Author's Note:I am so sorry that it's been so long since I last updated! The semester has been kicking my butt and finals are next week. That being said, I really needed a break from studying so I decided to write another chapter. I know it's a bit short, but I hope you enjoy it as much I enjoyed writing it. This chapter introduces some new OCs that'll make appearances later on, so I hope you like them as well. Also, I'll be going home right after finals for a small break before summer research starts, so I plan on updating twice during that time! Thanks for being patient and as always, let me know what you think! (:

April 9th

It was Lucy's turn to follow behind the group, covering their tracks while Natsu led the way. She used this to her advantage though, taking the time to observe the recent shift in the group's dynamics. Wendy was chatting happily with Natsu, hands tucked behind her back as they fell into step with each other. Gajeel was walking a few paces away from the group, eyes scanning the forest. They were too close to civilization for his liking and he preferred to walk in silence, ensuring that he could focus on their surroundings. That left Cobra and Grace. The pair seemed to gravitate towards one another when no one was looking. Cobra's fingers would brush Grace's wrist and Cubellios would weave between their feet as they spoke in soft whispers. It warmed Lucy's heart and she was truly grateful for Cobra. Even if she thought the poison dragon slayer was slightly creepy and rough around the edges, he made Grace happy. Her smile was rare before he joined the group so Lucy preferred it this way.

Lucy's gaze wandered back to Natsu and a gentle frown touched her lips. He had been acting different since the night of the meteor shower, though Lucy wasn't entirely sure why. She had spent that night curled up against him, drifting off in his warm embrace. It wasn't all that different from their sleeping arrangement on the forest floor. Her brow furrowed as her memories danced through her mind, flicking through each night and watching the progression of their relationship as they drifted closer. It was a lot of back and forth with him and it was giving her whiplash. Did he really still think he was wrong for her? He was what she wanted, so shouldn't she have a say?

"Don't overthink things so much Lucy. You might hurt yourself." Grace mused, falling into step beside her. She met her gaze, brow still furrowed. "Erik told me your thoughts were giving him a headache, so I came to see if you wanted to talk." She shrugged, nudging Lucy's elbow with her own. A sigh escaped Lucy's lips as her eyes settled on Natsu's back once again.

"Like you said, I'm just overthinking things. It's nothing." She mumbled, pulling her gaze from the source of her inner turmoil.

"Talk to me. I'm a perfectly unbiased resource of information." Lucy quirked her brow at Grace and she laughed. "Okay, not totally unbiased, but you know what I mean. Vocalize your thoughts. It might help sort them out at least." She assured her and Lucy sighed. "Come on. Let's swap with Gajeel." She insisted, dragging the blonde from the group. They drifted behind Gajeel, assuring him that they could handle covering their tracks. After the usual bickering between the two, Gajeel gave in and wandered towards Cobra.

"I'm assuming you already know the subject of my thoughts." Lucy mumbled, brushing the dirt to distort one of Gajeel's footprints.

"I know they are centered around a certain hothead." Grace chuckled, ducking under low-hanging branches to keep pace with the group.

"I just don't understand if I did something wrong or if he just doesn't feel the same way. Heck, we might even be wrong for each other, but that doesn't mean I want to give up. Does he think I'm wrong for him or is my head playing tricks on me? I don't even know how to feel anymore." Lucy's shoulders slumped forward as her words trailed off under her breath. Grace whistled softly before clicking her tongue.

"You're an idiot." She chuckled and Lucy gawked at her, stunned by her response. "Look, maybe I shouldn't be the one you're talking to. But in my opinion? He has it bad for you. The guy would do anything, risk anything for YOU. I think he doesn't know his own worth and I think that he believes he is dangerous. The last thing that demon wants to do, is put you in danger." She explained, a genuine smile on her lips.

"Then what do I do? He knows my magic and he knows I can handle myself. How do I show he's not a danger to me or to anyone else?" Lucy ignored the hopeful fluttering of her heart and pressed on.

"Ha. That's a good question and I honestly have no idea. What I do know though, is that you need to make the first move. Stop questioning everything he does. Stop over-analyzing all of your interactions and just freakin' do something. Every single one of us is in danger. We don't know if we will get caught, hurt, or killed during this messed up scavenger hunt. If you really want to know what I think? Don't wait until its too late. You don't need that kind of regret lingering in your mind for the rest of your life. Trust me." She stated firmly, squeezing Lucy's shoulder. Towards the end of her speech, her words felt heavy.

