Author's Note: Hello everyone! I am so so sorry for the delay. Life tends to get in the way every now and then, but I'm more focused now! We only have a few more chapters to wrap this story up and I hope you'll stick with me! Please let me know what you think! Enjoy the chapter!
April 22nd
Lucy
The plush grass cooled Lucy's aching feet as she followed behind the group. She had neglected to put her boots on before the group left their campsite. Her feet had cramped too much the day prior to deal with that. A soft sigh escaped her lips, shoulders slouching. Cobra was leading, following the map Lucy pulled together in her mind. It was always present, though her surrounding thoughts tended to wander. They were cloaked with worry, fear, and adoration for Natsu. She was certain Cobra was sick of it, but she couldn't help herself. Her hand slid into her pocket, cupping the smooth stone. Her thumb rubbed circles on it's cool surface.
"Lucy! Do you know how to fish?" A bubbly voice pulled her focus and she was grateful for a distraction other than the tree branches creaking in the breeze.
"Not even a little bit." She shrugged, glancing down to meet Happy's gaze. He frowned, sulking beside her.
"Natsu always fished for me. I could really go for a big, juicy salmon." His words were muffled.
"We can learn together, okay? Just remind me." She tried to reassure him, but Happy's mood was already soured. He made a noise in acknowledgment before falling into step with Grace. Lucy watched as his shoulders continued to drop. He paused by each member of the group before settling beside Cobra. His little body perked up and he had a bounce to step in response to whatever Cobra said. Maybe Cobra had a hidden talent. He could be a great fisherman.
"He probably lied to get Happy to shut up about the fish thing." Lucy startled, failing to notice that Grace had slowed her pace to walk beside her. Lucy's brow arched and Grace laughed. "Come on. Erik, a fisherman? The guy can't even be bothered to gather berries or herbs at the camp sites. He probably sensed everyone's annoyance and knew Happy would only stop if he heard what he wanted to." She shrugged, a spark of amusement in her gaze.
"He might surprise you." Lucy mused, smiling softly at her friend.
"He has already, so much so, that I'd be disappointed if he didn't." She gave Lucy a shrug before returning to her place in line. Lucy sighed, letting her mind wander. She couldn't fight the images flashing through her brain, the ones of Natsu and his surprises. She hoped Cobra could still decipher the map.
~
Lucy sighed, dropping down on a stool and leaning forward to place her forehead against the sticky counter. Her shoulders slumped forward, her arms sweeping up to lean on the counter and cushion her head. The combination of odors from the liquor and fried food was making her nauseous. She just wanted some fresh air and to be able to shut her eyes for a few minutes.
"Lucy?" A soft voice brushed her ears and Lucy glanced up from her position, her head tilting slightly. "Why don't you take a break? It's chilly, but some fresh air might be nice." Mira. She smiled kindly at Lucy, worry in her eyes.
"I'm okay Mira. I have an hour before my shift ends. I'll make it. I'm just not feeling too hot. I probably caught Gray's cold. It's not a big deal." Lucy exerted more effort than she thought was necessary to sit upright on the stool. She wavered slightly, steadying herself with her hands against the counter. A cool hand pressed against her forehead and she was met with Mira's scowl.
"You're burning up. Go sit outside for a bit. I'll call someone to take you home and Juvia will finish your shift." She stated. Lucy knew that tone of voice well. It was the tone that emphasized who was in charge and that she couldn't argue her way out of it. She still wanted to try though.
"Juvia has been here all day."
"Go. Now." Mira's eyes darkened and Lucy
gave in. She didn't have the strength to bicker anyway today. She dropped off the stool, steadying herself on her feet before moving. She dragged her feet, forcing her legs to move. She moved on autopilot, finding herself under a tree behind the bar. It was Natsu's tree. She hadn't seen him in a few days and when she questioned it, Gray grumbled that he was out of town. Lucy didn't push further. Instead, she found herself under this tree a lot. It was a great spot during breaks and gave her space to think. She pressed her back against the rough bark, settling into an indent in the grass from her previous trips outdoors. She pulled her knees to her chest, leaning forward to rest her chin on them. Her hair fell in front of her face and she took a deep breath. The fresh air filled her lungs and she was grateful for how clean and crisp it smelled. She linked her fingers, cursing herself for running on autopilot. Her coat and gloves were forgotten on the hook by the door and she didn't want to move just yet.
