Author's Note:

Here's a chapter that I've had a bit of trouble writing.. Though, I think it worked out... Somehow.. xD

Lucy, Laxus and Natsu's POV in this chapter.. :P

Have fun reading and feel free to send me your suggestions for this story 'kay?

Disclaimer: I do not own the Fairy Tail characters, they all belong to the awesome Hiro Mashima. :)

Warning: This Fanfiction is Rated M for a reason. Violence and language not suitable for kids out there! xD

LUCY'S POV

I was lying in a tent, all bandaged up and recovering from the injuries I had gained in my time in Fear Pythios. I refused to see anyone except Laxus or Loke. It had been two days since we were rescued from the guild and still he refused to take me home, telling me that I needed to heal first before going back to Fairy Tail. But I knew I wasn't safe. I would never be safe until I was back to the guild. I was left alone in my thoughts whilst the others were outside the tent, happily eating dinner. I didn't want to eat and though Laxus tried to get food into my system, I simply ignored him like he ignored my wishes to go home. He tried to get me to eat but I threw away what he brought and began to sob and begged him to get me home or otherwise leave me alone. My tears were done for the moment and I could do nothing but stay still until an all too familiar feeling crept up to me. "It can't be," I whispered as I steadily sat up and looked around the tent, looking for something to defend myself. They were near. I can tell. But how?! They said that they defeated all of them, but why?! Why were they here?! I knew I wasn't safe! I managed to see a knife and I instantly grabbed it, pointing it to the entrance of the tent, my hands trembling in fear.

"L-LOKE!" I called out to my lion that I knew was only outside the tent, he peeked in and I could see the shock in his eyes. How could he not be surprised? A knife was pointed directly at him and he could see me trembling like I had seen something more frightening than a ghost. And though I hadn't seen anything like that, I knew that something far worse was coming. "What's going on, Lucy?" he asked his hands in front of him in an attempt to calm me down. "T-they're coming, Loke. They're coming for me," I told him shakily and he only frowned and attempted to smile comfortingly, "Don't worry Lucy. They're gone and we'll all be-," his words were cut short and I screamed. A knife was protruding from his chest, just above his heart and though I knew he would not die from this, the image would haunt me forever. "LOKE!" I screamed his name and from behind my lion, I saw him. One of my worst nightmares. Rick, the Speed Mage of Fear Pythios. I didn't even have time to react before he was behind me, the knife threatening to slice my throat. Then, he grabbed a fistful of my hair and retracted the knife from my throat and begun to drag me out of the tent, not even thinking twice of my injuries that were once again beginning to open and bleed.

The sight that greeted me made me nauseous. They were there. Fear Pythios. Fighting and outnumbering my friends. Rick released an evil laugh and immediately my friends turned to see me struggling to get away, and that moment made them vulnerable to attacks. I could see them, failing slowly to hold up their defences. I could see them losing. And one by one, I was seeing them die. "NOOOO! STOP IT! STOP!"

I woke up screaming as a pair of strong hands was holding me into an embrace in an attempt to calm me down. "Shh. You're safe. You're home," I heard a voice say and though I continued to sob, I stopped flailing from the comforting words the voice had given. I cried my eyes out at the horrible vision I had seen. Light seeped through my eyelids and I opened them ever so slowly. The scenery was comforting and familiar, the voice was right. I was home. I was safe. I was back in Fairy Tail. I wiped my tears away and looked at the owners of the arms that were currently wrapped around me. It was Laxus and if it were the me from before, I suppose I would have already kicked him for being on the same bed as me, more so, with his arms wrapped around me. But this was different. I am different. I am not that strong. I am helpless and he was the one holding me up. My tears ceased and I calmed down. When he noticed this, his arms cautiously left me and I instantly searched the warmth and comfort they held. He seemed ready to stand and unconsciously, my hand shot out to grab a hold of his shirt. "Don't go," my horse voice called out softly and he relented, going back to sit on the bed and I went back and laid back on the bed.

