Welcome back to chapter two! I hope you enjoyed it so far, these chapters can be a pain editing sometimes, but I think it's worthwhile.
JustAnotherFan: Thanks, I hope it meets your expectations and continues to have an original flare to it.
Michikolyvie: Interesting it is! It's bound to get even more interesting as it rolls on forward.
Kirinah: I wanted to send you a private message, but your inbox is full :P But to answer some of your inquiries, this fanfiction is planning to be unique, but don't worry! :3 I have a plan to (possibly) have an alternate ending as well, though I do have my favorite lined up at the end. It becomes pretty obvious after the story continues to flow forward. But, I enjoy adding unique fluff you may not expect or see in other stories. I may revise my summary as I continue forward in this story but until now I will keep some things shrouded in the dark unless enough people are upset about it. :)
Also, I don't own Fairy Tail.
Chapter Two
" I can't believe that just happened..." Juvia stepped out of the car, soaking wet. A soaked Natsu wobbling behind her, catching on the side rail before exiting the train with little grace then toppling to the floor.
"Solid ground…" He mumbled, water dripping onto the concrete.
Juvia swung her hair around her shoulder and squeezed it tight, letting the water splash by her feet. After two hours they finally backtracked to their original destination, but unfortunately, they were now a good ways behind the other duo team.
"No matter how much I douse myself with my magic, I can still smell it!" Juvia held her hand to her mouth, forcing away another gag.
Natsu stood and shook himself, water spraying across the stations' platform.
"Sorry, I thought you knew…" He ruffled his hair with an apologetic smile.
Juvia frowned, "next time you're about to toss your cookies, aim the other way, not toward me!"
She flicked her hands and sighed, "I don't mind being wet, but in public, I want to be, you know.. A little decent. Especially if Gray is going to be nearby."
Juvia felt heat touch her and she jumped in surprise.
"Hey, don't freak out, will ya? I won't burn you." Natsu muttered with a frown, crossing his arms. People who passed them by, starred as Natsu lit his hands on fire, steam rising from his soaked clothing. He reached his hands out and warmed the water wizard in return. She blinked, shaking her head, she felt her hair dry behind her neck.
Natsu smiled, "see, good as new."
Juvia "humphed" feeling the coolness disappear, the warmth taking its place, "I prefer being cold rather than hot."
Natsu rolled his eyes, "whatever, beggars can't be choosers."
Juvia turned away from the fire wizard and looked around the town they exited. It was a town just North of Lamia scale. The station was small and had a bare opening with fans on the corners to cool the waiting passengers.
Natsu's eyes scanned the crowd not seeing any sign of their friends, though he doubt he would.
"So, any idea where they went off-Hey, Juvia?"
Natsu frowned seeing that she had run ahead of him past the station drop off. Natsu tailed her from behind, barely avoiding side swiping a family who was trying to get on board the next train.
"Oh-uh sorry!" He called out, watching a little boy fall in surprise. Looking back ahead he realized she was heading toward a taped off location, a few security officers standing nearby while a large crowd gathered around in interest. Juvia had walked up to a guard just a few feet away, interrogating the officer with questions in regards to the scene.
"Hey what happened here?" Natsu asked no one in particular while walking ahead. Reaching the taped off section he lifted the tape up and strode inside. He paused, feeling grogginess suddenly set inside his mind. Natsu squinted his eyes and tried to shake the head, willing to clear the fog away.
"Hey, you can't go past here!"
Natsu hesitated then glanced behind him to see a guard rush toward him. Natsu smiled his eyes flickering toward the back where ice crusted the ground. He felt his feet crunch as Juvia joined him.
"Hey, did you two not just hear what I said? No people beyond this point!"
He taped the yellow tape in front of him with a frown.
"Yeah, yeah we heard you," Natsu replied with a cross of his arms. The man huffed and Natsu turned toward him with a smirk, "I'm Natsu from Fairy Tail, you heard of me right?" He turned toward the water wizard pointing with his thumb, "and this is Juvia."
