I do not own Fairy Tail, just my crazy characters.
June 30th, 2018
Chapter 9 - The Hunt
AN: This chapter is from Anna's POV it's a moment to see inside Anna's head, please keep in mind she is only 22 and still has the same insecurities most young people have.
I could tell it was still early, when I started to stir from my sleep, I was still groggy, but something told me I was being watched. I needed to get up. I had barely made my decision to greet the day, when I could feel light water droplets roll down my face, the scent reminded me of the salty breezes which drifted in from the ocean.
I heard a soft whimpering accompanied by warm tiny hands pushing on my cheeks. I realized Natsu was awake, apparently still upset from my passing out yesterday.
I slowly opened my eyes, not willing to risk reviving my headache from the night before; pink hair filled my line of vision, I could also see staring back at me dark orbs decorated with a halo of red fading to pink at the corner of his eyes. Natsu gave no thought to my personal space, as he pushed his chubby cheeks closer to me as my eyes widened.
Slightly startled by the intrusion, I forced my dry voice to speak with an assured power, "good morning Natsu!"
Trying to sound as bright as possible, I wanted to reassure the toddler I was fine. However, I could tell Natsu wasn't convinced, he stared at me long and hard, worried tears still pooled at the corner of his eyes. That sadness broke me, I knew then I'd scared him badly.
I had to make this right, I needed to wash away the pain I unknowingly caused this small child. I was craving his forgiveness and wanted time with the boy; he was going to be my son soon, it's what a mother does right?
"Natsu, I still owe you a story from last night..."
Natsu instantly perked up, nodding his head in approval. Seeing his face lighten-up gave me all the energy I needed to sit up. Once I was adjusted, I pulled the pinkette into my lap. It was still dark out, but dawn was starting to paint the sky, colors of rose, orange and yellow, waking the world with a canvas of warming colors on the horizon.
I spent the early morning telling Natsu about my childhood with my brother, and our favorite pastime of fishing. Some part of me needed to share with the boy my earliest memories of me and my older brother Lucian. I started tagging along with Lucian and father, when I was about three, it was our thing to do together. The last time we went out to the lake, to bask on its banks, was right before he left the continent. I hadn't been since, I tried but always found myself feeling hallow and alone.
"What's fishin?" Natsu asked quietly as not to wake up Igneel.
"Didn't your human dad ever take you fishing?"
This puzzled me as most children knew about fishing before they could even walk, unless they were born into wealth. I was born with status, but my parents craved the simpler things in life, they always taught me to appreciate nature, saying the land, would give what was needed for survival. Fishing and camping out with my parents, where some of the only memories I had of them, before death came to collect them in one of the many wars that plagued our lands.
"Dads a dragon; I don't have a humn dad?" I couldn't help but smile as Natsu tried so hard to replicate my words.
"I see... well you do know what a fish is then?"
"Umm hmm, yeah... I like fish! Igneel gets it for me."
"Okay... well fishing is when humans or dragons, go to get the fish from the water. Humans find fishing as a way to feed ourselves, for me I find the process relaxing."
I watched as the gears in Natsu mind pondered the information for a moment. I continued with my story about my brother and me, when I noticed this strange look in his eyes, it held questions but even more basic was a need or wanting for something.
"Train me to fish! Dad says a dragon, has to take care of myself." I'd never seen Natsu this determined, he craved for the knowledge of a skill I could give him. I understood, the boy was driven by any concept he perceived as training, he was like me.
While it bothered me, why a three-year-old, would be concerned with fending for himself, I brushed away the thought, figuring it was a dragon thing.
"Let's make a deal, if you train really hard today and Igneel says it is okay, then tomorrow morning we will get up early and go fishing before your training."
"OKAY! Promise? I'm gonna work hard... you see!" Natsu excitement was intoxicating, I knew then I would never be able to deny this boy.
I couldn't help but smile at the pinkette. Natsu seemed like he should be older, however, I knew all too well, some kids had to grow up faster. That thought made my heart hurt for Natsu, what had he been through.
