Jellal 2.0's face after I finished my story was absolutely priceless, his jaw was practically touching the ground and no matter how much I chuckled, he looked as though he was a deer that jumped in front of a magic mobile.

"So... You stabbed  him?" His voice legitimately squeaked on the last word, " Even after you admitted to enjoying him?"

I nodded solemnly, a humorless grin on his face, "Well yeah, Someone was paying me to kill him, so I did, that idiot understood my predicament, he even helped me drive the knife home when I was struggling."

It took a moment, but eventually, Jellal 2.0 regain a small portion of his composure, "I... I see. The man you killed was a rather well-known figure in Edolas before he disappeared at the height of his career. I must admit that many of the pieces of my father's story never quite made sense... Thank you for telling me this."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes slightly that, "I didn't tell you that as a favor to you," I stood from my hunched over position on the ground and stretched. It was a wonderful feeling to no have so much magical pressure on me as I had been slowly adjusting to over the last week. Not that I couldn't feel anything, a weird sense had been growing on me for the last several minutes, as though something major was incoming.

Perhaps the Thunder Palace was getting ready to go off... Shit, I should probably start bracing myself, shouldn't I?

Jellal 2.0 pulled an apple out of his cloak and offered it to me, "I still don't see what that has to do with Laxus knowing about my identity." 

I shook my head and he shrugged, taking a bite of the apple as he waited for me to respond, "Oh... That's right," I muttered, I may or may not have completely forgotten why I was telling him any of that to begin with, "Well, I did research on all the members of the guild when I was forced to join, and as I was researching about you, your past came up blank... It took a ridiculous amount of time, but eventually, I was able to connect you with that guy from several years before. After that, it was a simple matter to guess where you had come from and connect the dots.

"Unfortunately, Laxus found my notes before I had a chance to burn them. He was interested in what I had said, and no amount of ignoring him would get him off my back, so I told him what had happened."

That unidentified feeling was getting to the point of actually bothering me now, it felt as though my magical immunity was trying to brush off something... Wait.

Without saying anything, I stood and walked a few steps away from Jellal 2.0, who was still absorbing what I told him, "Hey," I said quickly, trying to get some urgency into my voice. 

Jellal 2.0 looked up at me, though his expression quickly turned into one of shock as a yellow light began to envelop me, "I don't know how aware I'll be after this, so just bring me to Porlyusica and tell her I absorbed the Thunder Palace's discharge... She should be able to help."

He wasn't able to get anything out before I was completely surrounded by Laxus' magic. It was so strong that my magical immunity was immediately washed away, similar to how Jose's magic affected me. I probably would have thought about it more, but all of my brain function ceased the instant the majority of the lightning hit me. 

I was vaguely aware of a pained scream echoing around me, but for the most part, I was consumed by the feeling of lightning rushing through my veins.

My heart stuttered multiple as I struggled to keep breathing. Fireworks sparked behind my eyes as I could feel my blood struggle to go through me. Dimly I recognized the fact that I fell to the ground, my legs unable to bear my weight as my body convulsed and my teeth sunk into my tongue, drawing blood.

It seemed to last forever, but eventually, the twitching stopped and I was left alone in the dark, feeling as though my body had been covered by a layer of concrete. The sound around me was nothing but a light buzz, even the feeling of heartbeats surrounding me was muffled, reaching me through what felt like a heavy mist.

To some extent, I was aware of time passing, but a month could have passed and I probably would have been none the wiser. My body was jostled multiple times, causing an uncomfortable shockwave to rip through me, tearing apart the apathetic numbness that was in the process of settling over me.

Eventually, voices began to filter in through my consciousness, it was more confusing than anything at first, but over time the voices gained some clarity stringing together sentences that made marginally more sense as I faded in and out of consciousness, "What did she say?!"

"She said she absorbed the discharge of the Thunder Palace... Not sure how that would be possible."

"This damage is incredible, she should be dead!"

"Was there anything that indicated how she might have done that? It seems impossible for someone with no magic." 

"Focus on that later, lay her here Mystogen. If I'm right, she should be fine soon enough."

