A/N: GUESS WHAT. I'M ALIVE. AND THIS STORY IS NOT DEAD. Of course not, how could it be? Anyway, I'm so so so so so so sorry for taking so long! I just couldn't finish this chapter to save me life. But here I am, a few months late of course, but still here!

This chapter is structured differently than the previous ones. When you start reading you will see, but also, I just have to point out the judical system here in the states is so confusing and for any of you who know the justice system very well, I am sorry if I did not do the proper steps for a court room case. I did do research, but kind of adjusted it, to suit a more Fairy Tail canon verse. So please excuse that. Anyway, more at the bottom as always and off to the chapter!

Part 9. Enjoy!

I don't own Fairy Tail or any of it's contents.

"Speech"
'Thoughts'
"Flashbacks/Dreams"

Fallen Star

-O-

"She is like a falling star who has finally found
her place next to another in a lovely constellation,
where they will sparkle in the heavens forever."
- Amy Tan

-O-

Magnolia Chronicles
Issue 37812
Date: 14 September 2011

Millionaire, Jude Heartfilia is an attempted murder?
As of a week ago, on September 7th, police have reported that once renowned CEO Jude Heartfilia, was charged for attempted murder on his 16 year old daughter, Lucy Heartfilia and her long time friend, who has yet to be named.

Jude Heartfilia ran the once high held esteemed Heartfilia Railroads Company from 1991 to it's last days in late December of 2003, a few months after his late wife, Layla Heartfilia, passed from a disclosed illness. It was reported that the former owner sucumbed to madness, resorting to alcohol misconsupmtion after the passing of his late wife, causing the foreclosure of the company that had been around for generations.

Jude Heartfilia had transferred to Magnolia back in late 2000 after an expansion deal with former mayor, Alan Magic, to run the railroads through the city of Magnolia.

Cont. on page 53

Fiore Times
Issue 50932
Date: 15 September 2011

Former CEO Conspiracy Discovered in Alleged Murder Case
Once regarded as a high profile businessman, Jude Heartfilia , owner of the now closed Heartfilia Railroad company, is to be tried for attempted murder against none other than his daughter, Lucy Heartfilia.

According to witnesses, Jude Heartfilia had sought out for his daughter Lucy and found her at a friends house, whose name is still unknown, shooting both the young Heartfilia and the friend. No details of the shooting had been confirmed but it was reported that both suffered substantial injuries.

Lucy Heartfilia and unknown friend are both juniors at Magnolia's very own Fairy Tail Academy. Headmaster Makarov Dreyar expressed deep concerns in both his students quoting, "Fairy Tail Academy is a school like no other. We treat each other as family. Those two are my children. It has affected the school greatly. And we will not rest easy until both children return to the Fairy Tail halls."

Several hidden police reports were found in archives that had been reported as 'missing' on Jude Heartfilia that ranged from multiple DUI's and past charges of drunken assaults from July of 2003 up until the closing of Heartfilia Railroads in December of 2003. Investigators are delving into this case, searching for the police officers who helped aid the former CEO in this cover up.

Head of investigation, Lieutenants Doranbolt and Lahar of Magnolia Police Department are working to find all those who aided the tried Heartfilia and bring them to justice. Both officers are also involved in the attempted murder case, being the respondents when the authorities were called.

Jude Heartfilia is currently being obtained in an undisclosed area, being treated for his gun shot wounds. Conditions on daughter, Lucy Heartfilia and her friend, are unknown at the time.

My Magnolia; TV Station
14 September 2011
Breaking News: Ex CEO attempts to kill his own daughter, gunning both her and unknown friend

FN (Fiore News); TV Station
14 September 2011
Headline: BREAKING NEWS. Former millionaire Jude Heartfilia charged for attempted murder against his daughter, Lucy Heartfilia and unknown acquaintance of the girl.

Mag TV; TV Station
16 September 2011
Update on Ex-CEO case: No word on conditions regarding Lucy Heartfilia and disclosed friend. Jude Heartfilia being retained at county jail, sources say.

