Wendy stood outside Odyn's door, her heart hammering so loudly she was certain everyone in Crocus could hear it. Which was silly, really - they were already together, unofficially-officially, so why did asking him for a simple walk feel so nerve-wracking? She raised her hand to knock, lowered it, raised it again...
"Wendy?" Odyn's deep voice came from behind her, making her jump. He was carrying a small stack of books from the lodging's library, his dark blue hair tied back loosely. His orange eyes softened at the sight of her. "Everything okay?"
"Odyn! I was just... I mean..." Wendy took a deep breath, mentally scolding herself. She was seventeen now, a powerful Dragon Slayer, and this was her boyfriend - sort of. "Would you like to take a walk? With me? Through Crocus?"
A smile spread across his face, the kind that still made her heart skip. "Right now?"
"If you're not too busy! I know we should probably rest for tomorrow's games, but Lucy mentioned the gardens are all lit up, and..." she gestured vaguely, words failing her.
Odyn set his books down by his door. "I'd love to." He offered his arm with an exaggerated formality that made her giggle. "Shall we?"
Behind a corner, Lucy whispered, "They're so cute it's almost painful."
"Shhh!" several voices hissed back.
"Should we really be spying?" Happy whispered, hovering near Natsu's head.
"It's not spying," Erza declared quietly. "We're providing tactical support."
"For a date?" Gray asked skeptically.
"For anything that might interrupt their date," Erza corrected, a sword materializing in her hand.
Meanwhile, Wendy and Odyn strolled through Crocus's festive streets, both pretending they couldn't hear their guildmates' not-so-stealthy following. Street vendors were still out, their stalls illuminated by magical lights that cast a warm glow over the cobblestones.
"So..." Odyn began, his deep voice tinged with amusement. "Did Lucy suggest this walk, or Erza?"
Wendy nearly tripped. "You knew?"
"Well, I did hear Erza declaring something about 'tactical support' earlier." He chuckled. "Plus, I'm pretty sure I just saw Natsu trying to hide behind a flower pot."
They both glanced back to see the flower pot in question suspiciously on fire.
"I'm sorry," Wendy sighed. "I just... Lucy pointed out that we haven't had any time together with everything that's happened, and even though this isn't our official first date - that'll be after tomorrow's games - I thought maybe..."
Odyn stopped walking, turning to face her. Behind them, there was a muffled commotion as their guildmates scrambled to find new hiding spots. "Wendy," he said softly, "any time with you is perfect, official or unofficial." His pointed ears twitched slightly - a tell she'd learned meant he was nervous too. "Though I do look forward to taking you on a proper date tomorrow, where we can finally tell everyone what they already seem to know."
A particularly loud crash came from behind them, followed by Lucy's voice hissing, "Natsu, you're going to blow our cover!"
"Too late," Gray's voice responded.
"If anyone's ruining the moment, it's you two arguing," came Erza's stern whisper.
Wendy and Odyn looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter. This was so typically Fairy Tail - even a simple evening walk turned into a guild-wide operation.
"Hey, look!" Happy's voice carried clearly now. "They're laughing! That means it's going well, right?"
"Perhaps we should give them some actual privacy," Odyn suggested, just loud enough for their hidden audience to hear. He took Wendy's hand, his orange eyes twinkling. "I know a shortcut through the gardens."
As they darted away through the lamplit streets, their guildmates' surprised exclamations fading behind them, Wendy felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the summer evening. Maybe their first unofficial date wasn't going exactly as planned, but somehow, that made it even more perfect.
"Think they'll follow us?" she asked, slightly breathless from running and laughing.
"Oh, definitely," Odyn grinned. "But at least we'll make them work for it."
Behind them, they could hear Erza shouting something about "losing visual on the targets" while Lucy tried to convince Natsu that no, they didn't need to track them by scent. But for a few precious moments, as they ran hand in hand through the glowing gardens of Crocus, it was just the two of them - unofficial, unplanned, and absolutely perfect.
"ENOUGH!" Carla's stern voice cut through the evening air as she and Pantherlily intercepted the group of spying Fairy Tail members. "You're all being ridiculous!"
"Indeed," Pantherlily agreed, crossing his arms. "They deserve some privacy."
"But-" Natsu started to protest.
"No buts!" Carla's tail swished in annoyance. "Honestly, you're all acting like..."
She trailed off as she noticed something peculiar. Behind a nearby topiary, several members of Blue Pegasus were poorly concealing themselves. Jenny was frantically whispering to Hibiki, who appeared to be using his Archive Magic to... take notes?
"Oh my," Eve's voice drifted from behind a fountain. "Young love is so beautiful!"
