Trash: A Collection of Stories

Chapter 4

"You want me to introduce you to someone?" I asked once we were a safe distance from the kingdom.

"Mhmm. I've never met him formally, and if we are going to be on the run, why not have the biggest threat around on our side?" Gildarts crossed his arms smugly.

"You mean Zeref??" Bickslow sounded a little excited but he had a nervous expression.

"Yep, exactly. And a few people are going to meet up with us. Honestly, Bickslow, this might be the biggest mission you've ever been apart of, I'm surprised you joined us," Gildarts nodded.

"Anything for Lucy, we've been good friends since day one of this whole mess."

"Aw, how touching. Let's keep going, lead the way Lucy."

"There isn't really anywhere to lead you to. If you want to see him I'm just going to scream his name, he has to be lurking somewhere near by."

"There's no need for that, I'll just show myself," the familiar voice appeared behind me. I turned around and came face to face with him. "Welcome back, Lucy," Zeref smiled and hugged me. I hugged back and laughed.

"I knew you were in the area."

"Well of course," he let go and found my eyes. "I'm glad you are back in one piece. And I must say, you fought really well for just getting your magic back."

"I wouldn't have had the courage to do it with out Gildarts or Bickslow."

"Ah yes, hello. You two are well known through out Fiore. Thank you for protecting my best fighter."

"No problem, sir," Bickslow chuckled nervously. Gildarts just stood in awe.

"How are you not dead? If he touches you.."

"I've learned to control my power. What, you want to test it out?" Zeref held his hand out to him.

"I think I'll have to pass."

"Suit yourself. So how was Edolas?" He turned back to me.

"It was pretty chill, we weren't exactly welcomed there at first. Mystogan let us hide out in his castle but we went and visited the other fairy tail guild regularly. It wasn't as hard as I thought to live without magic, but I'm glad to have it back."

"That's good to hear. What's the plan?" He looked up at Gildarts.

"You'll join us?" Gildarts asked, trying to hide his surprise.

"Well you wanted to meet me, so here I am to work with you."

"Ok, well Natsu and the other dragon slayers are planning on meeting up with us so we have to wait here a little longer."

"What about Jellal? Are we going to free them too?" I piped in.

"Leave that part to me," A grin spread across Zeref's face as he cracked his knuckles.

"Dang, we are going to have a lot of people on our team."

"Dad!" A brunet could be seen in the distance with a small pack behind her.

"Cana," Gildarts swished around and caught his daughter in his arms.

"Lucy, you are safe," Natsu flung himself on me, knocking us to the ground.

"Of course I am, it's good to see you again," I looked up at his bright face, taking it all in again. Our eyes stayed locked for awhile until Sting coughed. Natsu stood and helped me up.

"So, uh Zeref," Natsu started, now having a nervous expression. "We are related?"

"Crazy, right? Your brother has killed countless innocent people, but I can't say you're any better. I mean, shall we go back to the time you killed Lucy's mom?" Zeref features were tight and unforgiving.

"Whoa, lets take a step back. I've already forgiven Natsu for that so we don't have to bring it up any more, right?" I clenched my teeth at the last part.

"Right, you're right. My bad."

"Idiot," I rolled my eyes. "Ok, lead the way Gildarts."

We began moving, Wendy jumped on my back, nestling her head into my neck. It must be hard for these guys to leave their exceeds behind, but I also guess it was easier since they have lived without them for a year. I'm not sure, but I'm glad they are still on my side after all of this.

"Lucy?" Wendy mumbled only loud enough for me to hear.

"What is it, sweetie?"

"Why does everyone hate you so much?"

I exhaled and closed my eyes. "Because I have done some bad things or things people don't agree with. They do because my magic abilities range and I can switch between them easily. People don't like to be beaten, but most of all people hate me because they are scared of me. Even if they try to conceal it, they can't. I'm a pretty scary person."

"But I don't hate you, and you don't scare me."

"That's because you know I would never do anything to hurt you, so there is nothing to be afraid of."

"You wouldn't hurt anyone if there wasn't a reason though."

"I can't agree to that, I've hurt people in ways I wish I could take back, but it was for a good cause."

"Then you shouldn't feel bad, you did it to help others and if people are going to be babies about it then ignore them, let them be children."

I couldn't help but laugh a little. "Thank you," I whispered. She nodded then yawned. "Get some sleep, ok? When you wake up we are going to be doing a little action."

Her breath was warm and soft against my neck, she was so small but acted all grown up. The poor child, having to go through all of this especially at a young age. It is such a blessing to have her.

**Hope you enjoyed!!**