A/N: if I could give a "Most Impatient" award to people, I'm pretty sure that I'd have to divide it up over most of my reviews ;) I didn't respond to a lot of reviews this time because, well, I don't want to give anything away. I did start writing this before Wendy was a part of the Guild, but I had always planned to include her. If there's something that's not answered, you can bet that it's most likely intentional on my part. I just don't want to have to worry about spoiling things for anyone! If you really have a question that you want answered, PM me! :D
Anyhow, super long chapter and then some! If this doesn't deserve reviews, I don't know what does! Hope you enjoy it! As always, thanks for all of your support, let me know what you think! Happy reading ;)
Disclaimer: I do not own FT. I do take credit for OCs
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This is not good, she repeated to herself as she chewed on her lower lip. It was slightly swollen and becoming painful from the repeated abuse she was bestowing on it.
Lucy sighed, burying her face in her hands and allowing her fingertips to hide themselves in her hair, which now smelled like lavender. Not only that, but her clothes were clean and she was finally able to brush her teeth for the first time in weeks. She shuddered from that thought. Good thing she wasn't running around kissing boys. Well, there was really only one boy she wanted to kiss, but he probably had no idea...
At least I got a shower, Lucy miserably thought to herself, sinking farther into despair.
They had been sitting around, sipping hot beverages while discussing the recent turn of events. Lucy found herself almost wishing she had just stayed in bed. The more Makarov shared, the worse she felt. Why was she suddenly feeling so hopeless? From what they had been told thus far, it had turned out that Gajeel had been doing reconnaissance for the guild, collecting information from unknown sources about the Dark Guilds, as they were the first suspects in such travesties. Of course, it wasn't as if that prejudice was totally unwarranted, as the Balam Alliance had given the other guilds quite a scare some time back...
Master Makarov seems to think that Grimoire Heart has made their move, Lucy quickly reviewed the points the wizened mage had laid out. What's worse, is the possibility that the dissolved Dark Guilds may have joined forces with Grimoire Heart!
She felt nauseous at such a thought, but what did those former members have to lose? The Balam Alliance had been shaken; it was only natural that a strong leader could bring the remaining members together. The worst part, though, was that most shared a common enemy: Fairy Tail. It was her guild that had a major role in the allied Dark Guilds, so Lucy was sure that the remaining members would hold a personal grudge against Fairy Tail. Revenge was definitely in their nature.
"So, as you can see, the Magic Council is no more," Makarov told them, his voice soft. "My inside contact, Shitou, has long since distanced himself, but even the news of the Council's dissolving cannot escape our ears."
"Won't the other guilds help us?" Erza asked, glancing at the two bruised and sore mages on either side of her. Makarov had not been gentle with them, though she couldn't deny that she would have done the same thing had she not been in that stuffy cast encircling her ankle.
Makarov looked expectantly at Gajeel, who nodded his understanding, "They are, uh, not really responding well to such, er, news."
"What does that mean?" Adie asked, her tone full of doubt. She, too, was panicking at the current situation. Despite her distance from magic and its society, she seemed to hold some hope that the other guilds would balance out the dark ones.
"It means," the dragon slayer answered, his dark locks falling in his face as he glanced at the floor. He blew the hair from his face, looking up momentarily, "that they are bein' sissies. They don't wanna fight!"
"But they helped us with Oracion Seis!" Natsu slammed his fist on the table, whimpering from the movement. He was pretty sure a few fingers were broken.
"This is not Oracion Seis," Makarov answered stoically. "This is Zeref—and the possibility of his release. A real possibility this time. Last time was merely a distraction, if you will."
"A distraction?" Gray huffed in disbelief, wincing slightly. "They were going to retrieve Nirvana!"
"But they didn't, thanks to all of you," Makarov reminded the group, his eyes proudly passing over each of them, "And, trust me, that's quite different from what Zeref will bring to this land. You will have no choices under his rule..."
"How many keys did they find?" Lucy asked, weakly. She silently hoped that her earlier source had been wrong. But, she already couldn't deny understanding Grimoire Heart's prerogative: find Zeref's prison keys and destroy them. It looked like the guild was going to use its influences to pool whatever was left of Tartarus and Oracion Seis as well as any other wayward mage that was willing to take their side.
Pawns, Lucy thought glumly, that's all any of them are!
"Two," Makarov confirmed what Team Natsu had been told earlier. Lucy felt her stomach sink at the news. It was definitely not welcome to her ears.
"Then, what if we find the keys and hide them where they'll never get their hands on them?" Gray asked, his cheek slightly swollen from Makarov's heel.
The old mage opened his mouth to answer, but Levy beat him to a verbal response, "Because, with the Magic Council gone, we do not know the keys' whereabouts."
"Huh?" Natsu asked, "What's the Council hafta do with it?"
"They know about the keys and where they are, right?" Levy took a step forward, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose and drawing her lips into a tight smile as she continued, "So if they are dissolved, the remaining Council members are most likely hiding for their lives!"
