Stellar Mischief
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 15

Lucy's POV

  As i walked out of the inn, cold breeze immediately hit me. Shivering, i hugged myself as i slowly ventured the empty streets. Glancing up, i saw the moon glaring down at me while the stars seemed to be winking. It was refreshing to see such a clear night sky. The empty streets were being lit by the street lamps, offering light as i casually walk by. During the time at the after party, i didn't have the opportunity to think and clear my thoughts. My guildmates were too focused on partying to acknowledge my self pity. There was a time Levy and Natsu noticed, but i chose to keep it to myself.

  Midst trying to sleep, my mind kept on wandering on the events that transpired the day prior. I wanted to cry, let my frustration out. But i was worried that i would wake my roommates. Especially a certain dragonslayer who has keen hearing and smelling. It won't take long for him to hear my silent sobs and smell my salty tears. He might cause a ruckus and wake not just our team, but the whole inn. I don't want to cause trouble. That's why i thought a walk would be better. I need to clear my mind. Maybe finally cry without worrying about bothering someone.

  I wouldn't be this troubled or frustrated if Flare beat me fairly. I would have easily accepted defeat and move on. I wasn't a sour loser. No. My mom taught me better than that. Only, that's not what happened. They cheated, robbing off the victory from me. While performing Urano Metria, i was so sure of winning. That i could finally prove to everyone, mostly to myself, that i'am strong. That i deserve to be called a member of Fairy Tail and a Celestial Mage.

  I thought i could prove that a Celestial Mage can be strong, even if they kept that secret. Unfortunately, i might have done the opposite. To the normal spectators, it looked like i failed to cast the spell. It had backfired or i lost control. It made me look weak and helpless. It dirtied my—our—image. I have no control over their thoughts and opinions. They would most probably belittle us Celestial Mages even more. How pathetic can i get?

  Sighing, i glanced around the place. Somehow, my feet led me to the Crocus park. At daylight, this place would have been packed with kids of all ages. As of the moment, the only person here is me. Hugging myself to refrain the shiver coming when a cool breeze passed by, i sat on one of the swings. I covered my face with my hands. I can't help but overthink. I knew no one in my guild or team is blaming me for losing but i can't help but feel bad. I could have prevented that lost if i wasn't too full of myself. Only if i was alert.. If only i was stronger..

  From behind me, i heard a rustle of leaves followed by a snapped twig. Instinctively, my eyes darted towards the noise. It came from the dark forest nearby. Unfortunately, the light that the moon supplies can't reach it. All i see was the outline of the trees. Other than that, complete darkness. My nerves were already tingling with panic. Was someone here? Was someone watching me? Despite that conclusion, another part of me screams that it's just a rabbit or squirrel. Is it?

  Another rustling sound was heard from the same direction. This time, i didn't waste time to analyze it. Instead, i ran away. My heart beat doubled in speed when i heard footsteps running after me. My suspicions were correct! Someone is spying on me!!

  I rounded every corner or street i came across, hoping that i'll lose them. Judging by the footsteps, they were many. Probably 5 or 6. My mind tried to form plans or any strategy to lose them. I can't fight them on my own. It seems that they're planning an ambush. If they're following me, it's possible that they were spying on me all night. On us! The gears on my head started spinning. Why am i being targeted? for being a Celestial Mage? Or was it because i'm the weakest link of our team?

  I mumbled a curse through my ragged breathing. I don't have much of a stamina. It won't take long before i collapse due to exhaustion. I need to lose them. NOW!

  As i rounded another corner, i almost let out a scream when a hand caught me by my wrist. I tried to wiggle free from the hold but it only tightened even more. My mind started to formulate plans but i was too panicked. I struggled even more but my captor restrained me by enveloping me into a hug.

  "Wha—Luce! F*ck! Lucy! C-Calm down!" Wait... that voice.. this warmth..

  "N—Natsu?" The arms around me loosened and forced me to face him. It was indeed, Natsu. With a shocked and confused gaze.

  "What's with you? Why are you even out in a god damn hour?!" I visibly flinched at his remark. He noticed, his expression softening. He ruffled my hair in an apologetic manner.

  "I can't sleep. I wanted fresh air so i decided to have a walk."

  "That seems to be an acceptable reason. Only thing is, IT'S FREAKIN' 2 AM!" I took a step back as my face formed a frown. I get that he's worried. I would have been as well if i woke up finding out that he's missing at that horrid hour—wait...

  "How did you know i left? I made sure everyone was asleep before i gone off." Narrowing my eyes, i crossed my arms infront of me.

  "I was awake the whole night, Luce." That sentence softened my features. Did i keep him up?

  "Sorry, i di-"

  "I heard your sobs. I knew i wouldn't be able to sleep hearing that. I wanted to comfort you but i knew you wanted to be alone. You didn't held back those tears at the after party for nothing. Then i heard your bed squeak and your silent footsteps. I knew you went out. I followed you all the way to the park. I wasn't planning on showing myself but then you started running. You looked scared and tensed, that's why i followed you. What happened? " my frown instantly melted to a guilty gaze. I did keep him up all night! He would be sleep derived tomorrow on the games! What if he's chosen to participate?!

  "Nothing. J-Just paranoid. Ummm, did you saw or smell someone f-following me?" He gave me a confused look before shaking his head.

  "I didn't notice anyone. Was someone stalking you?" His eyes narrowed in suspicion. It made me wonder. Natsu has sharp senses. It's impossible that he wouldn't notice someone around. But then, i'm sure. Someone—no.. A group of people—mages—was tailing me earlier.

  "No. Maybe i'm just tired."

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OH MY FREAKIN' POSEIDON!

I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN FOREVER (it's just been 4 weeks so i might be exaggerating). I'M SOOOO SORRY! We had quarterly exams, Zumba dance, 2 science projects, a thesis title defense and an acquaintance party (which was held last friday, started at 7 pm till 5 am). I was busy! Then i was caught up with reading Percy Jackson. (I'm kinda obsessed with Percabeth as of the moment, as well as Greek Gods and mythology)

  WWAAHHHHHHHH! DON'T FRET, PEOPLE! REIN IS STILL ALIVE! BREATHING! HER SOUL IS STILL ATTACHED AND INTACT! SHE'LL CONTINUE UPDATING THE NEXT WEEKS. (though, some would be late and delayed) BEAR WITH ME, PEOPLE!!

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☆JeRein_14