Author's Note: This Chapter deals with flashbacks of the abuse that Lucy faces. This is your warning! Though I have to say that I'm not the best at it writing them! Sorry if they aren't that good! This is going to be one of the longer chapters though! Please Enjoy
It's been a few weeks – and Lucy was settled into the schedule for class. She was happy. She enjoyed all her classes. Of course, she didn't really bump into any issue – yet. That was the key word – yet. So far, Lucy was doing really well in her classes – it didn't help that in AP Chem, she was stuck next to Natsu who wanted just to use his fire to make the chemicals react faster. Though she stopped him a couple of times.
The rest of her classes were nice. She enjoyed Mythology the best – of course, Natsu had to bite his tongue when it came to Dragons. Lucy watched him struggle like he wanted to correct the teacher. It seemed like Dragons was a really tuff subject because of the fact that he was raised by a dragon and has Dragon Slaying abilities.
Today was Alpha day – meaning that Lucy had a study hall instead of a gym class. Most of the Fairy Tail members who had a study hall that day, would leave to head to their jobs. Lucy was one of those, as she and Levy worked together, so she was able to get some hours. It was Lucy's first day on the job, so her and Levy walked together.
"Hey Lu! Why don't you go get us some coffees and I'll go clock us in?" Levy asked as they walked past the coffee shop that Natsu worked at.
"What do you want?" Lucy smiled.
"Hmm, a Hot White Chocolate Mocha, the weather is getting a bit chilly." Levy nodded.
"Alright! I'll see you in a bit." Lucy walked into the coffee shop and saw Natsu working behind the counter. She walked over and looked the menu.
"Luce! Hey!" Natsu said as he knew she was there. "What do you want?"
"Two hot white chocolate mochas, venti." Lucy looked at the pastries. "And a blueberry muffin warmed."
"Is that all?" He asked as he had his goofy grin on.
"Yeah. Lev is clocking me in so when I arrive, we can just dive right into work."
Natsu wrung her up and Lucy swiped her card to pay for everything and she waited at the 'Pick-Up' end of the counter as she watched Natsu make the drinks and warm up her muffin. She looked to see that he was also doing schoolwork.
"Does it get busy here?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, so during this time, I like to get my schoolwork done before the rushes." Natsu said as she looked at her.
He placed the drinks on the counter and then put her muffin in the bag and gave it to her. She collected her things but before she could leave, she took a deep breath.
"Natsu, I was wondering, if you could help me later with the Chem homework." Lucy asked.
"Sure. I could do that." Natsu nodded.
"Thanks. See you at the guild," Lucy said as she left the coffee shop and headed over to the bookstore so she could to work. "Lev! I got your coffee."
"Thanks!" Levy grabbed her cup and took a sip. "Ahh~ The best."
"Natsu was working."
"For some reason, everyone loves it when he makes coffee – he also brings home the food that they are about to throw out due to him working the last shift on Fridays."
"Sounds like everyone enjoys those days," Lucy laughed as she grabbed her laptop and started on her English homework. "Though, I'm pretty sure he only shares with the guys."
"So how is music class?"
"Which one?"
"Both?"
"Pretty decent. I mean, it's not hard, but next month there's the concerts at school – which I'm nervous about. Usually I never had to perform in front of people."
"Hey, you'll do fine. Besides! You have Fairy Tail to cheer you on!"
"Thanks Lev."
The two of them worked and did their homework. There was an hour left into their shift, when someone walked into the store. Levy was stocking books, while Lucy was manning the front. The guy looked at Lucy – with a smile on his face, when she looked up at from her textbook, her face paled.
"Um…Hi…Can I help you?" Lucy asked – her voice was shaky. Her whole body trembled.
This man was not the one who hurt her in the past – but the way he was staring at her – might as well be the one. Lucy's legs gave out as she fell to the ground, she was trying to the fight the tears.
"No. I'm good." The guy was confused on to why Lucy was on the floor. "Are you okay, Miss?"
"Yea-Yeah, I'm fine. Please…have a look around." Lucy didn't look at him.
Her memories – the ones that she's been blocking out for a few years, started to resurface. Lucy's eyes started to burn as she knew that there tears streaming down her face. She knew that the scars were still there – the bruises from his beatings were gone, but yet the memory of feeling him kick her and stab her were there.
~Memory~
"YOU ARE USELESS!" Jude screamed at his daughter.
"STOP IT! IT HURTS!" Lucy screamed at him.
The room they were in – it was soundproof. No one knew that they were there. She had magic cuffs on, he was tired of her thinking that she could break the rules. Lucy was scared from start when her father dragged her into the room. She was scared for her life – some part of her wondered if this was going to be the end. Was this the day that her father was going to kill her.
"Why! Why do you have to look like her!" Jude growled as he looked Lucy – "It's your fault that she's not here!"
"Stop…please…" Lucy begged.
~End of Memory~
"Please…make it stop." Lucy whispered as the tears were still streaming down her face.
Levy ran over after the guy said that the girl at the front was crying. Levy placed a hand on Lucy's back, which made her flinch and then looked at Levy. Her eyes started to turn red – from crying - as she scared. Scared that her father was going to find her – scared that she was going to be beaten again. Scared that her father was going to actually rape her this time around.
