Author's Note: I know this is later than I promised, but a lot happens in this chapter and I rewrote some of it this weekend! I would love to hear feedback on this chapter because I reworked it so many times. I also wanted to let you guys know, I plan on having six more chapters and an epilogue! They're all outlined, so I am hoping to get them written and published before July. I am presenting research at a conference in June, so that might slow me down a bit, but I will try my best to stick with the plan! I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thank-you so much for reading Never Look Back!

April 12th

Lucy stood in the grand entrance-way, gaze scanning over the intricate chandeliers that hung methodically on the ceiling. Crystals and diamonds lined the golden arches of the decor, the light dazzling her. One of them was probably worth more than everything she owned and that realization baffled her. What kind of party did the dragon slayers bring her to? Her heartbeat was pounding in her ears and she stepped into the ballroom, following the flow of the crowd.

"Heya Luce." A hand was extended out to her and she startled. Her gaze flicked up to focus on Natsu, who was standing before her. A toothy grin, one that warmed Lucy's heart, was plastered on his face. His onyx eyes were squinty from smiling so hard. Lucy's gaze was locked on his, a smile blossoming on her face as she placed her hand in his. Their fingers entwined as Natsu led her into the party, weaving through the mingling crowd. Lucy couldn't help, but let her gaze wander to the other attendees. The women wore sleek gowns, necks and wrists adorned with the finest jewels. The men had well-fitted suits, silk ties, and wristwatches of various styles composed of diamonds and leather. Lucy felt very out of place, so she took a moment to pull her eyes from her surroundings to focus on the man before her. Natsu was wearing a white button-down, collared shirt that fit him snugly with a slim, black suit jacket and black slacks. He was beautiful and she really hoped she was out of Cobra's hearing range as she let her imagination wander for a moment, enjoying the view before her. Natsu's lack of scarf surprised Lucy and she noted the slightly dark skin tone where his scar resided. He must have used some sort of foundation to keep it covered. Lucy's breath faltered when he smiled over his shoulder at her. He stopped abruptly and pulled Lucy closer, their bodies flush against one another. He wrapped his right arm around her waist, holding her right hand up with his left. As the song changed, he began swaying them, dancing around in the center of the hall. Others joined in as they twirled around, Natsu's eyes never leaving Lucy's surprised stare."You look beautiful, Lucy." He spoke adoringly and Lucy felt her cheeks redden from his words.

"You look beautiful too." She choked out and a round laugh escaped his lips. "You do, really." She continued, smiling sweetly at him and he faltered, stepping on her toe. Her nude heels did nothing to protect her from the weight of his foot. She jumped from the sudden contact and he took a moment to compose himself before mumbling an apology under his breath. "Natsu Dragneel, are you nervous?" She leaned forward, studying his face as his eyes widened.

"No." He muttered before circling his arm around her waist again and guiding her to sway with the music. He swiftly twirled her, pulling her back close against him. She smiled, her eyes trained on him the entire time as another song echoed through the ballroom. A sigh escaped Natsu's lips as his eyes slipped to the floor.

"Is something wrong?" Lucy tried to follow his gaze as they twirled, but she couldn't see anything out of the ordinary.

"No. Cobra is just using Cubellios to piss off the pretentious women by the buffet table. He's having her nip at their ankles. They were snickering and eyeing Grace, so I can only assume he was retaliating on her behalf. She looks much happier now." He spoke softly and Lucy managed to catch a glimpse at the two. Cobra extended his hand, a wicked smirk on his lips as Grace giggled, rolling her eyes before accepting his hand. The pair disappeared onto the dance floor and Lucy smiled.

"Good. Those women were probably being horrible. They deserve to be bitten." She concluded and he quirked an eyebrow at her. "My parents had parties like this all the time. It's not hard to tell when catty people are being terrible. They're no good at being casual and they can't possibly handle keeping their opinions to themselves. Sadly, most wealthy people at these parties fit the stereotype. I'm glad that Cobra could make Grace smile. I think they're good for each other." Natsu hummed in agreement until the last statement.

"Whatcha mean good for each other?" He questioned and Lucy giggled.

"Oh come on. You had to have noticed how they gravitate towards one another." She continued and his eyes glazed over. "Seriously? You can't be that oblivious Natsu."

"I just- I didn't notice. I've been a little preoccupied lately Luce." He mumbled under his breath and she met his stare, her gaze concerned. "It's nothing bad, I promise. I've just been contemplating things."

