A/N: Finally! I apologize for the wait. Until after the second week of July (I have a qualification exam), I'll be updating minimally. So, a few weeks and I'll be back on track, FYI! Thank you all so much for keeping me motivated to write. I appreciate all the reviews from the last chapter, considering I FINALLY put some NaLu fluff in there for all of you! FINALLY! Hope you enjoy this chapter.
I hadn't realized how many reviews I have-you all rock! I don't actually look at my review number, I just keep plugging away as long as someone's reading! I was actually reading a story where the author had 1/3 of the words I have and nearly 1000 reviews, and they were COMPLAINING that there were stories with more reviews than theirs. That was pretty much when I stopped reading, it was disgusting. Readers volunteer their reviews, and I appreciate that extra step, trust me. I get anywhere from 1-5% of my readers reviewing (I was a math nerd, yes...unite!). I, for one, will never threaten to not write a chapter until I get a certain number of reviews, I appreciate any and all. You'll see this story completed, regardless, trust me.
Disclaimer: don't own FT, only takin' credit for the OCs
NOTE: there may be errors, I'll fix them soon, in case I missed anything, my computer is being an ass-face.
[*****]
[*****]
Lucy stared at her ceiling for the second time that night. This time, however, her hand rested over the beautiful gift that encircled her neck. Her fingers traced over the tiny keys, their delicate skin sensing her racing heartbeat. She smiled at nothing in particular, thinking about what had just happened between her and Natsu. Brief visions of her in a white dress crept into her mind.
"Bad!" Lucy reprimanded herself aloud. This was not the time to be jumping to that conclusion, "Stop being silly, you moron!"
Lucy's mind returned to the matter-at-hand: the state of the magical world. Adie was currently in a serious condition at Porlyusica's and Natsu had gone to retrieve Wendy. Would the dragon slayer's Sky Magic help Adie? Lucy had no idea. She knew, however, at the first indication of the rising sun, she would pay a visit to the demi-spirit. Her guilt weighed heavily on her, and she couldn't push her own neglect of Adie's injury from the forefront of her mind.
If only I weren't so weak! she told herself, rolling onto her side and pushing herself upright. She gazed down at the odd ring on her finger; she had almost forgotten its presence. She squinted at the tiny stone, noticing that the crack in the luminescent surface seemed to have grown, splitting into two. Lucy's eyes went to her keys as they rested on her pillow. She reached over, her fingers tracing over the one on top. She took a deep breath, resolute in conviction.
"Open the gate-" she began, her voice a gritty whisper.
"You practically reek of giddiness, girl!" Morpheus growled from his seat on her couch.
Lucy yelped, nearly falling from her bed, "What the heck!"
"Well?" Morpheus' brow raised up as he studied her with his golden eyes.
"Well what?" she snapped, already knowing where this conversation was going.
"Was it everything you dreamed of?" he studied a long black claw, his eyes flickering back to her, full of amusement.
Lucy felt her face grow hot. She raised a trembling hand to her cheek, sighing her exasperation. If he was going to play that game, then...
"It was everything and more!" she squealed, clapping her hands together and batting her eyelashes, "His lips and-"
"Enough!" Morpheus growled, grabbing the tips of his large ears and pulling them downward, "Your thoughts are giving me a toothache!"
"Fine," Lucy feigned a pout, happy that she had one-upped the trickster. Her face grew serious as she met his gaze, whispering, "Thank you."
"For?" the spirit replied, nonplussed, but releasing his ears. He was growing uncomfortable at the tears that were welling in Lucy's eyes.
Her own guilt shone in her gaze, "For what you did. Warning Makarov."
"Eh, don't mention it," he waved his paw dismissively, immediately understanding her thoughts, "Not like she was gonna tell you she was injured and close to who-knows-what!"
"I know," Lucy understood that he was trying to alleviate some of her guilt, appreciating it all the same, "But still...I feel at fault."
"Bah!" the cat hissed, showing white incisors,"You did everything you could. It's not your fault she shuns friendship—human things! Or that she's jealous of you!"
Lucy said nothing for some time, taking in what Morpheus had shared. "Besides," he continued, before she could press him for more,"You and your bunch are the first people she's opened up to. That has to say something, girl."
Lucy looked up, surprised at Morpheus' sudden admission. A slow smile tugged at her lips, "You can be nice when you want to be..."