My parents were taken from me when I was five; I was blessed to have and older brother, ten years my senior, giving me a chance in this world. He took care of me until I was ten, when the academy found out about me, announcing I was a magic prodigy; taking me there until my sixteenth year. That time away gave Lucian the freedom to start his own family, yet he never abandoned me choosing to stay close, even now a continent away, he sends me letters several times a year.
Family it was everything, I looked down at my lap, Natsu met my gaze, giving me his signature fanged grin, that I swore melted my heart. This boy only had Igneel, but by weeks end I would be his mother giving him the family he deserved.
I wanted to know more about Natsu's past, deciding I would ask Igneel more about the boy's parents a later time. For now, I took this quite time to tickle the pinkette, allowing his giggles to warm my soul.
Right after breakfast, Igneel and Natsu left for training, it was still early; I found myself relieved, needing some quiet time to think about what I had gotten myself into.
My decision to go along with the plans of Zeref and then The Fates/Legba's scheme my future was sealed. Before the end of this week, I would be a mated to a dragon, possibly with child 'if everything goes as planned', engaged to Draco 'Lucas' which was another level of weird, to top it all off with marriage within the month.
'Yeah, I can never seem to get the simple assignments; nope I go for the most complicated, messed up situation possible.' I wondered how did this happen; why did fate choose me? I let out a quick giggle, 'everyone chosen by fate says the same thing', shaking my head at my ridiculous thoughts.
I took the time to admit to myself I was scared, but honestly, who wouldn't be in my position. I'm only twenty-two, never had time for a real relationship, nor honestly did not care for one. I have male friends and I enjoy their company, however, the men who attempted to court me just plainly annoy me.
It seemed the men I met always commented on my appearance, how we would look like the perfect couple. Or they were focused on my family position, marveled by how I would make a fantastic addition to their family prestige, as if I was merely a well sought-after prize to be paraded and flaunted to others. The worst were those who were straight forward telling me how they planned to use my body for their pleasure, these men believed I should be flattered by their foolish antics just because they come from wealth.
It amazes me how these arrogant men cannot see the true me; the scholar, the warrior, or recognize I'm a human with a wild spirit, overflowing with a wide birth of emotions. I'm not a doll or trophy for their narcissistic needs.
Draco my best friend and greatest blessing; being a dragon, he can sense anything tainted instantly. When I turned sixteen my brother made a request to Draco; using his human form the two of them created the persona of Lucas, just to keep me safe from these types of men.
While at the time, I felt my brother had over stepped his bounds by approaching my spirit. However, as with most things Lucian was right, and Draco told me he eagerly agreed to this plan, as his promise was to protect me from all dangers, not just in battles or against other mages.
These days he's spends so much time in his human form it keeps the majority of unsavory men away, while allowing me to have the freedom to appear as I have a proper suitor. However, every once in a while, a man from an outside land with money and power will try and challenge for my affection; it never turns out good for the foolish soul, spirits are very loyal, and a dragon spirit is deadly.
While I care not, for what people may think of me, my love for my family, the Heartfilia's, a name my parents worked hard to preserve, comes with a higher level of expectation. I truly despised everything associated with that philosophy, but because of my love for my family, I refuse to shame the family name; doing what I must to keep up appearances.
Lucian understood me never pushing responsibilities to harshly. When I was growing up, he allowed me time away from my 'duties' as he would call it, so I could go play and be myself. I wondered what he would think about the plans for my future. Would he be disappointed? Or would he just smile and laugh, telling me, 'what have you gotten yourself into this time Anna?' Knowing my brother, it would be the later which made me smile.
Right now, all I wanted was to be selfish, I wanted by brother. I secretly wished Lucian and his family were here. I dared not to speak the words aloud as words held power, these were just the wishes of a silly little scared girl, so these thoughts would stay locked away deep within my mind.
I am not angry Lucian left, the move was necessary. However, I'm facing my greatest challenge, I craved to hear his words of encouragement; he always knew what to say even when I was a small child.
"What's wrong with me! I need to get out of my head and get to work," I said aloud shaking my head. Enough feeling sorry for myself, I'm needed, and I would do the work that destiny had laid before me.
I always hated when I pour too many emotions into something, it always made me light headed and unbalanced. I needed to talk to Draco and Leo, they always made me feel better; plus, I needed advice about tonight. Come to think of it, I would need Virgo and Aquarius I need a female's point of view.
