A/N: Epic-ness begins. The story will get a little dark, so don't be surprised if it requires a rating change. There will be increased profanity and brutality/gore, as this is a freakin' war. Much thanks to the super awesome GhostBones for reading over this for me :) I know there will have questions, but please have patience, as I'll probably give you answers. If you're really antsy and want answers, I will share them with you if it'll make you happy! The support for this story has been amazing, and I appreciate everyone's thoughtful reviews! Much love to readers and new adds!
To my anonymous reviewers:
Nysa: thank you so much! I hope you received my reply to your review via email. I do my best to write a quality story, and work hard to improve my writing ^^
FallenWing: thanks for sticking through the entire story. I hope you took time between chapters. I realized how many I actually wrote (holy crap), and am still amazed I have more!
Experiment: out of curiosity, if you could be a FT character, what type of mage would you be (what element/power)? Just for kicks :D
Disclaimer: don't own FT. I take credit for my OCs, so deal with it! ;)
~OoOoO~
It smiled, its teeth small and pointed as its large lips curled back, revealing black gums and a black tongue. Lucy held her breath, not sure what to make of the burly creature with its massive body and armor. Would it attack? How would she respond?
"A girl? A human girl?" it sneered, saliva dripping from its jowls as it chuckled deeply.
Lucy stiffened as it released its grip on something behind it. She heard the loud thud followed by broken floor boards. She tried to peer over the monster's shoulder, but she couldn't see what it was carrying. Her gaze flickered to the floor, where she could see the splintered wood and dirt that was dragged into store. Whatever it was, it was heavy. That would explain the massive bulk necessary to carry it. Her gaze returned to the monster's face.
"Don't underestimate me," she shot back, willing her voice not to waver. She thrust her hands onto her waist after flicking her wrist to indicate that Miki should crawl to the far end of the bar. It was the side closest to the exit.
"You're just a girl, it'll be an easy kill," the giant monster leered. "Just like the others. Though, I'll savor your death more."
Lucy's eyes widened and her pulse quickened as she realized what it had shared. He, she gathered. It sounded like a he. She licked her lips, her voice nearly leaving her as her courage flared. How dare he harm her friends! And who was he speaking about? Were others hurt before he happened upon her?
"Don't you touch my friends!" she warned, her eyes flashing as her hands trembled with rage and fear.
The monster flashed its sharp teeth—too numerous for its mouth. He opened his mouth wide, laughing deeply, "Such strong words from a worthless pipsqueak! You are nothing, Human Girl."
"You have messed with the wrong guild," she hissed, her rage peaking as bile rose in her throat, "And you are mistaken if you think I will go down easily, you over-sized go-ril-la."
Her words hit their mark, and the monster's mouth snapped shut as its eyes returned her challenging stare. This time, it wasn't filled with murderous glee. It was filled with hate—a rage so deep that Lucy may come to regret goading the creature. Lucy refused to falter, using her arm as a pivot, as she launched herself over the counter. It was a move that surprised her—her movements smooth and full of purpose. Where had she developed such poise? She wasted no time, slowly rising and thrusting an arm out in front of her. She stretched out her palm as it faced upward, waving her fingertips toward her. She would not back down. She had to fight.
It was her time.
Warm chestnut eyes flashed their challenge as she pushed up her sleeves, her feet sliding apart, "Bring it, chimp!"
The monster's eyes grew wide as it registered her words. Its teeth gnashed as it sneered at her, "You wanna play, girl? Oh, I'll play. I promise to rip each of your limbs from your body. One. By. One. You will feel the pain, and you will beg me to kill you, human."
It reached behind itself, gripping onto whatever it had been dragging. It quickly jerked its arm forward, the momentum bringing the round, studded object upward as the monster swung the projectile widely and with ease. Chains clinked against one another as Lucy watched the creature maneuver the flail without problem. The spiked, heavy ball slammed into the floor, splintering the thick wood with its weight. Lucy tried to hide her fear as she eyed the weapon with its many chains and large protrusions. What was the use of all the chains for one metal ball? This creature was much stronger than it looked. Much.
