It's Chapter 5 and we're on a roll!
So I guess I'm just updating at random intervals. :p lol No, I'm just updating so I can spend the weekend with my nephew whom I saw at the store today and I pretty much told his mom I was kidnapping him. She let me so eh. I guess it's all good.
Heads up! Many more characters are becoming involved. In this chapter alone 2 more people arrive to make their part in all this known. I know some of you are wondering why more people weren't seriously concerned about Lucy. Just stick with me. I promise everything will make sense as more information comes to light. Matter of fact, I think we have 2-3 more chapters before things start revealing themselves. Big Time. So just hang in there! You won't be disappointed!
Quickly, I wanna give a shout out to all who have followed and favorited this story. You guys are amazing. And honestly, just seeing how many of you there are makes me so happy that I literally just want to post new chapters left and right for all of you. I have to constantly remind myself that a slow pace is better in the long run.
And of course there's those who review. You guys are great as well. Thank you so much for letting me know how I'm doing.
You all mean so much to me that I want to know you all better! So I have a question for you all after the story. So don't forget to check that out at the bottom!
Now on with the show!
Disclaimer: I own nothing!
-Previously on To Rewrite Our Story-
Macao nodded his head in agreement. "Mirajane mentioned that the Slayers should be returning in the next few days. Something about receiving a letter saying so."
Makarov folded his hands neatly across his desk, leaning back fully in his chair. "Then let us hope they return in time." He slowly turned his head to the side, watching the setting sun through his small office window. 'Please Mavis. Look after my children and keep them safe.'
-To Rewrite Our Story-
Sunrise loomed over Magnolia, bathing the town in a soft glow. Inside a small apartment on Strawberry Street, coffee colored eyes fluttered open. Feeling the sun rise more than seeing it.
Raising up in her bed, Lucy peered around her still darkened room. A small sliver of light gleamed through her window, chasing the remaining shadows away. Turning, she planted both feet flat on the floor. She sat there a moment waiting to fully awaken. Looking to her right arm, she clenched her hand. Trying to relieve herself of the tingly feeling racing up her fingers. 'Must have slept wrong.' she thought tiredly.
Looking to her alarm clock, she noticed she hadn't slept nearly as much as she had the night before. 'I still got plenty of rest though. So beggars can't be choosy.' Shaking the sleep from her head, she stood. Going to the bathroom, she started a bath. Her intent to waste a few hours in bubbly heaven distracting her from her still trembling fingers.
-TROS-
Two hours later and she was perfectly pruned. Browsing through her closet, she decided on a simple blue tank and white skirt. She was just pulling on her signature boots when a brisk knock sounded through her apartment. Looking toward her front door, Lucy furrowed her brows in curiosity. 'Who could that be?' she wandered as she made her way to greet her unknown guest.
Opening her front door, Lucy was greeted with flowing crimson hair and a bright smile. "Erza?!" she questioned, shocked to see her female teammate. "What are you doing here?"
The great Titania nodded her head in greeting. "Good morning to you as well!" Erza peeked past her into her apartment before leveling her gaze back to Lucy. "May I come in?"
Lucy stared at the surprise visitor for but a moment more before snapping from her shock. Nodding her head, she stepped back. Allowing the requip mage to enter. Stepping inside, Erza quickly made herself comfortable in her desk chair. Crossing her legs in a ladylike manner.
Lucy closed her door as she watched her friend cautiously. "So when did you get back?" she asked, taking a seat at her small table.
Erza flashed her another smile. "Gray and I returned just this morning." She absently straightened the papers laying on the desk. "I'm terribly sorry we had to leave you here alone." She looked sincere.
Lucy gave her a smile of her own. "It's fine. I understand." She smoothed her skirt down. "Plus I doubt Jellal would have been that happy if I kept you from seeing him."
Erza blushed, embarrassed at the mention of the Crime Sorciere mage. "He would have understood." Her face hardened as she gave the younger girl a stern look." We would have returned much sooner had we known you were sick."
Lucy lowered her head, ashamed. "I wasn't that sick. Just trouble sleeping."
The titania shook her head. "Doesn't matter." Leaning forward, she pinned Lucy with the most disappointed look she could muster. "We're a team Lucy. With all that we've been through you should be able to confide in us. No matter what the subject." She straightened her back, giving off a sense of power with just her posture. "But enough about that. I'm sure you're wondering why I'm here so early."
The celestial mage giggled softly, hidden only partially behind a raised hand. "The thought had crossed my mind." Lucy couldn't help the soft smile on her face. 'Back to business as usual. That's just like Erza.' she thought affectionately. But her smile slipped upon the concerned look the requip mage gave her. 'Did something happen?'
