Hey guys. I can see y'all want more of "Ice Devil's Angel," which makes me happy to hear. However, to get back into the groove of things, I've been given a golden opportunity by none other than the famous GraLu author, LadySVI, to take on her story "Bride of the Ice God," which originally belongs to the author writer4everr.
The reason Lady-san abandoned it was because her idea of where it should've gone didn't match with the plot of what writer4everr had and decided to pass it on to me to publish. So, that's what I'll be doing for the next couple of months for you guys while I try to re-establish my ideas and outline with "Ice Devil's Angel."
Anyway! Hope everyone is doing well!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or any of its character. I do not own this plot. This plot belongs to writer4everr.
Bride of the Ice God
Chapter Ten
No Square!
10 10 10
You know that feeling of intense queasiness and nervousness you get when you're about to go cliff jumping, or something in the matter of life or death? Your palms get all sweaty and your stomach keeps churning and rising to and fro. Your breath becomes slightly shallow and the only thing you want to do is turn around and walk away. Yeah, that's what Lucy was feeling at that very moment. The only difference was instead of a matter of life or death, she was only walking down the staircase into the banquet hall.
Gray led her down a hallway to a spiral staircase. They were nearing and Lucy could hear the chatter of the gods and goddesses that were down there partying and socializing.
Lucy gulped audibly.
Gray raised a brow at her. "Are you seriously that nervous?"
"Yes," Lucy said worriedly. "I'm worried about making a complete fool of myself. What if I fall down the stairs?"
He sighed. "You'll be fine. I'm escorting you down. So if you trip, it's not like I'm going to let you fall and stumble down the stairs." Amused, he questioned her: "Is your opinion of me that low?"
Lucy shrugged nonchalantly, feeling better. "Ah, well, I never know when it comes to you."
They traipsed down the first few steps, arm in arm, and immediately the chattering stopped. Lucy swallowed thickly as they continued walking down the staircase. She could now see the heads of all the gods and goddesses. Step, step, step, step, step, and before she knew it, they were already down the steps before the hundred of gods and goddesses staring at her.
Lucy smiled shakily. She heard Gray clear his throat.
"Welcome, one and all," his voice boomed across the hall. "As most of you know, the fates have brought me my bride."
As Gray gestured to her, she curtsied just like Lisanna instructed her to do and said, "I am honored to be in the midst of your presence. I hope that I will be able to join all of you in the festivities tonight."
"Please enjoy the night, and don't hesitate to come up to me to catch up," Gray finished, flashing a pleasant smile.
Polite applause followed, and Lucy gazed around the room to see many whispering and looking at her. The music resumed, and the chatter slowly resumed.
Gray grabbed her hand. "See, that wasn't so bad," he flashed her a smirk. "Now you just have to meet some people."
"Splendid," Lucy replied dryly.
They brushed through the crowd, Gray leading the way. He occasionally nodded to a few people. As we passed by a beautiful girl with light green hair and an emerald kimono, Lucy felt her slender fingers curl around her arm and hiss out, "Slut." Her fingers quickly disappeared from my arm, and Gray kept pushing me through the crowd. Lucy's brow furrowed. Did that actually happen?
She didn't have much time to think about it because they were approaching a couple that were sipping their drinks near the back of the room. This woman had pin straight green hair and shining violet eyes. Her painted red lips smiled up to the man next to her while her hand gently rubbed her slightly rounded belly. He was tall with a slender build, his eyes as dark as onyx with his hair and kimono to match.
Gray nodded in acknowledgement. "Hey Azlack, Bisca," he greeted with a small, lazy smile.
They both stood up straighter, and their eyes brightened as they caught sight of them. Bisca came over with a cool, gentle smile. "Lucy Heartfilia, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Bisca Connell, Goddess of Weapons and Defense." She straightened out her dark blue kimino adorned with elegant white blossoms and delicate hummingbirds.
The man stepped forward and tilted his head in greeting. "And I'm Azlack Connell, God of Archery."
Lucy smiled and curtsied to both.
