Welcome Fairies to my newest chapter.

All I can say is that I have discovered an evil streak in myself while writing this wonderful story. And dare I say that it is a good thing. All the suspense, and all the cliff-hangers I leave you with, it just makes me feel so accomplished as a writer. Not going to lie my evilness is only going to get worse from here on out.

As for this chapter is a whopping 7,200 words of much needed plot development. Questions will be answered, things will become clear, and yet you will still have questions that still need to be answered.

I hope you are all ready for this, because this is just the beginning of my long end game :)

~I do not own Fairy Tail. I only own the Plot and the OC's.

Enjoy :)


As the bright afternoon light turned a burnt orange behind the evening clouds a brave young blonde stood in front of her guild and finally let her past form into words. Lucy knew this would be hard for her; her story was not one that could easily be put into words. There were to many harsh memories that still haunted her to this day. She had only ever shared her story with one other person. That person stood close to her, his pink hair and his dark obsidian eyes that looked at her with such deep encouragement. Fairy Tail needed to know her past. Her past held the key to their future; a future that she hoped would avoid ending up like her tragic tale.

"Has anyone ever heard of the disappearance of the kingdom of Caelum and the floating city of Astra?" Lucy asked first as she gazed out at the expectant faces. She watched as some nodded, some shook their heads, and some just looked very confused. Lucy took a deep breath and sat on the table beside Makarov getting ready for the long story she was about to tell.

"If not that's okay. The kingdom is located on a cluster of islands far to the east. It was a small beautiful country with tall mountains and incredible views. They were famous for their diamond mines, and the incredible architecture that clung to the mountain sides," Lucy began as a fond smile slowly formed across her face as she remembered her lost home.

"That is where I am from. My family's name was the Heartfelia's and my parents ruled over the floating city. Eleven years ago a mysterious group appeared out of nowhere. One minute there was peace and then the next houses were burning and crumbling down the mountainside and people in masks were running around killing people left and right. My mother and I were one of the few people to escape the islands; my father, all of my relatives and all of my friends were not as lucky. I was seven years old at the time, but in a single night I lost everything," Lucy said as her eyes looked out above the wide eyes of the guild and to the large window that rested above the large oak doors. The evening light cast the glass in a brilliant orange glow that reminded her of that horrible night.

"We had no idea who this group was. We had no idea why they attacked our home and destroyed everything; to my young seven-year-old self it all just seemed like a horrific and terrible dream. We ran from country to country, never truly safe as we were pursued and hunted the entire time. It wasn't until we made it to Fiore that we were finally able to disappear and create a safe haven for ourselves with the help of Makarov and his family," Lucy said as her gaze continued to watch the soft sun that darkened with the passing of another day. The crowd before her faded away as her memories slowly started to engulf her and form into words across her tongue.

"We soon discovered after one of our earlier encounters with our hunters that they were after my mother's keys and magic," Lucy said as she unhooked her keys from her belt and held them in her hand. She brushed a light hand over them and felt the encouragement that all of them shared along with warnings about what she should and should not share.

"My family protects an ancient craft of Celestial magic and the group wished to use it as a weapon. My mother was riddled with guilt and revenge when she found out this information. She was convinced that they had attacked our home because of her and she often blamed herself for what had happened to our country," Lucy shared this information that not even Makarov had known about her mother. The guilt and revenge that her mother had experienced was something Lucy had only ever seen in the confines of their home.

"She was filled with a dangerous sense of determination and so she began to track the small bits of information that she could find on the mysterious group. She kept this mostly hidden from me, hoping that I would at least be able to live a peaceful life. However when I was thirteen and she passed away she handed her responsibility and mission to me. My father saved us so we could flee from the city, and my mother protected me for as long as she could. When I read the notes and files that my mother had left me I also could not turn a blind eye, I needed to do something in order to protect this kingdom from falling like mine did. Since that moment I have been doing everything in my power to stop the past from happening again," Lucy said as her eyes pricked with the familiar sense of tears. She tore her eyes away from the burnt orange light and looked down at her lap. Her hands were clutching her keys and she could feel her spirits conveying their own emotions back to her. They knew how much this affected her. They knew how much this responsibility weighed her down, but they knew how determined Lucy was to make sure her parent's sacrifice didn't end in vain. Lucy took a deep breath and calmed her running emotions before she looked back up at the guild.