As are you, her inner voice reminded her, Don't forget it!
Lucy swallowed, slowly regaining her composure, her eyes on the massive weapon, "I won't go down easily, mark my words."
"Well see about that!" it growled, balancing on its free hand.
With a flick of its wrist, it swung the spiked ball, the move making noise as the weapon cut through the air. Lucy was somewhat amazed that the chains did not tangle as the monster swung its weapon. Another flick of its wrist caused the massive ball to shoot toward her, and she yelped softly as she leaped out of the way. The oversized gorilla quickly reciprocated with a small movement of its long fingers, pulling on one of the chains. Lucy's eyes grew wide as she heard the whistling as a searing pain penetrated her upper arm. Blood began to run down her forearm from the wound as she tried to staunch the bleeding with her other hand. She watched the small, chained spike skitter across the ground. She realized that the many chains had a role—they individually detached from the massive projectile, each one razor-sharp and deadly. She glared at the creature, her breath heavy from the shock of the pain. It leered at her, and she knew it was only teasing her. Testing her. She was its toy and it was relishing the slow torture it was envisioning.
"You will go down easy, girl. Mark my words," it growled, lifting the small shard and sniffing it. Dark irises rolled up into its head as it gurgled in ecstasy, "Human blood smells divine."
Lucy suddenly felt ill at the odd, vulgar display. She lifted her hand to find that the cut was not as deep as she had thought, and that the blood had easily crusted—sealing the wound. She had been lucky, but she would have to be more careful in the future. She cast a quick look behind her, finding the massive ball lodged in the floor. The sudden movement from the corner of her eye startled her, and she jumped as the creature heaved on the chains, retracting its massive weapon for another round, no doubt. It gnashed its teeth, kicking the bloodied blade aside and swinging the spiked ball in the air for a second strike. This time, Lucy didn't waste time.
"Taurus!" she bellowed, her hand patting her pocket.
"Luuucy!" the bull called out as it was thrust into the heat of the battle.
"Watch out!" Lucy warned, realizing that Taurus did not know the entirety of the situation.
"Right, Luuucy!" the spirit began, quickly catching on. He spun around, his axe high as he swung it. The blade connected with the chained projectile, and sparks flew as metal hit metal.
"Each spike is a tiny weapon!" Lucy told the spirit as he nodded his understanding.
The bull quickly caught the axe blade between two of the spikes, using it as a pivot to launch the ball behind him. The chains whistled as they flew past Lucy's head, the flail hitting the bar behind them—near where Miki was hiding. Taurus loomed over Lucy, his eyes flashing his anger as he stared ahead. He took a step toward Lucy's opponent, throwing his axe with deadly accuracy. The ape-like monster pulled out a second weapon, a large blade that was widest at the tip and tapering at the hilt. More sparks flew as the axe slid along the smoothly curving blade before the monster flicked it aside. Taurus' weapon buried deep into the far wall. The large ape plunged its sword-like weapon into the ground, quickly pulling on the chains of its original weapon as if he were manipulating a puppet.
Lucy screamed, horrified as she predicted what would happen next, "Taurus, watch out!"
The bull spun around, his eyes wide as the saw the giant ball lift up from the ground, arching above them as the tiny chains pulled tautly on the projectiles. Lucy reached out, oblivious to what was happening above her, concerned only for her spirit.
"Luuuucy!" Taurus howled as he leaped toward her while the monster screamed his success.
Her shoulder screamed in agony as she landed on it, falling backward under her spirit's weight. Something dripped onto her cheek as the bull remained above her, propped on his elbows. She could feel it splash across her face, and her eyes grew wide as she leaned her head back on the wooden floor so that she could see Taurus' face.
"Taurus?" she whispered, her voice shaking. She could hear the triumphant laugh from somewhere in the room, but her mind was reeling from what had just happened.
