What just happened? Lucy shivered as the tears streaked her face.

Shivering soon turned to violent shuddering. She felt her skin running with sweat as the nausea began to wrack her body. She rocked forward on unsteady hands and emptied her stomach onto the bloodied ground. Her eyes watered as she retched, and she didn't know if it was from the force of her heaves or from the realization of what she had just done.

I don't remember doing it! she thought, her conscience full of anxiety and regret for something she could not recall. She had not one memory of how she had wrapped her fingers around the blade, unsheathed it, or how she used it. Another wave or nausea violently tore through her.

Maybe it wasn't real....an illusion? Maybe. She quickly turned to look toward Natsu and Gray. Nothing was out of the ordinary, and neither seemed to notice what had happened. She briefly lanced at Faux, but the spirit's eye was still hidden underneath the patch.

Did Veleda have the power of casting illusions? No! she clenched her fists, her nails raking along the cold, bloody stone. It was real! I...I did...it!

Her mind was reeling as she tried to re-live the scenario, but she couldn't recall any detail except for the aftermath: Veleda's face, Veleda's grateful words. That was all she could remember. She could have sworn that the Prophetess was actually glad that Lucy had ended her life. Lucy, on the other hand, could think of nothing worse than harming another person so irrevocably.

A gentle sob echoed from beside her. She looked up to find Happy. He was slumped over, his shoulders shaking.

"H-Happy?" she asked softly. "W-what's wrong?" A chill was beginning to set in from the dampness of her clothes. She felt as if she were living in some horrible nightmare.

Happy jumped at the sound of her voice, sniffling as he wiped his nose with a short, furry arm. A long string of snot stuck to his paw as he pulled it away from his face, bracing himself on the ground. He slowly raised his head, his eyes tortured and wild.

"I-I saw it, Lucy," he whispered. "All of it."

It was Lucy's turn to be startled. Could he be referring to the same vision that Veleda had shown Lucy? Did he share her pain and knowledge of what could have come to pass?

"You mean..." she began, trailing off as he slowly nodded.

He clenched his tiny fists as he sat upright, his eyes clearer than before. "I saw everyone in Fairy Tail. They were dead." His eyes grew round with his last sentence.

Lucy shook her head softly, "I'm sorry, Happy."

"I know why you did it," he affirmed suddenly. "I know why you had to do it. Everyone...gone...and I couldn't save anyone." He glanced at Natsu as he spoke, his eyes watering over.

Lucy chewed her bottom lip. She knew it must have been just as difficult to see his best friend die before his eyes. But, did he see his own death, as Lucy had? And if he did share her vision, then how? Veleda only intended to show her....

Happy's eyes flickered toward her, as if he knew what she was thinking, "I touched you."

"Huh?" Lucy gaped, confused. What did that mean?

"When she.. when Veleda grabbed you, you collapsed, and I tried to help you. I was worried!" he tried to justify his actions.

"I see," Lucy's eyes fell to the spot where Veleda's body had been. The only thing that remained was the blood she spilled, only moments before.

"Did you...did you see the other vision?" the blue cat asked weakly.

Lucy shook her head. "No. Sorry." She knew that there was no guarantee that those close to her didn't die. Even if she killed Veleda, the Seer never promised that life would be given to them.

"We can't let it happen, Lucy!" Happy squeaked, his eyes watering.

The loud explosion rang out from behind them, shaking the cave floor. Lucy knew that Natsu was becoming frustrated, as his power and strength always grew with his emotional volatility. It was becoming dangerous for him to fight in the cave, as he could easily collapse the cavern around them.

Lucy resigned herself to whatever fate may come for her, but she wouldn't let those around her suffer. She would protect them with everything she had. Even if it meant killing. She would kill to protect her loved ones!

"No, it won't happen, Happy. I'm sure of it," she smiled weakly, as she shoved her silent promise back into the depths of her mind. She had prevented that vile future by the life she took, and she must remind herself of that!

