A/N: So, I never liked the way Fairy Tail and everyone had glossed over Lucy's sacrifice... Lucy is my favorite character and I don't believe she is weak at all.
I've seen everybody's struggles talked or at least shown ONCE that they cried it out with their friends, but Lucy was left alone for a year to grieve with no comfort at all. I wanted at least the guild to see what she'd do for them, at any cost. This is the reason I created this story! Hope you enjoy~
BTW, I do not own Fairy Tail... Hiro Mashima does!
Chapter 1
"Welcome to the fourth day of the Grand Magic Games!" The announcement was shouted far and wide, causing the audience to cheer and scream their lungs out. A few waved their favorite guild's flag—Their excitement only increased when Mato, the pumpkin mascot, ran onto the field with a skip in their step to referee the last event of the day. "Each guild, please choose your participant to come down!"
Each guild didn't hesitate to send out their representatives, despite not knowing what the special event entailed.
Blue Pegasus sent Hibiki Lates, the archive mage sending sir kisses to his eager fans. Hibiki even stops to send a not-so-subtle wink to Jenny.
Next, Yukino Agria was going in Sabertooth's name. The Celestial mage shyly walked onto the field, embarrassed at Sting's encouraging shouts.
Quatro Cerberus claimed Bacchus Groh as their chosen, multiple screams teasing how their name is "Puppy", despite the guild master having changed it back.
Lyon Vastia nearly got the most cheers, being picked from Lamia Scale if it wasn't for Kagura being announced next for her guild—Mermaid Heel.
"I think it's only fair that Lucy represents, for bringing us back home—Are you ready, child?" Master Makarov smiled with a fatherly gaze as Team Natsu grinned in agreement. Lucy blinked once before getting teary-eyed at the trust her guild held for her… Especially if Bacchus and Kagura were participating.
"Aye Master!"
It's been a month since Fairy Tail returned after a year of disbandment—to say the least… The world cried in joy, the King and Princess Hisui deciding to host another Grand Magic Games in their honor. Even though Natsu was still on thin-ice for melting the stadium AND burning their castle with Fairy Tail's signature.
"You got this Lucy!" Natsu cheered from where he stood with Erza, Gray, and Wendy. Team Natsu watched Lucy greet the rest of the guild participants, Yukino waving in happiness to see her—However, the crowd was almost hesitant… They remembered this blondie from last year when she "lost" control of her magic and collapsed in defeat.
"Alright, pumpkin—Today's event is called Ghost-War… Now let me explain pumpkins what this entails!" Mato giggled at the confusion on everyone's faces.
Although Yukino and Lucy silently cried to themselves, something with "war" in it couldn't be anything good.
A giant magic-circle appeared in the sky before dropping a lacrima onto the ground with a harsh thump. There was a chair connected to it and a simple VR headset. Shackles that seemed to be built and connected to the seat had the contestants paling.
Just what kind of event was this?
"Don't worry, pumpkins! The shackles are merely there for protection, to prevent harm to yourself or others on the battlefield—Now, Ghost War means an inner-war… It will show the audience your hardest battle, physically AND emotionally. Not to mention the amount of power that was used, using the MPF, or Magic Power Finder if you will."
While the contestants listened closely to this knowledge, Fairy Tail hesitantly glanced at one another… They believed in Lucy, always have—some more than others—but they also knew Lucy was more strategy than fist. It's what made her a complete addition to Team Natsu as the brains of the operation—Maybe it'll show Lucy's battle with Angel or the Infinity Clock.
Down at the field, Lucy paled too—but not for the reason the crowd thought.
She knows exactly what will be projected… It's engraved into her mind… Her soul. Like fresh cut wounds that wouldn't close completely because the key upon her hip was a constant reminder. Almost sensing her distress, Lucy's keys jingled with a soft glow that caused Kagura and Lyon to glance at her with a raised eyebrow. Her instincts kicked in to shield her keys unconsciously, a hand placed upon them in reassurance as she forced a smile.
