I was carried by Natsu to the doctor. Erza, Wendy, and Gray ran alongside.
"MOVE!" Erza would scream. I didn't know why they were so worried. I was only stabbed in the shoulder. Wendy did a good job with the bleeding. I doubt anything serious would happen. When we arrived in the clinic, the doctors rushed to my side and quickly bandaged me up. They did some test to make sure there wasn't a poison on the blade, a common practice with Rayfay assassinations.
"Looks like everything checks out," the doctor said. Natsu and the others released a breath they've been holding in for a while. "She should be fine, just don't stress out your arm too much." As the doctor walked out with some paper work, Makarov walked in.
"Pops," Natsu said. "I want to volunteer to go with Lucy to Ironpost." Makarov slapped him upside the head and then looked at me. He grunted a bit before speaking.
"It's already been decided," Makarov said. "The team going with Lucy to Ironpost," everyone stood straight up. Natsu groaned a bit.
"The lead will be Erza," Makarov said. She bowed and accepted the role. "Then Gray, Wendy, and Natsu with Happy. Now, just because the Magic Council has accepted any damages during this adventure, please keep them to a minimum. Our name will still be connected to any disaster you children will create." He groaned and pinched his nose. "I just can't think of the horrors all of you will create."
"Master Makarov," I said. "If you're so worried, why did you assign them to be my guards?" he looked towards me.
"When that man attacked you," he said. "It was these four who ran to your side. I figured who better protect someone then the people who already do." He smiled. "Plus it will keep most of them out of my hair for a while."
"Understood," I said. I started questioning Makarov's intentions. Erza and Gray were basically my guards before I was kidnapped. Wendy was like a nurse. I understood why those three were assigned as part of my party. But what was Natsu's purpose. Did Makarov know Natsu's past? Was he aware of his link to the Morgenstern family line? Or is it just because we were friendlier towards each other?
"May I speak to Master Makarov in private?" I asked everyone. The all nodded and left quietly, Natsu was the last to leave, making sure to make eye contact with me before departing.
"Master Makarov, please tell me what you think," I said.
"About what child?" he asked.
"About all of this, me being some celestial being's heir, Rayfay, all of it." I asked. I looked towards him from my bed. "I want your feelings on the matter."
"Well child," he said. "I would ask what you feel on the matter first." I smiled.
"Of course," I said. "I know that angels don't exist. I know that this world's magic supply is low and limited. I know that my father was killed because of some rumors." I said. I looked towards the window and up. "Yet, when I am hidden from the sky, I can't help but feel some sadness. As if something was taken from me. I've felt it since I was a child, and looking back, it makes sense." I turn to look towards Makarov. "I think part of me is part of another world. Not because I'm an angel, alien, or anything, but because my mother isn't here." I smiled. "So if this world wants me to pretend to be a princess, then I will." Makarov had a serious look on his face. He looked down towards the ground.
"I don't doubt your title," he said. "If anything, I wasn't surprised when I heard it from Ms. Moonfall." He moved towards my bed and looked at me. "I just think you need more time and information before you jump for the crown."
"I know, Sera—I mean Moonfall said that my coronation will be postponed till the Rayfay conflict is solved. So I'll have enough time to sort things out." I said.
"I hope you do child, I hope you do." He said. He sighed and turned around, he started to walk away.
"Wait!" I said. "Why did you assign Natsu on my team?" I asked. He paused but did not turn. "I know why the other three were assigned but Natsu doesn't make sense."
"Simple," he said. "He would have ran off with you anyway. Might as well make it official." I was taken aback by his comment. I even laughed a bit.
"I see," I said. "I thought it was for something else." Makarov didn't say anything, he just walked away and said good-bye.
In the morning, Sera informed me on some new developments on the Rayfayian conflict as well as subjects I would need to study on the road. I had to admit, all of this was overwhelming. From one moment I'm in the hospital healing up from a stab wound, the next I'm shipped off to a new land. It was exciting.
"Now," Sera said. "I've given Erza Scarlett all your files on past relations with Ironpost as well as some new intrigue that could be of some use. But this one is for you" she handed a file to me. "Don't like anyone see this." I nodded and grabbed the file.
"What's this?" I asked.
"It's a bit of information I've drugged up on the legend. It seems the 'Fallen Star' myth is told differently depending on what region you're in. Some say the man was an angel, others say he was alien, and some say he was another demon." Sera said.
"A demon that helped destroy other demons?" I asked. "That seems strange."
"Yes," Sera said. "But if you think of it, it's not. If he was a demon, it would explain why he had such intel on the other demons."
"Yes but why attack his own people?" I asked. "It would make more sense if it was another race."
"Yes but people attack their own race all the time." Sera said. "Just because they aren't human, don't assume they don't follow the same logic."
"You're confusing me more and more Sera," I said. She giggled.
"You'll figure it out eventually." She said. "I just want you to think about things at different angles."
"I'll try," I said. "What else is in the file?"
"Some notes from your mother," Sera said.