Noticing Lucy's face now filled with worry, Erza continued. "Master has requested me to bring you to the guild as soon as possible." The soft tone in her voice only confirmed Lucy's fears. Something was most definitely wrong.
Fiddling with her fingers that laid in her lap anxiously, Lucy asked the question that worried her most. "Is it Natsu?" She bit her lip, nibbling at it roughly. "Did something happen? Is he alright?" She flinched as the taste of copper filled her mouth.
Erza held up at hand trying to placate the worried blonde. "Nothing of the sort. Last anyone had heard, their mission went splendidly and they should be returning within the week."
Lucy tilted her head causing Erza to gently laugh at the childish look of confusion on her dear friend's face. "Everyone is fine. I promise. Master just said he needed to talk to you urgently." Titania then sighed as her shoulders sagged just the tiniest bit. "It is concerning though."
"What is?" Lucy asked, brows furrowed in question.
The requip mage took her teammate in, submitting every little detail to memory before responding in her usual blunt fashion. "Master has locked himself away in his office. Refusing to see anyone."
The way she said it. A serious look in her eyes, straight face, and upright posture. Lucy just knew that something was terribly wrong. "Anyone?"
Erza nodded her head before sending a pointed look her way. "No one. But you."
-TROS-
After her brief talk with the requip mage, Lucy had rushed through her small apartment. Finished getting dressed and having already grabbed her keys with bag in tow, she had rejoined Erza who had patiently waited at her front door. From there they had set off toward the guild.
Their walk went as normal as it could. A few citizens had waved their hellos. A couple had even tried to stop and talk awhile. Tried being the key word. For just one look from the red haired wizard had them quickly rerouting. Erza was dead set on her mission. And nobody would interfere. Not even the innocent civilians of Magnolia who were none the wiser.
Before long, the large guild of FairyTail loomed over the two girls. Shrouding them in it's shadow. Lucy couldn't control her palpitating heart. Feeling almost as if it would burst from her chest at any moment. Lucy could only remember one other time she had been this nervous at the sight of those wooden doors. It had been years since that day. The day Natsu first brought her to FairyTail.
She watched as Erza pushed the door open, backing up slightly to allow Lucy entry first. Gathering her courage, Lucy straightened her back and proceeded forward. Once inside she was frozen solid as countless eyes watched her. She didn't even register Erza coming to stand beside her. Too focused on her many guildmates weighing her down with their stares. They knew. They knew something was up with Makarov. And they knew it had something to do with her. There was no other explanation for so many questioning looks being sent her way. There were also looks of concern. Mostly from her dear friend Levy who sat nearby, a book in hand. There was also Mirajane behind the bar. Although she tried to look preoccupied with the dishes in her arms, you could still see the brief glances she sent Lucy's way.
A loud chuckle and a random arm thrown around her shoulders snapped her to attention. Gray now stood on her other side, shirtless but sending her a smile. "Hey Lucy! How ya been?" The smile on his face seemed almost natural.
'If only his eyes didn't scream worry,' Lucy thought to herself. Giving him a gentle smile back, she patted the hand that laid over her shoulder. "I'm fine. Really." she whispered. Hoping to at least calm his worries if only a bit. Looking around she noticed only half of her guildmates still stared. "Have any idea what that's all about?" she asked, subtly nodding her head toward some tables.
Gray's smile eased a bit before looking in the direction Lucy had indicated. Realizing what she meant, he snickered. "They're just being nosy." Jerking his thumb towards the bar, he continued. "Apparently Macao got kicked out of Master's office early this morning." Lucy watched as Macao downed another mug full of alcohol as he sat beside Wakaba at the bar. "And after a couple beers, he spilled everything. No body allowed in until he's spoken to you."
Lucy absently nodded her head, telling the ice mage she understood. But she didn't. What on Earthland could have happened that would have the Master shut in his office?
Figuring she needed answers, Lucy started toward the stairs. "Then I guess I better get this over with, don't you think?" She carefully made her way up to Makarov's office. Erza in quiet tow behind her. She could feel everyone's eyes, following her every step. Lucy admitted to herself it was quite unnerving.
Arriving in front of Makarov's door, she hesitated. Everyone's stares making her even more nervous. A hand slipped in front of her, knocking firmly. Stunned, Lucy whipped around to see Erza retract her hand back. "You said you wanted to get this over with." Only Erza could take her own words and use them against her.
A stern voice slipped through the door. "I said no one is to bother me."
