Chapter 2: Time is all we have
Lucy: "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." – Buddha
Lucy
It would seem that I remember nothing. Everything is blank. I am a girl with no past, but I promise I will not be a one with no future.
The day I woke up he gave me a gift, a book. But somehow it was not what I was expecting. I see darkness within him, and I am certain he sees evil in himself. So I when he told me he had a book of spells for me to learn I was expecting them to be different, darker. Instead this book spoke of the stars, and the secrets of the cosmos.
When I asked him about this he simply smiled and said, "The magic you possess is far too different from my own. You cannot learn to wield the magic I use. But this book, this book was destined for you. I certain of it." He left me without saying much more. This man, this emperor, I am not certain if I can trust him, or what his intentions are. However, with each spell I master I can feel myself changing. My magic growing stronger, as such, Zeref's intentions are of little importance.
Whoever I was before no longer matters. All I need is to be stronger, stronger…stronger so…
XXX
The sun sat high in the sky nearly at its peak. The heat would be nearly unbearable if not for the gentle breeze in the courtyard, and the lingering shadows of towering trees.
"Again!" I shout as yet another solider falls. The rest of the squad comes at me again with all their might. But with a single chant I bring them to their knees.
From the corner of my eye I see Invel approach "It would seem you grow stronger by the day, Lucy-san."
"It worries me Invel. That our soldiers are so weak."
"Leave army concerns to me. You're only job is to get stronger. A mage worthy of the Empire, someone worthy of serving His Majesty"
I nod, "Of course. What brings you here Invel?"
"His Majesty wishes to meet in the East Garden in an hour"
"I see. Well I'll practice for a bit longer and meet him there shortly then," I remark.
Invel nods in acknowledgement, and then heads off without another word. What a chilly demeanor, but truly befitting him. Overall, of the Spriggan 12 he probably had the most agreeable character. Though cold, he was never impolite and he offered criticism only where it was deserved. Sometimes when Lucy walked beside him in the halls she would see servants gaze at him in awe. They would speak of his handsomeness, his chilly but admirable aura and his utmost loyalty to the Emperor. He never responded to these remarks, though she was certain he heard them.
In truth, she admired Invel as well. He was a powerful, respectable mage and more often than not he had the Emperor's ear. Something she one day hoped to have. What did the dear Emperor want today? Would he lecture her again on the importance of never underestimating the enemy? Or again hint at vague prophecies about things that could never possibly happen? Emperor Spirggan was an odd man. With as many facets as he had names. Everyone in the Empire referred to him as Emperor Spriggan or Your Majesty. But for some reason he had requested she refer to him by another name, Zeref. And she was the only one to do so. Occasionally, she would forget and refer to him as Your Majesty or Emperor Spriggan still. He would not get upset over this, but for some reason he'd often looked disappointed. Like she had let him down in some way. Or as if she'd had forgotten something important.
Lucy hated that feeling. Because that's how she sometimes felt in times of solitude, like there was something in the back of her mind trying to come to the surface, trying to force her to remember it. That's why she enjoyed being around Zeref in the first place, because despite her lack of memory she felt like she knew him. And it would always feel like he understood her better than she understood herself. Because he probably knows who you really are. The thought would often nag in the back of her mind. Even so, she never dared to ask. She needed Zeref more than he needed her. If he sensed her doubt then he may begin to doubt her as well.
Doubt leads to ruin. She reminded herself. In the world only the strong reign victorious.
Escaping her wandering thoughts, Lucy reaffirmed her resolve, "Attack at once!" she shouted.
XXX
Lucy headed into the vast chrysanthemum garden outside the east wing of the castle. The walkway was paved of glittering white stone. And at it's center a fountain that, despite its human construct, appeared one with nature.
This was Lucy's favorite of the three castle gardens. All the different colors that sprang to life, each flower seemed to bloom differently. Her favorite flowers were the ones that appeared golden yellow and orange, with hints of surrounding red – like fire.
Lucy reached out, thinking to pull some flowers to put in a small vase in her room when she heard him approach.
"Lucy," Zeref spoke as he entered the garden.
Lucy turned to face him, with a slight smile on her face, "Zeref-sama"
"Zeref," he returned.
"Ah, yes. Zeref" she corrected. His slight smile enough to make anyone's heart soften.
"How is your training going?"
"As well as can be expected"
"I see, is there anything I can do help?"
"No, I just need more time," I pause, "yet I feel like I don't have much time left…"
"Nonsense. Time is the one thing we have far too much of" Zeref says curtly.
Lucy stiffens at the remark, "We are not all immortal Your Highness".
For a second it seems he falters, but it disappears as quickly as it came.
It only takes him a few strides until he is right beside her. He reaches for her hand and takes it in his own, his thumb gently stroking the back of her hand as if to calm or appease her.
"It seems I have offended you in some way. For that I am sorry Lucy. But you must understand that the plan cannot go forth without you, and as you know I am a patient man. My circumstances have forced me to be so. You do not need to rush. You need to be certain. Because this plan must end only one day."
Lucy stood silent.
"You do understand don't you?"
Turning her head to face him Lucy's resolve softened. "Yes of course I do. And we shall do it together Zeref. Together we will bring an end to suffering".
Zeref smiled at this. He took her face between his hands and placed a gentle kiss on upon her forehead. "I knew you would understand"
XXX
So for the wait my friends, I've been so busy with other things and I was just so unsure of this chapter. I was not sure if this was what I wanted. I am still not sure but I'll take this to the end somehow.
