Alright everybody here we go! The next chapter! Whoooo! Gosh I hadn't meant to pack all this stuff into one chapter but then I thought 'hey the sooner I get this stuff out the way then the sooner the fun stuff can happen' so here we are! Man this past week has been awesome! Finally got this story up, made good grades on tests, found out that game of thrones is coming back on in April, saw Lone Survivor, but do you what the best part of this week was? Seeing that I got reviews! And follows! Annnd favorites! Not gonna lie I may have had the dumbest looking grin on my face when I saw them. I really hadn't been expecting anything. Ya'll are freaking awesome ya'll know that? Oh probably should have stated this in the beginning but this story takes place after the Grand Magic Games Arc and is totally ignoring anything canon after that. For now at least. On the One Piece side I'm thinking three years before Luffy goes off and does his thing.
Daxen123 - Thanks! Hope the confusion will clear up soon as I get further into the story.
OnePieceFan2- Thank you very much! I had been worried that the opening might have been a little boring since nothing too exciting happened but I'm glad you think it's interesting!
TheBlackSeaReaper - I'm so glad you love it so far! I hope I can keep you loving it!
KittyCatt1036 - Thank you!
Milleniumclone45 - More than coherent it's amazing! Gotta say when I read your review I kinda squealed. Just a little though ;). I think one of my biggest fears for future chapters is going to keeping everyone in character. However Lucy at least I feel like I have a decent enough grip on and reading your review made me feel incredibly relieved that I wasn't just stroking my own ego. So thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
RisingNight- Such a relief that you think it's original! I can't tell you how proud of myself you just made me! So thank you soooo much! I did make it kinda obvious huh?
Seriously! I owe all of you that have read, this a mother-freaking cookie.
Really that Key is like a Can of Worms
"It's the friends that you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter." - Marlene Dietrich
Everyone's favorite busty barmaid let a frown mar her face as she watched the young blonde sitting in front of her sigh again in defeat. Levy who was sitting next to the blonde also looked on in worry. Their staring was interrupted however by the arrival of the iron dragon slayer.
"Hey Mira can I get another?" Gajeel grunted as he slammed his empty mug down.
Mira nodded placing the glass she had been cleaning down before going off to get Gajeel a refill. The iron wizard blinked, finally sensing the depressing atmosphere on his right where Lucy sat with her face planted into the wooden bar. Gajeel stared blankly at her before looking up at Levy on Lucy's other side.
"Oi, what's wrong with bunny girl?" Gajeel questioned none to gently. Levy however didn't notice and continued to look at the celestial wizard in worry as she answered.
"I'm not sure but she came in about an hour ago, ordered a smoothie and then just... well... just... did this." Levy gestured to Lucy. Gajeel paused for a moment looking up at the ceiling thoughtfully.
"Hmm maybe she's just depressed she doesn't have a boyfriend?" Gajeel smirked as he poked her side, testing to see if she was still among the living.
"THAT'S NOT WHY!" Lucy suddenly flew up almost hitting her best friend and the dragon slayer when her head jerked back. Both of them just blinked owlishly at her unsure how to react to the blonde's sudden revival.
Lucy however didn't notice as she shoved her face into the palms of her hands groaning.
"The reason why I'm so depressed is because of my new keyyy" Lucy whined, resting her chin in the palm of her hand. Gajeel and Levy were both obviously confused causing Lucy to place the key in question on the counter top. Simple and unassuming the sun shaped silver key glinted up at the threesome innocently.
"I don't see whats wrong with it." Gajeel concluded turning to face the blonde girl.
"I tried to summon the spirit, but whoever they are won't come out. I thought that maybe it was fake but I can definitely feel the connection of something to the key." Lucy sighed out dramatically.
"Well what spirit is it?" Mira suddenly voiced, startling the three who had been too involved in their conversation to notice the arrival of the oldest Strauss sibling.
"What the hell woman! You can't just go sneaking up on people like that!" Gajeel bellowed angrily at the barmaid. Mirajane, however looked completely unfazed as she smiled teasingly at the startled dragon slayer.
"I'm sorry Gajeel, I just thought that someone so powerful and with such great hearing would have heard lil' ole me coming from a mile away." Mira teased gently. Giggling in delight at the flustered glare and the mumbled 'stupid she-devil' sent her way, Mira turned back to the younger blonde who was also grinning at Gajeel's reaction.
