There was an explosion that destroyed the entire front house, catching me off guard, I wasn't able to put up a barrier, so I was hit by the impact and debris, cutting my skin and ripping my dress. I suddenly felt pain on my side which made me gasp in pain as I fell on my knees and held my side with my other and held on to the doorknob, I took a breath and opened the door, smoke came out as I fell onto the floor, I gasp in pain.
"Capture her at all costs!".
I quickly got up, ignoring the pain as I dashed through the dense forest, my heart pounding as I heard the Rune Knights closing in. I spun around and stopped, knowing I'd burn more energy and should fight instead.
"Loke!". She called out, summoning Loke to her side, Loke appeared in a flash of light, immediately taking a defensive stance.
"Lucy, are you alright?". He asked, concern in his eyes.
"I'm fine, just a scratch". I lied.
"We have to hold them off, at least until they tire themselves out or until I'm far enough to cast a teleportation spell. Either option will work. Just be cautious because Gajeel is with them, but don't take it personally; he's just doing his job". I Informed him, he nodded in understanding. The Rune Knights burst through the trees; weapons drawn. Gajeel led the charge, his iron scales glinting menacingly.
"Lucy, surrender now! We don't want to hurt you!". He shouted.
"Sorry, Gajeel, but I can't do that!". Lucy replied, her voice firm. She raised her hand, casting a spell.
"Mutare Terra (Shift Earth)". I cast as I slammed my palm into the ground, causing the ground beneath us to rise and shift into different sizes and heights, catching everyone off guard, struggling to keep their balance.
"You might have gotten stronger Lucy, but you're not getting away from me that easily!". Gajeel said with a grin, lunging at Lucy. Loke intercepted him, their fists clashing with a resounding impact.
"Stay back, Gajeel! I won't let you near Lucy". Loke warned, I took the opportunity to cast another spell.
"Vincula!". Glowing chains shot out from my hands, wrapping around several knights and immobilizing them.
"Nice try, Lucy, but you'll need more than that!". Gajeel shouted, breaking free from Loke's grip and charging at her again. I grinned at him, hiding my throbbing side with pain.
"I won't go down without a fight, since you were one of the strongest in Fairytail, it'll only make sense If I fight you without holding back". I said as I summoned my staff, he got into a defensive stance.
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"Fancy stick you got there, sure that's enough?".
"Having my staff out is far overdoing it, but I have things to do so I can't play right now, I hope you don't take this to heart, it's only business". I said with a smile as a marking appeared on my forehead, giving off a glow.
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"Let's do this, Wondering Mage, do your worst". Gajeel shouted with excitement, I smirked as my eyes glowed as I raised my staff, hearing the chains dangle and make a chiming sound.
"Caelum Ventus (Sky Wind)". I cast.
The air around me began to swirl and intensify, forming a powerful vortex. Gajeel and the Rune Knights braced themselves, but the force of the wind was too strong. They were lifted off their feet and thrown back, tumbling through the air like leaves in a storm.
"Impressive, Lucy! But we're not done yet!". Gajeel shouted, his voice barely audible over the roaring wind. I tightened my grip on my staff, feeling the magic coursing through me.
"Then let's see what you've got, Gajeel!". I said, with a determined look, Gajeel transformed his arm into iron scales, ready to counterattack. The Rune Knights, regaining their footing, prepared their spells. The battle was far from over, and the air crackled with anticipation.
The wind began to die down, and I could see Gajeel's determined expression through the dissipating dust. His iron scales glinted menacingly in the sunlight. The Rune Knights, now back on their feet, chanted their spells in unison, their magic circles glowing brightly.
"Let's see how you handle this!". Gajeel roared, charging forward with his iron fist raised. I took a deep breath, focusing my energy.
"Vortex Aqua!". I called out, summoning the Celestial Spirit of Water. A torrent of water surged forth, colliding with Gajeel's iron fist. The impact created a massive splash, soaking the battlefield.
"Nice try! But you'll need more than that to stop me!". Gajeel grinned, shaking off the water. I smirked, raising my staff once more.
"Then how about this? Caelum Ignis (Sky Fire)!". A burst of flames erupted from my staff, swirling around Gajeel and the Rune Knights. The heat was intense, and I could see the surprise in their eyes.
"Impressive". One of the Rune Knights muttered, shielding his face from the flames. Gajeel, undeterred, transformed his other arm into a massive iron shield, blocking the fire.
"You're full of surprises, Lucy. But so am I!". He shouted with his grin still on his face. The battle raged on, each of us pushing our limits. The air was thick with magic, and the ground trembled beneath our feet. It was a clash of wills, and neither side was willing to back down.
I watched Gajeel closely, knowing his iron body had one significant weakness.
"It's time to end this, forgive me, Gajeel". I whispered to myself, channeling my magic into a single, focused spell.
"Caelum Fulmen (Sky Lightning)!". I shouted, directing a powerful bolt of lightning straight at Gajeel. The electricity crackled through the air, striking his iron scales with a blinding flash, I saw that Loke had returned before the spell was cast.
Gajeel roared in pain, his iron body conducting the lightning and amplifying its effects. He staggered back, momentarily stunned. The Rune Knights, seeing their leader falter, hesitated.
'This is my chance'. I thought, quickly raising my staff.
"Teleportation Magic: Astral Shift!". I cast, A shimmering portal opened behind me, and I stepped through it just as Gajeel began to recover. The last thing I saw was his understanding and a look of respect on his face as the portal closed, leaving him and the Rune Knights behind.
I reappeared in a safe location, far from the battlefield. Taking a deep breath, I allowed myself a moment of relief.
"That was close". I muttered, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through my veins, overpowering the pain on my side.