Happy nodded, "I....I saw you...you know." His eyes fell to the stony earth, as the words left his tongue

Lucy's eyes widened with surprise, unsure of his meaning. "What did you see?"

Veleda couldn't have purposely let Happy share her vision....could she? Would she have been both kind and cruel enough to let Happy live through the violent premonition so that someone could testify on her behalf? Did Veleda know that they would be cornered by Faux? That Lucy would be left to care for her? Vulnerable, gullible Lucy? Her mind began to spin...there was no other explanation! Veleda was able to see things that were to come. Of course she had seen this! That was why she didn't put up much of a fight when they were instructed to run. She knew that Adie and Erza would stay behind to fight, while Faux found them at the underground riverbank!

Happy shook his head, his words interrupting Lucy's pitiful thoughts. Despite having realized she had been tricked, she still did not feel any less guilty about what had become of Veleda.

"It wasn't you. It was like you were...someone else," Happy looked slightly confused as he attempted to explain. "You just...did it. With the knife, that is." Though, he didn't speak the words, Lucy knew what he was inferring: you stabbed her!

Lucy felt her stomach turn, and she could smell the emptied contents from beside her. "I'm sorry you saw that."

She lifted her trembling hand toward her--the skin was soft and pale. Despite the caked blood, they were not the hands of a killer. "I don't know what came over me," she suddenly sobbed, bringing both hands to her face.

"You had to do it, Lucy. Had to." Happy spoke, uncharacteristically wise beyond his years.

Lucy said nothing as she wiped her eyes. If this was indeed Veleda's plan, she couldn't deny that she was thankful someone shared the terrifying experience. She glanced at Happy. His own tears were streaking down his face, and he didn't seem so confident in his verbal convictions. She briefly wondered what was going through the cat's head....

*****

Happy had seen the entire thing, from start to finish. He saw Veleda grab Lucy; he watched Lucy's eyes roll back into her head as she slumped against the Seer. Veleda had lovingly stroked Lucy's hair as her own, sightless eyes closed. Happy hadn't known what was going on--he had simply thought Lucy had fainted. He tried to tug on her hand to awaken her, but he, too, was pulled into whatever horrible vision Veleda had waiting for Lucy. He had seen the death and destruction. He had seen Natsu die a horrible death. He watched helplessly as his physical body tried to prevent it, only ending in his own demise. He felt himself die—knowing the pain and thoughts that ran through his head. He died with that body.

After his vision grew dark, he was revived. Veleda's outstretched hand was in front of him, warning him of what was to come. Despite that knowledge, he watched Lucy silently suffer as she pulled the crumpled paper from Natsu's stiff grip. He also watched as the familiar necklace fell from the wadded mass. Happy would have never believed Veleda's vision, but the necklace made it all too real. He had been with the dragon slayer when he purchased it from one of the little jewelry shops in Magnolia. Natsu had spotted the key pendants in the window, immediately exclaiming that they would fit Lucy perfectly. He had nervously picked both the gold and silver keys—tiny symbols representing Lucy's power. She was a Stellar Spirit, after all, he had told Happy.

Natsu had claimed to buy it as Lucy's upcoming birthday present. But, her birthday came and went, and Natsu kept the necklace. He carried it in the inside pocket of his vest, still intricately wrapped in the soft tissue paper. When Happy had asked about why he had held onto it, Natsu only grumbled something profane. Despite often being the tag-along of the group, the tiny cat was quite astute. He had long ago seen the connection between Natsu and Lucy—they complemented one another in more ways than one. At times, he wanted to smash their heads together and tell them to get over themselves. If everyone else could see it, why couldn't they?

Happy knew that Natsu couldn't bring himself to give Lucy the gift because of what it represented. The gift was an intimate proclamation of the feelings Natsu kept deep down inside. It was his heart in a little tissue package. That tiny necklace falling out of Natsu's hand was what had sealed that vision as real, to Happy. He knew then and there that Veleda was truly showing them a future that they could avoid—if, and only if, they did as she commanded. There was no other choice in the matter, he knew. Thus, Happy had known what Lucy would do in the moments before it was carried out.

