Sorry it's taken so long for me to update. I've been wanting to focus on my story but there's been a lot going on and I haven't felt inspired. I managed to finish chapter 6 and chapter 7 will be up soon. Promise.

Hope you like this one.

I do not own Fairy Tail.

6.

The next morning Lucy awoke, she was still sleepy but the sun was bright and the air was crisp. She could smell something delicious. Curious to find out what was cooking she tried to sit up but was trapped by someones's arm. Looking over to who the arm belonged to she yelped, she was being cuddled by Erza!

Erza's eyes shot wide open at the sound of her scream. "Good morning to you too Lucy" she said flatly.

"Sorry, I was startled by your embrace,"

"Were you hoping for someone else?" she smirked.

Lucy sighed at her new friend. "HaHa, I was just a little surprised, I would have done the same thing if it were Natsu or Gray," she half lied, Gray would have startled her yes but she had woken up in Natsu's arms and that didn't seem to bother her. She got out of bed and stretched. Erza was already up and dressed. "I'm sure you would have, you little minx."

Lucy didn't understand what she meant by that but followed her outside the tent hoping for a cup of coffee and to find out what that amazing smell was.

"Oh hey guys, it's about time you're up," Natsu said, mixing something in a pan that was over the fire. "I'm making some breakfast and Gray made some coffee."

"I see you helped yourselves to my supplies" Erza muttered, walking over to him and punching his arm. "Better have made something for all of us."

"Of course," He said rubbing the spot where she punched him.

"Has anyone seen Gray?" Lucy asked,

"He made coffee and walked off,"Happy said,

"He was up before us all, I caught him sitting outside, I grabbed supplies for breakfast and coffee, he took the coffee supplies and I got started on breakfast, once coffee was made he poured a cup and walked off." Natsu said poking the food that he was cooking.

"I hope everything is okay?" Lucy worried, after the run in with the Vulcans yesterday and the cave she didn't want anything bad to happen to him.

"I'm sure he's fine," Erza said grabbing some coffee for herself.

Lucy poured herself some coffee as well and went back to the tent to change her clothes. The warm clothes she had on yesterday were luckily dry from her dip in the hot spring. She attached her keys and her whip to her belt. She was ready to get their adventure started. Outside she noticed Gray was back, everyone was eating but him, he was just sipping on his cup of coffee away from the group.

"Here Lucy, I made you a plate." Natsu waved her over, she sat down next to him and took the plate of hot food he had made for her.

"I'm not the greatest cook, but breakfast in the most important meal of the day," Natsu encouraged.

She looked down at the food he had prepared, it looked edible and it smelled amazing, she took a spoonful of food in her mouth, it wasn't bad, could use some salt and pepper. "Natsu, you're not a bad cook, thank you," She told the dragon slayer, "You're welcome, glad you like it." he appreciated her compliment. He usually didn't cook, he would either eat at the guild hall or he would go out. Once Lucy finished her food and coffee she helped Natsu clean the plates and put out the fire.

Erza began tearing down the tent and packing up her cart. "Gray, Happy could I get some help packing up the rest."

"Aye sir, what would you like me to do?" Happy asked

"Gather the sleeping bags and put them here," She pointed to where she wanted them on the cart. Happy saluted her and began rolling up the bags. Gray didn't ask for a list he just started picking up every little thing that Erza and Happy didn't.

The cart was full of their things and secured down, Lucy took her backpack full of all her essentials and put it on ,she didn't want to keep it on the cart just in case something happened along their journey. She was carrying the map, food, extra clothes and the first aid kit she got from Zara.

"Lucy, can I see the map?" Erza asked the blonde, snapping her out of her own thoughts.

"Sure," Lucy pulled out the map from her bag and handed it to the red head. "Here you go,"

"Thank you," She pulled the map open and looked at it. She rotated the map looking at it from every direction. She flipped it over and read the clues to herself. "Hmm" she wondered. Everyone was watching her as the wheels turned in her head.

"So, do you have any ideas?" Lucy asked

Erza had a puzzle expression on her face. "If we continue along the trail, I bet we will run into more caverns and maybe, just maybe the sword will be in one of them."

That wasn't the answer that Lucy was hoping for but who was she kidding, they have gotten lucky finding the bow, who knows what else was in store for them. At least they had a direction for now.

"So basically, you're saying we need to search this entire mountain?" Gray questioned

"Not the whole mountain, but in my experience searching for missing items they often are close to one another, so by following the trail North and checking every cave we find, hopefully we have a better chance at finding the sword." Erza told everyone.

Gray nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, that makes sense," Lucy agreed taking the map back from Erza and putting it back in her bag.

"AYE SIR" Happy said.

"So what are we waiting for, lets go" Natsu said waiting for everyone to follow his lead.

"Uh, Natsu, North is that way." Lucy said pointing in the correct direction. "Oh, I knew that" He stood scratching his head a bit embarrassed.