"So?" Mira ushered gently.
"Huh?" Lucy blinked, before an embarrassed expression took hold of her delicate features. Bringing a hand up to scratch the back of her head. "Well that's another thing. I don't exactly know. And what's even stranger is that when I first bought the key was just plain. There wasn't anything on it." Lucy explained.
"What do you mean by that?" Levy asked.
Ten minutes later the bar tender, the bookworm, and the metal head all sat around the blonde with their heads resting on their fists, brain storming.
"Maybe the problem is that your magic levels are too low?" Mira gently suggested.
"Or maybe you have to state the spirit's name in order for it to be summoned?"
"Or maybe it has to see you in a bunny costume, gihi!" All three women turned to him deadpanned not believing that such a stupid suggestion had come out of the iron dragon slayer's mouth. Really you'd think they'd be used to it by now.
"We're trying to helpful here Gajeel, not show how stupid we are." Levy said snarkly, crossing her arms and lifting her chin up. Lucy and Mira shared a knowing look with each other before giggling at the two. Watching the bluenette and dragon slayer begin one of their routine arguments Lucy mulled over Mira and Levy's suggestions.
While it certainly was helpful and did tend reduce the amount of magic needed to summon a spirit, incantations were not necessary. The reason being that celestial keys could be lost for hundreds of years at a time and in such a long period of time people tended to loose track of spirits and their names. So it couldn't be that she had to say the name.
However Mira could be right. More powerful keys required more magic just like any powerful spell. There was a good chance that she just didn't have the amount of magic needed, but she was able to summon even the most powerful of the golden keys, Loke, and that was nothing to sneeze at. Say what you want but bringing spirits into her world and keeping them there to fight was no easy feat. While Lucy was no where near the level as, say, Erza, that didn't mean her levels were in short supply. So to think that she couldn't summon a spirit because her level wasn't high enough must have meant that the spirit connected to the key must be insanely powerful.
A shudder raced down her spine at that thought and she glanced down at the silver clutched tightly in her hand. But wait... it was silver key. There was no way that a silver key would require more magic to summon than a golden one. While silver keys were useful in there own ways and some were more rare than others, when it came to prowess in battle silver keys just couldn't match up with golden ones.
Besides there was something strange about that door, and not just the fact that it seemed locked. She hadn't noticed it yesterday but there had been confusion and... amusement? It was weird but she could have sworn those two emotions had been emitting from the door. Which led back to her original guess, that the spirit was just flat out refusing to come out by it's own choice.
But why?
"ALRIGHT BRATS LISTEN UP!"
Suddenly Lucy was brought of her pondering, Mira out of her giggling, and Levy and Gajeel from their fighting, to look up at their master as he stood on top of railing on the second floor. Makarov crossed his arms waiting for his guild's usual load roar to dull down into silence before he began his announcement.
"As you all know the Grand Magic Games are coming up in two weeks and I've seen that you've all been training your little hearts out to get a spot in the team this year. I have finally decided the team that will represent us this year. So without further ado..." The whole guild seemed to be suspended in silence some hoping desperately to be chosen, others simply curious, and some having crucial bets riding on it.
"Laxus." The lightning dragon slayer in question let a cocky smirk cross his face.
"Erza." At this Erza smiled proudly, and determinedly nodded her head.
"Mirajane." The bar tender blinked and then smiled abashedly a light pink dusting her cheeks.
"Gajeel" The iron dragon slayer smirked maliciously at the prospect of showing of his power.
"And finally..." By this point it was obvious that Natsu was on the edge of his seat his eyes as wide as they could go and Lucy would go to her grave swearing up and down that Natsu had a little bit of drool hanging out of his mouth.
'I get being excited for competing and it is Natsu. But can someone really be that excited? That's almost sad.' Lucy sweat dropped.
"Gray."
Wait for it... and one, two, annnd three.
"WHAT THE HELL GRAMPS!? HOW COULD PICK THE ICE-PRICK OVER ME!?"
"FOR EXACTLY THIS REASON! AND BECAUSE I SAID SO!"
"BUT GRAY'S SUCH A PERVERT!"
"WANNA SAY THAT TO MY FACE FLAME-BRAIN?"
