I'm sorry if this chapter is really poor. I just happen to be very tired, although its still early. I had a lot of things doing today...and don't even ask me what! But anyways, read on and I hope you enjoy it!

I appreciate all the reads so far.

Is it okay for me to ask for 4 votes? Please...?

If you want, you can send me a private message requesting anything that you want in the book. Its an offer, and it doesn't last long!!

And don't forget that i'm still dedicating chapters from the last trivia question. @TrinityLi, this one is for you!~

Thanks minna~!

~Grace

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Chapter 8: This is why Sting hates that Maria

STING'S POV

I growled in frustration. This bitch did not just say that she was going to use Lucy! Oh heeeellllll no! I don't care what she does with that chief over there, but if she ever touches Lucy, or even think of her as a tool, grrrr. I'm already pissed so what's the point?!

".....Lucy, please stand back." I said, my hair creating a shadow over my eyes. I was hoping to get the others to back me up so we can destroy that woman. Old chief saw what I was trying to do, and he had the guts to say 'wait!'

"What?!" I snapped.

"If you kill her, how are you all going to find the item?" he asked a bit scared, but what he said was right.

"Don't worry, it'll only be a graze." said Natsu, as he came up beside me. He was pissed as I was too, and I sure as hell didn't like it one bit. I mean, he's my rival! And lately, I haven't seen him too often with Lucy as they used to be back in the Grand Magic Games.

Well, I usually seem him try, but it looks like Lucy ignores him. I wonder why? But anyways, back to what the main problem was!

"But----" started the chief.

"We'll protect you. We'll show her just how strong Fairy Tail and Sabertooth really are. And if she still underestimates us, that's her problem." said Rogue. The chief slowly gave in, realizing that it would be futile to keep us back.

I had no time for chants, all I wanted to do was punch that woman's face into the ground! The little healer girl from Fairy Tail asked if she could join in as well. Dragon Slayer party!

"Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang!"

"Shadow Dragon's Wing Attack!"

"Sky Dragon's Roar!"

I stopped moving and I glared at the three slayers next to me, as they watched their attacks aim for the enemy. Wow, that little Sky Dragon slayer is really good for someone who's so small.

"No way....you GUYS DID NOT JUST DO THAT WITHOUT ME!" I whined, seeing as how cool they were. I suddenly felt Lucy's curious gaze on my back, and I stopped whining immediately and pretended to never say a thing.

I want to look tough!

"You really think you can defeat me?" asked the woman, as she twirled her thin smoke pipe in her hand.

"Of course, we're strong!" exclaimed Gray.

"Fine, i'll show you the true power of a Maria, in fact, the Highest! Fufufufu." laughed the female. She snapped her fan shut, before having a scary-ass face. (A/N: You know how the Odd Jobs group smile or whatever in Gintama? Creepy...)

"Bring it! I'm ready!"

"Not today. I'm too tired. I'll be back, and the next time I return, i'll complete my goals....unless I take you guys out before then." she said, as smoke came around her body.

"HEY!" I exclaimed. But I was too late, as she disappeared in a puff of smoke. I clenched my fists. If I had dealt with her now, then I wouldn't have to deal with her later!

"Guess we'll just be on the look-out." said Lucy, as she turned to the rest of the group.

Speaking of Lucy, there was a question that lingered in my mind for the entire while now. Why did she get so upset and nearly murdered the woman? I mean, I didn't have a problem with the woman dying, but why was she so.....agitated?

Hmmmm, was it jealously? I mean, Maria did say I was a hottie. Oh but wait! Lucy kind of hates me......

Kind of?

Okay I lied. She totally hates me, in fact, she hates all guys! Except for that lucky bastard they call Gray. I don't know why she hates my species, but the reason is probably too dumb and she's over reacting.

I was so lost in thought, that little did I know that the others were planning to go and train. Seems legit, seeing as how we could use the time.

"Oi, gramps! You comin'?" I asked.

"No no, you go ahead!" he said, smiling a one tooth smile. He's old, what do you expect, for him to have shining new tooth as if he was in  a toothpaste commercial? Pfff, please.

"Hey! I'm coming with!" I yelled, as I jogged towards the already retreating group.

During training, I became curious and tempted to go and ask Lucy how she was able to do those things. I mean, my brain may be limited, but I know for a fact that those were not summoning spirits! In fact, it looked like she was summoning weapons.

But that is not what celestial wizards do! They summon spirits and not non-living things!

"Hey lover-boy." greeted a voice from behind. I whipped my head to see who would call me that, but then I figured, of course it would be Rogue.

"Hmm? What?" I asked.

"Why don't you take a picture? It would last longer." he said, waving a camera in my face. I was confused now.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean what I mean? You were staring at Lucy for quite some time now. You're lucky no one else was able to realize....except for Lector and probably Rogue." he replied. My face heated at the thought of me staring at Lucy. Shit, was it that obvious?!

"Grrr, why couldn't you tell me earlier?!"

