Chapter 5

A/N: So I was kinda late wanted to have this chapter ready for new years but it didn't happen, anyways I did two line breaks this chapter which is something I really don't like to do but I didn't see another way to incorporate a bit of Gray without making a full chapter on him. On a different note I did a quick fix went over and revised and edited the previous chapters and have checked three times but I'm still paranoid I screwed up the order haha. anyways it's a pleasure to write for you guys and the support is awesome Cheers! Disc: don't own FT or the characters.

Striding along the cobblestone streets of Magnolia a raging Demonslayer stomped through the frost path he creates, his anger causing his magic to flare and emit a wave of ice magic dropping the surrounding air into near sub-zero levels. Marching on ignoring the dusting of frost he leaves in his wake as he turns down a nearby alleyway slamming his fist into a nearby wall causing cracks to form at the point of contact and a layer of off-color ice to coat the surface as he attempts to vent his frustrations he letting out a yell of pure aggravation as he turns giving the parallel wall the same treatment again cracking part of it and having the rest smothered by a thin layer of the strange ice. Removing his fist from the wall Gray presses his right hand to his eye in a poor attempt to stop the surging headache that has quickly taken root as the icy-fog begins to intensify. "You let him get away," at the sound of the voice the ice mage snaps his head in the direction only to feel raw aggression as he looks at a replica of himself the only real difference is the more spiky hair and the blue markings covering his right arm and reaching up to cover part of his face. "You had the perfect chance to kill the demon and you let it slip through your fingers such a shame," the entity spoke not fazed in the least by his confused glare. "All you had to do was kill something that was already at death's door and yet you failed. Your father would be so disappointed," Gritting his teeth Gray bite out a remark.

"I didn't screw up anything, I couldn't take him out without them getting in the way!" comes the far less calm remark from the Demonslayer.

"Ah! Yes, my mistake a little girl and a glow in the dark cat got in your way and they are insurmountable obstacles," The entity snarks sarcastically throwing flippant gestures to emphasize his point which only angers Gray further.

"Just shut up I'm not in the mood for this shit." Gray bites out with far less energy in his tone but distaste is still prominent.

"I wouldn't be here if you would just simply kill the demon, are you hesitating, perhaps you believe the little blonde's words that he is your old friend? How nieve can you be he played you all of you he's still playing with that girl and you're eating it all right up! He is a monster of the same litter that tortured your friends enslaved your father they also killed your master and mother along with countless other innocents and some little delusional preaching is enough to make you have doubt of that?!" the image spouts at gray advancing closer and increasing his volume to borderline screaming as he nears the ice mage. The entity goes to continue but a wave of ice crashes towards him filling half the alleyway a thick slab of ice blocking any passage.

"That's enough!" Gray snaps with authority and a look of anger on his face causing the entity to freeze on the spot. "I know what they've done I don't need a reminder! I will kill E.N.D. that is a fact but playing into his little game won't let me win, so we just have to remind them all he's a monster." Gray finishes as a tainted smirk dripping pure malice crawls its way onto his features the dark mirth evident in his tone. "And after that, those who still choose to side with the monster… Well, I can't be held responsible for 'collateral damage'." Gray finishes with a dark chuckle as the entity fades with a smug expression on his face knowing he accomplished what he came for.

-Line Beak-

Across Magnolia, with Loke leading the way and a banged and up unconscious Natsu on his back, Lucy right behind them as she scans the crowd with a hostile gaze seeing everyone as a possible threat with Natsu in his current state, thinking of her mate's condition causes a growl to tear from the blonde's throat at the memory of who harmed him. Hearing her growl the Zodiac looks over the shoulder not occupied by a head of pink hair and sees Lucy's angered gaze linger in the direction of the guild when it would land there, the other point of interest being the direction the trail of frost was headed when they departed the guild, Whenever her survey led her to those directions her growl would intensify and the lion spirit didn't know whether to be proud or afraid of her anger. Finally reaching her apartment rather quickly for mid-day trafic, then again people tend to clear a path when they think an angered animal is approaching and in a way they were right. Lucy opened the door for the spirit carrying her mate, as the group entered her apartment Lucy gestures towards the bed Loke doesn't question his master not having said a word sense his arrival and complies and gently places the injured dragon slayer on her bed. Once his charge is situated Loke turns to his key holder. "I'll take my leave now if you need anything just ask I'll have Virgo bring you food later" His only indication he was heard is a grunt from the blonde which causes the lion to let out a sigh. "Be safe princes," With those parting words and a flash of light Loke is gone leaving a passed out Natsu and a rather volatile blonde to watch over him.