"I have intercepted important information, stopped certain branches of their organization from operating properly, freed some of the survivors from their clutches, and have slowed their progress as much as I can. I will admit that I was making headway on discovering what their goals are and who has been behind it all," Lucy said as she felt Makarov shift beside her and she could feel his surprised gaze boring into her side. Lucy knew she would receive that reaction from him. Usually she kept him up to date with everything she had discovered but as for this information she needed concrete evidence and proof before confronting Makarov. Ignoring Makarov's response and vowing that she would explain later she continued her story.

"It wasn't until recently that things finally spiraled out of my control. Up until a few days ago they thought that my mother's legacy died with her. They had no concrete proof that I was even alive, but that has all changed. I managed to escape but I fear that they will continue to pursue me. I was just one part of their plan but they know that I know the most about their group and their plans. With that in mind I can only assume they will strengthen their searches for me and also put the first phases of their plan into motion in hopes of stalling me from gathering people against them," Lucy said with a heavy heart as fear crept into her voice. It was the only thing she could see the group doing. It made the most logical sense. Lucy was a threat to them and they would do everything in their power to wipe her out or capture her, but the other reasonable response was to further their own plans. It scared her that this was a possible outcome of her encounter with Minerva and Bora. She hoped she was wrong but she had to move forward thinking that she was right and that she was making the proper choices in order to save the most lives.

"Now I don't want anyone to worry about me and my well being. I came here to let you know about my past and what has happened to me so you can help me prevent it from happening to this kingdom. My story is the model of what will happen, and I wish to never let someone walk that same dark street. My path is different from all of yours. I have something they want and will no doubt be pursued for the rest of my life but that is not of your concern. My path has already been set, and has been this way for a long time. I can't change that fact," Lucy said with a little edge to her voice. She needed to get them to understand that there was nothing they could do for her; she was a lost cause. They needed to look out for themselves and decide what they needed to do without worrying about her well-being.

"My original reason to come to Fairy Tail and finally meet everyone was to decide on what to do next. My path is set on a downward spiral, but all of you have a choice to make. I have told you my story and the future that this kingdom faces. I can tell you everything I know in hopes that maybe we can do something about it and change what is to come or you can choose to run and save yourselves," Lucy said as she stared intently at each individual face within the crowd. She saw the horror in their eyes, and the fear that was settling deep into their very souls. Lucy knew that her words held a large responsibility and she didn't blame any of them for being scared.

"I understand both paths and I don't care which you take. It took a lot of convincing and inner courage for me to stand in front of you today and ask all of you this. When my mother passed away I vowed to never let anyone get close to me again in fear that I would loose them as well. I have avoided bringing people into what I deemed my mess because it's dangerous and life threatening. I don't want any of you to get hurt and while I still breath I promise to protect all of you and this kingdom for as long as I can," Lucy said as she studied everyone's faces, burning them into her memory so she would never forget any of them. She didn't know what they would decide and she would never hold anything against them if they turned and left. However she wanted to remember all of them because they had showed her what a family could be and she would love them all for that beautiful memory.

"However, Natsu pointed out to me today that if I didn't talk to all of you about what will happen you might all be blindsided later. I can make a difference today by telling you everything I know in hopes that it will help you in the future and give you the warning you all deserve to hear. I believe you all have a capacity to walk a much lighter path than mine but that choice is up to you," Lucy said as her gaze left the many faces and focused on Natsu who sat on the bench below her. His eyes were wide with shock but he still held an air of confidence that she admired. Taking a deep breath she turned back to the deathly silent guild members.

"You can leave if you wish, I will not hold it against you. You all have families and friends to consider so choose wisely. Or you can stay and ask your questions," Lucy told them and then waited for their decision.

Lucy had never felt so suffocated by a silence before. It seemed to press down on her and smother the oxygen from her lungs. Her own breathing rang heavily in her ears as she struggled to keep her breathing steady and her mind focused. The confliction within her mind ate away at her as it jumped between her decision to protect the guild and also her desire to not let them get hurt. She wanted so desperately to do both that it slowly burned away at her as she waited for their answers. She watched as each individual face contemplated her words, each one weighing the options before them. They had a lot to consider, the vulnerability they were putting themselves and those closest to them in, and the danger that awaited them if they stayed. Would they make the risk and put their lives on the line, or would they bide themselves time and possibly evacuate, saving not only their lives, but also those they loved. It was a lot to ask someone, and she understood that. Lucy couldn't take the torment and let her head fall to gaze at the keys that she still held in her hands.