I open the spatial hold removing the keys for Leo, Virgo, and Aquarius. I didn't need Draco's key to call on him, as I created his key, my relationship or contract is quite different. Using his key was purely for show. While I could call on any of my spirits without their keys the magic drain was much quicker.
Draco never needed to use my magic, it was part of the special bond, since I created his key. An added bonus, he is powerful enough to support his own presence within the realm for extended periods of time.
"Draco, good morning I need to talk to you," hmm… odd no response, not like him.
Taking Leo's key, I reached out "open gate of the lion, Leo please come forth."
"Good morning, my lady... I must say you look stunning today as always."
"Morning Leo, thank you, for responding to my call. I have also requested Draco, but as you can see he has yet to respond."
"Ah yes, he is in conference with the Spirit King at the moment, I have been advised he will be along once he is finished."
My expression betrayed me, my interest had been peaked; it is not every day one would meet with the Spirit King. Leo responded his face going neutral, that look told me everything, he would not say more on the matter. It would be a violation of privacy codes for the Celestial kingdom. Regardless, I needed to stay focused on today; I decided to go ahead with just Leo for the moment.
When thinking about the nature of the conversation, it would probably be easier without Draco present, he did have the tendency to create a scene.
"Leo has Draco brought you current with the discussion from last night?"
"Yes, my lady we are aware of all the arrangements. The Zodiac will assist anyway we can."
"Must I keep reminding you, please just call me Anna..."
"As you wish...Anna..." Leo made sure to say my name as erotic as possible.
"Oh whatever..." I rolled my eyes playfully at the teasing lion, "I have a question, I understand the premise of a mate. I made Draco explain dragons mating in full detail when he lost a bet to me. However, Ummm... I... well... I..."
'I'd never been this nervous before, I had never kissed a man. I held hands with Draco before, but that didn't count because it was just to keep others away. I was going to be in a relationship and I knew NOTHING about physical attraction, to make matters worse my mate would be a dragon.'
"Anna..."
Leo's voice jolted me out of my thoughts, staring at me with sympathetic eyes, "you don't know how to go about the process of mating. Now you're worried you won't be able to fulfill your role, am I wrong?" There was no teasing in his voice just understanding.
I nodded sheepishly at my spirit; I felt utterly defeated. On the battlefield I ran toward my fear turning it into fearless wrath, against dark mages I could hold my own, even the political council members saw me as a force; yet the thought of being romantic had me wanting to surrender and flee, I'm pathetic.
Leo grabbed my chin forcing me to look up into his eyes, "you know... it's amazing I have never seen you blush or turn away when a man demands you look directly into their eyes. Even now, your eyes hold a look of self-confidence, a subtle air of defiance. However, when I observed you yesterday with Igneel you show something softer, Anna... you do have some feelings for the dragon king."
I felt my face go warm, "what! I don't know... I mean…"
"See right there you're glowing... Anna there is no right and wrong way to go about this. Either you become Igneel's mate or not, I believe the dragon would understand either way. Ask yourself honestly why did you except this mission?"
"I'm the only Celestial mage that could do this and Zeref sought me out, then The Fates..."
Leo cut me off mid-sentence, "really Anna? That's an excuse… no one has ever made you do anything you didn't want to do."
"I'm going to make this easy just follow my questions, okay?"
I shook my head and Leo motioned for me to sit on the ground. "First question, do you really want to go through with this?"
"Yes, but I don't know why?" That was easy, I didn't even have to think about it, I wanted to go through with this insanity.
"That's okay you have your mind made up, it's a start." Leo was smiling as he started again, "when you're around Igneel how do you feel? Just answer the best you can..."
"Oddly calm and safe, even when he is a little forceful I find it excites me. I like being here, it feels right, and I don't want to leave at the end of the week."
"Anna... did you know these feelings, are signs your body recognizes your mate?"
"Huh... really?" It can't be this simple, could it?
"The dragon is not the only one that has these sensations; the mate has them as well. You see Igneel would not have agreed if he did not feel the same pull that you are feeling now."
"Okay but…"
"You're scared right?"
