Chapter 11

Hey guys! I know it's been like 4 years. I had to deal with a lot. I finally decided to get back into it. I don't know if this chapter will be good. I'm sorry if it ends up not being good. I tried! Enjoy!

Lucy woke up early the next day with a start. She laid there blankly as she thought of what she was about to do today. She looked at her clock and saw that it was around 6am. She woke up pretty early, despite everything that happened yesterday with Phantom Lord.

Lucy shivered at the thought. She carefully got up, as to not wake up the two on her bed. She stared at Natsu's face and smiled. Last night, Natsu was so vulnerable and cute. She couldn't help but feel like she and him may have gotten closer. She rubbed his head softly.

'I promise I won't take long Natsu.. So wait for me okay?'

'Hello again Lulu!'

Lucy almost shrieked out loud but held her tongue.

'Mother of Mavis! What the hell!?'

'Mwahahaha, Did you miss me Dear Lucy?'

Lucy rubbed her head. Where did hell…?

'Just so you know, I'm not really a part of your Consciousness. You can think of me as a friend of sorts LOL. I'm not a demon or anything. You'll find out when the time is right or something like that.'

Lucy was creeped out by the voice. If she paid attention, she could tell that the voice was a small child. It was weird. The voice that used to talk to her before was her voice. She had thought that it had disappeared for good since she hadn't heard it in a while.

'That's not nice Lulu! I took a small vacation of sorts. I needed to rediscover myself!' Lucy felt as if the voice was sulking. She didn't know why.

'I was still present for everything. And damn. Who would have thought Mister Dark and Broody was actually such a sweetheart! And those kids too. They were a sight to see. And Your father is still an asshole it seems.' Lucy rolled her eyes and started to get ready as she tried her best to not make a lot of noise.

'I don't know who you are voice-inside-my-head, but I sure as hell didn't miss you at all.'

'I do have a name you know! Despite being in your head!'

Lucy cringed at herself when the floor creaked within the still air. She heard Natsu shift in his sleep.

'LUCY! SHUT UP! You'll wake him.. Hehehehe.'

Lucy wanted to really strangle this voice. The voice in her head muttered a small, "He's really hot though. I really want a piece of that pie", or whatever crap she was saying. Lucy watched natsu as he turned over and sighed in his sleep. He really did look like a baby. Lucy shook her head. She made sure to write the two of them a note before quickly grabbing her things and left the house quietly.

Lucy made her way to the train. 'Who are you anyways? And why did you suddenly reappear?'

Lucy had bought some food on the way over to the train and snacked on a small bagel as she asked the mysterious voice.

'Well… If you must have a name, my name is Asena.'

'Can I ask what you are?'

'...'

The voice in her head went quiet. Lucy was curious and wanted to ask her another question when she heard the train whistle blow. She shook her head and rushed to the train station to get a ticket and get on.

She sat down in a car and sighed. She looked down and realized that she ended up dressing up formally. 'I don't know why I did that. I could have showed up that I'm an independent mage. And that he can't control me anymore with his power.' Lucy sighed to herself before she glared out the window. It was high time that she told that old man of hers off. It was one thing for him to attempt to get her back, but he involved everyone into that battle. And she sure as hell wasn't going to leave it with a yell.

After about three or so hours, Lucy got off the train and started to walk down the all too familiar road. Lucy looked around the area as she walked patiently. She felt like it was only yesterday that she left this place. She looked forward and saw a group of people standing in front of the old mansion.

Lucy couldn't help but beam at the people she saw.

"MS. LUCY!"

"LUCY!"

"WELCOME BACK HOME!"

Lucy grinned and waved at the old servants. The servants in the house basically raised her when her mother passed away, and when her father had stopped paying attention to her. "Ms. Spetto! Everyone! I missed you guys so much!"

The group of people rushed over to her and cheered gleefully as they each took turns giving Lucy hugs and telling her how they been. As well as prying for information on what she's been doing after she had left her. They understood why she ran away in the first place and secretly praised the girl in their hearts.

"Oh my baby Lucy, I missed you so much. You can imagine our surprise when you suddenly left home. Your father was very pissed. He's gotten a lot more hot-headed when you disappeared on us like that." Lucy smiled shyly. "I'm sorry Ms. Spetto. I couldn't take it anymore. Having to listen to my fate being decided for me."

She nodded wholeheartedly before she started to ask her about her little quest that she wrote in a letter she had left on her bed before she ran away.

Lucy showed them the mark and they all cheered again. Lucy enjoyed seeing everyone's excited faces. A smile graced her face as she did her best to answer everyone's questions. However, that soon disappeared when someone squeezed into the small crowd and announced that her father wanted to see her immediately.

Lucy looked up at one of the windows where she figured her fathers office would be, and low and behold, there he was. Standing in front of the window with his hands behind his back as he looked down on them.