"Luce. Whatcha doing out here without your coat?" That voice. Lucy perked up and lifted her head to see Natsu smiling fondly at her. She blinked a few times, studying the sharp curve of his jaw, the spikes of salmon hair on his head, the gentle sparkle in his eyes. Then her eyes settled on his bare arms and chest, covered only slightly by a loose vest.
"Where's your coat?" She tried to muse, but her chattering teeth lessened the effect she was going for. He chuckled, stepping forward so his toes brushed her own. He crouched down in front of her, freeing her hands from her knees. He held them gently, the warmth from his hands soothing her frigid fingers.
"I'm not the one shivering, with a fever. Mira told me. I brought you this." He reached behind him, using one hand to grab whatever he was talking about. "It's chamomile and honey tea. Levy said it was your favorite and I heard it's soothing." He gave a sheepish grin and a shrug of the shoulders. The steam warmed Lucy's cheeks. The aroma tickled her nose and her lips tugged up into a smile. She cupped it in her hands once Natsu released the other. Her lips touched the edge of the cup and she sipped. It was the perfect temperature, soothing her burning throat. The warmth settled in her stomach and she smiled in content.
"It's perfect. Thank-you Natsu." He nodded, his cheeks rosy. He gently maneuvered her to slide his body between her and the tree. He wrapped his limbs around her. A startled breath escaped her, forming a cloud in front of their faces. "N...atsu?"
"I'm just warming you up before I bring you home." His voice was nonchalant.
"I can walk home. You probably want to spend time with everyone, since you've been gone." She mumbled softly into the mug.
"I came back to walk you home, so let me. Stop being so stubborn." His voice tickled her ear and the tips of them warmed against her will.
"But…"
"Luce, I'd rather be with you, if you'll have me." He whispered into her hair.
"Always, Natsu."
~
"Grace, mind leading for a bit?" Cobra had slowed the group down and called over his shoulder. This startled Lucy from her memory, but her attention shifted elsewhere. The stone. It was warming her fingers gently, as if it held the warmth of Natsu's embrace. Her fingers wrapped around it, pressing it to her palm. She enjoyed the warmth traveling up her arm. "He's not far. Don't lose yourself in memories, okay?" Cobra's voice startled her, the stone slipping from her hand. It settled at the bottom of her pocket once again, the heat warming her thigh. She reflected Cobra's furrowed brow back at him and he sighed. "Natsu. He's nearby." He huffed and Lucy's heart stopped for a moment before beating rapidly. She stopped following the group and turned swiftly. Her gaze danced over the oaks surrounding them and bit her lip. Cobra's fingers circled her wrist and tugged her back.
"I need to see him. Which direction is he? You guys can go on without me." She struggled against his grip, though it was useless. If he didn't want her to leave, she wouldn't be able to. He was a lot stronger than her and he knew her next move every time.
"Listen, I only told you that to comfort you. He's not far, which means we can find him. As a team, after we find Laxus."
"But we can have the group together faster if you let me go. I can take Happy with me and we can find him." She retorted, but her hopeful gaze was met with a frown.
"I smell him, but that's it. I can't hear his thoughts, which makes him difficult to locate. I promise you. Finding Natsu will be my top priority after Laxus. But right now, we need you focused. I need that map or you need to lead. You're the only one who can find Laxus. Find him, and I won't stop until I find our leader." Cobra extended his hand, catching Lucy's gaze and holding it. She accepted his promise and nodded.
"It's a promise. Do demons actually keep promises?"
"Only to our friends." A smirk touched his lips before he nudged her forward. "Go on. Take your place. I may be good at bossing people around, but I'm a cruddy navigator."
