I promised it so here it is, chapter four!
I know it has been a long time since I updated this story and that to make matters worse I left you on a fierce cliffhanger. But you all know how adult life can be. Sometimes you don't even have time for yourself. I never intended to abandon this fiction or the series I planned to have come of it. I really enjoy it far too much.
So, since you all have waited long enough I won't drag this message out. Here we go!
Chapter Four: Where Have You Gone
She couldn't remember much after the blinding white light. Just the pain, as if her body had been set on fire from the inside out. There had also been voices. One of them had been her own, though it had only been screams that had escaped her. Then there had been Loki. The lion spirit had been calling out her name and then somehow the pain had lessened to an almost bearable degree. Not the that was saying much. But it was obvious even to her fogged mind that the orange haired spirit had saved her. Like always.
Lucy cracked open one brown orb, taking in the hazy sight of the forest around her. The snow that had been cold beneath her had melted long ago due to her body heat. Still, she was not ready to move yet. Even just opening her eye had caused a swarming dizziness to over take her. Maybe just a few more minutes of rest would be alright. Besides, if the boys weren't bugging her to get up and get moving by now then they obviously weren't in that much of a rush.
It was that though that had her eyes snapping open. Despite the roaring pain Lucy was able to bolt up off the ground, the boys' names on her lips.
"Natsu! Gr-OW!" Her shout was cut off with a yelp of pain as the top of her head collided with something hard that was looming above her. Hunched over she continued to rub at her head, hissing under her breath the whole time. "Ow, ow, ow…"
"S-Sorry, Lucy." A pained voice spoke from above her. Her brown orbs lifted to meet the hazel ones peering back down at her. The blue tinted frames that usually covered them were now askew on his face as Loki sheepishly rubbed at his red chin, giving away what it had been that Lucy had crashed into.
Any irrational anger she might have felt was gone the moment she recalled hearing the lion's pained screams during the attack. He had scratched himself to make sure that she would be okay. Something he was always foolishly doing despite her repeated reminders that they were teammates and he was not just her shield. Her eyes instantly filled with tears and she threw herself at the spirit, wrapping her arms around his suit clad body.
"Loki!" She gasped out, the relieved tears pouring down her face. "You're okay! I heard you screaming and I thought…"
Loki chuckled and raised his own arms to wrap tightly around her, holding his wizard close. Truth be told when he been getting pulled back into the spirit world he had been terrified for her. Only Gray had been moving about and even he had been in pretty rough shape. He had honestly thought that at any moment he would feel his contract with her being torn apart as she died, all while he could do nothing for about it. That was something he would not have been able to live with. He most definitely would have allowed himself to fade away this time. It was why he had struggled to claw back through the gate much sooner than he should have.
"I'm fine." He murmured, stroking her blond hair softly. "I'm just glad that Gray was able to do something to keep you safe. He looked so beat up that I didn't think he did be able to pull much off."
Lucy suddenly went stiff in his arms. The boys! She had almost forgotten about them. She just wasn't use to having to be the one too look out for everyone. Without saying anything, she struggled weekly to her feet. She swayed a bit, batting away Loki's worried hands. She needed to find Natsu and Gray. If she had been hurt then chances were that they had been too. It was to quiet to believe that those two were up and fighting.
"Natsu!" She called out, staggering a few steps forward. "Gray! Where are you? Come on guys, answer me!"
A deep groan reached them at that moment and both Lucy and Loki snapped to attention. The entire sound began to morph from a groan to an annoyed growl. It took them a few seconds to figure out what was going to happen, but luckily time and experience had made them wiser. If not, it at had at least made them quicker. Both jumped back, finding coverage behind a tree as the area near where they stood was suddenly engulfed in a cascade of angry flames.
"ALRIGHT, WHERE ARE THOSE JERKS!" A familiar voice roared out. "When I find them I'm going to burn them to ashes!"
