Soul Mark

Chapter 12

Lucy looked back over her shoulder to see Natsu running after her. Her mind froze as she thought of that night, her father saying nearly the same thing as she ran out the door of their small apartment.

She ran faster down the street, begging Levy to pick up as she called the bluenette again. She could hear footsteps getting closer to her. It reminded her of all the nightmares she had after the incident.

!

"Lucy, wait! I'm not going to hurt you!" Lucy's father called out as he chased after her, the bloody knife still clenched in his clammy palm.

Lucy runs down the stairs and out to the street, she could hear his footsteps gaining on her as he neared her. She could only shut her eyes and pray that she could outrun her father. 'Where was everyone? Why didn't the notice a girl being chased down the street by a man with a knife? Why can't I scream for help?' Lucy's mouth opened to scream, only nothing came out, not even a whisper.

!

Lucy was screaming though, she was hunched over on the sidewalk screaming in sheer terror. Her legs drawn up around her chest and her eyes were shut tight as she held her head in her hands. She was shaking uncontrollably and people in cars around her were slowing down to stare.

She didn't care, in fact she didn't even realize what was going on. All she could think about was that nightmare. That horribly nightmare that was somewhat a reality. Even though her father hadn't chased her down the street with a knife he had still killed her mom, still tore away the only love Lucy had ever known, shattered it into a million pieces, ultimately shattering Lucy as well.

!

Natsu heard Lucy's screams after losing her around a corner he ran to her, thinking she was in danger. He could feel the terror and pain through their bond and was shocked at how strong it was. It made him freeze and double over for a minute before he pushed it away and hurried to Lucy's side.

!

Lucy was still in her mind, still replaying memories and nightmares that clashed and fought for which was reality and which wasn't, when she felt strong arms wrap around her screaming, trembling form.

"No! Please don't kill me! Don't kill me daddy! I'm sorry! I forgive you for what you did to mom! Don't kill me too!" Lucy screamed in desperation and she felt the arms that had wrapped around her disappear.

"Lucy! Lucy!" came a voice, nearly drowned out by her screams. The voice didn't sound like her dad, in fact it wasn't pleasant and made her screams die down, so she could hear it again. That voice was never there in her nightmares. Still trembling and her eyes completely puffy and swollen she looked up to see a pink-haired boy in front of her.

"N-Natsu...?" Lucy whispered, her voice shaky and raw from crying. Natsu sat there in front of her on his knees, staring at the brunette with wide, shocked eyes. She was still trembling as she recalled the what had been happening that night. She gasped as she remembered they had been on a date and she was running because she had kissed Natsu, not because she was running from her dad trying to kill her.

"Oh my god..." Lucy whispered as she stared down at her shaking hands, her eyes filling with new tears. She felt Natsu's arms wrap around her again and this time she folded herself up more and into his hold as she sobbed.

She could feel Natsu stroking her hair as he held her, whispering softly to her that it was alright. Lucy slowly stopped shaking and crying and let Natsu hold her a little longer before she pulled out of his warm embrace.

"You good?" he asks quietly, wiping away the tear streaks that ran down her cheeks. She nodded softly, knowing that her voice wouldn't work. Without hesitating Natsu stood up and bent down, picking Lucy up bridal style as he walked her back to his truck, not once did he speak a word to her.