Gray smirked. "So how are you two lovebirds? I hear you're two months pregnant," he addressed Bisca.
Bisca chuckled and rolled her eyes. "You love gossip, don't you, Fullbuster? Your mother can't keep a secret." She winked, rubbing her belly. "We haven't decided on a name yet. Azlack wants a girl, so he keeps throwing baby girl names at me."
Azlack gave her feigned hurt expression. "I thought we agreed on Asuka."
Bisca rolled her eyes. "I just said it was a nice name. Nothing else." She sighed. "Well, before we get too centered on ourselves, we send our congratulations to the both of you. We hope that you will be turned quickly so we have eons of time to talk. Ah, looks like the Emperor and Empress wish to speak with you." Her violet eyes flickered to the side. "We shall talk later, yes?" She gave a quick nod and placed a swift kiss on Lucy's cheek. "Welcome to the supernatural world!"
With that, Bisca slid her arm through Azlack's, and they walked away.
"The Emperor and Empress...?" Lucy gulped, squeezing Gray's arm.
"Lucy, deep breaths," Gray reminded me. "And smile. You look constipated."
"You're hilarious," she snarled back softly.
Lucy quickly schooled her expression and demeanor, and she didn't have to look over at Gray to see if he did the same thing as the Emperor and Empress and their impressive entourage approached them. Lucy recognized the Emperor and Empress right away, the coiling tendrils of infinite power lurking within their entities. They were accompanied by twelve intimidating and powerful looking gods. Lucy noted the thickly braided scarlet hair first and the similar fierce and beautiful features that Erza possessed. She wasn't dressed in traditional garb. As a matter of fact, none of them were.
"Who...?" Lucy trailed off in a whisper.
"They're the Spriggan Twelve - the personal guard and inner court of the Emperor and Empress," Gray answered. "And yes, that's Erza's mother, Irene, the Scarlet Despair, Queen of Dragons."
Lucy turned ashen. She wondered what exactly that woman had done to have earned those names, and she decided she didn't want to know. "Are they gods?"
"No, they're the most powerful witches and warlocks in the supernatural world."
"Anyone else I should know about?" Lucy asked slowly, unsurely.
Gray glanced at her. "Zeref, the Emperor is Natsu's older brother. Larcade, his cousin is also in the inner court. And August, the oldest looking guy in the group is the Emperor and Empress's son."
Lucy's eye twitched, but she plastered a smile on her face nonetheless as the Emperor and Empress finally sidled up next to them with their entourage in the back. She decided nothing would ever make sense in the supernatural world as she glanced upon August, the supposed son of Zeref and Mavis. He looked older than them!
The pale blonde, short Empress smiled at Gray. "Thank you so much for this grand banquet! I forgot how beautiful the Ice Palace was," she said fondly. Her pastel pink kimono sparkled in the light, the floral patterns seeming to come alive and bloom with every rustle.
The Emperor softly chuckled. "With our old age, Mavis, forgetting is going to be a very common thing."
"Oh hush, Zeref," Mavis huffed and slightly slapped his arm. "Anyway, it's very nice to meet you Lucy. I suppose you'll be turned soon and join our ranks," she assumed brightly.
Lucy hesitated, but Gray cut in.
"No, she has no intention of staying, and I don't intend on forcing her to stay here. We are planning to send her back," he replied tersely.
Lucy's stomach was queasy. She still wasn't sure about what she wanted. In all honesty, she was a bit torn between staying or leaving.
Zeref nodded understandingly. "Of course! We don't expect you to be so happy about joining us all of a sudden. It's your decision to make."
Mavis smiled warmly. "How do you like the supernatural world? I trust you're adjusting well," she said, a slight tint of worry in her forest eyes.
"It's been going fairly well," Lucy answered honestly. "Gray, Erza, Cana, Lisanna, and Natsu are helping me adjust, so I've been doing well. You needn't worry about me."
The Empress grinned. "Of course I do. What kind of ruler would I be if I just let you flounder around?" She frowned. "I hope you haven't been getting much trouble about being a mortal."