"Lulu, what's wrong?" Levy asked.
"it's no-nothing I'm-I'm fine. Let's-Let's fin-finish up." Lucy wiped her tears away.
Just then the door opened – and Natsu was standing there, and he could smell that someone was crying, he walked over and saw Levy and Lucy on the ground.
"What's going on?" Natsu asked.
"Just some dust." Lucy lied as she looked at him. "What are you doing here?"
"There's a wild storm coming through – I didn't want you two walking in it. Pretty sure Gajeel would have my head if I let Levy walk in the storm." Natsu admitted.
"T-thanks." Lucy got up and looked at Levy who was ready to be able to leave.
Soon enough the guy came to the front with a few books he wanted to buy. Levy quickly rang up and accepted his money and sent him off. Lucy packed up their schoolbooks and looked at Levy. The three of them left the store as the next shift arrived. Lucy held Levy's hand, as she was scared of another memory appearing as they were walking back to the guild. Natsu was watching Lucy from the corner of his eye. He wondered what was going on through her head – he knew that the tears were not just the fact that there was dust in her eyes. He saw the same tears on Mira and Elfman when Lisanna was placed in the coma for a year.
"Lucy, when we get back, why don't you take a shower – and I'll bring you food." Levy suggested.
"Thanks, Levy, but Natsu said he would help me with my chemistry homework." Lucy shook her head.
"I can just ask Erza for permission to be in your room." Natsu added. "Levy will be there – so it's not like anything bad will happen."
"Are you sure?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah. Don't worry about it." Natsu smiled.
He just wanted to see her smile. "Lucy…What happened to you, where did your smile go…" Natsu thought as he looked at her. There was just something about her that made her mysterious. Sure, she's been here for a few weeks, but she never gave much away about her life before they met in Hargeon.
The small group walked as there was a clash of thunder. Lucy looked at the sky – as the rain fell. It started to down pour as Levy tugged on Lucy's hand. They bolted for the guild doors and walked in. Everyone looked at them – as they were soaking wet from the rain.
"Oh my. Did you three get stuck in the rain?" Mira asked as she shook her head. "Go change. Dinner will be in two hours."
"Thanks Mira!" Natsu smiled as he made his way to the fourth floor where his rom was located.
Lucy and Levy headed to their own room where Lucy looked out the window and when the lightning striked the ground, she saw a flash of her father in the reflection and freaked out.
"NO!" Lucy screamed as she turned around and saw that it was only her and Levy.
"Lucy, what's wrong?" Levy asked as she tried to step closer to Lucy.
"Please…don't come closer…" Lucy begged as she wrapped her arms around her waist.
Ever since that guy walked into the shop – she's been freaking out more and more. She knew he wasn't going to come and find her. She was safe. The tears came back. Just then the door opened and revealed Erza and Mira looking around.
"What happened, we heard a scream." Erza asked as she looked around.
"It's Lucy…Lightning hit the ground and I guess she just freaked out." Levy looked at Lucy who started to shake a bit. "I'm going to help her into the bathroom. You two go back."
The two of them nodded as Levy looked at Lucy. Levy has been like the sister that Lucy never had. There was no question about it – since the two of them met. Levy stepped closer to Lucy.
"Lulu, let me help you into the bathroom so you can shower." Levy suggested.
Lucy's face paled – she would see. See those scars. Those marks. It was why Lucy never changed in front of everyone. She was scared that they thought she self-harmed. The scars weren't really noticeable unless you were looking for them. Though she knew that Levy who was smart – would probably look at them and see them. Lucy shook her head.
"I – I ca-can do it. Just te-tell Natsu that-that I don't feel w-well." Lucy said as she walked to their bathroom and closed the door. Locking it. She looked at her reflection – she could still picture him touching her.
~Memory~
"Lucy, there you are~" He slurred his words.
It was just her and Jude. Jasper was away on business – that's when he always made his move. When Jasper wasn't home. Lucy stiffen at his words when he looked at her – lust in his eyes.
"Now now, come closer." Jude smirked.
That smirk. It haunted her every time she saw it. She walked over to him and looked at him. She needed to move. She had to escape. She was still healing from last months abuse from the hitting and whatever else he wanted to do to her.
"Please…Father. I don't feel well." Lucy lied as she didn't want to go back to that room.
"Don't you want to make your father happy?" He sneered.
"Yes…" Lucy looked at her hands as she tried to fight the tears back.
"Good," He laughed.
He stood up and grabbed her by the arm and dragged her from the table and into that room. The one where he would punish her. The one where he marked her body.
"You'll only marry who I decide! You are nothing!" He lashed out.
The two stages of his drunkness. The caring and the abusive one. Lucy bit her lip as he hit her with the whip.
"Come on! SCREAM!" He growled.
"No…" Lucy gasped as she felt him hit her again – harder this time.
"Fine. Be that way!"
~End of Memory~
Lucy was in the shower as she felt the hot water on her skin. Making it turn red. She wanted everything to stop. She didn't deserve Fairy Tail at this point. Her father disowned her, but he still lingered in her thoughts. He would always be there. There was no way to get rid of the memories.
