The Skull Hidden in the Sand

Festivities Pt. 2

A/N: Tried color this time around. Hope it looks okay.

Lucy pulled Natsu through the crowd. "Luce, where are we going?" He asked.

"We're giving those two some time together." Lucy giggled. "Did you see how he was looking at her?"

"...like a fish?"

"Exactly!" Lucy laughed. Natsu simply looked confused, but shrugged it off.

"Attention please!" Everyone looked over to see Min standing in front of the musicians, a microphone lacrima in her hand. "Welcome, one and all, to our annual summer festival~!" There were cheers and scattered applause. "The music will begin right after I'm done jabbering," Scattered laughter. "And the food will be out in a few minutes."

Natsu whooped. "Natsu!" Lucy hissed, whapping him on the arm. There were an assortment of giggles and groans from the other Fairies in the crowd.

Min laughed. "Anyway, as is our policy every year, anyone is free to come and go between our little party up here and the festivities in town. We have floating lights along the path to clearly guide you. Do keep in mind that all other trails are closed. There will also be fireworks later this evening. In any case, enough of my jabbering. Let's get started~!"

The crowd cheered and Min hopped off the stage. The musicians took her place and began playing a quick, lively melody. "C'mon Luce!" Natsu grabbed her by the hand and pulled her into the center of the crowd.

Makarov looked around in satisfaction. Somehow, his children were having fun without destroying anything. Lucy, Natsu, Wendy, and Romeo were dancing in the center. Gray, Juvia, Gajeel, and Levy were on the outskirts of the main crowd and Jellal and Erza were still talking on the peripheral edge. He spotted the exceeds dancing in a circle with Asuka and Guildarts attempting to drag Cana onto the dancefloor with him. Jet and Droy were chatting with two girls, who were giggling at everything they said, while Bickslow happily dragged both Laxus and Freed onto the dancefloor by the backs of their collars, leaving a confused-looking Mira behind. That didn't last long, as Lisanna pulled her sister towards another table, where they could watch Elfman blushingly and obviously trying to ask Evergreen to dance.

"Wine, Master Makarov?" A voice beside him suddenly asked.

"O-oh yes. Thank you." Makarov took the glass from the offered tray. "Hmm? Aren't you the one who caused so much trouble for my children?"

"Yeah...that was me..." Almaria scratched the back of her neck awkwardly.

"And are you done causing them trouble?" Makarov asked, a slight glint to his eyes.

Almaria barely managed to repress a shiver. "Y-yeah."

"Good." He said cheerfully, his expression returning to normal.

Almaria felt a slight tug on her sleeve. "Let's go." Aras mouthed. As the blond tugged her through the crowd, Almaria spotted Emily glaring at them. She smirked at the pink-haired girl, just to infuriate her. Emily's look had ascended into 'murderous' territory by now. "For god's sake," Aras muttered under her breath. "Can you please stop making my life harder than need be?"

"Sorry~"

"Hmph..."

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