"Luu—Lucy, are you alright?" the bull grunted, his eyes shut as he gasped.
"What-" Lucy suddenly choked, as the ball hit the ground nearby. She turned to look at it, taking notice of its now smooth contour. Her eyes grew wide as she realized what had happened.
"NO!" she shrieked as she tried to scramble from beneath Taurus.
The bull suddenly grabbed her hand with his, stuffing something soft into it, "Don't worry...about me...Luuuucy. A gift from a friend..."
"B-But-" Lucy whimpered, tears filling her eyes as Taurus spit out a bright liquid similar to what had dripped on Lucy's face. She didn't care about gifts. Why was Taurus giving her gifts at a time like this?
"You can do it," he squeezed her hand as his body was suddenly jerked from above her.
He flailed as he was dragged backward, rolling onto his knees. The position allowed Lucy to see what had happened. She quickly scrambled to her feet, her fingers closing around the soft article Taurus had given her. Her eyes were round with panic as she saw the deeply embedded blades littering Taurus' back, shoulders, and arms.
"Y-You protected me!" Lucy whispered, raising her fingers to her lips to stifle a sob.
Taurus smiled as fluid, which Lucy could only assume was the spirit's blood, oozed from his mouth, "You would do the same for any of us, Luuucy. Get to safety-"
"Enough talk!" the intruder roared, pulling on the chains that were buried in the bull's back.
"NOOO!" Lucy screeched, "Taurus!"
"I'm sorry, Lucy," Taurus looked bewildered as he was jerked into motion.
The bull was pulled away from Lucy, his body sliding along the floor with each tug of the chains. The creature kicked out a foot, slamming it onto Taurus' throat. The spirit choked, attempting to reach out to remove the offending limb. Before he could, the monster reached down and grabbed onto the ring in Taurus' nostrils.
"NO!" Lucy shrieked, terrified of what was about to happen. The monster leered at Taurus, ripping the ring from the spirit's nose. Taurus roared in pain.
"Close the gate!" Lucy wailed, covering her ears and screaming in horror. "CLOSE IT!"
"What the-" the monster hissed as Taurus' body quickly disappeared, his head snapped toward Lucy, "Did you do that? Did you ruin my fun, girl?"
Lucy was breathing heavily, staring in wide-eyed horror at where Taurus had been. Why hadn't he done anything to save himself? Why had he allowed himself to be harmed? Lucy's eyes flickered upward, as her body tingled with adrenaline. She curled her fists around the item Taurus had given her, feeling the coarse fabric in her palm. She clenched her jaw, her breath hissing between her teeth as she felt the rage pounding in her ears. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at the grinning monster, drool dripping from its chin. She hoped that Taurus would be able to heal in the spirit world—as Leo and Aries had done. She was deflated and horrified at the danger she had called Taurus into; it was her fault he was injured. Hers.
"You. Will. Pay. Dearly," she angrily swore with each heaving breath.
"You can control spirits, eh?" the monster seemed slightly impressed, though it was not something Lucy cared about at the moment. She had seen her spirit horrifically mutilated, and it had been because of her. The thought made her both sick and filled with a seething, murderous anger—pure, raw rage.
Is this what Natsu feels like? the thought flickered through her mind.
The ape-like monster, reached behind itself, revealing a second weapon similar to the first. It was larger and sharper. Lucy heard Miki scrambling for the exit as the large weapon splintered the floor boards. The monster also registered the other mage's presence, his small, black eyes growing round.
"Another one!" he barked, swinging the weapon into the air and gathering momentum quickly.
"Run, Miki!" Lucy bellowed, realizing that her comrade had been discovered.
She could hear the mage's feet shuffle across the floor boards as the woman hurried for the exit. Miki must have looked at the monster, because Lucy heard her scream in terror as she ran.
"Hmmph!" the ape-like creature chuckled, twirling the chains around his fist as he unleashed the new destructive weapon, "Just as I thought, you are weak!"