"Yes! I feel stupid for feeling this way..."
"Why? Its normal to be nervous, mating is like a marriage for a human so why wouldn't you be a little anxious. The difference is mating blends everything between the mates, from magic, to physical, and even the spiritual."
"Just be yourself; you know what all your spirits love about you; it's your kindness, honesty, fierce loyalty, and when you care for someone we all get to share in your love. You are our light, your love has made us strong; if Igneel decided you are to be his mate, it must be because he sees everything we see."
Leo's encouragement made me smile, "thank you I needed that, but I'm still nervous."
"Understandable. There is no rush just take your time."
"That is where you're wrong, I need to do this tonight."
"…?" he stared at me with a blank expression, my spirit was eerily silent, "what... why so soon? You don't have to throw yourself at him this moment." He squeaked out, I could tell Leo didn't like the direction the conversation was going.
"I'm not throwing myself at him; it's just I only have three nights left here before Zeref comes to collect me, taking me back to the city. I need to give myself the best chance of getting pregnant so I… ummm… need to mate, for the next three days, you know making the most of my time? I don't know when I will be able to see Igneel again."
'I can't believe I just told Leo I need to have sex the next three nights... This is mortifying to say the least.'
"Oh… well… umm… do you require anything else from me?"
I couldn't recall a time Leo had stumbled over his words, of my spirits he was the most articulate. I found relief in his stutter, I knew he was worried for me. I still had questions I knew I needed to ask now or I may lose the courage to ask, I was direct as possible.
"What turns a man on?"
"WHAT!" Leo's face went red, I swore he stopped breathing. I couldn't waste this chance, so I continued.
"I know dragons are different; but while in the human form there has to be some type of desires a man would want fulfilled from its mate. You're a lion yet in your human form you're always flirting, what is it that you desire from a mate while in your human form?"
"Damnit Anna, I…how… well… I see what Draco says about you being straight forward on delicate matters."
Seriously delicate matters, this spirit was known for his lecherous behavior, and he is scolding me, "Leo, I know you're not a virgin so why won't you tell me?"
Leo looked at me with a kind of fear I'd never seen on his face, I thought he was about to pass out when Draco appeared in his human form. Leo let out a sigh of relief, "well now Draco is here, I'm going to take my leave."
"Wait I'm not d...?" In a glow of gold, Leo returned to the Celestial world. I could not believe it, Leo ran from me over some questions about sex. Maybe I was wrong, Leo was not the pervert I thought.
"What did I miss?" Draco inquired. I could tell he was confused by the situation, and I am sure the perturbed look on my face did not help. I needed answers, so I looked uneasily over to Draco, 'sorry you are going to have to answer me. Maybe this is better since he is a dragon.'
A small part of me felt sorry for what I was about to ask, I had really put Draco through a lot as of late, but destiny was calling, and I had agreed to answer her call, the same as the dragons.
"I asked Leo what turns him on as a man, he freaked out and left. Soooo… what do I need to do to fulfilled Igneel's sexual desires?"
"WHAT THE HELL!? Why do I always end up having these conversations with you?"
'Mental note, KICKING LEO'S ASS LATER FOR LEAVING ME WITH THIS CRAP... He could have at least warned me.'
"Draco, you know we are on a tight schedule. I don't have time to figure this all out. I don't know what I'm doing and…"
Suddenly tears started falling from my eyes, I realized I started shaking. It wasn't long before I was sobbing. I finally allowed myself to fully accept my fear, and for the first time in years I didn't know what I was going to do.
"Please don't cry…"
Draco's pleas only made me cry harder, he was the only one I allowed to see me break down, the last time was after Lucian left.
"Ya know, I'm gonna help you, just please stop cryin… it's gonna be okay."
Draco hugged me tightly, as a father would a young scared child. He had done this same action on several occasions over the years, in his bid to comfort me. I could hear him talking to me, but the words were gibberish; I needed only to be held by the one, who I could be totally vulnerable with no worries or anxieties.
After my breakdown, Draco started to explain the nature of the dragons when mating; even though Igneel could take a human form, when it came time to claim his mate, he would be all dragon. This worried me, even though I was strong being a mage, I could always stand on my own against human males, I was no match for a dragon.
