Chapter Thirty-Nine

"Erza…Don't go." The girls begged and Erza shook her head.

"Girls…I have already told you; I'm going to Solarium to try and find someone who can translate the text for Levy."

"Why can't she go then?" One asked and before Erza could respond; Gajeel walked by with Levy in his arms; hers firms plastered to her side by metal bands and another across her mouth.

"Need you ask?" Lucy asked as she laughed; following behind Gajeel. She'd been trying to get him to release Levy but every time he did she tried to use magic on him so he now kept the band over her mouth. Natsu was in training with the other Dragis; and when they'd tried to get Gajeel involved he'd glowered until they backed off.

"She's busy." Erza shook her head. "And she isn't trained for hostile negotiations. My ROTC training is a better option for this. You all will be fine here. You know that."

"But…you are going up against giants Erza. Giants. Not just giants; but SPACE GIANTS!"

"And I'll be okay." Erza smiled. "I will have some of the best and brightest from this station to help me. We'll be okay. And back before you know it."

"You better come back safely!" They ordered and hugged her.

"Freedom!" Levy shouted as she sprinted past, making everyone stop to gawk. Gajeel hopped after her, his legs bound and his expression murderous.

"Undo whatever ya did to my legs Gwamp!" He growled and turned the corner; nearly falling over in the process.

"What happened?" Bisca asked as she watched them disappear.

"She got a finger loose and used her magic to free herself. When he realized what happened he turned and she got him. Screamed 'bind' and hit his legs." Lucy was wiping tears from her eyes. She shook her head and looked at Erza. Erza smiled at her and she nodded. Erza nodded and ruffled Lucy's hair before turning and leaving the room. The girls hugged each other and headed over to the drink station.

Lucy walked to the windows and looked out. She and Natsu had been told that they, Gajeel, Gray, Wendy and Laxus would be heading to the surface later tonight. The official time was tomorrow; but they didn't want to have anyone try and stop them—mainly her parents. So they were going earlier in the night. And it would hide their arrival.

She looked around. As her friends and everyone else spoke and got together to discuss things that were happening. The mission to Solarium was a hot topic. She couldn't believe that Erza had offered to go there; instead of to the surface but her argument had made sense. She was somewhat more experienced in missions. Even if they were simulated.

She looked down at her hands and then around. She'd been in training more in the past few solar trips than she wanted to admit. She was tired and sore. And her mind felt like it was overloaded with too much new information. But she also knew that she didn't know enough. The Guards were upset she was going back to the surface. But she and Natsu refused to be separated and he had to go to the surface. He was one of the best and they needed to find more survivors. And the Guards needed to return to their current hiding location and report to the others what was going on.

"A twinkle for your thoughts." Loke appeared and she jerked. She blinked a few times and took a deep breath. Her suit calmed down as her breathing calmed. The spikes still slightly lengthened but at the length of a young cactus.

"Just thinking about how we all got reunited just to be separated so soon." She shook her head. "It's gonna break Mama's heart."

"Yes…it will." He looked away and sighed. He rolled something in his fingers before lifting it to his mouth.

"Seriously?" He looked at Lucy and she stared at the stick between his fingers.

"What?"

"Smoking? Don't you know that is dangerous."

"I don't smoke anything." He said and held it out. She looked at it. It white and tan; but solid looking.

"What is that?"

"A celestial nutrient stick." Capricorn said and she turned in surprise. He looked at her and smiled kindly. "We use them when we've been away from stars too long. Or sometimes as a power up agent. Give us more than our usual power."

"How have you been away from the stars? They're right out there." Lucy said and they both smiled.

"The station has barriers up that protect the inhabitants from the radiation. Those who aren't Zodiacrian die from the radiation but…"

"You all don't."

"Neither do you." Loke pointed out and she nodded. "You don't like to admit you are part Zodiacrian?"

"No!" She shook her head. "But…all of my life I thought I was human. I'm not used to counting anything else."

"It is understandable." Capricorn conceded. He watched as the young Celestial Mage looked out at the stars. He realized that while she had been acting calm; going to each training that they suggested, keeping things light with her friends and family. But he also knew the weight that she was carrying. Even though she was doing her best to act like it wasn't. He couldn't remember the last Celestial Mage who had held themselves together so well at the start of their tenures.

"I know how I'm supposed to gather magic from the stars…is the reason I'm not able to; due to the radiation blocking technology?"

"I believe so." Capricorn nodded.

"At least I'm not just inept." She murmured and crossed her arms over her stomach and looked around the room again. "You all will be safe right? Traveling back…wherever?"

"Your concern is touching." Loke wasn't being sarcastic. "Not all of the mages in the past have been…as concerned over the Guards."

