Disclaimer: I own nothing. Still.

A/N: Because I hate my social studies teacher, this story is dedicated to him. Because I love you, I hope you don't mind this chapter so soon after the last one. Wink.

13. Battles of Life and Death

All the dragon slayers were standing in a straight line. Lucy was walking in front of them, swinging her whip around dangerously. All eyes were on her. Even the ones not included in this were staring.

Wendy's eyes were transfixed on the blonde, who hadn't spoken a word. She was reeking of adrenaline, although her heartbeats were slow and certain. Her calculated steps and the hypnotizing whiplash had enchanted her – and although she was still too young for all of it, she wouldn't have hesitated saying Lucy was looking hot.

"I would like you all to do me a favour," the busty woman said with a slow but wicked smile. It tugged at her lip corners, growing creepier by second. "I want you to battle to death. The winner gets me." The dragon slayers did not take their eyes from Lucy. No one was laughing and Wendy found herself plotting the death of her comrades.

"No," she thought to herself, shaking her head slowly. "There is no way I can kill my nakama." She couldn't believe she was even planning to do it. She felt awful.

"Sorry, kidding," the woman grinned. There was no response from the males and one female staring at her. "No Battle Royale for you, sweethearts." Nearly everyone suppressed a smile, hearing Lucy call them "sweethearts."

"But I would like to talk with you all, privately," she said softly. "Natsu, would you mind being the first one?" The pink-haired idiot stepped forward. He followed her to the soundproof room the guild master had had installed for the celestial mage. In the room, there were two chairs and a table separating them. However, there was no way a dragon slayer wouldn't be able to destroy them.

Natsu sat down on the opposite of Lucy and waited. Her hormones were driving his brain to mush. He was reluctant to look away from her, but eventually decided to stare at the table instead.

"Natsu," Lucy started with hesitation. "You're my best friend. I can't imagine my life without you, without Fairy Tail. You gave me my family," she admitted. "Thank you for that." She paused for a moment. "However, I have to ask you another favour."

"What?" Natsu's throat was growing dry. He raised his head and Lucy saw the vibrant flames in his eyes, reflecting the turmoil within.

"Can I take a vial of your blood?" she asked, biting her lip. The Natsu she knew would protest, would rather go to hell by train than let her close with a needle. This Natsu simply showed up his hand and asked: "Where do you want me to rip it open?" Lucy sighed and inserted the needle, removing only the blood she needed. When she had done that, Natsu was ready to leave. He didn't ask why she needed it, simply obeyed her orders.

Next up was Wendy, who entered on shaky feet. She sat down and smiled nervously at her friend. Lucy grinned back. "So, Wendy," she said with another wicked smile. "How's it going with Romeo-kun?" Wendy blanched, as if been caught having a lover. Yet Lucy's face only showed warmth and real interest in the topic.

"I.." the bluenette started. "I think we are becoming better friends." She fidgeted in her seat, uncomfortable under the future dragonrider's attentive gaze.

"Aw," Lucy's smile widened. "I'm so happy for you!" Clap of hands.

"Why do you call us here separately?" the child asked and Lucy was amazed at her sincerity and her courage to pose the question.

"Truth is," she started, but unsure how to finish, she stopped. She started again: "You know, everyone keeps saying I might die soon. Well, everyone dies in the end. There really is no difference whether it is now or later. I'd prefer it to be later." She paused dramatically. "To save me, as you already know I need to choose one of the dragon slayers to be my lifetime power supply. For that, the master wants to confirm my compatibility with all the dragon slayers in town."

"You need my blood," the child stated, as if it was an everyday thing. She sighed and took the needle Lucy had brought out on the table. Without moving an inch, she did what Lucy was supposed to do and when she was done, gave the needle to the girl, who looked terribly apologetic.

"I'm sorry for dragging you into this," she said quietly. Wendy nodded.

"It's okay, Lucy-san," and as she stood, next dragon slayer entered. This time, Lucy knew it would take longer than the others.

Laxus' entrance was dramatic, his coat almost floating behind. Lucy stared at him, as the electricity sparked around. The man was testing the room's ability to take damage. "Please sit," the girl said. Laxus gave a yawn and dropped into the seat, nearly breaking it with his weight.

"What's up, bunny girl?" he got to the business quickly. Lucy avoided looking at him.

"You're looking good today," she complimented. The man's heart soared, but he showed no sign of it. He was in more control than most of the dragon slayers behind the impenetrable door.

"You've cut your hair," he shot back. "I don't like it." Lucy unconsciously brought her hand to the sharp spikes and lowered it, when the man's gaze followed her fingers.

"Me neither," Lucy admitted. "It was spur of the moment thing." She twirled a strand around her finger and smiled absentmindedly. She couldn't even remember why she had cut it.

"So, what is the reason for this?" the man urged forward, surprising the girl who was certain he would not be interested. "I know it's something to do with whatever you're going through, but gee, make it short. I was supposed to go on a quest today." Oh. Lucy bit her lip.

"Sorry to keep you from your work," she muttered to herself. A little louder, she added: "I need a vial of your blood."

"Come and get it then," the man yawned again and relaxed against the chair. Lucy stood from her chair and walked over with a needle. As she injected it into his skin, Laxus wrapped his arms around her and rubbed his face against her stomach. Lucy's cheeks flamed from the embarrassment.

"I'm done," she said soon, but the man didn't release her just yet. Lucy smiled and ruffled his hair. A shot of electricity ran down her spine and she could not decipher whether it was Laxus' doing or her own.