"And who best to go after but those who know the keys' locations..." Gray muttered.
"Exactly!" Levy nodded her head in satisfaction.
"Wait, they know where the keys are? The Council?" Adie guffawed. "Weren't they infiltrated by two mages not too long ago? How is that safe?" Her face was ghostly pale with disbelief.
"Despite their hatred for our Guild," Makarov mused, "Michello and Org would never willingly endanger the world to Zeref's power. They would give their lives before that would happen."
"You sound so sure," Adie remarked, shaking her head.
"I think," Makarov suddenly stood on the bar, his arms crossed over his chest as he glowered at his mages, "that you are forgetting about the Wizard Saints!"
"What about 'em?" Natsu grumbled. He, too, was feeling hopeless.
Levy gasped, "You don't mean-"
This time, Makarov nodded. A small smile played on Levy's lips, "That's ingenious! I'd have never thought of it."
"What?" everyone yelled in unison, their impatience illustrated on their faces.
"There's a reason for the Saints," Lucy breathed. Of course! They were not just there for show. That's how Jellal knew where to find the first of Zeref's keys!
"Indeed," Makarov answered. "We are the only ones entrusted with protecting the Council and the keys."
"That's not very comforting," Lucy grumbled, "No wonder it was so easy for them to find the first two."
"No, no, no, my dear," Makarov leaned over, patting Lucy's head encouragingly. "It's not that easy. I should have been more clear, I suppose. We Saints protect the keys and Council, yes, but getting to either of them is another story."
"Huh?" Lucy's jaw fell open in surprise.
"Simple math, my dear," Makarov shook his head, tsking as he plucked his mustache. "Levy?"
"Yes, sir!" Levy stood tall as she spoke, "If there are ten Saints one Zeref, then-"
"But there aren't ten," Gray answered glumly. Lucy caught the quick look that passed between Makarov and Erza. Lucy had long-since suspected that Erza would be inducted, it was only a matter of time.
"Good point, but just pretend there are!" Levy pressed the group, "Just say, in an ideal world, there are ten of them..." For some time, no one said a thing, only glancing at one another with quizzical looks. Finally, Levy sighed, removing her glasses and pinching the bridge of her nose, "It's easy if you just think about it!"
"Yeah, for a genius like her," Natsu growled under his breath. Lucy suppressed a snicker as Happy covered his mouth with his paws.
"Think about the strength of the Saints, individually, then imagine them combined! Zeref was a strong sorcerer, yes, but even he has to be weakened given his state," she was using her fingers to illustrate the simple math, "Theoretically, it should be plausible for the Saints to overcome any resistances, quashing any attempts to release Zeref in the first place!"
"Are these keys monitored by the Council?" Adie gruffly inquired, her eyebrows furrowed as she pieced the information together.
"We have a winner!" Makarov smirked. "Yes, so if someone was trying to destroy the keys, then simply moving the keys will alarm the Council. They are able to tell if the keys are being tampered with."
"Well, what if the Saints were all corrupt and decided to get together and throw a Zeref-releasing party, who's to stop them?" Lucy conjectured.
"Ah, but the Council is unable to speak the locations, even if tortured," Makarov raised a finger to object to Lucy's suggestion. He leaned over, smiling slyly at Lucy as he whispered, "Besides, if that happened, then the entire world would be screwed in the first place!"
He winked at Lucy as the color drained from her face. It was true, she knew, there would be little hope if a majority of Saint-level mages desired to release Zeref. It wasn't that the Saints were necessarily the strongest of all mages, but they were definitely a force to be reckoned with—enough so that any war between them would cause a large amount of chaos and damage. More than Fairy Tail could do any given mission...
"Eh? How's that?" Natsu crinkled his nose in confusion at Makarov's first remark.
"Because, idiot, it's probably some magic charm that prevents them from speaking it!" Lucy answered.
"Ah, you are closer to winning the prize, Lucy!" Makarov beamed. "You are sharp today!"
"What prize?" Lucy blinked, unsure of what the old man was playing at.
"I'll lean you over my lap and-" Makarov began.
"Ewww!" Lucy waved her hands in the air, "Enough, you old pervert! Gross!"
"Lucy, he likes that dirty talk," Gray leaned across the table to whisper to Lucy.
"S-Shut up! You're wearing a tablecloth because you can't keep your clothes on!" she shrieked, pointing furiously at Gray as her cheeks burned from embarrassment.
"Enough!" Erza commanded, glancing up as Mirajane leaned over the bar to see if anyone needed anything.
"They are imprinted—it's an ancient magic that only the Council knows," Makarov tried to hide his amusement, "so they are unable to speak the locations, which are written on a very old scroll in an ancient language that very few people, to this day, can even decipher."
"A binding magic," Levy concurred, "that leads to the owner's death if they disobey it. The perfect way to test someone's loyalty."
