Leather cover slowly opened, fingers trailed upon the first, written page and then moved onto the second one. The writer, after taking deep breath and removing few strands of her blond hair from dreamy but sad eyes, moved the end of her quill toward the beginning of empty page.
If there is any day in the week when I remotely feel in any way relaxed, it is Sunday. Only on Sunday I do not work, only on Sunday I get to stay at home, in my bed and under its covers. My life is now but a shell of my former lifestyle, a shell that struggles and fights the reign of oppression and constant desperation.
Only on Sunday I get to sit on the window and watch people pass by. They lie, pretend that they are fine with how things are… that they can continue their normal lives. They lie… but I understand them. None were given much of a choice to begin with. Anyone who would try to escape, to walk out of city would be caught and brought before the guild master of the Twilight Legion. Unforgiving, ruthless, heartless… if I would to add all adjectives to describe him I would not have enough space in this entire book. He is nothing short of a monster. None may leave Magnolia and it pains me to say this, however, for this… we are to blame…
But this is not about Sunday. I am writing this to tell you what happened to me yesterday… a day when my life was saved three times…
Lucy looked around; darkness bathed everything around her in pitch black. Her eyes wandered, as if wanting to see something particular in endless void. She saw no floor, no ceiling, not a single wall but she could walk on something. With every step her heels clicked against seemingly invisible surface. She didn't know where she is going but she knew that she has to go in that direction. Figure appeared in distance, growing as she started running. It was familiar, yes, familiar shape, familiar hair and clothes and sudden joy took over… but as she drew near, figure looked at her, eyes filled with tears and breath catching inside throat, as if it is obstructed by something… gagging noise became louder.
"Lucy…" figure said and blonde stopped, seeing another figure appear from behind. Its face was as dark as everything around her and only set of white teeth were visible. Finger extended, turning into long knife and pressed against throat of the first figure. All it was heard in next moment was "Run."
Scream was heard and finger jerked.
Her eyes suddenly opened and she sat up on her bed. One hand pressed against bed, other reached up to her face… she was bathed in sweat so much that even sheet was damp. Different day, same nightmare… How many times is it this week? Oh, yeah… sixth time this week. It was 5 in the morning. Another three hours and she'll have to be at work. Returning back to sleep was no longer an option, image was still too vivid before her eyes and scream still present in her head.
Long, warm bath managed to avert her mind from the nightmare. It wasn't premonition but an image of the past, not nearly close to being distant one. This scar was still fresh. She learned well how to conceal magical items, few remained legal to be sold while majority were banned under the irrational suspicion they might aid in some sort of revolution… but soldiers of the Twilight Legion weren't too bright. With carefully implemented enchantments, she managed to conceal quite the amount of magicaly-fueled appliances. This one, in her opinion, was the most devious of all magical items. Dangerous, apocalyptic if not handled with care… She waited for her toast to emerge from this artifact…
Her mind shifted again in another direction as she waited for magical toaster to finish its world-ending daily routine. Now, another voice appeared in her head…
The one at fault is none other, than you! Lucy Heartfilia! Because of you our world will burn!
Is that true? Rogue blamed her for opening Eclipse gate but they already have seen it open. What happened in future? Was she really one to blame? Did she really doomed entire world? She looked down, right there on the table in front of her was a knife, long and round at the tip but blade was sharp. Slowly she reached for it and took it. If she would to do it now, if she would to just end it, would it change anything? Past, present and future, maybe they will change if she would to just end this misery that she calls her life. Her hand clenched handle of the knife while eyes now looked to her other arm. Just one swift move, little pain and soon she would go to sleep… Why would she continue? For whom does she now have to live? Her parents long gone… her guild torn, her best friend dead, Natsu probably met his end. Who will care if she would to die now? Just one swift move and all of Rogue's words will vanish from her head. But what if… just, what if all what he said was a lie? What if all he did was planned and intended, what if she is not the cause of all this destruction? What if his words are a lie? What if they aren't?
