*~Preview and AN at the end!~*
Leo rushed back into the guild and called everyone over, "We have to get ready for when they come back!" he yelled as he started to walk through the guild. He went in search of Lucy's bag. The lion spirit walked into the bed room and grabbed the small pink bag that was tucked under the bed and pulled out END's book. He lit his hand with the blue flames and watched as the book started to glow darkly. Small streams of steam escaped from the pages, making Leo wince from the touch, 'I have to get this back to Lucy' He turned around and left quickly out of the room.
"Song play - Fairy Tail - Ankoku no Madoushi Ost(extended)"
Makarov's body was enormous. He threw punches towards the flying demon and cracked the ground from every impact he made. The demon flew around continuously, throwing fists of flames towards the guild master. From every swing, Makarov's light diminished the flames but, not without leaving marks on himself. The old man huffed heavily, feeling exhausted from the dark magic sinking into him. The demon however, was consumed by it and any faint traces of humanity that was left in the boy, was probably gone by now. However, he prayed for Lucy's sake that it wasn't.
Makarov's eyes shot towards the ground, watching black flames moving up towards him. He stomped his foot down, knocking dirt into the air and smothering the flames beneath him. Sadly he didn't catch it in time, the demon flew over the giant and his head was smashed towards the ground.
It knew the flames would distract the old man long enough to counter him. END laughed loudly as he watched the giant shrink down. His magic was withering. "Is that all you got old man? And you call yourself a wizard saint!" END lunged towards him again and Makarov rolled out of the way quickly.
"It's just a title, it means nothing, boy!" Makarov's eyes lit up again and END hissed back. The demon spread his wings over himself as a wave of light shined brightly in the air, knocking him back. He opened his eyes and saw in the far distance a giant snake getting closer.
"It seems we are going to have company again, old man" END cackled and lunged again towards the guild master. Sparks of electricity shot across the ground and lightning cracked from the sky, hitting the demon from the back. END roared on the top of its lungs as he fell down to the ground. A small crater of flames was made as he tried to get himself back up.
Small trickles of blood dripped down from END's eyes as it continued to smile darkly towards the old man, "Was that all?" He started to walk towards Makarov. The old man huffed, feeling the effects of the magic loss and held up another fist of light.
"With my last breath, i will stop you, END" the old man coughed as blood started to come up with it. END snarled and threw a fist at the man, knocking him back a few feet. Makarov staggered himself back up and another lightning strike crashed down on the demon. Steam escaped from its lips from the direct hit and shortly brushed the blackened ash off.
"Too weak that time, Guild Master of Fairy Tail. I think you just ran out of cards to play" END laughed as it lunged towards the old man again with his claws extending out.
With his last breath a magic circle was formed under him and raised his hand high into the air. A strange marking was revealed as his sleeve was torn off him, "FAIRY GLITTER!" he clenched his fist tightly and a bright light shot down on the demon. END roared furiously as the light circled around him and bound him in his place. Makarov fell over unconscious and END couldn't move.
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" it snarled angrily. The demon tried to continuously fight its way out but, the light binding it was too strong. It continued to roar angrily, echoing in the dark skies.
Lucy and Ophiuchus continued to chase down Zeref back through the woods. The snake grew closer the faster it flew across the skies. Rain started to pour heavily and the spirit flicked its large jaw towards the ground. The softened ground cracked easily and Zeref started to jump through the trees. Lucy raised her hand as her golden flames started to flicker, "Use as much magic as you need, Ophiuchus. Just stop him" The Snake hissed as it started to glow a dark purple. Its eyes darkened and lunged its entire body towards the black mage. The force into the ground created a large quake, leaving a large ravine in the process. Zeref flicked another string of black magic towards the snake only for it to be consumed again.
"This is preposterous!" Zeref mumbled angrily under his breath. He pivoted around and flicked dark flames towards the snake. Its black empty eyes locked on the still boy and threw its body towards him. Another collision was made creating yet another large crater. Zeref jumped in the air and landed onto the snakes head.
