Welcome back, hope you enjoy :)

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Chapter Four

Not wanting to incriminate the mysterious, strange looking panther that was roaming around the Academy, Lucy had willingly taken the blame for the deep scratches all over Smith's face. The incident had been brought forward to the headmaster, as the maths professor had wanted her status as Head Girl to be revoked and given to someone more deserving. Unfortunately for said teacher, the Headmaster wasn't inclined to believe things at face value. Makarov Dreyar believed in equality, in fairness, and had a knack for seeing things for what they truly were. So Lucy had walked away with a light reprimand on why patrolling with a partner is important, especially for the female students, and given a weeks worth of detention for harming another student.

Smith, on the other hand, had not been so lucky - much to Lucy's amusement, and as they left Makarovs office, she made sure he knew just how pleased she was with the outcome.

"Serves you right for being a perverted pile of shit." She snickered, ignoring the seething expression on his face. "So make sure to keep your hands to yourself next time, loser." And with that she went on her merry way.

The day progressed slowly after that, and the blonde was hardly surprised when the whispers started following her.

"Shes at it again."

"Honestly, someone needs to put a leash on that thing..."

"Cant believe they gave her the Head Girl position."

"Did you see what she did to his face? Such a mental case!"

"Oh my gawd! Hahaha shes so pathetic! Hahahaha"

"Oh ew, look, it's the hussy."

Sometimes she wished that she could forget about school and just travel aimlessly around the world. But her father had told her that she wasnt allowed home until she had a graduation certificate, and despite his refusal to visit or reply to her calls and letters, she missed him dearly and couldn't wait to go home again. So she studied hard, and counted down the days.

"I wonder how everyone is.." she sighed, staring up at the sky as her fingers played with the bracelet wrapped around her wrist. "Mrs Spetto must be so old now..."

As soon as she finished eating lunch, she had retreated to her secret spot. It was a small clearing behind the old rec hall, that was surrounded by tall grass, trees, and bushes, so it kept her hidden from sight very well. She had come across the small gem during her first year, after stumbling from her mad escape to outrun some kids who were trying to cut her hair off. And it's been her sanctuary ever since.

There was a rustling in the bushes and when the oh so familiar panther leapt out, landing on her stomach, Lucy swore she almost had a heart attack. Thankfully she hadn't screamed. That would've been embarrassing.

"Who are you." She asked straight away, ignoring the amusement shining in its eyes. "Where did you come from? Why are you here?"

("I'm Happy! I came from an egg, obviously.")

Obviously. Lucy snorted. Right.

("And I came to ask you not to mention me to anyone... especially Natsu." )

Lucy lifted Happy off her stomach, holding him gently in her hands as she sat up, and brought him closer to her face.

"You're happy?" She asked, still befuddled that she was actually talking to an animal. "Cant say I'm very happy right now but.. it is what it is.."

("Happys my name silly! and I'm an exceed!")

Lucy smiled at hearing his childlike voice and placed him back down on the grass in front of her.

"Lastnight, you said that I smell like you.. what'd you mean by that? And what exactly is an exceed?"

Happy lay on his stomach and started lazily licking one of his paws.

("Your magic. It smells the same as mine. And an exceed is me!"

"You can smell... my magic...?" She breathed out, her face paling slightly. "Can you smell it on anyone else? Is Natsu the same? Is that why you keep bringing him up?"

("I sure can! It's really faint though.. but I can still smell it. And Natsus... really different... I'm not supposed to talk about him though..")

"Is that why you dont want me to mention you to him? Is he your owner or something?"

("Hes my best friend.")

"Best friend huh..? That must be... nice..."

("It sure is! Natsus the best! But he says it's not safe for me out here. I dont really get it. It doesnt seem scary..")

"You're a magic cat." The blonde mused. "I think that speaks for itself."

Happy purred as Lucy ran her nails along his back and licked her fingers.

("Try not to think about me. Kay? And if you ever see Natsu, please dont be mean to him. Hes really cool honest!")

"... what makes you think I'm mean to him?"

("Huh?")

Lucy sighed and retracted her hand, her eyes studying the cat.

"Why would you ask me that? I havnt even spoken to him since the first day back, so why would you assume I'd be mean if I see him?"

Happy nudged her hand with his head, asking silently for more affection which she obliged with a roll of her eyes.

