sadly, her voice softening. "And for your magic… I'll give you 3 of my golden keys: Aquarius, Virgo, Taurus." As she named them, the keys materialized in a glow of light on the table, their spirits summoning briefly in ethereal forms, nodding in understanding. "But I can no longer use magic, so our contracts are going to be voided soon. I hope you'll become Lucy's spirits and help her as you did me." The spirits bowed, fading away with promises of loyalty. "The others… I'll scatter them. It'll be your challenge to find them."
Lucy stared, overwhelmed. "Mom… why?"
Layla's eyes misted. "To make you stronger. And finally… be happy. That's all I want for you."
Lucy tears up again, nodding rapidly as she hugged her mother tight. "I promise. All of it."
Lucy burst out of the study, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves, the stipulations from her mother still ringing in her ears. "I can go! I can really go!" she whispered to herself, her blue dress swishing as she ran down the hallway, ponytail bouncing wildly. She had to find Varion—tell him the good news before she exploded from holding it in. Brandish had taken him to the gardens; that's where they'd be. She dashed through the estate, maids stepping aside with amused smiles at her enthusiasm, until she pushed through the french doors leading outside.
Meanwhile, in the study, Jude walked in just as Layla straightened her dress, his face already etched with upset— he'd overheard enough from the hallway to know something big was afoot. His newspaper was crumpled in his hand, his glasses slightly askew. "Layla, what is this I hear about Lucy leaving? She's too young—"
Layla held up a hand gently, her expression calm and understanding as she motioned for him to sit beside her. "Jude, dear, please—hear me out before you say anything."
He sat, grumbling but willing, his love for his wife tempering his frustration. "Fine. But this better be good."
Layla took his hand, squeezing it softly. "It's for the good of our daughter's happiness. She's in love with Varion—or at least, the start of it. She's growing up, Jude. Fairy Tail could be her chance to chase that, to become the mage she dreams of being. We can't hold her back forever."
Jude's face softened a fraction, but he grumbled, rubbing his mustache. "It's too soon for my little girl to leave. She's only 13—what if something happens? The world out there is dangerous."
"She'll be fine dear she be in fairy tail the most powerful guid in fiore, and she be right there with Varion i trust him enough to not let anything happen to her." said layla
"Fine, ill allow it as well" he huffed and said
Layla smiled knowingly, her eyes twinkling as she leaned in closer, her other ideas bubbling up. She pulled him into a light kiss, her lips soft against his, the familiar warmth melting his resistance just a little. Pulling back slightly, she whispered in his ear, her voice low and teasing, "Come on, dear, don't be like that. How about we give Lucy a sibling or two? I know I would love that… and I'm sure you would too." She smiled, her hand trailing lightly down his arm. "What are you waiting for?"
Jude's eyes widened, a blush creeping up his neck as he processed her words. His grumbling faded into a surprised chuckle, his arms wrapping around her waist. "Well… when you put it that way…" He quickly picked her up bridal-style, her laughter ringing out as he carried her toward their bedroom, the door shutting behind them with a click.
We cut to Varion and Brandish walking through the estate's sprawling gardens, the path winding between vibrant flower beds bursting with roses, tulips, and exotic blooms imported from distant lands. The air was sweet with floral scents—jasmine mingling with lavender—bees buzzing lazily from petal to petal under the afternoon sun. Fountains tinkled nearby, their crystal-clear water spraying in elegant arcs, and marble statues of celestial figures dotted the landscape, casting long shadows.
Brandish strolled with her usual lazy grace, hands tucked in her shorts pockets, her green hair swaying slightly in the breeze. "So, Varion—Lucy talks about you like you're some kind of legend. The guy who saved her mom, fought dragons or whatever. What's the real story? You don't look like the hero type."
Varion chuckled, walking beside her with his hands in his pockets, the gravel crunching under their feet. "Not dragons—dragon slayers, mostly. I'm one too. Star Dragon Slayer magic. me and the kids got separated due to a magic accident and ended up in fiore, rounded up the other slayers who got scattered. Joined Fairy Tail recently. Nothing too exciting."
Brandish raised an eyebrow, her lazy smile turning intrigued. "Magic accident? Dragon magic? Sounds pretty exciting to me. Lucy's been fun to train with—she's got potential, even if she's a bit starry-eyed."
Varion nodded, glancing at a blooming rose bush. "She's smart. Dedicated. What's your story? Lucy mentioned you came with your grandmother—old family maid?"
Brandish shrugged. "Yeah. Grandma worked for the Heartfilias way back. When Layla got sick, she came to help, brought me along. I'm from… far away. Different country. Lucy's been like a sister—chatty, but nice. What about you? Got a big family besides those slayer kids?"
Varion's smile softened. "Just them now. But Fairy Tail's become family too."
Brandish smirked. "Cute. Lucy's got a crush on you, you know. Talks about you non-stop."
Varion blushed lightly. "We're friends."
Brandish laughed. "Sure, hero boy."