"I'm sorry you all suffered under rough hands." Lucy shook her head. "The Guards aren't tools to be used at will. You are sentient beings. You have emotions, feelings, beliefs."

"You are your mother's daughter." Capricorn gave a small smile. "She also hated the worst Mages she learned about. And she cared about us; as individuals. Not just a unit."

"Teams fall apart if the individual members aren't taken care of."

"The whole for the parts." Loke murmured softly. Lucy looked at him and he smiled wistfully.

"We will be safe. Our travel; while risky, isn't as dangerous as it could be. We are power beings. And when we travel through the stars; we have many of the same characteristics of those stars. So trying to intercept us is very dangerous."

"That's good to know." Lucy stepped forward and hugged Capricorn. Loke saw his friend's surprised expression but was surprised himself when the elder Guard returned the hug.

"You take care of yourself. If you need us; summon us." Capricorn chided and turned on his hoof and left the room.

"Pretty sure you made that old goat tear up." Loke murmured and Lucy turned to look at him.

"I can try and make the kitty cat in front of me cry."

"This cat has claws." He sneered and she shook her head as she looked at him.

"Need some catnip?"

"What is that?" Loke asked looking at her with his eyes narrowed.

"Catnip…" Alfie interrupted them. "Is an Earth-Land plant. It causes felines to go into a euphoric state generally. Some will go into a comatose state. It is addictive for the felines. Also repels an insect known as mosquitos."

"You aren't funny." Loke shouted as Lucy walked away laughing. He turned and hissed as Natsu was nose to nose with him. "Don't do that!"

"Not my fault you are easy to sneak up on." Natsu said and Loke's eyes narrowed on the Dragis. "Are you going with the rest of the Guards?"

"I'm going I'm going." Loke snarled.

"You're welcome to come with us."

Loke stopped and turned, looking at Natsu in confusion. "I think I misheard you?"

"You didn't." Natsu shook his head. "You are welcome to join me and Luce and the other Dragis on the surface. You can fight. We'd appreciate the help."

"Thanks for the offer. But I have my own plans."

"You don't have to spy if I'm offering you to join us."

"I didn't spy!" Loke yelled, causing people to turn. Lucy started to walk back over and he held his hand up. He was surprised when she stopped; looked to Natsu then returned to her friends. Loke sighed and looked at Natsu. The Dragis showed no sign of being bothered by his outburst.

"Right. You didn't. And you don't have either. We're all friends here."

"Friends?" Loke scoffed. "You don't get it do you?"

"No." Natsu's attitude changed so quickly Loke felt sick. He also felt fear trickle into his heart; dread started to creep down the back of his neck. "You don't get it. We are a family here. Friends at the least. And Lucy above all else sees the Zodiac Guards are new friends; potentially family. You are the only one holding onto an unfounded hatred. If you hurt her…I'll pay you back in kind. Remember that."

"I'll take note." Loke murmured and Natsu walked away from him. He watched as Natsu curled around Lucy and shook his head at something she said. They put their heads together and had a moment; then he turned and walked over to the group that was going to be going with Erza on her trip to Solarium.

"Don't make him mad!" Gemi shouted; making Loke jump in surprise.

"And don't make Lady Lucy sad!" Mini slapped at him and he jerked back.

"Why are you two so violent?" He hissed and straightened his sleeves. They crossed their arms and glared. "What?"

"We have to go with the others. But we know you don't want to come with us." Mini sighed dramatically.

"So don't spy on Lady Lucy. Join the Dragis up front. It's better that way." Gemi rolled dark eyes that held more age than appearances suggested.

"Why does everyone think I'm going to spy on them. I could care less what they do."

"You are the strongest of us!" Mini stomped their foot.

"Act like it!" Gemi demanded and shook their head.

The twins turned and walked away holding hands. Loke stared after them and shook his head. He left the room at that point. He didn't want to get cornered by anyone else. As he stopped and looked out of the window at the end of a corridor he sighed. Why did everyone feel the need to treat him like a voyeur? Yes he'd been killing any Celestial Mage or potential one that he could find. Their screams, cries of fear, and tears requesting mercy haunted him. But he had had to do it. Celestial Mages couldn't be trusted.

"Lady Lucy isn't Karen." Aries' voice made Loke turn with a start. He stared at the small pink haired figure. Her horns curled into her curls. She kept her head lowered. "She isn't. You know that, right?"

"Aries…"

"She's really kind." Aries lifted her head, tilting it to the side as she smiled. "She even gave me this sweater from her own collection. Said it was wool from an Earth-land ram and thought I'd like it. She also apologized."

"Why would she need to do that?"

"She didn't." Aries was quick to defend Lucy. She grabbed Loke's arm. "But she wanted to. To try and make amends for the Celestial Mages in the past who didn't treat me right. She said that she will do everything she can to protect us. Protect us; Loke."