Lucy approaches her bed as she surveys the pinkette's condition noting the small burns and scrapes on his exposed limbs along with the forming bruises, his tattered clothing opened to reveal minimal damages leading her to believe that Wendy treated any severe wounds rather well, as her eyes come to land on his face she notices it holds a rather contorted expression showing his discomfort causing the summoner to let out a low whimper as she moves her hand to press against his cheek, Natsu's expression morphs into one of content as he releases a sigh and nuzzles into her touch causing a smile to form on her face. Lucy pulls her hand back causing a short whimper from Natsu as he raises his head in an attempt to prolong the contact, the action causes a soft chuckle from the blonde as she moves the blankets and adjusts Natsu as she climbs into bed with her back pressing against the wall Natsu's head laying on her lap while she runs her fingers through his hair and softly scratches his scalp causing soft purrs to emit from the resting Dragonslayer, Lucy reluctantly removes her eyes from her mate and focuses her attention on her surroundings mainly on the points of entry into her 'den' prepared to defend her mate should she need to while he recovers.

The day ends and as mourning comes Lucy remains vigilant moving little if at all as the recovering slayer burrows as deep as possible into his mate while her rest. One day fades into two with Virgo showing up regularly throughout the day to offer her mistress meals to which she is answered with a not very hostile growl and the maid spirit bows and flashes back to her world without another word not wishing to defy her wishes. On the third morning, Loke is pacing in the spirit world feeling a mixture of emotions at the current situation, frustrated Lucy is acting like a child not eating until she gets what she wants, anger that Natsu won't wake up so Lucy will just stop, inadequacy knowing Aquarius would be able to snap her out of her current state, and shame feeling useless in his masters state of distress. Letting out a sigh and putting an end to his self-pity parade the Zodiac Leader decides to inform Fairy Tail about the duo, well those he trust to know about it. With a flash of light, the lion spirit is standing before the guilds double doors straightening his tie, Loke enters his former home in a casual manner and makes his way to the bar as if it's just another day at the office while he subtly scans the guild for a certain S-class blonde he would rather not hear the information he has. Seeing no sign of Laxus as he takes his seat at the bar he turns to Mira and smiles at the She-Devil. "Good morning Mira." The S-class barmaid doesn't seem fazed by his presence.

"Hello Loke, what are you doing here?" Mira asks the lion as she offhandedly cleans a mug. Loke does one final glance around the guild looking for anyone who would use what he would say against his master.

"They ain't here kitty-cat, so spit it out!" Came a gruff shout from across the room originating from a rather impatient Iron Dragonslayer from his perch next to the resident bookworm. Loke rolls his eyes at Gajeel and returns his gaze back towards Mira.

"Just came to let you guys know that it seems like Natsu's healing well, but Lucy won't eat and hasn't slept since it's happened, I mean sheesh Lucy hasn't even spoken just growls mainly and I'm getting worried." Complains a not so composed lion spirit as he raises his glasses to drag a hand down his face.

"Yeah that's pretty normal if I remember right," Wendy chimes in with a sudden appearance behind Loke startling the Lion spirit into nearly falling off his stool. "I was pretty young when Grandeeney told me but Mates are extremely overprotective especially when the other is hurt, it's kinda impressive she didn't snap at you or throw something." The sky Dragonslayer says taking a solemn tone when referring to her dragon parent, but revitalizing when she mentions Lucy not being more hostile while she places a finger to her chin and looks far off in thought, Until a bulky hand plants itself on her head breaking the healer from her inner thoughts.

"Yeah Salamander needs to wake up pretty soon though, or we might need to go in and force feed Bunny Girl, if she were a Dragonslayer there wouldn't be a problem but since she's not she won't be able to hold out indefinitely," Gajeel informs the group as he and a rather distraught bookworm approach the group at the bar.

"What do you mean 'force feed her'?" asks a bristling Loke ready to throttle the Dragonslayer for even suggesting to impose himself on his master.

Gajeel opens his mouth to bite back at the spirit but a small hand comes up to cover his mouth. "What he means is Lucy not being a Dragonslayer means her body doesn't have the physical attributes to comply with the instincts she gets from being a Dragonslayer's mate, Lu's body needs food or it'll start to shut down, Dragonslayers can go up to a month without eating and actual dragons can go even longer if it's necessary." States bluenette trying to diffuse the tension between the agitated lion spirit and Dragonslayer, argument seemingly dissolved Loke slumps into his chair as he lets out a sigh.

"I'm sorry, I know you're just trying to help I'm just worried about this whole thing, I just want it to be over." Loke states from his slumped position causing a cooing 'awe' from the barmaid as she reaches and scratches his scalp between his ears causing a purr to emit from the Zodiac, the moment is interrupted by a loud cough. Abruptly straightening his posture to be sitting upright the spirit turns his attention to the two bluenettes and the heavily pierced man, pulling his fist to the front of his mouth he clears his throat trying to salvage his dignity.

"Wendy, you treated Natsu do you have an estimation of when he'll wake up?" Loke states trying to swiftly change the subject, Fortunately for him, the sky maiden takes pity on him.

"His injuries were pretty bad but I healed the more severe ones when I worked on him if I had to geuss anywhere from 2 days to a week from when he was treated so any day now really sorry I wasn't able to do more." The sky Dragonslayer starts confidently and finishes rather meekly she stops her self loathing when Gajeel rests his palm on her head and ruffles her hair.

