Chp 2: Ms. "Lucky" Lucy Heartfilia
I awoke with a sudden start.
Sweat beaded on my forehead as I sat up in bed, my fingers desperately grasping at the sheets that were tangled around my legs. I found myself momentarily confused by the blanket of sleep that still weighed heavily on me as I looked around wildly.
Only to find that I was sitting in a hotel room, not plummeting over the edge of a waterfall.
A sigh erupted from my lips as I rubbed my face furiously, attempting to release myself from the grip of my dream…I swear, I have the weirdest dreams. They're always so vivid…and real. A shiver raced down my spine.
It took a moment to untangle my waking thoughts from the dream that still nagged at my subconscious mind. I took this time to draw the line between what I knew was true and what my crazy mind had obviously conjured up. I knew that I had run away from home years ago but honestly that seemed to be the only piece of the dream that was real. Although, I mused, it wasn't impossible for the other things to also be true. As strange as it may strike some I had no recollection of how I had actually escaped as a child. My last memory after clambering down from my balcony, thanks to the make-shift ladder I had constructed by tying my bedsheets together, was waking at the edge of a forest.
This had certainly come as a shock but I had shaken it off quickly enough once I realized my tyrant of a father was nowhere to be seen. That had been all it took to send me on my way. And so began my new life.
As Lucy.
Not "Lucky" Lucy Heartfilia.
Just Lucy.
When Levy, my blue haired best friend, had discovered that I had lost what we assumed was about a week of time between leaving home and waking it had sent her into an all-out panic. She had been convinced that there was something terribly wrong with me. Eventually, her nagging had become so persistent that I had agreed to see a doctor despite my anxieties of my father somehow finding me because of it.
It might seem crazy to most but I would swear on my own life that that man actually had eyes in the sky.
The good doctor had assured us that when faced with such a traumatic event it was not uncommon for people to block out periods of time. I was perfectly healthy and he surmised that my memories would return with good time when I was ready.
Of course, that had been nine years ago when I was ten. Now, I was getting ready to attend college and I still had not recovered the time.
And on top of that I had only had the same dream, or snippets of it, since then.
This was something that I kept hidden from everyone however. Especially Levy. Lest I be forced into seeing a shrink. I felt myself shudder at the thought. Not that I have anything against psychiatrists! It's just that the thought of anyone poking around inside in of my head makes me uneasy. I'm incredibly private and as a byproduct quiet. Something Porlyusica, Levy and I's foster mother, had been quite keen on considering Levy's boisterous personality.
The two of us were like ying and yang. But, that was what made our personalities mesh so well. I love Levy deeply. She and Porlyusica are the only real family I have and I cherish them above all else. Save for my mother of course, but honestly, no one could be held in higher regards in my mind.
I gave myself a groggy shake before sneaking a look over at said bluenette who was sleeping soundly in the bed next to me. I felt a soft smile curve the edges of my mouth as I watched the slow rise and fall of her shoulder. Glancing at the digital clock located on the nightstand shared by our beds I noted that it was 3 AM.
This came as no surprise to me. I couldn't remember the last time I hadn't awoken at this hour. Always just as restless as the time before. When it had first started around the time I turned twelve it had made me anxious. Pacing the floor of my room until I exhausted myself enough to collapse into a dreamless slumber.
Eventually, my nightly ritual had gotten on my foster mother's nerves which was when she had suggested that I start going for a run instead of "pacing relentlessly across the floor at odd hours of the night". Returning only when I was tired enough to sleep again. Considering that we lived tucked far away in the woods Porlyusica had deemed it safe enough. That coupled with the fact that I was actually a little spit fire who had proven time and time again that I could take care of myself put the two of them at ease. Levy had pouted a bit in the beginning but eventually relaxed when she realized that it really did help calm me down.
There had been a small lake about a half mile away our their cabin, and so, I made it my ritual to run to it, thoroughly enjoy the view of the stars I had there and take some time to talk to mom, before running back when weariness began to tug at me once again. Over the years I had made the trek so many times I would bet my left leg that I could run the entire way blindfolded now.
Although I missed the comforting blanket of the dark woods as I glanced out of the slightly dirty window at the soft glow of the street lamps I couldn't deny that I was excited to set a new route here in Magnolia. Of course, I recognized the added dangers of running through parts of a city as opposed to the quiet woods but I had accordingly added kickboxing to my workout regimen a little over three weeks ago. A small smirk pulled at my mouth as I felt a bit of eagerness creep up my spine at the thought of someone challenging me. Sure, I was tiny but I was also fierce.