"Ain't that the truth." Grace snorted, dropping back to let Gajeel lead temporarily. She nudged Cobra's shoulder with her own and Lucy smiled at their playfulness.
"Okay." She nodded, determination blanketing her worry. She picked up her pace, pausing only so Wendy could squeeze her hand. It was reassuring to be backed by three dragon slayers, a bad-ass wizard, and a flying cat. "Thanks Cobra." She added over her shoulder before stepping in front of Gajeel.
"You got it Bunny Girl?" His pierced brow raised and she nodded.
"I do. I promise." And she meant it.
Grace
"I'm a great navigator." Erik huffed from behind her and a smirk touched her lips. "I am." He continued, his toes brushing her heels. Grace chose to ignore him, quickening her pace a bit. She kept an eye glancing over her shoulder, dodging his foot jabs directed at her. She had to fight the giggle bubbling in her chest as she hopped over scattered branches and shrubbery. Lucy was still leading the group, more determined. Whatever Erik said to her gave her motivation and Grace was thankful for it. She took a moment to look at the sun, extending her arms so it could warm her limbs. She was ready to embrace spring and all the warmth and sunshine it offered them.
Erik seemed tired of the games because he snatched her wrist, yanking her towards him. His body cocooned around her, holding her to the tree. Leaves and branches tickled her cheeks as she stood face to face with Erik. He was taking slow, quiet breaths. Grace's eyes met his as she breathed in his exhaled air. Her nose twitched. Mint. She smelled mint. How did he have minty breath? They ran out of toothpaste two days ago.
"Mint leaves." He huffed and his words were hardly audible.
"What?"
"Nothing. Can you think quieter? Please?" He growled, staring into her eyes before looking elsewhere. She scowled and would have stuck her tongue out, but it would probably hit his nose. He was hunched over her, not even giving her room to breathe. She decided to check his blind spot for him, studying their surroundings to the best of her abilities. The other slayers and Lucy had vanished from sight. If she strained her eyes, she could just see the edge of a village. It was surrounded by a spiked, wooden fence. Low growling caught her attention and she shivered. Zeref's creatures. They were here, in this village. They were waiting for them as if Zeref knew Laxus was here and the slayers were coming for him.
"Maybe." Erik muttered. "It could also be by
chance. Laxus wields a high level of magical energy and he's been stationary for years. It wouldn't be difficult for Zeref to track, so it could be rotten luck." Grace returned her focus to the man holding her to a tree. The growling faded, the creature distancing itself from the group. Grace's breath hitched, her eyes flicking down to study Erik's lips. His hand slipped down the bark to caress her cheek. It warmed under his touch and he leaned closer so their lips were a centimeter apart,
"You won't hurt me." The whisper escaped her before she could muffle the statement.
"I'm poison, Grace. It's what I do best." He shoved off the tree. With the distance, Grace could breathe, her lungs screaming for air. She hadn't moved and Erik turned, linking their fingers together in a swift motion. He led her to a cluster of trees. Gajeel dropped down with a startled Lucy in his arms. Happy lowered Wendy to the ground, surprisingly gentle.
"Do you think…?" Gajeel didn't finish the question, yet Erik answered it.
"Yeah. They're scattered, picking off villagers without causing too much chaos. They're getting smarter and they're hunting. We have to split up. I can fight from the air with Cubellios." At the sound of her name, the snake came into view. She curved around his leg, arching her head to settle by his shoulder. "Lucy, can you summon Sagittarius and switch into the costume-thing?"
"My star dress? Yes." She freed the golden key from her pouch. Her knuckles turned white from the grip on her key.
