I have to get up early for work tomorrow so I'm posting this without editing. I did a skim through and ran spellcheck, but just wanted to warn you guys that there may be a few little boo-boos! Also some of the characters and world-rules in this chapter are noncanon so I hope it doesn't bother anyone.

Thanks to monkeywahl and Xenohawk for the ch 6 reviews! And thanks to everyone who has reviewed throughout the story's development :) I hope you all enjoy, your opinions mean more to me than you know so please tell me what you think! Love you all~sarey

*I do not own Fairy Tail or any of the Characters*

CH 7-Light

Loke heard Lucy's screams and rushed to her side. He found her flailing around as if to brush something away.

Lucy stopped short when the pain hit her. She gasped for air but her lungs ached and her insides felt like burning embers. The pain in her heart was worse, it felt like someone had tried to rip it from her chest. She wanted desperately to be unconscious again but the angry shadow threatened from beyond the veil.

She lay still and took short, shallow breaths, waiting for her nerves to deaden against the pain. Someone leaned over her and her eyes fought to recognize the face.

"Lucy, you're awake! Try to stay still." Loke pressed a hand against her forehead.

"I...I..." Her voice just wasn't cooperating. She was thirsty beyond imagination.

"I'll get you some water." Loke disappeared momentarily then came back into view. He lifted her head and held a cup to her lips. Lucy drank desperately, coughing and sputtering as the cold water spilled down her parched throat. She drained the cup and fell back against the pillow to catch her breath.

"I was attacked," her voice was hoarse but at least it was back, "a shadow...in the dreamworld."

Loke stared at her wide-eyed. It was incredible that she was even alive but the fact that she had been to the dreamworld in such a weak state was unbelievable. Just last night he had sat by her side watching what he was sure were her last breaths. She had gone cold and her faint little breaths had faded away. Loke was about to inform the other spirits of her passing when suddenly Lucy took a violent, shuddering breath that brought her body back to life. He could only speculate that she had found a damn good reason to hold on, something worth fighting for.

"It was him," Lucy was obviously quite shaken, "I know it was him."

"Just take it easy. Slow down." Loke placed a reassuring hand on her head, "Tell me who attacked you."

"The man who did this to me." A tear darkened trail streaked her pale face. She was too afraid to say that awful name.

Loke was very fond of Lucy and it pained him to see her suffer. He wanted to help her, he just didn't know what else to do. She had lost a lot of blood and the celestial spirits could only do so much to accelerate her healing.

"You need to rest." He took her hand and held it tight, "We can talk after you've gained some strength."

Lucy squeezed his hand weakly, "There isn't time. If I fall asleep, I'm dead."

That got his attention. Loke straightened and worry darkened his sharp features. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know," she took a slow and painful breath, "Natsu closed the bridge to wake me up, otherwise I think it would have killed me."

"What were you doing with Natsu!?"

"None of your business!" Lucy waited for her cheeks to flush but there just wasn't enough blood in her body to spare.

Her weak retort made Loke smile. She's feeling good enough to sass me...

"Sorry. I'm just surprised that you figured out how to contact him."

"I had to let him know I was okay," She grimaced with the effort of talking, "He would have blamed himself if I died."

She was still worried about her partner. Outwardly he was carefree and thick as a brick wall but she knew better. Natsu would have suffered greatly if he thought that she was gone for good. Somehow she could still taste him on her lips, he was hot and sweet like cinnamon candy. I have to get back to Earthland, she let out a lovesick sigh.

Loke looked deep in thought, "I'm going to go see what I can find out about this 'shadow'. Try and get some rest."

Lucy nodded as best she could. She watched Loke turn to look at her one last time before leaving the room.

The waiting was agony. A clock on the bedside table ticked the seconds away in what seemed like slow motion and Lucy wearily fought the urge to fall asleep. She tried not to move, each motion sent waves of nauseating pain through her body. Just when she thought she couldn't take another second of it a shuffling came from the hallway. A little white paw appeared first followed by a head and it's little furry body.

"Plue!" She was so happy to see him that she forgot to stay still and the dagger of pain in her chest was sharp and unforgiving.

Lucy lay back against the pillow with a grunt and Plue climbed onto the bed. He laid his paws gently on her chest and a white glow emitted from them. She could instantly feel his healing power, "Plue, I didn't know that you cold heal people."

