Thank you for everyone who left us a review! FF was being weird about it but we ARE getting them! Anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter! Act 1 is almost over! We'll be moving into Act 2 soon. And just so you know, this fic, unlike Parallels, is a 3 Act structure instead of 4.
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CHAPTER 14
Morrigan
The Morrígan is primarily associated with fate, especially with foretelling doom and death in battle. In this role she appears as a crow, flying above the battlefield. The Morrígan has thus been likened to the Valkyries and Norns of Germanic mythology. She is also associated with sovereignty, and her connection with cows may also suggest an association with wealth and the land.
Natsu let out a shriek of laughter as he crashed directly into Gajeel's back. The man let out an angry roar and tried to swat at him, but only managed to nail Gray directly in the face. Gray, who had been the source of Natsu's impromptu flailing, fell right into Lucy.
"Hey!" Lucy growled before Natsu could even blink, "If you three are going to be rough housing, do it where you won't smash into me!"
Natsu made a distressed noise in the back of his throat before a wicked smirk split his face, "Lucy, do you wanna play?" He wheedled.
"I don't think what you three are doing could be considered playing," Lucy's response came out dry, if a little amused.
It had been one whole month since her perceptions had been shattered.
Well, since her perceptions had cracked anyway. It had taken a little longer for them to be properly broken.
It had started with Fairy Tail's rescue and then the promise that she and Natsu could come and go as they pleased, but that hadn't been the end of it. Ending a lifetime of prejudice and forgiving the people she'd trusted didn't happen overnight.
No, it had taken the better part of a week and a half before she really believed that no one in Fairy Tail was going to change their minds and try to make her a prisoner. About as long as it had taken her to truly forgive Gray, Juvia, and Levy for their deceptions. Though those first conversations afterwards had definitely been awkward.
Surprisingly though, it had been Gajeel that had set the tone for the rest of the guild softening their attitudes with her. She wasn't sure why exactly. Just one day the gruff wizard was watching her with narrowed eyes and the next he was making sure she had a seat with a clear route to the exit.
It made her wonder if perhaps he'd worked out the cause of her nerves, but he never said anything. Though she definitely appreciated the gesture.
"But Lucy!" Natsu whined, breaking into her thoughts, "It would be fun!"
Lucy rolled her eyes, "I'm not going to summon my spirits just for a brawl." She replied dryly, "And I don't stand a chance against you guys with just my whip."
"I hate to break it to you Lu, but guild wide fights are pretty common." Levy giggled next to her.
Lucy huffed, "Yeah, but they don't have to include me! Seriously, if the fighting is that much of a thing why don't you guys just build a match cage or something and fight it out in there?"
There was a moment of complete silence that caused her to look back at the three men that had been wrestling, and she blinked as all three stared at her with varying degrees of surprise and awe.
"What?"
"An entertaining thought which would no doubt save us a great deal in expenses," Jellal approached, amusement flickering over his face, "However it is an endeavour for when we gain our independence. Until then, they have to take it outside."
"That would be nice though," Levy said thoughtfully as the fight was smashed before they could get going in earnestness.
Natsu plopped down besides Lucy and rested his cheek on the curve of her shoulder, his gaze hollowing out as he stared off in space. She just hummed in acknowledgement of his presence and his sometimes tactile need to be in contact with her.
"Just think, it could be a great event, mages and guilds competing out in the open without having to hide," Levy said wistfully, "And maybe even events mixed in with fighting matches. Something for everyone to see!"
Lucy wondered if such a thing was possible. If it were in the future, then it would mean guilds becoming legal.
She still wasn't sure about other guilds, but being able to legalize a guild like Fairy Tail so it could operate alongside the council...
...that held promise.
Lucy almost jolted in shock when she felt a warm nose and lips pressing into her neck. She whipped around, fixing Natsu a flustered look as he seemed to be nodding off.
Sure enough the fire demon was beginning to drape more heavily on her, his hands moving to guard around her waist. It was almost territorial.
"Um..." Lucy said, prodding a little at Natsu's prone form as her cheeks heated up, but he was already firmly falling asleep, and she knew from experience that nothing short of an earthquake or an emergency would wake him up.
"It's not funny!" Lucy pouted at Levy, who had promptly dissolved into giggles.
"Yes it is!" Levy grinned in reply, "It's hilarious. Especially considering the way you two were in the beginning."
Lucy rolled her eyes, but felt her heart warm at Levy's words. It felt good to be able to talk about this stuff with the people who had been there in the beginning.
"So how have things been lately?" Levy asked eagerly. She was still undercover, so it wasn't possible for her to get away more than once a week or so on different days. Which, conveniently, finally explained where Levy ran off to on some afternoons or her days off.
