A/N: Hello ladies and gentlemen and welcome back! I'm still alive, still kicking, and I am so terribly sorry for the very, VERY long absence (on a side note, I turned 22 back in early November lol).
College was seriously kicking my ass with the amount of work that was dumped on me and even though I have been writing, the majority of my time and energy was been to papers, studying, and my internship (it's college folks, you've got work to do). I've also been taking Civil Service tests for Law Enforcement as that's the career I want to pursue.
For those of you who don't know, this semester was my final semester of college: I graduated early with a four year degree. Depending on when I've posted this, I'll be done and out before Christmas at which point I'll be back home or I'll have this posted when the holidays have settled down. I'll be working but I'll have some time in between to still write so don't expect me to disappear complelty. Now, as to getting a full time job and in regards to law enforcement…I'll address all of that at a later date when I feel the time is appropriate to do so. Or, more to the point, when I know what's going on.
I just feel really bad for going this long without posting anything. Hell, it feels weird having time to just write for fun again. More to the point, I can't thank you guys enough for being so very patient with me and for putting up with my crazy schedule and BS. To everyone who has left a follow, a favorite, or a review; from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all of your support.
So, think of this as a Christmas gift from me to you!
Last time we got to see Natsu and Lucy face the wrath of the Grand Magic Council as news of Lucy's secret meetings with Natsu were exposed. Despite the Council from trying to use Lucy, her friends, and family as scapegoats to maintain their power, Natsu and his fellow demons intervened to prevent a miscarriage of justice. In the process, the princess and the demon made history as Lucy became the first human to be publicly allowed to return to Tartarus…all the while preventing an all-out war between the two factions. However, dark forces have caught wind of Natsu and Lucy's budding relationship and it's only a matter of time before old enemies resurface and the threads of fate acts once more…
For this chapter let me bring out my inner Doge: Such action. Much plot. Much Nalu. If that isn't any indication of what's going on in this chapter, I don't know what is.
Oh! Please read the authors note at the end of this chapter…I have a small preview for the next chapter that I think you very well may enjoy ;)
As usual before we continue, here is a shout out to you ladies and gents who were kind enough to leave a review last time around. Like last time, a lot of you left a review, but since it's been a while since an update, I feel the need to personally address you guys in way of apology for keeping you guy's waiting for so long:
: Hello and welcome to the story, glad you enjoyed the chapter and that I was able to brighten up your day!
Sailor Tiamat: Welcome back yourself, how have you been? I'm glad you enjoying the story so far!
Sakuramy: Hello! Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Galaxy Princess: Hello and welcome to the story, glad I was able to pique your interest with this story. Yeah, the Council members were always too uptight in my opinion as well and look where it got them. Revenge is a dish best served cold after all. Glad you enjoying things!
Moon Stone Tiger Lily: I take it you liked the Nalu last time around. Don't worry, there'll be more…dare I say intimate moments.
Sarara1.8: Hello! Yep, Nalu feels all around with many more where that came from!
MeowyMeow: Congratulations on graduating, how are things working out for you? Glad you are enjoying the story so far!
Aliadriel: Hello my friend, how are you doing!? It's funny you mention Natsu falling for Lucy because that's something going to be brought up in this chapter. They're relationship is about to take a new step after this chapter so be prepared!
Leahcar-Soutaichou: Hello, glad you are enjoying things so far! Wow, I didn't think people could get that excited for my writing.
Peacerockgirl123: Hello and welcome back! Thank you so much for your review, it means a lot to me to know that someone appreciates my writing so much. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting and I hope this chapter makes up for it; my life got crazy for the past couple of weeks, what can I say? I have given thought to being an author but it probably won't be something I try my hand at until after I retire or something like that lol.
Lady of Eldritch Literature: Hello and welcome back! Thank you for taking a look at my other stories and thank you for having such fun reading this; it makes my day whenever I see a response like yours.
Saranau34: Hello and welcome to the story! Glad you are enjoying things!
ToastedWeirdBrain: Hello and welcome back; I always like to try to add a little more depth to the characters while still trying to keep them in character. I take it by your review that you are really enjoying things…well, in that case, wait until you read the little tidbit at the end of the chapter.
LovingmyOTP's: Hello! FE7!? What even is that!?
Fuji99: Hello! Thank you for being awesome!
J Luc Pitard: Hello, how are you? I feel like I've heard that quote before, where is it from? I wouldn't call Lucy spoiled, more as unaware as to what's truly out there in the world. Yep, she's falling for Natsu; hard. And things are only going to ramp up from here on out.
Wapii: Hello and welcome back. Yep, Natsu showed everyone who the real Alpha Male is and why it's a bad idea to mess with his friends. Well, we'll be seeing a bit East and West conflict in this chapter so eat your heart out, lol. Glad you are enjoying things :)
RunningWithTheRiptide: Hello and thank you for giving my story a chance.
D: Hello and welcome back, how are you doing? If you're reading this and it's before Christmas, here's an early gift from me to you. If you're reading this after the holidays, I hope things were enjoyable for you and that you enjoyed the chapter!
Godessbeauty.101: Hello and welcome back! The stress hasn't killed me…yet. But in all seriousness, I feel bad for putting my writing on the backburner but at the same time, I kind of had to. Your reviews are always so kind and supportive and I can't thank you enough for taking time to read my story and giving me your honest opinion.
Alice Harkey: Hello and welcome back! I'm glad everything is to your liking; I'm a detail nut so it's nice to hear that all the little things I add don't go unnoticed.
Barfan3: Hello and welcome back; I find Natsu and Lucy to be characters with a surprising amount of depth to them and it always pains me when I don't see them flushed out…hence why I try to do it.
BloodRedRubies: Hello, glad you are enjoying things!
Loralie Gold Dream: Hello and thank you for being fabulous!
Kaito1412: …Please what?
Bloodlust002: Hello and welcome back! Well, the demons never considered the barbarians to be a major threat; just a nuisance that needed to be dealt with. Now, if it was a military scouting force, then the demons would take issue and see it as an act of aggression. The demons have no trouble wiping out bandits and barbarians because that really doesn't drag them into anything. It's all in the context of what is and isn't an act of aggression to the demons. Does that answer your question?
BlueFiary10: Hello and welcome back!
DIGIKO12: Welcome back; LOVE YOU TOO DUDE!
Fanficlove2014: Hello and as always, welcome back! A lot more will happen in this chapter just wait and see. Yep, romance is blooming for Nalu and Gruvia and it's only going to deepen after this chapter!
Siiillltt: HERE'S MORE!
Guest: Hello, I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far!
Blizzyboo: Glad you are enjoying the story; there's a little surprise preview at the end so check that out!
Kagehana15: Thank you and welcome back!
NaluFandominium: Thank you for taking an interest in my writing! I finally have spare time so I was able to finish this up!
Akwardllama: Hello and welcome to the story, I am very happy to hear how much you are enjoying this story and that I'm keeping the characters-well-in character. Rest assured, Gajeel and Natsu will be butting heads soon enough. And as for an alliance via marriage…well, who's to say that won't happen in a future chapter. Thank you for your patience and I hope you enjoy!
So with that all being said, I'm pretty sure you've all been dying to see what happens next with this story; so without further ado…let's continue our tale.
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CHAPTER 8: Intruders
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West Tartarus…
Capitol City, Penumbra; Royal Palace…
"…Things are beginning to stir in the East."
"So it would seem…tell me, what has that insufferable boy done this time?"
On the Tartarus continent's most western half, there is a large city located on a vast peninsula that stretches out from the mainland of Tartarus.
"It would seem that he's run afoul of the humans. Apparently he crossed their borders a few nights ago and turned one of their own into hellhound chow."
"That's risky, even for that runt. What reason would he have to cross the river?"
The city is an old city, protected on all sides by a nearly impenetrable wall and the sea beyond. The peninsula it calls home is relatively flat with two large mountain ranges forming a natural corridor that leads out onto the highlands and plains of Tartarus; further barriers that add to the city's already impressive defenses.
This city is called Penumbra and at one time, it was the jewel of the continent; the capitol city of Tartarus. From here, art, music, and culture flourished under a series of benevolent kings and queens who ruled with a frim but kind hand through the ages. Penumbra's glory rivaled that of other comparable cities found in the Ishgar Alliance, despite the fact that Penumbra predated the Alliance by three hundred years. For many a generation, Penumbra was home to many a demon who wanted to live their lives in peace and the comforts their great kingdom offered them.
And for a time, that peace was upheld. Despite a conflict instigated by humans, many of the demons in Tartarus found themselves looking forward to the future, seeing the conflict between man and demon as something-like everything else-that would come to an end and be relegated to the annals of history.
"Our human contacts have provided some very interesting information. Apparently the young prince has become quite involved with a human female; one Princess Lucy Heartfilia."
It was a time of the rule of King Riku Dragneel and his wife, Queen Yui (ne Dragion). Their reign had been a peaceful one with Riku having ascended to the throne at the age of fifteen. He had met Yui during a summer festival and the two fell deeply in love. It was a young romance that captured the public's imagination; the king who had fallen in love with a fire dancer. By the time they were seventeen, the two had married and by years end, Yui had given birth to her first son. By the time the king and queen had turned twenty three, Yui had given birth to a second son.
Together, the happy family lived in the Royal Palace located at the heart of the city; a towering castle with a single mighty tower that held an eternally burning fire: the symbol of the Tartarus and a beacon for miles around.
For Riku and Yui, they took no greater pleasure than seeing their two sons grow up before their eyes; two loving brothers who had nothing but bright future's ahead of them.
And then, four hundred years ago, on the youngest sons sixth birthday…that peace came to an abrupt and violent end.
Riku's older brother, Acnologia, overthrew the king in a sudden and bloody coup d'état.
Acnologia had grown resentful over the fact that he had been passed over in favor of his brother for the throne; he was the oldest and therefore he was entitled to the throne first! But the decision had been made and Acnologia had steadily grown to hate his brother as time went on.