"Lets hope we don't run into anything that will try to kill us" Lucy said.

...

They had hiked a few miles before they came across the first cave of the day, they left the cart outside and wondered in.

"Wow, this one looks the same as the last ones," Happy said floating above everyone.

"Yeah, most caves do look the same." Lucy pointed out.

"Alright everyone, fan out and search for anything that would lead us to the sword but be careful, you remember what happened last time." Erza announced.

The members of Fairy Tail split up and each took a path inside the cave, but came up empty handed. There was nothing but dirty ice and rocks. "Looks like this cave is a dud," Happy said flatly.

"Yeah nothing but ice," Natsu said picking up a chunk of ice and throwing it at Gray hitting him in the arm.

"Hey, what was that for lava head?" Gray asked confused, Natsu shrugged and turned away.

"Guys, remember no fighting," Lucy said sternly. Gray sighed, Natsu was the one starting it but nodded putting his hands in the pockets of is pants. "Yeah, alright" Natsu huffed.

...

By late noon the team had searched 4 caves but didn't find anything, no clues and no sword. "Should we stop for a quick lunch break?" Lucy asked, she was walking next to Erza while Natsu and Happy followed behind. Gray was walking up ahead of the group lost in thought, he had been quiet most of the morning.

"Sure, that sounds like a splendid idea, I have the perfect lunch for us" Erza said rummaging through her cart and pulling out a basket.

"Whatcha got in there?" Natsu asked smelling the air trying to catch the scent of whatever was inside.

"Sandwiches from the deli in town, I was saving them for such an occasion." she opened the basket and passed out food to everyone. Gray was sitting on a rock from the group

"What's up with Gray?" Lucy asked.

"I don't know, he's not his usual self, I mean look at him he hasn't taken one article of clothing off all day." Natsu responded to her question.

"Oh, just let him be I am sure he will come around," Erza said.

"I hope so" Lucy said, "Maybe I'll just go talk to him.." Ignoring Erza she left the group. Gray was several yards away form the them, he knew they stopped to take a break and eat but he wasn't hungry and he didn't need a break.

"Gray?" Lucy asked, she had wandered over hoping to cheer up the ice wizard.

"Yeah" he said in a low voice

"Is something wrong?" she was standing behind him waiting for his response, he turned around to face her.

"Everything is fine, just starting to feel the cold that's all." he lied, he never felt the cold but he wasn't going to confront his feelings, not now. The truth was being out on the ice mountain was starting to remind him of his master, Ur, the one who taught him ice make magic. He was getting flash backs of his training and he wasn't sure how to stop the thoughts from flooding his mind.

"Oh, well I think there's an extra jacket on the cart if you want it," She told him. "If you ever want to talk, I know we just met a few days ago but we are friends right?" she said giving him a warm smile. "You know Erza would be pretty sad if you didn't eat the food she brought for us. She seems pretty excited about the sandwiches,"

He thought about it for a moment. "Alright, sorry for being so down, i'm fine now, lets go" but before Lucy could turn around to walk away she was being hugged by Gray. Lucy blushed, why would Gray hug her like this. He held her close to his chest, she returned the hug but with a loose grip not wanting to give him the wrong idea.

...

Back at the cart Natsu was watching Lucy and she had walked over to where Gray was, he heard the whole conversation with his dragon slayer hearing. He admired Lucy for her kind heart but he didn't like the way Gray hugged her. He let out a low grow.

"Looks like Gray and Lucy are getting real cozy," Happy snickered "They must be in looove," Natsu glared at his little buddy

"Natsu, everything alright?" Erza asked lifting an eyebrow at him.

"It's nothing," he hoped that no one heard him growl.

"Oh I am sure it's nothing, so what were you growling at? An ice squirrel?" There was no such thing.

"Erza, it's nothing, just drop it okay,"

"Oh? Does it have something to do with Lucy and Gray sharing warmth?"

"Why do you have to say it like that? No it doesn't bother me," he pouted

"You like her don't you?"

"WHAT?!"

"Who are you kidding Natsu, you love Lucy" Happy added.

"WOULD YOU TWO STOP GANGING UP ON ME.." Natsu yelled turning bright red.

"Natsu, you should just talk to her, before someone else does." she hinted looking back at Lucy and Gray who were walking back in their direction.

...

Lucy was glad she was able to get Gray to come back , she was however still thinking about that hug. Did Gray like her? Was that how he showed his friendship? Was that was it was like to have true friends? He didn't strike her as the touchy feely type not like Natsu, who would hug her or put his arm around her. She never thought much about that. It felt natural and she liked it. She shook her head getting the thoughts out of her mind. She definitely needed to talk to Erza about that one.

After they ate lunch and rested a bit they started walking again. This time they were more determined then ever to find the sword.

Gray was taking a turn pulling the cart, it helped give him something to think about other than his master or Lucy... he never had a female friend like her before. She was so kind hearted and beautiful, but he knew something was going on between her and Natsu, he didn't stand a chance but he would accept her friendship.

