Yaaaaay! Thank you everyone for favoring/following/reviewing my story! As you all know writing stories is rather time consuming, and if my story wasn't liked I would have just given up on it. It is just for fun, it's not meant to be in depth or drama filled, just some light-hearted humor with a little Bleach ass-kicking thrown in the mix.
This is my longest chapter yet! Lots of stuff happening! Enjoy!
A day had already passed since Lucy summoned her spirit, and she needed to get to work. She was determined to be able to wield these keys; though she was a little scared of them. Her talk with Ukitake answered a few questions, but confused her more than anything. All she really understood was that she needed a lot more magic, or at least endurance, to summon and that she'd probably be getting a different person every time. Kenpachi and Ukitaki's personalities were like night and day, so she could only imagine the variety of people that would be passing through her gate.
"Ready whenever you are Lucy." Capricorn was standing next to Lucy, patiently waiting for his master to begin her training. He knew of the keys she now had, though Loke wasn't pleased with the situation the key did save her life when they couldn't, so he was grateful.
"Thanks Capricorn, I'm ready now." Lucy was sitting in a clearing outside Magnolia, if she wanted to get any training done it would have to be far away from the guild. She was the star of the guild at the moment and couldn't take a step without somebody asking her a million questions; usually along the lines of, "Can you call out a spirit so I can fight it!" or "Will your spirit go on a date with me?" .. her guild was hopeless..
She began to clear her mind; "Remember Lucy, become one with nature.. Yes that's it."
She was sitting with her legs crossed, completely lost in a meditative state, only listening to Capricorns voice. She was pushing all of her magic out; she knew her endurance needed a lot of work. Having her second origin was definitely helping; she was already holding onto her magical sphere three times longer than before the magic games.
"That is very impressive Lucy. Having called out those spirits has also helped your endurance."
She finally let go of her magic sphere; she didn't want to lose consciousness. "What do you mean? Calling out those spirits has actually increased my magical power?"
"Yes and no; not the power so much as the amount, but you can sustain your magic for a little longer. Think of when you exercise, you break your muscles down so when they rebuild themselves they become stronger, your magic is rebuilding itself – making it stronger so it can last longer."
"Well then should I open the gate a few more times instead then?" She liked the idea of getting stronger simply by summoning a spirit, plus she'd get to meet more!
"No Lucy, we will focus strictly on endurance training for now. Don't forget what your friend Ukitake told you; only open those gates if you must."
Lucy pouted but conceded, she really should only use the key if the situation called for it.
"Alright then, let's get back to work! I wanna be able to hold that gate open!" She fisted in the air in determination. "Layla would be so proud.." Was all Capricorn could think as he watched his masters enthusiasm. She had really improved, between the magic games, the Eclipse project, and now summoning spirits from another world had sky-rocketed her magical ability. "I bet she can use Urano Metria without Gemini and have plenty magic left to spare." He couldn't help the feeling of pride as she encased herself in another sphere, pushing her magic out. Before she was only able to do it once; she was already on her third sphere for the day.
Lucy had just finished a long bath after a full day with Capricorn. She was able to hold five spheres today, and the first one she held at maximum capacity for a full 30 minutes; the equivalent of having 5 Zodiac gates open simultaneously for 10 minutes, maybe even more for less time.
"Lucy there you are! We've been looking all over for you!" Gray came running up the street.
"Oh hey Gray! I was training with Capricorn outside Magnolia; I wanna be able to actually use my keys when the time comes." She was headed towards the guild and was expecting to be a little harassed again about her spirits, but she hadn't even gotten there yet and already felt like going back home.
"The master was looking for you, guess he has another mission and wants you there."
…
"Ehhh?! M-m-meeee?! Why me?! Surely he'd rather have Erza or Laxus.. Or anyone else.." She was shocked; Makarov had never asked her to personally do a mission unless she was requested.
"Well looks like master is curious about your spirits and wants you to tag along on another S-class mission, just in case back-up is needed." He shrugged like the answer was the most obvious thing in the world.
…
"Me, back up? At an S-class mission? Has the master completely lost his mind?" Yeah she had an impressive key, or keys, but she was still Lucy, her magic was still only slightly above average.. Or maybe more now..
"Luce.. You're not giving yourself enough credit.. Come on, everyone's waiting at the guild!"
"Oh alright, but first Gray you should really put some clothes on, the towns people are staring."
"Lucy my clothes are- HOLY SHIT!"
