Chapter 11: The Unseen Path

The guild moved swiftly, their faces etched with determination as they prepared for the search. Each member understood the stakes, and their resolve was unwavering.

Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Wendy stood near the guild hall's entrance, the weight of their mission clear on their faces. The urgency of finding Lucy was palpable, and they were ready to face whatever lay ahead. Gray approached Natsu, placing a hand on his shoulder.

["Natsu, are you sure you're ready?"] Gray's voice was steady, though concern lingered beneath. ["I know this is hard on you. But did you at least get to tell Lucy how you feel? Did you say what you wanted to?"]

Natsu nodded, his expression a mix of determination and sorrow. ["I told her how much I love her, how special she is to me… but she still chose to leave."] His voice faltered, a hint of anger and sadness creeping in. ["She thought she was a burden to me, to everyone. She didn't think about how we'd feel if something happened to her. But I'm not giving up on her. Even if she doesn't love me back, I won't let her go somewhere that isn't her home."]

Gray gave him a reassuring nod. ["Nothing will happen to her, Natsu. We'll find her before anything can go wrong."]

Wendy stepped forward, her face full of concern. ["Natsu, we'll be moving fast, so I'll cast a Troya spell on you. It'll help with any motion sickness and keep you steady."] She touched his arm gently, casting the spell, her eyes filled with worry. ["Please, be careful."]

Natsu managed a small smile, appreciating the gesture. ["Thanks, Wendy. We'll be okay. We have to be."]

Erza then addressed the group, her voice firm and commanding. ["We'll split into teams. Natsu, Gray, Wendy, Happy,Carla and I will head east, following the path Lucy is likely to take. Gajeel, Levy, and Lily will take the northern route to investigate the villages where the disturbances were reported. Laxus, you lead the others to secure Magnolia and ensure no further threats arise here. Jellal, Meredy, and the others from Crime Sorcière will visit our allied guilds, explain the situation, and warn them of the potential threat. If they see Lucy, they should contact us immediately. And Levy, leave Emma with Bisca and Asuka. She'll be safe here."]

Laxus nodded, his expression grim. ["We'll hold the fort. You focus on finding Lucy and bringing her back."]

As the teams prepared to depart, Master Makarov called out, his voice heavy with concern. ["Be careful, all of you. We don't fully understand what we're dealing with, but it's powerful. Don't take unnecessary risks."]

Natsu clenched his fists, his resolve unwavering. ["We'll find her, Master. No matter what it takes."]

With that, the guild members set off in their respective directions, determined to bring Lucy back safely.

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One week had passed since Lucy left the guild. She had been careful to avoid places where she might encounter any of her friends, knowing they would be searching for her. Her journey had taken her across Fiore and beyond, and now she was on a boat bound for Alvarez. The sea was calm, but her mind was turbulent with thoughts and fears.

Standing at the rail, Lucy stared out at the horizon. The familiar landscape of Alvarez was drawing nearer, a place that was both alien and oddly significant. This land, once ruled by Natsu's brother, Zeref, held echoes of her past encounters and hinted at a path she felt compelled to follow. Her intuition told her this was where she needed to be, though she couldn't fully explain why.

As she drifted further from Fiore, her heart felt heavier. She wondered if she'd ever be able to return home again.

The boat finally docked, and Lucy stepped onto the land of Alvarez, her heart racing with anticipation and dread. She hesitated, unsure of where to go next, but then remembered Ajeel, the current King, and his grandfather, Yajeel. They were good people who had established strong relations with Fiore after Ajeel took the throne.

["Maybe they can help,"] Lucy thought. ["If anyone knows about my magic or has something useful, it's them."]

As she wandered through the capital city, she marveled at its beauty. The citizens were laughing and smiling, a testament to Ajeel's kind rule. Just as she began to feel at ease, a familiar voice called out to her.

["Lucy Heartfilia?"]

Lucy froze. That voice—it was chillingly familiar, one that had once sought to end her life. Slowly, she turned around to face none other than Dimaria Yesta.

["Dimaria?! What are you doing here?"] Lucy asked, unable to hide her shock.

Dimaria smirked. ["What am I doing here? This is my home country, you know. But what are you doing here? And where's your little monster boyfriend?"]

Lucy stiffened at the remark. ["Monster? Natsu isn't a monster. He's human. And he's not my boyfriend, okay?"]

Dimaria's smirk widened. ["Oh, right. He's not a wild monster... he's your tamed one, huh?"]

Lucy blushed furiously, her embarrassment evident. ["Geez, stop it already!"]

Before Dimaria could continue her teasing, a second voice came from behind Lucy.

["Dimaria, I told you not to wander off... Wait—Lucy?!"]

It was Brandish, her expression a mix of surprise and concern.

["Brandish! You're here too?"] Relief washed over Lucy, but it was short-lived as a sudden wave of exhaustion hit her. Her vision blurred, and she swayed on her feet.

["Lucy, what are you doing here? Did you come for Aquarius's key? I told you I was—"] Brandish's words were cut off as Lucy collapsed into Dimaria's arms.

["Whoa! What happened? Why'd she faint?"] Dimaria asked, her earlier teasing tone replaced by genuine concern.

["Let's get her to the castle,"] Brandish suggested, her worry evident. ["We can ask questions later."]

As Lucy's consciousness faded, she caught a glimpse of Brandish's worried face. A sense of relief washed over her as she realized she was in good hands. The last thing she remembered before everything went dark was feeling grateful that she had met them both today.