NaLu! -He's my neighbour-

Bad news

For nearly a week after the carnival, she did not see Natsu. Maybe that man was busy. But the last time she saw him was the morning after that carnival night through her window. Natsu was carrying Happy in a cage and drive out. He seemed to be in a hurry.

_________________________________________________________________

It was so sudden. The cold reality is like a splash of cold water on her face.

It started with a phone call late in the evening. Loke's voice was the one who greeted her. It was supposed to be a normal conversation maybe a bit of flirting from the playboy. But it was different. His voice is solemn. Anguish dripping in every word as he finally reports the truth to Lucy.

"Your father is... gone," disbelief filled every inch of her heart. A forced bitter laughs from her.

"You're joking, right? C'mon Loke, I just talk with him," silence replies.

"NO! I just have called him last night! It can't be!" Erza and Juvia immediately next to her, worries etched on their faces. 'Ding!' two times a notification sound, and both eyes immediately on their phones. Erza was gasping and Juvia's phone fell down to the floor. They got the message.

Their leader is dead. Jude Heartfilia is gone.

"Oh...Lucy," Erza took the phone from Lucy's hand and opened the speaker. "What happened? No. Most importantly where are you guys right now? We'll go there. Another hand gently patting Lucy's back.

"I'm sorry, it all happened to fast. I promise I'll tell you everything later, but right now everything is I chaos and..."

"What?"

"I think it is better if you don't head here. I mean..." A sigh

"We're in war Lucy, we cannot put you in any more danger. Jude asked all of us to protect you. If you come here, you will be easily targeted."

"It's not like we can't protect you, but everyone is on guard right now. I'm really sorry Lucy, but you really can't. I want you to be safe, heck everyone here wants you to be safe. Please, Lucy, I know this is hard for you, but we can't risk anything. We can't risk our next leader's safety,"

LUCY'S P.O.V

The realization hit me hard. It sank painfully as if a knife was logged onto my heart. More ice-coated my vein as I fall down on my knees. My father is gone. He's gone and I, his own daughter can't attend his funeral.

'Take care, love you.' His voice this evening still ringing clearly in my head. He said he had something to settle and sounded relaxed as ever.

Why is fate so cruel?

"I need to go there, they will need more guards. I'll tell you everything when I'm back," Erza was ready. She already changed into a professional black suit. She, after all, was the best fighters and the right-hand woman in the family. She will be needed there. She pulled Lucy into for a quick hug, as if hoping that she can transfer strength to her dear friend.

After patting Lucy's back gently, she left, leaving Juvia behind so that she can watch over her.

"Father is the only family I had Juvia," Lucy muttered, voice so slow it was heartbreaking. Juvia pulled her into a warm hug.

"You have us too Lucy. Everyone is your family and we swear we will always be with you. Protect you from any harm. Because we are a family. You still have us."

Lucy hugged her back. The pain of losing someone she loves is too much to bear. It hurts. But, she still has family, and she promised herself that she will keep them safe. She doesn't want to lose anyone anymore.