"Who said I was being nice?" Morpheus crossed his furry arms over his chest, averting his eyes and pouting the best of his ability. Lucy continued to smile, saying nothing. They sat like that for some time, neither wanting to discuss what was on the other's mind.
Finally, it was Morpheus who spoke, "You needed me?"
"Yes," Lucy replied softly, preparing herself for what she was about to ask. "I need to speak with all of my spirits."
"I figured as much, your mind is screaming your intentions," he shrugged. "Consider it done."
"Huh?" Lucy's mouth dropped open, "Wha?"
"I won't hold you to any contract. You can summon me whenever you want, girl," Morpheus informed her. "Besides, I take up the least amount of your energy."
"Really? Just like that? You agree?" Lucy re-iterated, shocked at how easy it was to gain his cooperation.
"Yup," Morpheus stood. "Can't say the rest'll agree so easily, but I think it'll come in time."
"Thank you," Lucy bowed her head, hiding her tears.
Morpheus squirmed, visibly uncomfortable with the human display of emotion, "You have a good heart on you, Lucy Heartphilia. That'll get you a long way in gaining spirits' trust. Believe in yourself."
With that, he disappeared, leaving Lucy to her surprised stupor. That was it? she silently wondered, confused for the second time that night, That easy?
"Eh," she shrugged, smiling as she chose her second key. Leo.
"Open," she commanded, awaiting the spirit's presence. In a flash, her former comrade was seated across from her. Unlike usual, he was slightly disheveled.
Lucy was immediately concerned, "Leo, what's wrong?"
"Huh?" Leo looked up, as if realizing where he was, "Oh. N-Nothing."
Lucy sighed, realizing it was time for her to ask the questions she had been stowing away for some time, "I need your help. But, before I ask that of you, I wanted to speak with you."
"That's fine, Lucy," Leo agreed, nodding his head. Wisps of hair fell in his face.
"First, what is your relationship with Adie?" she asked softly, her chestnut eyes serious.
"My relationship.." Leo trailed off, his eyes wide from behind his tinted glasses. Lucy could tell that he was debating as to whether or not he wanted to answer her question.
"I'm human, but not stupid. You two have history, I can see that. She summoned you tonight, but I won't ask you about how that was even possible. I have my theories," she admitted. "But, something she had said earlier, in her shop. Before Natsu interrupted. It was obvious that you two shared...something."
Leo's cheeks turned pink as he looked to the floor. He ran a hand through his hair, saying nothing for some time. Lucy began to grow concerned at his fidgeting, "Loki?"
He jumped to his feet, quickly pacing the floor in her tiny studio, "We were...promised...er, expected, I guess you would say! It was a stupid thought, really!"
His voice was so soft that Lucy had barely heard the words, "Promised? Like an arranged marriage?"
He said nothing, his eyes telling her all that she needed to know, "How is that possible, Loki? She's half-human..."
She had no idea that Leo had actually cared about someone. The look on his face showed his emotional volatility as she had never seen it before. Suddenly, his womanizing all made sense...he had a broken heart that never healed. Not since...then...whatever it was that had occurred.
"It was between different spirit classes," Leo quickly explained, "it's not important, but her mother and my mother...it's not like the Human World. Here it's so easy to lose yourself to another person. In my world, caring is a rare gift...not often indulged upon..."
"I see..." Lucy didn't really, but she could see it was hard for Loki to explain. "So...what happened?"
"She chose her sister," Leo replied, sighing as he rested his head in his hand as his elbow propped on her bureau. "She chose to stay in this world. I can't live here, as you may recall."
"I do," Lucy admitted, everything suddenly making sense. Her mind raced back to the moment where Loki had almost died in her arms, after a long haul in the Human World. Even the strongest of spirits cannot live here long...
"And does Aries know?" Lucy asked, concerned about her other spirit's feelings. She momentarily recalled something Angel had said to her, during their attempt to stop Nirvana. The hair on her neck bristled slightly. A premonition raked at the back of her mind.
"My sister?" Leo looked confused.
Idiot! Lucy told herself, remembering her fight with Angel more clearly. You don't know the relationships between spirits, you moron!
"I, mean..uh, how does she feel about...A-Adie?" Lucy stuttered, feeling slightly ashamed.
"She idolized Adie and her sister. Those two were something," a faint smile pulled at Leo's lips. "But, Lilith was headstrong and wanted what she wanted, and Adie gave up...everything...to follow her. To watch over her. Lilith's babysitter."
