p data-p-id="a47f16bd4c1c5d7f629b65a80d0acfa5"strongI'm/strongstrong sorry this took forever /strongstrongto/strongstrong make but yay here it is: /strong/p
p data-p-id="8a7dfd246b5f44ff1a2cd537d3439385"em"WHAT?!" /emNatsu and Gray screamed./p
p data-p-id="87497216b62b15056cf6ae95c0dc2808""Wait," I stammered. "You mean these two? Working together? I don't think that's gonna happen."/p
p data-p-id="fed5d64985631bc605b4b56f37581397""It's not gonna happen!" Gray and Natsu both screamed. They both glared at each other at the same time. Maybe they're more alike than they think./p
p data-p-id="b32f380bc4c6fe0bee12625758b59b49""Why don't you go with Natsu, Erza?" Gray asked. "Why not since you emlove/em each other so much?"/p
p data-p-id="1c79ec490de2f6bf408d84428b591dc4""Like hell I do!" Natsu screamed. "I'll just go with Lucy."/p
p data-p-id="6594a348de545e769130258169e1e7ff""Both of you embe quiet!/em" her voice commanded. Natsu and Gray became silent. "Now, if you guys will let me talk, I will explain. First off, no I cannot go to this mission. I have a mission of my own. I'm getting the Earth Beetle at the bottom of Boiling Lava Lake." Erza shot me a quick look, but then continued. "Secondly, it's too dangerous for Lucy. This mission is dangerous and needs to be taken care of quickly by a powerful team. Not by a newbie and a guy who can't control his temper." I felt kind of hurt by her words, but it was the truth. I could get seriously injured now. The first time was just pure luck. "Do you guys understand? This is a serious mission." They nodded, but slightly glared at each time. "You guys better get moving before we lose the Heaven Beetle. And grab a shirt, Gray!"/p
p data-p-id="aae135c91aec561dbc552f9c0d5c0e19""I know, I know." Gray said as he put on a dark blue button shirt./p
p data-p-id="60dea04f53df00e5ac25f7ab9d16f821""But how are we going to get there?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="3847966831199b100ca048b8b5d7c5c9""By teleporter, of course." Erza replied./p
p data-p-id="32cbf04d6de3708ea170bf6c5c1942bf""Ugh," Natsu groaned. "Not the teleporter!"/p
p data-p-id="5abf4897bb0a3cba4e4ef270f24d3fe7""Oh Natsu," Gray sighed. "You're only complaining because of your motion sickness. You should be used to it by now."/p
p data-p-id="99896d81fa2716fb2b763d4edb049d07""I know, but I still don't feel good."/p
p data-p-id="530d85dda4604edf5bdaa8cb6120f27e""You mean, the glowing light that you exited when I first saw you?" I asked Erza, ignoring Natsu. "On the platform in the living room?"/p
p data-p-id="08134dc77d57a528b05651a3ff6b327c""Yes. You will be a little uncomfortable the first time, but you'll get used to it." Erza reassured. "Well, unless you are Natsu."/p
p data-p-id="731709b64646ae8640b57f1ab2a9337c""Hey!" Natsu screamed. "It's not my problem that I can't control my stomach!"/p
p data-p-id="8d858f8a490b61441e2f4ae3e079590c""Actually it is." Gray laughed./p
p data-p-id="37cc3932cbdd12362f123a8f8c711205""Shut up!" Natsu yelled. Before I knew it, they started fighting. They kept aiming at their throats and faces. Erza had one annoyed look on her face./p
p data-p-id="7113491ed93e47dce2d4a6da804cc203""ENOUGH!" Erza screamed as she grabbed both the boys' heads and smashed them together. They fell back, rubbing their foreheads and trying to recover from their dizzyness. "You are going to work together and you are going to like it! I thought you guys were getting along for awhile."/p
p data-p-id="c2463efc5d07484ed44795a96d6365cc""Behind your back..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="1d6c1cf4d185e5459c2c08c7cbf2c36b""What was that, Natsu?" Erza asked./p
p data-p-id="14f6ead454e8d4f2eb6b2a508ec46cd4""Nothing!" Natsu hollered./p
p data-p-id="dad0c6284a3fa2e8caf410d4d439e058""You guys are going to behave. emAgreed?/em"/p
p data-p-id="e5743a6f2b5147dc8d2882fbd758fe28""Yes..." they muttered. It was as if Erza was their mother who was lecturing her two boys. I giggled at the thought. We walked into the living room and the team stood on the platform. Natsu already didn't look so good. I started praying that he wouldn't barf. Erza patted my back, wishing me good luck./p
p data-p-id="fb0e5237cdfc0028823350f425f8a7fd""So, how do you use this?" I asked her. "Is there a button or something?" Erza laughed out loud, scaring all of us. She really did look pretty when she smiled. I wish she did it more./p
p data-p-id="bbc522a05ad48d0d2d64a720a90fbc57""No, it's totally different. All you have to do is picture yourself in a place. The place can't be imaginary or somewhere you never been before. Also, there needs to be a teleporter at your destination. Once you decide, just concentrate your energy into the platform though you have to make sure all of you are thinking of the same place. You don't want to get lost in there. Natsu and Gray will take you since they know where they're going. And whatever you do, don't get separated from them. Don't try coming out unless you are safely on the platform."/p
p data-p-id="c67890e343d79c0a138e2de43cd6b3d3""Okay," I said, mentally writing this down. "Is that all, emmom?/em" I then regretted teasing Erza. She may not get the joke. She then put her hand on my shoulder./p
p data-p-id="59c1e09315dff73fec8fd94238102139""Just be safe." She softly smiled at me. Sometimes, I think she's looking at Layla, not me. I just nodded and joined Natsu and Gray on the platform./p
p data-p-id="594fd0b99e7e4b121bfec01a40baf748""You ready?" Gray asked./p
p data-p-id="94dcac47ab4b244a62fda20274328c13""Let's get this over with." I replied./p
p data-p-id="fb05f6dd216d8dff153be3f6b25134eb""Nooo..." Natsu groaned. Suddenly, we were immersed in light and we were lifted from the ground. I panicked, trying to grab onto something. Natsu looked like he was about to barf. I then unconsciously held onto Gray. He looked surprised, but he grinned./p
p data-p-id="e6b87097ef22044d5856841329b69ff5""Hold on tight." He said as the blinding light made it harder gor us to see the outside. I saw Erza waving goodbye. She disappeared and then we were floating. I couldn't see anything but Gray, calm and collected, and Natsu who was turned upside down in the process. He looked even worse than before./p
p data-p-id="7d0340c051f7160a1793f4b689005767""You better not barf in here Natsu!" Gray said. Natsu refused to answer, focusing his energy on not throwing up. Gray looked happy to see him weak and miserable. "I should come in here with you more often." he smiled. Natsu gave him a nasty look, but remained silent. In a matter of seconds, I felt my feet touching a cold surface. I let go of Gray and walked out of the column of light. emToto, we are definetly not in the beach house anymore./em The sky was a rose pink without a cloud to cover it. We were in front of an old temple, but it looked like it was about to crumble. Sky Spire was a bunch of ruins that were deteriorating from old age. Long vines surrounded the building that was filled with cracks. We had to to climb a long way of stairs before we actually got there. This was going to be a long day. Gray was already on the first ten steps while Natsu tried to calm down his stomach./p
p data-p-id="b60aa5057692b8036ab73f67dbf1c2c1""Come on Lucy!" Gray yelled. "Don't wait for Natsu! He'll catch up later!" I glanced back st the pitiful Natsu, but Gray was right. It's not like the Heaven Beetle was waiting for us. I ran up the steps and caught up with Gray. It became quiet and the silence was defeaning./p
p data-p-id="bae9f9ef4a470fba987c341edcc21ed0""So Gray," I said. "How old are you now?"/p
p data-p-id="ea13081cc567f1c676b9bc3a658ae69d""I'm 18." He said./p
p data-p-id="d9d3eff485f2062d5496d340cf328b57""So you lived for 18,000 years?"/p