Her mind snapped and eyes quickly looked around as the sound of two pieces of toast emerging from the metallic contraptions. She quickly lowered her knife and took a deep breath. It is almost 8, time for quick breakfast and then off to work. No one will know, no one will realize that her life was now saved… by a common toaster.
Monotonous and nerve-wrecking. If such combination is possible, it would describe Lucy's work. On some days she would just circulate between tables, taking orders and delivering food and beverages without a minute of break. Other days were unpredictable; Twilight Legion members would occasionally come to be patrons. In this world, being cute waitress is a curse and more than few times would they slip hand where they shouldn't. Lucy desperately wanted to slap them but that would cost her job she currently has… and something much worse would then follow.
This day seemed to be the later one. From the moment she walked into the establishment she could feel eyes upon her but she couldn't tell from where. She looked around but none of the patrons seemed suspicious. One guest after another, hour after hour, she tirelessly worked with smile on her face, still having the feeling that she was being continuously watched. One of the patrons that just walked in, rose his hand and called for her. Obediently, she approached.
"Good day, what can I get you?" She asked with smile on her face.
Man in grey coat looked at her up and down before talking in silenced tone "Lucy Heartfilia?"
"Yes?" Lucy asked, confirming his assumptions. He leaned forward and beckoned with finger for her to come closer. First, she looked around to make sure none of the 'police' is present before leaning forward.
"I have message for you. Meet me at Town square after your work."
"Why can't you give it now?" She asked, frowning slightly but man waved his head.
"Tonight, after your shift." He repeated. His head turned only a bit and he noticed that owner was now looking at both of them. Tone shifted and he was now louder, one would dare say normal. "Uhhh yeah I'll have a coffee. Thank you."
She didn't have much of a choice. For the moment she would continue to work and take message on the way home. Hopefully, there won't be much of an issue. As the day progressed, less and less people came into the restaurant and that was first time she could take few minutes to rest her feet. Aching, sore feet pulsated in rhythm of her heartbeat as she was waiting for someone to come in or walk out. Rest, however, was rare and soon chef from the kitchen yelled out for her to come and carry out garbage. Despite it not being her job, she couldn't complain and took rather large black bag. She didn't even walk ten steps and same chef yelled again for her to return, adding more in the bag. Obediently, she walked out and headed to nearest container. This would've been just another chore but it turned bad quickly. As soon as she threw out black bag she could hear voices not more than five meters away. Two men were holding a girl, not older than 19 years and one of them pulled her sleeve up, holding lacrima in other hand. Light of the street lamp was sufficient for Lucy to see… mark of the Fairy Tail. She knew that girl… joined Fairy Tail seven months ago, even worked together from time to time. They quickly tightened their grip and subdued her, sending few electric shocks through her body… enough for her to fall down on the ground in spasm… Girl looked at Lucy but said nothing, just stared for few seconds before two of them took her away. She was saved second time today, this time by the screaming chef… if she was out just few seconds earlier, it could've been her that they caught and she would end up in dungeon. Now, all she had to do was watch her guild mate… friend even, being dragged away to be questioned, tortured, questioned again and then… executed. No room for tears, she knew this awaits everyone from Fairy Tail. Without a single word said, she returned. She never got used to the sight but she did learned how to hide emotions, just for short bit. Her friend is about to meet end in least humane way… and all she could do is continue what she was doing.
She agreed to this, it was well known this would be an eventuality, waiting for everyone in Fairy Tail. A price to pay for sins they committed.
Lucy walked out of the restaurant at 20:40. This was longer than usual but members of Twilight Legion had to be served and owner saw it fit that Lucy should be the one providing them with all satisfaction they required. Fortunately they seemed far more preoccupied with their own banter to focus on Lucy, but that did make her leave forty minutes later than usual. If she hurries, she will get the message and be at home just before curfew starts.
