Prolog

It was a year after the guild was reestablished, but Lucy still hasn't returned. It's like she vanished because she was the one who kept in contact with everyone and tracking everyone's whereabouts. Out of the blue that all stopped and she vanished without a trace. The last thing we know was she went on a journey but that's all Jason could tell us.

I walked into the guild after another false lead on where Lucy might be... It feels just like when I was searching for Igneel. Erza walked towards me as I entered. As he red hair sways with each step she took towards me, the more I felt like I'm not going to like the conversation that was about to aspire.

"Natsu we need to talk about..." Erza started to talk but I wasn't about to listen to this crap again.

"No I am not going to stop until I find her!" I bellowed

That's when Erza slammed her fist on the table she was next to, the echo of it made the whole guild hall silent.

"Natsu it has been almost a year since her last sighting and they said she was in very bad condition. I know it's hard but we have to face the truth.. Lucy... Is most likely dead and if she isn't she doesn't want to be found!" Erza said out of frustration.

I looked her dead in the eyes and said "SCREW THAT SHE IS STILL OUT THERE! I KNOW IT!" I took a deep breath before continuing "Maybe you gave up on her but I never will not until I see her lifeless body!"

After I said that I realized I went a little too far, but I don't care. I stormed out of the guild.

Chapter 1

It feels like I have been walking for years but it's only a month. I should be close by now I thought to myself. Out of nowhere a high pitch scream echo threw out the forest. I rushed to the source. Once I found myself in a clearing I saw a girl with long blue hair falling from the sky. That's when I noticed wyvern following close behind her. Shit I quickly grabbed three gate keys well at least that's what Loki called them.

"Aries, Taurus, Cancer!" I commanded

A light appeared and disappeared revealing three beings. A girls with pink hair wearing a wooly dress, a bull with a giant axe, and a man with crab legs poking out of his back.

"Aries break her fall. Taurus and Cancer take the wyvern out." I ordered.

They quickly went into action.

"Wool wall!" Aries called out.

A large amount of pink wool appeared and broke the girl's fall. I ran over to her but she was unconscious and badly hurt. That's when I noticed the guild mark on her arm.

"There is a town nearby take her there" Aries told me.

She is right this girl needs medical attention. I looked up to see Taurus and Cancer were easily taking care of the wyvern. I scooped the girls in my arms. I turned my head towards Aries before leaving.

"Thanks you guys… Go home when you are done here." I stated.

When I got to town I asked where the nearest doctor was but a citizen said she belonged to the guild in town and that they will be better equipped to help her. So I ran her in the direction they said where the guild was. When I was standing outside of a large building with a sign saying 'Fairy Tail' on it. This must be the place… I kicked the door opened. Everyone's eyes were on the girl and I. That's when a white cat came flying at us yelling "Wendy!"

Then a girls with long silver hair and blue eyes said "Take her to the Infirmary."

Some guy with raven black hair grabbed the girl from me and he and the cat disappeared upstairs. I let out a sigh. She should be okay now. I turned to leave when I felt something sharp against my back. I stopped instantly.

"What happened to her?!" A voice commanded.

I could feel a chill run down my spine. I turned to face them. By my surprise it was a woman with long scarlet hair and armor on. I could tell she was pissed.

"All I saw was her going down and a wyvern close behind her, then I brought her here." I replied. My voice was raspy because of summoning three spirts and then running all the way here.

She put her sword down and started to walk away while saying "well Thank you for bringing her back. You can leave now."

I could feel tell she wasn't someone to mess with. So I turned to leave when I heard Loki's voice in my head "don't leave!"

I stopped instantly. She must have realized my hesitation to leave and said "or do you have other business here?"

"I can't…" I replied quietly while turning around to face her.

I could tell by the tone of her voice she was not happy when she said "Why can't you?"

Yeah that's the same question I am asking… That's when I could hear Loki again "They can help you."

They can help me? I could feel my hands go to the hood of cloak. Then maybe they could tell me who I am... I could feel a breeze on my face once I took my hood off. I could feel everyone's eyes on me again…. Oh god what did I just do…

"I'm sorry this was a bad idea…" I said quietly and quickly ran out of the guild. I didn't get to far when I noticed the whole guild chasing after me.

Oh god! I escaped him just to be killed by these people… I could hear them calling something out but I am not sticking around to find out. While I was looking back to see how far away I was from the mob when I ran into someone.

