It was an ordinary evening for me. Good ol' Lucy Heartphilia, me, sitting out on my screened in deck with music in my ears, a book in hand, phone on my lap. A strong breeze billowed out and ruffled the worn dog-eared pages of my Guidance to the Sky: The Stars and Moon and I noticed that the cold air meant the end of summer was ticking down. I was in a regular baggy t-shirt, which hid most of my curves, short shorts, and bare feet. My blond locks were in a sloppy ponytail.
To say the least, I looked good for a weekend.
As I finally got to the best part of my book, I noticed that my iPod seemed to stop working. The song that was playing was my favorite; Bang Bang by Armchair Cynics… but the lyrics seemed to be slowing down like you poured molasses on the words.
"Oh, I go off like a gun
Like a loaded weapon
Bang, bang, bang
Grip me in your hands
So here we go again
It echoes in my head
Bang, bang, bang
Grip me in your hands..."
Soon the music stopped completely. Placing my book on the wicker table next to me, folding down my page so I wouldn't lose my place, I shook my iPod awake. Nothing. I tried to press play, if it was suddenly paused for some reason. Nothing. I tried to shuffle the song. Nothing. I took out my ear buds, thinking it was them, and tried it again. Still nothing. Huffing, I just set the iPod down and got back to my book.
"See Captain? She's smart enough to know not to deal with such technology."
"Aye."
Right after I confirmed that I was hearing voices, I shot from my chair, my book clattering to the floor with my phone. Whipping around, I searched around me and narrowed my eyes when no one was there. Going out onto my deck to get a better look at the woods, in case they were hiding in the thick greens or something, I eventually retreated back into the sunroom, feeling the most protected there.
"Who's there?"
"See Captain? Reflexes are good…" This voice was gruff, and sounded manly. I felt like this dude might be a threat.
"Aye, I see Elfman. I see." This voice was also an evident male, and I guessed he was the one named Captain. Strange name. He seemed wise, and a man of little words but important all the same.
Growling at my lack of answers, I pick up my phone and flip it open, screaming out a half assed threat of calling the police.
"A little undependable… and we might have to whip her into shape to… But she seems good enough," said the first voice, Elfman.
My face heated with anger. Whip me into shape? That was the last straw for the mysterious intruder.
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? YOU BETTER SHOW YOU'RE UGLY FACE OR ELSE I REALLY WILL CALL THE POLICE AND YOU'LL BE SENT TO PRISON! HELL, YOU MIGHT EVEN BE CHARGED FOR SEXUAL HARRASEMENT!"
My usual calm face was completely red, my mouth set in an angered frown, my shoulders ridged, ready to attack. Silence greeted my full blow tantrum, and then I heard the quiet mutter.
"Quite a mouth on that one." It was Captain.
"Why you little-"
"Now, now, Captain, I don't think you should prod our guest any longer." This voice was new, and it sounded easy going, humorous. I can already tell that I could hang out with this mystery person with little worry.
And suddenly there was a man with pink hair that, scaring the shit out of me, jumped down from the top of my sun room onto the deck below. I screamed bloody murder, a usual reflex of mine. The reflexes are usually in the order of: scream, run, kick ass. I seemed to skip one of the steps when he entered my peaceful domain.
Adrenaline pumping through my veins, I punched the poor man straight in the nose, sending him flying. Yes, adrenaline can make you have inhuman strength and speed. It shuts down you're digestive system though… which sucks, cause I just ate a lot of cupcakes. I can see why Elfman said I was a bit… flabby.
I breathed heavily watching the pink haired man slowly make his way up to his feet, rubbing his nose; he starred at me with a wicked smile.
"You're kinda cute."
And with that, I ran into my house, leaving both my phone and iPod and my favorite book, out with the freak that I punched.
Well.
This day certainly sucks.
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"Lucy! Lucy, come out of the house! We just need to talk to you!"
How the hell did that persistent pink haired freak know my name?
