Yes, I'm alive. My hours are ridiculous, and so my updating has been delayed. I apologize, seriously. But, here's a longer chapter for all, in hopes that I may be forgiven, even slightly. I apologize to those I did not respond do. It's been a rough coupla weeks. I am truly sorry :( It's going to get more exciting in the near future...
Happy Reading. Read and review-make me motivated once again, please! You are all amazingly patient, and I am thankful!
I do not own FT, only the random OCs
~OoOoO~
Lucy tried to process what had just occurred in such a short period of time. In the course of one day, she had managed to make new friends, retrieve another spirit, find out the goings on in the magical world, and realize that her life had become utterly chaotic. There was no telling what would happen next, and she was quickly becoming overwhelmed at that very thought. Would any other new visitor come barreling into the city looking for Lucy Heartfilia? Was her name being whispered on the lips of those causing the destruction that had been growing during the past few months?
Lucy stared over her shoulder, her eyes aching from the dwindling sun's rays as she looked in the direction Rien and Nani had ran. Somehow the two foreigners had managed to forever change her life, despite the brief duration of their stay. She silently wondered what could have set the young girl off in such a manner...
Nani had shared very little about her homeland, though Lucy knew it was far more barbaric than anything she had ever experienced. It was a civilization ruled by women. It was a culture that worshiped dragons, revering the devastating creatures and hoping that their return will reunite the scattered, sparring tribes. Lucy knew that Nani had to deal with constant assassination attempts, never able to let her guard down. Her brother had nearly sacrificed himself to save her once, dedicating himself to a life of mandatory solitude in order to meet the demands of his position.
How could anyone ever strive to be alone? Lucy wondered, her eyes darting to Natsu's face. He was squinting after the siblings, his hands shoved in his pockets as he did so.
Lucy suspected she would never understand the mindset of Nani's people, nor did she want to. She shivered, remembering the brutality that the young girl had shared with her. Yet, Nani had managed to make it this far...that should reflect some skill on the young girl's part, no? Having to constantly be on guard did not allow for laziness, and she was sure that Nani and Rien were more than capable of protecting themselves—more so than they had revealed. But, what had triggered Nani to suddenly decide to leave? She had been asking questions about magic—especially about Natsu's dragon slayer magic...
Lucy wondered how the girl had even been able to summon Draco. Did she realize what she had done? Nani hadn't seemed to be aware of that fact. It was Draco that had mentioned a different type of magic "consistency" in regards to Nani's energy. Weren't all magics equal? Did different types of magic exist from what Lucy had seen possessed by the Guilds? There were so many questions left unanswered by the siblings, but Lucy was able to at least piece some of it together. She assumed that, wherever Nani and Rien hailed from, magic was not a common thing—or, at least, it was not treated the same as it was in Fiore. There was definitely power present when Nani became enraged by Natsu's comments, even Lucy could feel that. She was positive that Rien was moving much faster than her eyes could detect, yet it wasn't like Racer's magic. It was...something else. It was as if it were more of an enhancing trait and not a utility that is called upon.
Lucy's eyes lingered on Natsu's profile as the sunlight flickered across his face. Wendy sighed, her shoulders held a little higher than usual and her face less tired than it had been moments earlier. Lucy smiled knowingly: Wendy had developed her first crush. It's not everyday that foreign, handsome young men come into town and sweep a girl off of her feet. Literally.
"Luce?" Natsu whispered, an eyebrow raised in expectation.
Lucy realized she was still staring at him, quickly dropping her gaze, "What?"
She half expected him to mention something it, but he said nothing. She glanced up, noticing the familiar knot in his brow as he made an odd face. He used his forefinger to tap his chin as his other hand remained in his pocket.
"Kinda weird pair, huh?" he grinned suddenly. "They just ate and ran."
Ate and ran? Lucy repeated silently. Her face slowly fell as she thought back on a time she had been fortunate enough to meet two mages who interrupted Bora's mediocre enchantment over her...
"What? Why are you making that face?" Natsu asked, his smile suddenly gone. He knew Lucy well enough that he was aware when she was irritated.
"You idiot!" Lucy growled in annoyance.
"Me? What did I do? They are the ones that did it!" he pointed out, confused.
"You did the same thing when I first met you and Happy!" she hissed, her expression growing dark.
"Oh," he blinked stupidly.
Oh. Oh? Lucy inwardly vexed. Is that all he can say?
"Yeah," he smiled sheepishly, scratching his head and ruffling his hair, "I guess we did. Er...thanks!"
"Thanks?" Lucy's eyelid began to twitch. She willed it away, to no avail.
"Um...sorry?" Natsu offered, confused as to what to do. He slowly began to back away from Lucy.
