A/N: Long(er) chapter as an apology for taking forEVER! It's tough to finish a damned chapter between moving every month and, now, interviews. Some are on the other side of the country. Not so fun. Anyhow, here you go. I want you to know that I'm very intentional in everything I do, and we will slowly see an explanation for Natsu's action. But, you may have to read between the lines. And, uh, Levy trying to be an S-class mage? Paired with Gajeel? YES! Love it.
Welcome new readers/adds. Much love to my faithful reviewers/readers. You all keep me motivated! RxR, as always, peeps! PS: any mistakes, I'll fix later. I got double vision.
Disclaimer: do not own FT, only takin' credit for OCs.
~OoOoO~
The chilly breeze elicited gooseflesh as it danced across Lucy's exposed skin. She mumbled into her pillow as she rolled over, burying her face in its downy softness. Her mind teetered on the verge of dreaming until the shrill call of a stray bird on her window sill pulled her out of it. The shock of consciousness stung her, and she could already feel her mood being set for the day. She cursed under her breath as she folded her pillow around her head, hoping to muffle the screeching chirp. Weren't birds supposed to sing beautiful songs? If so, then this particular avian must be an outcast. With reason.
Once again, Lucy lolled in and out of sleep, hovering in a place that was neither.
The chirping grew louder, and soon, her makeshift earmuffs did little to silence the persistent bird on the sill. Nor did it help her sudden murderous ire. Lucy grunted incoherently as she pushed herself up, throwing open her curtains and attempting to slam the window on the bird. The tiny animal leaped back, cocking its head and glaring at her from outside the glass panes. She narrowed her eyes, challenging it back and jutting out her lower lip as she gave up, falling back into the warmth of her covers. Her eyelids grew heavy once again and she snuggled into the comforter.
Suddenly, she smelled him.
"Natsu?" she whispered, her eyes snapping open. Her pupils constricted, fiercely adjusting to the bright morning sunlight. Her eyes trailed around the room.
Nothing.
She sat upright, her head spinning from the movement. She choked as she realized that the scarf was buried under her backside. It pulled more tightly around her neck, making her upright position nearly impossible due to lack of oxygen. She quickly slumped back, rolling over and looking confused as she peeled the familiar item from around her shoulders and neck. Had she slept with this on? She lifted it, scrutinizing the fabric. She was not entirely certain how she came into possessing Natsu's prized article of clothing. His lack of presence lingered, and she felt oddly discouraged at that realization. She sighed, curling into a ball on her side, holding the fabric to her face an inhaling deeply. She would not tire of each long breath as the his smell lingered on her nostrils.
Why would he leave his favorite possession? she wondered to herself, The scarf that Igneel gave him?
She inhaled, slowly, allowing her mind to drift back to the events from the night before. Her eyes suddenly fluttered open as flashes of the prior night came flooding back. It suddenly hit her like a ton of bricks! She had been so tired after leaving Porlyusica's—she could barely keep her eyes open. She remembered Mirajane demanding that Natsu walk her home, and she remembered holding his arm in the darkness of the night. That's how she had come into possession of his scarf! She had complained of the night chill, and he had been concerned enough to give her some source of warmth. She recalled how he had escorted her back to her apartment, but did not immediately surmise as to why was he not in his usual spot on the floor. Or the futon, even. She scratched her head as she sat upright on the bed, once again.
The futon! She had fallen asleep on the futon, hadn't she? How did she get to the bed?
Her eyes widened as her hands cupped her mouth, stifling her groan. Her cheeks burned as she recalled her forward demands from the night before. Had she really demanded that Natsu kiss her? How had she suddenly been so bold? It was so unlike her!
No, it isn't, stupid, Lucy told herself. It wasn't unlike her. Not when it came to getting what she wanted. She wanted attention? She'd wear tight clothes. She wanted recognition? She'd call her spirits. She wanted a kiss from a stupid boy? She'd damn well ask for it! She recalled his serious expression...he hadn't listened to her orders had he?
No, the voice echoed from the back of her mind, he refused, remember?
