AN: Chapter 7

A long reason why I have not updated is written below, read if you want to, if not, review replies are right below following is chapter 7

So, first off, I want to apologize for not updating this story in forever. I had been working on it in between working on Beautiful with You, and I had planned on getting this chapter done on my birthday which was early January but… I had received some bad news from my parents the day before my bday. My parents bought the family a puppy ten years ago, and she was basically my baby. I know, that sounds weird, but for those who have pets, you know what I'm talking about. She was the love of my life and I basically put her first to anything or anyone in my life. My dad and I were the ones who trained her the most so she definitely looked up to us. She was perfect, and so sweet, and such a goofball. I had just moved out of my parents' house in July and I was torn because I would not be living with her anymore. But all was ok because I was literally 5 minutes away from them. I saw her on my days off or when I went to go visit my parents, and I would always receive the happiest expression a dog could give you. With a whole body shaking in excitement and a wrecking ball of a tail that would knock over anything in its path, and tons of kisses as I got down to see her on her level. Anyway, she was healthy, and very spoiled (prob the most spoiled thing on the earth!) until a couple years ago, I noticed she had bumps forming over her mammary gland area. I told my mom and she said if they aren't getting any bigger, I'm not taking her to the vet. And at the time, I didn't have money to have to get checked out, but I kept my eyes on it. Over time, they stayed the same until sometime last year, the glands had swelled up and started to change colors. So my parents finally took her to the vet and found out she had a really bad infection and her glands needed to be drained. I had already moved out and was always worrying about my pup, seeing her on my days off became a must because she was stuck with the cone of shame, but slowly began to become her old, happy self once the gland was drained. For a while, all seemed to be fine. She was acting like her crazy normal self, loving every second of everything. I guess one day, she got up too fast and ended up tearing a ligament in her back leg. Mind you she was a pure bred German shepherd, with no medical problems from her mother and father ( we got a full background on both when we got her from a breeder, papers, etc. ) so once again, she was taken to the vet. During this time, her other side of her mammary glands began to swell up like before. So while they were there, my parents had the vet take a look, they said it looked like it just needed drained once more, but decided to open her up. What they found was a tumor. I was devastated when my dad told me. All I could think about was… was it cancer? Or just a fatty tumor? Is she going to be ok now that they removed it? The vet had told my parents that they could have tested the tumor for cancer but it was going to be an extra $150 that my parents didn't have. The vet bills were already starting to rack up. I offered to help pay for anything that I could but my parents said they could manage. As time went on, my dog once again, started to act like herself, trying to climb over the couch to get up the blocked stairs even though she wasn't allowed to, because she had staples in her belly. A month had passed and she was able to go without the cone, but her back end was still limping. A trip back to the vet told my parents, it could still be the ligament or it could be what we feared when we took out the tumor. The tumor could have spread up to her spine and could be affecting her nerves, causing her to be unable to walk on that leg. So she got pain meds. And a lot of them. She was supposed to be on them for 6 weeks. Within 3 weeks, my parents could tell that things just weren't going well… she started sleeping standing up because she couldn't lay down, her legs and paws would swell from standing for 24+ hours, and when she laid down finally, she would be down for over a day, causing her good leg to swell and basically fall asleep. They would help her up, get her outside so she could go potty and what not, let her walk around and it got easier the longer she was up, but then she stopped eating. They tried everything to get her to eat, but nothing was helping. Every time I went to see her, she always had that happy and excited expression on her face, but sadly could no longer come to the door and greet me. All she could do was put her ears back and wag her tail as I went to her. I could feel her bones starting to poke out more, and I saw how much of a struggle it was to get her up. I had a feeling in my heart that it was close to being time to say goodbye. I have always been one to believe that if an animal is suffering, to just do the right thing and put it to rest. Don't let it suffer in pain if it can't be helped. In my dogs' case, nothing could be done. We found out that the tumors had spread and it got so bad to the point where she was just having accidents in the house, she would cry knowing she wanted to get outside and go out there, but she couldn't stand. No longer able to stand by herself or with assistance. So, January 5th, I was at work like usual, they called for a snow day and I volunteered to stay the whole day, keep an eye on the horses and then feed in the evening. Shortly after everyone had left, I got a text from my dad. He told me that they have to put Heidi down. My heart dropped into the pit of my stomach. I just sat there staring at my phone. I had a feeling for a while that it was coming soon but getting that kind of news before your birthday is… just rough. It's worse than rough, I honestly don't have the words to describe it. I asked him if I could be there when it happens, and he told me that it will be done in a week basically. So every chance I got, I went to see her. And on the day we were going to put her down, my sisters who had also moved out, came back home to spend time with her with me. My parents were at work so when they came home, it was time. I tried to be strong the whole day, tried not to cry because that's all I was doing at home. I didn't want to let anyone see me upset. But when you have to help your dog onto a sled to get her into the car and into the vets' office, it's so hard not to be upset. We all were there as a family, petting her until the very end, talking to her. I told her before she went, how much I loved her, how much she meant to me, and that I wish it didn't have to be this way. But I know she was suffering and I didn't want that for her. I wanted her to be able to run around like she used to, I wanted her to be that happy, excited, loveable dog again. Seeing her in so much pain, was heartbreaking. I told her that I would see her again, and that she should be a good girl while she is up in heaven. She gave me kisses and I just continued to lose it. I just let the tears come. I didn't care how much I was hurting inside. I just wanted her suffering to end. She meant the world to me, and I know nothing can replace her.