After that, darkness eclipsed my senses and I lost some track of time... At least that was until the sensation of a soft hand lying gently on my forehead roused me slightly, "Ember." The voice whispered quietly in my ear with a familiar voice, one that was grumpy as hell yet dependable.

I attempted to jerk up to a sitting position just with that one word, but my body rebelled and as was left to writhe on the bed someone had placed me on as all my injuries decided to scream at me at once.

It had been quite some time since I felt this genuinely crappy, the last time being Jose's fight. My muscles all seemed to be in the process of rebelling, while my internal organs felt as though they had been removed with a pair of dull scissors.

Before I could even open my eyes, a soft hand rested gently on my forehead, guiding me back to the pillow, "It's better if Miss Ember doesn't move," A familiar, yet far different voice than the one that had woken me up called out softly.

My eyes slid open, only to wince closed again at the harsh white light that seemed to be attacking my eyes. Judging by the white that was everywhere I could only guess that I was in the guild's infirmary, unless I was way off base and Hell was a lot nicer than I thought it would be...

Once again I cracked open my eyes, squinting hatefully at the light, only barely noticing the blue and yellow blobs next to me, "Where's th'spark plug?" I muttered out, trying to ignore the pain as I lifted my head slightly, determined to sit up.

"Stay down Miss Ember," A different voice said worriedly and the blonde blob moved forward to restrain my shoulders, "Porlyusica said that you were badly hurt. You really shouldn't be moving around."

To hell with that. I shakily pushed the blond's hands off me as I continued, "I heard the Spark Plug, where is he?" My vision began to clear as the girls both seemed to decide that it wasn't worth fighting me anymore, instead one helped me to sit while the other piled something behind my back, presumably pillows to prop me up.

The blobs turned out to be Lucy and Juvia, both of whom were looking at me with concern, "Juvia has not seen a spark plug... Is Miss Ember feeling alright?"

I clicked my tongue dismissively, "Of course not, my insides were recently attempting to move out, there would be a problem if I felt okay. And I didn't mean a literal spark plug Juvia, I meant the type that likes to walk around like a buffoon with it's inflated ego."

Lucy's eyes lit up as she undoubtedly connected the dots, though it seemed that Juvia was still a bit lost, "W-What? Juvia is sorry, but Juvia wasn't aware that self-aware spark plugs could exist... This sounds like a troublesome thing... I hope you don't run across it."

A genuine smile spread across my face at that and I quickly waved off Lucy, who leaned over to correct Juvia, "You're right, Miss Juvia, it definitely is a troublesome thing." Brushing off his voice that was probably nothing more than my imagination, "What happened?"

This time Lucy leaned forward worriedly, "That's actually what we wanted to ask you... I only returned to the guild recently, but when I did it turned out that Mystogen brought you in and you were near death. Porlyusica seemed to have some understanding of what happened, but no one else could figure out how you got so badly hurt."

For the first time I took a moment to address the state of both women, there was a slew of electrical burns covering them, as well as the tell tail look of a fight in their eyes. I sighed and shook my head, "I only did what I could to help you guys out. After all, it looks like you both took some damage in this shit show."

Neither of them looked satisfied by that answer so I groaned slightly and winced as I tried to ru my eyes, "Listen... I can't tell you everything right now, it's... it's too long of a story for that, but I do owe you some explanation." My eyes landed on Lucy, regret pouring from my as I tried not to remember my near fatal slip up. "If you guys are interested you can meet me at the Balsam Village train station in two weeks... I'll tell what I can then."

Looks of excitement and joy covered their faces as they nodded enthusiastically, though there was some hesitation in Lucy's face, "Don't worry," I said soothingly, stopping her before she could ask, "It's okay with me if you bring a few people. Just not too many... I'm not sure how comfortable I am with having the whole guild crammed in my house."

This time a squeal actually did erupt from Juvia, who was hugging herself as she watched me with wide eyes, "Does this mean Juvia can bring Gajeel? And maybe even... Maybe even Grey will come if Juvia asks him. Oh this is very exciting, Juvia will have to prepare..."

