Stellar Mischief
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 19

Lucy's POV

  I warily took a step back as i observed the intruders movements from the corner of my eyes. I felt Yukino do the same. The towns people were all running around, all looking for a safe place to hide. The group in cloaks fell unnoticed by them, however. I'm guessing that none of them knew where the arrows came from. They were all engrossed keeping themselves alive to even care who was responsible. Whilst awaiting the group's next movements, my eyes landed on a group of crying kids hiding behind a food cart. Guilt flooded my system. Now they caused trouble, there is no say on who would be involved. Clenching my jaw, i diverted my eyes to the rest of the crowd here. There were at least a hundred people here due to the Games, all varying in age and gender. It made me wonder what the group were thinking. Ambushing us in broad daylight with this many witnesses?

  My eyes snapped to the left, catching one of them exert action. The one stationed at a rooftop of a coffee shop establishment took something from inside his cloak. A gun. Growling, i snatched Yukino's hand and started running towards the stadium. We need to get away immediately. I can't have them fire another attack. A lot of people would be involved.

  "L-Lucy-san?" My fellow Celestial Mage uttered in shock, struggling to  catch up with my speed. We were bumping into random strangers but didn't halt to apologize like i would normally do. It was rude, i'm aware of that. But i can't let them catch up to us. Glancing ahead, we were at least a mile from the entrance. Then a crash was heard to my right. Looking at the direction, i saw four cloaked mage running towards us, not exactly bothering to avoid objects in their way such as pots or trash bins. Same scenario was seen to my left and back. Oh, Mavis! We were indeed cornered!

  I picked up my speed with Yukino behind me. We need to reach Domus Flau. I highly doubt they'll have the courage to enter since it's packed with mages and royal guards. Panting, i calculated the distance. Half a mile more. I don't know if we'll be able to make it at this rate. The cloaked figures were just a few meters behind us. We really need to pick up our pace. Unfortunately, i felt my steps getting heavier each step. Curse my low stamina!

  "I d-don't think we'll make it, Lucy-san!" The silver haired mage muttered, already losing hope. 'I think so too.' I wanted to tell her but i don't have the heart to. We can't let it end here. After working so hard? We'll just give up?!

  It really seemed that my luck ran out when i slipped by stepping on a piece of paper. I fell forward, so did Yukino. Cursing, i tried to stand once again but winced at the action,  instinctively reaching down to grasp my ankle. Dear Mavis! Why did my ankle chose to be twisted now?! Testing my sudden new injury, i stood up but immediately fell due to the pain that jolted my body. My companion went to my side, lifting my right arm and placed it over her shoulder.

  "Don't, Yukino." She seemed puzzled by my words. I retreated my arm and stepped back, wincing as i did so.

  "B-But Lucy-"

  "I'll distract them. Go and ask for help! Find Natsu!" I turned my back on her, my hand hovering above my keys. With keen eyes, i awaited for the Cloaked mages to come near. 10 meters. Clenching my jaws, i went to battle stance. Still not close enough. Not yet.

  "I can't j-just leave you here! Come on—"

  "I need to stay and protect the civilians while you go and get help. That's the only way we could survive this. Just go! And don't look back!" I hissed, desperately trying to come up with a plan to defeat them all. I'm clearly at a disadvantage seeing that they can easily overpower me. Just holding them and keeping them busy while Yukino gets the others would be fine. I knew i wouldn't win. Well, not exactly. If i use it, i can surely turn this around but i can't risk that.

  "But—"

  "Just go!" She didn't need to be told once again. Nodding towards my direction, she ran forward and was soon safely inside the stadium.  I didn't waste another second,  charging at them once they were near enough. Unclasping my whip, i flicked my wrist and diverted the weapon towards the nearest three. They got pushed back by the impact and damage. I unhooked two keys from my belt and waved them through the air, a chant escaping my lips.

