Author's Note: Hi guys, I'm back! As always, thanks for your kind words and awesome reviews!
Firiare - Yes! There will definitely be more Levy x Gajeel chapters in the future. They have a whole mini-arc of their own that I've almost completed.
Glassygirl - yeah, the last two were some of my favorites too :-) The fluff before the storm :-P
savwafair - yeah, Natsu is a little sweetheart isn't he :-D I've kind of intentionally kept their ages a little vague, because the situations they are in and the language they use is a lot more adult than I originally intended it to be. But for a rough idea, their ages as of this chapter in the story would approx be - Wendy - 12; Lucy,Levy,Juvia,Lisanna - 13; Jet,Droy,Natsu,Gray,Elfman - 14; Gajeel,Erza,Mirajane,Cana - 15+
valerioux - Thanks! But I'm having so much fun reading your reactions that I can't help but update as soon as possible! :-D As for Gray worrying about Lucy's outlook - yeah, he's going to try to tackle that in a very creative way ;-)
FireShifter - Thank you! And have an awesome time in Canada! I'll have plenty of chapters ready for you when you come back :-D And don't worry, Juvia and Lucy will become really good friends in future chapters. I think they are both awesome characters and deserve a good, friendly relationship.
SistershoOk - :-D Thanks! Hope you enjoy this one too! Though it does have more angst than the last two, it still has its cute Nalu moments.
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"Don't you dare mess it up, icicle breath!"
"I won't. The hell Natsu, when did you turn into a fussy old lady?"
Natsu glared at the raven haired ice mage. "It's Lucy's birthday. Everything has to be perfect. And if you don't freeze those hanging crystals just right she'll either feel too cold, or get bashed on the head by one of them melting and dropping to the ground!"
Gray rolled his eyes at the overprotective dragon. "She's my friend too you know! I'd never put her in danger. Plus I've done these kind of magical ice decoration spells tons of times, I could get it perfect in my sleep…"
"Juvia thinks they look lovely." Juvia added gently, as she gracefully drifted closer to the boys, "Do not fret, Sir Natsu. Everything today will be perfect for love-rival. Especially Gray-darling's beautiful hanging ice lights!"
It was Natsu's turn to roll his eyes. Before he could retort, a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
"Let it go, ye fool. No point arguin with yer frenemy when he's got his scary fish lovah to watch his back. He's won this round." Cana laughed at Natsu's indignant expression.
"Besides, if you start a fight and destroy half the clearing, what would dear Erza say?" Mirajane reminded Natsu in her sweet and gentle voice, approaching the group gathered at the center of the glade.
Natsu frowned, observing the clearing around him. In the far corner, Levy, Gajeel and Pantherlily were putting the finishing touches on the huge ornate 'Happy Birthday' banner that most of the girls had been working on for the past week. Elfman, Jet and Droy were arranging tables whilst Jet and Droy threw alternating looks of longing at Levy and loathing at Gajeel. Lisanna and Wendy flitted around behind the males, laying tablecloths, place settings and decorations on each table, chattering and giggling as they worked. Mira had already arranged the buffet table, it now being laden with foods from each of their kind's cuisine. The table also groaned with drink, courtesy the resourceful Cana and a surprisingly lenient Master, who was out of town and had seemed truly regretful that he would be missing the exciting affair. Happy and Carla floated about, hanging starry streamers from the trees. Natsu smiled to himself, glancing once again at the dark sky.
"Aye, you have a point. We are mostly done, and it is already midnight. She would probably murder us if any of this was destroyed before she manages to bring Lucy here."
Mirajane beamed at the dragon. "Very good! So behave yourselves for just another hour or so - I'm sure Lucy will be here by then."
"I dunno," Cana scratched her chin, throwing a nervous glance in the direction of Lucy's castle, "I still don think it was tha best idea to let ol red handle tha part of sneakin Lucy outta er home all by erself. I should've been around as back up…"
"It's Erza for goodness sake!" Gray grinned, hopping down from his stool to observe his handiwork, "She's a walking fortress! If anyone could get Lucy out safely and undetected, it would be her!"
Most of the others nodded in agreement as even Natsu gave a reluctant grunt of consent (He hated agreeing with frost brain about anything). Only Cana looked unconvinced. She frowned, looking away from the cocky ice mage and at the forest once more.
"Ye have a point, I guess. Still... won't hurt if I jus meet em halfway - I'm gonna mosey on down near their abode and wait outside for em there."