"Men~ Such parfum of romance!" Ichiya declared from... somewhere.
Pantherlily pinched the bridge of his nose. "It seems our guild isn't the only one interested in this development."
"Is that Lamia Scale behind those bushes?" Lucy squinted into the darkness.
Indeed, Lyon was attempting to create an ice viewing platform while Chelia bounced excitedly, whispering something about "love rivals" that made Juvia nod approvingly from her hiding spot.
"Even Mermaid Heel..." Erza noted with surprise, spotting Kagura trying to maintain her dignity while Millianna practically vibrated with excitement next to her.
"Um," a quiet voice spoke up. Everyone turned to see Yukino standing there, looking slightly embarrassed. Behind her, trying to appear casual and failing miserably, were Sting, Rogue, Orga, and even Minerva.
"We were just... passing by," Sting claimed unconvincingly.
"In the opposite direction of your lodgings?" Gray raised an eyebrow.
"The dark elf who single-handedly dismantled Raven Tail and made Sabertooth reassess its entire guild philosophy... on a date?" Minerva mused, ignoring the tension. "I must admit, I'm curious."
Meanwhile, blissfully unaware of their growing audience, Wendy and Odyn had found a quiet moment in the royal gardens. The lacrima lights cast a soft glow over the flowers, and for a moment, it really did feel like they were alone.
"This is nice," Wendy said softly, her hand still in his. "Even if it's not official yet."
Odyn smiled, his orange eyes reflecting the magical lights. "Though I have a feeling we're still being watched."
"What makes you say that?"
A crash sounded in the distance, followed by multiple voices shushing each other in various languages and accents.
"Just a hunch," he chuckled.
"Should we be concerned that Minerva's watching us?" Wendy whispered, having caught a glimpse of the Sabertooth mages earlier.
"I think she's just trying to understand," Odyn replied thoughtfully. "After everything that happened... maybe seeing this side of us helps them see we're more than just our magic and battles."
Their moment of privacy was interrupted by a cascade of whispers and gasps as Wendy stood on her tiptoes to kiss Odyn's cheek.
"Did you see that?"
"So bold!"
"Men~ The parfum of first love!"
"Shh! You'll ruin it!"
"My Archive needs to record this momentous occasion!"
"Love rival??"
"No, Juvia, not everything is about- oh, never mind."
Carla buried her face in her paws. "I tried," she sighed.
"At least they're happy," Pantherlily offered, watching as Wendy and Odyn continued their walk, both pretending not to hear the multi-guild audience following them.
"You know," Yukino said quietly to no one in particular, "it's kind of nice seeing something bring all the guilds together that doesn't involve fighting."
"Speak for yourself," Sting muttered, still eyeing Odyn nervously. "I'm keeping my distance. Just in case."
"Oh, be quiet," Minerva chided, watching the couple with an unreadable expression. "It's... refreshing to see this side of them."
As the evening continued, what had started as a simple walk had somehow turned into an unofficial inter-guild observation of young love - complete with commentary, badly concealed hiding spots, and more than a few magical mishaps as everyone tried to get a better view without being spotted.
Yet somehow, through it all, Wendy and Odyn managed to find their own little bubble of peace, if only in moments between the chaos. After all, that was the Fairy Tail way - finding perfect moments in the midst of absolute madness.
"Next time," Wendy murmured, trying not to laugh as she heard what sounded like half of Fiore's mages stumbling around behind them, "maybe we should just have our date in the guild hall."
"Might be less crowded," Odyn agreed with a grin.
In Lamia Scale's lodgings, while most of their guildmates were still preoccupied with spying on Wendy and Odyn's impromptu date, Roy (known to many as Thallion) gathered his closest teammates. His orange eyes, so similar to his brother's, held a determined gleam that made Chelia's heart skip for more reasons than one.
"I want to challenge Odyn tomorrow," he stated, running a hand through his silver-streaked lavender hair. "A proper exhibition match. Just the two of us."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Lyon asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "After what we saw him do to Raven Tail..."
Chelia fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her eyes darting between Roy and Lyon. Her feelings had become increasingly complicated lately - her long-standing crush on Lyon now tangled with growing feelings for the dark elf who'd joined their guild. "Roy, I... we all saw how powerful he is. Even Sabertooth's been keeping their distance."
"That's exactly why I need to do this," Roy's voice was firm but gentle, especially as he met Chelia's concerned gaze. "Not to prove I'm stronger or to settle any kind of score. But to show everyone that there's more to both of us than just being 'the dark elf brothers' or measuring our power against each other."
