If Only You Knew

Chapter Sixteen - Escaping Hell

Gray, Natsu, and Happy could do nothing but watch Lucy cry her heart out. They were suprised, and even sad at what had happened, but at least they were alive. They didn't know what to say to her. Gray silently thought to himself is this what losing Erza would have felt like? No, we met Brightflash yesterday. I've loved Erza since we were children, losing her would tear out my soul. I wouldn't cry about it, I would be able to live.

Lucy finally recovered, but she was still all but OK. The four of them walked silently towards the only way out of Hell. About four days later, they made it. Now they just needed to pass through the gates. They were so close, but as the crystal had forseen, three of Kozalexaiya's brothers came for them. They could leave, but not without a fight.

The wizards remembered what Brightflash had said. They trusted him. But, they didn't want to risk any complications, so they wanted to wait until the last possible moment to whisper his name, in order to make sure they were shielded from all three demons. One demon drew close, too close. It came and loomed over Gray, triple his height, double his bulk, and a hundred percent more deadly. As much as he wanted to, Gray refrained from whispering the words that could save his life. The other two demons were still several paces away. And Gray wanted to make sure they were all shielded, not just him.

Gray slowly stepped closer and closer to the gates, knowing that once he passed through he would be safe. He couldn't outrun the demon, but maybe he could sneak away. Natsu realized what Gray was doing and motioned for Lucy and Happy to follow him. They managed to go about a quarter of the distance before the demons realized what was happening. Just two more steps, thought Gray, two more and then we can say it. But as if it could hear his thoughts, as soon as the words popped into his mind, the two demons moved to block him and his comrades. Now they were surrounded.

The demons were closing in quickly. They needed to leave...now. Gray spun in a circle, trying to find a way out. There was an opening. It was small, they could make it, but barely.

"Lucy, go. Now," Gray said to her, pointing at the gap between to of the demons. "Natsu, after her. I'll go last. Happy, fly over them, as high as you can so they can't reach you," he paused while they looked at him. "NOW!"

Lucy ran as fast as she could, faster than she had ever run in her life. She knew that her life, and Erza's as well, depended on it, since she was holding the vial with Erza's magic. She made it through without a scratch. Natsu went after her, tripping a bit, but still unscathed. And finally, Gray, but by now the demons had seen what was happening and had closed the gap. Gray had nowhere to go. His final thoughts were at least they're safe. Erza's safe. They'll be alright.

Then he heard Natsu screaming, "IF YOU THINK THAT I'M GONNA LET YOU FIGHT AND SHOW ME UP, THEN YOU'RE IN FOR A SURPRISE YOU LITTLE POPSICLE PRINCESS! FIRE DRAGON ROAR!"

The demons turned, and in that moment, Gray was able to dive roll through the legs of the demon closest to him. He had made it, but now the demons were mad. Really, really mad.

Just as the demons thought nothing could stop them, the four Fairy Tail wizards smirked and whispered.

"Brightflash," said Lucy.

"Brightflash," said Natsu.

"Brightflash," said Gray.

They were surrounded by a glowing forcefield of light, and as they jumped through the gate, they knew that Brightflash was still with them, and that Brightflash would always be with them, to guide and protect them no matter what. Just because they couldn't see him didn't mean he wasn't there. They all closed their eyes, and when they opened them again, they saw the sun.