"Don't believe her!" Loke shouted. Aries flinched and he looked out the window, pulling his arm from her grasp. "Celestial Mages can't be trusted. We are their slaves. Nothing more. She can say she's sorry as many times as she wants. But when it comes down to it; when the fight is thick and death is imminent. She's going to use us as shields. Without remorse."

"You can't believe that. Not of Lady Lucy." Aries shook her head. Her eyes wide, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Of course he does. Because he's an idiot." Aquarius said appearing out of nowhere. She pulled Aries into a comforting hug. She glared at Loke who snarled and returned to looking out the window.

"You all are the idiots for thinking she's different. That her mother would have been if she'd been allowed to complete her trials."

"They aren't Karen! Don't you every utter such negativity against them again in my presence or I will drown you in the tears you've caused Aries, Gemi and Mini!" Aquarius pushed her friend behind her and crowded Loke to the glass of the window. He raised his arm; but she shoved her hand into his and slammed it against the wall; denting the metal.

"Aquarius my love!" Scorpio gasped and tried to get between her and Loke but he couldn't. Aquarius was nose to nose to him. Her rage pouring over into him.

"You live in such a shroud of darkness and fear it's surprising your Radiant Light can shine at all." She snarled. "You complain that the Celestial Mages are the danger that could lead to Mard Geer staining our souls…when you are the ever creeping blight on us. Wake up and realize that your fear has clouded your judgement."

"Get off…" Loke couldn't finish. Aquarius shimmered and was suddenly gone. Loke gasped; not realizing that her other hand had been around his throat. He lifted his gaze and saw Lucy at the far end of the hall; her arms out in front of her; forcing Aquarius against the wall. He felt his anger rising.

"I didn't need you to interfere!"

"I didn't do it for you!" Lucy shouted and he jerked at the angry tone. "I don't want Aquarius' hands to get stained by your blood."

He watched her turn back to the female Guard and say something he couldn't hear. She was blocking her conversation with the Guard in front of her; a skill she'd only learned in the past few skowls. Aquarius calmed down and nodded solemnly and Lucy lowered her arms and nodded. Then patted Aquarius' hand before she turned and headed down the hall. Loke turned his back on her.

"You are lucky the Lady summoned Aquarius away from you. She nearly killed you." Scorpio stated and put his arm around Aries and started leading her down the hall. She stopped and looked over her shoulder.

"I hope you can learn to trust her like we do. For your own sake." She whispered and then turned back and continued on the walk down the hall.

Alfie lowered the lights when Loke was left alone and he sighed. Staring angrily out of the window.

"Luce?" Natsu whispered and she rolled over and put her arms around him. He'd been late to coming back to the quarters for the night. He'd been getting the Magi-Hover organized and stocked. He and Gramps had also searched high and low for Happy but couldn't find the blu Exceed anywhere. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her hair, inhaling her scent and feeling himself relax. She yawned against his throat and snuggled closer.

"Na…su…" She murmured and he smiled. He and Alfie had been insuring that the Magi-Hover was stocked with things Lucy had shown to enjoy while on the Station. As well as pulling Earth-Land medicines and supplies that might come in useful. He was excited to return to Earth-Land with Lucy in tow. Yes, they had a mission to do. But it was also time for him to convince her that she was his growlkin.

He was upset that Loke was still acting up; causing her stress. But he couldn't change the Zodiac Guard's mind. And Lucy had refused to let him handle it physically. But he did understand it a little bit. She wanted him to come to the conclusion himself; that she was a friend and not a foe. But it was hard to watch her and the other Zodiac Guards upset with his actions.

He thought about how effortlessly she'd summoned Aquarius; pulling her away from Loke. She hadn't broken a sweat or even looked winded. And she was a strong Guard; which meant it took more magic. He ran his hands up and down her back. He smiled wider as she relaxed more against him. He was so impressed with her. Her training had been intense and she hadn't complained. She had learned as much as she could.

"My Lucy." He murmured as he drifted off to sleep.

Lucy woke up as Alfie started to raise the lights. Natsu had his head completely buried under the pillows next to her head and she smiled softly. She didn't remember him coming in, so it must have been late. She stretched gently and sat up; his arm falling to around her waist. She looked out the windows; and sighed. Loke's attitude was bothering her. She knew that deep down she couldn't do anything to convince him that she was different from the Celestial Mages that scared him. But it still hurt that he hated her so much. Distrusted her so much. She could only hope to prove herself to him somehow.

"Luce?" Natsu's voice was groggy and muffled under the pillows.

"Time to start getting ready." She murmured and he thrashed as he slowly sat up. He stretched and leaned over her shoulder. "It's almost time to go."