Lucy's opponent attacked quickly, the studded ball aiming to kill as it chased after Miki while the mage ran for the door. Lucy responded, her instincts taking over as she reached for the dagger at her waist. She raised it above her head as she ran into the projectile's path. She leaped into the air, hoping to gather the needed momentum as she brought her arm down with a loud scream, shoving the blade into a chain link and driving it toward the floor. Her weight was enough to staunch the weapon's path as her blade successfully sank deeply into the wood, jerking the ball backward. It plunged into a nearby pillar, never reaching it mark. Lucy jerked her head upright to find Miki at the exit, pulling frantically on the door and looking over her shoulder. Lucy crouched over the chain, satisfied with the results.
"Protect Pii-chan!" she yelled as Miki tore the door open, escaping into the bright light outside.
"I'll come back, Lucy!" she promised, "I'll find help! I swear it!"
Lucy smiled triumphantly, pushing her hair from her face and standing. She pulled her blade from the floor, sheathing it at her waist.
"What the-" the creature growled, jerking its arm backward.
The movement pulled the chained ball free, and the metal links slid under Lucy's feet, knocking her backward. She fell onto her rear, hitting the floor hard. She quickly pulled Fleuve des Etoiles from her waist, snapping the whip free and allowing it to attach to a high beam along the ceiling. She willed it to retract, pulling her upward, out of the weapon's rolling path. She dangled from the middle of the room, twisting to face her opponent. She released her whip, landing on her feet and crouching from the impact. She let the whip drag along the ground, slowly rising to face her enemy.
"Seems I underestimated you, girl," the monster grunted, narrowing its eyes from the shadow of its helmet.
"Seems like I overestimated you," she confided, smirking slightly, "You're much slower and more predictable than I had anticipated."
The monster roared, beating his chest with his heavy fists. The sound of his knuckles hitting steel echoed throughout the empty store. The monster drew up his hands, wrapping the many chains around them, "I'll kill you, human! Mark my words!"
It swung the studded ball in a figure eight, and Lucy tried to track its movement with her eyes. She knew that one touch of the weapon could decapitate her, and a single blade could maim her as well. The monster roared, its anger evident in its sloppy throws. Lucy dodged the projectile once. Twice. The chains retracted, and she dodged again, ducking under or leaping over. On the third attempt, she attacked with her diamond whip, wrapping it around the studded ball as it passed by her. She tried to pull backward, hoping to make the weapon stop its devastating path as it crashed through the wall, nearly destroying the entire north side of the store. She hadn't expected the ball's momentum, and her arms were nearly torn from her body a she was dragged with it as it continued to fly. Her knees hit the ground, causing her teeth to chatter. The monster pulled on the weapon's chains, entangling Lucy's hands and pulling her toward him. Her hands released their grip on the whip, leaving it behind as she was dragged toward her opponent on her back.
"Enjoy your last breath, human girl," the monster leered as it began to hunker toward her, pulling its blade from where it was buried in the floor, "Ready to beg?"
She felt her flesh tear as the chain's links bit into the tender skin of her wrists. She silently cursed herself for her foolishness, "Never!"
Her mind raced as she thought of who she could summon. Taurus was injured, and she didn't want to risk the lives of any of her other spirits. Miki would return with help only to help to find that Lucy had failed. She would be long dead. Her mind began to skip over her goodbyes—the things she never got to say; the things she wanted to tell everyone. That she would never get to say.
Her enemy drew his blade high as he pulled the chains taut. Lucy felt her flesh tear more, blood oozing around the metal links. She managed to get to her knees, attempting to pull against the monster. It swung at her, and she leaned back away from its large fist. She could hear it chuckle as it toyed with her. She began to think of whom she could use to help her. Her mind froze as she saw the blade rise up again. She closed her eyes, preparing for the pain. Preparing for her death.
It was inevitable.