"YEAH I DO! YOU'RE A PERVERTED ICE-PRINCESS AND EVERYONE KNOWS IT!"
"AT LEAST I'M NOT SOME IDIOT THAT SMELLS LIKE SWEAT ALL THE TIME!"
"THAT'S IT LETS GO!"
"BRING IT ON FIRE FART!"
"WHY YO-"
"Natsu! Gray! Are you two fighting in the master's presence!?" A quick word from Erza and the fighting duo were down. It sometimes scared Lucy that she was so used to this.
"Thank you Erza." Makarov nodded his head before clearing his throat. "Now back to business. It wasn't easy, but I picked this team because not only have they demonstrated great battle prowess but that they also represent the best of Fairy Tail. And the also have a little self-restraint unlike some people. So there you have it. When we go to the Magic Games I expect you five to be on your best behavior and to carry your responsibility with pride. So don't screw up. But have fun out there... but really don't screw. It'll make Fairy Tail look bad. No pressure." And with those wise words of wisdom master turned on his heel to return to his office.
Which turned out to be a horrible idea as there is very little surface area on railings so one when turns on their heel one would hope that they have at least moderate balance. As it turned out Master Makarov had none.
The guild watched with morbid fascination as the tiny man feel with a 'wwwaahhhh' and landed gracefully on his head. Mira rushed to his side quickly to help him. When it was apparent that he was still in working condition the old man turned to his so called children.
"YOU BRATS DON'T ANY OF YOU HAVE RESPECT FOR YOUR ELDERS! NONE OF YOU EVEN TRIED TO HELP ME! WHY, BACK IN MY DAY-"
"Ahh master maybe you should go up stairs and rest for a bit." Mira gently and quickly somehow manged to usher Makarov up the stairs and into the infirmary. Needless to say the guild would be eternally grateful to Mira for saving them from the infamous 'In My Day' speech.
Sometimes Lucy worried for her guild.
Two weeks later found the city Crocus in a multitude of noises, smells and sights in preparation for the Start of the Grand Magic Games tomorrow. Everywhere a person looked color and sweet smelling pastries would assault their sense, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement. Marbled streets shone under sunlight and moonlight, while the buildings around them were lined with banners boasting welcomings and advertising. Children ran through the streets throwing fire crackers while their fathers indulged in drink and their mothers chattered and browsed the market. Friends bought shirts supporting their favorite guilds and couples sat on benches looking at each other with googly eyes. Yes Crocus was the place to be during GMGs as people from all over Fiore and even neighboring countries came cheer and watch as wizards duked it out against one another. It was safe to say that every person in Crocus was happy.
Except one.
Lucy was the one person in the entire city who seemed to be having trouble getting into the spirit if things. It wasn't that she didn't love festivals and the like, it was just that she couldn't help but think that every time someone looked in her direction they immediately remembered the events that happened last year. Just some dumb blonde who was only kept around for her looks, always so needy and unreliable. A waste of space.
Lucy knew that her friends would never think of her like that and that they genuinely loved her. But in Lucy's mind they didn't need to, after getting creamed twice at the GMGs that was all the proof needed. And there in lie the reason for Lucy's discomfort for being in Crocus. Last years magic games.
Sighing at the memories that came to mind Lucy stepped out of the shower and began to dry off. 'Well,' Lucy thought beginning to go through her nightly routine, 'at least all I have to do is watch and cheer on my guild. That way I don't embarrass myself like last year.' True Flare cheated but if it had been Erza or Juvia they wouldn't have lost even with Asuka in danger, no doubt they would have found a way. Then against Minerva Lucy was still so useless because her keys were taken. Again! It was so frustrating being in that position.
Lucy sighed to herself as she finished pulling on her pajamas, a simple faded baby blue tank top and short black pants, and walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom that she was sharing with Levy, Erza, Carla and Wendy. The hotel the guild had rented out was different than the one from last year. The Luna de Rosa was small but quaint, more like a hostel than a hotel, with wooden floors and thin walls it was easy for Lucy to hear the ruckus still going on down stairs. The bedroom that the girls had been placed in was standard nothing special, just two queen beds placed next to each other and night stand separating them.
