A/N: i still own nothing! Also, I absolutely loved the new FT episode, what about you, guys? Thanks for the reviews/follow/favourites! Enjoy!

16. El Diablo

"Cooking," the man replied. Lucy waved her hand to dismiss the smoke, rushing to open the windows.

"I can see that," she said sarcastically, putting her head out to catch a bit of fresh air. In less than a minute, two hands were on her waist and lips close to her ear whispered:"You want to say that again?"

Lucy chuckled. "Laxus," she whispered the boy's name. "Too close."

He breathed in the intoxicating scent of her hair, the fragrance of vanilla and strawberries, something he really, really liked. Lucy didn't push him away, although she slightly wanted to do so in order to see his eyes. Unknown to her, they were gleaming with longing too inhumane for anyone else.

"There's some place I have to go," she finally sighed. He released her and stared at her with a frown. It was abnormal to see it on his face, so she shook her head, trying to make it go away. It didn't.

"You can barely stand," he stated. Although it was true, Lucy felt energized. She supposed it had to do with him being near her. As soon as he stepped away, she felt the tiredness seep in. She was a parasite, living off of others' energy.

"I suppose you can come with me," she admitted, leaning on his hand for support. "There's this man, Phoenix," she continued, sighing, when he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "A dragonrider."

"El Diablo," Laxus muttered. "I thought he was dead."

"You know him?" Lucy was surprised. She pushed him away, but he didn't let go of her. She was too weak to protest any further, so she let the topic fall, but she made a note in her mind to pick it up again when she wasn't as tired. "You should have told me."

"There was nothing to tell," he shrugged carelessly. "As I said, I thought he was dead. That's what I was told anyway."

"But you called him el Diablo. Why?" She didn't stop pestering him and he sighed.

"Look, do you want to see that guy or not?" he asked harshly. Lucy smiled meekly and nodded. Sensing the slight movement, Laxus continued:"Lead the way then, Princess."

Lucy scraped the paper from her pocket and looked at the quickly scribbled map. "Show me that!" Laxus snatched it from her hands and stared at it, confused about the handwriting. "Lisanna wrote that, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did," Lucy admitted. "Is anything wrong with it?"

Laxus shook his head, but realizing Lucy couldn't see his face, added:"No, not really," before crumpling it in his hand. "Well, let's go then." He tugged her along and they were on the way to meet the last dragonrider besides Lucy. Laxus was glad she had decided to tell him. After all, Phoenix wasn't called el Diablo for nothing.

Two hours later, they were standing in front of a door in the mountains. It was a strange sight, a wooden door separating a cave from the cliff, but seeing the symbol etched into it, Laxus knew they were at the right place. Lucy stared at it, seeing the sign for the first time, and reached her hand out to touch it. It oozed power, calling out to her, tempting her.. She nearly touched it, when the man accompanying her pulled her hand down.

"Better not," he said, knocking on the door. "Come on, old man, open up!" He called. He was right about the person inside knowing about their presence. If their strong scents weren't enough, the magic of the mark would let the enchanter know.

The door opened with a creak and Laxus took it as a sign to enter. It was dark in the cave, but as soon as Lucy entered after the man, small orbs of light lit up. However, instead of an old man she had been expecting to see, there was a boy in his late teens, looking barely older than Lucy.

"Phoenix?" she questioned, her voice resounding in the small space. She stared at the man, feeling the incredible power. His hair was black as coal and every now and then, tiny flames were seen licking his face. In a way, she reminded her of Rogue and it made something prick her heart.

"El Diablo," Laxus acknowledged him with a nod. The stranger's eyes moved from Lucy to the man beside her and he smirked.

"A dragonrider and a dragon slayer," he stated, sitting back down. "Both not quite developed yet. What do you want?"

"My name is Lucy Heartfilia," she declared, kneeling down next to the fire he started. "I need your help."

"You want to break free." It was not a question. He already knew everything about the two. "That's not going to be easy."

Lucy listened, while Laxus shifted uncomfortably. He moved to stand behind her, eyes watchfully glued to the man playing with the fire.

"I stole my powers from the Dragon King," he spoke quietly, voice like the cracking of the logs. "It is the power to rip up any living thing, the ability to protect whatever you have ever loved," his words were enchanting her, "You could have anything you've ever wanted. Everything for only your love." He paused, drawing a rune on the floor with a piece of coal. "Are you sure you want to give it up?" He watched the emotions switch on her face. "Are you willing to give him up?"

"That's enough," Laxus interrupted, grabbing her hand and dragging her away. Before they exited the cave, Lucy gave the man her answer.

"Yes, yes, I am."

She saw him grin wickedly, before the door fell shut in front of her.

"You're an idiot." Laxus smacked her head gently, but strong enough to make it hurt. Lucy rubbed the sore spot and leaned into him.

"So what if I am?" she asked, closing her eyes. Somehow she knew things were going to change soon, for better or for worse.