"Lucy my child come here, I have a few missions and I'd like you to be present for the briefing." Makarov was standing at the bar, and for the first time the guild was actually rather quiet. This must have been a some-what serious matter. Lucy spotted Natsu, Happy, Wendy, and Erza at a table and slowly walked to join her team with Gray behind her; now curious about the mission as well.
"It appears that the demon Lucy killed in that cave was not only from the book of Zeref; but he was Daemon, the first of demons in the book of Zeref. Meaning there are others; many others, and some comparable to Acnologia."
Silence ensued in the guild, and a few audible gulps were heard as the tension began rising.
"What I'm trying to say my children is that we have our work cut out for us, Daemon's death has opened a door to demons lashing out, villages are being plagued and lives have been lost."
Lucy felt her stomach drop, and tears began to prick at her eyes, "this is all my fault.."
"What are you saying old man?! That this is all somehow Lucy's fault?!" Natsu was now on fire, what was the point of this? Lucy saved their lives; this was nowhere near her fault!
"Sit down Natsu I haven't finished yet!" Makarov grew in size, almost touching the ceiling. Natsu huffed as he planted back down next to Lucy, Happy crawling into her lap as a form of comfort.
"I did not say this was Lucy's fault, because it is not. Yes, the demons are on the move since Daemon's death but that is out of anyone's control. This would have happened sooner or later, they've been hiding for years waiting for a chance to strike and since Daemon's identity was made public they've finally come out of hiding. All that means to us is that now we can find them, hunt them down, and take them all out!"
Cheers were heard throughout the hall, everybody was pumped. If they thought winning the Grand Magic Games kept them busy, they were in for a whole lot more; and some were itching to fight.
"Some are stronger than others, so they've been divided into categories. The last one should have been a 10 year mission, that was a huge mistake on my part and I apologize for that. But all the rest are divided into 100 years, 10 years, SS-class, and S-class. Gildarts is already on the move to the 100 year, but I have one 10 year, 3 SS-classes, and 3 S-classes."
"But master.. Only Laxus, Erza, and Mira are S-class.." Levy wasn't sure how in the world Fairy Tail was supposed to complete so many high ranking jobs with their current members.
"That's absolutely right Levy, so we had to reach out and find mages suitable to handle all these jobs.. Ah! Here they are now!"
On cue, both guild hall doors flew open
.
.
"Everyone can stay calm now! The cavalry has arrived!"
10 mages stood at the entrance, and to say the sight was shocking was an understatement.
Sting and Rogue were the first to walk in, Fro and Lector flying ahead examining the guild. Rufus and Ogra were close behind with Lyon, Jura, and Chelia coming in after.
"This is quite the guild.. Erza!" Milliana shouted running ahead, Kagura close behind – eager to speak with Erza as well.
"WIIIIIIIILD!" Bacchus came stumbling in, looking for Cana wanting to start up another drinking match.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail! And thank you again for coming!" Makarov was smiling and holding his arms out in a grand gesture, glad to see that his requests for high class mages were answered, even Sabertooth's guild master was here. "Master.. Where's Blue Pegasus?" Mira was curious as to why they wouldn't help Fairy Tail in their missions; they were by far the closest guild to Fairy Tail. "Oh, it appears they're dealing with S-Class missions of their own. Don't worry Mira, they can handle it!" Mira gave a firm nod but couldn't help the unease she felt; Blue Pegasus was strong but did they know what they were dealing with?
"Juvia, has Gray been treating you well, if not you can always come to me." Lyon was now kissing Juvia's hand as she stared longingly at Gray, who blanched at the sight and took the opportunity to pick a fight with Lyon.
"Wendy! We've come to play!" Chelia all but bounced over to Wendy, both girls embracing as though it had been years since they'd seen each other. "so cute.." Carla and Happy thought in unison, jumping in and forming a group hug.
"Natsu! Looks like we're all teaming up this time around! But I still want my rematch!" Sting was standing directly in front of Natsu and Lucy, grin in place and a sparkle in his eye, he admired Natsu way more than he should have..
"Same to you Gajeel, I was naïve in the games, but this time will be different." Rogue held the same look, they really were the dragon twins of Sabertooth.. And giving way too much admiration to the two most rambunctious mages in Fair Tail..
"Go Sting! You can do it! You're the best!" "Fro thinks so too!"
Lucy sweat dropped.. This was going to be a long night..