"But Jellal did not die," Erza remarked, her face paling. Where did he learn to read such a language? she wondered, suddenly feeling as if she never knew her childhood friend to being with.
"No, he did not, and rightfully so," Makarov crossed his arms over his chest, "For one, he probably retrieved the key himself. And secondly, Shitou told me that there was another player involved. A woman who was controlling him."
"So she was using him to destroy the key, not caring if he lost his life?" Erza sat forward, her eyes bulging slightly.
"Exactly," the old wizard answered softly, "When one's wishes are greater than his or her concern with human bonds, then how much hope do we really have?"
"What was her name?" Adie called out, her tone sharp and eyes narrowed in suspicion. Something about this woman's description caused the hair on Adie's neck to stand on end.
Makarov met her pale gaze, holding it for some time, "Ultear."
Lucy saw Adie's brief reaction: her eyes widened and her lips pursed together before she looked away. If this woman could carelessly fling a companion's life aside, then what would she do to Adassandras's sister? Or what had she done, already?
"You are familiar with her?" Makarov sensed the reaction as well.
"I am," Adie nodded, offering nothing more. Lucy looked between them, even sending a wary look toward Gray as she tried to think of something—anything- to say.
"But, how are you getting all of this information?" she quickly blurted "Gajeel isn't gathering all of it it, surely!"
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean, blondie?" Gajeel growled.
"Watch it," Natsu challenged, his gaze steely. Gajeel leered at him, before shaking his head in amusement.
Makarov paced on the tabletop, "We have an insider who has given us information as well." He glanced at Erza, briefly, though she was lost in her own thoughts.
"Insider?" Natsu echoed.
"Ah, patience," the wizened mage told him, wagging a finger, "I can't share all of my tricks."
"I don't get it," Natsu whined, "why don't the other Guilds wanna help, then?"
"Hopelessness," Erza answered softly, her eyes downcast. "They feel it's hopeless."
"Exactly!" their master answered, "And it's up to us to set an example. If we lead, they will come. I am sure of it. I have faith in the magical world, still."
"Master," Gajeel shoved his hands into his pockets, "Southern Wolves has agreed to aid us...for certain stipulations."
"Of course," Makarov chuckled, rubbing his chin, "I expected as much. Any word on Raven Tail?"
Raven Tail? Lucy wondered, noticing the slight expression of worry that crossed Makarov's face. Something about that guild sounded familiar...
"Nothing yet," Gajeel answered quickly, raising an eyebrow in question.
"Well, then," Makarov looked between Lucy and Adie, "Let me hear who you think is in charge of this—who's controlling Adassandra's sister-"
"Ultear," Adie quickly answered, "Looks like there is a common link in all of this."
Her pale eyes lingered on Gray before meeting Lucy's gaze. The spirit mage gave a slight shake of her head in warning. She knew how Gray would react if this conversation was carried on any farther and she did not want to have to deal with an him recklessly throwing his life away for the child of his deceased mentor. Especially not if this woman was as far removed from reality as Makarov made it sound.
"M-Master Makarov?" Lucy quipped, suddenly,"Why don't we talk about this privately? I'm sure everyone wants to get s-s-sleep!"
"Nah!" Natsu yawned, "We are fine, Luce!"
"Aye!" Happy quipped as Erza, Levy, and Gray nodded. Even Gajeel seemed disinterested in leaving at this point in the conversation.
Makarov remained silent for some time, his eyes telling Lucy what she already suspected: he knew, too! But...but what did he know? "Ultear, huh?"
"Who is that person?" Natsu asked. Lucy tried her best to give Natsu a death stare, but the effect was not as she had anticipated inside her head.
"What? Why are you looking at me like a fish, Luce?" he asked, studying her from his adjacent seat.
"Are you feeling alright?" Happy asked, suddenly concerned, though perking up at the mention of fish.
Lucy rolled her eyes, her voice a low growl, "I'm fine, you idiots!"
"That's not nice, Lucy," Happy pointed out.
"Who is she?" Gray asked, picking up on the not-so-subtle glares that were being passed around.
"Well, as we said, she was the one controlling Jellal's earlier actions, a former associate of his. It's obvious, now, that she has some ulterior motive behind her actions," Makarov answered cryptically, glancing at Erza.
"Why?" Happy asked, ignoring Lucy's pleading looks. She truly wanted to kick that cat!
Makarov sighed, "Isn't it obvious? She wants to free Zeref! Though...we are unsure as to her motivations. A lost lover maybe? A close relative's death..."
"You can say that again!" Adie muttered as Lucy yelped.
"But who is she?" Gray demanded, "I keep hearing about this person—"
Adie sighed her annoyance, glaring at Lucy, "Just tell him, dammit! It's not like he won't eventually—"
"NO!" Lucy shouted, jumping to her feet. Gray's brow knitted in confusion as Adie stepped forward, her face a mixture of pain and defiance as Lucy protested, "Y-You can't!"