Lucy smacked her forehead with an open palm, "Why do I even like you?"
Natsu's eyes momentarily grew round, and he opened his mouth to say something. Lucy shook her head, giving one last cry of frustration as she flung the door open, leaving a baffled Wendy and a mute Natsu.
"Idiot, idiot, idiot!" she muttered to herself as she entered the guild's main hall.
She barely registered the heavy atmosphere as she balled her fists, still talking to herself. She could hear Mirajane scrubbing the floor before she saw her, suddenly stopping and gaping at the beautiful mage as she used a boars-hair brush to remove the blood stains from the wood.
"Mirajane?" Lucy whispered, her heart breaking as she saw the tired look on mage's face.
"Oh," Mirajane looked up, glancing around before replacing her grim expression with a lighter one. "Hiya, Lucy!"
Lucy's eyes fell to the old stains, now pink with suds. She felt a sudden urge to help Mirajane, "Need a hand?"
"No-" Mirajane smiled.
"Mirajane, my dear, I told you that I'd handle that," Makarov interrupted from somewhere to Lucy's right.
Lucy's head snapped around to find him standing at the bottom of the stairs, his face showing his concern for the guild's most loved mage. Lucy's eyes trailed up the steps, where Erza was standing, her fists tightly clenched at her sides. Her eyes were downcast as she bore an expression of frustration. Lucy had only seen Erza visibly upset on a few, rare occasions...
"It's alright, Master," Mirajane smiled, her eyes crinkling from the forced expression. She looked weary, despite her cheerful demeanor.
"As you'd like," Makarov nodded, meeting Lucy's gaze briefly.
Lucy heard the door swing open behind her, and she knew that Natsu had followed her inside. She heard his heavy footsteps as he approached. Wendy's lighter ones tapped out of sync with the pink-haired mage's.
"What's goin' on, Gramps?" he asked, scratching his head.
"Nothing, Natsu," Makarov replied calmly, continuing down the last few steps and walking toward them.
"We aren't done!" Erza called out from the top of the stairs, her voice strained and reserved.
"I'm sorry, Erza," Makarov replied, though not turning to face her, "but I have nothing else to tell you."
Lucy glanced at Natsu, who shrugged his confusion as well. Lucy could see Mirajane continue to furiously scrub in an attempt to ignore what was transpiring.
"It's Jellal!" Erza nearly screamed, her face pale. "It's him, isn't it? He's the one supplying you with information! It has to be..."
This time, Makarov did stop, his eyes steadily meeting Lucy's. She could see a brief flicker of something: amusement, concern, joy—she wasn't sure. The light quickly diminished as the older mage slowly turned to face Erza.
"I already explained this, I am not at liberty to share such information," he tsked sadly, "but if you must know...then no, no it isn't. I'm sorry, my dear, but you'll have to accept that Jellal has fallen under Ultear's spell once again."
Erza's eyes grew wide as her face turned ashen from the wizard's confession. It was as if he had slapped her in the face.
"No!" she rasped, her hands trembling as she reached out to grip the railing,"H-He's changed!"
"I'm afraid so," Makarov replied softly, shaking his head, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news."
"I don't believe it," Natsu breathed.
Lucy shook her head, neither did she. She truly believed that there was a strong bond...something deeper between Erza and Jellal. Something that even Lucy couldn't comprehend. She almost dared to say that Erza loved the young mage, though the red-head had never admitted to it. Ever.
Erza said nothing, as Makarov continued, "As one of the Holy Ten, my child, you have to be willing to sacrifice all for the greater good. Can you do that, Erza?"
His words were spoken slowly and full of intent as his gaze held steady on her face. Erza's eyes flickered to his wizened features at the mention of her name. She flinched slightly at the mention of her new position. Lucy and Natsu exchanged looks of surprise, not that they didn't expect Erza to be appointed.
"You will have to face him again, will you be able to do what is needed of you?" His gaze was unwavering and somewhat cold.
Erza licked her lips, a slight sheen on her forehead as she weakly nodded her ascent, "I will."
"Good," Makarov suddenly chirped turning to face Natsu and Lucy, casting a quick wink Lucy's way.
The blonde stood there, blinking her confusion as Makarov walked between her and Natsu, saying nothing but wearing a knowing smile. He continued toward the entrance, his footsteps resonating loudly despite his small stature.
"Master?" Erza called out, her voice hoarse and her eyes bulging slightly, "What about the others?"
"Others?" Makarov repeated, clasping his hands behind his back, "Ah yes."
"Huh?" Natsu looked from Erza to Makarov.