"He can only do that in the Celestial Spirit World." Loke had returned to her bedside.

"Why?" Lucy asked in amazement.

"Our power is stronger here. Many of us have additional skills that we can only use in our home world." Loke answered her in a matter-of-fact tone.

Lucy pondered the new information for a moment. Her body was relaxing as Plue used his magic to heal her and she felt her eyelids growing heavy.

"Lucy, try to stay awake." Loke laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, "I did some reading about the so called 'shadow' that was after you and I found something that meets the description, though it is rather disturbing."

"Tell me." Lucy's took on a serious tone.

Loke hesitated, "Well, it seems that the man who has it out for you is using some ancient and powerful dark magic. Though Natsu may have destroyed his body his soul is now bound to you. Apparently he is gaining strength as you do, soon he will be able to attack you in the waking world." Loke had his hand on his chin, deep in though.

"How long before I can return to Earthland?" Lucy felt more desperate than ever to return to her partner. He was the only one she truly trusted to save her from this predicament.

"You are healing faster than I expected. We may be able to return you in as little as two weeks, our time." Loke seemed hopeful at this conjecture.

Lucy however, felt crushed at this news. She did the math in her head, 14 days in the Celestial Spirit World would be approximately 14 months in Earthland. "I don't have that kind of time!" She explained frantically.

"What do you mean?" Loke looked confused.

Lucy was sobbing, "I have to get back...I can't make him wait that long."

"Oh, I see. By him you mean Natsu." Jealousy stung Loke's heart and Lucy heard the bitterness in his voice.

He was ashamed by his petty emotions. Now was not the time for male rivalry and getting Lucy home needed to be his top priority. He pushed his jealousy aside and decided to gather all the spirits with healing magic, maybe as a combined force they could speed up the process.

"I'll be back."

Lucy watched as Loke turned the corner and disappeared. She was so embarrassed, was it that obvious that she was in love with her partner? Plue wagged his little tail as if he was answering yes.

"Gee. Thanks Plue." Lucy rolled her eyes. She reached up to pat his head as he continued to use healing magic on her.

The pain in her chest was beginning to dull when Loke returned with Aries, Lyra, Gemi, and Mini. They all swarmed Lucy on her sickbed, doting over their favorite summoner.

"They all have the ability to use healing magic in this realm," Loke explained, "I think you should all try it together. We need to get Lucy better as soon as possible."

They all nodded in agreement and held their hands above her wounds. A bright light spilled over Lucy and an incredible warmth radiated through her body. She could actually feel her body healing as their magic worked its way through her. Just wait for me a little longer...

It had been over a week since Natsu had closed the dreambridge and woken in a fiery panic. He had scorched Lucy's bed and the wall and window beside it but that was low on his list of concerns. He had been traveling for days now after coming up with a plan for getting to the Celestial Spirit World. If he could find Yukino, maybe her contracted spirits could take him there. So, here he was running as fast as he could toward Sabertooth. If Lucy was still alive he didn't have time to waste. He hadn't even told Happy or his guild mates that he was leaving. Oh well, they'll just have to wait for an explanation when he returns with Lucy. If I return with Lucy...The nagging thought that she might not have made it was torturing him. He was terrified of getting to the spirit world only to find that she wasn't there waiting for him.

Natsu shook the negative thoughts from his head. She'll be there...he clenched his fists in determination. Despite lack of sleep and food he ran faster than before, memories of her beautiful face driving him forward. He ran through forests and fields, and towns. He ran into the setting sun to find himself in the dark of night. He didn't stop until he had burst through the doors of the Sabertooth guild hall.

"Where's Yukino?" Every head turned to glare in his direction. He didn't give a damn what they thought.

Silence choked the air from the room but Natsu stood tall. Though the mages of Sabertooth would never admit it, they found his presence that day to be terrifying. The fire in his eyes burned into them all and one-by-one they looked away from his piercing gaze. They began to shrink in their chairs.

Finally an answer, "I am here." The white haired girl entered from a back room taking in the sight of pink hair and stubborn resolve that was Natsu.

His face brightened, "Yukino! I need your help."

"Lets step outside," Yukino suggested. The air inside was stifling.

The doors had barely closed before Natsu burst with impatience. He was practically dancing around her, like a kid about to pee his pants. "Lucy's in trouble! I need you to get me to the Celestial Spirit World, now!"