She approached town square, wide area with fountain still intact, miraculously. Eyes wandered around in an effort to find same man that came today and finally she saw him in one of the less illuminated streets.
"You are late." He sad as Lucy approached, still looking around to ensure no one is present.
"I do not control when boss is going to let me go." She responded. With everything that happened today, attitude was last thing she needed to hear from a person she sees now and then never again.
Man slowly opened his coat and pulled out a sealed letter, slightly wrinkled. Without any questions she took it and placed it inside her bag.
"I'll deliver it tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" He asked, surprised "No no, this has to be delivered tonight."
"I cannot deliver it tonight. Police hour will start in ten minutes and even if I run I won't be able to reach tavern." She protested but man seemed disinterested in her excuses.
"It cannot wait, it has to be tonight."
"And what am I supposed to do if I am caught while walking the streets during curfew?" She practically growled at him, annoyed at how situation was progressing.
"Then don't get caught, simple as that." He responded and buttoned his coat, walking away, down the dark street. This is nothing short of a nightmare. She took deep breath and turned, walking toward the tavern with hastened pace. Any faster would be running and that practically screams "I am suspicious, please catch me." This way they might just think of her as a person trying to reach home before hour reaches 21. Even if she does reach the tavern, which at this pace was nothing short of impossibility, there was no way for her to return home. She would have to spend the night there.
Loud noise filled the night, sound of alarm was heard everywhere. Curfew starts, walking out is now prohibited… and she still has one kilometer of walk. She turned, walking from one alley into another, peeking over corners to see if anyone is out there but fact they wore mostly black uniforms meant she will have much more difficult time recognizing them in the dark. It seemed as if it would've been a smooth slip but a loud "Hey!" reached her ears, coming from behind. She didn't turn, she didn't responded but instead she just took turn to the right in nearest alley. Her eyes feasted on terror… This was a dead end. Shout came again, closer, making her head turn. They are there, standing at the crossroad, looking at her. No need to see their faces, it was all but clear that they were more than content with what they saw.
"Well well well… What do we have here? A stray sheep" First one commented, voice all too familiar "Don't cha know it's not allowed to be out after nine?"
"I was just heading home." She said, voice trembling slightly, feigning innocence "Took a wrong turn, it was supposed to be next one."
"Oh yeah, we heard that before." Other one said and both of them started moving closer "Last one sayin' that ended up being taken for a… conversation with the prefect."
Lucy knew that if she would to step into that so called office of a prefect, she would never be able to see light of the day again.
"But ummm… We are not that bad, I mean, we're supposed to keep the peace, be the good guys so, we can make some sort of a deal, eh?" First one said, now they were only three meters away from her. Lucy took a step back, then another. This deal that they spoke of… she knew what it was all about. Enduring that again, was worse than death. She is a soldier now… it would've come to this eventually.
She took another step back and now she leaned forward, rushing in as much as her legs could carry her. Taken by surprise, second one of the guild members took a direct blow from her as she slammed her body against him, right shoulder first, enough to knock him off his feet. She stumbled but regained her stability and attempted to run away. First man simply appeared in front of her like a rising shadow and grabbed her by her throat, lifting her and throwing her back. Her breaths intertwined with hard cough before she could hear "That bitch!" from behind. Her strength wasn't enough to knock him out, it was all too well known to her. She stood up and reached for her bag, taking out her whip. In quick move it extended, emitting the bright blue colour. Two of them just laughed, amused by what they see. Sudden crack was heard and whip moved around one of them, grabbing man by his neck, tightening hard. He would've chocked but her hands released whip as the ice ball slammed against her back. She cried in pain and stumbled forward. Man, one that almost got strangled, coughed loud and approached her, grabbing her up by her neck again, lifting off the ground.
