Author's Note: Hello everyone! I'm so sorry this is so late again. I've had a lot of medical and personal issues this summer, but I'm finally learning how to manage all of it! I just finished editing this chapter and I'm almost done with the chapter after, so I hope to post it over the weekend to keep this story moving! It is getting close to the end, though I strayed from my original plan, so it might be a little longer than originally planned. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it and please let me know what you think! (:
May 1st
Lucy
"Come on you lazy-" Laxus was shaking the tree above them, leaves scattering over their bodies. Lucy grumbled, rolling over to avoid getting leaf debris in her eyes and nose. She hadn't been sleeping well and the nights that she actually did fall asleep were always the worst. She would get two to three hours of restless sleep and it would make mornings extremely difficult. She didn't even need to sleep anymore on this particular day. She just needed Laxus to shut up so she could at least get up with some peace and quiet. He had been like this everyday the past few weeks and it was getting on everyone's nerves. What made it even worse was that he refused to tell them their destination. Cobra couldn't even figure it out. Lucy rolled back over, shifting to a more comfortable position now that Laxus moved to a different tree. The others must have stirred awake as well because voices were arguing above her. In the little time he had been with the group, Laxus had become her least favorite dragon slayer. He even surpassed the twins and the supposedly egotistical God Serena. A yawn escaped her as she shoved herself to her feet.
"If I had known how slow you guys would be, I would've left your asses behind. I thought you wanted to find Natsu." Laxus was looking right at her and Lucy scowled. She didn't appreciate being targeted.
"Don't you dare question my feelings. I will find Natsu with or without you, but I'm useless without sleep. Unlike you, I can't sleep straight through the night. Unlike you, I haven't been cozied up in a village. I've been traveling for months, fighting demons and living a nightmare. So shut your mouth and just lead the way, okay? We asked for your help, not for your commentary." She growled, her voice low and raspy from her lack of sleep. It was a lot less menacing with how groggy she was, but it would have to do because she had nothing left to give. Gajeel whistled softly and Wendy swiftly stepped over to her. Laxus eyed her with a glint of respect in his eyes and she could handle that as his response.
"Why didn't you tell me you weren't sleeping Lucy? I could've helped." She grabbed Lucy's hand, squeezing it gently.
"I'm fine. Really. Just a little tired. Let's get moving." She tugged her hand away gently and scooped a snoring Happy up into her arms. He had been staying up with Lucy through the night. The pair traded stories about Natsu and it warmed Lucy's heart, easing a lot of her worries and troubles. It didn't make the sleep she got anymore restful though, even with the happy memories and Happy's purring on her stomach. The cat could apparently sleep through anything though, so Lucy would carry him for now. The group set out, Laxus in the lead with Cobra and Grace on his heels. Lucy and Wendy fell behind them and Gajeel stayed in the back as always.
"Let me carry him, at least. Save your energy." Wendy insisted, holding her arms out. Lucy gently placed Happy in her arms and Wendy smiled at him.
"Thanks Wendy. I think I'm going to have Horologium carry me for a bit so I don't slow everyone down." Lucy freed his key from her pouch and Wendy nodded.
"Okay. Try to get some rest. We will keep watch." She assured her and Lucy gave her a groggy smile. She climbed into her trusted spirit and tried her best to doze off. It was a difficult task and she spent most of the time just zoning out, losing herself in memories and her thoughts. A sudden warmth in her pocket caught her attention though and she squirmed until she could free the stone from her pocket. The seer had given it to her, so it had to mean something. When Cobra told her Natsu was nearby, it had warmed. Is that its purpose? As the group continued forward, it increased in temperature. For a moment it was scorching, before cooling slightly. Natsu. Lucy threw herself out of the clock spirit and sprinted through the trees. Her friends shouted after her, but she didn't pay them any mind. Natsu was this way, he had to be. She launched herself over a fallen tree, her foot catching on an exposed root. Her body tumbled, rolling down the hill. When she hit level ground, the stone was nearly on fire. She shoved herself to her feet and pushed forward, ignoring the thorns and branches carving into her flesh.
A clearing. That's what she now stood in. A wide, stone circle was carved into the center. An intricate design filled the circle, the patterns unfamiliar to her eyes. In the middle of it was Natsu, his entire body lit aflame. He was standing across from Erza who was dressed in full armor, her body surrounded by swords.
"Taurus!" Lucy whispered, her entire body shifting as her clothes changed. She felt his strength rushing through her veins as a whip formed in her hand, a bell forming at the base of her throat. She ignored her spirit's questioning gaze and ran out to stop them.
