(Arrival in Spirit World no one's point of view)
Upon arrival Lucy's comrades looked around in great confusion when they hear loud cheering and seeing mass amount of spirits rush towards them. Taking a step back they put a defensive barrier around her only for her to step forward and place a hand on each of their shoulders and just giggle at them. After seeing that she expected this and it was normal they each relaxed and smiled allowing her to be pulled away into the middle of all of them laughing. Seeing her smile with them made them appreciate her that much more. They noticed how she had the same affect on them just like she did at Fairy Tail. She wasn't only a shining star at Fairy Tail, she was a beacon of light for everyone who had the privilege of her company. Knowing that this might take a while they all decided to go take a seat at a bench in the corner to give her some space to enjoy the company of all of her spirits and family. It didn't go unnoticed by Natsu though that there seemed to be a special connection between her and one other who had greeted her warmly with a hug.
Upon closer inspection of said spirit he noticed that he was similar to himself in ways. Dark Onyx eyes, slightly longer hair except still spiked here and there, and a well toned figure. His hair looked naturally black but had a burning red undertone when light shined on it. Overall most importantly he looked like he could hold his own in a good battle. Feeling his blood boil he didn't like that Lucy seemed so close to him. Both held hands freely and he followed her around carefully making sure no harm came towards her. However Lucy would always look over at Natsu and the others trying to encourage them to join her with everyone else and they would always just politely decline with a nod of their head or wave of the hand. She would nod in return knowing that they had to be tired from everything over the last day, so she would continue with whatever conversation it was she was now in. After finally making it around to everyone she cheerfully dragged her friend over to them to introduce him.
"You guys I want you to meet Draco! I'm not contracted with him, but he's worked with me and supported me for a really long time now. I guess you could say over the past little over 4 years we've become best friends in a way." Lucy smiles adoringly over at him and he in turn smiles at her. He then looks at the mages in front of him studying them as if determining whether or not he's willing to hand her over to them so freely.
"It's nice to meet you all finally. Lucy has told me so much about you and she's always been very fond of telling me about many stories of your adventures together." He forces a smile towards them as well as holding his hand out to shake their hand.
"It's a pleasure to meet you too Draco. My name is Erza, this is Gray, That's Natsu and the flying cat now on Lucy's head is Happy. Which constellation do you represent?" Erza says politely studying him in the same fashion.
"I represent the star of Draco the Dragon. I am contracted to another mage currently, but I hope Lucy here will still search for me at some point. I'm going to miss her dearly." He responds sadly with a small smile towards her. Looking back at Erza he continues grudgingly, "Until then though I expect that since you are her team you will be taking care of her for me.. Am I right?"
"Of course we would take care of her. It's not like you have to ask us. She's our family too." Natsu snaps at him. He doesn't like that he seems to have claimed Lucy as his when in fact they are only just friends. He knows he shouldn't feel threatened but he can't help but feel as though he is going to be taking her away.
"Natsu don't be like that. He's just looking out for me like you all would. Understand this is hard on all of us." Lucy says quietly trying to make sure Natsu understands he doesn't need to feel threatened. "Draco is special to me in his own way just like you are. Please be nice to him." She looks at Natsu pleading for him to understand which he in turn looks to her with an apologetic look.
He then says regretfully to Draco, "I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to come out that way. Thank you Draco for everything you've done for her. Please forgive me for being reckless with my comments."
"Thanks Natsu." Lucy answers quickly for Draco already knowing his feelings towards Natsu. She than turns towards Draco and says a bit teary eyed, "This has been fun but I don't want you here during the procedure. I don't want you to see me like that ok? I have some questions still to ask The Spirit King so I'll be back soon." Turning from him then to Virgo she says, Virgo could you make my friends comfortable for me and bring them back when I wake up. They need to rest from the past day events." Smiling gently to her to make sure she comes across non ordering. She then lifts Happy off her head giving him one last squeeze then releasing him back to go over to Natsu.
"I understand princess. We shall be going. The Spirit King has requested your presence and Loki is waiting for you by his door. I believe you know your way around?" Virgo asks.
"Yes I do. Thank you very much Virgo. I will see you all soon guys so smile." Lucy smiles to them all then turning around she begins to walk away by herself but not before giving Draco one last squeeze to his hand for a bit of support.