"What? You mean Lucy is in the spirit world?" Yukino paused to consider the information, "That shouldn't be possible. Humans aren't allowed there and besides that we can't survive in their world for very long."

"You have to get me there! She's hurt and I can't just sit here and do nothing!" Natsu pleaded with her.

Yukino felt a certain obligation to help him. After all, Natsu had defended her in the past. "I will try."

She pulled out her golden keys and dually summoned Pisces and Libra. "I have a favor to ask. Can you take us to your world? Lucy is there and she's in trouble, we need to help her."

Libra spoke, "It is against our rules."

"Screw the rules!" Natsu couldn't contain his desperation.

Libra shot him a deadly glare, "However, seeing as Yukino is our friend, We will allow you brief passage. Use your time wisely."

"Libra, Pisces...Thank you." Yukino bowed low to her spirits.

"Prepare yourselves." Libra gave them only a moments warning before she and Pisces transported them to their home world.

Natsu looked up at the infinite starry void above them, "Now, how do we find Lucy?"

Yukino suspected that she would be in the care of her contracted spirits, "Libra can you take us to the Lion?"

Libra nodded, "Follow me."

They walked down winding paths, the edges of which dropped off to the void. Yukino stayed centered on the paths trying to avoid the dizzying view. Eventually they came to what looked like a small town where colorful buildings of different sizes lined the streets. Here there was no view of the void below and Yukino breathed a sigh of relief.

Libra stopped in front of a large stone house and held her arm out, gesturing them to go inside, "Good luck."

Natsu stepped in first. A familiar aroma set his heart racing. He took a shallow breath, the air there was difficult to breathe, but he could still taste her sweetness. He bolted toward the scent but was soon stopped in a long hallway by Loke.

"Where is she?" Natsu tried to push Loke aside.

Loke grabbed his arm, "Resting. How did you get here?"

Yukino spoke up, "Never mind that. We don't have much time."

"You can't see her yet. She's...fragile right now," Loke held up his hand to silence their riposte, "I will do what I can to extend your time here but please trust me, she needs to rest now. I'm afraid her heart couldn't take the surprise of seeing you two just yet."

Natsu backed down, at least she was still alive. If it would help Lucy he could wait a little longer.

"I'm going to take you to Virgo. We need to get you into some Celestial clothes." Loke motioned for them to follow.

Virgos house was just across the way and soon they were inside her strange, punishment themed home. Shackles hung from the colorful stone walls giving it a ill-sorted feel. The hallways were lined with dungeonesque torches along with ancient looking torture devices that were displayed in shallow alcoves.

"Hello?" Natsu called out, his voice echoing against the macabre decor.

Virgo stepped into the hallway with a blank look on her face, "Yes?"

"Umm...Loke sent us to get Celestial clothing from you." Yukino was obviously uncomfortable.

"Of course." Virgo was short and unassuming as usual.

In a matter of seconds they were clothed in the appropriate garb and Virgo bowed low before exiting into some unknown room.

"That chic gives me the creeps." Natsu shuddered, "What now?"

"I guess we should go back to Loke's and try to figure out exactly whats going on." Yukino was eager to leave the dreary house.

They took their leave and walked across to Loke's luxurious residence. Yukino suggested that they find a place to sit and wait. A sitting room to the left of the foyer looked inviting so they made themselves at home. Yukino sat nervously on a large daybed that seemed to be made of swirling starlight. Natsu paced the floor.

"What the hell is taking so long!?" He was growing increasingly impatient and started for the doorway when Loke appeared.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I know that your time is running out," Loke ran a hand through his thick mane, "Lucy had just woken up when you arrived. I have been doing some research on the shadow that attacked her."

Loke paused a moment for the information to sink in, "Apparently her attacker is using some type of ancient binding spell, really dark stuff. I think we can break it if we get her strong enough to cross over but as she gets stronger, so will he. Our timing will have to be very precise."

"I want to see Lucy!" Natsu was ready to explode with anticipation.

"She needs to get stronger, otherwise the shock could be too much for her." Little did Loke know that Lucy's heart was heavy with longing to see her partner. "I'm going to gather all the spirits with healing power. I think it will multiply the effect and speed the healing process. Be patient, you will see her soon." With that Loke exited the room.

"Why does that smooth bastard get to take of her?" Natsu fumed at the thought.