No, he didn't blame Lucy. She was overcome with grief. If she hadn't done it, perhaps he would have. Could he have mustered Lucy's strength and took Veleda's life? He shook the thoughts from his head as the warm tears mingled with the drippings of his nose. He sniffed in an attempt to stop the flow of sorrow.

*****

"No good," Lucy whispered suddenly. Happy quickly glanced up, his eyes still filled with stinging tears. A sad smile was stretched across Lucy's face as she stared at her clenched fists.

"Happy," she began to explain, "Crying won't do us any good, will it?"

Happy stared at her for a few seconds, her words sinking in. He nodded his understanding, before wiping his eyes one last time. Crying would not do them any good. He watched in amazement as resolve formed in Lucy's composure. She pushed herself from the ground, scanning the loud battle that was clanging around them. All three men were visibly injured in some way or another.

I'm going to have some explaining to do, she sadly thought to herself as she stood on her own two feet. She must resign herself to her actions. I did it for the greater good, she told herself. It would become her mantra.

She turned back toward the cat, her face shadowed by her hair as she spoke . "We will only have a few moments. Seconds, at best. Happy, I need your help."

Happy wiped his nose one last time as he stood on his own shaky legs. "Aye, Lucy!" his voice boomed as he readied himself for whatever she had planned.

***

***

"It's over!" Lucy yelled, as she took a step toward the three men. "Your fight, here, is over!"

"What's she yellin' about?" Natsu grunted as he and Gray regrouped.

He was becoming impatient with their opponent. The spirit was proving a more difficult foe than he had anticipated. Those annoying flying things were getting on his damned nerves, and they were beginning to return faster and faster. He had cuts across his chest and both arms, the blood slowly trickling down the length of his upper limbs. Grey was worse for wear, as well, his own face gashed and bruised.

Who would have guessed this scrawny guy would be so fast? he thought. It was true, Faux was both quick and nimble, a combination that drove Natsu to near insanity. It was like trying to see a bullet after it was fired. Were all spirits this difficult to fight?

"Don't know," Gray sucked in a deep breath as he pushed his dark hair from his eyes. "Can we just finish this already?"

"Looks like your girlfriend has an announcement to make," Faux glared at Gray, as he interrupted the exchange.

"My girlfriend?" Gray gawked, his face suddenly paling. "Not me!" he yelled, jerking his head to indicate Natsu--who was squinting in Lucy's direction.

"What is it, Luce? We're fighting here!" he pointed out, visible annoyed.

"I said, it's over!" Lucy's voice was louder this time. More convicted. Natsu's eyes scanned the area behind her. "Where's Happy and Veleda--" he was quickly pushed aside as Faux jumped past him.

"What have you done?" the spirit hissed as he noticed the blood on both the ground and Lucy's clothes. "Where is she?"

Lucy winced. "She," she licked her lips, her face immediately becoming ashen. She shook her head. "It's over," she whispered hoarsely.

"NO!" Faux snapped as he quickly reached into his pocket, pulling out two keys. His visible eye bulged as he plucked the larger, more elaborate key from his hand. A thin smile spread across his face, as he opened his mouth to speak. As suddenly as he had revealed Veleda's key, it exploded into a cloud of dust.

His stare was wild as he searched out Lucy. "You--" he sneered vehemently.

"What is going on?" Natsu asked under his breath. Gray said nothing—the blood stains spoke the words Lucy couldn't. He bowed his head, his eyes closing in a swift prayer.

"Gray?" Natsu asked. "Whats...wrong?"

"Don't be so dense, Natsu," Gray whispered. "Look at her! It's done...she did it."

Natsu's eyes trailed over Lucy's face, and down her jacket. It followed the droplets of blood that grew thicker around her chest and stomach. He saw the splatters on the ground behind her.