"What are you doing?" A man grabbed her arm, yanking her from the edge of the circle. He had a mess of blue hair on his head and a familiar red tattoo through his eye. Jellal. Lucy let out a scream, pulsing all her strength to her arm. She sent him flying, his body caving a tree in half. The bark shattered from the impact and she lifted her whip. The attack was never executed though because Erza blocked the whip with her sword. She was in different armor now, adorned with cheetah print. She kicked Lucy back and the celestial wizard stumbled backwards.
"STOP." Natsu roared from the center, his eyes trained on Erza. They were bloodthirsty and his lips were fixed in a snarl. He catapulted himself forward, the flames following. He was gripping Ezra's sword, the metal melting from the heat. Erza actually looked frightened now. Earlier, she had seemed at ease and almost playful, but this was different. Lucy might have misjudged the situation earlier, but it was crystal clear now. Natsu could lose control and she had to help him. She shoved herself up and threw her arms around him. The fire licked her flesh, singing all the hair that once covered her arms. Tears formed in her eyes and she squeezed tighter, pressing her chest against his back. The flames began to dance on her skin, the burning sensation vanishing. Though her skin had blistered, the burns were manageable and she let out a sigh of relief as the warmth now soothed her.
"Please Natsu. Switch back. We aren't in danger anymore. Please." She begged, pressing her body against the spikes lining his spine. His wings lowered slightly and a warmth surrounded them. The spikes shortened until they disappeared, the wings dissipating into the air. His talons retracted and the scales retreated under his skin. His stature changed last, his body returning to its original human size. Lucy released him, stepping back to get a better look at him. She wanted to make sure he was still Natsu.
"Lucy." He whispered, turning to face her. His eyes were wide and glassy, confusion clear on his facial features.
"Natsu!" Lucy launched herself forward, throwing her arms around him. His fingers immediately tangled in her hair, his other arm curling around her back, pulling her closer to him. He breathed deeply, his nose pressed into her hair. "Why'd you leave me? Why were you fighting Erza?" She spoke softly, the tension in her body loosening, giving relief to her body and soul.
"I'm so sorry that I left. I'd like to explain that to you when the others catch up. As for Erza…" His words trailed off and he released her, linking their fingers together before turning to face the wizard. Natsu was smirking at her and she returned the look, her sword stabbed into the ground as she leaned on the hilt. Her armor had shifted back to the familiar blue skirt and breastplate. She pushed off at the sound of Jellal's groaning. Together, the pair managed to get him on his feet and free from the tree bark. "I challenged her a few years back. That was back when I first joined Fairy Tail. She's the strongest wizard in the guild and I was itching for a fight. Without magic, she destroyed me and I wanted a rematch. When I found this place, this location that had been calling to me since the moment I gave into my demon-self, Erza and Jellal were already here. I had to wait for you guys anyway so I figured I could get my rematch."
"So, instead of coming to find us, you just fought with Erza? I was so worried! What's wrong with you?" Lucy snapped and Natsu's face fell when she yanked her hand away.
"Lucy, right? My name is Erza Scarlet. It's a pleasure to meet such a strong celestial wizard." Erza has maneuvered back to stand by them and she extended her hand to Lucy. When Lucy refused, she turned to Jellal. "And this is my comrade, Jellal. We have been traveling the land in search of the dragon slayers. We wish to stop Zeref's revival and we knew the slayers were our only option. Jellal has seen Zeref's magic firsthand and we need to put an end to this. When we crossed paths with Natsu in his demon form, we couldn't let him leave without us. We kept him here and played to his weakness and his need for a fight in that state. Please forgive him." She gestured to Natsu, who was nearly in tears. His shoulders were hunched and Lucy never saw him look so regretful.
"It's nice to meet both of you officially. I was more worried than angry, but I've already forgiven him. I was never any good at holding grudges and I can't fool my own heart. Excuse me for a moment." Lucy slipped away, distancing herself from the cause of the turmoil raging within her. She wanted to scream her head off at Natsu, but also curl against his chest and cry. Another part of her wanted to pull him against her and lose herself in him. It was difficult sorting through all of her emotions and she needed a breath. She swiftly summoned Plue, hugging the tiny spirit close to her chest. She found a stagnant river and she hopped up onto a fallen tree. She lowered herself onto it, swinging her feet back and forth. The tips of her boots gently brushed the water and she sighed. Of course he had followed her.