Lucy shook her head and just left it at that. Empress Mavis did not need to know about the attempted poisoning.
Zeref nodded. "Good. It was nice meeting you; however, duty calls and we must mingle around some more. I hope you have a good evening. It would be a pleasure for us if you and Gray would come visit our palace."
"Yes," Mavis concurred. "We'll have to have you visit. See you later, Lucy, Gray."
The Empress and Emperor gave slight bows of their heads, as well as the Spriggan Twelve, and departed further into the room of gods and goddesses vying for their attention. Lucy felt her mouth drop when she realized Empress Mavis was barefoot and with every step she took, flowers of different types sprouted from where she stepped and faded into glimmering light within seconds. As for Emperor Zeref - well, he was wearing shoes - it was the opposite. For every step he took, the ground beneath him seemed to decay yet restored itself within seconds as well.
Lucy shuddered a sigh of relief, wiping her forehead as the Emperor and Empress finally disappeared. "Well, that was nerve-wracking."
Gray snickered. "That wasn't anything. I'm starting to think you have nonexistent stamina if you're sweating from talking."
Lucy lightly punched him in the arm. He swatted her hand away playfully. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Lucy could've swore they were the only two people in the ballroom at that moment. She looked at him, really looked at him, and bloody hell, he was handsome. For the first time, she noticed the light scar on his forehead and wondered how something/anything could leave a scar upon a god. She blinked and asked, "So...what are they the gods of?"
Gray cleared his throat. "Actually, they're not."
"But Cana said the Empress was the Goddess of Life." She tilted her head, the portrait of confusion and curiosity. "If they're not gods, then what are they?"
"Just like mortals, gods like to put a name to something we don't understand. Calling them a god and goddess will ease our minds, but they are more powerful and much, much older than we like to think," Gray explained. "They are the beginning and the end, life and death, light and darkness, everything that is and isn't."
Lucy swallowed. "So...anybody else we have to greet?"
As if on cue, a voice spoke, "So this is the new kid in town..." An amused chuckle came from behind them.
Her and Gray turned around simultaneously to see four gods. The god that had spoken had a friendly smirk on his face, his blonde hair shinning like the sun and cobalt blue eyes gleaming with warmth. His body seemed to glow from an otherworldly source. The woman holding his arm on his left had short silver hair that seemed to glimmer a faint blue in the light. The simple white and silver off-the-shoulder kimono showed off her elegant posture and grace. Her brown eyes regarded her kindly.
The other couple just behind them were just as lovely. This god was a man of shadows, his eyes a bright crimson. His own shadow seemed to flicker and have a mind of its own, but the polite smile sent her way stymied her nerves. The woman on his arm was even more intimidating and regal, her face a perfect expression of indifference, the makeup accentuating her features, and her onyx hair in a half-do with two buns. Her green eyes narrowed in on her, assessing her. Lucy swallowed thickly as this goddess smiled at her, a predatory gleam in her eyes.
Gray smiled wryly. "Sting, Yukino, nice seeing you guys again. Rogue, Minerva," he acknowledged. "You guys really need to visit more often." He clapped the shoulders of the other two gods who grinned at him. He then turned back to her, "This is Lucy, my -"
Minerva cut in with excitement in her eyes. "She's your bride! It's nice to finally meet you, Lucy. You're quite the beauty. Gray doesn't deserve you," she smiled mischievously. "I'm Minerva Cheney, Goddess of the Hunt."
The semi-predatory glint in her eyes made sense now. Lucy smiled back and curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
Her bonded partner spoke quietly. "I am her husband, Rogue Cheney, God of Shadows. This loud-mouthed friend of mine," he gestured to the shining god, "is Sting Eucliffe, God of the Sun."
"Hey!" Sting protested.
The silver-haired goddess giggled. "I'm Yukino Eucliffe, Goddess of the Moon. Pleased to make your acquaintance."
