Greetings, everyone! Thank so much for your patience and encouragement, it's much appreciated! The fight is beginning, let's hope I can do it some justice! Your thoughts and and comments are welcome, as always! Thanks for sticking with me, it means a lot! Enjoy your weekends!

Tsubasa-chan: you are too kind! I really make an effort to write a worthy fiction, and I'm honored you have read it all. It's much longer than I had intended, but I will finish it. Thanks again for your kind review! I don't consider myself a gifted writer, but I do try! ;)

Shae: sorry for always making you wait! Love hearing from you, as always!

Disclaimer: do not own FT, do take credit for my OCs. Don't like 'em, don't read it, don't care.

~OoOoO~

Lucy's feet thundered against the oft-trodden path as she sprinted toward the town. She was still a few kilometers away, but her increasing anxiety gave her the ease with which she effortlessly crossed such a distance. Weeks ago, she would not have been able to do so, but now...now she found the task to be fathomable. It was as if her body had magically metamorphosed into shape, giving her the endurance of a long-distance runner and the courage of lion. Her heart felt as if it were going to pound out of her chest at any moment, and her lungs burned with each heaving breath. Her mouth tasted metallic as she swallowed against the gripping fear that as threatening to take over her body. She quickly threw her arms behind her, shedding her jacket—not once looking back for one of her favorite articles of clothing. Again, a few months ago, she wouldn't have been able to accomplish that either.

Please! Don't let me be too late! she silently screamed, her head ringing with the noiseless plea.

She had to make sure the others were all safe. She had to...

She glanced at the sky as the smoke billowed over the treetops, its movements lazy and deliberate. She could faintly see the town's silhouette up ahead, and her throat ached as she thought of the destruction she would find upon entering the final clearing. Still, she pressed on, shoving her keys into her pocket for extra protection, despite being attached to her belt loop.

"Morpheus!" she called, her breath ragged but commanding as she continued to focus on the path ahead of her. Trees blurred as she sped past.

Plop!

"I told you not to use your own magic!" he growled as he ran beside her on all fours. He stared ahead, golden eyes darting skyward. The bright feline orbs widened slightly as he took notice of the smoke.

"I need...your help...please!"

"You don't have to ask twice!" he grunted as a dark black butterfly appeared ahead. It was as if he already knew what she needed. As if he read her mind...

The spirit mumbled something incoherent—something that Lucy found familiar but could not entirely understand. She unobtrusively watched the butterfly transform into a fully formed Oneiroi—the same as what she had encountered at Veleda's home. The animal galloped beside Morpheus before swiftly moving closer to Lucy.

"Get on, it'll be quicker!" Morpheus slid to a halt, waving toward his subordinate.

Lucy nodded, quickly leaping on the winged creature's back with startling ease. How had she managed that? Her mind didn't linger on that question very long, as she quickly noticed Morpheus' hesitation.

"What is it?"

He narrowed his golden eyes, glancing in the direction they had just traveled, "Don't you worry about me, girl! I'll be there when you need me to be!"

Without elaborating, he left Lucy to herself, mounted on the dark, winged celestial beast. It gave no warning, jerking into motion and spreading its wings apart. It ran like that for some time, its wings spread and hooves silently clodding the soft earth. Lucy yelped at the sudden movement, throwing herself forward and wrapping her arms around its neck. After gaining her bearings, she was able to sit upright once again, though she kept a tight grip on the loose, smooth skin around the creature's neck as it slowly lifted off the ground with deadly ease. Its wings silently flapped against Lucy's legs as it kicked up a cloud of dust under them. She risked casting a look over her shoulder, wondering where Morpheus was running off to in such a hurry. Her only answer was a blur of black, then...nothing.

They glided high, and Lucy stifled a sob when she saw the destruction that awaited her at the guild. The city was barely recognizable! And in such a short time, too! The Oneiroi's quick swoop of descent forced Lucy's stomach to leap into her throat—a momentary distraction from her gripping fear. She remained mum as they silently came to a landing, her eyes wide as she caught the burning spire of Fairy Tail.

Wasn't that where Hibiki and Eve were resting? Where Mirajane lived?

She felt tears spring to her eyes as shingles quietly slipped from the roof, burning as they plummeted to the ground. Bright flames licked the sky as they angrily waved from the tower windows. The flames spread as they fell from the window, catching nearby buildings afire.

