Hi guys! So I know I didn't post this yesterday, but I didn't promise anything! Besides it's here isn't it XD Anyways, thank you guys again for the support. One of you guys told me that I should get a Beta Reader. Honestly, I don't know a lot about Beta Reading but I do know that some people on this site do it to check for errors in grammar and punctuation. Basically their the editors, I don't actually know any so if you have one in mind or if you want to recommend someone please do. I'll be trying my best to find one myself. Otherwise, enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 5 (Puppets and the Puppeteer)

Lucy's pov,

I smirked at Loki, I had, only had Aries do her second attack and he's already on the ground. "Get up, pick a fight with me, you end it with me." I hissed. Loki got up again, wincing as his cuts and wounds began to open themselves.

I knew I was being cruel, not just by the concept of it, but by making him pick himself up again. Acnologia would not be happy about this either, I was already late, but screw what he has to say.

"REGULUS IMP-" "Aries, Dark Laser!" I yelled. Aries' body moved quickly, a replica of my Death Laser shot through Loki's chest cavity. His eyes widened and he fell to the ground. His arms wobbling as he struggled to even stay conscious.

I grinned and walked closer to him. He didn't meet my gaze as I stood in front of him. "Acnologia wouldn't be pleased with me when I get back." I sighed. Loki stared at my feet.

"Quiet are we?" I whispered crouching down in front of him. I tipped his chin up to me. Sweat plastered his handsome face, his eyes wincing as pain coursed through him. I couldn't help but chuckle. All these months, and I still don't get tired of this, the last few moments before they beg for mercy.

Their eyes rolling to the back of their skull, their bleeding hearts laying beside them, chest cavities ripped open. "Any last words Leo?" I smirked. Loki met my eyes intently. Anger burning behind his gaze. "He did this to you didn't he? Acnologia?"

I raised my eyebrows sarcastically. "He didn't do anything to me, this is who I am. And if you can't accept that, then your as bad as the rest of Fairy Tail." I muttered. Loki was silent as he stared at my feet. "I'm sorry."

My breath caught in my throat.

Sorry?

I forced a laugh from my dry mouth. "Sorry for what?" Loki gazed at me sadly. "For what they did to you."

Fairy Tail.

Magic. Remember.

I was silent for a few minutes.

'Your not my friend.'

'Leave.'

'Traitor.'

'Weak.'

I growled in between my teeth.

I'm not weak,

Not a traitor.

"Sorry doesn't cut it, Leo." I snapped. "TRY THE PAIN LOKI, TRY IT!" I screamed. Beckoning Aries quickly to me. "Kill him."

Aries nodded hypnotised and ran straight at Loki, dark energy flowed through her body, I was sure she would kill him.

NO!

But then she stopped.

"ARIES?!" I demanded. Aries turned towards me with great difficulty. Tears filled her eyes, darkness half possessing her body and half fought off.

She fought over my control.

"NEVER!" She sobbed. "Aries... Just do it." Loki whispered. "No. No. I can't." Aries sobbed crashing to the ground. "Aries!" Loki shrieked grabbing onto her.

"LUCY!" I looked behind me to find two very familiar faces staring shocked.

Gildarts Clive and Laki Olietta.

Normal pov,

"LUCY!" Gildarts exclaimed. Lucy looked behind her and met eyes with two of Fairy Tail's wizards. Lucy couldn't help but scowl. This was taking longer than she thought.

"Loki, Aries!" Laki yelled running over to them. Lucy groaned and grabbed their keys. "Force closure, Aries and Leo."

"What do you think your doing Lucy?" Gildarts demanded. Lucy laughed, trying desperately to keep her cool. She was now facing Gildarts, the wizard that even Natsu couldn't defeat. "My name is Eclipse what do you want?!"

"Is that really you Lucy?" Gildarts stuttered shocked. "I told you I'm not Lucy." Gildarts inched towards Laki. "She has Laxus." Gildarts whispered. Laki nodded grimly

Gildarts quickly glanced at Laki. "Advance carefully, she's dangerous." "I know." "I can hear you." Lucy smirked cutting the two out of their thoughts.

Gildart's eyes widened. "No way." Gildarts only knew a few people who could have heard what he just said. "She's... A..." Laki's eyes widened as it hit her.

