Chương 7: Chapter 7

There was nothing but fear in her wide dark eyes as she clutched her head, tears rolling down her pale cheeks. Her usually cared-for blonde hair was a tangled mess, her T-shirt and jeans ripped and dirty from her fight, and there were several scrapes, cuts, and bruises all over her body. The space around her was cold - enough so that her breaths escaped her in small clouds - and looked like some medieval version of a jail, complete with bars and everything. Strange symbols littered the stone floor, and Lucy had the distinct feeling that they were what sapped her of what little strength she might have had left.

She wasn't all too sure of how long she'd been there, but she thought it was a day, maybe a day and a half. It was kind of hard to tell when you'd woken up two seconds before.

She did know for certain how she'd gotten there. Sort of.

Lucy remembered it well. One moment, she'd been in the Rozlyn Cafe, waiting for the day's companions to show up, and then everyone around her had literally passed out. A waitress had collapsed, glass shattering on the floor. She'd stood quickly, shocked, and then had felt something hard slam into her from behind, sending her to the floor. She'd simply remained there in shock, pain racing through her as a voice whispered in her ear, "Nighty-night!"

And then she'd woken up here.

She'd have rather woken up back at the Heartfilia Estate in her home country, Bosco.

Swallowing thickly, Lucy hugged her knees to her chest, searching the prison around her. The cell she was in was more like a cage, with bars on three sides. The back wall was made of hard stone, as was the ceiling and floor, and she couldn't see a door - which concerned her even more than the chilliness of the place.

What the hell was going on?!

She cranked her head back, and then groaned softly when pain darted up and down her spine. Lucy had no doubt that she was going to be sore for a while. Whatever had hit her had hit her hard. She rested her chin on her knees, shivering slightly in both fear and cold.

Why her?!

A sound to her left caught her attention, and she shrank back in fear, pressing her back against the cold stone wall despite the pain. There was a change of light that blinded her - it was somewhat dark in her little prison - and she blinked hurriedly for a few moments.

"You are awake?"

Lucy clenched her jaw, letting her eyes darken with anger, hiding the fear. A young woman with blue hair and sharp blue eyes stood there, head tilted as she surveyed the young blonde woman through the bars. And then she beamed. "Fairy Tail."

Lucy immediately understood what Natsu had been doing when he had helped her, when he'd demanded the same words. He was questioning her...alliance, or something like that. "Um…"

"Don't worry," the blue-haired woman told her. "Juvia's Gray will come and help. Fairy Tail does not hesitate when its members have been harmed." She frowned. "But Juvia cannot disobey now. It would not end well. Juvia will make sure you are safe until they come, though."

She reached out, brushing her fingers against the barred wall before her, and Lucy watched in astonishment as it dissolved away. Juvia gave a kind smile. "Follow Juvia, please. Juvia apologizes beforehand about the guildmaster's cruelty."

Lucy was at a loss, but forced herself to her feet. So she had a friend in all of this...that was good. Right? Even if she was kind of strange…

Seeing Lucy's reluctance, Juvia smiled gently and shifted, sweeping aside the long dress she wore so that the slit on the side flashed a mark that Lucy recognized immediately on her leg. "Juvia apologizes...are you not aware of Fairy Tail?"

"N-no," Lucy stammered. "I'm...I just haven't known about th-them for long...I don't know what th-they are exactly, b-but..."

Juvia blinked. "Oh," she breathed. "You aren't aware...oh, this isn't good. Juvia will explain more later. But Juvia asks that you please be careful in what you say to Master Jose."

"Master?" Lucy said faintly, hugging her arms as she followed Juvia out of the room and into a corridor. Juvia tucked some blue hair behind her ear, eyes darting this way and that. She quickly pressed a finger to her lips to motion for silence. Her gaze hardened, and Lucy bit her lip nervously as Juvia's entire demeanor seemed to change. She became emotionless, nearly cold, as she stepped through a set of doors and into a larger room.

Lucy quivered beside her. There were several people inside the room, and she wanted to cry at the sight of all of them. Juvia shifted just slightly so that she was closer, a silent comfort despite her icy tone as she said softly, "Master Jose, Juvia brought Miss Heartfilia."

"Good."

Lucy set to work on remembering who was who. Juvia, the one beside her, and then Jose, the terrifying man with the weird mustache.

Jose gave a wide grin that made her shiver in fear, her hands tightening around her arms. "Hello, Miss Heartfilia...or should we call you Miss Cor?"

Damn it all, people knew her alias! Lucy swallowed thickly, and then spoke, voice cold. "I don't understand why I am here, nor why you have decided to treat me the way you are, but I suggest you release me. Immediately."

So coming from where she did had a good influence on her in situations like this. Of course, that didn't mean it would help her. But it made her feel as if she had a better hold on the situation.

Jose's smile tightened fractionally and Juvia gave a low sound of disapproval that only she could hear. "I apologize...was Sol too rough when he retrieved you?"