Leo's words were filled with a slight vehemence. Lucy could understand his feelings...his resentment. She used to feel that slight pang of jealousy when someone mentioned Natsu and his relationship with Mirajane's younger sister.
"So, that was it?"she inquired, hoping to get more information, her interest growing a hundred-fold.
Leo nodded, licking his lips, avoiding her gaze as his cheeks burned, "Pretty much...yeah."
"I see," Lucy murmured.
No wonder Leo was such a playboy. He didn't care to have his heart broken again. That is, if it had ever repaired itself in the first place. She suddenly felt sorry for the spirit, understanding his pain to the best of her ability.
"Leo, I have a favor to ask of you," Lucy continued on the same path she had with Morpheus.
She didn't wish to pry into his heart any more than she already had. Part of her felt guilty at eliciting even this response from the often flirtatious spirit. She couldn't deny his charm and wit, but now she understood it was only a mask—a facade. But, did spirit's love? Were they capable of it? Aquarius always spoke to Lucy about finding a boyfriend...
"Anything, my dear Lucy, anything your heart desires," Leo suddenly cooed, returning to his old self.
"First, stop flirting with me. I'm taken. I think," she smiled, tapping her chin.
"It's about time Natsu made an honest woman of you," Leo smirked.
"Not that!" Lucy looked horrified at Leo's inference. She waved her hands in the air, frantic to dismiss the look on his face, "It was just a k-kiss!"
"Ah, but you know what kisses lead to, no?" the spirit enthused.
"And I'm sure Adie let that happen," Lucy spit back. Leo's face paled, "I'm sorry!" she offered, apologetically.
"How is she?" he whispered into his hands as he collapsed onto her couch once again. His face was paling by the moment.
"I don't know. I'll tell you as soon as I find out. Wendy is returning to heal her," Lucy informed him. He said nothing, nodding his head slightly. Lucy suddenly wondered if there was something he wasn't sharing with her...something he knew...
"You were saying, Lucy, your request?" he asked, looking at her with serious eyes. The pain had not totally washed from them, but Lucy refused to rake at those coals any more than she already had.
Lucy nodded, "Right. Our contract...can we void it, er, temporarily?"
"And your reasons?" Leo asked, suddenly leery of Lucy's intentions, though not in an untrusting way.
"I think," Lucy admitted, "that very soon, I'll need my spirits more than ever. And the contract hinders my ability to, er, use all of you!"
"I understand," Leo told her, standing in front of her. He placed an open palm on her hand as it rested on her bed surface, "Do as you please, my contract is at your discretion."
"Thank you," she whispered, looking up at him. "I'm sorry, Loki."
He smiled, sadly, before disappearing. Lucy was left to digest what he had told her. It wasn't that she hadn't totally expected such a confession—as the demi-spirit was filled with new discoveries. Lucy took a deep breath, looking at her next key.
Aquarius. She steadied her trembling hands as she touched the key, tracing over the zodiac symbol.
"Open the Gate to the Water Bearer."
[***]
[***]
One by one, all of her spirits had, surprisingly, readily agreed to her new conditions. It was as if each of them had already known the dire situation in the Human World. Even Aquarius had been agreeable, much to Lucy's surprise. She had nearly been shocked with how...amiable...the water bearer was toward her. It was as if they had reached some silent agreement. Lucy didn't want to tip that scale again, hoping to keep on the spirit's good side. Part of her was touched at how much concern each spirit showed for the Human World, as if they genuinely cared for its well-being.
Lucy sat there, her keys in her lap as she recalled each conversation: each spirit had agreed. Her contracts were on temporary hold, each celestial being agreeing to be called on as Lucy saw necessary. She took a deep breath as the early dawn sunlight began to peek through her window. She would make her way to see Adie, soon.
Then, after that, there was Erza. Lucy was hoping her favorite pair of ruby earrings would do the trick. It wasn't bribery, per se—just an offering for a little friendly help. She would fill her day with so many activities that she will collapse at the end of it all. Then, when she wakes up the next morning, Natsu would be coming home.
[***]
[***]
"Lucy? Why are you cursing at your breakfast? Is everything...alright?" Mirajane's brow was knitted in concern as she carefully re-filled the cup with steaming hot coffee. The dark liquid sloshed against the white porcelain.
Lucy jumped at the sound of her name, not realizing she had been talking aloud, "S-Sorry!"
