Setting: The events take place during the Grand Magic Games (sometime between Lucy's Naval Battle and Natsu and Gajeel's battle between Sting and Rogue).
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail
"Strongest Fairy"
A pleasant breeze playfully nips at my exposed skin, gently tugging my loose head-wrap and other skillfully placed bandages. Although the summer air is quite refreshing compared to the stale hospital wing, my vision remains blurred as I trundle through the town square.
"Now, I know I saw a supplies store somewhere around here…" I mutter thoughtfully. However, everything appears so distorted that I have a difficult time reading store signs. Tenderly gripping my blonde locks, I dependently lean against the corner of a vacant shop, my body halfway hidden by flickering shadows. "Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to come by myself." I muse as I contemplate going back. Nonetheless, I almost immediately push the thought aside. After a few more moments of rest, I position myself upright and continue my search even though I dizzily sway with the lingering breeze.
"Did you see yesterday's battles? They were amazing!" A stranger exclaimed, waving his arms frantically about.
"Yeah, idiot, I was sitting right next to you." His companion chortled.
"Amazing! I love Sabertooth and all – they haven't failed me yet betting wise – but I think I might place some money on that Fairy Tail guild."
"Seriously?" The other scoffed. "I mean there impressive and all, but definitely not a match for Sabertooth."
"Oh, yeah, then what about the Chariot race?" The first man countered. "Did you see how easily Sting gave up? He looked pathetic compared to the other two Fairy Tail contestants."
"True. However, that Naval Battle speaks for itself. You remember how Minerva slaughtered the competition?"
"I suppose." The man mumbled, his resolve weakening.
"Fairy Tail has come a long way, but compared to Sabertooth –"
"Excuse me." I quietly interrupt, taking away the men's attention from their debate. "Is there a supplies store somewhere in the area?"
"Ah, yeah," The first man answers with slight hesitation. "Just keep walking forward until you reach the giant water fountain."
"Then take a right onto Galley-La Street, and it will be the third shop on your left." His companion finishes.
"Okay, I need to simply travel forward until I reach Crocus' Gallery Water Fountain, then I turn right onto Galley-La Street, and it will be the third shop on the left." I repeat with as much cheerfulness as I am able to muster, recollecting the surrounds from when Natsu and I first arrived in the Blooming Capital. "Alright, thanks!" Abruptly, I hurry along to prevent the Games' spectators from recognizing me and noticing the falter in my steps.
"Was she –?" The stranger muses to his companion.
"Nah," His friend waves his hand dismissively. "That Fairy Tail girl was injured pretty badly. She wouldn't be able to stand, let alone come to town…. Right?"
…
As a little bell announces my entrance into the Supplies for You shop, the blissful scent of lavender, the musically tuned rustle of Celestial Keys, and the hushed sound of polite conversation immediately rejuvenate my senses.
"Yes, yes, good afternoon." The clerk behind the counter offers a monotonous greeting, fingering a thinly curled mustache.
"Good afternoon." I reply warmly; as before, I attempt to conceal my current condition behind a cheerful attitude. "Does your shop sell writing supplies?"
"Yes, yes, writing supplies?" He mutters almost thoughtfully, twisting his mustache.
"You do?" I eagerly inquire.
"Yes, yes, we do?" He repeats. Although, his monotone reply sounds more like a question than an answer.
"Well, where might I find them?" I push the conversation, my eyebrow twitching irritably.
"Yes, yes, where might you find them?" He echoes, curling and uncurling his mustache.
"Forget it." I huff, marching toward the small shop's exit as my facial features contort into an unladylike grimace.
"Yes, yes, the supplies are in the back." The clerk quickly informs, though his tone remains void of emotion.
"In the back?" I repeat, my features returning to normal. "Alright, thanks!" Dependently gripping several shelves in a subtle manner, I shuffle through the maze of random magical items for sale until I find myself in the recesses of the Supplies for You shop. Almost hidden away in the back, a miniscule shelf overflowing with stacks of parchment paper, bottles of black ink, and an assortment of quill pens sits precariously in the dwindling sunlight cast through an undusted window. "It only goes to show how important good literature is in the Blooming Capital." I mutter sarcastically, while shifting through the brittle paper for the cleanest sheets. As I finish selecting the better quality among the stack and collect the sharpest tipped quills, I notice a sudden pressure building atop my foot. Curiously glancing down, I spy a frog-costumed, green exceed standing on top my foot; his paw clings to my ruffled skirt.