But that is the reason why I have been unable to write. After she had passed, I tried to keep myself busy with games, writing, drawing, hanging out with my friends. For the most part, I just felt numb. But then I would just have wave upon wave of emotion come over me and just cry. It's been almost 2 months now since she had to be put down and I've tried countless times to work on my stories. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was still upset. I still am now (Especially typing all this out) but I told myself that I needed to do this. Even my friend MsKtk told me that I should just bust this chapter out since it was almost done to begin with. But now of course I'm getting distracted by the pokemon games that came out and other things like animes that I've been watching with friends… and now I get to look forward to planning a wedding. My boyfriend of 10 years finally decided to purpose to me with the coolest pokemon engagement ring ever. (huge pokemon fan if you didn't know lol) so I've been trying to keep my mind on happier thoughts since then. I'm going to try to really keep my focus on fanfiction once more and try not to get so far behind on updating.

I'm sorry for telling such a sad story, but I owe it to you guys to tell you why I have been neglecting this story for so long. I also wanted to thank you for your patience and wanted to let you all know that I am very close to finishing Beautiful with You so that my main focus could then go to this story.

I feel that I may have rushed a bit in this chapter, but if I feel up to it, I'll go back and edit it one day. For now, all I can hope for is that you enjoy it. (also I am very sorry for any mistakes I have missed, I didn't reread over what I had written!)

Sydney: thank you so much! I'm really happy to hear you love this story so far! And I swear I will not abandon this story, I just want to get my other main one finished first.

Leahcar-Soutaichou: haha yes, yes it does. And as for the princess… there is a bit more than meets the eye. ;) I'll be going into that little hint in the next chapter.

piranha pk: you probably hate me even more for not updating sooner again lol I am sorry. And as for the very little Gajevy interactions, trust me, there will be more. Just gotta get through a few things before they are reunited.

Usweasil: again, sorry for the late update this time too! Please enjoy this chapter!

SnowSisterBookworm: thank you so much! I have a few things planned for this story and where its headed, so hopefully I can put my thoughts into words and it'll all make sense of what im trying to say lol

Northernrainstorm: thank you! I'm glad you like it so far!

Guest 1: I know, I am very good about leaving cliffhangers in almost all of my stories. And I wanted to say I am sorry for not updating sooner! I really wanted to get this done last month

Guest 2: Yeppers! Lily is still alive! And I agree. He really isn't the same without his friend lol

Guest 3: there will be more interactions between Gajevy soon! :) but not all of them will be… well... "good" lol


Levy closed the heavy book in front of her as she finished up her lecture with the princess who sat beside her. Hisui brought her elbows up to the table and intertwined her fingers together as she set her chin down on them lightly, her big green eyes looking to Levy as she piled her papers together. "I'm terribly sorry I didn't have much for you today, Princess… I just was preoccupied these past few days."