Downstairs, Levy was gathering a plate for Lucy and herself. She knew that Lucy didn't want to be alone, but there was something bugging her about the way she was acting – ever since that guy came in towards the end of their shift. Why was Lucy was so freaked out about him.
"Natsu!" Levy spotted him.
"Hey Levy, I was just about to go ask Erza – "
"She doesn't feel well. I'll help her with the Chemistry homework." Levy interrupted.
"She seemed fine…"
"Natsu…I know but trust me. I'll text you if I need help. She just doesn't…"
"Doesn't want to see me?"
"No that's not it. I think there's something haunting her from her past."
"I see. Yeah…text me."
Levy gathered the plates and headed up to their room where she saw Lucy on the bed looking at the chemistry homework. She looked up when she heard the door open. Levy placed the food on the desk and looked at her.
"Are you okay?" Levy asked. "You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"
Lucy looked at her, and then to the door. Hoping that there was nothing else that was going to be entering the room. Maybe everything would stop if Lucy told someone – she didn't tell anyone before outside of her own brother. Lucy bit her lip as she looked at Levy. What would Levy think – would she call her dirty? Useless?
"I…" Lucy started to say. "You can't tell anyone…" She held out her pinky. "Pinky promise?"
"It must be serous – she's still shaking from whatever it is." Levy looked at her and then smiled, wrapping her own pinky around Lucy's.
"I – Levy McGarden, Pink Promise not to tell a soul of what you – Lucy – are about to tell me." Levy said.
"My real name – is Lucy Ashely Heartfilia. My dad…. ever since I was ten – would hit me, abuse me – not sexually – I…I have scars from the last one he gave me when he was drunk." Lucy said as she looked at her hands. "I'm scared that one day – he's going to find me and try it again, after he disowned me."
"Lucy…" Levy looked at her. "Why did he do it?"
"Because….I look like my mom." She muttered. "He blames me for her death. When she was already ill to begin with. When we went to Crocus that one time – and when we got home, she got sicker."
"Oh…my…god."
"Please…you can't tell anyone!"
"I promise, but earlier today – at the bookstore?"
"The guy who came in – he looked at me the way my father did when he was drunk. It brought forward a memory I surpassed."
"And the lightning?"
"I thought I saw him in the reflection."
"Lucy, you should talk to Master about these memories…"
"What can he do?"
"Maybe it would help that you talk to him about it."
"Lev…"
"For your health Lucy."
"I'll…think about it."
Soon enough the two girls ate, and Lucy had Levy help with the Chem homework, of course, Levy was texting Natsu for help. He was more than happy to help her figure it out. Lucy saw Levy text someone when it came to something she didn't know about Chemistry. Who would blame her? Science wasn't Levy's strong suit, and of course, Lucy questioned it and Levy admitted she was texting Natsu for the help. Lucy accepted the help that Natsu was giving them, but right now, she was scared to be around a male at this point – because she didn't want to relapse to the dark place where the memories were.
The clock read – 10:45pm.
"We should get some sleep! It's Friday tomorrow, and we have gym." Levy sighed. "Maybe you will finally be able to show off your celestial spirits!" Levy smiled.
"I hope so!" Lucy smiled.
The two packed away all the schoolwork and they settled into bed, as the rain pelted against the window. It was relaxing but at the same time it was just something that would keep her awake at the same time. Lucy sighed as she couldn't get to sleep. She got out of the bed, grabbing her phone and headphones, along with her keys, and put on her shoes and headed downstairs and went to the downstairs, looking around. She headed to the guilds training room. She plugged in her headphones and started to play a random song. She sat in the corner of the room, as she closed her eyes and just mediated as she had her keys in the front of her.
"I can do it. I can open more than one gate – and I will keep them open for a longer amount of time." Lucy thought as she concentrated on putting her magic energy in the keys.
She could feel their gates opening – the first one was Virgo who watched Lucy. Wondering what she was doing. Of course, there was strain as she opened Capricorn's gate.
"Miss Lucy…What are you doing?" Capricorn asked.
"Magic…. practice…" Lucy muttered. There was strain on just having two gates opened.
"Princess, you should close our gates and get some sleep." Virgo was worried.
"I can't sleep….I…had a memory of what he did….I close my eyes to sleep – It will bring forth more of those type of memories." Lucy sent her magic to try and open another gate.
"You are going to be no use to us if you are no longer here." Capricorn said as he looked at her. He knelt in front of her. "You need to talk to someone about this."
"Tomorrow." Lucy opened Plue's gate.
"Princess…Please get some sleep." Virgo hated seeing her like this.
Virgo was always summoned to help patch up the marks. She knew what he did, but due to being contracted to Lucy – she couldn't do anything on her own, without being directed to. The strain of two gold keys was becoming too much for her.
"Princess, close our gates!" Virgo demanded. "You can't keep our gates open much longer."
"Fine!" Lucy panted as she closed their gates. She rested her head on the wall and saw that Plue also went back to the spirit world. Lucy brought her knees close to her chest as she listened to her music.
She stayed in her spot, looking at the time – 3am. She sighed as there was only three more hours until someone else woke up. Someone usually was up at 6am. Lucy closed her eyes for a second, hoping that the music would help, to keep the memories away. The next thing she knew was that the doors opened and the sound of someone walking in. She opened her eyes and saw Laxus, Gajeel and Natsu walking in. She looked down at her phone and saw that it was 5:03am.