"What are you talking about?" Lucy's voice was soft, but she could feel the ominous claws of premonition raking across her neck.
"You," Makarov's eyes fell on Natsu, "are also chosen to become one of the Wizard Saints."
"Me?" Natsu looked taken aback.
"Him?" Lucy blurted at the same time. Natsu shot her a look of disdain due to her tone. She immediately felt sorry for her disbelief.
"Yes, you," Makarov shook his head, chuckling. "Natsu, you are more than capable, despite your susceptibility for, er, destruction. But, it is something I pondered for some time. We are upon desperate times."
"We are in need of the strongest," Erza added, nodding at Natsu.
"I, er, uh," Natsu grappled for word, visibly stunned.
"Of course he'll take it!" the words tumbled from Lucy's mouth. All eyes were suddenly on her. She felt her cheeks burn, "What? He's strong enough, why wouldn't he? He's always trying to find someone to fight!"
"A wise girl," Makarov murmured, a smile on his lips. Lucy wanted to shrivel up and die, as his thoughts were written all over his face.
"I agree," Erza descended a few steps, ignoring Makarov's comment and non-verbal insinuations.
"Then, I guess I have no choice," Natsu scratched his head, his hair in disarray. His eyes, however, were on Lucy's face.
"I'm proud of you both," Makarov looked at Natsu and Erza, his voice steady and solemn, holding a hint of fatherly devotion. "Now if only we could get Mirajane to agree."
Natsu's mouth fell open in shock, as did Lucy's. What had happened to the other holy mages that Makarov was suddenly offering positions like they were candy? That meant that at least three had perished. Lucy knew that Jellal had been disbarred from the supremacy, leaving at least one spot. Of course Erza would take it. But Natsu and Mirajane? Surely he would chose Gildarts , wasn't he the strongest mage in Fairy Tail? Was Gray next?
No, Lucy decided, Gray was not nearly as powerful as Natsu, though he was one of the guild's able-bodied. She had a sneaking suspicion that Gajeel, at least, would be asked. Maybe Juvia as well. With those five, or maybe six, that would mean that only a handful of the others were still living...
"I'm sorry, Master," Mirajane replied, her knuckles white from squeezing the scrub brush tightly, "but I just cannot accept it. I do not wish to fight, if I can avoid it."
Makarov nodded, "As I had expected from you. Do not fret, I understand. We all do." His eyes darted around the room, as silent nods showed their agreement.
The reknown mage took a deep breath, closing his eyes and tugging at his mustache. Lucy thought that he suddenly looked very...old. She could see Erza slowly walking down the stairs, her posture stiff and full of reserve. Lucy knew that Erza's shock was far from being over, and she felt very sorry for the young woman. She suspected that Erza harbored deep feelings for Jellal, that she had secretly hoped that her childhood friend had been the one that Makarov had spoken of. Her disappointment was visible, though she tried to hide it. Lucy fought back tears of desperation.
"We have much to do," Makarov suddenly spoke, his tone grave.
"Huh? Whatddya mean?" Natsu narrowed his eyes.
Makarov leaned against the door frame, crossing his ankles as he stood there, chewing the ends of mustache. "The villagers. We need to get them to safety."
"What?" Lucy choked out, "Why?"
"Because," Makarov opened his eyes, glancing at Erza. Lucy could see the stiff nod. "We are next."
"Next?" Natsu repeated softly, the word almost foreign on his tongue.
"Whatever has attacked Blue Pegasus, has attacked the other guilds—"
"They've been attacked too?" Lucy huffed in exasperation. Why hadn't they been told this?
Makarov nodded, the movement slight, "They have. And we are the last one remaining. It's only natural that we are next. At least, that's the message I gathered from Hibiki."
"Oh no," Lucy groaned, reaching out and stabilizing herself on the top of a nearby table. Natsu took a step toward her, but she shook her head, "Now what?"
"We try to evacuate the village, and we stay and fight," Erza replied matter-of-factly.
"That's it? That's your plan?" Lucy weakly inquired.
Erza nodded, as if there was never any other decision, "You have a better one, Lucy?"
"No, of course not!" Lucy yelped, recognizing the fear in the ex-quipping mages gaze. Erza was scared?
"Then it's decided," Makarov agreed, "We will tell the others tonight. It is inevitable."
Inevitable. Lucy hated that word. It sounded as if they had no say in their own fate. She glanced at Natsu, who was grinning widely.
Fool! she thought.
"I think Hibiki was trying to warn us, that's why he came here. Llamia Scale was still standing, but for how much longer, I do not know."
"Jura! Leon! Cherry!" Lucy cried. She suddenly thought of Gray. What would he think about his childhood friend's demise?
