Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters, that right belongs to Hiro Mashima.

Author's Notes: PLEASE FOR THE LOVE THAT IS CRACK FICTION AND ANIME/MANGA READ THIS! For those that asked, know why I stopped writing R.S.o.F in the first place and took it down off to begin with. It has now been a year, and I feel ready to talk about that reason. The person who got me started back writing was my grandmother. She passed away last year from Stage 4 lung and liver cancer. It was a sudden onset, and she was dead within a month of the diagnosis. That woman was a major part of my life, always inspiring me to do what I wanted as long as I was happy. She supported me through a lot of good and bad times. And the loss of her had me literally hating this story. I mean all the handwritten chapters I had shredded, burned in complete anger.

So, now I am ready to start this again. But... AND I MEAN BUT, there will be changes to this story. It will not be like it was before. I will still follow the setup (backstory) I had that Lucy summoned the Celestial King to stop the Eclipse Gate, Yukino will have died because of the Eclipse Gate. Instead of defeating Zeref (We didn't know he had nothing to do with that event at the time), it will be the dragons being sent into the past. My chapters won't be more than 5K in words... or that if you get lucky. I want shorter, easier to read chapters. My style has changed in the last 6 years folks; it is called growth. To make this more fun, I will have a few other canon things, and yes, the babysitters will still be there. That was too fun and cute to write. Now, I just ask you read this with an open mind and review once you are done. Thank you!


Lucy stared down at the man on the floor with horror written across her face as crimson eyes slowly shut. While a part of her quick mind was amazed that her physical training with Erza had paid off, she had just further injured her would-be assailant. Though in an hour or two since she had last seen him, he now had a gaping hole in the side of his abdomen. Causing her to curl her hand into a fist and feel a wetness on them. This had her lifting her hands up to inspect them, seeing that one was thoroughly coated in red, sticky liquid. Feeling her lip tremble as everything from today started to finally hit her, like a wave against a cliffside. Her body slowly sinking to the floor.

"Why you hit Fro's friend, Rogue?"

At the sound of the soft voice, her head whipped around and looked at a small green exceed in a pink frog suit. Realizing that this was the 'person' who had broken into her apartment and what she was going to grab with her hand. Making her give a nervous chuckle, as she looked into the wide, innocent eyes that were confused and worried. It was just not her day.


Lucy smiled as she watched the antics of her two male teammates. The heat of the August sun beating down on her head as they pushed and shoved at each other like always. Bickering in the manner that only two really good friends could do. It was this and many other simple things that had her happy she was still alive after all that had happened during the Grand Magic Games, and the following Eclipse Gate events after. Though the end part of that battle was very fuzzy in her head, she was glad to be alive.

But that was not what had her concerned, nor the fact that after that Gate had been closed again, the dragons all sent to the past, her magic has yet to fully return to her. Nope, what was concerning her greatly was the small, and becoming increasingly larger each day, was Natsu's behavior changes. Which had started while they were out on the mission? He'd even been extra aggressive.

It scared her a bit just how he was acting. Sniffing around her, Erza, and almost any other female they'd come across. Though it stuck mostly to Erza and herself. He'd growl and intimidate other guys away from them. And he was usually the most friend an overly sociable person she knew. So, these little changes were not a good thing in her books.

Jumping when something heavy and metal clamped down on her shoulder, Lucy looked up to see Erza looking at her worriedly, "What's wrong Lucy? You are deep in thought."

This had her smiling as she let her gaze drift back the Gray and Natsu, the latter of whom was now getting rather physical with Gray. She knew that Erza would look in the same direction. They'd come to have a closer bond since Lucy had asked her to start training her to physically fight and defend herself. Having little to no magic made her an even weaker link on the team.

"Have they upset you?" Erza asked softly.

This gave Lucy pause as she shook her head as she replied, "No. It is just that over the last few days of our Mission, I have noted that Natsu's behavior is changing. Becoming more aggressive towards others... that are male. And he keeps sniffing me and you when you are busy."

Peeking up at Erza she was the red-headed face pale visibly, before mumbling, "I didn't notice this is not good. Lucy, you take your time getting back to the guild. I have to hurry a warn the guild..."

This had Lucy's eyes widening as she looked at her friend, who marched forward and clamped her hands down on the two boys. Who looked at her with wide eyes full of fear. Well, Gray did. Natsu looked like he was amused and pleased by her show of dominance. Creeping Lucy out. Then she watched as the two took off and Erza gave her a quick glance before running after them before cutting into the forest in a direct angle Lucy knew would put her friend on a direct course to the guild.


