Wendy awoke with a smile on her face, and in her heart. After all, how could she not be happy? It was her birthday, and Chelia and Lyon had come all the way from Lamia Scale to spend it with her! Which brought up a troubling fact, her bed seemed a lot more empty than the night before. Where was Chelia? The house only had one guest room, and they had decided to give it to Lyon, since he was a boy. Wendy threw her legs over the edge of the bed and hummed in thought. Carla wasn’t in her bed on the opposite side of the room either. Where was everyone?
The crashing and bickering from downstairs quickly answered her question. “I’m an ice mage! We deal with cold, not heat! Did you honestly expect me to be good in the kitchen?!” “Oops! Lyon! I accidentally started another fire!” “Quiet! You’ll wake the child!” At the smell of smoke, Wendy decided she should probably get down there. She walked into the kitchen to see all three bickering around the oven, Carla was in her human form.
“Uhm… Is everything alright?” Wendy asked politely. The group turned around, looking slightly panicked. “Wendy!” Chelia raced over to hug her friend. Wendy laughed and happily hugged back. “Happy Birthday!” “Thank you!” “We tried to make you breakfast but… um…” Chelia glanced over at the charred, strangely shiny remains of what had been eggs. “… It didn’t go well. . . ” Wendy just smiled, “It’s okay, we can go out to breakfast.” she assured. “Oh! I wanna give you your present!” Chelia eagerly pulled Wendy towards the living room.
Carla turned to the ice mage disappointingly once the girls had gone. “Honestly, Lyon! You’re an adult! And you can’t even cook?” “I can cook just fine!” Lyon snapped. “Tell that to the frozen eggs.” Carla countered, gesturing to the frozen pan. “Oh, forgive me!” Lyon replied, sarcastically, “Next time I’ll just let the fire keep going and burn your house down.” Carla sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, “I just hope the guild does better than you.” Lyon had to laugh at that, “You think those fools remembered Wendy’s birthday?” Carla gasped, “How dare you! The members of Fairy Tail utterly adore Wendy! They would never do anything to hurt her!” “Yeah, but they’re idiots.” Lyon stated. It wasn’t an insult, it was a fact. “… Oh dear…” Carla murmured. Lyon had a point. “… They’re definitely not the brightest … What if they did forget her birthday?” The exceed exclaimed, worriedly, “Oh! she’ll be crushed! I can’t let this happen. You have to stall her.” Carla decided. Lyon was bewildered.
“Me?! What am I supposed to do?!” “Take her out to breakfast and open gifts. She received her gift from me last night and will no doubt want to show it to you. I’ll go ahead to the guild and make sure she is not forgotten!” Carla shifted into her cat-like form and flew off without another word, leaving a very panicked Lyon in her wake. “… I am so screwed. . ” he breathed.
Carla was breathless by the time she arrived at the guild. She threw open the doors and glanced around worriedly. The wizards and witches of Fairy Tail were lazing around as if it were any ordinary Sunday afternoon.
“No!” Carla shouted out loud. She put her head in her paws as the guild glanced towards her curiously. “What’s wrong, Carla?” Happy asked, worriedly, as he approached. He didn’t like it when Carla was sad. “You all forgot!” Carla wailed, looking back at the guild in misery. “We didn’t forget nothing!” Natsu yelled angrily. He leaned towards his teammate, “Lucy, what’d we forget?” She sighed in reply. “Lyon was right …” Carla groaned. “Lyon?” Gray asked, “What are you talking to that jerk for?” “This is absolutely unacceptable!” Carla exclaimed, glaring at the guild, “Wendy is a part of your family! I cant’ believe all of you would forget such an important day for her!” “What? Tuesday?” Gajeel asked from his place, with his arm around Levy. The woman stared up at the man she had chosen to be with in awe, “… It’s Sunday Gajeel.” The slayer scoffed and rolled his eyes, “Whatever…” “It’s her birthday!” Carla exclaimed. “Who’s birthday?” Jet asked. “Wendy’s birthday you imbeciles!!!!” The guild fell silent at that. “… Oh shit … ."