"Ah, hello there," I awkwardly greet as his colorless eyes connect with mine.
"H-hello." He greets shyly, tentatively stepping off my foot. I eye the cat enquiringly as he hesitantly fingers his costume. He looks familiar somehow yet I am unable to place it. Suddenly, tears well within the corners of his eyes.
"What's the matter?" I hastily question, nervous and worried as the tears fall.
"Frosch is lost." The little exceed, presumably called Frosch, sniffles.
"Hey, hey, now don't cry." I sooth, wiping away a fallen tear. "I'll help you."
"Really?" The tiny exceed excitedly inquires.
"Really." I nod firmly, flashing him a reassuring grin. "May I ask your name?"
"Frosch's name is Frosch." The costumed exceed introduces.
"Nice to meet you, Frosch." I smile, internally squealing at the cat's adorableness. "My name is Lucy." I bend down, quietly scratching beneath the frog-crazed Frosch's chin. He blushes faintly as a soft purr escapes past his lips.
"Stop…" Frosch sighs in contentment, gently grasping my hand. "Frosch is embarrassed." The tiny cat pulls my hand against his face, unsuccessfully trying to cover his deepening blush. "Ah!" Frosch suddenly squeaks.
"W-what is it?" I inquire, his outcry startling me.
"You're a Fairy." He speculates, gently rubbing his paw against my lightly colored Guild Mark.
"Yeah," I sigh, revealed the he-cat is not in any sudden pain. "Yep, I am!"
"So you know Natsu and Gajeel?" He queries, still staring intently at the mark.
"I do." I confirm, suddenly wary as a new thought crosses my mind. "Say, Frosch, do you belong to a guild?"
"Yep!" The exceed cheers. "Frosch belongs to Sabertooth." My wounds throb as the recent Naval Battle abruptly comes to mind. Suddenly, a chilling realization occurs. Frosch, this adorable exceed, is the partner of one of Sabertooth's arrogant Twin Dragon Slayers.
"W-Well, it was n-nice meeting you Frosch." I stutter as an intense fear grips my being.
"Is Miss Fairy alright?" Frosch inquires, a question mark fluttering above his head. "Frosch thinks you look sick."
"I-I'm fine." I lie. "But, I really must be going."
"Already?" The he-cat whines dejectedly, tightening his grip. "Frosch likes Miss Fairy. Miss Fairy is really pretty."
"Th-thank you, Frosch. Unfortunately, though, I must be –"
"Found you," I shiver, dropping all of my supplies, as a familiar yet distant voice growls.
"Sting! Rogue!" Frosch excitedly squeals, releasing his grip as he races towards his partner.
"Frosch, you idiot." A second exceed scolds, punching his companion atop his head. "You had me worried – I mean, you wasted our time in looking for you!"
"Frosch is sorry," The first exceed sniffs, tears welling as a large bump forms beneath his costume. "Frosch got lost. But then, Frosch met Miss Fairy!" He eagerly exclaims. Silently praying Sabertooth's Duo would not recognize me, I hurriedly gather the fallen supplies. However, when Frosch announces my presence, I freeze in terror. Gulping as I accidentally drop my supplies once more, I glance in the Dragon Slayers' direction. Despite Frosch's excitement, the blonde appears completely oblivious to my existence, while his raven-haired companion's crimson eyes bear into me.
"Fortunately, we don't have time to entertain ourselves with some Fairy weakling." The blonde muses, sauntering towards the shop's exit. Inwardly, I sigh in relief, while simultaneously biting my inner cheek to keep myself from lashing out.
"Hold on a minute, Sting." The crimson-eyed mage commands dully.
Crap! I silently scream.
"This girl is a friend of Natsu Dragneel." The raven-haired Dragon Slayer informs. "She was with that First Generation scum when we met him in the square a few hours before the preliminary rounds began."