"No!" she breathed, her hands trembling as the Oneiroi let out a terrible shriek.

The beast swooped to the right, as if knowing where Lucy wanted to go. She leaned forward, ducking down as the wind whipped her face, drying her silent tears. People were running around below, familiar faces fighting off the unspeakable horrors that had invaded the town overnight. Somewhere in the distance, a large red flame shot upward, higher than any fire should possibly be able to reach...

Natsu!

Lucy let the Oneiroi take her where it had been commanded to release her. Within moments, she found herself in front of her apartment building, blinking at the only untouched building in Magnolia, she suspected. She dismounted, her legs numb as she stroked the Oneiroi's head, whispering her thanks. Crimson eyes rolled in their sockets as the beast trilled before returning to its premature form. A black butterfly softly floated higher, inching its way toward the sun and leaving Lucy alone. Again. The spirit mage found herself feeling extremely vulnerable in her solitude, and suddenly very fearful. She scanned the area, finding nothing that needed immediate attention. Total silence engulfed that part of the town as she tried to focus herself. Right now, she needed to protect those she cared about. Or help them, at least. She found her footing, deciding that entering her apartment wasn't her top priority at the moment.

As if snapping out of a trance, Lucy began to run along her usual walking path, landing herself next to the river. She followed the riverbank, feeling slightly nostalgic as she noticed the lack of boats on the slow moving body of water. She pressed on, shaking away the wary feelings that were encroaching upon her. She knew that, at some point, she would encounter someone. Whether it be friend or foe, however, remained to be seen.

A loud wail caught her attention, freezing her in her tracks. Her heart beat into her throat, and fear gripped her as she broke into a cold sweat. Her fingers instinctively thrust into her pockets, and Lucy suddenly felt very vulnerable. Normally, Natsu was at her side. But, right now, that luxury was not hers. No, he was probably protecting some other young girl somewhere else...

Think straight, Lucy, she told herself. Don't be an idiot!

Another wail tore out, sobering her. Who was screaming? And were they asking for help? She took a deep breath, committing herself to helping whomever was screaming like a banshee. Whomever needed help. It was her turn to do the saving! As if she were on secret mission, Lucy quietly dipped into a nearby alleyway, following the loud shrieks of terror. She could feel her palms grow cold and sweaty as the darkness gave way to a cobblestone clearing near the river as it split into two. It was there that the screams grew louder. More fearful.

Lucy slid to a halt as the open area became visible to her. There, near the river, Lucy could see Miki Chickentiger—a girl about her age—screeching furiously while clawing at her legs. She wrapped her fingers around her knees, as if attempting to pull them upward. As if she were trying to make them move. With so little an observation, Lucy already knew what awaited her outside of the protection of her dark alley.

"NOOOO!" Miki wailed, tears streaking her face as her lower body remained paralyzed.

Lucy's eyes followed the girl's gaze, noticing the trail of feathers. It led to a small blue bird that was lifelessly hanging in the mouth of a creature that looked identical to what Lucy had seen earlier. One mouth was holding the bird while the other was nipping at the other wing. The bird was still, turquoise feathers slowly floating to the ground, some matted with blood. Lucy gasped, recognizing Miki's bird. It was the same bird that sat perched on the girl's head during many a dinner in the guild. The same bird that had looked out for the girl for as long as Lucy could remember. Miki had the ability to command the bird as well as fight at close range—though Lucy had never been witness to either one. She had, however, heard of Miki's promising abilities as a guild member. The girl was not easily overcome, but right now, she seemed to be just that. Lucy had barely ever spoken to the girl, but she knew that the bird was her best friend—just like Happy was to Natsu. She felt a wave of nausea as Miki broke down into a fit of hysterics, screaming furiously while beating at her legs with her fists.

"Move, dammit!" she yelled, her face turning red from the exertion.

Lucy took a deep breath, telling herself that if she did not look at them directly, then that effect would not work on her. She could do this; she could save Miki. Though, the bird...the bird seemed to be a lost cause.

"You can do it, Lucy," she whispered to herself, her fingers touching her keys, briefly. Deep breath!

Another ferocious scream from Miki was all it took to push Lucy to dart out of the alley and into the wide clearing. She waved her hands, screaming at the top of her lungs as Miki's head snapped around to see who was causing the ruckus. The girl's eyes grew round as she spotted Lucy.

"Lucy-san?"

