~*****~

"You're a celestial spirit?!" Natsu cried after Lucy had summoned Loke into the guild the morning after. I couldn't stop laughing after I'd heard the fact.

"Man, and here I thought you were just being melodramatic! If you loved Lucy, you shoulda just said so!" I exclaim a I wipe a tear from my eye.

"No wonder your magic feels so weird," Natsu commented, scratching his head as Loke adjusts his glasses the hide the flush on his face.

"I gotta say, I'm surprised I never caught on to ya," Gray said.

"How come you're not a cow or a horse or a crab?" Natsu asked curiously. "You're just a dude."

"Virgo has a human form, too. It's not like we're all animals." Loke explains.

Natsu grunted irritably. "You say that, but I've seen her turn into a gorilla!"

"A big soft gorilla!" I correct him.

"She's not really a gorilla," Loke laughs.

"Loke here is actually a lion spirit," Lucy explains.

"Seriously?!" Natsu exclaims.

"A lion's like a grown-up cat, right?!" Happy and Ballad ask wildly.

"Yep, you got it." Loke nods.

"DON'T LIE TO HIM!" Lucy shouts.

Happy and Ballad collapse onto his shoulders, whining. "You're the coolest spirit ever!" They both coo.

"Shouldn't you be restin' up back in the Celestial World right now?" Gray asked.

"I'm doing a lot better than I was," Loke shrugs. "I just wanted to come say hi. Well, that and I couldn't wait to see Lucy again."

"He loooves you~" Happy and Ballad tease.

"Called it," I mention to Gray as I bump his elbow.

"Shut it!" Lucy hisses.

Loke literally sweeps her off her feet. "Excuse us, we need to have a little chat about our future together!" Loke explains as he walks off with her.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! PUT ME DOWN!" Lucy complains loudly.

"Aw, man, I wish I had a celestial spirit." Natsu complains.

"What kinda thing would it be?" I ask curiously.

"A DRAGON, DUH!" Natsu shouts. "CAUSE THEN I COULD PRACTICE MY MAGIC ON IT!"

"YA HOOO!" Happy cheered.

"I don't think that's how celestial spirits work," I laugh.

"That's right! You summon 'em when you need some lovin'!" Loke explains as he loops his arm around Lucy's shoulders.

"I think you better go back now," Lucy sighs. "You gotta be careful 'cause you're not up to full strength yet."

Loke shrugs her off. "I got you somethin'." He pulls out five tickets and hands them over. "Here you go."

"What're those?" Lucy asks.

"They're tickets to this awesome beach resort." Loke explains. "You did so much for me, it's the least I could do."

"A BEACH?!" Lucy shouts.

I gaze at it curiously. "I think I have a house here..." I comment as I tilt my head.

"WHAT?!" Gray and Natsu shout.

I tap the ticket. "Yeah, just along the beach side. I couldn't resist, it was really cute!" I laugh.

"I already gave Erza her ticket. I hope you guys have a good time." Loke laughs as Natsu and Gray panic at the sheer magnitude of my spending capabilities.

"Come on, chop chop! No lollygagging!" Erza chants as she approaches, loaded up with a bunch of beach gear.

"SO MUCH STUFF!" Lucy and Gray shout.

"All right, I'm ready to go right now!" Natsu cheers. "Bring on the beach!"

"I still need to pack, Erza, just hold your horses!" Gray shouts.

"Why do you need to pack," I laugh. "You strip anyway!"

"I do not!" Gray bellows. Natsu and I begin to laugh harder. "QUIT IT, I'M STILL DRESSED, AREN'T I?!" He glances down at himself for a moment to confirm he actually is, and sighs when he sees his clothes still on.

~*****~

"I simply don't understand your bikini top!" Erza commented as I bounced a beach ball around with my feet.

"Oh, it's not! This is one of my tops I wear! I just hadn't had a chance to wear it, since I need something sturdier!" I comment as I tug at one of the straps. "It's uncomfortable, I'm thinking of ditching it for one like yours!"

Erza just laughs as I start tugging at the knot. "Don't do that, stupid!" Gray shouted, his hands snapping onto mine.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot!" I laugh. "You're the stripper around here!"

"Why you--" Gray seethed. Everyone laughed hysterically before we decided to call it a day and headed back to the hotel. "Honestly, you're too pretty to be doing stuff like this, someone will definitely get the wrong idea."

I shrug. "No big deal," I laugh.

Gray grumbles as he scratches at his cheek. Later that evening, we all went down to the casino to play some games, although, I hated the dress Lucy had me wear. "It's kinda strange seein' you all dressed up like this," Natsu comments just before he loses at a big game. I laugh as he throws a mega tantrum.

"Yeah, and that's my cue to go bother Gray." I laugh as I trail over to the poker table he's at. "Mind if I stay here? Suddenly Natsu's company is kinda embarrassing."

Gray grimaces after glancing back at Natsu. Yeah, I can understand why." Gray comments, the two of us sighing at the sounds of Natsu and Happy throwing a tantrum.

"Gray, my darling," We both flinch and turn our gazes up at a woman who's standing at the table, a large, golden Fairy Tail symbol hung from her neck. "I'm Juvia. Do you remember me?" She asks quiet nervously.

