Massive thanks to Lolibeagle for checking this and making sure everything is where it should be.

Disclaimers: Fairy Tail and the characters are owned by Hiro Mashima. The only thing I own is this story based on Mashima's work.

The cover art is owned by the amazing Bludy-chu (Deviant Art, Twitter, Tumblr) who was kind enough to give me permission to use her beautiful artwork as a cover.

The self-defense principles, skills and techniques that I describe in this story are used for entertainment purposes only. Do not try any of this.

A/N: Sigh, my descriptive writing style has gotten the better of me again. The final chapter got too long. Again we have two chapters, and, as before, you'll get them both today.

Chapter 5: Cocoon

Gajeel Redfox cringed in his seat on the rear-facing windowsill. The blond man leaning against the wall behind him seemed to wince slightly as well.

"Ohhh" the pierced dragon groaned loudly, sympathetic laughter tinting his voice. "Can't you teach your boy how to deal with his frustration? That shit was just painful to watch."

Laxus glanced down at Gajeel before sinking his fingers into the bag of chips that sat at the side.

"What? And miss the epic licking? No way!"

The blond dragon turned and headed for the sofa in the middle of the room.

"Besides, I think 'my boy' is doing just fine on his own," Laxus added right before plunking himself down on the sofa and spreading his long legs across the small coffee table.

Gajeel turned back to the show that had captured their attention in the backyard.

"How exactly is teasing and..." Gajeel blinked, he never thought he would ever say this, "licking 'doing fine'?"

Laxus glanced briefly in Gajeel's direction before answering.

"It seems the pink-haired idiot is smarter than you in some ways Gajeel."

Gajeel only scoffed.

Laxus laughed. Somehow he thought Gajeel would have understood this by now.

"Sometimes, behind the incredibly stupid, imbecilic things a man does there is actually a thoughtful gesture."

Gajeel raised a dubious eyebrow in the older man's direction. Laxus laughed internally. He didn't think the distant but usually perceptive dark-haired boy was so lost when it came to matters of the heart.

"You ever wanted something really badly, Gajeel? Something that was pulling you in no matter how hard you fought against it? Imagine that that something was dangling and flaunting itself right in front of your face day after day and you couldn't run away from it. You could touch it, feel it, enjoy it, but not have it; at least not in the way you want it. Even so, every time you saw it, it pulled you in more and more. That want, the tension and the frustration of it, it's building all the time. Do you have any idea how hard it is to hold yourself back in that kind of situation?"

Gajeel fell into thought as he reflected on the situation. He was beginning to feel a little sorry for the kid.

"Blondie out there cracked days ago. She vented all her frustration in her blind rage. Besides, every time the two of them meet she airs it out with her fighting. Natsu doesn't have that kind of outlet. His tension's still building. All he's got is his teasing and playing around to get him through it. In fact, I'm amazed Natsu's held on for so long under those circumstances without crossing a line. He obviously really cares about that girl. He doesn't want to do something that's actually stupid, something that would really hurt her. And his desire to protect her is trumping his instinct."

"If he wants to so badly why the hell didn't he just kiss her? She was clearly begging for it. The idiot just dropped her."

"I don't know. This is Natsu we're talking about here. He does things in his own warped way. All I can think is that he didn't want to. The moment was probably right, but what would happen after getting sucked into it? It's not like they've said that they want their relationship to change. Things would probably just get awkward between them. And since he didn't kiss her and she was all gung ho about it, he couldn't just leave her there. That would embarrass her and make things even worse. Dropping her might've seemed cruel, but in Natsu's mind it was probably kind. It cut through any awkwardness they might have felt and put things right back where they were between them. It was actually pretty ingenious."

Laxus looked over to Gajeel who appeared lost in thought. This was the first time Gajeel had ever showed an interest in anything like this. Laxus could help but tease him.

"It's a pity Lucy's friends haven't come over recently to see how she's doing with her training," he baited cautiously.

Gajeel scoffed, but his usual acrimony wasn't in the sound. "They probably don't want to be found out." He nodded in Lucy's direction as she fought with Natsu outside, "that bunny girl's situational awareness is really in pieces. I can't believe she didn't notice they were following her. They were right behind her. There was even red and blue hair popping out of the bushes."

Gajeel remembered how Natsu had led Lucy through the house and told them to do something about the visitors outside. When they opened the door they were greeted with shaking bushes and loud whispering.