"Didn’t anyone remember?!” Carla exclaimed desperately. There was the sound of a throat clearing from the back of the room and everyone glanced over. “I thought this might happen and planned accordingly.” Freed explained, smiling, “As you can see, I"ve provided both a gift and a banner.” he gestured to the counter, where two presents and a rolled up banner sat, “The second gift is from Mystogan.” he explained. Carla sighed, “At least one of you remembered. The rest of you better come up with something fast, because Wendy will be crushed if she learns you forgot her birthday.” “I could put on a show for her?” Gajeel offered, rubbing the back of his neck. “No one wants that for they’re birthday!” Natsu yelled from across the room. “Shut up Ash-for-brains, you wouldn’t know talent if it bit you on the ass!” “I know it’s not you!” “… Actually…” Carla mused, “A performance could work…” “Really?” Levy asked, surprised. “Really?” Gajeel asked, just as surprised. “Indeed, my present to Wendy was a book of Fairy Tales, and she was quite happy to receive it, Perhaps we could act out these stories in the form of a play, letting Wendy choose the cast and narrate.” “That’s a great idea, Carla!” Levy praised. Carla smiled, “Perfect! Now we have to get the stage and banner set up before she gets here.” The guild members rushed to set everything up for their little sky dragon slayer.
Wendy smiled as she entered the guild. Everyone was bustling about. Lyon chuckled at the view. “Never a dull moment around here.” He lit up as he saw a beautiful figure from afar. “Oh, Wendy? Would you mind if I…” “You can go talk to Juvia.” Wendy answered Lyon’s question before he even finished it. “Thank you!” Lyon dashed off. The girls giggled as they heard Lyon get berated by his childhood friend. “Do you think he’s ever going to give up on her?” Chelia asked, curiously. “Maybe after she marries Gray.” Wendy joked. The girls laughed again. It was around this time Wendy finally spotted her exceed, whom she approached curiously.
“Carla, what’s going on?” Carla gasped and whirled around at the voice. “Wendy! You’re here!” the exceed paused for a long moment while the girls stared at her in confusion. Carla sighed and spoke louder, “Wendy’s here!!!” The guild members whirled around to look at Wendy. They quickly took up the cry of “Happy Birthday!” Which Wendy beamed at. “Thanks so much everyone! I’m surprised you all remembered.” The Fairy Tail guild fell completely silent for the second time in history, as everyone glanced away guiltily, while Wendy looked on in confusion. “Of course they remembered!” Chelia exclaimed, “They love you! So what’d you all get her?!” “Chelia, that’s rude.” Lyon scolded, lightly. “And you stealing my guild mate isn’t?!” “This isn’t about you, Gray!” The two returned to their bickering. “Our gift is a performance Wendy.” Carla explained. “Really?!” Wendy lit up, but glanced around shyly, “Oh, I hope you didn’t go through any trouble for me…” “Oh, hush, child.” Carla scolded, “It was no trouble at all."
Carla sat Wendy down at a table in front of the stage. "Did you bring the book I got you?” “Mm-hmm!” Wendy nodded and eagerly brought it out. “We are going to put on the Fairy Tales for you.” Carla said, smiling as Wendy grew excited, “You may choose the story and who plays what part.” “That sounds like so much fun!” Wendy cheered. “Then let’s not dilly dally, let’s get straight to it.” Carla said. “Oh, there’s so many stories- I don’t even know where to start!” Wendy admitted, shyly. “Then let’s start at the beginning.” Carla suggested, “What’s the first story?” “Um… Puss In Boots.” Wendy said, turning pages to find the first story. “Who will play what part?” Carla asked. “Hmm… ” Wendy thought for a long moment, “Well, Puss In Boots is about a clever cat that defeats an ogre and helps his master get a wife-Lily can do it!” “Lily can do what?” Pantherlily asked, looking up from his kiwi breakfast. “You can play Puss from Puss in Boots! Uh… if you want to…” Wendy added, shyly. Lily smiled, “I would love to.” Gajeel stood. “Where are you going?” Levy asked. “No one’s being my Lily’s master but me!” he replied, sternly. Wendy giggled, “Okay. And Levy can be the princess! We need an ogre and a king!” “Makarov could be king.” Mirajane suggested. The old man sighed, “I’m not as young as I used to be, but I’ll give it a try.” Mirajane gave her brother a look and he sighed, “I’ll be the ogre.” “Yay!” Wendy cheered. The group glanced over Wendy’s shoulder and quickly re-read the story. “I can easily provide costumes.” Erza assured, leading the group backstage while Wendy began the first story.