"It's okay..." A familiar voice stated.

"Loki…" I replied.

I heard the footsteps getting closer... I quickly hid behind Loki... That's when I noticed how bad Loki's condition was. He shouldn't be here he should be resting and healing… I quickly grabbed his key and said "Close Gate of The Lion!"

Loki turned slightly towards me while saying "wait!"

When Loki disappeared I could see the others were getting close. I need to get out of here fast... I ran down an alley way quickly. To my surprise it was a dead end. NO! This couldn't be it…. This can't be the end... I held my keys close to my heart and crouched down in defeat... I could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer until they were silent.

"Lucy?" a voice called out.

A sharp pain throbbed through my head. Who is Lucy? Is it a code word for intruder?

"Lucy why did you run from us?" Another voice asked...

I could feel my whole body trembling… I could feel the cold metal of my keys in my hand. I can't let them go through what we just escaped again…. I could hear footsteps coming closer again. The fear started to take over my body…

"Please… do what you want to with me but… Please…. Don't hurt them!" I cried out.

That's when I felt something warm embracing me. The voice was warm and sad at the same time when they said "it's okay we are not going to hurt you… We want to help you…"

Hearing that made the tears flow even faster. Not out of fear but out of hope. We stayed in the embrace for a minute but when they parted ways a voice asked "do you not recognize us?"

I looked up to see all the people that was at the guild were standing before me, the one who was embracing me was the red head from before, but I didn't know a single one of them…

"I'm sorry… No I don't remember any of you…" I replied quietly.

That's when the red head from before said "Where did you come from?"

I thought for a moment and then replied "I don't know… I don't even know who I am…"

I could tell that fact shocked them. That's when I realized they were crying, but why?

"What do you know?" The red head asked

"I escaped from him… He…" I replied but my head started to hurt more the more I tried to think of what happened.

"Will you come back to the guild and talk with us?" She asked kindly…

Her demeanor totally changed from when I first met her. She looks sad, is it because I don't remember her…? Loki was saying they could help me… I slowly got up and said "Okay…"

A soft smile appeared on her face. Wow I can't believe how pretty she is when she smiles. We all started to head to the guild together. When we got there a small elderly man was waiting for us.

"Oh my Lucy is back! I'm glad you're okay we were all worried about you. Maybe that boy will stop being so reckless now." The old man smiled.

I could feel the tense air between everyone. The red head walked over to the elderly man and whispered to him. I could tell the moment she told him I don't have any memories because I could see the shock in his expression.

"Would you please come with me?" The man asked

"Yes" I said and followed him into a room with a desk and a couple of chairs.

He sat down behind the desk and asked "What can you tell me?"

I took a deep breath and said "he… He wanted his book and said I stole it… He was very upset I took his book…"

I could feel the tears starting to roll down my face.

"What book? Do you know who he is?" he asked.

"He said the book was the end…" I replied

His eyes open widely when I said that. Out of nowhere a short blonde girl appeared. I jumped back into my chair and almost fell over.

"What did he look like?" the girl asked.

"He had black hair and cold black eyes..." I replied the more I kept thinking about him the more I remember what I went through before I escaped.

"Was his name Zeref?" she asked.

Once I heard the name a huge chill went down my spine and I could feel my whole body start trembling. I was back in that room… I tried to move but the chains kept me in place. I could hear footsteps echoing, slowly getting closer and closer to the room I was in. No he is coming back…

"Lucy!" A voice called out.

I franticly looked around to see where it was coming from but there wasn't anyone else there. The door slowly creaked open revealing him. No I can't be back here…

"Lucy!" The voice called out again.

But I still couldn't find the source. It wasn't him, it was a girl's voice. He was getting closer and closer only stopping for a brief second to grab a scalpel. I closed my eyes tight. That's when I felt a sharp pain on my cheek, but it wasn't a cut it felt more like a slap.

"Lucy!" The voice yelled out.

When I opened my eyes I was sitting in a chair in a room I don't remember and the red head from before was standing in front of me. Wait when did I get back here? Is this real? Or is it just a psychotic break?

"Lucy are you ok?" She asked me.

I could tell she was sincerely worried about me. I wrapped my arms around her and started to cry. She comforted me the whole time I was crying.

"It's okay Lucy your home now." She whispered while rubbing the back of my head.