The snake started to emit heavy poison from its jaw and it circled around the mage. Lucy's eyes remained empty despite looking towards the mage.
"Look how far you'd go to stop me, Heartfilla. If Natsu saw you now, he'd be so ashamed" Zeref watched as a small tear left her dark eyes. Her eyes started to shimmer and began wheezing heavily.
Ophiuchus hissed loudly, "Get away from her, boy" It flicked its head back and the tail of the giant snake lunged towards Zeref. It hit the mage harshly into the air and the black mage smacked his hands together. A dark wall of magic flew towards the snake and it opened its jaw to consume it. However the moment it opened its mouth Zeref flew behind it, raising a fist of strange light. Upon collision a deafening explosion was made. The snake started to fade and crumble into nothing. Lucy fell from the sky and into the trees as Zeref landed gracefully onto the ground.
"That went on long enough" he scowled towards the girl who fell beside him. He walked closer towards her and raised his hands. Her body was immediately being crushed into the ground and the girl screamed, "Don't worry, I won't kill you, I'll let END have that satisfaction instead" He picked up Lucy harshly by the hair and started dragging her across the ground. Lucy screamed in tears from the pain, unable to breath properly.
She started coughing, choking on the lack of air. Zeref threw her across the ground after awhile. Lucy turned her head slightly as she tried to get up weakly. Her legs gave out but her elbows managed to hold her up barely. Her eyes locked onto END that was surrounded by a golden light - trapped in its place. Lucy's eyes fell to the battered old man in front of the demon.
"MASTER!" she choked out with her cries, "MASTER!" she tried to get up but Zeref flicked his wrist, knocking the girl back down harshly. Lucy coughed heavily again and held out her hand slowly as tears fell, "Natsu...Please come back, Please" Her chest tightened painfully as her body trembled. Zeref walked over towards the bound demon and shook his head in disappointment.
"Now how did this happen?" looking down towards the unconscious old man.
END snarled, his blood red eyes glowering to the ground, "Does it matter? I'm going to kill him!' it spoke angrily.
Zeref clapped his hand slowly, "Well color me impressed. However, it won't him hold too long but, I'm sure you know that as well, dear brother. Look I've brought you a gift" he pointed towards the blonde on the ground.
END smiled darkly as he moved his head towards her direction, "For me?"
"Of course. I'm always looking out for your best interests, END" Zeref patted the demon's head and walked back towards the girl. He grabbed her by the hair again and threw her at END's feet. The demon looked down to her, smiling. Lucy shrunk back and crawled towards Makarov, holding him carefully.
"Stay away from me" she spoke sharply, "You're not the man i know"
END tilted his head, feigning pain, "Ouch. I've always been here, Luce. Always have. I've watched everything, every little thing you did with me" A wicked, venomous smile spread on his face and his canines showed brightly, "The smiles and heart warming moments you've given me. Every time you whispered my name sent me chills, Luce" His eyelids fell slightly as he spoke lower in a tone that made Lucy's heart stop, "That moment when you said you loved me, i felt like i could die. How i want to repay that favor, Luce. Making me feel so human, i really do owe you one"
Lucy started to whimper and she squeezed her eyes shut, "No, Stop. Stop it please"
END started mocking her and Zeref started to laugh, "This is amazing, Simply Amazing" clapping his hands delightedly. His eyes suddenly shot towards the forest, a bright blue flame flashed towards him and punched him across the ground. END snapped his gaze around and hissed at the intruder.
Lucy's eyes widened and tears fell, "LEO!" She picked up Makarov carefully and started to move towards him.
"LUCY! Stay back!" he yelled. He threw her END's book and she barely caught it.
END snarled harshly, "I knew that'll be a problem eventually. Stupid boy handing that over to some girl. I should've gave him a better beating" Baring his teeth as Lucy looked at him. She clenched the book tightly in her hand while trying to balance the small old man in her arms.