"I know." He murmured and stood up and the two of them got ready. As they left his quarters; the lights were so low that Lucy had to hold onto him. He led her down to the transportation silos and she sighed. They were the first there.

"They didn't forget did they?" She asked and Natsu shook his head.

"They're coming. I can hear them." He said and sure enough within moments Gray, Wendy, and Laxus appeared. They all nodded groggily at one another. Gajeel appeared shortly afterwards; Levy following behind. Unlike everyone else; she was bouncing on her toes and vibrating with energy. Lucy looked over and her friend smiled and hurried over, wrapping her arms around her friend.

"Why are you hyped up so early?"

"It's exciting. We're going back down."

"So you decided to join Gajeel? Or he did't trust you to not try and sneak onto the shuttle with Erza and the others?" Lucy asked and Levy's face pinked. She shook her head and twisted her foot.

"Droy mentioned that we needed more supplies for the gardens. So it makes sense that I go down and collect things. It is my specialty."

"Uh huh." Levy punched Lucy as she dragged out the disbelieving two syllables. Her scalut barely rippled and Levy rolled her eyes. Natsu patted Lucy's hip and winked at Levy.

"Leave her alone Luce. Let her live in her denial."

"Shut up." Levy shook her head and punched him gently. He growled and she pointed a finger at him. He instantly ducked behind Lucy and the girls both giggled.

"Ahh…laughter. Something sweet to hear before such a solemn moment." General Makarov's voice washed over them and they turned. He looked serious as he walked forward. The Dragis all lined up. He walked down the line, sharing a silent look with each of them. He turned to Levy first and they shared a look and she calmed down. When he turned to Lucy, she nearly jerked in surprise.

"I am sorry to have not shared that I could converse psychically before. But I forgot."

"It's alright." Lucy murmured in her head.

"I hope you will find what you need on the surface below. That you and the rest will have a safe mission. You are aware of your mission; in conjecture with Natsu and the others. If you need anything; you can send me messages through the Magi-Hover. I hope this mission is a safe one."

"Thank you sir. I'll take care of Natsu the best I can. And the others."

"Thank you for that. These are my children, and I appreciate that they all care for one another."

He stepped back and cleared his throat. "Now brats, this mission is important. Find more survivors. More supplies; gardening, educational, tactile and familiar. Be cautious of the forces of Mard Geer and the bands of human who are not our allies. Protect yourself; and more importantly one another."

"We will Gramps. No worries." Laxus promised and stepped into the portal chamber. The others all said their goodbyes; with Levy and Lucy hugging Makarov. He blushed as he watched them follow the Dragis. As the doors closed and Alfie listed the countdown; he sighed. He hated sending such young soldiers down into war zones. But they had no choice.

"They have landed on the surface." Alfie murmured and a screen appeared. He watched as they moved out of the way while the Magi-Hovers were transported down. Then they spoke; hugged or glared at each other; and then split off.

Makarov turned and headed for the dining hall. As he walked through the halls; Alfie increased and lowered the lighting. When he entered; he went straight to the bar and poured himself a drink. He turned and looked out at the stars. It was a beautiful early morning time. But it didn't bring him solace like normal. He never had solace when a group of his kids went to the surface. No matter how well trained they were.

He didn't know how along he sat there; occasionally sipping his drink. Eventually people slowly crept in; none thinking it strange he was already present. Jude and Layla walked in along with Capricorn, Aquarius, Erza, Mirajean and Loke.

"Are you okay sir?" Mirajean asked and he snapped out of his revere and nodded.

"Yes. Sorry, my mind was elsewhere."

"Where's Lucy? Her young man is rarely this late to the morning meal." Jude looked around wearily.

"The Dragis; with the exception of Sting and Rouge; along with Levy and Lucy returned to the surface several sckrowls ago." Alfie announced and Makarov watched as Layla and Jude's faces drained of all color. Layla snapped back quickly.

"As long as she's with Natsu there is nothing to worry about." She murmured. "And they were going down. I guess they went early to avoid a scene?"

"It was my idea I'm afraid." Makarov murmured and Layla nodded in understanding. Loke rolled his eyes but watched as Mirajean and Erza shared a look.

"Was it such a good idea to send Levy down?"

"Droy wants her to find more gardening supplies; and I've supplied her with a set of transporter cells." He said and they nodded. He looked at Erza. "Also; Blue Peagsus' crew will be here in a few sckrowls as well. To look you over. If you'll allow them to?"

"As long as it doesn't impede with getting the shuttle prepped to head to Solarium. That mission is the highest importance over learning how I have gained Celestial magic."

"Thank you for that. And they are efficient. Also; before I forget; your group will meet with one of the Generals from the Allegiance Counsel. His name is Jellal."

"Jellal?" Erza asked and titled her head and then nodded slowly; filing the name away.