"We're looking for a couple of our guild members who passed by recently."
Natsu pulled his shirt up to show his Fairy Tail mark, Juvia doing the same.
The man hesitated then proceeded to bow with his head, "right, I didn't realize you were apart of their team."
Juvia bent down to brush the iced grass by their feet, her fingers grazing over the cold greenery, snapping it.
The guard threw his arm forward, "the ice wizard and celestial wizard have been busy trying to subdue the beast. This is just some of the aftermath, as security, we had to evacuate the town; we're just waiting for the clear-" A sharp scream pierced the air, sending chills down their spines, the ground shaking.
He glanced to the north, "they've been at it for an hour now. The monster is tricky. It doesn't like to fight head on."
"I see" Juvia replied, "someone else also mentioned that it was a very large beast."
The man nodded, "and its skin is hard as stone. I don't know how those two will do it on their own."
"They won't be alone," Natsu replied curtly with the crack of his fists and started forward.
Juvia smiled and gave a quick nod in response toward the man's surprise, the guard smiled then nodded, allowing them to continue forward without any delay.
Natsu rushed forward, following the ice trail, both Lucy and Gray's scent wavering in the air toward the woods up ahead. He smiled, feeling fire touch the stones as he pushed off to join his two friends. A fight. It always put a fire in his spirit no matter the circumstances.
The fire wizard felt his powers waver as his vision blurred and ears began to ring. Blinking he slowed his pace, throwing his hand in his hair, allowing his mind to catch up with his surroundings as his thoughts were scrambling in a jumbled mess. Stopping completely his head felt heavy under the grasp of his hand.
"Natsu…"
He blinked the colorful dots away and looked behind him to see Juvia had caught up to him with a loud exhale of his name.
She was frowning, her eyes glistening and she held a hand across her forehead as if the sun bore heavy down on her face.
"I...feel weird...again…" Juvia muttered, she glanced at the fire wizard worry swimming in her eyes.
Natsu swallowed, this was just like before. But why now, why is it happening again so soon? What is it? Nothing made any damn sense.
One minute I feel like myself and the other... my thoughts don't even seem to be of my own.
He hesitated to answer her, "yeah, me too."
The fire wizard shook his head, trying to manually clear the fog threatening to cover his mind.
Natsu heard a hic and saw Juvia's eyes flash, tears brimming at the edge, "I'm scared."
He forced a reassured smile but she seemed to see right through it, his own eyes flashing the same concern that settled deep inside the water wizard's heart.
They were losing themselves again. They were losing control.
Why...why is this happening?
Natsu felt panic rising in his chest, his thought process shifting.
"It's ok, don't panic." Natsu paused, unsure if he said that for Juvia or to reassure himself. Either way, the issue doesn't seem to persist forever, there is a flaw. There was still hope to solve this if only he could get some help. Closing his eyes he pictured the iconic blonde in his mind.
Lucy, come on, I know you can help me out, you know me better than anyone.
"Lucy can help…" Natsu muttered. He felt Juvia's eyes flick over at him, "you really think so?"
"Of course," Natsu replied. He forced a smile and caught eyes with the water wizard, "if anyone is able to break this, she can."
Natsu gritted his teeth in frustration.
It's why I chased after you... if anyone can figure this out, you can. I only hope I can be of more help this time.
Whenever one is in trouble the other is there for them, right? Come on Lucy, I need you now!
But... what if the closer I get to them, the more I lose my mind? What would cause that? Is that what it is..? Damn it I can't think straight!
Natsu opened his eyes, Juvia frowning, a tear sliding down her face, wrapping her hands tightly around the edge of her shirt.
"Why is this happening...why," she muttered.
Natsu felt his chest grow heavy seeing her so miserable. He laid a hand on her shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "hey, it's ok...it could be worse."
Juvia gazed at him, fresh tears falling and nodded without a response.