"You mean..." "She's a Dragon Slayer." Lucy sighed. "It took you a long enough time too." "Impossible, dragons are extinct." Lucy raised her eyebrows sarcastically. "What makes you say that?" Gildarts' eyes widened as he went through the names of all the dragons.

And there was only one he knew still existed. The cause of the Tenroujima incident.

"A-Acnologia?" Laki whispered. Gildarts surprised that Laki had realised too. Lucy grinned. "Now that we're done with the formal introductions.." Lucy stood back. "CHAOS DRAGON SLAYER WING SLASH!" Lucy screamed slashing her arms to her side.

Gildarts winced and bent his body to cover most of the attack from hitting Laki. "Gildarts!" She snapped pushing him away. But Gildarts was cemented in his spot. Gildarts grinned. "I said I would, protect you."

Suddenly it was over. Lucy stood back to admire her work only to realise Gildarts had absorbed the impact of her attack, and he was still standing. Lucy widened her eyes. Sweat gathered on her forehead. She had already used most of her magic supply on Loki, the reason she was even standing was thanks to her anger towards these people. What Fairy Tail did to her was something she refused to look over.

"I guess it's my turn. I have to warn you Lucy. I don't like going easy, no matter the task. Especially if my nakama is on the line." Lucy smirked. "I have the magic ability to completely destroy Tartarus, are you sure you want to fight me?"

Gildarts grinned. "I'll try my best, as long as you have Laxus, I won't stop until he is safe." "Is that what it's about? Laxus Dreyar, Makarov's son?" "You know who he is Lucy." Lucy shrugged. "What if I don't have him?"

Laki gaped at her shocked. We never thought about that.

"We know you have him Lucy. He didn't come back to the guild. He was out looking for you." Lucy's eyes widened, shocked someone would be looking for her. But she recovered quickly, smirking again. "Fine you got me. He's here. But don't worry he'll be with you in a minute. Laxus?"

Laxus stepped out from behind Lucy. Lucy's Dark Energy encircling him. "How..." "You saw how I possessed Aries right? Well it works the same way. "

Lucy's pov,

I couldn't help but feel the little bud of tremors making it's way up my arm. I gulped. This wasn't good. This means that my magic is running out, and fast.

I held out my hand pulled at Laxus's arms like a puppeteer. Twisting the ropes of power connecting me and him.

Why are you doing this?

The thought hit me clear as day. A question that pounded against my skull, like a bad headache. I knew it wasn't mine.

Damn it. I forgot.

Gildarts must have seen my uncertainty and disturbance cause he smirked. "Scared?" I grinned tightly. "Not at all." "Then, let's get started. I'm sure you have better things to do." I laughed. "Oh I assure you it is a pleasure."

"LIGHTNING DRAGON WING SLASH!" I announced dishing out the first move.

Gildarts grinned. "Too slow." The attack hit him full on but it was reduced to dust as soon as it hit him. I scowled.

Crash magic.

Gildarts! Damn it, old man must have gotten him to come. Oh well, guess I won't be able to fight.

He completely blocked my attack.

I swore softly under my breath, I felt my fist tighten on it's grip on the rope of power connecting Laxus to me. "CHAOS LIGHTNING DRAGON ROAR!" I yelled. Swirling the power rope around me like a whip. Lightning touched down to the earth and rumbled across the damp dirt.

That'll take him.

I panted harshly as I watched the dust clear. The tremors had gotten worse by now. My shoulders shook as I struggled to get ahold of the power line. My vision was starting to waver.

There's no way I can replenish my magic power.

Gildarts emerged from the dust cloud. Sweat plastered his hair to his scalp. He looked slightly beaten up but that was all.

His hands were clapping, his eyes challenging.

"Impressive, but I expected more from the Chaos Dragon Slayer. I'm disappointed that your holding back." He grinned as he said it and I realised just how tired he was.

I chuckled with the little air I was breathing in. "Please- I'm just getting started." He smirked. "I'm glad. But I think it's my turn don't you think?" I grinned. "Whenever you feel like it."

He nodded and rushed at me faster than I would have expected. His speed took it's advantage and he crashed a solid fist to the side of my cheek.