("Natsu hides me in his scarf sometimes so I've seen you around. You dont say anything but I always feel your magic pulse when we're near you so I just figured you were annoyed with him. And I've heard things about you. Everyone says you're a very mean person.")

Lucy's demeanor changed after hearing the last part of his reply.

"What are you doing here then?" She snapped, pushing him away with her leg. "Come to see if it's all true have you? Well guess what? It is, so get lost."

She heard him laugh so she glared down at him.

"What's so funny you damn cat? Get out of here."

("You're the only one I can talk to silly! Besides, we dont pay attention to it and you seem pretty nice to me! But I really should go, Natsus probably looking for me. See you later Lucy!")

Once the hyperactive cat bounded away, Lucy let out a frustrated huff and lay back down.

She wondered what he meant when he mentioned Natsu being different and scolded herself for not getting more answers. He'd also said her magic pulsed when he was near her? But why? What'd that mean? She didnt even notice whenever it happened... or did she? Was it connected somehow? the anger that spiked inside her by his proximity, and this so called pulsing of her magic? And if it was... why...?

The shrill sound of the bell echoed around the Academy signaling the end of lunch, but she didnt move. She had a free hour before her next class started, so she figured she'd just stay put.

She pulled her necklace out from beneath her shirt and dangled the golden keys above her face.

'I wish I could ask one of you guys... I feel so confused...'

Heaving a deep sigh, she turned on her side and clutched her keys to her chest.

'I miss everyone so much...'

Natsu knew that Happy had been near Lucy again, he could smell her scent on him. But he didnt reprimand his feline friend, and wondered instead why he had taken such a shine to the girl. He supposed it could just be his way of getting to know her better, since he talked to him alot about the blonde. What he found surprising though, was that she hadn't approached the Headmaster about wild animals running loose on the grounds.

Headmaster Makarov already knew of course. His parents had informed him before returning to school that the old man was aware of his family secret, and that he could be trusted. It's why only Gajeel and himself shared a dorm room together. Wendy was okay for now since her curse hadn't activated yet. Her senses were still heightened yes, but not to the extreme like the boys, so for now she was able to share a dorm with 5 others.

During the lunch hour he had been summoned by the Headmaster, and had been informed of the suspicious cat-like scratches and bite marks that had appeared on a fellow student. He had advised Natsu to be more careful, otherwise he would have to take action. Natsu had then informed Makarov that his parents would be coming in a couple of weeks to take him home, and had assured him that he'd keep a closer eye on him.

After leaving the office, Natsu had made a beeline for food, when he overheard the latest gossip, making his pace slow down until he stopped completely.

"That Lucy, I swear. Did you hear that she tried hooking up with someone again last night? when is she going to realize that nobody wants her?"

"It was Smith.. I just hope that hes okay... can you believe how mental she is? Honestly, scratching and biting someones face? Is she an animal or what?"

"Well she is a bitch, hahaha"

Natsus fists clenched as the two girls disappeared around the corner, and his eyes narrowed to dangerous slits.

Lastnight when Happy had returned, he had smelt blood and a faint trace of Lucy on him. But despite wondering why, he'd been so tired that he knocked out and forgot about it. Then after his talk with the Headmaster, it confused him even more.

Why'd he do it?

But now, as the pieces of the puzzle slowly formed in his head, giving him a clear picture of exactly why Happy had attacked someone, and why Lucy was the center of attention yet again, his blood began to boil and a low growl rumbled through his chest.

Everyone gossiping about Lucy's - whorish ways - as they liked to put it, had never bothered him. Sure he'd heard all about it, but he never believed in them. He and the blonde didnt know each other on a meaningful level, but Lucy Heartfilia seemed to have way too much pride in herself to do something like that. At least to him anyway. So whenever he heard about another of her failed conquests, he brushed them off, only giving the topic a brief curious thought on what truly happened. He never truly cared enough to delve deeper.

Now however, his attitude towards the situation changed. His instincts told him what he needed to know. That what he'd always suspected to be true, was in fact what really happened. It didnt really take a genius to figure it out. And the mere thought of it happening lastnight had the pinkette seeing red.

"So... Smith likes cornering girls in the dark huh..?" He growled under his breath, clenching and unclenching his fists as he prowled down the corridor. "Then I guess it's only fair that I return the favor..."