"You mean like how he's showing another side of himself with Wendy right now?" Lyon asked thoughtfully, a knowing look crossing his face as he noticed Chelia's blush deepen at Roy's attention.
"Exactly." Roy moved to the window, watching the distant figures of his brother and Wendy being not-so-stealthily followed by what seemed like half of Fiore's wizard population. "Everyone's so focused on his power, on being afraid of what he might do if they cross Fairy Tail. But that's not who either of us are, not really."
Chelia stepped forward, her heart thundering in her chest. "Then... what kind of match would it be?"
"A demonstration," Roy smiled, the expression reminding her why her feelings had become so confused lately. "Of skill, technique, and respect. No holding back, but no destruction either. Just two brothers showing what we've learned from our different paths."
"Your paths certainly have been different," Lyon mused. "He found his way to Fairy Tail and found love with Wendy, while you..."
He trailed off, glancing between Roy and Chelia with the beginning of understanding in his eyes. Chelia quickly looked away, her cheeks burning. Her heart had been so sure about Lyon for so long, but lately, every time Roy smiled at her like that...
"While I found my family here in Lamia Scale," Roy completed the thought, his expression softening as he looked at his teammates. If he noticed Chelia's internal struggle, he didn't show it. "That's what I want to show tomorrow. Not just power, but who we've become because of the families we've chosen."
"I'll support you," Chelia said suddenly, surprising herself with her firmness. "But promise you'll be careful? Both of you?"
Roy's smile warmed. "I promise. This isn't about proving anything. It's about showing something important."
Lyon pushed off from the wall, a slight smirk playing at his lips. "Well, it can't be any more dramatic than the show going on outside right now. Have you seen how many people are trying to spy on your brother's date?"
"At least three guilds at last count," Roy chuckled, then sobered. "So, do I have your support for tomorrow?"
"Of course," Lyon nodded. "Though we might want to warn the tournament officials. And possibly evacuate the city, just in case."
"Lyon!" Chelia protested, but she was giggling despite her worry.
As they discussed the details, Chelia found herself watching Roy's animated expressions, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about showing people who he and his brother really were. Her heart fluttered traitorously, even as she caught herself glancing at Lyon out of habit.
Love, she was learning, could be just as complicated as magic - especially when it came to matters involving the brothers who'd managed to capture the attention of not just their guilds, but all of Fiore.
"Maybe," she thought to herself, watching Roy gesture enthusiastically about his plans for tomorrow, "some hearts, like some battles, need time to find their true path."
The evening air in Crocus was heavy with the scent of night-blooming flowers as Chelia sat on a balcony of Lamia Scale's lodgings, her legs dangling through the ornate railings. Below, she could see Lyon talking with Sarai, their conversation punctuated by occasional laughter. The sight created a strange feeling in her chest - not the sharp pain she would have expected even a few months ago, but something softer, more bittersweet.
"Your heart seems troubled," a melodic voice spoke behind her. Chelia turned to see Khanna, or Seraphina as some knew her, the moonlight catching the silver highlights in her lavender hair. The dark elf woman moved with a grace that reminded Chelia of dancing leaves, settling beside her with an understanding smile.
"Is it that obvious?" Chelia sighed, drawing her knees up to her chest.
"Only to those who know what to look for." Khanna's orange eyes, so similar to her cousins', held ancient wisdom despite her youthful appearance. "You know, hearts are a lot like magic - they grow and change in ways we don't always expect."
Chelia watched as Lyon said something that made Sarai throw back her head in laughter, her lavender hair catching the lamplight. "I thought I knew exactly how my heart worked. I've loved Lyon for so long, it became part of who I am. But now..."
"Now you find yourself looking at my cousin when you think no one's watching," Khanna finished gently.
Chelia's cheeks flamed. "I... that's not... I mean..."
"It's okay to let your heart change its course," Khanna said, her voice soft but certain. "Love isn't a betrayal of who you were - it's part of becoming who you're meant to be."
"But what if I'm just confused?" Chelia whispered. "What if these feelings for Roy aren't real, just because I'm seeing Lyon move on?"
Khanna was quiet for a moment, considering. "Tell me something - when you see Lyon with Sarai now, what do you feel?"
"I..." Chelia paused, really thinking about it. "A little sad, maybe? But not because he's with her. More like... saying goodbye to a chapter of my life I thought would go differently." She looked up at Khanna. "Is that strange?"
"Not at all," Khanna smiled. "And when you see Roy?"
The blush returned to Chelia's cheeks as she thought about that morning, when Roy had been practicing his magic in the courtyard, his concentration showing in the slight furrow of his brow. How he'd spotted her watching and his whole face had lit up with a smile that made her forget to breathe.
