Warning: Errors and language.

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Disclaimer: Fairy Tail and Naruto are awesome works of Mashima Hiro and Kishimoto Masashi respectively.

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Chapter XVII: The Arrival

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"We are just trying to make this world a better place, even if it costs the lives of the people from other worlds. And just because there are things you think are wrong doesn't mean they aren't right as well. I hope you try to understand us more, Lucy."

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"M-Madara?"

She paused.

No, not quite.

The man wasn't Madara. No. Not at all.

Lucy couldn't feel any sinister aura from this man. And if this was Madara… he would have made his move already upon seeing her. But… he didn't. Also, he really felt familiar… though in what way she still didn't know. Who was he? Had she met him before?

The dark figure moved and reached out a hand towards her. Instinctively, Lucy backed off a few steps, snatching Capricorn's key from her key holder at the same time.

She was about to call her spirit when she realized that the man wasn't being hostile towards her… at least, in that very moment.

Calming herself down a bit but not her guard, she analysed the situation. She noticed that the man looked like he was reaching for her. Really reaching for her.

She still didn't know if this man was an enemy or not — she was still thinking if he was a wizard like her — but, strangely as it may seem, he looked like he needed some… help? Help about something. She didn't know.

She was suddenly confused.

And then, suddenly, the magical energy surrounding the man intensified and he gasped out loud, as if he just received a punch in the stomach. Lucy frowned. This strong magical energy was indeed coming from this man but she was more than certain that he wasn't the source of it. Feeling anxious, she prepared herself for the worst.

Worried that the man could be in danger, Lucy returned the key back to her key holder and approached the man. And as soon as her hand made contact with his, the strong magical energy in the air disappeared in instant, as if it has never been there.

Lucy blinked, perplexed. 'What… the hell just happened?'

The man's breathing finally eased. It seemed like the man was not in immediate danger anymore.

"..."

The man was silent and he was not moving. Lucy wondered ridiculously if the man was still alive… until she realized that she was within the Akatsuki headquarters and this man might be a member of said criminal organization.

And she just helped him… and willingly, at that.

Crap.

The man seemed like he felt her realization as he grabbed her arm suddenly—which made her squeaked in sudden surprise—and managed to gasp out a soft, "don't."

Naturally, Lucy would already be thrashing to break free from him even if he told her not to—actually, she would not even consider listening to him.

However, there was something about this man which made her rethink her actions.

…although she was fully aware that she might regret it afterwards.

…which she was sure she will.

And once their eyes met for the second time, Lucy realized that something definitely not good was bound to happen.

All she could do was prepare for it.

XXXXX

Tsunade nodded once and the ANBU beside her disappeared silently just in time there were knocks on the door of her office. Granting them permission, the first to enter was a frowning Naruto, to be followed by the ever-smiling Sai. This was not surprising but the 'other people' who came next after the two did not fail to astound her. Gray and Natsu followed next and Tsunade raised an eyebrow upon seeing their visible bruises.

Kakashi Hatake popped at her window. As usual.

Ignoring the copy-nin, Tsunade gave her new arrived guests a resolute look each. They were as strange as the other two, no wonder. She wondered, though, what their abilities were. Well, she could really test that now, couldn't she?

"I see that Sakura isn't with you today," Tsunade began lightly. The unasked question was directed to Kakashi but surprisingly Naruto was the one to answer her.

"Eh," the bijuu container started, seemingly and suddenly uncertain, "for some reasons, she has to go to the hospital."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow at this.

"It's a valid reason, though—I think," Naruto pushed unnecessarily and a bit panicky. "It's not like—one of these wizards accidentally incapacitated one of our ninjas for asking about his facial design preferences, you know…"

Tsunade face palmed. Kakashi and Laxus merely chuckled while Erza sighed tiredly.

"You forgot the word mockingly, boy," Gajeel growled lowly but the look Erza was giving him kept him from lashing out. "That fucker was asking mockingly…"

Naruto was unsure. "Eh, what he says…"

The Hokage sighed. She should have seen this coming. Actually, she did see it coming but still… "So, I guess the idiots are not only limited in this world, huh."