"Gray! Throw ice at his feet, I'll take him out with my whip!"
The two were sweating. It's been over an hour since they started trailing the monster that rampaged the small town.
"Got it!" Lucy felt the flash of cold as the wizard raced past and leaped, covering each limb with a thick layer of ice.
"Done!"
When they first started the mission it only took a little while to tease it out from the woods. The creature blended in with the environment so well that they managed to step on top of the beast, waking it. Lucy had found herself riding the creature until sliding down the back, Gray catching her from the fall.
Lucy took out her celestial whip and pulled it out with a snap. She smiled, sweat crested across her forehead. Raising her arm, the whip grew thrice its length and she cast it around beasts legs, toppling it as it tried desperately to escape from the ice. A blood-curdling scream coursed through the air. Lucy jumped from her ledge and ran around to the back then tied it off, shrinking the whip until the beast couldn't move and all four limbs were tied down by ice and her magic rope.
Gray raced up next to her with hard breaths to match her own.
"Hah! That was great Lucy!" He smiled watching the creature writhe, trying to break free.
"Now, for the finale" Gray stood his ground, Lucy took a few steps away, watching him call on his powers, black lines appearing across his face.
"Demonic remnants are a pain, but I'm glad I got this power to-"
"Gray! Lucy!"
Gray hesitated in his power, the surprising call causing him to cast the spell to the side- missing the monster and almost hitting Lucy, who had to leap out of the way in the last second.
"What the...! Natsu, Juvia!?"
"Yo!" Natsu smirked hands across his hips, excitement evident, "you guys having fun without us?"
Gray echoed the fire wizards smirk and cast a glance toward Lucy replying, "you guys finally snapped out of it?"
Natsu smiled, pounding his hand into his fist sparks rising from his knuckles.
"Oh, I'm all fired up now!" A breath of fire escaped toward the beast struggling.
Natsu will always be Natsu… Lucy mused, crossing her arms.
Lucy stared at the fire wizard, a smile touching her lips, I'm happy that it seems that he's finally returned to himself...
The monster cried out and with a loud snap- her whip pulling apart, flinging off toward the side, away from the wizards, Lucy jumping in fright from the noise.
"Damnit Natsu!" Gray shouted with a fist at his side, his marks fading across his face.
"We would have been done already if it weren't for you butting in!"
Ignoring Gray, the fire wizard leaped up and crashed on the monster with a fire iron dragon fist. The monster screamed then effortlessly flung him off to the side, the beasts hard exterior barely even scratched.
"Huh?" Natsu cried out.
A water whip raced past him like a stream as grabbed the beast in the front, toppling it down. The water magic easily broke, causing Juvia to hit the ground. Simultaneously she shot out a wave of water behind her allowing Natsu to slide down effortlessly, rolling in the grass.
"Hey, thanks!" He shouted with a smile, the wizard jumped back to his feet with a pumped fist. Juvia smiled in return and threw a thumbs up in response.
Lucy looked at the group who surrounded her and frowned, her whip was no longer handy and even if it was, she doubt the beast would let her try that trick twice. The creature hollered and glanced at each of the wizards in turn. She watched Natsu try again with a fire dragon roar, the beast took a few steps back and crouched, shielding itself from the hot flames.
Lucy watched Gray throw large ice spikes against the shell. Lucy frowned and tapped her chin, Fire, Water, Ice and Celestial Magic…
Fire and Water create...Steam. When Steam is frozen at a low enough temperature it can freeze….That's it!
"Natsu, Juvia!"
The fire slayer dodged an incoming hit and glanced her way, Juvia pulled a small water sphere to shield herself and looked over with interest.
"Attack at the same time, combine your powers!"
The two of them glanced at one another. Natsu smirked and leaped next to Juvia with flaming balled fists, "oh yeah! Let's do it!"
Juvia held her arm out and crouched to her side, calling her water magic. They glanced at one another, "Now!" Lucy screamed, watching the beast eye them curiously.