Hisui smiled. "No need to apologize, Levy. If you wish, you can take the rest of the week off. I am going to be busy planning my upcoming party in a few days. Besides…" The princess moved a hand to Levy's' bangs, brushing them behind her ear slowly. "You have been working extra hard as of late… haven't you?"

Levy stared at the girl beside her, her hazel eyes wide in fear. 'Does… does she know what I've been looking into?' Levy shifted slightly in her seat, her head turning away from Hisui. "Um, yes… yes I have been. I've… been trying to come up with a new healing salve with Mystogan and it seems to be proving more difficult than I had thought."

"I see." The green haired princess stood, her green eyes still on Levy. "Well, I would like to view your results once you both have found something that works. Now if you'll excuse me, I have other business to attend to."

Levy stood quickly. "Yes! Of course princess. I will find you once we find something in our research."

Hisui smiled as walked away from the table she sat at, leaving the library room with her royal guards behind her. Levy waited for them to close the library doors before letting out a long sigh, her body falling back into her chair. 'Maybe Mystogan was right about the eyes and ears in this castle… why else would princess Hisui ask me a question like that? She has to know I'm up to something…' Levy brought a hand to her head, closing her eyes softly as she took in a breath. 'Just remain calm… if she sees you all worked up and fearful, she'll definitely figure it out that you are up to something….'


Lisanna tied the small green bag around Happys' neck, slipping a note inside the small opening. "Ok… all you have to do Happy, is take this note to Erza. She'll know what to do once she reads it."

The small satyr turned to the white haired girl, fear in his eyes. "But what about you and the rest? I can't just leave you guys… we're a family…"

Lisanna smiled at the satyr, placing a hand on top of his head lightly in between his blue horns. "We'll be ok, Happy. I know someone who can help us get out of here and get these bracelets off our wrists so we can be centaurs again. Do you remember how to get to Fairy Tail?" Happy nodded slowly. Lisanna nodded as she stood up. "Good. Now let's get you out of here." The white haired maiden turned and walked out of the cell, the small satyr following right behind her.


Levy rubbed her tired eye as she made her way back to her room, exhausted still from everything that had happened. 'I wonder if Gajeel made it back to Fairy Tail ok… and I really hope he hasn't done any damage to my book! He had so much nerve to take it from me… probably did it when he was taking me back here…' The blue haired girl made a fist with her hand, bringing it up to her chest some. 'I swear I'm going to get it back! I might even give him a punch in the arm while I'm at it!' Levy sighed as she hung her head in disappointment. 'What's the use in punching him? My punch would probably feel like that annoying fly that was bothering him when we said goodbye…'

The young girl brought her head back up, eyeing someone at her door to her room. She raised a brow as she stepped closer to the individual. "Lisanna?"

Blue eyes matched hazel, relief in her facial expression. "Oh good, you're still in the castle!"

"Yeah… is something wrong?" Levy asked kindly.

Lisanna looked past Levy, then turned to look over her shoulder, her hand coming up to her lips as she whispered. "There's something I need to tell you… but we have to do it in your room. I can't tell you out here…"

"Ok… but why are you whispering?"

"Because if I get caught telling you this secret, I could very well get into a lot of trouble."

Levy could read her face like an open book. She wasn't lying and was being completely serious, making Levy start to worry. "O-ok… well let's get in here then…" She said as she opened her door, letting the white haired girl in first before entering herself. Levy closed the door behind her and walked over to her bed, setting down the books and papers she had been carrying from the library. "So, you gonna tell me what's going on? And why you couldn't talk to me outside?" Hazel eyes narrowed slightly as Lisanna held out her arm to the girl. "Um… I'm confused…"

"I need you to take off my bracelet." Lisanna said seriously.

"What? That's a really weird request… why can't you take it off?"