The one with the monocle scowled, as if annoyed by this suggestion.

Juvia, the one beside her, Jose, the terrifying man with the weird mustache, and Sol, the one with the monocle.

A large man with a blindfold over his eyes sniffled, and Lucy had to fight the urge to burst into hysterical laughter when he gave a sob. Another man, with black and white hair, gave him a look of annoyance as he growled, "Toughen up, Aria. It's not that big a deal."

Juvia, the one beside her, Jose, the terrifying man with the weird mustache, Sol, the one with the monocle, and Aria, the guy with the blindfold.

One more to go, and Lucy would feel a bit better. At least she would know who she was dealing with. Sort of.

"Oh, shut up, Totomaru," a gruff voice interrupted, rough with annoyance. Lucy's eyes snapped wide, immediately recognizing it, and her head snapped around, face paling. None other than Gajeel emerged, red eyes cast downward at a form he dragged behind him. He tossed the person forward, letting them groan at his feet.

Lucy's expression changed to one of horror. "Levy," she breathed.

The small woman looked even tinier than normal. Blood slicked her from head to toe, and Lucy knew immediately that it was hers. Her blue hair was matted with it, and her hazel eyes stared up at Lucy with equal amounts of surprise that was mixed with pain. Ignoring Juvia's warning look, Lucy threw herself down beside Levy, horrified. "Lucy?" Levy wheezed, then coughed, blood spattering the floor.

Gajeel planted his booted foot on Levy, not looking the least bit bothered that it was his supposed girlfriend he was doing this to. Lucy glared up at him - and was shocked to see a look of frustration in his piercing gaze. He glared back at her, a flash of surprise crossing his face, and it took Lucy a moment to realize that he wasn't putting any pressure at all on her, merely resting his foot lightly there, as if he was trying to avoid hurting Levy even more.

Lucy's gaze darted back to Juvia, who mouthed, Fairy Tail.

Oh.

Jose sneered at the sight of the petite woman at Gajeel's feet. "Pathetic little fairy...put her back in her cage."

"Gihi!" Gajeel grinned a feral grin that made Lucy tense up in fear. "Sure thing, Master." His gaze lazily drifted to Lucy, who flinched. "Want me to do somethin' 'bout her?"

"No," Jose replied firmly. "Rid yourself of the fairy and then return. Juvia is capable of handling Miss Heartfilia."

Lucy couldn't help but stare in utter bewilderment when Gajeel plucked Levy up by the back of what tattered clothing remained from several wounds that littered her body. Within moments, they were gone. Juvia shifted uneasily, her gaze troubled, as if unhappy about what had happened.

"Gajeel does his work well," Jose muttered, narrowing his eyes. "I'm sure he succeeded in prying the information we needed from her...she'll be useless by tomorrow. I'll have him take care of her before Fairy Tail arrives, as I know they will. I'm tired of the games we play."

Lucy felt sick. "What do you want with me? And Levy?"

"The fairy is none of your concern," Josei mused thoughtfully. A flick of his hand, and the other three in the room left. "As for you, your father hired us to find you. There are things magic can do that technology cannot, and having a dragon slayer among us is useful. To think you made it easier by going to Magnolia…"

Lucy froze. Her father? No way. He wouldn't do something as dangerous as this was. He would never put her in a situation that would get her as beaten as Levy was - she cringed at the thought. He would never consider putting her in a situation that could put her in danger. He needed her usefulness way too much.

Jose laughed at the look on her face. "However," he continued. "He failed to mention what...capabilities come with your bloodline." He smirked at the confusion that flashed across her battered face. "Oh? You don't know? I'm surprised, Miss Heartfilia." Lucy shrank back when shadows seemed to rise up along the walls, threatening to close in. "I'm talking about magic, my dear. The world is absolutely full of it...but the kind you possess? It hasn't been mentioned but once in the oldest of books.

"But then," he grinned. "I looked into your family's history and discovered the reason why. Celestial magic, which gives you the ability to form contracts with those of another realm and so much more, has been kept hidden by your mother's family for centuries."

Lucy tensed, gritting her teeth. Was this guy mental?

"I'll have to apologize to Jude Heartfilia," Jose muttered, "Lie, tell him his daughter was accidentally killed in a tragic accident…" He smirked. "He won't have to know that we'll be putting your magic to use, Miss Heartfilia."

A loud alarm-like sound caught his attention. "Oh, dear...they're here much earlier than planned… Juvia. Take her to her cage."

"Of course," Juvia murmured. She waved for Lucy to follow her, and Lucy gave Jose a dark look.

"You'll regret this," Lucy said bitingly, her brown eyes hard with anger. And then she followed Juvia out of the room.

They passed Gajeel on their way back to the prison-like room. Juvia paused, her blue eyes flashing with worry as she said in a low tone, "Juvia is nervous...is Levy alright?"