The fire flashed fast next to the water that streamed forward, striking the beast with such force, it fell to its side with a loud ominous cry.
"Gray! Use your magic, freeze the monster with the hot steam!"
"Got it!" Gray replied.
Throwing his fist against his other hand he pushed his shoulder back and cried out, releasing a powerful flow of ice, the crystals freezing the grass, traveling quickly to their opponent.
The beast hollered as the steam wrapped around the beast then quickly froze from the sudden change in temperature, its legs stiff, unable to move until it was frozen solid. Hail rained from the sky as Juvia and Natsu leaped out of the way.
Lucy flicked out her key and cried out, "Taurus lend me your power, I call on you!"
She swiped the key, the celestial spirit coming to her aid.
"Is this guy bothering you?" He stated, Lucy smirked, "sort of, he's a monster we need to exterminate, ready?" She stretched, feeling the armor clad her shoulders and torso, a replicated axe sliding in her hands.
The spirit nodded and they raced together, leaping and crashing down onto the frozen beast; with a final crack, the ice shattered, including part of the monster inside. There was a final howl as the body of the beast crashed into the ground and in recoil, pieces of the earth flew along with the beast back into the air.
Lucy found herself tumbling to the ground, Taurus, disappearing. She rolled to the side, missing a flying chunk of land that hit beside her. Lucy's eyes widened seeing the beast falling from the sky, straight for her.
"Natsu..!" From instinct, Lucy screamed his name, adrenaline spiking in her chest.
She lifted her hands in the air, using her axe as a shield and felt the weight of the creature fall to her weapon, her arms vibrating and wrists almost giving out.
Lucy fell flat on her back from the force, then suddenly her weight was lifted as her shirt was grabbed and she was pulled out from underneath the falling dead weight.
She felt herself fly backward, scooting on her back and watching the beast slammed into the ground with another wave of shaking, dust flying across the area. Lucy shielded her eyes as she slowed then stopped.
Looking to her rescuer she was shocked to see not pink hair but the dark haired male standing agitated by her side, heaving with effort.
"Gray!"
He glanced at her, "that was a close one. You need to be more careful, you could have really hurt yourself." He snapped with a frown.
Lucy let her shoulders slide down and looked to the other side, as the dust settled she saw Natsu stand above Juvia, offering her his hand to help her back to her feet.
"I guess Juvia was in danger too.." Lucy replied and smiled up at Gray, "Thanks for grabbing me back there."
He looked over toward the two of them and nodded silently back to the celestial wizard, Natsu could have easily saved Lucy, he usually always does. That's why I hesitated. But when I saw he was protecting Juvia from flying debris...I had to grab her. Lucy could have easily been crushed if she wasn't careful. She could have died. His eyes flickered back to the celestial wizard. I'm just glad I was close enough and quick enough to grab her shirt. I don't want to think….
Gray shook his head, walking up to the unconscious beast that lay before him.
"That was one hell of an attack." Gray replied to Lucy who looked up, brushing her hair back, she smiled, "yeah?"
He nodded, "you have gotten a lot stronger than I remember."
Lucy laughed, "I've been practicing a bit...here and there." Gray watched as her taurus spirit outfit fazed away to her original clothes. "I can't hold the form for myself for too long, but I've only been able to retain it for a solid 2 minutes while in battle."
Gray laughed, "you gotta start somewhere, right?"
Lucy stared at him then gave a sharp nod, smiling, "yeah...I guess I do!"
He smiled and returned toward the creature, again he brought out his demon power and cast his magic. Lucy watched as the creature sparked then exploded into millions of round, dark circles until a small, unconscious rodent lay at their feet. Next to it lay a dark sphere. Gray grabbed it and wrapped it in a cloth, tying it down.
Gray stood up, holding the bag and examining the contents with curious eyes.
"I've only done this a couple times," Gray replied, as Lucy stood up and made her way toward him.
"I need to go back to the village to burn it to lift the spirit free from their town."