"I'm always going to watch over you Lucy. You won't forget I promise and even if you don't remember me completely, we will always create more memories." Draco whispers to her softly to her figure now disappearing in the crowd. He knows she heard him though, and he knows that she will do everything in her power to see him again. After all they both care for each other deeply. His thoughts are interrupted though by none other than Natsu.
"What's your real relationship with her Draco? I know she doesn't want to hurt anyone, but you both seem closer than typical best friends." Natsu says quietly but a bit bitterly and trying to still be reasonable. He doesn't want to be selfish knowing Lucy has always been close to everyone, but he wanted to be her one and only. Her everything… He didn't know where he would still stand learning about this new friendship she had.
Turning towards Natsu again he regains his natural hard look and fierce gaze and with gritted teeth he bites out, "We're close friends just exactly what she said Natsu. We could never be anything more than that because of this dam secret and because she's always had a soft spot for you. I helped her with her feelings for you because she didn't want to be selfish. I encouraged her to be happy for you from afar but we grew closer. We started falling in love, but both agreed we couldn't be anything more. In the end nothing matters though. Like she said… Life is cruel." Turning he walks away but stops and snaps one last time, "Know that you don't deserve her regardless of what you may feel now. She watched you all for a long time longing for her past to never have happened, isolating herself so she wouldn't hurt or disappoint anyone ever again even though she wasn't the one that hurt someone. So she created another family that accepted her as she was. She never needed to change, but she thought if she did it would be easier for you all to accept her. Unfortunately you only looked at her as if you never knew her through these past few days after finding out what she was capable of and when I would come visit her she would cry saying she was just a disappointment and no one believed in her. I'm warning you this once though. If you hurt her, you won't only have me to deal with but the rest of us as well." Finished with his rant in a deadly voice he walked away disappearing in a flash again.
"We need you to continue this way please. You'll be staying in some of our spare rooms for now until Princess will be awake and finished with her message." Virgo says politely understanding Draco's feelings, but knows she should gain their attention from their prior thoughts. They quietly follow her accepting that even though Draco may be right about them, they weren't going to leave her.
Natsu looked at everything around him one last time before entering his spare room that Virgo led them to and decided that Draco may be right, but that didn't mean he was giving her up that easily though. He accepted that while he was confused and he hurt her in a way, he didn't do it on purpose. He wasn't intending on being selfish at the time, but Lucy knew him deep down and accepted him as he was. Knowing this though still made him determined to be the one to protect her and make sure she was no longer the person to take care of everyone else anymore. Her happiness mattered and to be honest he wanted to be the one to make her happy from now on. He also knew he would stop at nothing to make sure that wherever Draco's key was Lucy would have it and remain in contact with him. He owed Draco for giving her up and making sure she was taken care of by him personally and it's the least he could do for him. He knew Draco has watched over her all this time where he failed her. He would always have regrets but he didn't want her to lose anything more than she already was. Yes he would continue to love her and pray that she would love him in return still, but Draco's key was mandatory. Being lost in his thoughts didn't go unnoticed by Erza, Gray, and Happy though.
"We've learned a lot over the past few days Natsu. We can't force ourselves on her.. You know that. We can only stand beside her as much as she will allow when she is done with this." Happy says quietly. This was new information to him about Draco, and as much as he felt for Natsu, he felt even worse for Draco.
"Don't worry Happy. I understand what Draco was saying, but look at it this way. He is leaving her in our care and hoping that we will reunite her with them slowly. He is still entrusting her to us. Regardless of the past.. Regardless of the threats, I will still stand by her side and be the one to protect her and hopefully she will come to accept me too. I know I don't deserve her, but I will work to be someone worthy of her from now on." Natsu finishes quietly but with a determined look.
Erza, Gray, and Happy nod approvingly at him then turn to Virgo to thank her and ask politely, "We appreciate your hospitality. If it's ok with you we would like to see Lucy in the infirmary prior to her waking up. We want to at least give her something for her to see when she wakes up and think of us."