Lucy plopped down on to the bed that she would be sharing with Erza, her arms thrown out to her sides. The blonde laid there basking in the feel of her muscles loosening from the hot shower. Listening the sound of her steady breathing and enjoying the smell of vanilla that came from her hair Lucy began to feel her mind go blank and sleep overtake her.
BANG!
The loud noise of the door flying open cause Lucy to jerk awake and sit up. Looking over to the doorway she smiled in greeting when she saw her four roommates walk in, their arms filled with plates of various desserts and alcoholic beverages (and soft drinks for Wendy).
"We brought you offerings, my goddess!" Levy teased as she carefully began to plates on the bed.
"As you should!" Lucy played along laughing. Erza smiled at the two's antics and Wendy giggled behind her hands while Carla simply rolled her eyes. After placing her load on the center of the bed, the red head moved to the corner of the room where the mini bar was located. Grabbing the bottle opener that rested there Erza walked back to the bed and popped open three light beers and handed them to three older women.
Now all five were settled on the bed each with a drink fitting their age .
"What's with all this?" Lucy questioned reaching for a cream puff that was calling her name.
"Well we saw how down you've been looking today and we thought 'hey what better way to cheer a girl up than stuffing her up with desserts and beer?'" Levy explained through a mouthful of chocolate brownies. Lucy winced that guild mates had noticed but couldn't help being grateful that they would devote their time to try and cheer her up. Still though, she also couldn't help but feel guiltily for worrying them.
"You guys really didn't have to do that you know! Really I'm fine!" Lucy smiled at them trying to hide her emotions.
"Well at any rate it's nice to have some girl time and relax." Erza smiled, taking a swig of her beer, knowing full well what her team mate was trying to do, also knowing it was better to drop the subject for now.
"Are you sure you should be drinking that Scarlet? You do have a long day ahead of you tomorrow." Carla chided.
Four hours later at around ten p.m. found Wendy asleep thrown across her bed, Levy also asleep and thrown across Wendy, and the drunken threesome of Carla, Lucy and Erza sitting outside on the bedroom's balcony giggling. Both women and exceed were red faced but in drunken bliss and for the moment, understanding why Cana drank so heavily.
"'so's i'm like whasts I supposesds to doooo?" Carla shook her head and the red head next to nodded sagely in response to Lucy's drunken slur as if she completely understood what the blonde was saying.
"You're RIGHT! How dare those- those FIENDS! Do they not know the that when you combine the power of a woman's heart and with the power of bunnies that the outcome cannot be guaranteed!? Woe the horror!" Erza slammed her fist on the table. Completely enraged by... whatever they were talking about.
"Esactlyyy! Thoscces meanies!"
"Home-destroyers!"
"Poopie pants!"
"Evil doers!"
"Pants for brains!"
"Flowers!"
"Sharlie you said a bad wowduh!" Lucy and Carla gasped, scandalized. The drunkenly violent Erza nodded her headed.
"Well they are-"
Erza was cut off when a bright light blinded them. All three of them glanced to find the source and saw that it was coming from a lacrima-vision floating in the sky. The drunken trio were enraptured by the beautiful white glow that was coming from the screen before static washed it away and was replaced by the talking pumpkin Mato.
"Wakey wakey, everyone - pum!" Mato's childish voice flooded across the city waking all that had been sleeping in the city and bringing them outside to see what the noise was all about. Looking around them Erza and Lucy saw that the windows and balconies of the hotel were being opened by their fellow guild members. Right next them Gray, Natsu, Gajeel, and Elfman walked out on to their own balcony.
"Nee what's that noise?" A sleepy Happy asked floating next to an equally sleepy Natsu.
"It's the Gingerbread man!" Was the angry reply. The men looked over to see a raging Erza trying to claw her way to the lacrima-vision with a giggling Lucy barely holding onto her.
"Ohhh Ezra-chwan's so mean!" Lucy giggled.
"Don't tell me they've been drinking." Natsu murmured remembering the horrors from last time.
"Oi Carla! I thought you were the responsible one but you look like you've been drinking too. We do start the games tomorrow you know and Erza needs to be in top shape!" Gray yelled.
"Oh she'll be fine! And I am the responsible one! I've only had a few sips, I'll remember everything tomorrow, unlike those two."