Gajeel would have retorted back but he felt some powerful aura coming from this woman so he decided to just shut his mouth. Additionally, he inflicted enough pain to the poor ninja who mocked him so he already spent some good amount of angry energy. That settled it.

He would just have to deal with one angry pink haired medic later.

Erza then introduced herself and the other three men she was with. After this, the atmosphere inside the room suddenly became tensed, and the source was the blond woman sitting behind her desk.

"I'll cut to

the chase," she started, clasping her fingers in her usual pose. "Your comrades, three of them, are currently in the hands of the Kazekage, the leader of an allied village so you can all stop worrying."

"…"

"Apparently, when your comrade — Jellal — traced Lucy Heartfilia's magic traces, she was fortunately within the Wind Country with two Akatsuki members," Tsunade's honey eyes flickered slightly towards Naruto before she locked gaze with Erza once again. "After the attack, Jellal and his 'team' revealed themselves. He explained the situation to Lord Gaara and Lord Gaara had sent me a letter right away regarding this."

"…Is Gaara's village okay?" Naruto asked after a moment, worry was evident in his voice. He knew that the Akatsuki was in Suna for something. But the fact that he met Lucy there made him decide to get back to Konoha as soon as possible to tell Natsu and Gray the news. If it weren't for this fact, he would have aid Suna whether the Kazekage or the Hokage likes it or not. Naruto, as surprising as it may sound, was able to weigh the importance of a problem. In his early days, he would act without thinking. He might have done the same now. But experiences taught him to consider things first. Especially now that other worlds were involved.

"Yes," Tsunade answered after a few heartbeats. "Although Suna received some casualties, the Kazekage reassured us that his village and his people would be just fine. In fact," her voice dropped a few octaves and her honey eyes narrowed ever so slightly, "Lord Gaara wanted us to take immediate action against the Akatsuki with the help of the wizards."

Silence. So, Tsunade continued.

"Lord Gaara has suggested that Suna and Konoha would assemble a team consisting of ninjas and wizards to deal with the Akatsuki personally. He already had the consent of Jellal regarding this matter."

Silence.

But Kakashi broke it after a few seconds. "Eh, why Suna and Konoha?" All eyes turned towards the copy-nin. "I mean, would it be better if we gather all hidden villages?"

Naruto nodded. Their success rate of exterminating Akatsuki would be higher if their force was stronger. They could overwhelm the criminal organization with numbers.

Tsunade sighed, having expected this question. "Kakashi, don't voice out unnecessary questions."

Kakashi merely chuckled and scratched the back of his head sheepishly.

"Eh," Naruto blinked, suddenly confused. "Kakashi-sensei makes sense, 'baa-chan. I mean, the stronger the better, right? We can take down Akatsuki if we have the other villages supporting us."

Tsunade once more sighed and threw an annoyed glance towards Kakashi. "Is this the reason why you asked such ridiculous questions?"

Kakashi once again chuckled.

Tsunade refrained from sighing for the third time. "Because," she uttered as a matter-of-factly, "we couldn't have more villages be involved in this matter anymore, Naruto."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because we suspect that other hidden villages are supporting the Akatsuki, remember?"

"…"

"And we couldn't risk information leak. As much as possible, we should limit the number of people who would be aware of this matter. That's why Lord Gaara would never let the world know the recent incident about the Akatsuki," Tsunade pulled out a scroll from one of the hidden compartments of her table. "And this is why I am declaring this as a highly classified mission that only the people in this room plus several others that Lord Gaara and I approve will know."

The atmosphere inside the room suddenly became tenser.

"Lord Gaara has also stated that your comrades would stay in Suna for the meantime," this statement was directed to Erza and Tsunade received a firm nod from the Re-Equip Mage. "Now that the information needed to be disclosed is finally disclosed, let's get to the exciting part." There was a strange shine in Tsunade's eyes as she eyed the wizards. "Let me see how strong you all are, Earthlanders."

XXXXX

"Thank you," the man beside her said after a few moments of silence. Lucy finally broke eye contact with him, quite shocked at the sound of his deep voice.