I laid there, staring at the ceiling, both of us surrounded by a comfortable silence. I vaguely noticed that the pain of my injuries were no longer there and so I stared at my hands and indeed, they were no longer covered in bleeding wounds instead they were covered in nasty looking scars. My heart clenched at this and I felt the fear come back to me at full force. What if they come back for me? What if they manage to escape? What if they attack the guild? Not long after I twisted myself and allowed myself to lie on my side, my back facing Laxus as I silently cried my fears. Though I knew, despite how many tears I shed, I will never be back to the way I was before. I would never be that carefree girl again. I can never leave the guild halls feeling secured and safe. Ever since I first joined Fairy Tail, this was truly the first time I felt so small and so very helpless. And this was the first time I ever truly stopped believing and lost hope in everything.

LAXUS' POV

It was only yesterday that I had gotten Blondie back to the guild and Porlyusica had checked on her several times throughout the day and night. Thanks to that, Lucy's wounds were all healed but I still had a boiling rage within me as throughout her body were scars. Scars that would be there to remind her everyday of what happened to her. Scars that would never fade and would be everlasting. I sat on the bed she was resting at throughout the night. I would fall into sleep every once in a while but I would always wake to check on her. She looked so peaceful as she rested ever since we got back and even as the night passed by and I was thankful for it. She needed rest and the last thing she needed were nightmares bothering her every single night. It was enough that she had suffered for days and going beyond that was already too cruel. Besides she didn't do anything to deserve her fate, if anything it was much better if it was that flamehead of a dragon slayer was the one who suffered greatly instead of her.

My thoughts were stopped when out of nowhere Lucy released an ear-piercing scream. She was asleep and she was in pain but I couldn't see any of her wounds opening up nor can I smell any blood and Porlyusica was very certain that all of Lucy's wounds were healed. I deduced that she was having a nightmare and I silently cursed myself for not realizing it sooner. How naïve of me to think that she wasn't going to have any of those sleep-disturbing dreams. Of course it would be normal. I gathered her sleeping form in my arms as she continued to flail and scream. "Lucy. Lucy, wake up," I slowly rocked her awake but it didn't work as she continued to writhe in discomfort. "Blondie, wake up. It's okay, wake up. You're safe," I said as I hugged her tighter willing myself to protect her and wishing that she would wake up but it was doing no good. "Shh. You're safe. You're home," I whispered to her in the most comforting and calming voice I could muster and it sounded incredibly low. It seemed to do good since she ceased her flailing and screaming and instead sobbed in my arms and I just stayed there, trying to comfort her and assure her that she was safe and everything would be fine, though it was currently a faraway goal.

I waited for her to calm down which took a lot longer than I expected that only served as proof that indeed, Porlyusica was right. Lucy had been broken in a way that none of us had ever expected to happen to her. When her tears stopped, I cautiously released her from the hug that she was in so I could get her some water, but that seemed to be impossible when her hand caught the shirt I was wearing. "Don't go," was what she said and how can I say no when it wasn't only her hand that was begging me to stay. Her voice and her eyes were pleading that I stayed with her until she was the one who didn't need me anymore. And so, I decided to ignore the water and instead seated myself once again on her bed and watched her. It was hard seeing her the way she was. Her carefree smile gone from her face, the light in her eyes disappeared and all that was left were seemingly lifeless chocolate orbs staring into space. I watched her intently as she looked at her hands that were once soft and smooth, now covered with scars. I saw her features shift and afterwards shift herself in the bed. I could hear her cry and yet I could do nothing about it. She cried for about an hour before her breathing finally evened out that led her back into a peaceful slumber. Well, at least I hoped it would be a peaceful slumber.

Minutes passed and I just continued to watch her sleeping until a golden light emerged in the room that slowly faded to reveal Loke. "How is she?" he asked worry evident in his tone and I merely looked back at Lucy and brushed a stray strand of hair that was on her face. "Her wounds are gone but she's still so scared," I answered and he nodded his head in understanding, guilt visibly etched on his features. "Oi. Don't look so guilty around her, Blondie's not gonna like it seeing you like that," I half-glared at him and he looked at me sceptically though he gave off a small smile afterwards. Honestly, I didn't know if that was true, but I sure as hell wasn't happy to see him moping about and so probably Lucy wasn't going to like it too. Besides, she was in the process of recovery and the recovery she needed was more on mentally and emotionally, so having someone feeling all guilty and shameful around sure as hell wouldn't be good. Loke stayed for a good while and we both watched over the blonde mage, neither of us speaking a word. I didn't think that I had to say anything nor did Loke, so silence filled the whole infirmary whilst Lucy slept.

