HELLO! How have you all been? Great? Sad? Bored? Well, I'm in a happy mood! I just finished my last class of University this Monday! So, basically, I'm free except I only have one assignment due in two-weeks time! After that, I have a very long, free summer ahead for updates XD
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!
1) THIS IS A GIGANTIC THANK YOU TO EVREYONE WHO HAS EVER READ MY STORY! I'm currently just went into the 600+ reviews and I am so HAPPY! I never expected this story to gain so much admiration and for that I am pleased! Thanks to any and all my fans out there, who has ever commented, followed, favriote and read my fan fiction! Without you guys, I'm not sure, how this would have turned out. So, just a big thanks from me! I am soooo happy!
Now, on to the chapter, which is going to have a very...SHOCKING...ending...I can't wait for you guys to read it! And, then scream in the reviews. Now, on with the chapter!
Disclaimer: I own nothing of Fairy Tail but Scarlet Destiny is all mine :D
Things had changed.
Happy knew that very well. In just a day, with a few actions and words, his whole world had turned upside down. He was no longer who he was. Sure, he was still the cheeky cat that would tease people and purr with delight. A cat that was still absolutely obsessed with fish.
Yet, he wasn't the same.
He didn't have a connection to Fairy Tail. Or rather, he didn't have a connection with Natsu. His previous best friend. He was no longer with the person who raised him, even before he was born, when he was nothing but a large egg.
And, unexpectedly, he was okay with that.
He wasn't in extreme hurt or in pain for having a torn relationship with Natsu. Sure, it still hurt that Natsu betrayed a friend, which Happy thought was impossible, but was proven wrong. He still felt his heart clench when he saw how things were with the dragon slayer.
Yet, he wasn't in depth of despair. He guess he had Scarlet Destiny to thank for that. They had done more than necessary to help not just him but his friends as well. They could have turned their backs on them all three months ago. They didn't though. And, Happy will eternally grateful to that.
So, when he was flying back to Fairy Tail, he made sure he flew a little faster than usual, a little more hurriedly.
All he could think about was getting to Jared and telling him what had happened.
He didn't know why, maybe it was just an animal instinct, but he had a feeling that something bad was going to happen.
To Natsu, Lucy...and Ren.
As Happy flew towards his previous guild, his thoughts drifted to the blue-haired dragon slayer.
At first, Happy thought that Ren was just like Natsu. A happy, naïve and carefree kid. Although, that was just at first glance. When, Happy got to know Ren, he could pick out the differences between Natsu and Ren like people could with day and night.
There was a deep sadness locked away in those dark blue eyes. It was hard to see at first. Which, was so surprising when Happy had first noticed it. It was back on one of the earlier missions with Ren, Kuro and Lucy.
He remembered clearly, Ren staring at Lucy who had at that time had her back to the dragon slayer. It was kind of weird at first. Ren was just staring at Lucy's back, the smile that had brightened his face slowly disappearing into nothingness.
His eyes darkened, his face looked forlorn like he was remembering something...or more like trying to remember something.
Happy didn't think he had ever seen such sadness on anyone ever before.
But, then, like a switch, Ren mouth turned to a bright, blinding smile as he called out Lucy's name.
The quick change in emotion made Happy think that he had just imagined the second of depression. But, when he turned slightly, he caught the shocking sight of Kuro who was staring at him with a sharp gaze.
And, Kuro was slightly shaking his head side to side in a 'no'. Happy couldn't possibly understand what Kuro, meant at the beginning, but then he realized what Kuro had tried to convey to him a few moments later.
Don't bring it up. Don't bring up the sadness you saw, Kuro had tried to tell him.
Time went on. Days passed. And, Happy noticed more differences between the previous dragon slayer that had him and his current one.
Ren acted clueless. He was way more smarter than he let on. He remembered once he had barged into Ren's room, excited by a mission he saw on the board, only to the boy lying upside down on his bed engrossed reading a book in his hands.
That was a shock of a life time. Ren with a book.
Well, that and the fact Ren could read upside down.
Happy remembered Ren's reaction when he caught him reading. The boy flipped upright on the bed, closed the book, and gave Happy a bright smile as if it wasn't a strange thing he came across. Ren had just laughed and told him, that he knew it was strange but he just couldn't read a book without being upside down in some way or another.
Yeah, Ren acted like that was what Happy found strange about the situation.
He remembered how Ren had put a finger to his lips, and with a playful look in his eyes, he had said it was secret between the two of them.
Ren had got attached to Happy, fast friends they had become, and likewise, Happy had gotten attached to Ren at the same time. They were close. More, then just close. They had become important to one another.