Not knowing what to respond – she was also quite shocked that he was not being hostile towards her, or as she suspected him to be – Lucy asked a question instead, no matter how cliché it sounded. "…Are you okay?"

"I am now," the man answered right after, his voice strong and calculated. He heaved a deep sigh and Lucy settled beside him on the cold floor as she slowly pulled her hand from his grasp. "How do you know I was here?"

Lucy was reminded of the incident with Cobra — which was, in fact, the very reason she was here and she smiled wryly at the memory. "I felt something and thought I should take a look at it."

"…"

"I felt magic," she confessed after a moment, observing the man's reaction closely. When the man did not answer, she continued. "Although I felt two types of magic… I wonder why that is…" She trailed off as she tried to recall the moment.

"…"

"You," she began, neck tilting in his direction. Once their eyes met again, she stared intently at him as she muttered her next words quietly but firmly, "don't happen to be a wizard, do you?"

There was a short pause.

Surprisingly for Lucy, she received a light-hearted chuckle from the man.

"I don't suppose you do," she said instead, furrowing her eyebrows in confusion. "So, you're implying you are from this world?"

There was no answer again.

Feeling slightly irritated, she pushed. "Who are you?"

"…Take a guess."

She frowned visibly, not liking that kind of response.

"I am one of the handful people from this world you've met before."

She blinked suddenly at that.

"But I guess, you won't remember who I am… since I've only met you once."

"…"

"And that was way back in your world."

Confusion rendered her silent. She processed his words in her mind as doubts and thoughts racked her brain.

'What is he saying? I've met him once? In Earthland? Is he a wizard? No, he said that he's one of the people from this world… But he has magic with him! Although it was so faint… still, who is this guy? More importantly, what's with the strong magic earlier? I think I've felt it before but—'

"I am actually the one who brought you here."

All thoughts froze as Lucy stared back at the man who was already staring at her with his lone crimson eye. That was also when she realized that the entire left side of the man's face was scarred.

"I'm Obito, but," he paused, seemingly unsure, before adding, "I go by the name Tobi now."

XXXXX

Sakura was currently attending to the unfortunate ninja who mockingly teased Gajeel's facial designs earlier when a sudden explosion shocked the whole hospital she was in. The explosion was so loud she swore everybody felt it. Checking the ninja one last time and telling the guy that the injury would completely heal in one week max, she strode off towards the source of the explosion, feeling suddenly alarmed. To the training grounds.

Training Grounds

Laxus jumped off backwards, his body was pulsating with his infamous golden electricity. However, it was noticeable that his body was covered in cuts and bruises. Also, he was panting heavily as his fierce gaze was directed to the one who managed to not keep up with him but also beat the heck out of him.

"You're quite strong, boy," Tsunade spoke from a distance, placing a hand over her hip and smirking. The earth around her was shattered to pieces but the spot where she stood was completely fine at all. She evaded all of the dragon slayer's attacks and she also managed to return some of hers.

However, Laxus did not only fail to land any of his attacks but he couldn't completely dodge the attacks directed to him, as well. For someone with a figure not fitting for a fighter, Tsunade was on a different level. Do all people from this world fight like this, he wondered. But Laxus was not complaining. He was really, really excited for it.

"And your ability is really something," Tsunade continued, shifting her weight in her other foot in a casual manner, like she was never in a fight at all. "But, I guess… It is common knowledge that electricity is weak against earth… no matter what world you live in. Ain't that right, boy?"

Laxus glared at her but an excited grin replaced the frown on his face.

Gajeel shivered a bit at the sight in front of her. "What's wrong with that woman? She's strong as fuck!" It was not every day for Gajeel to witness a strong woman play the ground like it was nothing. Also, it was not every day for Gajeel to witness someone beating up the Laxus Dreyar, not to mention, a woman.

"Well," Kakashi who was reading his favourite book on his favourite spot uttered nonchalantly. "She wouldn't be the leader of this village if she is not that strong…"

Naruto and Natsu were cheering from the side while Sai was standing beside them, smiling as usual. Rogue was standing not so far away from Gajeel and was watching the fight intensely, as well as Gray. Erza was doing the same, but seeing some female power made her so fired up. She was grinning at the sight, actually.