"Luce?" Natsu turned around and looked at her. "What are you doing here?"
Lucy removed an ear bud as she looked at him. "I couldn't sleep. So, I was practicing my magic, didn't do much though." Lucy said as she got up and grabbed her keys. "What are you three doing here?"
"Blondie, we're always here at 5:00am. We are training our dragon magic." Laxus sighed.
"I see. Well, I'm going to head on back to my room." Lucy started to leave, but She felt someone grab her.
"Luce, are you sure you are feeling okay?" Natsu asked as he held her wrist.
Lucy tensed as he touched her – the way HE touched her. She closed her eyes, to remind her that it was Natsu. Natsu was touching her – HE wasn't here. HE wasn't going to demand her back. HE didn't care about her. Lucy started to have tears down her face, as could feel HIS touches on her.
"Natsu…Please…let go of me." Lucy whispered.
"Lucy…" Natsu released her wrist. "What is going on with you…"
"Nothing. I'll see you in Chem." She bolted out of the room and ran back to her bedroom.
Between the three dragon slayers – there was something on her mind.
"Something is wrong with Blondie." Laxus muttered as he watched her run out of the room.
"There is nothing wrong with Luce." Natsu looked at Laxus, "She didn't get any sleep. She's probably just tired."
"I saw it. She tensed when you touched her." Gajeel admitted. "Meaning…Someone did something to her, for her to react that way. Then she started to cry."
Natsu shook his head. "Let's just do what we're supposed to do, before classes." Natsu sighed.
He wanted to forget what had happened. He wanted to pretend that Lucy wasn't here this morning. Though it was still bugging him that she was there – and why did she seem so spooked. Lucy didn't head back to her room like she said she was going to – instead she headed outside, as the rain stopped, and she played a song that her mother was played for. It was a simple cheerful ballet type music. She hummed along to the song as she walked outside – enjoying the nice weather after a storm like that.
"Mama, I wish you were to dance with me like we did before. I wish you were here to train me as well in my magic…" Lucy thought as she looked at the sky.
~Memory~
"And just like that, and now we spin." Layla said to her five-year-old daughter as they danced to the song.
"I'm doing it mama!" Five-year-old Lucy said.
"Yes! Great job!"
The two danced in the garden as Lucy was dancing. Her mother ended up having to stop for a bit. She shouldn't be moving around this much, not before heading to Crocus. Lucy stopped to look at her mother.
"Mama! I promise to become the best Celestial Wizard!" Lucy sat next to her mother.
"Just remember, your contracts are important, Spirits have feelings, they are people."
"Of course, mama!"
~End of Memory~
"Spirits are friends, not shields. Spirits have feelings, they are people too. They might not bleed, but they are still humans." Lucy muttered. "I will become the best Celestial Wizard out there." Lucy looked at the sky. "That was our last promise, mama."
Lucy looked at the sky and then turned back to head into the guild so she could get her school uniform ready. She snuck into the room, seeing that Levy was still asleep. Lucy released the breath she was holding. She went into the bathroom to change and she pulled her blonde hair up into a messy bun. She sat at her desk, started her laptop and started to type the first chapter of a story she was going to write –
The Fairy Crystal
By: Lucy Heart
Chapter One: Snow
She was just your average girl, she believed in the idea of how fairies existed. The question was, where to find. No one knew where their hidden place or the fact that this girl herself was going to become a fairy. This girl – her name was Audrey.
Audrey lived in a small town, where everyone wondered if their lives would get better or get worse. Today was the first day of winter and last year wasn't that bad – but – everyone knows every other year they would have a really harsh winter, and that meant this year. Of course, everyone was prepared, unlike the other years. Audrey – she had wondered what it would be like to have the power to stop this harsh cycle of snowfalls.
"Fairies are the only with the powers." Her aunt once said to her.
Audrey scoffed at the thought that these magical beginnings had powers like that!
Lucy stopped typing as she heard movement from Levy's bed and looked at the time to see that it was 6:30am. The normal time that Levy would be getting up. Lucy looked over as Levy sat up and rubbed her eyes.
"Morning Lev!" Lucy smiles.
"Lulu, you are up early." Levy yawned.
"Ye-yeah, I couldn't sleep last night, so I got out of bed and went to the training room to train a bit, and I must've fallen asleep down there." Lucy stated.
"Levy is the only one I can trust with telling the truth to." Lucy reminded herself.
"I'll get dressed and we can talk for a bit." Levy grabbed her own uniform as she went to the bathroom to change.
Lucy looked at the story that she typed and cringed at it as she saved the document in a folder labeled – MY WRITIINGS – and she knew she wouldn't take a look at it. Levy soon came back and looked at Lucy who was still looking at her laptop. Levy smiled a bit as she walked over.
"So, you'll be tired all day." Levy pointed out.
"Yeah, I know. That's why I'm going to load up on caffeine." Lucy yawned.
The two of them talked until it was 7:10am, which soon more people would be up. Levy and Lucy left their room with their backpacks. Lucy kept her keys close and the necklace that Natsu gave her around her neck. Lucy spotted Natsu – who was looking at her. She paled a bit, as he could probably tell that she didn't get any sleep.