"Because it had a connection?" Lucy asked and Gray nodded.
"We have a connection too!"
Lucy and Gray both glanced up to where Natsu and Juvia were standing, they came close to the duo, Juvia throwing her arms in the air with excitement.
"Yeah, that was so awesome! That's how you start an afternoon!" Natsu exclaimed.
Lucy smiled and nodded we did all have a connection with each other, Gray was quiet, she glanced over at him, seeing a skeptical look cross his face.
"What's that look for, Gray?" Lucy asked.
Gray frowned, "I can't help but wonder why you two are here, don't you want to do missions together on your own?"
Lucy furrowed her brow, then looked over toward the fire and water wizard. What was Gray getting at? We've done plenty of missions as a group before.
Natsu threw his arms behind his head and smiled, Juvia clasped her hands together and swayed to the side.
Is Gray still thinking about this morning? Is he testing them? What's going through his mind right now?
"Well, yes, we were going to….weren't we?" Juvia asked and Natsu gave a sharp nod, "Yeah!"
"So, why didn't you?" Gray pushed.
The two of them exchanged glances, they were quiet for a moment, as if they didn't quite know how to answer the question.
"Well…" Natsu began and tapped his chin, glancing away with a frown.
Juvia tilted her head in thought, "we didn't want to be left out!"
"Yeah!" Natsu replied then furrowed his brow as if he didn't actually agree, but it made the most sense.
Lucy and Gray exchanged looks then heard Juvia exclaim, "Besides! Isn't it cute to be going on out a double date like this!"
Lucy felt her heart stop, she saw Gray freeze, their eyes back on the fire and water wizard who were now holding hands.
No, it is just like this morning. Nothing changed at all! What is going on?
"Double date?!" Lucy stuttered out.
"Yeah!" Juvia continued with a smile and leaned into Natsu.
"Well, it's more like a double mission," Natsu muttered and Juvia only shrugged.
The celestial wizard and ice wizard stole a silent glance from each other before Natsu continued, "what's not to love about protecting those you care about the most!"
Lucy blinked feeling her palms grow sweaty and gripped her skirt and rolled them down from her growing nerves.
"Wait, are you saying that as if we're together? You two should know that Gray and I are not-" Lucy started.
"-What the hell is wrong with you two, if you don't cut the crap this next minute... I'm going to knock some sense into you in the minute after that." Gray snapped.
"-a couple…" Lucy muttered, being overborne by an angry ice wizard at her side.
She saw his fists close, ice breaking across his knuckles.
Oh, he's dead serious.
She saw his eyes narrow, the fist that held the small pack caking with thin ice across it.
Natsu frowned and closed his fists in response, fire flaring across his hands.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"You know damn well what I'm talking about," Gray growled.
Juvia glanced at the boys with a frown, she gazed at Gray and grew quiet beside the angered fire wizard.
"Yeah, I'm hearing that we're going to have a problem." Natsu took a few steps forward, Gray matching him.
"You bet your ass we're going to have a problem!"
"Boys!"
Lucy ran between the two of them who were now only a couple of feet apart. She could feel the cold snap to her left and the heat flow over on her right.
She looked at Natsu first then toward Gray, frowning.
"Lucy, don't get in my way," Gray stated, his voice as cold as his powers.
She frowned, "your way? Excuse me, when has this become a problem on your own? Tone it down a little." She turned to Natsu, "and you, Gray is correct, something isn't right between you guys. I don't care if you found a newfound interest in one another, but try to be a little more sensitive will ya?" Lucy crossed her arms, "Come on, let's at least get along until we make it back to Fairy Tail."
Gray is probably hurt or angered at this new relationship, Juvia is no longer throwing herself over him. You would think he would be overjoyed but…
She looked back at Gray who lowered his fists and looked to the ground.
It seems it's hurting him more than he's let on.
She looked back at Natsu who lowered his shoulders, fire extinguished.