I quickly got out my notebook that I was writing my current story in, and started jotting down a note to leave in my pocket explaining who killed me, and that I wanted to say I loved all of my family. Which wasn't very large.
My dad.
And I hate him still.
I didn't have a lot of friends, always seeming as one of the types to section myself off. Now that I'm twenty two, living quite comfortably, finished with my masters degree in communication (the irony) and already applied as a reporter/author, it seems stupid not to have made friends. I certainly need them to dedicate my stuff to.
"Luuuucccccyyyy!" As I heard his whinny voice again, I let a tear dribble down my face as I continued writing. I know, it's a terrible thing to cry in a closet alone while writing who killed you, but c'mon.
I might be raped.
Killed.
Or the other way around. That's just creepy.
I'll never live my life, and I'm pretty sure no one would come to my funeral. Damn it, I hate life sometimes.
"Child, don't cry. We won't hurt you."
Scream, run, kick ass.
Let's skip to running this time. Flinging my closet door open, I skid down the hall (one story house people), the death note still in hand, wailing at the top of my lungs. I opened up the heavy front door, then the storm door and flew out into my yard. I was in the middle of no where (see sectioning myself off above) but I was near a small road that I could easily run. Iced tea does that to you.
Sprinting down my long gravel driveway, stuffing my note that I had successfully written in my back pocket, I never observed the large arms that picked me up. Noticing that I wasn't on the ground anymore, I thrashed and screamed, squeezing my eyes, trying two steps at once (screaming and kick ass). Yeah, it doesn't work. You have to do one at a time… but does this seriously matter when I'm about to be raped? No. I thought not.
"Don't you worry! We won't hurt you!"
"Elfman's right. He wouldn't hurt a fly, and Natsu only kills people if they provoke him!"
"Don't worry, you didn't provoke me. I can take a punch! Though it did hurt a bit…"
Fml.
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"Lucy, darling, open your eyes." It was the old, wise voice, Captain. I breathed heavily, somehow trying to find trust in their words. Do I want to trust them? Hell yes. I don't want to die! I'm only twenty! Cracking open my eyes, I stare at the strange characters in front of me.
My eyes first fixated on the small man in front of me, probably 'Captain'. I was balled up with my arms wrapped around my knees on the ground, and the top of his head only came up to mine. A thick mustache hugged his upper lip, and warm silver eyes looked up… at, me, waiting for any response. He was balding, but two gray flames of hair burst from the sides of his head, and they were mostly covered by a hat you would usually see Jack Sparrow wear. I can mind the hat, but he had the whole costume of him! The long coat, just skimming his ankles, the boots, the multiple guns and knives… Were they in a gang or something!
Looking over at Elfman, I almost cried. Elf? Are you fucking serious? No. Just no. This… this thing on steroids was NOT an Elf. He was a freaking body builder, with no shirt (he was wearing baggy pants, don't worry! …Yet he was missing shoes), scars covering his top half and crossing over his right eye, and don't forget the lovely spiked silver hair to match Captain's. Except, he wasn't bald. Thankfully. A sheath hung from a thin rope tied to his waist, and I do not ever WANT to know what was in there. His huge body was bent over in a crouch, looking at me with clearly worried black eyes. I gave him a spare (forced grimace) smile and he seemed to lighten up.
Then, dragging my eyes over to the dope that I already seemed to know, the one named Natsu with flaming pink hair and mischievous golden eyes starred down at me with a usual grin. He was dressed in gypsy pants and a dark brown vest, showing his six pack (that was totally sexy in an unsexy way. If you can understand that.) A silver scarf snaked its way around his tan neck, and I swear, when the sun caught it, it looked like scales of a dragon. He seemed to have no weapons at all, and I'm pretty sure he uses his knuckles. They had small bruises on them, and I winced. I could imagine taking my punch, and maximizing it by 20. Or more.