But, she didn't immediately remember. She concentrated, trying to re-live the night's events. She covered her face with her hands, cursing at herself as she recalled how serious he had been. He had wanted to discuss something important with Lucy, but she hadn't been the least bit interested in listening All she wanted was to re-experience the feel of his lips on her. His hands on her waist. The closeness of their bodies.
The feeling that they belonged to no one else but each other.
It was selfish, but that was what Lucy had wanted, despite Natsu's blatant concern about something. It was rare for him to display such odd gravity over any situation that did not involve the immediate danger of his comrades' lives. Lucy covered her face with her hands as she tried to call to mind what he was so seriously trying to discuss with her. All she could conjure were images of how hurt and upset he had looked as he tried to talk to her.
And all you could do was make demands, Princess!
And lewd ones, too! Lucy cringed at the chastising her conscience was giving her. What was happening to her for her to be so self absorbed? She dropped her hands from her face, welcoming what she had been damming back all this time. She already knew that answer.
She was in love.
She was in love with the hot-tempered, impetuous dragon slayer.
The man who had brought her to his home.
The man who had made her a part of his guild.
The man who had had protected her since their very first meeting.
Protected her. Always protecting Lucy. His Lucy.
She gasped into her fingertips, slowly recalling his attempt to tell her that something wouldn't work.
"What did you mean, Natsu?" she wondered aloud, her heart racing.
He couldn't mean they couldn't work, could he? Why would he say something like that? Especially not after the kiss he shared with her! He had been just as enthusiastic as she had been. He had wanted it just as much as she had, surely? She wasn't mistaken in that!
He had been so protective since his return home from that mission with Wendy. Would he be protective if he hadn't wanted that kiss to happen? Sure, he was always protective of his friends, but he had been more so than usual toward her. Could he just stop caring so quickly? Did he ever care about her?
No, she told herself, shaking her head furiously. She knew Natsu. He had been an equal participant in that kiss. Though she hadn't kissed boys on a regular basis, she knew the kiss of an interested boy!
It's something else! It has to be. Something is bothering him, she told herself resolutely. Until he told her otherwise, she had no reason to distrust his earlier actions. She wanted to throw on her clothes and find him. She wanted to ask him what it was that was causing him to act like that—so un-Natsu-like!
Right now! her inner voice urged her. Lucy shook her head in disagreement; she wasn't even sure if she correctly remembered last night. Surely he had his reasons. ….
She sat there, caressing the scarf that she had neatly folded. It sat in a perfect square on her bed. She ruminated on what she would do; what she would say when she found him. Natsu wasn't one to act differently than he felt. He couldn't mean what he said—that they couldn't work as a couple.
Not after what he did...
After he made her fall in love with him.
Despite her steadfast knowledge of Natsu's personality, there was a small part of her that was concerned that he may have truly meant it. Or thought he did. Lucy knew that that concern held some validity. Why else would he say those things and leave? He didn't even try to kiss her, and she had made it easy for him! Something was definitely wrong.
Lucy sighed, staring at her door, hot tears stinging her eyes. She had been through so much these past few days; this was not something she wanted to deal with. This was not where she saw her friendship with Natsu going.
She had to find him. She had to talk with him.
The bird was still screeching at her from the window sill. In her frustration, Lucy spun around and jerked open her window, screaming at the bird, "What the hell are you doing? Leave me alone!"
The bird hopped away, and Lucy stared down into Magnolia, her voice leaving her. She could see the villagers slowly filing out of the city. Her eyes widened in realization: Makarov had been serious! The scene below made her realize that a war was truly on the horizon. The guild was preparing for a fight. Her guild.
"Thanks!" she whispered to the bird, which was now hopping over the threshold into her room, angling its head to span the studio apartment. Lucy quickly grabbed the scarf, sliding on her boots as she made her silent resolution.
She had to find Natsu.
~OoOoO~
Lucy had dressed quickly—more haphazardly than usual. She realized that she hadn't reached for her signature short skirt when choosing an outfit for the chilly, autumn day. She wasn't sure why the change, but she felt that her usual attire was not practical. She was sure Adie would approve. She pulled her thin jacket more tightly around her as she quickly strode toward the Great Hall. She glanced up at the arch above her, the one bearing the Fairy Tail crest. Its appearance was different from the first time she had come to to the guild—with Natsu and Happy. But, it still elicited the same sense of pride every time she walked beneath it.