Minerva clucked her tongue. "Let's spare ourselves the formalities." She let go of Rogue's arm and casually wrapped an arm around Lucy. "It's been a while since I've seen a human in the supernatural world. You mortals are so fragile." The goddess gripped her hand reassuringly at the alarm that probably crossed Lucy's face. "Prejudice against mortals runs kind of rampant in the Shadow Realm and its palace and courts. We used to allow human sacrifices until Rogue did away with it." She glanced at her bonded affectionately. "If you have any problems, feel free to tell me. I'll personally deal with them."
Sting chuckled and slung an arm around Lucy's other shoulder. It wasn't in a way that made her feel uncomfortable, so she looked at him questioningly. "C'mon Lucy, you can tell us if anyone's giving you grief." He shot a feral smirk at Minerva while Rogue and Yukino just sighed and rolled their eyes.
"Uh, well-I..." Minerva and Sting stared down at her intensely and Lucy blurted, "That girl over there." She pointed to the goddess in the emerald dress that has hissed "slut" as she passed by earlier.
Sting smirked. "Ah, Karen Lillica, Goddess of Envy. Minerva, shall we?
"We shall," the Huntress purred.
"Don't you guys have anything better to do?" Rogue sighed in exasperation but made no move to intervene.
"It's to be expected," Yukino said consolingly.
Minerva chuckled. "What do you say, Sting? Should we initiate innocent little Wendy into our schemes?"
"Absolutely."
Yukino and Rogue just shared a long are-you-kidding-me side glance they've probably done for eons, and Lucy couldn't help a small laugh pass through her lips. The blonde watched in fascination as the duo of Sting and Minerva sashayed their way to Wendy. With sickly sweet smiles on their faces, they talked to the Wind Goddess who eventually caved from pressure and with a reluctant flick of her wrist sent a gust of wind through the ballroom, lifting Karen's green dress in the air and exposing her underwear. Sting let out a loud snigger, and Lucy immediately regretted telling them even though it was kind of funny.
Karen turned a deep red, and she clamped her dress down with her long, slender fingers. Everybody had noticed but nobody made a comment. They just turned away with small smiles on their faces. Lucy even saw Natsu give her an air high-give to which Wendy shook her head in complete mortification as to what she'd done.
"Thanks," Lucy said unsurely to Minerva and Sting.
Minerva smirked while Sting winked. "Of course," they chorused with identical catty smiles plastered on their faces.
Gray shook his head. "I don't want you getting any ideas from them," he muttered.
Lucy snorted. "What, you're afraid I'll expose your panties to the general public?"
He shrugged. "I have no idea what you're capable of."
"Yup," Lucy nodded. "Never underestimate a human girl, especially this human girl who knows all about Kuma, the teddy bear!" She sang. His grip tightened on her arm. "Shutting up now!"
"Ah, shit," he curse suddenly under his breath.
Her eyebrows rose. "What?"
Lucy followed Gray's eyes, and they landed on an older god with a similar face approaching them. She guessed it was his father based on the devilishly good looks that ran in his family, the one that got ousted by society for mingling with a mortal. If that was the case, why was he here?
His father approached with an air of civility. "Gray," he nodded curtly. "I surmise this is your bride." His cold winter eyes observed her with interest.
Lucy smiled. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Lucy Heartfilia." She didn't sense anything hostile or malicious from him. Overall, she didn't find any reason to be scared of him other than the cold aura that surrounded him. "May I ask who you are?"
Gray glowered. "This is my father, Silver, God of Winter."
Silver extended a hand, and Lucy shook it warmly. She almost jerked back because of how cold his hands were. He saw the flinch and his expression softened. "I apologize. I just came from my Winter Palace. The climate there is more favorable for polar bears than gods." He eyed Gray, and they seemed to have some silent conversation with their eyes.
Gray turned to me. "Hey, why don't you go find Cana or Erza? I need to talk with my father for a moment. Hopefully this won't take long." He stared at his father and jerked his head to the side.
Lucy nodded. "All right."