The Press Enterprise- Magnolia Edition
Issue: 20894
Date: 24 September 2011

Crazed CEO guns down daughter, friend
Nearly 3 weeks after the attempted murder on Lucy Heartfilia and still unknown friend, Jude Heartfilia remains in custody for attempted murder. From information gathered, Lucy Heartfilia has remained in a comatose state since the murder attempt. The nameless friend was also in comatose state, but woke up a week after the incident. The nameless acquaintance is being treated for other injures until further notice.

Officials say that this case may turn south for evidence has shown signs of domestic abuse. No details have been confirmed at this moment. Friends of the two hospitalized teenagers have been in and out of the hospital, avoiding any talk with press, except for one.

Fairy Tail's Student Council President, Erza Scarlet, has spoken to the press on behalf of the academy. quoting:

"Fairy Tail is a united front. We cherish the bonds we create with our nakama. We are all supporting Lucy 100% of the time. She will never be alone."

When asked if she was aware of a possible domestic violence involved in the Heartfilia household, the student council president answered, "Whether I did or did not is neither of yours or my business. You've already exposed all of Lucy's vulnerability within the last 2 and a half weeks. You at least owe her that. privacy"

Headmaster Makarov Dreyar then escorted the student council president inside, leaving the press in a frenzy, demanding more answers.

MNN (Magnolia News Network); TV Station
26 September 2011
UPDATE: Almost a month after murder attempt, Jude Heartfilia's other victim revealed!

My Magnolia; TV Station
26 September 2011
Breaking News: Natsu Dragneel, Jude Heartfilia's second victim identified; Possibly connected to Drug King Igneel Dragneel?

Magnolia Chronicles
Issue: 37813
Date: 27 September 2011

The Second Victim
It has been revealed that 16 year old Natsu Dragneel was the other alleged victim of Jude Heartfilia's murder attempt. Natsu Dragneel is Lucy Heartfilia's long time friend, having attended Fairy Tail Academy since pre-school. The young Dragneel is involved in multiple sports and organizations at Fairy Tail, being captain of the baseball and soccer team.

It was under heavy speculation that Natsu Dragneel was related to drug king Igneel Dragneel, who led the major drug cartel Dragon's Den, who were infamous for smuggling illegal drugs in and out of Fiore. Igneel Dragneel was arrested in 2008 after investigators discovered his whereabouts. It was later on confirmed that Natsu Dragneel is indeed the son of Igneel Dragneel. The young Dragneel was to be placed in the foster care system, but was immediately put under the guardianship of Headmaster Makarov Dreyar.

Cont. on page 42

MNN
Issue: 02894
Date: 1 October 2011

Ex- CEO saved from 3rd degree murder charge, Lucy Heartfilia awakens, Natsu Dragneel released
It was reported that on the 30th of September, Lucy Heartfilia awoke from her comatose state and began physical rehabilitation. Inside sources say that she is being treated for other injuries. Recently revealed victim, Natsu Dragneel, who is related to the drug king Igneel Dragneel, was recently released from the hospital.

Doctor Mystogan Fernandes, who treated both teenagers, gave an official statement regarding the condition of the two victims:

"Lucy Heartfilia suffered four gun shot wounds, two to the chest, two to the abdomen. Her injuries were great, which lead to the comatose state she endured for three weeks. She is beginning to work her motor skills and is not deemed fit to give an interview."

"Natsu Dragneel suffered three gun shot wounds, one to his abdomen, another that nicked his neck, and another to his upper right arm, disabling him use for the next 2-4 months. He was discharged almost a week and a half ago, returning to the hospital four times a week for physical rehabilitation."

Conditions on Jude Heartfilia have yet to be named, but it could be assumed they are still detaining the former CEO in the county prison.

My Magnolia; TV Station
Broadcast: 2 October 2014, 9:00 am
Channel 11

Lance: Good morning, Magnolia! I'm Lance Arson, accompanied by…

Ashley: Ashley Bennett! As always, we're here to bring you the latest in the beautiful city of Magnolia.

Lance: Today, we're starting with what has to be the biggest story of the year, possibly last decade for Magnolia.

Ashley: As you all very well know, Jude Heartfilia, former CEO of Heartfilia Railroads, was arrested and charged with attempted murder on his own daughter, Lucy Heartfilia and the Drug King, Igneel Dragneel, son, Natsu Dragneel.