She made her way to the main hall, easily pushing open the large doors. In the past, such a task had been a small struggle. She didn't pay much thought to it as she peered into the large hall with its bright lighting. Her eyes were still puffy from lack of sleep over the past handful of days, and they stung from the sudden change in lighting. She shielded her eyes as she looked around. She could hear the faint clinking of cutlery on plates as a large number of guild members enjoyed their breakfast. Lucy spotted Gray sitting at a table by himself, shoveling food into his mouth. Juvia and Elfman were speaking quietly at the bar as Mirajane wiped it down, smiling and nodding occasionally. She, too, looked like she hadn't been sleeping well.
"Morning, Lucy!" Mirajane chirped as Lucy walked by, her eyes darting to the bundle that was tightly squeezed between Lucy's palms.
"H-Hi, Mira," Lucy replied softly, nodding as Juvia acknowledged her.
"Lucy," the water mage murmured, a rare smile on her lips.
"Lucy-san, you look refreshed this morning!" Elfman patted her on the shoulder.
Lucy half-expected to see signs of jealousy displayed on Juvia's face, but was surprised to find none. She silently wondered what, exactly, was going on between the two mages. Juvia didn't so much as cast a glance toward Gray.
"Would you like to join us?" Juvia asked, nodding toward the stool next to them.
"No, thank you," Lucy replied, glancing at Gray before looking expectantly at Mirajane," Have you seen Natsu?"
"Natsu?" Mirajane asked, her eyes once again darting to the item Lucy was clasping, "He was here earlier. Much earlier. Did you two get into a fight?"
"N-No!" Lucy squealed, her voice much more shrill than she had anticipated as her cheeks burned.
Juvia stifled a snort as Elfman grinned knowingly. Lucy opened her mouth to deny whatever it was they were thinking, deciding it was not worth putting forth the effort. Her shoulders slumped in defeat. It was apparent that everyone else seemed to see that there was more between her and Natsu than either of them had realized. Was it that obvious?
"Well, I haven't seen him since, Lucy. Do you want me to tell him you were looking for him?" she asked cautiously, tilting her head to the side.
Lucy shook her head, "No, thank you! I'm sure I'll run into him! Always do. Enjoy breakfast, guys!"
She quickly retreated to the table where Gray was eating. He looked up at her, nodding as she sat down. She noticed Happy reading the paper from beside the ice mage, startled she hadn't seen him before.
"Hey, Gray. Happy."
"How're you, Lucy?" Gray mumbled between bites.
"Hi Lucy!" Happy chirped.
"Where's Natsu?" she asked, trying to be nonchalant in her approach.
"Don't know," Gray shrugged as Happy shook his head, though more hesitantly.
"Figures!" she sighed, dropping the lightweight fabric of Natsu's scarf onto the tabletop. Happy eyed the item, furrowing his brow in consternation, though he said nothing. The paper was quickly made into a barrier between Lucy and the blue cat.
"You want anything, Lucy?" Mira called from the bar.
"Maybe a juice? Whatever you have..."
"Comin' right up!" Mirajane smiled.
"How is she always so cheerful in the morning?" Lucy wondered aloud, resting her chin in her palms.
"Don't know," Gray answered between bites.
"Where is your shirt?" Lucy pointed out, no longer the least bit surprised by Gray's usual nudity.
Gray looked down at himself, a bewildered look fleeting across his face, "Shit."
Lucy shook her head, chuckling softly as she traced her finger around Natsu's scarf.
"You want me to give that back to Natsu?" Happy asked, his expression serious as he glanced between the scarf and Lucy.
"No," Lucy replied, chewing on her lower lip, "I'll give it back to him, but thanks anyway."
"Aye," Happy nodded, his voice low. Lucy had a feeling that the cat knew something he was not sharing, but she didn't want to perpetuate anything by questioning him.
"I can't believe he's a Wizard Saint," Gray shook his head, pushing his plate away from him, "I should be one, too, at least!"
Lucy raised an eyebrow. Gray was strong, she couldn't deny it, but she did not feel he was on the same level as Natsu. Perhaps she was biased...
"Natsu's stronger," Happy offered in the dragon slayer's defense.