She had done as Erza said, and now she is singing (Slightly off Key) and dancing to one of her favorite songs as she walked the path back to Magnolia. Lucy would admit if asked, that she was worried about what could possibly be going on with Natsu. And why it had Erza, possibly Gray, so worried. They were her family. Her teammates and the whole of the guild had been helping her cope since the end of the whole fiasco that started as the Grand Magic Games. Especially since she had no real recollection of how the dragons were sent back through the gate, why she had little to no magic in her containers and the fact that they were not refilling like they should.

That and no one was forthcoming about it. But Lucy rationalized that there was a reason for it. Which probably was for her own protection. She would be patient, waiting for when they felt it was time to tell her. Otherwise, Lucy figured, life was good at the moment. She had started a three times a week physical training regiment with Erza. And she was starting to see the results. This Mission was proof. Her endurance had survived longer than when she had been at full capacity of magic. Earning her nods of acknowledgment from not just Erza, but Gray and Natsu as well. Though, Happy the blue flying troll cat had still called her fat.

Sighing as she stopped singing, Lucy debated on summoning Plue. He didn't drain what little reserves she had completely, even if it tired her out. Only to go stiff as a low growl came from the woods to her right. Eyes going wide, she started to reach for her whip, as she looked in the direction the growl came from. Next thing Lucy knew she was being encapsulated in a pair of very strong arms. As hot breath washed down her neck and over her shoulder. Causing her to freeze as thanks to her instincts kicking in. Mind telling her to learn the situation, adapt and figure out how to get out of it.

"You little fairy smell of other males, even a Dragon Slayer. I will have to fix that."

The voice that spoke softly as she felt something sharp be run down the curve of her neck had Lucy whimpering and suddenly struggling to get away. She knew this voice. The mocking laughter associated with it would haunt her dreams on occasion. Sting Eucliffe.

"Cease your struggles or I will inflict pain," Sting growled.

She let her body limp by force as she squeezed her eyes shut. Wondering just what the hell was going on. Then she felt her body being tugged away as Sting's lips brushed against the junction of neck and shoulders. Causing Lucy to open her eyes as she was literally pushed away. Seeing Rogue Cheney facing off against his partner, best friend, and from what Master told them, New Guild Master. When his head whipped around to glare at her, she felt like her heart stopped in her chest.

"I suggest you run, little fairy. As fast as you can. Otherwise, you'll hate your fate," he growled at her, making sure Sting's attention was focused solely on him.

Swallowing, Lucy turned and ran. Sucking in deep breaths as she moved her arms and legs in tandem for the most efficient method of running like Erza had taught her. The feel of their magic's rising as a loud Roar erupted from one of them, she presumed Sting, Lucy didn't look back. Instead, put extra speed behind her strides. This was not cowardice, this was survival. And she knew from watching the brawls in the guild when all three male Dragon Slayers got in on it, there was destruction on a mass scale. And they were 'playing' as Wendy called it.


Breaths coming in heavy pants as Lucy reached the bottom of the hill that their guild now sat on. The original in Town was being refurbished with the funds that they'd won from the GMG. Lucy bent over, hands on her knees and tried to calm her over stimulated heart. Which was trying to burst from her chest at the moment? Eyes closed as she inhaled through her nose and exhaled out her mouth. Counting five seconds between each intake and outtake. When a soft groan drew her attention to the bushes just to the side of the road.

Body tensing as she straightened up, hand itching to her belt and whip. Lucy took small, short steps towards the bush. Ready to attack just in case whoever made the sound was a threat. What she saw had the blood draining from her flushed face. There was Gray, battered and bleeding. From the way his eyes were barely cracked and unfocused, she knew he had a concussion.

Eyes narrowing as she ignored her own body's protestations of exhaustion, Lucy bent over and grabbed his arm. Slinging it over her shoulder as she twisted her body, lifting him the best she could. The fact that his body was cold was a godsend at the moment. But it disturbed her how beaten up he was. And the only person he'd been with was Natsu. And she didn't want to believe that Natsu would take a friend and family member and do this, leaving them to potentially die on the roadside.

"Gray, I need you to answer me. Just groan once to do so. But, did... did Natsu do this to you?" she asked.

It took a few seconds as she half frogged walked and half dragged him, before he groaned, only once. It had the blood in her veins going cold. Anger boiling inside her slowly. Fueling her strength as she started to make her way up the overly steep hill towards the guild hall. She'd be giving her best friend a piece of her damn mind after she got confirmation that he had indeed done this like Gray... groaned in confirmation.

