A/N: There will be a detailed note at the end of the chapter but for now... On to the LONG overdue update!

LAST CHAPTER :

I brush my lips against the crown of his head. I feel the corners of my lips curl up as I feel his deep breaths. My revenge will be sweet. I purr with excitement at the thought of what is to come and I have to remind myself to be patient.

"Soon, my dear one, we will paint this world red with blood." I press my lips to his and hum in delight. "Very soon, my love."

Chapter Nine

Eyes Wide Shut

Lucy POV

My eyelids felt like they had been sewn shut. I could practically feel the skin tearing as I peeled them open, and blinked for the first time in far too long. Bright white light filled my eyes. I had to slam them shut again, suddenly blinded. My head spun with the sudden onslaught of light. I had spent too long in the dark. The sudden brightness was too much for my eyes to take in all at once. Blinking my eyes open again, I slowly began to adjust to the blinding intrusion. As my eyes became accustomed to the light, everything came into focus like adjusting the lens on a camera. As the pain in my ocular nerves faded, I became aware of other aches and pains. I began to notice that every inch of my body ached. With this knowledge, and with great trepidation, I moved to haul myself into a sitting position.

Shifting slightly and wincing, as the movement sent another wave of agony shooting through my too stiff muscles, I took in my surroundings; I was lying in a crisp, white linen sheeted bed. It was one of a group of similar beds with iron headboards sitting against a long cream colored wall. A small bedside table sat to my right with a pitcher and glass perched atop the wooden surface. Thin, gauzy white curtains were pulled wide, allowing bright daylight to spill in and fill the room with its warm glow. The faint and muffled, ever-present sound of glasses clinking, shouting and laughter filtered into the quiet room. The realization that I was in the guild infirmary filled me with a sense of peace.

"Oh thank Mavis your awake," A soft voice flooded with relief pulled me from my thoughts. "We didn't know if you would ever wake up again, Lucy-nee."

Turning to my left I took in the disheveled sight of my surrogate sister Wendy. Her Prussian blue hair was knotted and disheveled as if she had been running her fingers through it over and over, tugging at the strands in frustration. Her usually bright eyes were encased in dark circles and half lidded; the lack of peaceful sleep was evident in the murky depths. Her typically well put together appearance was further destroyed as I took in the sight of her clothes. Instead of neatly pressed and clean, her clothes were stained and rumpled as if she had been sleeping in them and hadn't changed for several days.

"Sorry to worry you." I rasped, my mouth was dry and felt desiccated. When I spoke it felt as if I had swallowed a pound of sand. Thirst burned through me like a wild fire leaving only raw passageways in its wake. Pressing my hand against the column of my throat, I began rubbing softly in an attempt to ease the ache caused from the dryness and speaking after being silent for so long.

"It's alright now, Nee-chan, you're awake. You're in the infirmary at the guild, not that you haven't figured that out already."

A soft smile tugged at Wendy's lips as she spoke and I could see the light returning to her eyes the longer she looked at me. A sudden stabbing pain pulled a groan from me as my arms wrapped around my stomach. I hunched over, my stomach twisting and gnashing with a raging hunger that was only barely overshadowing the pain that shot through my body at the sudden movement of stone stiff muscles. The pained cry caused Wendy to jump to her feet and come rushing closer to the bed, panic clear on her face. Her hands began to glow a bright blue searching for the source of my pain. The stabbing sensation was fading, but I was acutely aware of an acidic taste in the back of my throat, and a low throb building in my temples.

"Oh! I forgot, Lucy-nee. Polryusica said to give you a special tea when you woke up. I'll go get Mira to make it right away. You just rest here."

I eased my body back into the bed and watched as Wendy practically flew from the room.