She listened to her spirits discuss the current matter as her hands lightly traced their handles. Her and her spirits were a team after all and their opinions were of great importance to her. Aries, Virgo, Taurus, Sagittarius, Scorpio, Aquarius, Leo, Gemini, Capricorn, Cancer and all of her silver keys. They all discussed the pros to telling the guild the information but warned her not to give details about the magic she guarded. An ancient magic that was bound in the contract that her great ancestors and the Celestial King had forged. That kind of information was for her ears only, and could never be disclosed to even her closest and most trusted friend. Information that she would die for instead of letting a single word leave her mouth. Sighing deeply Lucy tucked that information to the far reaches of her mind, where nobody would ever take it from her. She attached her keys back to her belt and reassured her spirits of her promise and oath.

To Lucy's surprise she felt the soft fur of a certain feline flutter across her legs. Looking down she saw Happy who had flown over and was now putting a gentle paw on her leg. Lucy let a smile form silently across her lips at his little gesture. She hadn't truly seen the cute cat in a very long time and her heart fluttered with a weak sense of joy. He had not joined Natsu on their latest mission and she had only reunited with the energetic cat once she had stepped into Fairy Tail. His eyes held a silent question and Lucy immediately picked up the tiny blue cat and cradled him in her arms.

"You're my family Lushie. I would never leave you," Happy said quietly as he snuggled into her chest. Happy had no idea the profound meaning that stood behind his simple statement. Lucy's heart soared with warmth as she hugged Happy closer to her chest.

"You're my family too Happy. Thank you," Lucy said sweetly to the cat as Happy looked up at her with his large eyes. Lucy felt the familiar hand of Natsu land softly on her arm and she looked over into his deep obsidian eyes.

"You already know my answer," he said with a confident grin splattering across his face as his thumb lightly rubbed against her arm. Her stomach fluttered with the wings of a dozen butterflies as she let her own hand cover his in a silent response. Lucy knew exactly what was blooming brilliantly in her chest and instead of pushing it away she let it flow through her body and brighten her soul. Hope and Love: Two very dangerous but powerful emotions to have.

"It seems Lucy that we all will stand beside you," Makarov said, as he looked at the tender sentiment the pair of them were showing. Lucy's eyes lifted towards the guild master than searched out into the waiting crowd. Not a single person within the guild walls had left and their answer to her statement came as a consecutive "Aye!" that resonated throughout the guild and filled her heart with such happiness she thought she would burst.

"Thank you everyone," Lucy said her voice full with the emotions she felt but could not express through words. She felt the betrayal of a few tears that escaped the confines of her eyes, but she could care less about them at this current moment. She gave a weak but relief filled laugh as she wiped the evidence from her face. Lucy just couldn't comprehend that the entire guild was willing to risk their lives; risk everything to help her in this war. There was no guarantee they would even win; they only had the belief that they could possibly make a difference. They didn't even know the extent of the force they were up against and yet they still said yes. Fairy Tail was truly a spectacular and wonderful guild and she was glad to call herself a member. Composing herself Lucy addressed the guild anew.

"What would you like to know?" Lucy asked as she cuddled Happy to her chest and sat waiting for the questions she hoped she could answer. Erza stood gracefully from her seat and Lucy wasn't the least bit surprised that Erza was the first one to ask a question.

"Who is the leader?" She asked and Lucy knew that this was one of many that she wouldn't be able to answer completely.

"That is a difficult question to ask since I don't fully know myself," Lucy began with a sigh as she began to scratch Happy behind the ear.

"What I can tell you is that I know that many of the members within the organization call him The Master. I know that all the members' fear him but I haven't been able to pinpoint why he is feared, or what his power is. I can only assume that he is very powerful since he can command such a force behind him, and that his power isn't to be taken lightly if his members would rather die than face him when they fail," Lucy said with a sense of dread coiling around her stomach. Bora's last moments came back to her like a crashing wave. His frightened voice that begged her to kill him instead of let him fall into the organizations unforgiving grasp. I'd rather die then be taken into the darkness. Reformed and re-educated. I'll do anything; just don't let me face him. His last statement before he died right before her rang in her mind; His words haunting Lucy from that moment on.