p data-p-id="56796579ccaadbfc7e5d71968147e9d5""18,562 years and still counting!" He said cheerfully./p
p data-p-id="c35f90b273ed588e4edb9a864e360fc6""What about Natsu?"/p
p data-p-id="138fbc880812b1ce8aeac8bc0cd312ed""Natsu?"/p
p data-p-id="eb13b4578b9e98cc3f3fe0a757bebdc5""Yeah. It seems he can't remember what happened in the past. Maybe you know..."/p
p data-p-id="a3c3a5de634a16fc239e2be04523776f""Sorry, but I came a lot later. By the time Layla picked me up, everyone was already knew each other. I was just the late-comer."/p
p data-p-id="3c84898e1c84150dda906c8bc556492e""But you were picked up. From the Kindergarten?"/p
p data-p-id="c0df3c3b27877427a3d10169686f0bcc""Not exactly. You see, before Layla took me in, I escaped from the Kindergarten by myself."/p
p data-p-id="26d9525e297c5e28902b078086bd213d""But how?" I was amazed. How did he escape by himself?/p
p data-p-id="5c05b93cc34e55f8be6a032bc5ba9428""By doing this." He took out his hand, when suddenly, an ice heart formed on his hand. My eyes widened in awe. "I didn't get along with the other Earth gems. I usually was by myself, figuring out ways to escape that place. There was a teleporter, but two guards watched over it. One day, there was a single Homeworld gem guarding the teleporter. I've been practicing my powers for this moment. I didn't completely control my power before, but I could at least freeze one person. I used the chance to freeze him and tried to teleport. But I didn't know how. Out of nowhere, I was floating and was surrounded by light. I was scared and I heard the screams of the guards. I didn't know what to do. I closed my eyes and cried. I was 7 when this happened. I was lost and when the light disappeared, I was in darkness. I thought I was going to die there. I regretted my decision of leaving and wanted to go home. I remembered one of the kids dreamed about seeing a beach and I wished that I could see it before I was taken back. Suddenly, I felt the coolness of water. I opened my eyes, lungs burning for air. There was no teleporter around, but it seemed that I was just dropped into the water. I swam back to shore and rested on the sand. I was tired and I couldn't move. Then she found me."/p
p data-p-id="31bcc4735eb0408d8b2a8c4f00ecb6a6""Layla?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="8623119f1cedd36e7f27badb26ff3d9a""No. Her name was Ur. She controlled the Earth and was avoiding the Great Crystal War. She didn't really like gems or humans, but she decided to let me tag along. She helped me improve my powers. She even gave me her stupid habit of stripping. She said I had to endure the cold to control the ice. She made me take off my clothes until I had only boxers on when I practiced. She was strict, but kind. I wish-" He then stopped abruptly and looked down to the ground. He crushed the ice in his hand. His expression hardened, his eyes I knew that look./em/p
p data-p-id="9371c72658245b004317a728f8d90f96""You don't have to tell me. You said enough." I confided./p
p data-p-id="093bd3317c0ff6d35092b06f06dd2e3a""Thank you." He said. "I try not to bring it up a lot. Anyways, Layla found me after Ur couldn't take care of me anymore. That's how I got into the Crystal Fairies."/p
p data-p-id="6ce9f587dff8defb8a93e26b043e394d""Then I guess you are pretty powerful." I said./p
p data-p-id="022dc820ba7ada6be9dc0c0a04cfa87f""Sure am!" Gray bragged. "But-"/p
p data-p-id="bf29e6891286960617d638883ec6278a""Not as much as me!" a voice interrupted. Suddenly, two arms hugged my neck and choked me. Gray got Natsu off of me before I fell down the stairs./p
p data-p-id="8fa4a93bdb98042a7d3de9742b8cb9d4""Natsu!" I screamed. "That hurt!"/p
p data-p-id="fc073d36b93425f862e32691dced11cf""Sorry." he said apologetically./p
p data-p-id="eb73d72d7ce0813f23e1b91de817bf18""Before I was interrupted," Gray said, eying Natsu. "I was going to explain that a gem is more powerful when fused."/p
p data-p-id="f6e46de957c72ace03723b48e2756559""Fused? Like a mix?"/p
p data-p-id="06cb111e6213673e1dad188208f380aa""Exactly." Gray answered. "It's when two gems join together to form a combination. Though it depends on how well the gems work together. Sometimes, the fusion rejects them. We only fuse in case of extreme measures. It takes a lot of energy to stay fused for a long time."/p
p data-p-id="e677ce687b313c7561cfebdfc0f640a1""Can you show me?" I was so interested that I couldn't hold in my excitement./p
p data-p-id="8ff0cb69b7f83bc855e303e5dee122fe""Now?" Gray asked, puzzled. "But with who?"/p
p data-p-id="2330963c49a0bf3a0848ff6f9650b6cc""With Natsu of course!" The boys stared at each other and fell over laughing. Natsu almost slid down the stairs before he caught himself. Gray was wiping the tears off his cheeks. "So, will you do it?"/p
p data-p-id="159953066c28ad2770eda92151383857""No." Gray's voice turned serious in a matter of seconds. "We can never fuse. We'd get rejected right away."/p
p data-p-id="41d4a8dac1c6ca52c33ec55c6d43ce90""He's right." Natsu agreed. "We don't really see eye to eye. I'm way too emawesome/em for him to match me."/p
p data-p-id="3d2847d1180257a8ac109c5eae3130d5""He's too emannoying/em to deal with." Gray retorted./p
p data-p-id="af01ac16e584e93bc773f7f41159fd43""You see?" Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="778f4d4a0d55cde7bfe0721b4c2782e3""But I really want to see it!" I whined. I mean, who doesn't want to see two people merge into one to make an all powerful gem? Okay, that may sound a bit sketchy, but you know what I mean!/p
p data-p-id="96037aeb3076f89b859b875485c84905""I'm sorry, Lucy." Gray said. "But unless we were in danger, you won't see us fusing." I pouted, but I didn't talk any more about it. I knew it would be a long shot for Natsu and Gray to fuse just for the heck of it. They already hate to be near each other, why would they merge into one? To kill themselves? emI'm such an idiot. /em/p
p data-p-id="7aa8f46f09e7572a2a216d06fa318793"We finally reached to the top of the stairs and made our way through the temple. Debris was lying around everywhere and I kept tripping over cracks on the floor. It almost looked like waste of time to save it. Natsu felt sorry for the ruins, Gray ignored it like it was nothing. I guess he's seen worse than this. We finally reached the door to the temple./p
p data-p-id="4a38168b9533e95c9222e5063414f7c1""Lucy, stay behind me." Gray whispered. I nodded and stayed close behind him. Natsu watched us, then turned away. Trees and plants were growing out of random places and the small temples were beginning to fall apart. I then heard a rustle in the bush near us./p
p data-p-id="2b742e1d5e50eeb3868594fae76e24f4""W-what was that?" I stuttered./p
p data-p-id="b331d8ae7a1c9f3cd33a8b368ef42080""Probably just your imagination." Gray said. We then heard the movement again and everyone turned to the vibrations. Natsu lit his hand on fire while Gray made a spear made of ice. Gray poked the bush as I stood back. The bush shook even more./p
p data-p-id="99c0c4203f1d3bcad8402e9a9f3ecec3""Umm," I trembled. "Maybe this is a good time to fuse?"/p
p data-p-id="410a46e60939b7a5d90613ec59ad99dd""Not until we see what this is." Gray replied. Suddenly, something emerged from the bush. I jumped back. Then something jumped on me as I tried fighting it back. Natsu pulled the thing off my chest and smiled./p
p data-p-id="3390f7343fffb36a95e31da74501fc6b""Aren't you something?" Natsu chuckled. He held a blue cat with big eyes. And that wasn't the weirdest part: he had white wings attached to its back!/p
p data-p-id="a0998b425aa3ed63fde1b0783dd51fa0""Is that supposed to be a cat?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="13fe890ab208eecd5465e7ddb254d8f2""Aye sir!" the cat spoke. We all jumped from the sudden voice./p