"Is there something you want to talk about, Grace?" Lucy swallowed her self-doubts and follow-up questions when she noticed the deep sadness swirling in her friend's eyes.

"Nah, you don't need my problems entangling with your own. Focus on fixing your issue first and then we will talk." Grace shook her head, blinking away the few tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Anyway, I have a nosey demon in my head. I'll just weigh him down with my problems." She mused, quirking a grin before nudging Lucy's elbow again. "I really do mean it though. You gotta make the first move because he's too scared to. And stop overthinking." With that, Grace returned to Cobra's side, smacking his shoulder with her own. Lucy smiled gently, grateful for the friend she found in Grace. She took a deep breath, trying to settle the ball of nerves forming in her stomach. She could do it right now and get it over with or she could wait until they reached the next town. Yeah, she could do that.

No. She shook her head. It's now or never, just like Grace said. They might not have much time left, so why waste it? Abruptly, the group came to a halt and Lucy nearly smacked into Gajeel who had wandered to the back once again. They all tensed as the underbrush shook between the trees, branches snapping and creaking in protest. A woman fell out of the bushes, deep red pooling under her battered body.

"Please help us. Please." Her strangled cry escaped her lips as blood dripped from the corner of her mouth. The grass around her, once plush green stained deep red, was all Lucy could manage to focus on.

"Wendy." Natsu growled, fangs bared as his fists clenched. Lucy's eyes snapped to him, her pulse echoing in her ears.

"Right!" Wendy stated firmly, magic circles forming over her hands without hesitation. "Oh swift winds that dashed through the heavens!" She gasped, the air around her circling and vibrating with energy. Magic circles formed below Natsu, Gajeel, and Cobra. "Vernier!" She shouted and their bodies lifted, defying gravity as light surrounded them. The three dragon slayers bolted, their bodies moving swiftly into the trees. In a blink, the three were gone, leaving Wendy on her knees as she worked at healing the woman. "I need to preserve my magic to save as many people as possible. Cubellios will take you to them. Go. I'll catch up." Wendy spoke sternly and Lucy didn't hesitate. Cubellios lowered her head and Lucy clutched onto the thick scales, shutting her eyes as she wrapped her legs around the winding body. Grace sat behind her and Cubellios stretched her wings out, arching her body up and over the trees. A squeal escaped Grace's lips as Lucy tried to calm her rapidly beating heart. Wind whipped their hair back until Cubellios hissed, jolting in the opposite direction. Lucy was flung off the snake, her body smacking into the ground. The wind was knocked out of her and she shoved herself up, struggling to suck down air into her tightened lungs. As her eyes opened to a squint, burning from the dirt coating her face, she noticed Grace a few feet away from her. Grace was muttering curses, shoving herself to her feet while freeing her remaining dagger from her hip. Cubellios was coiled around a creature, her jaw unhinging before snapping over the being's head. Heat surrounded Lucy and her eyes widened. Natsu was suddenly standing in front of her, hand extended. Blood dripped from his wrists and face, though none of it appeared to be his own. Lucy scanned over his body once more, checking for wounds, before she grasped his hand.

"You okay, Luce?" He scanned over her body as well. It was then that Lucy took in the scene before her, her gaze slipping to view the battleground. The town was in shambles, but most of the people seemed alive. They were huddled in small groups, screaming as the other dragon slayers fought off the demonic creatures. These creatures were different from before. They were more humanoid than buracktor and it made Lucy's skin crawl to see them fight on two feet. "Luce?" Natsu's hand cupped her cheek, his finger gently brushing her skin. She focused on his eyes and nodded.

"I'm fine." She insisted as her hand reached into the pouch on her hip. He didn't look like he believed her and she pulled away from his grasp. "Go. I promise, I'm fine." She freed two golden keys from her pouch as a determined glint sparkled in her gaze. Natsu opened his mouth to say something, but a creature pounced on them, knocking the keys from Lucy's hand and yanking the scarf off of Natsu's neck. Natsu landed near a group of townspeople, fire forming on his fist. He launched forward, fingers clawing through the creature's abdomen as he growled, scorching it from the inside out. It turned to ash, forming a cloud in the air before dancing off with the breeze.