"I know that he has never been seen and even when I interrogated a few of the members they hadn't event truly met him. One of my good friends who was once under their control did meet The Master once but it was wiped from his memory. They only describing feature that he could give me was a sense of darkness and fear that clung to The Master like a permanent cloak. I can confirm that a mage named Minerva, who is one of the higher ranked mage's within the organization, is close to him. I heard a few of their members talking while I was imprisoned that she is always by his side, and if I'm correct in thinking she may be the leader of one of his most dangerous teams," Lucy said as she thought back to her encounter with Minerva on the distant cliff.

A shiver passed up her spine as she remembered everything she had discovered in that short conversation and how everything had changed since then. She let the thought pass as her mind turned to her cousin. Lucy briefly hoped that Yukino had made it to safety and that maybe one day if she lived through this ordeal that she would see her face once again.

"What is the extent of their force?" She heard Gray ask as he stood next to Erza who held a serious scowl across her features. Lucy turned her gaze to Gray as she let the dread swell in her chest, this was one question she knew would discourage the group before her.

"They have a large force behind them, but I can't put an exact number on it. I know that they have a force of fighting mages that either work in groups or alone. However there is a large force of members that act as informants," Lucy said as she addressed the concerned faces of the guild before her.

"For the mages that can fight, some have created Dark guilds that take in new members all the time. Some have infiltrated other guilds in order to gather information and to keep a low radar and slowly dismember the guild from the inside. Those members who have created Dark Guilds or other branches are far easier to keep track of. For example we encountered one branch on the way home, Bora was a slave trader and good distributor who worked in tandem with the organization to bring them resources and a labour force," Lucy said as she addressed the guild with a scowl forming across her features.

"However it's the members that work independently and strictly under The Master that are more dangerous. Minerva and her team is an example of this. I have run into only four other teams like this and they varied in difficulty. From my knowledge the ones I was able to detain were once kept in the Magic Councils prison but some disappeared without a trace and some were found dead only a few days after the arrest…" Lucy said as her voice trailed off from the implication of her statement. Even thought those few members she had captured were from the organization she still felt like she was responsible for their deaths. Bora's statement made so much more sense now, and Lucy could only assume that the organization had 'dealt' with the few that had failed them.

"As for the informants these members can be anyone," Lucy said pushing on and leaving those terrible thoughts in the past.

"They can be a nice couple walking down the street, a train ticket salesclerk, an officer, a fisherman, anyone really. Bora, before he passed, said that they lurk in the shadows, that they are always watching, and that they are always listening. I can only assume he was talking about the hundreds of informants that are scattered across the country. They live normal lives and keep their eyes and ears open for any leads or possible candidates that can be taken in. They also look after the organizations multiple branches and wait to see if they disobey The Master in any way. They gather information on their own and people who can be molded into weapons and give it to one of the higher ranked mages. If my understanding is correct this person then relays the information to The Master," Lucy said as she racked her brain for the information she had gathered for multiple years. All of the knowledge she had acquired was an accumulation from her mother's notes, her own interrogations and encounters, and the information her one friend provided her with. Together they had created a broad understanding of how the organization worked, but it still didn't feel like enough.

"What Dark Guilds?" she heard Gajeel say in his gruff and serious voice. Lucy's eyes found him standing casually beside Levy once again, his deep red eyes thoughtful as he took in her words.

"The ones that I have confirmed are Red Hood, Ghoul Spirit, Crimson Lotus, Death's Head Caucus, and Eisenwald. There are few more independent guilds or groups that move around, but I can't confirm if they are guilds or a team of people that go under one name. One I have heard of is Oracion Seis, but they are hard to keep track of and never stay in one place. A few other names that I have come across are Agamemnon, and Leviathan, but I have yet to confirm the extent of their members as well," Lucy said as she thought about her many encounters with these groups and the police files she had stolen over the course of her life. These names always seemed to pop up on the crime radar and she had confirmed that these groups were all linked to the organization in some way, however she knew that even she had missed some groups and it bugged her to no end.

"What is their plan?" she heard a very terse Erza say and Lucy looked up to find the scarlet haired women radiating a fury she had not anticipated. Lucy racked her brain for a brief moment and knew that she had just mentioned the group that was involved in Erza's past. She cursed internally but Lucy knew it couldn't be helped, they needed to know the names and she couldn't protect them from everything. She thought that probably many people within these walls had had some interaction with one of the dark guilds she had mentioned. Pushing those thoughts away Lucy answered Erza's question.