"WHAT?" Gray roared, glaring at Happy. The cat shrugged his indifference.
"I'm sure Makarov thought of you," Lucy tried to ease Gray's blatant jealousy at his rival's promotion, "But your relationship to Ur most likely complicates things."
Gray blinked, staring at Lucy as if he hadn't thought of that. "I...didn't think about it that way.."
"Of course not," Lucy tsked, "But maybe he doesn't want to put you in the position where you'll be faced with breaking your promise to Ur, where you'd be obligated to kill Ultear?"
Gray was silent, looking blankly at the table. "Damn...I think you're right, Lucy."
"As always," she smiled, pulling the scarf onto her lap, clasping her hands over it as she glanced at the person entering the hall. Her stomach sank. It was not Natsu.
"But, Natsu.." he began, looking up at Lucy in slight confusion. Realization flickered across his face as he shook his head, mumbling, "Nevermind."
"What?" she pressed, interested in his sudden change of heart. He exchanged a brief look with Happy, which was not missed by Lucy. She looked at Happy expectantly. What was going on?
"Nothing, Lucy, why do you ask?" Happy blinked, his most unknowing expression plastered across his face.
Damn him!
Lucy said nothing, unsure as to whether she wanted to pursue the odd exchange. Right now, she was more concerned with finding Natsu. She sighed, standing quickly.
"You alright?" Gray watched her, his face suddenly full of concern for his friend.
"I'm fine," Lucy attempted to smile. She glanced at Happy, "If you see Natsu, tell him I'm looking for him."
"Aye, Lucy," Happy saluted her.
"See you two!" Lucy nodded as she made her way to the door.
The worst part of the entire situation was that she had no idea where Natsu lived. If she had, she could easily find him, but she was too proud to ask. She had always just found him sleeping on her floor, or on her bed. She had never had to look far for him, he had always been there...
She was so lost in her thoughts that she nearly ran into Bisca as the mage came into the main hall, Alzack beside her.
"Lucy!" Bisca smiled, as Lucy mumbled her apology.
Her chestnut eyes instinctively fell to Bisca's abdomen. The slight swell of pregnancy was hidden beneath the flowery, flowing dress. She wore boots with a denim jacket as her jade hair fell around her shoulders in waves. She did justice to pregnant women everywhere: Bisca was glowing.
"You look lovely!" Lucy whistled as she gave Bisca a brief hug. She could feel the slight bulge of pregnancy from the embrace. "Alzack! Congratulations, you two!"
"Thanks!" Bisca smiled, glancing at Alzack, who reached out and grasped her hand.
Lucy noticed the red tinge to their eyes, and wondered what was going on beneath the cheerful demeanor. "How are you feeling?"
"Me?" Bisca's hand settled on her stomach, absentmindedly, "I'm doing fine, thank you!"
"I'm so happy for both of you, you two deserve it!" Lucy smiled. She noticed Alzack wincing slightly and wondered if she had said something wrong...
"Thank you, Lucy," he nodded, doing his best to smile, but he fell short.
"Where's Natsu?" Bisca asked. It was Lucy's turn to show her disdain. She quickly masked her pain as she forced a smile to her lips.
"I have no idea, somewhere around here, I'm sure," she replied calmly.
"Yes, true," Bisca continued to smile. She glanced past Lucy, "Have you seen Master Makarov?"
"He doesn't seem to be here, does he?" Lucy gestured behind her. She hadn't seen him since the day before.
"You're right," Bisca looked over Lucy's shoulder, "maybe we'll find him at lunch."
Alzack nodded, and Bisca smiled radiantly, a dimple appearing in her left cheek, "I'm famished, I need to eat. It was nice seeing you, Lucy!"
"You too. Both of you!" Lucy waved as the newlyweds whisked past her, Bisca chattering happily. Too happily.
Lucy sighed, as she watched Bisca and Alzack walk hand-in-hand. She saw Juvia softly resting her palm on Elfman's forearm. The happy couples were starting to irritate her. She immediately felt horrible for her dark thoughts, and quickly passed through the hall's entrance. The cold air hit her like a wall, and she was torn from her brooding thoughts. She wrapped Natsu's scarf around her neck before tying it. She would visit Adie later, most likely, but what would she do for now? She would take a early morning walk before heading to the library, she determined. Then, after that, maybe she would train, though she didn't think Erza would be available to help her this time. No, perhaps she would practice alone. After that, she'd find something interesting to keep her occupied as she sat in the main hall, waiting for Natsu to appear. He couldn't avoid her forever..
