Chapter XI
"After that," Zeref continued. "I'll deal with that Heartfilia girl.
Lucy felt a cold chill run through her body when Zeref's blood red eyes landed on her.
Natsu instinctively stepped in front of her, ready to be her shield if the dark mage were to attack. Lucy felt safer, especially with his warm body so close to hers…
Wait a minute, Lucy, she told herself fiercely. You're in the middle of something! Pay attention!
Zeref chuckled as his demons flew past him, heading towards Anna's shack. In response, everyone jumped to attack, preventing the demons from reaching Anna.
"We won't let you kill her!" Wendy declared.
"Maybe if I destroy what's important to you," Zeref continued, not interested in anyone or anything but Natsu. "You'll fight me to the death."
"What's your deal, man?" Natsu snapped, glaring at the dark wizard. "Why are you so obsessed with me killing you?"
"It's your destiny," came the reply. "You are a demon, after all."
"Shut up," the pink-haired boy fumed. Lucy could feel the heat rise off his skin as though he was preparing to light the dark mage on fire from where he stood.
Zeref continued, not hesitant in any way, shape, or form. "A demon that I have created."
"I said shut up!" Natsu flew forward, now a flaming phoenix. His wings wrapped around Zeref and rapidly engulfed him in red-hot flames.
Meanwhile, Lucy pulled her whip from her side, preparing to fight alongside Fairy Tail. She fought with everything she had, and perhaps even something more.
It wasn't long before Lucy noticed a small demon entering Anna's shack. No one seemed to notice it except her, so she called out to anyone who was listening. Unfortunately, no one seemed to be available to take on the task, as they were already knees deep in battle.
Taking it upon herself, the blonde ran through the battlefield, straight towards the shack. She flung open the door enough for her to fit through, then entered.
It was larger and more homey than what Lucy had imagined. She took a few steps in, jumping at the smallest of sounds. Keeping an eye out for the demon or Anna, she continued forward, the sounds of the battle outside dulled to a point.
Then she saw it. The empty bed which Anna must have been resting in prior to the battle. On the bed sheets was blood — human blood.
No… I'm too late!
Sorry guys, only one chapter this week! Next week, it should be two chapters again. Hope you're enjoying Calling Echoes!