Lucy's relentless search through ancient texts led her to a discovery that sent chills down her spine. Hidden within the pages of an old, tattered book, she found references to a dark power—far more dangerous than Zeref. The descriptions were vague, yet the underlying threat was clear. This force had been dormant for centuries, waiting for the right moment to reawaken. As she pieced together fragments of forgotten lore, Lucy's anxiety grew, and she became increasingly unsure whether to confide in Natsu and the others.
In the guild, Gray, Juvia, Wendy, Carla, and Levy began to notice Lucy's distress. She had become distant, her usual warmth replaced by a preoccupied demeanor. Concerned, they decided to approach her. Gray, always the first to confront a problem head-on, gently asked her what was troubling her. But instead of opening up, Lucy snapped, her voice sharp with frustration.
["Back off, Gray!"] she shouted, her emotions bubbling to the surface. But as soon as the words left her mouth, regret washed over her.
She quickly apologized, her eyes pleading for understanding.
["I'm sorry. It's just…nightmares. Nightmares about the 100 Years Quest. Nothing more."]
With that, Lucy left in a hurry, leaving her friends in a mix of worry and confusion. Juvia, understanding that Lucy wants some time, suggested they give her some space.
["She'll come to us when she's ready,"] she reassured Gray and the others, though her own concern was evident in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Jellal and Erza had been quietly observing Lucy's behavior. Jellal, with his keen intuition, sensed the unease that radiated from her. ["She's been anxious since she came back,"] he noted, his gaze following Lucy as she left the guild.
["I've noticed too,"] Erza replied, her brow furrowed with concern. She decided to speak with Natsu, knowing that if anyone could reach Lucy, it would be him. Approaching Natsu, she gently relayed her concerns. ["Natsu, something's bothering Lucy. She needs reassurance, and I think you're the best person to give it to her."]
At first, Natsu seemed puzzled. ["Why are you telling me to go?"] he asked, scratching his head. But as Erza's words sank in, his expression softened, and he nodded. ["Alright, I'll talk to her."]
As Natsu prepared to seek out Lucy, Erik (Cobra) entered the guild with urgent news. He headed straight for Master Laxus, Jellal, and Erza, his face serious. ["I've found something about the disappearances and the threat looming over Fiore,"] he began, his voice low. He then shared his findings, detailing a connection between the disappearances and an ancient prophecy about the awakening of titans.
Jellal, who had been researching the origins of Farris, the white mage, chimed in.
["I came across an old text that mentions a time when the titans will awaken once again. This prophecy is cryptic, but it's clear that something catastrophic is on the horizon."]
Master Laxus, Erza, and Jellal discussed the implications of this discovery. Mira, always curious, asked,
["But what's the connection between the disappearances, the titans, and us?"]
Sawyer (Racer) stepped forward, revealing additional information.
["We found a link—there's something about a special celestial mage being the key to this prophecy. But it's not just any celestial mage. It's one with both fairy and dark magic."]
Erza's eyes widened at this revelation. ["But there are only two celestial mages in the world now—Lucy and Yukino. Neither of them has fairy or dark magic, just celestial magic."]
Master, deep in thought, added, ["Fairy magic was First Master, Mavis's power, and dark magic was Zeref's. No one has those powers now…or so we thought."]
Jellal's expression grew more serious. ["That's the concerning part. We don't have all the clues, but we do know that Lucy might be in danger."]
Erza, ever the protector, immediately responded,
["It's not going to happen. Lucy has Natsu, and she has all of us. We won't let anything happen to her."]
The guild members nodded in agreement, but Laxus, always cautious, issued a warning.
["We should still be careful. Sawyer, I need you to warn Sabertooth about this and make sure Yukino is protected. And let's alert the other guilds as well. We can't take any chances."]
As the guild mobilized to prepare for the potential threat, Lucy was unaware of the discussions happening behind her back. She continued her research, determined to uncover the truth and protect her friends, even if it meant keeping dangerous secrets. The weight of her newfound knowledge bore heavily on her, and she knew that sacrifices would have to be made to keep those she loved safe.