Adding to his resentment, Acnologia and his generals loathed how rather than wage a full scale war against the humans-knowing Tartarus had the capacity and power to do so-Riku instead favored fighting the humans to a standstill; "teaching them a lesson" as he put it. It would do them no good to waste the lives of their people when the natural order of things could be preserved.
Further twisting the knife, Acnologia hated his sister in law and his nephews. For a time, Acnologia's resentment had been kept in check by his wife and second in command; Tatsuki. With her at his side, Acnologia's anger had been brought to a simmer. But it was a happiness that wasn't meant to last. Tatsuki died in childbirth, as did their baby; a little girl who never had the chance to draw her first breath.
Seeing Yui not only give birth to two sons but live made Acnologia's blood boil to the point that he became openly hostile towards her and loathed his nephews with a passion, calling them "the little bastards." Riku in turn, put his brother in his place; an act that ultimately sealed his fate. He demoted Acnologia and replaced him with his wife's brother; a loyal, steadfast commander by the name of Igneel Dragion.
It was the straw that broke the camel's back.
In a single day and night, Acnologia effectively crushed the longstanding peace Tartarus had enjoyed. In the confusion, Riku's eldest son was separated from his parents only to be rescued by the Master at Arms, Atlas Flame, and taken from the city as all out warfare between the rebels and loyalists ravaged Penumbra.
Although his eldest nephew had escaped, Acnologia had cornered his brother, Yui, and his young nephew. The demon had gleefully and sadistically pried the young boy from his mother's arms as she screamed and begged for her son's life…only to toss the boy into a coffin as he cried for his parents. His cries were silenced when Acnologia took a sword and ran his nephew through with the sword before breaking the blade; effectively nailing him to the inside of the coffin.
Yui's screams could be heard from the castle, even amongst the fighting, as she was forced to watch the coffin dragged away. And without preamble, Acnologia silenced Yui's screams and did the same to his brother; permanently. Their bodies would later be buried together in an unmarked grave outside the city limits.
But even as Penumbra fell under Acnologia's rule, there were those who fought back against the usurper; men and women who still remained loyal to the monarchy. Igneel escaped Acnologia's grasp and together with a few thousand refugee's, fled the city before the gates were closed. They fled to the east of Tartarus, eventually reaching the small trading city of Santuario and established a government in exile.
What followed was two hundred years of bloody conflict between Igneel and Acnologia, both eventually brining the other to a stalemate. But Acnologia didn't mind…Igneel could wait…he had other priorities.
The humans were talking of forming an alliance, one that could oppose both Tartarus and the recently founded Alvarez Empire. Not wanting another threat to contend with, Acnologia stole the powers of a dragon and launched a preemptive strike upon Ishgar in the hopes of decimating the humans. But even with his newfound power, Acnologia was no match for Mavis Vermilion and her loyal followers. One of them being a woman by the name of Anna Heartfilia.
"…Heartfilia!?...Heartfilia…Ah…yes, Anna's legacy. Tell me, what is the nature of relationship?"
Anna was a gifted mage, one who had the power to channel the energy of the stars-of the universe-and convert it into a magical power capable of opposing any force. She met Acnologia in single combat and after a battle that lasted from dawn and until dusk, she defeated the black dragon and secured the future of Ishgar. Even two hundred years later it was still humiliation that angered Acnologia to no end.
He had licked his wounds and returned to Tartarus, continuing his battle with Igneel throughout the years and eventually succeed and killing his brother in law. But he paid a price for ending the fire dragon's life, and worst of all, that little bastard was still alive and now in power.
"The girl was being framed for the death of the man the young prince slew. He came to her aid and defended her...he even threatened to burn the country of Fiore to ash should anyone try to harm the Princess."
"Did he now? My, my, such noble words. I wonder…"
"What are you thinking my lord?"
"…I'm thinking it's about time we paid my brat of a nephew a little…visit."
On this particular day, Acnologia resided in the castle that had once been his brother's home. The once bright and lively city had been overshadowed by a perpetual dread that seemingly poisoned the land. It rained most of the days out of year and flaming beacon that once burned at the top of the tower had been extinguished for over four hundred years; all of these factors reflecting upon the demon who now ruled the west.
Acnologia's rule had been a harsh one and he intended for it to stay that way once he successfully reclaimed what was rightfully his. The people needed to know who their true leader was. Any whisper of rebellion or escape from the city was quickly snuffed out and reprisals for such thought were severe. He'd be lying if he said he didn't take glee out of watching a mass execution; especially if it involved forcing a dissenter watch his or her entire family die before their eyes. It got the message across and was rarely used like it had been in the early years of his rule but it never hurt to make people remember why he was in power.
He had been absentmindedly dwelling on this line of thought while focusing his attention of his top general; Mard Geer. The demon had dark, cold eyes; long black hair; a wicked, sadistic smile; and a dangerously suave charm.
Acnologia himself was tall with broad shoulders and fit; impressively so. His tribal demon marks stood out against the copper hue of his skin but complemented his piercing red eyes and long, sky blue hair. He wore dark clothing, knee high boots, and had a battle torn cape wrapped around his shoulders; the one sleeve of his shirt was folded and tucked to the side…his left arm having been lost in battle courtesy of his brother in law.
The usual morning meeting had ended minutes ago but Mard Geer had remained behind to deliver some rather interesting news to his lord.
"Who should we send this time?" Mard Geer asked, "I know Kyoka is itching to repair those maid sisters back from their last encounter. With Seilah on her side, they'd make worthy adversaries for the boy and his loyalists."
"Let's not be too hasty to act." Acnologia said from his throne, "This Lucy girl obviously means a great deal to that boy. She is someone we can exploit to our advantage…yes, someone we can exploit indeed. That boy obviously can't stand to see her put in harm's way…so let's see how far he truly is willing to go for her. He's unknowingly presented us with an opportunity to shift things to our favor."
"What do you propose my lord?" Mard Geer asked, intrigued by his dark kings line of thought.
"Let's see where things go between this girl and that idiot boy. Let them get…closer. More comfortable. More at ease. And then when they least expect it…we strike. I want to see if this girl can hold her ground like her ancestor; if she is worthy of the Heartfilia name. And, more to the point, how that little bastard will react."
Acnologia tapped the arm of his throne in thought for a moment before a rather cruel and wicked smile formed on his lips.
"Tell Jackal and Zancrow I have a new mission for them; one that requires a certain amount of shock and awe."
"Are you sure that's wise my lord?" Mard Geer asked, "They tend to get…carried away, even by our standards."
"I'm counting on that they do. I want to send a message and what better way than to blow shit up?" Acnologia said, his grin having turned manic.
Mard Geer sighed but let a cruel smile of his own form, "As you wish my lord. They'll be before you within the hour."
"See that they are." Acnologia said and dismissed his second in command with a wave of his hand.
When the doors to the throne room shut, Acnologia allowed himself to laugh; a dark and sinister cackle that filled the grand hall and echoed off the windows, columns, and walls.
"How will you react, I wonder?" Acnologia thought, "You've made the mistake of bringing the humans into our conflict boy. Now let's see how far you're willing to go to save one of them."
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Three months later…
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East Tartarus…
Princess Lucy Heartfilia accompanied by her lady in waiting, Juvia Lockser, and Familiar, Happy…
En route to Castle Dragneel…
The horses galloped a quick but even pace down the dirt road that led to the outer wall of the city. The wind threw their riders hair into disarray but neither really minded the sense of freedom it brought them. Besides, they could always tidy up once they reached the castle.
Lucy and Juvia rode side by side while Happy-in his cat form-flew above them, taking equal pleasure at being able to spread his wings. The two women wore riding clothes, clothes they could afford to get dusty while traveling. Simple riding cape, light colored blouses, tan riding pants, and knee high boots; clothing meant for travel. It wouldn't do either woman any good if their more formal attire were to be sullied.
Especially for Lucy as she had packed one of her finest evening dresses for the night. Natsu had invited her to dinner and she intended to dazzle him tonight. Add in a little makeup plus styling her hair into a few wavy curls and she was more than certain that she'd catch his attention…and hopefully begin to convey her feelings.
For if there was one thing Lucy Heartfilia was certain of, it was this: she was falling in love with Natsu Dragneel.
Since the time of the inquisition to the present day, Lucy had taken the opportunity to visit the castle once a week for the last three months. She stayed within the required forty-eight hour time period set for her but she made each hour last as long as she could. She looked forward to each visit with renewed vigor each time she left for East Tartarus. Needless to say, Lucy had quickly become a common sight at Castle Dragneel.
Mirajane had even gone so far as to prepare her own room which was located right across the hall from hers and Lisanna's. Both the Strauss sisters had taken such a liking to Lucy that they considered her to be family. And little Asuka was overjoyed whenever she got to read to Lucy or play princess with her. Lucy did admit that it had taken some getting used to, especially since many of the demons in the upper echelon were still skeptical of her, but overall she wouldn't have it any other way.
Especially when it came to Natsu. She spent the majority of her visits with him as Natsu always seemed to have something in store for her visits. Whether it be time in the library, showing her around the castle, taking her out into the city; the two were inseparable. And through that time, Lucy felt herself growing closer to Natsu. Her fascination with the demon had slowly turned from curiosity to affection and Lucy welcomed the feeling.
Natsu was the perfect gentleman; he never tried to cop a feel, never eyed her like a piece of meat, and respected her for who she was. But at the same time he seemed to possess a childlike mischievousness that always threw her for a loop. How she got dragged into some of his pranks or hair brained schemes baffled her but then again, it had been a while since she had had so much fun. And she had a feeling that the demon lord shared the sentiment.
But, there were quiet moments too. Moments where they would sit before the fire in his study and she would read aloud from a story-sometimes from his own personal collection of adventure and dragon novels-or they would stand out on the veranda and watch the stars glitter in the night. It was in those moments that Lucy would notice how close she sat to Natsu; how he'd wrap his arms around her to keep her close and how she'd lean back against his chest and feel the thrum of his heart. Or how, when stargazing, she'd catch him looking at her when he thought she wouldn't notice.
It was in those quiet moments that Lucy felt things were changing between her and Natsu.
