I'm so glad you guys like my new story! I really didn't expect it to get so much love after one chapter, but you guys surprised me once again! You're all beautiful people!

Your reviews make me feel so fuzzy and warm inside ~(^.^~)

Anyways, here's chapter two of My Guiding Flame


Chapter 2:


We were only kids we ran like water

You dad said, 'Stay away from my daughter.'

The sun was coming down when I said,

'Can't you just believe?'

"Last Train Home" -Ryan Star


"Honestly, I can't imagine how someone who's supposed to be so poised could get so filthy." An irritated woman with long, aqua blue hair griped as she scrubbed Lucy's hair with a bit more force than necessary.

Lucy wouldn't have responded even if she was paying attention to anything Aquarius was saying. Her thoughts were with the boy she met only a couple hours ago. He seemed so strange and out of his element in the village. He was rude, that was for sure, but she grew tired of people treating her like she was so breakable and secretly appreciated his brashness. But, she was still curious as to where he came from and why her father showed so much interest in him. He never even showed that much interest towards his own daughter.

It was nothing but work with him. Any attempt to have some one-on-one time with him only ended in disaster. Lucy was certain that she was nothing but I nuisance to him. She didn't even know why she bothered trying to get into his good graces. She couldn't remember the last time he held her or told her that he loved her. Perhaps there was a time, but that had to be before…

No. She refused to think about it.

"Oi! Are you trying to piss me off?!" Aquarius snapped, breaking Lucy out of her reverie. "Listen to me when I'm talking to you."

"I'm sorry." Lucy said quietly.

Aquarius narrowed her eyes at the child. "What's going on with you today? Did Virgo tie your dress too tight again?"

Lucy shook her head. "No. That's not it."

Aquarius raised her eyebrows, but didn't push.

"Aquarius?"

"Yeah? What do you want?"

"How long have you worked in the castle?"

Aquarius hummed in thought. "I started working here a few weeks after you were born."

"Do you remember a time when father was ever….nice?"

Aquarius scoffed in a very unladylike fashion. "Can't say that I have. He's been a heartless bastard ever since I met him."

"Oh." Lucy mumbled and slid deeper into her bubble bath.

Aquarius sighed and stepped back from the large tub. "You're all done here. Virgo should be here any minute to help you get dressed for bed. I'll be back in about an hour to prepare your sheets and I don't want to see a single hair out of place on your head, got it?!"

"Y-yes, ma'am!" Lucy whimpered, ducking behind the edge of the tub.

Once Aquarius exited the room, Lucy stepped out of the tub and wrapped herself in a pink, fluffy towel. She combed through her hair as she waited for Virgo to come in with her nightgown.

As she waited, she couldn't help but wonder what the pink-haired boy was doing at that very moment.

FTFTFTFTFTFTFT

Natsu didn't have a lot of experience with humans before he was kidnapped, or at all, but he decided that he didn't like them one bit. Ever since he's met humans he's been beaten, detained, mocked, and man-handled on more than one occasion. All he wanted to do was go home to Igneel and lie down on the warm, grassy plains of the meadow and forget this entire experience. But, it didn't seem as if that'd be happening anytime soon.

He stood silently in the throne room with two large men dressed in the shiny clothing on either side of him. Natsu wore metal circles around his wrists and ankles that kept him from running even if he had the energy to do so. The two men who had brought him here had been thrown out long ago, much to his delight. They weren't exactly happy about that.

At long last, King Judas came sweeping into the room, receiving respective bows from those he passed before assuming his position at the throne in front of Natsu.

Judas smirked at the boy. "Well, this has certainly come as a shock. Natsu, was it?"

Natsu looked towards the ground before nodding hesitantly.

"You certainly are not something that should be, Natsu. Mages are supposed to be nonexistent. Did you know that?"

Natsu shook his head slowly.

"I didn't think you would." Judas laughed without humor. "You claimed that you were raised in a forest by a dragon, correct?"

Another nod.

"Dragons are supposed to be extinct, as well." The king shook his head sadly. "It seems as if nothing is as I thought it was."

Judas stood from his throne and began descending down the steps, advancing steadily towards where Natsu stood.

"You see, Natsu," He went on. "Nothing happens in this kingdom without me knowing about it. That's the way it always has been. So, it's a wonder that not only you managed to survive in my forests for over six years, but you've also been residing with a dragon. And not just any dragon. A fire dragon. Do you see why this might bother me Natsu?"