Martial arts?

I flinched and sent a kick to his side gaining space between us. I breathed in a sigh of frustration before saying, "I thought men don't hurt ladies."

Damn it, I gotta find a way to buy some time.

"Your an exception." He laughed. "Running away are we?" Gildarts sniffed. I scoffed. "Never. CHAOS DRAGON SLAYER SECRET ART, SOUL EXTINCTION!"

Gildarts smirked. "Looks like brute strength isn't going to work. Ok. CRASH, EARTHQUAKE!"

The earth split before me and him, a crack opening up fast.

I forgot he could do that.

"ARMS, DARK WINGS!" I flew up into the air, my silky wings protruding from my spine. I flinched. This wasn't an easy spell. Especially right after Soul Extinction.

I didn't think I would ever use it.

"That's playing dirty." Gildarts laughed. I perched on a tree branch. "Your pretty good, I didn't think I would ever use it. But you know, that doesn't matter, I'll still beat you."

Gildarts grinned. "I like your determination."

"Gildarts focus! We need to get Laxus back!" Gildarts looked behind him and met eyes with Laki. He frowned. "Your right. CRASH, DISTORTION SPA-"

"THAT IS ENOUGH!" I gasped as I recognise the voice. "Acnologia..." Laki gasped, Gildarts only stared solemnly at the man that had come out of nowhere in the midst of the battle.

"Give them the boy." Acnologia said coldly. I began to defend myself but I drifted off. "Give them the boy Eclipse, you have done enough." I stared at my feet, ashamed. "You have a human form?" Gildarts questioned. Acnologia nodded. "My dragon form does not fare well with my current magic amount."

I glanced at Acnologia angrily. "How can you just say that to them?" I snapped. "Eclipse, give them the Lightning Mage. You have done your job. And very well too." I sighed angrily and left my restraints on Laxus.

Laxus's body fell to the ground. His breathing was harsh and shallow. "Laxus!" Laki ran to him supporting him with her shoulder.

"We'll be leaving now if you don't mind Gildarts. Me and my student need a little talk. Be well Fairy Tail mages."

Lucy's pov,

Crocus; Honey Bone Inn,

"What do you think you were doing Eclipse?!" Acnologia yelled as he paced around my hotel room. His eyes filled with fury. I sat on my bed swinging my legs gently against the bed.

"I'm sorry." "You. Could. Have. Gotten. Killed." I stared at my bloodied hands. "I was handling it fine." Acnologia scowled and threw a bottle of antibiotics at me and bandages. I took the bottle and bandages and began to smear the ointment on my hand.

"You didn't have to step in Acnologia." "You made a promise." He hissed angrily. "And YOU KNOW I WILL KEEP IT!" I snapped.

Acnologia stood at the far side of the room staring sadly at the wall, away from me. "I don't want you killed." He whispered.

I stared at the back of his head for a few minutes.

Doesn't want you killed.

"Where's the sentiment in that?" I scoffed. He looked back at me. "I gave you darkness to give you freedom over your choices. So you would know not everything is good." "I know."

I sighed and stood up. "You know I keep my word. I promised to kill you when the time comes." He nodded. "And I promised to teach you magic that only you could control." I nodded as I walked closer to him. My grip tightened on my keys.

"Do I have freedom?" I whispered softly. He narrowed eyebrows confused. "Of course you do." I scowled. "And what am doing exactly? Killing all those people, destroying all those guilds. What is the reason? What am I working for?"I demanded. Tears in my eyes as I remembered the expression on Loki's face and Aries'. And then... Gildarts...

Laki, Laxus..

Natsu.

Fairy Tail.

I couldn't help but close my eyes as I saw what really happened that night months ago.

"I guess you've finally figured it out." I shook my head. "No. No I didn't. You said I wouldn't ever have to count on anyone ever again. Especially when it came down to my life choices. You said I would control my own future. I'm not. You are."

Acnologia scowled. "I gave you darkness to protect you." "From what? Zeref? Dark guilds? You sent me after them!" "You don't understand my magic is horrible, it's evil. It's Zeref's. Without darkness you can't master it, it destroys you!" He yelled, his hands clutching his head as if he was going insane. He fell to the floor helplessly screaming at his own monsters.

