Coco: Hey, guys, I have another chapter for you guys :D I hope you like it. I'm like the changes I've made so far, and I hope you do. Anyway, enjoy!

Rizzo leaned against the wall as the guild was gathered in basement of the guildhall. She was a bit banged up as were the others, but she wasn't worried about herself. Their Master was down and in the hands of Porlyusica. Craylee was also watching over him with Bisca and Alzack. Though there was no telling how long Porlyusica would allow them to stay. And there was no telling how long it would take Makarov to recover. Not to mention those Phantom bozos had taken Lucy.

"I'm sorry," Blaze was saying to Mirajane—not far from where Rizzo was standing.

He had arrived just a few minutes ago to learn of what happened, and he seemed to be blaming himself for Lucy's current predicament.

"I should have gone with her." Blaze continued.

"Don't blame yourself for this," Mirajane said gently. "We didn't know that Phantom was going to target Lucy."

Blaze didn't reply though he nodded his head. He then murmured something about going back to his post at the hospital, so he could continue to watch over the unconscious Team Shadow Gear. He disappeared up the stairs as the others were trying to mend their wounds. As Jaser was pacing the floor, Bastet sat on the table watching him.

No one approached him either though Cana kept an eye on him from the corner of her eye. Rizzo sighed. She didn't like this at all. And she was worried about Lucy. She wished she had been able to go with Natsu and Happy to save her. If Phantom did anything else to one of her friends…Rizzo just let out another sigh as she slid down the wall to sit on the floor. She felt so tired. So, drained. How could all this go so wrong?

"Hey, you okay?" Gray asked as he crouched down beside her.

"I'm fine." Rizzo said while looking not bothering to look up at him. "My bruises and scrapes aren't that serious."

Gray sighed as he took a seat next to the pinkette who was looking down at the floor.

"You don't have to act so tough all the time," Gray pointed out. "And I wasn't just talking about the hit you took, you know that."

Rizzo finally lifted her head to send him an annoyed frown, but at least it was something. Gray didn't like seeing Rizzo all quiet and down. It wasn't like her, and while she was annoying most of the time, her being quiet was worse.

"You're worried about Gramps and Lucy, I know that." Gray said. "We all are, but things are going to be okay. Phantom will pay, I can promise you that."

"I know they're going to be okay," Rizzo replied. "But I feel so useless. When Gramps needed help…When Lucy needed someone to protect her, they had no one."

Though she spoke quietly her words carried over to the others and silenced them. Jaser even stopped his pacing as he looked down at the floor. Rizzo was right. And they all felt the same. They failed members of their family and that hurt more than their own injuries.

"I keep telling Lucy…that Fairy Tail is a family—that her being with us makes her family—and that means that we have her back—that I have her back, but I failed her." Rizzo said as she brought her knees to her chest. "I was in such a rush to kick Phantom's ass that I didn't think to make sure she was with us. And now they have her."

Gray looked at Rizzo softly when seeing how upset she was. When seeing how much she was blaming herself. He reached out while putting an arm around her shoulders to bring her into his side. It had her eyes widening and while Gray felt a bit awkward about it, he didn't let go.

"We all messed up there, Rizzo," Gray said. "None of us checked on Lucy. We all got in a hurry and we all dropped the ball on that one. But that stupid pyro is going to bring her back. And we'll protect her as a family should."

Rizzo nodded her head before leaning it against Gray's shoulder. She just wanted their blonde friend back where she belonged—with her family. Jaser suddenly turned towards the stairs as if sensing someone, which had the others stiffening. Gray even stood up while stepping in front of Rizzo.

"It's just Natsu, Happy, and Lucy." Jaser said as his nose twitched.

Everyone relaxed as Natsu appeared at the bottom of the stairs with Lucy on his back while Happy flew beside them. Rizzo got to her feet while ready to go over to check on Lucy, but paused when seeing the girl was practically hiding herself against Natsu's back. This had her gut churning in even more worry.

"Is she alright?" Mirajane asked worried.

Natsu frowned before he carefully helped Lucy get back onto her own two feet. She turned to face her guildmates.

"Everyone…there's something I have to tell you." Lucy said softly.