"Good." Lucy reported with a smile, resigning herself to her fate and getting comfortable, "I've been working with Natsu a lot on experiencing new things. I think he's starting to really get the hang of preferences and that I won't be mad if he prefers something I don't."
"I haven't quite gotten him to where he's figured out wants yet, but I think we're getting there."
Levy smiled at her friend, "That's good to hear Lu, but I was asking about you." She gestured at the guild around them, "I know this hasn't been easy for you."
"No. It hasn't." Lucy murmured in agreement, "But you know... I'm starting to really like Fairy Tail." She smiled softly, "I think if I had to pick a guild, of all the examples I've seen I'd pick this one to be a model for all the others."
She shook herself a little, "But you already knew that." She smirked playfully, "Honestly, not much has changed since last week."
Levy nodded, "That's good. I've been hearing rumors that the council is furious you escaped with Natsu and apparently sided with the guilds. They're trying to build up a lot of heat on you. We'll need to do something soon or Magnolia will be too hot for you to stay."
Lucy frowned at that, "That's not good news, but it's not anything surprising at this point. The problem is, there's only so much we can do without creating a civil war, and that's not something we want."
"I'll try to find out more for you." Levy promised as she stood up, "I've got to go though. They're keeping a closer eye on me than before because I'm your friend, so I can't take too long."
"Alright Levy, take care," Lucy smiled at her, but almost fell over when Natsu's weight shifted.
Levy just laughed as Lucy managed to twist around so Natsu was totally dislodged out of revenge. He spluttered something incomprehensible, but it seemed to morph into some growls and whines.
Levy got up, quietly excusing herself as she headed to the door, only to stop when there was a figure blocking her way.
Gajeel stood at the door frame, his arms crossed and red eyes glowering down at Levy. He looked angry about something, which wasn't saying much. Gajeel was always upset about something it seemed. Levy hid a smile.
"When are ya gonna quit stickin' your neck out shrimp?" He didn't bother with preambles, getting right to the point.
Levy smiled, knowing how much Gajeel had hated her being undercover, and as a result having to use his breath weapon on her before his 'escape'. Even if all it had done was give her a few scrapes. He was a much bigger softie than he wanted to let on.
"I'll be fine Gajeel," Levy said patiently, edging around him to get to the door. He stuck his arm out across the frame, halting her motions, and his fangs grit down.
"You didn't tell blondie over there the whole truth. The entire council is getting hot. Too hot for you to stay in longer," His growl came out rumbling and low.
"If not me, then who?" Levy asked him calmly, but met his eyes fiercely, "Things aren't so hot I can't stick around a little longer, and we need the information."
Gajeel's eyes narrowed, "We need you in one piece at the end of it more shrimp. Information ain't worth your life."
Levy blinked, a little surprised at how much this was really bothering him, and dropped a hand on his arm, "Just trust me alright?" She asked, "I'm not going to risk my life for this information. I promise." She glanced at Lucy, who had managed to get Natsu draped over her again somehow, "They know I was her friend, but I'm not much more than a glorified librarian to them. They're not watching me that closely."
Gajeel growled sulkily. He didn't like this one bit. For all her dealings with the seedier side of society, Levy was still relatively innocent to how men in power operated. She didn't see the giant flashing danger sign he did.
Unfortunately, it didn't look like she was going to listen either.
"Fine." He grumbled and moved out of the way, "You stay out of trouble shrimp. Or I promise I'll haul you back here personally."
Levy smiled, amused by the idea of Gajeel tucking her under his arm and running off. Sadly, she was acutely aware he could do exactly that if he had a mind to, but it was sweet that he cared enough to threaten it.
Levy knew with Gray's cover broken, and by extension Juvia's, it meant she was blowing in the wind without backup. But she was determined to stick it out for as long as possible.
It wasn't just Fairy Tail that needed the information she provided. A lot of people were counting on the tips she could filter down.
"Thank you Gajeel," She smiled gratefully up at the taller man and stepped around him before he could change his mind.
"I'll see you in a week," She promised and disappeared down the street.
Gajeel's eyes followed her, reluctance causing his shoulders to hunch as the small woman faded from even his sharp sight.
Lucy, who was still trying to juggle the dead weight of Natsu, caught sight of the look on Gajeel's face. Leveraging Natsu's jaw upwards and ignoring the whining coming from the demon, she cocked her head at the iron mage.
"Does Gajeel like Levy?" Lucy asked no one in particular, not noticing the heat crawling up the back of Gajeel's neck. Natsu distracted her by lifting his head and giving Lucy a somewhat confused, if drowsy look.
"What? Did I say something weird?" Lucy asked Natsu, who just continued to give her a strange look. The demon shrugged.