Mira entered the infirmary behind Wendy carrying a tray with a tea kettle and mug balanced on top. She perched on the side of Lucy's bed, setting the tray on the small table. Reaching out Mira grabbed the kettle and poured some of the contents into the tea cup, which she promptly handed to Lucy. The cup's contents were a cloudy green liquid that steamed slightly. It had a rich herbal fragrance that was laced with something else, something rich and dark. Lucy took a hesitant sip. It was delicious – warm, rich and sweet – the flavor coated her tongue and she hummed with delight.

"You haven't had anything to eat in weeks," Mira's kind voice filtered into Lucy's ears as she sipped the liquid "That's why your stomach hurts. Polryusica said that this tisane would help with the pain, and get your body used to ingesting things again. Not to mention the warmth will soothe your throat."

As the pain in her throat lessened, Lucy decided she needed someone to fill the gaps in her memory, other than the tidbits she had heard while she had been trapped in the grey haze, she wasn't sure what all had happened. "How…How did I get here? What happened? How long have I been out of it?"

The questions bounding around her brain all came tumbling out at once. Mira and Wendy shared a look before giggling at Lucy's eagerness. Lucy went to take another sip from her cup and frowned slightly, her brows creasing, finding that it was empty. Mira reached for kettle and refilled Lucy's mug before gathering the now empty kettle and her tray.

"I'll let Wendy get you all caught up. I have some things I need to tend to downstairs. I'll be back to check on you later, Lucy. It's good to see you awake again." With a smile, and the slight incline of her head, Mira slid out the infirmary door leaving Wendy and Lucy alone.

"Laxus brought you in, Nee-chan." Wendy's voice was soft, barely above a whisper. She climbed up into the bed with Lucy, and wrapped her arms around the older mage's middle, her head falling onto the woman's ample chest as she spoke. Placing the cup aside, Lucy wrapped her arms around the young girl's shoulders and held Wendy close as she listened to her speak, taking comfort from the small girl.

"H-He carried you in, there was blood everywhere. I...I didn't think I would be a-able to save you. Even...Even with Polryusica's help t-there...there will still be some s-scars."

Wendy's fingers brushed against a thin white line that ran along Lucy's neck and collar bone as she spoke. An odd tingling sensation ran through the blonde mage as the scar was touched. A smile graced her lips as she soothed the younger woman, running her fingers through the Prussian blue locks.

"It's okay Wendy; scars just show how strong I am. It means that I survived."

"Oh, Nee-chan."

Wendy collapsed against Lucy in tears, rubbing her face back and forth against her chest. The relief she felt that her sister was back slammed hard into the girl and everything Wendy had kept reined in for the last month came rushing out. Her words devolved into gasping cries as tears streaked down her face.

0.o.0

The door had no sooner closed behind Mira when a deafening silence filled the usually boisterous guild hall. All eyes turned to focus on the eldest take over mage as she began to descend the stairs and make her way back to the bar. Mira deposited the now empty tea kettle in the sink before placing the tray on the bar top; ignoring the questioning gaze of her guild mates. She turned and made for the privacy of the master's office.

"Umm…Mira-nee?"

The sound of Lisanna's whispered voice halted Mira in her procession to the silence of the master's office. Pulling in a deep breath she spun on her heel to stare at her younger sister. The look of pure panic on Lisanna's face gave Mira pause making her features soften slightly as she spoke.

"Yes, Lisanna?"

"Is-Is Lucy alright? I mean. Did something happen?"

Lisanna twined her fingers together and worried her lower lip between her teeth while keeping her eyes downcast as she spoke. An exasperated sigh huffed out of Mira before she could stop it. She knew that Lisanna, like the rest of the guild, was only worried about their nakama, but Mira knew that it would be total chaos if everyone knew she was awake now. Closing her eyes Mira only gave a small shake of her head before answering in a soft voice.

"There's been a change in her status. That's all. Now I need to talk to Master…"

Lisanna interrupted Mira then, telling her that she understood before giving a quick bob of her head and spinning around. Thankful for the reprieve of gaining quick acceptance of the vague answer, Mira turned again and strode into the master's office. Her desire to get away from prying eyes and ears caused her to miss the sight of Lisanna rubbing a hand over her heart with a grimace as she slipped from the guild hall.