While in the carriage to the train, I held the folder to my chest but never opened it. Part of me was nervous in reading the last bit of work my mother spent her life on. I felt comfort in knowing I was on the same path she was on, and that I will be able to finish her work. But I was hesitant in reading it.
"What's wrong flame-brain? Getting' sick again?" Gray asked Natsu. Both of them sat right across from me. Natsu looked unwell and Gray slouched in his seat.
"I hate vehicles," he said. He looked a little sick but for the most part, he was handling it better than the wagons.
"Oh, where's the enthusiasm you had before we left?" Gray asked. "Talking about how you will show those Rayfayians how to fight and all that."
"Fighting doesn't happen on wagons," Natsu said.
"Sometimes it does," I said. Natsu glanced up at me but looked back down at the ground.
"I'll sit out that fight," He said.
"Maybe they're weakness will be vomit," Gray said. "Then you'll be our only hope," Gray chuckled a bit while looking out the window. I smiled towards Natsu but it wasn't helping any.
"We should arrive soon," Gray said. "What's the game plan before we get on the train?"
"Wait, a train?" Natsu said. "I don't remember that part of the travel plan,"
"Well, the only way to get into Ironpost is by train," I said. "The mountains are way too dense so we have to go through them." The border between Fiore and Ironpost was lined by a huge mountain range. It housed huge volcanos and forests. The snow was thin this time of year but could be dangerous still. Most people just travel through the tunnel system that was developed a few decades ago. My father owned much of it.
"I'm liking this trip less and less the more we talk about it," Natsu said. "Why couldn't we just walk there?"
"Ironpost is over 200 miles away from Crocus," I said. "It would take us months to walk that. Plus there would be at least 50 miles of pure darkness to walk though if we go through the tunnels. If we go over the mountains it would take even longer. We would have to fight huge mountain trolls. Then talk to the giants to let us pass." I said. "This way, the cart will take us to a town with a train that can travel 40 miles per hour. That means, after traveling for 30 miles, we only have 5 hours on the train."
"I rather do that than this," Natsu said while gagging. "At least the giants are friendly.
"You're so pathetic," Gray said. I was thinking the same but I didn't want to say it out loud. Natsu mumbled something but we couldn't understand him through his hand. Wendy would be the only one who could help him but she was sleeping. She sat next to me but it only took her a few minutes to fall asleep. Erza was driving the cart out front.
"Maybe you should take Wendy's example and just fall asleep." I said.
"I can't," Natsu said. "Every time I try I just feel sick and have to sit up. So I just deal with it."
Eventually we got to the train station, it was a long ride but made it pretty early. Erza was pleased and Natsu was happy he could get out of the carriage. He was reluctant in getting on the train. But since we were early, by an hour or so, we entered the town to stretch our legs.
"I'm just glad I don't have to walk there," I said. Erza was walking with me while Gray and Natsu looked for some food. I didn't think it was wise for Natsu to be eating before the train ride but I didn't stop him. Wendy left to fetch some supplies from a local medicine store.
"Yes, trains are a nice luxury as supposed to wagons." Erza said.
"Do you take trains often?" I asked. "Being in a nomad clan I would assume you wouldn't have to."
"No we don't," she said. "Only if we have a high paying job. For the most part, we don't have places we have to be. We just travel town to town asking if they need any help." I nodded.
"I see," I said.
"It's nice to relax on the way to places though," she said. "It's been a while since I just traveled with Natsu and Gray."
"Oh," I said. "You used to travel with just them?" I asked.
"Yes," She said. "We traveled into towns and villages together all the time as kids. But that was just in our hometown in Magnolia. We would travel to the next town with permission of an elder, then make it back before nightfall."
"That sounds like fun," I said. "Getting out and exploring a bit,"
"It was a hassle really," she said. "They would always bicker and fight. I usually had to break it up. They were, well, they are immature," I chuckled a bit. Thinking of a younger Erza smacking Gray's and Natsu's heads while getting candy.
"You were like their big sister, huh?" I said. "Making sure they didn't get in trouble."
"I guess you could say that," she said with a smile. "I just wanted them to get along. They had both had things in common but I guess that's why they fight so much."
"That could be it," I said. We continued to walk but I wasn't sure on where we were going. I had just followed Erza.
"Might I ask where we are heading?" I asked. "If we are heading anywhere,"
"I wanted to meet up with someone here," she said. "He should be in a tavern around here," Erza stopped and looked around. "Should be here," she said. I looked for what would be a place for drinking. Sure enough there was a sign in the shape of a mug.
"Over there," I said. I pointed and Erza nodded.
"Yes that should be it," she said. "Our contact for intel should be there,"
"And who's that?" I asked.
"Gajeel Redfox." She said.
The place was large compared to how it looked outside. The tables were long and narrow but full of large men who bent the wood.
"I believe I've met Gajeel before," I said. "Or at least seen him," I followed Erza closely. I wasn't in my princess outfit, but I was still in my nice merchant wear. These men knew I was a foreigner to this town and eyed me as such. I was being watched but I wasn't sure where the eyes were looking.