Could he?
~OoOoO~
It had been an eventful afternoon for Lucy. She had managed to spend some time at the library, reading what she could on Stellar Spirits. She was surprised at how limited the information regarding the beings were. She had decided to find any remnants of history surrounding the past Guardian's life, but even that information was scant; she had gleamed more information from Veleda than she had in the library. She made a mental note to summon Crux later, for information. What was more shocking, however, was that she as unable to find any information regarding Adie's village of Wisteria. Something Porlyusica had mentioned the day before had prompted Lucy to want to explore the history of that village more, but she was unable to find even the slightest reference to the town or its people.
She had made a second mental note to ask Veleda about that, later, as well.
Lucy thought back to the conversation at Porlyusica's the night before. She had listened and asked questions until her brain shut down from lack of sleep. She recalled Veleda discussing her childhood with an aunt—her mother's sister—who was a member of some other guild that Lucy had never heard of, nor did she know of their current existence. The demi-spirit was raised by her maternal aunt in the guild, where she had been trained by gifted mages, lending hand to some of her current abilities. Veleda had outlived the cousin she had lovingly spoke of—a mage who had also been gifted in summoning stellar spirits. Lucy tried to find information as to whether "like magic" occurred in families—like a genetic inheritance pattern for magical abilities. But, she gave up that search, quickly realizing that it would be something Levy would be more equipped to look for.
She had gone home and napped briefly, before deciding to call upon Loki to help her train. He had been eager to help her, and she wondered if it had something to do with him not wishing for her to ask him about his past with Adie. He had avoided the topic at all costs, and Lucy respected his silent wishes. She was sure that, in the end, it would work out for the best. Loki shared that the spirits had discussed their earlier conversations with Lucy. The result of their meeting was that they had unanimously agreed (much to Lucy's surprise) that they would open their own gates when Lucy was in need. That way, she could save her magic for when she truly required it. Lucy teared up at the support of her spirits, and she found herself hugging Leo tightly. He had patted her back, chuckling softly.
"You do love me, Lucy-chan," he murmured half-heartedly.
Lucy sobbed, wiping her eyes, "In your dreams, you idiot!"
He shook his head softly, "Still in denial, I see. Playing hard to get?"
Lucy watched him for some time, debating on sharing what she knew. Before she could control it, the words came tumbling from her mouth, "Adie's dying!"
He stiffened, reaching up and straightening his sunglasses, "How did you...find out?"
Lucy fought back tears as she watched Leo's expression, "Wendy couldn't heal her, and Porlyusica-"
"The old mage?" Leo interrupted.
Lucy nodded, "She said that there was nothing more they could do. T-That she was going to d-d-die! Levy used a rune on her arm to keep the poison at bay. Morpheus says Lilith can heal her...I saw her yesterday, and she looked better...maybe..." Leo's face remained a blank slate as Lucy shared what she knew. What she promised to tell him. She stifled .a sob
Loki looked skyward, shoving his hands in his pockets, "Maybe they are wrong?"
Lucy silently nodded. A smile twisted Loki's lips upward, "Is it possible? Yes. Likely? I don't know. She was always so foolish when it came to her sister. I highly doubt she'll just die before she sees Lilith again. But, I am no fortune teller."
"We can ask Veleda!" Lucy offered.
"It does not work like that..." Leo murmured, staring at the ground. Lucy could see the slight tremble of his shoulders.
She chewed her lip, "We can hope! Maybe I can convince her...like Veleda turned-"
Leo interrupted her ramblings, raising his hand, "Lucy? Does she ever speak of me? Of us?"
Lucy said nothing, taken aback by his sudden questions. When she did not answer, he continued, "I thought not. And, I also do not think that she'll want to live as a Spirit. She would not be happy..."
"I see..." Lucy whispered, a sympathetic tear trailing down her cheek.
