~Natsu~

I ran and ran quickly up the stairs, kicked every door, but Lucy was no where in sight. I slipped, crashed and sliced through every obstacle that was in my way.

"I....I-I'll.....be right.....here....." She sang with a trembling voice" .. Will you really be....right here?" It was a question. Lucy....she's crying, she's doubting.....I'm sorry Lucy!

"LUCY!!!" I cried out of sorrow and pain. I've never felt this broken in my whole entire life. I tried to track her scent, but Flare might've blocked it somehow.

"Time is running out Lover boy~ better be quick or your girl will end up as a flat corpse!" She laughed crazily. I tried to control my anger from before she died, but she's still pushing me out the limits of my anger.

"Shut up!! Just shut up!!" I shouted in rage. I made my pace quicker! Heart beating in fear and adrenaline. I could just feel my heart exploding in stress and worry. Second floor, third, fourth, fifth, and as I ran at every room. I couldn't find her, until I reached the rooftop. It was clear. No one in sight. I kneeled down, feeling so hopeless, disappointed at myself. Then at that second of sulking. I saw Lucy's figure silhouetted on the sunset light. I quickly looked up, expecting Lucy, but saw no one. Then tears flowed down my face. I was crying, wailing in my suffering.

"found her yet?" Flare asked. I turned around and saw her, standing there, smiling devilishly.

"How did you know I was here from the start, Salamander? huh?"

I kept silent, keeping all my anger and grudges from her.

"Is it because of her?" She raised her hand and Future Lucy appeared, crying a bit, yet had this strange emotionless face.

"Lucy!.......L-Lucy?" I felt betrayed, stabbed at the back, and I was in denial.

"This loyal little girl has become a puppet of mine."

I could see in her eyes that she'd gone through much sufferings that none of us had ever seen.

"What can I do to let Lucy go? Both of them!" I asked in desperation.

"I want you. I need your magic power... and maybe even play with you a bit.."

I hesitated on saying no, but this is for Lucy. She needs to be safe.

"Take my magic, torture Me, but don't hurt Lucy! Please......please.."

"Hmm? Now you're talking!" She snapped her finger revealing Lucy. Then future Lucy disappeared.

"Unfortunately, this 'future' Lucy you're talking about........was just an illusion to lure all of you here."

"W-what? so all was fake?"

"Nope~ All her emotions were mixed in the illusions, that was all her. Her emotions, her words, her memories.........and her heart. but she was dead months ago. She arrived at this time a year ago.  Too bad too...She didn't die in her own time."

"You...!!!!" I was completely covered by my own darkness, by my own anger, my other side. The side I never tried to let out since it was too dangerous.

~Lucy~

I was dreaming about something in the past. I remember Natsu, before everything ever happened. It was Natsu.....I remember him smiling. He always smiled when I lost hope....what's happening now? I'm completely lost. The time I opened my eyes and saw Natsu.....and me?! Then The Lucy I saw disappeared and Flare shouted things that I couldn't much comprehend.

"Lucy!" He shouted. I tried to run towards him, but I couldn't move! and Natsu just kneeled down in front of Flare who had this sinister smile pasted on her face. Seeing her face, felt like my soul was being shaken by the fierceness of her expression.

She grabbed Natsu by the foot and raised him high. Why isn't Natsu fighting back? I don't want to see like this! She whiped Natsu harshly a lot of times while he was hanging upside down. I couldn't watch this! I can't.

Then tears flood down my eyes. I....I can't....I can't just stand here!!

~Jellal~

I carried Erza on back, heart quickening in my speed. I shouldn't stop. Erza's unconscious. My mind couldn't get off the curiousity of Flare's appearance.....as a ghost. What happened to Erza? The question that I never seemed to get rid of. I was finally inside the town and the inn was almost a few feet away from me. I could see Gray outside. He saw us and helped me carry Erza to the bed where Wendy and Gray prepared the medicine. Wendy grabbed random bottles that I don't recognize.

"Wendy, where did you get that medicine?"

"Ms. Lucy gave it to me. It was here when I arrived." She explained as sweat trickle down her face and she heals Erza's wounds. My heart is beating heavily. I can't predict anything that could happen.

Then suddenly Erza started to move like crazy and we had to pin her down for Wendy to apply the medicine.

"AHHH!! WHAA!" She started to let out loud blood curdling screams. It felt aweful! just standing there, not able to do anything to stop her sufferings..All I could do is pin her down, but I have this bad feeling of some sort. I don't know what is it though...

I wish you'll be okay.....Erza

~Lucy~

"Natsu!" I called with pity. I struggled to free myself, but just can't.

"Hahahaha! Can you see this blonde?" She asked as she violently whip Natsu with her hair that has a sharp edge.

"Agghhh!! Aaahhhh!" he shouted blood curdling screams, like you could really hear his pain from the scream he made. My eyes became watery, all became blurry.

