A Snowball's Chance

Chapter 7

Once she had crept back into the living room Lucy saw that Natsu was already asleep with a half eaten piece of toast in one hand and happy snuggled up in the crook of his arm. The scene would almost have been peaceful if it hadn't been for Natsu's painfully loud snores and Happy's murmurings of fish in his sleep. She felt her eyelids get heavy and debated on where she'd sleep. My bed and couch are still occupied... Suddenly the floor doesn't look so bad. She was just about to lie down when Carla bustled into the room.
"LUCY!" She demanded, "Wendy is too exhausted to get Gray back to health. There's something else wrong besides the physical injuries. You have to find Grandeeney, surely there's something she can do."
"Is he any better at all?"
"The minor injuries have been healed, the major ones... Well, we'll need back up, and fast."
"Okay," Lucy stood up, "where can I find Grandeeney?"
"If my memories serve me correct, then she should be... Actually, she's on her way to the guild."
"I'll be back in a flash!" Lucy exclaimed.
The rain had finally stopped and only a few drops slid off the buildings she passed by. Lucy couldn't help but feel nervous. Gray hadn't been gone long after he returned in his condition...
She picked up her pace and decided to call upon some company. She pulled out her keys, "Open, gate of the Maiden...VIRGO!"
"What can I do for you princess?"
Virgo asked cheerfully.
"I just needed someone to watch my back while I head up to the guild."
"Certainly," Virgo nodded,"So how are you and the pink-haired boy getting along?"
"Oh," Lucy blushed,"Well... I mean... We've kissed a few times but something about it feels... Off..."
"What do you mean?"
Lucy shook her head," I'm not sure. It feels nice to be wrapped up in someone's arms but I'm just not sure it's his that... Fit..."
"Like it's too easy?" Virgo inquired.
"I guess that's one way of putting it. Not exactly just..." Lucy huffed a sigh," Never mind, I'll have to bug you about it again later though."
"Of course, Princess," Virgo agreed.
The guild hall was just up ahead and the lights brought a sense of newfound hope for Lucy. She thought for a second that she heard a voice call out her name but shook her head. You're just tired, she scolded herself. On the front steps, Lucy turned to Virgo, "Hey, thanks for coming with me.. And helping me try to sort out my problems," she grinned sheepishly.
"No problem, Princess," Virgo saluted, and winked out of sight back into the celestial spirit realm. As soon as she opened the door Lucy felt relief roll through her heart. There stood Grandeeney, fiercely debating with Makarov.
"I know you want them to but it's still too early after the last time you tried!" Grandeeney frowned.
"After that I say they deserve another chance as soon as possible!" Makarov retorted.
"Well maybe you should-"
"Excuse me-" Lucy attempted to get Grandeeney's attention. They continued to chatter, the conversation steadily growing more heated.
Finally Lucy couldn't take it anymore and slammed a fist on the table, "EXCUSE ME!"
Suddenly the entire guild was quiet, "Sorry, I just... Grandeeney, Gray is hurt, really bad, Wendy's tried to help him but the internal injuries are so-"
"Lead the way," Grandeeney nodded dutifully. On their way out Makarov muttered something about "finishing the conversation later" to which Grandeeney snorted and told him she "doubted it." Erza leapt in front of them and Lucy squealed.
"What's this about Gray being hurt?"
"Uh... I'll uh... Tell you on the way?"
"Excellent."
Lucy, Erza, and Grandeeney hadn't taken three steps out of the hall when yet another screech broke the otherwise quiet night, "MY DARLING GRAY HAS BEEN INJURED?! TAKE ME TO HIM AT ONCE!"
At this point, Lucy knew there'd be no point in trying to talk her out of it, and agreed. As they walked down the street back to Lucy's apartment she realized she hadn't heard the voice again, but rather felt a presence that made her incredibly uneasy.