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Chapter 14: Love and Friends

(Que Fairy Tail OP)

Lucy woke up, her eyes aching in a bright light till they adjusted. She discovered herself on a bed in the infirmary. She had bandages on her right fist and arm, and her whole left arm was strung up in a bandage. There was also some first aid treatment with a poultice on her cheek and forehead. Overall, Lucy's body felt completely numb from anesthesia.

"You're awake!" Lucy looked to her left and found Cynthia's face all over her. She was back to her perky self, not even a bruise was on her cheeks.

Lucy smiled warmly. "Cynthia, you're alright. Thank goodness."

"I should be saying that to you." said Cynthia, "You've been out of it for four days."

To prove her point, Lucy's stomach growled loudly for food. A cold sweat went down Lucy's neck as she tried to ignore it. Cynthia then began to tell how everyone is all good, and that Phantom Lord has been disbanded completely.

"Right now," continued Cynthia, "everyone is helping to rebuild a brand new guild hall. I'm talking five stories like a huge castle. No way anyone is gonna bring it down again."

"Glad you're still chipper as always, Cynthia." laughed Lucy.

"Yeah, but," said Cynthia, her tone becoming slightly and tightening a fist, "I've also been planning my epic scheme to get back at that fucking blonde bimbo. He didn't even show up to help out the guild. What a - sonuva - motherfucking - cunt!"

Another cold sweat went down Lucy's neck. "He-he. Yeah... you have fun with that."

"Oh that's right." cried Cynthia. She paced back and moved the hospital curtains that blocked Lucy's view of the room. Her eyes widened seeing the pile of gifts that sat in the corner just for her.

"Everyone heard how you beat Jose." explained Cynthia, "They couldn't say thank you since you were out of it, so this is the best they did. Heck, even Mystogan got you something."

Lucy smiled and tears ran down her cheeks. She started to whimper a little. If they knew of her sins, Lucy didn't doubt they still would've done the same thing. Cynthia's smile flattened a little seeing Lucy's tears, but they weren't out of sadness.

"I love this guild." whimpered Lucy, "I love this guild so much."

"I know you do." said Cynthia softly.

As feeling returned to Lucy, she felt a familiar warm sensation on her left arm. She looked with bewilderment to see the Natsu resting his head while sitting on a stool with his hand on her. A little bit of color flooded in Lucy's cheeks.

"He's refused to leave your side the entire time." said Cynthia, "It took both Elfman at full takeover and Gray to get him out of here and force feed him. You're a lucky girl, Lucy."

"Wake up, stupid!" shouted Lucy.

Natsu jumped awake, exclaiming in random noises. He searched around the room frantically for whoever woke him up till his eyes met a pouting Lucy. A cold sweat went down his neck.

"Hey Lucy." said Natsu, "I just, uh, randomly fell asleep here."

Suddenly, Lucy kissed Natsu on the cheek in the blink of an eye. Cynthia was shocked, then her eyes dazzled like stars. Natsu was dead silent and his face was like it was stuck with glue.

"That's for saving Cynthia." said Lucy with a smile. However, a part of her wanted to do more.

The door to the room opened and Erza came into the room followed by Makarov. The old man was back to his old self with color returned to him. Erza was covered in bandages head-to-toe from pushing her body to the limit, and it was a miracle she was still walking without a crutch. Lucy knew that woman wasn't one to quit.

"Master Makarov." greeted Lucy.

"You've done a great deed, Lucy Heartfilia." said Makarov, "Even when I fell, you, Erza, and Natsu both came out victorious against Jose."

"That's because we had such a good guild master to follow." said Lucy with a smile.

Makarov chuckled. "I know you'll be back in fighting condition soon. Rest well, Lucy. You've earned it."

After Makarov took his leave, Erza approached Lucy and brought a stool to sit at her side.

"How's the arm?" said Erza, noting her right arm.

Lucy put some feeling into her right arm. The mummy-wrapped limb was able to be lifted and open and close a fist. They must've put some expensive painkillers into Lucy if that burn wasn't affecting her.

"Good." said Lucy, "How's your pride?"

"Shaken, but steady." answered Erza with an amused smile. "You did great Lucy. Better than I ever could. I guess that's why the Magic Council made you a Wizard Saint."