"This bracelet is enchanted and can only be removed and put on by humans."

Levy raised a brow and pointed a finger at Lisanna. "But… aren't you human?"

The white haired girl stomped her foot onto the ground as she thrust her arm forward. "If I was human, I would just take it off myself! Levy… please… I need to show you something… this is important."

Levy smiled slightly as she turned her back to the servant girl. "Don't you think it's a bit childish for tricks, Lisanna? What you are asking of me to do sound like a ridiculous request. What's going to happen when I take that bracelet off?"

"I'll turn back into a centaur."

Levy's eyes widened, her hands pausing all movements. "You'll…" She turned back around to look at Lisanna with wide hazel eyes. "You'll what?"

"You heard me. I'll turn back into a centaur." The girl said seriously.

"You're just pulling my leg, right? Seriously… I'm not in the mood for tricks…" Levy said with a shaky voice.

"If you don't believe me then take this damned thing off. Like I told you before, I can't do it myself… otherwise I would have done it years ago."

Levy stepped forward towards the outstretched arm. "This isn't some game is it? What you say is the truth?"

Lisannas' expression softened. "I would never lie to you Levy. And once you take this off, I can tell you how I ended up in this mess in the first place."

Levy nodded as she stepped up to Lisannas' arm, her hands slowly making their way to the leather piece over white skin. The white haired girl pulled her hand away, causing Levy to look at her in confusion. "Wait, I'm sorry… but I don't want to ruin this skirt…"

Levy raised a brow as Lisanna spoke, her cheeks turning red almost instantly as she watched the young girl begin to slide down her skirt, leaving on the sash that laid over it. "W-what are you doing?!"

Lisanna blushed slightly herself as she stood back up straight, pulling the sash over the front of her body to keep herself covered. "I don't want to ruin that skirt when I transform back into my centaur body."

Levy kept her hazel eyes on blue ones as she reached out once more for the outstretched arm Lisanna was presenting to her. "I… I guess that makes sense… ok… here we go…" The blue haired girl slowly removed the bracelet, stepping back a few steps as she watched the sight before her. Her own hazel eyes widening as a bright light began to shine over the girl standing in front of her. Levy watched as the girl began to change form, her lower half growing slightly into long, slender horse legs as her backend started to extend into her the rest of her centaur body.

The bright light faded almost as quickly as it had appeared, revealing Lisannas' true form. Her centaur body was white as her hair with the fur changing to a greyish color near the bottom of her legs. Levy felt her jaw drop as Lisanna looked over her shoulder at her centaur body behind her, a wide smile over her face as her blue eyes widened in excitement. 'I don't… believe it… she was telling me the truth… she's really a centaur!'

The white haired centaur looked to the shocked look over Levys' face. She giggled as she stepped towards her, her hands coming together in front of her. "Thank you so much Levy. This feels so nice to be back in my real form. Now then…" Lisanna held out her hand towards the bed, motioning for Levy to sit down. "Would you like to know what happened to me and my friends?"

Levy shook her head quickly, her hands forming into fists as she held them up excitedly. "Yes! Please, tell me everything that you can." She said as she made her way to the bed, sitting down on it and giving Lisanna her undivided attention.


Natsu looked off to the side as he walked behind Lucy, her words going through one of his ears and out the other as his mind wandered. The blonde centaur walking in front of him turned her head back to look at the pink haired centaur. He had a distant look over his face as his hands were held up behind this head. Lucy glared back at him, putting her hands to her sides as she stopped walking altogether, stomping one of her hooves on the hard ground. "Natsu! Are you even listening to me?!" She asked angrily.

"Yeah, yeah… I heard you…" He said calmly.

Lucy turned to face him, her arms crossing over her chest as she spoke. "Oh, then you'll have absolutely no trouble repeating what I just said to you! Well, go on! Let's hear it!"

Natsu turned his distant gaze to Lucy for a moment before his eyes shifted past her. Something else had just caught his attention. Something small. Something running as fast as its tiny legs could carry it. Onyx eyes slowly began to widen, as the red centaurs' mouth opened slightly. Lucy watched as shock and disbelief began to wash over the centaur, causing her to become confused. She raised a brow and opened her mouth to speak, but Natsu ran past her before she could say anything.