"Welcome, welcome, welcome, welcome! It's Mato here, the Grand Magic Games' lovable mascot and you're host! Well everybody it's that time of year again where wizards from all over Fiore come to compete and represent their guilds! As you all know guilds earn points by either doing battle against one another or different kinds of challenges called events! Whichever guild earns the most points by the end of the Games will be declared the strongest guild in Fiore and earn a cash prize - pum! However" Mato began darkly sending a chill down everyone's spine through Crocus, "this year's games are going to be a little different."
"Is anyone else getting a bad feeling from this?" Gray questioned uneasily.
"Don't worry Gray-sama! Juvia will protect you!" Came the shout from two floors above them.
"Since last years games were so popular, the game council figured it would be a tough act to follow. So we were faced with a dilemma. How do we make this year's game to be just as exciting and interesting as last years? Well we decided that we would have a vote! Fans of the Games were given choices of who they wanted to see in an event with each other or who they wanted to watch fight against each other. For example say fans wanted to see Natsu of Fairy Tail have a rematch against Sting of Sabertooth all they have to do is go up to one of our designated voting booths and check their names of and write 'battle' and viola! Also unlike last year guilds no longer have teams to represent them, instead anyone from the guild can be chosen so long as the voters vote for that member. So make sure all guild members come to the games tomorrow morning because anyone who does not participate will be counted as forfeit and all points will automatically go to the opposing teams. Oh that reminds me! Instead of having preliminary rounds like last year voters also voted on the eight guilds they would like to see participate. Those guilds are Fairy Tail, Sabertooth, Lamia Scale, Mermaid heel, Blue Pegasus, Quatro Cerberus, Titan Nose, and Twilight Ogre! Congrats! Can't wait to see you all tomorrow! Remember to get a good night's rest! And good luck - pum~!" And with that the pumpkin head flickered off the screen leaving all who watched to their own devices worrying about what tomorrow would bring.
'No! No nonononononononono! This can't be happening! What kind of sick person would want to watch this!? I- I can't do this! Not after last year!' Lucy had been picked. Lucy had been picked to battle. Lucy had been picked to battle against Minerva Orlando. No. To Lucy this was not good, this was horrible! Words could not describe how terrified she was to go out into the roaring stadium where she knew without a doubt that Minerva was standing smug as a bug. Oh how she so, so desperately wanted to back out from the fight but that would mean Minerva won and Lucy would be forever known as a coward. And while Lucy may be seen as a weakling by many she refused to be known as the coward of Fairy Tail. Mavis help her Lucy would go out there and give it her all.
Even if it meant taking another beating like last year.
Off to side Makarov watched his child with worry and pity in his eyes, seeing and feeling every emotion that crossed her face. Even from where he stood Makarov could see the struggle to keep the tears from falling and how her entire body shook with anxiety.
"Lucy..." he started but was quickly cut off by the blonde.
"Please don't. Please... don't finish what you were about to say." The blonde didn't trust herself enough if she was offered the choice to back out. "I have to do this. Not just because the guild's reputation is at risk or how I'll look if I don't fight but because if I don't do this... if I don't get over this and I don't fight her, I'll never be able to look myself in the mirror and call myself a Fairy Tail wizard!" Lucy let her blonde hair fall over her face so she could hide her fear from the master. Not that it really helped when her voice trembled with overwhelming emotion. None the less it made her feel a little bit better.
"Very well then, if that's how you feel. But Lucy... know that no matter what you do as long as it is what you're heart desires Fairy Tail will always be proud of you and we will always be your family. And family will always be there... no matter how much you sometimes you wish they weren't." Makarov chuckled and Lucy couldn't stop the small smile that spread across her lips.
Lucy reached for her keys, clutching them tightly in her small hand. It had always been something that helped calm her, the cool metal against her palm, the small insignia imprinting on her skin. The celestial wizard closed her brown eyes attempting to shut off the rest of the world and try and center herself, instead focusing on her breathing attempting to keep it steady and even. Then the strangest thing happened. A wave of reassurance washed over her, coming up from her hand holding the keys and flooding into the rest of her body. The stellar mage's eyes flew open to look down at her keys in wonder. Something like that had never happened before, always feeling the connection of the stellar spirits, yes, but none of them had been able to project emotions onto her like that. Although she didn't have the sun key either. Looking down at it, the key shone in the light... mischievously? It sounded insane but there was no other way to describe it.