"Happy, take Lucy to the sky so she can fight with me above. Sagittarius can stay with Wendy in case we need extra support or healing. Grace and Gajeel can attack from the ground. Call out if you need help and keep an eye on each other. Got it?" Erik barked. He had the best idea of what was going on in the village and a sharp scream pierced the air. The group didn't argue or hesitate in that moment. The scream sent them into action, following his plan. It was well-thought out. He was playing to everyone's strengths and Grace would give him credit for that. Lucy shifted, the light blinding them. When it dissipated, she was left in shades of green, holding a bow and arrow. Happy formed wings, snatching the back of her shirt and flying off. Grace snickered as she caught him commenting on Lucy's weight. He was going to get an earful up there from her. Erik and Cubellios left next as Gajeel gestured for her to follow the fence to the east. She freed her dagger, nodding. Twigs snapped under her feet as she left Wendy and Sagittarius behind. She maneuvered around the perimeter, listening to the chatter of the villagers. At the sound of another scream, she hauled herself over the fence. She hit the ground hard, but managed to shove herself to her feet. She sprinted forward and slammed the dagger through the creature's skull, right before it could close its jaw around the arm of a villager. She kicked the body off her dagger and flicked it, the black goo sizzling when it hit the ground. The grass was scorched and her brow furrowed. Their blood was acidic? It was almost like Erik's poison.
Once Grace made sure the villagers were fine, she took off. She managed to kill two more stragglers before finding Gajeel circled by them. Erik was busy with Cubellios, fighting his own hord. Arrows arced through the sky, hitting each creature in the chest or head. Bolts of energy erupted from the town center. They raced through the streets, paralyzing creatures in their wake. Lightning. Laxus. Grace turned on her heels and sprinted towards the source. She was too late though. The door was kicked open by a boot, lightning surrounding the figure. He wore a confident smirk, but his eyes were expressive. He was furious.
It caught Grace off-guard and she found herself tumbling with a creature. It snarled. It's saliva pooled in its mouth as it snapped at her. She held it back, keeping her arm under its chin. Of course her dagger was in that hand and she'd have to swap it or let go to stab the thing. Both weren't appealing options. The saliva overflowed, slipping down its jaw in thick tendrils. No. No. No. Something was burning and it wasn't the creature.
A sharp scream sounded through the crowd and it came from Grace's lips without her even processing it. The saliva was eating her flesh and there was nothing she could do about it. The creature convulsed above her, its body enveloped by yellow light. The body hit the ground with a wet thud. A sigh escaped her and she dropped back, pressing her arms into the cool cement. She shut her eyes, sucking in air to calm her breathing. A bitter, burnt odor assaulted her nose and her stomach twisted into a knot.
"What happened to your arm? Grace?" Pressure settled on her shoulders, shaking her gently. "Grace? Open your damn eyes." Gajeel was adamant and getting impatient.
"No." She snapped, squeezing them even tighter. She couldn't make out what was being said above her, but people were arguing. There was also shouting and creatures snarling. It was a cacophony that Grace couldn't sort out.
"Grace. Look at me, just straight up. Please." Erik. That voice she knew and she held onto it like a liferaft. She took a deep breath and her eyes fluttered open. "There she is." He smiled widely. Red oozed from his empty eye socket and she lifted her hand to brush his cheek.
"You're bleeding." Her voice was hoarse.
"I wasn't using the socket anyway." He chuckled, covering her hand with his own. "Let's get you on your feet." Together, with a lot of effort on both their parts, they managed to get Grace on her feet. And if she had tears welling in her eyes, Erik didn't comment on it. "Let's get you to Wen-" Before he could finish his statement, lightning bolts lit the sky, aimed right for Lucy and Happy. Happy wobbled, his wings vanishing. Lucy's arms shot out and snatched Happy, pulling him close to her chest. She arched her body around him. Grace blinked, frozen from shock. When she refocused, Erik was no longer beside her and she was propped against a wall.
Lucy
"Is Grace okay? Happy, do you see her?" Lucy was aiming at a creature that was about to sink its teeth into an elderly man. She couldn't look away without potentially hitting the villager.
"She's not looking so hot Lucy. Gajeel is being rough with her."
"Is Cobra nearby?" Lucy released the arrow, sighing in relief as it hit its rightful target.