Lucy's expression was grim as she nodded, "I'm coming to help. Don't look it in the eye! It'll paralyze you completely." Her voice was commanding as her gaze met Miki's, "Just listen to me!"

Lucy's fingers nimbly removed her Fleuve des Etoiles from its clip on her waist as she ran, her head lowered as she neared the creature. She could hear it slowly turn, noticing its newest victim, dropping Miki's bird at it did so. Lucy quickly lashed out at the monster ahead of her, feeling the satisfying tug of her whip as it wrapped around at least one of the beast's necks. She continued running behind it, not turning to look at it as she barreled toward the river edge, allowing her whip to stretch behind her. With newfound agility, she deftly leaped onto the small wall overlooking the river, digging her heels into the jutting stone as she intentionally faced away, her right arm away from her, the whip wrapping between her fingers as she held the handle in her left hand. With a silent move of her wrist, she released the slack on her whip, pulling with all her might. She heard the beast yelp from the sudden pain, and she felt the snapping of its neck as she pulled the animal toward her. With one half of the animal incapacitated, the entire creature toppled over, dragging along the ground as Lucy mercilessly used her body's momentum to pull the beast toward her. It began to drag in her direction, picking up momentum from the increased speed at which the whip shrank. Lucy bided her time, turning slightly to spot her enemy as it barreled toward her. She quickly flicked her wrist, releasing the whip's grip on its neck, though that did not stop the creature from its trajectory. Before the two-headed beast could impact with Lucy, she leaped aside, crouching at the base of the low-lying wall. She rose slowly as she heard the satisfactory splashing of the creature's body into the calm waters of the river. Only then did she turn, and purely to ensure that the beast had not managed to surface. When she was satisfied it had not, she returned her whip to her waist.

"That should do it," Lucy murmured, as she tucked her whip away, turning toward Miki.

Her expression was grim as she glanced at the lifeless bird on the ground. Its feathers were tattered, and its wings were splayed at awkward angles from its body. She could see the slight rise and fall of the animal's breast. Its neck seemed to be oddly turned as well. She nearly jumped when she saw the bird blink. She bent down to scoop up the tiny animal between her palms as Miki sobbed. She watched Lucy carry her bird, her eyes misty and red.

"Is he...?" she breathed, tears streaking her face.

"No...but he's badly injured, Miki. I'm sorry," Lucy's brow furrowed. In her minute distraction, Lucy did not see the horror on Miki's face.

"T-There are m-m-more of them!" Miki pointed, her forefinger trembling. Lucy mistakenly followed her gaze, quickly averting her eyes.

"You'll have to tell me where they are! I can't look at them, and neither should you! I'm not sure their full potential, but it looks like they paralyze their prey."

"Y-Yes, Lucy-san," the girl whimpered, trying to test the movement in her feet. She moved her toes slightly, but her legs were still heavy, "I can't move! I'm still stuck!"

"Just tell me where they are! How many are there?"

The girl was silent for a few moments, quickly reaching into her satchel and pulling out a compact mirror, "I wonder..." she murmured, holding up the mirror and angling it.

Lucy watched, puzzled, "What are you doing? This isn't a joke!"

"I know," Miki argued back, "But maybe if you don't look at them directly..."

Lucy's eyes grew wide as she realized Miki's train of thought. Her breath was ragged as she spoke. Why didn't she think of something like that?

"Brilliant!"

"There are two of them, Lucy. Wait! No! There are three more following behind...oh no," Miki groaned, her eyes watering once again, "They are heading toward us, and they look angry!"

"Shit," Lucy agreed, "I don't know if I can handle that many by myself."

"I managed to take out one of them, but..." Miki trailed off, her lower lip trembling as she glanced at her lifeless pet. The bird's beak opened and closed slowly, as if it were trying to tell them something.

"There is nothing you can do about that now," Lucy told her, "You have to fight for your life, do you hear me? We will fight, like everyone else!"

Again, Miki nodded, raising her teary gaze to meet Lucy's knowing one. Lucy pursed her lips, glancing to her right, allowing the rustling water to calm her nerves. To help her think. Water!

"I got it!" Lucy conjectured, looking somewhat relieved as she thrust her fist upward as she cradled the bird in her other arm, "She'll definitely take out that many."

"Huh?" Miki looked baffled, "W-We need to do something. Tell me what to do, L-Lucy!"

"Aquarius!" Lucy yelled triumphantly, throwing her key-wielding hand out to her side. For a moment, she didn't hear anything, and she thought that she had done something incorrectly.