She faded off, mumbling wildly as she contemplated inviting her crush. Lucy grinned at Juvia, though her smile seemed to be a bit worried, before she turned back to me, "Are you sure I can bring someone?"

I smiled, "I wouldn't have offered if I didn't mean it. I will only tell you two about what happened, but my house is big enough to keep most others occupied for a decent amount of time. Just tell them that you were trying to get me out of my shell and I invited you over for lunch. That should satisfy their curiosity."

Both girls nodded again and we moved on to far more light hearted topics...Well, they did, I simply sat their and listened as Juvia got jealous over Lucy's closeness with a... Grey? I think they were referring to Icyman, but that was only a guess. Other than that, time passed peacefully until I finally took notice of the fourth heartbeat in the room.

Honestly, I was ashamed that it took me this long to pay attention to it, but my head was still a bit frazzled from the lightning so I did have a bit of an excuse.

Attempting to stand brought the girls' attention right back to me, "Miss Ember!/ Ember!" They cried out, but that didn't stop me.

My legs felt like jello underneath me as I attempted to stand, but I refused to make them help me a second time, "I'm sorry," My voice was quiet in an attempt to keep the pain from showing, "But could you guys leave? I've enjoyed talking to you, but I need to talk to the Old Man." That shut them up quickly enough.

I heard them retreat and the door clicked shut again, but that was no longer important. My focus had narrowed in on the old man, who was lying on the bed with tears running down his cheeks, "You seem to be finding more friends, I'm so glad to hear that, my child."

His voice was weak and I could sense his heart pumping irregularly. There was so little I had experienced with that, so for a moment I panicked, afraid that the my only father figure was dying... Though that thought was quickly pushed out as I realized that my heartbeat sounded similar to his. It was likely that he was simply recovering and that was putting strain on his heart.

"Don't sound so worried, Old Man," I barked as firmly as my extremely sore muscles would let me, "I'm a very likable person." He looked up at me with a raised eyebrow as I chuckled, "What put you in the bed this time? Are you trying to kill yourself, or is this your new vacation home."

No matter how irritated he tried to seem, he still looked like a wounded puppy, "Very funny Ember, I never knew you were such a comedian."

I quietly chuckled before easing myself into the chair that was conveniently next to the Old Man's bedside, "Seriously though, what put you in the bed this time? Did the Spark Plug get you somehow?"

He grumbled quietly under his breath before turning his head away from me, "It was nothing like that, just my body catching up with me."

That made sense, I settled in slightly as a comfortable silence filled the air... For several minutes neither of us said a word until the door opened quietly, causing both of us to look over.

A very bandaged up Laxus stood in the door, staring at me in shock as he remained frozen, "E...Ember?" Honestly, I couldn't move to get up even if I wanted to. My body had decided it liked the chair and that it was staying there... Who was I to argue with it?

"What?" I asked dryly, "Not expecting to see me all bandaged up?"

He shook his head slowly, "I felt my magic being redirected when the Thunder Palace was activated, but I didn't know..."

I sighed deeply, trying to stop myself from using a witty retort that he very obviously didn't need right now. "Yeah, it all went to me, though to be fair, I did bring it upon myself."

The confusion was practically radiating from him, but I was quite unwilling to answer any more questions, so I simply nodded to his bandages, "I certainly hope the other guy is a lot worse off than you otherwise you'll be giving me a bad rep."

Something akin to a smile touched his lips, though he quickly repressed it and looked past me to the old man, who was staring at him with a look that was equal to the time I came back from the Tower of Heaven with blood on my hands, "Laxus, I don't think you understand the seriousness of what you've done."

I shrank back into the seat as far as I could. The last thing I wanted was to be here for something I knew was coming.

"Fairy Tail is built off the belief that all our members are also family, no matter what. We laugh together and we fight together. Our family's triumphs are our triumphs and their losses are our losses. It is a place where the homeless can find a place to belong, the friendless can find support, and those who are unable to continue on can find respite."

