These Blood-Soaked Pages (Fairy Tail) [Book 1 of Reaper's Scythe]

XVIII - Abduction

Sorry for the long wait. The writer's block has struck. Also Naruto Shipuuden, which may be worse in terms of delaying writing than the writer's block.

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Lucy's PoV

Where in the world are Natsu and Gray? I get that they've been avoiding each other ever since the last job, but neither of them has been seen in the guild hall for days. Happy's been missing too, but he's probably just with Natsu.

Yeah, I was shocked to find out that Natsu is E.N.D., but Gray shouldn't blame him for something he can't help. He may be a demon, but he's still our Natsu, and Wendy feels the same way.

Now that I think about, I haven't seen Zeref for a while either. That's even weirder considering he's supposed to be renting an apartment in the same building as me.

I'd never admit it to his face, but even though it's only been a few days, I kind of miss Natsu. The guild hall isn't as fun without him... Of course, there are less fights too. I smile a little.

"Thinking about Natsu?" Lisanna sits down on the bench next to me. "You only smile like that when he's around."

"Wha- no!"

"Don't deny it, I know you like each other! You'd make a super cute couple, too!"

My face flushes red. "Natsu and I are just friends!"

"Suuuure."

"It's true!"

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Natsu's PoV

"I told you, Happy, I'm not going back to the guild hall until that icicle apologizes!" I grumble, curling back up in my hammock. I'm not telling anyone, but it's not just avoiding Gray. I've been feeling weird lately, and there's a burning pain in my left shoulder, not to mention the constant headaches.

"Natsu, it's not Happy." I look up to see Zeref standing over me with a concerned look on his face.

"Leave me alone," I snap, and bury my face back under the blankets. With my head hurting so bad, I'm not exactly in the mood for talking.

Zeref shakes me and I hiss in pain when he touches my shoulder. "Did something happen to your arm?!" He pulls back the part of the blankets covering my arm and his eyes widen.

"What is it?" I grumble, but when I see it, I'm left speechless.

A perfect circle has been burned away from my sleeve on the exact opposite side of my body from my Fairy Tail guild mark. The cloth is still smoldering.

It's what's on my shoulder that has us both surprised. "I didn't think it would appear this soon, if it did while you were in this form at all..." Zeref remarks. "Perhaps Rakheid finished restoring them, and that triggered its return?"

I can't make my mouth move- I'm still staring at the red Tartaros guild mark on my shoulder.

Zeref frowns. "Chances are your memories of back when you were END are returning as well. I'd expect that's causing headaches... I'll go gather herbs to help with the pain."

He leaves, closing the door gently. A few minutes of suffering later, I hear a knock on the door.

"Go away," I yell, burying my face in my pillow. I'm not moving. Unless it's Erza, in which case moving would be the only safe option.

I jolt upright at the sound of the door being kicked down. The door falls inwards, revealing a person standing there in the cloud of dust.

"Greetings, END. I have come here on behalf of my master... to dispose of you."

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Zeref's PoV

"Great. Just great. If Natsu's memories are really coming back, then he'll know I lied to him." I clench my hands tighter around the bundle of herbs I am carrying back to my brother's house. "Oops... I shouldn't do that."

When I reach Natsu's cottage, my eyes widen. The door has been kicked down, and the signs of a struggle are evident from the objects knocked askew and small splatters of blood.

Natsu's not in any condition to fight right now! What happened?!

This is bad. I've got to get Fairy Tail and let someone know...

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Erza's PoV

I'm enjoying a slice of strawberry cake in the guild hall when Zeref runs in and approaches me. "Where is Makarov? Something really bad has happened!"

"Calm down and tell it from the top. Master's at a conference, so I'm in charge until he gets back."

Zeref takes a deep breath. "Okay. So Natsu... er... wasn't feeling well, so I went to gather some herbs to make a medicine that would help." I'm a bit suspicious about his hesitation, but I should hear him out. "When I got back, Natsu's house was messed up and he was missing, and there were bloodstains. I was going to ask if any of the other dragonslayers are here and if they could help me track him..."

I stand up. "Wendy! Lucy! Happy! We're going on a mission. Gildarts, you're in charge until Master or I come back!"