"Oh," Khanna laughed softly, reading everything in Chelia's expression. "I see."
"But what if-" Chelia started.
"My people have a saying," Khanna interrupted gently. "'The heart knows its true path before the mind accepts the journey.' Your feelings for Lyon were real, Chelia. They helped shape who you are. But that doesn't mean they have to be your only story."
Below them, Lyon was now showing Sarai some basic ice-make magic, their heads bent close together over a small ice sculpture. Chelia watched them, surprised to find herself smiling.
"Roy talks about you, you know," Khanna mentioned casually, though her eyes twinkled. "When he thinks he's being subtle about it."
"He does?" Chelia's heart skipped.
"Mhmm. Yesterday he spent twenty minutes telling me about how impressive your God Slayer magic is, and how your healing abilities show such compassion." Khanna's smile widened. "Then he spent another ten minutes trying to convince me he was just making casual observations about a teammate."
Chelia couldn't help but giggle, the sound carrying on the evening breeze. Down in the courtyard, she caught sight of Roy returning from wherever he'd been, probably planning for tomorrow's exhibition match with his brother. He paused, looking up at the sound of her laughter, and that smile spread across his face again - the one that made her forget everything else for a moment.
"The funny thing about hearts," Khanna said softly, watching the exchange with knowing eyes, "is that sometimes they need to love one person to learn how to love another even better." She stood gracefully, placing a gentle hand on Chelia's shoulder. "Just remember - you're not betraying your past by embracing your future."
As Khanna left her to her thoughts, Chelia looked down at the courtyard again. Lyon and Sarai were still absorbed in their ice magic lesson, both looking happier than she'd seen either of them in a while. And Roy... Roy was still looking up at her, his expression holding a question he hadn't quite found the courage to ask yet.
Maybe, she thought, it was time for both of them to find that courage.
"Thank you," she whispered, though Khanna was long gone. Sometimes the wisest advice came from those who had watched love grow in all its forms through the centuries.
"What about you?" Chelia asked suddenly, turning to face Khanna with renewed interest. After all the insight into her own heart, she was curious about her advisor's romantic life. "Have you ever been in love?"
A subtle shift crossed Khanna's expression, her orange eyes taking on a distant look as she gazed toward the Sabertooth guild's lodgings, though Chelia didn't notice the significance of the direction. "My heart has chosen," she admitted softly, a gentle smile playing at her lips, "though they don't know it yet."
"Really?" Chelia perked up, her own romantic troubles momentarily forgotten. "Who is it? Do I know them?"
Khanna's musical laughter danced on the evening breeze. "You might," she said cryptically, her silver-streaked lavender hair catching the moonlight. "But I think I'll keep that mystery to myself for now. Let's just say when it does come to light, it will certainly raise more than a few eyebrows."
"Oh come on," Chelia pouted playfully. "You can't just say that and not give me any hints!"
"Can't I?" Khanna's eyes sparkled with mischief, a trait that reminded Chelia of both Roy and Odyn. "Sometimes the sweetest part of love is in the quiet moments before everyone else knows. When it's still just yours to hold in your heart."
In the distance, a shadow moved across one of Sabertooth's balconies - Rogue taking his evening patrol, though Chelia remained oblivious to how Khanna's eyes softened at the sight.
"Besides," Khanna continued, her voice taking on a teasing lilt, "I think we have more pressing matters to discuss - like how you're going to handle watching Roy's match tomorrow without making it obvious how much you worry for him."
"Khanna!" Chelia squeaked, her face flushing red again. But she couldn't help noticing how skillfully the dark elf had redirected the conversation away from her own romantic interests.
"Some stories," Khanna said softly, her eyes still holding that mysterious glint, "need time to unfold properly. Trust me, when the moment is right, I think the revelation of my heart's choice will be quite the talk of Fiore." Her lips curved in a secret smile. "Though perhaps not as much as when everyone finally notices how you and Roy look at each other when you think no one's watching."
"You're impossible," Chelia groaned, but she was smiling too.
"I prefer 'enigmatic,'" Khanna replied with a wink. "It sounds more mysterious and wise."
As they shared a laugh, Chelia couldn't help but wonder who could have captured the heart of someone as remarkable as Khanna. But she respected the dark elf's desire to keep it private - after all, hadn't she just learned from her about the beauty of letting love grow in its own time?
Still, she couldn't shake the feeling that whenever this secret love was revealed, it would indeed be quite the surprise for everyone involved. Though at the moment, she was far too preoccupied with her own romantic revelations to piece together the subtle glances Khanna kept casting toward Sabertooth's lodgings, or the way her expression softened whenever a certain Shadow Dragon Slayer passed by.