Maybe they were going to make amends. She shrugged, not really bothered because she was hungry anyway, so Lucy stalked off and headed to the refreshment and outlandish buffet table. There were so many drinks she didn't recognize, so she chose the most normal looking beverage she could find and took a cautious sip. Groaning in distaste, she nearly spit it out as if it were acid.
"Gross," she muttered. "The hell is this?"
"It's called Sakusan. Normally, only the old people can handle that strong stuff," a voice informed her from her right.
Lucy turned to face Jellal but was curious as to why Erza wasn't there but another woman. Sister or cousin maybe? A smile flashed on Lucy's face, and she was about to greet him, but he held up a hand and shook his head. "I'm Mystogan, God of Truth. I'm one of his brothers." He gestured to his bonded. "This is Kagura, Goddess of Will and Inner Focus."
The pretty goddess dressed in a regal white and red kimono gave a barely noticeable smile and bowed her head in greeting. Her black hair gleamed dark purple in the light of the ballroom. "Pleased to meet you."
I suppose he's telling the truth, Lucy thought, being God of Truth and all.
"I heard my name?" Jellal said, appearing from the crowd with Erza.
"Ah, brothers, long time no see," a similar voice greeted, another Jellal look-alike appearing.
Lucy blinked. There were indeed three Jellal Fernandez' in front of her. Well, damn, Lucy thought, realizing they were triplets. They all looked the same. Down to the exact tattoo. The only thing different was their aura or power rolling off of them, as well as the beautifully lethal-looking women they were bonded with.
"So, Jellal," Lucy began and pointed, "Mystogan, and...you are?"
"Siegran, God of Deception and Mischief, at your service," he smirked. "And my lovely bonded is Ultear, Goddess of Time."
The woman beside him smiled. Her hair was similar to Kagura's, as well as the eye color but Ultear was far paler. She seemed to have familiar features like- Oh, Lucy thought. Ultear had some of Silver in her. Vaguely there, but she could see it, especially with how she carried herself with civility.
Lucy didn't know what to think until Mystogan offered. "He speaks the truth...for once."
"You wound me, brother," Siegran mocked a pained expression, placing a hand over his heart.
The God of Truth and Deception began squabbling pettily while Jellal started to mediate. Lucy swore she heard him say, "Cut this shit out. Act your age. I don't have time for this."
The three woman bonded to the triplets sighed and made their way over to Lucy. Erza grabbed two drinks from the refreshments table and easily downed them, frowning when she perhaps realized she'd need more to survive the rest of the night. Kagura just shrugged and proceeded to the buffet table and grabbed two plates.
Ultear came up beside Lucy with a sigh. "I believe the only reason I'm bonded to Siegran is because I'm the only one that can put up with his bullshit."
Lucy choked on a laugh. "How long have you been bonded?"
"Forty-three years only. We're a fairly young couple compared to the rest of the gods here." She shrugged. "I've known him for most of my life though, but that's just how the Fates work, I suppose."
"Were you attracted to him before the bonding?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, yes she was," Kagura stated matter-of-factly, offering a plate of food to Lucy. The blonde gave her an surprised look to which she only shrugged and replied, "You looked hungry. I made sure to grab some strawberry cheesecake before Erza ate it all. Also, there are these really good crackers with cream cheese topped with raspberry chipotle sauce. By far the best."
"Thanks," Lucy smiled. She took a quick bite of the cracker. Amazed, she glanced back at Kagura. "Wow."
Ultear chuckled. "Anyway, I just wanted to say congratulations for your bonding with my half-brother."
Even though Lucy suspected, she still felt her jaw drop. "H-Half brother?"
"Oh, he didn't mention me?" Ultear asked sarcastically. "Shocker. Yes, I'm a product of the God of Winter and a mortal woman."
"Were you...turned?"
"Yes," Ultear grabbed a cracker of Kagura's plate. "I was a demigod, so the transition was painless, and I had a high survivability rate. I wanted to do it because I was neither accepted by the gods nor humans, so I just made myself a goddess, especially when I bonded with Siegran."
"I'm happy it worked out for you," Lucy said sincerely.
