Natsu's PoV

Was I inside Lucy's memories? Why did I feel this much pain? Is this how Lucy feels all the time? I tumbled onto the ground behind a little blonde girl standing in front of a gravestone. Layla Heartfilia was written across the top. It was pouring, and the little girl was drenched. Was this a young Lucy?

It's your fault she died. She got tired of being around you, so she died.

Was that Umidjon's voice? Was he speaking directly into her head? I felt such deep loss and sadness, it almost crippled me. What was going on?

"Fool. You're in Lucy's mind, going through her memories. You are feeling the same things she is," Loke's voice floated into my head. Was he here too? No time to think of that now. I had to finish this as quickly as possible before Lucy's body destroyed something in the real world.

"Lucy! It's alright; it was just a terrible accident that killed your mom!" I yelled. The younger version of Lucy didn't move. I tried putting my hand on her shoulder, but it passed straight through. Ok, if that won't work… Wait! If Umidjon can speak into her mind, then can I?

Lucy? I tried. She looked up at where I was standing.

"Is someone there?" she asked in her sad, innocent voice.

It's not your fault that your mom died. It was only an accident. Hey, maybe this would be easier than I thought!

It's not my fault…? the thought reverberated through my mind.

Your mother loves you. She didn't mean to die, but she'll always look over you.

"It's not my fault," she said out loud. Her tiny fist came up and scrubbed the tears out of her eyes. "I'm ok. Mommy loves me." I sighed in relief. There's one fixed memory done. How many had Umidjon tampered with?

"Daddy, I made you a rice ball! It has your face on it!" Lucy exclaimed. Today was her birthday, and she thought maybe if she could remind her father, he would stop working for a little while and play with her.

I was transported and dumped onto the carpet of a giant office. The same young Lucy was standing in front of her father's wide desk while he worked. He looks a lot different now compared to how he is in the real world.

"I'm busy right now. Leave," he muttered, not taking his eyes off the computer in front of him. A twinge of disappointment ran through Lucy, but she shrugged it off. Today would be fun if she could just remind her dad! It hurt to watch these scenes. It was almost like a movie. I felt bad for invading all these deep memories, but I had no choice. I had to undo everything Umidjon had done.

"Ok, I'll just leave it right here then. Eat it when you get hungry, ok?" she said, placing the little ball on his desk. "I don't know if you remember, but today is my—"

"Did I not tell you I was busy?" he thundered. "I told you to go away! And don't make food, that's what the servants are for!" He swung his arm, knocking the small ball of rice to the floor. My blood boiled. No wonder Lucy can't stand the site of her father! This man was a monster!

"I'm sorry," little Lucy cried. She gathered the ball in her tiny fingers and ran from the room, wiping the tears on the back of her hand.

He hates you. He hates you, and so does everyone else. Nobody likes you. They never have, and they never will.

I followed Lucy down the long corridor outside her father's office, ignoring all of the maids and the servants that reached out for her. They're a bunch of liars. None of them actually like me. They are only here because Daddy paid them to be, she thought.

I never thought I could feel something like this. I understand now how it feels to think that your own parent doesn't like you. Igneel left me 7 years ago, but at least I know he honestly cared for me while we were together.

He didn't mean it. He was just angry. He loves you. These people are your friends, and they care for you like a daughter, I thought into her head. Lucy stopped at the end of the hallway and looked back and forth. First at me, and then where Umidjon appeared. She saw neither of us, but this was where she decided who was telling the truth.

He didn't mean any of it.

The little girl turned towards me and ran straight through me to whatever rooms were behind me.

"You may have won these first two rounds, but now I'm getting angry. And when I get angry, I play dirty," Umidjon threatened.

"Bring it on," I replied, smirking. I would protect Lucy, even if it cost my life.

This time, when I fell into the next memory, I landed on my feet.

You're running away from home because you are a coward. You know nobody likes you, and you are trying to save yourself. You are a selfish little brat that will never do anything useful in your life.

The vicious words ran through our minds. I winced at the harsh words. The words produced fuel for a teenage Lucy's tears as she packed her bags with the most basic clothes she had.

Nobody can know that I'm from this family. Nobody can know who I really am.

I got to work right away, following Lucy around her room as she filled her suitcases.

It's not true. You are doing this because your father is cruel and you have to get away. You are not a coward or a brat. You will do wonderful things in your life; you just don't know it yet.

Shut up. Stop lying. I'm a pathetic loser.

I was shocked. This hasn't happened before. I guess it'll be harder to convince her of things the older she gets. Heart ache throbbed in my chest. She really believes anything Umidjon tells her. He has hurt her so much, and he WILL pay for it.

That's right, believe me. You know I'm speaking the truth. Loser, pathetic, worthless.

You are none of those things! You are perfect, beautiful, incredible.

Trash.

Amazing.

"Am I really fighting with myself over this?" Lucy asked out loud. She gave a little chuckle. "You know what, who the hell cares? I have to leave."

Umidjon stared at me triumphantly and left, heading towards the next memory.

Didn't your mom always tell you to hope? Have faith in yourself and believe that you are doing the right thing for the right reasons. I gave one last try.

Lucy's steps slowed. Her mind rushed with images of her mother.

"Mom," she whispered. "You're right. I'm fine the way I am." She continued to pack her bags, but her mind was clear. She only thought of leaving now. I jumped up and down and high-fived myself. That'll teach that arrogant, stupid Umidjon who's stronger! I closed my eyes happily and thought of the next place to go, wherever that would be. I opened my eyes at the next stop and saw…

Myself.