"Do not be sad for me, Lucy-chan," Loki smiled, looking at her. "I have you. That, alone, is enough to make a man die happy."
Lucy nodded, knowing his words were masking his true pain. At that moment, Lucy knew that spirits did experience human emotions. Even if they were inhuman, so to speak. Loki's words resounded in her head as she thought about Natsu...
She took a step forward, her hand on her whip, "So, you wanna call your sister? Make this an interesting training session?"
~OoOoO~
Lucy had showered quickly before heading toward the guild hall, her hair damp and cold in the chilly air. She hugged her jacked more tightly, tucking the ends of Natsu's scarf into her jacket. She chewed her lip nervously as she silently prayed that he would be in the hall so she could finally speak with him. It was odd for her to not hear from him for an entire day while he was not on a mission. She briefly recalled that he had never shared the details about his mission with Wendy...
Lucy stopped before entering the hall, the uproar of mages echoing outside. She pushed the doors open, glancing around to find Makarov sitting calmly on the bar as the other guild members were scattered throughout the hall. The guild master was puffing on a pipe, blowing smoke rings from the corner of his mouth as the conversation murmured around him. He raised his hand, his eyes closed as he took one last deep drag from his pipe. He plucked it from his mouth, opening his eyes and staring toward the back of the hall. Lucy saw Mirajane nervously clasp her hands under the bar as she stood behind the elderly mage.
"Any who desire to leave, you are welcome to do so. I do not wish for any of you to stay against your will. You have families," he eyes darted to his right, "You have loved ones. Be with them. Do not foolishly stay and fight. No one will think any differently of you. I will give my blessing."
"Master!"
"No!"
"Never!"
"Unthinkable!"
The murmurs grew into cries of inconceivability.
"We are not cowards-" someone cried from the back of the hall. Far left. Lucy thought it was Fried.
"I am not insinuating that you are, my children," Makarov spoke, his voice crisp and stern. "I do not wish for anyone to lose their lives-"
His voice cracked, and his lips pressed together tightly as the hall grew silent. He waved his hand, "I only wish for you to all live a happy, full life. This will be dangerous, and I do not want to give you false expectations. We will suffer the deaths of our closest friends."
His voice was soft as he glanced toward Lucy. She said nothing, wondering if his comment was directed toward her.
"We will stay and fight too!" came a fervent cry.
Lucy was startled to see Bisca standing, leaning forward on her arms as they locked over the tabletop. She glanced at Alzack, who nodded and smiled his pride at his new wife as he stood beside her. He interlaced his fingers with hers as she reached for him. He kissed her forehead as tears streaked Bisca's face.
Alzack ignored the babbling of his comrades as he spoke, "We will not abandon the guild."
"Bah!" Makarov leaped to his feet, his face reddening, "I will not hear it! You are with child, Bisca, my dear. Would you willingly risk your unborn child's life?"
Alzack paled, and Lucy could tell that even he was hesitant to follow Bisca's plans. It was apparent that wherever Bisca went, Alzack wished to follow. Suddenly, Lucy knew why the couple looked so wearied that morning: they had been planning this! The green-haired gunslinger chewed her lip, glancing toward Alzack, who said nothing.
"I thought as much. You will be an amazing mother, my child," Makarov murmured as Bisca smiled sheepishly, her hand falling to her stomach. She looked up, tears in her eyes, "At least allow Alzack to stay."
Her raven-haired husband stood taller, his grip tightening on Bisca's hand. "I agree."
"Nonsense! Again, I will not hear it!" Makarov roared, shying away their suggestion in anger.
"And why not?" Alzack asked, alarmed and upset. He glanced at Bisca. "I am no coward, Master!"
"Does anyone here think Alzack is a coward?" Makarov called out to the guild. Alzack looked deflated as he and Bisca awaited responses. Heads shook, and "no" was murmured. No one would think such a thing.
"You see?" Makarov smirked as Bisca looked crestfallen, "No one wants to separate a family or its happiness."
"But-" Alzack interrupted, feeling defeated; his manhood challenged, "I can help!"
"We know this," Makarov whispered, "But we need someone to tell our story."
"Huh?" Alzack retorted, looking confused. He glanced at Bisca, who openly weeped.