"What do you suggest?" Natsu cracked his knuckles, his eyes glinting dangerously.
"I—" Makarov began, as the door suddenly crashed open.
"Master! Mirajane!" Jet and Droy yelled as they barreled through the door together. Something was draped over their shoulders...
No. Someone!
Lucy gasped as she recognized the victim: Ichiya! The two members of Levy's team were pale and wide-eyed as they supported Ichiya, practically dragging him into the great hall. Even Makarov was visibly surprised by their sudden intrusion, though his loss of reserve was momentary.
"We f-f-found him on our way back from v-visiting Levy," Jet explained, sweat shining on his upper lip.
"I see," Makarov replied, his face grim as he studied Ichiya's injuries.
"He's in bad shape," Droy whispered as Makarov pointed to where they could take him.
"My dear," Makarov's voice was soft as he placed hand on Mirajane's shoulder as she silently watched with a horrified expression, "Please get Porlyusica for me. Again."
Before anyone could mention Wendy's name, the dragon slayer was in front of Ichiya, studying the injuries with trembling hands. She furrowed her brow in determination.
"I'll do what I can," she confirmed, her fingers glowing white as Ichiya groaned loudly.
Wendy's hair was matted to her forehead, her face ashen and fatigued from the depletion of her magical energy. Lucy knew the feeling, and she was positive that Wendy was reaching her breaking point. Jet and Droy tried their best to settle Ichiya against the wall, propping him upright. When they moved from her vantage point, Lucy nearly fainted. Ichiya was injured as badly as Hibiki and Eve—if not more so!
His entire right hand was gone, the stump now bloody and crusted in black, charred skin. His left hand was missing a few fingers, as well, the bones haphazardly broken and the appendages splayed at odd angles. He was missing his front teeth, and his lip was badly split open. Lucy was positive that his nose was broken, and there were large bruises littering his body, not to mention the blood that covered him from head to toe. Most of it had long dried, and she had no doubt that he had been traveling for some time before Jet and Droy had found him. What had happened to him? How had the Trimens been so oddly separated!
Lucy could see the markings on his face slowly heal as Wendy used her dragon slayer magic on the Blue Pegasus mage, but his limbs were not being restored. The memory of Wendy's inability to heal Adie was suddenly at the forefront of her mind, and she knew all too well what occurring. The injuries were caused by whatever creatures Lilith summoned, and the damage not amenable to dragon slayer magic! Wendy slumped to her knees in defeat, and Jet immediately supported her before she fell backward onto the hard floor. Makarov said nothing, recognizing what Lucy had moments earlier. Natsu looked confused, though Lucy was positive that even he, too, was aware of what was occurring.
Wendy looked at Ichiya and began to sob out of frustration, her breath ragged and body heaving, "I-I'm s-s-sorry!"
Makarov knelt beside the girl, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, "There is nothing more you could do, Wendy. Thank you for your effort."
"B-B-But—" she began to wail, furious at her own inability to help.
"Not...not even my healing perfumes...helped," Ichiya croaked, offering a sad smile, his broken teeth made Lucy want to cry, though his split lip was healed, at least. "You have done enough. My pain is lessened. You cannot make this face handsome again, I'm afraid. Thank you, Wendy."
Wendy nodded, sobbing loudly as Erza quickly knelt in front of Ichiya, her body unfrozen from the stairs. Lucy hadn't heard or seen her move. The red-head was in a near state of panic as she gripped his shoulders, "What happened, tell us!"
Ichiya winced and coughed, removing his hand from his chest for the first time. Lucy could see the fabric of his shirt droop, revealing the angry, pulsating bruise on his chest. It was nearly black, and she could see a few ribs poking out of the skin of Ichiya's chest, the blood long crusted around the horrid puncture wounds. Fresh red blood oozed from his mouth as he smiled weakly at Erza.
"Erza...my love...I'm sorry...for—" he began, his lips bright crimson from the thick fluid.
"Now's not the time for that!" Erza interrupted, tears rimming her eyes as she understood what he was trying to convey, "You need to save your energy!"
Ichiya shook his head, "I'm not dumb, my sweet..." He reached out a fractured hand to touch her hair, his smile stoic yet filled with sadness and his eyes full of determination, "I am sorry for...that night."
"What night?" Natsu mumbled under his breath, though his voice was loud enough for everyone to hear.
It was common knowledge that Erza despised Ichiya, as the two had some history that no one knew about. Ichiya ignored them, his swollen eyes on Erza.
"I have never been a handsome man. I only wanted...to know what it was like to have a beautiful woman kiss me. I was a fool to use such veiled methods on you...unforgivable and shameful..."