Clearing her voice, Erza stepped forward. "I brought Lucy as instructed."
There was a slight shuffling coming from beyond the door. Then the door swung inward. Makarov stood there, gesturing for them to enter. Taking the initiative, Erza scooted past Lucy. Taking a seat in one of the available chairs in front of Makarov's desk. Makarov sat back at his desk. Crossing her legs and settling her hands politely in her lap, Erza turned to Lucy. Obviously waiting on the frozen blond to quit blocking the doorway.
Swallowing harshly, Lucy stepped forward. CLosing the door softly behind her before taking her own seat as calmly as she could.
Makarov made himself busy moving papers around on his desk. When everything seemed somewhat organized, he opened a drawer to his left and pulled a single envelope from it. Fingering the corners, he settled his gaze on Lucy. "I apologize if this whole thing has caused you any problems. But-" he held the envelope up for Lucy to see. "- I wanted you to hear what Porlyusica has discovered."
Lucy focused on the letter. 'So that's my test results?' She wrung her hands anxiously. 'I don't understand. I thought everything was okay?' Stealing her resolve, she nodded her head. Signalling Makarov to continue.
He nodded then pulled the letter out. Unfolding it before smoothing out the wrinkles. Clearing his throat, he began.
"Black Scrawl - Negative."
"Border Disease -Negative."
"Insatia - Negative."
"Logic Virus - Negative."
"Phyloxiyma - Negative."
'What the hell are some of these?' Lucy asked herself. Having never even heard of some of the diseases Makarov named off. She nervously held her breath as he continued on.
"Zadius Syndrome - Negative."
"Twin Sight Fever - Negative."
"Symphonic Energy Overload Fever - Negative."
"Scurge - Negative."
"Magic Deficiency Disease - Negative."
"Anti-Ethernano Tumor - Negative"
Lucy perked up at the term. 'That's what Porlyusica thought Natsu had!' She pondered a moment. 'When did Porlyusica check me for that?'
"Common cold - Negative."
Makarov looked up at her, making direct eye contact. "As you probably can tell, we had Porlyusica do thorough testing on you." Laying the paper down, he went on as if he had memorized every word. "There's no abnormalities in your blood. No signs or symptoms of there being a demon curse in place. We even did a test for Reveris Disease." Noticing Lucy tilt her head in confusion, he explained. "Reveris Disease is similar to PTSD. The infected person has nightmares and dementia for about a week before falling into a coma. Survival rate is only 9.87% in most cases."
At the mention of death, both Lucy and Erza stiffened. Lucy gulped loudly, a clear sign of her anxiety. "Do I have it?"
Makarov gave her a reassuring smile. "Almost all the tests came back negative. Even if it had been inconclusive, Porlyusica assures me that you don't show all the signs of having it. Supposedly, if you did have it your face would be riddled with black veins not to mention you'd already be in a coma like state." He folded his hands curtly, focusing a grim expression her way. "If you had Reveris Disease, with how long it took you to finally seek help you would have already been dead."
Erza gasped in shock as Lucy felt her blood run cold. 'I'd be dead.' She kept repeating it in her head like a mantra. Each time, making herself more sick to her stomach than the last. So deep in her thoughts, she barely noticed Makarov scold her. Only paying attention when Erza grasped her shoulder.
"Lucy, this is serious." her voice shrill as her eyes filled with unshed tears. "You could have been laid up in your apartment dead! And no one would have known the wiser because you decided to keep it from everyone!"
Lucy choked as she was swarmed with emotions. Shame, anger, loneliness, fear. 'Oh god.'
Makarov held up a hand, trying to calm her red- haired friend. "But she didn't. And we should thank Mavis for that." Looking at Lucy, he stayed firm. "However, from now on there will be no more secrets. You so much as sneeze and I fully expect your teammates to know about it. Do you understand?"
Not able to speak without letting her emotions slip, Lucy nodded briskly. Accepting her nod as an agreement, Makarov sighed. "That out of the way, I'm afraid I'm not done quite yet. Porlyusica wrote a bit more."
He watched as Lucy ducked her head, no doubt hiding the tears that leaked from her eyes.
"Go ahead." her voice quivered.
Makarov nodded as he picked up the letter once again. Reading straight from its white pages. "Although most of the tests came back normally, one test did not. I did the requested thing you asked of me and received some curious answers."
Lucy looked up at him through her bangs, sniffling as quietly as she could manage. "You asked her to do a specific test?" she asked, her voice low and shaky.
Makarov nodded. "I did." Seeing Erza's interest peak as well, he explained. "We had a- well, a certain demon's blood kept aside for a rainy day. I asked her to test your sample against it."