Not that I'm any less hurt...Natsu and I did almost everything together. It's an odd feeling to not have him so close. But this is just one day... right?
Lucy sighed and lowered her arms watching Grays ice crack and hearing the shards fall to the floor.
Juvia walked up to them and stood next to Natsu with a reassuring smile.
"Thanks, Lucy." She replied. She hesitated seeing Gray turn away and walk off, Lucy looked back at him with a frown.
"Hey, wait, Gray!" Lucy cried out, Gray threw his hand in the air, showing off the bag.
"I'm out-I'm going to go to the town to finish this mission then head home. Meet me at the town entrance when you're ready to go."
Lucy hesitated then sighed, nodding at the curt reply, "ok," She replied quietly, watching her friend walk away.
He's wanting some space.
That's fine.
At least these two won't be having an all-out brawl in the town we just saved...and Gray won't be trekking it back on his own.
Lucy sighed, watching Natsu's shoulders lax as Juvia looked up and smiled at him, he returned a small smile and Lucy forced herself to look away. Gazing behind them she pinpointed where her celestial whip was and walked toward it.
She brushed by Natsu, feeling her stomach turn for a moment before taking in a long jagged breath.
So not only are they continuing on with this 'act' but now they are depicting as though Gray and I are a couple now. This day just keeps on surprising me. Maybe Juvia finally snapped and is taking this whole 'love rival' thing to a whole new level. Or maybe it really was a bet? But why would they keep it up this long….Natsu barely has the attention span for even the mildest of romantic interests and Juvia has always just had eyes for one man in her life, cutting everyone else out completely.
The weirdest thing out of all of this would have to be them assuming I am dating Gray. Neither one of us has ever shown any romantic interest in one another, at least not intentionally. Gray always seemed to want to keep to himself, and with Juvia always begging for his attention, not many girls got to the ice wizard these days. Heck, even with Juvia throwing herself on him- he still turns the romantic interest away.
Though, Natsu really isn't all that different either, since Lisanna seemed to like him back in the day, or so I heard from Mira. But he's never once mentioned any interest being with her or even going on missions together with Lisanna. Romance was never on the table for him from the beginning. Lucy and Natsu were almost always together, there was little she didn't know about him.
Lucy blushed, feeling a chill race down her spine.
She did know quite a lot about him, and this was by far one of the most surprising things that she's EVER seen him do, and that says a lot. Not only did he allow Happy to go on a mission alone without him, he also let me go with Gray while he stayed behind at the guild.
Why? He always jumps on board when offered to go on a mission together and is typically upset when I ever turn one down. I hear about it for at least a week straight. If this was a bet, then their acting skills were through the roof. It fooled her. So what was really going on…?
Lucy paused, bending down to pick up her celestial whip and threw it forward so it snapped back to its original small form. Attaching it back to her hip she sighed.
So there are a few ideas.
One: The least likely of all my ideas, the two of them had some sort of coming to understanding with one another. Perhaps they had some deep conversation and now they're close as ever.
Lucy twisted her belt across her hip, checking that her keys were all there.
Two: Both of them still had a conversation but it pertained more to Gray and I. Both Juvia and Natsu were sent away yesterday evening at the festival. After Natsu almost burned down a tent, I pushed him out and away for the night. Around that same time, Juvia had been talking with Gray. I didn't hear their conversation but Gray had forcefully declined whatever she was asking him to do. She had left shortly after, racing away saying, "she was going to get something". But never came back. She still wasn't sure if Juvia was crying or not. It really wasn't her business. But perhaps this was some case of revenge on the two of them?
Lucy shook her head. That is too well planned for the two of them. For Natsu or even Juvia. There would be no way they would hold out this long for just extracting revenge. Or would they?
Three: They lost a bet to another fairy tail member. But this also didn't seem to fit the bill. She could see Natsu going all out. But Juvia? What would have to be bet for them to disregard their past selves? Juvia wouldn't go 10 minutes without being near Gray and Natsu would never stoop to as much romantic interest as he's showing….right now. God. What the hell is going on?
