First off, I'd like to offer my condolences to those hurt and those who lost loved ones in the recent gun massacre in America. Life is precious and fleeting. Treasure every moment for those that can't.
Hahah…ah it's been a long long time since I updated. TFW people PM and review you to not give up on the story! I LOVE YOU PEEPS :3 You give me the strength to keep going :)
This chapter is dedicated to my first followers: Amelia0902, Artfullycraftedbeauty, Crazzygirl101, DecemberRome, Fairytailfan701, Geekyy, Jozanimelover, KawaiiKatX3, Kazzberries, Ki05596, Lady Nee, MAIDENCHINA23, MaiyuKanajo, MarSofTheGalaxies, MidnightMistRaven, Mkben, Novel-Lover32123, XAltaleX, alycat63, animeXfangirlX, bere1921, grassfire101, , samzferg, tuiandla75
Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail. I don't own the song lyrics either.
Recap:
"Either way, we now have a real lead." Erza said, patting Natsu on the shoulder, trying to give him hope.
"And a new target..." Gray smirked.
"The celestial mage." Natsu finished.
Chapter 8: The Forgotten
I drove by all the places we used to hang out getting wasted
I thought about our last kiss, how it felt the way you tasted
And even though your friends tell me you're doing fine.
"So after causing so much damage, millions of jewels of it in fact, all you have to make up for it is this…cloth from the thief?" Master said in disbelief.
"More than that Master. Happy saw a gold key in the thief's hand", Erza stated, shooting a proud smile at the Exceed.
"Aye sir! And gold key—"
"Means one of the twelve zodiac which—" Erza continued.
"Means it either Yukino's or—" Gray said, cutting her off.
"Lucy's", Natsu breathed out, the word brimming with emotions.
"Finishing each other's sentences. Cute." Master said indifferently.
"Gramps! How can you ignore this so casually?!" Natsu demanded angrily.
"Because it's just a coincidence. You have no proof that Happy really saw a gold key. If anything, your desire to see Lucy may have brought about this sighting."
"…" Team Natsu couldn't reply, their hearts and minds conflicted. Logically it was likely that what Happy had seen and they had believed in had been a product of their fervent desire to see proof of Lucy.
"Wait for her brats. Wasn't that her wish?"
Are you somewhere feeling lonely even though he's right beside you?
When he says those words that hurt you, do you read the ones I wrote you?
Sometimes I start to wonder, was it just a lie?
If what we had was real, how could you be fine?
So with heavy, disheartened hearts the team trudged out, back down to the rest of the hopeful guild, burdened with the duty of bearing the unfortunate news.
Cause I'm not fine at all.
And without fail, without rest, time passed all too slowly for Fairy Tail without any news of their missing celestial mage.
Meanwhile the mage that Team Natsu had encountered became more and more infamous for their 'twisted righteousness', leaving a golden ring to warn the place of their next target and inscribing 'CK' after a successful steal, evading guilds that sought the thief's capture. However only Fairy Tail was aware of the mage's celestial magic, news that the Master had ordered to not be disclosed.
However, unbeknownst to Makarov, Team Natsu had been keeping track of the mage's movements, unable to shake off their instincts that this mage had some connection to their Lucy. Erza had recruited Levy into their little surveillance team after realising that the mage only stole historical artefacts that originated from the celestial realm.
I remember the day you told me you were leaving
I remember the make-up running down your face
Currently they were gathered around a table in the corner of the guild, huddling over a map of Fiore with a pile of old, open books scattered on the wooden surface.
"From what I've observed, this mage is targeting specific celestial artefacts." Levy commented.
"Specific ones? Isn't it just any from the celestial realm?" Erza inquired curiously.
"Initially I thought that too but then I examined the history behind those stolen and it seems that—"
"This is boringggggg!" Natsu complained and Happy cried out in agreement. Even Gray nodded.
"Shut up Natsu!" Erza growled, bopping the trio's heads with a hard fist. "Continue Levy."
"As I was saying," Levy continued, shooting an angry glare at the boys, "the items stolen are a part of a collection called the Celestial Barriers and act as their namesake describes when all brought together. Judging by the pattern of areas targeted, the next one the mage will target will be the Starlight Dagger at Hargeon Museum."
Hargeon huh…where I met Lucy. Natsu pondered sadly.