"Oh? Is that right, Rogue?" Sting responds with interest, a devilish smirk dressing his lips. With eyes downcast, my loose locks conceal my appearance as I continue to retrieve my intended purchases. Please go away. Please go away. Please go away. I silently plead, refusing to pay them any heed. Suddenly, a blue-clad boat stomps down, mere inches from my extended hand, crushing several quill pens under foot.
"Hey, Blondie, don't ignore us." Sting irritably hisses. Dismissing him completely, I gather the remaining writing materials scattered round his foot as I continue my wordless mantra. A sudden pain builds as Sting wrenches my golden locks, dragging me to my feet. "I said 'don't ignore me.'" Sting growls, while I desperately claw at his tightening grip.
"I must confess that I'm surprised that you're walking about, Miss Fairy." Rogue speculates, drawing himself closer to my shuddering figure. "After what Minerva put you through, it must be very painful to even stand." A startled scream pierces the placid air as the raven-haired Dragon Slayer's fingers gingerly graze across my bandaged wounds.
"Stop screaming, it's hurting my ears." Sting orders, shoving my misshapen body against the wall. I release a sharp gasp and a pitiful whimper as my strength quickly dwindles away. "And don't faint on us, either." Sting positions one hand adjacent to my head, and pins my shoulder with the other to prevent me from drifting forward.
"Please go away." I mumble; my wavering sight frantically scans past them, pleading for assistance. However, the customers' and clerk's avoided eye contact immediately make it clear that help will not come from them.
"Go away?" Sting repeats amusedly, his lips pressing against my ear. "But the fun's only starting. Isn't that right, Lector?"
"Of course!" The brown-furred exceed cheers. "Really, Miss Fairy, you should be honored the great Sting is setting his precious time aside to entertain himself with a weakling like you."
"Great? Honored?" I spat, my sight clearing. "I hate to burst your bubble, cat, but the weak one here isn't me. No, the weaklings here are Sabertooth's Twin Dragon Slayers, Sting Eucliffe and Rogue Cheney." I smile ruefully.
"What?" Sting grunts, forcing me to squirm beneath his tightening grip.
"Tell us, Fairy," Rogue jeers. "How are we weak? Though, I suggest you chose your words carefully."
"You're nothing more than frightened playground bullies." I state, pausing to ensure their attention is mine.
"Say that again, Fairy! I dare you." Sting snarls, his tone embedded with hate and arrogance.
"Relax, Sting." Rogue instructs coolly, even though his crimson eyes mirror Sting's rage. "I hate to disappoint you, Fairy, but we are not –"
"Frightened bullies?" I finish haughtily. "Then tell me something. Why is it that you two are antagonizing an injured, non-participating Fairy Tail member instead of bantering with the competition?" The raven-haired Saber remains silent, glowering at my challenging yet truthful words.
"Because…" The blonde Dragon Slayer stupidly falters. "Because...because we can!" Sting exclaims. Releasing my shoulder, he slams his fist angrily into the wall, cracks webbing out from impact.
"Sting," Rogue cautions. "Let's not waste any more time with her."
"What?!" Sting glowers. "And let her get away with mocking us? I don't think so!'
"Let's go, Sting." Rogue persists. "She's not worth the effort. Besides, if Fairy Tail learns we've antagonized an injured member, they'll –"
"Shut up, Rogue!" Sting hisses, his threatening tone frightening me, while dissipating my resolve. He turns to his companion, an unnerving sneer gracing his lips. "Don't tell me you've grown afraid of a few Fairies?" From my peripheral vision, I notice his fist clench in irritation. "Besides, we need to put those jerks back in their place."
"Tch," Rogue clicks his tongue. "Fine, do as you please. But I will take not part nor be held responsible for your actions. Come along, Frosch." The costumed he-cat flashes a meaningful glance towards me before departing with his crimson-eyed partner. Alone with Sabertooth's sadistic dragon, all hope of escaping unscathed dwindles to nothing.
…
Injured and frightened, I press myself further back as my body begins to quake uncontrollably. Judging by Sting's widening smirk, my actions do not go unnoticed.
"What happened to all that big talk, Fairy?" Sting purrs amusedly.
"Why?" I mumble; my voice is hardly above a whisper.
"Huh?" Sting cocks an eyebrow. "Speak up, Fairy. I didn't hear you."