"Thank, Lucy," Ultear smiled back. "Me too."
"Her and Gray weren't on good terms for a while," Kagura explained. "They're better now. Civil."
"Enjoy the rest of the night," Ultear said. "Now, I need to grab Siegran before he makes a fool of himself."
"And I'll grab Erza before she decides to drink the whole table," Kagura said as well.
Lucy watched as Kagura grabbed two wine bottles from Erza, and Ultear as she sashayed to her bonded, a gleam in her eyes. She touched his elbow and leaned into his ear to whisper. Siegran stopped his petty squabble and smirked, looking back at her. His hand wrapped around her waist and before she knew it, they disappeared back into the crowd.
The blonde startled when Erza suddenly wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She offered her a wine bottle. "I need you to hold onto this," Erza whispered conspiratorially. "Before Kagura takes it again."
Lucy slowly grabbed the bottle with a smile. "Are you drunk, Erza?"
"Yes, but they don't need to know that."
The blonde followed the War Goddess' gaze and could see Jellal facepalming and Kagura shrug as if to say she tried. The Goddess of Will placed a placating hand on Jellal's shoulder, seeming to say "good luck" before she wandered off with Mystogan back into the crowd.
"I think they already do," Lucy whispered back.
"In that case," Erza retrieved the bottle back from Lucy with her eyes still on Jellal. The Space God's eyes challenged her, daring her. Her owl cooed in her ear, as if giving advice. She then winked at him. "See you tomorrow."
With utter grace despite being drunk, the War Goddess also disappeared through the crowd, her trusty owl following behind her. She heard Jellal curse and run after her. Lucy watched on in utter amusement, taking another bite from her dish. If this was how banquet's usually went, she was down to attend another one. Within the spirit of the banquet, she grabbed herself a glass of red wine and decided to enjoy herself.
"There you are," a voice said.
Confused, Lucy turned around to find Gray. "Well, that was quick. How was the talk with your father?"
He blankly stared at her.
She sipped her wine. "Right, personal question. Sooo, just checking in on me, are we?"
A smirk lit his face. "Was thinking we both needed a break from this crowd, what do you say?"
Lucy smiled. "Now you're speaking my language."
Gray wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She tensed slightly because Gray wasn't really one to openly display such things. Lucy noticed all the eyes on them and saw that it was mostly for show and couldn't help but feel a slight twinge in her heart but brushed it off.
"Where are we going?" she asked.
"You'll see," Gray answered simply.
He led them to one of the isolated inner chambers that held extra beverages in case they ran out. The lights were dim, and Lucy felt her heart rate increase slightly. What were they doing here? As Lucy was scanning the inner chamber, she heard the sliding door close and the hard click of a lock. She whirled around, her heart racing now.
"Gray," Lucy said hesitantly. "What are you doing?"
He walked toward her, dim lights and shadows seemed seeming to play tricks on her as Gray's features and body melted and morphed into someone else entirely. Long untamable blonde hair, almost like the mane of a lion, and eyes the color of blood. The stranger smirked psychotically. "Sorry to disappoint, but I'm not your Ice God."
Fear. Fear was all she felt, but she instinctively knew that this man would kill her if she made any sudden movements. Lucy slowly swallowed and channeled all her fear into the bond. She knew Gray would come, but she had to stall. She had no control over these strange powers of hers, so it was nothing to rely on.
"And who might you be?" she asked calmly.
His head titled. "Zancrow, Anti-God of Fire."
Lucy furrowed her brows. What in the devil's name is an anti-god?
Zancrow cackled, circling her, like a predator stalking his prey. "You humans are so ignorant, it's pitiful." He stopped in front of her, grabbing her chin. "But you're prettier than most mortal women, I'll give you that."
Keep him talking, Lucy! "And what is an anti-god like yourself doing in a place like this?"
He sneered at her. "Could ask the same thing to you, human."
Lucy stayed silent, her lips thinning.