But, Happy had to admit, the most shocking difference between Ren and Natsu was the fact that Ren had not mentioned his dragon. Not even once. With Natsu, Igneel was a topic to talk about almost like a daily chore. Natsu could go on hours and hours about how he would find Igneel, how he would hug the dragon and never let go.
Ren, on the other hand, never spoke about his dragon. Never mentioned a word. It was strange. Even Gajeel and Wendy, would mention their dragon quite a few times. But, with Ren it was like, there was no dragon to even mention.
Then, the break through had happened. Happy had brought up the topic of Ren's dragon. And, he would never to this day forget the reaction he had gotten.
It was when he and Ren had been in one of the many rivers of the dark forest fishing since Happy had been inclined to want some fish to eat. Ren, had been waist deep in the water, no top, and was trying to catch a fish with his hands.
Ren always refused to fish with a stick. He said it made him feel weird. He liked to be in the water, feel it wash against his body, and he said it was fun and a good way to spend time trying to catch the wiggly creatures with his hands.
Happy had stared at Ren for some time, watching him fail again and again to catch any fish, before he suddenly burst out the question that had always plagued his mind when it came to Ren,
"Who was your dragon?"
Ren had been so shocked, and Happy was sure he caught a look of absolute appallement on the boys face, as he lost his balance and fell backwards, splashing hard into the water behind him.
After Happy shouted out in worry, Ren resurfaced covered in water droplets. He laughed out that he was okay, but the smile on Ren's face at that time seemed forced to Happy. His eyes strayed and Happy noticed that Ren couldn't seem to meet his eyes.
"You know, Happy, we've been out here for far too long. We should head back to the guild."
"Aye, Ren, but the question..."
"Oh that?...I'll tell you some other time. We should get back to the guild before it gets too dark."
"But, Ren-"
"Some other time Happy."
Ren's voice had seemed so stiff, so formal, so...final. So brisk. Happy had never heard such a tone come from the jolly kid once. There was a deep grimace on Ren's face, and Happy knew that Ren had avoided his gaze all together.
They walked back to the guild in silence that day.
Happy had never asked Ren about his dragon again. Ren had never brought it up. Happy knew something bad had happened. He didn't know what, and for some odd reason he didn't really want to find out.
All he knew was that, if he found out, he really wouldn't like the answer.
Suddenly, Happy snapped out of his thoughts, when he caught the sight of Fairy Tail guild mark hanging from the top of the building. A small smile came across Happy when he saw it.
His speed increased and he swooped down low and quickly passed through the open guilds door. He was high up in the air in the main guild room, a few people dotted around but they seemed to ignore him as they were currently preoccupied in their own businesses.
His eyes skimmed the room, trying to find the young face of his master only to come up empty.
"Yo! Happy, what are you up too!?" a childish voice cried out.
Happy quickly glanced down and spotted, Miyah, who was waving her hands frantically, with her sister beside her looking up at him questioningly. Gajeel was looming behind the two kids, looking increasingly agitated. Lily was currently in Mia's arm and didn't seemed too pleased by that.
Happy zoomed down to the group.
"Aye, hello! Nice to see you two! But, no time to talk! Have any of you guys seen Jared?"
His sudden question got him curious glances.
"I think he's upstairs with Makarov and some other of our members. Why are you asking?" Lily replied, his gaze imploring.
"Can you show me where?" Happy asked, his voice slightly raised.
He didn't know why, but he was feeling extremely worried.
Noticing his urgency, Gajeel raised a single eyebrow. It was strange to see Happy seem so...panicky by something.
"Sure, I guess." grumbled Gajeel.
It didn't take long for the group to travel up the stairs and to arrive where Jared and the rest of their companions had been in that one room. Of course, Miya blabbered to fill the silence and Happy did join when he felt possible.
But, he was still really worried.
Using his nose, Gajeel found the room, and the small group entered the thick atmosphere.
At once, Happy eyes, were drawn to the object of the room. How could it not? There right before him, dangling like forbidden bait, was Lucy's keys. Why was Lucy's keys here? What was with the strange purple light? Why were they floating?
He would never really get the answers to the question.
People Happy knew, were darted against the room. He noticed, Lisanna, on the floor tears flooded her eyes and she was shaking madly. Mira was near to her, arms wrapped around her shoulders, whispering what seemed to be words of comfort but they were doing no good.
Happy had no idea what happened to cause that. The tension in the room was so think it made the hairs of his fur stand on end.
Fairy Tail members seemed to act more strange anything. Levy seemed pale, like she seen a ghost. Erza had a grimace etched to her face and Gray looked really freaked out. Makarov was just standing still, seeming to be in shock.
Scarlet Destiny members just had a look of confusion, anger, despair wrapped into their features. All except for Zolo who gazed coolly at Fairy Tail members.
Ignoring this all, Happy settled his attention on a young black-haired boy.