As I watched her sleep, I couldn't help but think to myself that I want to protect her from here on out. As I saw her peaceful features, I thought to myself that I want to see her peaceful and happy again, instead of lifeless and fragile china doll. I want to see her fearless again, I want to see her strong. Even if I can't bring her back to the way she was before completely, I at least want to see her smiling again. Because her smile is what gives hopes and light. Without her, Fairy Tail is just another noisy guild.

THIRD PERSON POV

Fairy Tail wasn't in its usual rowdiness. Not when one of its members is suffering greatly. They each knew themselves that they were also to blame for what happened to Lucy. Most of them had caught sight of her battered and bleeding body when Laxus had brought her back to the guild. Not one of them could speak for a great deal of time. All they managed were murmurs and whispers of worry of the blonde mage's condition. They knew better than to barge in the infirmary. Not when Porlyusica was there, nor an angry Master Makarov. And even more so, a Laxus that looked like he was still ready to kill anyone that came close or even had the thought of hurting Lucy. They were too scared to face the wrath of those three people, so instead they chose to gather in the guild hall, not one of them going home, instead waiting for the news about the Celestial Spirit mage. Thankfully for them, Master Makarov came out and stood tall in front of everyone, his face etched in seriousness.

"Now listen here you brats! No one, absolutely not one of you is allowed to go inside the infirmary unless it's a dire emergency or unless we have moved Lucy back to her home." Master Makarov said loud enough for everybody in the guild hall to hear. They didn't have a problem with that though there were multiple murmurs of what could be the reason for such an order from the master. "The only ones that will be allowed to enter the room will be me, Porlyusica, Laxus, Levy, Gajeel, Wendy and Happy. Otherwise, those who attempt will receive a harsh punishment." Normally, the people from the guild would think of the harsh punishment as something embarrassing though judging from the look that the master was currently giving off, none of them would try to defy him because they all knew that that harsh punishment really meant business. Makarov looked at every single person currently in the guild hall, "Each of you would have to guard that door. Lucy is not safe yet. Laxus and I have suspicions that Lucy's capture isn't only due to our guild taking on a mission and taking out a branch of their guild. And so, Laki, Wakaba and Macao, I would like you to investigate on Fear Pythios and on anything that you could find related to Lucy," Makarov stated and it could be seen that the three had serious looks on their faces as they nodded their heads, "We got this, Boss," Wakaba said as the three of them prepared for their mission. "Master, what about Natsu and the others?" a gently voice suddenly spoke, revealed to be Kinana and the old man merely sighed. "It's just like I said. Only those seven will be allowed to pass through that door or enter the infirmary unless it's Lucy's spirits or if she's the one who calls for them. I know it will be hard for Natsu and the others but there is nothing I can do about it. If they threaten to pass through, we'll have no choice but to fight them," he spoke gravely and it can be seen that the others were worried on how they would be able to handle the female knight, ice mage and fire dragon. It can be seen in all of them that they were hesitant to fight but they also knew that if that was what it takes to help their suffering nakama, then they would follow the master's orders. They can only hope though that Natsu and the others would be able to take the news lightly and just trust in the master's words.

The next morning came and like the master had said, they had not allowed several people to check on Lucy. Even those who guarded the door did not threaten to take a peek on what was happening inside, and though they were worried they were quite glad that the inside was quite peaceful. Well, until it was Max and Jet guarding the door that an ear-piercing scream came from inside the infirmary and reverberated throughout the stone walls of the guild hall. Max and Jet couldn't do anything aside from staying in their place, their hands clenched into fists as they tried to control themselves from bursting inside to check on their screaming nakama. It was a scream filled with fear and pain and many guild members grew worried and rushed to the doors of the infirmary, only to be stopped by a very bothered Jet and Max. "We need to check on her! She could be hurt or something worse!" Romeo tried to reason out as he tried to pass through Max but failed. "We know you're worried. But this is just as hard for us as it is for you guys. But we all heard what the master said, we can't come inside and we can't let anyone go inside as well," Max tried to convince the child as the screams from inside continued and not one of them could do anything but go back to the guild hall whilst the two were once again left to guard the doors. They were both quite thankful when the screaming stopped and they prayed to Mavis that they wouldn't hear that scream of pain again. Instead, what they wanted was to hear a carefree laugh and a smile full of light that usually came from their Celestial Mage. They had never thought that they had already ignored her, and never did they expect that that ignorance would lead to this much suffering and pain for their guild. Each of them prayed that she'd be alright and go back to the way she was, bringing light to everyone in Fairy Tail like she always did since she became a member. They wished that in time, Lucy would come back out of the room and tell everyone that she'll be alright and that nobody would ever have to worry.