She rubbed her eyes, stabbing at her food with a fork. She sighed, meeting Mirajane's worried gaze, "I slept later than...than I planned."
"So?" the pale-haired mage shrugged, "Enjoy sleeping in! You just returned home!" With a bright smile, she turned and disappeared through the kitchen door.
"Eh, guess she's right," Lucy sighed into her cup as she enveloped it with her fingers.
The steam warmed her face. She was exhausted from staying up most of the night. Her original plan was to go to visit Adie then to Erza's and force the ex-quipping mage to help her. But, sleeping in until almost noon ruined Lucy's schemes.
Perhaps tomorrow, she thought. Definitely tomorrow, Lucy!
She decided that she would head to Porlyusica's, to see how Adie was faring. She was slightly nervous about how cheerful Mirajane was. It was almost as if it were too...forced. She hadn't seen Makarov all morning, so there was no way of knowing what was going on. Levy was nowhere to be found, as well, greatly irking Lucy. Combined, all of it instigated her increasingly foul mood.
"Mornin' Lucy!" Macao nodded his head as he brushed past, his son on his heels. The boy smiled at Lucy, waving as he followed his father.
"Morning!" Lucy chirped, finding it difficult to muster the same cordiality.
She looked around, watching her comrades go about their daily interactions, no one seeming concerned that Makarov was nowhere to be found or that Adie was missing. She sighed, squaring her shoulders and marching toward the stairs.
"Where do you think you're going?" she heard the stern voice.
"Isn't it obvious?" Lucy replied through gritted teeth. Mirajane rarely used that tone.
"Master Makarov asked that I should not let anyone use the portal to Porlyusica's. It is her home, after all," Mirajane explained, the glasses clinking together in her hand as she watched Lucy carefully.
"I-I need to make sure she's alright," Lucy quickly explained over her shoulder, "She's my friend!"
Mirajane said nothing for some time. Finally, her lips parted, her voice soft: "I understand. Send my well wishes, Lucy."
"Huh?" Lucy glanced at Mirajane.
The sorceress smiled, waving, "You're worried, it's understandable. I'm sure Master Makarov will agree with my decision. Could you just do me a favor and not go alone?"
"Alone? Why not?" Lucy asked, confused.
"You heard me!" Mirajane called out her warning before sashaying into the main hall.
"What was that all about?" Lucy grumbled, some of her earlier grouchiness crumbling away, "Why does she want me to take someone?"
Her mind briefly raced over the possibilities: Had Adie's condition worsened? Has something terrible has happened? Was there danger? Where was everyone?
Come to think of it, I haven't seen Gray or Erza yet, today, Lucy mulled, tapping her lip with a fingertip. She shrugged off the uncertainty, reaching for a key.
"Open!" she commanded.
With a plopping sound, the large black cat appeared before her, his paws on his hips, "Yes?"
"You're coming with me," she explained, tucking the key away. Her keyring was getting heavy, and it gave her a sort of satisfaction. An accomplishment for her, almost.
"For what reason?" he looked unamused.
"Because Mirajane said so!" Lucy replied matter-of-factly. "We're going to see Adie, since you apparently knew about her injury!"
His eyes widened slightly, as if he hadn't anticipated that she had figured it out. He took a deep breath, his golden eyes flickering around the room as he shrugged, "If you say so."
"I do," Lucy nodded. A smile crept across her face, "But you're not going like that."
The look of distrust crossed his feline face, "Explain."
"I don't need to, just make yourself less noticeable or something," Lucy sighed. She knew it wasn't exactly what Mirajane had wanted, but it would do.
Morpheus shook his head before he changed his shape. Pink hair and...
"NO! Not that!" Lucy snapped. Her heart began to race.
"Hmmph, looks like even an image gets you all hot an bothered," Morpheus smirked with Natsu's smile.
"Not funny!" Lucy whined, her face turning red.
"Sorry," Morpheus chuckled. Even his voice sounded like Natsu's, much to Lucy's disappointment. "This better?"
"Much," Lucy nodded, looking at the shell of Gray in front of her, "That'll do."
"Lead the way," the Gray-look-alike nodded toward Lucy.
She quickly stepped down the hall, finding the unfamiliar door at the end. She didn't know what to expect on the other side, but she knew it would be quicker than walking to Porlyusica's modest cottage on the outskirts of the town. With a deep breath, she turned the handle, pushing the door open. She shielded her eyes from the bright light, taking a step through the doorway. The warm air brushed over her skin as the birds sang their midday melody.