It was actually a good way to describe both Levy and myself.
A giggle escaped my mouth. Although she may not look it the five foot nothing bluenette packed a walloping punch and had a smart mouth to match.
I, myself, was actually quite sassy if you got to know me well enough. Of course…nearly everyone who had met me would stare at you blankly if you were to use that word to describe me. I purposefully kept up such a quiet front that it was rare to hear me say much of anything. None the less something playful. Fear of my father finding me kept me from doing or saying much of anything that would make me stand out too much.
Sighing to myself I untangled my long legs from the sheets and slid them out from under the mess of blankets until they dangled over the side of the queen sized bed. Excitement thrummed in my veins at the prospect of my first run here in the city. Our motel was close enough to the campus of Magnolia University and thus the dorms where Levy and I would be living that I knew my route would be roughly the same. The University was actually large enough to have Sororities and Fraternities but if I was being totally honest with myself I was far too nervous to Rush.
That would definitely count as one of those things that stood out way too much. Drew too much attention, and if anyone were to realize who I really was…A chilling shiver rushed down my spine as I quickly pushed the thought away. It's not as if I believed that father had given up looking for me…In fact I was almost certain that he would soon up the ante as I had just recently turned 19. Now, seeing that I'm a considered an adult I'm sure he was just itching to get me back under his thumb.
I didn't doubt for one moment that if father found me he would try and marry me off. All for profit of course…Because, "Love is only a farce Lucy.".
The thought made me grimace.
Standing I quietly snatched my running clothes and shoes from the chair in the corner and made quick work of changing, throwing my slightly mused hair up in a ponytail. I had to wear two sports bras to make running comfortable. As I slipped my feet into my running shoes I let my mind drift back to when a livid Levy had scolded me for considering taping my chest as the age of 15. I had started to develop a figure like moms and my anxiety had started climbing through the roof every time I was out in public due to the amount of attention it drew. Snorting softly at the memory I tied my laces. Levy was a generous B but she was flat compared to me and she had nearly snapped at the thought of me "tarnishing my own goddamn good luck".
I walked towards the door, stuffing my room key in the strap attached to my left forearm along with my phone before turning the door handle. I slipped out without making a sound. Another testament to my quiet, shy façade. I was known for not making any noise when I moved. This, of course, was actually a product of my horrid childhood but no one besides Levy needed to know that. If I had dared to make any noise walking around the mansion I would surely be punished at the hand of my terribly angry father.
As such I had learned within the first month of mom's passing to never make my presence known. A child was to be seen (barely) and not heard after all. Ever.
Quietly I made my way down the hallway towards the staircase. Our room was located on the second floor and I made quick work of the stairs. As I passed through the lobby I offered a small nod to the clerk working the desk who returned it with a soft smile.
Once outside I popped my earbuds in, preferring the muted sounds they offered to the sound of the flickering street lights and occasional passing car. Peeri[CB1] ng from left to right I stretched out my calves as I decided which way I wanted to head in. I had heard rumors of a park nearby with great trails and a descent sized lake. I was fairly sure it was man made but it was a little body of water and that thought alone made me smile.
'Something that felt like home.'
My feet pounded the cement as I ran through the fairly quiet streets. I relished in the feeling that overtook my body in these moments. The sensation of the air blowing past my skin was addicting. It reminded me of a time long ago. One of the only other vague memories I had from my escape. The adrenaline of running and feeling free for the first time in a long time. Casting a quick glance both ways I crossed the street and continued onward. Shop doors blurring by in my peripheral. I ran for a good fifteen minutes before I spotted large trees looming before me and without my consent I let out a little 'whoop', my fist pumping in the air.
Picking up speed I raced towards the park grinning like a fool, getting closer to the edge with every passing second.
Soon enough I had made it to the park and I skidded to a stop panting lightly. Content that I was now clear of any dark alleyways and as such impending doom I removed my phone from its home on my arm and began to scroll through my vast music collection. My fingers stopped when I scrolled past a particular song. My heart skipped a beat.
I had forgotten all about this song.
Moving towards the edge of the little lake I stopped on the paved path that encircled it. Peering over the water before I took a deep breath through my nose, as if to steady myself, and pressed play. In the second of silence that came before the first note I cranked it up to a point that I knew would verge on being just a bit painful. It might be bad for my hearing (and Levy would scold me endlessly for being so unsafe) but I really wanted to be swallowed whole by the song as I stared over the water. A careful blankness washed over me as I stared at the slightly rippling water. My lips parted as spoke a soft greeting to the breeze, my voice lingering in the otherwise silent park.