"The others will be here soon. You should go wait for them." She huffed, clutching Plue tighter.
"Your senses have improved."
"I've had a lot of practice." She muttered and she felt a gentle warmth enveloping her. Natsu climbed to her tree, dropping down beside her, but still keeping some distance.
"Luce…"
"I know you're not sorry, so don't say it. If time reversed, you would still do the same thing." She huffed and he thought over her words.
"Can I at least explain myself?" Lucy nodded in response. "Where we are, it's Hell's gate. There's an abundance of dark energy sleeping through, but I didn't notice it until I was in my true form. It kept calling out to me throughout the fight at the mansion. I looked to the other slayers, seeing if they could hear or feel it. They couldn't, though. It was just me. I had to follow it. What if I had switched back and lost it? It was our only lead to the whereabouts of the gate." He took a deep breath. "When I got here, Jellal and Erza were here. Apparently, an entire village nearby was destroyed and they came to explore it before stumbling upon this. I could smell you though, I knew you weren't far, so I waited. I knew you would find me. When I tried to meet you halfway, Erza offered to have a rematch and it's hard to negotiate with my true form. I enjoy fighting, it's who I am." He spoke softly. Throughout his explanation, he had inched over on the tree. His leg and arm were pressed against her own and the warmth had spread to completely engulf her. She couldn't help but bask in it.
"Okay." Lucy nodded, staring down at the water.
"Luce, I'm not sorry for what I did, but I am sorry for hurting you. I knew you were safe with the others and I never meant to worry you. Demons aren't really used to having people worry about them." He hung his head and Lucy finally turned to look at him. He looked miserable and her resolve shattered. She leaned forward, cupping his cheek to pull him towards her. She closed the space between them, melding their lips together. She was finally able to pour her soul into the kiss, that sweet swirl of emotions. Love, adoration, worry, fear, desire. Everything she felt in that moment, she tried to express to him. When they broke apart for air, Natsu's eyes were wide. Lucy pulled her gaze from his puffy lips to focus on his entire facial expression.
"I forgive you. Just don't leave me behind next time. I didn't know if you were hurt or where you were going. I was afraid I would never see you again." She frowned and he closed the space between them again. He pressed their foreheads together, breathing in their shared air.
"I promise. Luce, I-" His words were cut short by the flapping of wings.
"He loooovvveeesss you." Happy snickered above them, circling their heads.
"Happy?" Natsu shot up off the tree, snatching the floating cat out of the sky. He squeezed him against his chest, tears running down his cheeks. "You're alive? How are you alive?"
"Natsu. You're squishing me." Happy squirmed in his grasp. Natsu extended his arms, still holding Happy. He stared into the cat's eyes and smiled widely. "I lost my memories after the battle. An old woman on a farm nursed me back to health but it took a few years for the memories to come back. Then I found the twins and they pointed me to Lucy and the others. Lucy took care of me." Natsu pulled him back against his chest and Lucy smiled at the pair.
"Thank-you Lucy." He choked out, tears still flowing freely.
"Happy and I are friends. Friends look out for each other." She smiled and Natsu returned it with one of his own.
"Come on, I'm sure the others are waiting with Erza and Jellal." He released Happy, who settled on his shoulder, snuggling into the curve of his neck.
"Aye sir!" Happy cheered as Natsu entwined his fingers with Lucy's once again. Happy snickered about them being in love the entire trip back to the clearing. He was having way too much fun with that.
"NATSU!" Gajeel bolted through the woods and Natsu released Lucy's hand the second Gajeel's fist collided with his face. Natsu flew back, his body cracking through multiple trees. Happy had sprawled out on the ground and Lucy quickly scooped the disoriented cat up.
"Glad to see nothing has changed." Laxus chuckled, standing at the edge of the clearing. "Come on Lucy, Happy. The others are with Erza and Jellal." Lucy paused, studying Natsu's bloody lips and Gajeel's offensive stance. "Gajeel is just pissed that Natsu made you cry. Come on." Laxus stepped forward, grabbing Lucy's wrist and yanking her from the forest.
"Where is he?" Grace growled as she shoved through the underbrush, dagger raised. Cubellios slithered through the overgrown grass, tracking Grace's movements with an excited glint in her eyes.
"Grace! Just leave it alone! Gajeel is handling it!" Cobra chased after her and Lucy couldn't help but laugh at the sheer ridiculousness of it all.