"Huh?" Lucy muttered, looking around.
"What? You expected to find yourself in someone's home?" Morpheus answered, "That would be an invasion of privacy."
"I know that!" Lucy shot back. "I-I just expected to know where I am!"
"Lu-chan?" came the familiar voice. Lucy spun around to see the familiar cottage, quickly realizing that the doorway put her closer to their destination than she had realized. Lucy's mouth fell open as she saw her friend.
"Levy? What are you doing here?" she asked, her eyes darting to Porlyusica and Makarov. "Master?"
"Tea?" the older man asked, lifting his cup into the air. Porlyusica's mouth was drawn into a slight frown as she looked over the newcomers.
"I apologize for dropping in. I mean, we, apologize for dropping in!" Lucy offered, "But I wanted to see how Adie was doing!"
"Ah, I see," Makarov nodded his eyes flickering over Lucy's companion, "Gray..."
"Hmmph!" Morpheus answered, not giving himself away.
Lucy, for one, wasn't convinced. She watched Makarov's mustache twitch, and she briefly wondered what his sudden amusement was directed toward. Porlyusica was still looking over them in disdain.
"I'm sorry for my rudeness, ma'am!" Lucy squealed, hoping to not have offended the woman.
"None taken, you may enter," the healer answered, her eyes on Morpheus.
"T-Thanks!" Lucy replied, quickly glancing at her companion before striding toward the door.
"She's inside, there's not much to explore, I'm sure you'll find her," Porlyusica answered as she lifted her cup to sip at the warm liquid. Lucy could see the half-eaten pastries and books piled around the porch.
"She's sleeping, Lu-chan!" Levy smiled, though it was hesitant. Lucy wanted to know why she was here with Makarov and Porlyusica, but she thought her question could wait until she had seen Adie.
"Thanks," Lucy returned the gesture, disappearing inside the tiny abode.
The light spilled through the modest windows, shedding light throughout the cabin. Lucy navigated the downstairs, finding the small room off of the main parlor. She noticed the relics and various libraries kept by the quiet healer, and part of her wanted to be nosy—to inspect the books and various items. She wasn't watching where she was going, and ran into something rather solid. She stumbled backward into Morpheus. She quickly recovered, blinking furiously.
"G-Gray!" she stuttered, her breath caught in her throat.
The ice mage looked shocked, his eyes darting to his clone standing behind Lucy. "What's going on?" he asked warily, his eyes narrowed and his jaw stiff.
"Uh..." Lucy's voice trailed off.
"No wonder the old woman was giving me the eye, he's already here!" Morpheus muttered, shaking his head. He quickly returned to his natural form, chuckling lightly. Gray said nothing, though Lucy could tell her was waiting for an explanation.
She sighed, rubbing her temples, "Mirajane told me to bring someone, so it was the first believable form he took!"
"Actually, I took Natsu's first, but you-"
"Shut up!" Lucy growled, clenching her eyes closed.
"Are you saying you would rather go with me than Natsu?" Gray asked, his eyebrow rising in amusement.
"No, it's not that!" Lucy waved her hands frantically, hoping to stave off the direction their conversation as veering.
"No, definitely not that," Morpheus agreed.
Lucy turned around, waving her fist menacingly, "I said to be quiet!"
"Are threatening me?" the cat replied, his eyebrows raised in mock fear. Gray snickered behind her, and Lucy turned back toward him, swinging at his head.
"Whoa! We're just kidding, Lucy! Settle down!" The two men broke out into a fit of laughter as Lucy stood there, grumbling to herself as her cheeks grew red.
"Outta my way!" she huffed, pushing past Gray, glaring murderously, "Whose side are you on, anyhow!"
She stepped into the room, noticing Adie laying on the tiny bed that was unfolded in the spare room. She was still pale, her hair neatly tucked to one side and her eyes remained closed. The rapid eye movement under her lids, and the subtle rise and fall of her chest told Lucy that the demi-spirit was still alive. The covers were drawn up to nearly her shoulders, the wound on her right shoulder neatly bandaged, completely covering the sickening flesh tear. The dark lines that had radiated from it the night before were nowhere to be found.
"What's that around her injury?" Lucy asked softly as Gray stepped up beside her.
