Chapter Three
Disclaimer: Don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters
"Lucy…Lucy…wake up…"
Whose voice was that? Who's there?
"Lucy…wake up…open your eyes…"
Why? It hurt. Everything hurt.
A cold gust of wind made her shiver and she clenched her hands, her lips beginning to tremble.
"Wake up, little one…wake up and remember."
Little one?...
Lucy's eyes snapped open as the voice registered. It was him. That had been his voice. A voice that she knew would haunt her for the rest of her life. It sent fear spiraling through her entire body.
Desperately, her eyes sought out her surroundings, but all she saw was darkness…oppressive, all consuming darkness. Another chilled wind brushed along her skin and Lucy looked down, trying to see why she was so cold, but couldn't see anything through the black. Running her hands along her arms, she shifted her body, huddling in on herself. But as she shifted something registered in her scared, confused mind. She was naked. Why was she naked?
"Don't be so shy, little one. Embrace it."
Her eyes widened and her arms tightened around herself as her eyes searched the darkness. Where was he? Could he see her? Where was she?
She parted her lips to speak, but nothing came out. She could feel her eyes begin to burn. She was so…helpless.
"…brought this on yourself…weak…never strong enough…"
The dark mage's voice seemed to come from everywhere at once, and Lucy closed her eyes as she tried to drown out his words.
Stop it…please. Stop.
Her body stiffened when she felt something shift behind her, but couldn't make herself turn toward it. A cry escaped her throat when she felt hot breath fan over the back of her neck and her nail dug into her arms to keep her shivers down.
"You know, little one," she heard him speak directly into her ear, just as ghostly fingers trailed down her exposed arms, down further…
Don't…Please no.
"The first time I saw you…I knew," his voice lowered to a husky whisper as one of his invisible hands cupped the naked curve of her hip. Lucy whimpered and felt ice cold tears begin to slide between her closed lids. "I knew I had to have you…and I knew you wanted me, wanted this. I could just tell by the way you looked at me, teased me with those skimpy clothes…" Another cold hand began to roam along her skin and she had to swallow a scream. "You asked for this!"
Please…Stop it!
"Stop it!"
With a scream, Lucy shot up in bed, her eyes wide and sightless in her terror. Blinking, she distantly registered that she could see moonlight filtering through the open window of her bedroom next to her. She could feel the warm breeze caress her chilled skin and shivered.
With a choked sob, she brought her knees up and wrapped her arms around them, burying her face to hide the tears that ran rivers down her pale cheeks, her body shaking.
It was just a dream. He's dead. He can't hurt you anymore…
Trembling, but a little more grounded, she let her face emerge even though her tears didn't slow down. That's right. Natsu had killed him in the battle. He wasn't touching her; she wasn't helpless against him.
She shook her head and felt fatigue begin to pull at her but resisted it, terrified that if she did sleep, he would come back.
If he's dead, why do I still feel him touching me? Why can I still hear his voice?
Remember me, little one.
Will I ever be able to forget?
"Natsu." At his name, the pink haired Dragon Slayer lifted his head and saw Gray and Erza peering into his face with concerned expression.
He blinked up at them and managed to smile a tad bit sheepishly. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"
"She asked how Lucy was doing, idiot," Gray snapped impatiently. The entire guild had been solemn since Natsu and Lucy's return from their mission two days ago and it was putting him on edge. He hated seeing his teammates so…haunted. Natsu hadn't picked a single fight or laughed and Lucy…Lucy hadn't even left her apartment since they'd sent her home the day before.
Natsu ignored his insult and looked back down at his drink. Though Mira had been hesitant to give him any type of alcohol, all she had to do was take one look at his haggard, bloodshot eyes before she'd slid him the shot of whiskey that now sat in his hand. The liquid burned as he tossed it to the back of his throat and he relished in the discomfort. "I don't know. She…she won't talk to me."
Erza frowned. "What do you mean she won't talk to you?"
"Exactly what I said," he mumbled, running a hand down his tired face. He hadn't slept in two days, images of Lucy pinned beneath the dark mage haunting him every time he dared close his eyes. He could still hear her sobs, her screams. "I went to her apartment twice, and each time she won't let me in or even say anything to me. She locked her windows and doors, and I…I don't want to push her."
"Don't want to push her?" Erza said incredulously. "She needs you right now, Natsu! She can't be alone right now. That's the last thing she needs."
Natsu's head snapped up and he scowled at her. "And how the fuck would you know what she needs, Erza? You weren't there! You didn't see her…you didn't see it. I don't know what she needs; you don't know what she needs. No one can know what she needs except her. So, no. I'm not going to push her."
She sat back in mild surprise. It was probably the first time in she didn't know how long since Natsu had yelled at her in genuine anger. But as she watched, the fire faded and he was left looking as if he were ready to collapse any moment. She sighed. "How long has it been since you last ate anything?"
He frowned. "What does that matter?"
"Just answer the question."
He looked away and only shrugged his shoulders. Gray cursed and got to his feet. Reaching across the table, he gripped Natsu's vest and pulled him up so only inches separated their face. "Look, Flame Brain. I understand that you're worried about Lucy. We're all worried about her. But none of us can help her, except you. And watching you sit here, wallowing in self-pity is making me sick. You should be over there, with Lucy, trying to help her through this fucked up situation. I don't know what happened out there…but what I do know is you're the only one who can help her right now." Natsu looked away from his friend's furious gaze. "So get off your ass and go to your partner."
"I can't," he whispered, his eyes closing as he hung limply in Gray's grasp, the fight leaving his body before he could really register it ever being there. "I'll only make it worse."
Gray growled impatiently and gave Natsu a strong shake until the Dragon Slayer looked at him again. "Thinking like that will make it worse. Your partner needs you right now. And you're not doing her or yourself any favors by sitting here and rotting away."
With that, Gray loosened his grip, dropping Natsu back into his seat and turned on his heel to stride away. Natsu watched him go with a scowl.
He may be a prick, but he's right, Natsu thought with a sigh. He looked up when he felt Erza reach forward and gently grab one of his clenched fists.
"You don't have to try and fix it, only she can do that. Just be there for her."
She managed a small smile when he nodded and got to his feet. When he was about to stride away, he paused. Keeping his gaze trained on the guild doors, he said lowly, "Thanks, Erza. And tell that Ice Queen thanks as well. You know where I'll be if you need me." With that, he strode away from her and out the guild doors, his heart pounding loudly in his ears and his resolve firm.
Lucy needed him and he wasn't going to let her down a second time.
(AN: It's a little short, but it's a prelude to the coming angst that I have planned for the next chapter, so get ready for it! Thank you to all of those that reviewed! I hope you enjoyed this. I adore you all!)
Jane