The red-headed iron maiden had refused to leave until she knew why Lucy was there. Laxus had invited them in and showed them Lucy's training through the window. The girls stayed all that afternoon and even returned for a few days to see Lucy's progress. The iron maiden in particular seemed really interested in Lucy's training and happy about how she was doing. She also seemed to approve of Natsu. Unlike the other girls, she seemed to understand what was going on between Natsu and Lucy, and more than once they'd caught her smiling at the antics of the two. Even though the girls were annoying as hell and really hard to keep up with Gajeel found that he didn't hate having some female laughter and noise around him.

"Hmmm" Laxus mused watching Gajeel out of the corner of his eye. "I guess now that school's out they're probably out having fun in the sun, chasing boys and whatnot."

Gajeel eyed Laxus but didn't respond.

"That bookworm, what do you call her? Smurf? She's pretty easy on the eyes. She probably does reasonably well with the boys, I think. Summer, the beaches, bikinis, topless guys everywhere. I can't see why she wouldn't choose to be out there rather than in here."

Gajeel knew he was being baited but he wasn't going to bite.

"It's 'shrimp'. And I can't think of a better place for a shrimp than the sea."

Laxus seemed incited by that.

"I can," he volunteered.

"And I really don't want to hear it," Gajeel returned laconically. He wasn't in the mood for any of the eating-related quips he was sure Laxus had in mind.

§§§

"Who won?" Natsu asked as he walked into the living room and saw the two near lifeless bodies sprawled across the room. The room looked worse than it usually did, which was saying something.

Laxus raised a shaky arm from under a toppled coffee table. At the same time another rickety arm came up from behind an overturned sofa which, Natsu noted, was completely in the wrong side of the room.

Natsu grumbled internally. It looks like he'd missed out on a really good one this time. Stupid princess and her stupid training, making him miss out on the good stuff.

"Come on guys, get yourself together," Natsu encouraged as he picked up Laxus's coat from on top of the small lamp lying at his feet.

"Lucy just left. We can probably catch her before she reaches the shopping centre."

Gajeel groaned in response and Laxus only shifted uncomfortably under the table.

"Why don't you follow your girlfriend home on your own today?" Laxus managed to get out. "We're gonna stay here."

"She's not my girlfriend," Natsu corrected.

"Urgh. Fine," Laxus conceded, "why don't you stalk your not girlfriend home on your own today?"

"It's not stalking either" Natsu replied just as dryly. "Now come on. Get up. It's Thursday, the scary girl's got club activity today so we're just gonna watch Lucy until she gets to school. The red-head will get her home safe."

Both Gajeel and Laxus grumbled but rolled themselves into quasi-standing positions. "In can't believe there are people who go to school even during the holidays" Gajeel complained.

"Yep, I bet along with red-headed iron maidens there might even be a shrimp or two in there," Laxus just had to say.

Natsu didn't understand what was going on but he knew the glare that Gajeel was casting at Laxus, and this time he wasn't going to miss the chance to get involved. He grabbed the lamp at his feet and tossed it to Gajeel who aimed it right at Laxus' head. Laxus easily dodged it and, with renewed energy, he lunged at Natsu for interfering. Natsu happily retaliated. He was finally free to have at it as much as he wanted. He'd wanted to punch something all afternoon and he knew those two could take it.

§§§

Shit! Where the hell is she? Natsu's mind screamed as he ran around the parking area of Magnolia's main commercial centre searching for Lucy. About mid-way across the parking lot he caught up with Gajeel and Laxus who had each run in different directions.

He looked at them anxiously. They both shook their heads.

"Sorry man," Laxus exhaled, "I didn't see her anywhere nearer to the school. She definitely didn't get that far."

"We didn't miss her behind us either," Gajeel said almost out-of-breath. His concern was obvious. He'd begun to see the blond as a friend and he didn't like thinking that she might really be in trouble.

"I didn't see her anywhere in the mall parking lot either," Natsu said looking uneasily around the lot. Worry, fear and guilt were painted clearly on his face. "She wouldn't go inside if she's got to meet the redhead. And she was horsing around with me before she left so she's probably a little late too."

"Maybe someone picked her up?" Laxus offered.

Natsu had to admit that that was a good possibility.

But then why do I feel so...

"No. Something's not right."

The other two nodded. They didn't have a good feeling about this.

Natsu pressed his hand firmly over his mouth and slowly surveyed the area.

What did you do Lucy? Where did you go? If you're late...what...would...you...do?

