Instead of participating in the S-Class Trials along Cana, Lucy is sent on an important mission by Master Makarov. During her mission, she learns the truth about a hidden secret about celestial spirits and how that could pose a threat. Once she retu...
My eyes snap open as a wave of dizziness washes over me, and I struggle to focus, squinting against the dim light filtering through a small, barred window. My head throbs, and a groan slips out before I realize something is terribly wrong—my hands are bound tightly behind my back, held by cold metal shackles that bite into my wrists. I try to pull my arms forward instinctively, but the chains clink and hold firm, not giving an inch. Panic tightens in my chest as I scan my surroundings, taking in the heavy prison bars caging me in. This is no ordinary cell.
What happened? How did I end up here? I try to piece together the events, heart racing as fragments of the past hours begin to surface. I remember arriving in Crocus with Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear, intent on our mission to dismantle Crimson Blood—a dark guild said to rival the Balam Alliance in sheer ruthlessness. After finding a place to stay, Jellal and I took a quick walk around the city to clear our heads. We were on our way back when I got separated from him. That was when I was ambushed.
The attack was brutal. Crimson Blood's mages came at me relentlessly, more powerful than I had expected. I summoned my celestial spirits, fighting off wave after wave, but eventually, a purple-haired woman—one who exuded an aura of magic far beyond any of the others—intervened. Her presence alone had nearly knocked me off my feet, and I barely held my ground before I was overwhelmed. It was then that Jellal's voice echoed in my mind, telling me to let them capture me so he could follow them to their lair. It was a risky plan, but it was all we had.
I sigh, leaning my head back against the cold stone wall as the reality of my predicament sinks in. Even with Jellal tracking me, this is dangerous. The woman who captured me—she was leagues ahead of any mage I've encountered. If she's only one of their members, what else does Crimson Blood have up its sleeve? My body tenses involuntarily, the memory of her magic sending a chill down my spine. How long can I survive like this?
Suddenly, the sound of heavy footsteps echoes through the hallway, each step accompanied by a surge of energy that presses down on me like a weight. I swallow hard, feeling the hairs on my arms stand up as the source of that ominous presence approaches. Moments later, a man steps into view, his icy blue gaze cutting through the dimness with unsettling ease.
He's built like a warrior, his broad shoulders and chiseled chest emphasized by a black and blue jacket embroidered with intricate silver designs. His skin is pale, almost unnaturally so, contrasting sharply with his striking, medium-length silver-white hair that falls in layers around his face. His expression is cold but oddly amused, a small, mocking smile twisting his lips.
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My gaze lingers, half in astonishment and half in shock. He's attractive, undeniably so—his handsome face and calm confidence would probably draw admiration under different circumstances. But there's something dangerous beneath that charm, an aura that radiates malice, and I can feel his magical power like a storm held barely in check. My cheeks flush slightly before I shake myself, disgusted that I'd even momentarily notice his looks. He smirks, clearly having caught my expression, and my face hardens, refusing to let him see my fear.
"Ah, there you are," he says, voice smooth and laced with amusement. "You've been quite the troublemaker. I lost a lot of good mages thanks to you." He glances at my restraints, feigning a look of pity. "Apologies for the discomfort, but you left us no choice."
I scowl, glaring at him as he steps into the cell with a lazy confidence that grates on my nerves. "Save your fake politeness. I know exactly what you're doing, and you won't get away with it," I snap, clenching my fists, even though the chains prevent me from doing much else.
He chuckles softly, as if my defiance only amuses him. "There it is—hope," he murmurs, taking a step closer. "But hope is a lie, the last refuge of the desperate. And right now, you're very, very desperate."
"That's not true!" I retort, heat flooding my voice. "My friends will find me!"
"Your guild?" His icy blue eyes gleam with cruel delight. "Fairy Tail doesn't even know where you are, Lucy Heartfilia." He closes the gap between us, reaching down to cup my chin, tilting my face to meet his gaze. "Your friends won't be able to rescue you. Those who remain are too weak to stand against me."
My heart skips a beat as his words cut deep, striking a nerve I didn't realize was exposed. Does he know what happened at Tenrou Island? My voice wavers slightly. "That doesn't matter. I won't give up," I say, desperation creeping into my voice despite my resolve. "Fairy Tail defeated two of the Balam Alliance's leaders. You can't change that."
He laughs, the sound low and menacing. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out my keychain, holding it up so the silver and gold keys catch the dim light. My heart sinks as a sense of dread settles over me. "I'm quite curious about these," he says, examining them with a cold smile. "A celestial wizard, hmm? Quite the collection."
"No!" I gasp, struggling against the chains, but it's useless. "Give those back! They're not yours!"
He chuckles darkly, unfazed by my anger. "I think I'll hold onto them for now. You see, I want you to understand the true weight of failure." His voice drops, his gaze sharp as a dagger. "Your friends are dead, and there's nothing you can do about it."
My chest tightens, tears blurring my vision. "It wasn't my fault... I wasn't there. Even if I had been, I couldn't have stopped it. I'm too weak." The words slip out unbidden, and his smirk widens.
"Pathetic," he whispers, his voice dripping with disdain. "Fairy Tail's remaining members won't be able to save you. If those who disappeared at Tenrou Island had survived, it might be a different story. But as it stands now, no one is coming for you."
I look away, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on me, but I force myself to stay resolute. "Even if that's true, Fairy Tail is still essential to the magic world. We've made a difference. And we won't stop."
The man scoffs, straightening up. "Perhaps. But your determination is meaningless here." He places the keys back in his pocket, then gestures dismissively, turning to leave. "I'll be back soon. Try not to break too quickly, Heartfilia."
As he exits, I finally let the tears fall, the frustration, helplessness, and fear bubbling over. If Natsu, Gray, Erza, Wendy, Happy, and Carla were here, this wouldn't be happening. I shake my head, forcing myself to focus. There's no point dwelling on what I can't change. My goal now is to escape and recover my keys.
The prison remains silent for a moment before Jellal's voice suddenly echoes in my mind. Lucy, how are things going?
I sigh, closing my eyes. Not great. I was captured as planned, but... they took my keys.
Lucy, don't blame yourself, Ultear's voice joins, firm and unyielding. We're right outside Crimson Blood's hideout. You need to get your keys back as soon as possible.
I don't know how. What should I do?
Do whatever it takes, Ultear replies, her tone steady. This is your mission. They took your spirits. Don't let them get away with it.
Determination wells up inside me. She's right. I can't afford to let fear cloud my resolve. I just need to find a way to trick Crimson Blood's leader into handing me back my keys.