"I hear you single-handedly took out a 10 year demon. That's quite impressive." Jura was now standing in front of Lucy next to Sting; and again, all attention was back on Lucy.
"U-uhh.. well.." Lucy began scratching the back of her hand, becoming extremely nervous now that everyone was just staring.
"That's right, saved my life too, so ya better not piss her off or she might send one of those spirits after ya, gihi." Gajeel had an arm swung around Lucy's shoulders, trying to ease her uncomfortable situation. Levy and Lily both smiling, "Gajeel's such a softy.."
"Gajeel's savior.. That is quite impressive.. I'll have to challenge you once I finally defeat Gajeel." Rogue was now eyeing Lucy up and down, as if coming up with a battle strategy.
"Man I knew you were tough and could take a beating, but that is impressive!" Sting was now way too close to Lucy's face for her liking – clearly the guy didn't understand personal space. "He's more like Natsu than I realized.."
Natsu stood as he pushed Sting's face away from Lucy's, and standing in front of her protectively. "You're crowding my partner! Back off!"
Sting was surprised at first, and then completely read into the situation way more than necessary.
"She your woman Salamander?" He was eyeing Natsu, gauging his reaction.
"My woman? Yeah I guess, well she's my best friend and partner, is that what you're asking?"
Everybody sweat dropped. Lucy was flushing from head to toe and felt the need to speak up.
"No no no, we're not.. together.. in that way. We're just.. Partners! Friends."
"With benefits!" Came a shout in the background.
"WHO SAID THAT?!" Lucy was now looking out into the crowd of mages, a look promising death.
"Well he did grope you Lucy.." Carla was now standing next to the table, rubbing her chin and not directly making eye contact, a devious smirk in place.
"Th-th-that was an accident! Besides, Cana groped me too! It's pretty much the same thing!"
Aaaaaand in flew Cana. Again, groping Lucy like nobody's business. Noses began bleeding and the weak of heart fainted. "WIIIIIIIIIIIILD!" stupid Bacchus.. "Don't leave me out!" stupid Bixlow..
"Stop that Cana!" Natsu was now holding Lucy protectively; ready to fight the drunken girl off if needed.
Sting watched the whole scene, still analyzing way more than necessary. He smirked and thought of a good way to get one up on the Salamander. Once Lucy had pushed herself away from Natsu, Sting picked her up bridal style and looked her in the eye.
"Well! If you 'aint Salamanders woman then that means you can be mine!"
…
Between the laughing, cat calls, Mira gushing about blonde babies, and guild damages following Sting's outburst and Natsu's reaction; Lucy's horrified expression remained unchanged most of the night. "Why me.."
The next morning was off to a slow start.. As she left her house she did her normal key check, just to make sure they were all with her before heading out. She found herself examining her black key again, it was so interesting, such a mystery.. Speaking of mysteries.. She began fiddling with the white key, slowly unhooking it from her key ring. She was now eye level with the key, admiring it's craftsmanship "I'm almost positive this thing is made out of bone.. But it's different at the same time.. So odd.."
"Lucy!" Levy came running up, startling Lucy – she threw her key in her left jean pocket to avoid any questions Levy might bring up about the key, she wasn't in the mood for being asked things she didn't have the answers to, especially when they were her keys.
"Hey Levy! Ready for the day?!" Lucy put on her happy-go-lucky smile and together both girls headed to the guild.
"Lucy hopefully we can go on a mission together!" Levy was practically bouncing, the girls had never done a mission together and Lucy being her best girlfriend, she wanted to at least do one. Plus she was hoping to see her key in action.
Once both girls reached the guild, the mood was definitely screaming hangover and irritation. With all the fights, teasing, jabbing, and drinking everybody had a hard time getting up and going. Once everyone had arrived at the guild Makarov was standing at the bar again, posters in hand ready to hand out the missions. He began clearing his throat to gather everyone's attention.
"Children, guests, now it's time to get down to business. I have 3 S-class missions, 3 SS-classes and one 10 year. I need 7 teams; each team has to have at least one S-class mage, I'd like the SS-class missions to have either two S-class mages or at least a group of 3-5 mages with one S-class. Typically I'd feel more comfortable having a Wizard Saint attending the 10 year mission, but I'd actually like to give the opportunity to Laxus if you're okay with that Jura."
Jura nodded in agreement. He know Laxus was stronger than he was, he proved that at the games; he would without a doubt become the next Wizard Saint.