"Lu, are you okay?" Levy whispered as they walked over to the buffet line.
"Y-yeah. I kind of spotted Natsu, Gajeel and Laxus in the training room – I fell asleep after my training – well more like I closed my eyes, and then the next thing I know, they were walking in. Natsu grabbed my wrist and it remined me of….him.." Lucy whispered – praying that the Dragon Slayers weren't able to pick up anything. "So, I haven't slept since then…I'm scared that Natsu is going to find out that I didn't get any sleep."
"Hey Luce!" Natsu said coming up from behind her.
"Ah, morning Natsu." Lucy smiles at him as he was piling his food up.
"Hey, Natsu!" Levy smiled as she looked at Lucy and winked.
Lucy glared at her like – what the hell did you wink for. Though she didn't say it out loud, but she kept it to herself. On Lucy's tray was mostly two pancakes, two pieces of bacon and a piece of toast. She made herself some coffee.
"Luce, you don't really drink coffee…" Natsu noted.
"I can change my mind." Lucy pointed out.
Lucy walked to the table where Levy was. Of course, Gajeel was sitting across from Levy. Lucy sat down next to Levy.
"Hey Blondie, you lookin' dead." Gajeel pointed out.
"At least I'm cute while looking dead, don't know about you." Lucy sipped her coffee.
"HA! That's good!" Natsu sat next to Gajeel.
"What was that Flame-Brain?" Gajeel growled.
"Luce made a great comeback, Metal-Breathe!" Natsu glared at him.
Levy sighed. "It's too early for you two to fight…"
Lucy yawned again. She hasn't touched her food yet – though her stomach was growling, but her brain and eyes were begging for sleep. Natsu, Gajeel and Levy all watched her, as she was trying to fight off her sleep.
"Do you want to just stay in the room all day? I'm sure we can get you notes and homework…" Levy suggested.
"I'm fine! I'm good! I'm great!" Lucy waved her hand. The coffee was almost gone from her cup and she was a bit sad. "I'm going to get some more coffee." She got up from the table and headed back to the coffee station.
"I'll be right back." Natsu got up and walked over to where Lucy was and looked at her. "Are you sure that you are okay?" Natsu burrowed his eyebrows as he looked at her.
"Yeah, Natsu, I'm fine." Lucy sipped her coffee. "I'll be fine during the school day..."
Natsu stared at her and then sighed, he went back to the table while Lucy was still at the coffee station. She didn't know what to do – she had to go to school, but at the same time she wanted to be asleep in her bed.
Soon enough everyone was heading out to go to their first class. Lucy and Natsu walked together, AP Chem – Lucy was grateful for the help that she got with her homework. Lucy held onto her travel mug that Mira got for her so she could have some coffee. Because of it being a BETA day – that meant Orchestra.
When it was time for Orchestra, Lucy grabbed the violin and saw that they were going to do – Senbonzakura as the warm up – Lucy had the first violin chair which meant she had more to play. She hated that she got the first chair, but the recent first chair – Mina, was happy to become second because of the fact that the parts were getting advanced the years went on. Lucy was able to pick them up pretty fast.
"Mom. Thank you for letting me choose the Violin" Lucy thought as she picked up the violin and started to play parts of the song.
Of course, there were a few Fairy Tail members who were roaming the halls – and they happened to be Dragon Slayers. Natsu and Gajeel mostly, because Laxus was at the college campus. Gajeel stopped when they arrived at the Orchestra room.
"Is that…Blondie?" Gajeel asked as they took a peek to see her playing on the violin.
"Yeah, she's great." Natsu muttered. "Wonder how long she's been playing. Levy said that she made first chair on her first day of class."
"Wasn't someone else that?"
"Yeah, Mina, Luce said that she was proud to give the first chair away. That's a bit weird for me."
"Well. Not our problem."
Natsu stayed as he listened to her playing the violin. Gajeel looked at him and started to drag him away from the door before they were caught by someone. The two headed off to their class. Art. Which was a pretty boring class, but Natsu worked with his fire – for a bit, and Gajeel worked with metals.
Soon enough it was time for lunch. Lucy put away her violin, as it was Friday – they would take the instruments home to practice as it was needed. Lucy picked up the case and headed to her locker to put the violin away. She was about to head to the cafeteria after when someone called out her name.
"LUCY!" It was Dan. That guy hasn't been getting the clue that she doesn't want to date.
"Hi…Dan." Lucy said as she looked at him.
"I was wondering if you wanted to sit with me and my friends during lunch."
"No thanks."
He grabbed her arm – making her tense at his touch. "Why not Lulu?"
"Don't call me Lulu!" Lucy whispered.
"Come on, we're friends."
"No, you are some estrange stalker."
"You wound me."
"Please. Let go…you…you are hurting me."
"Why are you playing hard to get!"
"Please…"
Lucy touched the Fairy Tail insignia necklace, that was hidden under her shirt. She thought of Natsu – she prayed that the necklace was going to work. It was her first time using it.
In the Cafeteria, Natsu stood up.
"Yo, Natsu, what's wrong?" Gray asked.
"It's Lucy…" Natsu growled. "She never used the necklace before – something has to be wrong."