"It was a silly trick, but I don't blame you anymore. I'm not angry!" Erza replied, though even she didn't sound as if she believed herself. "I should have known not to drink any wine you gave me."
So that was it! Lucy pieced it together. Ichiya had taken advantage of a young, beautiful Erza, using his magic charm to lure her into intimate acts with him. How intimate, she had no idea...
"Still," Ichiya replied softly, leaning his head back and closing his eyes. "It was...cowardly of me. Though, you would not have kissed me otherwise."
"No," Erza admitted, smiling as tears streaked her face.
"See? So at least...I gained that, even if it were by false methods. I can at least die a-a happy man-" he strained to smile, though wincing from the movement.
"Don't say that!" Wendy and Erza yelled in unison.
Jet and Droy shared worried glances as Lucy felt her heart break at the moment shared between Erza and her sworn nemesis. Makarov said nothing, standing with his hands behind his back as Lucy stifled a sob and Natsu watched in quiet contemplation, his eyes darting to Lucy's face every so often.
"I forgive you," Erza replied, her voice wavering as her lip trembled. This time, it was truthful.
Makarov took a deep breath, "Has Bob been lucky enough to survive as well?"
Ichiya sucked in a ragged breath, his smile faint, " I helped him take Christina. Where he went, I do not know. I...did what I could to make sure that my brothers made it out alive...the rest is...up to...them."
"They are here, and they are safe," Makarov interrupted, nodding his head and understanding the reference to the Trimens. He did not mention the missing member.
"Good," Ichiya replied softly, "They were always so good-looking, it'd be a shame for them to die, too."
No one said anything as the silence overwhelmed them. Erza reached out and caught Ichiya as he slid sideways along the wall, his body rigid. He blinked, coughing again. This time, a whistling could be heard from his chest. Erza did her best to cover the wounds, her fingers tracing over the hardening blood-filled cavity. Her eyes grew wide in shock as Ichiya took a few strained breaths.
"At least..." he gasped, reaching out and poking Erza's cheek with a crooked, bloody finger. "At least I will have the memory of your face to guide me into this darkness."
"Stop talking like that, you fool!" Erza sobbed, suddenly overwhelmed by what was happening. She didn't care if she had hated this man for so many years, she still didn't wish for his death! Especially not by such violent means. His blood dried on her cheek as she tried to help him sit upright.
"Are those tears for me? I never thought a beautiful woman would cry for me so," he sighed raggedly, blood bubbling from his nostril as the hideous whistling grew louder.
"Please...no..." Lucy whimpered, praying for any outcome than what she feared. Natsu quickly closed the distance, putting his arm around her and pulling her closer to him. She allowed the movement, too numb to refuse, not that she would have wanted to.
"I'm sorry," the dragon slayer whispered, "We can leave, you don't have to see this."
Lucy shook her head. No, she had to be here for Erza. They all knew w was about hat was about to happen. They would witness their first real casualty of this wretched war, and it would be someone they knew. Someone they considered a friend. It would hit home. Lucy glanced at Makarov through tear-filled eyes, even he seemed to be overwhelmed with what was happening, his lower lip trembling slightly.
"I wish I could have given you a proper apology, my lovely Erza. I always loved you," he whispered. "So beautiful."
"You are forgiven, cowardly fool," Erza smiled through her tears. Ichiya's eyes flickered over her face, the light slowly fading from his gaze. He nodded softly.
His brow suddenly swooped downward as he opened his mouth to speak, "Do you smell that...splendid fragrance?"
Erza's eyes fluttered open wide, and her mouth opened but she was at a loss for words. Ichiya continued without an answer, his tone sing-song, "It smells heavenly. Like nothing I could...create..."
His voice continued to grow softer, the blood finally filling his lungs as he gurgled, "I must name it...divine hope."
The flame of life flickered from his eyes, and he continued to slide against the hard wall, until his head hit Erza's arm. She quickly shook him, but the mage simply flopped like a rag doll.
"Ichiya!" Erza's voice grew frantic as her eyes were wide with shock and fear, "Ichiya! Ichiya!"
She continued to shake him so much that his jaw opened and closed from the force of her movements. Hysteria began to take over and Makarov stepped forward, nodding toward Jet and Droy, who understood. They quickly swooped down and picked Ichiya up, pulling him from Erza's sudden, protective hug.
"What are you doing?" she asked, her expression almost wild as she reached out.
"Sorry, Erza," Natsu mumbled, disentangling Ichiya's shirt from Erza's grip. Wendy began to sob hysterically as Lucy fell at her side, hugging the girl. Her own tears were fresh as she mourned Ichiya's unexpected passing.