Lance: You hear things like this happen and you just have to wonder, where did it all go wrong? Why try to kill your own daughter? What do you think, Ashley?

Ashley: Oh, I think it is pretty obvious. Rumors are speculating he has driven himself to madness after the death of his wife, Layla Heartfilia. Police found missing police reports on Jude Heartfilia's recklessness after her death. From DUI's to assault charges, he should have been in prison long ago.

Lance: *Nods his head in agreement* I agree. But I assume that's what happens when you have big money. Unfortunately, big money can keep you quiet. But the big question is why? Why did he try to kill his own daughter? That's the big question. And police have been avoiding it like the plague.

Ashley: Well, if you remember, The Press Enterprise did do an article speculating domestic violence. But police immediately shut it down. Which makes you speculate a bit. Was it a domestic violence case? That could answer some questions the media has.

Lance: That certainly would. But really Ashley, would you be surprised? The man tried to kill his own daughter and her best friend. And considering his track record, I say Jude Heartfilia could have beaten her.

Ashley: And I would not disagree with that statement, Lance. I would not.

Fiore Times
Issue 50933
Date: 20 October 2011

Trial Begins!
Nearly a month and a half after the murder attempt, Jude Heartfilia is beginning his trial at Magnolia Town Hall. Charges have been pressed by Lucy Heartfilia and Natsu Dragneel, though it has been reported that Natsu Dragneel will not be participating in the trial.

Sources say that further evidence of domestic abuse against Lucy Heartfilia has been found, which would charge Jude Heartfilia with not only two murder attempts, but also domestic violence.

Preliminary hearing began at 8:00am this morning.

Cont. reading on page 54

The Press Enterprise- Magnolia Edition
Issue: 20895
Date: 21 October 2011

2 Attempted Murder Charges, Followed by Domestic Violence
Trial for defendant Jude Heartfilia began yesterday, charging him with 2 cases of attempted murder and according to hospital documentation, Lucy Heartfilia showed signs of previous domestic abuse and possible molestation.

The trial will continue today as evidence is being brought to light.

Natsu Dragneel will not be participating in the trial, but he, along with close friends and headmaster of Fairy Tail Academy, Makarov Dreyar are in the courtroom in support of the victim Lucy Heartfilia.

Lucy Heartfilia was released from the hospital only a few days earlier.

My Magnolia; TV Station
21 October 2011
Breaking News: Ex CEO currently in trial for attempted murder on his daughter, evidence of domestic abuse found; possible molestation

FN (Fiore News); TV Station
22 October 2011
Headline: BREAKING NEWS. Jude Heartfilia CHARGED for 2 attempts of murder and now signs of domestic abuse and molestation thrown in the mix.

Magnolia News; TV Station
Broadcast: 22 October 2011, 4:00 pm
Channel 04

Jenny: "We're stationed outside Magnolia Town Hall live where currently, the trail of former CEO of Heartfilia Railroads, Jude Heartfilia, is taking place. Around two months ago, Jude Heartfilia attempted murder against his only daughter Lucy Heartfilia and her long time friend, son of Drug King Igneel Dragneel, Natsu Dragneel. After further investigation, it was concluded that Lucy Heartfilia was allegedly abused and sexually molested by her father for the past 8 years, after the passing of her mother Layla Heartfilia."

"Hospital records stated that the young Heartfilia's X-Rays showed previous fractured bones that were not healed properly and vaginal bruising that indicated penetration by force. Evidence has shown that some of the old fractures could have occurred as far back as 2 years ago. Though, it's been stated verbally that the abuse has been happening since Lucy was 10 years old, maybe earlier."

"As for the night of the alleged murder, it goes as following: Lucy Heartfilia had been living with Natsu Dragneel after her father had essentially sexually molested and abused her after he [Dragneel] had visited her [Heartfilia] at her home. Police reports say she had ran away, fearing for her life. She took refuge under his [Dragneel] home for three weeks until Jude Heartfilia had showed up and presumably tried to shoot the two to death."