"I can still try to save you, Natsu" her head hung low as her tears fell onto the book, "I will, i promise" golden flames flickered off of her hands.
END cackled as he tilted his head back, "THAT weakling is dead! He'll never come back! However..." he lowered his gaze to her, "Maybe if you hand me my book back, i promise I'll be gentle with you" he winked and Lucy shivered in disgust.
Her hand shot out golden flames and poured it over the book. The book set off streams of smoke and END howled in pain. Snarls and growls ripped from his throat and chest as he tried to get out of the ring of light. Makarov started wheezing and Lucy placed him down gently.
"Master, Are you okay?" she asked worriedly.
"I don't know.." he spoke in a raspy strained voice, "Lucy, dear" he lifted his arm up shakily and another tear escaped Lucy. She kept her golden flames strongly onto the book as the Demon continued to struggle in pain, "Lucy...You must...you must run. Run far away from here. I won't forgive myself, won't forgive if anything happens to you..." he wheezed heavily as his vision blurred. His skin started to fade into a sickly green and Lucy started to whimper, terrified out of her mind.
"No, No, i have to fight with you guys, i have to. Don't die, please don't die. Not because of me" she choked on her sobs as her tears broke through again.
Makarov smiled weakly and he closed his eyes, "Be strong Lucy, Run. Please" his body faded into a pile of ash and Lucy screamed. A bright light shined up towards the dark clouds and a hole in the sky was ripped with it. Leo and Zeref stopped as they watched her. END barely glanced at the girl from the corner of his eye as he continued to burn from the golden flames.
Lucy started chanting incoherently,
Survey the Heavens, Open the Heavens...
All the stars, far and wide...
Show me thy appearance...
With such shine.
Oh Tetrabiblos...
I am the ruler of the stars...
Aspect become complete...
Open thy malevolent gate.
Oh 88 Stars of the heaven...
Lucy's head snapped down and looked behind herself as her eyes shined a brilliant gold. Holding her hands out she yelled, "SHINE! Urano Metria!" Large prisms of color and stars crashed down to the ground and Leo dashed towards her side. It crushed END and Zeref immediately and Leo picked up the girl and ran.
The lion spirit ran as fast as he could, without another glance back. Lucy fell unconscious in his arms, barely able to hear her heart beat, 'When the hell did she learn to do that! I never taught her such heavy magics' he looked down to her and squeezed his eyes shut as he ran, "Reckless, Lucy. Are you trying to get yourself killed?!" he huffed angrily under his breath. 'At least for now, that should've slowed them down...' A tear slid down his face as he recalled the Guild Master Makarov, 'The guild is going to crying for you, Master. Why did you push yourself so far' he clenched his jaw tightly, 'Why is everyone throwing their lives around so recklessly, I can't...' Leo fought back tears as he continued to push himself rapidly through the forest towards Fairy Tail.
People stood up from the tables as the spirit crashed into the guild hall, out of breath. He rushed past everyone and straight towards the infirmary.
"What the hell happened, Leo?" Erza yelled loudly. Leo didn't say anything as he placed Lucy onto the bed. Gray came in shortly after with Wendy and the two cats. Charle stuck close to Wendy and Happy flew to Lucy's side.
"What happened to Lucy?" Happy pawed at the battered girl who was barely breathing.
Leo punched the wall beside them, making everyone flinch back. He shot an icy glare towards the window when he spoke quietly.
"We don't have much time, they could catch up. We have to get out of here as soon as Wendy heals whatever she can for Lucy" eyeing the small dragonslayer. The small girl nodded and ran towards Lucy to start healing her.
"...the hell, Loke. What happened out there?" Gray raised his arms out.
Leo looked down to them when he barely spoke above a whisper, "The guild master is gone.."
Erza stepped closer towards Leo, eyes shaking with pain and shock, "...what?"