"You're a monster!" An elderly man shouted, eyes wide as he focused on Natsu's neck. Natsu turned to glare over his shoulder, fire dancing up his arms and down his legs.

"Father, that man is protecting us!" A younger woman pulled on the man's arm, trying to bring him closer to the group. They were all distraught and this was only making it worse.

"Look at the scar on his neck. That's Salamander, the leader of the dragon slayers! He's just as much of a monster as those creatures are!" The man spat, a mix of fear and disgust warping his hard gaze.

"Yep, I'm a monster." Natsu agreed with the man, holding his gaze with a glare. "But I'm a monster who's going to risk everything to save your entire town. So shut up and keep your head down." He growled, before the fire extended around his feet, catapulting him into a hoard of creatures. Lucy watched in awe as he effortlessly tore them apart, his gaze fearless. A low growl sounded in her right ear and a jaw snapped, centimeters from her face. She fell backwards in shock, eyes trained on the dark figure separating her from the creature. The figure looked like her and she had to blink a few times, unable to fully focus on it. Its wrist was in the creature's mouth and it swung its leg around, nailing the creature in the abdomen, sending it flying. A small girl stepped up beside her, fist clenched and angled at the figure.

"Sorry, I had to borrow your shadow. It only takes a bit of your magic, so you'll still be able to fight." The girl's voice was shaky, her other hand grasping the two golden keys tightly.

"Thank-you." Lucy let out a breath of relief, grasping her keys tightly from the girl's extended hand.

"This is our town. If you're human and willing to use forbidden magic to destroy these things, we should do the same. I wish to fight with you." Though the girl was vibrating with nervous energy, she had a determined glint in her eyes. Lucy nodded. "We aren't alone." The girl shouted, swinging her arm to control Lucy's shadow.

"Open, gate of the twins! Gemini!" Lucy felt magic dance down her fingers, unlocking the gate above them. Gemini greeted her, floating above their heads. "Help guide the townspeople out Gemini!" Lucy shouted as the spirits shifted into a familiar form.

"Right!" They shouted, her own face staring back at her with a confident grin. They sprinted to the huddled townspeople, dodging creatures as the dragon slayers fought around them. They grabbed the first person, encouraging them to run to a nearby house. It was the most stable structure left standing in the town.

"Open, gate of the golden bull! Taurus!" She unlocked the gate in her soul, feeling the magic flow around her, warming her body as her features shifted. Her hair lifted from her shoulders, twisting into buns on either side of her head. The familiar black and white print formed over her chest, her skirt shifting into the form-fitting bottoms. The small bell rang once before settling at the base of her throat. She stretched her whip out in front of her, a smirk on her lips as she felt Taurus's strength blossoming in her muscles. Taurus cheered beside her, charging into the mob of creatures without hesitation. The young girl beside her blinked away her awe, pulling her gaze from Lucy to settle on the creatures.

"My turn." She stated, stretching her arm in front of her, her body vibrating as a dark tendril of light danced down her extended limb. A soft, glowing circle formed around her feet before her own shadow shifted, lifting off the ground to take shape beside her. She lifted her other arm, angling it towards Natsu, before clenching her fist. His shadow shifted, taking solid form beside him. It bolted, launching through creatures, cutting them down with the same strength Natsu possessed. The girl smiled up at Lucy, her eyes sparkling. "Go. I will be okay." The girl nodded and Lucy took off, joining the fight with her comrades. She swung her whip above her head, snapping it down with all the strength she could gather in her arms. The ground cracked below the impact of her hit, creatures flying into the air and crashing into trees. She braced her feet before launching off the ground, fist raised.

"Lucy punch!" She growled, jaw clenched as the energy flowed into her fist. It smashed into another creature's jaw, its body flying back until it hit a tree, cracking the trunk in half.

"Poison dragon's scales!" Cobra hissed from beside Lucy. The dark red scales glistening in the sun caught Lucy's eye and she paused, her breath hitching in her throat. Cobra's arms were dragon-like, covered in scales that formed talons at the ends of his fingers. They dripped with poison and Lucy was taken aback by the power rolling off of him in waves.