Natsu was gone and ran through the hallways to spot the Blonde guildmate, along with a guy with brown hair, who was gripping her arm. Natsu walked over and looked at him.
"Let Luce go." Natsu growled.
"Why should I?" Dan sneered as he looked at Natsu. "You are not her boyfriend."
"No, I'm not. But she is a Fairy Tail wizard – she's under my protection Dan. You leave her alone before you get a fire fist to the face." Natsu growled. His dragon was coming out and it was something that no one has seen before. He was going into protection mode and it's something that a lot of slayers go through. "Now…let her go!"
"Fine, you Pyro. But Lulu, darling, you will come around to see that I'm just capable of taking care of you." Dan leaned over and kissed her cheek –
Lucy froze as his lips touched her cheek.
~Memory~
"Lucy, dear, come give your old man a hug" He was drinking again.
Lucy could smell the alcohol from where she was standing. He only ever drank when Jasper was gone. Lucy shuffled over to where he was and gave him a hug.
"Daddy is the only one who is capable of taking care of you." He gave her a kiss on the cheek.
~End of memory~
Lucy pushed Dan away and the tears started to form. "Leave me alone…" Lucy muttered.
"Fine. You will come around." Dan left the two wizards alone in the hallway.
Natsu moved closer to Lucy, smelling her tears. "Luce…"
"No…Natsu..please stay away." Her voice broke. "I just…need some space. He was too close." She walked towards the cafeteria with Natsu behind her, watching her.
Soon the two of them entered the cafeteria, by then Lucy's tears stopped falling as she sat down next to Levy and sent her a text.
To Lev
Dan brought some memories back that I wanted to block out. That's why Natsu came. I swore Natsu was going to actually toast him! Then Dan kissed my cheek…my father did that when he was drunk.
Lucy.
Levy pulled out her phone and stared at the text and then looked at Lucy, sending a text back
To Lu
HE DID WHAT? I'm surprised no one else was around. Dan is a dick! I hear him talk about how 'his lulu will come around to love him' it's pretty gross. Natsu wouldn't use his magic on someone like Dan, when a punch will do much more damage. Dan isn't a wizard, but a regular punch from Natsu will really hurt.
Levy.
Lucy put the phone away and looked at Levy. Gajeel raised his eyebrow to look between the other two girls. Wondering what was so important that they texted each other instead of speaking. Natsu was watching Lucy wondering if everything was going to be okay –
"Hey, Lucy, are you okay?" Gray asked as he got to table with this food.
"Yeah, just some guy bothering me in the hallways, though I'm glad the necklace worked." Lucy nodded her head.
"Who was it?" Erza asked as she finished her cake.
"Dan Straight." Natsu growled. "He wouldn't let her go when she asked him."
"Natsu, it's okay now." Lucy tried to calm him down.
Natsu looked at her and then went back to his food. Lucy sighed as she looked at her phone, seeing that a call was coming through –
Jasper.
"I gotta take this." Lucy got up grabbing her phone and left the cafeteria and answer her phone. "Jay?"
"Lucy! How is everything?" Jasper asked.
"Everything is fine. What are you doing?"
"On a train, I'm on way to Magnolia, to see a building for another office building."
"He-here?"
"It's just me, he's not going to show up. You seem scared…What's going on?"
"Just…just been having some memories come back from when I was younger."
"Fuck. I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you…I know I say that a lot, but I hated that he did it when I was gone and made sure that you were away from your keys."
"Everything is fine now. So, you'll be coming here? Maybe we can meet up and talk like the old times?"
"Sure, I'll be there for two weeks to make sure everything is fine with the building and if I get the green light, it'll be the company's Magnolia Branch."
"Hey, Jasper, if anyone ask – can we just agree that you are just an old friend, no one knows who I really am, but the Guild Master. He promised to keep it a secret." Lucy whispered.
"Sure, an old friend, gotcha. Though I have to say, you can't keep it a secret forever." Jasper agreed.
"I should head back- Lunch is almost over and I have math next." Lucy sighed into the phone. "I'll see you soon!"
"Alright! See ya!"
Lucy hung up the phone and she walked back to the cafeteria. She placed her phone away and sat back in her seat. She looked at the table. Meeting him after so many weeks after being away. Why now. Why did she agree to meet up with him. He would arrive later tonight, and she wasn't sure if she could go out to meet up with him today.
"Lu, are you okay?" Levy asked.
"Yeah, that…was an old friend. He's coming into Magnolia for business." Lucy half lied.
"Cool! Are you going to meet up with him?" Gray asked.
"Yeah, when he's not busy." Lucy nodded her head.
The last class went by pretty fast. So, all the mages were now headed back to the guild for their magic training. It was mostly a free period for them, so Lucy put in her headphones and played some music as decided to start her training. From afar, Loke was watching her, wondering what was going on. For Loke, he wasn't feeling all that well to be able to do much, his magic was almost gone. Time was coming up and he was going to be gone forever.
"Hey, Lucy! You wanna train with me?" Natsu asked.
"Sorry Natsu, but my training is a bit different. My one spirit usually likes me to mediate before doing any other type of training." She sighed. "Next time."