Some mysteries, after all, were meant to unfold in their own time.
Chelia's eyes widened as she finally noticed the distinctive guild mark on Khanna's shoulder. "Wait - you're in Mermaid Heel?" She blinked in surprise. "But I thought..."
"That because I'm Roy and Odyn's cousin, I'd be in either Lamia Scale or Fairy Tail?" Khanna's lips curved in an amused smile. "We dark elves tend to forge our own paths. Besides, Kagura has been... particularly understanding of my situation."
"Your situation?" Chelia leaned forward, intrigued.
Khanna absently traced her Mermaid Heel guild mark, her orange eyes distant. "Kagura and I have an agreement of sorts. She's aware of... certain feelings I harbor, ones that would typically go against Mermaid Heel's traditions."
"Because Mermaid Heel is an all-female guild," Chelia said slowly, pieces starting to click into place. "And your romantic interest is..."
"Male, yes." Khanna nodded, her silver-streaked lavender hair catching the moonlight. "Kagura made an exception in allowing me to join, with the understanding that my heart already belonged to someone. She saw something in my situation that resonated with her own experiences with personal growth and changing perspectives."
"What kind of agreement did you make with her?" Chelia asked, thoroughly curious now.
Khanna's expression grew both fond and serious. "She allowed me to join under the condition that when the time comes to reveal my feelings, I do so with complete honesty and courage - not just to him, but to both our guilds. No half-measures, no hiding." A soft laugh escaped her. "Kagura believes in facing things head-on, after all."
"That sounds like her," Chelia agreed. "But why Mermaid Heel specifically? If you knew your heart belonged to someone who..."
"Because sometimes the path that seems the most challenging is exactly the one we need to take," Khanna interrupted gently. "Mermaid Heel has taught me strength in ways I never expected. And Kagura..." she smiled, "she understands more than most how love can transcend guild boundaries and traditional expectations."
In the distance, they could see Kagura herself practicing with her sword in Mermaid Heel's training area, her movements precise and focused. As if sensing their conversation, she paused, looking their way with a knowing nod before returning to her training.
"Besides," Khanna added with a hint of mischief, "who says breaking traditions can't lead to positive change? Perhaps it's time for some of these old guild restrictions to evolve."
"Like how Fairy Tail changed Sabertooth?" Chelia pondered, still completely missing the connection to Rogue.
"Exactly," Khanna said softly, her eyes once again drifting toward Sabertooth's lodgings. "Sometimes the most powerful changes come from unexpected directions... and unexpected feelings."
Chelia studied her friend's expression, noting the mixture of determination and gentle longing there. "Whoever he is," she said finally, "he must be pretty special for Kagura to make such an exception."
"He is," Khanna whispered, so quietly Chelia almost missed it. "Though I suspect he doesn't realize just how special yet."
As if on cue, a shadow passed overhead - Rogue on his evening patrol of Crocus, Frosch happily floating beside him. Khanna's expression softened imperceptibly, but only Kagura, watching from her training area, noticed the change.
Some agreements, after all, were built on understanding hearts that yearned to break free of traditional bounds. And some guild masters, like Kagura, knew that love could be the most powerful catalyst for positive change - even if it meant bending a few rules along the way.
The moonlight cast a gentle glow over the cobblestone streets of Crocus, the capital city's flowering trees swaying softly in the evening breeze. Wendy and Odyn walked side by side, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night air. The young Dragon Slayer kept stealing glances at her dark elf companion, her heart still fluttering from their previous exchange.
"Odyn," Wendy began, her voice barely above a whisper, "what was it like, discovering you had family here in Fiore? I mean, after thinking you were alone for so long..."
The dark elf's orange eyes softened as he looked down at her, his long blue hair shifting in the breeze. "It was... overwhelming," he admitted. "Like finding a piece of myself I didn't know was missing. But Wendy..." He stopped walking, turning to face her fully. "Finding my family doesn't change who I've become or where I belong."
Wendy's hands clasped together nervously. "I know, but family is so important. If they asked you to go with them after the Games—"
"Then I'd tell them I already have a family," Odyn interrupted gently, his pointed ears twitching slightly as he smiled. "Fairy Tail took me in when I had nothing. And more than that..." His orange eyes met hers with an intensity that made her breath catch. "I have something here that means more to me than anything."
A deep blush colored Wendy's cheeks as she realized what – or rather, who – he meant. The young Dragon Slayer found herself unable to look away from his gaze, despite her embarrassment.
"O-Odyn..."