"After this, they better have me move up." joked Lucy, "Erza, I did what I did for the guild. I didn't care for my life and pushed myself to the limit not because I wanted to kill Jose but I had something to protect. A family."

Erza smiled. "Fairy Tail is so lucky to have you, Lucy. I'll recommend you for S-Class for what you've done."

"Don't give me any short cuts." said Lucy, "Just because I have power doesn't mean everybody else isn't equal. I'll go through the same trial as they will, and maybe one of them may become S-Class before I do."

Lucy, internally, was referring to Natsu. If he had something similar to Demonforce, they would be equally matched. That, and Lucy only thought the title was more suited for him than her. She just noticed a rising temperature in the room, and Erza and Lucy turned to see Natsu. He was still frozen in place, but his face started to turn red. Flames suddenly flared to life around him, and Natsu suddenly rocketed out of the room.

"What was that about?" wondered Erza looking at Lucy.

"I don't know." Lucy lied.

"It was probably because Lucy finally gave her dragon dream boy a kiss." admitted Cynthia gladly, "Too bad for her she could only reach the cheeks."

"CYNTHIA!" roared Lucy like a demon.

Erza looked like this was the first of hearing this. She looked at Lucy with bewilderment and studied her face.

"Lucy, what's going on with you?" Erza asked.

"N-Nothing!" exclaimed Lucy, but her cheeks flushed as red as her demon skin.

"Lucy." gasped Erza, seeing her body language, "You're actually smitten with Natsu, aren't you?"

Lucy gave a death glare at Cynthia. "You are so dead!"

Her rage overcame the numbness in her body and she was only able to remove the bed sheets before Erza stopped her.

"My gosh." said Erza, "You aren't just smitten with him. You love Natsu."

Erza was having trouble keeping down a snicker. The whole drama of Lucy's feelings towards Natsu was hilarious in the sense personality wise they were near opposites. Then again, they were both fire-style slayers, and the two have been rather close than Erza would say would be normal for friends.

"It's hard for you to hide it, hasn't it?" said Erza, remembering their adventures, "It all makes sense. First, when you stopped me from punishing Natsu during our mission to Eisenwald. Then, accepting to move in with Natsu in his home. I guess I should've seen it until then."

Lucy looked away. "You're gonna make fun of me that I like the idiot."

"No, no." protested Erza, realizing Lucy's dilemma, "In fact, let me help you. I've known Natsu ever since he joined the guild. I know more things about him than he cares to admit."

Lucy was shocked. "Wha- Why?"

"Because in my opinion you two deserve each other." said Erza.

Lucy's eyes widened. "You... You really think so?"

"Of course." said Erza sincerely, "I may not be so experienced in it, but love is a strong thing. Stronger than any magic I've ever heard. And besides, I can't help it when my friend is so torn like this."

"Friend, huh?" Lucy said, "Erza, do you think we could be best friends?"

Erza was a bit caught off by the statement. It didn't take long for Erza to bring up a wide smile.

"Why not?" said Erza.

Lucy responded with her own smile. She got out of her bed, having full feeling through her body. With a slight tilt, she cracked and stretched her neck to relieve it of the stiffness that had built up. While her left arm was still useless in a cast, her right arm was still workable.

"You know what?" said Lucy, "I'm going to do some remodeling myself at Natsu's house. I could use the time off to clean it out."

Erza let Lucy off and promised to ask Porlyusica to excuse her. Once Lucy was gone, Cynthia and Erza nodded and high-fived each other. The plan worked.


It was late in the night. Makarov was sipping from a mug above the construction sight of the new guild hall. From the shadows below in the streets, he felt the presence of someone approaching. The dim light of the moon revealed Adrian. Makarov put down his mug, happy to see the young master.

"What brings you here, young master?" asked Makarov.

"What?" said Adrian, "I can't just come here without the Council's orders. Besides-" Adrian moved his sleeve and revealed a white Fairy Tail tattoo on his bicep "- Fairy Tail will always be my home."

"Hmph." replied the master, taking a sip from his mug. The next he opened his eyes, Makarov almost jumped Adrian was right in front of him. As always, the boy's speed was frightening.