"Sounds dangerous." She mused and he barked a laugh, startled by her teasing comment.

"Yeah, yeah. Very dangerous." He smirked, extending his arm to twirl her body. He pulled her in close to him, his nose brushing her own.

"Natsu." She whispered, her eyes wide as he leaned in, breathing in her scent and their shared air. He smiled gently before pressing his forehead to her's. They continued swaying slowly and his eyes fluttered shut. Lucy's heartbeat calmed as a gentle warmth settled over her body. When Natsu opened his eyes, Lucy was looking right at him and he smiled. His hand brushed her cheek before cupping the soft skin.

"May I?" He leaned closer, the whisper brushing Lucy's lips. She nodded, her eyes shutting.

Except, the kiss never came. Instead, the couple was jostled by a very intoxicated party-goer. Natsu and Lucy fell forward, Natsu turning them so he hit the ground with Lucy above him. He narrowed his gaze at the man who swiftly apologized and bolted from the pair. A low growl was escaping his scowl and Lucy squeezed his arms gently.

"Natsu, it's okay." Lucy couldn't help the giggles escaping her lips, her body shaking from it. Natsu caught her eye before dropping back onto the ground, letting an exasperated sigh escape his lips. It only took a moment for Natsu to recover and he jolted up, his eyes widened into perfectly round saucers.

"Luce." His grip tightened on her hand, his body buzzing with excited energy as he hauled them up from the ground.

"What?"

"They have barbecue ribs!" He danced on his toes, pulling her off the dance floor towards the buffet table. She laughed as he shoved through the cluster of people, pulling her along for the ride. Natsu piled his plate high as the other guests around him watched in disgusted horror. Lucy had to swallow her laughter, her eyes tearing up from the sight. Natsu and food was a hilarious and horrifying combination, one that Lucy found herself noting as quite endearing. There was something seriously wrong with her. She stood at a table with him while he stuffed his face, leaning back to avoid getting food debris on her gown. The pleasant warmth still danced on her skin and she was grateful for it. She stretched her leg, letting it slip through the slit in the gown as her eyes scanned the dance floor. Gajeel was leaning against the wall, sipping a glass of something bubbly. Wendy was dancing with a crowd of younger girls, giggling with them as she spun. Cobra and Grace were dancing, Cobra whispering something every now and then to make Grace laugh. Lucy was glad everyone was enjoying themselves. The group needed a break, even if it was at a pompous ball.

"Hey Luce?" Natsu spoke through a mouthful of clams. Lucy focused her gaze on him, waiting for him to finish. He swallowed harshly, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere, okay?" His gaze was pleading and she nodded, her eyes following him until he blended in with the crowd. She huffed, leaning her face in her hand as she placed her elbow on one of the few clean spaces left on the table.

"You are absolutely lovely." A voice whispered in her ear as a man stepped up behind her. She tensed, her eyes glancing over her shoulder. The man had blonde, wild hair and a kind stare. "Have you been to our previous parties?" He inquired and Lucy's eyes widened. Was he one of the twins? Her hand reached down to brush the ring of keys, hidden under her dress. "No, silly me. I definitely would have remembered you." He purred, giving her a dazzling smile. That smile, it was beautiful and captivating. Lucy's mind cleared, her body relaxing and thoughts dissipating as she lost herself in his gaze. "May I have this dance?" He extended his hand and she immediately accepted his offer. He led her out onto the dance floor, twirling her around as a new song began. "What's your name?" Gosh, he was gorgeous.

"Lucy Heartfilia." She smiled sweetly.

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. My name is Sting." He leaned closer to her and she smiled even wider. So freakin' gorgeous.

"Sting." She whispered softly and he moved his body flush against hers. They talked, though Lucy couldn't really recall what was said in the actual conversation. She could only follow the motion of his lips and the way his eyes sparkled when he laughed. He was beautiful and Lucy couldn't contain the strong pull she felt towards him. He led her off the dance floor and she found herself in a hallway, adjacent to the ballroom. He pulled her close to him, cupping her cheek before pressing his lips gently to hers. His kiss was cold, but sweet and she moaned softly as he nipped her bottom lip. His other hand slid up to wrap around her waist, pulling her closer to him. He helped lift her legs, allowing them to securely wrap around his waist as he pressed her against the wall, deepening the kiss. Lucy was lost in complete bliss, enjoying the feeling of his tongue wrestling hers for dominance. In a moment, his body tensed as he turned his head slightly to glance into the ballroom.