"You did good kid, ain't no one could've done a better job than you did," Gajeels says in a rare soft moment trying to sooth the younger slayer causing Levy and Mira to gush at his sweetness, as the Iron Dragonslayer tries to force down a blush. Loke watches the scene a with fondness 'this is Fairy Tail there's still hope for them' The lion thinks to himself as he continues to watch the scene.

-Line Break-

Darkness starts to fade and the first thing Natsu realizes is he must be dead, nothing in his entire life has ever felt this comfortable as he lets out a delighted growl at the feeling of resting in a warm nest of blankets and his pillow must be made of Aries wool or something as he nuzzles further into the comforting bliss. Similar thoughts float through his mind until he catches what exactly he thought. 'Wait Aries is Luce's spirit, last time I saw Luce was," his thoughts halt as the memories flash through his mind, the fight with Laxus, Lucy screaming his name, a lot of pain then everything just fades to black. Natsu immediately shoots up from the comfortable nest. "Luce!" Natsu shouts ignoring his headache and blurry vision as he scans his surroundings for his blonde mate. Suddenly Natsu is engulfed by arms and brought back into the soft heaven he left in search of the blonde and he faintly hears the scratchy whimper of his name spoken right by his ear and he goes stiff into the embrace before engulfing the other body in an embrace. "Luce." he softly mumbles as he moves his head to rest in the crook of her neck and takes a deep inhale, he instantly knows she hasn't showered in days just by her scent not having any trace of her usual bath products not that he cares Natsu is just overjoyed that she's alright.

With the abrupt break in silent, Lucy tensed before realizing Natsu sat up and her name was on his lips in a tone of panic, before she could process anything her body moved and she pulled him to her a soft whimper of his name in disbelief leaving her lips as she curls into his top half and she makes out the barely audible call of 'Luce' and at hearing his voice the instincts her body had been running on for the past two days shut off and the summoner curls further into a ball as they readjust so the blonde is mostly in his lap as tears are freely falling and Lucy is muttering various cries of 'I was scared you wouldn't wake up' to 'you should have burned him to a crisp' ones like the latter Natsu responds to with soft chuckles and the ones of the formers nature he would just tighten his hold and whisper soft 'but you didn't' and 'I'm here now' as he strokes her long blonde hair that's lost some of its shine as she softly cries to sleep in her mates embrace. Once Lucy's breathing evens out and her shaking stops Natsu removes his hand from her hair and pulls back to get a good look at her, dark bags under her eyes, hair slick with natural oil, her body looks rather weak too, she probably hasn't left his side since he was injured. Dropping his hand to the matress Natsu clenches his fist into the sheets in anger, anger at himself for upsetting his mate knowing he should have taken better care of her. At the thought, Natsu's mind wanders to the fact she hasn't left his side the thought although distressing makes his instincts surge with pride knowing she loyally protected him in his weakened state causing a happy growl to erupt from his throat as he gazes upon the sleeping goddess in his arms he decides he could stay like this forever.

As if waiting to disrupt his bliss a flash of light and a doorbell sound off inside the room to reveal a pink haired maid standing center room with a tray in her hand. "Princess I have brought you food as big brother requested, We are all getting a little worried we would like you to please eat something." the maid says her usual monotone voice taking a more concerned tone. Noticing the lack of response the maid tries again. "Do you wish to punish my pushiness princess?" Virgo asks finally rising from her bow to look at the bed only to be shocked seeing her keyholder asleep in her mate's arms as his dark eyes stare at her not even acknowledging Virgo's presence, the pink haired maid goes to speak but is cut off by a rather hoarse voice.

"So I was right she hasn't been eating, how long was I out?" Natsu asks the fellow pinkette his eyes never leaving the blonde.

"This was the third day, and yes she hasn't eaten I would bring food but she would just softly growl at me so I took that as a queue to leave. Would you like to punish me?" The spirit says bowing her head towards the Dragonslayer and finishing with her trademark request that draws a hoarse chuckle from Natsu, causing Virgo to tilt her head in confusion.

"Nah no punishment, its just been a while since I've heard you say that and it makes me laugh makes it seem like the past three months were all a bad dream," Natsu says more to himself than to the spirit. "Hey, Virgo can you come back in the morning and bring a lot of food and tell the others she'll be okay in the morning." Natsu flashes the maid his fanged grin and a ghost of a smile crosses her features with a bow and a farewell Virgo disappears in a flash of light.

With Virgo's departure, Natsu readjust the blonde in his lap so she won't be sore when she wakes up, shifting where Natsu has his upper torso propped up and his head against the headboard as Lucy rest her head on his stomach with her arms locked firmly around his waist as Natsu combs his fingers through her hair ignoring his dry throat and sore muscles instead focusing on Lucy's soft snores as she steadily breaths in his scent, or the feel of how she cutely nuzzles her face into his abs as he ignores the pain from the bruises he has there, he's just happy to have her in his presence, he can take the guard shift for the night, plus he's slept enough, Natsu finishes his thoughts and just watches the blonde as she sleeps the afternoon away and well into the night.