When I stopped crying the elderly man cleared his throat and said "Erza take Lucy back to her apartment maybe she will retrieve some of her lost memories being around all of her stuff... Lucy would you be okay if my friend takes a look at you to make sure you are ok health wise?"

I tried to say yes but I must have forgot how to speak or something because I couldn't get anything out so I just nodded my head.

"Come on Lucy follow me." The red head said and started to leave the room, so I followed her.

The walk through town was quiet until we stopped in front of a building.

"Your apartment is on the second floor." She said while walking in the entry way.

I followed her until she stopped on the second floor in front of what I assume was my apartment door. After standing there for a minute I started to question why we were still standing outside. Did she forget the keys?

"Um is everything okay?" I asked.

That's when I heard a soft cry. Wait did she get hurt? What's wrong?
"Hey what's wrong? Are you okay?" I asked and softly put my hand on her shoulder.

She turned around and I could tell she was probably crying ever since we walked in the apartment entry way by how red and puffy her eyes were. "I'm sorry Lucy… I'm so sorry…" she cried.

My body acted on its own and wrapped my arms around her… My heart sank when I saw her crying. I don't know why but I don't think she is one to cry easily. "Why are you sorry? Is it about earlier? You shouldn't be sorry it's ok I understand why you were skeptical I don't blame you." I started to laugh "you should have seen when I first saw somebody else ha ha thinking back to it now I probably scared that poor man just as much as he scared me."

I heard a quiet chuckle come from her and that made my day. She started to wipe the tears away and cleared her throat "No… Lucy... I'm sorry I thought you were dead…"

I was stunned by it. I never thought the people that knew me would have thought I was dead, but I don't even know how long I was gone or how long they were waiting for me to come home? How many nights did they cried for me? I don't know anything. How much pain did I cause just by coming back?

"How long has it been? Ah I mean how long was I missing?" I asked.

"The last confirmed sighting of you was a year and a half ago… The informant said you were not in good condition when they saw you and said you were most likely died…" Erza explained straight forwardly.

The last time I was seen was a year and a half ago? All I remember is the last two months... I can't believe how ignorant I have been.

"Then I don't blame you." I smiled.

The look of shock on her face made me confused. "Why do you forgive me?" Erza asked while tears started to fall down her cheeks.

"You and everyone else remembers me while I only have the memories of the last two months… I'm sure you all cried for me and hoped I would return but with no information to go on and everything must have been so hard to bear and facing the fact that I was most likely dead was not an easy choice for you either but it would be the only way you would get closure if I did in deed not return. So I don't blame you for your decision. Truthfully I would have been dead if it wasn't for my spirts not allowing me to be left behind."

She wrapped her arms around me and she said "I am happy I was wrong."

That hit me right in the heart. She is happy she is wrong… She doesn't seem like the type to be happy when they are wrong. I wrapped my arms around her tightly and said "I'm happy to be home…"

When we separated we both had small smiles on our faces. When we entered the apartment I was shocked how big it looked on the inside. Also how clean it was when I haven't been her for so long you would expect it to be dusty at least. I walked around and everything had a nostalgic feeling to it but I couldn't put the pieces together.

"So what do you think?" Erza asked as she watched me wander around touching everything.

"I don't know I can't put it together, but it feels familiar.. I haven't been here for a while right? So why isn't everything dusty?" I replied.

"Oh that's because one of our friends never gave up on you. He even took over the rent and made sure to clean it…" Erza stated.

Wait someone didn't think I was dead and made sure I had my place to come home to... My heart skipped a beat when I heard her say this, but that's when I notice she looked sad again.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"He left on another mission earlier today because I made him upset." Erza replied.

Maybe that's why the whole guild had a weird vibe when I walked in because of the events that transpired beforehand.

"Well I'm sure if you apologize he will forgive you." I smiled. How couldn't the guy who did so much for me not be forgiving?

Erza smiled and laughed "yeah he is never going to let me hear the end of it."

That's when I notice the bath room. How long has it been since I last had a hot bath? About a few weeks ago when I found a Natural hot spring while I was making my way here.

Erza said "Is it okay if I run back to the guild for a minute, I need to ask Mira something."

"Ah yeah truthfully I was looking at the bath." I laughed.

"Okay I'll be back in a few." Erza smiled as she left out the door.