"Stay here. I'll just be gone a moment." With that, he slipped away, leaving Lucy lost in a blissful daze. She focused on the light above her, humming along with the music. She felt her body lower onto a bench in the hall. As the song changed Lucy's blissful feeling distorted into confusion. Screams of terror and confused shouting tugged at the edges of her consciousness, though she couldn't get herself to move.

"Lucy!" Lucy blinked, focusing her now blurry gaze on Wendy. "Where were you?" She gasped, breathing heavily.

"Dancing with Sting. Where did he go? Have you seen him?" She mumbled and Wendy's eyes widened.

"Sting? You met Sting? He's one of the slayers we are looking for! Him and Rogue are always together! Where did he go?" She rushed forward, grabbing Lucy's hand to pull her from the bench.

"He told me to wait here. I can't leave." She pulled her hand from Wendy's and the smaller slayer faltered.

"Natsu needs our help. We can't just stay here." She pushed and Lucy's heart skipped before beating rapidly.

"Natsu?" His name slipped out with a breath.

"Yes, Natsu! Come on!" Wendy tugged Lucy to her feet, dragging her back into the ballroom. Chaos engulfed them. People were screaming and running around frantically as mages in robes filed into the mansion. They were taking people down with various forms of elemental magic, cuffing those who tried to fight back with their own magic. Wendy separated from Lucy, using her sky dragon's roar to knock a cloaked figure over. She helped a woman to her feet, urging her to keep fighting.

"Luce?" Natsu! Lucy pulled her gaze from Wendy to focus on the man stumbling towards her. He swung his arm around her shoulder, breathing heavily. Lucy startled, blinking away the fog that made a home in her mind. Oh no. She wanted to gargle salt water, right now. The taste of whiskey lingered on her tongue and lips. It was absolutely nauseating. Sting's unwelcomed kiss flashed through her mind and disappointment settled deep in her core. Her stomach twisted in disgust and she became furious with herself, falling for a charm spell like some novice wizard. She fell victim to that pathetic trickery and gave her first kiss to some pervy stranger. She was going to be sick. "Luce, I really need yah to focus." Natsu's body weight began pulling her down and she had to focus her attention on him.

"What happened?" She blurted and he grimaced.

"You wouldn't happen to have a bandaid tucked away in that outfit, would yah?" He choked out and she then noticed his hunched position, his free hand stained red as it clutched his side. A wide gash arched across the side of his abdomen. She gasped, her pulse ringing in her ears.

"Natsu! How'd that happen?" She was frantic, lowering him onto the bench gently but quick.

"I just- I need to stop the bleeding before I can go back to the fight." He muttered under his breath.

"I can find Wendy! She was just here!" Lucy jumped back, scanning the crowd for the sky dragon slayer.

"No time." He grunted, pushing himself back on his feet. He was unsteady, swaying slightly as he took a deep breath. Lucy didn't even hesitate. She tore the bottom of her dress and swiftly pulled his jacket off. She unbuttoned his shirt and tied the dress tightly around his center, layering it over the wound before tying a bow on the other side. Her hands were covered in his blood and she wiped them off on the upper half of her dress. She freed Loke's key from her belt, hidden under her gown, and swiftly changed into the leo star dress, the black gown replacing the blood-stained satin.

"I'm coming with you." She was determined and he nodded, mumbling a thank-you as he stumbled back into the main room. She swiftly turned to Loke before he could speak, begging him to help the slayers. He nodded, complete trust in his wizard. People were fleeing as creatures crashed through the windows, ripping the soldiers and party-goers to shreds. The soldiers were fighting the other wizards and the creatures. The party-goers began giving up, retreating instead to leave the slayers fighting alone. Grace swung her dagger around, keeping the creatures at bay to the best of her abilities. People formed in front of soldiers, causing them to stumble backwards as the fabricated people cried for them to stop this madness. It was all Grace could manage as she sliced away at the snapping jaws around her. Cobra's hands were talons as he dug his poison-laced claws through the chest's of the creatures. Cubellios worked her way around the two, keeping them safe from any potential sneak attacks. Wendy and Gajeel were back to back, fighting off other wizards and creatures. The creatures were standing on two-legs, looking even more human than before. It was deeply disturbing, the creatures resembling humans with jaws of steel. They snapped furiously at anyone standing in their way and they manipulated darkness, wielding the dangerous magic to bring people to their knees. Once fallen, they would murder the people, suffocating them with darkness or simply biting their heads off. Lucy was nauseous, her limbs trembling as she tried to focus on her magic.