"Jared!" Happy yelled as he flew towards Scarlet Destiny member.
Said boy, took a small step back, as a blue ball of fur rocketed into his gaze only to stop right in front of him, inches away from his face.
Jared blinked.
"Happy?" Jared whispered lowly, almost not believing what he was seeing.
There was a pause as his head whipped around as if searching the room for something. Or someone. Not finding whatever he was looking for, his gaze settled to Happy, still looking slightly confused.
"What are you doing here?...Wait, how did you get here? Where are Lucy and Ren?" Jared asked, clearly confused and now Happy understood why.
Happy had come in basically alone.
"That's why I had to find you so quickly and I am glad I did, Aye! You see, I, Lucy, Natsu and Ren ran into Slave!" Happy announced.
For once, all attention landed on the blue cat. They never expected him to say that. Jared eyes hardened and he gave Happy a look that said he wanted to know more.
Happy was quick to oblige Jared's silent command.
"Well," he started "It started when Lucy and I had a...argument so we left Natsu and Ren alone for a few minutes. When we came back, we just saw in time Ren and Natsu leave the guild. I and Lucy were quick to follow. We caught up to them to see them standing against Slave. Things quickly escalated and let's just say things turned very...sticky...for Ren and Natsu. It ended with both charging after Slave. He is leading them somewhere! Lucy followed them all but she sent me back here to tell you."
Jared cursed out loud at once. His hands shot up to his hair, and he gripped two fist full, and tugged lightly.
"You have to be kidding me?" Jared finally spoke out loud after the first curse.
Happy just shook his head.
"Damn! Why did the idiot follow Slave!? He should have come back to us to tell us that they found Slave! Or at least not follow into an obvious trap!" Kuro burst out loud in anger, and it was not hard to guess what idiot he was referring too.
"Well, like I said, Ren and Natsu got caught in a...sticky situation." Happy basically giggled, a paw covering his mouth.
Despite the situation, he couldn't help but laugh at the looks of both the dragon slayers when they realized their hands had been stuck together. Oh how Happy, which he had a camera with him at that moment, to catch their disbelieving reactions.
"This is bad, very bad," Makarov mumbled "it's obvious that this Slave is leading them to a trap."
"When, I catch Natsu, he is going to get a good stern talking too about running off into obvious traps." Erza said with a dark glint in her eyes, as she punched a fist into the palm of her hands.
Gray internally shivered. That stern talking was more likely going to be a very stern beating.
"We need to leave, Jared," Sarah spoke up, arms still holding Wendy who looked far better than she had before "We need to catch up to them before something bad happens."
"I can follow their scent," Gajeel spoke up "It wont be that hard. Dragon slayers have a particular scent and I'm pretty sure I could trace those idiots to the moon."
Somewhere at the far back of Jared's mind, he couldn't help but think, this was the first time that his guild and Fairy Tail seemed to remotely get on. Maybe it was the new, news that Fairy Tail minds might have been manipulated, or maybe because both had a guild member and friend in danger. But whatever the case he was grateful for it. They could not afford to argue with each other at this moment.
"I wonder why Slave revealed himself to them. It's kind of strange, you know?" Nyx muttered as she looked around the room with a thoughtful expression on her face.
Levy couldn't help but huffed in agreement.
"I agree!" she practically cried out "Defiantly, strange. Why target them? He could have went and revealed himself to any one of us. But, he didn't. He did it to Natsu and Ren. There must be a reason for that...There must be!"
No one questioned Levy's logic.
"We should start going after them." Wendy said firmly, doe eyes wide, as she finally slipped out of Sarah's comforting embrace.
No one was going to disagree with that.
"W-We may be too late though...They've already had a head start than us. A-And, no matter how fast we are we may not be able to c-catch up to them for a while. F-For all w-we know, they could already be in a trap." Kouta spoke up softly.
There was an eerie silence that followed. Jared sighed as he ran a hand through his head. Kouta was right. Some Scarlet Destiny members were fast but not fast enough to catch up to Lucy, Ren and Natsu since they had a very large head start.
It would be basically impossible for them to catch up to the trio before any of them got caught up into a trap.
"Kouta's right," Nyx started "We wouldn't be able to catch up to them unless..." her voice trailed off.
Nyx's purple eyes lighted up and a small grin came on her face. Veruna noticed this at once before she bounded on her friend, a finger pointing at Nyx's face,
"I know that look! It's your I-Just-Got-An-Excellent-Idea look. You thought of something! What is it?" Veruna accused her friend.
Nyx just grinned but didn't exactly reply. Instead, her eyes settled on one particular person in the room. At once, said person noticed her gaze instantly. His black-eyes widened and they couldn't tear their gaze away from her eyes.