Natsu's eyes landed on the alleyway leading to the back of the mall. The back of the mall was closed off to the public. That area was used solely by the supermarket to drop off large loads, this way the large trucks that brought supplies did not crowd the main driveways. It was also where the supermarket left its bulk rubbish for collection. The area was fenced but the fence hadn't been maintained for a while and it was easy to move in and out through parts of it. Since the trucks didn't work after mid-afternoon, some kids tended to use the area to hang out after school or as a short cut to the school playing field which lay just beyond the narrow woods behind the mall.

Lucy you wouldn't! Natsu scolded mentally as he sprinted towards the alleyway, Gajeel and Laxus running just as hard behind him, both understanding what Natsu was thinking.

With school out, no one would be back there. Even worse, the woods bordering the mall were pressed between the school playing field and the back end of the mall so no one hung out there. It was used primarily as a path, but most avoided it at certain hours because it could get lonely. And at this time of day, with school out and the city workers already well on their way home, it would probably be deserted.

The boys' had been running for a while and their chests and throats burned but still they pushed forward, fuelled by fear and the dark omen hovering heavy over them. As much as they denied it, somehow they just knew Lucy was back there.

Natsu dashed through the entry to the alley just as an anguished scream pierced through the air.

Natsu's insides stilled at the scream but his body refused to submit to the bone-chilling fear coursing through him. Instead, Natsu pushed on even harder.

Lucy!

I'm almost there. Wait for me!

The boys broke out of the alley into the high, concrete-rimmed area at the back of the mall just in time to see a tall man, holding a gun, slap Lucy roughly across her face. The force of the slap sent the girl reeling sideways. A second man who was standing behind the girl binding her arms pulled her up to face her attacker once more. When she lifted her head Natsu saw that blood was running down her mouth and the corner of her eyes.

Natsu growled and made a move towards the men standing at the far end of the lot. Laxus grabbed his arm and held him back.

Natsu threw him an enraged look but Laxus steadied him.

"They haven't seen us yet Natsu. I know she's hurt, but you've got to calm down. She's a strong girl, she can stand this."

Laxus' words cooled Natsu's burning rage slightly. The boy knew he had to calm down and assess the situation. He nodded slowly and Laxus let him go.

The boys crouched low behind some boxes and concentrated on what was going on at the other end of the lot.

There were five men crowded around Lucy. The one holding her was unarmed but three others were armed with knives. The guy with the gun seemed to be the one in charge. He stood in front of her and said something to her in a low voice. From his expression it was clear that he was taunting her. Natsu tensed as the man ran the barrel of the gun across Lucy's cheeks but he held his position. The situation hadn't escalated into more than threats yet so Natsu felt relatively safe, though he was certain he was going to beat the shit out of the asshole the moment he got his hands on him.

Laxus tapped Natsu and Gajeel and pointed to the line of boxes running along the back wall of the mall. His intention was clear. Slowly and soundlessly the boys crept behind the boxes and closer to the group at the furthest end of the lot. As they drew closer they started to hear bits of the conversation that was going on.

"Did you really think I wouldn't keep my promise and come back for you Lucy dear?" The man with the gun asked, running his fingers along Lucy's jaw line and grabbing her chin, forcing her to face him. He brought his face down close to hers.

"I assure you pretty Lucy, I always keep my promises."

With that he dropped a soft, mocking kiss on the girl's nose.

Natsu clenched his teeth but managed to remain unnoticed as he and the others continued forward.

"Now, now. What's with that long face? Do I frighten you Lucy?"

"No," Lucy's voice flared defiantly. "That's not fear asshole, that's revulsion".

Natsu heard a sharp slap followed by a short, pained, yelp. The sound made him grind his fists even tighter. He really was going to tear that guy to pieces when he got his hands on him.

"I didn't want to hurt you Lucy. I really didn't. All the pain you've suffered until now is all because of that wild temper of yours. You only had to do what we asked and everything would have been fine. But you couldn't do that, could you? COULD YOU?!"

The man moved from Lucy's side and began walking aimlessly around the lot yelling furious profanities at the blond who was doing her best to keep her expression solid and unfaltering.

Having reached the boxes lining the walls the man turned to walk back to the group.

His back was now to them and Natsu and the others saw their opportunity. The boys immediately sprang into action.

Natsu headed straight for the gun-wielding bastard. Laxus and Gajeel ran past him to deal with the others.