NATSU'S POV

My mind was at a complete loss as we made our way back to the guild. I had not at all expected what had happened in the last few days and what had occurred last night as well. All the different happenings were just coming down on me like they are not giving me the chance to think clearly about every single thing.

Last night…

I stayed away from camp to gather my thoughts on what had happened to Lucy. She was such a strong woman but what I saw earlier was a scared little girl. She looked so fragile in Laxus' arms as if she was going to break if I so much as take a single step towards her. I couldn't believe that that was the blonde mage that I considered my partner and the one I truly had feelings for. No. Wrong. I couldn't believe that I was the cause that she had become that way. If only I hadn't ignored her, if only I stayed with her, if only I protected her. So many regrets were washing over me and I couldn't be sure if I could handle them all at once. Just then, a slight rustle sounded just a few feet from me. I had readied myself for whatever it was before I took a quick whiff of the breeze that blew by. I caught a scent I was all too familiar with. Flowers and summer breeze. I relaxed myself and after a few seconds the white-haired mage emerged from the bushes and trees. "What are you doing here Lisanna?" I asked her curiously and what she did had taken me completely by surprise. Lisanna ran up to hug me, letting my head rest on her shoulder. "You're worried about her, aren't you?" she said calmly though it was obvious to me that her voice was laced with sadness. "Why can't you just choose me, Natsu?" she said and I pulled back from the hug to look at her whilst her eyes were brimming with tears. I instantly wanted to panic, but seeing Lisanna's face so serious, I can't bring myself to speak a word. "Can't you notice me?" she asked softly as I strained to listen to her. "What are you talking about Lisanna? I… I can't understand you," I mumbled though what I said were my honest thoughts. What did she mean that I can't choose her? What did she mean that I can't notice her? What choice do I have to make that I should choose her? And I've always noticed her, how can I not? She's like a sister to me! "Are you that really that dense? I like… No… I love you, Natsu," she confessed to me as tears spilled from her eyes whilst she tried to smile as her hand wandered to my cheek.

My head went to a spinning frenzy because of her words and actions. Lisanna lik – no, loved me?! How did that happen?! I stopped her hand by holding her wrist gently. "Lisanna, I love you too as a sister." I said taking a deep breath as I looked at her with gentleness. Her gaze at me turned from gentle to pained and hurt and I could've sworn that I didn't like seeing such a look on her features. "Can't you understand what I just said Natsu? I don't love you like a brother. I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU!" she said emphasizing each word as more tears fell from her eyes. "I understood, but Lisanna, I don't love you that way, because –"I mumbled near the end and she immediately cut me off, "Because what Natsu?! Because of Lucy?!" she nearly yelled at me before running away, crying her eyes out and I was left there standing like an idiot, thinking of how everything had turned out to be this messed up.

And now here we were walking back to the guild, me in the very front of the group, Erza being the only human who could prevent me from running back to where Lucy was and Lisanna was at the back of the group together with Mira. I couldn't blame her for wanting to stay away from me as I couldn't find myself to be comfortable with the group either but hell I am not about to face Erza's ultimate wrath for that kind of thing. And yet, my thoughts couldn't help but to travel to last night's occurrences and I couldn't help but think of ways to make everything right again. I needed to settle things with Lisanna and Lucy. But this kind of thing seemed really harder than I initially expected and I sometimes wish that this stuff is just as simple as beating other people up but sadly it isn't.