PUSS IN BOOTS
Wendy began to narrate eagerly. “Once upon a time there was an old miller. When he died, he had three sons.” Gajeel walked onto the stage. “To the first, he gave the mill.” “Alright!” Gajeel said grinning. “That’s not you.” Wendy explained. “…Huh?” “That’s your brother.” Wendy told him. “…Oh…” She continued, “The second son got the donkey.” “Not bad!” Gajeel grinned again. “That’s also not you.” Wendy informed him. “Then what did I get?!” Gajeel complained. “The cat.” “The cat?! My brothers get a business and a donkey and I get a damn cat?!” Gajeel asked, angrily. “The cat is Lily.” Wendy offered. “Best present ever!” Gajeel hugged his exceed happily.
“But the miller’s son had a problem. What was he to do with a cat? But the cat assured him that he would be fine.” Wendy continued. Lily wormed his way out of Gajeel’s grasp and turned to him, “Listen, all I need is a pair of boots and some hunting gear, and I’ll make you rich.” he promised. Gajeel looked skeptical, but shrugged, “I don’t really believe you, but I’m desperate, so what the hell?"
"The cat got his boots and spent the next few months hunting to take care of his master.” Wendy continued, “But every few weeks, the cat would go visit the king.” Makarov sat in a fine throne onstage. Lily walked up, holding a bowl of fruit up to him, “A gift from the Lord of… the Iron Hills.” “Tell your master that I thank him for the gifts.” Makarov replied. Lily bowed and both of them scurried offstage.
“One day, when the cat knew the king was going to be out in the village, he brought his master to a lake.” Wendy said. Gajeel followed Lily back out onto the stage. “I’m doing what?" the slayer asked. "Strip and get in the lake.” Lily gestured to a large barrel that was serving as their lake. “Why?!” Gajeel exclaimed. “Just trust me. I have a plan.” Lily assured. Gajeel sighed and climbed into the barrel. They had decided to leave the stripping out, since there were children in the room.
“While he was bathing, the king walked by with his daughter.“ Wendy continued. "Help! The Lord of the Iron Hills is drowning!!!” Lily exclaimed. Makarov rushed over and pulled Gajeel out of the ‘lake’. “His clothes were stolen by a thief!” Lily explained. “You will have some of my robes then.” Makarov said. Erza used her magic to give Gajeel fine clothes. “I remember you from the gifts your cat has given me. Now walk with me.” Makarov walked offstage, Levy and Gajeel followed.
“The cat ran ahead and told everyone he met to say that the land they were working on belonged to the Lord of the Iron Hills.” Wendy continued, “And went to the nearest castle, which happened to be owned by an ogre.” Elfman walked onstage and Lily walked up to him and bowed, “Dear Sir, I have been told that you can turn into anything.” “I can!” Elfman confirmed, cockily. “Can you turn into a giant monster?” Lily asked. “Of course I can!” Elfman changed into a large creature and Lily yelped and hid behind the nearest object- which happened to be the barrel/lake. Elfman laughed as he changed back into a human.
“Hmm… not bad.” Lily admitted, creeping out from his hiding place, “But can you turn into something small, like a mouse?” “With ease!” Elfman flexed and Wendy turned to the guild, “When the ogre turned into a mouse- the cat ate him!” The duo raced offstage. “It was around this time that the king and miller’s son arrived.” Makarov and Gajeel walked back onstage. “So this is yours too?” “Indeed. My master is the best lord in all the land.” Lily assured, standing by his dragon slayer’s side. “If he’s that great, he has my blessing to marry my daughter.” Makarov assured, letting Levy step forward. Gajeel grinned as he leaned down to kiss her. “And they all lived happily ever after!” Wendy cheered.
The guild clapped as the actors got off the stage. “You two can stop kissing now.” Lily said with a small sigh as he watched the couple make out. “No thanks, I’m good.” Gajeel only grinned as Levy gave him a light shove and looked over towards the book. “What’s next?” she asked curiously. Wendy turned back to the book, “The Foolish Wishes.” she read. “I know that story!” Levy smiled, “That would be perfect for Natsu and Lucy.” “Huh?!” Lucy exclaimed. Wendy gasped and turned to the duo energetically, “Oh, please Lucy?! Please Natsu?!” Lucy sighed and smiled fondly “Oh, alright…” she stood and began reading the story. “Sure! If Gajeel can do it, I can do it!” Natsu grinned and used Lucy as an arm rest while he read. Once they were done, they headed backstage and Wendy began the second story.