And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them
Like every single wish we ever made
"Team Natsu!" Mira called out. "Over here, over here! You have a request!"
Natsu immediately snapped out of his daze and ran towards Mira excitedly.
"Who? What? Where? When?!" Mira sweat dropped with the sudden image of a puppy Natsu wagging his tail in front of her.
"The client, the curator of Hargeon Museum has requested Team Natsu protect the Starlight Dagger, a priceless artefact of their museum from CK. The reward is 100, 000 jewels."
Team Natsu smirked deviously.
I wish that I could wake up with amnesia
And forget about the stupid little things
Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you
And the memories I never can escape
Lucy rolled out of the bedroll with a pulsing headache, scattered memories flickering through her mind out of her grasp, like trying to catch smoke with bare hands.
She groaned placing her right hand on her forehead before looking down at said hand. Let the adventures continue. The phrase resounded within her, repetitively, endlessly like a broken track, twisting her mind and heart ever since she had heard it in her dream. Safe to say, Lucy was a tad irritated with the words 'Let', 'the', 'adventures' and 'continue'.
Yet even more irritable than that was undoubtedly the voice she had affectionately dubbed the Devil. The constant presence she couldn't dismiss that was like a combination of nagging mother, stubborn teacher and petulant child all in one. Even worse, the Devil could take over Lucy's body when Lucy was either unconscious or extremely exhausted and would tattle all her mistakes to the Spirit King.
Good morning Lucy! Shall we have another fun adventure today?!
Speak of the Devil, Lucy thought miserably.
And the Devil shall appear. And if I'm the Devil, then what does that make you, my dear Lucy?
Lucy said nothing instead looking over at Hargeon, feeling another wave of nostalgia.
Cause I'm not fine at all
When the sun had finally set and a half crescent moon illuminated the dark skies, Lucy slipped on the familiar silver mask and adjusted the cloak she was wearing, making sure no blonde strands were peeking out from the hood. After several days of reconnaissance of Hargeon Museum spent memorising the shift schedule of the guards, analysing the security of the artefacts and most importantly leaving the gold ring on the display case of the Starlight Dagger, all preparations were complete.
I still don't get the point of the gold ring.
"It's my mark as a thief and a form of compensation. Loke told me it wasn't stealing but I need to give something at least to the people I steal from."
Thief with a conscience. Let me use my non-existent hands to give you some imaginary applause.
"Oh shush you devil you. I know deep down you care about other people too. It can't always be about save the celestial world. Save the spirits."
But your duty as the Celestial Knight always comes first. Do not forget that. The voice intoned coldly.
"…right." Lucy said softly though her hesitation was obvious.
The pictures that you sent me they're still living in my phone
I'll admit I like to see them, I'll admit I feel alone
And all my friends keep asking why I'm not around
Brat, close your eyes.
"What, why?" Lucy whined but conceded and shut her eyes anyway.
Unknown to Lucy, the seal around her memories was tightened by the voice who frowned at the faster than expected pace that the seal was unwinding.
That Fairy Tail bunch, even rowdy in sealed memories, the voice commented silently in the depths of Lucy's mind.
You can open your eyes brat.
"What'd you do?"
Don't you trust me dear Lucy?
"Yeah as far as I could throw you."
Whatever. Let the adventures continueeeeeeeeeee!
Lucy scoffed. "Duty before fun. Isn't that what you're always preaching?"
What an efficient knight you are indeed dear Lucy.
"Let the games begin then."
Games?
"According to Gemini who I sent earlier to do some recon it turns out that Fairy Tail is here to guard the dagger. Before you pester me, I made sure Gemini was wearing the fancy-schmancy cloak."
Fairy Tail again? You must have accumulated a lot of bad karma in your past life.
"Says the devil."
Brat.
Hours earlier:
"Woohoo we're at Hargeon!" Natsu cried out happily, arms spread out.
"Aye sir!"
"So what's the plan, Erza?" Gray asked as they headed towards Hargeon Museum, the daylight burning by quickly.
"Stake out the place. It's already been marked so we know the thief is probably planning to strike at night and fairly soon."
"Ehhh?! Sitting and waiting for them sounds boring." Natsu complained.
An awkward silence followed as Lucy would usually bonk Natsu on the head for whining about Erza's plan.