It didn't take us long to reach the guild and the first thing I noticed where the stares the few people there were giving us and Kinana ushering Romeo to go upstairs and call Gramps. I really don't understand on what the fuss is all about but I didn't pay any attention to that. I could smell Lucy in the infirmary and it seemed that it was common knowledge as all of us headed to the direction of the infirmary. Though, something incredibly weird happened. As soon as everybody noticed that all of us were heading towards Lucy, they also stopped their business and followed us, murmuring something about being in trouble and that things were going to end badly. I couldn't understand what they meant since they were trying to keep their murmurs and whispers to an absolute minimum. As soon as we reached the infirmary, we were greeted by the sight of Max and Jet, seemingly ready to fight whilst the rest stood at the side as if acting as back-up. "Back off Natsu. You guys aren't allowed in here," Max said seriously and I looked at him wide-eyed like everybody else I was with. I was about to speak when Erza stopped me. "What are you talking about?" the redhead asked and Max was quick to answer her. "The master forbids anyone and almost everyone from entering the infirmary to see Lucy." Erza then stepped forward and Max tensed even more, ready to challenge Erza. "You said almost everyone, am I not included in the few that can visit Lucy?" she inquired and Jet spoke, "Sorry Erza but you're not. The only ones allowed in your group to enter are Wendy, Levy, Gajeel and Happy," the speed mage spoke quietly and that was enough to make my blood boil in anger.

"Let me see Lucy," I seethed and Max merely shook his head. "Sorry Natsu, but you're not on the list too and neither is Gray nor Mira nor Cana nor anyone whose name that Jet didn't say," he replied while I was barely containing myself to not attack him and break down the door just to see Lucy. I took a quick whiff and I could have sworn that my eyes flared red from the scent I caught. "Then why the hell are Laxus and Loke inside," I sarcastically asked, "Just don't give us trouble Natsu and back off. We're not letting you get through these doors," Jet pleaded though his voice held seriousness and I could see that everybody I was with did as they were told except me and Erza. Even Gray backed down. It could be seen that Erza was fuming to not be allowed to see Lucy and I was too. We were both worried and we still hadn't talked to her. I lit my hands on fire and lunged for an attack and so did Erza with her sword, but was stopped when two large hands held us both in place. I looked behind me and found Gramps with a serious look on his face whilst he held both Erza and me. "What's going on Gramps?! WHY CAN'T I SEE LUCY?!" I roared and try to light myself in fire to get away from the old man though it was futile. "Because she can't stand to be around a lot of people especially the three of you!" the old man said and I was visibly enraged at his accusations, "What are you talking about Gramps?!" I shouted and I vaguely heard Erza asking the same question. "Weren't you her teammates? And yet you ignored Lucy causing her to go on a solo mission when you clearly knew that she is not used to doing that. For your ignorance of your nakama I should punish you greatly, especially since she isn't just your nakama. She's your teammate and your partner," Gramps lectured us and the two of us stopped with our futile attempts of fighting back.

I might have stopped for the moment but the gears in my head were turning trying to find a way so I could see Lucy and talk to her. Nobody could stop me from doing that. My thoughts stopped for a moment when Gramps resumed to speak and I couldn't believe the words he just said, "I had been thinking of a punishment for the three of you but I suppose it's punishment enough that you can never see or talk to Lucy again unless she's the one who calls for you."

Replies to Some Reviews:

Anonymous: Well, I will continue to update this since I'm determined to finish this story, so no need to worry.. :P :D

Lizz Cold 790: It's not rude at all! In fact I don't really mind reading reviews like yours, helps in improvement.. ;) .. Well, to be honest, initially I had planned on Natsu and Lucy ending up together in the story.. But I just let my hands do the work and let my imagination soar and before long, I had turned this into a LaLu fic.. xD Well, I frequently can't do planned stuff since I believe stories are alive and will shift from the original plan at some point... Though maybe, I will write a NaLu fic that would stick to the original plot like you suggested.. :D (And now I rambled.. xD )

Bloody Amethist: I couldn't think of any good punishment for them! Hahah.. I apologize for that.. :P

zin-chan-luvs-u: I've read all your reviews and I would like to tell you to knock yourself out with your opinions on the reviews... They are extremely helpful and I appreciate them greatly.. :D My thanks to you and your sis for reading my fanfic.. :D

Raiza-chan: I love Makarov.. xD And yes, they will probably train.. :)

Cana-ann: You're right that there are a lot of questions and though I cannot answer them right now, I assure you that I'll try to answer those as best as I can as the story progresses.. :)

Well, different POVs, though I admit Lucy's was pretty short.. :P I'll try to make it up to you though.. :)

Any more suggestions and perceptions and comments? Give me a little review so I can find out! :D

Or you can send me a PM if you want to give a little suggestion on how the story could go, yes? :)

What do you think of Lucy and the guild? Thoughts on Laxus? Words on Natsu and Lisanna?

Thanks for the support! And I'll see you all on the next update!