A whooping scream rang out as the force pulling Lucy's wrists slackened. Her head snapped up to find the blade gone as she perched on her shins, her arms being held upward as if in prayer.
"Huh?" she muttered, her mouth agape.
What had happened? Her eyes flickered to the chain that was now dangling in front of her, the metal looking...melted. She quickly looked up to find him standing, his back to her as he held the severed chain between his fingers. His knuckles were bloody from fighting; his pink hair was in disarray.
"A human boy now? Here to join in the fun?" the ape leered, his expression cautious.
"You OK, Luce?" Natsu asked, glancing over his shoulder, his expression grim.
"Natsu," Lucy breathed, her eyes wide with shock. How had he known? How had he found her?
Do you really have to ask, silly? He always finds you.
"Are you alright?" he snapped, nearly turning to look at her.
"Oh! Yes-s-s!" Lucy nodded, her teeth chattering, "Don't t-turn around! Pay attention! He's d-d-dangerous"
"Hmmph!" Natsu agreed, turning back to his opponent. Lucy's opponent. "I'll take care of him. You get yourself to safety."
"No."
"Huh?" Natsu turned to look at her, "What do you mean 'no'?"
Lucy stood, wiping the dirt off her thighs after disentangling her wrists. She stretched her fingers, her eyes set with determination, "You heard me, Natsu. You don't get to save me. I can handle myself."
"Was that what you were doing? I couldn't tell from the way that monkey," he jerked a thumb toward the enemy, "was about to cut you to pieces!"
"Shut up!" Lucy barked, "You're too busy ignoring me, you don't get to worry about me now!"
Her chest was heaving as she blurted the words, her anger returning. She couldn't pinpoint who she was more angry at: her enemy or dragon slayer's eyes widened and his face fell before he quickly erased all traces of emotion from it. Lucy found herself even more infuriated by his reaction. Or lack thereof. He turned away from her, angling his head slightly.
"No, Lucy, I can't allow you do that," his shoulders were tensing in a way that was familiar to Lucy. He was furious, she knew, "Just stand back, I've been looking for him."
"Looking for him?" Lucy echoed, suddenly confused.
"He killed Jet," Natsu replied softly, "and nearly did the same to Droy."
"Oh no," Lucy lifted her fingers to her mouth. Poor Levy!
"And," Natsu hissed between clenched teeth, his fists balling, "he hurt Happy."
"How badly?" she asked, her heart racing once again.
She could see his skinned knuckles and bloodied fingers, and indication of his involvement in the fighting. His body was mottled with scrapes, dried blood, and bruises. Lucy suddenly felt very insignificant...
"I don't know, Wendy is trying to help him. So you see-"
"Fine," Lucy whispered, still in shock, "You can have him."
Natsu nodded, "Just stay back, Luce. I can't have you hurt as well."
Can't have me hurt? She felt her stomach leap into her throat.
"Stupid humans and your filthy attachments. Doesn't mean a thing to me, I'll still kill the lot of you!" the monster replied as he rocked forward on his fists, "Think you can take me down, do you? You stink of human filth! Your cat won't get his eye back!"
Jet and Droy were no match for this monster? Jet was dead? How will Levy and Droy cope? And this beast blinded Happy? Adrenaline continued to course through Lucy as she felt herself becoming angry at the news Natsu had delivered. She had never felt rage like this before. Everything she had experienced these past few months had led up to this point. Every monster they encountered, every hurdle they had to overcome—it all came back to Ultear and Adie's sister, Lilith. Not only that, but her relationships with her friends had changed, and not all for the better. Months of frustration with herself and her inability to protect her loved ones came crashing over her like a wave. This was what she had feared most: the loss of a friend.