"…if you can't remember, the lacrima will search through your brain for it—However, beware… It's called Ghost-War for a reason. Your body will be here, but your subconscious will actually believe you to be in the battle itself. Whoever demonstrates the most MPF will be claimed top winner and for us, we'll get to see what life is like for a guild wizard on a daily basis!"
…Numbers were picked, and Lucy didn't know whether she should be grateful to be going last or crying that she couldn't get it over with.
"I believe in you Lulu!" Asuka screamed loudly from the balcony, a wide smile upon her face.
Lucy smiled gently at the little girl, taking a deep breath—She could do this… It relied on memory, right? Maybe she could manipulate it to show something else.
All she had to do was not think about it.
Yukino went first, showing the time when the Spirit World was affected by Eclipse—The irony, considering her and Lucy's magic were on a brief hold because of a temporary break in their contracts. Though perhaps it was more emotional as she fought Libra, one of her most treasured spirits.
Hibiki was second, a fight against Angel was one not to brag about—Easily defeated that had Hibiki crying on how low his MPF came out but as well for another reason… Remembering how Angel was the one who killed his first love. A serpent disguised as an "angel" that nearly led to his downfall with Nirvana.
Elfman was quite surprised when Bacchus's battle showed him.
Though it wasn't to anyone's shock when Kagura's mind showed the time she fought Erza and unleashed Archenemy. Erza was proud to say the least, nodding with an approving smile.
Lyon's memory seemed to be quite recent when a herd of beasts attacked their town. His magic power has grown tremendously since last year's Grand Magic Games—Yet, it still wasn't enough. Kagura so far has taken first place.
"Miss Lucy, I believe it's your turn pumpkin!" Mato gestured to the chair, Lucy could feel the prick of anxiety nipping at her skin and making it hot and tingly.
"Oi! Show that ghost who's boss Luce!"
"She's not actually fighting a ghost peabrain."
"The ghost is fighting us?"
"That doesn't even make sense!"
"Whatcha' say snowflake?!"
"Boys… Do I hear fighting?"
"N-No Ma'am!"
… "It's okay Lucy. It's not all bad, I promise," Yukino reassured, gently patting Lucy on the back before the blonde Celestial mage stepped up to the chair. Mato secured the cuffs—Neither realizing that Lucy's grip was tightened around Aquarius key for comfort.
She took a deep breath…
... "Open, Gate of the Golden Bull; Taurus!" Lucy screamed, Taurus mooing in an open attack as he brought his axe down on their opponent.
"Who's him?" Sting questioned; he was the special guest announcer of the day.
"Hm, if I remember correctly that is Fairy Tail's second guild master—Precht Gaebolg, better known as Master Hades… A fairy that cut their wings, attempting to trade them for demon horns to find the ultimate magic, in which he believed was darkness," Yajima commented, recognizing the man almost immediately.
Fairy Tail cheered, however, Team Natsu froze and glanced at one another in confusion instantly—They knew well enough that Lucy had faced harder battles than this, so why was this the core memory the lacrima was focusing on?
Erza, Gray, Natsu, Wendy, and Lucy fought in sync as they attempted to land a hit on Hades, even performing a unison raid.
"I see, is the ultimate magic darkness?" Chapati questioned, quite curious as the crowd stopped to listen as well.
"No. Those foolish enough to believe so will fall like he did… In fact, the essence of magic is—"
"What the heck is going on?!" Sting shouted, interrupting the two as he leaned further out of his seat with a hard clenched of teeth—The lacrima screen started to fizz and short circuit, the MPF glitching tremendously as it couldn't decide from up and down.
"LUCY!" Natsu screamed, ready to jump down to the field. Thinking the weird machine was malfunctioning while Lucy was strapped down. But that was not the case…
Lucy tensed, hand gripping the broken key in her hand that it was able to draw blood—A tear threatened to leave her eye…
The crowd gasped as the lacrima screen changed, covering their ears as a piercing roar-ish scream echoed around the field—An image coming into place.