At the sound of movement, the man turned and saw Natsu coming at him. He raised his gun, but he was too late, the boy was already within striking distance. Natsu rocked his body sideways, away from the barrel, and swung his arm at the man's wrist, pushing the gun away from him. Holding tight unto his opponent's wrist Natsu tried to wrest the gun from the man's solid grip.

The gun went off as the two struggled. In the distance Natsu heard Lucy scream his name. The sound threw him for a moment, and the next thing Natsu knew his head was flying back from the force of an elbow to his jaw. Still Natsu did not let go of the man's wrist. He recovered from the blow and aimed a punch at the man's stomach. The man easily deflected the blow with his free hand and immediately switched from defense to offence. He directed a return blow straight to Natsu's face. Natsu only just managed to dodge the attack.

This guy isn't your average gangster, Natsu thought, his mind swimming. He's no professional, but he's no idiot-with-a-gun either.

Lucy watched as Natsu, Gajeel and Laxus fought the men around her. Everything was so chaotic, she couldn't think. When the gun went off Lucy thought Natsu had been shot. She was relieved when she saw him up and fighting bravely. The man holding her hadn't moved but Gajeel and Laxus were around her keeping two of them busy. A fifth man holding a knife stood to the side seemingly as confused and unsure about what to do as Lucy was. The man's bewilderment cleared the fog in Lucy's mind for an instant and Natsu's firm voice broke through.

"The element of surprise is important and it can determine the outcome of a fight. Keep attacking. Be quick. Keep distracting and confusing him until you get an opportunity to deliver a disabling blow."

Alert now, Lucy realized that the man holding her was so concerned about what was going on around him that he wasn't holding on to her as tightly as before.

Lucy shifted and collected her strength. When the man turned to focus on Gajeel's fight to their right Lucy lurched in his arms and rammed the heel of her palm up against the bottom of the man's jaw. She heard and felt the loud clack as his teeth snapped together from the impact. The man let go of her and doubled forward holding his mouth and screaming in pain. He'd bitten his tongue with that attack and was gurgling loudly.

"Keep attacking, don't give your assailant the chance to regroup and attack you again," Natsu's voice rang out in her head.

Before the man or his armed companion could register what was happening Lucy yelled and rammed yet another palm at the man's nose. The man's head flew back like a rag doll from the strike. His hands flew immediately to his nose.

"Front points: eyes, temples, nose, jaw, neck, especially the windpipe, solar plex-."

With the man's head thrown back and his arms occupied Lucy saw the opportunity she wanted. She wheeled back, gathering momentum, and charged forward throwing a violent straight punch at the man's windpipe. The man dropped to the floor coughing and gasping.

"It all happens so fast and instinctively in a threatening situation...Just pay attention and don't freak out."

Lucy was looking down at her work when a knife slid past her feet. Looking around she saw that Laxus had finished with his opponent and was tackling the remaining guy who still hadn't moved from his position.

Gajeel was standing over his man, making sure he stayed down. He looked across at her with approval.

"Looks like this bunny has a bite," he teased.

Lucy smiled shyly and looked over to Natsu who was sluggishly hauling himself off the man who'd hurt her the most. The man was lying motionless on the ground beneath Natsu. Natsu was breathing hard and he was bloodied and tired, but otherwise he didn't look seriously injured.

He looked up and met her eyes, relief flooding over both their features.

They were standing some distance from each other and neither had as yet said a single word, but in the silent emotion that hung between them in that moment, each knew how the other felt.

As Laxus landed some finishing blows on his adversary, Lucy heard a noise behind her. Turning, she saw the guy she thought she had finished standing up, the knife that had slipped past her tight in his grasp.

The man looked at her enraged and hurled himself forward.

Lucy stood shocked still, consumed in fear. She could only watch in apparent slow motion as the man charged at her.

Then, an instant later, Lucy was pulled sideways and knocked to the ground. She felt the impact of hitting the ground and the recurrent shock of her head bashing repeatedly against something hard before finally settling.

Around her, Lucy could hear the muffled sounds of a fight. She tried to move but her head was cradled tightly inside a warm cocoon. Someone's holding me, Lucy realized as fatigue overcame her. Gradually, the voices around her dimmed and in that safe cocoon Lucy lost consciousness.

A/N: The last chapter – I promise this time XD – should be up in a few hours. Look out for it!

Something to chew on in the meantime: This chapter is called 'Cocoon' because, not just at the end of this chapter but throughout this story, Lucy was being protected.