"Sun's Radiance!" A man shouted from the group of remaining townspeople. Blinding light formed on his fists and he manipulated it, using it to carve through the creatures. Lucy's head snapped around to follow the shouts of the new fighters.

"Grip strike!" A small boy grabbed a creature's throat, crushing its pharynx and slamming it into the ground.

"Hall of mirrors!" Another man from the town stood with his arms raised, glistening mirrors forming to block creatures in. Similar creatures launched out of these mirrors, taking their counterparts down with snapping jaws.

"Sound wave!" A woman baring similar features to the young girl sprinted out of the safe house, noise pulsing from her hands. The targeted creatures were instantly writhing in pain on the ground.

Magic whirled around Lucy, the energy overwhelming as the creatures' attack slowed. She returned to the battle, joining in the flow of energy. Hit after hit, spell after spell. So much power was emitted from the group and she felt her magic dwindling away. Noxious blood coated her whip and body. She felt Gemini vanish, the spirit finished with its job. She swiftly summoned Capricorn with her remaining energy, the spirit joining the fight with his speed and strength. He stunned the remaining creatures, allowing Lucy to take them out in a single sweep. She high-fived Capricorn, the spirit giving her a smirk before vanishing.

"Ms. Lucy! Can I get a smoooooooooch?" Taurus danced over to her and she rolled her eyes fondly, closing the gate with a blink. Her outfit shifted, the energy leaving her body as her hair brushed her shoulders and her knees hit the ground. Lucy glanced around at everyone, taking in the piles of bodies littering the ground. Many townspeople were breathing heavily, drained from joining the battle. The dragon slayers had regrouped, standing in the town center. Grace stumbled up behind her, breathing heavily. Blood pooled at her side, tendrils stretching down her leg. Cobra's nose twitched, his eyes flicking to settle on the pair. His arms shifted, the scales retreating under his skin as he launched himself away from the other slayers

"Grace! What happened?" He shouted, pushing her hand away to look at the wound. He tore the bottom of his shirt in a single motion, tying it around her center. "Wendy!" He snapped and Grace grabbed his wrist.

"She needs to heal the townspeople first. I'm fine." She let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling. "Can you-" She coughed roughly, her body curling towards him. "-just sit with me for a second?" Her body fell forward into his arms. He lowered her down gently, pulling her body to settle on his lap. He curled around her as Cubellios slid across the ground, stopping to settle around the pair. Wendy did as Grace said, focusing on the townspeople.

"Luce?" Lucy turned from the pair, her eyes settling on Natsu. A thick, jagged wound stretched across his forehead, blood clouding his vision as he stumbled towards her.

"Natsu!" Her heart clenched as she ran forward, meeting him halfway to catch his body before it could hit the ground.

"I think-" He coughed roughly, grinning. "I think I overdid it again." Lucy glanced up to take in the burning buildings and the piles of ash. There was more ash than bodies littering the ground.

"You think?" Lucy sputtered, clutching him tightly to her.

"Excuse me? I think I can be of some use." A young man knelt down beside them, his hand sparkling. "May I?" He lifted his hand to Natsu's wound and a low, animalistic growl escaped Natsu's lips."I understand your hesitation, Salamander. I know demons despise druids, but I can heal you. I assure you I'm the last druid left, and I don't harbor the same hatred for demons as my ancestors." He explained, before gesturing to Cobra and Grace. "I already healed your friend and I would like to do the same for you if you'd allow me. I may not be able to mend broken bones or cure infections like the sky dragon slayer, but I can close wounds." Grace was standing already, her cheeks a deep red as Cobra pressed his hand to her closed skin, eyes wide.

"You're a druid?" Lucy inquired, confused by the terminology and by Natsu's hostile response to the man.

"Yes. My ancestors helped a celestial wizard seal the demons away centuries ago. Druids are healers and bringers of peace. They viewed all demons as vile creatures and wished to seal away their dark magic. I was raised as a druid, but my parents were killed in the attack ten years ago." The man's fist clenched, tears welling in his eyes.

"Why are you helping us then?" Natsu snapped, his jaw clenched as he maneuvered Lucy behind him.