Erza shot out of her seat as Lucy's head sprung up, a look of terrified shock on both of their faces.
"No, I will not tell you how we got it or from whom we got it from." he quickly said, hoping to placate them before an all out yelling match attracted the attention of more guild members.
Sitting down, shock still clearly registered on her face, Erza could only ask, "But why? Is there a reason you'd even think to test it on Lucy's blood?"
Makarov looked grim as he replied with a simple few words. "The book of E.N.D."
Everyone was quiet as both girls started to completely understand the seriousness of it all. Lucy had touched the book of E.N.D. She even went so far as to rewrite it. And the book of E.N.D. was a demon book. Just touching it should have cursed her to an early grave. But Gray had saved her. Using his father's passed down demon slayer abilities, he had expelled the curse from her body.
Lucy shivered as she recalled the icy chill that had engulfed her during that moment.
No.
Gray had saved her.
'Hadn't he?'
Looking to their short master, Lucy opened her mouth. Intent on asking what the results had been.
"And what were the results of this so-called test?" But Erza beat her to it.
Makarov leaned back in his chair, his eyes unconsciously going to his office window. "Inconclusive." he whispered.
Lucy squeezed her eyes shut as her face dropped into her hands.
"And what does that mean?" the requip mage asked as she tried to console her dear friend. Rubbing Lucy's back in an attempt to sooth her.
Makarov's eyes never left the horizon shown through his window. "After Tartarus, we performed many tests. Not wanting to ever be short sighted like we were before. Our experiments proved insightful. Under normal circumstances, demon blood will attack anything and practically destroy it. Porlyusica described it very much as a virus. Inserting into the body and simultaneously destroying every cell and organ it can find." He sighed deeply, bringing a hand up to rest his cheek upon. "Lucy's blood seemed to, for lack of a better word, bond with it. But it didn't just merge with it and became one. Lucy's blood apparently absorbed the demon blood."
Erza cast her gaze from Makarov to the still silent Lucy. With every word from their Master, the blond mage seemed to curl further and further into herself. Until she had wrapped herself up into a tiny ball on the plush chair. 'She's probably trying to hold herself together with all this new information coming to light." Erza thought sadly.
Looking to Makarov, Erza posed a few questions. Hoping for at least a little good news and some answers for her dear friend. "So what exactly is going to happen? Does that mean Lucy is a demon now?"
Makarov finally looked at his guests, taking in Erza's protective posture and Lucy's angonzied little form. Shaking his head, he addressed their concerns. "No. As far as Porlyusica can tell, Lucy is still herself. From what we have discovered, demon blood reacts violently to another demon's blood. Lucy's test results were very curious indeed." He straightened up in his seat. "As for your other question, we simply don't know."
Rising from his seat, he carefully walked around his desk until he stood in front of Lucy's chair. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he gripped it with just enough firmness to get her to look at him. When she did, pain gripped his heart. Her eyes were red and puffy as tears streamed down her cheeks. She looked so broken and Makarov internally cursed himself for making his child cry. Giving her the most reassuring smile he could, he spoke gently. "Don't worry. We're going to figure everything out and fix this."
Lucy gave a small hiccup then furiously swiped at her face. When she felt as if her tears were mostly gone, she looked to the others unknowingly crowding her. Seeing their faces she couldn't help but burst into sobs again. "I d-dont get it!" she wailed. "I t-t-thought ever-rything was fine!"
Erza rubbed her back a little more firmly as Makarov patted her shoulder trying to calm her. "Everything will be fine. Your sleep tonic is still working, isn't it?"
Lucy nodded quickly, trying desperately to brush her tears away. But they kept coming. All her frustration pouring forward.
Makarov sighed as he revealed a handkerchief from his pocket. He dabbed at her cheeks before finally handing it to Lucy who furiously rubbed her face with it. Lucy gasped a few times, trying to catch her breath. She felt like she was suffocating and unable to breath. Erza, noticing her friend's clear panic attack, backed away a bit to give her some room. "Lucy, you need to calm down. You're gonna make yourself sick."
Lucy took in several deep gulps of air, her breath catching only once. Erza and the master merely watched patiently as their comrade calmed herself.
When Lucy had finally settled, only a few hiccups left behind, she made direct eye contact with their small master. "I-I didn't mean to take so long to tell you." Looking to Erza, she attempted a watery smile. "Honestly, I didn't. Everyone had their own problems after the war. I just thought my sleep problems were my way of dealing with what happened. Sort of like ptsd, I guess. I didn't know any better, I swear. "
Erza returned her smile, moving her hand from Lucy's back to grab a hold tightly to her own hand. "I know. But you could have come to us. We would have been there for you."