"Yes. He has a message to drop off with a Guild Station near Solarium and he wants to meet with you. He is, like many of the other Generals; interested in meeting humans. Your ability to gain magic has also piqued his interest."

"Joy..I'm an oddity." Erza muttered under her breath. She looked at him and nodded solemnly. "Very well. I'll make sure to notify the rest of the crew of his arrival so he doesn't take us by surprise."

"Sounds wonderful." Makarov murmured into his mug. He felt bad for Jellal; he had no idea what he was getting into with Erza. He turned his attention to Mirajean. She was nibbling on her bottom lip; her left hand tugging on a strand of hair. "Are you alright dear?"

"Yes." She nodded blinking quickly. "Just worried about them down below. I know they're trained to battle the Draconics. But…they're still friends."

"They'll be fine. They have each other." Layla comforted her and put her arm around the girl's waist and led her to a table. Jude joined them.

"Natsu?" Lucy's voice broke Natsu from his nap and he jerked upright in his chair. Lucy had made sure that the Magi-Hover had both seats out. He had sulked for a while until she threatened to get Levy on the comms to bind him with her magic. He wasn't sure if she could do it over comms but he also didn't want to be the test subject either.

"What?"

"Draconics." He looked at the screen and sure enough the signals for several Shadowcrawlers were bright, and close.

"We'll track them. See if they lead us to survivors or a nest." He murmured and she nodded. He was in business mode she realized. The seriousness a refreshing change of pace; but also something she knew she didn't prefer as much as his playful side. As they carefully followed the Shadowcrawlers; Natsu reported them and others mentioned it being quiet. Lucy leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes.

"You can go rest in the room." Natsu offered and she shook her head.

"I'm not sleepy. Just conserving energy."

"Smart." He murmured. Staring at her as she sat there as still as a statue; he wasn't sure if he'd ever seen her look more beautiful. Her hair had been braided and pinned up. Safer, she'd mentioned; should they get into a fight and she forgot to request a helmet. The scalut wasn't visible; she'd learned how to make it transparent so she could wear her Earth-Land clothing over it. At first he'd been insulted; until she explained that it would allow her to appear less alien-leaning when they ran into humans. She had waved her hand over her forearms and he'd watched as the scalut became visible. She'd made sure to look him in the eyes when she said she wouldn't take it off unless she had no other choice when it came to clothing.

Her face was calm; but not peaceful. There were furrows, small, but present between her eyes. Her mouth held the slightest tension. And he knew it was her running through her training; made up situations in her head; and worrying about her friends both on the surface and up in the Guild Station. As well as Erza's soon to depart mission to Solarium. But just looking at her in passing; you'd think she was serene. She made sure not to wear her emotions on her sleeve.

"Do I have something on my face?" She asked and he startled. He shook his head when she opened one eye.

"Then can you not stare so hard? I feel like you are about to bore a hole into me."

"Sorry." He turned and started to fiddle with the controls. He heard her soft huff of a smothered giggle and he smiled to himself.

"Why does Flame Brain and Bunny Girl already have draconics spotted?" Gajeel lamented and Levy rolled her eyes as she carefully wrote out a string of words. She carefully cupped the words in her hands and there was a soft pop as the word formed. He turned and stared.

"Metal? Didn't know you cared that I was getting hungry."

"Its not for you Gajeel." She shook her head. "It's armor for me."

"Armor?" He turned his seat and moved closer. She nodded again and held it up. "This is what we call chainmail. Its worn under the more solid armor. It's for the bend parts and as a back up should something get through the solid pieces like the breast plate or arm guards."

"Huh. Look at you; being all crafty." He picked up one of the arm guards and turned it over in his hands. He could feel the strength in the metal. It would hold up against a lot of abuse. "You did good Shorty."

"I'm going to ignore that last part." She puffed up her cheeks and did a fitting check. Bixlow and Freed had helped her hone her magic as much as possible before she departed. But she knew she still had a long way to go. But she would take what she could get.

"You hungry?" Gajeel asked as he got up and grabbed a hunk of metal from a panel. She nodded and he tapped the panel next to the open one and she saw it was filled with her favorite snacks from the Station. She felt a blush creep in that he had kept tabs on her preferences and made sure to have them on the Magi-Hover. She grabbed some fruit and sat down and looked out the window. They were outside of Magnolia's center and in one of the richer subdivisions. She'd remembered there'd been an exotic plant store out there; so they figured on checking on it first.

"Is it always this…boring?" She asked and he nodded as he chewed the hunk of metal in his mouth. When he finished and swallowed he flipped his wrist out as he crossed his arms in front of him and leaned against the wall.

"Unfortunately the boring stretches happen more than the action packed. But once the action happens; you start to crave the boring times." "Oh I'm sure." She sighed. "But I don't like being bored."

