DISCLAIMER: Fairy Tail is owned by Hiro Mashima.

Shoutout to @madaquarius and @mistyblues! Thank you for the great reviews guys. I deeply appreciate it. And I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far.

And without further a due...

CHAPTER 5:

Natsu and Erza were already in my apartment when Gray and I arrived. Erza was sitting on my couch and Natsu was raiding my kitchen for something to eat. I was low on food and didn't get to buy groceries this morning because of what happened so he was left with bread and whatever he found in there to eat.

"Don't be rude, dumbass," Gray said as he put on the table the dinner that we brought. "We brought food since we knew you'd be in this state."

Natsu rolled his eyes. "It's not my fault I need to eat a lot to build up my strength." He approached the table and opened the food containers. His eyes lit up. "Thanks for this by the way, Lucy."

"Actually, Gray was the one-

But Natsu wasn't paying attention to me anymore as he began to eat. I turned to Erza and offered her the food, but she politely declined.

"So, what did you guys find?" Gray began.

"Nothing much," Erza replied. "Most of the wizards we asked had no idea about this kind of magic. Although when we described it to them, they said that it sounds like the kind of magic for attracting someone."

"Seduction magic." All of their eyes turned to me. "Gray and I found a lot of written texts about them in the library. At first I didn't want to believe it but now, I guess we have to consider that seduction magic might be the reason for all of this."

"But it doesn't make any sense," Erza said. "When Maul showed us the necklace for the first time, I didn't feel any magic coming from it."

"That's right," I agreed. "When I first wore it too, it felt just like an ordinary necklace."

"And seduction magic needs a spell to be casted in order for it to work. And the effects should be immediate," Gray spoke up.

"I mhhik id dassmt-

I turned sharply to Natsu. "Swallow that food before you speak up."

Natsu gave me a grin before gulping down his food. "Anyway," he continued. "I think this seduction stuff isn't that big of a deal." I was about to answer him when he continued. "I mean, we're here to protect you, Lucy. And if anyone tries to bother you, then we'll just have to kick their ass."

Typical, Natsu. He makes everything so simple and so easy. But he has a point. Why am I bothered with this necklace so much, anyway? And it's not like those men from this morning meant any harm. They said they only wanted a date.

"I mean, I can always refuse their advances," I muttered. "And you're right, you guys will be here to protect me to ward the peskier ones." I faced them. "But no magic, and you can't use too much of your strength either. I don't want another incident from almost happening like this morning with Gray."

Natsu turned to Gray. "You almost use your magic on civilians?"

"You would too if you were in my position," Gray answered. "And I was caught off guard. They were annoying."

"That's why we need to have patience, and a ton of it." I breathed out. "We don't have any idea what this necklace really is. And the only person who can tell us is already a thousand miles away from here."

We all agreed to meet up at the guild tomorrow to further discuss about the necklace. I cleaned up after Natsu's trash before deciding to have my bath. It had been a long, stressful day and still we were left with more questions than answers.I waited as I filled my bath with water, fiddling the necklace. This was supposed to be a simple job and yet we got more than we bargained for. This was becoming troublesome.

I reached around my neck to take it off, furrowing my eyebrows when the lock kept slipping from my fingers. I bit my lip, struggling to get it open. I decided to face the mirror, turning the lock around so I can have a better view of it. I had a better hold of it, but no matter what I do, the lock won't open.

"Come on."

I pushed it again, but it was stuck. I felt cold-sweat enveloping my body. But I didn't want to give up. I pushed the lock again, turning it to get a new angle. My fingers were beginning to ache, and I was feeling hot with nervousness.

I felt something wet touched my toes. I jumped in surprise before hurrying over to turn off the faucet which had now caused my tub to overflow. My breaths were coming out in rapid successions. I was freaking out and I didn't know what to do.

"You know you can always turn to us, right?"I turned to that voice and saw Loke standing beside me. He looked worried.

