"Lucy are you sure you're not cold?" Sting asked and I looked over at him. It was snowing lightly, about two feet of snow on the narrow path, wide enough to let three people walk side by side but only if they huddled as they walked. I was wearing a long waist coat. It was black, over black pants and one of my old corsets that was a deep grey. The 'x' shaped scar on my chest was peeking out from where I had Natsu's scarf wrapped around my neck.
"Of course I'm cold, no amount of clothes is gonna change that." I snapped, at him and he frowned at my tone. We had been walking for about an hour, and we still had three more before we got to the secret entrance. I glanced behind us, a few soldiers between the three of us and the "prisoners" who had been tied together by a rope, excluding the exceeds who were being carried by Levy and Gray. It wasn't a magic binding rope, apparently there was a limited amount of it, and only Sting knew how to make it.
"Well come here, walk right next to me and I might be able to warm you up." Sting said and I gave him a look. I didn't know exactly what was going on with my emotions. One second I wanted to curl up and bawl about what had happened and what was happening, and the next second I was ready to take on an army, but right after that I wanted to crawl into a cave and not come out for a hundred years. I didn't know what to think anymore. Captain Lucille of Sabertooth would take Stings hand, laughing at the misfortune of the Fairy tail members, she would come up with a plan and convince Sting to leave once more. She'd kill anyone if they got in her way. Captain Lucifer of Sabertooth...would rebuke anything other than the Fairy Tail name, she'd kill anyone who hurt her friends, and she'd seek vengeance for those who had tortured her...or turned their face when she screamed in agony. Princess Lucy...Princess Lucy however would put on a charming, elegant smile. She'd mind her manners and bite her tongue, playing the game of thrones and she would try to find a solution on her own time. But the question was...which one was I? I had no idea the answer to that, and it felt like the three of them- the three of me's? Of I's? The three different personalities were fighting viciously inside of me for control, ending with the result of my moods swinging back and forth and my emotional tolerance completely drained. I needed to sleep for five hundred years...but before that I had to save Natsu's family.
"I want to walk closer to the prisoners. I feel like they're going to try something…" I said suddenly, shooting a suspicious look at the downcast, beaten group of people.
"Lucy, they can't do anything. The path is narrow, and guards are all around us." He tried to reassure me, taking a few steps toward me. The entire group had stopped moving thanks to the halt of Sting and I. I could feel eyes on me and I swallowed the bile in my throat as I pulled Sting close to me.
"You don't know them like I do. They had me for three months remember? Trust me...they want you to think they're helpless. And when I talked to them on the train...I could tell they had a plan. We need to bright there…" I told him, giving him doe eyes and leaning a bit closer. He gave me a skeptical look. Momentary panic set into me when I thought he didn't believe me. I quickly pushed up against him a bit more, bringing my face closer to his. "Besides, the closer we are, the easier it will be for you to punish them when they act up." I said and he smirked a bit.
"That's true. WHy the sudden change of heart?" He asked, his eyes still narrowed. I smirked a little, mimicking his.
"They told me to run away with them and join the resistance. They told me that they'd kill my father and you. I realized then, that we didn't have the same interests. Fairy Tail members are liars...and I'll never see them more than the people who are responsible for Yukino." I whispered and he held me a bit tighter. He was silent for a long moment, it felt like years of him staring deeply into my eyes before he finally nodded.
"Alright, you six! Three of you move in front of Lucy and I, the other three move behind the prisoners and be alert!" Sting ordered before pulling away. The cold slapped the front of my body and I welcomed it oddly enough, it was better compared to the warmth of Sting pressed against me. After a minute of careful shifting the entire group started walking again, walking on the mostly cleared path, the people in the front shoveling snow off the side of the cliff.
"Erza shh!" Levy hissed quietly, just loud enough for Sting and I to hear.
"I'm just saying! I told you she was nothing but a primpy princess!" Erza seethed and I tensed my shoulders. I glanced at Sting, watching his jaw tighten.
"Erza you're going to get us killed! Keep the truth to yourself for now." Gray whisper yelled.
"All of you quiet! We'll talk about how weak the bitch is later." Jellal spat a little too loudly. I got the jist of what they were doing but that one stung a little. I spun around suddenly, getting in Jellal's face.
"What was that?" I snapped viciously and he held himself a bit taller.
"Nothing, your highness." He sneered and Sting stepped forward a little bit I waved him off.
"You think I'm weak?" I practically snarled at him, rage fueling me. I knew he didn't mean it, but the very thought of it enacted rage, which I would need to pull this off.
Erza moved forward a bit, forcing Gray and Levy who were at the back of the rope to step forward as well.