My Mag: TV Station
Broadcast: 23 October 2011, 8:00am
Channel 06

Talk show host Stephan: According to officials, the trial has ran it's course and Jude Heartfilia will hear his plea tomorrow.

Talk show host Josie: I know we are not supposed to give opinions so blatantly, but this man needs to plead guilty and sentenced for life. The things he did to his daughter are absolutely horrific. And for so long too! Poor girl. She's had to deal with that for the last eight years. I think it needs to be put to rest.

Stephan: I agree, Josie. But why didn't Lucy Heartfilia say anything earlier?

Josie: What do you mean, Stephan?

Stephan: Exactly that. Why didn't Lucy Heartfilia come forward earlier? Evidence suggest she's been molested and abused by her father. And according to inside sources, she's been beaten by her father since after the death of her mother. So what? 8 years? Why suffer that long? Why not come out and say it? Especially when he essentially raped her? Why wait? And why put her friends in risk? The full story is out. She ran away to the young Dragneel's house. She could have gone to the police but didn't. Rather, she got herself and her friend shot.

Josie: I think in this situation Stephan, the girl was scared. She's had enough. She didn't have anyone to turn to except for maybe Natsu Dragneel. I've heard they were always the best of friends since Lucy Heartfilia arrived to Fairy Tail Academy. In situations like this, going to the authorities is overwhelming and frightening. And don't forget about retribution. Her father still has money. He could have bought his way out of this situation before it was too late. So I don't think it's fair to be so hard on the poor girl.

Stephan: This case needs to be put to rest, that's my final statement. It's dragged itself long enough.

FN (Fiore News Special Edition)
Issue: 30249
24 October 2011

Coming soon: Final Plea: Non-Guilty or GUILTY? Murderous Ex-CEO's fate is decided!

-O-

October 20th, 2011
Day 1

"ORDER IN THE COURT!" Judge Gran Doma shouted as the voices escalated, the crowd and jury yelling obscenities towards the defendant: Jude Heartfilia.

Natsu Dragneel sat within in the crowd, keeping his anger at bay as his fist were clenched while staring at the man who nearly killed him almost two months ago.

It was everywhere.

He had no idea how influential Jude Heartfilia had been back when running the Heartfilia Railroad Company. Natsu figured the blonde haired man was just another investor. But the amount of publicity this story has gathered had decimated his once public life.

Especially his father.

Drug King Igneel Dragneel was something Natsu had buried in the past after his father was arrested. Thanks to Makarov Dreyar's power, the pink haired boy was able to stay out of the public eye.

But now, everyone knew.

Granted, it was immensely undermined by Jude Heartfilia, considering the amount of wealth the man controlled. Lucy's name was plastered all over the media. There was not a stone left unturned when it came to the Heartfilia name.

"You honor, if I may, I would like to call Jude Heartfilia to the stand."

Natsu immediately glared, his eyes narrowing dangerously at the mustard haired man who was called to the stand. Capricorn, Lucy's lawyer, watched the older man with hard eyes. The pink haired boy had to do everything he could to refrain himself from speaking when he was not supposed to.

"Jude, I'm going straight for the point. How old was Lucy when you first hit her?"

The onyx eyed teenager immediately shifted his gaze towards Lucy, who stilled almost simultaneously. He could see her, her frail body with shoulders so tense and rigid. She was dressed in a black blazer with a button up shirt under and black slacks that hid her legs from the world.

But Natsu already knew she was hiding herself from the eyes of her father; the man who crossed a line he should have never crossed.

"I don't know. What age did I start hitting you, dear daughter?"

Natsu growled as he saw the way Jude's eyes went to Lucy, who could see her eyes go wide eyed as he posed the question towards his daughter.

"I'm speaking to you. You don't have the authority to turn the questions elsewhere here. Now answer my question. What age did you start hitting your daughter?"

The sixteen year old teenager had to give it to Capricorn. His voice was very stern and assertive. Instead of letting his temper get the best of him, he was able to keep calm and shut down her father.

"8."

Natsu drew a breath. He felt his chest cave in on him as the mental images of eight year old Lucy, smart, bright Lucy, charming Lucy who always greeted him with a smile, came running up to him in her school uniform.