"I bet the old man wouldn't stand a chance," Gajeel muttered, now talking about the former guild master Macarov. He watched in awe as Tsunade deflected Laxus' dragon roar and managed to close off their distance in a blink of an eye. For the wizards, it was quite the shock to see someone beat the Laxus Dreyar when it comes to speed.

Gray whistled, very impressed.

Never leaving his eyes off the intense fight, Rogue scowled a little bit. "Low faith in their guild masters… That is some Fairy Tail guilder to you…"

"Gajeel might be right," Erza butted in, but her tone was light. Rogue threw her a surprised expression; Gray smirked at him in return. "That is, if we consider that Miss Tsunade is an ally. It would be a friendly fight…"

'An ally, huh,' Rogue then suddenly remembered the infamous magic of Macarov… the Fairy Law.

"So, unless he is not an enemy, your leader wouldn't take a fight seriously?" It was Kakashi who asked. "Sorry to be interrupting you so suddenly…"

"Don't mind it," Erza answered. "But Master Macarov is someone who likes to mess around with women. However, unless you're an enemy, gender be damned, Master can definitely send you to hell."

Kakashi blinked once, feeling the oozing confidence behind the Re-equip Mage's voice. 'Huh, so they have more faith in their leader than anyone else, I see. How strong is their bond, I wonder…'

"I know someone who's so like that," this time, it was Naruto who interjected. The copy-nin and the female warrior shot him a look, urging him to go on. Gray was silently listening, as well as Natsu. And so, Naruto did continue, "I mean, the pervy sage fits that description. Won't you agree, Kakashi-sensei?"

The man in question did not answer but he graced them with a light-hearted chuckle. The rest wondered who Jiraiya was until —

"What," a female voice suddenly was heard not so far away from them. It was noticeable that she went here by running because of how heavy she was gasping, "is happening here?!"

All eyes turned towards the source — even the fighters themselves — and found the pinkette gasping for air. She was intensely looking at the almost beaten up Laxus and her shishou. For a newcomer like her, if someone could see the scene in front of her, one would think that a very serious battle was happening, not to mention, with the Hokage.

All those who can detect chakra —Gray included — could feel her chakra pulsating wildly within her. Gray whistled, impressed at the amount of chakra she possessed.

"Eh, Sakura-chan?" Naruto, anxious with the sudden appearance of his best friend, approached Sakura albeit he was a bit hesitant.

"Naruto," Sakura straightened her posture, never leaving her eyes off the bruised Laxus and his apparent opponent, her Tsunade-shisou. "Explain the situation."

"Eh? Uhh," unsure, and a bit of confused about Sakura's abrupt and silent rage, Naruto offered a short answer, "Spiky hair is currently sparring with 'baa-chan. She mentioned about witnessing their strength personally and such… is something the matter, Sakura-chan?"

The medic blinked and, after a short silence, managed to utter an unsure, "Eh?" She was now looking back and forth at Naruto and the fighters on the field.

Tsunade smirked towards her apprentice, taking her eyes off Laxus for a moment. "What's the big fuss all about, Sakura?"

The medic in question had a dumbfounded look on her face. "You're sparring?" The look Tsunade gave her confirmed it. Ugh, now she felt stupid for reacting too much. "Just sparring?" She would have facepalmed but instead, she closed her eyes and sighed deeply. "Can you not tone it down a little? Your 'sparring' was kind of disturbing the patients in the hospital, you know," she stressed the word 'kind of' tiredly, pinching the bridge of her nose in the process.

Tsunade was about to retort back but a sudden thud interrupted her and, looking towards the source, she found Laxus on the ground, sitting and panting heavily. 'Huh, he stood far longer than I thought he would…'

Sakura was quick in her feet as she appeared beside the dragon slayer, kneeling in front of him and checking for any injuries. Finding none life threatening, she applied soothing chakra on Laxus' back and shoulders instead to relieve some muscle pain, her hands glowing that usual mint colour. "Are all dragon slayers like you like to exhaust your strength up to the last drop?" She scolded with a low voice. Really, it was like she was scolding a genin.