Lucy hung onto Erza's hand like a lifeline. Desperate for another person's warmth and care. "You guys were dealing with your own problems. I didn't want to burden you with my own."
The requip mage's smile tightened into a grimace. "We all came out of the war with scars. But we're a family." Looking to the master, Erza noticed his eyes filled with tears. "And family helps each other."
Makarov cleared his throat as he hurriedly wiped his eyes. Embarrassed to be caught crying in front of his children. "No matter what." he finished as he quickly returned himself to his place behind his desk. He busied himself with organizing his desk once again. Once happy with his placements, he looked up. Trying to appear as the tough master they all knew and loved. Although to the two girls who now shared amused looks, even though one was watery, it was for naught. He cleared his throat, hoping to at least get their thoughts back to the conversation at hand. When he received their full attention, he spoke directly to Lucy. "Now, I know you're still worried. But don't be. For the time being, I propose we keep everything that was said in this office a secret. At Least until we figure out what's going on and we have some answers." Next he spoke directly to Erza, his voice commanding. "I want you to keep a close eye on her. As far as we know, everything is fine. But things can change drastically in a short amount of time. I want to be the first to know at any sign of trouble. Do you understand?"
Erza quickly stood, her posture reminding Lucy very much of a soldier who just received their orders. "Yes sir."
Makarov nodded his head. "Very well then. Porlyusica should be back in a few days. Until then, just keep an eye out for anything unusual." Hearing a loud gurgling noise, he stared at a sheepish looking Lucy. Laughing quietly to himself, he waved a hand dismissively. "Now get out of here and get some food. I'm sure you must be starving by now."
Lucy's face burned from embarrassment. Nodding her head quickly, she thanked the master then sped out of the room. Intent on silencing her protesting stomach with a large dose of Mirajane's cooking.
Erza took her time as she rose from her seat and made her way to the door to follow her friend. Before she could walk through the doorway, Makarov cleared his throat behind her. Turning ever so slightly to look at him from over her shoulder, she raised a brow. "What is it, Master?"
Giving her a deeply serious look, Makarov spoke quietly. Hoping to not be overheard. "Watch her like a hawk Erza. Day and night. I don't want Lucy out of your sight for a moment. And I want daily reports on how she's doing."
Erza stared at him for a moment. Taking her master fully in, she noticed the small bags under his eyes. Giving her usual "yes sir", she politely excused herself before leaving. Closing the office door behind her as she went.
Now left to his own thoughts, Makarov stared out his office window once again. In the past few days alone he had caught himself doing it more than he ever had. Sighing, he picked up Porlyusica's letter. Giving it only a single glance before stuffing it back in his desk drawer. Leaning back in his chair, he tried his best to enjoy the view out his window. Feeling deep in his gut that soon peaceful moments like this would be rare and far too few. Sighing again, he roughly rubbed a wrinkled hand over his face. 'Why does it always have to be FairyTail?'
-To Rewrite Our Story-
And that's all there is folks!
I'm joking. We still have several more chapters to go. So what did yall think about the illnesses and diseases I listed? Found them on a Fairytail wiki page. Still skeptical though cause I knew absolutely nothing about them. But whatever. If an issue ever comes up I'll just fix it. That's my disclaimer for them by the way. Just gonna note that in here real quick. Lol
But seriously, how'd you like the chapter? When I first wrote this story, I had a certain idea in mind. Things change though. I almost completely rewrote this whole chapter. Personally I think it's much better. But I saw what it was like before. So I have my reasons. Let's just say it looked like my 5 year old wrote it. It was bad. I added more emotion to it. Although technically I made it seem as if Lucy's panic attack was easy to calm from. I assure you they are not. When I have panic attacks it usually makes me have an asthma attack with it. Then I gotta do the whole inhaler/ breathing treatment as well as try to calm myself. It's a freaking nightmare and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. So I'm sorry if I kinda down played it. Was not my intention at all. It's just wording one and having one are two different things entirely. I'll try better next time if it comes up.
Well I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Tell me what ya'll think! Don't forget to review, favorite, and/or follow. You're not gonna wanna miss it when the shit hits the fan. Which is relatively soon mind you. :)
QUESTION TIME! - What is your all time favorite anime/manga couple? You can answer in your reviews or even just send me a private message. But let me know! And maybe, just maybe, I might write a oneshot about whichever couple that has the most likes. We shall see! :)
Until next time, have a great weekend! :)