Dark purple caught Lucy's eyes and her fists clenched. Taryn.

"Well, well, well. The princess does have some magic of her own. It's nice to see you without your attack dogs. Guess they're a little busy. Oops." She clucked her tongue, pushing off the wall to stand before Lucy. Her shoulders were squared, a metal trap hanging beside her.

"Shut up." Lucy quipped, sprinted forward as she focused all her energy into her leg. "Regulus Lucy kick!" She launched herself, pushing all of her power into the kick as her foot cracked against Taryn's face. Taryn flew backwards, crashing into the inner wall. She shoved herself up, wiping the blood from her lips.

"Iron jaws!" She shouted, a bear trap extending outward, the chain secured tightly around her wrist. The metal locked around Lucy's arm and her body was flung. She crashed into one of the chandeliers, the glass and gemstones slicing into her skin as they shattered around her. Her body jolted, slamming into the ground. She struggled to push herself up.

"Cancer." She growled, her body shifting as the scissor-swords took shape in her hands. She sliced through the chain, shoving herself forward to attack Taryn. The huntress met every cut with her own swords. "You can requip." Lucy gasped, struggling against the force of her swords. The huntress met every strike and it seemed like Lucy's swordsmanship was no match for her.

"You should just give up and come with me Lucy. Your father wants to see you, but he said I can just bring your body back too." She growled, pulling back before shoving the sword right through Lucy's center.

"Lucy!" Natsu's strangle cry echoed through the ballroom as fire arched over everyone. It looped around Taryn's center, flinging her body through the windows. The moment the glass shattered around her, the flames expanded, engulfing her body. Lucy coughed roughly, blood spattering the ground as she ripped the sword from her center. She could still stand. Taryn didn't hit any of her essential organs. The room was spinning around her, but she could still fight. She would still fight.

"I'm fine Natsu!" She called back, praying he could hear her and just focus on himself. Taryn emerged from the shards of glass and wood, her scorched body struggling, but still obeying her. A crossbow formed in her hands as she aimed it right at Lucy.

"Gemini!" Lucy shouted, her fists clenched as the twin spirits formed above her. The twins shifted, reflecting Lucy's appearance. "It's time to use Urano Metria." She muttered, almost losing her voice as she swallowed harshly.

"Right!" Gemini grabbed her hand and Lucy let her consciousness slip away. The incantation was being echoed by Gemini as she whispered it softly. Taryn's body was surrounded by lights, blinding her as she stepped back, the crossbow slipping from her hands.

"How do you know this magic? This is impossible!" She cried as the lights around her snapped out, the pitch blackness surrounding her. As the last word left Lucy's lips, the lights exploded around Taryn, sending the huntress flying. Her body shattered the mirror above the grand fireplace, falling to the floor as Lucy fell backwards.

"Thanks Gemini." Lucy huffed before the spirit vanished and her dress dissipated, switching back to the burgundy satin. Her ears were ringing and she struggled to take deep breaths. She felt her magic leaving her body, knowing the moment Loke's gate closed. She knew he used his own magic to open it again and Lucy was grateful for that. She sprawled out on the floor, and looked back behind her, her mouth falling open. Natsu was crawling towards her, deep crimson dripping from his lips. She shoved herself over, pushing herself to her feet as she stumbled towards him. The adrenaline had kicked in, allowing her to move. She fell to her knees in front of him, what was left of her strength slowly leaving her body. "Natsu." She gasped, her hand cupping his cheek as he shoved himself to his knees. He wiped his lips and held her gaze, breathing heavily.

"Where'd you learn that spell?"

"My mother. She left it to me in a letter, though she warned me I could only use it once. I summoned Gemini in hopes of amplifying my power." She explained her thought process, tears welling in her eyes from the pain and the sight before her.

"Why'd you use it?"

"I wanted to save myself. Taryn had to go so you could focus on everything else." Tears slipped down her cheeks as he coughed roughly, blood staining his hand. He swallowed harshly and met her gaze again.