"I'm sorry I'm not here that often, Master Makarov." said Adrian, looking at the moon as he spoke in a guilty tone, "I may be close in the Magic Council, but I have never, nor ever will, betray the guild. My loyalty is always to my family."

Makarov smiled. "My apologies. I didn't mean it that way. Yes, it would be nice if you hanged around the guild more often. Some of us here still miss you. Mira, Elfman, Cana. They have no idea that even at such a young age you're doing more than they could ever imagine."

"Thank you, master." said Adrian.

They were silent for a moment. Makarov felt like sharing a drink with Adrian, but the boy was still a boy of twelve years of age. Yet, he felt like he was one of his closest friends comparable to Yajima.

"How's Mest?" asked Makarov.

"Oh, you know." answered Adrian, "Same old same old. Unaware we're both spying on the Council for you, and biting at things randomly."

"He-he." chuckled Makarov, "That's good. Also, congratulations on becoming Inquisitor. In a few years, you may see Yajima on the Council with you. Imagine that. Grandfather and grandchild working as leaders of the Magic Council."

"It's a small world we live in." replied Adrian.

"I've also heard tale from him," said Makarov, rubbing his chin, "that you've been hanging around this certain girl from - Cait Shelter I believe. A love interest maybe?"

Makarov smiled seeing the blush on Adrian's face. It was that kind of young, innocent look he wished to see more from Adrian.

"I-I-It's not like that, per say." stuttered Adrian, sweat going down his neck, "Wen- I mean she is just having trouble, you know. She's new to the whole thing, and she has this really bossy friend with her that just doesn't know how to hold her punches, if you know what I mean. What I'm trying to say is, the wizard has potential, so I'm trying to make her career a little bit easier, you know."

Adrian paused for a moment as he composed himself.

"She has this - radiance around her." continued Adrian, "It's like her innocence is so out of place with the world. All I want to do is let her keep it for as long as I can."

"Like in your case." added Makarov, "Before..."

Makarov stopped himself, realizing he was stepping into a forbidden past.

"Forgive me." Makarov said sadly.

"It's alright." said Adrian in an empty tone.

He continued his stare to the horizon, where the moon shined brightly over the lake. Adrian puckered his lips and it seemed the rays of silver light condensed into form - and were sucked into his mouth where Adrian swallowed with gusto. Adrian exhaled, relaxed.

"The night is sweet today." Adrian commented.

"You should really stop by the guild and meet Lucy." said Makarov, "In the short time she was been here, Lucy has become a fine wizard comparable to Erza."

"Outclassing is more like it." added Adrian, "How is Natsu?"

"Do I really need to say?" replied Makarov.

Adrian smiled, then he got to his feet. "I best be off. It's been nice talking to you, master. If Gildarts comes back, tell him Adrian sends his best. Hopefully, you and I could have another talk like this. Maybe you could tell me more of grandpa and your adventures."

"Of course." said Makarov gladly.

Adrian left in a literal flash of light. Makarov felt like he was a few years younger getting to talk with Adrian again. In some points, it was like talking with Yajima. He looked down at his mug to find it refilled. But there was also something else. It was a pamphlet with the seal of the Magic Council. On the bottom was a little note in Adrian's handwriting. It read: 'Sorry about this, master, but it seemed kinder if I brought it instead of the Magic Council.'

Makarov removed the slip and felt he had aged another 100 years as he saw the amount of zeros pertaining to damages caused by no other than Gray, Erza, and Natsu. A hollow moan of agony left his hanging jaw. There was no way he was ever going to retire at this rate.


Lucy was sweeping the last of the dirt in the now refurnished living room. She managed to get Natsu's collection of job requests in a neat pile and order so they could stay. When she did, she noticed one job that caught her eye. It was the job to Everlue mansion, and she realized it was the first official job she ever went with Natsu. She couldn't help but hold it tenderly.

Thanks to Erza's gifts, Lucy was able to make the house feel more like home. She replaced the moth eaten rugs with new ones of gold and red, and replaced the drapes with ones that a scaly pattern. Most of the stuff in the house was really untouched so all that was needed was some simple dusting and the cabinets, tables, chairs, and shelves looked brand new.

There was only one problem. There was only one bed in the entire house. None of the guild members got her a whole bed, and she doubted she could do anything with one free, yet weakened arm. And night had descended.