Laxus sighed lowly at the feeling of her chakra against his worn-out body. Damn, this was really comforting. Amused, he threw her a smirk, letting the medic do her job. "Well, in our world, dragons are proud beings. We fought to death, no matter who our enemy is."

The pinkette scoffed. "Yeah, right."

"Are you ninja people not the same?" The dragon slayer added right away. "I bet you know how that felt."

Of course, she knew how that felt. But she would not voice her thoughts out loud. That would be unnecessary. "Anyway, just conserve your energy for the time being. We can't let you having dry because of your fighting spirit and whatnot. We are, after all, in a critical situation."

Laxus could just hum nonchalantly in agreement.

"How's he?" Tsunade asked, now standing behind the pinkette. From the looks of it, the blond woman didn't look like she had been in a brawl. Not at all. Gray, from a distance, could still feel her oozing and yet stable chakra. Perhaps, she did not use chakra at all. Just brute strength.

The others approached them as well, with Natsu and Gajeel mocking the lightning dragon slayer — the former being harsher and the latter being quite timid. Gray was smirking while Sai and Erza were smiling. Rogue was following behind with an amused expression in his usually stoic face.

"Nothing serious. Just exhausted to death," Sakura answered with a frowning expression. Seeing that Laxus did not need any more assistance, she withdrew her hands and the green light they're emitting was gone.

Naruto reached a hand and pulled Sakura to her feet.

"Sorry to say this but I have to cut our free time," the Hokage stated, throwing a glance towards the direction of the Hokage Tower. "I would be assessing the abilities of the others, but since I have a village to run and all, I will leave this to Kakashi," she said it wearily and both Sakura and Naruto sweat dropped at the remark. "The boy is strong," she was now pertaining to Laxus. "He has massive potential so you better think of some ways how we can bring that potential out, Kakashi."

The copy-nin in question sighed tiredly. 'Ah, more jobs…'

"Not only him, but the others, as well," Tsunade continued, smirking at Kakashi's reaction like he would like to protest but he knew he could not. "Remember the grave situation we're in. Time is our enemy right now and we have to move efficiently. But now, the things I can do are limited," she stressed the last word with a serious look and the others understood her right away, "but I will provide you all the support and assistance you need. I will be informing the Kazekage about our progress. And so, I am leaving this in your care, Kakashi."

Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. He didn't really have any choice, did he? "Yes, yes, Hokage-sama."

"Good," the blond lady nodded. "And since this is classified, I have to conceal you first," and by 'you' Tsunade meant the people from the other world. "And I just happen to know where you all should live for the meantime. Also, you can train as well in secret and nobody would ever find you out."

"…And where could that be, shishou?"

"Well… there was this abandoned residential area in the northern part of the village and civilians were too frightened to approach said place so your safety from being found out is secure," Tsunade explained. There was a strange shine in her eyes that Sakura didn't fail to notice. "And thus, I appoint all the wizards plus Kakashi to temporarily accommodate the Uchiha residence for the time being."

XXXXX

"What, Tobi? And more importantly, what do you mean by you're the one who brought me to this world? Wasn't it Madara?" To say that Lucy was confused was an understatement. Thoughts ran wild in her head and she didn't know what to analyze first. But, in the end, all she could mutter was a soft and uncertain, "who really are you?"

Tobi was silent for a moment, as if he was in deep thoughts. Then, he placed a hand over the part of his face which was scarred and sighed deeply. "Lucy," he called out instead of answering her question. "I must tell you something."

Albeit unsure, Lucy urged him on. "…What is it?"

"I am still torn whether to tell Madara about this but since you are from the world of the wizards, you ought to know," Tobi confessed, his voice was thick with some strong emotions Lucy couldn't tell what.

And upon feeling the heaviness of his words, Lucy's heart clenched a bit in sudden dreadful anticipation.

"I," he started, now locking gaze with the celestial wizard with his lone, red eye, "may have brought the manifestation of chaos to this world."

She froze. Manifestation of chaos…?