"Water Be-" she called out a second time, noticing the widening of the Miki's eyes. The brunette said nothing, her eyes still round as orbs.

"I hear you, shut up already!" Aquarius snapped back, interrupting Lucy. "I'm trying to figure out why you're looking the wrong way!"

"They can p-paralyze you with their eyes, so I'm not even risking it!" Lucy informed her, slightly annoyed at the spirit's abrasiveness. She slowly turned to look at Aquarius.

"Oh," the spirit replied, narrowing her eyes at the creatures that were slowly edging their way toward Lucy and Miki. Lucy quickly wondered if they would have any effect on her. From Aquarius' shrug, she guessed not.

"I need your help!" Lucy squeaked, not wanting to waste any more time as the beasts snarled behind her as they slowly approached. Despite their potent gaze, the moved quite slowly.

"I'm on it," Aquarius lifted her urn above her head, "I'll eliminate them for sure, Lucy!"

It was the first time she had ever addressed Lucy by her first name. The summoner looked at her spirit, eyes wide, but the water bearer avoided her gaze, lifting her container onto her shoulder.

"Thank you," Lucy whispered, nodding her gratification.

"Yeah, yeah," Aquarius muttered, "Just get that girl out of here, and her dead bird. If I take all of you out, I won't have done my job!"

"Right," Lucy grimaced at her spirit's unsympathetic manner of speaking. "Taurus!"

"Luuuuucy!" the bull cooed, "You look-"

"Can it!" Lucy commanded, her brow furrowed in frustration as she pointed toward Miki. "I need you to carry her out of here."

The bull looked bewildered, instantly sobering, "Yes, Luuucy. Right away!"

Lucy was glad that he did not take offense to her harsh cut off. She felt slightly guilty at snapping at the spirit, but Taurus was often inappropriate when he was needed for more serious tasks. And, right now, she did not have the time for the bull's perverse antics. She watched as he quickly lifted the still-paralyzed Miki with ease, throwing her over his shoulder. The girl attempted to kick, feeling off-balance, though the movement resulted in an odd splaying of her legs. Lucy held the still-warm bird, gently petting its feathers flat before saying a silent prayer. Taurus (with Miki in tow) and Lucy quickly ran through the now-silent streets. Lucy glanced over her shoulder, managing to catch the slightly psychotic glint in Aquarius' eyes as she lifted the urn above her head.

"Time to take a bath, mongrels!" the water spirit screamed as the river rose up around her, "I hate dogs!"

A large wave rose upward, higher than Lucy had ever seen. The spirit brought her arms down, her hair flowing in the invisible breeze. The wave followed the movement, quickly crashing down over the creatures and along the street, washing it all away like a tsunami. When the tidal wave ebbed back to the river, Aquarius remained, but the creatures were nowhere to be seen. The spirit's eyes met Lucy's, and she nodded, once, before disappearing.

Lucy faced ahead, running behind Taurus as the she carefully tucked the bird into the crook of her arm. The bull quickly slipped into an abandoned general store, and Lucy didn't hesitate to follow closely behind. She entered, catching Taurus softly setting Miki onto the floor behind the counter. As if almost in a fit of hysterics, Miki used her arms to pull herself behind the counter, hiding herself from the outside world. She pulled her knees to her chin, her lower lip trembling as the tears shone on her cheeks. She looked up as Lucy gently cradled her feathered companion in her arms.

"You may go, Taurus," Lucy smiled half-heartedly at the spirit, "Thank you."

"Any time, Luuuucy. Just call when you need me! Goodbye, Miss!" the bull bowed, his axe sliding forward onto his shoulder, glancing at the bird in Lucy's arms, "I am sorry for your loss."

Miki gasped, glancing at Lucy as Taurus them alone. Lucy had only just realized that the bird had stopped breathing, and silently cursed Taurus for so suddenly sharing that news with Miki. Tears spilled over the brunette's cheeks as she looked up at Lucy, hoping that the bull's revelation was untrue. Lucy could only softly nod, confirming what Miki feared most. She sobbed uncontrollably as Lucy allowed her to mourn, rocking the dead bird in her arms as its lids now hung heavily over its dark eyes. Blue feathers gently floated to the ground with each pendulous movement.

"I'm sorry," Lucy whispered, kneeling down with the bird in her arms.