'What an asshole.'

Lucy sweat dropped when Asena scowled in her mind. She started to go on a rant about a list she made up about all of the things wrong with her father. Lucy simply ignored the voice and glared up at the window. Ms. Spetto and everyone dragged her inside and separated to get back to work.

Ms. Spetto and a few maids dragged Lucy to her bedroom, figuring that it would be better to be presentable if she wore her regular attire when she meets her father. Lucy didn't like the idea of wearing a dress for him. But Asena insisted on doing so. Lucy glanced around her room and realized it hadn't changed much from when she had left.

"We did our best to tend to your room. Hoping for a chance for when you return one day." Ms. Spetto smiled softly as she and a few others helped dress lucy. Lucy cooperated as they readjusted the dress that they had her wear, as well as fix up her hair and give her jewelry to put on.

After a bit, Lucy looked in the mirror and sighed. She straightened up and put on a formal stance. She wore a pink ball gown with a white ribbon hugging her waist. Her hair was up in a bun, save for two strands that were out framing her small face. She had on a ribbon choker, it was pink with a black ribbon tied around it. She also wore pink shoes. A Pair of ruby earrings rested on her ears.

She looked just like her mother did when she was still alive. Lucy did a little twirl for the hell of it and giggled. The others complimented her and how she looked like Layla before they escorted her to her fathers office.

'Ooooo, If I could, I would shove a stick up his a-'

'Now now. I do too. But let me handle it from here. I know exactly what I'm going to do when I see him.'

Lucy took a deep breath as they arrived at the door that separated her from the man on the other side. "Are you ready to see him Lucy dear?" Ms. Spetto looked at her nervously. Lucy didn't say anything for a bit, due to the fact that she was trying to calm her heart. She finally nodded after a moment, "Yes Ms. Spetto. Let me see the man I call father."

They nodded and opened the door. Lucy slowly walked in with her back straight with her head held high. She glanced at the floor before taking a deep breath and looking up. She looked her father in the eye. He was sitting at his desk with his hands folded in front of his face. It was a moment of silence before Lucy curtsied in place.

"Good day father. I hope you have been well." Jude stared at his run-away daughter as she greeted him firmly. Nothing was said. Lucy bit her lip, "I am… also sorry that I ran away from home. I am ashamed of doing it. I don't expect forgiveness for what I had done."

'Or anything for that matter. I don't want your forgiveness. I want you to pay for what you put me through!'

'Calm down honey. It's not worth it right now.'

Jude continued to study his daughter before standing up. He put his hands behind his back before walking towards her. He stood in front of her. Lucy took that as a sign to stand up. She didn't like the fact that he was directly in front of her.

She subconsciously took a step back, and the next thing she knew, her head lurched to one side. Intense pain filled her cheek and she tasted a bit of blood in her mouth.

Stunned, she slowly held her cheek and stared at her father. Fire was burning in his eyes as he spoke. "I accept your apology. To make it up to me, you will perform your duties as you are supposed to. You are to quit that guild that I had painstakingly tried to get rid of in order for you to return. You have no place in that kind of environment. It is too unladylike and rambunctious. You are a Heartfilia and you will act like one. Your mother never acted like that at your age-"

He started to walk towards the window and stood there, gazing out at the garden. An angel statue of Layla was in the middle of it, surrounded by a variety of flowers.

'Did he just-? And he had to nerve to slap you! I'm going to kill him! Let me at him Lucy!'

Lucy held back a glare and grit her teeth. How dare he…. How Dare He Mention Mama!

Lucy controlled her anger and stayed silent.

Jude continued, "The reason as to why I wanted you to come home quickly was so that you can get married. You are to be married to the son of one of our rivals. It would be a huge help to our Heartfilia Railways. You must also give birth to a son so that he may take over the family name. I expect you to not fail me this time Lucky Lucy. You will return to your quarters now and await further instructions. You are to not leave this estate ever again unless I advise it. You are to be married within the next three weeks…"

Jude took a heavy sigh and said one last thing that infuriated Lucy to the core.

"Your mother would have been very disappointed if she was still alive. That is all."

Lucy never felt so much hate and rage build up inside her. Asena was going crazy. She was screaming at Lucy to beat the shit out of him. Telling her that she has all rights to fuck him up. Lucy was having trouble controlling herself.

Before she could tell the voice to be quiet or say anything, an all too familiar squeaky and gruff voice called out from behind her. "That's not true! Lucy's Mom would never be disappointed with her!"

"...Lucy."

Lucy twirled around in shock. Both Natsu and Happy looked upset as they stared at Jude. "Natsu..Happy.." Lucy felt some tears stream down her face as she looked at the two. Happy fluttered over and hugged while natsu growled at Jude. He was pissed. They had appeared awhile ago.