"And… it almost killed me had you not come for me on time…" If Lucy had known better, she would have noticed that Tobi's voice was slightly quivering.

Almost killed him? …What could it be?

"That sinister aura, that cold, sinister aura… it felt like it could kill me with just a mere touch of it…" Tobi continued, not caring whether Lucy was listening or not.

And then suddenly… Lucy remembered it.

"That cold aura… it felt so cold and yet it felt like I was being burned alive…"

That incident which also almost killed her.

"It was consuming me from the inside…"

Lucy was so deep in her thoughts that she didn't notice that the man beside her started to shiver as he wrapped his arms around his body when he recalled the events from earlier. But she continued to listen to him, as if she, too, just experienced the exact same thing as him.

"It embraced me," Tobi went on, his voice kind of rough. "It wrapped itself around my body."

Lucy, too, recalled the feeling.

"It was sickening… The moment it made contact with me, it… it started to scorch me…"

Yes, she knew that feeling. She felt how he felt. That dreadful feeling.

"And then suddenly, it just became… painful. So painful."

'It hurts… It hurts so much…' She remembered her own word from that time.

"I don't know what was happening. That time, that torture… it made me so helpless…"

'Help… Help me...'

"It made me so hopeless… The pain… it became too much… And then…"

"Somebody, please, kill me already… It hurts so much… Let me die…"

Tobi paused and turned towards her. He found her hugging her knees and she was slightly shaking.

Lucy didn't realize that she said that out loud. Feeling the guy's heavy gaze on her, she looked at him straight in the eye and softly said, "I felt the same thing."

"…"

"It is just like what you've said," Lucy continued, still recalling the events from before. "That thing almost killed me, as well. If it wasn't for Hidan, I might have been —," she paused, dropping her head in the valley of her knees, "dead."

The memory terrified Lucy up until now. She did not tell this to Cobra. She didn't tell it to anyone. Because she tried to forget about it. And she didn't have to. But she was alive. That was what really matter to her. And then, somebody suffered the same as well. And now, she remembered the incident as clearly as if it just happened a few moments ago.

"What is it," she raised her head only to lock gaze with Tobi, her expression was begging for answers. "What exactly did you bring to this world?" She asked slowly.

"I don't know yet," was Tobi's fast response. "It is not like I brought that here directly." Yes, he knew that he didn't bring that sinister being here in this world at will. However, the fact remained. The fact that he gave that being the door towards this world…

"What do you mean?"

"I placed several hidden portals in your world so I can travel back and forth without too much of a hassle. However, each portal will dissipate in three or four days because chakra cannot live independently in your world. One of my portals has opened without my consent a few days ago. And it was used by someone from your own world. He used my portal to travel here and as soon as he set foot in this world, that thing happened," and by thing he meant the terrifying incident which almost killed him.

What caught Lucy's attention was not the fact that some wizard managed to trespass this world but the fact that it happened several days earlier. "…So, you've been suffering from that since days ago?" Lucy couldn't imagine the feeling of suffering from that torture for days. That would be hell.

"I think it was not meant to kill me," Tobi answered, more to himself than to her. "It was meant to torment me. That is what I think."

"…"

"It is like a curse," Obito then stood up abruptly.

Instinctively, Lucy grabbed his hand to stop him. "Where are you going?"

"I have to discuss this to Madara. We have to stop that thing."

Then, all of the sudden, Lucy felt angry upon hearing his reply. "But you're the one who brought that thing in this world."

"Yes, and I shall take the responsibility of stopping that thing and saving this world."

Lucy almost laughed when he said 'saving' but she refrained from doing so. She almost forgot that this guy was a member of this evil organization. The very organization who made her suffer… who made Natsu and Gray suffer. And now that she was conversing with the person who actually brought her here, Lucy's rage was finally released. It also included the mixed emotions she felt upon realizing that this man, Obito or Tobi or whatever name it is, was the sole reason why she almost died before.

"Lucy, I must go."

Lucy stood up as well, never letting go of the man's hand. Instead, she grabbed it tightly. "If you didn't kidnap us all, then it wouldn't be happening to this world!"