  "Gates of the Lion and Maiden, i open thee! Loke! Virgo!" Two golden magic circles appeared on either side of me, the summoned spirits emerging from each one. They gave me a brief greeting, taking their time analyzing the situation we were in. Giving them a nod as a signal, they charged on their own sides; Loke to my left while Virgo to my right. I boldly took on the front. Four mages in cloaks. Each looking strong. My eyes snapped on one of them when he took out a gun. Before i could even react, he shoot. Clenching my jaw, i did a back flip to be able to dodge the bullet. Whilst in mid air, i jerked my wrist towards them. The whip followed, successfully wrapping itself on one of them. Once i landed, i forcefully pulled, which i found hard due to his weight, and carelessly smash him towards his allies. I heard snarls and groans from the three figures who were laying on the ground.

  I flicked my wrist once again and retreated the end of my whip. Before i could execute my next attack, a hand crept up from behind me and harshly covered my mouth. A scream died down on my throat while i forcefully fought my way out of my captor's death grip.

  "Stand down, Celestial Mage." My blood ran cold at the sharp pain caused by a knife that was pressed against my neck. Seconds later, one of those who i knocked down on the ground were already on his feet, playing with a sharp knife while stalking his way towards me. A smirk was seen on his lips.

  "Now. Now. No need to be feisty, young lady. Just tell us who's the one." He warned, pointing the knife to my arm. I gave him my best death glare. It didn't seem to work like i wanted it to. He glared back, pressing the blade unto my bare skin. Pain. He carved a straight line which was at least an inch on my arm. It wasn't too deep, though. Enough to leave a faint scar, at least.

  "I rather die than help you, scumbags." I snapped, glaring at him as i did so. His lips formed a tight line, probably his way of containing anger and frustration. I almost smirked at his reaction but decided against it when he suddenly grabbed my injured arm. He squeezed it hard, fresh blood slightly oozing from it. Wincing, i tried to wiggle free from his rough hold but he was strong. The man behind me still had his arm around my neck which limited my movements. A knife was still pressed on my neck but i paid it no mind. I can handle a few stitches but i won't ever open my mouth to reveal our secrets.

  "Speak or you'll never be able to, not ever again!" Instead of looking scared like he expected to, i rolled my eyes at him. I won't give him the satisfaction. This guys need to know that i'm not someone to mess with.

  "You don't scare me. You're just a bunch of imbeciles who know nothing but cause pain to people around you! A group of selfish rotten j*rks who has—" I wasn't able to finish that offending statement. A sharp pain was inflicted on my left cheek, my head jerking to the other direction. The b*stard slapped me. It hurt but it won't be enough to break me. As a matter of fact, i could easily summon another spirit by merely chanting, no key needed. It would eat up twice as it should, though. I was waiting for the right opportunity. Maybe i could get some useful information from this scums.

  "Shut up, w*nch! You know nothing about us and our clan!" He snarled angrily at me. Wait.. 'Clan'?

  "I have no intention to, anyways. I mean, your group are just doing useless and pathetic things like kill Celestial Mages. You're just a bunch of bored lunatics." I'm aware that i'm pushing his buttons. The fact that he's red of anger and irritation was evidence of that. Just a little more..

  "Useless and pathetic?! Our clan is nothing near those! We have reasons! Something you and your kind could never understand!" That made me raise an eyebrow.

  "Reasons?"

  "Of course! We—"

  "That's enough. You're giving her more information than she needed. Just knock her out and we'll bring her along with us. We need to present her to Chief." Another guy in a cloak approached us. From what i observe, he's not like those around us. He's somewhat emitting a strong aura and presence. Clenching my teeth, i glared at the new comer. He's strong. No doubt. Has a higher ranking or position than the rest, as well.

  "Right away, Sir!"

  Another figure suddenly materialized beside me. Based on his position, he was about to initiate an attack. Seconds later, a seemingly poisonous knife was now hovering an inch above my skin. Specifically, my right arm. Mavis! I'd be too late! Even if I dodge, that blade would surely pierce my skin.

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GREETINGS, MY LOYAL READERS!!

  I'm actually surprised to find you here. I mean, haven't you given up on me? After so long, you're still willing to wait? Gosh.. I'm touched!

  Unfortunately, i brought with me some terrible, horrible, awful and unfortunate news..

Star Goddess 2: Let the War Begin will be on temporary Hiatus. Just for now, guys. Don't worry. It'll return by next month (January). Sorry for the inconvenience. I'm having writer's block with the plot itself..

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Love lots,
☆JeRein_14