Rizzo stood beside Gray as everyone was talking about their next plan of attack. Craylee, who was now speaking with Cana and Jaser, had returned a bit earlier while grumbling about an old hag and her stupid broom. Bisca and Alzach were with him, and they looked as if they just had their lives threatened. And after everyone able bodied was together and after hearing what Lucy had to say, they were more determined to bring down Phantom Lord. Phantom Lord wouldn't take Lucy. Rizzo looked over at said girl to see her still sitting on a barrel with a sad expression on her face. She sighed then walked over to Lucy.

"Move over." Rizzo said.

Lucy blinked looking up at Rizzo before moving over enough for Rizzo to squeeze in beside her. Rizzo put her arms around Lucy to rest her head against hers.

"It's going to be okay, Lulu." Rizzo said. "We're here."

Lucy reached up to grip Rizzo's arm to comfort herself as her body gave a shake. Natsu and Happy looked at their blonde friend in concern as she pressed her head back against Rizzo's.

"Yeah, don't worry." Gray said as he and Elfman turned towards the blonde. "We'll get them back for this."

Lucy sighed with her face just seeming to take on a more depressed expression.

"I know." Lucy said. "I'm not worried about that. It's just…all my fault."

Rizzo tightened her arms around Lucy as her body shook more. Lucy was holding back tears, but the blonde wasn't sure how long she'd hold out.

"Being targeted by dangerous people is just one of the downsides of being rich." Elfman said. "At least you're protected by a real man like me!"

He then grunted a bit in pain when Rizzo, who had found something to chuck at his head, hit him square in the forehead.

"Give it a rest." Gray said as he shook his head.

Rizzo nodded in agreement as she put her arms back around Lucy. Elfman frowned while rubbing his aching head.

"I gotta say I was shocked when I heard the news." Happy said. "Why'd you hide the truth from us, Lucy?"

Natsu moved closer because he wanted to know as well. He wanted Lucy to explain.

"I didn't hide anything." Lucy said. "I mean, it's hard to bring up I'm a runaway in casual conversation. I've been gone for a year, and my father hasn't cared. Now all of a sudden, he wants to force me to come home? He's done all those horrible things just to force me to come back. I hate his guts!"

Rizzo's teeth grit sharply when hearing how upset Lucy was as the blonde gripped Rizzo's arm even tighter.

"Still…if I hadn't run away in the first place, none of this would have happened." Lucy said.

"Come on, don't be ridiculous." Elfman said. "Your dad's the one to blame."

"Idiot!" Gray snapped.

Elfman flinched at Gray's tone before paling when seeing the glare Rizzo was sending his way.

"I mean, it's Phantom's fault!" Elfman said quickly.

He grunted in pain for the second time in the span of this conversation as he was pegged in the head with a bucket that Rizzo had managed to reach. Rizzo, who was now on her feet, shook her head at the "real" man as he rubbed his head.

"No, I'm the one who brought trouble to the guild." Lucy said. "And it's all because of my own selfish choices. I'm so very sorry. I'm just going to go back home, and hopefully all this will be over with."

Rizzo frowned because Lucy couldn't truly believe that. Besides, she should know they wouldn't just let her go because she thinks it'll help them out.

"I don't know about that." Natsu said. "I can't see you playing the part of the pretty princess sitting around in your mansion. Laughing with us in this filthy guildhall, going on adventures even though you freak out all the time that's who you really are. You said you wanted to stay with us, right? Why'd you return to the very place you ran away from? Come on, who are you trying to kid? You're Lucy of Fairy Tail. No more running because you belong here with us."

Lucy's eyes widen as she looked to Natsu who gave her a grin. She felt her eyes begin to water. She then turned to Rizzo when the pinkette placed her hand gently on Lucy's head.

"The second you became a member of this guild; you became a member of a family." Rizzo said. "And we don't give up on our own. I believe I've told you something along these lines before, haven't I? So, don't think we're going to give you up so easily, okay?"

Rizzo smiled at Lucy as she said this and Lucy's tears finally broke away from her eyes to run down her face. She let out a cry as she reached out to hug Rizzo tightly. Rizzo's smile turned gentler as she placed one of her hands at the top of Lucy's head and the other on the blonde's shoulder. Rizzo stroked Lucy's hair as the blonde hid her face in Rizzo's shoulder.

"Come on, don't cry." Gray said. "It's not like you."

"Yeah, please." Elfman begged. "Real men are weak to womanly tears."

Rizzo rolled her eyes at Elfman as he shook looking very disturbed by Lucy's tears. Lucy sniffled still but managed to calm down as she pulled back to wipe at her eyes.

"Sorry." Lucy said.