"We barely got out of there. He managed to lock down END for awhile but, it costed him everything. Lucy used a powerful spell and slowed them down further for the time being. We really don't have much time, we have to get moving before they come here" he said a bit louder. He clenched his fist tighter.
Gray went livid, "That does it...I'm done with this..." he started to storm off and Leo went after him. He grabbed his shoulder and Gray pushed him back immediately.
"Don't carelessly throw your life away Gray! You think the master would want that?! He did this for our sake!" he yelled. Gray ignored him and ran off in a flash. Erza ran after him while Leo moved back towards Lucy.
"How long?" he spoke to Wendy quickly.
The girl was quivering, holding back her cries, "I don't know...I don't" Charle flew onto her shoulder, hugging her gently, "Don't pressure her. Wendy is under a lot of stress right now, Leo"
Leo gritted his teeth, "I'm not pressuring her. I have to know. We don't have time, we already lost a valuable life. We cannot afford to lose another"
Wendy sniffled as tears fell, "What's going to happen to us?" the girl cried. Charle tried to hush her gently but the girl kept quivering. Eventually her magic faded and her hands covered her face full of tears, "Why did this have to happen?"
Leo pulled up END's book from under his cloak. Before he ran off he grabbed it from Lucy and hid it. His eyes narrowed as the book burned his hand. The spirit sighed heavily, ignoring the pain before throwing it to the ground and stomping onto it - crushing it under his foot, "I'll never forgive him. Not ever, Not even if he went back to human"
Lucy fluttered her eyes open and her voice cracked, "...Natsu.." she breathed. Wendy and Leo hovered over to her quickly. Happy nudged her with his head.
"Lucy...what happened" the blue cat cried. Leo brushed her hair away gently, forcing a smile onto his face.
"Princess, I'm glad you're okay. Normally I'd yell at you for being so reckless but, you did well, I'm proud" He spoke gently.
Lucy sat up and held her head in her hand, "My head hurts" Her eyes snapped open entirely, "The book!" she yelled panicked.
Leo sighed and picked up the book from the floor. She grabbed it from him and glowered towards it, "Lucy.." He breathed warily, "I don't think you can..." but before he can finish Lucy suddenly lit her hands up and punched the book a few times. A small dent was left behind and she breathed heavily from the excess effort.
"That ought to do it, for now" Tears escaped Lucy's eyes and her body started to shake, "Why him?" she breathed. Her blonde hair started to fall forward again, "Why...did it have to be him?" her sobs slipped through and Leo hugged her gently, scowling towards the book.
"I wish i knew, princess. I really wish i knew" Wendy hugged Lucy as well as the two cats.
Erza came back in and kicked Gray across the room. All eyes fell onto them, "Now what are you suppose to say?" she growled angrily.
"I..." Gray breathed under his breath. Erza stomped over and placed a foot onto his behind.
"Say what now?" she glowered towards the battered ice mage.
"I'm sorry for snapping at you, Loke" he mumbled while his face was planted into the ground. Everyone's face paled from the sight and watched the scarlet mage pull him back up.
"...and?" shoving him towards Lucy. Lucy's eyes widened, unsure of what is going on.
Gray glanced at Lucy and tilted his head down, bowing, "I'm sorry for making you worry. I shouldn't have ran off like that without thinking" he spoke quickly. Erza smacked him hard onto his back making the boy yelp.
"Glad to hear that" the scarlet woman spoke as she looked towards Lucy, "Glad to see you're okay as well, Lucy. I'm sorry we weren't there to help you" her head dropped as tears fell, "I'm sorry i couldn't be there to help, the guild master..." her body shook and Lucy held her arms out towards her.
Erza hugged Lucy then everyone started to group hug again until they heard an explosion in the distance. Leo paled and swallowed heavily.