This time he captured her in his arms and spread his legs to pull her against his chest. He rolled backwards on the table, oblivious to Lucy's screech of dismay over being recaptured.
And in seconds he was asleep all over again, with no escape for Lucy this time.
And by the time she looked up, Gajeel was gone.
Meanwhile, Levy sighed softly as she resolutely headed home, careful to take a route that would pass one of the various used bookstores she liked to frequent. The owner was one of their grown up network kids from the master's era, and had agreed to be her cover alibi when she went to report in.
It was sad that such precautions had to be taken, but there was little they could do if they wanted to remain in the city.
She sighed again as the thought of leaving Magnolia and striking out on their own fluttered through her mind. There were many guilds who had done that. They'd gotten fed up with dealing with the oppression from their various homes, and simply left to find a place they could be in peace.
And she would be lying if she denied that part of her wished for the same. She hated the sneaking around and lying she had to do to keep her family safe. But there was no denying the fact that they helped far more by staying than they did leaving.
It was a problem with no easy answer that was for sure. The covert life in the city was a difficult one. One their master had been forced to back out of once his heart problems became known. Not that he was any less their master of course. Without him they would've been captured a long time ago. And she knew Erza and Jellal went through him before any big decisions were made. His retirement hadn't dulled his wits any after all, he was just too old to go crawling through sewer tunnels and the like anymore.
At least they got to see him on a daily basis up in the bar.
She shook her head to try and clear it, never noticing the shadows trailing behind her until hard hands grabbed her from behind.
She let out a muffled squeak of surprise, but didn't get a chance to fight back before something bashed her in the back of the head knocking her senseless.
-::-
Cana crowed in laughter as she spread out a flush of cards on the table. A chorus of groans followed her.
"Read 'em and weep boys! Off with your shirts!" She cried in victory.
Natsu slid his vest off, "I think you're cheating."
Poker was a strange game, and he found he had quite the competitive streak in him.
But Cana was a card shark if he had ever seen one. Which he hadn't, but Lucy called her that...
"How is it that you started off wearing less than us but we're the ones suffering?" Gray grouched.
"Gray, the lady said to ditch the shirt, not the pants," Gajeel snorted.
There was a round of laughter as Gray flipped out over having stripped his pants as well without realizing it, and Lucy shook her head from where she was sitting with Juvia.
"It's nice to know some things don't change anyway." She commented as she sipped at her drink.
"That's true." Juvia laughed, "Gray contained his temper during his undercover work, but there were some things that just would not be contained."
Lucy rolled her eyes in amusement, but before she could say anything a booming voice that was terrifyingly familiar sounded outside.
"Could I have the attention of the council of Magnolia and Fairy Tail?"
"No..." Lucy breathed in horror, her own nightmares rushing to the surface, "It can't be him!"
"Lucy?" Juvia asked, not liking the way her friend had paled so suddenly, "What's wrong?"
Lucy, however, wasn't listening. She'd already shot to her feet and sprinted for the door, Natsu hot on her heels as he felt her distress, only to skid to a halt at the sight that greeted her.
There, on a giant projection, was Jose. The Master of Phantom Lord. Her own personal nightmare come to life. She shivered and wrapped her arms around herself at the sight of that disgusting smile.
"I have a little present for you." He continued, shifting to reveal a bound Levy dangling from a hook.
Lucy's heart lurched in horror at the sight. She was familiar with that hook, her worst beatings had taken place while she was in Levy's position, and the sight of her friend on it was sickening.
"Levy..." She whispered, barely recognizing Natsu and the others catching up to her, "No..."
"Now, before the council gets any ideas... I have something to show them." Jose continued and the back of Levy's shirt was torn off to reveal her Fairy Tail mark, "It seems you had more than one fairy fly buzzing around your ranks, and we all know how annoying flies can be!"
He gestured and one of his minions, Lucy refused to think of them as anything else, lunged forward and punched Levy hard in the stomach, causing her to cry out in pain.
"Fairy Tail has something that I want." He continued, a slightly demented look crossing his face at the sound of Levy's cries of pain, "I'm politely asking the council to not interfere while I retrieve it. Don't worry, I have no intention of harming you, your town, or your citizens." He smirked, "Better hurry though Fairy Tail. I'm not sure how long she'll last."
"Who are they?" Natsu growled angrily, his warm hand coming up to rest on Lucy's shoulder. It grounded her for a moment, enough for her to open her mouth but not quite answer.
"Phantom Lord," Gray said stiffly. He shifted backwards, anger bubbling in his eyes. His fists shook.
"Phantom Lord is trying to take a shot at Fairy Tail without the council getting in the way," Gray snapped, his shoulders stiffening, "Well that's fine by us. We can attack back without the Knights getting in the way."