In fact, they were awake when Lucy left her apartment. Or well, Natsu was awake. Happy woke up an hour later. They wanted her to give a bit of time to sort things out with her father, but that didn't happen when Jude started to say all of that bullshit without a second thought. He clenched his fists and set one ablaze. Jude was alert.

"Someone Go Get The Guards! WE HAVE INTRUDERS!" Jude bellowed as he stood in his spot. He felt afraid, not that he would show that. However, he was sweating profusely as he watched the almighty dragon slayer stand by his daughter. "Lucy. Come over Her Right This Instant. You Will Listen To Your Father!" Jude commanded Lucy.

Lucy didn't move. She tried to hide the bruise that He had given her. She didn't want Natsu to see. Asena was pissed off at Jude and howled. This surprised Lucy a lot. Natsu seemed to notice Lucy shielding her face and noticed a red mark on her cheek. He extinguished his flame and carefully grabbed her face.

"Let me see." His voice was gentle as he observed the mark. Lucy blinked her honey brown Doe Eyes at him and gave him a small smile. "I'm alright Natsu." He growled when he saw the slight discoloration. "Did that bastard do this to you?" Lucy didn't say anything as she looked away. Happy glared at Jude.

"How can he even call himself a father! Natsu's mean and rude, But he would never do anything like that to me!"

Natsu looked at Jude, before anyone could blink, Natsu was in front of him. His hand on his throat. So much anger was burning in his eyes as he held Jude up higher. Jude struggled to get him to release him.

"I should kill you for putting your hands on Lucy, You Bastard." He grumbled. He clenched tighter, wanting to snap his neck, but was stopped by a small hand and the smell of Vanilla and honey. "Let him go Natsu. It's not worth the trouble."

"But-"

"It's alright. You can let him go." Natsu reluctantly released Jude. He fell to his hands and knees. Coughing up a storm as he tried to get some air back into his lungs. He was absolutely terrified. He may be a man with power in the business industry, but that's nothing to a person who can kill you in a heartbeat.

Lucy grabbed Natsu's balled up hand under his cloak and glanced at him. Lucy stepped forward as Natsu and Happy stepped away, giving the Father and Daughter some space. Lucy stared at her distressed Father who just about had a foot in his grave just now.

She crouched down so that she was on her father's level. "... Father...No.. Jude. I hereby renounce my position of being your daughter. I've done your bidding with no questions asked with the belief that one day, you would look at me with the same warmth you used to look at mother with."

Lucy stood up and helped her father up. She then retreated a few steps away from him. She bawled her hands into fists. She wasn't finished with him. But she wasn't going to use violence. She was better than him in every way possible. She stood up, prouder than she had ever felt while near him.

"Don't you ever use my mother like that again. I know Mama would have wanted me to follow my own path. To follow my own fate. To be able to explore the world outside of this estate. I won't let you, or anyone hold me down anymore!"

She gripped the top of her dress, and with as much strength that she could muster, she ripped it apart. "I came here today, not to return. But to tell you that I will be doing what I wish. I never had any intention of returning to this place. This isn't my home anymore." Her gaze was steady and clear.

Natsu felt his heart thump. He grabbed his chest in confusion as he stared at the fierce blonde. " I will give you a warning Jude. If you so much as touch me or attack Fairy Tail again, It won't just be Natsu coming back. But the Whole guild will mark you as an enemy! There is no way in hell I will ever forgive you, as long as I live! Fairy Tail has been more of a family then you have ever been to me. Mama and the loyal people in this house relieved the feeling of loneliness that I had to deal with for years after Mama died. I never needed fancy clothes or jewelry or money. I wanted a home. and I found it after leaving. I Found a new place to call home-"

She glanced at natsu and happy and smiled a cheeky grin, she gestured to the two, "My home is with them now."

Jude was stunned beyond belief. He couldn't believe what his daughter was spouting. He didn't register the fact that he had done something wrong to her all these years. He was just beyond furious!

Lucy stood her ground. She felt something rough and warm slid in her hands. She jumped a bit, looking down at her hands. She saw tan hands in hers. She blushed slightly as Natsu stared her father down. He gave him a warning look, as to not do anything stupid. Lucy was eternally grateful to Natsu and Happy. She glanced one more time at her father. ".. I'm leaving now. Goodbye Jude." Natsu and Happy started to escort Lucy out of the room.

"LUCY! DON'T YOU DARE TAKE A STEP OUT OF THIS ROOM! I WILL MAKE YOU REMEMBER THIS IF YOU LEAVE. HOW DARE-" Natsu shot a dark ball of black and blue flames at Jude. Causing him to collapse on the ground as it ignited his desk. "Shut the fuck up old man. I didn't kill you because Lucy didn't want me to. But don't make me change my mind."

With that, all three of them left the room.