"Why do you hate Fairy Tail so much? What have we ever done to earn such malice?" I inquire, genuinely curious. Sting's sapphire eyes briefly roll heavenward as he considers the question before focusing upon my trembling figure once more.
"Fairy Tail has grown weak." Sting states. "I idolized Fairy Tail for as long as I can remember. If Natsu Dragneel destroyed a town, then I visited it the next day to marvel at the work of his powerful magic."
"What's your point?" I carefully inquire, though my tone holds a noticeable bite.
"I will admit that Natsu – and maybe Gajeel – still have some notable strengths despite their years in stasis. But someone like you? Please!" The White Dragon Slayer scoffs. "You're just a burden on Fairy Tail and a disgrace to that Guild Mark."
"What do you know?!" I hiss, my russet eyes boldly meeting his sapphires. "It's true that I may be weaker than most of my friends. But, my guild mates – No! My family loves and cherishes me. To them, I am a faithful friend and member of Fairy Tail! Because of our strong bond, they would NEVER see me as a burden!"
"Oh, really?" Sting sneers amusedly. His slender fingers grasp my chin, forcing our eyes to remain connected. "Then tell me, how did your so-called friends react when they uncovered your true identity, Miss Lucky Lucy Heartfilia?" I flinch from my nickname given by my parents.
"How do you know about that?" I demand.
"Humph," Sting snorts. "Please, Blondie, it would be more of a shock if I didn't know what happened. When Fiore's two most powerful guilds, Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail, waged war against each other seven years ago, everyone was at least a little bit curious in the event taking place. Because Rogue and I were such big fans of Natsu and Gajeel back then, we researched well into the nights about what caused the bloodbath in the first place. It wasn't until a few months after the battle, did we get the full account from an ex-Phantom member."
"What is your point?" I snap, visibly shaking from the memories.
"I'm sure Fairy Tail discovered your 'princess-status.'" The Sabertooth sneers. "I bet they hated your guts after that. It was your fault so many were injured."
"You really are dumber than you look." I state candidly. "I mean, for being Natsu's fan, you really know nothing."
"What?" Sting hisses, his smirk dropping.
"Because of that incident, the bond between Fairy Tail and I only grew stronger." I inform haughtily.
"Bonds? What a load of crap!" He mocks. "I wonder how much Fairy Tail swindled from the Heartfilia family all in the name of these so-called bonds. Maybe that's why the Heartfilia Konzern was bought out so easily, and poor Jude Heartfilia worked himself to death trying to gain all that wealth back. All because his ungrateful daughter–"
SLAP! The sound of flesh striking flesh echoes within our small space, tensing the thick atmosphere further.
"How dare you." My voice quakes menacingly as my blonde bangs shadow my eyes, while my body trembles, no longer in fear but in anger. "You may call me weak and claim I am a burden upon my guild, but I will not let you badmouth Fairy Tail nor my father! Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy…everyone in Fairy Tail – even my father – are all outstanding people. But someone like you? Please! You are not even worthy to lick their boots, let alone mention their names." Silence ripples out as Sting gently strokes his reddening cheek. Suddenly, the White Dragon Slayer seizes my trembling wrists, positioning them high above my head. He then skillfully entangles my legs with his own, immobilizing me against the wall. Sting grasps my chin once more, which fell away from his clasp after I slapped him.
"W-what are you doing?" My breath audibly quickens and sweat beads across my forehead as Sting brings himself closer, invading my personal space.
"Teaching you a lesson, Fairy." He whispers, his warm breath billowing down my throat. "This is why you should never mess with me, weakling." I desperately fight against his tightening grip. However, my struggle proves fruitless as Sting continues to draw closer; a smirk from my futile attempt evident upon his lips. Slowly, my body grows numb as an obvious realization occurs: I truly am the weakest Fairy. It does not matter how desperately I want Sting to leave, he will not because I am unable to do anything. Sabertooth's White Dragon Slayer is correct. I am nothing more than a burden to my friends at Fairy Tail.
I tightly close my eyes, not wanting to see his arrogant smirk any longer. Just as his lips graze mine, his breath billowing in even tones, I feel Sting's body abruptly jerk back – my body now complete free. Afraid the White Dragon Slayer is only initiating false hope, I carefully allow one eye to flutter open. However, the sight that lays before me forces both my russet eyes into a wide frame. Gripping Sting's shoulder with enough power to break bones and surrounded by an intimidating aura of crimson stood…
"Natsu." I whisper in great relief.