"If you won't, I sure as hell will!" Adie challenged. "He has a right to know! Isn't that what this nakama is for? Honesty and support? Caring about each other? Or is it just for show?"
"Luce, what's wrong?" Natsu quickly stood, looking between the two women. "Why don't we just talk about this here, what's the big deal?"
"My, my," Makarov replied stoically, tapping his chin as his eyes grew glassy, "we may have a catfight on our hands!"
"Cut it out!" Lucy yelled as Adie growled, "Geriatric pervert!"
Adie suddenly staggered backward, her face losing what little color it had left. She regained her composure, looking confused at what had just happened. Happy stood on his seat, pointing toward Adie.
"Your nose...it's bleeding," his surprise evident.
Adie lifted a trembling hand to her nose, her fingertips dabbing a the thick blood slowly running her nostril. She pulled her hand away from her face, looking at the dark red blood on her fingers as her brow furrowed in a mixture of concern and agitation.
"Weird..." she muttered to herself, suddenly looking around for something with which she could wipe the minor bleed away.
Mirajane slid some onto the counter, hearing the commotion as she cleaned up for the night. Lucy took the box in her hand, walking over to hand them to Adie. Her arm was outstretched, tissues held out in front of her as Adie reached for them. Natsu suddenly grabbed Lucy's arm, pulling her back toward him, and forcing her to stumble.
"NO!" he warned, his voice booming. "Luce, stay back!"
"Huh? W-What?" Lucy stammered, suddenly confused.
"Doesn't smell right," Gajeel agreed with Natsu's earlier statement.
"Exactly," Natsu eyed Adie warily, "What's going on with your hand?"
"My hand?" Adie asked, sounding slightly disoriented. She stretched her fingers apart to look at the skin.
Lucy finally saw what Natsu and Gajeel had subtly picked up on only moments before: dark black lines snaked onto the back of her right hand and wrist, protruding from her long-sleeved shirt. Her fingernails appeared different as well: slightly longer and tapered as if they were filed to be sharp. They weren't overly obvious, and Lucy doubted she would have noticed had she not been looking.
"Mirajane," Makarov murmured as Adie took a few steps backward, her eyes wildly looking at everyone, "could you please fetch our guest upstairs."
"Yes, Master," Mirajane hurriedly clamored up the stairs, disappearing through a door.
Adie took another wary step, her body suddenly jerking as if she were a puppet. The sound of her boots on the floor were the only noise the blacksmith made before she suddenly leaned over and forcefully heaved a large quantity of dark liquid from her mouth. The thick fluid continued to spill from her as her body spasmed from the effort. Lucy stepped backward into Natsu, his fingers still tight around her wrists. The box of tissues fell from Lucy's hand, though the only noise she registered was the sounds of Adie's retching as it echoed throughout the hall.
"What the hell is going on?" Gray frantically looked on as the thick fluid that Adie vomited soon became a deep red. "Is that blood?"
Adie fell to her knees, her hands hitting the floor in front of her as her back arched with each forceful heave. After a few seconds, her vomiting lessened, the deep crimson fluid slowly dripped from her lips as she gasped for air. Her hair was matted to her head as sweat ran from her face. Her gasps were high-pitched and strained.
"Adie? What's wrong?" Lucy cried as she tried to take a few steps toward the blacksmith,"Tell me! Tell us!"
"Don't come closer!" the demi-spirit hissed as Natsu quickly pulled Lucy against him. The spirit mage barely registered the rapid beating of his heart as her shoulder pressed against his body.
"Luce! Something isn't right!" Natsu growled into her ear, "It smells...odd."
"What does that mean?" Lucy's eyes were wide with terror as she watched Adie gasp for each breath, the black lines beginning to spread up her neck as well.
"I-I don't know! It's slightly familiar, yet it isn't," Natsu spoke quickly, glancing at Gajeel, who shook his head with equal confusion.
"I don't recognize it!" the dark-haired dragon slayer informed him.
"She needs our help!" Lucy's eyes pleaded with Natsu. She could tell the panic in her eyes was having an effect on him, but she didn't know that her pleas were breaking his heart.
"Get away from me!" Adie shrieked as a low-pitched growling gurgled in her throat. Warm blood quickly soaked through her shirt as she let loose another scream. Her left hand found its way up to her right shoulder, the obvious source of the visible bleed.
"W-What's going on-n?" Lucy whimpered, her back against Natsu's chest a he held her wrists in his hands. She shot a worried glance toward Makarov, who stared ahead, saying nothing.
Lucy watched the warm blood from Adie's shoulder spread along her arm, some of the life fluid dripping into the puddle of vomitus as Adie screamed in pain. Lucy's hands covered her own ears as the shrieks made her heart grow cold. When the pain had apparently subsided, Adie sat back on her knees, her eyes closed in silent prayer. Lucy noticed that the deep gashes in the wooden floor beneath Adie's hand.
Her nails! They were definitely not like the ones on her left hand. They were sharper, more prominent. Claw-like, even! Panic!