His eyes widened in realization. She couldn't have! Not Lucy! "Lucy...y-you--"

"NOW!" Lucy screamed. Natsu's head swung around as he heard the beating of....wings? Happy sped past him, his white wings carrying him with amazing speed. The cat swooped low, heading straight for Faux.

"Got it!" Happy bellowed as he quickly grabbed the gold key in Faux's other hand. The spirit's face went from bewilderment to rage in a second's time. He quickly lashed out, striking Happy with one of his sharp blades—though not before Happy was able to throw the key to Lucy.

"Happy!" Natsu yelled, as the flying feline plummeted toward the ground, landing at the water's edge. Blood fanned out from Happy's body—quietly floating downstream with the thawing river.

Gray's ice had slowly begun to melt, and was completely melted through in some parts—like where Happy was laying. Natsu quickly leaped past Faux, landing next to his companion. The cat raised his face to watch the key arc through the air, a smile spreading across his features.

Lucy quickly plucked the key from its descent, immediately securing it at her side. "You alright, Happy?" she asked, as she quickly glanced at Natsu.

"Yep," Happy smiled, as his wings disappeared. He pushed Natsu's helping hand away. "Just a scratch!"

"You bitch!" Faux's voice was filled with disbelief. "You...you have no idea what you have just done!"

His dark eye bulged from his head as the vein in his temple pulsated. Even the tips of his large, pointed ears twitched with his rage. Lucy felt the air change as the spirit became enraged. He took a step toward her, his glare menacing. Both Natsu and Gray immediately provided a barrier between Spirit and Spirit Mage.

"Don't take another step," Natsu warned, his fiery fist swiping through the air. He turned to glance over his shoulder, his smile strained. He knew what Lucy had done, though he had no idea as to her reasoning. He trusted that she had a perfectly good reason for doing it--Lucy would never intentionally harm anyone. Ever.

"I had to stop the future that Veleda saw," Lucy replied, her tone grave as she raised her chin haughtily. "Everyone will die. Humans, mages, spirits." Her voice wavered, despite her air of conviction.

"Lies!" Faux hissed, as his hand slowly rose toward his face. "You...you..have ruined everything! My master will surely kill everyone now!"

"Lucy did what she had to," Natsu defended his friend. Gray's nod was more hesitant. Natsu spoke from the side of his mouth, "Luce, you didn't really....you know..?"

Lucy's silence answered his question. He glanced back—he could see the large tears in her eyes as she tried to hold them back. She averted her eyes to the ground, as her lower lip trembled. He had never wanted to hold her so badly. He felt sorry for her, knowing how much she loved Celestial Spirits.

"Well, I trust that you had a good reason," Natsu grunted, his eyes flashing their threat toward Faux. "Not another step, you bastard."

The Spirit's eye wandered to Lucy's waist, his wide mouth suddenly curving upward as if he had just confirmed something. "I see," Faux murmured, his fingers dropping slightly. "So....I won't have to go home empty-handed."

"Eh?" Gray and Natsu asked in unison, not understanding the spirit's odd ramblings.

Happy glanced up to Lucy, already understanding the spirit's words. "Uh oh."

Lucy's hands shot to her belt, the familiar metal splayed between her fingers. "No!" she hissed. "Never! They are not your master's to have and use as weapons."

Faux raised an eyebrow. "So you're not just a pretty face? No wonder you were so upset earlier," he tapped his chin before he threw his head back in laughter. "You'll do, after all. This way there will be no punishments. I'm not going back empty-handed," he promised, taking another step. His eye flashed his intent.

"I said to stay back!" Natsu roared, as his fist connected with the spirit's jaw.

"Natsu! Don't hurt him!" Lucy wailed as Faux's head hit the slushy ice with a loud thud. She could hear the water slowly trickling beneath the holes in the ice.

Natsu turned toward her, "He's not gonna touch you, Luce. He thinks he can take you back instead, since you're a Spirit Mage. Well, he's wrong!"