"You could study until something happens. You've set this thing up to notify you about a crap ton. Still not sure how you did that by the way." He sniffed and she giggled. "What?"

"Alfie found a user manual in the library and gave it to me."

"Cheater." He mocked and bit off a hunk of the metal. She was staring at it and he held it out.

"It's rusty. Does the rust make it taste better?"

"Worse. But this fernonicus metal is a rare treat so I'll take it how I can."

"Fur what?"

"Fernonicus. It's a type of metal that is rare of Edolas. But I've found stashes around your planet."

"What's the make up of it?" She asked and the Magi-Hover version of Alfie whirled to life. On a screen the compounds were listed and Levy started to giggle. Gajeel poked her head and she cleared her throat.

"Iron." She managed to get out with a serious tone. "The metal you like is called iron here."

"Of course you all would have a word for this rare metal."

"It's not rare." Levy giggled. His mouth fell open. "Iron is used in everything from cars to buildings to furniture. I'll show you later when we aren't traveling."

"You are messing with me because I called you that word you don't like."

'I'm not messing with you. You can message Lucy and ask for her to verify." He eyed her and sat down. She regarded him for a moment. "You okay?"

"I'm gonna get fat." He muttered with a slightly incredulous tone and she laughed, tears running down her face. Her eyes were closed; so she missed the smile on Gajeel's face as he regarded her.

"Luce." She turned her head and Natsu was nose to nose with her. She smiled and rubbed her nose back and forth over his. He returned the motion and leaned back.

"What?"

"Looks like there are human life forms being hunted by the Shadowcrawlers." He pointed to the screen and her heart clenched. She could only imagine the fear they were feeling. The screen showed several pale gray dots huddled inside a building while the Shadowcrawlers walked around it. It wasn't a big building. She tapped the console and the widows opened.

"What is this place?"

"Used to be a restaurant where you could get food quickly." She murmured. "They might have been looking for anything not rotten to eat…or anything not picked over already."

"Just to get cornered." Natsu murmured softly shaking his head. He stood up and she followed suit. They stood by the door panel and he looked at her. She met his gaze, her trust in him shining as she waited for his orders.

"We'll be as quiet as possible. Try to get inside before the Shadowcrawlers spot us. You try and calm down the humans."

"Ok." She nodded and he tapped the panel and they stepped out cautiously. The tail of a draconic went around the corner and they ran for all they worth. As they hit the door of the building; Lucy heard the thump of heavy footsteps. Natsu pushed the door with all his might and it gave and they got in and he started slamming the door shut.

He was thrown back a bit when a draconic hit the door but it didn't get in. Lucy braced herself against it as he started to weld the metal shut.

"He has a blowtorch?" A voice murmured from the darkness behind them and he paused. Lucy stood up at his nod and she held her hands up.

"Not a blowtorch."

"Then how is he welding the metal?" A man appeared; in his hands was a rifle that had seen better days. Judging by the bent barrel; it was a club more than a gun at this point.

"He isn't human." She said and shifted to stand in front of Natsu. The man looked horrified and angry all at once. "But he's a friend to humans. I'm here to explain and offer help; and a safe place to go."

"Safe place?" A woman's voice broke the silence and the man tried to hush whoever spoke but the woman pushed forward.

"Yes. With other survivors. And it's not a militant camp or a raider's compound." Lucy said and kept her arms out. "But it's not on earth either."

"They want to abduct us and they probed you didn't they!" The man shouted and Lucy had to fight from rolling her eyes.

"No and no." She tried to keep her tone light and comforting. "Natsu here saved me and my friends from raiders and draconics a few weeks ago."

"Dra…what now?" The man asked holding up the rifle like he was taking aim. She really hoped she wasn't wrong about that barrel being useless.

"Draconics are the proper name for the dragonoids. Of which; there are three types if you haven't run into all of them."

"Three? We've only seen the black ones."

"Those are called Shadowcralwers. There are three outside trying to find a way in here." The woman took a ragged breath. "There are also Flameshooters; they're orange and do what the name suggests—shoot fire. And there are Silverbacks…they're the ones with multiple forms; the Aerial Silverbacks fly. But all of them have poison on their claws."

"Oh crap." The man swallowed and shifted the rifle a little to Lucy's right at the same time Natsu stepped to her side. She wanted to push him back but knew it wouldn't do any good.

"He looks like he's part dragonoid."

"Just part dragon." Natsu stated softly and offered a smile; the one he'd been working on with Lisanna to hide his fangs as much as he could. "My people are called Dragis. And the safe place mentioned is my Guild Station. We have many other people on there aside from Dragis."

"And more humans." Lucy murmured bringing the attention back to her. "We want to help get you all up there. You'll get medical treatment and food and a bath."