Some of you will not survive, Makarov had told them. His words were already ringing true, and Lucy was not ready for the pain that would ensue. Even one death amongst the guild would be felt equally by all of them. She looked at Natsu, wondering how he had been able to withstand so many losses in his life. He had lost his childhood friend, Lisanna, as well as his father-figure, Igneel. Lucy's eyes flickered over Natsu, noticing how his shoulders tensed as he tossed the chain aside. The pink-haired mage cracked his neck and knuckles, his elbows jutting out at his sides as he laced his fingers together and extended his wrists. Lucy drank in his reaction, feeling an odd familiarity with his movements. She did not know what revenge felt like, nor did she know how to go about making up for a friend's death. She did know that, of the two of them, Natsu was best suited to avenge their fallen comrades.
This was what he lived for.
"Natsu?" Lucy whispered, her voice soft despite her ire.
"Huh?" he asked, turning his head to the side and acknowledging her.
"Kill this scum, please?" Lucy answered him, unable to contain her vehemence.
The corner of Natsu's mouth slid upward in a familiar smirk, though the action was strained, "You got it, Luce!"
"For Jet."
"For Jet," Natsu nodded, his eyes tearing slightly as he turned away. Lucy could see the faint tremble of his hands.
"I'll be in the back, in case you lose," she informed him, nimbly stepping backward as tears of mourning filled her own eyes.
"Fat chance of that!" Natsu cracked his knuckles as his hands bursting into flames.
Before Natsu could respond, the monster raised up both arms, howling as it brought them down simultaneously. The floor rose up in a wooden wave, quickly knocking Natsu off of his feet. His arms flailed and the flames went out as he tumbled backward, eyes wide with shock. Lucy grabbed Fleuves and latched onto a ceiling beam as the wave tore toward her. She watched as the monster lifted the chain from the empty ball, swinging it through the air. She knew that its weight alone would be enough to crush any unsuspecting victim, even without the projectiles attached to it. She looked the item she still had gripped in her palm, quickly recognizing the fabric. It was something she had seen before. Suddenly, she had a plan.
"Natsu!" Lucy yelled as she landed on the floor before him, quickly picking up her diamond whip and lashing it around a beam above her. She pulled it taut, in the path of the massive projectile that her opponent was intending to launch at Natsu. The ball hit the whip, the impact jolting Lucy, though the whip absorbed most of it. The ball fell to the ground, bouncing heavily and denting the woodwork.
"Lucy!" Natsu's eyes were wide as he stared up at the Stellar Spirit mage standing tall in front of him, whip stretched in her hand.
Lucy turned her head slightly, "Surprised? I told you I'd be waiting for when you lost."
"I didn't lose!" Natsu growled, pushing himself upright.
"I'm not done yet!" their enemy roared as it once again slammed its long arms into the ground. Lucy tried to leap above the wave, but her movements were too slow.
"LUCY!" Natsu yelled, punching his way through the wooden wave. His eyes were wild with fear as he saw Lucy land on the ground before their opponent.
The monster licked his lips, lifting the curved blade high above his head, "You'll die now, human! And your friend will watch!"
"Lucy! DAMMIT!" Natsu's body caught aflame as he ran toward Lucy, his arm drawn back in preparation. His heart raced as he realized that he wasn't quick enough. He had been overconfident, and he had risked Lucy's life. He would never forgive himself if she were injured.
Lucy tried to roll away, but the blade plunged deep into her abdomen.
"NOOO!" Natsu screamed, sliding to a halt, his eyes wide with terror. Lucy clutched the blade that had stabbed through her abdomen. She, too, wore an expression of extreme horror.
"No no no no no," Natsu yelled, his fists alight again as tears filled his eyes.
"It's alright, Natsu," Lucy replied, though her voice was not her own. The ape stood above her, his hands still on the hilt as he grinned triumphantly.
"Huh?" Natsu drew back, suddenly wary of the lack of Lucy's smell.
His suspicions were validated as Lucy's impaled form dissipated in a puff of smoke. Two tiny spirits—ones Natsu had seen before—stood on either side of the blade. They leaped into the air, giving each other a high five.
"Good job, Mini!"
"Awesome, Gemi!"