"I will talk with Loki and see if it's ok however you should rest now. It's still a while before she is fully asleep. The procedure isn't painful but it does take a bit and she wanted to discuss some things with The Spirit King." Virgo says politely
"We understand Virgo. Thank you." Erza finishes with a smile. In a soft flash she disappears to another location. Everyone finally settling down into their respective beds for much needed rest but Erza interrupts their sleep one last time with, "We will always stand by her from now on. I know you guys agree with me, but be strong. It's going to be hard for her to accept some of the oncoming changes. Just be patient with everything. Good night guys."
(Office with the Spirit King No one's point of view)
"I believe you have some further questions for me Lucy and I think I have an idea of what you are going to ask. You're concerned about your magic capacity aren't you?" The spirit king starts softly.
"Yes sir. How much are you sealing from me, and what will I still be capable of doing?" Lucy continues quietly.
"I believe you told me about an individual in your guild by the name of Mira at one point am I correct? Her magic was sealed for a while, but because of a circumstance her seal was broke and she regained her abilities. Unfortunately you will not be capable of regaining yours. Your seal isn't only a seal but a piece of you, and will be removed and stored here with us in remembrance of you until you join us here. We intend on making you apart of us in the future with your loved one and become permanently apart of our family when the time is right. We aren't trying to punish you for everything you've done and gone through, we just.. We want you to focus on other aspects of your life. You won't be capable of opening multiple gates anymore in battle so you will need to rely on yourself more. You know how to do that well enough, but you will need to relearn your battle strategies and tactics. It will be dangerous for you from now on. You know what happened more recently that has caused this turn of events and why I have agreed so easily with Master Makarov's concerns." Explains The spirit king trying to be sensitive to her and knowing that this will be hard to accept.
"I appreciate everything you're doing for me, but if I won't be capable of opening gates like I was and having my spirits fight beside me, how am I supposed to continue training? I.. this is fair, but please will you allow them to come out on their own power to at least train? I mean the one's I'm contracted to. I know it can't be like it was before, and I know that mage you were referring to was trying to utilize me before to get access to using your power from here to summon something terrible, but please. I don't want to lose my family so quickly. I don't want to be left behind again." Lucy trails off. "I don't want to be selfish but sir.. Don't seal so much of it away from me. I love them. Allow me to continue.." Loki interrupts her though.
"You won't be left behind Lucy by anyone. We are always by your side watching over you. We are only taking precautions from what I understand. This doesn't make you weak. Most celestial mages are only capable of calling out one spirit anyways, and you have advanced yourself physically. You just won't be capable of utilizing the spells you've acquired over the past couple years and the spirit realm in the manner you have before." He tries to explain to her gently knowing this would hurt her.
"I understand but please I'm not trying to be selfish. I want to protect everyone. This is what I've worked so hard for. All the bonds I've created.. I'm not ready to lose them." Lucy pleads already knowing they won't allow it. She see's Horlogium and Crux appear beside her with a magic circle surrounding them and her and begin the process of taking her knowledge away from her for the past 4 years. However she begins to panic and her magic becomes unstable causing the Spirit King to begin to seal away the magic she will no longer be capable of containing. She says quickly, "Please you guys. I need more time. Just a little… I.. Draco." She tears up and sniffles when she looks over to see that Draco has appeared.
"I'm here Lucy. Don't worry. I'll even be by your side when you wake up. Just relax. You haven't lost everything and Natsu will take care of you. I promise." Draco says trying to encourage and comfort her. She said she didn't want him to see her like this, but he couldn't possibly stay away from her. Especially now. He loved her and cared for her deeply regardless of how they kept their boundaries with their relationship. He helped her love someone from afar just as she helped him from his loneliness for so long that they had eventually fell in love with each other. However they knew that her secret would tear them apart eventually so both always agreed that they would stand by each other, but never cross over into anything more. Star crossed lovers never capable of being together…
"I don't want this though. Please." Lucy tries one last time, only she begins to drift off starting to feel the effects causing her eyes to close. She tilts slightly, but no one interrupts the process. Only when it's finished and she begins to fall Draco catches her in his arms and cradles her head so she can be more comfortable. Standing with his loved one softly in his chest he waits for the Spirit King to complete his seal.
"With all her strength she's learned sir, she could have protected herself from that mage. You know that's why she worked so hard over the years to protect her and us. I don't see why this had to happen." Loki says quietly to the Spirit King and watching her in Draco's arms.