"Levy came up with it," Gray admitted.
"Levy did?" Lucy asked, incredulous.
"Yeah, I saw her stumbling up the stairs, so I helped her carry some of her books over here. She had been researching all night," he explained.
So that's why Gray and Levy are here, Lucy told herself. Of course Levy would be of some help. She was a fountain of resources.
"But what is it?" Lucy asked, squinting at the unfamiliar entity.
It was an odd pattern of script-like characters encircling Adie's upper extremity. From the base of her neck and over her chest, it snaked under her right arm, disappearing under her back before Lucy could spy it rising up from behind her should blade. She wondered how Adie would appreciate the large circular pattern etched on her skin, though she had to admit the calligraphic writing was interesting to look at with its swirling pattern.
"I think it's a seal of some sort," Gray murmured, his eyes tracing over the pattern as well. "Looks like something Levy would know more about, huh?"
"Yeah," Lucy answered, glancing back at Morpheus. His gaze lingered on the frail woman, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
"What is it?" Lucy whispered.
Morpheus jumped, realizing she was speaking to him. His golden eyes darted upward, meeting Lucy's gaze, "Nothing."
"Didn't look like 'nothing'," she pressed, concerned that the often aloof spirit showed any sort of emotion toward anyone but himself.
"I said it's nothin', girl!" he gruffly replied. "I gotta go, if you don't need me. Call me back when that Wendy girl gets here to heal her!"
Lucy nodded her head, and the spirit disappeared. She sighed, "What was his deal?"
"Don't know," Gray muttered.
They stood like that for some time, neither saying anything. Lucy didn't know what to say. She felt partly responsible for all of this, though she wasn't ready to admit that to anyone. Her thoughts were interrupted by Gray's voice.
"Whatever it is you need to tell me..." he trailed off, his jaw clenching and unclenching.
"Gray.." Lucy replied softly, her guilt suddenly growing exponentially. Not him, too!
"I know it's about me, whatever it is," Gray shook his head. "You're hiding something from me, she knows that," he nodded toward Adie, "Though I can't ask her."
"It's not what you think," Lucy began, suddenly not ready to tell Gray what she knew about Ultear and Ur.
"You're my friend," Gray looked at her, his eyes slightly distant. "I trust you, even if you don't trust me."
Lucy's opened her mouth to speak, to rectify the situation, but Gray had already walked from the room. Her eyes darted back toward Adie, who was resting peacefully on the small bed in the corner of the tiny room. The immense guilt began to press down on her, crushing her. Why was she always caught in the middle? Why did she have to be the bearer of all of this?
Adie apparently thought Gray should know...
...What if that was the last thing she would get to say?What if she never recovered?
The thoughts overwhelmed Lucy. Gray was an adult, and he could handle the truth, just as she had handled her part in Veleda's human death!
"Crap!" she moaned, quickly following the path Gray had taken.
She found him bounding out the front door, "Gray!"
He stopped, his back to her. He turned his head slightly, his dark hair masking his eyes. He said nothing, as Lucy took a step forward.
"I just don't want you to do anything...stupid," she rationalized, "Anything rash!"
"Good excuse," Gray shook his head before continuing on the path he had been traveling.
Lucy mentally yelled at herself. Of course he would take that the wrong way! "Ultear is Ur's daughter!"
She covered her mouth, realizing she had sputtered the words she had been so carefully restraining. She watched Gray stop in his tracks, his shoulders tensing as his fists clenched. His back was still to her as he stood on the path some yards away, in front of the cottage.
"What did you say?" he asked, slowly turning to face her. His eyes were wide as he stared at her in expectation of her explanation.
"I—I..." Lucy stumbled for the words she needed. That look was exactly what she had been trying to avoid. He had the same look in his eyes when he had found Leon after years of separation. When they were on Galuna Island.
"You heard her, Gray," came Makarov's calm voice as he sipped his tea. Lucy cringed, she had forgotten about the three drinking their tea and chatting about life on the front stoop!
"Ur's...daughter?" Gray whispered, his eyes downcast. "But, she's dead!"
"No," Lucy took a deep breath, stepping forward with her palms outstretched, "she's not."
"Ur wouldn't lie. Not to me!" Gray shot back angrily. Lucy detected some hesitance in his voice, despite his adamant denial.
"You think it's easy for any mother to admit their daughter hates them?" Makarov interjected, his eyes remaining on Gray. "She didn't lie to you, my boy. She merely avoided the literal truth."