Just as he stopped ranting, Lucy barged out from behind the end tree she had used for cover. In a few quick strides she reached the dragon slayer and threw herself at him with a happy laugh. Normally she wouldn't be this forward, but her relief overrode any other emotion and all she could do was cling to her friend. She was so grateful to see him unharmed that she buried her face in his chest as the tears came once again.
"You're okay." She whispered in a shaky voice. "I'm so glad, Natsu."
"Eh? Lucy?" Natsu blinked, the anger fading as he noticed her dispelled appearance. His gaze lifted to where Loki was stepping towards them, and faint but some what worried smile on his face. "Loki? What are you doing here? Aww, man, did I miss a fight? That sucks!"
Lucy had to laugh. With that attitude she was now sure that the dragon slayer was okay. If the first thought on his mind was that he missed out on a brawl, then he was just fine. So that was one missing team member accounted for, which only left Gray and Happy unaccounted for. And it seemed Natsu realized this at the same time. He suddenly jumped up, pushing Lucy back slightly as his gaze snapped around the clearing.
"Whereas Happy and Ice Boy?" He barked out. "Don't tell me they went on ahead and started fighting without me!"
Lucy sighed, her moment of relief shattered by Natsu's dimwitted behavior. She brought a hand up to rub at the bridge of her nose. Was all he cared about fighting? She highly doubted that was what going on since Gray tended to be just as loud and destructive as Natsu when it came to his battles and she heard no other sounds in the woods. Which meant that it was highly likely that the other was not fighting at this moment. Which raised a different question.
Where was Gray?
"I remember seeing him getting up at the same time I was pulled back into the gate." Loki spoke in a pensive tone. "He wasn't moving all that well so I doubt that he ran off to fight anybody."
"Then where is he?" Natsu whined, now trying to look all over at the same time. He paused to draw in a deep breath before suddenly bellowing out at the top of his lungs. "GRAY! WHERE DID YOU GO, YOU PERVERTED POPSICLE? COME OUT-eh?"
Lucy had her hands pressed tightly over her ears to try and block out the sound of the dragon slayer's loud shrieking. Because of this she didn't realize at first that something out had caught his attention. Her hands fell down away from her head. Even Loki stepped forward to see what had caught the pink haired boy's attention.
Natsu looked down at his hand, head cocked to one side. He hadn't noticed it at first which was a surprise. He should have felt it the moment he woke up. The metal edges jabbed into his palm where his grip had clamped down in his anger. Both brows rose in surprise as his fingers unfurled to reveal the trinket locked inside. At first all he filter was confusion. Why did he have this?
His skin paled as the next emotion managed to trickle into him. Eyes wide, Natsu could not stop the trembling that seemed to consume his form. The object in his hand rattled with each consecutive shudder that rippled through his frame. It was a mixture of pure fear and unfiltered rage that washed through him as his gaze remained locked on the small piece of metal.
"No…" He whispered, voice hoarse.
"Natsu?" Lucy sounded frightened as she spoke out. "What is it?"
Natsu turned towards her now, eyes still wide in shock as he held out his hand to show her what he held. A gasp escaped her as a hand lifted to cover her mouth with trembling fingers. Her brown eyes once again filled with tears.
"Oh, please no." She whimpered.
For what Natsu held out to her in one shaking hand was Gray's necklace, the one he never took off. It's silver chain was splattered with blood. It was an obvious sign.
Gray was gone.
H*A*S*T*A*K*A
The world was swaying around him. One minute everything seemed right side up, the upside down the next. It prevented him from being able to collect his bearings, to figure out where he was or what was going on around him. The fact that he had been blindfolded while he slept wasn't helping the situation either. His head still ached from whatever they had used to knock him out and the pain was causing his stomach to twist in protest.
The one thing Gray knew for sure was that he had been properly bound. His hands were tied together at the small of his back, an obvious measure to prevent him from properly using his maker magic. Not that he would have anyway. He had promised them he wouldn't resist if they spared Natsu. If he were to go back on his word chances were they would go back on theirs as well. He wouldn't email able to live with himself if something happened to the dragon slayer because of his stubborn foolishness.