"Hi, mom."
Then the soft beginning melody began to play.
I was incredibly private about the music I played on my runs. If anyone knew they would surely find my choices strange. This song was certainly not one that would normally be considered traditional running music. In fact, I was certain that most people didn't even know the artist, but it made the blood in my veins thrum to life. A feeling I only ever experienced in moments like these.
'On that night under the staircase'
'Our arms drifting down'
'Your kiss made me a believer'
'Cleansed my sins somehow.'
My gaze found the vast sky above me and for a brief moment I felt my emotions breaking through the careful barriers I had built. A single tear traced down my cheek.
And then I was off.
Running as fast as my body could possibly take me. I was determined to run until my legs gave out from under me. Until I could leave my body behind, only my mind left.
'I'll be what you need'
'I'll keep you inside my fortress'
'Hand you the keys'
'Let you roam these halls'
Quickly enough I began to approach the first curve and I slowed my pace a bit so I wouldn't go tumbling to the ground. I'd made that mistake once before and I certainly did not relish in the feeling of skidding across the hard surface. Of course, after that time Levy had also nearly had a panic attack, convinced I had been attacked when I returned with bloodied knees and shallow cuts in my forearms.
Ms. Bossy Pants hadn't allowed me to run for a week after that and I had nearly lost my damn mind.
A soft snort escaped me at the memory. I knew Levy only acted that way because she loved me so much and for that I was nothing but grateful. Truly.
My agile body followed the curve easily. My speed increasing as the path began to straighten out again.
'But you tore down the keeps'
'I returned to find ruins'
'You left all my love in the rubble of these walls.'
My heart beat wildly in my chest. Threatening to break away from my body.
Sometimes, I really wished this were possible. I mean Hell, half of the time I walked around feeling like a shell anyways.
But…I know that I have at least two people in this world that count on me. That need me. And no doubt mother would be unhappy if I tried to meet her before my time was really up.
Levy had softly reminded me of this on the first anniversary of mom's death that we were together. It had been a particularly rough year for both of us, seeing as we only had each other at the time. I had realized in that moment how much I truly cherished her company. The moment I realized this tiny blue haired child was my best friend.
My heart clenched painfully at the memory causing me to stumble slightly.
'But in my head'
'I am still there'
'I can still feel you'
'Breathe in slow'
'I've known this dream for a long time'
I stopped suddenly my hands flailing slightly before finding my knees as I breathed out harshly. I gave myself a light shake, glancing around nervously as though there would be someone around to see me in this moment. Much to my relief there was still no one there. I was still for a moment before I mentally scolded myself for thinking anyone else would be in the park at this hour.
A small laugh escaped me.
I was still alone.
Always alone.
Not that I really minded anymore. Honestly more and more it felt as though I lived for these silent moments of solace that I only found in the middle of the night. No one was around to expect anything of me. Or ask why I hadn't smiled at all.
Or tell me that I was lying to myself when I vehemently said I didn't mind being so alone.
'In the air'
'Suspended here'
'With thousands of words we've spoken'
'Can I soar?
'Up through the clouds?'
'Leave all of this behind?'
With a shake of my head I began moving again, approaching the other side of the lake. I felt myself becoming distracted by the sensation of running once again. The second turn was carrying me to the furthest side of the lake and I cast a glance to my left. Watching the lights of the sleeping city on the other side of the water.
Briefly, I found myself wondering if there was anyone else in the world that ran at the same time of the night as me. In the next instant I found myself wishing; that somehow…somewhere out there, there might be and if so that our paths would cross one day. Of course, truthfully, I knew that there was basically no chance. Not that I believed that there wasn't a single soul out there who wasn't crazy enough to go for runs at three in the damn morning but that the chances of me stumbling upon them were slim to none.
My luck was sanctioned to small happenings. Not ever anything as major or wonderful as that. Although…I did frequently feel that it was a miracle that I had found Levy and Porlyusica. Escaping father was also quite miraculous…but then again, I had been prepared to give my life in that instance. So, I suppose that might have just been the Fates allowing me a second chance.
Slowing once again I shook her head. No, there would be no such luck. I had surely used up all of the miracles I was allowed in this life time. Somewhere in the corner of my mind I knew that that dreadful man would find me again eventually. I could only pray that when that day finally came I would be strong enough to walk away once and for all.