"What is it? ADIE?" Lucy frantically screamed, "What's happening to you?"
"I said to get the hell away from me!" Adie hissed, her voice deeper-more feral. "Makarov! Get them out of here! Now!"
"I'm not leaving!" Lucy yelled as she fought against Natsu's grip. "N-Natsu, let me go! We have to help!"
"Luce, you keep sayin' that, but we don't know what's happening!" Natsu replied, his voice shaky. His face was pale as he watched the growing puddle of blood. There was so much of it! And the overwhelming smell...
"But she'll die for sure!" Lucy frantically searched for a reason they should help.
Suddenly, a memory flooded her thoughts: the Amarok attack! Her eyes grew wide as she recalled the incident. Adie had saved them, taking the attack herself. Lucy was sure that the Amarok had left a deep bite mark on...on that shoulder—on Adie's right shoulder! Lucy leaned forward, suddenly sweaty from the realization that they had neglected that fact. She had been so caught up in her own role in Veleda's death that she had totally forgotten about Adie's injury. How could she?
"Oh no no no," Lucy whimpered, her mouth becoming watery as she felt that she, too, would vomit.
"What is it, Lucy?" Gray asked before another feral scream left Adie's throat.
Lucy looked at Adie with apologetic eyes. "I'm so sorry," she offered, tears filling her eyes. "I was selfish. So selfish!"
"What are you talkin' about?" Natsu pulled Lucy closer to him, slowly backing away from Adie. "Old man?" he called to Makarov, as if waiting for an answer.
A loud scream tore through the air as Adie clutched her bleeding shoulder, toppling over onto her side as she began to convulse. Her body writhed with each shaking convulsion. Finally, her back arched ferociously as she shuddered, her body suddenly lifeless. Lucy watched in horror as no one did anything.
"Master!" Lucy pleaded. "Help her!"
Makarov glanced at the door Mirajane had disappeared through, and Lucy remembered Makarov's earlier instructions.
"Guest?" she frantically questioned the Guild Master.
"Porlyusica," Makarov answered softly, his eyes on Adie.
"Porlyusica?" Lucy repeated, obviously confused, "Why is she here?"
"Because," Makarov voice was soft, "we were prepared for this to happen."
"For this?" Lucy screamed, incredulous, "What the hell, is going on, dammit?"
Before Makarov could answer, a soft popping sound announced the newcomer.
"What in the-" Leo murmured, his face becoming red as he tried to shield himself from the humans' view. He was still dripping with water.
"What the fuck!" Natsu barked, turning Lucy around so she couldn't see Leo's nudity, "Why are you always so inappropriate around Luce, Loke?"
"I-I just got out of the shower!" Leo attempted to defend himself, using his hands to indecently cover himself.
Gray was the first to recover, quickly tearing the tablecloth from his body. "Here, you need this more than I do," he murmured, passing the cloth to Leo, "I, at least, have underwear!"
"Thanks, Gray!" Leo replied, his face still crimson as he covered himself for the unexpected visit to the Human World.
"L-Leo?" Lucy warbled as she tried to peer around her guardian dragon slayer.
"Lucy!" the spirit's eyes grew wide as she saw her peek around Natsu's shoulder. He didn't have his sunglasses, which made him slightly unrecognizable to her, "What's wrong? Why was I summoned?"
"I-I didn't do it!" Lucy squeaked, in defense.
"I know that," Leo retorted, "You can't summon me in this state! Which only means-" His eyes scanned the room. He saw Gray, Natsu and...Makarov.
"Adassandra!" he gasped, recognizing that something had gone seriously wrong. The massive puddle of blood on the floor didn't convince him otherwise, nor did the splintering claw marks that were practically inhuman.
Leo was by Adie's side in the blink of an eye, as her body was now still. Her eyes were squeezed shut as she struggled with each ragged breath, her face pale and sweaty. With one final arch of her back, her eyes flew open and she jerked herself upright. Lucy gasped at the slight transformation. Her right eye was completely black aside from the pale icy iris. Dark, purplish lines had snaked up her neck and onto her jaw and face. Her right hand was now completely covered with the terrifying marks.
"H-Help!" Adie gasped, her eyes pleading with Leo.
"J-just help h-her!' Lucy squeaked, "I trust you, Leo! Do something!"
He said nothing as Adie violently shuddered. Finally, he nodded, as he stood in font of her, "You know what I'm going to do. Do you accept it?"
A slight nod was the only answer he needed. Leo stood, stepping back as he put his ringed hand out in front of him and used his other to support his wrist. He turned so that he could glance back at the Fairy Tail mages.
"I'd look away if I were you, or you're going to regret it."
Lucy squeezed her eyes shut as Natsu spun around to face her, his arms wrapping around her protectively. Lucy heard the thundering reverberation following the bright flash of light against her closed eyelids. When it was over, she no longer heard Adie's strained breaths.
"It's safe," Leo remarked, his tone serious.