So instead he tried to calm his nerves so that he could try and access some of the situation around him. He might not have been able to see at the moment but that did not mean that he couldn't 'see' what was going on around him.
The ground beneath him was cold and wet, digging into his pants and seeping into the dark material. The wall at his back was the same and he could feel it chaffing at the bare skin of his arms. So they had taken his jacket. Probably meant they had searched him for any weapons. So he must have been dumped in some kind of dungeon cell.
There was also a strange pressure against his throat. It was thick and heavy, pushing back against his windpipe if he tried to move forward or stumble to his feet. These movements were also accompanied by the loud rattle of chain links. So the must have collared him and chained him to the wall to prevent him from having free range of his cell. He wasn't sure why, but he had to bite back the indignant rage at this. Chained up like some kind of animal, every fiber of his being was screaming out in furious protest.
It was thanks to his heart that Gray was able to fight off any dangerous reaction. It beat calmly, reminding him why he was here, who he was doing this for. He could never tell Natsu that he loved him, that he wanted only him for always. Hell, he wasn't even able to stop himself from lashing out at the dragon slayer like a toddler throwing a tantrum. But this, this prison, this sacrifice, this he could do for the pink haired boy. Not that the other would ever know the truth of what Gray had gone through for him.
Gray let out a slow sigh, head tilting back to rest against the wall. In truth he didn't even know himself what he had signed up for. He was pretty sure he had a good idea and he was almost positive that he would not be walking away from it. If these people had gone through the trouble of stealing Hastaka's orb, it was obvious they wanted to make the same stupid mistake that so many others made. They wanted to resurrect the demon. And to do that they would need a fair amount of magic energy. His magic energy.
He could feel the tears burn at his eyes beneath the blindfold. This was how he was going to die, tucked away in some underground dungeon while no one knew what had become of him. And he would be nothing more than a snack know to some ancient demon. Not that he should be upset. It was probably exactly what he deserved. He had caused Ur to give her life up to a demon to save his, sacrificed herself to save one she loved. It only seemed fair that his life would come full circle and he would end up doing the same thing. He would gladly give up his life for Natsu.
The tears had started flowing freely now. They trickled from beneath the cloth barricade, running tracks down his cheeks. His chest ached at the thought of never seeing Natsu again. Their last real moment together had been Gray punching him and running away a broken mess of a man. That was how his beloved would remember him. If he had any regrets about this situation, that would be it. That he had never told Natsu how he really felt. The dragon slayer would live out the rest of his life truly believing that Gray had hated him.
Although maybe it was better that way. That way Natsu could easily live out the rest of his life. Sure he'd be upset by Gray's death, but he would get over it. He'd love another, he'd have a real life. Maybe he would end up with Lucy or Lisanna. It was obvious that the two girls cared greatly for him. They could have a real life together, get married, have some freakishly powerful kids. All the things Gray could have never offered him.
The chasm in his chest opened deeper, fresh pain bleeding out. Gray tried to curl up on himself but the bindings wouldn't allow it. Yes, it was better this way. It would be better if he just simply faded away, faded out of Natsu's life forever.
"There is no need for tears, Little One."
Gray jolted at the sound of the voice. Unable to see, the man had snuck up on him. The ice mage felt a bit foolish. Not only had he not sensed the man, but he allowed this idiots stranger to see him at such a weak moment. Anger flooded in to take the place of the despair that had just filled him. How much weaker could he appear?
"My, my, I must admit that I did not expect that little stunt you pulled back there. I wonder what could have inspired such sacrifice." Gray's entire body went stiff as he felt fingers push themselves into his blue black locks. This person was touching him. A disgusted shiver traced its way down his spine. He didn't want to allow this, but when he tried to move the rattling of the chains and the pressure around his throat stopped him from being able to go anywhere.