That she was falling in love.
And how he too might very well be feeling the same towards her if the last visit was anything to go by. They had stayed up late that night and Natsu had wound up carrying her to bed. She was aware enough to know that Natsu was carrying her but Natsu had thought she had fallen asleep. She felt him tuck her into bed and then brush her hair behind her ear as he whispered, "Goodnight…my princess."
The thought that Natsu might feel the same way sent her heart into a tizzy. It didn't matter that he was a demon and she was human; they had formed a bond that went beyond that of race and species. She had no doubt that if things progressed any further between them that there would be one hell of a firestorm to face. But, quite frankly, she didn't give a damn.
And Lucy was certain she wasn't the only one who was having a similar, euphoric experience.
In her travels, Lucy was never shy of company.
Per her father's request, she never traveled alone. Aquarius or Loke would join her on occasion, as would Levy, Wendy or Erza, the first two of the three loving the idea of getting out of the castle for a bit to peruse the library or see something new. But for the most part, Lucy made her travels with Happy and Juvia.
Since her own visit to castle, Lucy had noticed that Juvia had seemed to take a liking to one Commander Gray Fullbuster. A demon who, as much as he tried to hide it, seemed to have grown fond of the water mage. Lucy would catch them talking near one of the many fountains that dotted the many courtyards of the castle or walking along the exterior ramparts; with each visit Lucy noticing how the two would move closer and closer together and she thought she even saw Juvia let Gray hold her hand last time around.
The two had crushes on one another but they either played it off or were too shy or nervous to admit it; personally, Lucy thought it was cute. More so for the fact that Juvia had also packed her favorite cornflower blue evening dress she only saved for special occasions.
"Hi fella's!" Happy called out, pausing his flight momentarily to wave to guards at the gate.
Lucy and Juvia were just beginning to near the wall and she could start to see-as she had many times before-the guards move to their stations. A few of the guards waved in greeting and the two women returned the favor. The gate was already being lowered by then and Lucy could see Alzack Connell and his hellhound waiting to greet them.
"Good afternoon ladies!" Alzack called out as his hellhound cleared the gap between the wall and the door.
"Hey!" Happy called back in indignation.
"Whoops…good afternoon ladies and familiars." Alzack grinned as his hound slid to a stop.
"That's more like it." Happy smiled, making Lucy and Juvia giggle.
"Opening the door a little early aren't you Sergeant?" Juvia asked.
"Nah, we're used to you fine ladies by now!" A rifleman on the wall called out, "It'd be rude for us to make you wait!"
"Flattery will get you nowhere." Juvia said, blushing slightly at the compliment.
"Careful now man, that's the Commander Fullbuster's girl; she's already taken." Another guard said, earning a series of cackles from the others.
"I-I'm n-not…we-we're not…we're just friends that's all!" Juvia stammered, her cheeks burning as if she'd eaten a cayenne ghost pepper. Juvia actually began to steam in embarrassment, her water magic adding to comical display.
Lucy couldn't surpress hear laughter while Happy swayed back and forth in the air saying, "She lii~iikes him."
"Oi, don't be laughing princess!" The same guard pointed to Lucy, "It's no big secret that you and the Prince have something going on."
"Yeah, why don't you just become our princess already so we can see you every day?!" Another guard called out.
Now it was Lucy's turn to turn a shade of red that would rival Erza's hair. However, unlike Juvia, Lucy simply looked away from the others…but did not deny the guards claims.
"Alright, alright, settle down boys." Alzack said, "The ladies catch enough grief back home, let them enjoy their stay."
"Sorry Sarge, it's just too easy with those two." A guard near the gate said.
"Not as easy as it is sneaking up on you dipshit's!" A voice suddenly cackled from all around.
"Hey Jackal, did you catch all of that! Those little ladies are the ones our friends up in the castle are pinning for!"
"Is that so?" another voice chimed in, "Well in that case let's give them a proper Tartarus welcoming!"
A series of glowing runes appeared in the ground and along the ramparts of the wall. Before anyone could react, the runes glowed brilliantly before there was a flash of light, a wave of heat and pressure, and multiple a roar of thunder.
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Minutes Earlier…
Castle Dragneel…
"Alright, I'll bite; what's with the get up." Gray asked from his spot on the windowsill.
"What?" Natsu asked, looking up from the charts spread out across the conference table.
The city council was looking to expand and update the infrastructure of the city proper. Before any work could begin, Natsu had to approve any changes submitted by the council. It was a reasonably enjoyable task when the bureaucracy wasn't thrown into the mix.
"Your clothes; you only wear clothes like that for special occasions." Gray smirked as he drew and lit a cigarette.
Natsu arched a brow and looked down at himself. It was traditional formal wear-not something he'd wear to a ball, gala, or festival-but it was one of the nicer sets he owned. He wore white, long sleeved button down under a black vest with blue trim. A sash was wrapped around his waist, holding up a pair of harem pants that were tucked into a high top boots. Blue bandages were wrapped around his forearms and the look was completed with a cape wrapped around his shoulders.
"Can't I dress nice every now and then?" Natsu asked while Gray simply snorted.
"You hate dressing 'nice' as you so eloquently put it." Gray smirked, "You only dress like this when you have to attend a formal event or party."
"So?" Natsu asked, becoming mildly annoyed and wishing his friend would get to the point.
"So you choosing to dress like this wouldn't have anything to with the fact that a certain princess is visiting today?" Gray's smirk broadened, even more so when Natsu nearly ripped the paper he'd been holding in half.
"Is that what this is all about!?" Natsu sputtered.
"You're reaction says it all dude." Gray grinned at his lord's obvious discomfort.
"Oi, don't act so high and mighty snowflake!" Natsu pointed accusingly at Gray, "Like you're one to talk when you've not only polished your armor, you're wearing a new uniform, and you've even slicked back your hair. It looks to me like I'm not the only one looking preppy today mister, 'I have a crush on a certain water mage who just happens to be Lucy's lady in waiting.'"
"Oi! I don't have a crush on Juvia!" Gray said indignantly, his face flushed in embarrassment.
"Of for crying out…" Natsu pinched his brow, "Gray I can see it. Your dad sees it. Everyone practically sees it; you're attracted to her, you like her. Why are you so dead set on denying it?"
Gray frowned and doused his cigarette, rising from his spot and walking out onto the outside veranda. Natsu sighed and followed after him, coming to a stop at the railing and placing a hand on Gray's shoulder.
"C'mon. What's wrong? You're going through all this trouble to look nice and getting to know her. Why don't you just court her already?"
"…Because she's human and I'm a demon." Gray said, bracing his arms on the railing.
"Uhm, duh." Natsu said, giving Gray a look to point out how obvious he was being.
"Fine, I'll admit it; I do like her. But…more than I should. It…it just wouldn't work out between us."
Natsu gave a sardonic smirk, casting a sideways glance at Gray, "You do realize we have Cana because of Gildarts right?"
"You know what I mean." Gray huffed, "And you also know that Gildarts was one of the few exceptions the Council made in the past."
"True as that may be, just because Gildarts is human that didn't stop Mrs. Cornelia from falling for him." Natsu countered.
"It has nothing to do with a damn species barrier or shit like that. We're practically human ourselves; the only thing separating us apart is the etherion flowing through our veins. So I'll ask again, what's stopping you?"
"Species barrier, no. Laws, that's a maybe." Gray said, "Our laws may be lenient Natsu but I can't say the same for the humans. I mean, you saw what a bunch of assholes those council members were. Imagine how they'd freak out if they found out a human and a demon were romantically involved."
"…Point taken." Natsu frowned, nodding his head in agreement.
"I mean, if it were Juvia they'd probably force Lord Heartfilia to kick her out of that castle; the only home she's ever known. Then what; where would she go? She'd either be blacklisted so she couldn't find work or worse, condemned to death…again. I don't want to put her through all of that."
Gray sighed heavily and ran his hand down his face, "Hell, imagine what they'd do to Lucy."
"I'd rather not think about that." Natsu frowned and turned around so his back was against the railing. He looked to the sky and watched the clouds drift on by.
The two demons were quiet for a while with the only sound being the breeze as it rustled the nearby small, plotted trees.
"Since we're being honest here…I'll guess I'll do the same. I like Lucy…a lot. And tonight at dinner I plan on telling her I want to take things a little further with our…relationship. Three months Gray; three months. In that amount of time I've felt things around Lucy that I've never felt before…and I don't want it to stop. I want more. Call me selfish, call me greedy, but I'm starting to want Lucy all to myself."
"…I know how you feel." Gray murmured.
"So I don't care about laws, species, or whatever; I'm telling Lucy that I've fallen for her. Even if things don't work out between us…I still want her to know. And you should do the same for Juvia."
"I'm just afraid that something will go wrong. I lost my mom, I nearly lost my dad, and then everything with this whole war…I just want something to go right for me for a change."
Natsu set his hand on Gray's shoulder and gave a firm squeeze.
"Well…at this point I don't think there's not much we can do about the war. I know Cobra reported that Zancrow and Jackal had left Penumbra but that was months ago. And even if those two did manage to sneak back in here, I think Leon would have spotted something; he watches the divide like a hawk. Sure we could warn Lucy and Juvia about those two creeps possibly being on the loose but do you really think that would stop them from coming here? You've seen how stubborn those two can be; especially when they're together. Hell, they'd probably demand to stay here if push came to shove simply so they could support us…not being forced to stay put and do nothing.
It takes a true man to own up to his fears Gray and your one of them. Igneel once told me that we can't truly live without a fear in our lives; without taking risks. Risk is something that can either make or break us…but you have to remember that no matter the risk, you have to have hope that it will pay off in the end. I mean look at what my dad did; he took one hell of a risk resisting Acnologia and look how long he was able to hold out. If that doesn't motivate you, I don't know what will."
"So you're saying I should take a risk on Juvia?" Gray quirked his brow, not exactly liking the wording of what he'd just said.
"You're goddamn right." Natsu grinned his trademarked grin.