He paused for a moment and both Laxus and I looked at the ground, completely unable to find anything to say, "The feeling that comes from our guild is not one that can be owned, or taken control of, because the moment you try, you destroy the special feeling that many of my children depend upon."

A sad feeling welled up in my heart. I was one of those people, I depended on the feeling this guild gave to people, even if it took me years to realize that fact.

"When I bring in new family members it is important that they are trustworthy, because without trust, no bonds can form, and this guild will fall apart."

"Your actions today have proven that you do not have the qualities needed, not only did you act contrary to everything this guild believes, you also put many of the guild members in harm's way.  If people did not think so quickly, Magnolia would be in ruins right now."

It was almost unfair, I had murdered people in the past, multiple times, and even attempted to kill Laxus, yet he was the one getting in trouble for causing some ruckus... It didn't make sense.

"I swear I didn't mean to hurt anyone," Laxus said, almost desperately. We could both sense what was coming, and anyone listening could the sound of his heart fracturing, "All I wanted was to make us stronger, we were being targeted... I just... I just wanted..." He trailed off, unable to continue as the Old Man leveled a steely glare at him.

Makarov hopped off his bed and walked to the middle of the aisle, facing Laxus head on, "I do feel terrible, you really are so much like me... So high strung that you can't see the forest for the trees. You need to learn to relax or you'll end up in here with me; take time to smell the roses and see the beauty around you, because believe me, there's so much to take in. It's amazing how much fun life can be if you just learn that..."

"I've watched you grow through the years, and believe me, you've made me proud many times, but I can't help but wonder where I went wrong... What lesson did I fail to teach you for you to miss the point so badly?"

I stiffened at that, I knew that Makarov was trying to make a point, but to do so like this, this was far too much. Desperately I looked up at Laxus before forcing myself to stifle a gasp... He was reacting far differently than I was afraid he would; instead of being angry or full of shame like I was assuming would happen, something was going on with Laxus' face that I had never seen before.

The blond spark plug was tearing up.

Not full on crying, he still maintained some of his pride, but there were obvious tear welling up in the corners of his eyes... Instantly, my heart began to shatter and I had to physically stop myself from lunging forward.

"Unfortunately, the past is the past and nothing can be changed after the fact; your actions have left me with no other choice, so it is with a heavy heart that I do this... Laxus Dreyer, as the Master of Fairy Tail, I hereby revoke your membership within Fairy Tail."

My reaction to that once statement was violent, immediately I jumped from the chair, a strangled cry wrenching from my lips as my body was forced into action it hadn't been prepared for, "What the hell?!"

The Old Man probably jumped at least a foot off the ground at my cry, but Laxus stood where he had been, a look of calm resignation that was contradicted by the tears that had finally broken free and were running down his cheeks.

"Ember, this is my decision and it is final, please don't argue or I will have to ask you to leave the room." Sorrow filled Makarov's voice, but a sense of pain induced rage was filling me, spurring me onwards.

My fists clenched tightly by my sides, my nails digging into my palms the only indication of how truly on edge I was, "So what, just because of a little havoc he's gone? That isn't even slightly fair! I've committed murder in the past month, literally killed people who only mostly deserved to die, and all I got for it was a small slap of the wrist! All that talk about comradery, yet here you are, jumping straight to exiling him."

I could hear Makarov's teeth clenching together as he remained where he was, not even facing me, "So what do you expect me to do, just allow him to continue on? Should I allow the terrible events that occurred today which threatened the lives of many more than were aware to pass by without consequence?"

"No," I shook my head and attempted to take a step forward, though I quickly realized that standing so quickly had just about made me ready to collapse, so walking anywhere was out of the question, "He obviously needs punishment, but kicking him out is too much, if you kick him out of that reason, then you need to kick me out as w-" 

Laxus' strong hand slipped over my mouth before I could finish my statement, "No, Coal Head, it's fair...I understand, Grandpa." Makarov's breath hitched at that point, as did mine, in all the time I had known this angsty spark plug, he had never once called Makarov by that name, so to do it now... 