p data-p-id="a4ca2222fa94c9d6379bb7054df3949c""And you talk?!" Natsu then raised him up and spun him in his arms. "I am emdefinetly/em keeping him!"/p
p data-p-id="f370b3454a0886dced49e30e2f4a0b3d""No emwe're not/em." Gray interrupted, showing his crystal on his chest after stripping. "Cat, we are trying to find the Heaven Beetle. Do you know where it is?"/p
p data-p-id="c8e13e4bd377be492ec3436125aba908""Aye sir!" He smiled. "I guard the temple." He then looked at me with teary eyes. "I-I'm s-sorry for attacking y-you. I th-thought you were the m-monster."/p
p data-p-id="a5d1890bba87faf064fa313c3c71d672""Aw, it's okay." I grinned and patted it's head. "But how about showing us where the gem is?"/p
p data-p-id="c910cdaf84772c00ab741236db341de3""Aye sir!" He then leaped out of Natsu's arms and flew to the sky. "It's this way!"/p
p data-p-id="bff1da9fb141750e8bf734edbbdb7f14""Hey, cat!" Natsu called. "What's your name?"/p
p data-p-id="48de67d9f08bccf4fa092dad95fb830a""Name? They just call me guardian here."/p
p data-p-id="6c358f5af539be4b77b5cf0fe36ebaca""Then how about..." Natsu then examined him. "Wings?."/p
p data-p-id="df496c8f7eb4db772618a5d56fcbd627""Wings?" Gray laughed. "What kind of name is that?"/p
p data-p-id="e301188a59dfeeaa52d172f85a869742""Fine, how about Blue?" Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="b2e751eb4c6765e7285cf80b51cbfb2d""Blue?" I snickered. "Do something with meaning!"/p
p data-p-id="6493d4c2e3ddf991d93fd38f3c031c79""Okay, okay, let me think." He placed his hand under his chin and thought. He then saw the cat's smile . "How about Happy?"/p
p data-p-id="5e5a9ad0f2a1c5e661ce1c5d7af81123""Happy?" I asked. "Why?"/p
p data-p-id="793bb118e1bdb381592295b2a2be634d""So he can bring happiness to everyone he meets." He then cupped his hands into a megaphone to the sky. "You, okay with that, Happy?"/p
p data-p-id="13a2239a7c91e22fb2664f9761e93138""Aye sir!" Happy replied./p
p data-p-id="b61fa7818aa21d6ec863f166c6f5383f""Call me Natsu!" he yelled./p
p data-p-id="40f5a7734368c636db55d1e7ce65ddd6""I'm Lucy!" I screamed./p
p data-p-id="e9d740483b231bedd28ece86deb89d08""Gray here." Gray said./p
p data-p-id="da2266189a2bbf2c0890c2a9fafd11c9""Everyone, follow me!" We kept walking, following the blue cat. We passed by a flowing river, crossing the bridge Happy found from a higher point of view. We then walked a few more feet until Happy screeched, "STOP!"/p
p data-p-id="d033fac644cde16de2a1ab54c1c11e0f""What's wrong?" I looked around and nothing was there except a giant pond./p
p data-p-id="5012fd97e3e43600cb7ef21eb38a6c79""We're here!" He exclaimed, swooping down to meet us."/p
p data-p-id="546ccb40aac57390798a65c4b302e40a""What do you mean we're here?" I asked, puzzled./p
p data-p-id="31836504bb5ca0d39778aa7b9df22c1f""Look down." Gray said. I then saw the tiniest temple I've ever seen. It looked like a tiny dollhouse. I bent down to get a closer look./p
p data-p-id="0c3a578230ba241e1c04f5645c7fe0de""Does someone live here?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="1c4c42c7a342c13b8e9077f6866f8a2f""Aye, the Heaven Beetle lives here." Suddenly, the wings disappeared from the cat's back. I looked around some more to find the insect./p
p data-p-id="d93d21e58b76be33bddeb7121c3ea9b1""What does it look like?"/p
p data-p-id="6fff73632241b263f5b597ed680c3532""The beetle is yellow, turquoise, and white. It's turquoise gem is on its back." Happy described./p
p data-p-id="074cd5a7215eeeccc08b62a8770d576d""Umm," I muttered. "Is it invisible?"/p
p data-p-id="3b13acd11bcbfc9af4f056bab03cc19c""Invisible? It's not invisible."/p
p data-p-id="4ebc370aa7d28d758003277d85f1f85c""Well, it's definetly not here. I then got up and dusted some dust off my legs./p
p data-p-id="d2f3a32c3845673d9582fc64d8e2583c""That can't be!" Happy then got on his knees and tried to find it. "Mr. Beetle! Where are you?" He started to cry. "I'm a failure as a protector!"/p
p data-p-id="51423a4fcadd78c5f20ba059e1f41934""Hey, it's fine!" Natsu comforted the small cat. "You did a great job til now!"/p
p data-p-id="17eeca2b8b103bf3cb3614d85e807342""But where could it be?" Suddenly, the ground started shaking. I lost my balance and held onto some debris on the side./p
p data-p-id="b84f7602c39db16919c0a135937bd520""What's happening?" I shaked./p
p data-p-id="6e73b83133f1fa3af13f45e9e550b186""Look!" Gray yelled as he pointed to the pond. Multiple violent ripples were formed as a dark shadow appeared. Out of nowhere, a large bird emerged from the water. It was purple with no eyes. Its beak was sharp with pointy sides. My eyes widened in fear. Unfortunately, Happy was closest to the bird. He got swallowed whole in one gulp./p
p data-p-id="1755703e617a21bdb93fceac49b80d9e""Happy!" Natsu screamed. He then started flinging fireballs at the monster. "Give us back Happy!" Gray made an ice hammer, but the bird kept dodging the hits. I couldn't do anything; I felt helpless. Where's the whip when I needed it? They kept trying to damage it, but there attacks were futile against the bird./p
p data-p-id="bc605f4722f7a47acdbff2ba707c7c4a""We have to run!" Gray screamed./p
p data-p-id="a7b4626ed4055b37e7f3d49c1efc2a99""But what about Happy?" Natsu asked./p
p data-p-id="fba739ef177677d82d4e1c6d0365ec1c""There's no time! We have to go now!" We ran into a temple for cover. The bird tried to ram into the temple, but it refused to break./p
p data-p-id="3d62c17e46473373783af36355aa1e86""Anyone got a plan?" Gray asked./p
p data-p-id="fae491870161535328dd088c5c3cd746""What if we get eaten and beat it from the inside?" Natsu suggested./p
p data-p-id="78a2a509ca2224cd49074c8d2fc3db65""Are you an idiot?" Gray screamed. "What if we can't get out?"/p
p data-p-id="972772f73393767c54d54e88d6f84921""Well... um..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="120bda7844a98a8ebbfa46bfb153ef55""How about fusing?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="bc461ce530d16ae879299b5f0f2ab729"em"WHAT?!"/em they yelled./p
p data-p-id="1c6cee0969f06328ece0695a3e625bc6""You know, combine! We might be able to make it out of here if you guys work together!"/p
p data-p-id="d948c02f8577488e14f9ecc76d1ff6f3""She might be right..." Gray mumbled./p
p data-p-id="817de74379e5ed1c34ae1aeb76ef7d6b""Its not going to work... but... I'm doing this for Happy..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="f20c93c3ac44f9bccef49afb70bc3f3d""So how do you do it?" I asked. But they weren't listening. Before I knew it, they were dancing. I honestly was really confused, but I didn't interrupt. Gray danced like Micheal Jackson, suave and cool. It was as if he was doing the samba. Natsu was like a street dancer, dancing to his own groove. Gray glanced with disgust. Natsu wasn't even looking. As they got closer, Natsu hit Gray in the face really hard. Gray stepped on his foot in return. Natsu scowled. Gray then took Natsu in his arms and dipped him./p
p data-p-id="6d4a469dbb2a8a4f29062c175350dbb7""Wait... why am emI/em the emgirl/em?" Natsu whispered roughly./p
p data-p-id="2c6b430e75fdfb112b9168dc9ad2dcda"em"Shut up and dance!" /emGray said harshly. They started glowing as they slowly merged into one. I'm finally going to see it! I can't wait! Suddenly, they were both thrown back into opposite sides of the temple. Natsu groaned and rubbed his head./p
p data-p-id="28acb068d993202dc32fbc6546e5c776""See, I told you it wasn't going to work." Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="3875b213664228ef066dcd610abd6500""Dang it, why did we do that? It was doomed from the start." Gray said. "We need a new-" Then the ceiling cracked and broke. The monster screeched into the temple and it's beak tried to catch us./p