Kuro had to stamped down every nerve in his body that was telling him to run from Nyx and her very hypnotic gaze. He had no idea why she would suddenly look at him, but he had always found her purple eyes to be her most prettiest feature and he always found himself lost in them when they looked at him.
Nyx abruptly started to move her legs and Kuro noticed at once that she was walking towards him. And, he really couldn't move when she gazed like that at him.
Kuro gulped.
Shit.
Nyx finally stopped, only she was now a few careless inches away from the increasingly agitated Kuro. As she walked, he couldn't ripped his gaze from, his eyes never straying from hers. Of course she though nothing of it, but him on the other hand, well, he was feeling his thoughts getting muddled up because of it.
This was one of the few times she had been closed to him without Kuro bolting off to cower in his shadows. He didn't know why he hadn't run from her yet. Maybe, it was because of his curiosity or just because he felt that his feet had been glued to the floor.
"You," Nyx said, her head tilting up slightly since he was a foot taller than her and a bright smile graced her delicate features "Your my idea."
Kuro could feel his cheeks heat up slightly by her words. Now, there was a blaring voice in his head to tell him to run. Run as far as possible, run to the hills and beyond. Yet, he stayed rooted to the spot.
"What?!" Kuro finally spoke, although, once he did, he almost cringed at his tone. He sounded snappy, angry even when he hadn't even meant this.
Nyx caught the tone of his voice and the smile dropped from her face. She looked away from him, her head turning side way, and he caught the hurt look that filtered through her features. Her eyes dimmed slightly, and her shoulders sagged just a little. Then, she took a gigantic step away from his turning the few carless inches to a blaring gape of space.
Kuro knew that she was probably blaming herself for forgetting that he 'hated' her. She tended to do that. Blame herself for stuff that wasn't her fault.
Kuro wanted to apologize at once for his tone, but his words jumbled in his mouth and mind alike, and he knew he wouldn't even be able to get it out. He really hated himself for it. Really? He was such a bad wuss.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable...I just got excited for a second there..." her sentence trailed off.
"Kuro was just surprise that's all, he didn't mean to talk to you like that, Juvia knows it!" a voice suddenly spoke from nowhere.
Kuro and Nyx, and like many others, turned to the new voice to find the a blue-haired water beauty, standing in the door way. She had been there for quite some time, of course she was the master of hiding/stalking so no one even noticed her.
Not that she minded.
She had a grin on her face as she watched the interaction between her love rival, Kuro and this girl who she knew was Nyx. Good! In her fantasy mind, she knew that if Nyx took Kuro, then he would be out of the picture and she could have Gray-Sama all for herself.
Kuro almost groaned out loud when he saw that almost psycho glint in Juvia's eyes. He had no idea why, but he could feel that he was digging up his own grave without even doing anything. He remembered the conversation with Juvia and considering that specific glint he had a feeling, Juvia was going to try to help him 'catch' Nyx whether he liked it or not.
Nyx cleared her throat, obviously confused by Juvia appearance and words, but still managed to give a small smile to Kuro,
"Well, uh...okay. Anyway, as I was saying, your my plan, Kuro. It's obvious we wouldn't be able to reach Lucy, Ren and Natsu on foot in time but what if we went another way?...What if went the Kuro express way?" Nyx said, with a bright light shining through her eyes.
Almost instantly every Scarlet Destiny member knew what Nyx meant. And, they couldn't help but grin at her words. All except for Kuro who literally looked Nyx liked a fish out of water, he was gulping and all. Of course! It was obvious, now!
Fairy Tail members on the other hand looked extremely confused at her words, not understanding what the hell Nyx had meant. Well, all apart from two member, who knew exactly what Nyx was talking about. After all, they had once had experience travelling the 'Kuro express way'.
Gray instantly took a step back and shook his head violently and Juvia looked dumb founded in a way.
"No! No! No! No way am I going through that...that Kuro express way again! The first time was way too freaky!" Gray shouted, and to emphasise each word, his hands crossed in front of him in a big 'X' shape.
Instantly, Kuro felt highly annoyed by Gray's words, and crossed his arms over his chest, narrowing his eyes on the mostly naked boy,
"The only reason that it was freaky the first time was because you didn't know what was happening. It took you surprise. Or, trust me, it would have been a great experience." Kuro scoffed, annoyed by Gray's remark.
"Gray, what are you talking about? What's this Kuro express way?" Erza asked, curiously.
Gray hesitated, like he wasn't even sure how to explain, before he spoke,
"It was really weird. One minute, all three of us were standing, next all these black shadows surrounded us and enclosed around Juvia and I. It's hard to explain what happened when we were enclosed in shadows. It was like...We could feel our selves moving but in a way very fast paced. We could see the areas or paths we moved down but it was lightning quick. Like an image of something then it would be gone to replaced with another image. Next thing I know, I find myself covered in water, and could see properly and realized I was at your and Zolo's spar in a few seconds rather than the fifteen minutes that it should have taken to get there."