"After your wife's death?" Capricorn asked.

"Yes."

"And this was after the foreclosure of your company from what the reports in my hands say."

The older Heartfilia remained quiet, his eyes hard and aging.

"Not only that, there are also multiple reports that police have put together of you committing assault on multiple occasions, fraud, and a mass amount of DUI's."

The courtroom was silent, only the heavy breathing in the room was audible. Capricorn did a wonderful job in interrogating the older Heartfilia, but Natsu was most concerned for Lucy. He couldn't quite read her correctly, her eyes shielding themselves from the world. Her shoulders were rigid, tense. The young blonde was putting a strong front, keeping herself together to not show weakness. And while Natsu knew that Lucy was a strong girl, she was falling apart inside.

"So let me see if I can piece this all together." The goat-looking man began as he walked towards the stand. "After the death of your wife, you began this downward spiral towards your own destruction, essentially. You began to drink away your sorrows, leaving your daughter behind, with me, while I may add. Your company was circling down the drain, and you committed fraud, forging checks and grabbing money from who knows where. "

"Then you paid a heavy amount of money to cover up the DUI's, the assaults, etc. And after you realized that there was nothing you could do to salvage your precious company, you turned to the liquor more and began striking your own daughter. And once she was old enough, molested her. Am I correct, Jude Heartfilia?"

"Objection! No accusations are allowed until you present the evidence!" Jude's lawyer rose from his seat.

"Your honor." Capricorn's steady voice turned towards Judge Gran Doma with a calm demeanor.

"Capricorn will finish. Continue."

The older man's lawyer sat back down in his seat and Capricorn walked up the Jude Heartfilia. Natsu could not see the change in face, but he could certainly sense the dark aura around the man's body.

"Do you admit to my statement, Jude? Was what I stated correct?"

The room sat in silence, waiting for the defendant's answer.

"Yes. It is."

Natsu didn't realize how tight he had been gripping his jeans until Erza had put a hand over his tightened fist. The pink haired teenager was sure he was bearing a scowl that could make someone cringe in the grave.

He was just so angry.

"Your honor." Capricorn nodded towards Gran Doma, who returned the nod.

The room was scattered in murmurs as Capricorn returned to his seat, settling a comforting hand on Lucy's shoulders. The blonde jumped slightly, straining to put a smile on her face.

"We will now take a break. Session is to return in 15 minutes."

At his announcement, Natsu jumped from his seat and locked eyes with Lucy's figure. She was his only concern, especially with all that had happened. But as he made his way over, it didn't stop him from catching a glimpse at the man that has caused his best friend so much grief.

Natsu looked at him with nothing but malice.

And Jude Heartfilia returned the favor as the police officers escorted him out of the courtroom, into the back room, away from the public eye, away from Natsu Dragneel, away from his daughter.

"Natsu!"

Broken out of his thoughts, he looked over towards Erza. She was standing next to Wendy, who were both patiently waiting for him.

"Coming!" He shouted.

"Lucy-san is waiting for you." Wendy commented with a small smile on her face.

The adoptive older brother smiled gently towards the younger girl. He padded the top of her head slightly, looking back to Erza, who nodded her head in approval. Natsu bid farewell to his two friends and walked out the courtroom, searching for Lucy's blonde head.

And when he found her, she was being pushed into a room by the headmaster. And Natsu could only assume it was to get her away from the press. He followed and ran towards the door, knocking on it, calling out his name.

When he walked in, Lucy look at him with exhausted eyes.

"Natsu."

Before he could say anything, Lucy ran at him and engulfed him in a tight hug. Makarov stepped out of the room, giving the two privacy.

"You alright, Luce?"

Said girl nodded slightly into his shirt, tightening her grip around his waist.

"I'm just really glad you're here." She mumbled.

Normally, Natsu would have an outburst, going on about how he would always be there for her, laughing and grinning, calling Lucy a weirdo for thinking the opposite. But today, at this moment of time, he knew that his blonde haired best friend needed someone who would just hold her and let her know everything was going to be okay.

"Hey," he pushed her off of him slightly, giving her a genuine smile, "we're in this together. We're partners, remember?"

