The Angel and the Fairies

Chapter 17

Fantasia was starting soon and Angeles was no where to be found.

The news wasn't surprising, he disappeared during the parade each year, but Levy had hoped that this one would be different. Angeles had made more progress emotionally in the last five weeks than he had the last seven years combined. She had so much to ask him- about Fantasia, about Thomas, about the first mission they had done together- but she didn't know where to start. A part of her was hoping that he'd be the one to begin that conversation.

As everyone finished up last minute details on their floats behind the guild away from prying eyes, Levy took the time to step outside to greet some of the citizens of Magnolia. Whenever the Fairy Tail mages had time, they all liked to talk to the people and joke and laugh with them, especially to see what their expectations were for Fantasia. It was partly just to have conversation but also to plan how their floats for next year would look like.

Presently, only a handful of people were hanging around the front of the guild, most of them teenagers. Levy made her way over to them, smiling shyly when they seemed to perk up at her presence. It seemed like two of the teenagers, a boy and a girl, were speculating about the floats and if Natsu was still going to participate because he looked pretty banged up.

"It'll take a lot to keep Natsu from joining the parade," Levy laughed, walking up to the two.

The boy was about a head or two taller than her with short chestnut brown hair and kind dark green eyes. The sixteen or seventeen year-old wore a dark blue sweater and he smirked in a way that seemed almost familiar to Levy. He kept his hands stuffed in his pocket, his head still tilted a bit to the side as he listened to his companion speak.

The girl seemed to be around the same age but she had no problem gesturing wildly as she spoke, as if she was filled with an abundance of energy. Her dark hair framed her face and her eyes sparkled as she nudged her friend with her elbow. She wore a simple white blouse and blue pants, seeming unbothered by the slight chill in the air. It seemed to be true as Levy noticed no goosebumps on her bronze skin.

"Didn't think so," The boy spoke in a tone that reminded her a bit of Angeles. It had to be the sureness that he exuded, as if he was always two steps ahead of everyone and he was just leading them around in circles. The only difference, though, was that Angeles was always four steps ahead of them and he wasn't afraid to rub it in everyone's faces. "I met Natsu once before."

"What do you think of him?" Levy couldn't help but ask, looking at the two's reactions.

The boy's face scrunched up, like he remembered something foul. "He's... Nice... But he's also loud."

The girl next to him rolled his eyes. "Ignore him. Alexander doesn't like loud noises. We were both there, though. Natsu was very nice and funny." She seemed to pause for a moment before looking at the Fairy Tail mage. "I don't think we've introduced ourselves. I'm Jessie Arkingly and this is my best friend Alexander Avier. We're really excited for the parade."

"Well, I hope we don't disappoint." Levy grinned at the two, cheeks flushed a light pink at their words. She went to continue when she finally spotted Angeles investigating a food stand down the street. "Oh, I have to go. I hope you two have fun! Angeles!"

Jessie and Alexander watched the blue-haired woman run towards the other Fairy Tail mage. Levy and Angeles looked like complete opposites, one happy and bubbly and the other silent and brooding. Jessie leaned toward her best friend, speaking in a low tone. "Is that him?"

"I don't know... Maybe..."

--

"Angeles!" Levy ran up to the other mage, a wide grin on her face. "I thought you'd be hiding away somewhere by now."