"It sounds like he is doing the best he can. We should follow his lead and wait." A sigh of uncertainty escaped Yukinos delicate mouth.

An intricate clock on the mantle ticked away and they watched several spirits pass by, no doubt on their way to Lucy's sickbed. Natsu continued pacing, his energy dwindling away with each passing minute. He walked miles on that barren stone floor.

"We can't keep this up much longer, they better hurry the hell up." He broke the stale silence.

Just when he thought he couldn't take it anymore, the spirits passed the doorway on their way out. Loke followed behind, turning into the sitting room.

"Come with me." His words were curt and tinged with haste.

"Bout' time." Natsu nearly knocked Yukino over in his rush and recovering she followed quickly behind.

Loke stopped in front of an open doorway and held his arm out for them to enter. Natsu felt like his heart might beat out of his chest, God her smell...he was thinking it might be the end of him when he turned the corner and the sight of her nearly was.

She was white as snow, her eyes shadowed and hollow. "Lucy..." He wanted to pick her up and hold her but she looked so fragile. Images of her dying, blood trailing down her chin, flashed in his memory and he felt a powerful rage burn in his chest.

Lucy could hardly believe her eyes, "Natsu." Her voice was weak and hoarse, "How did you..."

Natsu stepped aside to reveal Yukino standing behind him.

Lucy smiled at her silver haired friend, "Yukino! Your spirits brought you here?"

Yukino nodded, tears welling in her eyes as she took in Lucy's sad state. She walked over and took Lucy's hand in hers, "Natsu asked for my help. We came to bring you back."

Lucy couldn't stop the tears of joy from spilling over her shadowy eyelids. She looked up at her partner, a familiar twinkle in her eyes, "You came for me." The simple sentence rang with gratitude and adoration.

"Of course I came for you, dummy. Who else am I gonna go on jobs with?" He tried to hide the fear in his voice but it cracked, exposing his weakness.

It was all over, he couldn't hold it in any longer. Natsu fell to his knees by the bed, hot tears streaming down his face. His shoulders shook with the release of emotion.

Yukino and Loke took this as their cue and quietly left the two alone.

Lucy reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, "Thank you, Natsu."

He couldn't bring himself to look at her, "For what, nearly getting you killed?"

He didn't see her smile, "For saving me." She took his hand in hers, "You give me reason to live, to keep fighting."

He wiped the tears from his face and looked up at her with fire in his eyes, "I really thought I'd lost you and that would have killed me."

He stood up and leaned over her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. He wanted to speak them, those three little words. But, having never used them before, he felt his chest tighten in apprehension. There would be no going back once he did. Dammit Natsu, just say it! But what if it held no meaning coming from him? What if Lucy had made a mistake in telling him in the first place? After all, who could really love a Dragon Slayer?

Natsu fought an internal battle with himself. He considered the likelihood that he was even capable of the kind of love that Lucy deserved. She watched him as he hovered over her and a smile lit up her pale face. It was like a kick in the ribs, seeing her smile like that after all she'd been through. She deserves so much better...

As if she could read his mind, Lucy spoke up, "I meant what I said back at the castle."

Natsu was breaking inside. His insides were liquefying, he was sure of it. The pull of her gravity was too much. He was a raging sea beneath her, his radiant moon.

He bent down to press his forehead against hers, "Lucy...I," he reached down to touch her face and a lump rose in his throat, "I love you."

Natsu released the tension with a shuddering sigh before Lucy pressed her mouth onto his. Blinding light separated the two as it blasted from her body. She rose above the bed and hovered in the air. Natsu stood in awe. A shadowy black mass emerged from her chest, fighting against the current of light. It let out an unearthly wail as it began to dissolve that sent chills up Natsu's spine. With a last violent blast the light obliterated the remains of the screaming shadow and Lucy fell back onto the bed.

Rushing to her side, Natsu scooped her into his arms, "You okay? What the hell was that!?"

Her eyelids fluttered open and color rushed to her cheeks, "You broke the spell."

He pondered her meaning for a moment before recalling the fortune-tellers words, Only love can save you.

He smiled his first real smile in weeks as he hugged her tightly, "Let's go home."

"Yes, let's." She nudged his cheek with her nose and whispered to him in a sultry tone, "I have something special planned for you, Salamander."

She stood up and walked from the room leaving Natsu all hot and bothered.

Lucy grinned giddily as she walked down the hall.