"Their goal is hard to pinpoint since they have so many that I have come across. They have an end goal but I can only deduce it from the other activities they are pursuing. One main goal that I am confident they are following is the gathering of a strong and undefeatable force," Lucy said as she looked out towards the guild finding the faces she knew would become the most relevant when she finished explaining herself.

"For example my family was one part of their goal. They wanted to capture my mother in order to use her magic as a weapon for their cause. No doubt if they obtained it they would be able to wreak such devastation nothing would be able to stand in their way…" Lucy said her voice trailing off as she thought of the consequences of them obtaining the ancient magic. They would have the ability to wield the heavens to their will, and it frightened Lucy that she was the only thing standing in their way.

"Anyways," Lucy said quickly. "I can only assume that they crave power and wish to have the most powerful mages on their side. This would also answer the question as to why they have come to Fiore. Fiore is known as the Dragon Realms for a reason since the five families of Dragon Slayers rule over this land. This country has an abundance of Dragon Slayers and I feel that the organization was drawn here because that kind of magic is known to be some of the most powerful magic in the entire world. Whether it be from the royal families or from lacrimas, Dragon Slayer Magic is one of the most purest forms of raw power. If my understanding is correct they will try to capture all the Dragon Slayers and attempt to mold them into weapons to further their cause," Lucy said as her eyes skimmed over the Dragon Slayers within the room.

Her eyes found Laxus whose scowl only deepened at her words. Gajeel's eyes remained cold but she could see the tightness in his jaw and the anger that was slowly bubbling under the surface. Wendy looked frightened but she held a determined face as she clutched her cat Carla. Lucy's gaze finally locked onto Natsu's whose eyes held an inferno of emotion. His jaw was set in a firm line and his hand gripped the table with a white knuckled grip. His burning eyes were latched onto a window that looked out towards Magnolia. Lucy didn't have to turn to know that one could see the castle from here. She knew just by the look on Natsu's face that he was thinking of his family that resided across the valley from him.

"That is not the only thing. Any mage who shows potential with strong and powerful magic will be considered by the organization. An old friend of mine who specialized in space magic and was a thoroughly skilled mage was taken into their midst when I was seven and has turned out to be one of their strongest members," Lucy said as she thought about Minerva and the darkness that now surrounded her. Lucy knew that she would never be able to get her old friend back; she had died back in that castle many years ago.

"However gathering mage's is only one of their many goals. I know they do not wish to possess land, since after they had eradicated Caelum they just moved onto the next country. They gather plenty of followers constantly, and gather an enormous amount of resources from each country they plunder, but like I said these are just side goals," Lucy said as she closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose as she let her thoughts get ahead of her voice. There was so much speculation and some of what she said was grounded in facts, but there was still so much she didn't know.

"However, now this is just speculation on my part, but I think their goal has an extremist version to it that crosses far beyond the reaches of world domination," Lucy began as she tried to organize the thoughts that swirled within her mind like a hurricane. They flew past her like pieces to a puzzle that she just couldn't figure out. She had parts here and there but no matter what she did she couldn't fit them all together. She was missing something and she knew that whatever that piece was it was crucial to the bigger picture.

"Whenever I encounter one of their members who have failed The Master in some way they always mention re-education. From this I can only assume that their leader has a specific view on how he wants the world to act. What that view is I have no idea. Right now it just seems like they will kill anyone who stands in their path or who doesn't agree with their terms and join their side, but I don't think that's it, I think it goes deeper. I just can't pinpoint what it is. Like I said this is just speculation, I was close to figuring it out, but I haven't gotten all the facts that I need," Lucy said as she dragged a hand down the front of her face, the frustration clearly written in her features. She knew that the information she wanted was not going to be easily obtained. The only way she could get the answers she wanted was from someone high in the rankings or from The Master himself. A shiver passed down her spine at the very thought of it.

