Chapter VII

The roar of thunder sounded from the horizon. Natsu looked up at the growing storm cloud. A smile played on his lips.

"We're on our way, Anna," he said to the sky. He looked down at Lucy, smiling so large that the blonde found it hard not to smile back.

Zeref seemed undisturbed by the lightning that struck a nearby tree stump, which was almost completely decayed. He stared at Natsu, hardly sparing a glance at Lucy now.

As the dark mage took a step forward, the lightning struck again, this time revealing a man with a lightning-shaped scar on his face.

The newcomer took in the surrounding battlefield. "Couldn't you defeat them, Natsu?" he asked in a calm voice. "That's not like you."

Natsu looked annoyed. "I've been preoccupied, Laxus!"

"I can see that," the blonde man replied. He turned to the demons that were starting to gather. "I'll help you out a bit, means we're short on time."

The storm cloud above seemed to agree, as it fell to the ground while condensing itself into the form of a young, blue-haired girl. "I'll help, too!"

"Thanks, you two."

Natsu must know them well, Lucy concluded, as they seemed to have known each other for a long time.

"You should go help them," she found herself saying to him. "Those demons are strong."

"They can manage. Besides," he added. "Who's gonna protect you if I go?"

"I'll be fine," Lucy assured him, unfortunately in vain. Natsu didn't seem convinced. "I can still fight."

"Then I'll fight alongside you." Natsu's words seemed to comfort her, and his warm touch did as well.

"Thanks," she responded, a smile now on her face. She was bruised and injured, but she'd still fight as hard as she could. She had to; she didn't want to let the others down, nor did she want to be a burden.

Natsu put Lucy down gently, seeming hesitant to let her stand when she stumbled. He caught her, helping the girl stand right. When she could carry her own weight, she found her whip and picked it up.

With a smile on her face and an invisible force driving her, Lucy started towards the demons once more. Natsu nearby, the two fought beside Laxus and the girl named Wendy, giving their all.

That was all that they could do.