"Just for that, I ain't gonna be nice." He growled at her. Lucy attempted to struggle, trying to reach for his face and her nail managed to scratch his face, opening enough for a small drop of blood to appear. "You bitch!" He snarled at her and with other hand he punched her right in her stomach. Immediately she lost all breath from her lungs, choking from the sudden and intense pain that radiated through her entire body. Man sent another hard punch, and another followed by two more all at the same place and threw her at the nearest wall. All strength she had in her body has left her and she had no control of her limbs… she was there, curled, attempting to yet again breathe and her eyes caught a blurry glimpse. He was reaching for her again. This is it. She will die tonight; she will be released from this torment. Silently she prayed… let it be quick.
Hand that was supposed to grab her never reached its destination. Frightened, she waited to be lifted and thrown like a rag doll… but she wasn't. Her eyes opened as she heard loud "Ooof!". Slowly, she propped herself up into sitting position, just enough to see what is going on. Man, her executioner to be, was down on the ground, body half obstructed by another figure, covered by long cape and hood.
"Don't you know it's not nice to hit girls?" He said. Did she hear this well?
"Out of our way, this is strictly Twilight Legion business!"
"Twilight Legion? What kind of crappy name is that?" Man asked, tilting head slightly. No, she heard this well, she knows this voice.
"You bastard!" One of them shouted. Magical circle appeared on his hands and from it flew several icy spikes. Hooded man seemingly had no problem avoiding them.
"You call that Ice magic? I know a guy who could knock out a giant by just snapping his fingers." He commented and before there was re-cast, he rushed over to him, slamming his fist right into man's face. There was no finesse, no skill, just a raw, albeit strong, punch that knocked man out of his feet and out of conscience. Second man ran over to him, his fists enlarged and seemingly made out of steel. These punches were much more calculated but alas, he wasn't even close to even land a scratch at his attacker. Left, right, jab, uppercut… all missed their mark and hooded man grew tired of avoiding attacks and grabbed man by his face, slamming him first against the wall before dragging him before Lucy.
"Now apologize to h- Oh hey, it's Lucy…" man said. She was now sure she knows that voice but she prayed this was not a dream. This tone, this height, those eyes… she knew them.
"Hey Happy!" He shouted "I found Luce!"
"Where?!" Voice came from above, landing right in front of her "Wow it really is Lucy!" Exceed confirmed in a cheerful tone. Lucy was in state of awe, still feeling pain in her body but now it didn't matter one bit. Her eyes were wide, her lips trembled and feet grew cold.
"Natsu?" She asked, waiting for reply that would confirm her suspicion.
"That's right!" Natsu said, pulling the hood down. He was smiling, wide like any idiot would. Nothing changed on his face except for his hair which was now long, tied with a small ribbon. "Long time no see."
"Long time no see?" She repeated, voice low, trembling.
"Natsu?" Happy moved few steps back "She looks angry."
"Umm… We're back." Natsu replied, his smile slowly fading as his eyes slowly widened. He knew where this would lead and he steeled himself for the hit. With luck… he won't reach fly more than couple streets. Though her legs felt like lead, she managed to stand up. He expected her to throw something at him, to punch him, to kick him, to yell at him. Natsu closed his eyes as she was approaching him and instead of punch or kick, she simply rushed last couple of feet, wrapping her arms around him. Pure shock made him drop the half-conscious guy down on the ground, hearing slight groan from him.
"Where were you?" She whispered, holding her face against his chest.
"We kind of took the wrong detour." He said, slightly embarrassed at the circumstances that delayed his return. She smiled, laughed even… yeah, that's something Natsu would do. "Luce? Is everything alright?"
"I'm… I'm…" she sobbed, quiet at first but soon it was loud enough for both Natsu and Happy to hear her "I'm just glad to see you."
Natsu was quiet, allowing her to let out all the pressure that she had in her. His arms slowly moved and wrapped around her, smiling down at her. "Yeah, I'm glad to see you too."
So many emotions were intertwined; so many thoughts swirled in her head. Day she thought she may never see finally came, out of nowhere, in a place she never expected to be in. She knew but she won't tell him just yet… this night, he saved her life.