"He knows so. You're weak, you're nothing. The only thing you've ever done is wait for someone to rescue you, like the little princess you are." She taunted and I balled my hands into fists.
"You wanna see how weak I am?" I yelled and she scoffed. I shot forward, shoving her. She stumbled a bit toward the edge but the others stood firmly, not letting her fall off. I was praying that they were just trying to make this look realistic.
"Ooooooh, so powerful. You were never worthy to be a captain, and you were never worthy enough to lie with our captain. Now he's dead...because he wanted to save some pampered palace brat." She snarled and I let out a yell, shooting forward. My fists connected hard with her jaw, my body colliding with hers. Levy let out a shriek as she slipped on a patch of ice, Erza letting out a yelp as she stumbled further.
"Grab them!" Sting yelled but it was too late. Erza tumbled off, Levy slid, holding Happy tightly.
"Erza!" Jellal yelled, moving to help them both but slipping himself.
"No!" Gray yelled, tightening his grip on Charla and turning, trying to grab at me to keep him up as Jellal slid off screaming. I let out a surprised scream as Gray grabbed at me, the weight of the other three and Happy dragging us both off the side rapidly. Fear ran through me as my feet left the ground, the seven of us started to fall. This wasn't part of the plan! I let out a scream of terror, it lost with the shouts of the others as they fell. Mine however, was cut short when a pained grunt left my lips as Lector grabbed me, stopping my descent roughly and jarring my body.
"Are you okay?" He asked, a bit breathless. Whether it was from the excitement or the panic I didn't know.
"Y-yeah...I'm fine." I said, watching the others fall into the mist, their cries getting further and further. Did I loosen the ropes enough? Will they make it? What if they don't make it to the rebellion?
"Lucy, thank God." Sting said and I blinked, realizing Lector had brought us back up. My feet hit the ground and I let out a deep breath, the air billowing in a soft cloud. I put a scowl on my face. "Are you hurt?" He asked and I shook my head.
"I'm fine. Unlike them…" I said bitterly. He put his hands on my arms, checking me as if he didn't believe that I was unharmed. After he was satisfied he gave me a worried look that lasted a second, before he turned to Lector.
"Go retrieve them." Sting said and I jumped forward.
"NO!" I yelled and they looked at me in shock, and suspicion. I took a deep breath. "The fall would have killed them, and if the fall didn't kill them then the elements will finish them off. Bones would have been shattered. They won't be able to move if they're alive. I say let them rot." I said darkly and Sting let out a slight chuckle, pleasantly surprised with my reasoning.
"Looks like I've gotten you back, Lucille." He said, using the name I had used on Sabertooth. I suppressed a shudder, instead letting out a smile.
"It's good to be back." I told him. If they lived...they should have hit the ground by now. Please let them be alive and uninjured. I thought as Sting signalled for the group to keep moving. I glanced at the edge of the cliff, biting my lip. Good luck Fairy Tail.
!?_~
Gray jerked up, spitting out snow from his mouth. He looked around, seeing the half buried bodies of his friends.
"Is everyone alright?" He asked, keeping his voice down. He didn't want to risk the chance of his voice echoing off the stone walls.
"I'm okay," Levy whisper shouted and she was echoed by Erza and Jellal. Happy flew towards Gray, having untied Erza.
"Can you get out?" Happy asked and Gray struggled a bit, wriggling so he was on top of the snow. Happy made quick work of the ropes and Gray let out a laugh as they came off, feeling his magic run rampant through his body. He flexed his fist, feeling the power he had been stripped of. Erza waved her arms a bit, stretching her muscles.
"Gray, make a path." She ordered and Gray grinned.
"With pleasure." He said, kneeling down and slamming his hand onto the snow. The amazing rush of magic surged through his body and ice shot from his hand. A long path of ice formed over the snow, stretching out of eyesight. He stood up, accepting the two blades made from iron, the word "skate" forming the bottom of the skate.
"Use part of the rope that tied us together and form the skates. It's faster than walking." She ordered out. Gray didn't say anything. He could have made his own skates, but he knew that Levy probably wanted to flex her magic as well. After all, she was nearly an S class mage like he and Erza...and Natsu.
"My estimate is that we're ten miles from the camp. We're going to have to move quickly and silently if we want to reach the camp before nightfall without causing an avalanche, I'm amazed we didn't cause one on the way down here. We have to let them know...that have to know That Lucifer Heart is alive, they need to be aware of the magic ropes...and that Natsu is dead." She said slowly and the hearts of everyone in the group stung at her words.
"I want to tail Lucifer and the group." Happy said suddenly and everyone paused.