"Aye!" Happy nodded his agreement, as he wiped the beads of blood from his stomach. The wound was more superficial than anything, though that didn't stop it from stinging.

"I wasn't sure before," came the snide reply. "But now that it's confirmed...Spirit Mage..."

Faux pushed himself from the ground, as his hand quickly found the patch over his eye. "I'm done playing games with you lot!" he hissed as he quickly ripped the patch from his face.

Lucy watched the patch slowly float to the ground, the intent not totally sinking in as she instinctively glanced at the spirit. She gasped when she saw what he had hidden beneath the patch. The eye was not much of an eye at all! It had no white to it, and was, instead, completely black. Swirling within the eye, as if it were a living being, was a lacy weaving kaleidoscope of green, blue, yellow, and red.

It's not an eye, it's a weapon! Lucy told herself.

Her body immediately froze, as she realized that this was Veleda's warning! "G-guys," she whimpered, taking a slow step in retreat. "This isn't good!"

She dropped her eyes, hoping it wasn't too late to avoid the repercussions of the illusion-casting organ. "Don't look at his eye!"

She shifted on her feet, realizing that no one was moving around her. She could hear the distinct sound of breathing. No one spoke.

"Don't...don't look at him," she yelped into the silence, hoping for a response. She risked a peek at Gray and Natsu, both of whom were standing stiffly, their eyes staring ahead. One look at Happy, and she knew that she was too late!

"Hey! Gray! Natsu! Happy!" she pleaded, hoping for them to not truly be hypnotized by Faux's spell.

Still, no one spoke. Lucy pushed Gray, but he was as rigid as a statue. She waved her hand in front of Gray's unblinking eyes. When he did not respond, she reached out to touch Natsu's shoulder. He, like Gray, never flinched or acknowledged her touch.

She could feel the panic rising in her throat as her eyes wildly searched around her, finally falling upon Faux.

Is his power working? she thought frantically. He, too, was unmoving as he stared straight ahead. She briefly wondered if he were vulnerable in such a state. Did his power involve him sacrificing his own defenses as he engulfed his victims? Wouldn't it be necessary to ensure that all opponents were affected?

Lucy touched her face. Why am I not affected? Is Veleda's magic still working on me? She glanced at Happy. He was affected. No, it's not that....

Suddenly, Natsu coughed, his body shuddering with the exertion. Blood sprayed from his mouth as he clutched his stomach, his eyes still focused ahead. His hands quickly dropped to his sides, the tiny droplets sprinkling the ground.

"Natsu!" Lucy screamed as she ran to him. She watched in horror as a deep cut slowly inked its way across his shoulder. She reached out to staunch the flow of blood, putting all the pressure she could muster on the cut.

If you believe the images, they will become real—it was Veleda's warning, she remembered.

"Natsu! NATSU!" Lucy yelled, slapping him in the face. "It's not real! Do you hear me? Please hear me!"

Nothing brought his eyes back to life. From the corner of her eye, she could see Gray clenching and unclenching his fists, sweat running down the side of his face. He looked as if he were fighting...something.

What is going on? Why? she frantically wondered. Why not me, as well?

"I'm sorry Natsu!" she whispered as she balled a fist.

She cringed before she swung, punching him with all the strength she could muster. But, it did not pull him from whatever hell he was enmeshed in. She tried again, using different parts of his body. Again, nothing. No blinking. No grimace. Nothing!

"Wake up, idiot!" she pleaded as another cough followed. Blood spurted form his mouth, dribbling down his chin. His eyes was beginning to swell, but not from her punches. Something was going on, and she needed to wake all three—and quickly! She reached out a shaky hand to cup the side of Natsu's face. She couldn't lose her friends. She had just silently vowed to protect everyone!

The tiny ring on her hand caught her eye. It glowed a bright red—something she hadn't noticed before. Wasn't it a different color when Barsky gave it to me? she wondered, bringing the ring closer to her eyes for further inspection.

"Lucy..." came the weak whisper from Natsu, as tears began to swim in his eyes. They still held a far away look, one that she did not recognize.