"We're out of time, that's probably them" he spoke quickly, "We have to get out of here now!" He helped Lucy out of the bed and everyone else rushed out of the room. Leo called over to the blue cat, "Happy, get Lucy out of here as far as you can, Got that?!" Happy started to sniffle and nodded.
Lucy looked at Leo, panic filled her eyes, "Leo what the hell are you doing?!" she felt Happy picking her up into the air, "Put me down! I'm getting so tired of being picked up!"
Leo smiled to her weakly, "Be safe, Lucy. I'll come back as soon as i can. Happy, Go, NOW!" Happy flew without another look back and Lucy cried, stretching her arms out towards her friends.
"STOP IT! Stop! Don't leave me, please. Stop...i can't lose another friend!" Lucy cried on the top of her lungs as another explosion sounded in the distance. Happy pulled her out of a broken window and her eyes widened from the sight. The entire town was engulfed by dark flames. Everything was burning to the ground. The forest and the remainder of the city. Everything. The sky grew darker with the black smoke rising. The horrifying vision burned into her mind as Lucy whimpered heavily, remembering the time seven years ago. The time her mother passed away, "No, No not again. HAPPY put me down!"
Happy ignored her and spoke, "Lucy, I didn't want to leave either. We have to protect you. It's my duty to protect my friends too! Leo made me promise him before. Before he left, if anything were to happen, I'd get you out of here" Happy's tears spilled in the air and Lucy's heart ached with sorrow and pain. She cried loudly, voice echoing in the skies as it started to sprinkle rain.
"I can't do this anymore. I can't...First mom, then Natsu and now the guild master. My heart can't take this..." Lucy held up the book in her hands. Eyeing the letters etched onto it.
'I never liked my name. I hated it' Natsu's green eyes looked at her with pain, 'I'd never do anything to hurt you Lucy, Not ever. I promise'
Lucy's heart sank as she squeezed her eyes shut. Images of his smile crossed her mind repeatedly until it started to change into the terrifying dark smile and blood red eyes. Lucy screamed with anguish as her heart continued to squeeze tighter, "Why!?" she yelled loudly, "WHY NATSU!? YOU PROMISED ME! YOU PROMISED YOU'D COME BACK FOR ME!" she continued to scream with agony.
"Song play - Fairy Tail - Chase! Natsu & Gray(extended)"
Leo, Erza and Gray ran to get Gajeel and Laxus. Jellal came rushing in beside them. Everyone was ready for their final battle.
"I've only encountered END a few times" Jellal spoke quickly as they rushed through the burning city, "He doesn't use normal flames. If any of it touches you, get rid of it immediately. It's coated with black magic and it'll burn right through you"
Gray spoke loudly as he started to slow down, "...Or call for me. I'll cool you right down" his eyes locked towards the road ahead, "Devil Ice make: Dark Rampart!" He stopped in his tracks in front of everyone, holding his arms out wide then smacking the ground heavily. The ground shook when suddenly a large pink wall of ice shot up over the city. Gray breathed heavily as his eyes glowed bright. The ground froze and so did the flames in the close vicinity. The people behind him watched in shock as the boy slowly put out the dark flames with his devil ice. Gray stood up only to back up slightly. END was on the other side, scowling.
"Annoying aren't you?" it hissed.
Gray smacked both his fists together, breathing heavily, "Maybe. But i think you just took the cake, buddy. Devil Ice make, Rupture!" he yelled. Pink ice spikes shot under END, making him fly high up into the air from the other side.
"Everyone get ready!" Erza and Jellal spoke in unison. They turned to look at each other, smiling briefly before turning back towards the flying demon. Zeref walked behind them and spoke as if he was feeling bored..
"If this is all you have, You should've ran while you had the chance" His eyes looked up towards the sky as the demon descended, surrounded in his dark flames.
"Fairy Tail doesn't back down from a fight!" Gray shouted. Laxus and Gajeel lunged towards END in the air with Gray while Erza and Jellal lunged towards Zeref.