"Look over there," Erza pointed up, "looks like there's a cave up on the mountain side."

"How are we supposed to get up there?" Lucy asked "Why don't we just keep walking along this path I am sure there's plenty of caves to check that have a less dangerous route!?"

"No, this is the one, I have a strong feeling about it."

Natsu had walked over to Lucy's side and put an arm around her, "Come Lucy i'll make sure you get up there safely," he motioned his furry friend over "Happy would you do the honors?"

"Aye Sir" Happy's wings appeared and he flew over to Lucy and picked her up soaring up into the sky.

"AHH, a little warning would have been nice." She trusted Happy but it was still frightening being so high up above the snow and ice. She could see everyone down below.

"Hm, now we just need to think of a way up." Erza wondered

"Leave it to me," Gray said leaving the cart and walking over to the wall. Using his magic, he created an ice ladder. "Should hold but we should hurry,"

Erza moved her cart behind a large chunk of ice."Nice work Gray" she complimented

Happy and Lucy were waiting at the top. It had to be at least 150 feet down. She watched as Erza and Gray started to climb. "I'm gonna get Natsu, you gonna be okay up here?" Happy asked, she nodded.

Within a few minutes Happy was back with Natsu, "I could have flown everyone up here" Happy said putting Natsu down.

"They look like they are enjoying themselves." Lucy and Natsu looked over the edge at the two climbing up the ice ladder. Erza had a smile on her face enjoying the trek up the mountain side.

"Do you think we will find the sword here?" Lucy turned around to face the cave wrapping her arms around herself.

"I don't know, Erza seems pretty sure it will be here,"

"I hope it is, I want to move on to the next clue and get back. I really want to take a nice hot bath,"

"I'm sure we will find the last two artifacts in no time. We are the greatest team," Natsu put his arm around Lucy's shoulders. She felt butterflies in her stomach."Uh Natsu, when we get back do you think we could take a job just the two of us?" Lucy mustered up the courage to ask.

"Just the two of us, huh?" Did she just ask me to go on a job date he wondered. He did like the sound of that.

"Yeah, nothing crazy like this job, just something small, I think it would be fun. The two of us haven't been able to hang out much one on one." Her cheeks felt warm though they were already pink from the cold thankfully hiding the blush that was on her cheeks.

"Yeah, i'd love too." He smiled ear to ear his arm still around her.

Happy had been flying above watching as Erza and Gray were almost to the top. He was hovering above just incase he needed to swoop in for a rescue.

However, Happy was eavesdropping on the conversation that his best friend and Lucy were having. He wanted to tease them but didn't have it in him. He had never seen his best friend smile the way he was.

"What a work out," Erza managed to catch her breath.

"You're all sweaty," Happy observed

"That's what happens when you work hard." Erza told the feline.

Natsu and Lucy both let out a giggle.

"What are you two laughing about?" Gray asked, he was wearing the jacket the Lucy had offered, he rather be in just pants but he did tell her he was cold.

"Oh nothing," They both said at the same time smiling at one another. Gray rolled his eyes. "Whatever," Those two were in their own little world.

The truth was, Lucy couldn't believe she actually asked Natsu to go on a job with her and that he said yes. The two were feeling a bit embarrassed but relived.

"Enough chit chat," She looked over at Natsu and Lucy who were both still entranced in their pervious conversation. "it's time to find that damn sword!" Erza said.

...

The cavern went deep into the mountain side leading them to a series of tunnels. Erza surveyed the inside and came up with a plan. "Alright, Gray you take the left tunnel, I'll take the middle and Natsu and Lucy, why don't you take the right path." Erza said pointing to each tunnel as she spoke. "Natsu do you think you can light these for me" she gave him three torches.

"Where did you get those?" Lucy asked, there was no way she was getting her cart up here and she didn't notice anything on the ground. Did she have those in her armor?

"What about me?" Happy asked.

"Why don't you come with me?" Erza said with a smile.

"Aye sir"

Natsu lit each torch giving them back to Erza. She passed them out to Gray and Lucy and kept one for herself. Natsu created his own source of lit in his hand.

Each team took the assigned path unsure of where each would lead or what they would find. What they didn't know and what they were about to find out was the cave was enchanted and the entrance had closed leaving them all trapped.

How will they get out? Will they find the sword or was this all for nothing? Find out in chapter 7, coming soon.

Thanks for reading. :) This is a filler chapter sort of. After rereading it, I feel it's a bit rushed but it needed to happen.

ALSO I want to be better at responding to you guys, I want to thank all of you for reading and I do hope you continue to follow me on this adventure.

FireShifter: Thanks for reading! I am glad you're enjoying it. As for the quest, I started rewatching Fairy Tail and I got inspired to write a different version of Lucy's first job. I liked the idea of the team getting together from the very start.