"This is a precaution we needed to take for our world and hers Loki." The spirit king says quietly finishing sealing off her magic in his hand to placing it in an elegant glass container shaped as a tear drop. "It shines brighter than any of our stars, doesn't it? She's so special." He drifts off looking at the encased magic sparkling of multiple colors radiating the room hypnotically.
"Sir, please give her something. She's lost so much and I know she will join us someday with Natsu, but please… You have to do something more for her." Loki insists continuing on, "Give her Draco's key at least please…"
"You know I can't do that Loki. He's contracted to someone else right now. We can't break his contract just for her." The Spirit King says sternly.
"Dam it yes you can. Explain to this mage the circumstances. Do something, anything for her. You've sealed off her magic already. She won't be even able to have a proper conversation with us because of how much magic was sealed and you didn't tell her. Give her something. At least allow us or Draco to come out on our own to see her. You know we are all close to her." Loki argues trying to help his master.
"It's ok Loki. I appreciate you fighting for me and her, but no one will keep her from me regardless of the circumstances. I'm sure she will look for my key anyways after this is all done when she wakes up. She needs to rely on her other family now and unfortunately I have to leave her in Natsu's care until she can return to us. We always agreed to only be friends. Love was never in the cards for us. We accepted that even if we did want more, but like she's said before. Life is cruel and you and I both know that more than anyone." Draco says softly while continuing to gaze at Lucy's sleeping face, but begins turning and walking out of the room to the infirmary for him to have his last bit of time with her.
"This shouldn't be happening sir. I know it may be right but it doesn't hurt any less. Lucy has said that before. You know she deserves more. Why can't we just protect her? That's what we're here for. That's why she's trained so hard." Loki says quietly trailing off after the door closes.
"Loki please be reasonable. I want to keep her just as much as you do, but we can't allow the balance between the worlds to shift like they had. She really did surpass everyone and her magic was beginning to become to much for her to contain. The pulses from her were becoming more sporadic and uncontained. She was beginning to hurt others, unintentionally of course, because of her emotions. Making her concentrate and constantly train wasn't a life worth living regardless of what she may think. She needs to be with her family in Fairy Tail and she needs to continue spreading her light and cheerful nature watching over everyone like she has. There's more to life then training and fighting… And I want to give her Draco's key. I'm just not allowed to do that though. She must continue to be safe and protected by her guild and in the mean time being able to summon one of you guys is the most I'm capable of giving her." The Spirit King finishes sadly morning the loss of his dear friend.
"Can we do what she asked at least? Come out on our own power to continue training her in hand to hand combat and what not? Weapons, whatever she wants, just can we keep the bonds she built at least?" Loki begs.
"That my friend is just like Draco said. I can't stop you from that because of your true emotions. However, I have restricted it to only who she is contracted to. It won't be like it was before though. Remember. One at a time at most could come out in a day for training her… I'm sorry, but.. I can't talk anymore about this. It hurts too much. Please go look after her until she wakes up and allow me to grieve the loss of contact I will have with my dear friend in the mean time." He finishes quietly turning to stare back at her magic brightly shining within the sealed tear drop glass container.
Loki stays silent while absorbing everything that has happened and what he has said then stares for a bit at the container. Getting lost in its radiance for a moment it flashes at him making him smile. It made him feel as though even though her magic was sealed, it still contained a piece of her in a way trying to silently encourage him that it was ok and to continue to be strong for her. Smiling he nods his head to himself and in a flash he's gone back to his own quarters for some much needed alone time.
(Infirmary Draco's Point of View)
Looking down at her like this I can't help but to feel my heart-break a little. She doesn't deserve this. She deserves happiness and love. I know Natsu will love her, but I want to be the one that does. I don't want to be selfish though. We didn't want to toy with our feelings for each other when we knew it would come to an inevitable end. When she told me that his relationship with Lisanna ended I was so happy even if it did cause Lucy pain. I knew that she could be with him now, but she didn't want that. She didn't want his relationship to fail. She felt as though she had caused it somehow unknowingly even though she hadn't done anything other than support him. It was just another thing that she blamed herself for that was in no way her fault. However I had done my research and understood that he was just too dumb to realize his feelings for her at the time. He understood when Lucy explained that he was confused with himself at the time and that she thought it was best to just keep her distance and support and smile at him from afar. She was just that kind of girl. As much as she loved him, she wanted to find her own romance in her own way though. She didn't want triangles, or complications or confusion; she simply wanted to find someone she could fall in love with and that's how we started to fall for each other.