"Luce? I got to do something because I'm the only one that can and I just need you to know something, before I do it." His voice was hoarse, his words slowly leaving his lips.

"What is it Natsu?" She cringed as a body hit the ground with a wet thud beside them. She couldn't even make herself look at it, eyes trained on Natsu.

"I just need you to know that I love you. Remember that okay?" The world slowed around them and Lucy's breath caught in her throat. Why was he saying this now? What-

"Natsu…." She cut her own thoughts off, bewildered by the situation.

"Please, remember that. I didn't want to tell you this way, but I'm out of time. Promise me, please." His words were soaked in desperation.

"I promise. Natsu, I-" But he cut her off, pushing forward and sealing her lips with his own. The world fell away around them as his warm energy enveloped her, shielding her from the fight that raged on. Love, adoration, and warmth. That's all she felt and it was the complete opposite of the emotions she felt when Sting had done this earlier. His tongue gently swiped against her own as he kissed her deeper, hand tangling in her hair. Who he was, what he felt, everything that was Natsu, was poured into that kiss. Before she could pour her soul into the kiss in return, he pulled away from her.

"Remember me like this. Please." He pressed his lips to her once more in a swift peck before pulling her to her feet. Wendy was at her side in a second, her hand slipping into Lucy's to steady her. Lucy felt the gaping hole in her center pulling close and she wasn't even capable of forming words of protest. Natsu's shoulders squared, his body filling out with muscle as fire arched around him, enveloping his body as he yelled. The fire shifted to smoke as talons formed on his fingertips, black scales emerging from under his skin, covering the left side of his body in a sparkling onyx. Small, intricate horns poked through his spiky hair as they curved before arching out backwards. Spikes tore through his clothing as they formed equidistant apart down his spine before jutting out over a newly formed tail. Wings unfurled behind his back, spikes lining the bottom tips. Tiny flames danced on his skin before engulfing his entire body. He snarled, flexing his fingers before he turned to face the others. A soft gasp escaped Lucy's lips as she stared at him in awe. Power and heat radiated off of him in waves. She knew he was one of the strongest wizards, but this was overwhelming. The wounds once littering his body were pulled close, scales glistening in the light as they healed his body. He fixed his now amber gaze on Lucy before extending his wings. She hadn't even realized Wendy had pulled her back from him. The fire vanished, dissipating into ash and smoke. The motion of his wings catapulted him to the spot right in front of her. His sharp toes brushed hers and he leaned forward, nostrils flaring as he sniffed her. The atmosphere was tense around Lucy, Gajeel's arm covered in iron scales as he maneuvered to stand beside her. He was also battered and bleeding, and Lucy didn't think he could handle Natsu in this form. Natsu slipped his arms around Lucy's center, pulling her towards him with a wicked grin on his face. His scaled skin was rough against her sides and she bit her tongue to internalize her scream.

"You," His words slipped out in a low growl, his voice deeper in this form. "-are adorable. I meant what I said. Don't think it was just an adrenaline thing or a dying confession. I meant it," he took a deep breath, "and don't get yourself killed." His forked tongue slipped out and slid up the side of Lucy's jaw. Gajeel and Wendy looked bewildered, Wendy's cheeks turning a deep crimson. Lucy couldn't help but laugh from the sheer ridiculousness of his actions, her cheeks rosy as she shoved the dragon slayer away from her.

"Don't get yourself killed either." All of the tension surrounding them had vanished as she gazed at him lovingly. Even in this demon form, he was still Natsu. She just had to keep reminding herself of that.

"Worrying about a demon is foolish. Focus on yourself." Warm energy emitted from his body, dancing around Lucy's body before Natsu catapulted himself back towards the battle. He landed between Cobra and the twins, slashing his talons across Sting's face.

"Lucy deserves better than a monster like you. Crawl back to hell!" Sting growled as a man with dark hair, stabbed a sword through Natsu's center.

"Natsu!" Lucy cried out right as he ripped the sword out, chucking it at the ground. He cracked his neck, smirking. Scales had already emerged, sealing the wound shut.

"Cobra told me what you did. You dare put your putrid lips on Lucy? You tricked her, twisted her mind. Lucy is mine and mine only. And you? You're going to suffer in the depths of hell for that." He growled, fire covering his body as he launched forward, slamming into Sting.

"Lucy, we have to go. You can't fight anymore. Natsu and the others will handle this." Grace was panting as she sprinted towards Lucy. She was covered in black ooze and blood, though she seemed unharmed.