Resolved, Cana turned on her heel and sauntered towards the edge of the clearing, throwing a saucy look at Natsu over her shoulder on her way out.
"Ya betta stay outta mischief while I'm gone, honey, yer little human lovah wouldn like it if ya messed up er surprise party…"
The teasing words died on her lips as she took in Natsu's expression. As one, all the dragons in the clearing had halted in their tracks - identical looks of horror and rage overtaking their features. They whipped their heads in the direction that Cana had been heading, their superior senses straining to smell and hear more as the other occupants watched them, their anxiety growing. A tense heartbeat later, everyone in the clearing could make out the sound of hooves pounding on the forest floor. A distinct metallic scent drifted into the glade on the breeze, causing every being to freeze.
"Is that… Blood?"
Before anyone could reply to Levy's trembling whisper, the bushes parted and a horse sprang through, carting a precious burden upon his back. Erza, bloody and battered, clutching her abdomen and struggling to keep her eyes open was being balanced on the horse by Lucy, who was also covered in cuts and bruises but to a lesser degree.
"Please help!" Lucy's voice was a panicked, desperate whimper.
Natsu was by her side in the blink of an eye. Gently, he took Erza from Lucy's white-knuckled grip and helped Gajeel and Levy lower her to the ground. Entrusting her to Wendy and Cana, both of whom had already began healing her wounds the moment she had been lain down, Natsu turned back around to look at Lucy. She was still on the horse, Happy, Mira, Lisanna and Gray all attempting to coax the terrified girl off as Juvia stood a little away, gazing at her rival with concern instead of her usual jealousy. Summoning his wings, Natsu shot to her side once more.
"Lucy?" He whispered, his voice strained with fear and rage.
She glanced at him, her eyes dull and lifeless as they sought Erza's prone figure over his shoulder.
"Don't let her die!" She whimpered, clutching the reins of her horse even tighter. Natsu wordlessly disentangled her tight grip, ignoring her whine of protest as he slipped his arms around her small figure and lifted her off the skittish animal. Mira and Lisanna led the horse to the side, to be fed, watered and rested, as Natsu sat on the grass a few feet from Erza's spot, Lucy still held firmly in his arms and seated on his lap. Happy quietly curled up on Lucy's lap, offering soft purrs and gentle nudges as comfort as Gray and Juvia knelt down in front of them, identical looks of concern on their faces.
"What happened Lucy?" Gray probed gently, reaching out to touch the back of Lucy's hand. She snatched it back as if electrocuted, turning away from him and burying her face in Natsu's chest, her figure still trembling with sobs.
"We need ta know, girl! Or we won't be able ta help red at all." Cana interjected, her tone rough and harsh with worry. She pointed to the wound in Erza's abdomen. The gaping hole was blackened around the edges, the blood seeping out from the cut a sickly green. "This ain't no ordinary wound. It's magical. Unless we know wha kinda magic did this, Wendy and I can't do nothin. We're barely keepin her goin as is…"
"Please, Lucy," Juvia added softly, "Tell us what happened. And allow Juvia to heal your wounds as well."
The soft, concerned words pierced Lucy's terror, as her trembles slowly ceased, and she pulled away slightly from a distraught Natsu. She turned to face Juvia, pointing a shaking finger at her saddle bag hung against a tree.
"There… i-in there is the w-weapon that did this to Erza."
Juvia swiftly rose from her spot, hurrying to fetch the bag. She rummaged through it, drawing out a black, damaged dagger a moment later. Hastily she thrust the instrument into Cana's waiting hands. As the healing pair examined the blade Juvia turned to Lucy once more.
"Please let Juvia help you now, Lucy." Lucy nodded slowly, as the mermaid gently began healing her cuts, wincing slightly when the mermaid touched a nasty slice on her forehead. Natsu whined in displeasure at her pain, yanking her back more firmly onto his lap. Lucy patted her friend's knee soothingly, the ghost of a smile sneaking on her lips. Taking a shaky breath, she began abruptly.