The sight of annoyance and unease painted on Mira's face when she entered into Makarov's office had the small guild master instantly on his feet and rushing forward. His aged hands reaching out to clasp Mira's delicate ones as he searched her face for peace of mind. His voice cracked as he spoke, fearing the worst.

"What has happened Mira?" Makarov asked jumping up from his desk.

"There has been a change."

Mira had barely gotten the words out before Master Makarov was pushing past her and making his way towards the infirmary. His thoughts going a mile a minute, hoping for the best but fearing the worst; however he was not prepared for the sight that greeted him upon opening the sick rom door.

Wendy was perched on the side of Lucy's bed holding a cup up to the frail woman's lips. Lucy skin still held a sickly pallor to it but he was relieved slightly to see his child recovering and finally awake. Mira stepped into the room behind the small master, lacrima in hand, just in time to watch Lucy smile weakly at them before her eyes slid shut and she collapsed back against the pillows. Panic set into Makarov and he was darting across the room, fear lacing his words and causing his limbs to tremble even as he demanded to know what had happened.

A soft tittering could be heard from both women as they watched the master break down into great sobbing tears of relief when the explained that Lucy had merely passed out due to exhaustion. Though he had been reduced to a sniveling, blubbering fool he demanded that Mira call Laxus right away to let him know that Lucy had woken up. After several minutes spent arguing over the masters request Mira finally caved and pushed a small jolt of magic into the orb in her hands.

0.o.0

The shrill sound of an incoming call on the communications lacrima in Freed's rucksack cut through the silence surrounding the Raijinshū. The four mages coming to a halt as the rune mage dug the crystal orb from the depths of his bag. Sending a small jolt of magic into the device now nestled in his hands Freed and the rest of the team looked on in curiosity and fear. There was really only one reason someone would be calling them right now and none of them wanted to accept that it could very well be 'that' call.

Freed's greeting died in his throat as the image of a disheveled Mira Jane filled the screen. The sound of Makarov sniveling in the background reached Laxus' ears mixed in with Lucy's name and suddenly everything stopped. The color drained out of the world as only one possibility ran through his brain. His inner dragon roared out in agony at the thought that they had lost their light.

Whatever it was that Mira was telling Freed and the others was drown out by his inner torment. The air around Laxus suddenly became thick with a static charge. His nerves were stretched tight, like piano wires tensed to sing at the lightest touch. His magical energy danced under his skin and arced from muscle to muscle as it swelled and surged outward. Lost in his own thoughts he didn't wait to hear what had happened. Laxus focused all his magic around him and in a sudden and violent burst of lighting he was gone.

A sudden crash of thunder outside the guild hall doors was punctuated by the sound of shattering wood as the doors were flung open with such force that the splintered as the collided with the walls. There in the entrance way was a wild eyed lightning dragon slayer. Laxus' hostile and panicked look coupled with his sudden appearance set the rest of the guild into a whirlwind of activity and panic. Mira, after barely had enough time to disconnect the call with Freed before she was off at full speed chasing the crazed slayer up the stairs towards the infirmary.

A low growl crawls up his throat as Mira's hand closes around his shoulder just as Laxus reaches the infirmary doors. Shaking loose of her restraining hold he pushes the doors open, his eyes scanning the room quickly. Pulling in a deep lung-full of air through his nose has Laxus instantly calming as the untainted scent of Lucy floods into his system. The overwhelming sense of panic that had been coursing through him diminishes. He takes in the sight of Wendy sliding out of Lucy's bed and feels shame color his face, the realization that he overreacted becoming clear as Wendy along with the help of Mira drag the reluctant mage from the room.

0.o.0

Lucy POV

As I struggled back to consciousness, the infirmary was darker than before, the white lace curtains had been drawn closed. Yet the thin fabric did nothing to hide the inky black sky outside from view. I lie stiffly in the oddly comfortable bed, letting my thoughts wander as I became aware of a quiet wooshing sound filling my ears. Slowly, realization dawned on me that it was the air moving in and out of my lungs causing the sound I heard.