Gray smirked and shook his head, "Fine…I will then. Damn, look at you being a philosophical and king like. I remember a time when you were a complete and utter dumbass who wanted nothing more than to slack off and go fishing."
"Oi, I'm still your prince you know." Natsu grinned, smacking Gray on the shoulder.
Natsu's pocket watch suddenly chimed frantically and he quickly flipped it out, recognizing the tone as for emergency calls.
"Natsu!" Alzack cried out as his image appeared in the hologram. Blood ran down the right side of his face, courtesy of a nasty gash on his forehead.
"Alzack? What's wrong!?" Natsu asked, eyes going wide.
"What the hell?" Gray said under his breath as he looked to the hologram.
"The wall is under attack, we were ambushed!" Alzack said, his voice distorting momentarily, indicating he was on the move.
"It's Jackal and Zancrow; they're back! Half the guard is either or didn't know what hit us. The rest are trying to hold their ground at the wall…they sent me to get back up from the checkpoints."
"Wait, did he just say, 'Jackal and Zancrow'?" Gray hissed as Natsu's eyes narrowed.
"So Cobra was right…how the hell did they get past the divide?" He thought before adding, "Yeah, he did."
"Natsu…Lucy and Juvia had were at the gate; they got caught in the ambush and are trying to go toe to toe with Zancrow and Jackal." Alzack said, his voice laden with fear.
"They'll rip those girls apart if we don't do something and fast!"
"Oh my god…" Natsu breathed as he felt a cold chill run down his spine.
"No." Gray said, the color having drained from his face, "They can't fight those two…they don't know how to fight them! They don't know what they're capable of!"
Natsu was already mounting the railing and had shifted into his demon form.
"Alzack, get to back to the rest of your unit at Checkpoint One; tell Rouge to get his ass to the gate ASAP." Natsu said as he snapped the watch shut, "Gray, call up our heavy hitters and get down there; I'm going to the gate and keep those assholes busy."
"Natsu, wait!" Gray protested.
"Don't worry man, I'll save Juvia; count on it." Natsu grinned and then he was gone, his wings guiding him off at blinding speeds.
"Damnit," Gray hissed before turning on his heel and darting into the castle, "you crazy bastard, why do you always run off!? Hang on Juvia, Lucy; helps on the way."
He wasn't going to lose another person he cared about. Not again. Not today.
He refused to suffer a repeat of five years ago…
XXXX
The Gate…
Now…
The air was clogged with smoke, the scent of burning earth and wood, and the air was filled with cries of the wounded, dying, or the panicked. Gunfire filled the air only to be silenced with a cacophony of explosions.
Her head throbbed and her vision spun. Vaguely she realized she was staring up at the sky. She needed to get up, the voice in the back of her mind told her, she needed to get up and find Juvia. They needed to get to safety.
With a pained groan, Lucy pushed herself up and took a knee; shaking her head to clear the cobwebs and ringing in her ears.
"Juvia…" Her voice came out hoarse with a dry cough, "Juvia!"
She swallowed as hard as she could and called out again, "Juvia! Happy!"
A pained whiney sounded off to her right and Lucy turned to find her horse on its side, its body badly cut and bleeding.
"Sagittarius!" Lucy screamed as she scrambled over to the fallen equine, "No!"
The fallen horse began to struggle and writhe as it cried out in pain, only for it to suddenly and violently silenced when a figure emerged from the smoke to stomp it's foot down on the horses neck. The new arrival did so with enough force that a blood chilling snap could be heard. Lucy froze in place and stared with mouth agape and with wide eyes, tears running down her face. She had raised Sagittarius since he was a colt. And now…now he was gone…just like that.
"Oh, I'm sorry…" the…monster-as that was the only way to describe the man before her-condescendingly sneered.
"…Was that yours? Sorry but I can't stand the sound of animals in pain…it's such a waste of good suffering."
"Monster." Lucy growled as anger overcame her shock, "Who are you!? What are you!?"
The man grinned a twisted, manic grin, and offered a small bow to Lucy, "My name is Jackal. I'm one of the Nine Demon Gates of Tartarus; the most feared of all Lord Acnologia's servants."
He was short but stocky and wore a green sleeveless shirt with a tattered scarf wrapped around his neck. A pair of dark pants adorned his legs and were held in place by a jacket wrapped around his waist. He wore no boots, thus exposing his clawed feet, his hands were blackened in a strange pattern, and his hair was styled similar to the pointed ears of a jackal…or perhaps, those were his actual ears.
His eyes were menacing much like the crooked grin he sported.
"And you my dear," Jackal sneered, "have no business being here. This is the land of demons after and last I checked, humans weren't permitted to travel here."
"Didn't you hear the news Jackal," a new voice spoke up, "the little lady here is real cozy with the prince. I think it's safe to say she's earned a few favors from the little bastard."
The smoke had begun to clear, thus revealing the extent of the assault. Bodies of the guard lay strewn about or, to Lucy's horror, blown to pieces or reduced to carbonized skeletons. The battlements were smashed and cratered and the flags and banners of East Tartarus burned in the breeze.
Her eyes quickly searched for Juvia and Happy, her breath catching when she spotted Juvia's slain horse, but there was no sign of the water mage. Her attention quickly became captured by the arrival of the second attacker.
He was tall and muscular with a mane of wild blonde hair. He had piercing red eyes the brimmed with mania and matched the grin on his lips. His arms and upper chest were covered in tribal style tattoos and he wore what appeared to be black, gold, and red uniform tucked into a pair of boots with white gaiters.
"Name's Zancrow," the attacker licked his lips, "and you are soon to be dead."
Lucy could feel the darkness radiating off the two demons. It was unnatural and made her skin crawl while a cold sweat beaded on her brow. They were merely starring her down and they had her paralyzed. These demons were nothing like the demons she had come to know and care for…no, they were true monsters.
The demons of West Tartarus.
Lucy swallowed hard and did her best to stop her hands from shaking.
"What…what do you want!? Why are you here!?" Lucy snapped, finding her courage.
The two demons looked at one another before they began to cackle, as if Lucy had just told a joke.
"Oh little human, haven't you noticed something yet? You're the only one we left alive. Isn't it obvious? We're here for you." Jackal grinned darkly.
"What?" Lucy breathed, taking a cautionary step back, "Why me!?"
"Because he'll come for you." Zancrow sneered.
Before Lucy could react a supersonic crack echoed out from the sky above and a boy with light blue hair appeared before Zancrow; his foot connecting with the demons face.
"ARGH!" Zancrow cried out as he was sent spiraling back end over end.
"WHAT!" Jackal said as he came face to face with Lucy's familiar.
"Happy!" Lucy gasped in relief while the familiar, now in his human form, gave a triumphant smile.
"Hi! My name's Happy!" The familiar said in his usual chipper tone, "And this is my fist!"
"GAH!" Jackal coughed as Happy's fist met with his gut, sending him flying back to land in a heap next to Zancrow.
"Princess!" Lucy turned around to see Juvia running out from the cover of the gate, "Lucy, are you alright!?"
"Juvia! Thank the gods you're alright, I thought I'd lost you; both of you!" Lucy said as she embraced her lady in waiting.
"Happy saved me when I was thrown off my horse." Juvia said, "He told me to wait at the gate while he looked for you; the smoke was too thick and he couldn't find you. I thought I saw Sergeant Connell riding off and speaking into a lacrima calling for help."
Happy flew back to Lucy and took a defensive stance while still grinning in excitement.
"Sorry it took me so long to find you Lucy, but as soon as I saw those creeps I knew I had to attack from above." Happy said.
"Are those demons? I've never sensed a darkness like that before in all my life." Juvia said as she discarded the tattered remains of her riding cape.
"They're from West Tartarus. They're the demons Natsu and the others fought to a standstill five years ago. And now it seems like they've finally decided to return." Lucy replied as she drew her keys and whip from her belt.
"What?" Juvia said as water balled in her hands and pooled at her feet, "Why? Why now of all times?"
"Because of me." Lucy's lips drew in the thin, grim line, "They didn't say much, but I got the message; they're using me to draw Natsu out."
Juvia's eyes narrowed dangerously. Those monsters had only slaughtered their own kind with reckless abandon but they had the gall to use Lucy as bait. That…was unacceptable. Happy hissed as his canines sharpened, his pupils turning into slits.
"What we do Lucy?" Happy asked, body tensing as the demons recovered from their tumble.
Lucy drew her sword key and casted it, said weapon appearing in her hand along with a suit of heavily polished armor that gleamed in the daylight. A white and gold colored cape fluttered in a supernatural breeze, the Heartfilia family crest displayed proudly on the back. Even her hair style had changed, having gone from free and flowing to an elegantly styled knot.
Lucy cracked her whip and gave her sword a spin in her hand, "We stand our ground until help arrives. I think we should show these demons that just because we're humans, doesn't mean we're a bunch of pushovers."
"Yeah!" Happy cried, "Payback time for our friends on the wall!"
"We're right beside you Lucy." Juvia affirmed.
"Aw, how cute." Jackal chuckled darkly as he wiped some bile from his lips, standing as he did so.
"Those three think they stand a chance against us."
"Let's entertain them for a while. At least until the dragon comes for the princess that is." Zancrow casually cracked his neck and knuckles.
"Let's." Jackal cackled as cast his hand out before him, a series of marks rapidly appearing on the ground and snaking their way to the humans.
"Scatter!" Lucy cried out as the marks detonated just as quickly as they appeared.
Happy grabbed Lucy and pulled her out of the way while Juvia dove to the left into a tuck and roll before coming up in a couch.
"Water slicer!" The water mage decried as with a single swipe of her arm, she unleashed a wave of water blades that cut into the earth and through the air.
"Whoa!" Zancrow grinned as he easily dodged the blades, "The little kitten has some fight in her!"
The demon wasted no time in calling upon his own cursed magic and let it engulf him in midnight black fire.
"Fire God's Bellow!" Zancrow launched a fireball from deep within himself, taking aim at Juvia.