"Thank you!"
Then the blonde looked back up shocking Makarov with determined look on her face and began to stomp forward into the arena.
"Well, wish me luck.
"Good luck." Makarov whispered worriedly and turned quickly to return to his seat with the guild to watch the fight.
When Lucy stepped out into the light of the colosseum, the poor girl almost fell from the force of all the yelling that came from the spectators. Glancing around she tried to find her guild and ignore the sheer amount people packed into the stands.
"LUCE!" Snapping her neck to where she heard the shout of Natsu she found her guild, each person yelling something encouraging. She smiled and waved at them before turning back to where Mato had walked out onto the field.
"Welcome to the first day of the Grand Magic Games! To start us we have a very special match! Lucy of Fairy Tail vs Minerva of Sabertooth!" Finally deciding to acknowledge her foe Lucy gulped and glanced up. Only half listening to Mato explain the rules animatedly, Lucy studied her enemy. Dressed in her usual get up, Minerva looked every bit the predator with a cruel looking smile painting themselves on her lips and hip cocked out to the side. Scared as she may be, Lucy couldn't help the urge that surged through her to pound that stupid smug smile off of Minerva's face. Scoffing Lucy rolled her eyes. Like that would ever happen.
"Contestants! Are you ready?!" Mato shouted looking between the two women. Lucy immediately dropped into a fighting stance. With Minerva still so far away Sagittarius or even Scorpio would be most effective for now. Maybe if she could keep Minerva at a distance somehow she would have a chance at scoring some hits. That of course would require Lucy to somehow keep as much distance between her and Minerva because if it came to close combat Lucy would be in trouble. But above all else she had to keep a hold of her keys.
Finally with some form of plan Lucy nodded her head and gripped tight on Sagittarius' key.
"Begin - pum!" And with that Mato raced off the field.
"Open! Gate of the Archer! Sagittarius!" Quickly the horse man was beside her, bow at the ready and pointing at Minerva who still stood un-moving.
"Ready when you are, Princess! Hello hello!"
"Let's go!" And with that Sagittarius unleashed a barge of speeding arrows onto Minerva. For a split second Lucy was sure that at least one of them would hit their target but that hope was crushed with the wave of a hand. Quickly almost before Lucy could react the arrows were suddenly coming at her.
"Sagittarius try and shoot them down!" Without even acknowledging the order the spirit shot arrow after arrow but still struggling to knock some of the oncoming ones from the sky. Lucy seeing that her friend wouldn't be able to get all of them on time un-clipped her whip and flung it through the air finishing off the rest. Then a loud boom shook the earth beneath her and rock came flying up from the ground. To her horror Lucy felt the air next her head shift in the tell tale sign of Minerva's magic being used. Ducking quickly and then rolling forward, Lucy quickly turned on her heel and whipped out her next key.
'I need to get her away from me.' With that thought in mind Lucy summoned Scorpio.
"Quick! Get her as far away as you can!" A gush of sand flew past her and straight at Minerva who had been finishing off Sagittarius. The cruel women turned in time however, to see the attack coming and quickly brought up a force field to block. The sand connected with the field and shot off in multiple directions however it did it's purpose as Minerva was shoved back several feet. Lucy couldn't help but grin. It may have been a small feat for some but for her it was enough.
"Way to go Scorpio keep it up!" From where Lucy stood she could see Minerva frown in annoyance under the torrent of sand being slung at her.
'Ha take that you bi-" The blonde's victory was cut short when in a flash of light Scorpio was suddenly replaced with an annoyed looking Minerva. This time Lucy didn't have time to duck as a fist encased in spacial magic connected with her jaw. The blonde was flung backwards and landed hard her back. Winded, Lucy had no time to react as Minerva once again appeared over her fist rushing to connect with the downed blonde's stomach. Lucy's saving grace however was the river of sand that blasted Minerva away allowing Lucy shoot up off the ground. Rushing back to Scorpio, Lucy thanked him and then sent him back to the celestial world.
This time Lucy reached for Loke's key. Or at least tried to, Lucy was lucky that she even grasped a key before a bone crushing grip wrapped itself around her dainty wrist and yanked her key ring from her belt.