"I'm sorry," I began. "I'm letting this little thing get the best of me. I need to be calm and rational about this. Compared to the enemies we've faced before, this is nothing."

He reached out and touched my head. "You're frustrated and it's alright." He smiled. "Once you've calmed down, I know you can figure this out. And if you need any help, don't forget that you have your Spirits with you. We will do our best to share your burden, Lucy."

I felt my heart welling up in gratitude. I was feeling a lot better all of a sudden. "Thank you, Loke. I am really lucky to have all of you."

Loke gave a small nod. He looked around and finally realizing where he was, his eyes widened. "A bath, huh? Can I join you?"

"No."

"Come on, it would be fun."

"No, Loke."

He gave a pout. "Don't you want to see my-

"No, I don't want to see anything, Loke," I gave him a glare.

He let out a breath. "You're missing a huge opportunity here, I hope you know that." I rolled my eyes at him fighting off my smile, which caused him to smile. "Anyway, I have to go back now. Don't hesitate to call if you need me. I will always have the time for you."

He waved at me before disappearing. I breathe out, finally feeling calmer. I ignored the necklace and instead took my bath.

This was frustrating. How could one simple necklace cause so many problems? I reached for it again and held the diamond in my hand. Maul said that this was a magical diamond that needed the warmth of blood. He didn't say anything about the necklace attracting the attention of all the men here in Magnolia.

Maybe he didn't know, I thought. That was possible. He has been wearing the necklace for a long time now and nothing like this sort has ever happened. I didn't feel any gigantic pull towards him when we met him too. So why was this happening now?

I groaned in frustration, lowering myself on the tub further. I closed my eyes, telling myself to face all of these questions tomorrow and just enjoy my bath for now

.…………….

"So it's just you and me today, Natsu?"

Natsu turned to me, his fist clenched in determination. "Yeah, and if any weirdo comes anywhere near you, then I'll knock them out."

"That's right," Happy agreed. "You can rest easy, Lucy, because Natsu and I will protect you."

I laughed. They were so fired-up and ready for anything. This reminded me when I first met the two of them. I couldn't believe how far we've come and how much our bond had strengthened. I knew I could always count on them, no matter what.

"Thanks guys," I said, smiling warmly. "Anyway, Erza and Gray are finding answers about the necklace?"

Happy nodded. "Erza heard about this shop in Crocus that may have come across this type of magic. She and Gray left early so they can get back before the day ends."

I nodded. "It would've been better if we went with them."

"I asked them about that," Natsu answered. "But that bastard, Gray was adamant on not letting you out of Magnolia. He said it's safer for you here in the guild, especially since we don't want to attract any more attention to your necklace."

"And he said you're already stressed about all of this," Happy said, which made me turn to him. "So we should do our part to help you out."

I smiled. "Thanks guys, I-

"Hello, may-."

Natsu stood up from his seat abruptly, and before I could say another word or even turn around, he had launched himself and tackled the person behind me. I watched in horror as the guys fell on the ground, with Natsu's arm around the poor guy's neck.

"What's this? Another weirdo?" Natsu said.

"Natsu, let go of him," I commanded in the most serious tone that I could muster.

Natsu looked at me. "But he's-

The guy suddenly moved, turning around and flawlessly moving away from Natsu's grasp. He grabbed Natsu's arm, twisting it, before positioning himself behind him. My mouth dropped open when I saw Natsu yell in both annoyance and pain.

"What's the big deal, you bastard?!" Natsu yelled as he struggled to get out.

The guy finally lets him go, turning to smile at me. "Hey, Lucy."

Natsu was about to attack him again but I grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Quit it, Natsu. I know him." Natsu stopped, earning a breath of relief from me.

I faced the guy, giving him the brightest smile I could come up with, given what just happened. "Hello, Axel."

...

Comments about this story are greatly welcomed!

See you on the next chapter guys!