"They won't get a chance to regret what they've done!" Gajeel snarled furiously. His arms trembled and Lucy had just enough mind to turn around and see him storming off.
As the rest of Fairy tail backed off following Gajeel's lead, Gray lingered.
He set his hand on Lucy's shoulder and squeezed gently, "This is Fairy Tail's fight. You don't have to get close to this."
"I know it can be rough," Gray murmured, "But we will get her back. I promise."
With those words he departed and left her alone with Natsu. The demon's eyes flashed uncertainly towards the rest of the guild.
"Phantom Lord are the same people who hurt you, aren't they?" Natsu asked softly
Lucy nodded, and tore her eyes away from the giant screen and Levy's torment as it winked off, "I can't let her go through that Natsu." She told him hoarsely, "I can't sit by while my friend goes through that!"
Natsu met her gaze evenly, "I can appreciate that." He told her quietly, "But Lucy, are you sure you're gonna be up to joining this fight?"
Lucy hesitated. Part of her wanted to insist that she was fine and she had to join the fight because there was no way she could do less. But she forced herself to take a step back and think about it. Was she capable of joining this fight?
No matter what else, the Rune Knights had taught her the signs of trauma and the dangers of those facing the same trauma. Some people were able to treat it as a catharsis and move past it, but some couldn't.
Could she?
The answer came to her almost immediately.
Yes. She could.
For Levy's sake she would tear Phantom Lord apart if she had to.
She'd nursed that hurt and anger for six whole years. It was past time she let it be used for the target it was intended for.
Her eyes narrowed with determination and she nodded, "I will not leave Levy to them." She growled, "That's one guild I would be more than happy to tear apart!"
Natsu canted his head, sliding around in front of her. He smiled at her, his lips pulling over deadly sharp fangs.
"Just say the word Lucy," his voice was rough with the promise of something dark. He pressed in close to her, a very serious but distinctly wicked impulse flashing in his eyes.
Lucy hesitated as she looked at him, not sure what exactly he was promising. He had the clear look of a demon about him, and Lucy knew when they promised something, it was often carried out.
"I don't know what's going to happen Natsu," Lucy admitted to him. In truth she was more afraid than she was probably showing. But Natsu would know that.
"I trust you to do what you think you have to," Lucy touched his neck where it was covered by coiling ink.
Natsu purred and pressed his forehead against hers, "I'll do whatever it takes to make you happy Lucy." He growled softly at her, causing a shiver of goosebumps to run over her arms and back before he pulled away, "And that includes not doing anything that would hurt you."
Lucy blushed a bit despite the situation, but nodded. It was probably about the best she was going to get all things considered. After all, despite his progress Natsu was bound to her, and he was definitely still a demon. His perceptions were no doubt different from her own.
"Then let's do what we have to for Levy." She replied, and they took off in the direction the rest of the guild had already gone.
No doubt they'd expected her to stay behind as Gray had said. It was too bad she had other plans.
However, it didn't take them long to catch up. Phantom Lord had clearly gotten some upgrades from the last time she'd seen them, and they were pulling out all the stops.
"Lucy! What are you doing here?" Gray exclaimed in surprise as he punched one of Phantom's weaker guild members.
"Did you seriously think I would let Levy be tortured by them without a fight?" Lucy asked venomously as she pulled her whip, "No way! They're everything I hate in guilds and I'm not going to stand for it!"
"You ready Lucy?" Natsu demanded, fire erupting from his arms as his stance widened.
"Let's do this," She snapped her whip to her side which seemed to signal Natsu to jump in the fight.
"I'm all fired up!" Natsu cried out, lunging into the battle like a blood knight.
Well fanfiction was dumb and I can't pull up everyone's reviews! But I know we got them since they showed up in my email! I would like to thank every one of you for reviewing anyway! You all made the cut for the sneak peek! I know that!
Who is ready to see our favorite golem lose his shit?
I am.
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Both enemies and allies alike toppled over from the force of his sudden power. He roared in fury, blind in his anger.
He didn't know how he knew. He just did. Lucy was not near him, and she was in danger. Probably afraid.
What was worse was that he promised her he wouldn't let them ever get their hands on her again.
"Natsu!" Gray shouted at the suddenly furious demon, "What's your damage!"
"They've got Lucy!" Natsu roared back, his eyes bleeding demonic red from the force of his rage, "They did something to her!" He lashed his fire angrily at the fire poser that dared to try something while he was talking, "WHERE IS SHE?!" He roared, "WHERE IS MY MISTRESS?!"
Totomaru stared in shocked fear as the fire he'd previously been controlling sent him flying across the room, "What kind of monster are you?"
"The kind that's going to burn you to ash if you don't give me Lucy back!" Natsu snarled, his fangs bared menacingly.