Lucy spun around, catching Natsu off-guard and freeing herself. She ducked under his grip with unexpected speed, taking a few strides toward Leo. "What's happening?"
"I-I don't know," Leo answered, as he studied Adie's unconscious form with concern, "but she's only stunned. I think I stopped whatever was occurring. I bought you some time, it's the best I can do. Take care of her, Lucy! I-I have to go!" His expression was grim as he immediately disappeared, taking the tablecloth with him.
Porlyusica and Mirajane entered the room seconds after Leo's departure. The healer said nothing as she took in the state of the blacksmith who was awkwardly sprawled on the floor. She quickly knelt down next to Adie, placing a hand against the demi-spirit's neck and feeling for a pulse. Lucy noticed the dark lines were slowly fading from Adie's face, neck and hands. Porlyusica reached into her belt and pulled out a small knife, deftly using it to cut Adie's shirt open. The buttons sprayed across the floor as the shirt tore. Lucy gasped as she saw the soaked dressings covering Adie's upper torso. The wound on her shoulder was more extensive than she had thought!
Porlyusica's mouth was a straight line as she continued to cut the shirt from Adie's body, leaving her upper body completely bare except for the bandages that covered her modest chest and abdomen. The healer ripped the dressings loose from Adie's right shoulder, removing most of them completely. Dark snaking veins retracted toward the wound as the dressing was lifted. The sight was enough to make Lucy retch.
The wound was oozing a dark greenish-brown fluid that gave off a rancid odor. The edges of the wound were black—necrosis long ago setting in as the muscles were visible through the extensive soft tissue erosion. Tears filled Lucy's eyes. How had Adie lived with this? Those pills she had been taking—were they for the pain? The long time she spent in the bathroom—was it to change her dressings? How had they not known? Worse, how had she not known.
"So selfish!" Lucy cried as she fell to her knees. "She was injured and we didn't even try to make sure she was OK. I was just too caught up in my own fascination about spirits!"
"Enough," Natsu knelt next to Lucy, his hand rubbing her back. "There was no way for you to know. Not if she didn't want you to, and it looks as if she didn't for this reason!"
"But we should have known something was wrong!" Lucy pointed out, tears spilling down her cheeks, "She's been looking worse each day!"
Gray looked at Makarov, "You said you were prepared for this. How?"
Makarov glanced at each of them, his eyes going back to where Porylusica was deftly moving her hands over Adie's shoulder, "The messenger butterfly that Lucy had sent to let me know you were returning. It carried a second message. I had the feeling it wasn't left by any of you, but I couldn't be sure." His gaze lingered on Lucy.
"Morpheus!" Lucy whispered, her fingers wiping at her tears, "He knew!"
It was suddenly so obvious to Lucy. The spirit could read any of their thoughts if he wanted to. There was no other explanation. None. Lucy stood on shaky legs as Natsu helped support her. He knew that she was quickly approaching a state of shock.
"Could we get a glass of water for Lucy?" he asked softly. Mirajane nodded her understanding before disappearing, her own face etched with worry.
"I-Is she going to be alright?" Lucy asked as Porlyusica examined the demi-spirit, her eyes narrowed in concentration.
"I do not know that for sure. It's too early to tell," the older woman answered, her voice gritty as she used her upper arm to push the long graying strands from her face. Lucy thought a strange pulsation was emitting from her fingertips, but she couldn't be sure."It would be better if we took her to my my place."
"Gray, Natsu, you help carry her upstairs. There is now a linked doorway to Porlyusica's, we can take her there through it," Makarov's face showed his concern as his eyes quickly studied the unconscious blacksmith.
"Right!" both men replied, immediately doing as they were instructed.
Lucy watched them disappear upstairs as Mirajane led the way. Erza and Happy said nothing, both looking just as shocked as Lucy. Levy was furiously flipping through her thick, ancient text, her lips moving as her fingers scanned the pages.
"What the hell is going on?" Gajeel asked Makarov, scratching his head in disbelief.
Makarov looked to Porlyusica, "Do you have any idea, my friend?"
Porlyusica said nothing for some time, as if choosing her words wisely, "I'm afraid I am not sure what we are dealing with. I've seen some wounds in my time, but this one exceeds them all. It is something not of this world, for sure."
"Is there no hope?" Makarov softly asked, ignoring Lucy's panicked gaze and teary eyes.
"No hope? Makarov, you should know me by now!" the woman's voice was stern as the wrinkles furrowed in her brow.
Makarov chuckled, but Lucy thought it sounded forced, "I do."
"We may be ancient, but I will not give up this easily. But, in any case, it's now up to you to do what is needed on your end," she firmly replied Her meaning was lost on Lucy as the older woman followed the path Natsu and Gray had taken only moments before.