p data-p-id="8b2e3b79f07a8bdeec36ab56c944e752""Lucy, look out!" Gray yelled. What did he mean? I felt my surroundings darken and some liquid fell near me. I realized it was drool. I looked up into the mouth of the monster. How do I always get myself into these situations? I then saw it's beak close and I was transported down the throat. It was slimy and tight, it was disgusting. I fought back, but it made me fall deeper into darkness. I finally fell into some liquid that made me want to barf. It was pitch black, but as soon as I closed my eyes, my gem glowed slightly. I was in a slimy circular area filled with a gross liquid. Yup, I'm in the stomach. I better get out of here before I get digested. I then kicked something... something blue./p
p data-p-id="d470ac828e33859cab090d142487ac79""Happy!" I picked up the hurt cat and cuddled him in my arms. "Are you okay?"/p
p data-p-id="f0e8b9fd730de7f95e01b566b3df3e23""A-aye sir." He said weakly, still trying to smile. He was holding something tight in his hand. "Keep it safe." He said. I nodded and put it in my back pocket. "Lucy..." he whispered. "Are we going to be okay?"/p
p data-p-id="04bb5865204b9bbdd0e4e343863ecb60""Of course we are! Natsu and Gray are still out there! They'll save us! Let's try finding a way out of here." I cradled him and tried punching the stomach, but there was no effect./p
p data-p-id="75c2590cbff5b1db94f342252e28af48""Good..." he whispered. He then went to sleep. There was no way I'm letting both of us are going to die here./p
p data-p-id="9e40c9b63932700199cb558ea612643c""C'mon whip! I seriously need you now!" I held my breath and tried to summon it, but nothing happened. We weren't going to die here. I kept telling myself that, but the longer I stayed, the lesser I believed in it./p
p data-p-id="b8dacdfb97a90f927d6dcc5b63d3fb79""Natsu! Gray! Are you there?" I yelled, but no one answered. I started to cry and my gem was dimming. I hugged the blue cat and prayed to my mom. "Please... help." Suddenly, a bright light lit below us like angels from heaven. I looked up to see an extending hand. Well, multiple hands shooting from the bottom. I panicked and started running. I ran to the corner and tried to hide myself./p
p data-p-id="8d485838280394e2b57fc888fb60d80f"em"Lucy!" /ema distorted voice screamed. One hand reached towards me, beckoning me to it. I grabbed it and I felt myself being lifted up. As soon as I got out of the stomach, I breathed heavily. I then looked up to see a giant man. He had light blue spiky hair. He wore a sleelveless red shirt embroidered with blue designs. His knee-length pants were white, but he had on a familiar scaled scarf wrapped around his neck. His skin represented a lavender sort of color. He had a goofy smile on his face. He also had four arms. He had on black sunglasses, but once he took them off, there showed rare light pink eyes. em"Are you okay?" /emA rough, but delighted voice spoke./p
p data-p-id="d672348216611ab9ebc64911e0a998a5""Y-yeah..." I said in amazement. We heard a loud screech which made us turn our heads. The bird was already up and trying to attack. It didn't look happy to have its stomach stabbed. The man then grinned suspiciously./p
p data-p-id="9b515429c872cfeb887da4d12618d4c7""Would you rather freeze to death?" a rather distorted, but clear Gray said as the fusion shot an ice arrow at its left wing. The bird screeched from the sudden cold./p
p data-p-id="d913bf550ed08e270bee1c179560147a""How about a little hell fire to heat things up?" said a rough, but charismatic Natsu as the fusion then shot a fire arrow. The bird's right wing was aflame and could not fly in the aur. It started to fall, flapping it's wings ferociously./p
p data-p-id="144c1c88f8dbbeef013fed9f6cf1ab43"em"Or both!?"/em the two screamed together. They pulled out what seemed to be another ice arrow, except that it was smoking. It looked like dry ice. When they shot it, the ice began to surround itself in fire. The arrow struck the bird at its head. Suddenly, the bird was bombarded in flames and smoke filled the sky. At first, I couldn't see the bird, until I saw something that looked like an iceberg falling from the sky. The bird was trapped in ice, then suddenly, the ice shattered the monster./p
p data-p-id="6bc29b534cf1850e221205f6588f0116""Wait, where's the gem?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="5028795e2a66db59ba5367fa3a5fe7e4"em"That was just a monster!"/em He said with enthusiasm. em"Let's go home!"/em The lively fusion said with a grin. I nodded and we walked back, carrying Happy in my arms. I made sure not to trip while walking down the stairs so I wouldn't drop him. I looked back at the fusion, seeing confidence radiate from him./p
p data-p-id="1f13e5cdb0f06ab97bb3cd6a1f843c8b""So this is your fusion, right?"/p
p data-p-id="2129d6c82747d8870bd5c3e64fd14f00"em"Sure is!"/em He yelled. His voice rang out like thunder as he clapped./p
p data-p-id="5a359b4996f7504323af23ceb20d9741""Looks like Natsu is in control." I smirked. "So what's your name?"/p
p data-p-id="8047fc2c935a32a204311727a3544fb1"em"I am Topaz."/em/p
p data-p-id="1ea689b23647433b666e897e1f75ea90""You don't have another name?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="af88e0679e87d7f667a5bc6d729768a0"em"Nope."/em he "I don't need a name to be cool."/em/p
p data-p-id="0898abfe7a2e7c4faa6a7adf63cc4564""Haha, yeah. I'm just happy to finally see your fusion." We finally made it to the platform and we teleported. I looked to Topaz to see if he reacted. He looked forward, but nothing happened. At least Gray was in control of his stomach. We got home, and surprisingly, Erza was waiting for us./p
p data-p-id="5140f231c9114734222dfe9eb3eeaf66""Well, it's been some time since I've seen Topaz. How you doing?"/p
p data-p-id="146d718f6a06bdb013b8dd6af2ea647c"em"I'm great!"/em Topaz smiled./p
p data-p-id="9928bd605970cc4642f1f573ce42144f""So who's that?" Erza looked at the blue cat wrapped in my arms./p
p data-p-id="6c5006fbff39f13cdf9d3809552e55af""Oh, this is Happy." I tickled the sleeping cat. "We can keep him, right?"/p
p data-p-id="19ddbf6d09bbe395a3481b4969bee39b""Sure." She giggled. "So did you retrieve the Heaven Beetle?" She asked. "I already have the Earth Beetle." She opened her palm to unravel a dark blue, grey, and cream beetle. Like the Heaven Beetle, it also had a turquoise gem on its back./p
p data-p-id="037a19e16e01400c0472972e715154f8"em"The wh-"/em Suddenly, the two separated quickly and fell to the floor./p
p data-p-id="21b589debf1ad08388773f683c67374e""I can't believe you forgot the beetle!" Natsu yelled./p
p data-p-id="14334c993485f66b41d5d29b60492387""emI/em forgot the beetle? You mean, emyou/em forgot the beetle!" Gray retorted./p
p data-p-id="9757d72dfa5c88d7cdfe3ce885686b75""Everyone, QUIET!" Erza commanded. Everyone shutted up. "It looks like the mission was a failure, but we'll get it next time."/p
p data-p-id="cdc49cde1868598d8fc217948dbfee41""Oh wait!" I interrupted. "You mean this?" I reached into my pocket and took out an item. It was a gem, but it then turned itself back into the beetle./p
p data-p-id="279ad359f7f3ec477409f4444fa5b0c1""The Heaven beetle!" Erza gasped. "How did you get it?"/p
p data-p-id="064dd8eef9fbe41fbef1027e01f56ddf""You better thank Happy here." I whispered and smiled at the sleeping blue cat. Natsu nestled his head without waking him up./p
p data-p-id="47819a0cd059d1f12a66eb2714a4e966""So what's your decision?" Erza asked./p
p data-p-id="4931d93f6af8ebdfdcbcec79938416b2""Decision?"/p
p data-p-id="b4c0b9b6e58b20c7bee44ec8d2fa69f7""Are you going to join us or will you go back to your original life?" I didn't know what to say, but not until I saw the face of the sleeping blue cat in my arms. I looked up to Natsu who smiled at me. Gray grinned and nodded in my direction./p