"Is everyone always this rambunctious?" Erza glanced at Wendy, who shrugged.
"Yep. It's usually Natsu directing it at Gray or Gajeel. It's interesting to see the roles reversed." She giggled and Erza nodded, clearly intrigued by the entire dynamic.
"Yo! Can you idiots be serious for a few minutes?" Laxus shouted, before stomping through the trees.
"I can be of assistance. Hold this, please." Erza handed Lucy her sword before following Laxus. Lucy nearly fell forward, the sword hitting the dirt. Lucy tried her best to hold it, but it was too heavy for her.
"Erza gets a little carried away sometimes. Want me to take that?" Jellal had an adoring glint in his eyes as he smiled sheepishly.
"I'm good, don't worry." She huffed, getting a good grip on the hilt to keep the sword from touching the dirt anymore. "I'm sorry for throwing you into a tree. I thought Natsu was in trouble."
"It's all forgiven. I was just impressed with your strength. When Master said we had a new member, I thought you were a novice, but I was wrong." He smiled gently.
"You're in Fairy Tail?" Lucy inquired and he nodded.
"That whole story is quite complicated, but let's just say I owe Erza and Fairy Tail my life." He shrugged and Lucy nodded before turning to see Erza dragging Natsu and Gajeel out by their ears. She controlled two dragon slayers without even breaking a sweat. Just how powerful was Erza?
"They don't call her the Queen of Fairies for nothing. She was the strongest member of Fairy Tail before the slayers joined. I'm pretty sure her magic and fighting strength surpass all of us except for Natsu. It's why he respects her so much." Cobra stood beside Lucy, an annoyed Grace pouting on the ground at his feet. She sat cross-legged, fists clenched. Her back was pressed against his leg and she fixed a glare on Natsu. Cubellios was watching from a distance, guarding from the shadows.
"She's amazing." Lucy watched her in awe as she tossed both dragon slayers in the center of the group.
"Apologize and move on. The past cannot be rewritten. You must stay strong and connected. If your bonds falter, we will have no chance of winning this battle." She declared and Natsu huffed, extending his hand. Gajeel scowled, shaking it with reluctance.
"If you ever hurt Bunny Girl like that again, I won't let Erza stop me." Gajeel grunted before stomping over to Lucy. He ruffled her hair with his hand and sighed. "You're Levy's best friend and basically my little sister. That idiot won't do something like that again." He assured her before stalking off to the edge of the woods. Wendy went after Gajeel, Cobra joining them. Grace was sulking with Cubellios now coiled by her legs. Happy was trying to cheer her up, though she looked more annoyed by his presence. Erza, Jellal, and Laxus were talking. That left Natsu in the center, looking a little lost. Lucy walked over to him, tugging on his hand gently. She pulled him down under a tree on the edge of the clearing and curled up against him. In that moment, she just wanted the contact. His warm energy surrounded her again and he opened his arms so she could move even closer. She pressed against his chest.
"I'm sorry Gajeel did that. Are you hurt?"
"Nah. I deserved that. Metalface was just showing me how much of an idiot I was. So was Grace. I'm okay, really." He assured her, tangling his fingers in her hair. "This gate...I have this uncertainty settled in my stomach like a hot ball of lead. I'm not feeling great about this whole situation." He confided in her and she waited for him to continue. "Hell, it was sealed away with celestial and druid magic years ago. A whole guild of them sealed us away and built this gate. When Zeref destroyed it and freed us the first time, we offered to seal ourselves away. Our dragons helped us. To seal this gate, it tore a piece of our souls out. While the slayers survived, our dragons did not. They lost their physical forms, their souls remaining in Hell. We only came topside again when druids released us to help fight off a group of dark guilds. Jellal was a member of one, hellbent on awakening Zeref. He was being possessed up until Erza subdued him. Now, I'm afraid of what else we will have to sacrifice to open and reseal this gate. Is it worth the risk?" Lucy tried to process everything he said quickly.
"What would be more dangerous, letting Zeref get topside and fighting him up here or unsealing the gate and defeating him in Hell?" She pondered aloud.
"Letting him out of Hell would lead to devastation and most likely, the extinction of the human race." Natsu muttered grimly.
"Then we will unseal the gate! If celestial magic and druids formed it, maybe my spirits know something that could help. Jayce might also know something." She suggested and he nodded.
