A piercing shriek echoed through the darkness, the nighttime peace broken by a cry. Lucy clutched her bed covers, tears streaming down her face. Not quite mentally recovered from the images she had seen, her nightmares had come back and they were stronger than before. Simply the lack of Natsu's presence was torture, she craved him. Needing his warmth, positivity and reassurance. Without him, she felt completely alone.

Sitting in her bed, she quietly sobbed. Thankfully she had not disturbed Happy, who was snuggled up beside her. Neither of them looked pleased, both missing their dear friend.

As Lucy stared into her dark apartment, she remembered moving back to her place after their house had been obliterated. Her formerly light and comfortable home felt more like a cage, a snare with a trap door waiting to be shut. The shadowed room sent her mind to bad memories, flashbacks to the white snow. How she thought her limbs would fall off from cold and the stormy winds that ripped into her skin. Then the mining tunnels, with hurtful words and an empty heart. Ending in the fiery volcano, itching to erupt at any moment. Leading to hands, terribly hurtful hands. Too many hands! Hands in places they shouldn't be!

Shaking the unbearable thoughts out, she felt herself shivering. She was breaking down. Lucy mentally screamed for help, she needed help! She was ready tell Natsu what had happened, she needed to tell him. He could help her. But she remembered, he wasn't there.

Heart broken she laid back down with Happy, pulling him close and attempted to calm herself. Concentrating on her breathing she brought her heart beat back down.

Reaching out her hand, she took a small figurine off the side table. Twiddling it between her fingers, she reviewed the small red dragon carefully. This small token held special significance to her, it was the present she intended to gift Natsu. She had bought it at the Fairy Tail market, then fell asleep holding it. That night she was stolen from her bed and captured by Cloven Shade, held hostage for an entire month. Lucy had kept the tiny dragon with her the entire journey, its condition worsened with Lucy. Its formally new appearance, now chipped, cracked and dirty. For that terrible month they shared a physical wellness.

The figurine reminded Lucy of the bad times, however, it also reminded her of good things. She was still alive, no matter how broken she felt, she was still living. Of corse she felt damaged and dirty, but she had not shattered. The small red dragon also reminded her of her dragon, Natsu. She silently prayed he was alright, she wanted to run and help him! To rush to his aid and bring him home! Nevertheless, Lucy was still recovering from statue curse of yesterday. She hadn't the energy nor the magic to do anything of the sort. Therefore she hoped and held her faith in Natsu's strength and courage. She knew he would be fine, he always was.

As her mind blankly gazed at the decoration she heard someone call her name. "Lucy Heartfilia."

Suddenly on high alert she sat up quickly, scanning the empty room. There was no one there, had she imagined it? Intently watching the stagnant scene, her guard dropped, relaxing her grip on her keys. She must be hearing voices. As she was about to lay back down she heard an amused chuckle.

"Who's there!?" Lucy jumped from her bed.

Her abrupt leap, startled Happy. He looked around wildly wondering what was going on. Lucy quickly shushed him and told him to hide, its possible the voice hadn't seen Happy. Lucy couldn't see any more of her friends get hurt, not again. Happy reluctantly obliged and rushed under the bed.

The laugh continued, seeming to come from all directions and bouncing off the walls. Making it sound like dozens of voices all mocking her at once.

"Show yourself!" She demanded.

"Why do that, when this is so much more fun?" She voices taunted.

Lucy recognized the wicked hilarity, Savina was back. She already had Natsu, what could she want now? Had something happen to him!? Lucy's heart ached at the thought. What if Natsu couldn't give Savina what she wanted and disposed of him?

Shaking at the notion of loosing her best friend, she exploded with rage. "What did you do with Natsu, Savina!?"

"It seems I have been found out." The Enchantress formed from the shadows.

"I asked you a question." Lucy hissed.

"He is no concern of mine, I am more interested in you now."

"He is a concern of mine. What did you do with him!" Lucy summoned her Cancer Star Dress and advanced threateningly.

Savina dodged as Lucy drew her swords, aiming for Savina she held nothing back. The Witch stole from the shadows and solidified the darkness, extending her arms into black spikes. Expertly slicing through the air and swiftly evading, Lucy and Savina danced as warriors. Both women avoiding and assaulting, moving in harmony. Lucy could tell Savina was going easy on her, allowing Lucy to keep up. What was her motive?

"Stop messing with me." Lucy huffed.

"You noticed I am not using my full strength. Im surprised." Savina lowered her weaponized arms. "Unfortunately, I haven't the time to play with you anymore."

Lucy caught Happy's eyes from behind Savina, still hiding under the bed his eyes full of worry. She gave him a reassuring smile, not wanting to bring attention to him she faced Savina once again. The Sorceress had started a new spell, figures flying from her fingers. Lucy leaped out of the way cutting them in half, de-charming as many as she could. Yet no matter how many she destroyed, more advanced, attaching themselves to her arms and legs. The glowing letters felt like heavy weights, dragging her down and sucking her energy. Draining her strength she fell to her knees, pajamas appearing back as her star dress faded. Leaving her tired and defenseless, she fell to the floor, utterly exhausted.

This must have been the same spell she used to capture Natsu, she know understood the full extent of the enchantment. Before her eyes closed Lucy caught a glimpse of hidden Happy, tears stained his cheeks. She felt guilty, she was about to leave him. First Natsu and now herself, Happy would have no one left. Apologies repeated over and over, wishing he could hear them.

A hand roughly grabbed her ankle and dragged her out of the apartment. As her world faded, one thought enter her mind.

Dead or alive, she would be joining Natsu.