Taking in a deep breath the inside of my throat burned as if I'd scrubbed the passage way out with steel wool. The soothing effect of the tisane Mira had brought me earlier was long gone, leaving behind the raw, ravaged flesh of my esophagus. Images from my muddled mind danced at the edge of my consciousness, flashes of the last day I really remembered, along with the missing pieces I had been given, pulled at my attention.

The squeak of the door opening captured my attention. I shook away the scattered thoughts. I could hear a voice that was like rough velvet and honey speaking in a rushed whispered tone before the sound of several sets of shoes on stone echoed in the silent sick room. The loud cacophonous sounds of my guild mates abruptly cut off as the door swung closed. Liquid sapphire eyes fell on me and I could feel a prickling heat rise in my cheeks as I held his gaze. Somehow his gaze meeting mine was enough to make my heart clench.

Seeing Laxus caused a deluge of emotions to race through my over taxed system all at once, each vying for my immediate attention. A flash of images on super-fast forward raced across my mind's eye, causing several pieces to suddenly fall into place. There was a connection to Laxus that felt as if it had always been there before; something that caused the sight of him to ease the pain I felt, even if only marginally. Peace suffused my system the longer I focused on that connection to him.

The other thing I became aware of, was that the only reason Natsu had shown any interest in me was not because I was his mate, but because I was Laxus,' and for unfathomable reasons he could not accept that fact. It made all his fights with the blond slayer in the guild, all the petty arguments and sudden need for a mission shine with new light. Natsu wouldn't let Laxus near me, no matter how he had to capture and keep my attention, Natsu would.

I couldn't help the snide pleasure I got as I internally taunted the slayer who was my ex. There was nothing he could do now to keep me from my mate. I felt the corners of my lips tug upwards and I was no longer content simply to gaze at him from across the room.

"Laxus…."

My voice croaked. I sounded like a two pack a day chain smoker. So I tried to clear my throat and the action sent pain lancing through my esophagus as if I had tried sword swallowing.

"Sorry," His deep voice resonated through the room, cutting through the silence and bathing me in a sense of calm. "Did we wake you?"

It was in that moment that I realized for the first time that he was not alone. Laxus stepped closer to my bed flanked on either side by his team. Bixlow, and Evergreen on his right. Freed on his left, each one of them had a look that was some mix of relief and fear clouding their expressions. I blinked confused by their appearances, shifting my gaze, my eyes finally focused on Laxus' face. His eyes were filled with tears but he too was wearing an expression that was somehow both conflicted and relieved.

I watched the members of the Raijinshū each share a look before they stepped closer to the edge of my bed and Laxus sink into the only chair. Evergreen was the first to break out of whatever strange trance they were all in. She flung herself into me much the same way Wendy had hours before; the air rushed out of my lungs with the force of impact.

"Oh, LuLu! I'm so glad you're finally awake. You had us all so worried." Evergreen's voice broke towards the end; as tears filled her eyes and dripped down to soak into the thin cotton shirt I was wearing.

Reaching out, I ran my hand along her back in silent comfort, confused by her reaction. I turned to look at Freed and Bixlow, hoping that one of them would be able to fill me in on her response, only to see silent tears streaking down both of their faces.

"It's damn good to see those eyes open again, Lucy. That flaming bastard, can't wait till we get our hands on him. Make him experience what he did to y…"

I felt my breath freeze in my throat and choke me at the mention of what happened. A low growl from Laxus along with a smack to the back of his head from Freed cut off the rest of Bixlow's sentence. I watched a sheepish, embarrassed blush paint Bickslow's cheeks as he mumbled an apology.

"Sorry, Miss. Lucy. We are glad that you are awake but I am sure all this excitement isn't all that good for you." I watched as Freed placed a hand on Evergreen's back. He silently ushered both her and Bixlow from my bedside; but not before he whispered something to Laxus. Something that oddly sounded like assurances to continue something.