I was looking for anything that would help when Draco said, 'all dragons wanted to hunt their mate'. That was something I understood, the hunt; how one's pent-up energy would be released, it was the thrill of finding and capturing the object of your desire. Same with war when being pushed to your limits, backed into a corner with only your instincts to fight your way out. I knew THIS I could do.
Draco must have noticed I was no longer listing to him, "whatya, thinkin about kiddo?"
I paused my thoughts, giving my spirit my biggest smile, "I'm planning a hunt for Igneel."
Draco gave a cautious look, "ya sure about this?"
My smile grew mischievous, I couldn't help it though. I had found my solution, with a plan in hand, my fears all but faded away. Replaced with renewed determination I would please my future mate by giving him the queen he deserved.
"Absolutely."
I summoned Virgo and Aquarius, along with Draco we came up with the plan for the hunt. Time was limited, Igneel would be returning soon from training with Natsu. Needing to work fast I sent Virgo and Draco ahead, to set up the arrangements.
Aquarius stayed with me to give me advice on mating, which sent my whole-body flush, I knew I looked like I had a sunburn. It was common knowledge the mermaid and Scorpio were a couple, but after that conversation I saw them in a completely new light, her 'advice' was exotic on levels I didn't think were possible.
Aquarius gave me a hug, as she disappeared in a glow of gold, her final statement, 'just have fun!'
Shortly after Virgo and Draco returned, advising they had the suitable location for tonight events, and it was ready for my arrival. They gave me the directions to the space, far enough from the campsite to be private, yet close enough if we needed to return quickly.
Virgo pulled me to the side, telling me she had all the essential items at the site ready. I was a little nervous with her explanation of 'essential' as all the Zodiac spirits had, well, unique personalities. I about passed out when she told me of the 'special cuffs' she had waiting. After explaining the purpose, I promised her I would make use of them.
The camp was a quiet calm as Virgo insisted on staying, to help me finish dinner for Igneel and Natsu. I grabbed something quick to eat, talked with Virgo and Draco on the remaining details of the nights events, before heading off to change. I could tell by the suns position I would have at most two hours to prepare myself before Igneel would arrive back at the campsite.
Virgo gave me a hug and returned to the Celestial kingdom, leaving me with Draco. He didn't hesitate to pull me in close, giving one of those big bear 'dragon' hugs, I loved so much.
"Ya sure about this? You know there are two more nights, ya don't have to do this tonight."
"I know, but I need to give myself the best chance of getting pregnant. That would mean taking advantage of tonight and each night until I leave."
"Ya know Iggy... doesn't even know what you planned, so you can put this off… I'm just sayin..." his words growled out from low within his chest, the vibrations calmed me as he held me tighter.
I pulled away enough, so I could look up into his eyes, "I'm still nervous, but oddly enough when you mention the hunt. Well... it got me excited, it was something I could grasp and make real."
"Anna… maybe your more dragon than you think," Draco said while shaking his head, letting a light laugh escape his lips. I don't know why but, in that moment, hearing my spirit laugh I knew I was going to be okay.
"Well… I'm leaving it to you to inform Igneel, or would you prefer me to leave a note?"
"Oh... so now, ya given me a choice? Get going... I'll tell Iggy what's up. It'll be fun to watch him squirm."
Draco gave me a big grin which I returned with another big hug, we waved good-bye then I sprinted off into the woods to leave my trail for the hunt.
Entering the forest, I focused on making this as challenging as possible for Igneel. For the hunt, I opted for riding pants, fitted shirt with long sleeves, and boots; making maneuvering easier. The forest was thick with overgrowth, and new seeding fighting for space and sunlight.
Virgo and Draco found a cave about three-miles from camp, settled in at the base of the mountain, the forest leading right up to the opening, giving it a natural cover. Draco told me to find the broad stream, which ran throughout the area, it fed the lake near the camp.
'Use the water to your advantage' Draco stressed, giving me as many pointers as he could to create a challenge for the hunt. While I was skilled at tracking and hunting, I was never the one to be hunted. It took me a moment to calm my nerves, plan my route, and make myself the prey.