I lay her down gently on the bed and pull aside a soft strand of blond hair out of her face. With her lips slightly parted and her breathing lightly I can only watch in awe at her beauty. Why does life play out like this? I've been alone for so long. I didn't want to get attached to anyone in this long life. I was only curious about the mage everyone was talking about. They said she was strong and was training as well as kind to all of us. Coming to one of her training sessions I only observed. I continued to only observe her until I decided I didn't want to just observe. I wanted to be a part of what she was doing. She made me feel as though I actually mattered. I squeeze my other fist shut and realize I'm beginning to cry a little. No! I need to stay strong. Natsu may not deserve her, but he's the only one capable of watching over her now. I will give her to him only for that reason. I hear the door creak open and didn't realize how much time has passed now. I know who it is though. The smell is identifiable immediately even without looking.
"Leave us alone please. I need time to accept this. You will have the rest of your lives… Just leave." I whisper knowing they heard me in my desperate state.
"You won't be apart from her forever Draco. I won't allow that." Natsu says quietly.
I look over at him with a glare, "Bastard. Appreciate that I'm not still ripping you all a new one for all the feelings you put on her." They have no idea how she felt for so long and I wanted so badly to scream at them, but knew Lucy didn't want that.
"We deserve it. We all know, but we won't make one of her friends and family that is so close to her suffer. We will find your key for her no matter how long it takes. We know she would want that." Gray continues while Natsu quietly walks forward and stops beside me stairing at her. I won't accept that though. They can be as kind as they want to me, but it's only going to make me hate the fact that they will get to stay with her.
"Just leave me alone." I roar at them slowly letting my own magic loose while standing up then continue, "Just like her I don't want your pity, or sorrow. I'm trying to make you all happy dam it, especially for her. I know this will make her happy, and when I can I will continue to come through my gate, but we are trying to prevent ourselves from hurting each other. Let me have my moment of peace with her." I finally trail off in fury, but trying to control myself. Looking back at her a tear strays down my cheek again forcing me to wipe furiously at my face in frustration.
"Please Draco, she wouldn't want you to feel this way alone. Let us be here for you." Happy says quietly to me.
Looking at Happy and knowing his background story from Lucy I settle a little. "I know Happy, it's hard giving her over to him though… I don't want to be selfish but I can't help it. I wanted to be the one to continue to protect her and now I know she weaseled her way into my heart, and it hurts." I choke out looking away again. "She was always so happy for you Natsu. She never begrudged you of your happiness… She wanted your relationship to work with Lisanna and she wanted to find her own love since it wasn't with you at the time. She supported you for so long.. I don't want to be selfish but I can't help this feeling of frustration I have." Whispering knowing they all heard. I see Loki show up and place a hand on my shoulder moving Natsu back away from me knowing that I'm about to hit something.
"Draco I understand just like you said earlier better than the others, but you're doing the right thing. Stay strong for her." Loki tries to encourage. This only frustrates me more though. Sitting down and gripping my head and hair in my hands tight and slightly pulling to feel the sting I just shut my eyes tightly wishing for everyone except her to just disappear.
"I know I messed up. I know I was wrong, and I know you love her, but she won't leave you forever. I promise. I owe you both that much and I'm thankful for this opportunity that she's given me, but I know you will always have a big piece of her heart and for that I can't but help to be jealous of you as well. Unlike you I know I'm selfish. I could only pray that she will love me back someday.. However, I'm going to work to be worthy of her in the mean time. I will work my ass off for you to see me as worthy of her. I'm not confused anymore about my true feelings. I will never leave Lucy and I will for her sake bring your key to her to make sure she can still have her complete happiness, but please let us be here with you and share this little bit of pain you have but happiness we have for receiving our family member back to us at Fairy Tail." Natsu finishes quietly trying to get his point across to me.