"Yeah! You're that chick from Phantom!" Gray exclaims.

I hum delicately as I peer at her up and down. "So, this is the rain woman, huh?" I comment. "The one who kidnapped my friend?" I grunt and stare at her chest a little too long. I grip onto Gray's shoulder and jeer. "Gray, I didn't peg you for such a ladies' man~" I coo. "Go and show her a good time, buddy!" I laugh.

"Aria--" Gray snapped at me, his face flushing.

"Oh, cool it. I'll play in your spot. Besides, it's not like I'm gonna third wheel your date with the sponge." I retort as I pick up his cards. "Okay, gentlemen, let's go all in!"

~*****~

"Aria, The Ice Queen." I glance upwards and flip the table up, shoving several men out of the way as an explosion cracks the surface of the table.

"What the hell are you doing?" I shout.

"Where is Erza?" The man asks. My brows quirk a little at the mention. Who would be after Erza? And what kinda freak wore his hair in space buns this day in age?

My eyes slice into a glare. "I don't know, do I look like her keeper?"

"Tell me or perish." The man retorts irritably.

"Eat my fist, punk--" I shout as I leap over the debris of the table. He slams against the ground and rolls a few paces back before his body disappears. My brows quirk for a moment before I hit the ground, my leg lashing out at the person standing behind me. I wrap my arms over my face and surround myself with an ice shield. It cracks into the ground, sinking a few feet before I'm enclosed in silence. I stare up irritably as the man smirks and trails off. I break through the ice shell and pull myself through the hole, rubbing at my head. "What the hell was that about?"

I gaze towards the machine where Natsu was, and he sat inside, limp. I leap into the giant dome and shake at him.

"Wake up, c'mon Natsu!" I snap at him.

"Will you quit it, your hands are cold!" Natsu complains before his cheeks swell up and he unleashes a loud roar of fire. I duck down, diving into the orbs.

"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?!" I shout at him.

"The nerve of that guy!" Natsu growls, his mouth smoking.

"Natsu! Aria!" We flinch and turn our gazes around. Lucy, Gray, and Juvia are running towards us.

"What happened to you?" Gray asks.

"Hey! What kind of jerk shoots people in the mouth?!" Natsu asked angrily.

"Yeah, and some punk just ran up to the table I was playin' at and completely ruined my winning streak!" I complain.

"Someone could've gotten hurt!" Natsu continues.

"I think that would kill anyone who wasn't a weirdo like you." Lucy murmurs.

"I would have to agree." Juvia trails off.

"I'LL SHOW THAT BLOCKHEAD!" Natsu roars. "HE'S NOT GETTIN' AWAY WITH THIS!" He bellows as he runs off.

"Follow him!" I shout and literally chunk my heels towards the destruction of the dome of orbs.

"I'M COMIN' FOR YOU BLOCKHEAD!" Natsu bellows.

~*****~

I couldn't even keep my head up during the boat ride. Not even through the strange feeling fluttering through my body. There was so much black magic floating through the air, but my head kept spinning. I was out of my mind with worry. Not only did they take Erza, they took Happy and Ballad. The poor thing was probably terrified out of her mind.

Once the boat stopped, I was back in tip top shape, running down the deck with the others. "They got a ton of look outs..." Gray comments lowly.

"Let's charge 'em!" Natsu hissed.

"Don't even think about it!" Lucy hissed right back. "Remember, they have Erza, Happy, and Ballad! If we screw this up, we could be putting them in danger!"

I blow out an irritated breath. "Ballad is in there right now, probably freaking out, I can't just sit here!" I retort angrily.

"I found an underwater passageway into the tower," Juvia says lightly once she reappears from the water.

"Seriously?" Gray hummed. "Way to go."

"You hear that, Aria?! I was just praised by Gray, not you!" She exclaims.

I raise my brows. "Shouldn't you be more worried about Lucy~" I chirp. "She's the one madly in love with him."

"Quit stirring her up!" Gray and Lucy shouts at me as Juvia flinches, her eyes flickering toward the blonde.

"We can swim there in ten minutes," Juvia explains.

"We can hold our breath that long, right?" Natsu asks excitedly.

"Probably," Gray shrugs.

"That's not humanly possible, you dopes!" Lucy shouts.

"In that case, I suggest you wear these," Juvia comments as she holds up a water bubble. "It's a water shell containing oxygen. This way you can breathe while underwater."

"Wow, you're awesome! And who're you again?" Natsu asks curiously.

Thankfully, we were able to swim there no problem. No, the only problem was the fact that my brain decides to fixate on Natsu and his-- "So, I wonder where they're keepin' Erza, Happy, and Ballad!" I say quickly in a shaky tone.

"Your face is red again~" Lucy says in a teasing coo.

I grunt at her and huff a blast of chilly air at her through my nose. She whines and rubs her arms as I turn to Juvia. "Your water bubble sure is cool! You're such a dependable woman, any man would be sooo lucky to have you as a wife. Right, Gray?" I tease as I lean against Juvia. She melts at the aspect.