"A bath?" The woman looked at the man and he shook his head.

"Can I show you proof that the Guild Station isn't a bad place?" Natsu asked and the man looked at him. Lucy turned her head; trying to figure out what Natsu had planned. Natsu pulled a tablet from the pocket of his pants and a video projected in the air between them; illuminating the space. Lucy saw the faces of several kids; mostly pre-teens; and one other adult woman. Her heart went out to them.

The video was of Gajeel opening the toy panel and the kids got excited. Then there was a video of the mess hall; showing humans eating with the Guild Members. Natsu put away the tablet.

"I know it's a leap of faith to trust us. But you can." Lucy begged the man to trust her. He looked at the woman beside him and she nodded and he looked back at the kids and the other woman. She nodded to.

"What's it gonna cost us?"

"Nothing." Natsu answered quickly. "And once we get the draconics wiped out; we'll bring you all back down."

"Really?"

"If you have any skills that can help out on the station we are always welcome to more help. But if all you do is heal and rest; that's enough. They're the good guys." Lucy hoped her tone was sincere enough for them.

"O…Okay." The man said and Natsu pointed at his rifle.

"You can't take that up. We learned the hard way not to let survivors keep weapons."

"What?" Lucy looked surprised. "Erza kept her sword."

"Would you try to take that from her?" He asked and she shook her head and realized that that was a solid decision.

"Erza…Scarlett?" A pre-teen girl asked and peaked up higher over the overturned tables that had started to erode.

"Yes…you know Erza?"

"She volunteers at the Y…teaching fencing." The girl said and Lucy nodded; remembering that now that she mentioned it.

"She's also up on the Guild…well for now. She's going on a mission to another plant to try and get help with something."

"Really? Space travel?" This came from a little boy whose eyes were shining brightly at the idea.

"Yep. Real space travel." Lucy nodded solemnly and he tugged on the arm of the woman beside him.

"I think we can trust them. And it's a chance to go to space!"

"Darrel put that thing down. It's useless." The woman next to the boy murmured and Lucy felt relieved that she'd been right. The man set it down and looked at Lucy and Natsu.

"Like just mentioned; I'm Darrel. This is my girlfriend Tabby and her sister Margo."

"And these kids were in my class the day that…" Margo couldn't finish her words and patted the heads of the kids closest to her.

"We'll try to help find out if they have family alive on the Guild Station as soon as possible." Lucy promised and Margo flashed her a relieved look. Natsu set up the hexagon transportation cells and Darrel looked at them.

"They create a temporary portal to send you all to the Guild Station. It's perfectly safe. I've traveled by it a few times." Lucy said. "It's a few blinks and your there. Once you get there; they'll spray a decontamination mist and then the doors will open and you'll be greeted."

"Greeted by who?"

"Honestly I don't know." Lucy looked at Natsu and he pulled out his comm and clicked a button and waited.

"Calling so soon Brat?" Makarov's voice came over the line and Lucy grinned.

"Do we know who will greet survivors when they come up? That somehow got glossed over." She spoke up as Natsu was glaring at his comm like it had personally offended him and not the General.

"I'll be there," Mira's voice came over the comm. "As well the head of healing and Max might if he has time."

"I'll try depending on when they come up." Makarov stated and Lucy and Natsu nodded.

"We'll we're sending some up right now."

"Already?" Mira sounded surprised and Lucy smiled at the group in front of her.

"Yes. We found some survivors in a dilapidated BK. Three adults and a handful of kids."

"We'll head there now to greet them." There was a click and Natsu put the comm away.

"Guess we can't back out now." Darrel looked ill and Lucy offered him a smile.

"General Makarov sounds gruff but he's a kind man. And the first voice was Mira; she's human and really sweet. The head of the healing department is a kind person as well."

"Who is Max?"

"He's uh…." Lucy screwed up her face trying to think back. "I don't think he told us what he was…just that he was from a dessert planet."

"He's a Macadamiclus; his people are made of sand and flesh."

"A literal sandman." The boy who had been excited about space exclaimed.

"Basically." Lucy laughed at his excitement.

"We're ready." Tabby sighed wearily. A thud sounded as a far wall shook and the kids screamed; which caused a frenzy from the draconics outside. Natsu and Lucy quickly got them within the circumference of the transporter cells and Natsu turned them on.

"It's okay to keep your eyes closed. It's like a roller coaster for about two seconds; then you'll be there."

"Okay." Margo hugged as many kids close as she could. Darrel and Tabby held hands and looked at Lucy.

"Thank you…for not letting us scare you all off." Darrel said and Natsu nodded.

"Three, two…"

"One." Lucy finished and they were gone. She took a deep breath and looked at Natsu. He smiled at her. He started collecting the transporter cells when his comm crackled and he pulled it out.