There was a small silence that followed but it wasn't for very long since all Fairy Tail members looked to Kuro for a better explanation. Kuro noticed this before explaining,
"I'm a shadow mage, you see? I can travel through shadows and I can also take people with me. There's really no limit on how many people I can take to travel with me. I can use my shadows to get from one place to another in mere seconds. What Gray is trying to explain is that it's basically like...Your walking down a street but imagine it at high speed. So, you can feel yourself moving but almost as fast as shadow if that makes sense? I just call it the Kuro express way for fun." Kuro explained.
Slowly but surely Fairy Tail members understood what Kuro was explaining. Although, they couldn't help but feel amazed. They've never heard about travelling through shadows before.
"I always wanted to try the Kuro express way. From the way Ren and then Lucy and Happy talk about it seems like a lot of fun!" Nyx said with a sly grin as she revealed this tad bit of information to Kuro.
Kuro could feel his heart thump a little faster by her words and for once he actually managed to let out a small smile for her. Seeing this only seemed to widen Nyx's smile. Maybe he was staring to like her? She couldn't help but think.
"This is actually quite a good idea. We could get to Lucy, Ren and Natsu before they even arrive wherever the hell Slave is leading them! This is a brilliant plan! Good job thinking about this, Nyx!" Jared said with a very bright smile on his face as his eyes darted to Sarah who instantly noticed his glanced and nodded her head vigorously to show her agreement.
Nyx cheeks tinged a little from the praise.
"Will Gajeel be able to talk to you while we travel in your shadows? You obviously have to communicate since he has to be the one leading since he has the nose to track Natsu and the rest of them down?" Levy asked, already thinking of the biggest problem.
Kuro nodded his head in a 'yes', as he spoke explaining,
"It's hard to explain, but yes, Gajeel will be able to talk to me while we travel with my shadows. Of course you won't be able to hear his directions, but I will. Like I said, shadows are way more complicated then it seems so its hard to explain shadow travel. But, I will be able to follow his directions. Albeit, we would be travelling slower to it then usual since I don't know which way we will be going. Gajeel, should be able to still track Ren, Lucy and Natsu with his nose in my shadows as well." Kuro explained.
Silence followed. The plan seemed form and nobody really had any disagreement to it since this seemed to be the only thing that was their best option. Most people looked ready to go already, as they looked towards Kuro expectedly to already do his 'Kuro express way' and whisk them all away like some magic fairy.
"I'll tell my guild that I'll be leaving and we should be on our way straight away. No point of wasting any time." Makarov announced, and shifted like he was going to leave.
Realizing what Makarov was saying, Jared stepped forwards and said abruptly,
"You can't come with us."
Instantly, the young master, was under the sharp gaze of Fairy Tail as he looked seriously displeased at Jared,
"What did you just say to me boy?!" Makarov said out loud, his voice shaking with rage, "I must go with you! I will not let one of children face danger alone! I will not! Never! Also, If what your S-Class Mage said is true and we are being manipulated...then I have a right to come for answers, and...it does not matter what else!"
Makarov could not for the life of him finish that sentence. He really couldn't think about them begin manipulated. He wouldn't. It was just not an option. For him or his guild. Because if they were...
"I understand your anger, sir, and worry but you must look at this in the logical side and not emotionally. We still have no clear idea how many members are in Lacus Animairum. There could be thousands for all we know, although I highly doubt that, but still. If you were to leave, your guild would be practically vulnerable. You will have no defence. You can't leave your guild. You have to stay here to protect your guild. Just in case any of Lacus Animairum members decide to attack your guild directly while we are at wherever the hell Slave is leading us. You have to stay behind." Jared explained, his voice urgent and pressing.
Makarov pursed his lips. He didn't like this. He didn't like how right Jared had been. He spoke with logic and truth. Makarov would have to stay behind with his guild to protect them. Yet...
"But, my child..." Makarov trailed off, his eyes connecting with Jared black ones.
And, in that moment Jared finally understood Makarov. Even if it was little. Makarov was worried for Natsu. He didn't like how little known about and how dangerous Lacus Animairum seem to be. He cared. Jared would act exactly the same way if he was in Makarov position. Although, he had someone back home to look after his guild. Makarov did not have that someone.
This wasn't the face of someone who was heartless. This wasn't the face of someone who would throw away a friend or family member. Jared eyes widened slightly as he took this in before his eyes softened. Whatever had happened, whatever Zolo had spoken off about manipulation, it didn't matter at that moment. What mattered, was to assure this man that he would not lose another child. He could not lose another child, he wouldn't be able to handle it, and Lacus Animairum was threatening to do just that. Make him lose one.