Miki nodded, sobbing softly, "Pii-chan was trying to protect me..."

Lucy bit her lip, not knowing what to say, "Then he accomplished that task. It was not in vain."

She reached up, pulling a towel from the counter, neatly laying the bird in it and wrapping the edges of the soft fabric around the tiny creature. It continued to molt, and Lucy did not know if that was some sort of phenomenon of dying birds. She carefully handed the animal's cold, rigid body to Miki, who tentatively clasped Pii-chan between trembling hands. She blinked at the bundle—the body of her best friend—as she held it between her palms. She moaned loudly, lifting the lifeless body to her ruddy face, and burying it in the bird's feathers. Blue wisps of hope continued to float to the ground, some silently landing on Miki's lap.

Lucy sat back, patiently allowing the girl to mourn. She said nothing, her heart understanding what it was like to lose someone close to you. Someone you love. Everyone she knew had lost someone dear to them, yet they were all able to recover, though some better than others. She knew, in time, Miki would smile again. After nearly thirty minutes, and many tears, Miki wiped her face as she set Pii-chan's body in her lap.

Her lower lip was swollen from crying, and her eyes red. "Why, Lucy? What were those things?"

Lucy chewed her lip, wondering how much she could tell Miki. It was obvious that the girl was afraid. They all were. It was only natural. She took a deep breath, her gaze serious.

"I don't know, but they will freeze you where you stand if you look at them in the eyes. I do know that they are young, which means that there is probably more potent ones running around," Lucy offered, "But their effects do wear off, but yours are lasting longer than mine did..."

Miki moved her ankles, tentatively laying her legs flat in front of her. Her face registered her surprise, "The effects are wearing off, huh? Wonder if it has anything to do with how old they are, maybe?"

Lucy was impressed with Miki's ability to piece together even the most insignificant information. It was something she had only seen with one other guild member. Lucy silently prayed for Levy's safety as Miki continued to wriggle her ankles and feet, bending her knees and flexing her hips. A murderous glint returned to Miki's eyes, and Lucy knew that she was only thinking of revenge for her best friend. She, too, was sure that had she were in Miki's shoes, her thoughts would run similar. Being that she wasn't in the same situation, she thought better of encouraging that behavior.

Lucy put an hand on Miki's shoulder, and the girl's eyes snapped upward quickly, "Huh?"

"You are lucky they didn't hurt you, that you are alive," she whispered, gesturing toward the lifeless bird, "You're lucky that Pii-chan kept you alive. It seemed he wanted you to live, so don't waste your life trying to avenge him."

The words she spoke stung Miki to the core and it was obvious from the woman's facial expression. Not only that, but Lucy's own words rang true for her, as well. She, too, had been protected, though she was lucky enough that no one died from that action. She still had her best friend, even if he was avoiding her...

Miki nodded slowly, gently stroking Pii-chan's head. Feathers continued to fall around the tiny body, and Lucy couldn't fathom how such a small bird produced that many feathers. The bird's eyes had closed completely, and the animal—with its broken wings and neck—looked peaceful in Miki's lap. Content, even. As if it had accomplished its goal in life.

Tears dripped from Miki's cheeks, softly landing on Pii-chan's now-featherless chest, "Thank you, Lucy. If it weren't for you...even his sacrifice would have been lost. I won't let his death be in vain. But...I'm scared."

"Me, too," Lucy confessed, her own chestnut eyes meeting Miki's terrified ones. The threatening fire had since died in Miki's eyes.

"You? Scared?" Miki looked bewildered, her lower lip quivering, "But...but you're so strong!"

"Me? Strong?" Lucy echoed, taken aback. When had she ever been strong? Headstrong, maybe, but physically? In battle?

"You're on Team Natsu! Everyone knows that you're, like, the vital member!" Miki's eyes were wide in disbelief that Lucy did not seem to know this,"You can summon beings from another world! That's freakin' amazing. I wish I could so something more valuable like that..."

Lucy stared back, afraid to speak. It was as if she didn't trust herself to. She had never thought of herself as one of Team Natsu's strongest members—or Fairy Tail's, for that matter. Maybe she was stronger than some others in the guild, sure, but of Team Natsu? Not even close.

"I'm not as strong as you think," Lucy mumbled into the fingertips she nervously dragged them across her lips, her gaze averted.

"Bullshit," Miki whispered, "You're the one they're all talking about! The descendent of the last Guardian, aren't you? The one that saved us the first time from...him!"