p data-p-id="f49606cc56d62ea65d6e4c7d7d7e14a3"em"Yes."/em I announced. em"I'm joining the Crystal Fairies."/em/p
p data-p-id="8a7dfd246b5f44ff1a2cd537d3439385"em"WHAT?!" /emNatsu and Gray screamed./p
p data-p-id="87497216b62b15056cf6ae95c0dc2808""Wait," I stammered. "You mean these two? Working together? I don't think that's gonna happen."/p
p data-p-id="fed5d64985631bc605b4b56f37581397""It's not gonna happen!" Gray and Natsu both screamed. They both glared at each other at the same time. Maybe they're more alike than they think./p
p data-p-id="b32f380bc4c6fe0bee12625758b59b49""Why don't you go with Natsu, Erza?" Gray asked. "Why not since you emlove/em each other so much?"/p
p data-p-id="1c79ec490de2f6bf408d84428b591dc4""Like hell I do!" Natsu screamed. "I'll just go with Lucy."/p
p data-p-id="6594a348de545e769130258169e1e7ff""Both of you embe quiet!/em" her voice commanded. Natsu and Gray became silent. "Now, if you guys will let me talk, I will explain. First off, no I cannot go to this mission. I have a mission of my own. I'm getting the Earth Beetle at the bottom of Boiling Lava Lake." Erza shot me a quick look, but then continued. "Secondly, it's too dangerous for Lucy. This mission is dangerous and needs to be taken care of quickly by a powerful team. Not by a newbie and a guy who can't control his temper." I felt kind of hurt by her words, but it was the truth. I could get seriously injured now. The first time was just pure luck. "Do you guys understand? This is a serious mission." They nodded, but slightly glared at each time. "You guys better get moving before we lose the Heaven Beetle. And grab a shirt, Gray!"/p
p data-p-id="aae135c91aec561dbc552f9c0d5c0e19""I know, I know." Gray said as he put on a dark blue button shirt./p
p data-p-id="60dea04f53df00e5ac25f7ab9d16f821""But how are we going to get there?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="3847966831199b100ca048b8b5d7c5c9""By teleporter, of course." Erza replied./p
p data-p-id="32cbf04d6de3708ea170bf6c5c1942bf""Ugh," Natsu groaned. "Not the teleporter!"/p
p data-p-id="5abf4897bb0a3cba4e4ef270f24d3fe7""Oh Natsu," Gray sighed. "You're only complaining because of your motion sickness. You should be used to it by now."/p
p data-p-id="99896d81fa2716fb2b763d4edb049d07""I know, but I still don't feel good."/p
p data-p-id="530d85dda4604edf5bdaa8cb6120f27e""You mean, the glowing light that you exited when I first saw you?" I asked Erza, ignoring Natsu. "On the platform in the living room?"/p
p data-p-id="08134dc77d57a528b05651a3ff6b327c""Yes. You will be a little uncomfortable the first time, but you'll get used to it." Erza reassured. "Well, unless you are Natsu."/p
p data-p-id="731709b64646ae8640b57f1ab2a9337c""Hey!" Natsu screamed. "It's not my problem that I can't control my stomach!"/p
p data-p-id="8d858f8a490b61441e2f4ae3e079590c""Actually it is." Gray laughed./p
p data-p-id="37cc3932cbdd12362f123a8f8c711205""Shut up!" Natsu yelled. Before I knew it, they started fighting. They kept aiming at their throats and faces. Erza had one annoyed look on her face./p
p data-p-id="7113491ed93e47dce2d4a6da804cc203""ENOUGH!" Erza screamed as she grabbed both the boys' heads and smashed them together. They fell back, rubbing their foreheads and trying to recover from their dizzyness. "You are going to work together and you are going to like it! I thought you guys were getting along for awhile."/p
p data-p-id="c2463efc5d07484ed44795a96d6365cc""Behind your back..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="1d6c1cf4d185e5459c2c08c7cbf2c36b""What was that, Natsu?" Erza asked./p
p data-p-id="14f6ead454e8d4f2eb6b2a508ec46cd4""Nothing!" Natsu hollered./p
p data-p-id="dad0c6284a3fa2e8caf410d4d439e058""You guys are going to behave. emAgreed?/em"/p
p data-p-id="e5743a6f2b5147dc8d2882fbd758fe28""Yes..." they muttered. It was as if Erza was their mother who was lecturing her two boys. I giggled at the thought. We walked into the living room and the team stood on the platform. Natsu already didn't look so good. I started praying that he wouldn't barf. Erza patted my back, wishing me good luck./p
p data-p-id="fb0e5237cdfc0028823350f425f8a7fd""So, how do you use this?" I asked her. "Is there a button or something?" Erza laughed out loud, scaring all of us. She really did look pretty when she smiled. I wish she did it more./p
p data-p-id="bbc522a05ad48d0d2d64a720a90fbc57""No, it's totally different. All you have to do is picture yourself in a place. The place can't be imaginary or somewhere you never been before. Also, there needs to be a teleporter at your destination. Once you decide, just concentrate your energy into the platform though you have to make sure all of you are thinking of the same place. You don't want to get lost in there. Natsu and Gray will take you since they know where they're going. And whatever you do, don't get separated from them. Don't try coming out unless you are safely on the platform."/p
p data-p-id="c67890e343d79c0a138e2de43cd6b3d3""Okay," I said, mentally writing this down. "Is that all, emmom?/em" I then regretted teasing Erza. She may not get the joke. She then put her hand on my shoulder./p
p data-p-id="59c1e09315dff73fec8fd94238102139""Just be safe." She softly smiled at me. Sometimes, I think she's looking at Layla, not me. I just nodded and joined Natsu and Gray on the platform./p
p data-p-id="594fd0b99e7e4b121bfec01a40baf748""You ready?" Gray asked./p
p data-p-id="94dcac47ab4b244a62fda20274328c13""Let's get this over with." I replied./p
p data-p-id="fb05f6dd216d8dff153be3f6b25134eb""Nooo..." Natsu groaned. Suddenly, we were immersed in light and we were lifted from the ground. I panicked, trying to grab onto something. Natsu looked like he was about to barf. I then unconsciously held onto Gray. He looked surprised, but he grinned./p
p data-p-id="e6b87097ef22044d5856841329b69ff5""Hold on tight." He said as the blinding light made it harder gor us to see the outside. I saw Erza waving goodbye. She disappeared and then we were floating. I couldn't see anything but Gray, calm and collected, and Natsu who was turned upside down in the process. He looked even worse than before./p
p data-p-id="7d0340c051f7160a1793f4b689005767""You better not barf in here Natsu!" Gray said. Natsu refused to answer, focusing his energy on not throwing up. Gray looked happy to see him weak and miserable. "I should come in here with you more often." he smiled. Natsu gave him a nasty look, but remained silent. In a matter of seconds, I felt my feet touching a cold surface. I let go of Gray and walked out of the column of light. emToto, we are definetly not in the beach house anymore./em The sky was a rose pink without a cloud to cover it. We were in front of an old temple, but it looked like it was about to crumble. Sky Spire was a bunch of ruins that were deteriorating from old age. Long vines surrounded the building that was filled with cracks. We had to to climb a long way of stairs before we actually got there. This was going to be a long day. Gray was already on the first ten steps while Natsu tried to calm down his stomach./p
p data-p-id="b60aa5057692b8036ab73f67dbf1c2c1""Come on Lucy!" Gray yelled. "Don't wait for Natsu! He'll catch up later!" I glanced back st the pitiful Natsu, but Gray was right. It's not like the Heaven Beetle was waiting for us. I ran up the steps and caught up with Gray. It became quiet and the silence was defeaning./p
p data-p-id="bae9f9ef4a470fba987c341edcc21ed0""So Gray," I said. "How old are you now?"/p
p data-p-id="ea13081cc567f1c676b9bc3a658ae69d""I'm 18." He said./p
p data-p-id="d9d3eff485f2062d5496d340cf328b57""So you lived for 18,000 years?"/p
p data-p-id="56796579ccaadbfc7e5d71968147e9d5""18,562 years and still counting!" He said cheerfully./p
