"You're a life saver!" exclaimed Lucy. She grabbed Natsu and hugged him tightly.

Natsu, Lucy and Happy were all standing outside her apartment where piles of brick and lumber were stacked along the street. She watched as a few contractors carried materials up to the third floor of her building.

"Ah, it was nothing, really," said Natsu. He scratched the back of his head and grinned. "I tried to follow your scent after you were kidnapped but I lost the trail so I came back here to look for clues. Your landlady was already here so I talked to her. It turns out that she got really good insurance when she found out a Fairy Tail mage was renting from her. I just paid the deductible and she said she would take care of the rest."

Lucy couldn't believe her good luck. She had survived sleeping on Natsu's sofa the night before but he had been right—it definitely wasn't as comfortable as her own bed.

"How much was the deductible?" she asked a little nervously.

He shoved his hands into his pockets. "It wasn't much, so don't worry about it. You can buy me lunch sometime."

"Did the landlady say when the repairs would be done?" she asked.

"About a week. Of course, you can stay with Happy and me until it's ready."

She nodded. Another week was doable. "How about I buy you and Happy lunch right now?" She pointed to a small café that was right across the street.

"That sounds perfect, I'm starving."

"Happy wants fish!" The Exceed flapped his wings and flew around Lucy's head.

They went into the café and sat at a table. She picked up a menu and began browsing the sandwiches while Natsu and Happy looked outside.

"What do you think all those people are up to?" asked Natsu. There was a large crowd beginning to gather around the newsstand across the street. He reached into his pocket and handed a few coins to Happy. "Happy, can you go grab a paper and see what everyone is so interested in."

"Aye Aye Captain!" He flew out of the shop and was back a few minutes later. His ears were low, and he didn't say anything as he put the paper on the table.

Natsu and Lucy leaned over it and read.

Yesterday evening, residents of Columbine, Fiore evacuated their homes after being threatened by a man claiming to be the notorious Killing Mage, Zeref. Witnesses reported that the man used powerful magic and violence to coerce them into leaving their homes. There were also reports of a black dragon with blue markings flying towards Columbine.

Investigators from the magic council have reported that the town of Columbine was completely destroyed sometime between 1-4am this morning. They cannot confirm the source of the destruction although rumors are swirling that Zeref is to blame. Currently, there are twelve people missing and reports of multiple injuries. It is estimated that approximately 600 residents have lost their homes. A temporary shelter has been established and volunteers are needed to help distribute supplies. If you are interested in volunteering, please meet the local rescue team at the nearby town of Begonia.

The rest of the article discussed multiple theories for the attack and the possibility of Zeref using a dragon to spread chaos throughout the region. The article also included a sketch of Zeref that only bore a slight resemblance to the real man.

Lucy put down the paper. She thought she was going to be sick.

"I don't think Zeref's plan worked. If it had, Acnologia wouldn't have destroyed that town, right? That means twelve people might be dead and 600 people lost their homes for no reason."

"You don't know that," said Natsu. "Maybe he killed Acnologia after the town was destroyed. Either way, you can't be responsible for the evil that man creates. You did what you thought was right and no one can blame you for that."

"Well, why don't you just ask Zeref what happened?" asked Happy. He pointed towards Lucy's apartment. "He's standing over there."

Natsu and Lucy looked out the café's window. Sure enough, a man in a black military jacket with gold buttons was standing in the middle of the street looking up at Lucy's apartment.

"What the hell?" Lucy asked.

"What's he doing here?" Natsu stood up quickly. "Lucy, I think there's a back door to this place. You should get out of here!"

"What? Wait—maybe we should see what he wants," she said.

"No way. He's obviously looking for you. I don't want to lose you again." Natsu started pulling her away.

Lucy pulled back. "I don't think he's here to start another fight."

"Why else would he be here?"

"I don't know. Maybe we should follow Happy's advice and ask him."

Happy twisted a napkin in his hands nervously. "Lucy, I was joking. I don't want to talk to Zeref."

She tried to give him a reassuring smile. "I left on pretty good terms with him. Maybe…"

"How can you say that? Have you looked in a mirror recently? What that man did to you…". Natsu stopped talking. He was getting emotional which was very out-of-character for him. Something had changed in him during the last couple days. It hurt her to see him like that.

"I'm sorry," she said.

"Why are you sorry?"

"Never mind. Let's go out the back." She threw the menu on the table and started to stand up.

The bell on the café's door jingled and they looked up.

Zeref was standing by their table.