THE FOOLISH WISHES
“There was once a poor woodcutter … ” Wendy began, at this Natsu walked onstage. “He was so sad he wanted to die.” “SCREW YOU, HEAVENS!” Natsu yelled, angrily, “You’ve never given me anything!” “At this moment Jupiter appeared! Oh… but we didn’t choose a Jupiter…” Wendy realized, sadly. “The heck is a Jupiter?” Natsu asked. “Jupiter is the god of thunder and lightning.” Carla explained, “King of the Roman gods."
"We have our own god of thunder~” Freed smirked over at his love teammate. Laxus slowly turned to look at the rune mage, “NO.” “Come on, Laxus. You’d make her day.” Evergreen pressed. “Yeah! Don’t be an ass!” Bixlow said. “Ass!” “Ass! "Ass!” his babies repeated, flying around Laxus’s head. The blonde sighed and glared ahead, “You three won’t leave me alone until I do it, will you?” “No, we will not.” “Nuh-uh.” “We’re just gonna keep annoying you!” “Annoying!” “Annoying! "Annoying!” “I’m also going to cut off your alcohol privileges until you do it.” Mirajane chirped in. That did it. Laxus groaned and approached Wendy. “I’ll be your Jupiter- but only because I’m being forced into it.” he shot a glare at his team as he climbed onto the stage. His voice was emotionless when he spoke.
“I am Jupiter. God of thunder and lightning. Fear me.” Natsu snickered at the lackluster performance, “That’s all ya got? C'mon, man! Do some special effects or something!” Laxus was more than happy to strike Natsu with lightning. While the Salamander lay on the ground in pain, Wendy continued, “Jupiter promised the woodcutter three wishes!” “Alright, dumbass, listen up.” Laxus grabbed Natsu by the scarf and yanked him into a standing position, “The first three wishes you make will come true, got it?” Natsu nodded, he opened his mouth to speak but Laxus quickly covered it, “So don’t waste them on dumb shit.” Laxus dropped Natsu onto the ground again and hopped off of the stage, grumbling bitterly as he returned to his seat. “With those words, Jupiter returned to the sky!” Wendy narrated, happily, “But the woodcutter raced home to his wife."
Lucy walked in and set up a table and two chairs, before taking a seat at the table. Natsu raced over gleefully, "WE’RE GONNA BE RICH!!!!” he cheered. “What?” Lucy exclaimed, “How?!” “The woodcutter told his wife the story.” Wendy narrated. “We have to be careful with our wishes, Natsu. We’ll sleep on it and make the wishes tomorrow morning.” Lucy suggested, “I’ll go make dinner you start the fire.” Natsu nodded, “I’m good at that.” Natsu enthusiastically set the nearby barrel on fire (the one they had used as a lake in the last story) and put his feet up on the table.
“Man this fire looks tasty.” Natsu thought aloud, “I wish I had a sausage too!” Mirajane threw a sausage onstage and Natsu stared down at it, “… Oh no.” “Natsu!! You idiot!!” Lucy yelled angrily, “We could’ve had gold, diamonds, jewels- And you wish for a sausage?!!” “It was an accident!” Natsu defended.
“I can’t believe i ever made friends with someone like you!” Lucy ranted on. “Hey! I said it was an accident!” Natsu was starting to grow angry. “This is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done! And you’ve done a lot of stupid things-” “I wish the sausage was stuck on your nose!!!” Natsu yelled angrily. Lucy gasped as she picked up the sausage and held it to her nose. “NATSU!!!!!!"
"Oh no! We only have one wish now!” Natsu realized, ignoring his 'wife’s’ plight, “What should I use it for?!” “I have a sausage stuck on my nose!!!!” Lucy scolded. Natsu sighed, “I wish my wife didn’t have a sausage on her nose…” he grumbled. The sausage fell to the ground. “And so the woodcutter and his wife learned a valuable lesson!” Wendy announced, proudly as the duo left the stage. “Man, Lucy, why do you always gotta mess things up?” “I messed it up? I think you read the wrong story pal-"