Juvia summoned a double wall of water to intercept the attack which quickly vaporized the liquid into heated steam. But from within the steam out flew Happy, his fist cocked back into a haymaker. Zancrow caught the punch in his hand and tossed Happy over his shoulder, pivoting on his foot and hitting Happy in the back with a spinning kick. Happy tumbled through the air but flared his wings as an airbrake, quickly righting himself to face Zancrow.
"You're a nimble little fella aint'cha?" Zancrow smirked.
"I'm not the only one." Happy grinned as the sound of churning water filled the air.
Zancrow turned around to see Juvia charging him, her body partially made of water and gliding atop of a large tidal wave.
"Take this!" Juvia said as her arm transformed into her water whip, lashing it out at Zancrow. The demon only continued to grin as he ducked beneath the attack before performing two quick back flips.
A glowing mark suddenly appeared in the earth beneath Juvia and just as quickly detonated, tossing her sky high with a surprised cry.
"There's two of us remember!?" Jackal cackled as Happy quickly caught the water mage.
"Are you alright!?" Happy asked.
"I'm fine," Juvia grunted as her body reformed itself, "but now I'm mad."
"And there's three of us!" Lucy yelled, choosing then to launch her own attack. She charged Jackal with surprising speed and lashed out with her whip, the magic energies within flaring to life and causing the air to crackle and snap. Jackal dodged the whip but was forced to parry a series of strikes from Lucy's sword as years of combat training finally took hold. The black markings on his arms acted like an armor, Lucy noted, similar to Natsu's given how with each strike of her blade sparks would fly off the demons arms.
"Little bitch!" Jackal hissed as he tried to sweep Lucy's legs out from under her. She jumped and delivered a front kick that knocked Jackal back. Seeing an opening, she struck down with her sword, cutting across Jackal's chest.
"AGHH!" Jackal cried out as a blue ichor bled from the wound, "FUCKING WHORE!"
"No one calls my master that and lives." Happy glowered, having sped past Zancrow and coming up right behind Jackal. His fist connected with Jackals jaw.
"Lucy, catch!" Happy called out as the demon flew towards the princess.
"Got him!" Lucy said as she quickly swapped her sword for her hammer, changing the keys at her belt. Her heavy armor disappeared in favor a lightweight armored suit and her hair was restyled as twin buns. In her one hand, she held a mighty and engraved war hammer.
She heaved it back without so much as a grunt and hit the tumbling demon as if she was playing a game of croquet. The sound of bone breaking filled the air as did more blue ichor.
"These demons…they don't bleed like us." Lucy noted, slightly perturbed at the fact. Did all demons have blue colored blood or was it strictly the West Tartarus demons that did?
"Stay focused little girl!" Zancrow cackled as he punched his arms out, one aimed at Juvia and the other at Lucy, casting out molten jets of flame.
Lucy swapped keys and produced a pair of dual swords which she used to slice the fire away while Juvia created shield of water that bubbled and hissed against the flame. Happy swooped in again, coming in to deliver a ground stomp but Jackal caught his outstretched leg and smashed Happy against the ground. Happy's face contorted in pain but before he could react, Zancrow twisted around and hurled him into Juvia, the two tumbling to the ground with pained grunts.
Lucy made to charge Zancrow but a mark appeared before her and quickly blasted her back. Lucy rolled on the ground for a moment before digging her swords into the ground to stop her movement. She looked up to see Jackal wiping blood from his lips. His lips contorted into a snarl as he created another series of marks, this time around Juvia and Happy, blasting them apart from one another. Happy tumbled while Juvia was tossed into the air. She was met by Zancrow who intercepted her with a punch, sending her back to earth. She impacted with a sharp crack, her eyes going wide and quickly coughing out blood. She struggled to her feet only for Zancrow to grab her by the neck and unmercifully deliver blow after blow; the water mage powerless to stop him.
"Juvia!" Lucy cried as her face contorted in anger, "Get away from her!"
Lucy drew a new key, this time her body covered from head to toe in golden colored armor. In one hand, she held a chain flail while the other held a flanged mace. She swung the flail out, the chain extending, and curving around Jackal. The heavy ball nailed Zancrow in the chest, earning a pained gasp from the demon and knocking him away from Juvia.
Lucy charged Jackal, the ground thundering beneath her heavy footfalls, and hefted up her mace. Jackal raised his arms to block the attack but was surprised when the ground shattered beneath his feet when the mace met his arms. Lucy was surprised when Jackal's arms didn't shatter as she had expected but she didn't relent, she retracted the flail and used it with the mace to pummel Jackal into the ground.
"AGH!" Jackal snarled when he felt his shoulder pop out of its socket, "WOULD YOU FUCK OFF!"
He snapped his hand out, a mark flaring dangerously on his palm, and blasted Lucy at point blank range. Her armor absorbed most of the attack but she was shot back out of the crater she had made, the armor falling away in pieces.
"Hang on Lucy!" Happy called out as she flew up behind her, catching her, "I've got you!"
"Oh really?" Jackal sneered and snapped his fingers.
Marks appeared across Happy's body and detonated; the familiar screamed in agony and the two fell to the ground. Happy's body twitched and spasmed, his eyes rolling up into his head while his wounds bled profusely. A moment later, Juvia's unconscious body landed next to Lucy's; her left eye was swollen shut, her lip split, and clothes were torn revealing rapidly forming bruises and lacerations.
"Alright Jackal, this is getting boring." Zancrow said as the other demon emerged from the crater, evaporating the blood off his hands.
"Let's just kill them and then deal with the little bastard when he gets here."
"Aww," Jackal mocked groaned, "and just when the little lady was starting to put up an honest fight."
The two demons raised their hands and took aim at Lucy and her companions, charging their magic's. Lucy readied her keys, ready to defend herself and the others but new that she wouldn't survive a combined attack from the two demons.
And then there was a sudden wave of heat, a blast of pressure, and a terrific explosion blasted the demons away. A dark figure landed in a crouch before Lucy-a dark figure she recognized- and a relieved smile formed on her lips.
"Natsu." Lucy breathed in relief.
Natsu, now in his armored demon from, flared his wings and looked over his shoulder at Lucy. His maw turned up in a small smile.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. We have a bit of a pest problem." Natsu said, his voice deep and gravely. His eyes focused on Juvia and Happy.
"Are they alright?" He asked.
"I don't know. Juvia's out cold and Happy's been hurt bad. Jackal…he just snapped his fingers and made Happy…" Lucy said as tears welled up in her eyes.
"He touched Jackal. His magic allows him to mark anyone who touches him and cause those marks to detonate. In other words; don't get close." Natsu glowered as he drew his sword and formed an arm blade on his free hand.
"Stay with them, help will be here soon. I'll handle these freaks."
"Well, well, well," Jackal cackled, "if it isn't Prince Dragneel himself. It's about time you showed up, we were beginning to wonder when you'd show up."
"Jackal, Zancrow," Natsu said with disdain, "how awful to see you again. I would have thought after the ass kicking you got the last time you were here the two of you would have learned to stay away. Or is your master to afraid to face me?"
"Lord Acnologia is the true ruler of this land and you know it!" Jackal hissed like a zealot, "He's more powerful than you or your accursed uncle! You're nothing more than a thorn in his side that's only living on borrowed time."
"Considering how my father ripped your masters arm off, I find that an interesting sentiment." Natsu smirked.
"And now your father is six feet under." Zancrow grinned.
"So is half of the West Tartarus army. Tell me, have your forces recovered yet or you guys now on subpar standards?" Natsu quipped.
"Care to find out?" Jackal sneered.
Natsu didn't answer, he bolted forward and delivered a spinning round house that connected with Jackals head; knocking him aside. Natsu turned into the spin and slashed his sword out at Zancrow, cutting him deeply across the chest.
"Bastard!" Zancrow snarled and swung his arms at Natsu, "Fire God's Scythe!"
"Fire Dragon's Roar!" Natsu bellowed as his interlocked teeth snapped apart and twin molten jets of fire met one another.
Natsu quickly punched the ground, causing it to split apart and burning lava to spew forth in a raging torrent aimed at Zancrow. Zancrow created more of his own fire but the lava erupted unhindered. The fire seared his right arm and leg, making the demon howl in pain.
Without as much a glance, Natsu blocked a strike from Jackal with his sword; the demons foot connecting with blackened steel.
"Fire Dragon's Crushing Fang!" Natsu said calmly, striking out with his clawed free hand. The flames singed and burned the demon but he seemed unfazed by the attack.
Jackal cackled with a seemingly psychotic glee, "East this!"
An explosion erupted between Jackal and Natsu but the demon simply darted out from the smoke and slashed Jackals forearms open with his sword and forearm blade. That earned a pained cry from Jackal just as Natsu delivered a sharp upper kick to the jaw.
"You two are going to pay for hurting Lucy and her friends," Natsu growled, "I'LL TAKE YOU BOTH ON!"
Lucy watched in awe as Natsu held his ground against the two demons. He either dodged or countered their attacks or his armor absorbed the brunt of their combined assaults. For every blow, Natsu would strike back in turn and do more damage than what Lucy, Juvia, or Happy had done combined.
However, Jackal and Zancrow's tempers flared, causing the battle to change.
"To hell with this," Jackal snarled, "I'm tired of dealing with all these little shits today!"
The air became thick with dark magic and the demons bodies became enveloped in a seemingly living shadow before their bodies began to twitch, spasm…and change. Their bodies contorted and grew; muscle expanded; bone snapped; and Lucy finally saw what real monsters looked like.
The shadows dissipated to reveal Jackal and Zancrow's true forms. Jackal could only be described as a wolf like creature, the very creature that he took his name from. The word "Werewolf" came to Lucy's mind. Zancrow's appearance was more reptilian, making him appear to be crocodile on two legs.
"If we're going to fight, we might as well go all out." Zancrow hissed.
They came at Natsu together, their speed having increased along with their strength. Their blows made Natsu's heels dig into the ground as he was forced back on the defensive. Their claws tore at his armor, drawing blue colored blood from Natsu. Their attacks had more force-more power-behind them and yet, Natsu still held his ground. His blades rendered flesh, his fires burned at the demons, and he was equally ferocious as his two enemies.