"…"

"This is what you've got for trying to mess with other worlds and achieve your evil deeds! Don't you think that you actually deserve this punishment?"

"…"

"None of this will happen if you didn't —"

"I completely understand why you are saying that, Lucy," Tobi cut her off, his voice was low and cold. "But if you think that we are doing this because you simply think we are evil, then I may have completely misunderstood you," he pulled his arm away a bit forcefully and gave Lucy a piercing gaze. "We are just trying to make this world a better place, even if it costs the lives of the people from other worlds." With that being said, the tomoe in Tobi's red eye began to swirl wildly.

Ah, that sight was rather familiar…

"Don't go!" Lucy tried to reach for Tobi's arm but she realized that she couldn't touch it. Illusion? "Wait!"

"And just because there are things you think are wrong doesn't mean they aren't right as well. I hope you try to understand us more, Lucy," and then, Tobi vanished from her sight.

Lucy clenched her fists and bit her lower lip in extreme frustration. Frustration towards Tobi. Frustration towards the situation she was in. Frustration towards herself. "And what does that even mean…? Why do you have to drag us in this?"

Why do we have to suffer from this all?

Why do we have to suffer with you?

With those questions in her mind, Lucy couldn't do anything but let her emotions out once again.

Because this time, she really didn't have any idea what to do anymore.

XXXXX

He clicked his tongue in slight annoyance when the connection cut off once again. The first connection he did a few days ago was cut off, too. But paying it no heed, he made himself more comfortable on the grass he was currently lying on. Gazing up towards the blue sky, he marvelled the cold breeze brought by the northern winds. He sighed in contentment.

'This is not quite bad,' he thought as a particularly shaped cloud shaded him temporarily from the blazing sun, 'It is quite the same.'

It is exactly what he said. Upon arriving in this world, he did not have any idea that it would be just like his own world. Although the energy around was different, the surroundings, the nature and almost everything else were the same as the one he came from. He could hardly tell the difference if he was not a wizard.

He wondered, though, if the same thing could be applied in this world. And as if the heavens heard his uncertainty, a white rabbit popped up beside him.

The cute little animal would have made a person squealing in delight. However, it did the opposite to him.

Upon noticing the white animal all of the sudden, he was reminded of that brutal incident which happened to him days ago in his own world. Afraid that he might kill another living thing accidentally, he immediately stood up, deciding to flee.

However, as soon as he made his first step, he realized in pure terror that now, he was surrounded by wild animals, which were sniffing and staring at him curiously. Perhaps when he was busy trying to keep the connection he had with someone earlier, he might have not noticed the creatures sneaking on him. Ah… He cursed his own carelessness.

One particular animal — it looked like a deer — took a step towards him, sniffing his scent as if determining whether he is a threat or not. He took a step back instinctively and he shouted at the animal to stop but the deer didn't look like it was frightened by his sudden outburst. Instead, it made its move towards him once more.

He was now panicking as soon as he realized that the other animals were trying to approach him, as well.

No, this couldn't be happening. Are these animals not used to seeing people? They should be frightened! Why are they behaving like this all of the sudden? Aren't humans supposed to scare them? Those thoughts ran wild in his head as dread came upon him once more.

Something poked him and looking down, his eyes widened in shock when he found out that the white rabbit from before was nudging one of his toes. Then, the image of the dead rabbit from before flashed in his mind and that set him off.

Letting out a strangled cry, he kneeled on the ground as black magic tendrils came out of his body all of the sudden. Each tendril pierced every living thing within his area of responsibility and, as he heard loud rustles and squeaks around him, his dread became even more malevolent. His entire surrounding became black because of his dreadful magic.

It was like he was surrounded by death.

Tears gathered up in the corner of his eyes.

He… He didn't want this to happen.

All he wanted to do was to gather information and find that someone who can end his life. That's all. He never wanted to bring ruin and chaos to this world, too. So, why was it happening now? Why was he bringing ruin and chaos to this innocent world? Why was the curse following him?

It was never his intention.

He didn't come here to destroy this world. He didn't come here to bring this world to ruin. He just wanted to be killed.

He just wanted to be killed already!