"Do what you think you need to do Natsu, but it still doesn't change much for me. I'll always support her and you, but I'll always dream and want something that will never be. We've always agreed that she would end up with you. I'll always only be a guardian to her and best friend." I say quietly still gripping my head. I hear them proceed to walk further into the room and place random objects on her other side table before sitting down, but I have no curiosity right now. I don't want anything. I just want to disappear… Loki sits beside me knowing that it's not wise to just leave them here alone with me. I'm not one for going off the deep end, but I wouldn't trust me either in my emotional turmoil. However, they just don't know how to shut up. Listening to their small chatter I voice my issue, "Could you dear god please be quiet. I get you are happy, but let me have my peace of mind with silence for now." I say threateningly without raising my head. Instantly they shut up. Breathing in and out I'm sure at least an hour has passed and they slowly walk out, but I still don't move. I need to be strong. We both agreed to be friends forever. When she comes back to us we can be friends again. She won't be gone forever. They said they would find my key. No. I can't hope for that. I just need to accept that her and Natsu will come here when the time is right. I.. I think I can accept that. With that resolve of knowing that I will still have an opportunity of being apart of her life regardless I get myself back in check chanting to myself I can do this and be strong for her.
Sitting up once I know they're gone except for Loki I look over at her again and wait. It's almost time for her to wake up. I hold her hand for a bit more than proceed to get her message ready from the side table I'm sitting next to. Pulling out the lacrima I set it at the end of her bed for her to watch. I remember watching her do this. I know what it says, but I only hope she'll not take it to hard. Seeing her eyes start to flutter and hearing her moan a little from probably the pain in her head I watch her begin to wake up. Getting her glass of water ready I know she's going to need some asprin.
(No one's point of view infirmary)
"Ugh my head… What happened Draco and Loki?" Looking over Lucy sees them both waiting with sad smiles.
"Oh ya know. Training to hard.." Loki tries to laugh a little, but gets a hard nudge from Draco. Draco continues with a whispery voice to Lucy while looking down, "You're secret was revealed Lucy."
Lucy's eyes go wide and teary and then start to whisper, "I'm so sorry you guys… I'm so sorry to put you all through this. I didn't mean to. I'm so sorry." She's instantly engulfed in a hug by Draco but she continues, "How many have I hurt and have to give up. What's happened?"
"Your message to yourself explaining everything is right there. Would you like to be alone, or could I stay with you?" Draco asks softly.
"All I remember is training and getting ready for the S-Class exams. You both were helping… Is my secret really out, or did I just get hurt? Please say I just got hurt." Lucy pleads with them.
"Lucy please watch your message." Loki says quietly and without letting her argue it flickers on.
"Hi Lucy. Ugh this is weird talking to myself.. Anyways be strong. Stop your crying. You don't have time for that. After all you have both of your most loyal and best friends you could ask for by your side.." Lucy says to herself and continues after taking a big breath.
"You are missing 4 years of knowledge and time from your memories as well as having your magic sealed away. No I don't know how much or what you are now capable of, but know that this is not the end. You must stay strong. I will say that you did fall in love on your own terms over that four years with your best friend Draco, but you will never be able to be together now. You never crossed any lines, but you will always be close. Natsu knows this and will have to accept this as well so continue to make memories with him when you can. You knew this secret couldn't be known after all and you are not to be selfish. This is not all about you. You've already hurt so many people and disappointed so many people for getting discovered, but still.. Stay strong.
I demand that you search for Draco's key though. Search the ends of the earth if you must, but do not for a moment forget him. If you do I swear to god I will figure out a way to come out of this projection and beat you myself. However regardless of how much you have fallen in love with Draco, you are destined to be with another. You have also agreed to your feelings with him and I believe you know who I am talking about.
Right now you believe Natsu has just ended his relationship with Lisanna, but that isn't the case. He's been over her for years now and has watched you push everyone away. His love is strong for you and he has finally decided to stand by your side. Let him. You need him, and more then you think. There is danger searching for you, but they are now no longer capable of using you to hurt others. They believe they still can utilize you though, and you won't be able to defend yourself the way you used to. I advise you to stay amongst your team as much as possible. They will never leave you behind again. They gave you their word and Draco would probably appear and beat the living daylights out of them, if they did so stay calm and don't panic when they show. Right now they are probably outside waiting to be let in.