"But, he's going to kill Sting. I thought they wanted the twins to join us…." Her words trailed off as Grace yanked her away.

"Those aren't the twins. They lured us in. Zeref, he bribed them. There are messengers of Zeref everywhere and we fell for it." She dragged Lucy back into another room, the motion disorienting.

"Let me go back in there! I have to make sure Natsu stays alive!" In that moment, that was all that mattered to Lucy.

"You will only distract him. I'm sorry, but you don't have enough magic left to fight out there. You're safer here." The pair glared at each other for a while, the time ticking by. Lucy was breathing harshly, her heart pounding. They both turned to look at the doorway, the sound of shattering glass catching them both off guard.

"Like hell I am." Lucy shoved by and sprinted back into the ballroom. Everyone, the soldiers and party-goers were gone along with the fake twins and Natsu. The creatures were still attacking and Grace cursed behind her. They swiftly turned to face the pair, eyes focused on them like they were fresh blood. Grace narrowed her gaze on a creature, her fists clenching as a magic circle formed below her. A man took shape in front of the creature, his eyes darker than Natsu's, his hair jet black. Though, there was a striking resemblance between Natsu and this man. One big difference was when Lucy looked at him, she felt empty inside, like he pulled her soul from her body. She was frozen to the floor, unable to pull her stare from the fabricated man. Grace jolted as Cobra screamed from the center of the ballroom. A creature had its claw through his eye, blood arching from the wound as he desperately clung onto the creature's arm.

"STOP IT!" Grace shouted, an aura of energy launching from her body. It knocked Lucy off her feet as the man she had formed mimicked her actions. Darkness took shape around him, arching out and swallowing everything in its path. As Grace fell to her knees, the darkness vanished, as did the man. The creatures all dropped, their bodies turning into smoke, leaving piles of bones behind. She sobbed as Cobra hit the ground. Wendy, bewildered by the scene shook her head and sprinted over to Cobra. She leaned over him, her hands glowing as she focused on the hole in his head.

All that was left was shattered chandeliers, bones, ashes, the bloodied slayers, and a cracked buffet table. Cobra sat up, gasping for air. A thin, raised pink line stretching through his socket was left behind. His lid was shut and Wendy mumbled apologies, falling back on her butt. She was shaking, her hands covered in the blood of her comrades. She had healed so many, closed so many wounds, that she could hardly keep her eyes opened. Lucy watched quietly as Cobra ran his hand through her hair and forced a smile.

"It's alright kid, thank-you. I didn't need both eyes anyway." His voice was hoarse but it was all Grace needed. She shoved herself up and sprinted towards him, collapsing in Cobra's arms. Lucy pulled her gaze from the pair, giving them a bit of privacy. Gajeel was breathing heavily and placed a gentle hand on Wendy's shoulder. Wendy lifted a glowing hand to heal Gajeel and he pushed it away, despite the burns stretching down along his back.

"Natsu just got carried away. I'm fine." He assured Lucy as she gawked at them. Natsu did that?

"Where is Natsu?" Lucy whispers and the slayers ignored her, whispering among themselves. "Where's Natsu?!" She yelled and everyone turned to face her.

"He's gone, Lucy. I'm sorry." Gajeel muttered, glaring at the ground. Wendy had shut her eyes already, leaning her head against Gajeel's leg.

"What do you mean he's gone?" She shouted, stepping backwards as her eyes fell on the blown out entranceway. It was scorched, the lights that once surrounded the door turned to ash.

"He took off and I couldn't stop him. When I tried, he attacked. I'm sorry bunny girl." Tears were streaming down Lucy's face and as the last word left Gajeel's lips, she fell to her knees. She couldn't believe this. He loved her and he gave in, turning into a demon before her eyes. He unleashed his true nature to save all of them and she couldn't even find him to make sure he was okay? Her vision was cloudy, her consciousness slowly slipping away. Though Wendy closed her wounds, she still lost a lot of blood and magical energy. It was a miracle she was conscious for as long as she was.

"NATSU?" Lucy startled. Was she screaming his name? No, it didn't sound like her voice. She didn't even recognize the voice shouting for him. "NATSU? WHERE ARE YOU?" The voice shouted again. The room was spinning and Lucy couldn't focus on her surroundings anymore. The stranger called his name one last time before she slipped into the darkness.