"I—I couldn't do...anything!" Wendy wailed as Erza sat in frozen shock.
"Erza?" Lucy reached out to touch Erza. The red-haired mage jumped at the sudden, unexpected contact, blinking rapidly as her own tears streaking her face.
Lucy rocked with Wendy in her grip as Mirajane finally returned with Porlyusica. The pink-haired healer looked over the group, red eyes filled with a understanding and a hint of sympathy. She glanced at Makarov, quickly pulling a large flask from her waist pouch. Mirajane supplied cups as the healer poured an amber liquid into the drinking glasses. She approached Erza, Lucy and Wendy, holding out two cups. Steam billowed from the top as she pushed one into Erza's hands.
"Here, drink this," she commanded loudly.
Erza hesitantly took the beverage, as did Wendy. The two women sipped slowly, afraid to disobey the healer. Both were numb with shock, and Lucy was unsure who had taken it the hardest. She was confident that Erza's grief was a combination of Makarov's confession about Jellal as well as her former acquaintance's brutal passing.
Within moments, both women had become listless. Neither said a word, and Lucy looked at Porlyusica expectantly.
"What?" the woman snapped, her voice immediately softening, "I just gave them something to ease their anxiety. When it wears off, they will be relaxed and not like so."
She gestured toward Lucy's friends as Jet and Droy carefully and quietly carried Ichiya's body with Natsu's direction. Lucy knew that he would be taken to Porlyusica's for burial preparations.
"So she couldn't heal the injuries, as they were caused by non-human entities?" Porlyusica asked Makarov, her eyes on Wendy.
"It seems so," he replied carefully. "But it is still a sad, unexpected passing."
"Agreed," Porlyusica answered, her lips thin, "It appears human violence has some advantages after all."
~OoOoO~
Hours passed, and Lucy had seen to it that Erza was safely tucked into her bed. Natsu and Levy had taken Wendy to her room down the hall from Erza's. Levy had stumbled into the guild for a few more books soon after Porlyusica had appeared. Lucy was currently sitting on the edge of Erza's bed, stroking deep crimson hair as the ex-quipping mage drifted off to sleep. When Erza's breathing became deep and slow, Lucy knew that she had finally found enough peace to get some rest.
Lucy took her time walking the dorm-like hall as she slowly found her way to the front entrance. She walked out, noticing Levy standing against the building, reading in the darkness with a small light attached to her glasses. Lucy smiled, knowing Levy had been doing a lot of studying lately, though she wasn't sure how much of it was to benefit her. Levy looked up, the light momentarily blinding Lucy, who shielded her eyes with her hands.
"Gaah!" she yelled, nearly tripping down the front foyer.
"Lu!" Levy cried as Lucy flailed and teetered toward the grass.
"Ooof!" Lucy fell, though it wasn't as painful as she had anticipated...
"Get off me, you're heavy!" came the muffled snarl.
Levy's eyes grew wide as she slammed her book shut, quickly reaching Lucy to help her up, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Lucy brushed herself off, noticing her pillow for the first time. Morpheus sat up, his eyes bulging from his head as he gasped for air, grabbing his throat.
"I'm not that heavy!" Lucy snapped, her eyes narrowed. How had he landed beneath her?
"We...need to talk about you summoning me...at all hours," Morpheus hissed, rubbing a sore elbow. His golden eyes flickered in Levy's light, his irises growing round.
"I didn't summon you!" Lucy pointed out, looking to Levy, who simply shook her head.
"I didn't hear her."
Morpheus looked between the two women, saying nothing for some time, a smile slowly pulling at his mouth, exposing a sharp incisor, "I see."
Lucy looked at him quizzically, "What do you see?"
"How long have you been calling your spirits without actually using the key?" he raised a brow.
"I-" Lucy began, her mouth hanging open as she thought about the question, "I...really don't know! I don't try to."
"Not too shabby," Morpheus leaped to his feet, brushing grass off, "You should think of these things."
"It's not like you can't just come and go when you please," Lucy shot back, slightly irritated with his desire to not share his thoughts.
"It's not that easy," the cat replied, his pupils slit-like as he watched her, his eyes on her keys.
"She can call you without using them?" Levy repeated softly, tapping her chin. "That's an accomplishment for Lu-chan is it not?"
Morpheus nodded, and Lucy furrowed her brow in confusion. The movement from the corner of her eye caused her attention to be drawn elsewhere.
"Hi Lucy!" Happy chirped as he, Natsu, and Charle headed toward them.
"I'm going to see Wendy," Charle quickly blurted, pushing past Lucy, nodding her acknowledgment.