Lucy said nothing for some time. How had Miki heard anything as ridiculous as that? Lucy related to the last Guardian? Veleda's mother? She almost wanted to laugh at the childish proposal, but she couldn't bring herself to quash the hope that shone in Miki's eyes. She had no qualms in not believing that rumor. Even if it was about her.

"That's what they're saying about you, you know! I overheard Master talking about it," Miki blurted, blushing suddenly as her eyes looked mischevious, "A Guardian and a Dragon Slayer will make one hell of a child!"

Lucy nearly choked at Miki's suggestion, opening her mouth to contest that comment. Before she could utter anything coherent, a blue flame suddenly burst skyward on Miki's lap, taking them both by surprise.

"You're on fire!" Lucy's eyes bulged as she waved her hands frantically, trying to put it out.

"It's not hot!" Miki confirmed, her expression filled with confusion.

She slowly passed her hand through the blue flame, wriggling her fingers to show Lucy that it did not cause her any pain. Lucy did the same out of curiosity, her hand passing through it without a blister. She looked bewildered, swiping her hand through it again.

"What the-?" Miki murmured, looking equally as puzzled as Lucy. She glanced up at Lucy, who met her questioning gaze. She had nothing to offer as an explanation, either.

Suddenly, Pii-chan's body collapsed under the towel. Miki cried out in dismay, furiously tearing open the towel swathing. Her eyes widened as she found only a pile of ashes in stead of the bird's body. Before she could utter anything, the flame suddenly leaped higher, growing more brightly. Both women watched with muted curiosity as the flame danced for a few more minutes, the smoke taking the form of a bird, before shooting toward the ceiling They followed the movement with their eyes, craning their necks at the apparition. When their gaze returned to the flaming pile of ash, the orange flame had disappeared from Miki's lap.

"What just happened?" Lucy asked, blinking rapidly as if to ensure she had actually just seen what she thought she had.

"I...I..don't know," Miki answered, her teeth chattering. "But it's...uh, heavier." She plunged her fingers into the pile of ash, crying out in surprise, "There's something here!"

She mewed in surprise as she plucked an egg from the pile. Lucy gasped as Miki lifted the egg for closer inspection. The shell was a deep purple, bespeckled with pale yellow flecks. It was the size of a small melon, much larger than any egg Lucy had ever seen.

"An egg?" Lucy murmured, eyeing it with curiosity as Miki cupped it in her palms.

Miki said nothing, brushing the soot off of the shimmering shell. Her eyes were wide, "It's warm! I wonder...what's in it..."

"You'll find out when it hatches," Lucy whispered, interested in the phenomenon she had just witnessed. Just what kind of bird did Miki have, anyhow?

"Hatches?" the girl repeated softly, her eyes registering what Lucy was implicating. There was life inside that shell! She furrowed her brow, her hands encasing the egg, though her palms were much too small for the girth of the shell. Her eyes suddenly grew wide as she looked up, a large grin on her lips.

"I feel a heartbeat!"

"Huh?" Lucy's confusion registered on her face.

Miki nodded, grabbing Lucy's and hand placing it over the egg. The warmness of the shell was shocking to Lucy. She shook her head, ready to tell Miki that she couldn't feel it.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Lucy automatically drew her hand back, clasping her wrist as she stared at Miki, "T-There's something in t-there!"

"You said it was going to hatch, right?" Miki's eyes were dancing with excitement. "Pii-chan's alive!"

Lucy said nothing, suddenly unsure of what she believed. The past few minutes had been surreal, unlike anything she had ever experienced. She couldn't deny the warm fluttering of what seemed to be a heartbeat in that egg. She had only tried to give encouraging words to Miki before, not entirely convinced there was actually a living thing in the confines of the smooth, violet shell. She was witnessing something wonderful and exciting, and that thought made her heart jump with hope.

Lucy opened her mouth to respond, but the sound of pounding steps outside made her suddenly hover down. Miki muffled a cry, pulling the egg toward her body protectively as Lucy climbed under the counter with her, lifting her index finger to her lips. Screams and shouts filled the air outside of the shop, and a loud screeching howl ripped through the atmosphere. The earth began to shake with a deafening roar.

"What is that?" Lucy whispered, eyes wide as her heart raced.