It was sudden, but perhaps I was right, may being beaten by the same people he looked down on was a good lesson for him... Maybe this would put him on a healthier path.

Though, I was unable to think on that much longer, as the idiot swept his other arm under my legs and pulled me into a princess hold, "If you took as much damage as I suspect, being out of bed is a fucking terrible idea." Unfortunately, him sweeping me up like that had stolen my breath, and no, I don't mean in a cheesy way, I landed a bit weird in his arms the breath was literally forced from me.

With the same amount of care and concern, I was dropped onto the bed, forcing a pained cry from my lips, though that was silenced as the spark plug leaned over me and whispered quietly in my ear, "Forgive me, Coal Head."

I was so shocked the only reaction I could muster was a blink in his direction before he was up and walking towards the door, "You take care of yourself, you hear me old man?" That was all he said before he was gone and the door was clicking shut behind him.

Silence reigned for a moment as we both took in what had just happened, "He's going to make a good guy now that he's beginning to learn what humility is." I murmured to myself as I looked over a Makarov, who was trying to stop the tears rolling down his cheeks, "You don't have to place the strong card, you know, it's okay to admit you'll miss him."

The old man shook his head, looking back towards the ground, "No, I'm the guild master, I need to stand tall in my decisions, especially the ones that I never wanted to make. Besides, weren't you against that judgment to begin with?"

Solemnly, I nodded, "Yes, and I still am, but if Laxus has accepted it, then I will too. If he had wanted to contest that, then you would be dealing with me as well." I watched as Makarov froze before he sighed deeply.

"I suppose that's fair, now, let us turn to more pressing topics, like your ability to redirect magic, mind explaining to me where that came from?" He walked towards me before hopping into the seat in a direct mirror of our positions from before... This was going to be so much fun...

***

Fireworks lit up the night sky as I wove my way through the crowd. It took about three hours before the Old Man was finally satisfied with my answers, as short and slightly waspish as they were. I told him everything about my magic (minus the rampage I had gone on when I was young... That was something I just wasn't ready to talk about yet) and thankfully he seemed to understand.

Afterward, I made my way back to my hotel room, carefully avoiding everyone from the guild, especially the Crazy Card Lady who had shown up on my doorstep with Lucy and Juvia not long ago attempting to get me to join the Miss Fairy Tail Contest. This time she was attempting to get me into a slinky black dress and my worst enemy of all... Heels... Apparently, there was a parade going on that night and she wanted me to join one of the floats.

It really shouldn't have surprised them that I fled so quickly after that.

No, when it came to parades or really any big event like them, I was much happier on the sidelines, or even to not be there at all. 

Unfortunately, cleaning up my hotel room and checking out had taken far longer than I would have liked, so I was stuck ducking and dodging through the crowd, looking for the one person I needed to get to before I could leave for Era. Thankfully, I had had an extra lacrima lying around in case of emergencies, and the moment I saw it, I knew exactly who I wanted to give it too.

His heartbeat had been lingering around all day, and at one point he met up with the rest of the Thunder God Tribe. It physically hurt to not run to the park where they were and tell them how much I cared, but they needed time. If anyone understood that fact, it was me... Also, it was highly unlikely that I would be able to run anywhere because of my sore body, so I contented myself with imagining what was being said. 

I could say goodbye to them another time...  Reaching Laxus was far more important to me.

A wince stole across my face as I received an elbow to the midriff as I slipped between two people. The person hastily apologized, but I simply waved him off and kept going, I was close, though I had been dodging in between people for the last ten minutes, he was probably in the next alleyway over.

The crowd was not kind to my battered body, but eventually, I made it, just barely seeing everyone on the floats holding up the Fairy Tail sign before I turned into the alley. Low and behold, there stood the Spark Plug himself with large tears rolling down his cheeks as he struggled to tear his eyes away from the parade, "Even if I can't see you... No matter how far away you may be, I'll be watching you." I muttered just loud enough for him to hear, he jumped slightly at my unexpected voice, but quickly turned his head away in shame.

