A/N: I still own nothing. Regarding the guest review about the poll, I think I might make one, as I'm not sure which pairing I'm going for in the end. However, before that, I ship Lucy with nearly all dragon-slayers.

2. From the Shadows.

Another evening, another two pills, another morning. She knew there was something she ought to do about the problem, but there was no real point, now was there? She would not save the world – they have Natsu for that; and Erza and Mira and Laxus and Gajeel. Plus the guys from other guilds. It was not like what she did had that much of an effect anyway.

Lucy sighed. She was not depressed, although Mira suspected it. Her reasoning was of course love troubles, but the blonde had easily waved it off. She had written several letters to professionals in curiosity to know what was wrong with her, but no one gave her any answers. Then, she'd written to bookworms like her.

Now, a brown envelope laid on her table and she was unsure whether to open it or not. It bore the insignia of Sabertooth, the guild Fairy Tail was not on best terms with. Yes, she'd even written there. Asking for help like a weakling fairy she was. Knowing there was not much to it, she opened the letter and let her eyes wander over it.

Heartfilia,
thank you for writing to Sabertooth with your concerns. Unfortunately, there is very little I can tell you and what I know, is what I came by during my research on the qualities of dragon-slaying magic or specifically carried out tests for.

Firstly, there is no scientific term for your condition. Regarding the symptoms you enclosed with your letter, it seems like you've simply become addicted to the drug. However, the pills you sent me prove otherwise. They contain bits of magic lacrima and an ingredient we could not decypher.

Lucy nodded absentmindedly. Porlyusica had said the same.

Furthermore, it seems the pills actively react to both air and water, also light and fire. This is certain proof the pills ought to be consumed in less than a weeks time before they dissolve. As you can probably understand, that means someone has to provide you with the drugs weekly.

Secondly, according to what you described, it is highly likely you are either a dragon slayer's mate who has been away from their other half for too long. Supporting evidence is the current absence of dragon slayers in your guild. On the other hand, the time they have been on their quest is too short for any symptoms to occur. I suggest you take a look into it yourself.

The girl, unaware of the deep blush that had coloured her cheeks, bit her lip and let the letter drop to the table. There was only so much she could hope for, but this young man had given her more information than the best scientists of the country. She picked the letter up again.

Thirdly, after talking with Rufus, the traces of ancient magic were found. I can only suggest you to look for any information on it and write again, should you come to any conclusions. Although I highly advise you to not address the letter to the guild, but rather myself. Letters from Fairies are not entirely tolerated and will be cast away without a second thought. It was merely a coincidence I happened to pick it up.

Lucy smiled at the kind words he had written. She held the letter tightly to her chest, before dropping it on the table again. She hurriedly stood up and sent another thankful glance to the letter, where only four more words were written in the elegant, yet messy handwriting.

Yours sincerely,
Rogue Cheney

A wide grin spread all over her face. Yes, finally something to work on! After a second thought, she grabbed the letter and the pills she had been cautiously carrying along, and sprinted to the guild. There was one more person who knew of her addiction. She had told her best friend everything.

At the guild, she ordered a strawberry milkshake from Mira and sat on her regular seat, waiting for Levy to come. It was still early, but she knew Levy would not keep her waiting. Especially, when she finally had a lead. And as she thought so, the bluenette entered with a smile. She noticed her cheerful friend right away, surprised by the wide smile she was smiling.

"Lu-chan!" she greeted her happily. Lucy nodded, sipping her drink. She gave her friend the letter, saying:"Read it!" rather happily. Levy's eyes scanned the words quickly and soon, a grin spread all over her face as well. She nodded, ignoring the suspicious glances Mira was giving them.

"Is that from a boy?" she piped into their conversation, taking Lucy's empty glass. The girls giggled, knowing the trail of thoughts the matchmaker was having.

"Yes, Mira," Lucy laughed wholeheartedly."It is from a boy." She put the letter in her pocket and before Mirajane could ask any further questions, she had left, dragging her bookworm friend along. When they were at the park, she sat cross-legged and grinned at Levy.

"So you get finally some info and it's from Sabertooth?" the girl confirmed and the blonde nodded excitedly."Wow, that's hard to believe!" She was clueless on what her friend expected her to say, but Lucy seemed to be enjoying the day even without her encouragement.

Lucy stretched and laid down on the grass.

"Man, that feels so good!" she exclaimed. "I feel like I could go on like this for days!"

"Well, unfortunately for you," Levy giggled."You should remember Natsu and the company are coming back today. I bet they'll be here in a few hours." The two weeks they'd been gone away was nearly up. Lucy sighed, knowing her suspicious pill-taking would be discovered sooner than she had wished for, but with a careless sigh, she decided to enjoy the peacefulness for a little longer.