Hiding In Plain Sight

Chapter Twenty

Happy Halloween! Are you guys doing anything exciting today? Sorry that this chapter was kind of late. I meant to post it a while ago but my teachers decided that last week would be the week to stress us all out. But anyway, enjoy the chapter!

"Is anyone else just as confused as I am?"

Murmurs of agreement came from the younger wizards in response to Chance's question. They were huddled in a group, watching their parents talk to the mermaid they summoned.

"Have you ever heard Uncle Natsu talk like that before?" Angelica asked. The twins declined in awe.

"No, because we can't hear anything from this far away. Damn Dragon Slayers," Griffin scoffed.

"Can't one of you go down and ask someone what they're doing?" Storm asked the Exceeds.

Rose shook her head. "I tried, but Dad was too distracted. He couldn't answer any of my questions."

"How come Asuka's down there?" Alexander complained.

"I guess she knows who this 'Lucy' person is," Malika answered.

"Who's Lucy?" Cayden asked.

"Beats me. I have no-"

"Will you guys shut up."

Nashi spoke without facing them but felt everyone's gaze turn to her. She realized she snapped for no reason and was about to apologize when she met Aquarius's eyes. She drew in a sharp breath as a feeling of fondness came from the spirit, and she turned back to Natsu.

"I'm not doing this for you," she stated, drawing her left arm out.

"Don't worry." Her father said. "I know exactly who you're doing this for."

Nashi drew a sharp breath at his answer but had no time to be confused when she heard Aquarius's next words.

"Open! Gate of the Lion!" Aquarius swiped her hand in front of her, magic glowing beneath it. "Leo!"

Another bright light shone at the lake and the doorbell sound rang again. Another figure appeared, this time with a silhouette of a normal man.

A splash was heard as he landed in the lake. He started yelling as soon as he did. "Princess!? Where are yo-"

Loke's voice cut off when he looked up at his summoner. He frowned. "Aquarius?"

Aquarius sighed, then nodded at the Fire Dragon Slayer. Loke turned to where she cued.

His eyes widened. "Natsu!?" he yelled. His eyes darted around the small field, taking in his guildmates. Then, as if sensing her presence, his head tilted to where the teens were watching. His eyes widened further at the sight of Nashi, who chewed on her lip in nervousness.

Loke turned back to the people in front of him. With a shaky laugh, he said, "Uh, hey guys, long time no-"

"Oh, fuck this!" a voice yelled. Nashi couldn't tell who it was, because all of a sudden, Fairy Tail ran into the lake and jumped toward the spirit in a group hug. People started talking at once, telling him how much they missed him and how they were angry for leaving his girlfriends with them. Nashi's heart tugged at the smile that grew on Loke's face and the tears he wiped away.

"So, they know another spirit?" Raven asked.

"Yeah, and it looks like they know him really well," Malika replied, straining her ear. "I can't make out what they're saying. Everyone's too loud."