Lucy you have accomplished all the goals you had set out to do. You have a large and loving spirit family as well as joined Fairy Tail. You've become an S-Class mage even though that is now revoked. You have gained so much, but it is time to look at other aspects of your life. This is not the end, but a new beginning. Continue to work on hand to hand combat as well as working with weapons and battle tactics, but remember you still need to remain at the guild. You aren't weak. We just had to take precautions to protect the two worlds we're so dearly attached to. From now on things… well you know things won't be as they were. You will return to Fairy Tail permanently with minor contact with the spirit world. Now that this is over, try to make new goals. Continue to live life to the fullest, and continue to care and love everyone around you. You aren't alone. You never will be. After all Draco will always be there for you as well as your faithful spirits.
With those parting words the message stops and goes blank. Loki hands Lucy the lacrima and says, "I can give you guys a few minutes, but you don't have much time here. We will be sending you back to Fairy Tail shortly. I'm sorry Lucy." Looking down he waits for her response but with teary eyes.
"No I should apologize to you Loki. You all worked so hard with me for nothing in return. I'm so sorry. You're right though. I do need a moment with Draco." She responds regrettfully.
"As you wish princess." In a flash he leaves, but knows he's gone to tell the Spirit King that she is now awake.
"I don't have much time but will you allow me one selfish request princess." Draco says quietly.
"Anything you wish Draco. I always cared for you even though I now believe we haven't known each other for that long." Lucy says looking up at him with a broken expression.
"Hold out your pinky Lucy." He says with a small smile on his face towards her. She follows his example and wraps hers around his gently. "I promise to always love and cherish everything about you Lucy regardless of never being able to be with you." Kissing her hand as she kisses his they look at each other and smile.
Lucy finishes by saying, "I promise to love and cherish you too Draco. Forever and always best friends." Now releasing she continues to look at him, but notices he wants to ask one more question. "I'm still very sorry for everything. Is there anything I can still do?"
He hesitates for a moment, but asks Natsu one question surprising her when he enters, "May I have one kiss with her. Just one. Nothing more. I know she will always belong completely to you Natsu, just let me have this one moment with her." He pleads.
Seeing Natsu a little shocked but then understanding he simply nods his head, "Of course Draco, but please allow me to step outside first. Just like it hurts you it hurts me too, but I respect both of your feelings."
Erza, Gray, and Happy follow him out closing the door again softly behind him to give their support that he's doing the right thing.
"Will you allow me Lucy. We always agreed never to step over the line, but you are moving on to have a new life with him regardless. Please allow me this one selfish act." Draco says heart-broken.
"Of course Draco. I'm going to miss you so much." She whispers while looking at him with tears streaming down her face.
Gently he tilts her head with both of his hands and closes his eyes wishing that this particular moment would never end. Slowly his lips descend upon hers and she slowly wraps her arms around his neck pulling him a little closer. Closing her eyes she savors her first kiss, knowing that deep down regardless of whatever has happened with her memories, she really did fall in love with him. Still her heart belonged to Natsu and they both had always known that. Draco savoring every moment he can from her smooth texture, slight sweetness and gentle nature he breaks their kiss. He slowly unwraps her arms from around his neck and leans his forhead against hers and says shakily beginning to cry a little,"No matter what remember our promise at least. Best Friends forever. Ok?"
"I would never forget you Draco. A celestial mage and your best friend never breaks a promise. You know that." She smiles at him with watery eyes too. She knows she doesn't have much time left, and after hearing the door reopen she sees her team walk in. She smiles politely and watches Draco pull back and begin to leave the room. Before he completely leaves she interrupts him, "Draco.. Will I.. Will I see you one last time before leaving today, or will I just have to wait until I find your key?" She says quietly.
"Lucy I'll see you off in a bit, but I'm always just a celestial spirit away. Tell any you are contracted with and I will make my way to you as soon as I can break my gate from my duties. Best friends remember?" Draco says trying to cheer her up a bit from her sudden depression and wiping his eyes again frustraded things have turned out this way.
"Best Friends." She finishes back to him with a bright smile. He turns back towards the door then proceeds out and closes it behind him.
"Lucy we... We want to fill you in on the backstory for the guild.. I don't know if your message included the excuse you created." Erza says quietly.
"I'm sorry you all for making you go through this. Please bare with me for a moment." Lucy says quietly looking back at the lacrima sitting in her lap. Believing that all your supposed goals are accomplished is hard to accept. However, Happy drops something ontop of her hands which makes her smile gently. They brought her album to her. Looking up at Happy she listens to what he has to say.