"What do you think you're doin', buddy?" The Fire Dragon Slayer seethes.
"Well, well, if it isn't the first generation scum, Natsu." Sting chuckles, swatting away the Salamander's hand as though it is a mere insect.
"You better not have hurt Lucy. Otherwise, I'll burn you into a pile of ashes!" Natsu threatens, cracking his knuckles in anticipation.
"Relax." Sting waves his hand dismissively. "She and I were only getting better…acquainted. Right?" His sapphires eyes briefly fall upon my shuttering form before returning his gaze to Natsu.
"That better be all." My friend hisses, edging himself between Sting and I.
"I promise that's all." Sting sneers sarcastically, throwing his hands up in surrender. "Anyway, I'm looking forward to meeting you in the coliseum."
"Me too." Natsu glares at the Sabertooth competitor.
"Until then." Without a glance back, Sting along with Lector – who had been arguing with Happy during Natsu and Sting's brief exchange – close behind, saunters toward the Supplies for You's exit.
"What a jerk!" Natsu exclaims. "I can't wait to pound his face in!"
"Aye!" Happy cheers.
"Thanks, guys." I mumble, catching their attention. Our eyes lock for a brief moment, their expressions etched with concern, before my balance falters and my consciousness slips fleetingly.
"Lucy!" They gasp simultaneously, rushing to my side.
"I gotcha." Natsu murmurs, catching my shoulders and easing me to the ground.
"You okay?" Happy inquires, placing a careful paw onto my knee.
"Yeah," I huff taking a few deep breathes. "Sorry, guys."
"What were you thinking, coming out here all by yourself?" Natsu gently demands, a hint of impatience embedded within his tone.
"Everyone's pretty worried about you." Happy softly states. "Gray and Erza are probably still looking for you."
"I don't why they're even bothering. I told them that I'd find Lucy by her scent." Natsu exclaims haughtily.
"Come on, Natsu, you wanted to pick a fight with the other guilds! If Erza and Gray hadn't stopped you then you would have disqualified Fairy Tail by breaking the 'no violence outside the arena' rule. Not to mention that it was Carla who suggested that you sniff out Lucy." Happy sighs.
"Another guild could have kidnapped her." Natsu mutters.
"Lucy left us a note!" Happy cries with exasperation.
"Well-!" Natsu rages; however, he abruptly cuts off as I release a soft sob.
"I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry. This is all my fault. It's all my fault!" I weep with slight hysteria.
"Hey, Lucy, what's with the tears?" Natsu inquires soothingly.
"It's all my fault. It's all my fault. It's all my fault." I continuously repeat, my tears twinkling like shooting stars rushing down my cheeks.
"Natsu, we should get her back to the hospital." Happy suggests worriedly.
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Natsu scratches the back of his head in contemplation. "Can you stand, Lucy?"
"Be gentle." Happy scolds his Dragon Slayer partner. "Remember, girls are delicate."
"Right, right." Natsu huffs. Tenderly grasping my shoulders, he gently lifts me to my feet.
"Natsu, Happy." I mutter, catching them both off guard. "I'm so sorry."
"What do you have to apologize for?" Natsu queries, his tender grip tightening.
"Yeah, Lucy, you can tell us." Happy encourages.
"It's all my fault. Everyone is so worried because I'm so weak." I admit bitterly, my lower lip quivering. "If I were stronger, if I could better defend myself, then, then –" However, the words are lost within my hysterical sobs.
"What are you talking about, Lucy?" Natsu chuckles quietly, displaying his child-like grin. "You're not weak."
"Yeah, Lucy!" Happy cheers. "Do you know how many bad guys you've beaten?"
"Happy's right!" Natsu whole-heartily agrees. "Remember our mission to Galuna Island? You beat that love chick, Sherry-something or whatever."
"And at that Duke Everlue mansion, not only did you decipher the Daybreak book, but you never revealed its secrets to Everlue when he threatened to hurt you. You, also, defeated him with that crab spirit guy."