"I understand how you feel and I really do. But, believe me when I say that I will go and I will not let anyone die! Not your guild members nor mine! I promise! I will bring back your children home to you safely. I will protect them! But, you must also play your part and protect your guild." Jared promised and he watched himself as it was Makarov turn to widen his eyes in shock.
It was Makarov turn to see this young man before him was not just some naïve child. No, the Scarlet Destiny master with a bright blaze in his dark eyes was something more. Something Makarov couldn't put to point. He didn't know why, but he knew those words that Jared had spoken was from the truth of his heart. He knew he could trust them.
"Also, you do remember the deal I made with you before? If any of your members get hurt badly, the responsibility is on me and my members, remember?" Jared said with a small smile on his face.
Makarov stared at him for a second, before a smile of his own quipped onto his face. Most Fairy Tail members stared at Makarov in shock. Erza, especially, her eyes widening. It had been a long time since they saw Makarov smile so peacefully and truthfully. He hadn't since Elfman had been killed.
"Forget about the deal for now. That does not matter at all. I just need you to do one thing. Just bring back my children safely back to me." Makarov spoke to Jared.
Jared didn't speak a word back. He didn't need do. Instead, he just nodded his head firmly in return.
"Well, now that's sorted what are we waiting for? There are places we need to go, people I need to slice to pieces so chop, chop," Zolo spoke up from his leaning position, a hand resting on one of his swords, a lazy grin etched on to his face.
People couldn't help sweat dropped at that, but it really seemed to lighten the mood and they were grateful for that.
"Okay, let's go! Gather around me so I can take you guys through my shadows." Kuro ordered.
People followed his command. People crowded around Kuro, close enough, so he could use his shadows to surround them when he was ready. Although, not all of them crowded around Kuro.
Lisanna, who had been in a crouching position all this time, had stood up to follow Kuro's command except she couldn't. She wanted to go. She had to go. For answers. For Elf-Nii. Before she could even take a step, a hand was in front of her stopping the girl.
Her eyes trailed up the hands in front of her and when she reached its owner, her eyes widen in shock and dumb founded expression was on her face. Because, there was her sister, Mirajane, her hand outstretched and stopping her from proceeding to Kuro.
"Stay behind, Lisanna." Mirajane said softly, looking at the white-haired girl.
For once Lisanna didn't know what to say. She didn't even know. Finally, she spoke,
"W-What?!" Lisanna croaked.
Mirajane sighed and her eyes softened as they looked at her sister.
"You can't come. Your not in a right state of mind. Your hurt. And, I am not going to let you come with us while your this distracted. I have a feeling fierce battles lay ahead of us, and you can't come with us while your like this."
"But Mira-Nee-"
Before Lisanna could speak anymore, Mira cut off her off,
"No, Lisanna you listen. I lost you once but I got you back. I thought things were going to be fine. I thought that happiness had finally returned for our family only for it to be ripped apart by our brother...dying...I won't let you get hurt. I refuse to let you get hurt. I will not lose you too. Not again." Mirajane said firmly.
Silence.
Lisanna opened her mouth to fight back, to tell her sister she had to go, when another voice spoke up,
"She's right," all eyes snapped to the voice for it only to belong to Zolo of all people. He didn't seem to care though since his gaze was steady on Lisanna "Your mind has been the most fuck-uh, I mean messed up out of everyone here. You are not in the right state to battle. I promise you that. Even, if I did clear your mind and wipe the fake memory. Its best if you just stay back at this guild."
Lisanna swallowed hard. She ripped her gaze from the green-haired man to her sister who offered up a small smile.
"Please, Lisanna. Stay with Master back here in the guild and protect everyone with him just in case. I-I don't think I can handle if you get hurt if you come along with us."
Silence. Finally, Lisanna nodded her head in agreement, knowing if she argued back, she would be fighting a losing battle.
Mirajane finally joined the rest of people who stood around Kuro. Lisanna took a few steps back as she stood next to Master. The both of them could only watch as Kuro eyes drifted close and he concentrated.
Instantly, the walls seem to bleed black shadows as they travelled from the walls, slipping down them like blood dripping down. They travel across the floor to Kuro. Before, they reached him though, they shot off the ground and enclosed around Kuro and the Scarlet Destiny and Fairy Tail members in no time.
A black dome surrounded and encircled the group. It only lasted for a few seconds. Then the black dome dropped, disappearing. Lisanna could only look at the place where her sister and the others had been. Only, they were no longer there.
A few seconds later she and Makarov left the room silently, shutting the door behind them.
Lucy breathed heavily, her lungs felt like the were on fire. Yet, she carried on running. She wouldn't stop even though she felt she couldn't breath. She knew she had to catch up to Ren and Natsu before they would do something stupid.