And for the first time since they had found themselves in this mess, Lucy smiled; a real, genuine smile.

When the short recess had ended, he remember finding himself back in the courtroom, sitting directly behind Lucy, with Erza on his left, and Wendy on his right. Capricorn had begun to address the claims that Jude had been accused for. There was lots of speculation being thrown around, especially when it came to Lucy being sexually molested.

That drove him mad.

He couldn't forget the anger that boiled within him when Capricorn had touched on the subject. He had seen firsthand what the results of the violence against his best friend looked like. He could never forget the bruises that coated her body, or the blood that was stained on her clothing when he had washed her clothes, or the way she flinched at his every touch and looked at him with frightened, broken eyes that shattered his already battered heart.

He couldn't still couldn't believe that her own father would do something as vile, as detrimental, to his own daughter.

And when the rest of the Fairy Tail gang had found out what had happened, they were in complete outrage.

It took all the boys in Fairy Tail to hold Erza Scarlet down from breaking into the prison and killing Jude Heartfilia. The words still echoed in his mind of her wanting to "cut his balls off" and "torture the pitiful bastard to death." He shuddered, thinking about the evil and murderous glare that was etched onto her face.

Gray cursed a million and one words, just like he had, threatening to castrate Jude Heartfilia if he ever had the chance. If his looks could kill, he would have killed everyone in the room. He had nothing but murderous intent for Lucy's father.

Gajeel reacted in a similar manner, but instead of just using his sailor's mouth, he ran rampant and punched and kicked every person that stood between him and the blonde haired Heartfilia. He swore he had never seen Gajeel look at a person with that much hatred.

Levy cried harder than when she learned of Lucy being beaten. But behind Levy's brown eyes, there was anger. Absolute anger directed to the man that was supposed to protect Lucy. He had never seen Levy look so hateful.

Mira mirrored Erza's behavior, Lisanna pooled into tears, and Elfman shouted on about how her father had disgraced men everywhere and he was ashamed to share a world with a man who would resort to such an action.

Cana had to be restrained, throwing booze towards the man. How she managed to get alcohol into a courtroom? He had no idea.

Though Laxus was always silent and never showed any ounce of care or worry towards Lucy, he was livid, griping his fist tightly, snarling almost towards the eldest Heartfilia. His gang of goonies replicated his seething anger.

And it wasn't only these specific people that had been angered by Jude Heartfilia's actions. All of Fairy Tail was behind Lucy 100%.

Thankfully, the accusations of molestation were put off till the following day because they still had to get through the domestic violence charges.

He had nothing but praise for Capricorn. The goat like man knew exactly with what he was dealing with. All the evidence lined up, giving the jury confirmation of what was being thrown around. Capricorn was slick, countering all that could have been objected. First, it was the fraud within the company; the phony checks, the undocumented money that was missing, the officer's statement about the payoff for keeping their mouths shut. The list continued on and on. All the evidence would have given him a solid 20-25 years.

Next, it was the accusations against Lucy.

There wasn't much evidence that could prove past incidents, but there was plenty for current times. But unfortunately, that's when the ball dropped. Because after proper interrogation from Capricorn, the bastard's lawyer took a crack at Lucy.

And it did not end well.

"Your honor, if I may call Lucy Heartfilia to the stand?"

Judge Gran Doma nodded. "You may."

Natsu stilled, his body frozen over as Lucy's name was called by her bastard father's lawyer. Only for a second could he see a frightened little girl that hid under the covers of her mattress because she was scared the monsters would climb from under the bed to get her.

But she couldn't hide anymore, because the real monster was sitting right across from her.

But it was only for a second that he saw the vulnerability because her face washed over with confidence, her eyes cold and determined to beat out whatever questions that annoying, stingy lawyer could conjure for her.

Natsu had the most absolute faith in her.

"Ms. Heartfilia," the oldest Heartfilia began, "it has already been confirmed that my client has been hitting you since you were 8 and a half."

"That is correct." Lucy didn't stutter, which was a good sign towards the pinkette.