"I need Jayce before we open this gate. I need him to talk to our dragons for us. They need to prepare for war." Natsu grumbled and Lucy's heart quickened. She swallowed her fear though. She knew what she was getting into when she joined the slayers. She knew it could lead to war. The ground began quaking underneath them and Natsu jumped, scooping Lucy into his arms. She clung onto him as he launched them into a tree. Together, they scanned the scene below them. Everyone had scattered, hiding in different trees and crevices.
"I'm so sorry." A soft voice whispered in Lucy's ear before a sonic boom smacked into Natsu and Lucy. Natsu turned his body, holding Lucy above him as he caved the ground in from the impact. He grunted, clutching her close to him until his body stopped moving. He swiftly pulled them to their feet, positioning himself in front of Lucy. Lucy's ears were ringing and she wasn't able to hear anything, even if Natsu was talking to her. She freed her keys from her pocket, settling on Capricorn. Not knowing who the enemy was, a quick fighter was a solid option. She summoned him swiftly, her clothes shifting as her hair twisted into thick braids down her back. She slipped her dark frames over her eyes and whispered to Capricorn to keep an eye out for sudden movements. Flames sparked on Natsu's fists, engulfing his entire hands and wrists. He sprinted forward, his fist colliding with something Lucy couldn't even see. She yanked her arm back, nearly hitting Grace in the face. She beckoned for Lucy to follow her and Lucy obeyed, trekking into the forest after her. Capricorn stayed with the slayers, attacking something Lucy couldn't process.
"They're...hunters. They manipulate…..make you see creatures that...actually there. It seems to only affect other-worldly beings like the slayers...spirits...close Capricorn's..." Grace spoke right into Lucy's ear. And though she said a lot more, that's all Lucy could catch. She hoped it was an accurate summary as she pulled Capricorn's gate shut. Of course, she had to use force because he was urging her to keep it open. At least she didn't summon Loke, who could have forced the gate back open effortlessly.
"Are you guys okay?" Happy landed by Lucy's feet, shouting up at both of them. Lucy nodded as Grace responded to him. "We have to find Erza! She's the only one that can restrain them!" Happy gestured for them to follow, but a large figure blocked their path. He was a tall, lanky man with a wicked smirk on his face. Grace tensed, grabbing Lucy's wrist to keep her from moving.
"Grace….lovely...you" The man's jaw was clenched and he narrowed his gaze on her. "Sorry….spirits." He seemed to chuckle at that and Lucy cursed softly. She couldn't summon her spirits if they'll just fall victim to whatever hallucinations the slayers are seeing. She also couldn't hear well, rendering her basically useless. Grace freed her dagger, shoving Lucy behind her. She raised her weapon, standing defensively before the man. "No..use…" The man huffed as another sonic boom separated the group, their bodies scattering as they crashed through the trees. Lucy was disoriented, her body sprawled out in a shrub. She shoved herself up, thorns ripping into her skin as she fought her way out of the tangled bush.
"Nope." A cloth bag was yanked over her head and she screamed for Natsu. It's the only thing she could do.
"LUCY!" Natsu roared from wherever he was. The last thing Lucy felt was an intense heat before she lost consciousness.
Lucy jolted awake, gasping for air as her lungs screamed for oxygen. Her entire body ached, her inner ears especially. Her eyes were struggling to adjust to the lack of light, which didn't help her disorientation. Her back was pressed up against stone, her arms chained above her. At least those limbs were numb. Where was she? How'd she end up here? The last thing she remembered...was when she was at the bar. Natsu and Cana had been arguing about her customer loyalty discount and what it actually meant. Cana claimed she brought in enough business that she deserved the beer refills she treated herself to. Lucy has stayed out of it, but of course Natsu tried to get her on his side.
"LUCY!" It was a girl's voice and she was screaming. Lucy scanned her surroundings, eyes finally settling on a brunette braid, caramel skin, and warm brown eyes.
"Do I know you? Why are we here?" The girl faltered the second Lucy spoke. Her eyes widened, the hope that was once swirling in her eyes gone. Maybe Lucy knew her from the bar? She didn't recognize her at all though.
"Lucy...I'm Grace. We've been traveling together for months with the dragon slayers…" Her voice trailed off, words soaked in uncertainty. "Erik was right." She huffed softly, a curse following the statement.
"The dragon slayers? What are you talking about? Those monsters were banished over a decade ago." This girl was crazy. Of course, Lucy wakes up in some dungeon with a lunatic. It's just her luck. If only she could find her gate keys. Her spirits could get her out of this.
"Lucy…" She took a deep breath, shutting her eyes. "Describe Natsu to me."