His eyes glanced at her bonding mark on the back of her hand. "Hooo~? Now what's this here?" Zancrow let go of her chin and forcefully grabbed her wrist to look at the mark on her hand. "So it wasn't just a silly rumor. The Ice God is bonded to a mortal." He looked at her, elated. "You'll go for a high price."
The elation and fascination in the anti-god's voice gave Lucy the chills. She ripped her hand away, hissing. "Don't. Touch. Me."
Zancrow smiled wide and crazy, his blood-red eyes looking at her like food. "Or what, human?"
Lucy couldn't keep herself from shaking but managed to take a slow step back. And then another. And another. But every step she took back, Zancrow followed. She wanted to scream when her back hit the table of drinks, and the only thing she could hear was the beating of her heart. For some unknown reason, she felt like she had to explode or combust. It was such a strange, unsettling feeling. And it really happened, and the exact moment Zancrow roughly grabbed her neck.
"NO! STOP!" Lucy screamed.
To her amazement, her body glowed, and Zancrow hissed, letting go of her immediately because his skin was boiling. But, she wanted the anti-god far away from her. The light from her body exploded outwards and pushed him across the chamber, knocking over wine bottles and breaking the table.
Zancrow howled, absolutely psychotic. Part of his body was covered in burns, but he was quickly regenerating with his own black flames.
"YOU! I'M GOING TO BURN THAT PRETTY FACE OF YOURS."
Lucy cried, scrambling towards the locked door. "SOMEBODY! HELP!" She sobbed as Zancrow's flame-lit hands grabbed her ankles and dragged her back. Lucy screamed, tears running down her face as she clawed the ground. Desperately, she flailed and kicked her legs, but it was futile. Despite, her body emitting her newfound powers, Zancrow held on. His maniacal laugh was cut short when he saw his breath in the air.
There was a still silence when suddenly the door burst open and blades of ice arced through the air. Zancrow cursed, letting go of Lucy to jump back. The mark on the back of her hand felt warm, and Lucy didn't need to look up to know he was there. Gray found her.
Lucy was shivering, not only from the cold, but from the entire experience. Her small breaths puffed before her as she tried to control her breathing. It slowed when his armed securely wrapped around her bridal style. She looked up at the god she was bonded to and stilled. She had never seen such a look on his face before.
"Zancrow," Gray growled. "I'm going to kill you."
"Tch," the anti-god scoffed. "You know you can't."
"No, but I can," a voice said evenly.
Natsu stepped out of the shadows, his bright orange flames lighting his body.
To Lucy's surprise, Zancrow took one step back in a defensive posture. His face looked grim, almost feral, like a caged animal. But unfortunately, sometimes caged animals will lash out. To their luck, the anti-god did not. His body became black flame and flew into the wind with the last word: "I'll get you, Dragneel."
Once Zancrow finally left, the heat radiating off Natsu died down. He looked at Gray. "I'll let 'em know." And he was off.
"G-Gray," Lucy chattered. "I-It's s-still cold."
He took a deep breath, setting her down. "Sorry, are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah..." She felt herself tear up a little. "He...looked like you. Exactly like you. I...I..." She choked on a sob. Damn it, she needed to get a grip already!
Gray hugged her, comforting her. "It's me, Lucy. It's me."
Through the bond, she felt his reassurance and warmth. He was here. It was him. She was going to be okay.
"Lucy," he said.
She looked up at him. "Hm?"
He wiped her tears away. "I'm sorry I wasn't here earlier."
"It's okay. I knew you'd come."
The Ice God was silent, analyzing. His expression was soft yet confused. "You've got some explaining to do."
"Zancrow?" Lucy asked, confused as well. "I have no idea why he was here. And what the hell is an anti-god?"
Gray shook his head. "I'm talking about you."
Lucy looked down at herself to see she was still glowing. "Oh, right."
Well, so much for trying to keep her power a secret.
Hope this brings back some hope to some fans who thought this was gone forever. Sorry if it wasn't as good as Lady-san's own personal style to it, but I'll just get this out for you guys.
Have a nice day :)