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Lucy had been staring at her ceiling for the past hour, her mind re-living the past few weeks. She kept trying to make sense of the situation, but no matter how hard she tried, she could not. She sighed, frustrated at her own helplessness as she rolled onto her side and covered her head with a pillow. She wanted to forget this past night's events. Porlyusica had quickly expelled Natsu and Gray from her abode, only allow Makarov to pass through the magical doorway. Lucy was unsure what had been exchanged during that visit, but Makarov had calmly come into the main hall and asked to speak with Natsu. Slowly, the friends began to drift off, each going their own way for the night. Gray had escorted Lucy home, though neither said much of anything. She had half-expected him to attempt to resume the earlier discussion, and was surprised he never made an effort to broach the subject.
"How did I let this happen?" she whispered as a soft knock at her door caused her to jump.
Who's knocking on my door? At this hour? she wondered as she stumbled from her bed, brushing her hair aside with her fingers. She could feel the tangled mess in the back, but she no longer cared. She was too angry at herself. She unlatched the door, slowly pulling it open and peeking through the narrow opening.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
"Oh...hang on," her fingers trembled as she slid the chain from the lock, pulling the door toward her.
"Can I come in?" he asked, his voice soft as he glanced past her, as if expecting to see someone with her.
"Sure, what's wrong?" she asked, noticing that he was alone, "Where's Happy?"
It was rare to see him without his companion, and she almost worried that something else had happened. He quickly walked past her, making his way into the tiny studio apartment, his back to her as he fumbled with something in front of him. His hair was slightly damp.
"Natsu?" Lucy asked, suddenly concerned by his silence.
"Oh? Happy? He's waiting for me outside," Natsu called over his shoulder.
"I-Is something wrong?" Lucy offered, still feeling edgy from his odd behavior.
"No, nothing's wrong," he answered, slowly turning around, his hands shoved in his pants' pockets, "I gotta go on a mission."
"A mission?" Lucy echoed, unsure of what he was telling her.
"Yeah, Gramps wants us to go tonight," he said, his eyes wandering over her face.
"Fine, let me just throw some stuff together," Lucy sighed, so that was it! She hurriedly grabbed a small overnight back, opening her bureau and rooting through her belongings.
"Not you."
"Huh?" Lucy absentmindedly answered, her hands sliding through the top drawer.
"You...this mission doesn't include you," he quickly muttered.
"Eh? Not me?" she repeated, slowly grasping what he meant. Her face fell, "And why not?"
"Because Happy can't carry two people," Natsu shrugged, his face showing his concern.
"Huh? But...but we always go on missions together! We're a team!" she argued, ignoring his explanation. The hurt she felt was blatantly obvious in her features.
"Luce, I just told you-" he began, taking a step toward her and pulling one hand out of his pocket, "We are leaving now. Right now. I wanted to come say goodbye. We'll be back soon. The day after tomorrow-"
"Where are you going?" she pouted, her eyes suddenly becoming moist. She didn't know why it hurt her so much, but she was devastated by the news.
"I can't tell you that—not now," Natsu's face showed some of his pain at having to keep something from her, "but we gotta find Wendy."
"Wendy?" Lucy repeated softly. Why were they looking for Wendy? Lucy hadn't seen her earlier that day, perhaps she was on a mission at the moment. She raised her teary eyes to meet his, finding him much closer than a few moments earlier, "W-Why?"
"For Adie," Natsu offered simply. "She's sick, and Makarov hopes that Wendy's magic can heal her."
"Oh." Lucy replied flatly. That makes sense, I guess.
"Hey, Luce!" Natsu smiled, his free hand reaching out and cupping her arm, "We'll be back soon. I told you why it has to just be me."
"Yeah, I guess..." Lucy looked at the floor, chewing her lip in disdain. She felt as if someone had blindsided her and she didn't understand why she felt that way.
"Luce?" Natsu's voice was soft. Lucy looked up, meeting his gaze, "You alright?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah," she offered a weak smile, her heart leaping at his close proximity. She could smell the scent of his still damp hair and freshly washed skin. It was musky, smelling like something akin to cedar. She felt her cheeks begin to turn pink.
"Be careful," she told him, regaining her composure, "Please, I don't want anything to happen-"
"-To me?" he cut her off, raising an eyebrow in amusement as her face burned from his assumption. Not that he was wrong. "So you do care, huh, Luce?"
His tone was playful, but his eyes told her something more, something he wasn't yet ready to share with her. Lucy said nothing, suddenly taking a step forward and throwing her arms around his neck and pulling the dragon slayer in to a hug. She didn't want him to see the tears that were brimming in her eyes as she rested her head on his firm shoulder.
"Yeah, you idiot, I care, so just don't do anything stupid!" she whispered, her tears silently falling down her cheeks.
She held him close for a few more moments, as she couldn't justify holding on to him for longer. She silently said farewell to the strong beating of his heart as she peeled her cheek from his skin. She smiled, pushing her hair from her face and looking up at him. She opened her mouth to speak, but her words were quickly stifled as Natsu suddenly leaned down, pressing his lips against hers. Lucy's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at him, unsure what to make of the situation. Natsu was kissing her!