Silence descended in the guild like an old companion as the weight of Lucy's words settled upon the guild. It was a lot to take in at once and Lucy let them contemplate her words. She would not elaborate any further but wait patiently for the next question to be voiced. Lucy continued to pet Happy who looked up at her with his fearful eyes before burying his head in her chest. Even for the little cat it seemed like her words held to much weight. Makarov was silent as he sat cross-legged beside her, with his hand combing his beard in thought. Natsu was silent as well, his gaze boring holes into the floor at his feet as emotions rolled off him in waves. For Lucy she felt almost relieved to get all this information off her chest and in turn it made her feel a little guilty. In the far reaches of her mind she felt a sense of peace bloom at the thought that if something were to happen to her there were people who could continue her mission for her. Lucy truly believed that the Fairy Tail members would create a horizon that was not tinged in darkness, she had to believe that they would create a future that held hope; A brighter future that she could only guide them to with her knowledge.

"Miss Lucy, what do their masks look like?" Someone near the back asked and broke the silence that had engulfed the guild. It took Lucy a moment to realize it was Reedes. Lucy gave a small smile as she saw that he had a canvas ready and a paintbrush in hand. Earlier he had given Lucy a beautiful sketch of herself, Natsu and Happy as they all sat together and talked to people within the guild. In it Natsu had his arm around Lucy's shoulders, with Happy sitting on top of his head, they were all laughing at something that had been said and Reedes had captured the pure joy that Lucy had felt in that moment. Lucy had thanked Reedes multiple times and told him that she would treasure the sketch forever.

"It was a pure white mask with black soulless eyes. It had a small grin with a dark red cut that ran across the mask like a scar. I only saw them that one night though, the night that ended everything," Lucy said as her mind returned to that fateful night. Screams echoed in her mind as her memories returned with the description of the terrifying masks they wore. The mad laughter that had accompanied the emotionless masks, and the death that surrounded them like a mist.

"Lucy if you don't mind me asking, what type of Celestial magic does your family guard?" Levy finally piped up from her place beside Gajeel. It was a question that had been bothering Levy for a long time and she hoped that Lucy would be able to share some details about the mysterious power she guarded. Lucy however felt her blood freeze at the very question; she took a deep breath to steady her nerves as she tried to come up with a vague answer before addressing the blue haired mage.

"I'm afraid Levy I can't really answer that question," Lucy said honestly as she kept eye contact with the blue haired mage. "My ancestors and the Celestial King created a contract that only allows those who guard it to know the full details of the magic and it's potential. Only a Celestial Mage from my family can truly wield it and keep it hidden from those who seek to exploit it," Lucy said keeping her answer as veiled as possible. She didn't want to lie to the guild but she also could not tell them the entire truth. She was not only bound by oath to protect these secrets, but she couldn't let anyone know in fear that the organization would hear her words.

"All I can say is that it is a multitude of magic that accumulates in the space between our realm and the Celestial realm, not even I know the full potential of the ancient magic. It's something I can't even fathom, but it is a magic that I would die to protect. I'm sorry I~" Lucy began but was suddenly cut off when a voice assaulted her mind.

"Lucy! Run! He's coming!" a familiar voice echoed in her head. Lucy knew who it was immediately and fear shot through her stomach like an arrow. There was only one person who used telepathy to talk to her and he only ever did it in an emergency.

"Jellal? Where are you? Who's coming?" Lucy asked frantically in her own mind as she gazed frighteningly at the large guild door. Her entire body had frozen in her spot. She knew that she had dropped off mid sentence and that the entire guild was looking at her curiously but she hardly cared. Lucy could hear the fear laced in her old friends voice and knew that whatever he was contacting her for it wasn't good.

"It's him Lucy! The Master! He's coming for you! RUN!" Jellal's voice yelled into her mind. Lucy stood suddenly her keys clutched so tightly in her hands that her knuckles were turning white. Happy was still wrapped in her other arm but she could hardly feel his soft paw as it patted her arm. She stepped down onto the floor her legs shaky and uneasy as she attempted to process what Jellal was saying.

"Luce what's wrong?" she heard Natsu say faintly at her side as his hand clutched her shoulder. She slumped into his grip, as her mind became paralyzed in fear. This could not be happening. She had convinced herself she had time. She had thought that she at least could get away form Fairy Tail first before they finally found her. It wasn't just henchmen either this time, it was him. She had given into hope, thinking that she was safe and now she was facing the one thing she feared the most. Lucy's eyes were frozen on the floor in front of her as she brought a hand up to clutch Natsu's scarf. Her mind was spiraling so fast she needed something to ground her. However Jellal's next words shifted her entire reality onto a different track.