"Erza and I were attacked, as you've all probably figured out. But the attack was not meant for both of us - it was meant for me. An assassin attempted to kill me at midnight. He used a host of magical weapons in his effort to do so. I fought him the best I could - but I most certainly would have been killed if Erza had not chanced by at that moment. She fought splendidly, as only Erza can, and we would have won the battle if my… if the man we were fighting had not resorted to trickery. He tried to call a truce, offering information in exchange for a pardon. Erza did not trust him, but I… I wished to give him a chance. She approached him to question him further, and that was when the coward stabbed her. And that was also when… I took my chance to stab him. I was so enraged that he had hurt my friend that… that… I killed him. I-in cold blood." She stared off into the distance, a haunted look in her eyes. "If Erza dies it will be my fault. Had I not been naive - had I not been a trusting fool…" Lucy trailed off, burying her face in her hands as sobs racked her small frame. Natsu held the sobbing girl in his arms, tears glistening in his own eyes as he hugged her close.
"No, Luce. You're not naive or a trusting fool. You've got a loving, kind heart that prompted you to forgive the human who was trying to… grrrr… kill you. And Erza won't die! She's Erza. It'll take a lot more than a cowardly human to take her down." Natsu gave Lucy his trademark dazzling smile.
She responded with a wan smile of her own, the expression fading a moment later as another thought struck her. "I-I killed someone N-Natsu. I actually… what kind of monster am I?"
Natsu's expression turned serious as he placed a clawed finger under her chin and tilted her head back to look into her chocolate eyes. "You did what you had to do to save your friend. How can you call yourself a monster for an act with such pure intentions? Besides…" His voice descended into a low, menacing growl, "Had it been me, I would've ripped him limb from limb for hurting Erza and even thinking about killing you. That mangy cur is fortunate he died before I could get my hands on him…"
"She'll live." Cana interrupted Natsu's morbid musings, turning to Lucy with a gentle look, "We're gonna have ta take er to tha fairy tail infirmary an call ol Porly ta do a once over of er. But she'll make it, I'm sure."
Lucy's entire body relaxed as she slumped in wordless exhaustion against her dragon best friend. She buried her face in his chest, a sob of relief escaping her.
"Thank God"
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Porlyuscia bustled around Fairy Tail's infirmary, occasionally barking orders at a grim-faced Cana and a nervous Wendy. Once satisfied that both her patients would live, she shoed Natsu and Happy out of the chair beside Lucy's bedside to occupy it herself.
With a firm glare at the still pale and serious little girl, she began to voice her thoughts rather unceremoniously.
"That was downright foolhardy of you girl."
Lucy turned to glare at the witch, unaffected by her fearsome reputation.
"Don't give me that look, Missy." Porlyuscia continued curtly, "I know well enough that the hovel you call home has enough guards to keep even your haughty hide safe. Why didn't you call them? Why did this red-headed fool have to find you by accident? Who was the man who attacked you, and what possessed you to have such a soft corner for the brute who was attempting to murder you?"
Lucy did not cease her glare. Instead, her eyes hardened and she flashed the recalcitrant healing lady an unladylike sneer.
"I steadfastly refuse to answer any questions you may have - however grateful I may be to you for tending to Erza. My affairs are none of your business."
Wendy gasped in shock, as Cana tried hard to stifle her snort of amusement. Natsu simply shifted restlessly on his feet, exchanging a worried glance with Happy. It was the blue furred little exceed who finally broke the tense and awkward silence.
"But Lucy, we're all worried about you. We want to help you and Erza, but how can we do that if you don't trust us enough to tell us everything that happened?"
Lucy's eyes softened as she gazed at the little exceed resting on the sheets of her bed. She reached out a hand to stroke his silky blue fur, a fond smile on her lips.
"It is not a matter of trust Happy, I trust all of you with my life." Lucy hesitated, her gentle strokes slowing as she became lost in her thoughts, "I do not wish to burden you with the gruesome details. And besides… I fear that too much knowledge may put you in as much danger as Erza and I…"
"That's all the more reason to be fully honest with us!" Natsu interrupted, his jaw tight and his tone curt, "How can we stand by whilst you and Erza are in danger? So what if it puts us in danger as well?! Every one of us has the capacity to take care of ourselves and then some. We are ready to do anything we can to help you! All you need to do is ask…"
"Are you in earnest, Natsu?" Lucy asked in a wistful voice.
Natsu stepped closer to her bedside, leaning over her and slipping his hand under her head. He lifted her up slightly to press his forehead against hers.
"Of course, strange one." He murmured, closing his eyes as her unique, soothing scent of stardust and sunflowers surrounded him.
"You will do anything?"
"Yes."
"Absolutely anything I may ask?"
Natsu frowned slightly, opening his eyes and leaning away from his human friend. Her eyes blazed with a fire and determination that worried him - she was planning something reckless.