Chocolate brown eyes followed the centaur that had rushed past her, her own eyes looking out to the very familiar sight running towards them. Tears began to form in the corners of her big eyes, disbelief now coming over her. Black hooves skid into the ground, halting the centaur in his tracks as he quickly stretched out his arms to catch the small satyr as it jumped up to greet him. "HAPPY!" Natsu shouted excitedly.

"NATSU!" The satyr replied, tears rolling down his dirtied cheeks. His arms stretched out as Natsu did the same. The small satyr could feel Natsus' strong arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace, as if he was afraid to let the small creature go.

"I can't believe it's you, Happy! I thought you were dead! I saw them kill you and the others! How are you here right now?!" Natsu said excitedly as he held the satyr in his arms.

Happy smiled weakly as he spoke. "It was all an illusion, Natsu. The others and I were thrown into a cell after you all were chased off… I tried to call out to you… everyone did… but… you couldn't hear us…."

Natsu released his tight grip, their tearful eyes locking onto each other's. "How… how did you manage to escape?"

The satyr looked away, his hand reached back to the small note tucked away in his small bag tied around his neck. "The princess let me go for some reason… Lisanna gave me this note to show Erza and the others. She's coming up with a plan to get the rest of them out of that horrible place… she told me she has someone else to help her from the inside… but I'm not sure who she was talking about." Happy handed the note to Natsu, his large eyes tearing up once more. "I didn't want to leave them… really I didn't… but I didn't have a choice…."

Natsu smiled as he brought a hand to the satyrs' blue hair on top of his head. "It's ok, Happy. We'll figure something out. Let's just get back to Fairy Tail and tell the others. I'm sure they'll help us think of something to save the rest of our friends."

The small satyr looked up at the blonde centaur walking up to them both, a soft and sweet smile formed over her lips as she looked at Happy. She reached out and placed her hand onto Happys' cheek, rubbing it lightly. "Happy… We've missed you so much."

"Lucy…" Happy said softly. His large eyes looking upon her smiling face. He would often keep that image in his mind while he was locked away in that dark cell. Her smile was equal to the sun, shining brightly and showering him with love. He was finally back with his friends. His family. Tears began to swell once more as he jumped from Natsu to Lucy, burying his face into her as he cried happily, overjoyed by seeing them. He was finally able to return home.


Levy clenched her fists tightly. Lisannas' story made her blood boil with anger. "I can't believe it… Gajeel told me just a fraction of what happened… of what he saw… but your story…" Hazel eyes shifted up to blue. "All this time… I never knew… I swear I would have helped you sooner had I known…"

Lisanna looked back at Levy with a slight smile. "There is hope. Princess Hisui has let one of the satyrs go, and before he left, I attached a note for everyone to read in Fairy Tail. I have a plan to get us out of this horrible place… but… I'll need your help Levy."

Levy jumped from her seat, her hands forming fists in front of her body. "Yes! Anything! I want to help you all get out of here and back to Fairy Tail!" Her anger turned quickly into determination. "So what can I do to help you?"

Lisanna smiled as she spoke. "Well… you know the princess has a party coming up, yes?"

"Yeah, it's where she invites all the royals here for some ball dancing thing… I don't really know much about it since I never attended to one before."

"That's ok. I don't need you to be anywhere near them. All I need from you, is to make sure all the guards are away from their posts when I get the others and escape."

"What?! How am I supposed to do that?! I'm just one person!"

Lisanna winked at the young girl. "Don't worry, I have a plan for that as well."


Natsu looked around the large room, his hands stretched out at his sides as he spoke. "So?! What do you think? It's a good plan, right?!"

Erza finished reading over the small note the satyr had brought back with him, her eyes closed softly as she folded her arms together. Natsu turned to the rest of the centaurs who had come to listen to Natsu.

