Apocalypse - Fairy Tail

8

Natsu and Lucy were talking when their conversation was suddenly interrupted. Lucy looked ahead and saw her father standing there. "You can go," he said to Natsu. "No, he's staying here," Lucy replied, holding Natsu's hand tightly.

Her father accepted Lucy's decision, "Very well, as you wish." There was a certain resignation in his voice. Accounts of Lucy's run-ins with zombies and the injuries she suffered marked the atmosphere. Her father continued, "I heard that you encountered zombies today and were injured. Starting today, I am taking away your role as a collector. You will no longer work in that capacity-"

Lucy's objection followed quickly, her voice determined, "If you do, you will never see me again." Her father frowned, puzzled by Lucy's determined look.

"I mean it. If you take my job, we're done. I'll find another way to contribute to humanity," Lucy declared with unwavering conviction. With those words, Lucy and Natsu turned away, walking together and opposing their father's decisions. Lucy would not let his control define her and was determined to go her own way. Even if her official role as collector was taken away from her, she held on to the fact that she could still fight the incessant threat of the zombies.

"By the way, remember you have the cat food," Natsu's reminder broke the silence and brought some normalcy to the charged atmosphere.

"Of course, let's go get it," Lucy agreed, directing her attention to the endeavor. But at that moment, a familiar call pierced the air and caught her attention. Gray and Juvia, her companions, had also arrived.

"Are you back yet?" Lucy's surprise was evident when Juvia unexpectedly enveloped her in a hug. Juvia's reply exuded an air of success, "Yes, just got back. Zone 6 is safe again. Hopefully there won't be any more incidents like today." A respite was within reach - the coming day promised a break, time to recover and refocus.

"Tomorrow we'll be off, and the others will take care of the cleanup. Gray and I thought we should all get together and have a drink," Juvia explained, inviting camaraderie.

"I found two bottles of vodka at the mall," Gray whispered with a conspiratorial undertone as he shared his discovery, his eyes playing mischievously.

"It's fine with me. I'll call Gajeel, Jellal and the others," Natsu added, already planning to expand the group. A plan was put into action, and within a short time the group gathered in Lucy's room - a spacious accommodation, thanks to her father.

The camaraderie was palpable as they played games like "Truth or Dare" and "I've Never." Laughter and joking filled the air. The hours passed unnoticed, the clock ticking to 3:30 in the morning. Couple after couple said their goodbyes until only Lucy and Natsu remained, in a moment of quiet intimacy.

Lucy's senses were dulled by alcohol, yet she found the strength to stand. Her balance faltered momentarily, but strong arms held her upright. Natsu's presence had a stabilizing effect. Their eyes met, a shared understanding between them. In that vulnerable moment, driven by the spirits of the night, Lucy narrowed the distance between them and found Natsu's lips with her own.

~ Wednesday October 30, 2024~

In the morning, Lucy awoke and looked to her side, where Natsu was sleeping peacefully. His face radiated peace as he slumbered soundly. Carefully, she sat up. The blanket slid off her body, revealing her nakedness. Confused and surprised, she asked herself: why am I naked? Her gaze slid to Natsu, and slowly she lifted his blanket. But he was naked too? Had they slept together the previous night? An uncomfortable feeling of embarrassment came over her. How drunk had she been? She couldn't even remember if it had been good or bad. A sheepish smile stole onto her face as she thought about the mess of her hair. It seemed like the night had been pretty wild.

While Lucy was still lost in thought, a sudden realization hit her: it was time for her morning shower. She quickly grabbed some fresh clothes and got dressed before heading to the bathroom.

An announcement rang out, "Attention. Announcement. The Vice President requests that all Red and Blue Unit cleaners and collectors report to the briefing room. Please arrive in 10 minutes." Lucy wondered why her father was calling everyone together. After her shower, she met Natsu at her door.

"I'm sorry, you were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't mean to wake you," she apologized to him before they left together for the briefing room.

Once there, they gathered with others, including Gray, Juvia, Jellal, Erza, Gajeel, Levy, Mira, Laxus, and Natsu. Tension was in the air as the vice president opened the meeting with a serious face.

"Let us greet each other. I have called you here because I have important information. Today I was told that someone in Zone 3 is mutating the zombies, making them stronger and more dangerous. To counteract this and ensure the safety of the base, I plan to send you on a mission. Mira will be in charge," he began his explanation. Lucy was surprised to be sent on the mission as well. She wondered if something really big was in store this time.

"Be careful with each other and do not return until you have destroyed the Magxit Corp. base," he added before leaving the room. Lucy sensed the tension among those present as they prepared to battle the threat's base.

Armed with their weapons and dressed in cleaning coveralls, Lucy and her comrades got ready. These coveralls resembled those of their collector's clothing, black and functional. Three black Humvees were provided to take them to their destination. They packed provisions and set off. The mood was strange, almost like the beginning of an excursion. But in reality, a difficult mission awaited them. No one could estimate how long it would take. Teamwork was crucial, because only together could they survive.