Her legs ache and with each step she took, they seemed to hurt even more. Yet, she still carried on. Trees surrounded her. Bare, naked trees. She wondered what forest she was in. She didn't have time to stop and check and at this point she didn't really care.
Far ahead of her she could see two figured moving forwards in an increase speed. She knew very well that it was Natsu and Ren. But, no matter how much she ran she couldn't even begin to catch up to those two.
They were fast.
She didn't know how long she had run. She was sure it was more than fifteen minutes though. She swore in her mind that when she met up with Ren that she was going to give him the hardest Lucy kick that would make him unconscious for days!
Finally, the two figures seemed to be getting closer, which seemed strange. Was she running faster? No that wasn't right. The figures didn't look like they were moving at all. She wondered why.
Her answer was answered shortly. It loomed over the area. At once, she broke into a very large clearing in the trees. But, she stopped running the minuet she caught it.
Then, she could only stare at it in disbelieve.
No way.
In front of her was a large building, no more than large, it was like a bloody mansion! The building was one that was as big as her house she used to live back as a noble, although, it actually looked bigger. There was not even a single window that she could see in this building. It was structured almost like half a semi-circle the mansion building crowding around her in all sides. Only, a big red door stood out against the grey bricks. It was bright red. It was open wide as well. She couldn't exactly see inside. Not that she wanted too anyway.
The roofs were slanted, the house made of dark grey bricks. The mansion stood tall, looming over it front yard. Lucy couldn't help but feel a creepy tingle creep up her spine. There was something so very wrong with this mansion. It just...It felt like death! Death staring straight at her face!
She had no idea why, but she didn't even want to get closer to the place then she already had. Instantly, her head buzzed with thoughts. Was this here Lacus Animairum guild base? This mansion? She wouldn't doubt it for a second.
Finally, she tore her gaze away from impending building and glanced at the two figured in front of her. She easily crossed the space between them. She already knew who they were.
Ren and Natsu stared at the building, in what emotion, Lucy had no idea. Maybe they were shocked by how this building was, or the vibe it was giving off. She couldn't tell.
"I finally caught up to you idiots!" Lucy practically growled causing both boys to swing their gaze to her.
They were still stuck together. A fact they both despised. Ren blinked at her for a second before looking back to the building and crinkling his nose,
"The building smells weird." Ren spoke softly.
"I agree...it smells strange." Natsu agreed, but he didn't exactly elaborate how it smelt.
Just that it did not smell right.
"What the hell were you thinking running away like that? Your lucky I managed to still trail behind you! What would have happened if I lost you both? You guys are such...such...Idiots!" Lucy cried, hands curling into fist.
Ren looked at her angry expression and could see past the anger instantly to what Lucy was feeling. She was scared. Not just for them, but she was scared of this building. Ren gave Lucy one of his supportive smiles before speaking,
"Sorry, Lucy, I had no idea what came over me. I guess it happens when I'm stuck with Pinky over here." Ren said lightly, hoping to make her smile.
He succeeded! A brief smile blessed Lucy's face which caused him to grin. At once, Lucy tried to dampen the smile but to no avail. Damn Ren and his contagious way to make everything seem so bright.
The two stared at one another a brief second, seeming to just vanish into a world they only shared with each other. They liked it when the other one was happy. They had no idea why, but they just did. Whatever moment they were having was broken when Natsu spoke up,
"Hey! How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Pinky?!" Natsu raged.
Ren reluctantly took his eyes off Lucy to Natsu and spoke rather smugly,
"I don't care how many times you tell me...You will always be Pinky to me."
Natsu let out a low warning growl. He really hated that nickname! It was infuriating. He really wanted to rip off that smug look on Ren's face as he knew that he had got to Natsu.
"Guys, stop fighting. Look, we need to go back. Jared and the rest are probably worried about us a lot." Lucy spoke and she really hoped they would listen to her.
But, alas, she was paired up with two stubborn headed creatures.
"No way! I am not going back until I have my hand back!" Natsu said as he took a step towards the mansion causing Ren to stumble as he lost balance.
"Watch it Pinky! I'm still stuck to you!"
"Argh! Stop calling me that!"
"Nope! But, I do agree with you! I can't stay another second next to you!"
"Good! Let's find this Slave bastard and beat him into getting our hands unstuck!"
Before Lucy could even tell them how bad an idea this was, how much of an obvious trap this was, they both disappeared running to the mansion.
"REN! REN! YOU IDIOT! COME BACK!"
Too late. Both boys disappeared into the building leaving her sight. Lucy let out a frustrated sigh. That's it! She should have punched the guy across the face when she had the chance. Lifted an arm up threating, hand as a fist, she advanced to the house.