"We brought you your album. You may not remember it all, but you are amazing Lucy. Take your time with everything, but know you were and are always still apart of team Natsu. We'll train together, we'll go on missions together, and we'll even raid your refrigerator. Just don't take on the world by yourself anymore ok? All of Fairy Tail loves and supports you and believes in you for who you truly are." Happy says brightly trying to cheer her up.
"Thank you Happy. This really does mean somuch to me and when we get back I promise you can raid my fridge. I do have to rethink some things and get used to some things. However, that doesn't mean you all get to slack off." She chuckles trying to get them to lighten up. "I know now I made S-Class but from the sounds of the seriousness of my message to me I won't be getting that back ever again. Not to mention I honestly don't feel very good. It's like I'm completely drained of magic." She continues knowing they need to get to the important facts prior to leaving. She will have time to figure things out and deal with them accordingly when she returns including Natsu. She will accept that Natsu loves her just like Draco and myself told me. "Please continue Erza or Gray with what I should know as our alibi." She finishes looking at Natsu who holds her hand gently for support.
"You were in a training accident. You said you wanted to help us clowns get to S-Class but your magic went out of control and all we know is that by the time we got to you.. You were unconscious for a while. Upon waking up you couldn't remember anything and your magic seemed to have sealed itself. Or at least this is the story you had wanted to go by. You said you wanted your S-Class revoked because you wouldn't allow your pride to be damaged. That was the only thing you kept standing by. You didn't want all of your hard work and everything to be ruined, by a mission or something else going wrong. If you were going to lose it you wanted to do it on your terms. " Gray explains quietly holding her other hand and looking at her tenderly. "We all love you dearly Lucy. We will always be Team Natsu and we won't ever leave you. We promise. So please don't completely shut us out after this. We know it will be hard, but we will help you through this. Ok?" He continues softly with a sad look on his face.
"It will take time guys, but we will figure that out when we get back. For now I'm glad my team has accepted me back and is willing to train with me again. I will try my hardest to keep up, but to tell you all the truth after everything... I don't think I'll be capable of keeping up even with training this time." Lucy says quietly. Shifting her weight to the side of the bed she tries to stand by herself, but learns that she needs to use some support which Natsu steps over swiftly to take her arm.
"Lucy, you aren't alone. You will never be. I know you don't remember now, but I told you prior to this that we could make new goals together. No one at Fairy Tail wants their shining star to lose her smile, so please have faith in us. Have faith in me. I want to make you happy." Gently lifting her hand he kisses the back of it softly and returning it back to his arm so he can continue to support her. "I love you Luce. Like Gray said don't shut us out. We want to be with you every step of the way instead of you taking care of everyone and everything by yourself." Whispering brokenly he says, "Please don't leave me behind Luce. Please give me the opportunity to still stand by you."
"You silly pink haired idiot. When have I ever left you guys behind? I've always been next to you and you all have always been in my heart. Just give me some time to accept things though. I've always loved you." Lucy says smacking his arm a little trying to get him to liten up.
"Lucy it seems to be that time." Loki says appearing in front of her with a small bow. "Please allow me to escort her out one last time Natsu to say farewell to us all." He continues politely holding out his hand. Natsu unwinding Lucy's arm gently moves her over to Loki where he picks her carefully and carries her to the main hall area. Stopping in the middle of everyone a giant door appears glowing faintly.
Lucy sniffles a little then says with as bright a smile she can give, "I'm so sorry for any pain I have caused, but I truly do appreciate and love you all. Please forgive me, but know that I still have my album and will continue to watch for you in the skies."
Stepping forward Draco says gently, "And will always be looking down on you too Lucy. Smile so we can see it every day ok?"
The Spirit king simply says, "I know more than likely I'll be seeing you again you crazy girl." Which causes her to laugh. tilt her head and return with, "Aww love you too stache face."
Loki sets her down slowly letting her gain her balance. She waves once then proceeds to the doors with her team now following behind her. She hears cheers for a bit and turns her head one last time to give them a big smile.
Disappearing behind the door that vanishes the hall goes silent with sad faces and silent tears. Only one whispers out heart broken, "I believe the stars won't be out tonight sir."