"Where is she?" END hissed loudly towards the slayers.
Laxus punched the demon to the ground with all his might, "Again, that is none of your business demon" he retorted.
"Gihi, now its my turn. Iron Dragon's Roar!" he puffed out his chest and released a gust of sharp iron, particle filled air towards the demon.
Gray lunged back down towards the ground, "Devil Ice make: Zeroth Long sword" a dark sword of ice shot out from his hand, sparking with dark energy. The sword crashed down towards END harshly, gouging his arm. It roared angrily as painful shocks shot through his entire being. The demons dark flames erupted out from him, making everyone jump back.
"I never liked you, Devil slayer" it snarled while baring its teeth towards the ice mage.
Gray snickered darkly as he raised the sword towards him, "I never liked you either" Gray lunged at him again and END raised a flaming fist towards him. Laxus had his lightning striking the ground rapidly while Gajeel went at END from behind.
Several collisions were made, coiling the air with strong gusts. Hot and Cold air filled the area as thunder started to crack loudly overhead. Rain began to pour down hard, creating a small flood beneath them.
Lucy and Happy continued to fly further away from the guild. The celestial mage's mind was running amok - unable to think clearly anymore. She firmly believed she has lost everything. Everything she loved was being torn away from her. She begged the heaven's above why, what sin has she committed to be driven down by such a harsh fate. Happy was growing exhausted as the winds and rain came down relentlessly.
"Lucy! i can't go on much longer. My magic is getting too weak" Happy huffed.
"Take us down quickly then" she said as she eyed the muddy ground beneath them. Her feet touched down and Happy fell into her arms.
"I'm sorry Lucy. I'm sorry i can't help much" the small cat cried, "I miss Natsu. I miss everyone, Lucy. I miss your wierd smile" The cat curled into her chest and the girl buried her head down. She fell onto her knees and started crying with him.
"Me too, Happy. Me too, i wish we can go back to the way things were. My god how i wish i can do that" Lucy sobbed quietly.
They stayed like that for awhile until more thunder roared in the sky above them. Lucy tilted her head up and pulled herself up.
"We have to get out of this rain, or we'll have bigger things to worry about" She started running through the mud, pushing all her might into her legs. Picking her feet up high to make sure she doesn't sink into the ground. Her chest heaved heavily, lungs stinging from being exhausted. She couldn't stop. Not now while everyone is out there fighting for her sake. Lucy hated it, she wanted to stay and fight with him. No one will let her. Lucy gritted her teeth and held onto Happy tightly. More images of Natsu smiling down to her gently flashed in her mind. How she yearned to see it again, having his warm arms around her. It felt like it's been forever ago. How it terrified her that it's only been a couple days. Only a couple and yet things changed so fast. Lucy saw a dark cave in the distance and ran towards it.
She flickered her golden flames and buried Happy under her arms. Carefully trying to wipe the soaked fur dry without burning him. Tears stung her eyes as she dropped the book in the process. Her eyes narrowed to it scornfully and kicked it across the cave. It bounced off the wall before falling towards the ground. The pages flipped rapidly and closed on its own.
"IDIOT!" she yelled painfully. Her lungs strained as well as her voice and Happy curled around the small fire she made to keep them warm, "YOU STUPID IDIOT!" she continued to scream, "WHY DID YOU GO TO ZEREF!? WHY!?" she fell onto the ground as tears fell. Happy touched her knee, face frowning sadly. He turned his head towards the book and started to walk towards it. Lucy's eyes widened as she watched the cat touch the book, "Happy no! get away from it" she kicked herself back onto her feet. Happy touched the book and yelped from the burn but, that didn't stop him.
"We have to help Natsu" the cat cried painfully. Still pulling the book from the wall. Lucy fell back onto her knees behind the cat as she watched. Tears rolling down her cheek still.
"Happy, don't hurt yourself, please" she tried to reach for the book but Happy didn't move away from it. She watched smoke escaping from his paws.