She didn't care the way Ren looked at her! He was as good as dead when she caught him!
Even though she was scared of the house, anger overtook the fear, and she ran to the front door and into the building.
If she had been a few seconds later to enter the mansion, she would have seen the black dome that appeared a few feet to the right hand side.
The room was empty. No furniture. There was only one thing in this room. It was in the centre of the room. hovering in the air. It had purple light shining around it, the source from the purple crystal about it.
The object floated in the air. The room was silent. All there was, was a slight buzzing sound from the crystal.
The object floating didn't seem much. It was just a bunch of keys. To anyone, it would look unimportant.
Yet, there stood a person a few feet away from keys. The only person in the room. The person had managed to slip in when all its previous occupants had left.
This person looked at the keys a small frown on their face. They couldn't take their eyes off the keys. Such an important object and so tiny. It was rather unbelievable.
The person finally moved. They stumbled, almost like they couldn't walk properly, to the keys. The steps they took were loud and rather alarming.
At once, the person swung their gaze to the close door as if it would burst open at any moment. It didn't.
Letting out a shaky breath, the person looked back at their task. The keys still floated up and down in the purple light.
The person was only a few feet away from the keys.
The next steps were easier. The person was lighter on their feet, barely making a sound.
Finally, they reached their destination. Their goal. The keys.
The person lifted one of their hands towards the keys and the light. They did it slowly, almost so that they would change their mind at the last moment. Yet, the persons movements were steady. They did not stop.
The person's fingertips were inches away from the purple light. This was when they hesitated. Their hand jerked back a bit, now unsure. They knew what was going to happen once they touch the light. They knew how much pain they would be in. They didn't want to feel like that pain.
But, they knew they had too. They had to get the object. They had to get the keys.
Taking a deep breath, the person plunged their hands forward into the light.
Instantly, their was a sickling sizzling sound. The person's bare hand seem to blister and shook, the skin on the hard tearing apart as they passed through the light. The skin seemed to almost melt. Blood soon soaked the hand.
The person's face turned into that of absolute pure agony. They bit into their lip hard to stop from crying out. Tears streaked across their face. They could not afford to make a sound. Anyone could come in at any moment. They had to be quick. They had to get the keys.
The wounded hand enclosed around the cool metal of the keys. Once they felt the material, they yanked their hand out of the light as fast as lighting, dragging the keys with them.
A sharp gasp escaped the person's lips as they now held the keys in their wounded hand. Most of the skin had been burnt off, the worst around the wrist which they had to keep in the purple light longer then the rest of the hand.
They shook madly in pain. That's all they felt. The pain.
But, they didn't care. The pain didn't matter.
Slowly, they brought the keys up until they were face to face with the object.
They had it. They needed it. They were glad they got it. The keys were theirs. Despite the pain, they were glad they stole it rather smoothly without anyone noticing.
If someone had found them, they had no idea what they would do.
The person let a small smile on their face. The goal. The keys.
It was theirs. For now.
AND DONE! OH MY GOD THIS CHAPTER! SO MANY, MANY THINGS HAPPENED! BUT SHIT THE ENDING...SOMEONE STOLE LUCY'S KEYS! SOMEONE STOLE IT! But, I bet you guys are like who? I bet your like, shit didn't expect that folks did you? XD As for who stole it, let's just say it is the least person you expect. If you want, write WHO YOU THINK STOLE THE KEYS IN YOUR REVIEWS! I would like to see your guesses.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING...PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING!
1) Not much to say other then the fights are going to begin, who knows maybe even in the next chapter? But, it's going to be written a bit differently the next few parts? You know how when you watch an anime and you have one scene where someone is talking and then it switches to another scene where someone else is talking but seeming to carry on with the person who spoke in the first scene? If you understand what I'm talking about, then that's what's going happen in this story soon. So, when I do write that part this is just a heads up so you don't get confuse about it.
2) I don't think I ever told you what my pairings are for normal Fairy Tail. I don't know if they interest you or not, but I guess I'm one of those who support the usual. You know what I mean, Nalu, Gruvia, Jerza that sought of thing. Although, I do have a new OTP with Fairy Tail which is battling with my old OTP which was Nalu. I know it's strange and maybe a crack pairing, but I absolutely support MAVIS X ZEREF (Zervis) I have no idea why, but there's just something about those two that...belong together you know? I might just be crazy that's why. But, I really want more fan fiction of the two. Also, how many of you people have read the manga 'Fairy Tail Zero' It's all about Mavis starting Fairy Tail and how she meets Zeref (while he is BATHING NAKED IN A LAKE) Seriously, read the manga and tell me there's not nothing. I don't know why I am getting so hyped over this.
Anyway, please read and review and tell me what you think? (Especially about who took Lucy's keys)
Till next time..See yh!