"You know Natsu?" Lucy blurted, refocusing on this Grace person.
"Yes. Now please, just do it." She spoke softly, eyes still closed.
"Well, he's my best friend. He has pink spiky hair and a bright smile. He has these onyx eyes that are always observing and his laugh can range from utterly obnoxious to absolutely enduring. And I can't refrain from smiling when I'm around him. He's a bartender at Fairy Tail and he always makes everyone smile and laugh. He can be a little snarky though at times…" Lucy hadn't even realized that she was staring right at Natsu. "Natsu! You're here!"
"Heya Luce." He grinned at her, his smile brightening the room. She smiled sweetly, tears welling in her eyes.
"He's not actually there. It's my magic. I can fabricate images from your memory." Grace huffed, her eyes opening slowly.
"But… you got his clothes exactly right. I didn't even describe them and I was picturing him wearing his winter coat…" Lucy trailed off and Grace sighed.
"I can see him in your memory, but this is also what he was wearing when I met him. Look, I can make Gajeel and Wendy too." Just like that, her friends formed beside Natsu. Gajeel wore his casual smirk and Wendy beamed at her, slipping her arms behind her back. She raised up on her toes and back down, her hair swaying to follow her motion.
"But...they look so real." Lucy's eyes were wide. Another person formed on the other side of Natsu, but his figure was distorted. The man was covered in onyx scales, wings expanding behind his back. Spikes took shape equidistant down his spine and around the edges of his wings. He had talons protruding from his fingers, horns curving out of his hair, and elongated fangs. Despite all that, Lucy would know that smile anywhere. Lucy shook her head. No, no, no. She refused to believe it.
"This is Natsu's true form. He's a demon, the leader of the dragon slayers. He's still your best friend though. The slayers were falsely accused and forced into hiding. Natsu's older brother, Zeref, he's back and we were trying to gather all the slayers to storm the gates of Hell. We had just reunited with Natsu when we were attacked and snatched. Apparently, between you, Jellal, and myself; our bounty is pretty freakin' high. Lucky us." Grace sighed, letting out a breath she had been holding. Sweat was beading on her brow and she rested her head against the wall. "I can use their magic to get you out, but I need you to trust me. We have to stick together to get out of here."
"She is right, Lucy. We need to work together. I can't get out of these cuffs, but celestial spirits know how." Another woman's voice, much deeper than Grace's, sounded from the other side.
"Erza! You're down here too?" Grace leaned closer to the bars, eyes squinting. "Fire dragon's roar!" Grace and Natsu's voice melded together. The fabrication of Natsu released a wall of fire from his mouth, lighting the torch residing on the wall aflame. The image vanished and Grace was panting softly. With the added light, Lucy could see the woman with scarlet hair.
"Yes. I didn't want them to take Jellal. He's been through too much because of Zeref already. His bounty is higher than both of your's combined. I couldn't let them take him. " Erza hung her head, her fists clenching.
"Are both of you my comrades? I don't know why I don't remember either of you..." Tears were forming in Lucy's eyes. Why couldn't she remember? Her body jolted as the fabrication of Gajeel snapped the chain holding her wrists to the wall. Her knees hit the floor and she grunted.
"We are. We have to hurry Lucy. We can figure everything else out after we get out of here. Help Erza first!" Grace huffed, desperately trying to calm her breathing. The other two fabrications vanished and Lucy shoved herself to her feet. She slipped through the bars, her body just thin enough to fit. She stood before Erza, placing her hands on the cuffs and sending small bursts of energy in. Within moments the cuffs shattered. Erza sighed in relief, rubbing her wrists with a soft smile.
"Thank-you, for believing us. I know it's difficult, but it will all make sense when we find Natsu and the others. They can't be far away." Erza assured her, squeezing her shoulder gently before sliding through the bars. Lucy followed her, watching in awe as she pulled a sword from the air. In a swipe, Grace's arms were free. They looked at each other in silence, thinking over their situation. Erza handed Grace two daggers and turned to hand Lucy a sword. "Stay focused and stay close. These wizards tend to live in the walls." She warned before pushing the edge of her spear through the knob of the door. The lock and knob shattered from the impact and light surrounded Erza's body. Her clothing shifted to reveal black and silver plated armor, wings arching from her back. "This is my black-winged armor. It'll be useful when we reach our exit. Come on and stay close."
"My keys. Do you know where they put them? My spirits, I can't leave without them!" Lucy pauses, frantically searching for a nearby room. The hallway they were standing in seemed endless, the walls bare and made of solid stone. There wasn't a doorway in sight though.