p data-p-id="c35f90b273ed588e4edb9a864e360fc6""What about Natsu?"/p
p data-p-id="138fbc880812b1ce8aeac8bc0cd312ed""Natsu?"/p
p data-p-id="eb13b4578b9e98cc3f3fe0a757bebdc5""Yeah. It seems he can't remember what happened in the past. Maybe you know..."/p
p data-p-id="a3c3a5de634a16fc239e2be04523776f""Sorry, but I came a lot later. By the time Layla picked me up, everyone was already knew each other. I was just the late-comer."/p
p data-p-id="3c84898e1c84150dda906c8bc556492e""But you were picked up. From the Kindergarten?"/p
p data-p-id="c0df3c3b27877427a3d10169686f0bcc""Not exactly. You see, before Layla took me in, I escaped from the Kindergarten by myself."/p
p data-p-id="26d9525e297c5e28902b078086bd213d""But how?" I was amazed. How did he escape by himself?/p
p data-p-id="5c05b93cc34e55f8be6a032bc5ba9428""By doing this." He took out his hand, when suddenly, an ice heart formed on his hand. My eyes widened in awe. "I didn't get along with the other Earth gems. I usually was by myself, figuring out ways to escape that place. There was a teleporter, but two guards watched over it. One day, there was a single Homeworld gem guarding the teleporter. I've been practicing my powers for this moment. I didn't completely control my power before, but I could at least freeze one person. I used the chance to freeze him and tried to teleport. But I didn't know how. Out of nowhere, I was floating and was surrounded by light. I was scared and I heard the screams of the guards. I didn't know what to do. I closed my eyes and cried. I was 7 when this happened. I was lost and when the light disappeared, I was in darkness. I thought I was going to die there. I regretted my decision of leaving and wanted to go home. I remembered one of the kids dreamed about seeing a beach and I wished that I could see it before I was taken back. Suddenly, I felt the coolness of water. I opened my eyes, lungs burning for air. There was no teleporter around, but it seemed that I was just dropped into the water. I swam back to shore and rested on the sand. I was tired and I couldn't move. Then she found me."/p
p data-p-id="31bcc4735eb0408d8b2a8c4f00ecb6a6""Layla?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="8623119f1cedd36e7f27badb26ff3d9a""No. Her name was Ur. She controlled the Earth and was avoiding the Great Crystal War. She didn't really like gems or humans, but she decided to let me tag along. She helped me improve my powers. She even gave me her stupid habit of stripping. She said I had to endure the cold to control the ice. She made me take off my clothes until I had only boxers on when I practiced. She was strict, but kind. I wish-" He then stopped abruptly and looked down to the ground. He crushed the ice in his hand. His expression hardened, his eyes I knew that look./em/p
p data-p-id="9371c72658245b004317a728f8d90f96""You don't have to tell me. You said enough." I confided./p
p data-p-id="093bd3317c0ff6d35092b06f06dd2e3a""Thank you." He said. "I try not to bring it up a lot. Anyways, Layla found me after Ur couldn't take care of me anymore. That's how I got into the Crystal Fairies."/p
p data-p-id="6ce9f587dff8defb8a93e26b043e394d""Then I guess you are pretty powerful." I said./p
p data-p-id="022dc820ba7ada6be9dc0c0a04cfa87f""Sure am!" Gray bragged. "But-"/p
p data-p-id="bf29e6891286960617d638883ec6278a""Not as much as me!" a voice interrupted. Suddenly, two arms hugged my neck and choked me. Gray got Natsu off of me before I fell down the stairs./p
p data-p-id="8fa4a93bdb98042a7d3de9742b8cb9d4""Natsu!" I screamed. "That hurt!"/p
p data-p-id="fc073d36b93425f862e32691dced11cf""Sorry." he said apologetically./p
p data-p-id="eb73d72d7ce0813f23e1b91de817bf18""Before I was interrupted," Gray said, eying Natsu. "I was going to explain that a gem is more powerful when fused."/p
p data-p-id="f6e46de957c72ace03723b48e2756559""Fused? Like a mix?"/p
p data-p-id="06cb111e6213673e1dad188208f380aa""Exactly." Gray answered. "It's when two gems join together to form a combination. Though it depends on how well the gems work together. Sometimes, the fusion rejects them. We only fuse in case of extreme measures. It takes a lot of energy to stay fused for a long time."/p
p data-p-id="e677ce687b313c7561cfebdfc0f640a1""Can you show me?" I was so interested that I couldn't hold in my excitement./p
p data-p-id="8ff0cb69b7f83bc855e303e5dee122fe""Now?" Gray asked, puzzled. "But with who?"/p
p data-p-id="2330963c49a0bf3a0848ff6f9650b6cc""With Natsu of course!" The boys stared at each other and fell over laughing. Natsu almost slid down the stairs before he caught himself. Gray was wiping the tears off his cheeks. "So, will you do it?"/p
p data-p-id="159953066c28ad2770eda92151383857""No." Gray's voice turned serious in a matter of seconds. "We can never fuse. We'd get rejected right away."/p
p data-p-id="41d4a8dac1c6ca52c33ec55c6d43ce90""He's right." Natsu agreed. "We don't really see eye to eye. I'm way too emawesome/em for him to match me."/p
p data-p-id="3d2847d1180257a8ac109c5eae3130d5""He's too emannoying/em to deal with." Gray retorted./p
p data-p-id="af01ac16e584e93bc773f7f41159fd43""You see?" Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="778f4d4a0d55cde7bfe0721b4c2782e3""But I really want to see it!" I whined. I mean, who doesn't want to see two people merge into one to make an all powerful gem? Okay, that may sound a bit sketchy, but you know what I mean!/p
p data-p-id="96037aeb3076f89b859b875485c84905""I'm sorry, Lucy." Gray said. "But unless we were in danger, you won't see us fusing." I pouted, but I didn't talk any more about it. I knew it would be a long shot for Natsu and Gray to fuse just for the heck of it. They already hate to be near each other, why would they merge into one? To kill themselves? emI'm such an idiot. /em/p
p data-p-id="7aa8f46f09e7572a2a216d06fa318793"We finally reached to the top of the stairs and made our way through the temple. Debris was lying around everywhere and I kept tripping over cracks on the floor. It almost looked like waste of time to save it. Natsu felt sorry for the ruins, Gray ignored it like it was nothing. I guess he's seen worse than this. We finally reached the door to the temple./p
p data-p-id="4a38168b9533e95c9222e5063414f7c1""Lucy, stay behind me." Gray whispered. I nodded and stayed close behind him. Natsu watched us, then turned away. Trees and plants were growing out of random places and the small temples were beginning to fall apart. I then heard a rustle in the bush near us./p
p data-p-id="2b742e1d5e50eeb3868594fae76e24f4""W-what was that?" I stuttered./p
p data-p-id="b331d8ae7a1c9f3cd33a8b368ef42080""Probably just your imagination." Gray said. We then heard the movement again and everyone turned to the vibrations. Natsu lit his hand on fire while Gray made a spear made of ice. Gray poked the bush as I stood back. The bush shook even more./p
p data-p-id="99c0c4203f1d3bcad8402e9a9f3ecec3""Umm," I trembled. "Maybe this is a good time to fuse?"/p
p data-p-id="410a46e60939b7a5d90613ec59ad99dd""Not until we see what this is." Gray replied. Suddenly, something emerged from the bush. I jumped back. Then something jumped on me as I tried fighting it back. Natsu pulled the thing off my chest and smiled./p
p data-p-id="3390f7343fffb36a95e31da74501fc6b""Aren't you something?" Natsu chuckled. He held a blue cat with big eyes. And that wasn't the weirdest part: he had white wings attached to its back!/p
p data-p-id="a0998b425aa3ed63fde1b0783dd51fa0""Is that supposed to be a cat?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="13fe890ab208eecd5465e7ddb254d8f2""Aye sir!" the cat spoke. We all jumped from the sudden voice./p