"We have to help Natsu!" the cat turned his head around, gritting its small teeth in pain, "Please Lucy!"
Lucy nodded her head, "I know, Happy. I want to save him too"
Lucy grabbed the book and pulled it onto her lap. She took in a heavy breath of the damp air and her fingers trembled over the cover. She lit her hands brightly with the golden flames as Happy backed up behind her. She slowly started to flip the cover open and the book flew out of her hands. Dark flames shot up from the book, forming strange letters into the air. Lucy's eyes locked onto each individual character it revealed, unable to make sense of it. Lucy moved over towards the book again as it continued to burn brightly and grabbed it back onto her lap. She winced painfully as it tried to burn through her flames.
'Don't ever open it, Lucy. Unless you want to burn from the inside out' his voice echoed in the back of her mind, 'Only he can open it' it continued.
Lucy swallowed heavily and shook her head, "I have to do this. I have to do this for your sake, Natsu" She pressed her hands onto the book firmly as the burn scorched her palms. Lucy screamed loudly and Happy cried.
"LUCY!" the cat yelled, "LUCY whats happening?" the dark flamed letters started circling around the celestial mage. Lucy continued to burn her golden flames into it. She felt like she was losing oxygen, everything was on fire in her body. Breathing heavily and sweat dripping down her face, she didn't stop. Lucy continued to pour her magic through the book, searching for anything she can find, anything at all about Natsu and his other side.
Lucy was suddenly sent flying back, knocking the wind out of her lungs as the book closed itself again. The celestial mage fell unconscious shortly after and Happy ran to her side, leaving the book by the wall.
"Song play - Fairy Tail - Hisou"
Lucy flickered her eyes open slowly. She was once again in a brightly lit room.
'Am i dead this time?' she thought. She stood up shakily and looked down to her hands. There was dark burn marks left from where she touched the book. Lucy shook her hands and couldn't feel no pain. Sighing she started looking around the room carefully.
It felt like she walked for hours as she continued down one direction, "Is anyone here?" she yelled, "Someone?!" her voice echoed until her eyes locked onto a shadowy figure in the distance. Without hesitating she ran towards it, "Hey! You over there!" Lucy stopped a few feet behind it. The figure was covered in a black cloak on the ground. It seemed the person was crouching over something. Lucy moved closer, curious as to what it was looking at. She kneeled down beside the cloaked figure only to see a small boy with black hair. Her eyes widened. The figure didn't say anything as it got up slowly.
"Who are you?" she breathed. It still didn't say anything. Almost as if it didn't hear her. It didn't even acknowledge her. Lucy looked back down to the boy and watched it being picked up slowly by the cloaked person. She followed it slowly as they started to walk ahead. The room suddenly changed into a dark area and Lucy held her arms over herself. The room reeked with black magic and her eyes widened from the familiar room.
"The restoration chambers" she breathed. Her eyes fell on a tank that was filled with strange liquid. Her lips parted and held a hand up over it when she realized what was in the tank, "No way" holding both hands over her mouth now. Lucy ran towards it and stopped in front of the tank, "NATSU!" she yelled. The celestial mage snapped her gaze towards the cloaked figure who was standing by the control panels. It mumbled something incoherently and she looked back towards the tank. A loud hissing noise was made as she watched strange liquids being pumped into the boy. The body flinched repeatedly before the glass cracked. Lucy jumped back as the tank exploded in front of her. After the smoke cleared, she watched the cloaked figure picking up the now pink haired boy. His hair changed, 'was it always black?' she thought carefully. Her heart stopped when she noticed the hood was off of the man. 'Zeref...' she breathed.