Something was outside, and she did not want to find out what. She could hear the sounds of something dragging outside—like something heavy being lugged across the ground. The plodding footsteps stopped, and Lucy could see the shadow cast under the entrance door. Miki began to whimper, and Lucy quickly maneuvered herself in front of the girl, cupping her hand over Miki's mouth and widening her eyes in warning. The woman nodded her understanding, and Lucy peered toward the door, shaking her head solemnly. She lowered her palm from Miki's lips.

"Shh," she urgently cried, putting her own finger up to her lips.

She could feel the sweat on her back as she silently prayed that it was not the enemy outside the door—though her gut told her otherwise. The second part of her prayer was that it was something she could easily dispose of. Something she could handle. Her heart pounded in her chest and she watched Miki take gently tuck her egg into the bag at her waist. She carefully cushioned the leather encasement, sliding the bag off to the side. Lucy gestured for her to move toward the back exit, somewhere they were free from visibility. Miki did as Lucy instructed.

Lucy tried to follow, but the door suddenly splintered open. She quickly rolled back behind the counter, hiding from whatever had entered the store. The blonde landed flat on her abdomen, her teeth chattering out of fear. She heard a hesitant, heavy step followed by the sound of something dragging. The dragging noise grew louder as did the pounding footsteps. It sounded like metal grating on metal as whatever it was crossed the shop's threshold. Lucy squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that it was a bad dream.

One that would go away.

Sounds of sniffing echoed through the store. Lucy shook her head in warning as Miki's eyes grew wide. The girl stifled a whimper by clapping her hands over her mouth and shutting her eyes tightly.

More sniffing.

"Human!" came the snarling grunt. Lucy jumped, her stomach flipping as she nearly vomited. Shit!

"Human! I can smell you," it gnashed its teeth. "Show yourself."

Lucy again shook her head, telling Miki to remain quiet. The girl nodded her affirmation, hugging her bag to her body, the egg safely nestled in side.

"I'll tear this store down, board by board. I'll find you, human!" came the final warning. "I'll tear you apart next!"

Lucy pursed her lips, closing her eyes. She could see Miki's sobbing form, huddling over the egg of hope she had just been given. With Miki's help, they might stand a chance against whatever was on the other side of the counter. Without her, Lucy wasn't so sure. The vision behind her eyelids grew brighter, and Lucy saw Miki's elation when she realized that there was a heartbeat in that egg. If she asked the woman to stay and fight, whatever was in that egg may not stand a chance. There was no guaranteeing it would ever hatch. No, that egg needed protected, as did Miki's hope. She would not ask Miki to make that sacrifice; it was too cruel to ask her to risk that new life. Lucy's resolution became firm, and it must have shone in her eyes when she finally opened them, because Miki was shaking her head furiously.

No, don't! she mouthed, I can fight, too!

She tucked her egg aside, cracking her knuckles. Still, Lucy couldn't ask her for that sacrifice. She would protect Miki and whatever was in that egg. At all costs. She would be the protector for once.

Stay there, Lucy mouthed back, waving her finger furiously. Don't even think about it! Get to safety!

Miki mouthed her protest, but Lucy shook her head in defiance. The hope that she made the right decision coursed through her as she slowly pushed herself upright. Miki reached out to prevent her, and Lucy grabbed her hand. She cast Miki one last look as she stood upright from behind the counter.

Get that egg to safety.

Miki nodded softly, her eyes watering. Thank you, Lucy. I wont forget it.

It was Lucy's turn to nod before she bounced to her feet.

"Looking for me?" she blurted as she stood, her eyes searching for the creature.

Her new enemy.

She met the dark glint of the creature's gaze, and the brevity of its ferocity chilled her to the core. Her pulse raced as she sized up her opponent—her very large, very ominous opponent. The monster was easily one and half times her height, its physique long an ape-like—which, no doubt, lent to its giant proportions. Its arms were long, and it was leaning forward on its front hands as if its muscular body could not tolerate the weight. Dark, greasy fur was matted to its body, a chest plate of armor over its wide torso. The giant animal wore a helmet that covered its flat nose as well as its head. Only its eyes and muzzle were visible, and Lucy once again felt the effects of its cold gaze. It was filled with bloodlust as the monster's razor-like teeth leered at her. Lucy swallowed as she curled her hands into fists. She knew that precise look. She had seen it a million times over.

It was a look of murderous intent. Steely and lecherous. It could only mean one thing...

Whatever this monster was, it intended to kill her.