"As long as it is nothing foolhardy. I don't want you in any more danger than you already claim to be in."
Lucy smiled softly, her eyes warming with gratitude.
"What I wish is not harmful in any way. All I ask is that you help me convince Erza not to return home with me."
A prolonged silence followed Lucy's words. One that was finally broken by Porlyuscia.
"Why?"
"As I've said, after this event, she is in as much danger as I am - maybe even more. I do have a little power in the Courts of Pergrande, but likely not enough to protect her. The best protection I can offer her is the chance to live a safe and normal life as far away from the courts as possible."
Porlyuscia frowned. "But wouldn't they be suspicious if she suddenly went missing? Wouldn't they try to search for her?"
Lucy smiled, her old confidence returning swiftly, "That I can manage quite easily. False leads and red-herrings are simple enough to conjure. Provided she is well-hidden with no clues to her real whereabouts, the hunt will soon cease."
"But ye will go back by yerself then?" Cana queried, her arms crossed under her buxom chest and her lips a thin line.
"Yes."
"No. The only way I would agree to this plan was if you stayed back as well, Luce." Natsu growled, his eyes flashing with aggression. Lucy met his gaze, keeping her own expression cautiously blank.
"I cannot. Erza's escape will only be possible if I return to throw her pursuers off her trail."
"'escape','pursuers'?! Is this the way any being has ever described their own home?!" Natsu roared, the flames of his anger licking his skin, as the claws on his clenched hands dug into Lucy's bed sheets. "What you speak of is a prison! And you are under no obligation to return to such a place. Come with me - Alagesia can be your home. A real home! I'll make it as comfortable and as happy as you could imagine. You'll want for nothing. My family would love you as much as Happy and I do - Wendy thinks of you as a sister already! And the ice princess would be thrilled to have you around, though I personally wouldn't count that as a pro…"
A soft hand on his cheek paused his ramblings. He leaned into the gentle touch, gazing at his best friend with all the worry and grief raging in his heart evident in his emerald eyes.
"Thank you for your concern and kind offer, Natsu." Lucy said softly, caressing his scaled cheek, "But I cannot abandon my home. There are many others who need me and depend on me. For their sakes, I will never leave."
"Besides… It is a moot point. For I have no intention of leaving Pergrande either. However much Lucy may insist."
Erza's voice was weaker than before, but it still echoed in the small room, assured and confident.
A cry of happiness erupted from the younglings as they rushed towards Erza's bedside, Lucy descending from her own with Porlyuscia's help to approach her faithful protector.
"Erza," She began, tears swimming in her doe like brown eyes, "I am so sorry…" She was swiftly halted by the strong embrace of her scarlet haired friend.
"You have nothing to apologize for, Lucy." Erza stated fiercely, "If anyone should be apologizing, it would be me. I have a duty to protect you, and I should have trusted my instincts and followed you right away instead of listening to your…" Erza paused abruptly when she felt Lucy vigorously shake her head in their embrace.
"Her what?" Happy enquired innocently.
"Her… ummm… guard."
Happy frowned, still suspicious. However, he opted to keep his peace after the piercing look Erza gave him.
"We have much to discuss, Lucy." Erza continued, her tone serious and laced with worry, "And we will need privacy to do it. Although I would prefer if Cana and Porlyuscia could be included in the conversation."
"Cana is fine, but…" Lucy frowned, sneaking a discreet look at Porlyuscia. Erza smiled, glancing with amusement between the golden-haired girl and the grumpy old witch.
"Porlyuscia is the one who fashioned this fake eye for me, Milady." Erza brushed the bangs out of her right eye, tapping on the lid of the almost perfect eye replica she bore. "She is trustworthy. The Master of Fairy Tail would vouch for her as well. Twas he who recommended her as the being to fix my eye in the first place."
"Hey!" Natsu growled, "We're trustworthy as well! Why can't we stay?!"
"Yes, Erza." Wendy exclaimed softly, her voice slightly hoarse from staying silent so long and crying sympathetic tears, "Please trust brother and I. We love you both, and we would do anything to help you…"
"All you've said is true my children, but this incident is much bigger than us all and we must do our utmost to keep it as contained as possible. As much as it pains me to say, I believe Erza is correct in asking you to leave. Don't fret, a time will come when you will know everything…"
Natsu and Wendy whipped their heads around to see Gildarts leaning against the door frame, his hand resting on the shoulder of…
"Master!"