Natsu shrugged.

Judas huffed a sigh. "Not much of a conversationalist, are you? That's fine. Better a silent genius than a loud idiot, I always say. But, never mind that for now. Do you want to know why I'm so interested in you joining my court, Natsu?"

Natsu made no move to reply in any way.

The king kneeled down, grabbing Natsu's chin and jerking his head up so he could meet his eyes.

"Because you have something that I want." Judas whispered disconcertingly. "Do you know what other kings wouldn't give to have a mage such as you battling in their armies? Battling in their wars? They'd be invincible. That's exactly what I want for myself and now here you are. With someone with your power in my army, no one would ever oppose me. I'll be able to stay on top for years to come. Do you understand, Natsu?"

Even if Natsu wanted to respond, the king's grip on his chin was too strong. The king released him, much to his relief.

"I didn't expect you to. You've been awfully sheltered in that forest of yours, haven't you? Well, that ends now. I apologize, Natsu, but it seems as if you won't be seeing that dragon of yours for some time."

Natsu's eyes widened, filling with tears that he refused to flow freely.

"Take him to the dungeon." Judas barked at the guards who immediately grabbed each of Natsu's arm. The king looked down and smiled at the boy, but it was not at all friendly. "Your training starts tomorrow so be sure to get plenty of rest."

The guards began to drag Natsu off, which was when his voice suddenly started to work again.

"No!" He shouted and began kicking and thrashing. "LET ME GO! I WANT TO GO HOME! YOU'D BETTER LET ME GO RIGHT NOW BEFORE I GET REALLY MAD!"

The look on the king's face as it got farther and farther away raised goosebumps on Natsu's arms.

"Silly boy." The king chuckled. "This is your home now. You'd better get used to it."

FTFTFTFTFTFTFT

It was way past Lucy's bedtime, but she just couldn't sleep. Aquarius had tucked her in hours ago and she still lied in the bed, her eyes wide open.

The thought about where the boy was and what he doing kept flitting through her mind, keeping her from a peaceful rest. Was he even still in the castle? Had her father sent him away or worse…killed him?

Lucy had to know.

She kicked the covers away from her small body and pulled her slippers onto her feet before jumping to the floor. She stopped at the door, pressing her ear against the wood to listen for any sounds. When she heard nothing, she opened it slightly, but enough for her to see through. When she was certain the coast was clear, she slipped out of the crack and closed the door soundlessly behind her.

This wouldn't be the first time she snuck out of bed, but it was the first time it had been for a greater cause than snatching an extra cookie out of the kitchen.

The tiptoed down the corridor keeping her eyes and ears open at all times. The castle was large, but she had learned all of its passageways and secrets through her years of exploring. She could probably get to where she needs to be with her eyes closed at this point.

It was until she reached the foyer when she heard voices heading her way. She ducked behind a pillar, thankful for her small stature.

It was only a couple of guards conversing lightly back and forth. But, one word passed their lips that grabbed her attention.

"So, did you hear about the mage that the king is going to have trained? I didn't think mages still lived."

"They aren't supposed to be alive, but I guess we were wrong. They're keeping the kid down in the dungeons for now."

The first guard shook his head sympathetically. "Poor kid. I wouldn't want to be him."

The men passed by, completely oblivious to the little girl hiding behind a pillar. She stepped out of the shadows once the men were out of sight.

She knew where the dungeon was, but it wasn't particularly her favorite place in the castle. It was murky and creepy, but if he was down there, she'd have to swallow her fear. Lucy didn't know where this protectiveness was coming from, but her mother had always told her to follow her heart and, right now, it was telling her to go see him.

Lucy had to sneak down a winding staircase to get to the dungeon and immediately pulled her shawl closer to herself as they cold air hit her exposed skin. There were no signs of life from what she can see so she ventured further into the darkness, squinting her eyes as she went.

She reached the very last cage in the row and was able to make out the shape of a huddled up figure in the corner of the cell. It had to be him.

"H-hello?" She whispered, but the way her voice bounced off the walls and into the empty space made it sound louder than it was. The shape flinched at the sound, but made no other movements.

"Are you the boy from earlier?" She tried again. "The one who called me weird?"