'No. Please. Not again.'
Knowing the pain that was coming Lucy braced herself right as a bony knee introduced itself with her ribs. Crying out in pain when she felt the bones underneath her skin crack at the painful force, the blonde tried her best to hold back the tears even though they were already starting to pour down her face. The next blow was a rough fist, jingling telling her it was the one with her keys in it, connected with her temple which would have sent her flying if not for the harsh grip still holding her in Minerva's grasp.
"I'm so sick of having to deal with you and your trash spirits, little girl." The grip on her loosened only to have that same hand strike her across the face in a fierce slap.
"I bet you think your the hottest thing on this earth, don't you little girl?" Another kick to the gut.
"Well guess what, little girl." This time a harsh kick to her shin.
"Your nothing more than a waste. Of. Space." And with that Lucy was grabbed by her arm and thrown into the cold marble of the coloseum wall. Her world span briefly in a blur of color and silence as the back of her head connected loudly against the stone. Shutting her eyes to block it all out, Lucy contemplated just giving up, why bother trying when she was so vastly out matched. Master even said it would be OK to do so and why should she bother trying to continue fighting when it was obvious who was going to win from the start. No one would blame her, beaten as she was with at least a few broken ribs, probably a concussion and more than likely a fractured wrist. Besides with Minerva holding her keys there was no legitimate way for Lucy to fight back.
Little girl.
Oh Lucy was so angry, so frustrated. Was this all she could ever hope to be!? Some child who would always make others do her dirty work and would cry when she didn't get her way? Why was she so damned helpless!? Not caring any more in her agony Lucy let her tears flow freely clutched hard at the key in her hand.
...key?
For the briefest of moments Lucy felt the smallest of hopes shimmer through her. It didn't matter what key it was, it could be Pyxis for Mavis' sake, and she would find some way to work with it. She would stand up and fight instead of cry like some baby. Forcing her body up onto her hands and knees Lucy finally opened her eyes.
And all that hope and optimism drained out of her body. Out of all her keys it just had to be that key.
There once again freaking glinting was the sun shaped key. Lucy could not believe her luck.
'Lucky. Right, thanks for that dad.'
Someone out there had to be laughing at her.
"I'm going to erase you from this world little fairy!" And with that battle cry Minerva unleashed a wave of spacial magic that charged towards the wounded wizard at a break neck speed. Wasting no more time and seeing that this was her only chance, Lucy blocked out all distractions and focused on reaching the key's door with her mind's eye. Connecting to the key she started her desperate attempts of pleading with the spirit.
"Please," Lucy begged, "I have to do this. I need to do this! Not just for my guild, but for me too, I can't loose to her again! Not after the humiliation she put me through the last time and now she's doing it again! I have to beat her or at least try too! Right now whoever you are, your the only one who can help me achieve that!" Tears began to swell up in her eyes again as she remembered the reason why she was in this situation. "I'm sorry that I'm so weak! I'm sorry that I'm nothing more than just some dumb blonde bimbo who always has to rely on someone else! I'm sorry that I'm nothing more than a little girl who's too pathetic to do anything else other than cry! But I can promise you this; no more! I'm not just going to sit here and complain about how weak and pathetic I am and cry whenever I get hurt! I will get stronger and I will protect the ones I love instead of having to be protected! But I can't get stronger until I beat her and to do that I need you! This will be the last time I ever call you, I swear it! Just please... help me... this once..."
Silence and then...
"Oooooo what a moving speech. Oooookay I'll help you outttt."
BAM! Finally brothers and sisters I am finished. Should I have made this into two chapters? Probably. But I don't care cause now shit is about to go down! So totally worth! Sorry if it seems at little half assed and rushed, but I kept redoing this chapter over and over and it just got to the point where I just flat out did not care and out of all the drafts this was the best one I think. Honestly at this point I'm just relieved I got it finished. Maybe I'll go back later when I'm in a better mood and referbish it but that probably won't happen any time soon. Ah well.
Anywho... Mistakes? Grammar issues? Offensive? Boring? Too long? Too rushed? Hard to understand what I'm trying to say? See anything that doesn't need to be in there? Repetitive? Stupid? Ideas? Just trash the story?
Hey you never know, reviews could become a the new renewable fuel of the world sooo... hey!
