It'd be a time when I would have to pick up my own broken pieces, use cheap glue and tape, and patch myself up with the help of those who forgot me.

That time is now, especially with life developing in my womb. With it, patching myself up will be difficult.

~

"Whoa, whoa, guys!" I shot out immediately, just before Makarov or Loke could take a shot at Cobra and Midnight, although the convicts were most definitely ready to throw down with the old man and spirit if needed. "Before you start attacking, we should explain first!" I waved my hands frantically in front of me as a form to say stop.

Loke sighed deeply, reluctantly lowering his hands.

"Well, child? I want an explanation!" Makarov was stone-faced.

"Uh, well, to sum it down, the Council is giving these guys a chance to become good and put them in my custody for a year, " I explain quickly. "It was unexpected for me as well."

Veins popped from the man's balding head as he turned his rage on the officers. "Why wasn't I notified about this, too!!!???"

"The Council forbade from mentioning it to any outsiders, Makarov. Forgive us for the inconvenience." Lahar looked at the man with a growing frown, "As you and your guild have had a...conflicting past with these men. I'm sure any other person in Fairy Tail would've killed them on sight."

Dorinbolt stepped up, "Believe us, it took a while to confirm the decision. Lucy Heartfilia was the one we decided for their guardian."

"But why Lucy? I don't know about you, but I certainly don't want my friend and key holder being cooped up with these psychos!" Loke burst out angrily.

"L-Loke..." I am unheard by the lion spirit or anyone else for that matter.

"You wanna go, pretty boy? I'll tear your throat out before you can even scream for yer momma!" Cobra growled menacingly, bearing his fangs.

I guess this triggered a memory or long lost emotion because all I felt just now, was a sudden rage and complete determination of wanting to save my apartment from absolute destruction.

"STOP!" I shout, the sheer scream scratched the insides of my esophagus.

Cobra winced at my shout. Loke froze in his shoes. Both men backed off.

"If any of you think of fighting in MY apartment, I swear, I'll carve your intestines out with a damned butcher knife!" I threatened, fisting my hands on my hips with the sternest glare I've ever mustered up.

"Now, now, child..." Crap! I completely blanked on the others being here, too! I begin to sweat nervously.

"It seems Miss Heartfilia has this completely under control, " Dorinbolt said confidently. "We'll leave it to you, and send the rest tomorrow."

And as soon as they came, they left, leaving the two convicts to lounge in my home space. Seriously? Well, I really can't complain, anyway. I'm the one who accepted to do the job.

Loke cleared his throat, coughing into his fist. "Lucy, Makarov. We must speak."

So, I'm guessing he brought Makarov here. Probably after I tried to kill the baby. Just by thinking about it, my stomach churns again. I grimace, trying not to shudder at the thought.

"Hm? Of course. This is why I came in the first place." Makarov nodded.

As we went to leave, I stop, turning back to the men lounging on the furniture. "You guys stay here, got it?" I sternly say, thrusting my index finger at the floor.

"Oh, please. I don't wanna be thrown back in that dreadful cage again, I'm not stupid enough to risk our freedom, you dummy." Midnight answered cooly and most rudely as he fingered his braid again, leaning back into the recliner.

I only was in given custody, but now, I'm starting to believe I'd kill this guy before I got paid to make him good. I sigh, inwardly and outward. I rub the bridge of my nose in annoyance before following Loke and Makarov into the dining room; it was just on the other side of the kitchen. It as incredibly small, not big enough to even hold a medium round table.

My heart hammered within my chest. Millions of thoughts flowed through my mind. What did Loke tell Makarov? What did he want to talk about? Does it concern me? Did he tell Makarov that I'm pregnant? How much did Loke tell him? I'm glad Lahar gave me that protection ring, I bet if he didn't Cobra would be having a migraine reading--er, hearing my thoughts pour into his ears like crazy.

I wring my fingers together, sweat forming and causing my hands to slide easily.

"Lucy." I couldn't tell if Makarov was trying to be serious or if he was coming out soft like he didn't want to scare me or something. "Loke has told me of a terrible act that has befallen you."