'Dammit!' thought Lucy, 'Where can I - Of course with Natsu but - would he let me?'

The door opened and in stepped a tired Natsu. Happy flew through and collapsed into a sleep on a couch pillow. Natsu's motion was sluggish, and his eyes were barely open.

"Hey Natsu," greeted Lucy, "welcom-"

"...pillow..." moaned Natsu as he suddenly grabbed Lucy. Even sluggish, his strength was enough to hold Lucy from holding her ground. Before she knew it, Natsu brought Lucy under the covers with him under the bed. He was instantly fast asleep.

"Why you..." growled Lucy but she stopped herself feeling his arms around Lucy's body. Her heart was beating faster than Jet, and pumped a strange sensation through her. Natsu's heat was something of a trance, and it made Lucy rub her body to nuzzle closer to that heat. It wasn't because she was cold. It was more that Lucy - was turned on by it.

A smile broke on her face as Lucy pulled herself closer to Natsu. Her fingers danced on the muscles on his chest, yet it felt like the perfect pillow for Lucy's head. And she could hear the beat of his heart lull her to sleep. Before Lucy finally dozed to sleep, she had half of her entire body over Natsu, her chest squeezing against him and her head resting on his right chest.

Lucy knew what she wanted. She wanted this. She wanted Natsu.


(Unknown Location)

Doors opened into a room of shadow. At the end of it was a burly business man, the 'Head' of the Heartfilias. In walked Jose, walking with some bandaging to cover burns left by his employer's daughter. Once he was standing in front of the desk, the doors closed and a light filled the room from white fire.

"You wanted to see me?" said the man.

"Yes." said Jose, "I'm sorry to inform you, but I failed in your mission. My guild is disbanded, my title gone, and now I'm on the run. It seemed your daughter didn't take the 'rescue' and this is the price I paid."

"Hmm." said Mr. Heartfilia, "So Lucy fought back, and you, a Wizard Saint, lost to her. Intriguing."

The man ascended from his desk and walked to stare aimlessly out the windows to the night sky.

"There was something funny your daughter said." Jose said, "she claimed you were dead for years, and yet here you are running on your business and fortune like nothing happened."

"Is that so?" said Mr. Heartfilia flatly.

"Tell me," said Jose, "who are you really?"

Mr. Heartfilia turned back, his face hidden behind the shadows. There was the sense of death in the air in the wake of Jose's magic. Before he even casted a single spell, a green vine of thorns ripped through the floor and pierced through Jose's arm.

"A man to the people in the end." said the man, his voice younger. His form changed entirely. His face became slimmer with a pointed chin and red eyes like the appearance of a snake. He had a mane of black hair behind his head, and he wore a black suit over a white, buttoned shirt. In his hands was a book with the letters E, N, and D in that order.

"If you wish to know," said the man, "I am Mard Geer, a demon of the black wizard Zeref, and the master of the dark guild known as Tartorous. When I heard the head of the Heartfilia family, it provided the best financial front to pay for the Balem Alliance's schemes."

"Then why?" groaned Jose, "Why use my guild for some girl?!"

"Some girl?" said Mard Geer, sounding offended, "No, Lucy Heartfilia isn't some girl. She is an interest, no, something more to us demons as a whole. It was Zeref who came here to this household many years. He killed everyone here except the girl. Lucy Heartfilia. After that, she was changed into the wizard that we all know as the Northern Devil. We want to know why for ourselves of Lucy. Why did Zeref spare her? What did he choose her for? What did he do to the girl? I must know."

More thorns sprouted from the ground, wrapping around Jose and ripping into his flesh. Mard Geer began mumbling to himself the same words over and over like a chant.

"I must know!" Mard Geer, "WE MUST KNOW HIS GREAT PLAN!"

Just like that, the thorns squeezed and Jose was no more than a bloody mess on the carpet. Mard Geer composed himself and smiled at the bloody mess.

"Fairy Tail has proven strong." said Mard Geer, "And they will continue to get stronger. We must plan carefully. Some day, Lucy, I will know your part in Zeref's plan."


I freaking loved doing this chapter. Who's up for the Tower of Heaven. Say aye if yes.

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