"Easy now." The voice purred near his ear, effectively stilling him completely. Fear trickled through him as his breath heaved out of him. "I just need to see your eyes."
Before Gray could ask what that strange statement meant he felt the blindfold loosen. The folds of fabric fell away and the ice mage was forced to blink back against the light that flooded in. It was not like the glare was bright in the dank cell, but after being in the dark for so long even the tiniest bit was painful. He turned his head to the side slightly to give his eyes some time to adjust. It was only then that he turned back to look at the one that had spoken to him.
He swallowed back the swell of fear as he came face to face with the red eyes of the man from the clearing. It was the one that accepted his offer to exchange himself for Natsu. Something was off though. Gray had expected to see malice in that gaze, the same that had always been in the eyes of the leader of the Dark guilds. However in this man's eyes there was nothing. They were completely empty, which in a way was more disturbing. Even though he knew he couldn't get away, Gray couldn't help but press himself back further against the wall. He flinched as the stones dug into his arms, scraping away the flesh in some parts. The sting went ignored though, as all Gray could think of was getting away from this empty man.
"Ah, ah, we had a deal didn't we?" The man sat back on his haunches slightly, an emotionless smile curling his lips.
Gray went still at the reminder. That was right, he couldn't fight back. If he did then Natsu's life was forfeit. Frustrated sorrow swelled up inside him, but Gray still forced his body to go still. He even refused to allow himself to flinch as those thing fingers continued to stroke through his hair. It was as if the man were petting him.
"That's better." The man whispered.
"W-Who are you?" Gray finally found it with in himself to speak to the man.
The ebony haired man continued to grin back at him. The hand that was buried in the ice mage's locks suddenly tightened, twisting sharply. Gray clenched his jaw as a yelp of pain escaped him. His head was jerked forward and brought closer to the other man's face. Before he knew what was happening, the stranger's forehead was pressed against his own.
"Just be silent." The man whispered, closing his eyes. "Let me see what makes you so reckless, little mage."
Gray opened his mouth to voice his confusion but was stopped but a faint tingling from the spot where the other was touching him. The tingling started to become stronger, now a sharp vibration that seemed to radiate through out his entire mind. It was as if the man were trying to shake free something inside his skull. The ice mage clenched his jaw and tried to struggle backwards. His promise was forgotten in the moment as all he could feel was the invading fingers of the other man's magic as it probed at the hidden corners of his memory.
"N-No…" He panted, trying with all his strength to resist the magic.
It seemed he was just not strong enough at the moment. Something in his mind just clicked out of place so violently that Gray was almost sure he could hear the pop. And then, it was pain. His back arched away from the wall as a scream poured from his throat. Fingers clawed at the wall behind him as he tried to get away from the man and his grip. Yet it was too late. He could feel them pouring out of him in a rapid rush, flowing into the man that held him tightly.
His memories.
His time with his parents, their deaths, being taken in by Ur, her death, joining Fairy Tail; all his most personal moments, his greatest tragedies and most joyful memories. All of them were now this man's to see. His breath panted out of him as more pained whimpers left him with all his secrets. His legs twitched uselessly, heels digging at ground beneath him. No more, he couldn't give up any more. If this man kept searching his mind he would find out. He would learn Gray's biggest secret and weakness.
"N-No more…please you can't…" He wheezed.
Too late.
Gray's head snapped back as the wail tore out of him. The images of him were being yanked free of their deep rooted hiding spots. Natsu laughing at him, fighting with him, fighting against him, saving him time and time again. And then even worse, all that he had worked so hard to hide from everyone.
Natsu standing in front of him, preventing him from casting Iced Shell on the demon that had taken both his parent's and his Master's lives. At first their was anger that the pink haired fool would stand in the way and prevent him from finally seeking justice. But then, as Natsu explained that he refused to see Gray die, the emotion shifted. The warmth filled his chest and trickled out through every part of him. Love…
The man finally pulled back, releasing his hold on Gray. That horrible tugging sensation finally fled and the ice mage could only sag back against the wall. His breath came in short, panting bursts as a thin layer of sweat soaked his body.
