Wendy

Wendy sat curled up on the grass outside, hugging the egg tightly against her chest. The cool night air brushed against her skin, but she didn’t mind. All she could think about was the warmth of the smooth shell in her arms and the emptiness in her heart. She rested her chin gently on the egg, staring up at the sky.

“Jellal…” she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. The stars twinkled above, distant and uncaring, and she felt smaller than ever. It had been so long since she had last seen him, and each passing day made her wonder if she ever would again. She had always believed in him, trusted him, needed him. But now she was alone.

Her fingers traced small circles on the egg’s surface, her mind drifting. Maybe… maybe it’s a dragon egg? The thought made her heart race with hope. A real dragon, just like Grandine. If that were true, then maybe she wouldn’t be alone forever. Maybe, one day, she could see Grandine again. Maybe this was a sign—a gift from the world to remind her she wasn’t forgotten.

She held the egg closer, rocking slightly. “If you really are a dragon… I’ll take care of you. I promise.” Her voice wavered, but her determination didn’t. No matter what, she wouldn’t lose this too.

The egg remained still, silent in her arms. But even so, Wendy let herself believe—for just a little while longer—that something, or someone, was listening.

The warm water of the pond lapped gently against Wendy’s skin as she leaned back with a happy sigh. The sunlight filtering through the trees painted golden ripples across the surface, and the quiet chirping of birds mixed with the soft rustling of leaves. It was peaceful—just what she needed after a long day.

"Honestly, Wendy, this is highly improper," Carla huffed from the edge of the pond, her arms crossed tightly over her small chest. "What if someone were to stumble upon you like this? You'd be in an indecent state!"

Wendy rolled her eyes and giggled, cupping her hands to gather some water. "Oh, Carla, lighten up!" she said, and with a quick motion, she sent a small splash right at the Exceed.

"Wha—?!" Carla yelped as the water hit her face, her fur dampening instantly. She stumbled back with an indignant sputter, shaking herself off as she shot Wendy a glare. "Wendy Marvell! That was uncalled for!"

Still giggling, Wendy dipped lower into the water, her smile bright. "Come on, it's just us here! No one's watching. Besides, it’s just a bath!"

Carla huffed again, flicking her tail in irritation, but there was a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth. Wendy just grinned, enjoying the rare moment of relaxation, even as her ever-fussy companion grumbled about propriety from the shore.

Wendy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she clutched the latest issue of Sorcerer weekly magazine in her hands. The pages were glossy and fresh, the scent of ink still lingering as she eagerly flipped through them. This month's edition featured another Fairy Tail special, and there it was—an interview with Natsu Dragneel, the famed Fire Dragon Slayer.

"Wow... Natsu-san is amazing," she murmured, her small fingers tracing over his picture. His grin was wide and carefree, his scarf wrapped snugly around his neck like always. A real Dragon Slayer… just like her. The idea filled her with a mix of admiration and longing. Maybe, just maybe, if she ever met him, he could tell her more about what it meant to be a Dragon Slayer. Maybe he had met other dragons! Maybe he knew something about Grandine!

Carla, perched primly on a nearby table, watched Wendy’s growing excitement with a critical eye. “Honestly, Wendy, you’re acting like a girl with a crush,” she said, flicking her tail. “Is he really that cute?”

Wendy blinked, her face instantly heating up. “Wha—?! No, it’s not like that!” she protested, waving her hands frantically. “It’s just… he’s a Dragon Slayer, too! I’ve never met another one before. It’s really exciting!”

Carla sighed, giving her a knowing look. “Mmmhmm. If you say so.”

Wendy huffed, puffing out her cheeks as she turned her attention back to the article. One day, maybe she would meet Natsu Dragneel. And when she did, she’d prove she was a strong Dragon Slayer, too!