"I'm here!" Lucy scrambled toward him, cupping his face and pulling it down so that he could stare at her. "Wake up!"

"I'm...sorry.." Natsu groaned as the tears fell down his face. He collapsed to his knees. Lucy fell with him, her hands still on either side of his face.

What is happening? What is he seeing? Lucy wondered, panic setting in. "Sorry for what?" she asked, her eyes quickly darting around his face. His body began to tremble. Whatever he was seeing, it had to be horrible for him.

"WAKE UP!" she screamed, shaking him furiously. "Wake the hell up, you ass!"

More tears. More blood. She turned to find Gray slowly being surrounded by ice crystals, his own eyes cloudy with pain. His ice magic is overpowering him! What is Faux doing to them?

"...Luce..." Natsu's voice was hoarse, as his nose began to drip with blood.

Lucy's hands shook as she clenched them at her sides, her own eyes watering their confusion and fear. Gray screamed as he, too fell to the ground. The skin above his eyes split open. Happy began to whimper.

"I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!" she screamed at the ground as her tears spilled from her eyes.

She could feel her own anger growing--it was slowly tearing her apart. She suddenly felt Natsu's weight fall onto her as he collapsed forward. She held him against her, her own eyes wide with fear as she stared over Natsu's shoulder at Faux. He too, was also rigid, as if planted in place.

She squinted at him—so he is just as vulnerable when he's using his illusions? She could see the pattern slowly rotating as he stared blankly ahead. A small smile twitched at his lips, causing the disgusts and anger began to claw at her insides

"Don't...don't believe in it!" she whispered into Natsu's ear. "I'm here, Natsu. I'm here with you. Always."

"Lucy?" he weakly called out. Did he hear her? Could he hear her?

"I'm here, silly. It's not real." Her fingers trembled as she stroked his hair. He was still warm, much unlike what she had seen in her vision. She glanced at Faux, once again.

Maybe if I can attack him... she considered.

She had nothing to tell her otherwise. Gray screamed, soon joined by Happy. Lucy could feel the fear gripping her heart. She would not lose her friends! She would not succumb to that--no matter the cost. She braced her hands on Natsu's shoulders, pushing him back onto his knees. She wiped the tears from her eyes with one hand as she hiccuped. It was too much for her in one day.

"I'm going to save you," she whispered, smiling sadly through her drying tears.

She quickly pulled Natsu's forehead toward her, her lips pressing against the warm flesh. She faintly toyed with the idea of her kiss waking him up. What did she have to lose? She closed her eyes as she brought her own lips to his. Was this what it would be like to kiss Natsu? she wondered, guiltily. She could taste his blood on her lips, it was both metallic and sweet.

She slowly lowered him to the ground, as she touched his face one last time, though her eyes roamed toward the Stellar Spirit that was causing this foul magic. Her eyes flickered over the melting ice, revealing the gently flowing river below.

She had no idea what would happen, but she knew what she had to do--it was the only way to free her friends from Faux's farce. If she could break his concentration, perhaps she could free them before it was too late. Veleda had promised her a different future, had she not? It couldn't be anything like the one she had seen!

Lucy clenched her fists, preparing for the fight. Her mind was screaming the words she would utter. It was a bitter irony, but she knew it was necessary. She would not back down; her fury was too great. She never laid a finger on her keys as she spoke with intent.

"Open the Gate....to the Water Bearer!"

*****

*****

I know, kinda boring and short(er), but I have very little time to write as of this month, and I wanted to get something--anything--out! I hope you enjoy the development, no matter how small it is, as well as the peek into Happy's thoughts.

Don't worry, the action'll pick up, a little, next chapter! (Dum dum dummmmmm..oh snap, what will Aquarius do?).

A heartfelt thank you to all of you who reviewed--your kind words are so encouraging. I also want to thank my readers and those who find this story worthy enough to add! I can't thank you enough :)

Happy Reading! Enjoy!