"Dear brother, welcome back" he spoke gently. Lucy watched as Zeref cleaned up the boy from the mess and brushed his hair gently, "Soon you'll wake up into a new world, Natsu. A world for just you and me"
The image faded again and Lucy covered her eyes. When the room stopped spinning she moved her arm away only to see a strange room. A giant lacrima was in the center of what it seemed to be a throne room. Her eyes fell onto the being that was sitting in the gold and black chair behind the Lacrima. Lucy walked towards the chair and saw the familiar dark, pink-hair, 'Natsu...' He was holding a book, his book. He was staring at the giant orb in front of him. Lucy noticed his eyes were a bright red but they looked, lonely. She stopped walking towards him when she heard a voice nearby talking.
"My lord, We still cannot find Zeref. Do you still want us to continue searching? It's been almost two centuries" the man with long black curly hair bowed to Natsu. She watched as his eyes flickered towards the other demon and snarled.
"Useless, the lot of you. All of you" his dark flames shot towards the demon and the servant left. Lucy walked in front of Natsu, realizing this must've been the time he started to change. She kneeled down in front of the red-eyed demon, moving her hand towards his face. Her fingers fell through the translucent image. "Why did he leave me here alone?" the demon mumbled under his breath. He closed his eyes as she watched his face soften. A silent tear fell down his face and Lucy felt her heart clench.
The room started to swirl again and she was thrown down into the ground. She yelped from the pain and got up only to see that she was inside of Natsu's chambers. Lucy walked around and heard voices.
"Who are you!?"
Lucy snapped her gaze towards the direction, eyes widening when she realized it was her own voice. She watched as the demon stood in the dark by the window.
"You can at least tell me who you are..." she watched herself slid down the cage, feeling defeated. Lucy moved towards the window, hearing him mumbling something.
"You're such a strange girl, Heartfilla. You're not like anything I've seen before" he chuckled quietly. Lucy started to tear up when she realized what this was. She sobbed quietly. This was his memories, replaying in her mind. She clutched her chest tightly and fell over. Remembering what happens next. Every moment of it. Lucy suddenly felt herself falling into another room and collapsed onto the ground.
"This is getting annoying" she mumbled under her breath. Standing up carefully, Lucy looked around, "this is..." She was standing outside the magnolia city. The moment when she first told him...
"I love you!" Lucy watched herself scream in the middle of her own golden flames, "Congratulations You've got me!" she continued to scream. Lucy watched as Natsu fell from the sky - to the ground beside her.
'I can't fight her, I can't after all' his thoughts started to echo, 'For now, I'll just let her take her frustration out on me. I have to...protect her'
Lucy started to cry again, "Natsu..." she kneeled over to the unconscious boy. Her fingers brushed through the translucent body, feeling frustrated she couldn't touch him, "I'll save you. I promise, i swear. Zeref won't win this" her hands kept trying to grab the body but failed, "please, please wake up, Natsu. I miss you so much, I miss you. I know you're stronger than this, Fight it!" she started quivering. Her body started to glow as she yelled louder, "FIGHT IT NATSU!" her golden flames shot out brightly, bringing her back out of the strange realm.
Happy jumped away as Lucy's body began to burn brightly, "Lucy...?" The girl started to stand up as she continued to burn brighter. She walked away without a word and picked up END's book. Happy followed her as she walked out of the cave in a dazed state.
AN: Getting so close to the end guys (O^O)/ and the sadness continues with the battle, its just a matter of time...
How are you all doing though? Story alright? Its been awfully quiet, i really do want to hear from you guys, whether its a good opinion or not, it'll help me in the long run but anyway, I hope you all are enjoying the story so far and as for all my current reviewers, followers - thank you all so much *bows* I honestly don't know how far i would've made it without you guys (;^;)/
Now for the preview!
*~..."I've had enough of you" but before he can do anything further, he saw Lucy pick up small remnants of the devil ice and with one swing, she stabbed the book into its center. The demon turned his head over slightly, eyes widening. Blood started to spill from his lips as he dropped the boy. END kneeled over holding an arm out towards her, "Lucy..."~*
See you next time! (*sniffles*)