Lucy didn't even recognize him anymore; the fighting having revealed a side Lucy knew Natsu was capable of…but had never seen.
The three demons fought to a standstill, breathing labored and glaring.
"Had enough?" Natsu said with a mock smile, "Have you two schmucks learned your lesson yet?"
"Not until you're dead at our feet." Jackal snarled.
"Well, sorry to disappoint, but that not's happening any time soon." Natsu smirked.
Zancrow's eyes flicked to Lucy, then to Jackal-who met his glance-and then back to Natsu.
"You seem really fond of that human girl…" Zancrow said as his grin became manic, "It'd be a real shame if something were to…happen to her!"
The two demons leapt over Natsu and into the air, combing their most powerful attacks, and aimed not at Natsu…but at Lucy.
A combined attack fire and explosive power barreled down on Lucy and her downed friends. Her eyes were wide, her body paralyzed; she couldn't look away nor move!
And then Natsu was before her, arms outstretched and wings flared. He let out a roar of defiance and then there was deafening roar of thunder and an overpowering wave of heat and pressure. Lucy was knocked senseless and she briefly felt her body tumble. The air was choked with dust and falling debris while her world spun. It took her several heartbeats to regain her senses. Red suddenly filled her vison and her head throbbed.
She reached her dirtied hand up and pulled it back to reveal her fingers smeared with her own blood. She tried to move but her leg screamed in agony. She looked down to see that it was cut open by a deep laceration. She numbly looked around and spotted Juvia and Happy sprawled out a few yards away; unconscious, bloodied, but alive.
"Agh…agh…damn it…that hurt." Natsu's voice wheezed and Lucy turned her head to the right, slowly regaining her senses.
What she saw made her heat stop for a beat and her breath hitch.
Natsu was on his knees, arms and wings still outstretched, but his condition was horribly mangled. His wings were torn and crippled, and his right side was torn open. He looked over his shoulder to reveal that the right side of his face was equally wounded; his right eye was missing and his cheek had been ripped open to reveal muscle and teeth. Even with his missing eye, Lucy could feel his gaze upon her.
"R-Run…L-Lucy…" Natsu wheezed.
From out of the smoke, Jackal appeared and grabbed Natsu by the throat, jerking him upwards. The demon prince took in a pained, sucking gasp as his right arm fell away with a sickening snap.
"Natsu!" Lucy cried out only for her world to spin once more with a sharp pain, courtesy of Zancrow kicking her upside the head.
"You've casted your last flame you little pyromaniac." Jackal cackled, "And once we're through with you, we'll take our time with your little friend over there…and the rest of your kin. One. At. A. Time."
"Go fuck yourself." Natsu wheezed.
As if to emphasize his comrades point, Zancrow stomped his foot down on Lucy's head once more. Suddenly the air grew cold and even in her lucid state, Lucy felt the chill in her bones. The world began to blur.
"What the hell!?"
"It's Fullbuster, get back!"
"Ice Make: Battle Axe!"
"AGH!"
"Zancrow!"
"Let him go Jackal; now! Mom, Dad, grab him!"
"By the gods, he's losing so much blood!"
"Ur, encase him in ice. It'll hold him over until we get him to his coffin."
"Alzack, take your men and flank right, don't let them get away!"
"Nice try shadow boy but even we know when we're beat. Zancrow, let's scram!"
"They've opened a portal; they're getting away!"
"Minerva, stop them!"
"Got it…you're not going anywhere."
"Let go of me you damn bitch!"
"You're not getting away this time Zancrow. Ur, Silver, Gray, Ultear, lock him down!"
"Argh! You think this ice will hold me! I'm a fire demon remember!?"
CHCK-ACK
"You killed my men and nearly killed my lord you piece of shit."
BANG!
The world cleared long enough for Lucy to see Zancrow's body fall lifelessly to the ground, a whole in the back of his head while the ice that had entrapped his body fell to pieces. Alzack, a large caliber revolver with a smoking barrel in hand, glared at the fallen demons corpse. He had snuck up behind the demon while he had been entrapped and had taken him by surprise.
Darkness began to fill the edges of her vision. She felt tired, oh so very tired.
Gray rushed over to Juvia's side while Ultear tended to Happy. Ur, Minerva, Rogue, and Ur began barking orders to the remaining knights while Alzack finally spotted Lucy and frantically gestured for aide while he rushed to her side. But she hardly noticed him. She watched as a team of knights hefted up Natsu's frozen body and quickly took him away.
"N-Natsu…" Lucy croaked, reaching out her hand towards him.
But the pain that wracked her body finally took its toll. The darkness that danced at her periphery quickly filled her vision, the world faded away, and unconsciousness pulled her under. The last thing she felt was her hand limply falling to the ground; the sound of panicked voices and barking orders echoed in her mind.
XXXX
Later that evening…
Castle Dragneel
With a jolt and surprised gaps, Lucy bolted upright and hand clutched to her heart. She was vaguely aware of the fact that she had been lying in a bed.
She breathed heavily as a cold sweat ran down her back and beaded on her brow. As her senses finally reoriented themselves, Lucy noticed that it was now dark out with the moon shining brightly in the sky thus illuminating the room…which she did not recognize.
It was large-with much of the light coming from the burning fireplace-and was large enough to accommodate the king sized, four poster bed she lay in, along with a desk (albeit a very cluttered desk), two sofas and coffee table, bookshelves that lined the walls near the fireplace, and two large dressers. To her left, the space was occupied by large paned windows and doors that led to an outside balcony.
It was…surprisingly comfortable, although the clothes haphazardly tossed onto the floor did nag at her pet peeves.
With a groan as the blood rushed back into her head, Lucy moved out from the beneath the covers and quickly noticed two things when she stood. One; as she rubbed the back of her neck, she noticed her hair was a lot shorter than it had been. Two; she was once again naked.
The latter of the two didn't bother her as much as had when she first visited the castle. Being that she bathed with Lisanna and Mirajane during her visits, she was growing accustomed to the unusual practices of the demons and…
Wait…
The castle…
NATSU!
With sudden clarity, Lucy remembered her battle with demons and Natsu's horribly mangled state when unconsciousness had taken her.
"Natsu…I have to find Natsu!" Lucy said aloud, looking around for clothes…just as the door to the room opened.
"Lucy?" Lisanna said as she entered, "Lucy!? Thank the gods you're alright!"
The white haired woman quickly made her way to Lucy and wrapped her arms around the blonde; Lucy returned the embrace.
"You had us so worried there, we were fearing your head wound had slipped you into a coma." Lisanna said as she pulled back, gently running her fingers across the bandage wrapped around her head.
She paused with a frown, before guiding Lucy to a nearby mirror.
"I'm sorry about your hair but it was singed from the attack that we had to cut it. You don't mind it, do you?" Lisanna said as she gently smoothed out the strands.
Indeed, her hair had been cut. Her once long, voluminous hair had been cut into an inverted bob. Lucy fingered her new haircut and frowned slightly. It would take a while for her hair to grow back to the way it had been. Still…
"No, it's fine. Thank you Lisanna." Lucy smiled gently as the other girl exhaled in relief.
"Where am I, exactly?"
"Oh, we brought you to Natsu's room." Lisanna said, her tone matter of fact, "His room is closest to the infirmary so we brought you here in case you needed any additional treatment. The infirmary itself is already packed with the wounded so we made an exception for you here."
"Oh…" Lucy blushed, realizing she had just slept in Natsu's bed, "Thank you."
But she was just as quick to snap out of her stupor, remembering her earlier panic.
"Natsu!" Lucy said, grabbing Lisanna by the shoulders, "Is Natsu safe!? Is he alright!?"
"Easy, easy," Lisanna soothed, taking hold of Lucy's hands, "Natsu is fine. He was hurt-bad-but we were able to get him the help he needed in time. He's resting but he's fine."
Lucy exhaled in relief and leaned back against the dresser…the cool surface eliciting an "Eep" from Lucy when it touched her still bare skin.
"Here, I brought you some clothes." Lisanna said, handing Lucy a simple dress and a sweater. Lucy was quick to dress and made to adjust her hair but paused, remembering her hair had been cut.
"You should also know that Happy is resting in the infirmary and is responding well to our medicines. He should be back on his feet soon enough. Juvia is in the care of Commander Fullbuster so she's naturally in good hands."
"Oh gods, I can't believe I forgot about them." Lucy gaped, hand going to her heart.
"What kind of Princess am I if I forget about my own familiar and my best friend?"
"Given the day you've had Lucy, I think they will forgive you when they wake up." Lisanna smiled.
Lucy frowned but nodded regardless.
"They will…uhm…I'd like to see Natsu please." Lucy said and was surprised to Lisanna frown.
"…Well, technically Lucy, the place where Natsu is resting is off limits for someone like you. I think you're better off just waiting till morning. He'll be healed by then."
Lucy's lips drew into a thin line, "Lisanna please. I have to see him…I have to see that he's alright. He nearly died to save mine and Juvia's lives. We were baited into drawing him out and…and I just have to see Lisanna…please."
Lisanna regarded her for a while before closing her eyes with a sigh before smiling softly.
"You really care a lot for him…don't you?" Lisanna asked, opening her eyes.
"I do." Lucy affirmed without hesitation.
Lisanna gestured to the doors, "Follow me."
Together, the two women made their way through the castle. Although it was night, Lucy noticed the guard activity was heavier than usual. More guards patrolled the halls or made their way from one tier to the next and Lucy could have sworn she spotted the elite guards operating in teams of three; keeping to the shadows and moving like phantoms.
"Everyone's on high alert." Lisanna explained.
"The garrison in the city has been reinforced as has the wall. The council has brought back the wartime curfew. It's a shame…people were starting to get used to staring to get used to staying out at night."
"I'm sorry." Lucy said.
"It was bound to happen sooner or later, as much as it pains me to admit it." Lisanna sighed.
