Fighting Oblivion

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

Lucy...? I could hear her voice in the darkness but I couldn't tell where it was coming from. I didn't even think I was conscious. I couldn't breathe and I could still feel the slimy, sticky dark magic wrapped around my neck. But I swear I could hear her, was she reciting a poem? No...she was...chanting...I couldn't make out her words but her voice sounded like a light in the darkness.

Then all of a sudden my body was engulfed in a gentle sensation, I felt the dark magic release its grip and I took in a deep, shuddering breath, inhaling a powerful light magic. I could feel the sensation entering my body, wrapping every cell in its gentle embrace. I couldn't tell you what it tasted like, there were too many flavors popping along my taste buds. It was like every delicious thing in the whole world all at once. But I could tell you what it felt like. Like sleeping wrapped up safe and sound in Weisslogia's tail, like the first time I met Lector, like when Rogue and I found each other again, like playing in the ruins with the other dragon spawn. Like eating your favorite food after a long day of training, or swimming in the guildhall pool surrounded by my friends. Like my first kiss with Lucy. Like hearing her heart beat faster when I stroked her cheek. Like feeling her warm breath on my ear as I leaned in to kiss her neck. Like the sound of my name on her sweet lips.

It felt like home. It felt safe. It felt...a little like love. All of a sudden my head cleared, the fog of darkness, loneliness and self doubt lifted and I was me again. I felt confident, healthy, I felt strong. Whatever this power boost was, however Lucy gave it to me, because I was sure it was her doing, I knew this would make the difference. I knew we could win.

My body literally floated into the air, I was just hovering there, powered by this pure beautiful white light. I looked around at my comrades, struggling against the darkness taking hold of them and I felt nothing but pure, holy rage.

I spread my hands, holding the brightest light I've ever seen, channeling it through me, forming it, bending it to my will. When I released it little balls of white light flew from my fingers, falling through the sky like shooting stars. They collected on the tendrils of darkness burning them away, healing the poison on the bodies of my friends.

"H-h-how?" Khavary stuttered.

"Like this," I said. Then I thrust my fist towards him and let loose a jet of light so concentrated that it burned right through him like a laser beam.

"No," he coughed, sputtering around the blood dripping from his mouth. Falling to his knees.

"Sting?" Lucy's voice was like a beacon, guiding me towards her. She sat on the ground behind me, legs folded to the side, head hanging. I think she was only sitting up because Loke was supporting her. Gods what did she do? I turned my gaze to her companion.

"She'll be ok," he said, giving her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "She used up almost all of her magic, but she'll recover." I knelt down beside her, intending to sweep her into my arms and hold her safe and sound until she got her energy back.

"Sting," she whispered my name and I leaned in to hear her better. "It's not over, you have to finish it. Please?"

Like she even needed to ask.

"Of course, Blondie," I reassured her. "I got this." She looked up at me for a moment, a smile lifting up one side of her mouth before she collapsed against her spirit.

"I'll stay with her," Loke said. And I knew he'd keep her safe.

"Alright old man," I turned to Khavary. "Lets get this over with. I can't kiss the girl til I've kicked your ass."