"Huh?"
"Has Lucy been compressing a memory?" Chapati gaped, wig falling in a crooked formation from how shocked he was.
"Manipulating a memory-lacrima… Impressive," Yajima nodded, finally realizing what's going on, "However, it seems Lady Lucy couldn't hold back her true feelings."
Team Natsu blinked—They recognized that place.
"Demon of Tartaros, I've used the Alegria… The intruders' lives have been snuffed out. Our plans remain unchanged, the face activation is imminent," A man with long black hair, holding a book, spoke in a calmness that was almost terrifying.
"No… It couldn't be," Sting gaped, shaking in his seat and paling—
"Say, whose that Lucy is showing us? —BAHH!" Chapati asked Yajima, only to scream in terror to see the hard look upon his face.
"Mard Geer of Tartaros… The Underworld King."
"No way, he can't have really wiped everyone out…" Lucy trailed, the screen flashing to where everyone was stuck in hard-reddish goo. Attempting to stand, Lucy froze when water started leaking from the ceiling only to explode like a dam.
"This is gross! AHH!" Lucy's arm failed, caught in the current as she spat out dirty water.
"However, I sensed that one unfortunate human soul has managed to avoid the Alegria's reach. A timely vacancy has arisen among the Nine Demon Gates—Whoever slays this human may fill it… and if a demon gate should kill this human, they shall receive an even greater award. Pleasure hunting," Mard Geer smirked evilly, quite amused—They could've died a peaceful death, but now…
"Dammit—That guy planned to murder, blondie?!" Sting narrowed his eyes.
"It seems that is the plan—Oh I do hope they don't succeed," Chapati cried, seemingly to lose his common sense that this was Lucy's memories and therefore in the past.
Fairy Tail watched closely to the screen, a serious expression upon their face—Lucy never talks about what went on while they were unconscious and frozen in time. She wouldn't even look them in the eye as the topic was brought up.
"Could it be true… Am I the only one left?" Lucy clenched her teeth, body supporting against a floating plank of wood. 'No. Don't think like that… Everyone's alive, I have to believe that!' She thought, eyes shut in denial.
"There! I see her!"
A guard shouting caused Lucy's eyes to snap open, three of them were surfing on their own raft in the water—Eager to claim the title of killing Lucy to get promoted.
"This one's mine!"
Lucy's eyes narrowed, climbing onto the raft and following the stream with ease, "Sorry boys, but I've got other plans!"
"Lucy is strong minded, isn't she?" Yajima smiled, Fairy Tail cheering—Quite proud that Lucy never gave up.
However, Sting looked at the screen with an intense stare before turning blue, drool falling. "I-I don't know how she does it…" He mumbled, eyeing the waves crashing into the raft.
Lucy glared, unleashing her Fleuve d'étoiles and with precise precision knocked the three guards off their raft and into the harsh current. Soon enough, three more showed but with magic-staffs as they fired shot after shot.
Cheers and encouraging words were heard all around from the crowd, quite surprised the Celestial mage was able to surf board in a graceful movement as she dodged the soldiers.
"You can't dodge forever!"
Lucy huffed before wrapping her whip around one of the ceiling rafts Alegria created, flinging herself off and almost flying as she kicked the guard in the face before dropping on their raft and taking it for her own.
"Open, Gate of the Archer; Sagittarius!"
The guards backtracked… Sagittarius appeared in his man-horse costume—Immediately taking out the guards with his arrows, not needing to wait for orders. He and his master's thoughts were one at this moment. Yet the victory didn't last long, a short woman with a lab coat and bunny ears entering the battle—Was she spinning on water?
"Promotion time, promotion time! I'm gonna be a demon gate! FAFA FAFAFA FAFA~" Lamy cackled, spinning endlessly.
"Stop spinning towards my lady!" Sagittarius snarled, shooting arrow after arrow, only to backtrack in surprise to see them bounce right off her. A sweatdrop running down his temple, "She deflected every shot!"