Is everything going to be okay since I am back where I'm supposed to be? I let out a sigh. Only time will tell but for right now I am going to enjoy it. I took my cloak off and went into the bathroom. I turn the water on and started to take off my tethered clothing. I placed on foot into the bath when I realized I left my keys in my cloak so I wrapped a towel around my bust and walked out to the couch. I pick up my cloak and started to dig in the pockets when I heard a low growl saying "I'm going to KILL HER!"

WHAT! I quickly put my cloak on and looked for an escape route. The window! I ran over to the window and climbed onto the window seal. Before I jumped out I heard "Who are YOU!"

When my feet hit the pavement a sharp pain run up my legs but I couldn't stop I can feel someone following behind me. Shit! I need to get to the guild. Erza can help me..

"Fire Dragon Roar!" A voice called out behind me.

I quickly hit the ground and luckily I did because a blast of flames came barreling above me. I got back onto my feet and started to head towards the guild again. He was close behind again. Damn it! I grabbed my keys and held out a silver key. Maybe they will have enough strength to stall my enemy.

"Please help me. Open Gate" I called out. I started to run again.

I turn to see what I summoned. It was a small dog. Oh no he won't be able to stall him he will just get hurt. I quickly pivoted and turned back to save my spirit. Luckily I had the element of surprise because he didn't see my attack coming. I kicked him into a wall behind him and I grabbed my spirit and ran like a bat out of hell to get to the guild. I burst through the door startling Erza and the girl behind the bar. I missed the last step and tumbled to the floor, but I quickly scrambled to my feet and ran towards Erza. I could feel warm tears running down my cheeks as I ran into her arms.

"He's going to kill me… please… Help me…" I cried out.

I heard the doors slam open again.

"Mira please can you bring her upstairs and get her some clothes." Erza said while leading me towards the girl with long silver hair and big blue eyes.

As the girl called Mira took me upstairs I looked back towards Erza. She closed lined the guy who was chasing after me. He quickly got up and yelled at her "What do you think you're doing?! Who was that?! Why were they in Lucy's apartment? Why does she have Plue?!"

"Shut up you Idiot and I'll explain everything." Erza replied calmly.

The girl brought me and my spirit to an empty room.

"I'll bring you some clothes just wait here." Mira said before leaving.

I set down my little spirit and patted his head and said "I'm sorry I should be more careful when I summon you guys… I don't want any of you to get hurt..."

He walked up and wrapped his arms around my arm. I could tell he loves me just as much as I love him. I couldn't help but smile. I wrapped him into my arms and held him to my chest.

"You should go home little buddy… I hope to see you again soon." I smiled.

When he disappeared with a bright light the door opened to reveal Mira with some clothes in her arms. She walked over to the counter and set them down and said "Here you go. I'm sure you will feel a lot better when you're dressed."

I walked over and took off my cloak. I grabbed the shirt and when my towel dropped to the floor I heard a gasp. I looked over to Mira and she had her hand was covering her mouth.

I could hear her whisper "O my god what did they do to you…"

The tears started to fall down her cheeks. I looked down at my body. All my wound in different states of healing covered my body.

I quickly put my clothes on and once I was dress Mira asked if I wanted to see the girl I brought with me earlier today. I'm sure she was trying to change the subject.

I was standing in front of the door for a minute before I entered. The girl with blue hair sat up instantly when I entered, her eyes started to tear up when she saw me.

"Lucy... is it really you?" She cried.

I walked up to her and said "well that's what everyone keeps calling me. You've grown."

I don't know why but she seems taller. I got to her bed and she jumped up and hugged me.

"I'm so happy your back." She cried.

For some reason a lot of what seemed like pictures of this girl ran through my head. It felt like my head was going to split. But I just hugged her back but thinking that she was so worried about me and how everyone was worried about me. I started to cry. A lot more pictures run though my head until I couldn't bear it anymore my vision went black and I started to fall to the ground. The last thing I could hear was the blue haired girl yell "Lucy!"

I tried to move my arms but they were restrained so were my legs. No was all of that a dream! I struggled around trying to get free. That's when he appeared black hair to go with his black soul less eyes. I started to panic no this can't be real. It just can't be I thought. No I was just hugging her I was just with Wendy... wait yeah her name is Wendy.

"Oh so her name is Wendy huh?" The voice sent a chill down my spine.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" I yelled at him.

"Oh really maybe I should go find her." He taunted.