"We did it, for Lucy-chan, yesss!" they yelled in unison, their voices full of childish glee.
"Hnnh?" the ape-like creature drew back, confused as a heavy fist swatted at them unsuccessfully.
The distraction was momentary, but the subsequent events were full of intent. Before Natsu could summon his former rage, a blade ruptured from the creature's armored chest. Black fluid spattered across Natsu's face and torso. The dragon slayer instinctively leaped back as the creature howled in pain. It reached up two massive hands to touch the blade, confusion evident in its small, black eyes. It raised the onyx irises to Natsu, who met its look with equal confusion.
"Pa...pathetic humans," the monster croaked, black life fluid gurgling from its mouth as the blade retracted from the now-gaping wound.
The monster jolted forward, attempting to support itself on its heavy hands. The dark liquid poured from its chest as it swayed, falling flat on its face with a wordless, guttural moan. Its hands were never thrown out to stop its fall. Natsu stood there in shock, watching as the large wooden handle waved into view as the monster toppled. It was the first glimpse of the giant axe that was still protruding from the enemy's back. His eyes grew wide as he saw her standing behind the creature, her gloved hand on the hilt as she sucked in the air.
"Luce?" he asked quietly his eyes still watery and full of shock.
"Good job, Lucy!" the two spirits jumped up and down as they congratulated Lucy in unison.
"Thanks," Lucy breathed heavily, her eyes downcast, "You two can go now."
"Please call again!" the two announced together before disappearing after curt bows.
Natsu quickly wiped the tears from his eyes, staring at her, incredulous, "H-How did you do that?"
Lucy lifted her gloved hand, flexing her fingers, "A gift. From a friend."
Natsu narrowed his eyes, recognizing Adie's glove. How did she come to possess it?
"Are you OK?" Lucy asked pulling the axe free with one hand, the weight still causing her to wobble.
Natsu briefly recalled Levy informing him that the glove's power only builds upon the user's strength. He watched her with a mixture of curiosity and wonder as she examined the axe, holding the handle with an odd ease. He would never admit the awe at what Lucy had just done.
"Yes!" he snapped, suddenly ornery, "I should be asking you that!"
"And why's that?" she asked, glaring at him as she dropped the weapon. She looked at the dark fluid pooling around her feet, her face flickering her disgust at what she had done. She turned ashen, covering her mouth after ripping off the glove and shoving it into her pocket.
"You..." Natsu trailed off, watching her movements.
He was suddenly confused by her actions. She went from being angry to looking ill. Lucy recovered as she gently toed the creature's body with her foot. When she was satisfied, she turned and walked through the doorway, saying nothing and avoiding his questioning look. Natsu stood there for some time, his mouth agape.
When he recovered, he quickly ran after her, "Lucy! Wait up!"
"We have to go! We have to help the others!" Lucy called behind her, squaring her shoulders in resolution as she forged forward. She wouldn't let him see the tears in her eyes. She had never so brutally killed anything before, and it was not a feeling she relished. She quickly wiped them away.
"Hey!" he reached out, grabbing her wrist, "Are you OK? What was that? When did you-"
His eyes searched her face, and she could see the confusion and concern etched in his features despite her quickening heart rate and boiling anger toward him.
"I'm fine! Why do you suddenly care?" she snapped, letting her rage take over. She threw back her head and laughed, "Are you angry you didn't have to protect me for once?"
"No, I-" he started, still in shock.
He had seen her die before his eyes. It was a terrible feeling, though he had experienced it before...in an image that had been unwillingly shoved into his mind. It was a scenario he had been trying to avoid with all his might. His mouth snapped shut at her scorn; he couldn't blame her for her feelings. He had caused her to act like this. His expression softened before becoming blank once again. It infuriated Lucy.
She reached down and pulled the scarf from her waist, "Here! Since you've been so busy ignoring me, I haven't been able to return this!"