Lucy smiled weakly, noticing Morpheus' sudden silence as his golden eyes followed Charle's movements. She held back a snarky comment while the Eksheed rushed past, oblivious to the spirit's presence.
"How is Erza?" Natsu asked, his hands shoved in his pockets as he tucked his chin into his scarf.
"She's...doing as well as expected," Lucy replied, remembering the day's events. It had been tough for all of them, but more so for Erza. She felt sorry for the ex-quipping mage; the woman always kept herself so bottled up, never speaking about her feelings...
"She'll be alright, Erza's always alright," Happy nodded in satisfaction.
"Makarov's having a meeting with the rest of the guild," Natsu informed her, glancing at Happy.
"He was still talking when we left, Charle wanted to make sure Wendy was OK," he informed them.
"I'd rather not go," Lucy confided, somewhat ashamed at her desire to avoid seeing a large group of people. She'd had enough surprises for one day.
"Alzak and Bisca are back. They're married," Happy spoke excitedly, as Natsu gave his friend a lopsided smile of encouragement, "And she's going to have a baby!"
"A baby!" Lucy repeated, her mouth hanging open.
"Yup," Natsu nodded. "Sounds like Gramps is gonna have a celebration for them, before he ships them out!"
"Ships them out?" Levy echoed Natsu this time.
"He doesn't want them around for when Ultear's army comes..." Morpheus' eyes were narrowed as he answered what Happy already knew and had shared with Natsu.
"That's right," Happy nodded, suddenly serious.
"She can't stay here, it's too dangerous!" Lucy replied, her fingers pressing against her lips in horror.
"Knowing those two, they'll want to stay and fight," Natsu shook his head, giving a toothy grin.
"They cant!" Lucy argued.
"Not for us to decide, Luce," Natsu told her, his eyes serious.
Lucy was near tears as she thought about the chaos suddenly surrounding their lives. She had nearly forgotten about Adie in all of this. She turned toward Levy.
"How's...how's Adie?" she asked, upset that she had been so neglectful.
Levy watched her carefully, her eyes flickering to Morpheus. He said nothing as Lucy glanced at him. Levy opened her mouth after a few moments, "She's doing as fine as expected."
Another careful glance toward Morpheus. Still, he remained silent, much to Lucy's disdain.
"I think I'll go see her," Lucy decided.
"I'll go with you-" Natsu began.
"No," Lucy shook her head, "Porlyusica is already overwhelmed, and she hates humans, remember?"
"She does," Levy agreed. "She only talks to me when she needs to, otherwise she ignores me."
"Wonder why," Happy tapped his chin thoughtfully.
"Eh, not really my concern right now," Lucy answered, casting a glance toward Morpheus. Maybe if I take him...
"I'll go with you, we have to reapply that seal tonight," Levy considered.
"But-" Natsu began, catching Lucy's sharp look, "Are you sure?"
"Yup," Lucy nodded. "Morpheus, you're coming, too." He said nothing, already aware that he was going. He knew what Lucy was thinking anyhow...
"If you say so," Natsu answered, looking slightly hurt and offended that he was being left out.
"I need to discuss something with Morpheus," Lucy explained, the look on his face breaking her heart.
Natsu said nothing as they all silently walked toward the guild. Happy promised Natsu food, quickly cheering up the fire mage, and the two friends immediately took seats with the rest of the guild as the entered the hall. Unbeknownst to her, Natsu's dark eyes followed Lucy as she ascended the stairs to the doorway to Porlyusica's. She asked question about Adie's condition while Levy answered the best she could. It seemed as if Porlyusica was truly exhausting all routes to heal the demi-spirit, despite her perceived dislike of anything that breathed oxygen and looked like a human. They were talking quietly when Lucy nearly walked into Mirajane as she exited an unfamiliar room in the hall. She barely registered the three people as she closed the door behind her.
"Mirajane?" Lucy called out softly.
The pale-haired mage jumped slightly, quickly turning toward them, "Oh! Lucy, Levy...and, er..."
"Morpheus," the cat bowed slightly. Politely.
"Good evening," Mirajane nodded her head.
Lucy noticed the puffiness of her eyes, "Are you alright?"
"Me? Oh yes! I-I'm fine. Just a bit of a cold," Mirajane smiled sweetly.
Lucy looked past Mirajane, peering at the door, "Are Hibiki and Eve at Porlyusica's as well?"
"No..." Mirajane replied cautiously, pointing toward the door she had just exited. "They are here under my care and Porlyusica's supervision."
Lucy and Levy exchanged worried glances. Mirajane did not notice, her smile growing as she lightly walked past them, "Have a good night, you three!"