If there was one thing his blonde haired best friend, it was strong; both mentally and physically. It angered the pinkette whenever someone had teased her, calling her weak and useless. Because Lucy Heartfilia was none of that. She was a cry baby sure, but she wasn't a coward. No matter the circumstances she faced, Lucy stood as tall and proud as any member of Fairy Tail would.

And he wasn't the only one who would go at such lengths to say these things.

Anyone from Fairy Tail would say these things about Lucy Heartfilia.

"So my question for you Ms. Heartfilia," Natsu didn't have a good feeling about his question, "is why did you wait so long to say something?"

"Because my father was the only family I had left. My mother had just recently passed away, leaving only my father and I. Of course, I had always considered the household workers part of my family, but slowly and surely, my father had fired each and every one of them, leaving me in solitude. I didn't want to be taken away from the only family I had. Even if I didn't understand what was going on."

"But even after a few years, you surely must have understood what his actions were. Even after you grew older, you kept it a secret." The pinkette narrowed his eyes, fearing where the accusations might turn next.

"You built a new family. Fairy Tail am I not right? There had been countless statements as you boldly claiming that Fairy Tail was the family you never had. In fact, you could spot several of its members in this courtroom at this moment."

Natsu was seething in his chair. Did this man know exactly what he was doing? He was provoking one of the most notorious schools in all of Fiore. If Natsu had turned, he would have seen the enmity and animosity seething in the room.

From Erza Scarlet, whose rage and fury could be seen emitting from her body, all the way to even young Wendy Marvell, who had the kindest bones in her body. If this lawyer didn't have anyone at his side when he left this courtroom at the end of the day, he would never be seen again.

"That is correct. There is no denying that." Lucy looked a bit skeptic, as if wondering where he was getting too.

"Why not tell any of your 'family'? Surely at the age of 13 or 14, you couldn't have been so oblivious or naïve. You had, to your disposal, a school full of people who would listen and get you away from such predicaments. And with the connections to the almighty Makarov Dreyar, I'm sure all this would have been settled without such violence and anguish. Surely, you trusted them enough?"

What the actual fuck was this shit lawyer trying to accomplish, Natsu had been thinking as he gritted his teeth together, the scowl deepening on his face. His urge to stand from his seat and punch the lights out on this asshole was starting to become uncontrollable.

It was as if he was trying to turn Fairy Tail against Lucy. Fat chance of that happening, buddy, the pinkette thought to himself.

And he was not the only thinking it because he could see Erza visibly shaking. Erza Scarlet was especially protective of Lucy Heartfilia, connecting with her on some personal level. Especially because Erza was an orphan and never really had family. The solitary wasn't exactly new to the scarlet beauty. But it was something Erza was able to help Lucy with.

And the worst? Lucy look stumped as she searched for an adequate answer.

"Of course I trusted my friends with my life." Natsu watched as she inhaled a deep breath, "which is why I could absolutely not tell them of what was happening at home with my father."

This came as a shock, the entirety of the room, staring at her in confusion. Of course, the pink haired teenager already knew the answer. After the long talks he and Lucy had, she had spilled it all out to him.

"Imagine if I would have told them of what was going on?" She scoffed with a slight smile. Good, Natsu thought. That meant she was confident with her answer.

"All my friends would have gone after my father's throat. And you all would never see him again, because Fairy Tail is that good. Don't ever underestimate them, because they will show you exactly who you're dealing with." She stopped for a moment.

And that's when he looked around the room, seeing that the members of the academy weren't radiating a murderous aura like before. Lucy had been able to ease the hostility in the room. Inwardly the rosy haired boy smirked, thinking of how amazing his best friend was.

Because truly, Fairy Tail wouldn't be Fairy Tail without the presence of Lucy Heartfilia.

"As admirable as the speech may be, Ms. Heartfilia, it doesn't quite answer the question I'm asking. So I will ask again. Why didn't you tell anyone after you've gotten older?"

"Because you see, just as Fairy Tail has its connections, so does my father." Lucy spoke, with irritation and frustration in her brown eyes. "If I would have confided this to my friends, or the headmaster, my father would have been able to erase the existence of him ever hurting me. I would have been labeled a child gone mad and most likely sent away to a mental hospital."