I blinked in confusion. I had never been all that close to the Raijinshū before, and suddenly I have all three members crying over me because of what I've been through. Not to mention their leader taking a personal investment in my recovery, according to Wendy. Though now that I thought about it, she failed to explain what she meant by 'personal interest' earlier. The conversation I had with Wendy came crashing into my consciousness. Several of the missing pieces fell into place as I watch Laxus' team silently leave the room.

My head started to throb as I attempted to wrap my mind around what was going on. Evergreen giving me a nickname, Bixlow calling me by my name instead of Cosplayer, and then there was the fact that they had all been running all over Fiore chasing down any and every whisper that could be about my ex-lover and attacker. As everyone but Laxus took their leave, I felt a shiver run down my spine, chilling my blood as I thought about my ex best friend.

"Did you find… him?"

Bitter did not even come close to describing the flavor that coated my mouth as I managed to choke out a whisper about the last person I ever wanted to see again. I watched as Laxus merely shook his head as he slid closer to my bed, his muscles tensing slightly at the mention of the unresolved threat.

"No. But he's not going to get anywhere near you again if I have anything to say about it."

Laxus' words of reassurance and protection helped soften the knot of tension that had formed in my stomach at the mention of my friend turned enemy. The edge of possession that the simple sentence held caused my heart to thud sharply in my chest. The desire to surrender everything to him pulsed through me and I found myself confused by the depth of emotion I felt for this man I barely knew.

The conversation with Wendy from earlier resurfacing again as the need to be closer to him reverberated with in me. I remembered how she had said that there was a bond between him and me now; something that we would need to talk about when I was feeling better. Deep down I could feel that bond pulling me toward him and I could not find the desire with in me to resist it.

Laxus leaned back in the chair and for the first time I noticed the dark purple, bruise like circles under his eyes and how his hair seemed to be missing its usual luster. His face was tight, and I could see the stress my attack had caused him. I wondered when the last time Laxus had slept was as he looked absolutely exhausted.

Tentatively I reached to thread my fingers in Laxus' hair, and trail along his jaw. His features instantly relaxed, his shoulders drooping and his eyes closing as a low purr reverberated through his chest at the contact. I swallowed thickly and whispered just loud enough for him to hear without abrading my throat any further.

"Sleep, Laxus, you look like hell. I'm right here."

He nodded once, and I ran my fingers slowly through Laxus' soft hair thinking to myself as I did so. My mind kept going back over everything that had happened. I found myself pushed unrelentingly forward by the procession of events. Everything had happened so quickly, I still didn't fully understand how I had gotten here.

The room was quiet around us, broken only by the sound of the ticking clock, the steady rhythm lulling us into a deep slumber. A sense of peace settling over me for the first time since all of this began. Laxus' head resting on my abdomen, and my fingers tangled in his spiky blonde locks.

A/N: Okay so Thank you to EVERYONE who has patiently been waiting for updates on this and my other stories. As promised here was what I had completed I hope it was worth the wait. Also thank you to each person who sent me a private message about what has been going on and my last update. There have been several changes made to my daily life. The first of which being that I had another beautiful baby girl in September. For those of you who read my last update/author's note; yes this is why I was taking a semi-hiatus. There were some issues with my pregnancy that were impacting my health. I am happy to say the both baby and I are fine and doing fabulously. The other change is that I have gone back to work recently so I have even less time to try to write. That being said I still hold no intentions of stopping or giving up on any of my writings however updates will continue to be hit or miss. I am so thankful for all of the support you all have shown me up till now and hope that you all will continue to read my stories as I am able to update them.

On another note I would love to hear your theories about whats going on with Natsu and our mystery woman; whats wrong with Lizanna and what you think will happen with our new blonde duo. ^-^. I look forward to your comments, thoughts, and reviews. I will hopefully see you all very very soon!