Authors Note:
Okietay! So here is my second fan fiction, these are the following pairings just so everyone knows off the bat: NaLu, JerZa, GaLe, and MiraxLaxus. Mainly a NaLu story at the moment but that may change. I haven't decided who Gray will be with yet but it will probably end up being Juvia. Also, this is a medieval version of Fiore, so it's not the same world as the manga/anime but some names are the same.
Please note that this is rated M for a reason meaning there WILL be ADULT themes in this fan fiction and no one under 18 years old should be reading. Please take that into consideration before you continue reading this story.
Thank you so much for clicking this story! I hope you enjoy reading it and of course critics are openly welcomed! The good and the bad!
I do not own Fairy Tail.
Chapter One
The warm rays of the sun dance across the princess's skin as she holds her arm outside of the carriage window to enjoy the cool breeze autumn gave. Days like this, the princess could almost forget the turmoil that was going on not only in her own world, but her kingdoms as well. These were dark times for the kingdom of Magnolia; rumors were spreading of an ancient magic being unleashed. The magic only those cursed by the darkest depths of the underworld could use. Demons. The rumor quickly caused a widespread of panic throughout the citizens of the country. All of Fiore was in a state of unrelenting fear as the whispers of darkness grew every day.
Still her father, King Jude of Magnolia refused to believe in such chatter. He continued on as if the rumors were mere night stories told to children to keep them in their beds at night. Lucy had begged her father to do something to ease their peoples worries but his only response was to backhand her. Her father was a cruel man, consumed by his lust for wealth and power.
Lucy knew if she did not show the same disregarded for lives lower than her own she would face the same punishment as slaves. Lucy desperately wanted to believe that there was some reason behind her father's cruel antics but throughout her eighteen years in this world, the only light her father ever showed was snuffed out the moment her mother was murdered.
Eleven years had passed yet they were not one step closer to finding out who had hired the assassin that slit her mothers throat as he slept. Lucy was in her arms that night, awoken by the warm blood spilling into her hair and onto her face. At first Lucy thought that it was her milk that spilled but when her mother had thrown Lucy off of the bed Lucy noticed the crimson color staining her small fingertips.
"L-lucy-y… h-ide." Her mother choked out. Little Lucy was paralyzed, her mothers dark brown eyes met her own and Lucy could see the blood oozing out from between her mother's fingers.
"Hide" was the last thing Layla said before her life slipped from her grasp. Lucy didn't realize she was running until she heard the sounds of her feet hitting the marble floor of their family's castle. By then the guards had also been alerted and she was swept into the arms of Loke, her mother's personal guard and one of their best warriors when it came to combat.
"Princess!"
Lucy is sucked out of her thoughts by Levy her best friend and house slave. If it was Lucy's choice Levy would be as far away from her and her father as possible, but Levy refused to go when Lucy has helped several other slaves escape to freedom. Levy told her there was no way she would ever leave her alone. Her father suspected it was she, but Levy created a deep laceration on her cheek and had acted terrified of Lucy, begging forgiveness for not seeing how the other slaves escaped. Although Lucy despised the fact Levy hurt herself, it was what saved them both from a severe lashing and possible death for Levy.
That was six years ago. Since then Lucy has become ashamed of what her people think of her. She put on a façade whenever they were outside the castle walls, she was known to her people as the heartless Lucy Heartfilia. While Lucy was grateful her title was not given to her due to acts of cruelty towards others she hated that it was because her refusal to show emotion. She had perfected her expressions to be unreadable by all, including her father. It was the only way she herself could avoid her father's abusive ways. For the most part that is.
"Levy, how many times have I told you to just call me Lucy?" she asks.
Levy shakes her head slightly, "I called your name at least a dozen times Lu, what's on that mind of yours?"
Lucy looks over to her blue haired friend, her orange headband beautifully contrasted the hair color while matching her dress. It was a one-sleeved dress that had a small circle cut out at the top of the shoulder. The cloth draped itself around Levy's petite frame effortlessly. A white ribbon adorned with the Heartfilia crest cinched the waist of the dress as the rest pooled by Levy's feet.
"Nothing, just day dreaming that's all." Lucy replies.
"Oh? What about?" Levy scoots forward in her seat. Her elbows resting on her knees as she eagerly awaited the princess's reply. Flustered, Lucy scrambled her brain for a response.
"Uh…"
"Yep, that's what I thought. What were you thinking about Lu?"
Lucy sighs, there was no hiding anything from her bookworm best friend.
"I was just thinking about how I wish you would have left with the others." Lucy confesses.
Levy gives the princess a small nod "I know Lucy but I would never leave you alone with the King. So just stop trying to get rid of me 'kay?" Levy smiles, it was honest and pure. Lucy knew there was no point in arguing but she had to try.
"Levy, your life is in danger at the palace. I can't always protect you from him… I can barely even protect myself."
Lucy's head drops. She hated admitting how powerless she was against her father. No matter how hard she fought against him, he would always push her down. Despite this abuse, Lucy had still managed to keep her huge heart full of compassion and love for the few friends she did have.
"I can't promise that Levy."
Lucy says. Levy sighs, both of these girls were as stubborn as ever.
"We're almost there." Levy changes the subject, hoping to lighten the mood.
"Great." Lucy huffs. She didn't want to be here. Hargeon was a port where new slaves were sold. Her father had sent her and Levy to buy fifteen more slaves. It's not as if they needed more, the Heartfilia's already owned ten slaves including Levy. Lucy knew everyone's name and she tried to get to know them as well as she could. So she really did not understand why her father wants to almost triple their slave count.
"It'll be okay Lu. With you around the new… help will have a better life than they would most places." Levy tries to cheer her friend up. Lucy shakes her head.