"Look the museum is over there!" Happy shouted, pointing over to an old building that clearly gave off a museum vibe.
"Let's do the mission properly to make up for last time's failure everyone!" Erza declared in a you-better-listen-to-my-orders-or-I'll-stab-you tone.
"Yes ma'am!" The trio snapped back in a we-will-listen-commander-Erza tone, compulsively lifting their hands to their foreheads in the ways soldiers greeted their superiors.
It hurts to know you're happy, yeah, it hurts that you've moved on
It's hard to hear your name when I haven't seen you in so long
Lucy stalked towards the room where the dagger awaited, easily bypassing the magical and physical security. Too easily, she thought, her eyes narrowing, not to mention I haven't seen the Fairy Tail mages yet. This is definitely a—
Jump high Lucy!
She obeyed in time to see fire scorch the ground she was just standing on. Lucy landed nimbly, all her senses focused on incapacitating all the obstacles in her way. Seeing a barrage of ice arrows coming her way, she rolled forward before summoning a light sword to meet with the metal one approaching her swiftly.
A fire mage, ice mage, sword mage and flying cat, Lucy mused, the same weird bunch as before.
"We meet again, thief." Erza commented harshly, surprised at the density of the light sword.
The small cloaked figure in front of her only smirked before nimbly dodging the fire attack sent her way.
"Natsu, be more careful! Last time, we damaged too much!" Erza shouted at him.
Hmm, so that means I can use the exhibits as a distraction, Lucy grinned.
And you call me a devil.
Save the sass for later voice, Lucy fired back.
Requipping a silver key, Lucy muttered under her breath, "Open Gate of the Wolf, Lupus." Immediately, a large silver wolf appeared snarling at the now surprised mages.
"So you really are a celestial mage!" Natsu grinned wickedly, approaching the mage's personal space with a fire covered fist to fight them in close quarters. After all, celestial mages generally lacked physical strength, he reasoned.
To say he was surprised when the mage casually dodged his attack and then harshly kicked him in the stomach was an understatement. Natsu winced, feeling an instant bruise forming at the spot. Meanwhile, the wolf at Lucy's side charged towards Erza and Gray.
"Uhh Erza, you wouldn't happen to have any armour specialised for wolves would you?" Gray said nervously as the giant wolf approached them rapidly.
"I shall have to find one after this mission." Erza deadpanned.
To their surprise the wolf swerved to the right towards another room in the museum, leaving a trail of destruction. Erza and Gray exchanged panicked looks which worsened when they saw Natsu get kicked into the wall.
"Flame brain what the hell are you doing?!" Gray shouted at him.
"You, Erza and Happy go deal with that wolf! I'll handle the thief!" Natsu shouted back.
"But she isn't here to watch your back flame brain! You're too reckless without her!"
"Trust me. I'll be fine by myself! Go popsicle!"
It's like we never happened, was it just a lie?
If what we had was real, how could you be fine?
Cause I'm not fine at all
With that small reassurance, Erza, Gray and Happy left without a backward glance to chase after the wolf.
"It's just you and me now thief. I have some questions you need to answer." Natsu said, spitting out blood from her kick.
Mockingly, the thief shook their head slowly before twitching the index figure of their right hand in a come-at-me fashion. Natsu lit up both fists and raced towards Lucy.
I remember the day you told me you were leaving
"Do you possess any of the twelve zodiac gold keys?!" Natsu questioned, aiming for the thief's face.
I remember the make-up running down your face
Ignoring his question, Lucy aimed a light covered fist right back at him. Their fists clashed and both were blown back from the force, though Lucy felt a bit of her mask crack at the mouth.
And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them
Undeterred by the lack of response, Natsu pressed forward with a Fire Dragon's Wing Attack.
"I thought celestial mages were meant to use their magic to protect. Yet you use yours for thievery. Why?"
Like every single wish we ever made
Lucy clenched her fists in anger. "You don't know anything!"
Natsu smirked at the riled up feminine voice muffled behind the mask. "Ms. Celestial mage thief, I'll repeat my previous question. Do you possess any of the Golden Zodiac?!"
I wish that I could wake up with amnesia
"And what if I did?" And against the voice's orders, Lucy waved Loke's key in front of her.
And forget about the stupid little things
Natsu froze. Loke's key. Lucy would never give away any of her keys. Natsu looked at the thief's right hand. No Fairy Tail insignia.
Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you
"…how do you have that key? ANSWER ME THIEF!" Natsu snarled out, flames covering his entire body as he charged at the thief with every intention of harming the person who had most likely done something to Lucy.
And the memories I can never escape
This time Natsu's blow, fuelled by rage connected to Lucy who crashed through the display case of the Starlight Dagger. Sensing an opportunity, Lucy grabbed the dagger and sent it into her requip storage space.
Mission complete. Leave now Lucy.
But Natsu wasn't finished yet. This thief had the answers he had sought for months.
"How do you have that key?! Why are you stealing these artefacts?! Aren't celestial mages meant to protect others?! Who are you?! You're not Fairy Tail but you have her keys?!"
"My business is my business." She replied coldly, feeling her motions going haywire at the fire mage's persistent questions.
"Her business is my business." Natsu replied back just as coldly.
"She's probably dead. That's what your conclusion should be."
Natsu stiffened, as the veins in his neck and arms pulsed. "Dead…?"
Oh brat, you should not have said that. Why did you say that? Why?
"Then that means you killed her!"
Natsu moved towards the thief faster than he had ever moved in his life striking a hard right into the mask of the mage, hearing a satisfying and resounding crack.
"Now let's see who you are, murderer." Natsu snarled in a deadly voice, facing the standing mage who was holding their hands to prevent their face from being revealed.
If today I woke up with you right beside me
The thief slowly moved their hands away, the shards of the mask falling loudly to the ground amidst the silence of the pivotal moment.
Like all of this was just some twisted dream
Lucy took off her tattered cloak feeling the fires lick the cloak and reasoning that it was impossible to save.
I'd hold you closer than I ever did before
A familiar scent and familiar blonde hair invaded his senses.
And you'd never slip away
Lucy slowly lifted her head up, her heart beating wildly.
And you'd never hear me say
Natsu took a step forward. Onyx eyes met hazel eyes.
"…L…Lucy…?"
I remember the day you told me you were leaving
I remember the make-up running down your face
And the dreams you left behind you didn't need them
Like every single wish we ever made
"D…Do you know who I am?" Natsu asked shakily.
I wish that I could wake up with amnesia
And forget about the stupid little things
Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you
And the memories I never can escape
Using his distressed state to her advantage, Lucy opened the gate to the celestial realm. But as she looked back at him, Lucy couldn't help feeling a twinge of pity.
"I am Lucy the Celestial Knight."
Cause I'm not fine at all
"I am not a Fairy Tail mage."
No, I'm really not fine at all
"This will be farewell for good, Fairy Tail mage. Our paths will never cross again. So to answer your final question…"
With a small smile that was purely Lucy, Natsu watched her leave, falling down on his knees, his hand outstretched as if to reach her fading body.
"I don't know who you are."
Tell me this is just a dream
Cause I'm really not fine at all
FUAAARRR FINALLY FINISHED THIS CHAPTER! OH MY GOSH THIS CHAPTER IS FINISHED. TFW YOU FINISH A CHAPTER THAT'S OVERDUE BY THREE MONTHS. HAHA HAH. I HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER. DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW, FAVOURITE AND FOLLOW LOVELY READERS :D
Many thanks for reviewing. It really does mean a lot to us writers:
Little-flame1: Haha this chapter is really long overdue but I hope you enjoyed it. Thanks for your sweet review :3
Kaylacutiepop: why of course there will be more. Until this story reaches completion, there will be more for you to enjoy :D
Sugarsugarrush: Once again: you'll hopefully be left on the edge of your seat XD I hope your need is fulfilled ;)
KkMarie9005: Hehe thanks for the review, enjoy the update :D
Si-chanwantdragon: Aww, your review made me feel like screaming (in a positive way ;)) Well if they realised it was Lucy so fast, where would all my fun cliffhangers go ;D
Nanami B: Haha that's an interesting idea. I hope you enjoyed the update :)
LavenderaMoonRose: Sorry the update took so long. Haha I had to keep the suspense going and give Team Natsu a clue somehow
Mavis Chase: Thank you for your PM, it really encouraged me! It's never a bother to be encouraged by someone who likes reading what I write! I hope you enjoy the update :3
Until next time, I LOVE YOU PEEPS :3 #YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST
-how to dream again