"She'll be fine," he muttered gruffly in response, shooting Lucy a look. "The fuck you doing here, woman?"

"Apparently I'm a tool for people to use," Lucy retorted, crossing her arms. She was shaking, she realized distantly. There was no doubt in her mind that she'd be in tears before the day was over. "What's...what's going on with those alarms?"

Juvia bit her lip. "Juvia thinks that the first team has arrived," she replied carefully. "Fairy Tail mages are quick to act."

Well that explained the fire Natsu had been spewing. Rubbing her arm anxiously, Lucy said softly, "You guys are going to get Levy and I out, right? I'm assuming you two are some kind of...in disguise people. You're working to get information or something."

"Yeah," Gajeel muttered, scowling. "Doubt Salamander's gonna listen before he attacks though. Water Woman's gonna make sure you two are safe. They'll be breaking through Jose's defenses by midnight at least. Be ready to run if ya get the chance. Levy can't run. Make sure she's safe before you are, or I'm comin' after you, blondie." Gajeel gave her a final glare, then headed off, nearly stomping his annoyance.

"Juvia," Lucy said softly as Juvia guided her through the corridors. "Did Gajeel...was he the one to hurt…?"

"Yes," Juvia murmured, shaking her head. "Gajeel had to hurt Levy. Levy understands though. Juvia explained, and he explained, too...Juvia is sure Levy's wounds were exaggerated, even if he did have to hurt her a little."

"Poor Levy," Lucy murmured.

"Levy will be okay," Juvia promised. She gently herded Lucy into the prison-like room with her, scanning the cells in there. "Juvia will put you with Levy. Levy will likely explain since Juvia is needed elsewhere." She touched one of the cells, watching as it vanished. Lucy stepped inside willingly, immediately rushing to the injured Levy's side. Juvia studied them, then said, "Juvia will direct Fairy Tail's mages here, Miss Heartfilia."

"Got it," Lucy said firmly, swiping some hair behind her ear. She knelt beside Levy, who stirred as she did so. "Levy?"

"Lucy," Levy rasped, blinking her eyes open slowly.

Lucy quickly checked her over, noting that she looked worse than she really was. Gajeel had been careful, she noted. He hadn't hurt her more than necessary, only giving her one or two cuts, using just enough force to give her a few bruises. When Levy realized what Lucy was doing, she explained, "I told him it was okay to do it after he explained. Most of the blood is his...he cut himself and smeared it."

"Gross," Lucy commented, wrinkling her nose, but admitted that it had worked fairly well. "At least he's just tricking them."

"He and Juvia are Fairy Tail mages," Levy replied, giving a faint smile. "As if they'd betray us. Besides. Master would have known before he'd been able to do anything." She took a deep, shuddering breath. "Lucy, I'm sorry, if we'd been more careful, you wouldn't-"

"Stop right there," Lucy cut her off. She wanted to be sick. This would have happened anyways, she was sure. "Just...I would like an explanation. Juvia said you might be willing to offer one."

"Definitely." Levy gave her a warm smile.

The two women leaned back against the stone wall, shoulder to shoulder, seeking comfort in one another and leaning against each other as darkness slowly filled the room, alerting them of the upcoming night.

And then Levy began to explain.

Finally! Lucy's aware of magic! And she (and you, my lovelies) will be getting the best explanation I could write out about how guilds and what not work next chapter! ;) See you Friday, and thank you SO much for the reviews (we hit 50 already, holy cow!) and the favorites and follows!

Reviews:

KaUiA: Definitely not Bora, eh? You were pretty spot on with that last theory, though. Congrats! I'm amused that you thought it was unlikely, though. XD

Sara lovelymusic: As soon as I'm caught up in reading, we shall speak. Because the tears don't seem to stop coming with Noragami, do they? Lol. :D

LavanderMoonRose: For certain, it's magic. :)

AngelEmCuti: I'm glad! I work hard to entertain!

Kinsutenekochan: You people are really good at figuring out what I intend to do, aren't you? Lol. Your explanations will be next chapter and throughout BTL for certain!

NaluLuva23: I'd hope you're scared. I intend to scare the hell out of you some more! :D

fanficlove2014: ...ah, your review made me happy. I believe you've found out what kind of Fairy Tail business came up, yes? They are DEFINITELY related! Seriously though. Your review made me cackle like an evil witch, not going to lie. Because I can promise you, you have seen nowhere near the extent of my cruelty in regards to our lovelies just yet. ;)

ckc14: Yep! Lucy does have magic, she just wasn't aware, as you can see. :D No worries about long waits, though. This updates quite often!

of the deep sea: MY WORK HERE IS DONE! Just kidding. You're in for a hell of a lot more surprises, my friend.

Kitty Mcgarden- Redfox: Cliffhangers are a specialty of mine, ask my editor. There so much fun to write. :D