"We will," Levy replied, shrugging at Lucy, who glanced at Morpheus. He was once again choosing to remain mum on whatever was truly going on, much to her frustration.
~OoOoO~
Levy was helping Porlyusica prepare what was necessary for the seal. Lucy couldn't help but notice the woman's somewhat talkative nature with Levy, something she had never seen of the often cold, serious healer. She wondered if Levy's charm was working on the elderly friend of Makarov's.
"I have a question, and I want your honest opinion," Lucy murmured, as she looked down at Adie's unconscious form.
The blacksmith was still pale, but her color was better. The seal was looking less prominent, and Lucy wondered if that was why Levy was replacing it. The woman's breathing was deep and quick, the bandage on her shoulder no longer soaked through with oozing fluid. Lucy took that as a good sign. Every so often, Adie's eyelids would flutter, showing some signs of life as her nostrils flared softly.
"Think you can go through with it?" he did not look at her, already knowing her question.
"I hate when you do that!" Lucy bit back.
"I know," he chuckled as he studied Adie's face with his almond-shaped eyes.
"I-I don't know..." Lucy admitted, considering if she would go through with Adie what she did with Veleda.
"There is no shame in being afraid," Morpheus admitted, his tone gentle. "But is that what she wants?"
Lucy said nothing. She wasn't sure. Most likely not. "Would she want to be a spirit, you mean?"
"Exactly."
"What do you think?" she replied, her eyes scanning the room.
"I think she'd clobber you," he smiled, white teeth protruding from his mouth as a large ear twitched.
"How do you know?" Lucy asked, her face wrinkled with perplexity.
"Because I can read her thoughts," Morpheus tapped his head.
"Wha?" Lucy gawked.
"Just because my eyes are closed does not mean I'm dead," came the weak response. Lucy jumped, nearly landing on Morpheus, who reflexively leaped backward,
"You knew!" she accused him.
"Heh," Morpheus replied, amused.
"You two plotting to kill me?" Adie's eyes fluttered open, pale irises falling on Lucy.
"N-No!" she squeaked, her face paler than the demi-spirit's own waxen features.
"My answer is no," the smith told her. "Don't even consider it."
"But-" Lucy argued
"I know what the outcome will be," Adie admitted, pushing herself up with a grimace. Lucy quickly tried to help her, but she was pushed away. "I'm fine. Just sore from disuse."
"But...but what if it's needed to save your sister?" Lucy tried to reason with her.
Adie bit her lip, her features softening as she registered Lucy's point. "I...I'll have to think about that..."
"I have a point, don't I? You can't just give up. You're needed here, as well!" Lucy found herself slightly irritated at Adie's decision, considering it hasty and unfounded. Adie said nothing, her eyes on the floor.
"She's right," Morpheus spoke, much to Lucy's surprise. Adie was equally astonished, her eyes wide at his interjection on Lucy's behalf.
"I'm not afraid to die," Adie whispered. "What good is a life in the spirit world when those I care about are gone?"
"We do not know about Freya, and your sister has yet to be found. Besides, there are those who find you to be important to them. You are not thinking, princess," the feline spirit narrowed his eyes, his teeth bared. Adie's eyes flashed their annoyance. Lucy decided to stay out of it.
"Ah, you're awake!" Levy replied, looking at Adie and smiling radiantly. "How do you feel this time?"
"This time?" Lucy repeated. This time? "You were awake before?"
"I made them promise not to tell you," Adie looked ashamed, sending a warning glare at Morpheus. His mouth snapped shut in satisfaction.
"How...rude!" the spirit mage huffed.
"Well, she was in pretty bad shape, and not very with it, if you know what I mean, Lu-chan," Levy tried to smooth things over. She handed a cup to Adie, "Drink this."
"What is it?" Adie replied, her eyebrow raised as she carefully sniffed the liquid.
"Pain medicine," Levy answered, pulling her pocket book from her pants. "Now let me see what we need..."
As she was perusing her handwritten list, Lucy could hear the swishing of fabric behind her. She turned, finding Porlyusica's stern face returning her surprised stare. In her hands were a few items, most of which were unfamiliar to Lucy. The sound of something hitting the floor caused Lucy to turn around. She saw Adie leaning against the wall next to her makeshift bed, her eyes wide and her face white as a ghost.
"Adie! What's wrong?" Lucy asked frantically. She cast a worried glance toward Levy, wondering if the medicine was the culprit.
"H-Her!" Adie rasped, a shaking hand pointing a forefinger in Lucy's direction.
"Me?" Lucy asked, suddenly confused. She barely registered that she was stepping in the warm liquid that Adie had been directed to consume.
"No," Porlyusica answered from behind Lucy, "Not you, girl. She means me."