"But, until this war ends…if it ends…we need to stay on our guard. The West is…the West is unlike anything you humans have faced before Lucy. They'll be back…and in force."
Lucy swallowed hard and wrung her hands together.
The two continued on their way, eventually making their way deeper and deeper into the castle. It wasn't long before Lucy entered what she assumed was the basement of the castle; the heavy doors and various storage crates giving it away. They then entered a long hallway that ended when they reached an open area, filled with a platoon sized force of elite guards all centered around a large door with two burning torches illuminating the space.
The guards seemed to tense when they spotted Lucy but Lisanna raised her hands in a calming manner.
"It's okay," she said, "she's with me. She has my permission to enter…she just wants to see Prince Dragneel."
The guards looked to one another, talking to one another in the whispering language Lucy did not understand before stepping aside. One of the guards stepped forward and bowed to Lucy. It took her a moment to realize that it was the same guard that had accompanied her throughout the castle since her first visit. Its armor was damaged, most likely from the fight earlier in the day.
"Oh!" Lucy smiled, "It's you. I was wondering where you were. Have you been down here watching over Natsu?"
The guard inclined its head and extended its arm to the door, which opened with the rattling of gears and cranking of chain.
"C'mon." Lisanna said, "We're almost there."
Lucy waved goodbye to the guard and followed Lisanna down a long and winding staircase. As to where the stairs led to…Lucy was left in awe of what she found.
"What you're seeing is something only those in the castle are privy to; mainly the council and Natsu himself." Lisanna said as the two women entered a vast cavern. Two large waterfalls, most likely from the mountain, ran down at opposite ends of the enormous space, creating an underground river that led elsewhere. They had stepped onto an upper tier and descended onto a bridge that crossed over the small river, leading to the other side of the cavern. Large crystals clung to the walls and emerged from the ground.
"Those are etherion crystals. The source of magic for demons. They're much more potent than the lacrima crystals. Our ancestors are proof of that power."
"I remember Natsu telling me about that." Lucy said.
"Did he also tell you of etherion's other powers?" Lisanna asked to which Lucy shook her head.
Lucy shook her head, "No. All he said it's what demons draw their power from."
"I see. Well, long story short. Etherion can amplify magic, making our magic more potent; more powerful. But it also has the power to heal wounds…it can even resurrect the dead if the conditions are right."
"What?" Lucy asked, eyes wide.
"You see those opening is the cavern walls?" Lisanna pointed her finger out.
Now that they drew closer to the towering wall of rock, Lucy could indeed see that there were openings that had been cut out of the rock. They were rectangular in shape and there seemed to be a hundred or more of them.
"Each one of those holds a demons coffin." Lisanna continued, "The third one from the left over there is mine."
"Coffin?" Lucy asked, "As in…the one used to bury the dead?"
"Not necessarily. We call them coffins because they in do hold bodies…except there is a more special purpose for them. I'll show you."
Lisanna led Lucy down a short flight of stairs to where the ground had been dug out and sunken down. Clear, ankle high water fed from the underground river filled the flat expanse and shimmered in the ambient light; magic circles dully glowing with energies beneath the surface. The white haired demon led Lucy to the only coffin occupying the space.
"Coffins are basic in appearance, nothing truly special." Lisanna elaborated, "But…this is Natsu's coffin. And as such, his has a little more flare to it. And a story to it, one that he'll tell you when the time is right."
"Natsu?" Lucy lightly gasped.
The coffin was rectangular in shape and certainly big enough to hold a human sized body. But there was a certain degree of wear and tear to the stone, indicating that it was old; very old. Intricate carvings and runes were etched into the stone and the Dragneel crest glowed with blue and violet energies. Lisanna ran her hand along the smooth expanse of the coffins lid which slid out of place, hovering in the air next to it.
And there, lying within submerged in blue colored water, was Natsu. He was devoid of clothing, save for his pants which were considerably shredded from the earlier battle. But what surprised Lucy the most was the fact that all of his wounds had been healed. All of his cuts, lacerations, and his entire right side had been mended. His arm was reattached, the once intricate tattoo that graced the skin was now that of a dragon. And his right cheek now had a ragged scar…although, an eyepatch now covered his right eye; a pupil sized green dot now glowed beneath it.
Lucy also noted that she could see his heart beating through his chest; a blue glow that beat rhythmically.
"We were unable to save his right eye…but I don't think he'll mind too much. Personally, I think he'd be more worried if we couldn't save his arm…or the rest of him for that matter." Lisanna said with a sad smile.
"How…how is this possible?" Lucy asked, standing next to Lisanna and resting her hands on the lip of the coffin.
"And what's with all the water?"
Lisanna gently traced her finger through the water filled coffin, letting only the tip dip beneath the surface.
"Water has longed been believed to have mystical properties. It is believed that water can bind or channel spirits or it can even help power spiritual energies. In this case, it's the latter. The properties of water can help further amplify the already powerful effects of etherion. Magic healing spells were carved into the rock beneath our feet, so their energies were enhanced when the water was filled atop of them. When a coffin filled with etherion is set atop the spells, the empowered spells interact with the etherion and thus…"
"You get double or even triple the healing power." Lucy finished to which Lisanna smiled, "What do you mean by filled with etherion?"
"The lids and insides of the coffins are lined with even amounts of etherion crystals. The coffins are also filled with liquid etherion. You see, you break an etherion crystal same as you can any other crystal, but it's unique properties allow it to be melted down into a liquid state. Unlike other liquids, etherion allows those submerged in to breathe same as they would out of it…hence why we use it.
However, these coffins aren't meant for everyone. We brought you and Juvia down here but simply placed you in the water and then applied healing balm to your injuries. These coffins were built for those with great reserves of magic or those who live very harsh lifestyles. For examples, soldiers or high ranking demons. You see, every demon is born with a small amount of etherion within them. This stems from our ancestors transformations from human to demon and the generations that followed. However, for those who continually practice magic, etherion will become a literal part of the body. It's not just in our blood…it's in our hearts. Hence the glow you see from them."
Lisanna, without shame, removed her top and barred her chest for Lucy to see. Lucy's cheeks instantly flared but she became captivated when she felt Lisanna focus her magic and a dull glow emanated from her chest; a glow that pulsed with the beating of her heart.
She then looked to Natsu-to his heart-and back to Lisanna, who had just as quickly covered back up.
"This…this all so incredible." Lucy said, the awe evident in her voice.
"I could imagine so, given how little you still know about demons. Did you know that it's possible for a human to be turned into a demon if they absorb a high amount of etherion?"
"What?" Lucy gaped, "That's…I've never heard of such a thing."
"It's true. It's a lot different from how our ancestors were changed. All one has to do is drink a liquefied etherion crystal and then spend some time in a coffin. If that person-now a demon-continues to drink etherion on a regular basis, they can live for hundreds of years. It's a rare practice, but I've heard stories that our laws and past councils have allowed for such a thing."
"The rare exceptions." Lucy said, quoting Precht.
"Yep. Stick around long enough and I'm sure you'll bump into one." Lisanna smiled.
"…Lisanna, why did you tell and show me all of this?" Lucy asked.
"Well…for one, I think you deserve to know about it. You've earned our trust and then some so I thought it'd be a good idea to start letting you in on some things. And two, and this is most important part, given how persistent you were I wanted you to be here when he wakes up."
Lucy looked to Natsu, who still lay motionless in his coffin. She rolled up her sleeve and stuck her hand in the etherion, feeling a brief chill and then warmth envelop her arm. She took Natsu's hand and smiled softly when she felt him unconsciously squeeze back.
"I wanted him to wake up to a friendly face." Lisanna continued, "The two of you care for each other. I can see that; so can everyone else. And given what happened today and how worried you were, I wanted you to see that he's alright. He passed out saying, 'Lucy…help Lucy…help them…'."
Lucy blushed and smoother her thumb over Natsu's healed knuckles.
"He threw himself in the line of fire to protect Juvia, Happy, and me. Without a moment's hesitation. Some would call that foolish…but I find it speaks much to his character. It's one of the reasons why I lo-"
Lucy stopped herself there, suddenly unsure if she should say such a thing to another demon. But Lisanna's hand on her shoulder and her warm smile quickly doused those thoughts.
"It's alright…you can say it. Gods knows the two of you have been tiptoeing around each other long enough."
Lucy gave grateful smile, "It's one of the reasons why I love him."
"See, that wasn't so bad now was it? I'm going to head back upstairs now but feel free to stay here as long as you'd like. We'll know when he's awake. If you do decide to head back, head back the way we came and look for your friend-the elite guard-from before. He'll get you back to your room and stay with you if need be."
"Thank you Lisanna." Lucy said and pulled the other woman into a one armed hug, "For everything."
"You're like a sister to me Lucy." Lisanna returned the embrace, "And I care for Natsu too; the two of you are special to me. I'm just glad you both are safe and sound."
Lisanna departed shortly after and Lucy stayed with Natsu in the silence of the cavern. She sighed heavily and rested against the coffin, not caring that the water soaked her knees and her skirt. Although she was loathe to admit it, Lucy hated herself for being able to fight off Jackal and Zancrow. She had felt so helpless when they had swatted Juvia and Happy aside; how they toyed with her; how Natsu was forced into a two on one fight.
She never wanted to feel that powerless again. She knew she needed to get stronger so as to protect the ones she cared about…but how?
As these thoughts plagued her mind, Lucy knew in her heart that from this moment on…everything would change.
Everything had changed.
XXXX
Gray Fullbuster's Room…
She slowly awoke to the sound of a woman gently humming a tune she did not recognize; the feeling of cool fingers running through her hair and making her scalp tingle. It was a calming, soothing sensation.
With a slight groan, Juvia managed to open her eyes, blinking to adjust to the low light in the room. The curtains were drawn but she could see pale moonlight gleam through a break in the fabric. The room wasn't overtly large but it was comfortable with a dresser and mirror set at one end of the room next to a closet; a desk, stacked with papers, was set in front of the window; a bookshelf was off to her right; and she lay in a king sized bed with a nightstand set beside it, holding a crystal that dulled lowly. A clock rhythmically ticked from its spot on the bookshelf.