"No, no it doesn't. You just wanted me to kill people, innocent people. I'm not evil Acnologia. And whatever quest you wanted before... Find someone else to do it. Because I have my own promises to fulfil."

I stared at him directly. "I am no ones puppet. From now on I'm my own master." I grabbed the dagger resting on the table. "I guess I'll begin with my promise to you. Rest in peace."

I thrust the dagger into his stomach. He fell silent as he slid to the floor, dragging black blood across the surface of the polished door. He opened his mouth, coughing as he stared weakly at me. "All I wanted was right the wrongs in my life." I nodded looking away. "That's all we ever want. I'm sorry you were thrown into the darkness by Zeref. I promised I'll do something about it."

He nodded gently. "W-watch over yourself Lucy. I liked you." I grinned. "Yeah, of course Alexian."

He grinned as his body was reduced to dust. "Sentiment value... Hold that close to you heart."

Normal pov,

In the Fairy Tail guild,

Gildarts, Laki and an injured Laxus crashed through Fairy Tail's doors, panting heavily. Everyone stood up surprised and shocked as they scanned their friends' arms and legs, noticing the heavy bruises and cuts. "Laxus!" Mira exclaimed running over to the three mages. Makarov looked up from his seat on the bar and stood up, eyes searching for his grandson.

Gildarts stood unmoving at the guild's doors staring grimly as the others helped Laxus to the infirmary. Laki stared blankly at the far wall in front of the guild's doors, shaking slightly. "Laki are you alright?" Levy asked gently putting hand on Laki's shaking shoulders.

Laki was silent. Makarov who had stayed to listen to Team Gildarts' report, looked intently at Gildarts. "It was Lucy, wasn't it?" Gildarts didn't answer and a stone cold silence filled the room.

Gildarts looked away, staring at the grey skies outside the door, while leaning against the door frame. He opened his mouth, addressing the whole guild this time. "It wasn't Lucy, well, it wasn't the Lucy we knew."

Natsu suddenly stood up, palms slamming into the wooden tables. "Lucy is Lucy, how can you say that?!" Gildarts grinned tightly. "She isn't Lucy anymore, she's Eclipse." Makarov stood there cemented to the ground for a few minutes, sucking it in. "And what was she doing?" Erza asked who had recovered from the news first.

Gildarts turned around and met his eyes with Erza. "She was trying to find Zeref. When we arrived she was fighting Loki." "Isn't Loki her spirit or something?" Gray asked slowly. Gildarts shrugged. "I told you, she's not the same person anymore."

"Why Zeref?" Erza asked roughly. "She definitely kept her promise, she said she would become strong enough to trash Fairy Tail and she did. I wasn't sure if I was able to take her on. If Acnologia didn't interfere, we may have fought each other to death." Gildarts replied.

"ACNOLOGIA IS BACK?!" Levy screamed. Gildarts nodded. "In the flesh, we think she's working with him, I think he's been teaching her Dark Energy Magic." Makarov's eyes widened. "Dark Energy Magic?" He gasped. "That's a Dragon Slaying magic." Levy whispered.

"You mean Luce's a Dragon Slayer now?" "That's what we think anyway. Loki was arguing with her about destroying Succubus Eye. We think she's the one that's been destroying the guilds. What about you guys?" Gildarts asked, glancing at Gray and Juvia.

Gray scowled. "We were too late. The guild hall was unrecognisable when we arrived." Juvia nodded. "Then there are no more active dark guilds..." Laki whispered in shock. "Lucy..." Levy muttered shaking her head. "Juvia is worried." Makarov sighed and sat down in a nearby chair.

"This is a critical moment Fairy Tail, we must stick together more than usual. Protect each other, defend each other. And if you encounter Lucy, fight with everything you've got." "But gramps-" Natsu began but got cut off. "It's for the best, we know she's not who we use to know anymore. The least we can do is defend ourselves and respect her, by fighting her with all we've got."

So yeah, what do you think? I personally really like this chapter. So chapters are going to get longer now. I'm pretty sure anyway, cause all the recent chapters are over 1000 words long. So that's good XD Read and review!