The move was forceful, and his lips were surprisingly soft against hers. Lucy felt her heart melt at the childish attempt of affection. When he tried pull away from her, Lucy smiled mischievously and wrapped a hand around the back of his neck. She buried her fingers in his still-wet hair and she pulled him back to her.
"Lucy!" he began, his words being muffled as Lucy gently kissed his lips, taking initiative this time.
She had waited for this moment. Dreamt of it, even. Natsu had kissed her and she wasn't going to let him go that easily! It was obvious that he had never kissed a girl before, not that Lucy was any more experienced. When she was younger, she used to play with the servants' children in her family's mansion, rewarding the cute boys with kisses on the lips. But, that didn't compare to what she was doing with Natsu at this moment. This was not child's play. This was real.
Her kisses were gentle and soft as their lips were out-of-sync in the beginning. Natsu quickly caught on, returning the favor. Lucy's knees nearly gave out when he unexpectedly prodded her lips open with his tongue. She almost fainted when she felt his hand go to the small of her back, pulling her toward him as their bodies pressed together.
Go, Lucy! she silently encouraged herself in a mixture of hysteria, happiness, and relief. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure this was real.
She wasn't sure how long they had been like that: hands wandering over each others' bodies as their kiss grew more demanding, more hungry. Natsu was the one to pull away, his breath ragged as he closed his eyes, pressing his forehead against hers. Lucy smiled, her lips still tingling from the kiss as she watched Natsu's endearing blush. They stood like that for some time: their foreheads pressed together, Lucy's hands on his shoulder, and Natsu's hand on her waist. She couldn't deny that her thoughts weren't growing more explicit as they stood like that. She was positive that he could hear her heart beating in her chest.
"Happy birthday," Natsu murmured suddenly, waking Lucy from her naughty daydreaming.
"Huh?" Lucy yelped, suddenly aware that he was crushing something into the palm of her hand. Her skin grew cold from where he had withdrew his hands.
"I hafta go, Luce," Natsu breathed, his voice a low growl as he quickly stepped past her and strode toward her door.
Lucy felt as if someone had slapped her in the face. Did he feel as if he had made a mistake? Did he not enjoy it as she had? She looked down at her hand, the tiny wrapped parcel resting in her palm.
"Happy Birthday?" Lucy replied, her tone sharp. She saw him cringe at the sound of her growing fury. "That's all you can say, Happy Birthday? My birthday was-"
"I know," he cut her off, his hand resting in the doorway as he looked over his shoulder. His eyes were nearly wild as he looked at her. "I know when your birthday is, Luce. I've been holding onto that since then."
"Huh?" Lucy lifted the gift as Natsu called out, "Gotta go! I'll see you when we get back! Bye, Luce!"
His former playfulness had returned to his voice as he sprinted down the hall. Lucy ran to the door, hoping to catch him as he fled her building, but he had already disappeared. She felt her throat swell as her eyes began to sting from the tears.
What just happened? The heaviness in her palm reminded her of the gift he had placed in her hand. What is it? she wondered as she cast one last look down the hall before she closed her door.
She rested her back against the door, her body near hysterics. She didn't know what to make of what had just happened. Her fingers trembled badly as she untied the tiny ribbon bow from the rectangular-shaped object. She began to fervently rip the crinkled and worn wrapping paper from the gift, revealing a small black box. It was obvious that the package had been sitting somewhere for some time. Had Natsu been carrying it with her since her birthday, as he had said? Why hadn't he given it to her earlier? she silently wondered. She gingerly lifted the lid from the box, gasping and nearly dropping it to the floor as her hand covered her mouth.
Inside was a delicate necklace with two, tiny key-shaped charms dangling from it. One was gold, the other was silver. Tears silently streaked Lucy's cheeks as she recognized the necklace from Veleda's vision. She had found it on Natsu's lifeless body in the bloodied field! Lucy slid against the door until she was sitting on the floor. She traced her fingers over the fine chain, resting them on the two trinkets. Keys! It was fitting, as she was a Stellar Spirit mage. Lucy would have never imagined Natsu to have purchased such a thoughtful gift. And for her!
He had been holding onto it since her birthday...but why? Could it be? Lucy wondered, her heart pounding in her chest, Could it be that Natsu feels the same way about me as I do about him? Is this proof of that? Her fingers traced over her lips as she remembered their kiss. There was no way he could have been faking that much emotion. No way.
"He cares!" she whispered as shaking fingers clasped the necklace around her neck. She stood on wobbly legs as she approached her mirror and admired the new gift. It was truly beautiful.
Lucy rested her hand over the charms as she met her own gaze in the mirror. This was the necklace from her vision. It was the gift she had found all too late. She knew now that that prophecy was not going to happen, but there was no telling what her future would not hold.
Whatever her future held, she would no longer be a bystander or victim. Lucy Heartphilia would no longer hide behind her friends, depending on them to save her.
In that moment, Lucy made a vow. She was going to become stronger.