"And after we kicked Phantom Lord's butt, you went back to settle things with your dad." Natsu continues excitedly. However, despite his enthusiasm, I flinch in remembrance of the pain the guild suffered and Sting's persistent jeers.
"Everyone was hurt." I mumble, my bangs overshadowing my eyes.
"But we all recovered and are stronger than ever before." Natsu counters.
"I was defenseless against my battle with Flare –"
"They cheated!" Natsu hisses.
"And Minerva and Sting's assault." I continue, unfazed. "I could do nothing."
"Come on, Lucy." Natsu pleads. "You are not –"
"Pardon us." A lengthy woman, accompanied by a small child, quietly interjects. "Forgive us for interrupting, but is this girl perhaps Lucy Heartfilia?" Carefully, I lift my swollen gaze to meet the emeralds of hers. Instantaneously, I recognize her as one of the patrons I silently pleaded to when Sting and Rogue cornered me. However, like the rest, she averted her eyes and simply walked away.
"Maybe. What of it?" Natsu growls, noticing my body tense and tremble anew.
"See, mama, see, I told you." The little boy cheers, tugging her arm in a frantic motion. Suddenly, he breaks away from his mother's side and latches his arms around my legs tightly. "You're my hero!" He announces, giving me a gaped tooth grin.
"E-excuse me." I stutter, barely keeping my balance.
"Your battles with that Flare girl and Minerva chick were awesome!"
"B-but, I lost." I remind him uncertainly, silently hoping I am not crushing any of his fledgling dreams.
"So?" He tilts his head, looking genuinely puzzled. "The magic you use is so cool! I want to be a Celestial Spirit Wizard when I grow up!" He proudly announces. Allowing one last squeeze, his mother beckons him to her side once more.
"Come now, dear. She will fall if you keep holding to her like that." She chides fondly. In a loving fashion, she embraces her son before redirecting her attention to me. "Lucy, my dear, I apologize for ignoring you in your time of distress." Natsu, Happy, and I are taken aback. However, our expressions do nothing to deteriorate her kindhearted smile. "For years, since the Grand Magic Games have begun, the Twin Dragon Slayers have walked around Crocus as if they owned the place. They take what they want, fight who they want, and do many other horribly demeaning things. No one has been able to stand against them because of their immense strength." The woman shakes her head sadly before her graceful smile redresses her lips, brighter than before. "Until today, that is. No one has every dared to stand up to Sting and Rogue like you. Miss Lucy, you truly are a strong individual."
"Yes, yes," The store clerk suddenly emerges, nodding in agreement. "Forgive me, too, Miss Lucy of Fairy Tail. I was much too frightened to do anything. But your strength and courage has inspired me! Yes, yes. Please, take anything you want for free!"
"No, please, that's too much." I try to protest as the clerk piles stacks of parchment paper, bottles of ink, and quill pens into my arms. Yet, I cannot keep a loving smile from gracing my lips.
"Fairy Tail rocks!" The little boy excitedly shouts.
"Yes, yes, it does." Another patron agrees, approaching our growing party. "Sorry, Miss, that I didn't help you when Sting and Rogue were harassing you."
"Please, don't worry." I quickly assure.
"I-if, if it's all right with you, may I shake your hand?" He blushes, scratching his cheek with embarrassment.
"Shake my hand?" I inquire confusedly, adjusting my overflowing parcels.
"Yeah! You were so amazing talking to Sabertooth's Twin Dragon Slayers like that!"
"I-I guess." Carefully, I pass my gifts to Natsu and Happy and offer the man my hand. Blushing furiously, the patron shyly grips it. Once we release, he abruptly races away and screams with great excitement. One by one, the Supplies for You patrons approach to offer their own apologizes and encouragements, most of which announce that they will be rooting for Fairy Tail from now on.
Sting was wrong. I was wrong. Anyone who has everyone doubted Fairy Tail was wrong. No person is able to stand by oneself and that is why guilds were created. We enhance each other's strength, while covering for each other's weaknesses. No longer will I view myself as a weak wizard. Instead, I will know that I am one of the strongest because I am Lucy of Fairy Tail.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." – James 1:12 (NIV)
-A special thanks to my fellow fanfiction writer and beloved cousin, 2WinterSoldier2