"Nooo! Horsey-spirit, you can do it!" Asuka shouted in encouragement, worried in her eyes. Bisca quickly covered her daughter's eyes when Lamy launched herself to Sagittarius, head-butting him in the process… She didn't need to see him get hurt.
"Take a break Sagittarius," Lucy closed the archer's gate, immediately taking action to call out one of her most trusted spirits. "Open, Gate of the Maiden; Virgo!"
Virgo appeared, riding her own raft and in a maid swimsuit—Lucy didn't bother to question it, but Virgo's eyes were dark, her prey set on the bunny-girl, "You want this bunny-girl punished, yes?"
A rough wave caused Lucy to stumble but she managed to catch onto the raft just fine, landing on her back…
"Princess! Someone's coming!"
The warning was sharp, Lucy instinctively grabbing another key in hand as a shark-like creature was seen swimming through the water at a hasty speed. The demon pounced out of the water like a fish, shoring high with their sharp blade, ready to slice Lucy in half.
"Lucy!" Natsu shouted, fist clenched.
Lucy faced her opponent, eyes not showing concern for the attack coming her way. In fact, it seemed to spur her on, "Open, Gate of the Lion; Loke!"
There was no hesitation for Loke, appearing before Lucy's eyes as he blocked the attack with himself using Regulus—Torafuzar eyes widening as his blade barley made a scratch on the man, Loke shaking his arm in an impressive manner with a smirk—Damn, he'll need to visit his tailor again.
"Lucy, leave this to me!" Loke said, determined as he took the fight farther from her, battling Torafuzar on their own rafts.
"You got this Lucy!" Everyone cheered—They didn't care if it already happened, watching Loke and Virgo's intense fight as they dodged and fought simultaneously.
Yet, Natsu's hardened gaze never wavered from Lucy's form… She looked exhausted and in pain for keeping their gates open for so long.
'Keeping two gates open at once… It looks painful,' Virgo thought, worriedly glancing at Lucy's form—She was hugging the raft, breathing heavily and feeling as if she was about to throw-up.
'Virgo and I use more magic power than most,' Loke thought, teeth clenched at the thought of even causing Lucy discomfort.
'For Lucy's sake…'
'For the sake of my princess...'
'I'll end this!' The two shared a single thought, their blows hitting harder and faster that took the demons off-guard as they weakly attempted to block each attack.
"Oh my, Lucy is truly loved by her spirits," Yukino pointed out, sighing lovingly at the bond Lucy created with her Celestial spirits—It's possibly the strongest she's ever seen.
"Oh Looky here~ Strange, I thought there was only one of you… Hah! Like it matters," A familiar voice cackled, Lucy glancing up in exhaustion… Her eyes widening to see Jackal standing there, a vicious smirk on his face—She thought he was dead!
"Oh no! Another one! This battle keeps getting interesting~" Chapati gasped.
"Oh man, how the hell did blondie face all those," Sting said, eyeing the fight closely—He and Rogue could barely take down their dead-master.
"This isn't good… Lucy can't summon any more Celestial spirits," Erza mumbled, arms crossed over her chest in a short of defense mechanism to cover her worry for her teammate.
Gray clenched his fist, anger present on seeing Lucy—who he thinks of as a sister—getting hurt. Wendy couldn't even look, covering her eyes and whole body shaking… It reminded her of… No, don't think like that.
However, the scarier reaction was Natsu—He didn't move, didn't speak, he just… stared.
'H-How is he here? We've already beat him, he self-destructed… This guy even gave Natsu a hard time, it's not like I can summon another Celestial spirit—Hah, I guess it's up to me. Yah!' Lucy pushed past her exhaustion, letting out a battle cry as she cracked her whip and wrapped it around Jackal's wrist. But he just smirked.
"You haven't forgotten how my curse works, have ya?"
An eerie sound reached Lucy's ears and before she could react, her whip exploded piece-by-piece that sent her flying in the water… The remains of her whip washed away with her.