From behind a nearby flowering bush, Carla watched the scene unfold with a knowing smile. The Exceed had initially been protective and suspicious of the dark elf's interest in Wendy, but over time, she'd seen the genuine care and respect he showed her. 'Young love,' she thought to herself, 'but perhaps sometimes the young heart sees most clearly.'
Odyn reached out and gently took one of Wendy's hands in his. "The Games will end, Wendy, but my feelings won't change. Fairy Tail is my home now – you're my home."
The night air seemed to grow warmer around them as they stood there, hands linked, the moonlight casting a silver glow on Odyn's dark skin and making Wendy's eyes sparkle with unshed happy tears. Above them, the stars of Crocus twinkled like knowing witnesses to this tender moment between the young Dragon Slayer and her dark elf.
Still holding her hand under the starlit sky, Odyn's gentle smile widened. "Your birthday's coming up soon," he said, his orange eyes twinkling with warmth. "If you could have anything at all for your eighteenth birthday, what would you wish for?"
Wendy's heart skipped a beat. "How did you...?" she started to ask about his knowledge of her birthday, but the question faded as she lost herself in thought. Here, in the peaceful night of Crocus, away from the excitement and tension of the Games, she felt brave enough to voice the deepest wish in her heart.
She took a deep breath, her free hand fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "I... I know it might sound silly, but..." She gathered her courage, lifting her gaze to meet his. "I'd want to know if... if you've ever thought about our future. Together, I mean."
The words came out in a rush, and immediately her cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm sorry if that's too forward! It's just that you've become such an important part of my life, and I—"
Odyn's gentle squeeze of her hand stopped her nervous rambling. His expression held such tenderness that it made her heart flutter all over again. "That could never be too forward, Wendy," he assured her, while internally marveling at how close her wish aligned with his own plans.
In his pocket, hidden from view, his fingers brushed against a small box containing a ring he'd commissioned from the finest magical artificers in Fiore. The band was crafted from enchanted silver that seemed to capture starlight, with tiny lacrima crystals that sparkled like the sky during a Dragon Slayer's Roar. He'd been waiting for the perfect moment, and now, knowing her own thoughts mirrored his...
But he kept his expression carefully neutral, not wanting to give away the surprise he'd spent months planning. Instead, he brought his free hand up to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. "You know, for someone so young, you've always had the wisest heart of anyone I know."
From her hiding spot, Carla pressed her paws to her mouth to suppress a knowing giggle. She'd helped Odyn with certain aspects of his upcoming surprise, after all, and seeing Wendy unknowingly echo the very future he was planning to offer her was almost too perfect.
The night breeze carried the sweet scent of Crocus's famous flowers around them, as if the city itself was celebrating this moment of shared, if partially unspoken, dreams of the future.
Wendy's heart thundered in her chest as the words left her lips, her confession hanging in the night air like starlight. She'd grown so much from the shy young girl who first joined Fairy Tail, yet here she was, feeling that same flutter of nervous excitement. But this was different – this wasn't the anxiety of facing a powerful enemy or competing in the Games. This was the exhilarating terror of laying her heart bare before the person who had become her whole world.
Her fingers trembled slightly in Odyn's grip as memories flooded through her mind: their first meeting when he joined the guild, their gradual friendship blossoming into something more, the way he'd always supported her dreams while pursuing his own growth. The young Dragon Slayer had faced countless battles, but none had required the courage this moment demanded.
"I've been thinking about it a lot lately," she continued, her voice growing stronger with each word. "About us, about how you make me feel stronger just by being near me. It's not just about fighting together or being in the same guild anymore. I..." she paused, gathering her resolve, "I want to build a life with you, Odyn. A future where we're always side by side."
Unknown to Wendy, Odyn's heart soared at her words, for they aligned perfectly with the elaborate plans he'd been crafting in secret for months. In his mind, he revisited every detail of his prepared surprise:
The proposal would take place at dawn on her birthday, atop Kardia Cathedral in Magnolia. He'd worked with Freed to create an intricate enchantment that would activate at sunrise, transforming the entire cathedral tower into a garden of crystalline flowers that would catch the morning light. Each crystal bloom would contain a memory of their time together, preserved through Warren's telepathy magic and Reedus's artistic abilities.
The ring itself was a masterpiece of magical craftsmanship, created through a collaboration between the finest artisans in Fiore. The band was forged from an ancient metal found only in the dark elf ruins where he'd discovered his heritage, combined with dragon scales freely given by Grandeeney during his secret visit to seek her blessing. The lacrima stones were infused with both their magical energies, creating a perfect harmony of Sky Dragon and Dark Elf magic that would shine brightest when they used their magic together.