"You don't have to apologize." Rizzo assured. "Let it all out until you feel better. Don't listen to Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum."

"Hey!" Gray snapped. "Which of us are you calling Tweedle Dum?"

Rizzo looked up to smirk at Gray, which had the ice-wizard's brow twitching in annoyance. But before the two could start a squabble, Lucy spoke up.

"There's someone else being held captive by Phantom." She said getting everyone's attention.

"Someone else?" Happy murmured. "Who?"

He didn't remember seeing anyone else with Lucy when he and Natsu made it to save her. Of course, Lucy had thrown herself out a window by the time they got there. Though she hadn't mentioned this person earlier.

"Leona Porla." Lucy replied.

Many in the guild gasped as their eyes widened. Rizzo was confused because she knew Leona Porla was a member of the guild—in fact, she was the guild master's daughter. One of them, anyway.

"The eldest Beast Tamer?" Mirajane asked. "But she's Master Jose's daughter."

"Yeah, Lucy," Macao added. "I don't think the guy is holding his own captive."

"No, he is!" Lucy said firmly as she shook her head. "His daughter or not—she's his prisoner…I can tell because…because she has the same look in her eyes that I had before I was able to get away from my own father."

Her words had her guildmates going extremely quiet. Lucy looked down at her lap as her hands curled into fists.

"I could tell in the brief interactions that we had that she's terrified of her father." Lucy continued. "She doesn't want to be doing this. I could see it in her eyes that she truly regrets her part in Jose's attack on Fairy Tail, but she's too afraid to break free on her own."

Lucy lifted her head with her eyes burning in determination as her mouth set in a firm line.

"I want to help her." Lucy declared.

No one said anything at first, but the silence was broken as Natsu slammed his fist, which was covered in fire, into his open palm.

"Consider it done." Natsu said with a big grin on his face. "I mean, we are planning to kick Phantom's ass anyway."

"And once they're out of the way, she'll be free to go, right?" Rizzo added.

Lucy looked at the two with wide eyes since she had expected more resistance from them. Phantom Lord have been their rivals for so long after all and one of their members has caused so much harm to them. However, soon more members of the guild gave their own consent, and Lucy felt herself smile as her eyes watered once more. She really did pick one amazing guild to join.

"Hey, Rizzo, Jaser, Craylee!" Cana called out.

The three siblings looked towards the card wielder as she stood beside Mirajane.

"We finally got through to Breccan and Sven." Cana told them.

Rizzo gave Lucy's shoulder a final squeeze before she joined her two present brothers over by the two lacrima set on the bar. Breccan was in one looking pensive and in the other was a slightly older young man with blonde hair. Lucy, who could see his image from where she sat, guessed the man was the last of Rizzo's brothers—Sven. He was a rather handsome man with blonde hair that was slicked back except for a few stubborn strands that fell in his face. His eyes were a pale lavender and they showed concern as they looked over his younger siblings.

"Rizzo, you look a little worse for wear," Sven spoke—keeping his tone light. "Did someone play rough with my little sister?"

"You two don't look to be in perfect condition either." Breccan commented as he looked to Jaser and Craylee. "Do your big brothers need to be teaching someone a lesson?"

Lucy watched on as all three siblings, who were present, reacted in their own way. Rizzo blushed in embarrassment while looking to the side as Jaser frowned and Craylee's brow twitched.

"Like hell," The three replied simultaneously.

The two S-class wizards chuckled before turning serious as they addressed their guildmates.

"What's the full status?" Breccan asked.

"We're in deep shit to put it lightly," Cana said bluntly. "Master is down for the count, but he's in Porlyuisca's hands."

And while the woman could be terrifying, the wizards of Fairy Tail knew to trust her with their master. She was an amazing healer after all and former member of their guild.

"The guildhall is barely holding up and the same goes for a lot of our guildmates." Rizzo added. "Team Shadow Gear really took a beating—they won't be fighting with us either."

Just thinking of Levy, Jet, and Droy's condition had Rizzo's hands curling into fists.

"It seems Phantom's target is one of our own," Craylee said. "Our new member—Lucy. Though it seems as if Jose Porla is using this mission as an excuse to settle his own personal grudge against us. Hence why he's gone through so much trouble to hit us as hard as he has."

Lucy flinched slightly at that while still feeling guilt for everything that has happened.