"Lucy?"

At the sound of her name, Lucy flinched as she stopped and slowly shifted herself and her partially unconscious bundle. Just to see a worried and highly concerned Lisanna and Elfman. Causing her to smile tentatively to them. Then Elfman was relieving her of Gray's weight while Lisanna put her arm around Lucy's shoulders to hold her up since her legs chose that moment to go weak.

"What happened? Where is the rest of your team?" Lisanna asked as she helped Lucy walk up the incline to the guild.

"I don't know, but I think... from what Gray tried to indicate when I asked, that Natsu did this. And I do not know, Lisanna," she mumbled feeling exhausted. "I told Erza that Natsu had been acting oddly for the last few days. Kinda possessive of Erza and I, amongst other females that we came across. Then Erza had the boys racing to the guild while she cut through the forest to get to the guild before them, hopefully."

This had a deep grunt coming from Elfman. So, Lucy lifted her head and turned it to look at the tall mage. Who pointedly did not look at her. Making Lucy more and more suspicious. When she glanced back at Lisanna, she found the girl was flushing a bit darkly but was also not looking at her. They knew what was going on. And it hurt that they were not telling her.

Soon they were at the guild doors, Elfman didn't stop as he marched right on through with his bundle. Drawing a loud shriek from Juvia. As Lucy and Lisanna entered, the guild went still looking at them. She saw the concern on their faces. With care, Lucy shrugged herself from Lisanna's arm. Her brown eyes roaming around the guild until they found a head of pink hair. Eyes narrowing as she wobbled her way over, only to have Olive green eyes look at her as a goofy smile broke across Natsu's face.

"Luce! You got here!" he said as he bounded over to her.

Lifting a hand up and halting his advancement, Lucy looked him directly in the eyes. Frown firmly in place as he stopped and looked confused at her. Only for his face to morph into a mask of anger as he sniffed the air. This had the fine hairs on the back of her arms and neck rising up.

"Luce, what is the matter? Why do you smell of other men? Especially the two Slayers from Sabertooth?" He growled in a low voice at her.

This had Lucy quirking an eyebrow at her friend. Narrowing her eyes as she snorted at him while giving a quick shake of her head.

"I will explain that in a second. But first, Natsu Dragneel, did you beat up Gray and leave him in a bush at the base of the hill?" she asked, her voice dropping to a soft hiss.

The way Natsu grinned, showing his canines, which looked oddly elongated, had Lucy stiffening. Then he chuckled and smirked at her. Giving the confirmation that she didn't want to have. He had harmed, willingly a Teammate. And to make it worse, there was no remorse shown at all, in fact, it looked like he had enjoyed it. Causing something to snap inside of her. Lucy could tolerate a load of crap. But harming one's friends, teammates, and family, that was going too far.

Her body exploded into motion. Jumping up she kicked out with one leg, catching Natsu by surprise and sending him flying backwards. As she landed her other hand grasped her whip, releasing it and had it expanding to wrap around Natsu who was orientating himself, then constricting it around him. She knew that she was not strong enough to hold him for long, but this served a purpose as it kept him mildly distracted.

"You, Natsu, have let me down. You always preach about protecting your friends and family... and here you... you... are openly taking pride in claiming you left one of your friends and family injured yourself. I am disgusted with you," she said.

With that, she released her whip and felt her eyes burn with tears. This had Natsu pausing, his upper lip pulling back from his canines as scales began to appear along his neck and on his face. Then he was wrapped in iron and being electrocuted by the two other Slayers in the guild. This caused a roar that was almost painful to the point of making Lucy's eardrums feel like they were going to collapse before Natsu went quiet.

Sighing, Lucy put her whip away and looked at her now very stunned Guild Mates. Erza included. Though Lucy saw in the depths of those chocolate brown eyes pride. Shaking her head, Lucy felt extremely exhausted.

"I... will explain everything later... For now... I need to go home, bathe and sleep, please?" she said to everyone.

When she got a nod of the head, Lucy turned and left, barely catching what Bickslow said. "Lucy's panties are pink and lacy today!" Which was echoed by his little 'babies'? Making her smile as she walked out of the guild.


Lucy felt the tears she'd been holding back since finding Gray start to fall. She had thought it was Happy who had broken into her house. So, a bit of a scare tactic for the little blue troll. Now, as she sunk to the ground, Lucy had a wounded and bleeding Rogue lying unconscious on her apartment floor.

"Miss... Fro don't mean to make you cry!?" the small frog suited exceed said as Lucy ran her fingers over a particular key.

TBC!