Chapter One – Arrival

Author's Note: hey, guys! It's been awhile, hasn't it? I apologize. My computer was having some problems with the Internet, and before I could fix it, I had to pack it up for the big move. But I've finally got it unpacked and fixed, and I'm back with a vengeance! This story shouldn't take very long. I'm only planning on 6-9 chapters, give or take, depending on where it leads.

So before we get started, I'd just like to say a few things about my other works in progress. "Iridescent" is canceled. I didn't like where it was going at all, so I decided to give up on it. "Enemy Within" will definitely be finished, but I can't promise you a deadline. I've started working on some Fairy Tail stories (obviously), so go check out my profile for information about them.

Now, we begin! Enjoy!


"Are we there yet?"

"Stop complaining, Natsu. It was your idea to walk instead of take a train. You really have to get over that motion sickness."

"You didn't answer my question, Luce."

"We're nearly there. Do you think you can hold out until then?"

"Do you?"

It was the middle of winter in Fiore. The snow was a foot thick blanket upon the ground, and the clouds covered the entire sky, blocking out the sun. It was freezing, to Lucy anyway. Right now, she and Natsu were heading out to a town they've never been to before for a vacation, which would've been a four hour train ride. But thanks to Natsu, they had been walking in the cold for nearly a day and a half. Of course, Natsu didn't acknowledge the freezing temperature, but his dear friend surely did. She was wearing black skinny jeans and winter boots, accompanied with a thick hooded jacket and gloves. Happy decided to stay in Magnolia, wanting to stay in a slightly warmer part of the kingdom. Well…that's what he told the two of them.

"I'll be fine," said Lucy, answering her companion's previous question. She lifted her gloved hands to her face and cupped them together, blowing out hot air to warm them. After that, it was a quiet journey to their destination, with the exception of the snow crunching beneath their feet. A few minutes later, they came across the town. "There it is, Shizukesa Town."

"Sweet! Let's go!" With that said, Natsu grabbed onto her hand and pulled her into the streets of Shizukesa.


Shizukesa was probably one of the nicest towns either of them have visited. The citizens were friendly, the buildings were small but beautifully built with brick, the stone sidewalk was swept clean of snow, and every store had signs that said "OPEN" or "WELCOME" in their windows. And it seemed Natsu and Lucy arrived with impeccable timing. It was the Heiwa Festival in the market. Colorful lights were strung across the streets, creating a beautiful light show against the snowflakes as they fell passed each other. There were jewelry, clothing, and produce booths scattered across the stone floor. An extravagant fountain sat in the heart of the market, and people gathered around as dancers dressed in flowing dresses and bright colors moved with the beat of the music that was playing loudly through the town. Despite the busy crowd, it didn't take very long for the couple of tourists to locate a nice hotel.

"Hello," said the woman behind the desk, her voice as cheery as her face. "How may I help you?"

"Hi," Lucy greeted, smiling kindly. "We would like a room."

"Of course. How long are you going to be staying with us?" Lucy looked to Natsu. It was his idea to take this vacation, so it was up to him to decide how long he wanted to stay.

"One week," he answered. Lucy looked at him with wide, surprised eyes. "What? This place is nice. What's the point of coming to a new town if we're not gonna stick around for a while?"

"He has a point," said the woman. "I'm assuming this is your first time coming to Shizukesa, and since you came at such a magnificent time, I must tell you that you cannot leave without seeing the Heiwa Festival. It's a special occasion for this town. We do it every year. The festival lasts for three days, and it started today. As first timers, the two of you should most definitely explore Shizukesa. It really is a beautiful town, especially during this time of year."

"Alright, then," Lucy said, impressed with the woman's explanation. "We'll be staying for one week." The woman smiled and handed her a key to an available room.

"Excellent decision, young lady. It's twenty jewel a night." Lucy and Natsu stared in awe for a moment.

"Twenty jewel a night?" Natsu repeated. "Why so cheap?"

"Shizukesa is known for its hospitality being at low prices. But don't worry. We have a policy for having low prices for wizards with little money who are passing through. You won't be disappointed with our service, I assure you."

"Well, alright!" Natsu exclaimed as Lucy took the key.

"Your room will be on the second floor, room B113. Enjoy your stay, and welcome to Shizukesa Town."


"Wow, with a town this nice, I never would've expected them to be so…generous," Lucy said as she and Natsu navigated through the halls to their room.

"I know," he agreed. "I was expecting it to be seventy jewels a night, at the least, but twenty? I like it here."

"Me too. And the people are so nice! It's kinda refreshing, don't you think?"

"Uh huh." Lucy unlocked the door to their room and opened it. The two of them stayed in the door frame, amazed at how nice the room was. It was spotless, and the window at the end of the room had a perfect view of the festival going on outside. Natsu slowly stepped inside and opened the bathroom door. The bathroom was sparkling white with a light grey tiled floor, and the bathtub was big and porcelain, perfect for the bath Lucy planned to take. One the other side of the room, was a sliding glass door that led out onto a balcony that overlooked the market. The only problem was there was only one bed in the room, but both young wizards were too awestruck to notice. How on Earthland was this room only twenty jewels a night?

"Holy Mavis," Natsu breathed. Lucy nodded silently and stepped into the room as well, absently closing the door behind her with her foot.