'But in my head'
'I am still there'
'I can still feel you'
'Breathe in slow'
'I've known this dream for a long time'
A small laugh bubbled its way up my throat but there was no real humor to it. I could really only wish to be that strong, the likeliness of actually being capable of it seemed none too promising. Even the thought of him coming back into my life was enough to make the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
Father was a truly frightening man and I feared that once I was face to face with him again I would be reduced back to that frightened, sniveling child. The child that I knew was still curled up somewhere inside of me. Residing in the darkest reach of my soul, where it felt as though everything I loved went to die.
A grimace made its way across my face and I felt myself slowing to a stop once again. My hands found my face and I squished my cheeks together slightly, catching my lip between my teeth. I had the vague thought that this probably looked quite comical.
What was up with me tonight? Normally, when I ran my mind was completely blank…but tonight my thoughts seem to be particularly noisy. The more I mulled this over the more I felt that it was pissing me off. I just wanted silence. Not this constant whispering.
In that moment I realized I was feeling uneasy. Quickly I glanced around again, checking to see if there was anyone lurking in the shadows of the tree line. My sharp gaze found nothing out of the ordinary but I still felt as though I was being watched. Although, strangely enough…it didn't feel threatening. Merely curious. Fascinated maybe.
'All alone'
'I feel your breath'
'I hear you whisper'
'Dark like storms'
'Telling me, "Dear I'll never leave your mind".'
I had the sudden urge to call out to see if anyone else was around. But I knew better than to draw attention to myself like that. If there was someone else around hiding out of sight I doubted that I really wanted to come face to face with them.
Slowly I began to move again, although at a jog this time rather than an all-out sprint. Momentarily I found that I wanted to laugh at my nervous behavior. I knew it was only because I was running in a new place. Away from the woods I had called home for so long. Briefly I wondered how Porlyusica was doing. She had acted relieved when it finally came time for Levy and I to leave for Magnolia but I had seen the glaze of sadness in her stern gaze.
I understood that feeling well.
I was no stranger to putting on a face. Sometimes I wondered if when I looked in the mirror my reflection would ever look right again. I had plenty to be grateful for. I knew that. But every damn time I peered at myself Father's…criticisms echoed in my ears.
My knowledge that I had a good life just simply didn't dissolve the feeling that I was missing something.
Something incredibly important.
'And you've been there all along'
'Tugging me, pulling me down'
'Touching him, holding him close'
'You've made your home'
The sensation made me feel a little crazy if I was being honest. I had no idea why I would feel this way. I mean, I was well aware of the thing that was so sorely missing from my life: my mother. That was the person who left this aching hole I now found myself with. There couldn't possibly be anyone else…
Right?
The question made me stumble again and I cursed myself outwardly. Growling lowly at my own clumsiness. If I returned covered in scrapes I would without a doubt send Levy into another panic. I really didn't want to concern my doting friend. Levy didn't deserve that. Really, it was selfish of me not to be more careful with myself. Maybe I wasn't always the most concerned with my own wellbeing but there were others who were so for their sake I should try my best.
It was only right.
At this point I had slowed to a walk. My breath coming in little puffs, more from the constant racket that my brain was making than from physical exertion. I could vaguely make out the cloud of my breath for a moment before it disappeared. Fall was coming. Soon I would have to done warmer clothing for my nightly excursions.
'And I see your face through his eyes'
'With every move of your hips'
'You're breaking my bones'
'While holding me hostage.'
Suddenly something caught my attention. At the edge of the woods someone else was emerging. I vaguely noted through my surprise that they were running. My feet stilled beneath her.
This was…odd. Truthfully, I had never expected someone else to be out at this time. As the seconds ticked by I could physically feel myself becoming increasingly wary that that they might spell trouble for me. They trotted out from the shadows, easily making their way down the slight hill to the lake. My muscles tensed as they got closer. They couldn't be any further than twenty five feet away from me.
Although I realized, much to my relief, that it didn't seem they had noticed me standing here yet. I eyed them until I noticed that, much like myself, they were also wearing running attire. Vaguely I wondered if instead of standing there like a deer caught in the headlights I should just begin running back.
But then my heart stopped in my chest. What was that thing my mind had been muttering about luck earlier?
There was no way…No way in Hell that I had actually stumbled upon someone else that liked to run at the same time as me. It had to be a fluke. Caught up in my internal musings I hadn't noticed that the unknown figure had stopped and was now peering at me, surprise written across their features. As if a moth drawn to a flame they slowly started to move towards me.
My gaze snapped up immediately, causing them to stop. Panic flourished in my chest once I realized they were now only a mere fifteen feet away. Close enough to barely make out their facial features. I recognized in that instant that it was a male. Maybe almost a foot taller than myself with broad shoulders. It seemed as though he was breathing heavily bringing even more attention to the bright red workout tank he was wearing. There appeared to be something printed on it but I couldn't for the life of me make out what it was in the dim lighting.