"Based on what Lucy told us, he's so hell bent on taking us out that he's forcing his own daughter to fight despite her own wishes to keep the peace." Jaser added.

"And the man just keeps becoming more charming," Sven said sarcastically. "We understand the situation. Have you been able to get a hold of any other S-class members of the guild?"

When he asked this, Cana glanced towards Mirajane who looked a little red and puffy around the eyes. This didn't go unnoticed by those participating in the conversation. Though no one commented on it.

"I wasn't able to even get a location on Mystogan." Cana confessed. "Gildarts is out of the question considering the quest he's on. As for Laxus and Amara…Laxus refuses to help and we all know if he won't give his help, he sure as hell won't let Amara come home to help."

Rizzo glared forward as if at Laxus himself as her teeth ground together in anger. The Laxus from old might not have went of his way to spend time with his guildmates. He might have been kind of rough around the edges and he might have a temper, but he would never turn his back on the guild. The Laxus they knew now…was nearly unrecognizable.

"Of course, he refused." Sven said with a sigh. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Because it's Laxus." Breccan replied. "I'm pretty far from the guild—even if I manage to get my hands on a magic mobile, there's no telling when I'll be back."

Sven gave a similar report, which meant their guildmates were practically on their own.

"We'll get there when we can," Sven assured everyone. "Though knowing all of you, you'll have already kicked Phantom's butts by the time we arrive."

His comment brought a few grins from those around and a few felt their spirits lifted a bit. Sven then gave a farewell before disappearing from sight. Everyone else started getting back to preparing for battle, but Breccan stayed connected for a moment as he looked to Mirajane who was watching her guildmates' preparations helplessly.

"That sad look doesn't suit you, Mira," Breccan commented.

The white-haired woman turned to look at Breccan as he tilted his head to the side.

"I want to help," She whispered with her voice cracking slightly. "I want to fight with everyone else."

"I know that," Breccan said with a sigh. "But we both know you don't have the power to fight alongside everyone—not anymore."

He didn't say this unkindly, but the reminder did have Mirajane look away as if she was ashamed.

"But that doesn't mean you're useless." Breccan told her. "You're smart and I'm sure you'll find someway to help—Now, how about a smile…for me?"

Mirajane looked to Breccan once more as a few tears fell down her cheeks. Though despite them, she managed to give him a smile as she felt a bit of weight lift off her heavy heart.

"There we go." Breccan said before placing a cigarette between his lips. "I'll be home soon. If Phantom somehow manages to continue fighting until then, I'll be sure to reduce whoever is left standing to ashes—personally."

His tone turned dark as he said this as the pupils in his eyes seemed to contract into slits. He then disappeared from the lacrima as Mirajane's hands clenched the skirt of her dress. Suddenly the place started shaking, which had everyone murmuring in confusion.

"What is that?" Rizzo murmured.

"I don't know," Gray replied.

Everyone hurried outside to see what was going on. When getting outside, everyone saw a large building on legs heading their way from the water.

"What is that thing?" Natsu asked.

One of the legs moved to step forward, and when it touched down it made things shake again.

"It's a guildhall with ginormous legs!" Happy exclaimed.

"Is it Phantom?" Loke asked.

Rizzo would bet all the jewel she owns that it was. The guildhall got closer and closer with the ground continuing to shake.

"How do we fight that thing?" Wakaba asked.

No one had an answer for that.

"I never anticipated this." Erza, who was just in a towel, said. "I never knew they'd go to such lengths to attack us."

The building then came to a stop as the Fairy Tail wizards stood there on edge. One of the large walls then rose with what looked like a cannon coming out. Rizzo's blood ran cold as the cannon expanded. It started getting ready to fire as it was pointed towards them.

"Everyone, run!" Erza ordered. "Get out of here now."

While everyone else was back up, Erza went running forward, which surprised everyone.

"Erza!" Mirajane cried out.

"Don't be stupid!" Macao shouted.

Erza didn't listen as she continued to run forward while losing her towel as she reequipped.

"She reequipped!" Cana said.

"What are you doing?!" Loke demanded.

Erza stood tall in her armor as she stayed between her guildmates and the attack about to come from Phantom's cannon.

"Protecting the guildhall." Erza replied.

As everyone begged for her to come back, Gray had to grab a hold of Natsu who went to go after her.

"Erza!" Natsu shouted.

He tried to break free from Gray, who was trying to calm him down, but the ice wizard wouldn't let Natsu go. Craylee was holding Rizzo back as well as she tried to get away, so to get to Erza.