Carla, Levy, and Mirajane had helped coordinate with Wendy's fellow Dragon Slayers, who would create an aerial display using their combined roars to paint the sky with the words of his proposal in multiple colors of magical energy. Lucy had helped him compose the perfect words, while Erza had drilled him relentlessly on proper proposal etiquette (though he suspected some of her advice came straight from her romance novels).
Most precious of all was the small journal hidden with the ring, filled with letters he'd written to Wendy every day since deciding to propose, documenting his love, his hopes, and his dreams for their future together. Some pages held his fears and doubts, others his greatest joys – all centered around the beautiful, strong, kind-hearted young woman who had captured his heart.
But for now, looking at Wendy's earnest expression, Odyn kept these plans locked safely in his heart. Instead, he responded to her brave confession by gently drawing her closer, his orange eyes filled with emotion. "Wendy Marvell," he said softly, her name like a prayer on his lips, "you've never been more beautiful than you are right now, being brave enough to speak your heart."
From her hidden vantage point, Carla wiped away a tear, remembering the day Odyn had approached her, requesting not just her blessing but her help in making the proposal perfect for Wendy. The Exceed had watched their love grow from its earliest seedling days, and now, seeing them both standing on the precipice of their shared future – even if Wendy didn't yet know just how shared it would be – filled her heart with joy.
The night air seemed to hold its breath around them, the stars above Crocus bearing witness to this moment where two paths were about to become one, even if one of them didn't yet know just how soon that convergence would be.
The cool night air of Crocus wrapped around them as Odyn fought against every instinct that screamed at him to pull out the ring right then and there. The way Wendy looked at him, her eyes shining with vulnerability and strength all at once, nearly broke his resolve. But no – she deserved everything he had planned, every magical moment, every carefully orchestrated detail. Their story deserved that perfect dawn in Magnolia, not a rushed moment in Crocus, no matter how tempting.
"Your honesty means more to me than you could know," he said softly, his orange eyes reflecting the starlight as he gently squeezed her hand. He could feel her trembling slightly, could see the mixture of relief and lingering nervousness in her expression after laying her heart so bare before him. Her courage in this moment only reinforced his certainty about the future he planned to offer her.
Wendy's emotions were a whirlwind worthy of her Sky Dragon magic – relief at finally voicing her deepest feelings, lingering nervousness about being so forward, and pure, unfiltered joy at the warmth in Odyn's response. Each beat of her heart seemed to echo with the magnitude of what she'd just done, confessing her desire for a future together. The young Dragon Slayer who had once been too shy to even hint at her feelings had grown into a woman brave enough to reach for her happiness with both hands.
But reality gently intruded on their moment as a distant clock tower struck the hour, reminding them both of what tomorrow would bring. The Grand Magic Games waited for no one, not even young lovers under the stars.
"We should probably head back," Odyn said reluctantly, though he made no immediate move to leave. "Tomorrow's going to be... interesting." His thoughts turned to his upcoming exhibition match against Roy, his recently discovered brother. The dark elf siblings would be facing each other in front of all of Crocus, their shared heritage and separate guild loyalties adding layers of complexity to what promised to be an intense battle.
Wendy nodded, understanding in her eyes. "You'll be amazing tomorrow," she said with quiet conviction, her earlier embarrassment giving way to supportive determination. "Show everyone what a Fairy Tail wizard can do."
From her hiding spot, Carla smiled at how quickly they fell back into their pattern of supporting each other, even as she noted the way neither seemed eager to let go of the other's hand. 'Soon,' she thought to herself, picturing the elaborate proposal plans waiting back in Magnolia. 'Soon you'll both have everything you dream of.'
The stars of Crocus twinkled above them, witnessing this moment of restraint and promise – a pause between confession and resolution, between present challenges and future joy. Tomorrow would bring its own battles, but for now, they had this moment, hands clasped beneath the night sky, hearts full of unspoken promises and dreams about to come true.
Odyn stood watching Wendy's retreating form, his hand unconsciously touching the spot on his cheek where she'd kissed him. The sight of her flustered escape – complete with rising steam and crimson blush – brought a warm chuckle from his lips. Her boldness in both the kiss and her earlier confession had surprised and delighted him, making the ring in his pocket feel even more right.
But as Wendy's footsteps faded into the night, his expression shifted to something more contemplative. He had another important conversation waiting. Following his magical senses, Odyn made his way through Crocus's winding streets toward the distinctive aura of his brother's dark elf magic.