"Good, that being said I'm going to separate team leaders: Laxus, Erza, Mira, Jura, Sting, Kagura, and Bacchus – choose your teams. Like I said, if you want the SS-class missions, you should either have one other S class mage or a few others with you." Makarov sat down and crossed his arms, leaving the rest for his children to work out.
"Oooooooh Lucyyy~ I pick you on my teaaaaaaam" Sting came practically skipping over to Lucy, getting a kick out of Natsu's reaction, "Not gonna happen Saber! She's with me!" Natsu growled, annoyed that Sting thought he could come to their guild for one day and take his team mate.
"Lucy you're so popular.." Happy was now standing on her shoulder, just barely able to fly away before Lucy could get a good hit in. This was getting ridiculous, obviously Sting was just trying to get under Natsu's skin and get a reaction, which Natsu delivered every time.. "He really is an idiot.."
"Don't joke around; Lucy is obviously going to be on my team." Erza gave her famous 'if looks could kill she'd be a murderer' glare to everyone in the crowd and it was decided in an instant. Lucy was on Erza's team, with Natsu, Gray, Gajeel, and Levy. Laxus' team consisted of the Raijinshuu, Mira had her brother and sister; Sting had Rogue, Ogra, and Rufus; Kagura had Milianna, Jura had Lyon, Chelia, Wendy, and somehow Juvia; and Bacchus paired with Cana and Macao.
"So, have you all decided on your teams?" Makarov stood, approving of the team choices.
"Alright then, Erza, Jura, and Sting, your teams will be taking the SS-Class requests. Kagura, Bacchus, and Mira, you'll handle the S-Classes. Any questions?"
There was only silence followed by looks of determination.
"Then go my children! Get out there and show them what Fairy Tail, Sabertooth, Lamia Scale, and Mermaid Heel can do!"
"YEAAAAAAH!"
"So Erza, which mission did you pick?" Lucy was sitting at the station with Erza, Gajeel, Levy and Lily, waiting for Natsu and Gray. "Actually Lucy, master gave us the mission that was borderline SS-Class and 10 year."
"WHAAAAT?! Why would he do that?!" Lucy paled, rethinking her offer to join Stings group.
"Lucy what are you so worried about? Gajeel was former S-class at Phantom Lord, Levy, Natsu, and Gray are all S-class candidates and Lily can hold his own in battle; besides with your new keys I'd dare say you're top contender to be the next S-Class mage. Have more faith in yourself Lucy, and you can always have faith in your teammates." Lucy suddenly felt guilty doubting her team's ability for even a minute, Erza was right, they could do it. Heck, they could probably take on the 10 year mission if they were asked.
"You're right Erza, forgive me, I guess I should work on my confidence alongside my magic." She laughed a little in embarrassment as Erza smiled. Then slammed Lucy's face into her chest for comfort, well Erza comfort..
"What was that?! You wanna go Dragon Breath?!"
"Bring it Ice Cube! I'm ready!"
Fire and ice began forming, and then it suddenly disappeared, as Erza was now dragging an unconscious Gray and Natsu on top of her luggage as Happy jumped onto Lucy's shoulder.
"Gihi, idiots.." Gajeel, Lucy, Lily and Levy following closely behind as they set out on their mission. Apparently the monster they were dealing with was attacking a town in Gallowsville right next to the sea.
6 hours later the team arrived in Gallowstown; and the town was a mess. Fishing boats were thrown into ports, fishing nets ripped and tossed all along the coast, and the towns people looked to be hiding from the sea. "Must be a sea demon.." Lucy was trying to estimate the damage, not even Natsu had ever managed to do this on a good day. The team made its way to the town hall; people who were previously living next to the coast had now taken residence in their make-shift shelter. Despair hung so heavily in the air Erza probably could have cut it with one of her blades.
"A-are you guys mages?" a little old man approached the team, he had a missing eye along with some missing teeth, and hands scarred and calloused, with darkly tanned skin. He looked as though he'd worked on a boat his entire life.
"Yes, we're from Fairy Tail, we came about the request." Erza spoke with confidence and authority, some of the towns people perked up with hope as others felt it was pointless.
"If you wanna live I suggest leaving. That demon's killed more people than we can count; we need an army here, not mages." A man who looked to be in his 40's was glaring at the group.
"No! No! Please! Don't listen to him! Please! I'll pay whatever you want just.. Just please! Kill that monster, I'm begging you.." The mayor was now approaching the group, tears in her eyes. She looked to be in her 30's, petite and pretty, she definitely didn't look like a mayor.