"Let me go!" She demanded. "Erza, stop being so stupid!"

"Rizzo, you have to trust her." Craylee said as he kept his arms around her.

Rizzo shook her head as she tried to get out of her brother's hold. Craylee only tightened his grip as the cannon continued to charge up. As it looked as if it was about to fire, Jaser stepped in front of the two with Bastet on his shoulder. The cannon fired, and Erza brought her shield together.

The attack hit and was held back by the magic circle created by Erza's shield. However, her shield started cracking as the attack continued. She even felt her magic being drained as she tried to pour it into the shield to make it last longer. But despite her efforts, the shield kept breaking. Soon the shield shattered, but it held out just long enough as the cannon's blast dispersed. Erza was sent flying backwards as her armor started crumbling away completely. Her guildmates gasped as she hit the ground while rolling across it before finally coming to a stop.

"I don't believe this." Macao said. "She actually managed to stop this."

"Once again Erza is the manliest one in the guild." Elfman said.

"Yeah, but look." Cana said.

The others looked to Erza as the red head laid panting on the ground. The rest of Erza's armor disappeared since she didn't have the magic to keep hold on it. Craylee finally let go of Rizzo and she hurried over to Erza with Natsu at her side. The two knelt down next to her as she laid on the ground. Natsu told Erza to say something as the others started gathering around to check on their guildmate.

"Makarov has fallen." Jose's voice came from the build. "And now Erza can't even stand. Any chance of victory has slipped through your fingers. Hand over Lucy Heartfilia immediately to me. You have no choice."

Rizzo stood up onto her feet as she glared at the building in front of her. She didn't care who was in there. She'd take them all down.

"That ain't going to happen!" Alzach shouted.

"Like any guild would hand over one of their own to a monster like you!" Bisca added.

"You hear that?!" Macao called out. "Lucy's staying put!"

The guild echoed their agreement. They wouldn't let anyone from their guild be taken.

"I won't ask again." Jose warned.

"Then don't!" Rizzo shouted. "Because our answer will be the same every time! As Lucy's family we will protect her until the end!"

Lucy looked at Rizzo in surprise as more people echoed her declaration. Lucy felt her tears fall when she realized how loved she was here. But even so, was all their pain worth keeping her around?

"We'd never betray her like that!" Erza shouted. "You'd have to kill us first!"

More people shouted in agreement, which had Lucy's tears falling even faster.

"You can stop asking now!" Natsu roared. "Because we're not going to give you any other answer. We're gonna take every one of you jerks down!"

More cries of agreement rose from around Lucy as her body shook with sobs. She then gasped looking up as a hand was placed on her shoulder. She was surprised to see Craylee was the one standing next to her.

"You can stop thinking about giving yourself up." Craylee said as he looked down at her. "As you can see, these idiots are too stubborn to give up on this fight whether you decide to go or not."

Lucy sniffled as she rubbed at her eyes with the back of her hand to try and rid them of the tears.

"Besides, didn't you say there was someone you wanted to save that's trapped in the very guild we face now?" Craylee reminded her. "It'd be pretty hard to free her if you so easily gave up now, wouldn't it?"

Lucy looked to the guildhall facing them as Leona's sad expression came to mind. Lucy bit her lip knowing Craylee was right. She didn't want Leona to be trapped like she herself had been with her father.

"Yeah, that's right." Lucy said.

Craylee nodded once before stepping forward to join Rizzo and Natsu who looked towards him.

"As my guildmates have all so loudly expressed to you second-rate wizards, Lucy is staying with us." Craylee said as he stuffed his hands in his pockets. "So, either take your eyesore of a guildhall out of here, or prepare to fight. If I were you, I'd take the first option."

"Yeah," Jaser who stepped up beside his brother agreed. "Because you made the biggest mistake of your life making an enemy out of us, pal."

Rizzo grinned at her brothers as their guildmates rallied for a fight behind them. Inside his guildhall, Jose felt his anger rise as he had to listen to the cries and shouts of those Fairy Tail flies.

"If this is what you want, I'll give you a second helping of Jupiter!" Jose shouted. "You've got fifteen minutes to ponder the folly of your actions!"

Rizzo just crossed her arms over her chest as she glared at the enemy before them. Fifteen minutes didn't seem like much, but if that's all the time they had, they'd be sure to make it count. Phantom Lord would regret messing with them.