"Probably," He shrugs, not even looking at her. I grunt and pat at the suddenly downcast Juvia.

There's a roar that shakes the room. "INTRUDERS!"

"Whoa, that was fast," I hum.

"That means we don't gotta be sneaky about this!" Natsu laughs.

"Identify yourselves!" One of the guards shout.

"YOU LOSERS WANNA KNOW WHO WE ARE?!" Natsu shouts back. "WE'RE THE WIZARDS THAT ARE GONNA POUND YOUR FACES IN!" He slams his fist against the platform we're on. "WE'RE FROM FAIRY TAIL!"

"Ice Dragon Wing Attack; Spiral Rotation!" I shout, my body twisting and spinning wildly as I slam into a group of soldiers.

"Thats cold--" One soldiers shouts.

"It's the Ice Queen!" Another cries.

It doesn't take much to wipe out the forces. "That didn't take much." Juvia hums.

"Good work, team," Gray nods.

"I hope we're not calling attention to, aw... who am I kidding?" Lucy whines.

I laugh as I palm her shoulder. "Who are you kidding? Isn't loud and proud kinda the way we've been doin' things?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that's how things are, miss." Virgo nods.

"So where's the blockhead, buddy?!" Natsu asks a random soldier.

Before the soldier can even answer, a face opens up in the wall and extends a strange platform downwards. "What the hell is that?" I ask.

"I think it's their way of saying, come on in." Gray says.

~*****~

"HEY BLOCKHEAD!" Natsu continues to shout.

"Jeez, would you keep it down?" Lucy hisses.

I hum as I throw my arms over my head. "What's the point of sneaking around anymore? We basically rang the door bell." I mention.

"What the heck are you guys eating?!" Lucy shouts as I chew on some of the food Virgo prepared.

"I suggest you join them before there's nothing left." Virgo says.

"No thanks..." Lucy sighs.

"The door that welcomed us in was controlled by a magic user." Juvia states.

"Then they are well aware of our presence." Virgo nods.

"Why would they let us in?" Lucy wonders.

"Arrogance?" I shrug.

"You think they're trying to provoke us?" Gray asks.

I shrug. "Not to be rude, your bikini leaves little to the imagination." Virgo mentions as she gazes at Lucy.

"Should I change?" Lucy stammers.

"Yes, I'll help you!" Virgo says immediately. "Shall I change Aria, too?"

I laugh as she begins tugging at my bikini strings. "I just need some pants, no big deal."

"Here are some adorable shorts that I brought back from the celestial world! It's not nearly as divine as what I brought for the Princess, but it should look very nice on you!" Virgo chirps as I take them from her. I beam down at them before pulling them up and over my hips.

"Man, these are comfortable!" I comment. "And you look super cute!"

Lucy beams as she props her hand on her hip. "Don't I?"

"Yeah, you guys look great!" Gray smiles.

"DON'T COMPLIMENT THEM!" Juvia whines.

"He loves her~" Virgo and I tease.

"Don't you start doing that, too..." Lucy sighs.

"Since when were you hanging out with Happy, Virgo?" Natsu asks.

"That was probably Ballad's influence. Lucy tends to summon her when we have days off to clean her house." I mention with a shrug.

Virgo laughs and nods. "Got anything cool in those pockets?" Natsu asks as he tugs at one of the many pockets on the pairs of shorts I put on.

"A man should never grab anything on a woman that's below the waist, sir!" Virgo immediately chanted, her hands slapping his away. I giggle as Natsu grumbles irritably. "I wish you luck, Princess." Virgo says to Lucy.

"Thanks for the help, Virgo," Lucy smiles. "Oh, did you guys want me to ask her to bring you guys a dry change of clothes?"

"Nah, this does the trick just fine," Gray hums as he airs his pants near Natsu's fire.

"He's not a dryer, you know." I retort plainly.

"THE INTRUDERS!"

They don't get far, as Erza is directly behind them. "Erza!" We call.

"You're okay!" Lucy sighs.

"She's so cool..." Juvia murmurs.

"It's you!" Erza gasps. "What are you doing inside the tower?!"

"Looking for you?" I mention.

"We haven't met, my name is Juvia, and--"

"Go home!" Erza snaps. "This place is far too dangerous."

"No way!" I snap back.

"Yeah, you're not gonna scare us into leaving!" Natsu chants. "I ain't goin' anywhere till that Blockhead gets a good taste of my fist! I'm gonna make him pay for shootin' me in the mouth!"

"You have to go." Erza retorts, as if she didn't hear him.

"But why?" Lucy asks.

"YOUR FRIENDS KIDNAPPED HAPPY AND BALLAD! AND WE'RE NOT LEAVING WITHOUT THEM!" I shout at her.

"They got them, too?" Erza gasps. "It must've been Miliana..."

"WHERE CAN I FIND HIM?!" I bark.

Erza chews on her lip for a moment. "I'm not sure."

"This means war." Natsu growls.

"Who're you declaring war against?" Gray asks.

"THE JERKS THAT KIDNAPPED HAPPY AND BALLAD, WHO ELSE?!" I bark as I charge down the hall.