"Natsu has them. He's guarding them for you, I promise. I know you don't remember me, but I would never lie to you about that." Grace. She squared her shoulders, maneuvering to stand in front of Lucy. She grabbed Lucy's hand and pulled her down the hallway, one of the daggers clapping against her hip. The other dagger was in her free hand, positioned to strike if needed. Lucy did believe her. She had no reason not to. Except, now she was panicking that Natsu knew her secret. Maybe he would let her help with that dark guild problem now. Maybe this is a good thing. This will get all their secrets out in the open. Her memory was a little hazy after that encounter though and the last thing she remembered was calming a screaming Natsu and falling asleep on the couch in her apartment. Was that after the argument with Cana? Why was everything foggy? She pushed, trying to make sense of everything. A groan escaped Lucy's lips and she leaned forward, pain making a home at the base of her skull. It expanded, its tendrils encasing her skull and settling in her forehead. She stumbled, trying to keep pace with Grace and Erza, but the pain was too much. She fell to her knees, tears streaming down her cheeks as she sobbed.
"Lucy!" Grace was on her knees, hands on Lucy's shoulders. Lucy couldn't even form a word to respond to her, so she continued sobbing.
"You should probably avoid digging in your memories. It's no use until Raylik is dead. You're cursed." A young girl whispered in her ear and Grace bolted forward, slamming her against the wall. Erza's dagger pressed against her throat and Grace's eyes were wild.
"You. You're the bitch that caught Natsu off guard. The one that can use sound magic." Grace growled. The girl flinched back, eyes wide.
"Y...yes. My name is Melody. I am Raylik's younger sister. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. I didn't have a choice, but I've come to make amends."
"Erik told me all about your internal dilemma. It doesn't excuse what you did. I'll never forgive you for what you did to Natsu and Erik." Grace spat at her, fury in her eyes.
"That was Zash. I had no say in that matter. I'm just grateful your leader is still alive. Without the sky dragon slayer, he surely would have perished in his human form." Melody sighed, looking away from the waves of anger directed at her.
"What happened to Natsu?" Lucy jumped forward, leaning over Grace to stare Melody down. Her heart was beating frantically and she couldn't slow it.
"Zash, he has the magical ability to turn comrades against each other. He made the poison dragon slayer and fire dragon slayer enemies since they were the most troublesome during the fight." Melody explained, her voice low.
"Zash Caine. He was the one who sought us out for the bounty. He's greedy and ruthless, a power-hungry monster. The dragon slayers may be labeled as monsters, but that man is a true monster. He had many wizards wrapped around his finger, wizards just like Melody, Raylik, and Chauncey. During the fight, Cobra got the jump on Natsu when Lucy was taken. Natsu was hit right through the abdomen. When Wendy was there to heal him, Cobra had managed to snap out of it and attacked Zash. That's all I saw before running to Jellal. I'm sorry." Erza had stepped towards them, placing a hand on Lucy's shoulder and the other on Grace's shoulder. Grace's knuckles were white, her hand gripping the dagger tightly. She was focused on Melody, though her shoulders tensed at the mention of Raylik and Chauncey. "We need to keep moving and we need Melody's help to do it, so come on." Erza pulled, Lucy stumbling back to follow the motion of her hand. Grace was unmoving though, her arm quivering now.
"I will never forgive you and if Erik is hurt in anyway, I will kill you." Grace growled before dropping her arm to her side. She turned from Melody and stormed off down the hallway. Erza patted Melody's shoulder before turning to look at Lucy.
"Natsu is strong. Stronger than you can even imagine. Don't worry." She assured her before gesturing for Melody to lead the way. Lucy nodded, her hands curled to her chest as her heart finally calmed. Melody paused by her and pressed something into Lucy's hands.
"I managed to grab this for you. You had dropped it when I attacked. I hope it's of some comfort or use to you." Melody whispered before leading them through winding tunnels. Lucy studied the golden key in her hands. Capricorn. She clutched it to her heart and hurried after them. They seemed to walk for hours and Lucy was sure the group would've gotten lost without Melody's help.
"Trraaiitttoorrr." The walls seemed to hiss at them and Melody paused, her shoulders tensing.
"I'll handle them. Hurry. Go straight ahead and make a sharp right. It'll lead you to the back exit. Then, run as fast as you can in any direction. Just try to get as far from here as possible." Melody shouted, her arms shaking as her fists clenched.