"Happy...I don't think that's a good idea." Levy said softly.
"We don't want them to capture you again, it's better if we just get to the camp as fast as possible." Jellal agreed and Happy looked like he was about to break down crying. He looked at Erza.
"I know how to avoid Sting and Lectors detection. If I follow them then I can find out where the secret passage is, and that's something vital for the rebellion." He said firmly and Gray stepped forward, having put his skates on.
"I agree. If anyone knows how to avoid a dragon slayer and exceeded, it would be Happy." Gray said and Erza took a deep breath.
"Alright. But You will report to back to the General's tent no later than noon tomorrow. Am I understood?" Erza said and Happy nodded, saluting her before nodding to everyone, saying a quick goodbye before taking off. Erza took in a deep breath.
"Let's go." She said and just like that the group was skating down the path of ice Gray had created, all moving quickly and silently, focusing on getting back to their family as soon as possible.
They stopped twice, only for ten minutes each, eating snow and shivering as it melted in their mouths. It didn't provide much water but it was better than nothing. It took them seven hours before they could get past the section still in control of the King's forces. When they finally came into view of the camp that waved the rebellions symbol; the magic council symbol but with a dragon's head sticking from behind it, a sword sticking from the other side; they felt relief. However, that relief was easily overshadowed with pain. Pain from being beaten, underfed, seven hours of nonstop travel, and the pain that was left from the loss of two of their family members. Even greater than that, was the fact that they would have to inflict that pain onto their family and friends. The four of them walked into the camp, faces pale and eyes unwavering as they walked. People called greetings and shouts of surprise to see them, watching as some of the most powerful people in the rebellion walked through, their group obviously smaller than before.
No one said anything, walking through the camp to where Gildarts's tent was, a general flag on top of it. Voices could be heard inside and Erza paused in front of the flaps, looking at the others. Jellal put his hand on her shoulder for comfort and she sucked in a deep breath.
"You all don't have to come in." She whispered and Gray shook his head.
"He was my brother...that idiot...that pink haired, ash brained pervert...was my brother. Gildarts and Gramps were like a father and uncle to all of us. We'll be there to...to tell them." Gray said slowly and Erza gave him a pained look. Jellal sucked in a deep breath.
"I'll give you guys some time...I'll go find someone to get us some food." jellal said, understanding that while he was close to them all, he didn't have the Fairy Tail mark on his skin, it had been offered but he hadn't accepted it. That wasn't his place, he was a diplomat and a fighter when needed. He didn't belong in a guild.
"Don't go too far." Levy whispered quietly, knowing there would be questions for all of them. Jellal nodded, kissing Erza's forehead before walking away. Erza took Gray's hand and he held his other hand out for Levy. She shook her head.
"Gajeel is supposed to be here...I need to find him...I can't tell Master...I…" She struggled to say and Gray and Erza both nodded, letting her walk away, Charla going with her. Gray and Erza shared a look, a rare display of fear and agony showing in their eyes. They had just lost their brother, best friend, and then Gray had lost his fiance, Erza losing another best friend as well.
"Together." Gray whispered and Erza nodded, both struggling to breathe as they moved forward slowly, walking into the tent. It was warm, almost suffocating them both. Their eyes took a moment to adjust to the light, their eyes seeing Makarov, Gildarts, Cana and Laxus sitting around the table all arguing. Erza tightened her grip on Gray's hand and he squeezed hers back. He felt like he was about to vomit. They both did. They knew that Natsu and Juvia were dead, but now they actually had to face it. They had to tell others about it, and somehow that would make it...more official. It felt like once it was out in the open with the others...that only then would it be true. For Erza, this thought was enough to make her sway on her feet, feeling light headed while Gray could hear his heartbeat, he could hear the blood rushing through his ears.
"Look, I don't care whose side the dame thing is on! It's dangerous! I saw we get rid of the beast before it decides to wipe out one of our troops." Laxus said firmly and Erza let out a loud breath, announcing her and Gray's presence. The people around the table fell quiet when they realized Erza and Gray there, concern instantly taking their faces.
"Erza, Gray!? I thought you went on a mission with that pyro brat! I didn't expect you back so soon." Makarov grumbled.
"It's good they're back though. Did you find Lucifer?" Cana asked keenly, sipping at her booze.
"Where is Natsu anyway? If he's back I need him to lead a group and take out a troop that's getting to close for comfort." Gildarts threw in, his comment mixing with Laxus's comment asking where Juvia was, because she had skipped training with him for the S class trial. The questions were all asked at once and before they knew it, Gray let out a strangled sob, his free hand flying to his mouth, his body shaking hard while Erza crumpled to the ground, tears spilling from her eyes as she let out a pained cry. Cana was at her side in an instant, Makarov and Gildarts up as well, not sure what to do.