"Not only that, he would have disposed of whoever I had told. Natsu Dragneel being the prime example."

All eyes turned to said boy as realization hit him like deer in the headlights. Natsu wasn't bothered by the looks people were giving him, no not at all. He was already used to the unwanted attention from his scuffles at school and onward.

What really had the pinkette shocked was the realization that Jude Heartfilia could have made any of his friends disappear, not just Lucy. Erza, Levy, Lisanna, Mira, metal head, the jackass Laxus, Wendy, Old Gramps, even the ice bastard Gray, they all could have disappeared within the snap of a finger.

It wasn't just about them "getting hurt" as Lucy had claimed. It was about their lives being at stake.

"He tried to kill my best friend and leave him for dead while dragging me off to who knows where. And when I refused, tried to kill me as well." It was then Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Honestly, I am surprised that it was my father behind the gun and not a hired assassin. He never gets his hands dirty, he always made sure of that."

And that's where Lucy left the entire courtroom speechless. Even the great old Judge looked shocked at the words that flew so easily from her mouth.

But what did everyone expect?

Lucy was a professional at this.

And the utter humiliation the lawyer had dented into his face was priceless. Natsu had to restrain himself from standing and laughing at the man who defended her bastard of a father.

"Is that all the questions you have for me?" She asked, refusing from looking her father in the eye.

The lawyer coughed. "Yes. That is all."

When Lucy returned to her seat, Natsu couldn't help himself.

"You kicked major ass up there, Lucy. Way to go!" He whispered (well, tried too). Lucy sent him a tired smile, showing her appreciation for his words.

From there, the excitement of the day had died down and the court had been adjourned for the day. Leaving city hall had been no feat. With all the cameras flashing and reporters sticking their mikes in your face, it was absolutely suffocating.

Lucy was currently staying under the watchful eye of Erza, who scared away all kinds of reporters. She almost killed a man who tried to take a picture of Lucy through Erza's window. If that wasn't a sign to stay the hell away, then he didn't know what was.

As for him, he had moved apartments. He couldn't stand living in the place that brought back such vivid and horrid memories. Every time he looked at the front door, all he saw was Lucy's slumped body with a pool of blood surrounding her. So the old man was able to work something out with the apartment building manager and get Natsu a new apartment room.

And even though it concealed him for a few days, the media had still found him and stalked him like a hawk.

He remembered being restless for the day that this would all be over. So they could all move on with their lives. And go back to how things use to be.

But the thing was, things were never going to be the same.

And day 1 had just ended.

A/N: Hello all. I've returned with a new chapter for Fallen Star. I hope you all enjoyed this! I know it was structured a bit different than usual, but to me, it just felt as if it had to move that way. Excuse my poor knowledge of the judicial system. I am by no means a law student or a political science major. I'm afraid I'm just as ignorant as others when it comes to how the judicial system works in the US. And I don't even watch enough TV to make something up. So just bare with me please haha.

Anyway, this chapter kind of slowed down when it came to the dialogue and the emotion that others previously inflicted. Natsu kind of took a step back in this and Lucy shined a little in this chapter (which I really enjoyed doing). I know for a majority of the story, Lucy has seemed somewhat like a cry baby and a push over, but I wanted to show her as a strong individual, despite of the situation she found herself in. I was inspired by the scene in the early episodes of Fairy Tail when Lucy went to confront her father when he hired Phantom Lord to strike her and Fairy Tail.

If that scene didn't scream empowered Lucy, I don't know what did.

But it's like I said in the last chapter, the case will be drawn into two chapters. And then finally, the ending of the story will come short after. I have a few ideas for my next stories. I just published a short drabble called Starry Night, if any of you would like to check it out. I also plan to finish I Almost Do, soon. The second (and final) chapter is more than half way down. And I plan to publish a one-shot by the name of Long Live soon.

Other than that, that's all I got. Again, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! If you all could please let me know how I did, that would be great. Reviews, comments, suggestions, criticism are always welcomed! :) Your guys responses always make me feel better! It's what I look forward too when I publish a new story or chapter! :)

I hope everyone has a fantastic day! Oh! And Happy New Year everyone :)

Until next time!
-Dark Waffle