"If we do not make it out alive, who will tell the future inhabitants of this guild...no, of this country...about those who sacrificed everything for freedom?"
This time, Alzack's eyes grew misty. He swallowed, pulling Bisca close and kissing the top of her head as Makarov smiled. Knowing nods were passed around, as no one wanted to separate the two newlyweds. They would support their masters decision, unquestioningly.
"We are family, here. And family does not judge," Makarov cleared his throat. "If you wish not to fight, I will excuse you."
From behind the elderly wizard, Natsu and Erza made their way out from the kitchen, whispering closely. Lucy felt her heart race, as this was the first time she had seen Natsu since the night before. Her fingers traced up to the scarf around her neck. Natsu's scarf.
He grinned at Happy, as the blue cat flew to the bar. The two spoke quickly, and, as if he knew Lucy was there, their eyes met. His grew round, quickly darting to the item around Lucy's neck. She could see his Adam's apple bob as he swallowed. She recognized the sheen of sweat on his upper lip. He met her eyes, and she smiled at him, raising her fingers to wave. He nodded at her, offering a lopsided smile as he scratched his neck. His attention went to Makarov as the he and Erza spoke to the guild master in hushed tones. Makarov nodded, and Natsu cast Lucy one last look before exiting from when he had entered.
Lucy felt her stomach sink as she realized that he had barely acknowledged her. The smile he had offered Happy was filled with more emotion than he had mustered for her. She squeezed the scarf in her palm, the tears stinging her eyes out of anger. How could he? Why? If he wanted to avoid her, then she would never accept his help again! She ignored the rumblings around the hall as she quickly exited from where she came, not caring to stay for the remainder of the guild's meeting. In her hasty retreat, she never saw the concerned look Makarov cast her as she disappeared from the hall.
~OoOoO~
The next few days were spent training, mostly with Loki and Aries. More often, she called on Veleda and Morpheus. Occasionally, she used Scorpio, only once venturing to summon Aquarius. She never called Draco, almost afraid of what would happen. As promised, all spirits opened their own gates without using Lucy's magic.
Lucy enjoyed the sibling duo, finding that their fighting styles had an odd synchronous characteristic to it. Their childish banter took Lucy's mind away from Natsu's absence, and much welcomed excursion. Despite her resolve to never speak to him again, she had tried to search him out numerous times, but had "just missed him". Even Happy looked uncomfortable explaining to Lucy that he had not seen Natsu, either. Lucy was beginning to suspect that the cat was not being honest with her, and she did not understand why.
The remainder of her days were spent at Porlyusica's, visiting Adie. They talked, mostly in the presence of Levy, who seemed to have gleamed some new confidence in the past few weeks. At breakfast one morning, Lucy nearly choked on her tea when Levy threatened a guild member's life when the unsuspecting mage suggested that Gajeel's loyalty must have been a ruse. Lucy couldn't deny that his prolonged absence did not provide much reason to trust the dragon slayer, but Levy angrily argued the contrary.
"He'll be back. Trust him," Levy whispered into her book, blinking away hot tears.
Lucy only nodded, patting Levy's hand as the mage angrily pushed through her book of seals.
"Have a little faith. I do," was all she said.
Lucy sighed, wondering if faith was what she needed to believe that Natsu had a good reason to avoid her. Today, she wore his scarf to hold her hair back from her face. Her left wrist was still bruised from her last spar with Morpheus. She was glad that her spirits were willing to distract her, helping her become stronger and more adept in calling them forth. Perhaps her rising anger and distress was also helping. Even Aquarius had picked up on Lucy's silent ire.
"Girl, you need to get laid."
"Heh," was all Lucy could reply as the spirit giggled at Scorpio as he wriggled his eyebrows.
"Seriously, think about it," Aquarius had called over her shoulder, "You may like it." With that, the spirit and her boyfriend disappeared, arm-in-arm.
Lucy was getting used to not using her keys. She was becoming more agile in summoning as well as closing the gate, when she did call her spirits. Sure, it took a toll on her, but with each passing day, it became easier. She was sure that her spirits were somehow alleviating some of the magic toll on her, but, still, she pressed on. After one exhausting session, followed by a quick visit to Adie, Lucy slowly wandered back to her apartment. She didn't take the magical corridor that led to the guild, instead opting to walk the path to her apartment. She was in the midst of reading a book that Levy had managed to conjure, though she would not share her source. It was, supposedly, an allusion to the life of the prior Guardian, someone with whom Lucy was interested.