"Huh?" Gray glanced at the guild master.
"Her daughter was dead...inside. She was merely a shell of her former self," the old man explained, setting his cup on the tabletop. Lucy watched Levy's eyes drop to her hands as she wrung them on her lap. Porlyusica's eyes were closed as she sat rigidly in the high-back wooden chair.
Lucy turned toward Gray, "I'm sorry..."
Gray shook his head, "It..it doesn't make sense!"
"What ever does make sense, boy?" Makarov chuckled as his cup clinked on its saucer.
Lucy watched Gray's hands reach up to cover his face, and she suddenly felt very sorry for the ice mage. She watched his shoulders begin to shake. The sound that came from between his fingers baffled Lucy.
"You're laughing?" Lucy asked, incredulously.
Gray shook his head again, his hands falling to his sides, "There was so much to her that we, as kids, didn't understand!"
It was Lucy's turn to stare, her mouth agape. "What?"
"She always evaded our childish questions about her family and her daughter, but we could always sense her sadness," Gray explained between breaths, "And, before she sealed Deliora, she spoke to me."
"She told you not to tell Leon what she was doing," Lucy repeated what Gray had told her nearly a year earlier.
"Not just that," Gray answered, a fond smile pulling at his lips. "She said she had to save Ultear."
"Huh?" Lucy's jaw fell open. "You...you knew?"
Gray shook his head, "I didn't know who she was. I only very recently recognized the name."
"Oh," Lucy replied flatly. So he had heard the name before, but had never put two and two together...
"But, now knowing that I had seen Adie on that day..."
"She was there, too" Lucy finished his sentence.
"Ultear was, yes," Gray nodded. "That's why she saved us. She was saving her daughter as well."
"It was Ultear who had helped to release Deliora, huh?" Makarov mused, tugging at his mustache. "I knew there had to be some reason as to why she'd just sacrifice herself. She could have taken on that demon."
Lucy turned to face Makarov, her eyes narrowed, "You are a pain!"
Makarov chuckled in response, "You never asked what I knew, my dear."
"Stupid old man!" she shook a fist at him, eliciting at snort from Gray.
"Well, do you feel better?" Porlyusica asked, her eyes still closed.
"What?" Lucy asked.
"The guilt. Is it lessened?" she opened one eye to watch the spirit mage's reaction.
Lucy dropped her head in defeat, "It is."
"It's OK, Lucy, I understand," Gray replied softly.
"You do?" she replied hopefully, looking up at him. Part of her felt relieved at finally telling him what Barsky had shared with her before his death.
"No, not really," his laugh was strained as he stepped past her and walked toward the trio in front of the house.
"Gramps, why was Ultear and Ur not speaking, then? You seem to know so much!" Gray crossed his arms over his chest, expecting an answer as he watched the guild master.
Makarov closed his eyes, pulling the pipe from his front pocket, "I suppose I might as well explain that to you, as you're old enough to understand. I half expected you to go running out of here on a mad hunt for Ultear after hearing that."
"Why does everyone think I'd react like that?" Gray howled.
"Because you usually do," Lucy answered, cringing at her words.
"Say what? Really?" Gray turned to look at her.
"Yeah, you and Natsu both," she answered.
"Ugh, don't compare me with that idiot!" Gray whined.
"You earned it!" Lucy snapped back.
"Are you going to going to listen to my answer or not?" Makarov shook his head. Lucy rolled her eyes at Levy, who smiled.
"Good, now listen up. I was the one that was chosen to approach Ur to become one of the Holy Saints. I badgered her for months to join, but each time, she refused. It wasn't until the last time that she had considered the offer. It was around that time that her husband died. Soon after, actually."
"What happened?" Lucy asked, her voice soft.
Makarov pursed his lips, his voice low as he spoke, "He was under Zeref's command and Zeref wanted the keys' locations. It was only a matter of time before Zeref's control was too great, and he would turn on his family. So, he tried to end his own life. That was when Ur found him in the middle of the night. By that point, it was too late. He confessed to her his sins, begging her to not allow their daughter to know the truth..."
"And Ur protected the family she loved," Lucy finished the story.
"Exactly," Makarov nodded, "But no good deed goes unpunished."
"I don't understand," Gray looked from Lucy to Makarov. "That doesn't explain why Ultear hates her mother so much."