"Ah, I see now." The man whispered, now standing to his full height to loom over the shivering Gray. "You sacrificed yourself for love. And not just something as pathetic as that, but a secret love. So that silly little dragon slayer Natsu does not even understand why you're gone or for what heartfelt reasons he is still safe. Honestly, I could not have picked a more satisfying situation. Sacrifices in vain are my favorite kind."
Gray lifted his pale blue eyes to cast a hooded glare at the man that stood before him. The pain was still sparking through the nerves in his mind but it did nothing to get the violated anger at bay. This man may had looked upon his thoughts but he understood nothing. So long as Natsu was alive and out there none of it was in vain. He set that vicious glare on the stranger.
"Oh? Such a scary face." The man chuckled. "However it will do you no good. You are our sacrifice."
The man started to walk about to a door in the far wall. Once he reached it, he stopped and turned to face Gray one last time. His lips turned up in a slow smile as his head tilted to one side. The look caused Gray's stomach to drop to his feet.
"To answer your earlier question, my name is Breckon and I am the leader of Medusa's Eyes." He continued to smirk. "And we will feed you to Hastaka in order to revive the demon and take control of this world once and for all. I'm not sorry to tell you this, but this will be a slow, painful death for you, little ice wizard. And no one is coming to save you."
As Breckon turned to step out of the door, a faint whirring sound caught Gray's ear. His gaze shifted to the far corner of the small cell that he was in. There was a pedestal there, on which stood a strange glass box. The glass shield was the cause of the electronic sound as some strange mechanism was causing it to raise. His blue eyes widened, heart thumping harder as he began to see what was beneath the barrier.
The Orb of Hastaka was beginning to glow as it was exposed to the only other magic source in the room. Him. Gray opened his mouth, prepared to call out for them to stop it, but nothing came out. His entire world seemed to slow down. He could feel his magic bubble up, almost as if it were starting to boil up inside him. It pushed at the confines of its cage, looking for a weak spot, until it finally found one.
It was then that Gray's entire world was lost, everything vanishing into a bright white light that seared his entire being both inside and out. The last thing he could remember before senseless pain consumed him was the earth shaking scream that shredded its way out of him.
And there you have it folks. The update is FINALLY out. So much answered and so much still unknown! Gray has become the sacrifice to the demon, but will the others find him in time to save him? Who is this Breckon and his Guild mates and what do they think they can accomplish with this creature? And where is Happy?!
Now, to be serious for a moment, I really just want to thank you all, my loyal readers and followers! I was simply shocked by the buzz I received for just announcing this update. Originally I had aimed to have it out by Friday, but your encouragement even after all this time fueled that fire and I worked much harder to get it out sooner.
You really are incredible and you made my week! So I think that I have to pay you back for this support. So I am going to offer a Reference Request.
On top of being a fanfiction writer, I'm an avid fan fiction reader. I always love finding a new story that catches my attention and that I enjoy, but maybe other people haven't found it yet. SO…send me your Gray/Natsu fanfictions! For each update I will post one at the end as well as add it to my favorites list!
However, there will be rules!
The stories must be Gray/Natsu! Or at the very least centered around one or the other.
There is NO rating restriction, however please only stories written in English. It is the only language I can easily read.
The stories can be of any kind; canon, AU, Canon AU (what-if fics). HOWEVER they must be original to you. This means no stories based off a book, movie, tv show, or other manga. I want to promote people's imagination, so I must insist they be of your original creation.
DO NOT POST YOUR LINK IN A REVIEW! Reviews are simply for that, reviewing the story! All links should be sent via a PM. And please only send the link once. I may not respond, but that does not mean that I have not gotten the story.
There we have it! If you enter your story, pay attention for the next update to see if your story is picked.
And with that, this story has been officially updated! Remember, reviews make the update come faster. So please, leave me some love and you shall hear from me sooner!