Hurt so good •Nalu•

23

Sometime later..

I'm walking home from picking up a new book, as I start to pass a side street..

"Well, Miss Heartfilia. I told to leave my brother alone or else."

I squint trying to look through the dimly lite alleyway.

"Larcade?"

Suddenly, his hand reaches out, grabbing me by my shirt. He pulls me into the ally, slamming up against the wall. He brought his face to mine. The malice in his eyes, filled my gaze.

"I've warned you and yet you prance around.."

Larcade is continuing his rant while running his hands across my body. He's talking about marking me as his, as I'm trembling in fear, my eyes squeezed shut.

"Grr, Bark!"

'Huh?'

I feel his grip loosen and hear him step away. I open my eyes right as he kicks this large white dog.

"Beat it! Scram you mutt!"

But this only angers the dog, the dog comes back ripping into Larcade's leg. The dog shakes him to the ground, where he holds him by the throat.

"Animals can sense Malicious intent. Luckily for me this big guy reacted to it." I walked up closer, bending down. I stare directly into his eyes, "My father died, the contract you guys had is voided."

I check the dog for a collar, not finding one, I tug on his fur. "Come on, lucky charm. Your coming home with me."

The dog lets go and walks home with me.

"Good boy... pluu."

~•~

Several weeks later..

It'd had been quite some time since I'd worn such formal attire. Virgo stood with me admiring the detailing of my dress as I waited anxiously in the hotel lobby. Today is the day I'll be given the Ishgar astronomy award.

"It's almost time, right?"

Virgo glances at the clocking hanging over the redemptions desk.

"Not yet."

Brandish answers, returning from the restroom. She continues telling Virgo about how being awarded by Ishgar Astronomers Institute is one of the world's greatest honors for a researcher.

My thesis regarding information on black holes was published and acknowledged by the scientific community. And, to my delight, it's was highly regarded.

"Hmm, my throats getting dry just standing here!"

Brandish huffs with annoyance, stating she'll be right back. She leaves to get some water.

"Princess, would you also like some water?"

"Ah, sure. I'll be in the waiting room, though.. Virgo, I told you didn't have to keep calling me that."

Virgo shakes her head, saying old habits dye hard before leaving me to get something to drink.

As take a seat in the waiting room a piercing screech reverberates in the hotel lobby.

"Huh?"

Despite the ringing alarm, I make out the announcement.

"Attention, there's a fire on the first floor. This is not a drill!"

'Wha-!'

I quickly scan my surroundings, people are frantically running around. That's when the chemical scent attacks my nose. If I stay here any longer, I risk breathing in noxious fumes.

Seeing how everyone in the lobby is thinking the same thing. Crowds of people are blocking the exits. 'Crap, there has to be another way!?' The order only gets stronger as gray smoke rises around me.

At this point I've inhaled in enough to burn my nose and throat. I'm starting to feel disoriented as my consciousnesses fades. 'How long have I been-'

For the first time, I feel imminent death. I'm Not sure when i stopped hearing the screams of the other guests fear. I'd collapsed, or at least I think I did.

"Lucy!?"

Suddenly I hear a voice yelling my name, frantically.

'Natsu?'

"Luce! Hang on!"

I barely catch the glimpse of Natsu in his firefighter uniform, as he takes me in his arms. He pulls out and oxygen mask and places it on my mouth.

I'm unable to move my body, no matter how hard I try. My vision is going white. However, I can feel Natsu's strong arms holding me tightly.

I'm finding it pleasant, 'Dying in his arms wouldn't be that bad..'

"Luce! You gotta stay with me!"

His fierce shouts ring vaguely in my thoughts. But I notice some sorta of liquid drips down, flowing across my cheek. It's warm, but cool compared to the fires heat.

'Could it be, tears? Is Natsu really here!?'

Though death tries to lure me in, the thought of Natsu has me clinging to life. Right as I black out..