Lucy played – Colors by Jason Derulo. She closed her eyes, as she knew that she was going to get yelled at by Capricorn, he knew that she didn't get any sleep. Everyone watched Lucy as she was glowing lightly. Capricorn appeared, followed by Aries. Lucy kept concentrating.
"Miss Lucy!" Capricorn shouted.
Loke looked over at Aries – she had two gates open. Not even Karen could do that! Both Zodiacs. As Lucy kept her eyes closed, a memory crept up –
"NO!" Lucy shouted as her magic was drained and Capricorn and Aries disappeared. "Shit…" Lucy covered her eyes.
"Lucy!" Natsu ran over to look at her. "Are you okay?" He asked kneeling down looking at her.
"I'm fine… Just pushed my limit with two gates. Some celestial wizards can't even keep two Zodiacs out." Lucy waved her hand as she got up and dusted herself off. She looked over and Loke was looking at her. Right now – that look, it was the look she had when she got Aries key.
Loke left the training room to step outside, where there were more members training their magic. The drain of the training earlier, on top of no sleep, on top of trying to use magic now, she was beat. Makarov and Mavis were looking at Lucy as she left the training room to get something to drink. Lucy bumped into Laxus and the Thunder Legion.
"Celestial magic, right?" Bickslow asked her.
"Yeah…Why?" Lucy asked.
"Here, we just got back from a quick job." Evergreen smiled as she handed her a golden key.
"This…This is Libra!" Lucy was shocked. "How – You…" She couldn't think of the words. "Thank you!" She smiles brightly.
"Welcome, Blondie." Laxus placed a hand on her head.
"That's not much of a good nickname, Sparky." Lucy hugged Libras key close. "Now I have a new contract to make!" Lucy moved as she went to get a water bottle and headed back into the Training room to use the doors that lead outside.
Lucy looked around for a spot, and she closed her eyes. Everyone was watching Lucy, Laxus and the Thunder Legion told everyone that Lucy was going to make a contract. No one has seen it before, so this was something new for the guild, they would get to see how her magic would work.
"Alright, Libra, I know I don't have a whole lot of magic right now, but please bear with me." Lucy thought.
"I summon thee! Sprit of the Constellation, Libra! The Gate of the Balance! I summon thee to pass through the Spirit World! Open Gate of the Balance! Libra!" Lucy said summoning Libra.
"Miss Lucy!" Libra said as she appeared before everyone. "You should've waited until you had more magic."
"I'm sorry Libra, but I wanted to make a contract with you." Lucy smiled.
Everyone was watching her now. Some of them didn't know how Celestial Magic worked, so it was exciting to see Lucy do this. Wizard and Sprit made the contract and Libra closed her gate so that Lucy could get some rest. Everyone went back to doing whatever they were doing before. Luckily for Lucy, today was her day off so she didn't have to worry about heading into work any time soon. Levy walked over to Lucy.
"Hey Lu, how you are feeling?" Levy asked as she looked at the blonde, who seemed to be a bit paler than normal.
"Gre…" Lucy collapsed on the ground as she used up a lot of magic.
"LUCY!" Levy shouted as she looked at the blonde.
Inside, Natsu heard Levy shout Lucy so he went outside and saw the blonde wizard passed out on the grass. He went over to her and picked her up.
"What happened?" Natsu asked.
"She used up too much magic." Laxus looked at the blonde. "This morning she was training – and I suppose she used up a lot then, and I'm pretty sure she tried it again and then she opened a gate to make a contract. The spirit even sensed that Blondie didn't have a whole lot to keep the gate opened, so they made a quick contact." There were eyes now on the Lightning mage. "What? I pay attention to what happens with people in the guild." He grumbled.
"Natsu, put her in the infirmary for now." Makarov sighed.
Natsu walked to the infirmary and laid her down on the bed. Something inside him was telling that he needed to be near her. To keep her safe. To keep her close. But what was this – something – telling him? He sat in the chair next to the bed. He knew that he would have to get ready for work in the next hour, so for now he stayed by her side until she felt better.
As Lucy was laying on the bed, her dreams – turned into nightmares. They were all memories that she was blocking out. They were ones that she didn't want to remember. Her father – he would haunt her nightmares wherever she went. The day he disowned her – was probably the best day because she knew he wouldn't be able to hurt her anymore. She. Was. Wrong. Here she was away from him and yet he was haunting her.
Natsu didn't leave her side as he watched her. He watched her as tears started to roll down her face. He tilted her head wondering what she could be dreaming that got her to cry. He looked at the time and sighed, he had to get ready for work. Natsu got up and left the infirmary to head to his room to take a quick shower and get his work clothes on. Before he made it to his room – Mira walked out of Laxus's room.
"Hey Natsu, how is she?" Mira asked.
"She's…sleeping right now. I have to get ready for work right now." Natsu muttered as he walked into room closing the door as he went to his bathroom and started the shower.
Mira sighed as she watched Natsu hurt like that. She went to the infirmary to check on Lucy. She spotted her phone – as it was going off.
Jasper.
Who was he? Mira bit her lip as she sighed and picked up her phone and answered it. "Hello, Lucy's phone." Mira said.
"Who is this?" Jasper asked wondering who this person was.