"We'll do everything we can, just tell us where we can find it." Erza replied, putting her hand on the woman's shoulder to assure her everything would be alright.
"Oh thank you! Thank you! This means so much to us!" She began crying again, smile in place, she fell to her knees and was hugging Erza around the waist.
"He's everywhere. None of us know what he looks like, anyone who's seen him is dead. He likes the port as I'm sure you've noticed. Prolly in the water." A boy that looked to be about 15 stood and answered. "Please.. You have to kill him.. My family.. Our life is fishing, without the sea we're as good as dead anyways.." The boy was fighting back tears of his own.
"My husband! Please, you have to find my husband! I haven't seen him in 2 days! Please find my husband!" One lady became hysterical, grabbing onto Levy's arm as she began bawling.
"M-mine too! Please! Find my husband as well!"
"My son! I haven't seen my son since the tsunami hit!"
"My daughter, she's missing as well! Please!"
In a matter of minutes a mob had formed, the team had to rush out of the hall, the damage on the town had taken its toll on the survivors; it was an all-out war zone with more casualties than any one of them wanted to see. They headed out on the only lead they got, and from what all the damage was saying they needed to go to the water – surely the demon would then come to them.
It didn't take long before Erza noticed they were not alone. A cold chill ran through the air and the water levels began rising.
"I sense strong magic coming from you lot. I won't be taking this battle lightly."
The whole team instantly spread out, Erza requipped to her Sea Empress Armor, ready for a battle at sea. Natsu and Gray flanking either side as Gajeel stood protectively in front of Levy. Lily and Happy next to Lucy as she reached for her keys; this caught the demons eye.
"So you're the one with the key.." And in an instant Lucy found herself suspended in air above the water by a water-tentacle-like-thing. The demon slowly emerged, allowing the water to push him up to be eye level with Lucy. The man had half fish scales half skin, and what looked to be a webbed dorsal fin running down his back. He had a sabre in place similar to Freed's but more.. fish-like. A sword fish? "I shall avenge Daemon by taking your life, but first." He grabbed Lucy's keys – holding the Black Death God key out in front of her. "That you were able to open this is indeed surprising, and Zeref may be angry at me for ending your life, but I can't just ignore Daemon's death, good by-" In came Erza with her Water Slash attack, effectively distracting the demon as he dropped Lucy into the water.
"LUCY!" Natsu dived in after her, she didn't have her keys anymore, she'd be killed.
Natsu managed to pull Lucy out of the water as Erza landed yet another hit and Gray instantly thought to protect his friends, "Ice make: Shield!" A large ice shield formed in front of Natsu and Lucy, separating them from the demon. "Iron Dragon Lance!" Gajeel landed a solid hit on the fish demon, bouncing him right into Erza's range for another Water Slash attack.
"Lucy! Are you alright?" Levy was running to Lucy's side, trying to assess for any damages.
"Yeah I'm fine Levy, but my keys.." Lucy now had tears pricking at her eyes. The demon took her keys; she had to get them back.
"Don't worry Luce! We'll get your keys back!" Natsu was now standing, getting ready to charge into battle. "Happy! I need a lift buddy!" Natsu was now pointing at the water demon still propelled in the air, using his water as a pedestal. "Aye sir!" Happy was now carrying Natsu in the air, straight towards the enemy. "Hey Happy! How does fried fish sound for dinner?!" Natsu's hands were now covered in flames, "Yummy yummy fish!" Happy was now flying faster, the quicker Natsu fried the demon the quicker they'd get to eat.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!" Natsu landed an explosive hit, while Gajeel landed yet another Iron Lance, Gray smashing his Ice Hammer, and Erza finishing it off with one last Water Slash. The demon fell into the water, seemingly defeated.
"Wow guys.. Way to go!" Levy and Lucy were looking on in awe. They finished the demon so fast! Was this really SS-Class-borderline-10-year material? Maybe their team was just that strong.
"How lame! The demon was no fun! Bring out a stronger one!" Natsu was stomping on the ground, shooting out flames and destroying a fisherman's boat that was beached on the port.
"For once I actually have to agree with Fire Idiot, that was simple.." Gray was scratching his head, shrugging, and making his was over to Lucy and Levy, just to make sure Lucy wasn't injured.
Erza and Gajeel were still staring at the water. Something wasn't right.