As I whimpered, knowing that my death was soon going to come, I look towards Captain. I wasn't going to die without answers.
"Who are you? Why are you here? Why don't you even have shoes? Are you Jack Sparrow? Because, if you are, I want my refund for the movies. And why the HELL do you keep smiling at me, Natsu?" I finally screamed, heaving in for breath after my long line of questions. All three were silent. Captain spoke up.
"She's really that stupid, isn't she."
I starred at him for a moment, before skipping to step three. Launching my fist at his face, he quickly sidestepped, leaving my arm hanging in the air. Bringing it back in and standing, dusting myself off, I spit on the ground and looked at all three men in the eyes.
"Go to hell, and get the fuck off my property."
I didn't look back as I swiveled around, and stomped back to my house.
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Just as I was about to go up my three little stairs that lead to a porch that wrapped around my house, a hand slapped my shoulder, dragging me back. I lost my balance and stumbled backwards into a bone crushing hug, and a mass of pink hair.
"Come on Lucy, you didn't even stick around to hear what we had to say!" Natsu whined in my ear, making shivers rush down my spine.
"I don't want to hear what you have to say you pedophile!"
"Correction. Elfman and I are about the same age as you!"
"…You're not serious."
"Oh I am. As serious as the sea on a stormy night."
Wiggling from my grasp, I starred at Natsu and sighed in defeat. At least I know there is little chance of being raped. I mean, Elfdude seemed so… soft, and Natsu didn't even seem like he had the brain of a twenty year old.
"Fine. You guys can come in and talk. But then you have to leave!" I caved, turning and opening my door, not believing that I was actually going to let strangers into my house. As the storm door slammed behind me, I heard Natsu scream to his friends that they could come in.
Here goes nothing.
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Once everyone was in the doorway, I looked around my small, one story house just in case I had any personal items lying around. Surveying the family room, small office, and bedroom, I found nothing. Waving at the three misfits who obviously seemed uncomfortable under a roof, I led them through the spacious kitchen.
My house, to say the least, was pretty impressive for a reporter. Like I mentioned above, there's a family room with just a TV, a small couch, and some old family photos dating back to when I was a small girl, a kitchen with silver appliances and plenty of drinks, a small office fully stocked with a laptop, paper, and printer as well as something that could pass as a library, a bedroom that was plainly decorated (I barely slept there anyways; I usually fall asleep at my desk) with a bed, sliding closet, and drawers, and the screened in sunroom. It was a brick house, surrounded by trees of many sorts, and animal life. The long gravel driveway was used to drive onto the scarcely used road, onto the highway, and straight to the office.
I liked it though. Quiet and isolated. Unlike the old me that I'm still desperately trying to bury.
But that's another story.
Anyways, I lead the three men back to the sunroom where they were allowed a bit more freedom. I picked up my book, my phone, and my odd nonworking iPod off of the ground and fixed the pillows on my couch outside. Sitting on the small wicker table, I motioned for the three to sit in the couch in front of me. And to start explaining fast.
Natsu sprawled out on two cushions, while Captain took the last on. Elfman just leaned against the doorframe that lead onto the wrap-around-deck and gazed out into the woods.
"Explain. Now."
Captain cleared his throat and took off his hat, rubbing his balding spot. He then slapped on the hat, and looked up at me with a small smile.
"I think I should start with the basic. We're pirates. And you are going to be a new recruit."
…Fml.
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Everything clicked.
The clothes.
The weapons.
The name… title, Captain.
Taking in my shocked expression, Natsu started laughing hysterically. I quickly punched him in the face, smiling happily as he muttered a small 'ow'.
"Continue, Captain."
"Oh hohoho, don't call me Captain! You're not even on the boat! For now, just call me Makarov!" He cried, smiling at me warmly. I smiled back at him lightly and nodded.
"Okay… Makarov…"
"Now, you're going to be a new recruit. We're running low on ship mates, and Natsu seemed to have seen you in passing when we picked up another recruit only a year ago. Aye Natsu?" The short man asked, turning to the man who was starting to doze. He quickly shot back to life and nodded.