Once Lucy greeted everyone fair well -without Natsu lashing out- They headed to the garden via Lucy's request. Natsu stood next to Lucy as she looked up at the statue of her mother. Happy explored the area. Natsu noticed how upset and hurt Lucy she was as she stared at it.

He wanted to say something, but didn't know what. He knew how she was feeling. Because that was exactly how he felt when Acnologia disappeared on that fateful day. And when Lisanna… Natsu erased the thoughts and paid attention to Lucy once more. He realized that she was saying something.

Lucy placed a flower bouquet that she was holding when she had changed her clothes earlier with the help of Ms. Spetto. She stared at the statue's face. She felt overwhelming loss and sadness. She opened her mouth, taking a shaky breath, "Hey Mama. I'm sorry it took so long for me to come visit you. I hope you've been getting my letters haha.. I fought with dad today. And I brought my friends over! I joined my dream guild! And made a new family! They're amazing people. I wish you could meet them you know..I.. I wish you were still alive mama…I wish you were h-here with me..."

Natsu and Happy felt their hearts break when they saw Lucy break down. In a sense, she did kind of lose her father today. As well as a home. But she has a new place to call a home. And new people to call a family. Happy fluttered with tears in his eyes and hugged Lucy, giving her small pats. Lucy started to apologize to herself. Natsu couldn't take it anymore.

He grabbed her arms, firmly but gentle. This grabbed Lucy's attention, surprising her. You can imagine her shock when she was suddenly engulfed in darkness and the intoxicating scent of Cinnamon and spices. And possibly the smell of the forest. She didn't know since she didn't have a strong sense of smell like natsu and happy. She cried harder as his arms wrapped around her tightly.

They stayed there for what felt like a long time. Natsu stared at the now setting sun. It hasn't been that long since they've been here. But it could be that the arguing with her father took up a lot of time. Natsu heard small sniffles and she started to feel a bit heavy. He peeked through his cloak and noticed that both Happy and Lucy fell asleep. Tears still in her eyes. Natsu sighed.

She's been through a lot. But now… It was time to go back home. Natsu glanced up at the window where her father stood. He soon then lifted Lucy up -happy in her arms- holding her bridal style and started walking away.

It was around 11 to midnight when they returned. Natsu wasn't having it with that damn train. Plus, he wanted to hold Lucy like this a bit longer. He carefully entered her room after locking the door and set her on the bed. Her eyes were still puffy and red from the crying earlier, and her cheek was still a bit swollen thanks to her father.

Just remembering what he did to her pissed him off. But he shook the thought away. He wanted to help reduce her swelling. So he tried to think. He remembered seeing Mirajane take care of one of the girls in the guild while observing Lucy from afar at one point who was crying after falling. He looked in her closet for a hand towel or something, then went to the kitchen to wet it with cold water. He walked over after wringing it out and gently placed it over her eyes.

This shocked Lucy awake from the sudden coldness. "Wah?" She tried to get up but Natsu stopped her, "It's alright. It's just me. I put a cold rag over your eyes to help with the puffiness and redness. We're currently in your room if you're wondering."

Lucy gave a sigh of relief and laid back down. It was silent as natsu grabbed a packaged of frozen vegetables and handed them to Lucy, who held it against her cheek. She hissed at the slight pain and sighed.

This somewhat caused Natsu to panic and almost gave him the urge to go back to her home and make that bastard regret putting his hands on lucy. "D-does that hurt Luce? I'll go back and teach him a lesson. I really wanted to send him to-"

Natsu was caught off guard when he suddenly felt slightly cold, yet soft hands grab his fingers. "...It's alright natsu. I...Thank you." This made him confused. "What are you saying thank you for Luce?" A smile bloomed on her face and she used her other hand to take off the luke-warm rag from her eyes. She looked him in the eye with a clear gaze.

"I wanted to thank you and happy for coming. For appearing when you did. And for just...being there for me. Thank you Natsu. From the bottom of my heart… Thank you."

Natsu didn't know how to respond. He simply just held her hand firmly, rubbing the back of it. "No problem Luce. Just go back to sleep alright?" Lucy nodded and drifted to sleep. Natsu was glad that she did. That way, she wouldn't see the redness that slowly took over his cheeks. He leaned over to check her eyes and cheek and saw that the swelling had gone away. He gave a soft smile.

"It was no problem at all luce. Without realizing it, you became a very important part of my life. Thank you for keeping your promise." He gave her a light peck on her cheek. So light that it felt like a feather brushed against it. And then, thinking about it, he went in to kiss her eyes. "I hope you don't have to feel that way ever again. I'll kill anyone that makes you feel that way again. I'm here to protect you."

He covered her with a blanket. Happy was sleeping above her head, curled up. Natsu chuckled to himself before looking out the window. He stared at the moon and the stars that glittered the night sky.

If only…

.

.

.

Well Everyone, that was the end. I'll try to update soon. Please let me know what you all thought about this chapter! Please and Thank you!