Gray rubbed the back of his head as he spoke. "You're talking about storming the castle right now? are you freaken' stupid?!"

Natsu clenched his fists tightly as he turned to the shirtless centaur. "Hell yeah I'm sayin' we do that! Right now! What better chance is there?! They'll never see it coming if we just bust down those castle doors, tear up the place and then rescue everyone!"

"I'm with Natsu on this one!" Everyone turned their heads to the largest centaur in Fairy Tail. He was quite muscular and had a larger, tankish like centaur body. It was white, just like his wild, spikey hair, with the fur turning a greyish color on his large legs. He had made a fist and punched his open palm as he stepped forward. "It'll be super tough, but I think us manly centaurs can do it! I say we do what Natsu suggested! There's no way they can win with all of us running through the castle gates!"

Cana brought the large mug away from her lips, a soft sigh escaping her as she shrugged her shoulders. "I think we should at least come up with some form of plan first…"

Natsu shifted his body to face Cana now. "We do have a plan! Plan T!"

Canas' brown eyes narrowed as she eyed Natsu. "What exactly is plan "T?"

Natsu opened his mouth wide, letting out a breath of fire as he spoke excitedly. "Take em' by storm!"

Gray shook his head and pointed a finger to Natsu. "That's completely ridiculous! Not to mention stupid! You're just going to get yourself killed!"

The whole room burst into arguments over what should be done next. Erza stood there, still and silent. Lucy was standing off to the side, holding Happy in her arms, watching everyone begin to argue and raise fists at each other. She let out a sigh of disappointment. Happy turned his head up to her, his voice soft. "What do you think we should do Lucy?"

Brown eyes shifted off to the side. "I… I don't know… I want to get our friends back just as much as Natsu does… but something doesn't seem right about all of this…."

Before Happy could say anything, a booming and demanding voice echoed throughout the room, causing dead silence to come over everyone.

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Erza shouted as her eyes opened wide. Her eyes landed on Natsu who had formed flames in his hands, and Gray who was about to use his own magic against the red centaur. "Natsu. Gray." No sooner did her words leave her mouth, did the two centaurs stand up straight, fear coming over them. With no further need to say anything else to them, Erza looked around the room, her centaur form moving forward as she spoke. "I know you all want to run out and rescue the rest of our friends. Trust me, I would love nothing more than to get them all back too… but we can't just run in there without a plan first. This very well may be a trap. We need to take a few days and think about what we are going to do first."

Natsu stepped towards Erza, rage coming over him now. "How can you just say that?! They aren't just our friends, they're family! We can't just wait around for a few days and come up with something!"

"It's all we can do right now, Natsu." Erza said calmly.

Natsu shook his head as he stomped his hoof. "You're wrong! We're a lot stronger than we were back then! We can do this Erza! We can win!"

"And what happens if we can't?" Erza watched Natsu step back at her words. Uncertainty entering his mind now. "What happens if this is really all just a trap to get us out of Fairy Tail? Would you risk everyone's lives just to save a few?"

"I would risk my own life if it meant bringing our friends back!" Natsu said with a shaky voice.

"Then you are a fool. Natsu…" The scarlet haired centaur made her way to Natsu, putting her hand lightly on his shoulder. "I know you're angry, and eager to get everyone back… but I don't want to see any more of us get captured, or worse…. So please… I'm asking you to calm down and let us come up with a plan. We need to wait." Erza turned back to the other centaurs. "Everyone, please, get some rest for now. We will meet in the morning to start discussing a plan to rescue our comrades."

The pink haired centaur turned on his hind end, storming past Lucy and Happy without a word to either of them. Lucy frowned, knowing how badly Natsu wanted to just leave and save everyone. 'Typical Natsu… wanting to rush in without thinking…' The blonde haired centaur turned and followed in Natsu direction out of the large meeting hall.

Natsu mumbled to himself as he headed back to his tent, his fists tight with anger as his mind raced. "Stupid Erza… she doesn't care… she's just gonna sit back and let everyone rot in that cell for a few more days?!" Black hooves stopped just outside his tent, onyx eyes stared out to the entrance to the woods. "Well I cant. I can't just sit back and let this happen. I don't care what Erza says, I'm going back to save everyone!"