p data-p-id="a4ca2222fa94c9d6379bb7054df3949c""And you talk?!" Natsu then raised him up and spun him in his arms. "I am emdefinetly/em keeping him!"/p
p data-p-id="f370b3454a0886dced49e30e2f4a0b3d""No emwe're not/em." Gray interrupted, showing his crystal on his chest after stripping. "Cat, we are trying to find the Heaven Beetle. Do you know where it is?"/p
p data-p-id="c8e13e4bd377be492ec3436125aba908""Aye sir!" He smiled. "I guard the temple." He then looked at me with teary eyes. "I-I'm s-sorry for attacking y-you. I th-thought you were the m-monster."/p
p data-p-id="a5d1890bba87faf064fa313c3c71d672""Aw, it's okay." I grinned and patted it's head. "But how about showing us where the gem is?"/p
p data-p-id="c910cdaf84772c00ab741236db341de3""Aye sir!" He then leaped out of Natsu's arms and flew to the sky. "It's this way!"/p
p data-p-id="bff1da9fb141750e8bf734edbbdb7f14""Hey, cat!" Natsu called. "What's your name?"/p
p data-p-id="48de67d9f08bccf4fa092dad95fb830a""Name? They just call me guardian here."/p
p data-p-id="6c358f5af539be4b77b5cf0fe36ebaca""Then how about..." Natsu then examined him. "Wings?."/p
p data-p-id="df496c8f7eb4db772618a5d56fcbd627""Wings?" Gray laughed. "What kind of name is that?"/p
p data-p-id="e301188a59dfeeaa52d172f85a869742""Fine, how about Blue?" Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="b2e751eb4c6765e7285cf80b51cbfb2d""Blue?" I snickered. "Do something with meaning!"/p
p data-p-id="6493d4c2e3ddf991d93fd38f3c031c79""Okay, okay, let me think." He placed his hand under his chin and thought. He then saw the cat's smile . "How about Happy?"/p
p data-p-id="5e5a9ad0f2a1c5e661ce1c5d7af81123""Happy?" I asked. "Why?"/p
p data-p-id="793bb118e1bdb381592295b2a2be634d""So he can bring happiness to everyone he meets." He then cupped his hands into a megaphone to the sky. "You, okay with that, Happy?"/p
p data-p-id="13a2239a7c91e22fb2664f9761e93138""Aye sir!" Happy replied./p
p data-p-id="b61fa7818aa21d6ec863f166c6f5383f""Call me Natsu!" he yelled./p
p data-p-id="40f5a7734368c636db55d1e7ce65ddd6""I'm Lucy!" I screamed./p
p data-p-id="e9d740483b231bedd28ece86deb89d08""Gray here." Gray said./p
p data-p-id="da2266189a2bbf2c0890c2a9fafd11c9""Everyone, follow me!" We kept walking, following the blue cat. We passed by a flowing river, crossing the bridge Happy found from a higher point of view. We then walked a few more feet until Happy screeched, "STOP!"/p
p data-p-id="d033fac644cde16de2a1ab54c1c11e0f""What's wrong?" I looked around and nothing was there except a giant pond./p
p data-p-id="5012fd97e3e43600cb7ef21eb38a6c79""We're here!" He exclaimed, swooping down to meet us."/p
p data-p-id="546ccb40aac57390798a65c4b302e40a""What do you mean we're here?" I asked, puzzled./p
p data-p-id="31836504bb5ca0d39778aa7b9df22c1f""Look down." Gray said. I then saw the tiniest temple I've ever seen. It looked like a tiny dollhouse. I bent down to get a closer look./p
p data-p-id="0c3a578230ba241e1c04f5645c7fe0de""Does someone live here?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="1c4c42c7a342c13b8e9077f6866f8a2f""Aye, the Heaven Beetle lives here." Suddenly, the wings disappeared from the cat's back. I looked around some more to find the insect./p
p data-p-id="d93d21e58b76be33bddeb7121c3ea9b1""What does it look like?"/p
p data-p-id="6fff73632241b263f5b597ed680c3532""The beetle is yellow, turquoise, and white. It's turquoise gem is on its back." Happy described./p
p data-p-id="074cd5a7215eeeccc08b62a8770d576d""Umm," I muttered. "Is it invisible?"/p
p data-p-id="3b13acd11bcbfc9af4f056bab03cc19c""Invisible? It's not invisible."/p
p data-p-id="4ebc370aa7d28d758003277d85f1f85c""Well, it's definetly not here. I then got up and dusted some dust off my legs./p
p data-p-id="d2f3a32c3845673d9582fc64d8e2583c""That can't be!" Happy then got on his knees and tried to find it. "Mr. Beetle! Where are you?" He started to cry. "I'm a failure as a protector!"/p
p data-p-id="51423a4fcadd78c5f20ba059e1f41934""Hey, it's fine!" Natsu comforted the small cat. "You did a great job til now!"/p
p data-p-id="17eeca2b8b103bf3cb3614d85e807342""But where could it be?" Suddenly, the ground started shaking. I lost my balance and held onto some debris on the side./p
p data-p-id="b84f7602c39db16919c0a135937bd520""What's happening?" I shaked./p
p data-p-id="6e73b83133f1fa3af13f45e9e550b186""Look!" Gray yelled as he pointed to the pond. Multiple violent ripples were formed as a dark shadow appeared. Out of nowhere, a large bird emerged from the water. It was purple with no eyes. Its beak was sharp with pointy sides. My eyes widened in fear. Unfortunately, Happy was closest to the bird. He got swallowed whole in one gulp./p
p data-p-id="1755703e617a21bdb93fceac49b80d9e""Happy!" Natsu screamed. He then started flinging fireballs at the monster. "Give us back Happy!" Gray made an ice hammer, but the bird kept dodging the hits. I couldn't do anything; I felt helpless. Where's the whip when I needed it? They kept trying to damage it, but there attacks were futile against the bird./p
p data-p-id="bc605f4722f7a47acdbff2ba707c7c4a""We have to run!" Gray screamed./p
p data-p-id="a7b4626ed4055b37e7f3d49c1efc2a99""But what about Happy?" Natsu asked./p
p data-p-id="fba739ef177677d82d4e1c6d0365ec1c""There's no time! We have to go now!" We ran into a temple for cover. The bird tried to ram into the temple, but it refused to break./p
p data-p-id="3d62c17e46473373783af36355aa1e86""Anyone got a plan?" Gray asked./p
p data-p-id="fae491870161535328dd088c5c3cd746""What if we get eaten and beat it from the inside?" Natsu suggested./p
p data-p-id="78a2a509ca2224cd49074c8d2fc3db65""Are you an idiot?" Gray screamed. "What if we can't get out?"/p
p data-p-id="972772f73393767c54d54e88d6f84921""Well... um..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="120bda7844a98a8ebbfa46bfb153ef55""How about fusing?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="bc461ce530d16ae879299b5f0f2ab729"em"WHAT?!"/em they yelled./p
p data-p-id="1c6cee0969f06328ece0695a3e625bc6""You know, combine! We might be able to make it out of here if you guys work together!"/p
p data-p-id="d948c02f8577488e14f9ecc76d1ff6f3""She might be right..." Gray mumbled./p
p data-p-id="817de74379e5ed1c34ae1aeb76ef7d6b""Its not going to work... but... I'm doing this for Happy..." Natsu muttered./p
p data-p-id="f20c93c3ac44f9bccef49afb70bc3f3d""So how do you do it?" I asked. But they weren't listening. Before I knew it, they were dancing. I honestly was really confused, but I didn't interrupt. Gray danced like Micheal Jackson, suave and cool. It was as if he was doing the samba. Natsu was like a street dancer, dancing to his own groove. Gray glanced with disgust. Natsu wasn't even looking. As they got closer, Natsu hit Gray in the face really hard. Gray stepped on his foot in return. Natsu scowled. Gray then took Natsu in his arms and dipped him./p
p data-p-id="6d4a469dbb2a8a4f29062c175350dbb7""Wait... why am emI/em the emgirl/em?" Natsu whispered roughly./p
p data-p-id="2c6b430e75fdfb112b9168dc9ad2dcda"em"Shut up and dance!" /emGray said harshly. They started glowing as they slowly merged into one. I'm finally going to see it! I can't wait! Suddenly, they were both thrown back into opposite sides of the temple. Natsu groaned and rubbed his head./p
p data-p-id="28acb068d993202dc32fbc6546e5c776""See, I told you it wasn't going to work." Natsu said./p
p data-p-id="3875b213664228ef066dcd610abd6500""Dang it, why did we do that? It was doomed from the start." Gray said. "We need a new-" Then the ceiling cracked and broke. The monster screeched into the temple and it's beak tried to catch us./p