I guess he was told about it. I'm guessing that's why he came? Loke stormed into the guild and attempts to beat the crap of that bastard, of course, he'd want answers. I bite my bottom lip a little too hard and blood lightly pours onto my taste buds. The metallic taste was almost rustic.

"And I'm guessing you didn't believe him?" I cough drily. My eyes drift to the far corner.

"I'm in concern, Child, " Makarov replied. "Are you sure it was Natsu---"

"So you don't believe me?" I snap, cutting the old man off. "Why would I lie about this? What he's done to me?" That nasty lump throbs as it makes its bounce back. Please don't cry, Lucy. We just got done with this! I feel my hands curl into quivering fists.

"I need cold hard facts. I cannot punish without evidence." Makarov's response was hard and earnest.

I truly didn't want to believe he was taking Natsu's side. I mean, it's not like he was the one who was held down as someone took advantage of him.

"He raped me!" I burst-- fed up with him stalling my truth-- tears free falling. Makarov froze upon my shaken outburst, "He held me down and raped me! I'm carrying a bastard kid inside of me and he's getting jolly and comfortable with the rest of the guild! I don't know about you, but I know it was him! Who else has pink hair and a god damned scarf draped around his neck?!" With each word, my voice gets louder, and at this point, I didn't give a damn. I should unleash hell upon him, but I'd be just like him if I did.

Makarov frowns deeply, his already creased skin creases more. He folds his tiny arms over his chest, shutting his eyes for a brief moment.

"And before you say anything, I'm being sincere when I say I tried to fight my way out. He threatened to destroy my keys and spread nasty rumors that I tried what he did to me if I screamed for help or told authorities." I grit my teeth, feeling Loke's shocked gaze burning into the side of my head. "I couldn't say a word until I found out about the baby. I was scared, and I still am. I feel like Hell has finally found me, but I guess I can't say anything, though. I don't want to be seen as a harlot trying to ruin a perfectly beautiful relationship and be cast out from Fairy Tail because of him pointing his finger at me."

Neither man spoke. They were soaking up my words like a dish sponge. I couldn't tell what Makarov was thinking, I couldn't even read his expression.

"I will speak with Natsu, get his side." Was he freaking kidding me?! Fury burned within me.

"NO!" I say quickly. "He's just gonna tell you something different! Why don't you believe me?!" I cry.

"I have known Natsu for a while, I watched him grow into an incredible wizard. It is extremely difficult to find the reason for an accusation of a sinful act from him. He is a dense lad!" Makarov shoved his words right into my face.

He tries to shuffle around me. No! This can't be happening! My only grandfatherly figure truly doesn't believe me. My heart squeezed painfully. I thought better of him and he spits on my shoes!

"If I allow it, " I speak up softly, halting his short pace. "I'll provide evidence against him and let you into my memories."

"Wha--Lucy! There's no need--" I silence Loke, holding my right hand into the air.

"I mean since you clearly can't see a rape victim when you see one, I guess I'll have no other choice but let you look at my most detested memory." I grimly say.

Although the suggestion sickened me, I had to make Makarov believe me. It's stupid he believes Natsu would do no wrong to the opposite sex. I know I've only been in the guild for a year, and it only happened five weeks ago, the pain was still fresh, and my dreams were always haunted with what happened. Natsu was seemingly a dense guy, but after that, he showed me he wasn't as stupid as everyone believed him to be.

"Well? Say something! Anything!" I anxiously strain myself.

If he looked into my mind, then maybe he'd believe me, and if he still didn't, then maybe he wasn't ever gonna be convinced.

I honestly feel like he's saying I wasn't. I ought to know if I was raped or not. I mean, it's not like I wasn't a virgin. I didn't feel pain at all! See my sarcasm? (Sorry if this was a little aggressive!)

"If you insist that Natsu is the culprit, then I suppose I haven't any other alternative," Makarov said, finally turning toward me.

"Lucy--"

"Please, Loke." I whimper, my knees becoming weak with anxiety. "I don't want to be believed as a liar."