"Dammit I won't make it in time! Save yourself Lucy! Just Run!" Jellal yelled and Lucy's mind lifted from the paralyzing fog. Her mind cleared with one purpose. Her fear still clung to her like a parasite but she needed to do this one thing, or she would never be able to live with herself again. She had to save the guild at all costs.

"We need to get everyone out of here," Lucy said with more strength than she thought she actually possessed. She straightened up and reattached her keys to her belt with shaky hands. Natsu took her hand in his and disentangled it from his scarf, which Lucy had forgotten she was holding. Lucy watched him with wide frightened eyes as her fears returned with such force she thought she would pass out. The fear that she hadn't felt in so long, a fear she thought had died out long ago, the one fear she thought she had protected herself from, returned with a vengeance. As she looked into Natsu's own worried eyes she discovered that her fear of losing someone close to her, someone whom she loved had returned with full force.

"What are you talking about?" Natsu asked and Lucy turned her large brown eyes away as she struggled to regain her breath. Her hand clutched Natsu's with such force as she felt tears spring to her eyes as her fear turned to physical pain. Even the thought of loosing Natsu provided Lucy with a pain she could not, and would not experience again. Without another word she thrust Happy into his arms and turned to address Makarov, knowing they needed to jump into action immediately.

"Makarov get everyone to safety. They've come and I'll hold him off as best I can so everyone can escape," Lucy said as she locked eyes with Makarov. She saw the shock register across his eyes with a flash of fear. Makarov jumped up onto the table knowing exactly what Lucy was talking about and was about to protest, but Jellal got his words in before Makarov did.

"No Lucy! He's after you if he get's you~" Jellal yelled frantically in her mind and Lucy couldn't handle it any longer.

"I'm not running! I promised myself I would protect everyone within these walls," Lucy yelled at Jellal and at Makarov's unsaid protest. Makarov could only stare at her in confliction and shock at Lucy's frantic response. He didn't say another word but turned to the guild and yelled "Everyone away from the front. Head to the back NOW!"

"Luce you're not making any sense," Natsu said as he spun Lucy around so he could see her face. Lucy was terrifying Natsu, he had never seen her look so scarred before and knew that whatever was happening it was the worst possible thing. He had an inclination but he wished that Lucy would tell him differently.

"They've come for me, and you and the guild need to get out of here. The guild is the only hope we have," Lucy said in such a small tone that Natsu thought for a second that he had misheard her. When he felt her hand shake ever so slightly in his own he finally understood. He grabbed her shoulder to brace himself against his own shock as it enveloped and tormented his mind. They were coming for her now, after everything they had done, after everything they had accomplished today. As he gazed down into Lucy's beautiful brown eyes he let his anger and fear take root.

"I won't let them take you from me," Natsu said, his voice low and on the edge of a growl. They wanted to take Lucy away form him! He wouldn't let them touch a single hair on her head. Her plea for him to leave fell on deaf ears as his protective instinct kicked in and a low growl escaped his throat at the thought of Lucy leaving his side.

"Watch out!" Lucy yelped as she tackled Natsu to the floor and rolled them under a table just as all the windows within Fairy Tail shattered.

Screams pierced the air as guild members were showered with raining glass. Lucy could feel the magic energy surge around the guild and knew that they had no more time. Lucy rolled off of Natsu and immediately slid under the bench that blocked her path. Her whip was already clutched tightly in her hand and two keys were clutched in the other. She glanced around the guild and found it in chaos. A large ice shield had protected most people from the onslaught of glass but many hadn't come out unscathed. People were being carried to the back of the guild where there was more protection from the open space of the guildhall.

Lucy ran over to Lisanna who had a deep gash on her leg and helped her stand, but Elfman appeared soon after and picked his sister up and ran to the back rooms. Lucy stood where she had been left, her body frozen once again as she saw the injured being hauled off to the back rooms and everyone else looking around in a panic. Lucy could hear Natsu curse as he scrambled from under the table but Lucy's attention was on the guild doors that stood broken and ajar. She could feel the dark magic seep into her very pours as a deep chill penetrated everything around her. Her eyes widened and her body became paralyzed in fear as her gaze fell upon deep blood red eyes.

"I've finally found you, my dearest Lucy."