Always and Forever (Sequel to 'If Only You Knew')

Chapter Twenty-Four - Heading Home

Gray dug up the dirt around the handprint and created an ice bucket to carry it in. He and Alyssa walked back to the grave, solemn, hoping that after all they'd done, it would finally be over. When they reached the grave, they sprinkled the dirt around it and waited.

So you've come back.

Yes, and we've brought what you asked us for. You'd better appreciate it, because my father laid down his life to get it.

That he did, and I commend him for his bravery. So you managed to find it in all this rubble...I see you are determined to get home. Very well, boy, you have done as I asked, and I am not one to break promises, so you may return home. Your role in the fate of this world is far from over, but you will not be hearing from me for quite a while yet. Enjoy your freedom while it lasts, and do not take it for granted. Well done.

And then nothing.

"Is that it?"

Alyssa looked at him confused, for she could not hear the voice in his head.

"Is that it?!" he cried out to the sky, expecting an answer but hoping he did not get one.

"Are we done?!"

"Gray..."

"It's over...it's really over, I can go home..." he began laughing. "We've finished!"

Alyssa smiled at how happy he was, and she, too, was glad their adventure was over. But did not know what would happen to her now. She hoped that he would not leave her.

"Gray..."

"Yeah?" he asked, still smiling.

"What happens now?"

"What do you mean? We go home of course."

"But where do I go? Are you going to bring me back to Grenboa?"

"Only if you want to go back."

"But where else would I go, I mean I can't go with you to Fairy Tail, I'm not a wizard."

Gray just laughed as she stared at him.

"Hey, what's so funny?"

"Is that what you're worrying about? Don't be silly Alyssa, of course you can come back with me to Fairy Tail. I mean, you can't officially join the guild of course, but you can still live in Magnolia and get a job there. You can even get an apartment next to mine, and you can live with me until you get yourself settled and have a steady job. How does that sound?"

"Gray...could I really?"

"Yeah, of course! I mean you are my sister after all. You didn't think I would leave you did you?"

Alyssa looked down, embarrassed, because that was exactly what she had done.

Gray pretended that she had offended him and fake cried, causing her to giggle and slap him playfully on the arm.

"Ow!" he said. "That hurt!"

She merely stuck her tongue out at him and turned away. He laughed and took her hand.

"Come on, little sis. Let's go home."