p data-p-id="8b2e3b79f07a8bdeec36ab56c944e752""Lucy, look out!" Gray yelled. What did he mean? I felt my surroundings darken and some liquid fell near me. I realized it was drool. I looked up into the mouth of the monster. How do I always get myself into these situations? I then saw it's beak close and I was transported down the throat. It was slimy and tight, it was disgusting. I fought back, but it made me fall deeper into darkness. I finally fell into some liquid that made me want to barf. It was pitch black, but as soon as I closed my eyes, my gem glowed slightly. I was in a slimy circular area filled with a gross liquid. Yup, I'm in the stomach. I better get out of here before I get digested. I then kicked something... something blue./p
p data-p-id="d470ac828e33859cab090d142487ac79""Happy!" I picked up the hurt cat and cuddled him in my arms. "Are you okay?"/p
p data-p-id="f0e8b9fd730de7f95e01b566b3df3e23""A-aye sir." He said weakly, still trying to smile. He was holding something tight in his hand. "Keep it safe." He said. I nodded and put it in my back pocket. "Lucy..." he whispered. "Are we going to be okay?"/p
p data-p-id="04bb5865204b9bbdd0e4e343863ecb60""Of course we are! Natsu and Gray are still out there! They'll save us! Let's try finding a way out of here." I cradled him and tried punching the stomach, but there was no effect./p
p data-p-id="75c2590cbff5b1db94f342252e28af48""Good..." he whispered. He then went to sleep. There was no way I'm letting both of us are going to die here./p
p data-p-id="9e40c9b63932700199cb558ea612643c""C'mon whip! I seriously need you now!" I held my breath and tried to summon it, but nothing happened. We weren't going to die here. I kept telling myself that, but the longer I stayed, the lesser I believed in it./p
p data-p-id="b8dacdfb97a90f927d6dcc5b63d3fb79""Natsu! Gray! Are you there?" I yelled, but no one answered. I started to cry and my gem was dimming. I hugged the blue cat and prayed to my mom. "Please... help." Suddenly, a bright light lit below us like angels from heaven. I looked up to see an extending hand. Well, multiple hands shooting from the bottom. I panicked and started running. I ran to the corner and tried to hide myself./p
p data-p-id="8d485838280394e2b57fc888fb60d80f"em"Lucy!" /ema distorted voice screamed. One hand reached towards me, beckoning me to it. I grabbed it and I felt myself being lifted up. As soon as I got out of the stomach, I breathed heavily. I then looked up to see a giant man. He had light blue spiky hair. He wore a sleelveless red shirt embroidered with blue designs. His knee-length pants were white, but he had on a familiar scaled scarf wrapped around his neck. His skin represented a lavender sort of color. He had a goofy smile on his face. He also had four arms. He had on black sunglasses, but once he took them off, there showed rare light pink eyes. em"Are you okay?" /emA rough, but delighted voice spoke./p
p data-p-id="d672348216611ab9ebc64911e0a998a5""Y-yeah..." I said in amazement. We heard a loud screech which made us turn our heads. The bird was already up and trying to attack. It didn't look happy to have its stomach stabbed. The man then grinned suspiciously./p
p data-p-id="9b515429c872cfeb887da4d12618d4c7""Would you rather freeze to death?" a rather distorted, but clear Gray said as the fusion shot an ice arrow at its left wing. The bird screeched from the sudden cold./p
p data-p-id="d913bf550ed08e270bee1c179560147a""How about a little hell fire to heat things up?" said a rough, but charismatic Natsu as the fusion then shot a fire arrow. The bird's right wing was aflame and could not fly in the aur. It started to fall, flapping it's wings ferociously./p
p data-p-id="144c1c88f8dbbeef013fed9f6cf1ab43"em"Or both!?"/em the two screamed together. They pulled out what seemed to be another ice arrow, except that it was smoking. It looked like dry ice. When they shot it, the ice began to surround itself in fire. The arrow struck the bird at its head. Suddenly, the bird was bombarded in flames and smoke filled the sky. At first, I couldn't see the bird, until I saw something that looked like an iceberg falling from the sky. The bird was trapped in ice, then suddenly, the ice shattered the monster./p
p data-p-id="6bc29b534cf1850e221205f6588f0116""Wait, where's the gem?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="5028795e2a66db59ba5367fa3a5fe7e4"em"That was just a monster!"/em He said with enthusiasm. em"Let's go home!"/em The lively fusion said with a grin. I nodded and we walked back, carrying Happy in my arms. I made sure not to trip while walking down the stairs so I wouldn't drop him. I looked back at the fusion, seeing confidence radiate from him./p
p data-p-id="1f13e5cdb0f06ab97bb3cd6a1f843c8b""So this is your fusion, right?"/p
p data-p-id="2129d6c82747d8870bd5c3e64fd14f00"em"Sure is!"/em He yelled. His voice rang out like thunder as he clapped./p
p data-p-id="5a359b4996f7504323af23ceb20d9741""Looks like Natsu is in control." I smirked. "So what's your name?"/p
p data-p-id="8047fc2c935a32a204311727a3544fb1"em"I am Topaz."/em/p
p data-p-id="1ea689b23647433b666e897e1f75ea90""You don't have another name?" I asked./p
p data-p-id="af88e0679e87d7f667a5bc6d729768a0"em"Nope."/em he "I don't need a name to be cool."/em/p
p data-p-id="0898abfe7a2e7c4faa6a7adf63cc4564""Haha, yeah. I'm just happy to finally see your fusion." We finally made it to the platform and we teleported. I looked to Topaz to see if he reacted. He looked forward, but nothing happened. At least Gray was in control of his stomach. We got home, and surprisingly, Erza was waiting for us./p
p data-p-id="5140f231c9114734222dfe9eb3eeaf66""Well, it's been some time since I've seen Topaz. How you doing?"/p
p data-p-id="146d718f6a06bdb013b8dd6af2ea647c"em"I'm great!"/em Topaz smiled./p
p data-p-id="9928bd605970cc4642f1f573ce42144f""So who's that?" Erza looked at the blue cat wrapped in my arms./p
p data-p-id="6c5006fbff39f13cdf9d3809552e55af""Oh, this is Happy." I tickled the sleeping cat. "We can keep him, right?"/p
p data-p-id="19ddbf6d09bbe395a3481b4969bee39b""Sure." She giggled. "So did you retrieve the Heaven Beetle?" She asked. "I already have the Earth Beetle." She opened her palm to unravel a dark blue, grey, and cream beetle. Like the Heaven Beetle, it also had a turquoise gem on its back./p
p data-p-id="037a19e16e01400c0472972e715154f8"em"The wh-"/em Suddenly, the two separated quickly and fell to the floor./p
p data-p-id="21b589debf1ad08388773f683c67374e""I can't believe you forgot the beetle!" Natsu yelled./p
p data-p-id="14334c993485f66b41d5d29b60492387""emI/em forgot the beetle? You mean, emyou/em forgot the beetle!" Gray retorted./p
p data-p-id="9757d72dfa5c88d7cdfe3ce885686b75""Everyone, QUIET!" Erza commanded. Everyone shutted up. "It looks like the mission was a failure, but we'll get it next time."/p
p data-p-id="cdc49cde1868598d8fc217948dbfee41""Oh wait!" I interrupted. "You mean this?" I reached into my pocket and took out an item. It was a gem, but it then turned itself back into the beetle./p
p data-p-id="279ad359f7f3ec477409f4444fa5b0c1""The Heaven beetle!" Erza gasped. "How did you get it?"/p
p data-p-id="064dd8eef9fbe41fbef1027e01f56ddf""You better thank Happy here." I whispered and smiled at the sleeping blue cat. Natsu nestled his head without waking him up./p
p data-p-id="47819a0cd059d1f12a66eb2714a4e966""So what's your decision?" Erza asked./p
p data-p-id="4931d93f6af8ebdfdcbcec79938416b2""Decision?"/p
p data-p-id="b4c0b9b6e58b20c7bee44ec8d2fa69f7""Are you going to join us or will you go back to your original life?" I didn't know what to say, but not until I saw the face of the sleeping blue cat in my arms. I looked up to Natsu who smiled at me. Gray grinned and nodded in my direction./p
p data-p-id="f49606cc56d62ea65d6e4c7d7d7e14a3"em"Yes."/em I announced. em"I'm joining the Crystal Fairies."/em/p