"Listen Blonde. I know I wanted More magical power, but master still wanted Titania or someone who is at the same level as her...not him... So I'll give you a choice.....it's either you hand me Erza, maybe a wizard that has the same or higher level as her.......or he dies"

"You twisted Person!! How could you!! Stop this! stop it!!" I shouted.

but the next thing I saw was in the front of the inn. I felt weak, but I tried to run, no, sprint to them, to the others.

Then I remembered her words.....Erza or Natsu? Erza or Natsu?? Erza or..........N-Natsu.....? She's gonna do something horrible to Erza, but if I don't give Erza to her......She's going to kill Natsu..

I ran up the stairs, opened the door to where Erza and Jellal was and I saw Gray and Jellal pining Erza down who was screaming loudly. I couldn't noticed much of what's happening, since I was out of breath and didn't took any pause, knowing I had to choose the two people whom I cause so much trouble.

"Lucy..." Gray muttered. Erza suddenly calmed down and all was relieved, but I felt like my body was extremely heavy. I fell to the ground. I was tired, but I wasn't unconscious. I kept myself awake.

"Lucy!" Shouted Gray as he ran to me and carry me to a bed. He laid me down the bed gently.

"What happened to you Lucy?" He asked, sounding really worried.

"N-N-Na....Nat....." I couldn't muster enough energy to even mention a word.

"Natsu?" He asked.

I nodded. I tried to put all my energy to explain everything.

"F-F....Flare.....ha....has...Natsu...Torturing..him.....Natsu's...not....f-fighting back..."

"What??" He said in shock.

"Flare is torturing Natsu-san??" asked a worried bluenette.

I nodded.

"S-she said...If...W-w..we d..don..don't...Give.....E-Erza...sh-She'll k-k-kill........Natsu.." They were all nervously sweating to the news they heard. But after that...I couldn't remember...

~Jellal~

"Lucy? Lucy!" Shouted Gray as he held on to Lucy's shoulders and shook her.

"Gray, she needs to rest. Look at all her bruises, injuries and most of all. She seems to have a lot of burn marks all over her body."

"I'll heal her!"

Gray clenched his hand and punched his palm in anger.

"that Flare guy is-"

"Flare's a girl"

"This Flare girl...Is going to pay...." He stated angrily. Eventhough he made a mistake that made his words non-epic, he still continued and suddenly ran out of the room, leaving a trail of icy spikes on everyplace he passed.

It was either Erza or Natsu. I couldn't choose. I want Erza to live, but I don't want one of her friends to die.

"Why do they always make us choose!" I shouted slamming my fist on the table.

"It's either Erza-san or Natsu-san..." Stated Wendy nervously.

"I overheard Flare say that she needed magic power..."

"Yes. I overheard it as well, but....

why do they need it so badly?" Asked Wendy.

Then I suddenly thought of something that might be possible.

"Wendy, take care of Erza and Lucy. I need to go there." Then I ran out of the room.

"Jellal-san! Matte!" She shouted, but I kept running. She wants magical power. was that all?? she went through all of that....just for power??

I ran and ran and tried to remember the last time Erza smiled. Tears fell down my eyes, but I quickly wiped them.....I'll miss you Erza...

~Wendy~

Jellal left in a quick pace, but I have no idea why.

"W-Wendy!" Called Erza. She's alright now. Glad to know the medicine worked.

"Erza-san! you're awake!" I said.

"Gray and Jellal....w-where are they?"

"After Lucy came here injured." I gestured to Lucy who was lying on the bed. "She told us that Flare said If we don't give you to her..she'll kill Natsu-san. and Natsu-san is not fighting back. Then Gray-san ran to the mansion. Jellal-san looked troubled but followed after."

There was a silent pause. Erza-san looked like she had a deep train of thoughts.

"What? I have to stop them!" Erza said as she struggled to stand up and walk, but she fell to the ground.

"Erza-san! Stop! your wounds will open!"

"Wendy! I....need to stop Jellal!" She said as she cries sorrowful.

"W-Why?" I askes in nervousness.

"Jellal, why the hell would you do this?....." She whispered.

"Do what?"

She turned to me and stared at me seriously.

"Jellal......is going to take my place."

"What?? How can you be sure??" I was a bit shocked at Erza's sudden theory. Or maybe hunch.

"I just know......for some reason...I Felt it..no...I know him..He's a big idiot..He'll do that.."

At that moment I couldn't contradict what she said. Sometimes those feelings somehow becomes reality.

"I...I'll stop them!" Shouted Lucy

I turned to Lucy who, too, was struggling to stand.

"Wendy, use your magic on me!" She pleaded.

"I already did." I told her.

"Wendy, Please use your new spell."

I gasped.

"Lucy-san! No! how did you know about that spell?!" I shouted. How did she know about it? only me and Grandine know about it.

"Lucy, I've seen you practice it in the woods with polryuska."

"Lucy-san, if I did that You know wha-"

"Yes. I know. I have to give up something very important in me."

"Lucy-san, Are you sure on what you plan on doing if I heal you?"

"Yes! I caused all of this! I know how to fix all of this as well!"

At that moment. I couldn't argue.

"You know it's not your fault. and......you know how?"