"Taking your own life does not exclude you from being Zeref's puppet," Levy interrupted, her face pale as she continued where Makarov left off. "Zeref's dark magic can revive even the dead."
"You mean-" Lucy covered her mouth with a hand.
"That's right," Makarov closed his eyes, "He brought him back. Used his corpse to seek out Ultear. He could use her to get to Ur."
"But—But bringing back the dead does not mean you are bringing back the person, does it?" Lucy's voice was growing more shrill.
"No, it's just animation. It's a puppet, as I had said," Levy explained. "So his spirit is gone, but the body remains. And a child would have a difficult time comprehending that."
"So what happened?" Gray's eyes were wide with disgust.
"Ultear thought her father had returned," Makarov continued, "And Ur was left to destroy the demon that took her husband's place. She froze it in ice, and the Council disposed of it. Ur confessed what she knew and Ultear has blamed her mother for taking her father away."
"So when Ultear was old enough, she ran away, vowing to never speak of her mother again," Makarov concluded, "And Ur blamed herself for her daughter's misguided hatred in order to preserve a husband's dying wish to protect a beloved child."
"How selfish!" Lucy cried, angry that Ur was made to look like the villain.
"He hadn't anticipated that," Levy argued, "He thought he was doing his family a favor!"
"But still," Gray whispered, "Look how it turned out. Ur had to clean up her daughter's mess."
"Which was why she never joined the Holy Saints," Makarov added as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled while he watched Gray's reaction. "So, she didn't willingly lie to you, my boy. She wanted to help you to protect those that you care about."
Gray said nothing his eyes glistening as he turned toward the portal back to the guild. Lucy's former fear for Gray's impetuosity began to re-ignite. She reached out and touched his arm, "Gray?"
"Don't worry, I'm not going to run after this Ultear. I won't do anything stupid," he answered, a hint of vehemence in his voice.
"I'm sorry," Lucy whispered, "I-I didn't know all of this!"
"I know," Gray answered, looking away from the group, "And I don't blame you."
"What are you going to do?" Levy called out, her concern evident in her voice.
Gray stood like that for some time, his former mentor's words resounding in his head. After a few minutes, he turned to look at them, "When the time comes, I'm going to do what Ur had tried so hard to do that day...I'll try to save the daughter she loved more than her life."
"And what if she doesn't want to change? How will you deal then, boy?" Makarov asked, his face an emotionless slate. His eyes watched the ice mage digest his words.
After some time, Gray spoke: "I'll do what I can, but I won't let her harm my friends or the things the care about!"
"And if you have to kill her?" Makarov pressed on, his gaze flickering over to Lucy.
"If I have to kill her to prevent that, then I'm prepared to do so. In the end, I'd still be saving her from herself, right? Ur would understand."
"Well said, my boy!" Makarov's smile was grim as he nodded at Lucy.
See? He will be responsible, the guild master's face told her. For now.
[***]
[***]
Lucy's wrung her hands nervously as she rolled the Fleuve des Etoiles in her hand. It was the whip Virgo had given her, a gift from the Eridanus Constellation of the Stellar Spirit World. She had only used it sparingly since her spirit entrusted her with it. In her back pocket was the whip Adie had given her in Daylon's shop. On her belt was the familiar old whip she carried with her everywhere.
She sighed as she looked up at the door. She had only been here a few times, but she knew who lived inside. She had gone over, in her head, what she would say when the mage answered the door. Her hand trembled as she lifted it to knock on the door. At first, her rapping was gentle, slowly growing louder as her conviction grew. It quickly became a frantic beating on the wooden door.
She didn't hear the door unlatch as she continued to knock. It quickly swung open, leaving a disoriented Lucy to stare at her friend. Erza wasn't wearing her armor, and her eyes were slightly red, as if she had been crying.
"Lucy? What is it? Is everything alright?" the ex-quipping mage asked as she looked over her friend.
"I'm fine," Lucy admitted sheepishly, her fingers squeezing the whip handle as Erza's weary eyes looked over the weapon.
"Then why are you banging on my door like there is an emergency?" Erza asked cautiously, her eyes still on the whip.
"I'm here to challenge you," Lucy answered quickly, the air rushing from her lungs.
"I don't understand," Erza said, pulling the door open slightly. "Challenge me?"
"I want to fight," Lucy clenched her fists, forcing the explanation from her mouth. "I want to fight you, Erza."