"Because I know the truth! My parents, their souls came to speak to me. You know as well as I that druids can see souls and talk to spirits as they pass to the afterlife. My parents told me the truth, they told me how you saved them from being possessed and twisted by Acnologia. I've wanted to find you since then, but this town, these people, they needed me. Please, let me heal you. It's the least I can do to repay you for everything. These creatures, they were after our souls for Zeref. He wishes to use human soul energy to open the gate. We need you alive, all of you. You're the only ones who can stop him." The man lifted his hand once again, extending it towards Natsu's forehead.

"How do we know we can trust you?" Natsu was still hesitant, his fangs bared.

"Because he's not lying Boss. Just let the guy heal you." Cobra snapped, eyes narrowed at Natsu. Natsu pondered his words for a moment before nodding, shutting his eyes. The man pressed his hand to Natsu's wound, whispering foreign words softly. The wound pulled close and the man let out a shaky breath, falling back on his butt.

"I'm not as strong as Wendy, but I knew I could be of some use." He chuckled, taking a deep breath before coughing roughly.

"Thank-you…" Natsu's words trailed off as he opened his eyes and extended his hand.

"Jayce. My name is Jayce." The druid shook Natsu's hand with an honest smile.

"I'm Natsu Dragneel and I may need your help sometime soon." Natsu responded and Jayce's eyes widened.

"Of course! Anything. After I help rebuild the town, I'd be happy to join your group in your travels." He chirped, his tired eyes bright.

"You might change your mind when you find out what I'll need from you." Jayce's brow furrowed and Natsu sighed. "There's no need to dwell on it now. I'll come find you when I need help and you can always say no." Natsu pushed himself off the ground, extending his hand to Lucy to help her to her feet. The elder pushed through the townspeople, falling to his knees in front of Natsu. He bowed, his head low.

"How can we ever repay you? We are deeply sorry for our prejudice." The man shouted, his eyes not meeting Natsu's. Natsu took a deep breath, meeting Jayce's gaze before glancing at each dragon slayer. His eyes eventually settled on Lucy before he snatched her hand tightly.

"Don't stop fighting. Wield your magic and fight back. These creatures, they are demonic entities courtesy of Zeref. They won't stop because the government says magic isn't allowed." He shouted and the wizards from the town all cheered, rallying in excitement. "Jayce, watch over everyone and make sure that people are training and building up their magical strength. Especially that one, keep an eye on her. She may even surpass me one day." He gestured to the younger girl with the shadow magic. Her smile was blinding as the others around her hugged her and cheered.

"Are you leaving already?" She asked, eyes wide.

"We have to. If we stay here, it would only put you in more danger. What's your name?" He released Lucy's hand and strolled over to the girl. She stood up straighter and smiled.

"My name is Opal and Jayce is my guardian." She spoke proudly.

"Well, Opal. I'm sure we will meet again then. Help Jayce keep everyone safe, okay? All the power you need, is right here." He pointed to her heart before giving her a reassuring smile. She nodded, smiling widely once again. "Don't give up hope and keep fighting!" Natsu shouted, fist in the air. Gajeel lifted his fist from the shadows of the surrounding trees. Cobra and Grace lifted their fists as well, followed by Wendy who staggered away from healing the last of the wounded. Lucy was in awe of the way Natsu moved a crowd. She lifted her fist in solidarity, smiling proudly. Natsu returned to her side, entwining their fingers before thanking Jayce one last time. He led the slayers from the town, grateful shouts following them until the town disappeared behind them. Lucy's eyes were on Natsu the entire time and he met her gaze, quirking an eyebrow. "Something wrong?"

"Oh, no. I just- you're amazing Natsu." She smiled widely and he gave her an honest smile back.

"Thanks, that means a lot to me." He tilted his head, teeth sparkling in the setting sun. "You know, it's a good feeling." He continued.

"What is?" Gajeel huffed from behind them.

"Helping people, crushing Zeref's plan to harvest human souls, sparking a rebellion. Take your pick." He shrugged, laughing over his shoulder.

"Sparking a rebellion?" Grace mused, Cobra snickering beside her.

"Yep, looks like the dragon slayers are back with a vengeance. I don't know how long we're going to be able to stay hidden because that rebellion is going to spread like wildfire." He chuckled, tugging Lucy along to quicken their pace.

"Well, I'm not surprised that you were the spark to that fire." Lucy nudged his shoulder playfully. Natsu turned to her with a wicked grin.

"We were the spark, Luce."