She had the book held so high, and was so lost in thought that she nearly missed the deep growling from ahead. She lowered the book, licking her forefinger to help moisten the page. As she turned it, a slight movement caught her eye. She leaped backward, her breath hitching in her throat as she dropped the book. Her hand instinctively went for the whip Adie have given her as her eyes remained on the large beast in front of her. The creature stood about eight feet tall, its long necks snaking skyward. Its two heads were canine-like as was the body. Four clawed feet dug into the ground as the animal bared its fangs and snarled at Lucy. It scratched the earth, taking a step forward as it growled at her. Lucy felt her heart rate quicken as she stared at the unfamiliar creature. She briefly wondered if Adie would know what it was. The sound of another snarl came from behind and she spun around to find another creature. How had she not seen the before?
"Crap," she muttered under her breath.
What was she going to do? Where had the come from? She glanced skyward and noticed the billowing smoke creeping upward from Fairy Tail's tallest spire. Her stomach lurched at the thought of Magnolia being attacked. They had expected this, but she had not been prepared.
The creature that had appeared first charged at her.
"Think again!" Lucy spat as she quickly snapped the whip free, unleashing it and tugging back as it bit into the animal's neck.
A shrill whimper tore out as she pulled on her whip, dragging the creature along the ground with minimal effort. The animal stared at her, clawing at the ground as it lay. Lucy could hear the one moving behind her, and she tried to avoid its path, but her feet were frozen. She quickly panicked, her legs feeling like large blocks of cement. She could hear the beast behind her screech, its claws scraping the ground. In front of her, the first beast continued to watch her with the pair of eyes on the head not being strangled by Lucy's whip. Her fingers were free to move, and she reached for another whip. The monster behind her made its move, and Lucy knew that she would not be able to dodge it.
"Scorpio!" Lucy called, her keys tinkling at her waist. Instantly, the spirit was at her side, his hands outstretched as his tail slashed through the air. He quickly dropped onto all fours.
"We are here, yeah!" he yelled as a giant blast of sand picked up and shot toward the creature behind Lucy.
The creature whimpered, falling backward as Scorpio unleashed a giant stinger from his arthropod-like weapon. Lucy could hear the stinger strike both necks, and the animal fell silent. Without another word, Scorpio turned and did the same with the one that Lucy had dragged down. The animal's eyes slowly closed and Lucy found that she was able to move again. She fell forward on her hands and knees.
"What was that?" she wheezed, sweat running down her face.
"We aren't sure," the scorpion spirit answered, "but the aren't full grown. These were babies."
"Huh?" Lucy's head shot up. Those were babies? They were huge! Suddenly, she put it all together, "They can paralyze by looking at you!"
"Seems so," Scorpio answered, rubbing his chin, "We did not think of that!"
Lucy unlocked the whip, tucking it back into her pocket as she stared down at the beasts. That was close, Lucy!
"Are you OK?" Scorpio asked, studying Lucy.
"Oh...yes, thank you, Scorpio!" she smiled, her eyes widening as she looked at the horizon, "Fairy Tail!"
Scorpio followed her gaze, nodding, "It looks like it has begun. You need me to go with you?"
"No," Lucy shook her head. I have to get back. Fast! "Just let the others know that I may be needing them."
"Right," Scorpio nodded, casting one last glance at the now dead creatures before he left Lucy to herself.
Once her spirit disappeared, Lucy leaned over to retch. She was glad the spirit was not there to see her in such a weak state. Her heart was still pounding as she steadied herself, wiping her mouth. The billowing smoke told her that there was trouble in Magnolia.
Must get back, my friends are in trouble! she told herself as she raced toward Fairy Tail.
Her fingers traced over her keys as she quickly sprinted down the path to the village. She didn't know what was going on, but she was not going to stand by and allow her home to be pillaged. She was sure that this attack would be similar to what the other guilds had faced. She, for one, was not going to stand by and take it.
She was going to fight!