Oomph.

Surprised, he blinked a few times when he felt something soft against his leg. Suddenly curious and baffled, he looked at said body part and finding out the source of his distraction, his red eyes widened to its fullest.

It was the white rabbit from before. And it was still nudging its nose on his legs… even with all the black tendrils surrounding it.

"What," he croaked softly as he reached a hand and touched the white rabbit's furry head. And when he felt the soft fur against his fingers, a smile graced his lips and then all the black tendrils around him disappeared in instant. "You," he finally held the white rabbit tenderly and brought it near to him, "did not die..." It came out more of a question than a statement.

He scanned the area with his red eyes and finding that the animals — even the surrounding trees and bushes and grasses — were fine as well, he could not contain the happiness he felt and he let his tears of joy roll down his pale cheeks.

It was the first time in such a long, long, long time that someone did not die in his presence. And it made his heart clenching in excitement and happiness.

However, what he was feeling that very moment was short-lived.

As soon as he heard rustles from the bushes from afar, all the animals suddenly ran away and flee, as if sensing something dangerous. However, the white rabbit in his gentle grasp decided to stay, as if his very presence was telling the little fellow that there was nothing to worry about.

And thinking this, he calmed a little bit.

After a few moments, something emerged from the bushes. Or rather, a group of teenagers suddenly appeared.

He put himself on guard as he secured the little animal in his hold, his eyes still blazing in crimson colour.

A guy with jet black hair and a scowling face took a step towards him and he reacted instinctively by taking a step back. He could definitely feel the hostility from the black-haired guy but he decided not to initiate any move. He would not initiate anything.

"You," the black-haired guy growled at him as he slowly unsheathed his sword which was tied around his waist, black eyes narrowing at his red ones. The guy's companions were silent behind him, waiting for anything but by the looks of it, they were letting the black-haired guy do what he wanted.

Strange, are these guys bandits? He had that ridiculous thought for a moment.

But that was shattered when the black-haired guy pointed his sword at him, saying something that he didn't and couldn't understand at all.

"Are you an Uchiha?"

CHAPTER XVII — END

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Author's Note: Whew~ That was short, wasn't it? Something you didn't expect after such a loooooooooong time of no update, right? Yes, yes. I'm sorry. Yes, yes. Apologies aren't enough. Yes, yes, I am such a scum. But! There were sooooo many things that happened recently, you know, however lame that excuse may sound. I started this story when I was still in college but now, I am officially a useful part of the society! Although, I resigned months ago and I am currently unemployed — that's why I am able to update, teehee! But… I am not really here to blab about my personal life. Not at all. Well… you know that Naruto has ended some time ago and Fairy Tail has also ended, I think that I am losing the motivation for this story! Ah, sorry if you think that I am a scum for thinking that. I also think that I am a scum, too. However! Just recently, I was brainstorming alone this week and decided to read this chapter — it was sitting in my laptop for months! — and then, I just started to write whatever things in my mind and other stuff and other stuff until I managed to complete this chapter in two days! Yes, the half was written about a year ago and I just written the other half in about two days. How is that an achievement, right? Although I don't think that it is a good chapter and all. More like a filler, I think. Some whatnots and whatnots. Anyway, I am currently working on the next chapter and just to make sure that I can finish it, I already have a draft and all I need is to put them together in right order and write the necessary wordings for it. Nothing big really happened in this chapter but it was still necessary because I wanted to build up the tension. I hope you notice that. (Hehehe.) Also, sorry if the story was so slow paced. I never realized that until I've read the first chapter up to the latest again. Ah, this story is quite boring because of the pace. That is what I thought right after reading this fanfiction in one sitting. Again, I'm sorry for all the delays. Ah, I'm so ashamed with myself. Please feel free to rant your frustration by messaging me or by reviewing. I deserve it. That is all. See you later, dear friends!

P.S. I have made up my mind. Although I'm a bit of Sakura-fanatic, I won't be shipping her up with anybody. Maybe, just hints and underhanded somethings but not explicit (lol). I will try to make it Lucy-centered. I hope that is fine with you all, fella. Cheers!