"A Knight, Ice mage, Fire Dragon, Iron Dragon, Celestial Mage, and two cats.. I see now. I've also got a good gauge on your abilities and magical power. Sorry but play times over, I've already grown tired of this game."
The demon again resurfaced. Barely even a scratch on him.
"I go by Xiphias Gladius, I am the sword of the sea." As if to emphasize his point he drew his sabre, which began glowing. "I am the sea; to think that water armor or ice would do me any damage is foolish. And fire? Please, don't make me laugh!"
"Well then, looks like I'll have to try out some different armor." Erza was now re-quipping into her Heaven's Wheel Armor. "And looks like I'll have to step up to the plate this time around, seeing as Salamander and Ice boy are useless, gihi" Gajeel was now standing next to Erza, both arms in Lance mode.
Both attacked, Erza releasing a fury of swords as Gajeel stretched his arms in the demons direction. The demon casually stepped to the side, avoiding Gajeel's Lances and effectively defending all of Erza's blades, ricocheting them back to Gajeel.
"W-what?! Gajeel! You! How did you do that?!" Erza was now furious; he single-handedly blocked all her blades and even shot the attack back onto her teammate.
"Sigh.. Must I repeat myself? I am Gladius – my very name is sword. I am the sword of the sea young lady; so long as I have the sea feeding me energy your attacks are pointless." In a flash the demon was now in front of Erza, "You are strong; in fact, if this battle were to have taken place on land I'm sure you would have defeated me. It was your mistake coming into my playground." The demon threw a violent slash at Erza, which she was able to defend the last second, jumping back.
"You.." Erza was angry, this demon was truly on another level, but what was worse was how he had hurt her friends. Unacceptable.
"Yes, I'll save you for last since you seem to be the most interesting. First things first." Water in the form of an octopus tentacle grabbed Lucy by the ankle again and dragged her back to sea. "I will destroy Daemon's killer, justice must be served. But do not worry, I will give you a peaceful death, I'll simply drown you. Am I not kind?" As he finished his sentence Lucy felt herself under water, unable to move. The muffled sound of her teammates attempting to jump in the water and fight off the demon to save her barely audible as she went deeper and deeper. She reached for her whip, trying to attack the tentacle which proved pointless under water. She continued to struggle against the force pushing her down, but it was doing absolutely nothing. She could still hear the sounds of battle as it slowly started to disappear the deeper she was plunged. And the sun started to become farther and farther away, she had lost all hope. "This is it.. I'm going to die.." And in her moment of realization all she could do was curl into a ball as the water attempted to fill her lungs.
And then she felt it. Something jabbing her leg.
"This is.."
"LUCY!" Natsu and Gray were attempting to jump into the water; every time Gray would freeze it the monster would just defrost it. Gajeel managed to shoot a Lance under water, but only to be propelled backwards by water tentacles. Both Dragon Slayer shooting Dragon Roars and some of their best attacks, but Natsu's frantic state of mind left his defenses lacking and made a unison raid impossible. He attempted a lightning flame attack, but was stopped by Gajeel, "You idiot! you'll electrocute Lucy!" taking the hit himself using his lance as a lightning rod. Shit.. Levy was desperately trying to write 'oxygen' to send to Lucy, but was shot back as well from the Dragon Slayer's explosive attacks. Erza was now shooting hundreds of blades at Gladius, tears in her eyes at the demons nerve to hurt her friends. She'd make him pay. Lucy cannot die here!
.
.
And then the water exploded.
.
.
The demon had completely lost control of the sea; a look of fear crossed his face as he laid eyes on his newest opponent.
Lucy was now floating high up in the air, not in the water; which was now suspended around her. She looked at her friends shocked expressions, mixed with a little relief at seeing their friend not drowning any longer.
"Normally, I ask questions first and fight after, but I will make an exception this time. I can feel the urgency in this situation, and am being propelled to fight - and apparently I am here to protect you."
Lucy was suddenly back to her feet on land too fast for her to register, Levy standing next to her; just as shocked as everyone else.
"Do not worry; I plan on finishing this as quickly as possible." The demon flinched at the spirits words; he knew they were not an empty threat.
After sharing brief glances with her comrades, Lucy finally looked to her spirit and savior, as bright green eyes intently stared back at her; promising a swift battle.
In her moment of desperation, Lucy had to use the key she forgot was in her pocket! But who is this spirit so nonchalantly promising swift victory?! XD