"If I remember correctly, the Old Man once mentioned that you were the one to come up with that signal, weren't you?" No response, he was staring at the ground, no doubt waiting for me to lay into him, "They may be idiots, but their hearts are in the right places."

I turned and leaned against a nearby wall, watching the parade with the smallest of smiles tugging against my lips, "I mean, just look at them, they obviously recognize a true member of Fairy Tail when they see one." I looked back to Laxus, who had finally looked up to me, his eyes wide and teary, "Don't tell me you were trying to leave without saying goodbye to me... I mean, I get that you've been a dick for quite some time, but you're still my oldest and best friend. No matter what terrible shit you get up to.

Honestly, I could have continued rambling for quite some time, but I was cut off abruptly by a pair of strong arms pulling me into a hug. This was only my second hug in years, so immediately my face flushed and I stood stiffly, unsure of what to do.

"I thought I had killed you," He whispered softly into my hair, "When I saw you in the infirmary, you seemed so fragile, and it terrified me... I'm so sorry." I may be tall, but Laxus eclipsed me entirely, his whole frame bending over slightly so he could completely envelop me. It was a... nice sensation, one that I had never felt before. 

Hesitantly I reached up my arms and wrapped them around his broad shoulders before patting his back awkwardly, "Hey, it's okay, I'm here now... It's not like you did any actual damage to me, that was all my own stupidity." 

It was apparent that I had not done this before as Laxus pulled back and examined all my injuries. "That's true, I don't remember you being so banged up before... How the hell did so much of my lightning get directed to you anyway?"

A wince stole across my face, "Sorry, but this really isn't the time to open that can of worms" He nodded, accepting my decision as he turned to walk away, his hand raised in the classic wave that I hadn't seen him do for years. I smile as I watched him go... At least until I remembered that I had something to give him, "Hey, Spark Plug!" I called up, taking two quickened steps down the alleyway before deciding that speed was just not in the cards for me.

He stopped, but didn't turn around, "What is it Coal Head? I really do need to get going so I can snag a room for the night." His voice was grumpy, but there was no bite to it.

I quickly pulled the knapsack off my back and grabbed the extra lacrima that I had stowed in there, "Think quick," I called, throwing the lacrima at his back in a wide arc. His quick reflexes allowed him to turn and catch it before it had the chance to smack him on his head.

He sent me a questioning look as he gingerly held the crystal as though it would explode at any moment, "Oh stop being such a baby," I teased, wincing as I slung the knapsack back onto my shoulders, "The Rune Knights have reached out to me to do a job for them, and if this goes well, they might ask me to help out more. Honestly, I don't really like the council, but their jobs are pretty difficult, so I might need help. Do you feel up to be being my partner for this?"

"You could choose anyone to work with you," He said quickly, shock swimming in his eyes, "Why me?"

This caused me to genuinely laugh, "Well yeah, there are plenty of people I could ask to help me out with this, but none of them would be you, now would they?" He obviously didn't understand, so I sighed dramatically, "Man, you're really going to make me spell it out, aren't you?" I said playfully, "I know your fighting style better than anyone and it really compliments mine, I think we'd be an amazing team if we actually stopped trying to kill each other for once."

His eyebrows furled, making the scar over his eye warp oddly, "But I attacked Fairy Tail, I could have killed so many people... I could have killed you... How could you just forgive me like that?"

At that, I really just wanted to facepalm... This idiot was so smart a majority of the time that his dumb moments really threw me off, "Did you not hear what I said in the infirmary? I have killed so many people over the years, and three recently. Do you really think I would care that much about some pride filled rampaging? Believe me Sparky, that's tame. The only reason I would look down on you would be if you decided not to learn from the shit show you caused today"

He blinked, apparently in shock, before nodding and slipping the lacrima into his pocket. He seemed to want to say something, his mouth opening and closing several times, but before he could actually get anything ou, he thought better of it and turned around to walk away.

I slowly smiled at that, neither of us were good at expressing emotions, but I knew he would help, "Glad you're seeing things my way," I called out before turning back to the parade, "Now how am I going to get through this crowd... That is the real question?"