'Could I still love you?'
'Though my arms are breaking'
'Could we still be alone?'
He was moving again and my gaze snapped to his face. I squinted my eyes trying to decipher the color of his spikey hair but in the slivery light of the moon it was honestly hard to tell. Something light. I felt the breath catch in my throat at the soft glinting in his gaze. It looked strangely like the dancing light of flames and I felt myself get locked in place. My mind stilled.
I felt as though I should run but my stupid brain wouldn't make my body move the way I wanted it to. Instead, I found myself taking a hesitant step forward. As if possessed by some other worldly force. Maybe it was the fire that burned in those watchful eyes. I stilled again and so did he. We could only be ten feet apart now. I could hear his soft breaths.
I was close enough now to see his face clearly in the dim moonlight. To my fascination I found that his eyes were the most mesmerizing onyx color I had ever seen. Our gazes were locked on one another making the breath catch in my throat. I could slowly feel myself falling into his depths. I had never in my life thought that a gaze could be so mesmerizing. It sent a thrill though my entire being. After a moment he shoved his hands in the pockets of his running shorts as he tilted his head ever so slightly. As if he was also fascinated by me.
Then, without warning, his lips tugged into a lopsided grin that suddenly had something clawing at the back of my mind. Demanding my attention. My heart thundered in her chest. My blood thrummed so loudly that it startled me. I felt as if I wanted to keep moving towards this entrancing stranger. To close the distance.
'Do I still know you?'
'Are you still my answer?'
'To the question that I've asked since I was born.'
His smile widened until I was certain it would split his face. I noted with fascination that his canines were far sharper than most and I found myself shivering. But not in fear.
We stood there in absolute silence simply looking at one another. I wondered briefly what my own face was doing. I felt the shock and awe I was feeling must be clear on my features as he looked quite amused. But I couldn't quite bring myself to care. There was something so familiar feeling about the man in front of me. It screamed at me but I couldn't make out what it was trying to say.
My fingers itched to touch him. The urge was so strong I felt my cheeks begin to flush, my mouth falling open slightly as a little gush of air left my lips. His lips twitched in amusement, those pearly canines glinting lowly in the ethereal lighting.
Then, he opened his mouth and spoke,
"Yo."
His voice had a certain timbre, almost melodic but with deep, rough notes and something hidden in it that shocked my body back to life. That one word had completely floored me.
'Why?'
Without warning I turned on my heel and fled. Running away so quickly he didn't even have a second to react. My feet pounded the ground with reckless abandon, salty tears racing down my cheeks that I wouldn't notice until much later. My heart was beating so hard I swore I could feel it in my damn throat. But I didn't stop running, couldn't stop until I realized I was turning the corner to the motel. With a last burst of energy I dashed across the street without looking. A loud honk sounded but it was lost on me as I pushed through the front doors of the building and blindly ran for the stairs.
Taking two at a time I found myself at our room door in an instant and with shaking hands I slid the room key into its lock, turning until a soft click resonated and I was able to twist the knob despite my shaking. Somehow, even though my mind was completely frazzled I managed to remain quiet enough to not wake Levy. Suddenly feeling completely spent I dragged my way over to my bed. Barely managing to kick off my shoes before falling down face first.
Sleep overtook me instantly and for the first time since I could remember I dreamed for the second time in a night.
Mmmmkay. Sorry I took forever and a KitKat break to get this up...I was debating on how I wanted to format the story so that I could put in Natsu and Lucy's first meeting without having them meet again and be like 'O-M-G IT U' because honestly, wheres the fun in that? I mulled over a few ideas and finally settled on one. Its awfully convenient if Ms. Lucy thinks that meeting bby Natsu was all just a dream yea?
Ohohohoho and what about Natsu you may ask? Welllll lets keep in mind that they met 11 yrs ago annnd idk about y'all but my memory from 11 yrs ago is nooot that great. Also, Natsu is notoriously known for being one of the most forgetful characters in FT sooo it works! All he'll remember is a blonde girl from his childhood. Vague enough to pull of him being clueless when they meet again.
Anywho if you read the first chapter you might also notice that it is now in all italics, this will represent Lucy's dreams. Stand alone sentences in italics will be thoughts. Also I changed a few minor details, if you notice them then you get a cookie and my endless praise lol. On another note I have decided that my regular updates will be Sundays! Woo~
As always...
Best, SB
[CB1]
