Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail nor any of its characters.
A/N: I have no real good excuse for my absence. .-. Sorry about that. In the meantime here's a short chapter, just to prove I'm still alive.
Luffy1Ace1Sabo - Thank you. ^^ I appreciate the loving of the story.
winxmongt - Don't worry. It was slow to come, but here's the rest for you to lap up. XD
SnowDragonSlayerTasha - Thank you. ^^ I do try to make them truly heartbreaking.
Faliara - But are the dragons really evil? That is the best question.
Elex88 - Yes, those kinds of showdowns are some of my favorites. Happy is back to stay. (Or is he?)
Aquos35 - You asked and I delivered (slowly) so please continue enjoying it. (Also, thank you for pointing that out. I realize now what I was missing. XD)
gratsulover117 - Thank you. ^^ Also, here it is!
Previously:
"Where is he?" Happy's eyes were wide with shock and his voice was soft.
"I returned him to his key... He was turned into one as well as you and the dragons. Now get us out of here and back to the guild! This is an emergency!" The blue cat nodded, solidifying his resolution and his wings appeared and he took off, wrapping his tail quickly around her waist. She carefully held the precious pink key as they traveled back, refusing to take her eyes off of it.
Happy settled Lucy gently in front of the guild doors and settled on her head. His normally happy face was replaced by one with a mix of confusion and terror. She pushed the doors open and began searching for Mira as soon as she could see in the dimmer light. A smiling face popped up beside her.
"Welcome back, Lucy! I see you got Happy! How did it go?" Mira's timing couldn't have been better.
"Mira, we need to get Natsu into the infirmary. I can't keep two spirits out, and since Happy is one as well now, I'll have to put him away. Mira... He had the dragons!" The elder woman's expression turned to one of shock and the tray she had been holding clattered to the ground.
"You found the dragons? Who had them? I knew you guys went off on a job, but was that what it really was? I don't get it." Mira was shaking her head and Lucy grabbed her hand.
"For now we really need to get Natsu help. The guy who had the dragons attacked us and Natsu had to fight. He's just so beat up... I don't know why!" Her voice had gradually raised until all eyes in the guild were on her. Realizing her volume, she quieted. Mira nodded and tugged Lucy to the familiar room quickly. The blonde looked exhausted, but she made no sign that she needed rest in her concern for her partner. Happy disappeared with a flash, and with much concentration, Natsu was once again there. The dark bruises marred his body and the numerous nicks and slashes still bled. Natsu's eyes rolled behind their lids, almost as if he were expecting to be attacked again. Mira got straight to work, leaving Lucy to sit on the other bed and rest herself, though she didn't very well considering her anxious demeanor. Finally, as she tied the last bandage she poked Lucy in the shoulder.
"Now I think it's your turn to rest. Put him back in there and he'll be fine. You on the other hand. How long have you been using your magic?"
"Probably days nearly nonstop..." She groaned, putting her head in her hands as she returned Natsu to the rosy key. "But it's hard to not let him out when he's a person too!"
"I get that, but don't worry. I'm sure there's some way to break the magic binding him. There's always a way." Mira's smile comforted the young blonde as she pressed her to lay down. Lucy complied silently, eyes already drifting shut.
"Mira, the reason I was even able to keep going so long is because I was using some of my life force." Lucy admitted, already half asleep. Mira made no move to react, though she knew that if Natsu found out, he'd be pissed.