"Before I answer you, might as well try to stop those two from advancing their somewhat relationship." he said, pointing over my shoulder. I turned around and my heart burned. I saw Lucy and Gray, and both were laughing.

"I've never actually seen Lucy laugh around a guy before." said a little voice and I recognized it to be Lector's.

"Fro thinks so too!"

What relationship do those two have?! Rogue has already established in his head that it looks like they're dating....but would they really? I wouldn't accept that, but surely I need to consent this.

But from my  point of view, they do look like it. Wait, I already did think of this before! Why is it still troubling me?!

"Because you Liiiike her." said Lector rolling his tongue the same way that blue-cat does to Lucy sometimes.

"Dude, you seriously need to stop thinking out loud. We had this conversation before!" complained Rogue.

"Yeah, complete Deja vu."

"Fro thinks so too!"

Looks like I need to barge in to their little fun time over there. I speedily walked over, a forced smile plastered on my face.

"Hey Lucy, Gray." I greeted.

"Hey." they chorused.

"Umm, Lucy, I need to speak with you about something....regarding the job. It's kind of me and you." I said, trying to make a lie. Thankfully, Gray bought it and said that he'll go, and Lucy was convinced as well.

Gray left and turned to me.

"You don't really want to talk about the job, do you?" she asked suspiciously, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope. Now come on, let's go take a walk." I said, as I pulled her hand. She protested, but I never paid attention to that.

LUCY'S POV

Say no Lucy! Come on! If you only spend more time with him, who knows, you'll break your promise that you made with that strange spirit one day! (A/N: Mystery here~~)

I couldn't say no. It was like my mouth didn't know that word. I was able to say stop and these things, but Sting didn't even look back. He just dragged me. I was having an all-out brawl with my inner mind on what to do.

"Blondie?....Oi Blondie?"

I heard a voice pestering me, but I was too endorsed in my fight to bother with whoever it was.

"Heyyyyy...."

"Hellloooooo..."

"Hmm, Lucy...."

"Female...."

"HEY BABE!" shouted Sting unexpectedly. I jumped up in shock, as I stared at him.

"What did you just call me?!" I exclaimed, as I placed my hands on my hip and I tapped my foot vigorously.

"Ummm....babe." he said.

"Don't ever call me that again.!" I scolded.

"I don't make promises~" he sang, as he skipped further away than I was. Seriously, Sting is a pain in the ass. I mean, most boys are like that cuz they kind of tell you that they like you, and next thing you know, when you thought there was chemistry, he's off smooching with another girl.

See, this is why I hate males, because I have already experienced it and I have concluded that they are not trustworthy. It broke my heart.

So in general, hate me cause I am actually hanging out with Sting! It's not like I want to....but It is kind of fun...wait, WHAT AM I SAYING?! I should just turn around and go.

As I was about to spin on my heels, a strong hand held me back.

"Don't think you're going to run away, because I'm going to be an anchor and make you stay here." smirked Sting, as he watched my failed attempts to get his grasp loose.

"I hate you." I mumbled. Sting put a hand next to his ear.

"What was that?" he asked, smirking yet again.

"I said, I HATE YOU!" I exclaimed, clearly annoyed with him. His smirk only grew bigger.

"Oh? Now don't lie to me blondie. Do you really mean that?" he asked, as he found a nearby tree and leaned against it, his arms folded and ankles crossed. I almost melted when I saw him, he looked cool.....I said almost.

".....O-Of course!" I replied, a bit of hesitation lingering in my voice. Snap. He's going to notice.

"Right, whatever you say bab----I mean, blondie." he said, as he picked himself up from leaning against the tree. Bab? What the hell is that?! Wait, he was going to say something else!

"Hey, you were going to say babe, weren't you?" I asked.

"So you do want me to call you that?"

"Ugh! You're so annoying!"

"Only to you darling." he replied, and resumed walking. I had no choice but to stick with him, since I don't know where he's going and if I leave, i'll only get lost.

And I don't want to get lost. So yeah.

We walked for awhile, and my legs were getting like Jell-O. I didn't want to tell Sting that, because he will only carry me anyways. And I don't want to be held by him. No.

"Hey, how far are we going?" I asked.

"Just a little more." he said. I nodded my head. Inside, I was cursing about how badly I wanted to stop walking. My legs hurt! Furthermore, I just want to head back. I really don't want to be with Sting.

Every time I'm with him, I feel different. It's like I can't usually think straight, and my stomach erupts in a wave of what seems to be butterflies. It's a pain.

A few minutes later, I realized that it's been a long walk.

"Hey, where are we?" I asked.

"Ummm, just a little away.....I really don't know where we are....."

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Next Chapter: I'm lost with Mr.Bee

Preview: Lucy and Sting are lost somewhere. They have no idea where they are, and matters turn for the worst when Sting becomes sick. Lucy has no choice but to deal with him......and to be closer to him especially because she's freezing cold.