"We can fight." Erza raised her sword, shoulders squared.
"No. You have to get out of here! Go, now!" Melody raised her palms, the walls shaking from the impact of her sound wave. Figures dropped from the walls and Lucy didn't need anymore convincing. She snatched Grace's wrist and pulled her by Erza and down the hall. Erza was on their heels and they followed Melody's directions. The warm air hit them like a wall as they burst through the door. The humidity clung to their skin and Lucy was sweating.
"Now this just won't do. Did you actually think you can escape?" A man hissed as the trees shook around him. A cigar hung loosely from his lips and he cracked his knuckles.
"Don't look in his eyes." Erza snapped, charging right at him with her sword raised. The man must have been Zash. He snatched Erza's sword from the sky, tossing it back at her and kicking her square in the chest. A woman fabricated in front of him, but he cut right through her.
"She's long dead. Your mind tricks won't work on me, you fool." He punched Grace across the face, sending her flying.
"Capricorn!" Lucy shouted, magic pulsing from her heart to her fingertips as it enveloped the key. Her clothes shifted, deep purple cloth covering her skin. Her hair stretched down in braids and she slid the black glasses over her face, shielding her eyes. "Let's go!" Lucy bolted forward with Capricorn beside her. The pair fought together, punch after punch, kick after kick. Zash was able to keep up with both of them, though Lucy did manage to push him back a step. The ground was caved in by the pressure from his stance before he nailed Lucy in the chest. She was sent flying, a grunt escaping her as her magic recoiled like a snapped rubber band. Capricorn's gate shut, pulling the spirit and his magic back into the celestial world.
"You caught me by surprise celestial wizard and I will always remember that. Too bad you have to die. The bounty was worth much more for you alive, but he also said he would accept your lifeless body. Such a shame to waste such a beautiful body." Zash licked his lips, yanking Lucy up by her hair. She hadn't even blinked. How'd he end up in front of her so fast? He held a curved blade to her throat as she squirmed in his grasp.
"Lucy!" Grace. Erza. She could hear the fear and panic in their voices. Now Lucy had to die, without the memories of her friends and her adventures. It wasn't fair. She shut her eyes, waiting for the blade to slit her throat.
"LUCY!" Intense heat swallowed her as her body smacked against the ground. "Crimson lotus, phoenix blade!" She opened her eyes to see a man with spikes, wings, and scales engulfed by flames. He smashed into Zash with a sharp uppercut, sending Zash sprawling through the sky. The man jolted forward, slamming into Zash head-first, the pair exploding into flames. The residual fire licked at Lucy's skin and she tried to crawl back, in awe of the sheer power flowing from her savior. It was like his physical form couldn't contain the abundance of magical power he possessed. She never felt anything like it. The man hit the ground in front of her, his feet scorching the grass wherever he stepped. Smoke rolled off his skin, his scales covered in ashes from his attack. "Luce." He came even closer and Lucy tried to put more distance between them. She felt this foreign pull towards him, but despite that and the fact that the creature saved her, she was terrified.
"What the hell are you?" She shouted and he stopped moving, eyes wide. "I don't know who you are. Please just leave me alone." Her limbs were shaking and the creature knelt in front of her. Before her eyes, scales retreated to reveal pale, scarred skin. Talons were pulled back under fingernails, horns vanishing into familiar pink spikes. The wings retracted, folding up until they vanished from sight. Standing before her was Natsu, wearing an expression that she never saw on his face before. He was distraught and concerned, slowly reaching his hand out to brush a tangled lock of hair behind her ear. She flinched back, her eyes wide. Grace was right. Natsu was a demon. He was the leader of the dragon slayers and he had so much power. He could easily wipe out kingdoms by himself if he wanted to. He could have brought the entire magic council to their knees without breaking a sweat.
"Luce. I'm Natsu. I'm your best friend." He was hesitant, reaching his hand out again. She pushed herself to her feet, putting more distance between them.
"No. What happened to you?" Her voice was wavering, lip quivering as she spoke. This entire encounter, it shattered her heart. A heavy weight settled on her chest and she begged any higher power that would listen that this was all a terrible, terrible nightmare.
"Please, Luce. I love you." Natsu's shoulders hunched. He had stayed kneeling on the ground, not wanting to frighten her further.
"You're a monster!" She shouted, kicking up dirt as she sprinted into the trees. She had to get out of here or figure out how to wake up. She had to or her soul would shatter.