She also noticed how bare her skin felt and soon realized she was naked beneath the covers.
Having taken in her surroundings, as well as her lack of clothing, Juvia was brought back to the gentle humming and the fingers running through her hair. She looked to her left where she locked eyes with a strikingly beautiful woman. Her skin was pale, thus it accentuated her long and flowing midnight black hair that cascaded down her back and shoulders. Her eyes were a piercing grey but were soft, holding a look of the utmost kindness. Her smile was as soft as her touches, her lips colored with burgundy lipstick.
She wore a strapless blue and white gown that supported her rather impressive bust and a silver sword necklace around her neck that glimmered in the glow of the bedside light. But Juvia could also see that markings that graced her skin; demon markings, the ones similar to Gray's. The woman's curved to her collar bone and traced their way over her shoulders and, what she assumed, down the woman's back.
But most of all, Juvia could see right through the woman. She was translucent…and it took Juvia a minute to realize that she was face to face with a ghost.
She sucked in a surprised breath but the woman held her gentle smile and softly pressed a finger to her lips.
"Hush now my dear," The woman spoke, "I mean you no harm."
Juvia swallowed hard as the woman pulled her hand away, "Who are you?"
The woman sighed gently and shook her head with a smile.
"You'll know soon enough." She whispered, "For now…I need you to do something for me."
"What?" Juvia asked, utterly confused by the whole event.
"Take care of Gray for me." The woman said, "You're special to him. And he needs someone like you in his life."
Before Juvia could ask any further questions, she blinked, and the apparition was gone. She double blinked and then slowly sat up in the bed, keeping the covers close to her chest to cover herself. Looking around the room, she found no trace that the woman had been there. She caught her reflection in the mirror and was surprised by her current condition. There was a nasty bruise on her right cheek and her forehead had bandages wrapped around it. Her chest and torso were also wrapped in bandages as was her left arm and hand. Considering the fight she had been in, Juvia was surprised to see that she was in such good shape.
A sudden knocking at the door startled her. It opened and Gray Fullbuster entered, accompanied by an elite guard. Juvia could also see another guard standing at attention outside the door. He looked over his shoulder and gave Juvia a friendly smile.
"Your awake," Gray said, the relief evident in his voice, "thank the gods, I was really worried about you."
"Gray-sama…" Juvia smiled.
The guard leaned against the bookshelf while Gray knelt down by the bed, taking Juvia's hand.
"How're you feeling?" Gray asked.
"Groggy…but, I'm feeling fine." Juvia said, "Better than I was earlier."
Gray frowned and smoothed his thumb over Juvia's hand, "I'm sorry I didn't get to you and Lucy in time. You guys were really hurt by the time the others and I caught up with Natsu."
"The Princess!" Juvia gasped, "I need to get to her! Is she safe!? Is she alright!? Where am I in the castle!?"
"Take it easy." Gray said, rising so that he sat on the bed next to Juvia.
"Lucy is safe. She's been healed up just fine and I heard that a maid spotted her with Lisanna walking about the castle. She's fine Juvia…the two of you are in good hands. Same goes for that familiar of the princesses; little guy was messed up something fierce."
Juvia frowned, feeling guilty that in her excitement, she had forgotten about Happy.
"As to where you are…well, this is my room." Gray said, giving a slight smirk.
Juvia's guilt quickly turned to embarrassment as her face turned habanero red. Steam began to radiate off her skin.
"G-Gray-s-sama's room!?" Juvia sputtered, "G-Gray-s-sama's bed!? Y-You didn't have to!"
She pulled the covers closer to her, "And I-I'm not decent!"
Gray let out an amused laugh as Juvia buried her face into the bed covers only for Gray to pull them away and gently tilt her head up by her chin. He smiled a fond, soft smile as he took a lock of her hair and gently rubbed it between his thumb and index finger.
"I was worried about you…and wanted to watch over you until you woke up. Guess you beat me to the punch huh?" Gray smiled.
"Sorry about your clothes…they were…well, they were shredded and your injuries took priority over clothes. Are you hungry? Would you like something to eat?"
"Uhm…" Juvia said, ready to decline but her stomach betrayed her with deep, rumbling growl.
"If it's not too much trouble." She finished with a laugh from both her and Gray. It felt good to laugh.
"I'll have something brought up." Gray smiled and turned to the elite guard.
"Do you think you could run down to the kitchen and have someone cook something for Juvia? I know it's a bit late but she just woke up and…"
Before Gray could even finish his sentence, the guard had bowed and was stepping out the door.
"They work fast." Juvia said, blinking in surprise.
"You have no idea." Gray said with a sardonic smirk.
The two fell into a comfortable silence, waiting for the guard to return with Juvia's meal. He sat there, holding her hand and seeming unconcerned that he was doing so…as the two of them normally would have on a normal day. Gray shifted in his spot and Juvia caught a flash of silver beneath his shirt. She knew he wore a necklace but his uniform usually hid it.
"Your necklace," Juvia said, breaking the ice, "what is it?"
"This?" Gray asked, pulling on the silver chain. The necklace was that of a silver sword necklace…the very same one Juvia had seen on the woman-the ghost-from before.
"It belonged to my mother. My mom and dad were childhood sweethearts and he gave this to her as a present; it took him a year to save up all his allowance money so he could get this for her."
"When you say your mother do you mean…?"
Gray shook his head, "No…Ur is my step-mother. My birth mother's name was Mika. She died five years ago…the last time the West launched a major attack." Gray said with a somber look in his eyes.
"Your mother…I see." Juvia said, biting her lip at having drugged up a painful memory for Gray.
"Gray-sama. Has anyone been in this room while you were out?"
Gray's brow furrowed and he tilted his head slightly. He then looked to then looked to the door and Juvia was surprised when the guard answered from the other side.
"I've been here since you dropped her off earlier sir." The guard's muffled voice sounded, "Mirajane stopped by but didn't enter, as did you mother and father. You're the only whose been back in there."
Gray nodded and looked to Juvia, "Is everything alright?"
"Yes…I…I must have been dreaming, that's all." Juvia said with a nervous smile. Gray only nodded his head and chose not to press any further.
They fell into silence and stayed that way, even when the guard returned with Juvia's dinner: a toasted sandwich and bowl of soup. Gray let her eat and made no comment on how quickly she ate, knowing that after the all she'd been through, her stomach was running on empty. The guard cleared the bed and returned to his spot at the bookshelf.
It was Gray who broke the silence this time. Although he seemed hesitant to do so.
"From this point on Juvia, everything will change. Hell, everything has changed." Gray said, frowning deeply and holding Juvia's hand tight. She could feel the tension in his grip; she could see the way his shoulders squared and his jaw clench. Slowly, Juvia intertwined his fingers with hers.
"Gray…what's wrong?" Juvia asked, dropping the formal suffix she only reserved for him.
Gray caught this change and knew there'd be keeping no secrets from the water mage. He sighed heavily as Juvia cupped his cheek with her hand; Gray placed his free hand over her own.
"Whatever it is…you can tell me. Please…what's wrong?" Juvia pressed, her cornflower blue eyes never leaving Gray's glowing aquamarine.
"I fear…" Gray finally answered, "That this attack means West Tartarus has openly declared hostilities against the East once more. The war is back on…and both you and Lucy have been dragged into our fight."
XXXX
A/N: A bit on the overdue side but what can you do? I hope this chapter made up for the wait and I hope-most of all-that you enjoyed yourselves.
As I stated in the opening note, I'm going to be home for time being and I should have free time on my hands once again. I'll still be looking for a job but even then, I'll mostly be focused on some security work (since getting into law enforcement is a VERY lengthy process). I'll still be writing and I'll still be updating, just be patient as usual. In the meantime, I should be able to update some other of my stories soon and that also includes a one-shot or two (haven't decided on the second one yet). Either way, something to look forward to in the new year!
But on that note, I should mention that I have some house cleaning I'll be doing. There are some stories I've written that I've grown dissatisfied with and will no longer be continuing/deleting…if I get around to it. This stems from creative block, loss of interest, and lack of the feedback that I need. It's none of my major current stories just older stuff I'm just not happy with. But, I will say that if I have the time, I will be rewriting them in the form of spiritual successor stories; ideas that I've had in my head for a while and can better work with. Also something to look forward to…if I do get around to it.
A lot of information in this chapter so I hope it's all coherent for you guys.
This chapter marks a turning point in the story as far how relationships and the plot progress from here on out. War is once again looming for the demons and now humanity has been dragged into the conflict; things are going to change for all parties involved. And on top of that, the Demon Prince is falling for the Princess and our favorite Ice and Water mages are growing closer still. It's only a matter of time before something…else happens.
With that in mind, I'm pretty sure I'll get some interesting feedback from this but here is a preview for the next chapter:
"Careful princess…" Natsu growled, his voice deep but husky; his eyes half lidded but glowing vibrantly.
"It's dangerous to tempt a demon…we can lose control pretty easily if the temptation is too great."
Lucy smirked a sultry smirk, licking her lips with an amused purr when she felt him tighten his hold on her hip.
"Is that so?" Lucy's breath fanned over Natsu's cheeks, making him shiver. She bit her lip as she slowly moved her hand up his chest, then his neck and to the base of his skull; gently dragging her fingernails across heated skin before twining her fingers in his hair.
Natsu shivered again but his eyes never left hers. Lucy rested her free hand atop of Natsu's, tracing lazy patterns across the armored skin.
She licked her lips again, her smirk deepening, as she leaned up so that her lips were tantalizingly close to Natsu's ear.
"Do I tempt you Natsu?" Lucy purred coquettishly, "Do I make your control…waver?"
So…do I have your interest?
Next time; CHAPTER 9: Change
As per usual, if you guys have any comments or questions, please put it in your review and I'll make sure to respond to you in the next chapter. If you have anything else that you wish to ask me or clarify, you can PM me and I'll do my best to respond ASAP.
Until next time; read, review and most importantly of all, HAPPY READING! AND MERRY CHRSITMAS!