"Hey! Not in front of me!" Lucy shouted, throwing her hands up in the air as she drew near them.
Natsu and Juvia pulled apart and glanced at the blushing Lucy, staring at the two of them with wide eyes, catching the romantic act between them.
"What's the matter, Lucy?" Natsu asked with a tilted head.
Lucy felt her heart twist, Clueless as ever...you are calling me that like when you have your full attention on me, only me you brat.
Lucy frowned, instinctively balling her fists.
You know what the hell is the matter! I don't want to see you….ugh. No, don't Lucy, calm down.
Taking a breath she put a couple fingers across her temples.
"Nothing..it's nothing I'm just trying to think."
"Whatcha thinking about?" he continued, pushing her patience.
Juvia gazed at her then looked up at Natsu with interest.
Lucy sighed and let her eyes graze the floor. She fell quiet and could feel his eyes burning into her head. Waiting for her to answer. But she didn't want to answer. She didn't want him to know...or maybe she didn't want to accept it. This part of her she was feeling. It wasn't a good feeling. She wished she could just push it away, but the pain...it was growing stronger every minute. It felt like her chest had gained twice the weight and it was beginning to choke her. Gritting her teeth she felt the urge to throw up.
Get it together Lucy. You can't fall apart now. You don't even know what's going on.
"Lucy..?" He asked again quietly and she felt his voice pierce her like a thorn against her skin.
Lucy forced a smile and she looked up, but she couldn't control it. She couldn't control the tears that forced their way down her face as she looked up at the two holding hands.
"It's…" She hesitated and caught her breath, realizing how many tears had begun to flow down her cheeks.
That's when she saw it. His eyes, staring into her. They flashed and he took a step forward, his free hand outstretched toward her, the other grasping the water wizards.
"Lucy...why are you crying?"
Juvia watched Natsu then set her gaze on the blonde, "yeah...what's wrong?"
Lucy hiced with her smile burning her cheeks, she lifted her hand with a nervous laugh and wiped her face. But it was no good, as more tears replaced them.
"I...I just feel like I'm losing something right now. Something really important."
Natsu exchanged a glance with Juvia.
"What do you mean?"
Lucy laughed and shook her head, "its nothing…"
But when she looked up she saw his eyes again, they were pleading. Very different than just a few seconds ago. They held a glassy look as if she was looking directly into a mirror. Asking...begging for something... She blinked, confusion riddling inside her.
I don't know what's going on. But something is wrong. Very wrong. No… I can't accept this as true. Something is going on that I don't know about. But what is it?
Perhaps...this is something that is going against their will? But what would do that…? Is that even a possibility?
Lucy lifted her arm and swiped her sleeve across her eyes, blinking she twisted her sleeve with a thoughtful frown.
"It's not nothing, talk to me." Natsu urged.
Lucy took in a breath and nodded, "ok, I will."
Natsu and Juvia exchanged looks and Natsu smiled, "great."
"This isn't you. Either of you. Something happened. Something changed. But what and how…I'm not sure."
She tapped her chin and took in a shaky breath, trying to rid of the fears that this was real.
"Ok," Natsu replied curtly but said no more.
Lucy was surprised he didn't argue or deny it. Juvia glanced at him as if she was going to rebuttal but Lucy continued before she could speak.
"Did something happen to you last night?"
Natsu frowned and tapped his chin and glanced toward Juvia, "well...what do you mean by that?"
Lucy frowned, "did something happen… did you get into another fight, or get hurt, or threatened?"
Natsu tilted his head then shook it, "nope, I would remember if that happened."
Lucy frowned, "Ok… well, did you take a bet with anyone? Play any games? Do a deal?"
Natsu laughed, "come on do you think I would really do that?"
Lucy deadpanned and Natsu threw up his hands from her glare, "Ok, ok...no, no bets." he smiled and swung an arm around Juvia. But as he did he gave an odd expression, as if was wasn't sure why he did it.