The images of the girl popped in my mind. No I can't let him touch her.

"Please don't. Take whatever is frustrating you, out on me. I don't know a Wendy don't hurt somebody I don't know. I'm begging you." I shouted.

I could see his lips curl up into a devilish grin.

He went to his tool set and said "since your begging I guess I'll do it."

Even though we both know he wanted to do it anyway. He held up a favorite knife to use. "Don't forget to scream all you want." He said as sliced my stomach in a diagonal pattern. I let out a high pitched scream.

I woke up in the dark on a bed. No this mean he wants to do more. I must have passed out to soon. I fell off the bed with a loud thud. I pushed myself to a corner and curled myself up into a ball. I could hear footsteps rushing towards the door.

I started to scream "please I don't know anybody named Wendy! Please don't do anything to anyone else please!" I could feel myself trembling.

I can't let anyone get hurt. The footsteps got closer and closer.

"Please don't hurt her!" I cried.

Then I felt someone lay there hand on my arm, but it was warm unlike his hands. His hands are like icicles. I opened my eyes to see Erza, the raven haired boy, a pink haired boy, and Wendy. Tears ran down my face and I pulled her into my arms "I'm so sorry!" Everyone looked worried.

That's when the pink haired looked directly at my right hand. "What happened to your hand?" He growled.

I looked at the bandages wrapped around the hand he was speaking of. I held my right hand to my chest. Whenever I think about it for some reason it makes me cry, but not from pain but from loss.

That's when Wendy said "if it's hurt I can heal it."

I guess I could try it, but I don't think that will help. "Lucy let her try." Erza command. I sighed and started to unwrap the bandage to reveal a scorch mark on my hand where I feel something precious to me once laid. My tears started to flow even harder. Everyone gasped

When I showed Wendy my hand the pink haired boy pulled me into his arms and said "I will get whoever did these horrible things to you and pay him back for making you cry."

I could feel his warmth and for some reason I felt safe in his arms even though he looked like him.. I cleared my throat and push him far enough away so I could look into his eyes. He stared back into my I could tell he meant no harm to me or anyone else here.

"What is your name?" I asked.

I could see his eyes get watery but how else would you feel if your friend doesn't even remember you. For some reason my lips moved but I didn't know what I said "I'm sorry Natsu."

My eyelids felt heavy. I drifted into sleep again. But this time it was warm like I was bathing in sunlight. "Hey Luce!" I looked to see the pink haired boy yelling my name as he ran towards me. "Let's go on a job!" He exclaimed. A blue cat with wings came flying up behind him yelling "aye".

I opened my eyes and I wasn't afraid, I felt empowered. It was the first time I actually slept in how long? I realized that I was in someone's lap. There arms were wrapped around me like a blanket. I adjusted myself to see who it was. It was the pink haired boy. What is his name again? I started to try to get out of his arms but they just got tighter and tighter every time I tried.

I sighed and went up to his ear whispering "hey wake up."

No movement. So I decided to say it a little louder "hey wake up pinky."

"Mmmm 5 more minutes." He mumbled.

I thought well he did sleep like this because of me. I heard footsteps coming closer. Wait I don't want people to see us like this. I tried to squirm out of his grip again. But he squeezed me even tighter and whispered in his sleep "no you won't take her away from me again."

I started to blush he is trying to protect me even in his dreams. The door opened and the black haired boy walked in. He saw us in the corner. I tried to push the pink haired away again but failed. "Can you help me wake him?" I asked barely able to breath anymore with how tight he was holding me.

The other boy walked up and bent down close to pinky's ear and yelled "wake up!"

That made pinky jolt up into a standing position quick and dropping me on the floor at the same time. Pinky looked around to see the other boy and started to yell "what the hell ice princess!"

"Don't call me that and if I didn't you probably would have squished Lucy to death. Also smooth move dropping her!" The raven black haired boy replied.

I couldn't help but laugh.

They both looked at me and said "what is so funny?"

I couldn't help but laugh more "for... haha... some reason... I... haha... missed... you two... haha."

After I said that they both had big smiles.

"Well it's good to see you laughing again." They both said at the same time.

But then I thought I can't keep going on without them telling me there names. I looked down but I don't want to make them sad after seeing them smile. I got up off the floor and wiped the dust off my clothes.

"Oh yeah master want to see you Lucy." The black haired boy stated

We all went to go see the person they call master.