"They've arrived." Max said and Lucy felt her shoulders drop. "You all be careful with those Shadowcrawlers."

"Of course. Take care of them!" Lucy called out and cringed when the draconics in question started clawing at the walls.

"We will." Mira's voice was far from the comm on their end but clear. Natsu clicked it off and put it away and looked at her.

"Up to the roof; then decide how to get down?"

"Check the feed from the Magi-Hover. If there are any already on the roof I'd rather blast our way out of the door." She suggested and he nodded. He tapped on the tablet and the roof was clear. "Lead the way Natsu."

"Aye sir." He winked and she rolled her eyes. He focused on his fist and the flames took off and he squatted down, threw his head and upper chest back; then jumped and punched at the roof. Due to the years of neglect it was easy for him to get a large hole through. He landed and rolled out of the way of debris and popped up beside Lucy. His arm wrapped around her waist and she immediately turned and wrapped her arms around his neck and gave a small hop and wrapped her legs around his waist. He leapt; using his fire thrusters on his feet and got them to the roof. He landed on the roof and carefully picked his way tot eh edge. They looked down and saw the Shadowcrawlers running around; jumping up and trying to climb the building's walls.

"You want to take to the two on the left and I'll take the one on the right?" Lucy asked and Natsu nodded. He squeezed and she nodded in returned and he leapt.

"I still hate that." She said as he landed and he chuckled as the shurikens were sent flying over their heads. He released her and she rolled away and the Shadowcrawler that had been on the far right followed her. Natsu hated it but knew that she could handle herself. Her helmet rolled upwards quickly and she pulled out her pipe. She swung it and the Shadowcrawler screamed as it reared back. She didn't legit have time to rest; instead she advanced. She could hear the grunts and whoosh of flames as Natsu went to town on the other two Shadowcrawlers.

Within minutes the three draconics were destroyed and Natsu pulled Lucy over to the Magi-Hover. She shook her head as the helmet melted into the scalut; the sweat dripping along the side of her face.

"You can use the bathing chamber first." He said and tapped on the panel to open the door.

"That sounds…"

"Where were you two?!" Happy's voice cut off Lucy and she stared. Happy was sitting on the bench, tears streaming down his face. "I woke up and you were both gone and I couldn't find you and the door wouldn't open!"

"Happy!" Natsu scooped up the small Exceed and Lucy stepped in and shut the door quickly. "Where were you? We couldn't find you after the festival to make sure you were with us to come down. We thought you were still up in the Guild."

"I had the Magi-Hover set up a room for me; so I wouldn't be late!" He cried and Lucy shook her head. She felt bad for the Exceed but at the same time watching Natsu trying to comfort him was hilarious. He was crying; while also trying to claw Natsu's arms to get free. Lucy went over to the pantry panels and opened one. She pulled out some food and walked over and knelt in front of Natsu and Happy.

"Hey Happy." She scratched his head; keeping the food behind her back. "We're so sorry we didn't realize you were here with us. And we're also sorry we didn't tell you where we'd gone. But; if you calm down; I'll give you something special."

"Wha…wha…what?" He cried as Natsu started to calmly stroke his head.

"How about some fish?" She brought the dried fish out and the tears immediately stopped. He grabbed the fish and shoved it in his mouth.

"Fank ew Lushee." Happy said around the fish and sat in Natsu's arms, his head bouncing side to side. Lucy smiled and scratched his cheek and then patted Natsu's hand.

"Your welcome. I'm going to get clean real quick and then I'll take over comforting Happy so you can Natsu."

"Sounds good." He said and watched her walk into the bathing chamber.

Lucy was quick and efficient and soon she had Happy in her lap and Natsu was out of sight. She rubbed the Exceed's head; he had finished the fish while she getting clean. So now he was sleepy. "Lushee?"

"Yes Happy?"

"I'm happy your here."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah…you make Natsu….happy, and that…." He yawned loudly. "…that makes…me happy."

"He makes me happy too." She whispered and the little blue face scrunched up into a sleepy smile as he drifted off to sleep. She kissed his forehead and leaned backwards. Her head rested on the wall and she yawned.

Natsu came out of the bathing chamber and stopped in his tracks. He squatted down and rested his arms on his knees. He tilted his head to the side and stared. Happy was curled up against Lucy's neck, and her arms were cradling him softly. Her face was serene as she slept sitting up; holding the Exceed close. He smiled. Happy was his closest friend; and the fact that the two of them were so close together meant so much to him. He carefully leaned forward and slid one arm behind Lucy and the other under her knees and picked her up. She moaned softly but neither woke up. He carried them into the sleeping chamber and put them in the nest.

He covered them with a blanket and smoothed hair out of Lucy's face. "Sleep well you two."