Before she could blink, a sudden light filled the cell and she was able to look at the surprised face of the boy. In his hand was a ball of flame. The light only seemed to accentuate his peculiar, pink hair and bizarrely colored eyes.

"What are you doing down here?" He asked. "You're going to get yourself into trouble."

"I-I'm sorry! I was just…uh, that is….I wanted to make sure you were still here."

Natsu blinked slowly at her before a bitter scowl crossed over his features. "As if I had a choice to leave. It doesn't look like I'll be leaving any time soon."

Lucy cocked her head in confusion. "What do you mean? Why wouldn't you be able to leave?"

Natsu contemplated telling the princess about her father's scheme, but didn't fully know whether or not he could trust her yet. She was the king's daughter, after all, and he had just recently met her. He wasn't sure if she'd just run off and repeat any information he might leek about himself to the almighty King Judas. Natsu decided not to take his chances.

He turned his head away and mumbled, "S'not important. Just go away."

"Yes, it is!" Lucy argued, shuffling closer to the cell. "He's not making you do anything…bad…Is he?"

"I don't know yet. I start my training tomorrow." Not if Igneel came before then to take him back home.

Lucy's eyes softened at the sad look on the boy's face. "You must miss your home very much, don't you?"

Natsu didn't reply or even look at her.

"Your parents must have been pretty powerful mages to give you magic like that, huh?"

"Dunno." Natsu shrugged. "Never met 'em."

"No? Then who raised you?"

"My dad."

"But, you just said-"

"I meant Igneel. He found me when I was a baby and raised me in a forest. He might not be related to me, but he's still my dad."

"In a forest?" Lucy repeated. "How were you able to survive with another human alone in the forest?"

"Igneel's not a human!" Natsu snapped, sounding offended by her remark. "He's a dragon! Duh!"

He made it sound as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, but judging by Lucy's gaping mouth and wide eyes, it wasn't exactly a normality amongst humans.

"What?" Natsu growled. "Are you going to call me a liar, too?"

Lucy shook her head. "Uh, no. I just didn't know-"

"That dragons existed?" He finished for her. "Do you know how many times I've heard that today? He's real, I tell ya! He raised me ever since I was a baby and taught me everything I know! He fed me, gave me clothes, taught me how to walk, talk, read and write! We did everything together. I couldn't imagine a better dad so don't you dare tell me that he doesn't exist because he does!"

"I-I'm sorry!" Lucy offered, holding her hands up in front of her. "I'm sure he was a great father." Natsu's face suddenly changed once she said this. His face scrunched up strangely, but he turned away once again before Lucy could get a good look. "Did…did something happen to him?"

"No! He's fine! But, don't expect me to stay here for much longer because he'll be here to get me any time now. You'll see!"

Lucy sat back, saddened by the desperation in his voice. Something had happened to Igneel that has Natsu worried and scared, but he didn't seem to know what is was. She had no doubt that if the dragon loved Natsu as much as he claimed he did, he would be here to help him and take him back to their home.

But, if that were true, what was taking him so long?

Lucy stood up, dusting off her nightgown. "Well, I hope he does come. I'm sure you wouldn't want to be separated from him for a long time."

Natsu had so response to that, but narrowed his dark, green eyes at the blonde in curiosity and wariness.

"If you're still here by tomorrow night…" Lucy continued, avoiding his eyes. She hoped the darkness hid her blush. "Maybe I'll come and visit you again?"

"Don't count on it." Natsu huffed. He looked towards the girl, noticing the slight hurt in her eyes. He sighed, dropping his head into his open hands. "Do whatever you want. I'm stuck in a cage. It's not as if I could run you off even if I wanted to."

Lucy smiled gently. He didn't say it in so many words, but he wanted to see her again as well. "Well then, goodnight, Natsu."

When he didn't answer, Lucy took it as her cue to leave. She picked up her skirt and began climbing back up the twisted staircase, oblivious to the pair of dark eyes that followed her every movement.


Yay! Chapter 2 is complete! It took longer than I thought it would, but I should be able to get more out over this weekend and next week since it'll be Thanksgiving break and I'll have nothing else going on =^.^=

Favorite and follower if you like my stuff and send me a review if you wanna. I'd really appreciate it!

Until next time, my lovelies! Kisses!