Chapter 2
Night has since fallen, leaving the blonde with unsettled nerves. She can hardly see her hands when she has them outstretched in front of her. A full moon is high in the sky twinkling with stars, but the tree tops cut off most of the light. The scenery is ominous and too quiet except for the sounds from the fauna that call this place home.
She muses she was cursed the moment she entered the forest due to the unlucky string of events that have happened since she fell off the horse.
Her gown snagged and tore so much she ended up tearing the remains of it off. That was only after she tripped while crossing a stream and drenched herself. Her slip that was white is now stained with mud and tattered, hardly usable anymore. Low hanging branches she could not see tangled in her hair that was styled up, courtesy of Evergreen's handiwork. Her skin is dirtied and has some scrapes here and there.
Lucy has not stopped walking though. She has kept going, not wanting to even rest for a moment while she is still in this forest. She may be tired and sore from head to toe, but she presses onward.
There are two things she is currently grateful for. One: she is still alive. Two: it is only a cool night rather than something more chilling.
The night air is fairly chilly than most summer nights she is used to. Perhaps the weather is different here than it is back at home. Although, she is not entirely sure where she is. "Things could be worse I suppose," she says aloud to no one in particular.
Obviously, the blonde spoke too soon.
After taking another step forward, the ground disappears from underneath her. Against her control, gravity takes her as she tumbles down a ravine, shouting from surprise. Extremities hit against trees and rocks. Both of her shoes fly off, leaving her with no chance of finding them in the dark.
At the bottom when she finally comes to a stop, Lucy's head is spinning as pain racks her body. A moan escapes her lips as she moves her head to her right side before she rolls over to stand. Something hard nudges her forehead and her body stiffens. She reaches out with her left hand and discovers she nearly banged her head on a rock. It was not the dangerous bandits that nearly took her life, but a rock.
The blonde manages to stand, discovering her left ankle is sprained. She is not entirely sure when she injured it on her way down the ravine. Walking is even more difficult now, especially with bare feet. She merely adds it to her ongoing list of injuries and focusing on something else. She is striving for the sake of the Thunder Legion, wondering if any escaped with their lives.
They protected her from the bandits not just because she is their charge, but because she is their friend. The four, along with a handful of some others, are the only ones Lucy has befriended over the years.
She continues on her way, being wary of where she steps. She wraps her arms around her, digging her nails into her skin, as she hisses in pain. Her sprain is not helping in the slightest and is only a nuisance. She could do without it. Then again, she could do without any of the other incidents that have happened to her.
Something causes the blonde to stop in her tracks. Fire. She smells fire. Panic floods her body as she thinks a forest fire has started. Her eyes dart around, searching for the danger. She spots light off in the distance, but it is no danger. Rather, it appears to be a campfire.
Fear trickles down her spine as she remains frozen in place. What if she is approaching the bandits' camp?! She might as well be walking towards her doom!
The Thunder Legion flashes through her mind. What if some were captured and being held? Would bandits even keep royal guards as captives? Lucy knew little of the dangers outside her castle's walls.
As if weights are tied to her feet, she slowly and quietly limps onwards. Thinking of her guards' safety keeps her going. She trudges along until she sees the glow of fire past a tree line and some bushes. She swallows hard, keeping her gaze forward.
The blonde enters a clearing where no trees are and is able to see a little better. She can make more things out as she approaches the source of light. Then halts when she hears a sound from behind her, knowing she is no longer alone. Her breath hitches and she resists the urges to look behind her or simply bolt.
"Don't take another step," a low male voice warns.
She stays still as a statue, even holding her breath.
"Turn around slowly," he orders. "Hands where I can see 'em."
Keeping her arms wrapped around her, Lucy slowly faces the opposite direction. Much to her surprise, the person before her does not look like one of the bandits from earlier. He may have a hood up, covering his face, but he is different. He is too clean and his clothes are neat. The drawn sword aimed at her looks like it has a pristine craftsmanship origin.
Her eyes never look away from the sharp and clean blade.
The sword's height above the ground wavers and then lowers, becoming less of threat. "What are ya doing here?" the stranger demands. "These are private lands."
The blonde decides to respond with partial honesty, firm on keeping her voice from wavering. "I am not sure where I am. Bandits attacked–"
"Bandits?" the hooded figure interrupts, tightening the grip on his weapon.
"It happened while the sun was still out," she clarifies. "I have been wandering around since." She quickly glances down at herself and jokes, "Clearly the forest disagrees with my presence here."
The stranger sheaths his sword and strides towards her unexpectedly.
Lucy gasps and stumbles backwards. "St-stay away!
Ignoring her words completely, the hooded figure scoops her into his arms princess style. "Damn, you're freezing," he comments, heading towards the campsite.
She protests with head to toe wiggling and wriggling, ignoring the panic coursing through her that wants to take over. "Release me!" she shouts.
"Oi, quit squirming. I'm trying to help ya." His voice is different now. No longer is it dark and harsh, but more real and unguarded.
"Or lead me to my doom!"
The stranger merely chuckles. "Or that."
The blonde's body stiffens.
He notices her reaction. "Relax."
Much to her own surprise, she does. "I am able to walk on my own just fine," she quips.
"Not on that leg you're not."
She peeks up at him for a moment, unable to see his face due to the darkness. Had he noticed her sprained foot? Was that even possible? "Where are you taking me?"
"To your doom, remember?" the hooded figure jests.
She merely huffs at his sense of humor, secretly hoping he is honestly fibbing.
A/N Part 1: I realized I forgot to mention in the last chapter that this is kind of like a medieval area with no magic! Anyways, I hope y'all are enjoying this :D I personally reallllllllllly like it myself!
A/N Part 2: Oh wow! I already passed 40 Followers for this fic! Thank you all so much :D I appreciate all of the Reviews and Favorites as well :)
Empress of Everything: Aye, sir! I like finding ways to plug in characters from Fairy Tail. Using the Thunder Legion as bodyguards was a fun way I think XD Ugh, relatable feeeels. I like having 2/3 fics going at least. Then when I finally complete one, I start another one. I've got a loooot of ideas waiting to be posted! ^-^
Guest: Oh wow! Thank you so much!
Sara lovelymusic: Woooo, that's the goal! :D
OrbitalTM4: I'm already happy with this story too! And woo, Favs are always great :D I'm always in the mood for updating! I just need the time to write XD
SilverGhost: I loved working the Thunder Legion in that way! :) I'm excited to work in more FT characters as well and giving them rolls :D And yes, Lucy has some skill! After all, she's "more than a princess" ~I plan on having that be a theme to this fic, hence the title~
Rainbowpoptartcat: Ayyyyyyyy XD Lucy isn't a defenseless princess after all! Maybe I'll have Lucy Kick be her signature move haha!
kiteou-kun: Yay, I'm happy you like it so far! :3
Lessthanthreeanime: Woo, makes me happy you're enjoying it :D
Nekokittygirl: Aye, sir! :D