She nodded. "Only I can do it...." She told me, looking worried, and sad.

"Alright. Fine. what will you........give..up..?" I asked, surrendering, a bit saddened by her sudden decision.

"I...I'll give up my memory.."

"Lucy! No! why that??" Erza suddenly shouted.

"That's my decision! It's better than giving up my heart!" She stated with teary eyes.

Erza looked worried, smiled a sad smile and nodded.

"Here I go. I'm sorry." Then Lucy's eyes glowed brighter, her skin became fair and smooth. Back to normal. Everything was enhanced. Her intelligence, Her defenses and offenses, and Her magic power increased incredibly! It's almost as if....well...You could say that she must be the strongest Wizard in Fiore.

"You're memory will be lost once you achieve your goal." I explained seriously.

She nodded.

"I'll miss you Lucy-san." She rubbed my head and smiled at me.

"You too. but I'll try to remember you. in my heart."

I smiled. "Corny line." I giggled sadly.

She giggled. "I know." Then she ran off out of the room with lighting fast! I couldn't even see her leave. She just disappeared out of thin air! It made me a bit sad to think that Lucy will forget all of what all of us had gone through.

~Lucy~

I ran and arrived at the mansion quickly.

"Lucy?" Stated Gray, surprised to see me, Glowing, alright, and different.

"Where's Jellal?"

"He went to the rooftop...but...what are you doing here? what happened to you?"

"Go back to the inn..."

"what? but Lucy-"

"Now! Wendy will explain. just go!" He hesitated for a second. Then he leaned his head on mine.

"Come back alive, alright?" Then he ran.

"I will.." I state sadly.

~Natsu~

Flare tortured me from one type of torture to another. Non-stop. I couldn't bear the pain. I could've died, but I remembered Lucy as I get whip, punched and threw down harshly. I stayed alive. Thank you for all our fun times Lucy....

"Hey! Flare!" a Man from the door shouted.

Flare paused from hitting me and turned to the man.

"and who are you? Oh! you're the one that chose to set Titania free and blonde suffer. right?"

"WHAT????" I shouted I turned to the door and saw Jellal. "Jellal..."

"Am I right?"

"What the hell are you-....." Then she snapped her fingers and showed us a scene from before.

>>Flashback<<

~Natsu~

Names kept spinning around my mind, questions that I just can't answer. Lucy or Erza? Love or Nakama? What?! Lucy! Erza! Erza died one time. Dont let that happen again! Lucy is my...she's my......

"Ten seconds! Dragon slayer!" Shouted Flare. Pressure ran through me. What should I do?! I'm not gonna let them both suffer! But If I attack, both will die, and if I don't One might die! What?!

"Ten.........nine........eight....."

"Natsu! Pick Erza! She's died once because of me! I'm not gonna let that happen again!" Shouted Lucy.

"Seven.....six.......five.....four......"

"Wait! No! Lucy! I'll find a way!"

"There's no time Natsu! Pick Erza!" Shouted

~Jellal~

I peeked through the door, and I saw......

Then out of surprise I suddenly shouted......

~Natsu~

"Three.....two...." I had to pick! No! I had to save them!

Then I heard a voice from behind.

~Jellal~

I peeked and I saw....

"ERZA!" I accidentally shouted.

~Natsu~

I heard someone shout Erza, then...

"Erza is it!" Said Flare, then she threw Erza at me.

"No! I didn't say that!"

"N-Natsu?" Then she raised Lucy really high. Then slammed her down to the ground.

>>Flashback over<<

~Jellal~

Then the scene from the past disappeared. I was shocked to realize I was the cause of Lucy's sufferings. I turned to Natsu and he was blazing with flames. His eyes were looking at me angrily. He tried to break free from Flare's grip on him like a fierce monster.

"Now you see?" She said slyly then he let go of Natsu.

"JELLAL!!!! YOU!!!" He quickly ran to me and hit me with his magic, but I dodged it everytime.

~Erza~

I put my hand on my chest and squeezed my hand on my heart.

"I hope they comeback alive...."

Wendy held my hand, reassuring me.

"They'll comeback. They are a wizard of Fairy Tail."

"And Jellal?"

"He's a friend of Fairy Tail."

"You're right.....I believe they do."

Then Wendy suddenly fell to the ground.

"Wendy! are you okay??"

She opened her eyes and looked so calm all of a sudden. "Yes! I feel.....Great!"

Then the door flew open.

"Gray?"

"What the hell is happening Wendy?"

Wendy stood up and patted her skirt.

"Something great!" Then she suddenly hit him with some sort of black forbidden magic.

"W-What?? Wendy??" Then she turned around with glowing dark purple eyes. "No....Who are you?!"

"a friend of Flare...I am Obra..."

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Hey, I hope you like it!

Been kinda busy. since mom goes to work this summer. I had to help out with the cooking, laundry and babysitting the baby. I'm lucky to have free time to write this though.

Man! I'm just really happy to see lots of comments in the comment box. I was planning on publishing this next month, but surprisingly there were a lot of comments.

♥HeartInTheKeys♥