I made it a point to climb over and under fallen trees, inching through small hollows which had been created by heaving rains, and the erosion of time. Once I found the creek, I made sure to walk through the center masking my scent, wading through it for over half a mile, before implementing my secret weapon, this would increase the challenge for the hunt.
While in the center of the water I pulled out Gemini's key, requesting the twin spirits to come forth. I had them duplicate me, I then gave some of my spare clothes, while they handed me something from the Celestial kingdom, this way I would have some of their trace too.
I instructed them to take off into the opposite direction leaving the clothes spread out in various places. Once they had reached about two miles they were to return to the Celestial realm. I knew this ruse would buy me some extra time and hopefully please Igneel.
Gemini took off into the woods, as I continued downstream about another half a mile, once the currents started to increase in speed, I made my way over to the bank. The water was reaching my thighs, before I moved to exit the water. Taking my time, I slowly entered the woods, doing my best to hide my presence.
Once I was in the thick of brush, I took off running, while doing my best to avoid touching trees and large stones along the way, doing anything I could to mask my scent. Several times I made circles to try and stump the dragon.
As I reached a large crevasse I hand to make the decision to jump or find another way around. I jumped and barely made it; I was a little short, resulting in me landing on my stomach legs hanging over the ledge. Clawing at the ground, I was able to pull myself up, I scolded myself internally for getting a little too excited, misjudging my abilities. I was already starting to feel some slight pain, so I knew I was going to have a bruise from the fall; but that didn't matter my adrenaline was pumping, pushing me forward to continue to give my dragon the hunt he deserved.
Approaching a section of the forest that was beginning to thin out, I realized I was nearing the cave. The sun was giving way to the night, I still had to prepare myself, I pushed myself to move forward. As I reached the opening of the cave, the remaining light of the sun had been swallowed, leaving only the stars for light.
The cave radiated a soft yellow glow, produced by lacrima arranged throughout the space. Towards the back, Virgo created a bathing pool; which I was sure Aquarius filled once she left me. The thoughtfulness of my spirits warmed my heart.
I found my attire for the evening a simple red kimono; the bottom had flames stitched in gold, orange, and yellow. The obi was gold which stood out nicely, the front of the obi was decorated with a red dragon, flames swirling around its body, its claws clutching silver and gold stars. I laughed to myself, Virgo was really going for the symbolism; I smirked knowing Draco recommended the design.
With no time to waste, I stripped myself of my dirty clothes laying them to the side. I stepped over to the pool lowering myself completely to clean off the grime from my run in the woods. Virgo left an assortment of soaps and salts for the pool. I grabbed the closest one scrubbing my body and washing my hair; ducking under to remove the last of the residue.
The water felt so good on my bruised body, I wish I could have relaxed longer. Wasting no more time I quickly dressed, did my best to wring out my hair, before plaiting the damp locks into a long single braid, which fell to my waist.
It took me no time to clean up my mess, placing my used clothes and towels away in a bag that was tucked into a corner.
Finally, I was able to take in the space, prepared specifically for Igneel and me. In the center was a bed of sorts, it was beautifully decorated with a duvet of blue and silver embroidered silk. I took a moment to sit on the corner, it was soft and low to the floor, I realized the bed was made from Aries wool. I jumped up quickly, knowing if I sat there too long, the wools magic properties would lull me into sleep.
I walked towards the entrance, there was a round fire pit. I grabbed some logs and got to working on building a fire. With the night winds holding a light chill, and my damp locks, I didn't want to chance catching a cold. As the fire grew I found myself mesmerized by the dancing flames, while the warmth calmed my anxieties.
All that remained was to wait for my dragon to hunt me down.
I'm back on the road, headed back to the East Coast. Currently sitting in the back of a truck with my hotspot on so I can post this chapter. I have to say I'm happy with how the story is progressing.
Thank you to Ginevra1988, myhopejhope, SleepinNDN, and rigaryuna for following, and thanks to all who comment or send me PM's, I do read them all. Special thanks to your PM's keep me on track.
If you have a question please don't be shy ask away.
That's enough for now I hope you enjoy the chapter. Until next time catch you on the flipside! Lodemai