She quickly pulled it free, shoving it into his chest. He took a step back, gripping the scarf to his heart. He felt her skin brush his as her face reddened in anger, "I'm not-"
"You're not what, Natsu?" she hissed, shaking her head and turning to walk away.
I'm not ignoring you because I want to.
He wanted to tell her. Scream it at her. Pull her into his arms. But, he couldn't. Instead, he stood there, feet frozen to the ground as he watched this new Lucy take control of the situation. She had managed to trick that large beast, allowing her the upper hand. She had practically protected him. It hurt to see her change so much from what he knew, but it was something he had brought upon himself. He had pushed her to this—all because he wanted to protect her. Like always. And he was too much of a coward to tell her that. Too afraid it would push her to do something stupid. For his sake. Instead, he would gladly watch her move on with her life if only it meant for her to keep on living. He'd happily be a bystander to her future happiness at the cost of his own. A loud explosion rang out as a large cloud of dust billowed to the east. He could see the buildings falling as if it were perfectly natural.
"Gildarts," Natsu murmured, recognizing the mage's destruction. He knew that the older man could hold his own.
"Let's go!" she hissed at him as she stomped away.
"Lucy!" Natsu called after her, suddenly feeling odd, "Lucy, would you just wait!"
"Wait for what?" she turned around, her eyes misted with hot tears. "What the hell do you care if I wait for you? You couldn't even give me an explanation?"
His jaw remained clenched and unmoving. Lucy didn't know what to make of his reaction.
"Whatever, Natsu," she muttered under her breath as she spun on foot and began to stomp away once again. She wiped at her angry tears.
"Lu-"
He was interrupted by a deafening roar behind him as the building they had been in collapsed to the ground. Both Lucy and Natsu turned to find the monster Lucy had just mauled standing in the doorway, his arms pressing against the frame, causing the building to fall around him. The effect would have been comical to Natsu had the image of the creature stabbing Lucy not still been fresh in his mind. He narrowed his eyes, his arms bursting into flames.
"Did you think I'd die that easily? Such a weak blow!" the creature hissed, pushing on the door frame.
"Not really worried about how easily you will die," Natsu grinned, his eyes glinting, "Face it, you're goin' down no matter what!"
"Imbecile," the monster leered, his chest still oozing dark fluid. Lucy hadn't seen the wound from the front, and she inwardly cringed at what she had done.
"Fire Dragon's Brilliant Flame!" the pink-haired mage roared, clapping his burning hands together. The earth before him erupted as the crumpled building and Natsu burst into flames.
"NATSU!" Lucy screamed. The dragon slayer did not respond as the flames climbed higher, making him invisible to her.
"Fire Dragon's Sword Horn!" he quipped as a bright flame streaked toward the burning building.
Lucy knew she had lost him, as he was too caught up in the moment. He was too excited to fight. She quickly tore off after him, but a second explosion threw her backward like a rag doll. She rolled along the ground, pushing herself up onto her hands, her eyes wild. Natsu had no idea what he was up against, yet he still recklessly charge into battle.
"Natsu, damn you!" she growled, as she tried to stand. A second explosion knocked her aside as flames licked the sky.
"You called?" she heard him say, his voice smiling at her as she saw his feet in front of her. She rolled her eyes, as he knelt down. Their noses were nearly touching as she looked up at him, her eyes showing her bewilderment and relief.
"You're an idiot!" she breathed between clenched teeth, ignoring his hand.
"Eh, I just like to have fun," he grinned, masking his pain. He reached out, grabbing her hand to help her stand. Before she could react by retracting her fingers from his grip, a giant, flaming form hovered behind Natsu. Lucy's eyes grew wide as she saw it.
It's still not dead! her mind screamed as her body refused to react.
The monster was holding Taurus' axe in its massive hands, roaring as it lifted the weapon skyward, ready to bring it down on Natsu. She opened her mouth to warn him, but her reaction was too late as the axe was already in descent as it plummeted toward a distracted, unknowing Natsu.