"I'm one of Lucy's guildmates at Fairy Tail, who are you?"
"An old friend. Where is Lucy?"
"She's in the infirmary, sleeping. Can I take a message?"
"No, it's fine. I'll call back later."
In the Lotus Inn, Jasper hung up the phone. Great. He was supposed to meet with her today – as she didn't have work. Though he wondered why someone else would answer her phone. Was she hurt? Was that the reason why her phone was answered? Plans have changed – but he wondered if she would wake up soon so they could go out for dinner. He came not only to look at the building, but to give her some more Jewels. He knew that something must've happened to her, and he wanted to go see her, but apparently, he was just an old friend – no one knew anything about him – or the fact that they were brother and sister. Though, even just looking at the two – someone could see that there was nothing. Lucy was an exact copy of their late mother, while Jasper, had the darker blonde color hair and the brown eyes.
Jasper left the hotel room and headed to the building site. He looked around to see where he was. Magnolia was a nice place. He had to agree. He wondered if Dad would agree to have the building.
Back at the guild Natsu looked at the infirmary door, before he sighed and left since he had twenty minutes to get to work and it was at least a fifteen-minute walk. Natsu looked at the sky – at least there wasn't going to be another storm he had to worry about.
In the infirmary, Lucy woke and sat up as she spotted Mira. "Mira…"
"Hey, how do you feel?"
"Better. I'm sorry I worried everyone.."
"It's okay. I'll go get Master. He usually likes to double check on us. Plus he said he wanted to talk to you – ask you questions about how you doing in your classes."
Lucy nodded as she watched Mira leave the room. Lucy looked around and grabbed her keys. She would need a new key ring soon. She spotted the three – Aquarius, Cancer and Capricorn. Her mother's keys. She passed her contracts off to Lucy, Capricorn vowed to protect the Heartfilia line of Celestial Wizards til the end. She was grateful to still have them as they were her only connections to her mother. Just then the door opened and revealed Makarov.
"My child, what happened today?" Makarov asked as he sat in the chair next to her bed.
"I – I didn't sleep last night. I was up since yesterday morning. I told Levy the truth, and more."
"More?"
"My father…he…he didn't like the fact that I was a copy of my mother. He made a point to beat me – leaving scars. Yesterday near the end of our shift, a guy came in – and I guess it sparked a memory. Ever since then, if I closed my eyes to sleep, I would get the memories. I don't want them Master Makarov. I wish to stop remembering everything. It's painful."
"My dear child, you went through a lot. I can't believe someone would do that to a child!" Makarov thought as he watched Lucy cry.
"Look, the only way to stop them, is to accept the fact that he did that in the past. You are living now, he can't nor will he hurt you ever again. We are Fairy Tail and we are a family. A really messed up – dysfunctional family, but a family." Makarov placed a hand on her own hand.
Lucy nodded. "Master, I do have to meet – my…brother… am I good to go?" Lucy asked.
"Take it easy. I want you to rest early tonight." Makarov left the infirmary as he headed back to his office.
Lucy got out of the bed, placing her shoes back on, and headed towards her room. She knew Levy wasn't going to be there as she had a shift at the bookstore tonight. Lucy grabbed an outfit to wear. Looking out the window.
~Memory~
"You think that you can escape!" A voice shouted to Lucy.
She left the compound to just explore – of course, it was a mistake. She was now in Oak Town, in an alley where three guys corned Lucy. They wanted money – wanted to know who she was and to have…fun with her.
"Leave me alone!" Lucy screamed at them as she went to grab her keys. Only to have them gone.
"Looking for your keys? A holder-type. Pathetic." Another voice said.
"CAPRICORN PLEASE OPEN YOUR GATE AND HELP ME!" Lucy screamed.
Just then – Capricorn appeared, beating the guys up and looked at Lucy, sighing as he picked up her keys and handed them back to her. The two of them walked back to the train station. He knew that she left against her father's wishes. She just wanted a taste of freedom. Though there was something about those guys cornering her – it was…strange.
"Miss Lucy you have to be more careful." He looked at her.
"Look, I know. I just…something felt off about what happened. How did they know to take my keys and I didn't even feel them to be taken.." She muttered.
"Miss Lucy…" Capricorn was now looking at her . "What are you getting at?"
"I'm fifteen, and for some reason, three unknown guys attack me, why?"
"You are a young lady, and very pretty."
"I swore one of them called me by my name." Lucy thought.
~End of Memory~
Lucy ended up leaving the guildhall, pulling out her cellphone and dialed Jasper's number. She was worried about meeting him, but she had to make sure that everything was okay. Her father wasn't here in the city. It was just Jasper. Just Jasper. She had too remind herself that so she didn't relapse into a panic attack.
"Lucy! Are you okay?" Jasper asked as he spoke into the phone. "Someone from your guild answered your phone – and said you were in the infirmary."
"I'm fine. The master allowed me to come out and meet up with you. Where do you want to meet up?" Lucy asked.
"I'm at a café, near a bookstore." Jasper said.
"Ah, I know where that is! I actually work at the book store, so I'll be there soon." Lucy hung up the phone call as she headed on towards the café – the one that Natsu worked.
"Oh this is not good…" Lucy thought as she remembered that Natsu was working.