"You know how he watches me whenever we get someone new. He is either watching or he's sending one of his guards to make sure I give them his kind of welcome. With so many he'll watch me, us, for at least a week."
"We'll make it. Try to stay a little positive." Lucy's eyes connect with Levy, this girl is really trying and all Lucy is doing is bringing down the precious alone time they have together. Pushing all thoughts of her father out of her head, Lucy smiles.
"You're right Levy. Sorry I'm being so down. No more 'Kay? We'll find a way to enjoy this trip!"
Damn, this place reeks. Thought a certain pink haired male. He squeezes through the crowd of other slaves stuffed into the tiny cell to the lone window in the back where he saw a hint of blue fur. Natsu creeps up to the window, trying his best to make sure no one was paying him any special attention. Most of the other slaves where sleeping standing up or closing their eyes and wishing they were someplace other than this hellhole. Natsu has only been here for a few days. He had gotten caught just off the borders of Akane when he was spotted. Bastards used cloaking magic to hide themselves and their scent. It's not like they knew just who he was but that spell has surely gotten on the boys nerves over the years.
Natsu was not always a slave. He was never royalty or anything either but he was free. Although most people never believed him when he told them of his upbringing, which was in some parts, understandable. After all there are only so many people who are raised by a dragon. Igneel, the fire dragon taught Natsu of an ancient magic, long forgotten by the world centuries ago.
Dragon slayer magic, Natsu could breathe and manipulate fire just like his father. Through the years without his father Natsu learned to keep his abilities hidden and to only use them when absolutely necessary. If people found out about his magic there was no telling what they would do. He had heard once of a dragon slayer who was found, the rumors spread like wildfire of his power and of what became of him. Tortured for months only to be dissected piece by piece, the poison dragon slayer, Cobra was no more.
Although Cobra was powerful, he was nothing compared to Natsu, for Cobra was not the same as he. Cobra was turned into a dragon slayer, not raised as one. Natsu could not imagine what would happen to him if he was found out and he never wanted to.
Natsu peaks out the window to find his assumption was correct. "I told you not to follow me little buddy." Natsu whispers, he knew his companion could hear him even with such a low voice.
"But Natsu, I was scared and I didn't want to leave you alone."
Natsu stares into the onyx eyes of his feline best friend, Happy. Happy's eyes begin to water and Natsu hates to see his friend so upset. Natsu can only squeeze a few fingers through the windows bars to stroke Happy's fur.
"I know buddy. I'll be alright though, I promise." Natsu whispers, he flashes Happy his signature toothy grin that shows off his sharpened canines.
"Why don't you go stuff your face with fish until I get outta this place?"
Happy's eyes suddenly shine brightly.
"I love fish! I heard the Hargeon port has lots and lots of rare and tasty fish! Ohhhh I bet I could even find that one with the golden fins." Happy starts to drool, lost in his world of fishy thoughts.
Natsu chuckles. "Go get those fish Happy. I don't want you getting caught. I'll find you when I'm free. K?" Happy's delightful daydreams come to a sudden halt. Natsu was family to him. He was the only person Happy has ever known.
"But Natsu-"
"No buts Happy. I'll be fine. I promise."
Natsu states sternly. He would never forgive himself if Happy ever got hurt. The cat was always so happy, hence his name, Natsu despised seeing him even the slightest bit upset.
Happy searched Natsu's eyes for any hint of a lie but couldn't find any. Reluctantly Happy nods his head, he reaches out his little paw and grabs onto Natsu's index and middle finger.
"I know you won't like this but I'm staying close. I'll stay hidden and far enough that no one will ever spot me but I'm not leaving you alone again, okay. You're the only family I have." Happy vows. He knew Natsu would protest but he didn't care he hated being separated.
Surprisingly Natsu simply nods his head.
"Just be safe Happy."
Happy beams.
"Aye sir!" and with that Happy flies off into the sky fast enough that no one would be able to see him.
Natsu slumps down against the wall. So far he hasn't been able to think of a good escape plan. With cells this crowded there was no way he would be able to use his magic without being seen. This sucks. Natsu thought.
After what had seemed like forever, they had finally arrived. The door opened to the carriage and Lucy stepped out first, giving her legs a much needed stretch. She hadn't been to Hargeon in ages and she certainly hadn't missed the village. Lucy looks to her right to see the disturbing stone building that was her destination. The slave house was built for maximum storage, meaning the poor souls barely had enough room to sit let alone go about other businesses such as using the restroom or having the luxury to bathe.
Levy places her small hand on Lucy's shoulder. "Come on Lu, let's get this over with."
Lucy nods and the two of them were lead to the slave house by one of her fathers favorite guards, Jellal. Lucy had tried to make friends with the blue haired man before but he was always short with her. Only giving her the most basic of answers. She couldn't figure him out, he wasn't necessarily bad although the rumors Lucy had heard of him begged to differ. He was just quiet.
Jellal leads the two girls into the worn down building. Lucy and Levy both try to keep their faces passive against the overwhelming smell. A pudgy old man with oily black hair greets Jellal.
"Show us to your newest shipment." Jellal orders. The pudgy man nods and leads them down the rusty iron stairwell.
Lucy follows closely, both her and Levy receiving catcalls from a good amount of the male slaves. Lucy holds her head high and keeps her gaze firmly on the back of Jellal's head. Lucy swallows a lump in her throat. She absolutely hated doing this, she knew her father made her do it just to torture her and to test if her 'improved', as he liked to call it, personality was true. She lightly places her fingers along the iron railing and cascades down into the barely lit room below.
The smell woke Natsu up from his little nap. The pink haired male shoots up to his feet and pushes his way closer to the front of the bars, still staying hidden behind a body or two. He sniffs the air again and is drawn closer to the scent. Natsu shakes his head and returns to his hiding spot. This can't be happening.