"Hey! What's wrong? What happened?" Cana asked, her voice coming out soft but firm. Erza opened her mouth to speak but a wretched sound came from her instead. She gasped for breath, letting go of Gray's hand as she clung to Cana who cradled her. A war hero, being cradled by a drunk.
"We found Lucifer...she's alive." Erza croaked and Cana's eyebrows shot up, along with the others in the room.
"Well..! That's great child! Why are you crying over this?" Makarov asked but his tone was weary and grave. He knew what was about to happen. He was about to be told he had lost one of his children. Which one? He didn't know, but from the way two of the most emotionally closed off of his children sobbed in front of him he could feel his heartbreak for them, and for what he was about to hear.
"J-Juvia...and Na...Naa...Natsu...are dead." Gray sobbed and Cana froze in shock. Gildarts and Makarov mouths dropped slightly in absolute shock. Tears pricked in Gildarts eyes and now Laxus shot up.
"That sounds like bullshit." He snarled, walking around the table. "I've tried to kill that pink haired brat...he doesn't die...and Juvia? I've been training her! She's not dead. She can't be." Laxus snarled and while somewhere in the back of her mind Erza knew this was his own way of taking in the information, something closer to the front however, snapped. She was off the ground, his shirt in her fists as she shoved him into the table. He stumbled in surprise, watching her with a pissed off glare.
"You think I don't know what they're capable of? Do you think I'm still not expecting him to pop up last second? You asshole! I watched my brother bleed out while I laid there HELPLESS. I watched the sword that killed him plunge into Juvia, I watched the light leave her eyes s she fell into the water. YOU ASSHOLE!" She hissed until her voice had risen to a scream, lashing out and punching at his chest. Cana and Gildarts both moved to pry her off of him as he flailed and the second they had gotten her off she crumpled once more into Cana's arms, the brunette now having a steady stream of her own tears.
"Mavis have mercy on my children." Makarov whispered, a single tear slipping from his eye.
Hey guys! So this chapter is a bit longer than the last one and if I do say so myself I think it's kind of emotional. But it did pick up a bit...right? Anyway I feel like there are a lot of grammar and spelling errors here but I don't have the energy to read through it now, but if you see any feel free to point them out and tell me where bc that would be really helpful lol. Anyway with that being said I'm sorry for the long time without the update, things fell to shit again (i'm a mess I know) and I'm trying to work out shit with myself while also trying to juggle grades and getting over stuff that went to hell. Thanks for sticking with me though!
That being said! There's a huge lack of people commenting now..like...where'd you all go my buddies? My bros, my guys, my gals, my nb pals? I'm missing you guys :( I really like to know what you guys think (i crave validation pls) and I love hearing theories and or what arts of the chapter made you feel what. It gives me an input on how I did and what I can improve on next time. You don't have to leave a long and detailed one, just a quick five second one will do (long and detailed ones are fun tho)
Responses/answers!
FairyglitterXD- Because I'm a writer and all writers are terrible :p xD no, I just like being able to invoke a wide variety of emotions in my readers because I feel like that's a sign of a good story that's well written. *slides you a box of tissues* I hope you keep reading though! There should be a lot of excitement in the next chapter!
celstialmagex777-Oh lord...should I call the cops or...?
Grizzly98-Hello new reader! I'm glad you've joined this roller coaster with the rest of us! (I say the rest of us bc over half the time I have no idea what's gonna happen next until I actually start writing so this chapter was really painful to write xD) Unfortuntly I can not tell you what happens FOR SURE...but I can say...that...there will be a person with blonde hair in the next chapter ;). As far as when I update...ha...haaaa...*slips into the shadows*
IMPORTANT! This story is coming to an end soon, and with that, I will focus on the other story of mine Rivals (it's smutty...like, pretty much just smut but with a story line). However once Rivals is finished (won't be long) then my next work will be UP TO YOU! MY READERS! I will turn one of my one shots into a full length story based on what everyone votes for. When AAc ends, I will open a poll of my one shots that are eligible for me to turn into a full length story. You will have from when I finish AAC, to when I finish Rivals to cast your vote! So if you haven't already then make sure to read the one shots/two shots/short stories of mine! Also make sure you follow my account so you're aware of when I publish something new, because I will be posting a few more one shots soon that will be put into the poll as well!
Until then! Leave a comment below about your thoughts on the chapter! Any theories or questions are welcome! If you have any comments, questions or concerns then feel free to leave a comment and or PM me, as my box is always open!
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