Bound by Fire and Stars [Rewritten NaLu Fanfic]

11. Hounds of the Hunter

The dogs' eyes glowed with an icy light, twin flames of blue that pierced through the darkness, locking onto Lucy and her companions. They were enormous, muscles rippling beneath their shadowy coats, each growl rumbling like distant thunder. Lucy felt a jolt of fear but quickly squashed it; she couldn't let her fear control her.

"Get ready!" she called to the others. "We can't let them overwhelm us."

The lead dog lunged forward, a blur of shadow and teeth. Lucy instinctively summoned the celestial magic she had gathered, directing it toward the beast. "Plue!" she shouted, channeling her magic into the key. The spirit materialized beside her, his small, round body glowing brightly as he joined in the defense.

With a determined shout, Lucy raised her hand, and a burst of light erupted from Plue, momentarily blinding the first dog. The beast howled in surprise, skidding to a halt as the brilliant light illuminated the chamber.

The other mages rallied behind her, drawing on their own celestial powers. One mage summoned a shimmering barrier, while another called forth vines that surged from the ground, attempting to ensnare the second dog. The air crackled with their combined magic, pushing back against the oppressive darkness that enveloped them.

But the hounds were relentless. They shook off the light and magical bindings, their icy eyes burning with hunger. The second dog leaped, lunging toward the nearest mage, snapping its jaws just inches from their face.

"Watch out!" Lucy shouted, her heart racing. She launched a burst of energy toward the attacking dog, colliding with its form just in time. The spectral creature yelped, stumbling back, but it quickly regained its footing, eyes blazing with rage.

"We can't let them separate us!" Lucy urged, her voice sharp with urgency. "Stick together!"

The mages formed a tighter circle, their magic intertwining as they prepared for the next assault. Lucy could feel the weight of the moment bearing down on them, this was their chance to prove their strength, not just for themselves but for the spirits that had been captured.

With a roar, the first dog charged again, and this time, Lucy was ready. "Let's go, everyone!" she shouted, raising her key high. "Plue, guide us!"

A surge of energy flowed through her as Plue emitted a bright, warm light that filled the chamber, illuminating every shadow and pushing back against the darkness. The hounds hesitated, their momentum faltering as they were momentarily blinded.

"Now!" Lucy cried, and the celestial mages unleashed their magic in unison. Vines erupted from the ground, ensnaring the first dog, while another mage summoned a gust of wind that sent the second dog tumbling back.

The air shimmered with power as their combined efforts began to overwhelm the spectral hounds. Lucy felt her heart pound with hope and determination. They were fighting back, together, and she would not let Orion's dark influence prevail.

"Don't let up!" she urged, focusing on the first dog as it struggled against the vines. "We can do this!"

With a final push, the mages combined their magic into a single, powerful beam of light. Lucy aimed it at the first dog, her heart racing as she poured every ounce of her strength into the attack. The light erupted forth, engulfing the dog in a brilliant flash that echoed through the chamber.

The dog howled in agony, the darkness surrounding it dissipating like mist in the morning sun. With one final burst of energy, it vanished into the shadows, leaving behind only a faint echo of its growls.

The second dog, witnessing the defeat of its companion, hesitated for a moment before charging at the group with renewed fury. But Lucy stood firm, raising Plue's key once more. "Together!" she cried, and the mages followed her lead, their powers coalescing into a radiant barrier that clashed against the dog.