Lucy frowned, "so this isn't your own doing then? Are you acting this way on purpose?"
"Acting this way on purpose..?" Natsu repeated, furrowing his brows in confusion.
Juvia frowned taking her hand from his and crossed her arms, "what we feel is real! We love each other."
Natsu gazed at her, hesitating and Juvia glanced at him, "right…?"
Natsu blinked as if in thought, then glanced at Lucy, "um...yeah…" He shook his head and used his free hand to sort through his hair. He looked confused standing there, as if he had the biggest life decision yet to make.
Lucy watched his expression change throughout the next few seconds from confusion to frustration then thoughtful. It was the most she's seen him express perhaps his whole life in one sitting. Something didn't sit well with her. It was as if his words were contradicting what he was thinking...or his thoughts were not of his own. As if he was….
That's it! Lucy, you're brilliant!
"A spell!" Lucy cried out, causing both Juvia and Natsu to jump from the surprise of the outburst.
"Eh…?" Natsu asked and Lucy put her fists together with renewed vigor and smiled. She pointed her finger at the duo with a large smile spread across her face.
"You two are under a love spell!"
Natsu and Juvia glanced at one another and Lucy continued, "if neither of you have any recollection of anything major happening last night, then there is only one answer!"
She giggled, feeling herself shake with excitement for figuring it out on her own.
"It's just like when that wizard cast a love spell on me before I joined Fairy Tail. He used an enchantment on me. But there is no way one of you is doing that to the other. So there must be some sort of magical item or wizard that can cast on two people!"
She clapped her hands, "yes, Lucy for the win! I am so good at this!"
She waved her hand across her face and answered herself, "you outdone yourself, Lucy, truly."
Natsu and Juvia stood nearby, Juvia leaned in toward Natsu and whispered, "I think she completely lost it."
Natsu nodded, "yeah."
Lucy stopped, catching her breath and walked up and threw her arms around the two of them from behind. The two other wizards gave a look of bewilderment as she leaned into them.
It's like a heavy weight was just lifted from my shoulders.
"Don't worry guys, I'll help you out. Lucy is on the case!"
"Is it too late to go back home?" Juvia muttered.
"No..let's get out of here before she snaps any more." Natsu agreed.
"Hold it!" Lucy grabbed the two of them, pulling them back until they hit the floor, dust rising from their impact.
"There is no way either of you are in your right minds right now."
Natsu huffed and crossed his arms, "the same could be said about you right now."
Lucy paused, "nevermind that-we need to stay together. We have to figure it out and I don't need you two running off on your own together for too long." Lucy shuddered.
"Why not?" Natsu prodded.
Lucy hesitated, "just don't ok?"
Juvia glanced at him then back toward her, "is Gray...back in the town….waiting?"
Lucy looked at Juvia who seemed confused at her own statement then nodded, "Yeah...he is."
Juvia looked down as if contemplating something serious but said nothing.
"Speaking of Gray...I need to tell him this right away…." she watched Natsu stand up, and offer a hand to Juvia.
From the looks of it, this spell seems to fluctuate. But why…? Why is it strong one moment and weaker the next? Is that why they came running to us; because the spell wavered? But when they got here... they acted as they did earlier this morning. Even now, the two of them are not even holding hands...they aren't looking at one another like just a few minutes ago...Why…?
Lucy sighed. There was still so much to be answered. But she wasn't going to get any answers just standing around here.
"I'm going to need all the help I can get…."
Well, has Lucy figured it out? Or is she not on the right path? What is really going on with them? Can you figure it out?
Until then, thank you for reading this far! If you enjoyed this chapter, leave a review, hit like and follow! I had a hard time figuring out where to cut it off, but this is a great spot. Expect to see the next chapter in a couple weeks or less.
As always, you readers make the writer I am, so hit me up! Let me know how you feel. But hold the salt. :3
Kenzii