"Count me in too." Came a deep, rough voice from behind the red centaur. Natsu looked back with wide eyes as Gajeel made his way up beside him, a smirk over his face.

"What? No way! I'm going alone! I don't need your help! I can get everyone back on my own!" Natsu said with determination.

"Yeah right! One hit from that annoying lightning general, and you'd be out cold. I can at least withstand his attacks for a short while. Besides…" Large fists clenched together as crimson eyes began to shine with a purpose. "If Lily is still alive like that note says… I'm gonna be the one to save him! Ain't nobody stopping me from this!"

Natsus' eyes narrowed as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine… you can come along…"

Gajeel glared at Natsu as he walked past him. "I wasn't askin'. And unlike you, I ain't afraid of what that red headed mare says. We have to do this now."

Natsu made a fist with one of his hands, holding it up at his side. "I'm not entirely afraid of Erza! It was my idea for going out now!"

"Natsu…"

Dark eyes opened wide as he heard Lucy behind him, he turned his whole body to face her. Her expression showed only concern and fear for him, overhearing their conversation. "Lucy…."

Slender centaur legs stepped forward. "Please… tell me you're not going to save everyone now… you shouldn't go… you should wait…"

"I have to do this Lucy."

Brown eyes closed as tears began to form. Lucy shook her head and spoke softly. "No you don't! Why can't you just listen to Erza for once?! Why can't you… listen to me?" Natsu watched as Lucy brought her hands up to her face, hiding her tears that escaped her. "I can't stand the thought of losing you… and I have a bad feeling about this… I just—"

Lucy could feel the warm hand of Natsus' on her head. Her eyes opened slowly as Natsu brought his head down to hers. A soft smile was over his face as he stared back at her. "I promise I'll come back. I'll come back with everyone else too. Besides, I've got Gajeel with me. The two of us can totally kick major ass!"

"Natsu…" The blonde haired centaur wrapped her own arms around his neck, holding him close. "Be careful."

"If you're going back to save everyone, then I'm coming too!" Happy said as he walked up to the two embracing centaurs. Natsu pushed Lucy away gently, his expression softening.

"No way little buddy. I'm not letting you come with us."

"What?! Why?!" Happy said as his face grew angry.

"I already lost you once. I'm not going to let it happen again. I need you to stay here and watch over Lucy for me and the rest of Fairy Tail. Can you do that for me?"

Happy held back his tears. "But… I just got back…"

Natsu smiled as he spoke. "All the more reason why I'll be coming back soon! And I won't be alone! I'll have everyone back here to help celebrate you all being alive."

"Oi! You three gonna just stand there and talk or are we gonna go save our friends?" Gajeel called back impatiently, his hooves stomping at the ground. Natsu smiled once more and waved goodbye to Lucy and Happy, his pace moving into a steady trot to catch up with the black centaur. All Lucy and Happy could do was watch. Watch their friends slip away from Fairy Tail under the cover of darkness, back to the castle to save their friends.

Natsu trotted alongside Gajeel, his eyes glancing over to him. "You think we can get everyone out of there?"

Gajeel grinned confidently. "If you have any doubt, you should probably turn back now."

"Yeah right! I'm gonna bust down those doors and burn the whole place down to the ground for what they did!"

"Heh… I wouldn't mind getting some much needed revenge on a certain general…I'm actually looking forward to this." Gajeels' grin only seemed to increase as the thought of pummeling Laxus entered his mind.


AN: thank you for all who read my sad story, sorry that it was so sad, but again, I feel like I should have told you guys why I haven't been writing anything.

Also, I have no clue when the next chapter will be up. I have a lot planned for that one so it might take me a bit longer to get done, but we'll see. So again, please, please, pleeeeaaasee be patient with me. I promise and swear that I am not going to abandon this story! I just want to finish the other one I am working on atm. Once that is done, all of my attention will be on this one! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I hope you all are looking forward to whats going to happen next!