"He almost punched Gajeel and they were bickering like old ladies." Happy snickered and Lucy let relief flow through her. At least Cobra was with her. "LUCY!" Their bodies jerked to the right and the tip of Lucy's ponytail was singed. Before she could process what was going on, the pair was free-falling.
"Hold on Happy!" Lucy snatched him out of the sky and pulled his body to her chest. She curled her body around him, bracing them for impact. She was hoping they could land on some trees. The impact came sooner than expected and Lucy grunted, the object following the motion of their bodies.
"Is the fight getting too electrified for you Happy?" Their savior mused. Lucy opened her eyes to see Cobra securing them to his chest. He landed gracefully, Cubellios dropping down beside them. He steadied Lucy before sprinting over to retrieve Grace, who was hardly keeping herself on her feet.
"Laxus! Stop being an idiot!" Cobra growled towards the newcomer. He pulled Grace's untouched arm over his shoulder, easing her over to the rest of the group. Wendy had stepped up beside Lucy with Gajeel. She ignored everyone and beelined for Grace, her hands glowing as she studied the melted flesh. Lucy was certain she saw bone and she had to look away before she got sick. Instead, she focused on who she assumed was Laxus. He was taller and blonder than she expected, though the cocky grin fit Natsu's description perfectly.
"Why are you traveling with some human and her… Happy?" He shouted before pausing to gawk at Happy who finally released his grip on Lucy's top. Happy dropped to the ground and glared at Laxus.
"Yeah, you big dummy! You don't attack fellow guild members!" Happy spat at him.
"I didn't know it was you! And I didn't know she was in Fairy Tail!"
"It's okay. Really, guys. I'm Lucy and I'm a celestial wizard." Lucy stepped into the center of the hostile circle they were forming. She had hoped to calm the rising tensions, but Happy had a different approach.
"She's Natsu's girlfriend. He looovvveesss her." He snickered and Lucy spun, fixing a glare on him.
"Shut it cat." She growled and he shrunk back, his tail vibrating. He slipped behind Gajeel.
"She's scary." At that, Gajeel cackled. Wendy had dropped down on her butt, sweat beading on her brow as she breathed heavily. Cobra had examined Grace's arm before hugging her tightly. The three had been fairly oblivious to what was transpiring beside them. Now their full attention was on Laxus.
"You must be pretty special then Lucy. Where is Natsu anywhere?" The cocky grin slipped off Laxus's face as he met each person's eyes. He waited as the group fell silent.
"He went full demon during a battle and flew off somewhere. It wasn't until Grace ended the battle, that we even had time to track him." Cobra grumbled under his breath.
"Who's Grace?" Laxus blinked at them and Grace raised her hand, despite the fact that it was shaking.
"Present." She huffed.
"Human?" Laxus's left brow raised.
"She can pull people or creatures from a person's memory. And she kicks butt with a dagger." Lucy matched Grace's smirk with one of her own.
"And she can tap into the fabrication's power too." Cobra had a more prominent smirk than both of them as he half-hugged her. He even had a spark of pride in his eye. Laxus whistled in appreciation before looking at Gajeel.
"So, I leave you guys for a few years and you're parading around with humans like it's your job. Can't you handle our shit on your own?"
"Lucy didn't really give us a choice and neither did Grace. They're stubborn as hell and we could use the help." Gajeel actually complimented them and Lucy smiled in his direction.
"Fair enough, as long as they can hold their own. Did you find the twins yet?" Laxus continued moving the conversation along.
"They're out. Sting is a guild leader now and you know Rogue follows his every word." Cobra huffed and Laxus sighed.
"Great. We're going to need the humans and more. We might need to make a stop at Fairy Tail on our way." Laxus walked right in between Gajeel and Lucy.
"Where are we going?" Lucy blurted at the same time Gajeel said, "-the hell?"
"We're going to get lover boy." Laxus chuckled over his shoulder before taking off towards the sunset with a confused group of demons and wizards on his heels.
