OK so, I lied again. I am updating already, even though I just did, but to be fair, you guys are so awesome, you deserve it. Now then, time for the feels. When I say you guys are great, I really mean it. This story is written for you guys, so I am so glad that some people take time from their day to even glance it over. Seriously, you guys are the best. I also have to call out PinkiePie27502 for being crazy enough to vote on my chapters. Thanks so much, you have no idea how much this means. OK, now that the feels are done, time for some fun. I have two things for consideration. First, I think that for 100 reads, I will give a small spoiler for a future chapter. Small being the keyword, can't give away my plot now, can I? And two, I have a challenge. If someone submits some art for the story, no matter the quality, I will put it at the top of the next chapter afterwards, as well as put up my Attempt to recreate it. That way we can laugh at my artistic skills together. Also, sorry this one is so short (only 800ish words), so I might update again sooner.(I know, I am the most prolific liar when it comes to this stuff.) Oh, and while talking about me, (I am a million times humbler than though art) I was wondering if a Q&A would be a thing people want? Let me know.

Yours,

              J.A.G.

  Chapter 8: Diamonds in the Rough  

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I was running. It seemed as though I had been doing that all my life. I heard voices shouting, getting closer. This isn't good.

Lucy

It had been two days since I had returned to Fairy Tail. Everyone was laughing, like nothing had happening. Natsu and Gray were fighting again, with Erza glaring at them both.

"Lucy?" I turned back to Levy and Juvia, who had just come back from a mission.

"Sorry," I apologized. "Spaced out for a second." Levy smiled. Suddenly, a dark feeling flowed over me, and I looked around the hall for any sign of trouble. There seems to be nothing wrong, so why am I so scared? I stood up.

"I am glad Lucy is no longer Juvia's love rival!" Juvia said, making an odd face.

"I never was to begin with!" I looked around again. I had this nagging feeling that I needed to do something, but I didn't know what.

"Sorry," I started, standing up. " but I need to go get a job, so I can pay my rent." We said our goodbyes, and I turned towards the job board. One poster immediately caught my eye.

"Huh." I said picking up the poster. It requested help catching a fugitive, but the reward was massive, at 150,000 jewel.

"Hey Lisanna!" I yelled. I had talked to her yesterday, and it turns out that she helps Mira with paperwork, especially the paperwork for jobs. "I'm taking this job!" I held up the flyer.

"Alright!" she yelled back. "Good luck!" Before I knew it, I was mobbed by the others.

"What job are we going on!?" Natsu asked looking excited.

"Uh uh." I said, wagging my finger. "I'm taking this one myself. Well, with Lea"

"But luuucyyyy..." Happy whined.

"No." I said, sternly. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I just need some time to get re-oriented with Fiore is all." Luckily, Erza backed me up.

"If she wants to go by herself, then she will. Right Natsu?"

"Y-y-yes.." He stammered, not wanting to anger her. I giggled.

"we'll be back in a few days!" I yelled behind me, as me and Lea left the guildhall. So where are we going? I pulled the poster out of my pocket. It said that the thief had been spotted around Gallowstown. I replaced the flyer.

"Alright Lea, we're going to Gallowstown!"

"Yay!"

Arriving at Gallowstown shortly. The intercom blared.

"k-k-kill me." I said weakly. My stomach seemed determined to try and come out my nostrils. I should've figured. I thought, cursing myself again. I'm a dragonslayer, now, so.. The train decided now was a good time to bump over the tracks, making my nausea worse. Lea looked worried.

"Are you sure there's nothing I can do?" she asked.

"Don't worry i'll...:" The train rocked, cutting off my sentence. "B-be fine."

????

Damn, that was close! A fireball had singed my long jacket, barely missing me. If only I could... before I finished my thought, I sensed a strange presence. It seemed oddly familiar.

Lucy

"Hold on!" I motioned for Lea to stop. We were in the woods outside of town, searching for the thief, as directed by the mayor. "Someone's coming." A young man burst through the brush. he was wearing a long, light blue jacket with high collars, a white t-shirt, and dark blue pants. his clothes looked dirty, and parts of them looked burned. He had blonde hair that was left to fall loosely around his face. His face was sharp, but not defined, with a well, proportioned nose and mouth. His eyes were dark brown. It can't be..

????

The girl seems, athletic, i'll give her that. She gave off an impression of fitness. she was toned, but not overly so. Her hair was silver and long, falling down her back to her waist. Her left eye was covered by her hair, but her right was bright purple. She wore something akin to my clothes, but with black and purple instead of blue, and a shorter jacket. There was an exceed flying beside her. Her eyes were wide. I saw a flash of gold on her arm, and instantly recognized it. A guild wizard? This is not good.

Lucy

I heard a shout from the woods, doubtlessly some of the mayor's men that were hunting the thief. I made a decision. I need to get him away from them.

"Please?" I yelled, extending my hand. "Even though you have no reason to trust me I can help you!"

????

I thought over her words. She did seem familiar, and the goons chasing me would catch up eventually. What the hell. I grabbed her hand.

Suddenly, the three disappeared in a bright light. When the mayor's men arrived, they found nothing but a few footprints and scraps of burnt cloth.