The following morning during breakfast, everyone - including all the staff - watched in shock as a very pale and trembling Walter Smith fell to the ground at the Head Girls feet, confessing for everyone to hear that he lied, that she had never tried to sleep with him and that she had defended herself only after he attacked her first. He cried, lowering his head until his forehead was pressed against the floor, and promised to never try forcing himself onto anyone ever again, then proceeded to beg desperately for her forgiveness, as though his life depended on it.

On the opposite side of the hall, Gajeel and Wendy glanced at one other, then at Natsu, who was currently watching the scene with his arm bent on the table, his face resting on the palm of his open hand, and an air of indifference and boredom surrounding him. They knew better though. The sharp glint in his eyes told them more than enough.

Gajeel allowed a smirk to cover his face as he watched his cousin. Yea, he'd been on the punks ass about being careful around their friends, but this was different. This was making sure that lowlife scumbags like Smith, didnt get away with mistreating their girls. And he couldn't be more proud.

"And does his life depend on her?"

Natsus gaze slowly shifted from Smith to Gajeel, and after a few seconds of simply staring at him, his mouth formed into a wide - toothy grin.

"Ive no idea what you're talking about."

Wendy slowly continued eating her breakfast, shaking her head lightly as the two boys smirked at each other. She didnt even want to imagine what her brother had done to that boy.

"No! Please! You must forgive me! I'll change I swear! Please!"

"You're not really going to kill him if she doesn't forgive him... right brother?"

The smirk fell from Natsus face and he turned to face his sister, lowering his voice so only she could hear.

"Dont worry Wendy. I wont kill him." He told her seriously. "Death is an easy escape, an out for peace, and I'm far from ready to let him welcome it."

Wendy frowned, not used to hearing him be so... cruel. But she kept her opinion to herself because she knew. Her mother had told her stories about the over protective men in their family, how they couldn't stop themselves most times.

"Just... dont get expelled."

Natsu ruffled her hair, turning to watch as Smith was escorted out of the hall by a few teachers.

"Like I said." He replied, his eyes following Lucy as she stood to also make her way out. "You dont need to worry."

Lucy was absolutely mortified. She couldn't believe what just happened! Thank Mavis it was Saturday, which meant she didnt have to be surrounded by everyone and their need to be nosey. So she grabbed a small cushion from the Heads Dorm Suite, a thin blanket, a few apples and a book, and made her way to her spot after stuffing everything in her bag.

But before she could reach it, the small hairs on the back of her neck stood on end and a flash of loathing spiked through her system. Two clear signs that one of three people were close by.

Turning around, she scanned the area but failed to notice anyone, and it wasnt until she slipped quickly through the tall bushes and lay down after retrieving her book and cushion, did she finally spot the cause of her unease.

Stretched out on a branch of the tree her feet were propped up against, with one leg bent and the other hanging down, lay the very person she'd been obsessing over lately.

"What the hell are you doing in my tree?!" She snapped before she could stop herself. "Go somewhere else!"

He didnt answer her though. But he did raise an arm to drape over his face. And the small act had Lucy huffing in annoyance.

"Of all the trees around here, you just had to pick this one, didnt you?"

Natsu remained silent, and after a few minutes, Lucy went to grab an apple to throw at him.

"Did you buy it?"

His sudden question made her hand freeze and her head to snap in his direction.

"What?"

"Did you buy it?" He asked again, this time waving his other hand around. "The tree I mean."

Lucy knew exactly where the smartass was going with this and glared.

"No but -"

"Did you plant it?"

"What?! Of course not! Trees take decades to get this-"

"Then I think I'll just stay here and nap." He cut her off, slightly raising the arm covering his face to turn and smile at her. "Thanks, Luce."

Lucy gaped at him as he went back to having his nap. She honestly had no idea what was going on today, but she did know that something was, indeed happening. She just had no idea what.

"Whatever." She huffed, feigning indifference as she lay back down. "Just dont expect me to help you if your dumb ass falls out of the tree. And you better not tell anyone about this place."

After resuming her book from where she left off last time, she missed the fond smile that appeared on Natsus face. And it wouldnt be until much later, when they were both in their rooms getting ready for bed, that she would remember what Happy had said about him, and that she'd wasted a good opportunity for thanking him for not leaving her in the woods that night. Which meant she'd have to talk to him again.

Rolling over she buried her face in her pillow and groaned.

"Damn it!"

AN ~ Sorry if I've missed any grammatical errors, thanks for the love guys xX