"Lucy!" Loke shouted in alarm.
"Princess!" Virgo was all prepared to dive in after her if it wasn't for a single hand shooting out of the water. Lucy grabbed onto the raft, coughing up water that she choked on and glaring upward to Jackal.
"W-Where are my friends?! And what's that red stuff all over the walls?" Lucy shouted, not showing an ounce of fear—but the demon had no intention of starting a conversation, Jackal cackling as he shot more of his curses at her, Lucy's cries of pain delicious to his ears.
Natsu clenched his fist, ears burning and a low growl emitting from deep inside his chest.
The current carried Lucy's body under water, as if it were a friend rather than an enemy—She was beaten, body bruised, and mouth parted. Honestly, it looked as if she were dead already… Though Lucy always did know how to hold her breath when it came to bodies of water.
'They're not dead,' Lucy thought, teeth gritting as her guildmates came in mind, 'Everyone's alive… I can feel their magic!'
"Hm, it seems Lady Lucy has Sensory Magic as well—A rare ability indeed," Yajima commented, the crowd listened but was on edge with the battle on the screen. Especially since the MPF kept rising.
"What is Magic Sensory?"
"Sensory Magic is an ancient type that allows the user to detect their target from various distances, including determine their strength—A useful ability that could improve if Lady Lucy wills it in training, only a handful of people in this world are able to possess such."
"So Blondie's special, huh?" Sting said, the crowd roaring at the new information.
Fairy Tail watched with happiness—They were so proud of Lucy. Wendy, Romeo, and Asuka—the three youngest—stared with admiration, occasionally cheering with words of encouragement.
Erza couldn't hold onto her emotion, wanting to hug Lucy but settled on hugging Gray on behalf of Lucy. Gray cringing when his head got smashed against her armor, Juvia seen crying in the background about her beloved—Everyone was so focused on the screen that no one saw what was happening down in the field… except one person.
Natsu noticed Lucy practically trembling in the chair, yanking on the shackles as she unconsciously tried to free herself.
'Every time I needed saving, one of them has been there… Now… It's my turn—I can't let them down!'
Despite the explosions that kept coming, Lucy still floated gracefully in the water.
"Lucy!" Natsu cried, a bright smile upon his face as he fisted pumped the air—No other words were said… It was clear, despite not him physically being there.
He believed she could do it… and that's all she needed.
"I'll NEVER give up… I won't! I don't care how strong you are… YOU WON'T BEAT ME!" Lucy shouted, bursting through the water with a new, filled determination—this was just another challenge, a familiar key shining in the light, "Not until I save my friends—Aaaaahhhh!"
"What is she—Princess, no! It's too much!"
"NO! Lucy, you can't—That's dangerous!" Yukino shouted at the same time as Virgo, completely forgetting this was in the past—She knew the dangers, a Celestial wizard could barely handle two spirits out, but three… Well that was lethal, and a death wish.
Everyone else that didn't understand the harshness, except Fairy Tail, glanced at the screen in mild concern—Could Lucy open three Gates?
"Open, Gate of the Water Bearer… Aquarius!" Lucy's eyes were wild, almost unrecognizable.
"You're going to push yourself too far!" Virgo threw Lamy, willing her body to move faster and save her Master from a mistake. But there was no stable ground to keep her from popping up like usual.
"You can't open three gates at once!" Loke was about to jump to stop Lucy, only for Torafuzar to send him back into the fight between them.
The two Celestial spirits watched in horror—There was no magic circle, no water… Nothing. Lucy started falling to the ground in pure exhaustion.
"Please… Please come," Lucy barely whispered before a burst of water came from behind. Pale arms securing around her like a safety blanket.
"Baka… You're even stupider than I thought."
Yukino backtracked as the familiar mermaid was seen, even the commentators were stunned. Everyone was awed at the revelation—Lucy can open three gates at once.
No one dared to move or speak in fear it might break the lacrima.