Natsu explained, "You were walking out of a building, muttering something about wanting to strangle Loki for making you work dou-" I quickly shot out of my seat and covered his mouth with my hand. I flushed red, remembering the day too well.
It was a dreaded Monday, and my ass of a boss decided to give me three articles due by Friday. He called it, 'working double'. I only accepted the task 'cause I got two times the cash that I originally get for completing an article, but that didn't mean I had to be happy about it. My words seemed oddly colorful that month really. Regaining my composure, I turned back to Makarov.
"So, once we became depleted once more, Natsu sent a request. This is quite unusual for him to ever have an interest in anything for more than a year." Natsu scowled at the remark, but Makarov continued, "So, I checked it out! Elfman decided to come, seeing as you were ruthless that day… but we see that it was only temporary. But what do ya' say. Do you want to come and join me mates on the Fairy Tail?"
Taking that Fairy Tail was the ship, I let everything process.
"So. You came here and basically jumped me."
"Well… I wouldn't say jumped… But inspected, yes."
"And then you snuck into my closet, made me run for my life, and then made Mr. Annoying over there coax me into letting me hear your story."
"…That part is about right, yes."
"And now you're telling me everything, asking me if I want to go, when just before you said I had no choice."
"Hohoho, quiet observant of you. We need a pair of ears like that on the ship."
"You're an ass, you know that?"
"I've been told."
"I'm sure you have."
As we ended up glaring at each other (well, me glaring at him and he starring at me with a challenging smile) Natsu joined in.
"…I'm not annoying."
"I beg to differ," Makarov and I chimed together. Elfman's lips tweaked upwards a bit. Natsu pouted.
As a small moment of silence passed, I finally took the moment and got up abruptly.
"Well. Thanks for your story. Now if you'll excuse me…" I proceeded to walk calmly towards my door, slammed it shut, and locked it. Flying to my front door, I squealed as I saw a mass of pink and silver streaks flying towards the handle. Slamming the metal door that was painted a soft brown shut, I locked that and sighed with relief. Walking over to my phone, I picked up it up and dialed 911.
"This is 911, please state your emergency."
"Hi, yeah, three men are trying to get into my house. One has pink hair, one looks like a body builder with silver hair, and the last one seems like a balding elf that you would see in Santa's workshop."
"Police will be right over."
"Thank you."
Plopping the phone back onto its receiver, I sat in my locked office under my desk and let a relieved sigh out of my nose. Reaching up onto my desk to receive my 659 paged book called The Book Thief, I began reading the last pages of the book.
To give you a small summery, the book is set in the Nazi time. A little girl called Liesal is shipped from her mother's arms to the arms of a man and women named Hans and Rosa Hubermen. The girl soon starts to grow, but after four years of peace, a Jewish fist fighter, an accordion, and many books and bombs later, her world crashes.
Rubbing my eyes as the most depressing part of the book wrapped its arms around me, I sniffed and continued reading. A stray tear leaked onto my check (which was already full of dry tear marks from previous hours) an actual arm wrapped around my shoulders. Looking up, still in a daze from the book, I noticed a puzzled face and a silver scarf.
"Lucy, why are you crying?"
…How the hell did he get in my house?
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"Natsu."
"Yes?"
"Let go of me."
He didn't dare to test my patience.
"So, Lucy, does that mean you're going to come with us?"
How the hell did pip squeak get in my house too? I bet Elfman is with him.
"…Does that mean you'll stop bothering me?"
"Why of course!"
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At 1 pm, 911 received a call from a young sounding girl, who claimed three men were trying to get into her house.
One had pink hair. One was a body builder. And the last was an elf.
But when the police arrived, all they could find was the smell of sea salt and an open book.
On later inspection, they came to find that Lucy Heartphilia, age 22, was missing.
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