He found Roy – or Thallion, as he'd been known in their homeland – in one of Crocus's elevated gardens, sitting cross-legged beneath a blooming cherry tree. His brother's presence still felt surreal sometimes; after years of thinking himself alone, finding family during the Games had been like something from a dream.
"I wondered when you'd show up," Roy said without opening his eyes, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Though I expected you sooner. Unless, of course, you were detained by a certain Sky Dragon Slayer?"
Odyn settled beside his brother, their similar features more apparent in profile – the same pointed ears, dark skin, and angular features, though Roy's hair was a deeper shade of midnight compared to Odyn's dark blue. "We needed to talk about some things," he replied simply, though he couldn't quite hide his lingering smile.
"Clearly," Roy smirked, finally opening his eyes to reveal the same orange hue they shared. "But you're here to discuss tomorrow's match, aren't you? The first public display of dark elf magic Fiore has seen in generations – and it'll be brother against brother."
"That's exactly what I wanted to discuss," Odyn nodded, his expression growing serious. "How do you want to handle this? It's more than just an exhibition match between guilds now. We're representing our entire heritage out there."
The night breeze rustled through the cherry blossoms above them as the brothers began planning their historic match, discussing not just strategy and limitations, but how to best honor both their rediscovered heritage and their adopted guilds. Their dark elf magic, long hidden from the world, would finally be displayed in all its complexity and beauty.
"We should include the traditional forms," Roy suggested, tracing ancient runes in the air with a finger. "Show them that our magic isn't just about power – it's art, history, culture."
"Agreed," Odyn replied, watching the fading magical symbols. "But we also demonstrate how we've each adapted it to our new lives. Your integration with your guild's style, my combination with Fairy Tail's methods..."
Their discussion continued deep into the night, two brothers planning not just a battle, but a demonstration of their shared heritage and divergent paths. Tomorrow, the arena would witness something unprecedented – a celebration of both ancient tradition and new beginnings, brotherhood and rivalry, history and future.
As they talked, Odyn occasionally touched his pocket, thinking of another future he was planning. But for now, his focus was on tomorrow's match. After all, he had a certain Sky Dragon Slayer to impress.
"The Blazing Arkynorean form is definitely out," Roy said firmly, his orange eyes briefly flickering with divine light at the mere mention of their most powerful transformation. "I'd rather not explain to the Magic Council why we reduced Domus Flau to rubble."
Odyn nodded in agreement, a wry smile crossing his features. "Can you imagine the paperwork? Not to mention Fairy Tail's already got enough of a reputation for property damage." He paused, tracing a complex runic pattern in the air. "But the Dragonoid forms... that would be perfect. Especially given Sabertooth's obsession with dragon-related magic."
"Ah yes," Roy's expression turned knowing. "Looking to show off a bit for your Dragon Slayer?" His teasing earned him a light punch in the shoulder from his brother.
"Actually, I was thinking more about making a point to Sting and Rogue," Odyn countered, though his slight blush betrayed him. "They're not the only ones who understand dragon power. Our Dragonoid forms draw from the same ancient connections between dragons and elves."
"Both stages then?" Roy's eyes lit up with excitement. "First stage for technique demonstration, second stage for..." He grinned, "making Sabertooth sweat a little?"
"Exactly," Odyn confirmed, his own grin matching his brother's. "Show them that dark elf magic can match dragon slayer magic blow for blow. First stage lets us demonstrate the precision and art of our techniques..."
"And second stage proves we can bring the raw power too," Roy finished. "Though even second stage Dragonoid form won't threaten the arena's structural integrity like Arkynorean would."
The brothers shared a moment of silent understanding, both remembering their first experience with the Blazing Arkynorean form during their training in the ancient ways. The sheer divine might of that transformation was something they agreed should be reserved for only the most dire circumstances, not exhibition matches – no matter how impressive it would be.
"Tomorrow then," Roy stood, offering his hand to his brother. "We show Fiore what dark elf magic truly is – both its beauty and its power."
Odyn clasped his brother's hand, their shared heritage humming between them in their matching orange eyes. "And we do it our way – honoring both where we came from and who we've become."
As they parted ways for the night, both brothers felt the weight of tomorrow's responsibility – not just to their respective guilds, but to their rediscovered heritage. Through their Dragonoid forms, they would bridge the ancient and the modern, showing Fiore a magic that was both elegant and powerful, refined yet raw.
And if Odyn happened to be particularly motivated to impress a certain blue-haired Dragon Slayer watching from the stands... well, that was just extra incentive to make sure his Dragonoid form techniques were perfectly executed.
To be continued in Chapter 9: Grand Magic Games Day 2; Battle between the Dragon Blessed Dark Elves: Odyn vs Roy!