During the Seven Years

Chapter 16

Snow stings my cheeks as I tear through the icy forest, my breath visible in the frigid air. I can still hear her laughter echoing behind me, lingering like a sinister promise. The forest blurs as my legs burn, but I don't dare look back. I know she's closing in—every instinct screams it.

A shadow flickers at the edge of my vision, and a card whips past, slamming into a tree and exploding, scattering snow and debris. I duck and stumble forward, biting back a cry of frustration. My magic reserves are nearly empty, and my body feels like it's held together by willpower alone. I'm out of options.

Suddenly, I feel a pulse of familiar magic energy, and Loke materializes beside me. His expression is fierce, worry flashing in his eyes as he looks me over. "Lucy! Are you alright?"

"Barely," I manage, clutching the key that's pressed against my hip. "She's...she's after Pluto's key."

Loke's gaze hardens, and he shifts in front of me, blocking my path. "Get behind me. I'll hold her off. You need to keep going."

I hesitate, glancing over my shoulder. I can sense her magic closing in, like a tidal wave I can't outrun. "Loke, she's powerful—more than we're prepared for."

His eyes flick back to me, filled with determination. "I won't let her touch you. Now go!"

Another card slashes through the air, heading straight for us. Loke throws up a shield, deflecting it, but the sheer force of the impact sends him stumbling. I watch in horror as more cards circle around him, each one glowing with ominous energy. The woman steps into view again, her smirk widening as she snaps her fingers. The cards explode around Loke, and he vanishes in a flash of light, forced back to the Celestial World.

"No!" I shout, feeling a pang of despair. She's too strong. I'm not sure I can escape.

Her mocking laughter fills the clearing as she approaches, her hand outstretched. "Did you really think you could escape, little girl?" Her voice is a venomous whisper. "It's over."

I take a shaky step back, clutching my keys desperately. My mind races, searching for any option, any way out. But I have nothing left—no energy, no strength. She's going to win. She's going to—

A sudden, powerful wave of magic crashes over us, cutting through the air with an intensity that makes me gasp. I turn, shocked, as three figures appear between us. The first is tall, with wild blue hair and a fierce expression I recognize immediately—Jellal. Beside him stand two unfamiliar faces: a pink-haired girl and a woman with long black hair, both radiating powerful magic energy. They stand together like an immovable wall, facing the woman who had been chasing me.

The woman sneers, sizing them up. "So, the cavalry arrives. How cute."

Jellal steps forward, his piercing gaze fixed on her. "I don't think you understand the situation. Leave her alone, or you'll regret it."

The pink-haired girl glances back at me, offering a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. You're safe now."

The woman with the cards narrows her eyes, clearly weighing her odds, before letting out a scoff. "You think three more of you will make a difference?" She snaps her fingers, sending her cards flying toward them.

Jellal raises his hand, releasing a surge of magic that disintegrates the cards before they reach us. "You're outmatched. Leave. Now."

She hesitates, her eyes darting between the three of them. Finally, she lets out a frustrated growl. "This isn't over," she snarls, retreating into the shadows and vanishing from sight.

The tension in the air fades, and I collapse to my knees, exhaustion finally catching up to me. Jellal turns, his expression softening as he walks over and offers me a hand. "Are you alright?"

I nod shakily, accepting his hand and getting to my feet. Up close, I can feel the weight of his presence, his magic powerful but controlled. I meet his gaze, trying to mask my awe. "Thank you. All of you."

The pink-haired girl steps forward, smiling warmly. "I'm Meredy. And this is Ultear." She gestures to the dark-haired woman, who nods in acknowledgment.

I take a moment to absorb their names. I can sense the strength radiating from them, a tangible power that I've rarely felt from anyone else. Standing here, I feel like I'm in the presence of people who could face down any threat. I swallow, still processing everything. "I...I'm Lucy. Lucy Heartfilia."

Jellal's gaze softens a little more. "We know who you are." He pauses, glancing back toward the path I'd come from. "What were you doing out here, alone?"

I hesitate, glancing down at the key hanging from my keychain. "I was...looking for something important. The key to one of the planet spirits, Pluto. I just found it, but I didn't realize someone else was after it too."

Ultear's eyes sharpen as she considers me. "You're willing to take on the task of finding these spirits alone?"

There's no judgment in her tone, only curiosity, but it makes me feel exposed. "I don't want to put anyone else in danger," I reply, my voice quieter.

Jellal exchanges a look with Meredy and Ultear. After a moment, he speaks, his tone resolute. "Then let us join you."

My eyes widen in surprise. "What?"

Meredy smiles gently. "You've already done so much on your own. But something like this...you shouldn't have to do it alone."

Ultear crosses her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "Besides, it sounds like a task worth pursuing. If these spirits have as much power as they say, letting them fall into the wrong hands isn't an option."

I look between the three of them, my heart pounding with a mix of relief and uncertainty. I never imagined having allies like them—people strong enough to face dangers alongside me. Slowly, I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. "I'd... I'd really appreciate that."

Jellal offers a faint smile in return, and together, we turn toward the mountainside, ready to leave this icy wasteland behind. I can feel the weight of the key on my hip, and the anticipation of the journey ahead fills me with a renewed sense of purpose. This isn't just my battle anymore; it's ours.

With the mountains fading into the distance, we take our first steps toward whatever lies ahead, my heart a little lighter with every step.