Chapter 43: Come Back To Me

                                    

                                          
Come Back To Me
                          
I stiffened and turned slowly around. "No!" I screamed as the ice around Natsu started to glow a red and orange color. I crossed my arms over my face, leaped backwards, and landed on my feet, just as the ice exploded all around us.
                          
I looked up just as Natsu ,took a staggering step forward. He lifted up his head and his hair was covering his eyes from view. He cocked his head to the right and without warning, he flew at us.
                          
He came at me first and I leaped off the ground. I flipped over him and landed behind him. "Block him in!" I yelled to the boys. We all surrounded him and Natsu was caught in the middle.
                          
His head darted around as he eyed us all. He went for Sting next and to my horror Sting went for his Magic. His hands started to glow off white as he faced Natsu.
                          
I didn't even think.
                          
I was between the two of them before Sting could blink. I grabbed his fist and with my other hand, grabbed the collar of Natsu's vest. I pushed him away from me and turned to Sting.
                          
I dropped his wrist and muttered, "We are NOT using Magic on him."
Sting let out a breath and nodded.
                          
Natsu snarled and clawed the air around him. I turned to Gajeel, "Gajeel! Get the Exceeds and Levy out of here!" He looked like he was about to argue, "NOW!" I ordered.
                          
Gajeel gave me a look then started to run out of the cave with Levy in his arms. "Sting-Kun! I want to stay with you and help you fight!" Lector cried as Fro agreed, "We're not leaving!"
Sting and Rogue glanced at their Exceeds then to me.
                          
I glanced to them then to Natsu. I swallowed thickly and pointed to where Gajeel had gone. "Go!" I yelled at them, but I didn't take my eyes off of Natsu.
                          
"Freya..." Sting started but I cut him off with a smirk, "Go, Sting. I got this." Out of the corner of my eye I saw the two Dragon Slayers nod and pick up their Exceeds. Once they had gone I mumbled, "I got this, Natsu. I got you."
                          
We eyed each other as we circled one another.
                          
"Fight me!" 
                          
As we circled one another flashbacks of our time together began to appear in my mind.
                          
"Did I do something wrong?"
                          
"He does that to everyone."
                          
"Let's fight again sometime."
                          
We both ran at one another.
                          
"Natsu you have to stay here okay?"
                          
"I also can't let you fight that bastard alone."
                          
"I don't want you to get hurt."
                          
He cared if I got hurt?
                          
Natsu and I clashed together.
                          
"Thanks, Fey!"
                          
We stared into each other's eyes as we exchanged blows.
                          
What was this strange feeling that I had?
                          
I dodged a kick and came back with a spinning kick.
                          
I had protected him...without thinking I had protected him...
                          
I screamed when his fist connected with my stomach.
                          
...and I knew that I would do it again in a heartbeat...
                          
With a screech I grabbed his shoulders and brought my knee up.
                          
"I'm keeping you warm..."