"Yes, I believe so," she said. "But he rarely stays with the Guild long. He gets sent out looking for information that the clan could use to gain a profit. He listens for new info about places that might need help or creatures causing problems. Then he tells master, and he assigns people to go help."
"I see," I said. "But isn't there a better place to go?" I asked.
"We don't know any place where Rayfay could have hold. We're too close to the borders to assume everyone is loyal to Fiore." She was right, there were conflicts everywhere. Ironpost was having more violent outburst but there were small protest in every country. There wasn't much unity or belief in the current system. Although with the involvement of Rayfay, it was unclear whether these conflicts were actual problems or just small issues that exploded into bigger problems.
"I just don't like it here," I said. "I don't feel safe here either."
"We'll be out of here soon," Erza looked around but could not see Gajeel. I couldn't either. It was too crowded.
"GAJEEL!" Erza screamed. Everyone looked and stopped talking. Erza just had her fist on her hips and waited. I was partly in awe of her and shock.
"We are looking for a man named Gajeel. You will tell me where he is." she said. Some of the men pointed towards a door being guarded. Erza walked forward towards the men guarding it. I followed close by. "Hello gentlemen," she said,
"Hello Erza," they said in unison. It was clear she's been here before. "Gajeel is down stairs to the left." They let her walk through. I went to follow but I was stopped.
"Not you," the man said.
"Why not?" I asked. Erza didn't say anything. She just stood there. I looked at her with my eyebrows up. "I'm with her," I pointed.
"Doesn't matter," the man said. "Only she can walk in and out."
"Lucy, just stay right here," Erza said. "Everyone here are acquaintances with other friendly nomad clans and saw that you entered with me. They'll know what will happen if any of them touch you." The guards nodded. I was reluctant to just stay in a tavern alone. After all, I stuck out like a sore thumb.
She left me alone in a tavern. Most of them didn't recognize me so I guess the news doesn't spread that fast here. I just sat at the bar and waited.
"Did you hear about the princess?" someone said. I tuned in to listen but kept my eyes on the glass of water in front of me.
"Yeah, a new princess here in Fiore. Supposed to be some blood relative of the old gods." Another man said.
"Ain't nothing but shit talk," a third voice said. "You ask me, I bet they're just trying to keep all of us in line. But also, so if shit goes down with Rayfay again, they'll have just one person to blame."
"Whatever Raul, you know Rayfay ain't going to do nuthin'." Said the first man's voice. "They ain't nuthing but cowards. They probably still scared from the last war."
"I'm tellin' ya." Said the third man. "If this princess is really the blood heir of the Morgenstern family, she'll be in for a real show."
"How ya mean Raul?" said the second person.
"Well, I heard the Morgenstern family were originally demons. Demons with white wings." Raul said. "He, or Morgenstern, was a demon that hated his own kind. So he turned on them. Demons believed that humans were beneath them but Morgenstern didn't. No, he thought of us all as equals, so he led an army of beasts and humans to attack the leader." He paused. Most of the tavern kept quiet with only a whisper here and there.
"It was he," Raul said. "Morgenstern, who gave us humans magic and unleashed the seal of Fiore. He taught us how to use it. He even learned a magic that could beat dragons. Soon every beast of this world followed him. Every creature respected him and revered him."
"So why some princess gotta be worried," someone said. "If she got his blood in him she's good."
"I ain't done with the story bozo," Raul said. "Now, he was respected but the demon fellows hated his guts. They were losing control of us humans. So they went and killed a bunch of villages to show they meant business. Well Morgenstern wasn't havin' any of it. So he managed to get a small army made and killed a bunch of the bastards. But the demons had some type of anti-magic shit. And sealed the magic of any wizard who dared attacked them. All but Morgenstern. He was a demon once so their anti-magic shit didn't work on him. He got some dragons to back him up, four of them, and beat their ass. He sealed them away. Then the whole kingdom was at peace." He paused and stood on the table he was sitting at. I turned to face him. Now that he was putting on a show.
"He raised a whole family, brats and all, before he died. He warned the people of this country, 'The seal will not last, it will break, and in that time I will not be there to protect you. You must hide the source of my power, you must not let anyone find them.' Was all he said." Raul stated.
The orbs I thought. He must be talking of the celestial spirits I can control.
"What was his source of power?" some guy asked.
"I'm glad you asked." Raul said. "It is said, his source of power were 12 orbs, and they were keys to unlock a large, undefeatable army. But also, when all united, they could be used in the ultimate spell. A spell that required four dragons, 12 orbs, and Morgenstern. A spell that could pierce the heavens and rain destruction on all foes. A spell even Morgenstern couldn't muster." I was right. Morgenstern's secret power were the orbs. What I didn't know was the ultimate spell he was describing. Was it the same spell Sera described? The one to defeat Rayfay.
"Bullshit Raul," someone said. "ya talkin' shit now. How could this all powerful leader of all mankind be afraid of some spell."
"That's the thing," Raul said. "That's how powerful this spell gotta be. Where even Morgenstern was afraid of it. The only thing known about it was what was painted on the walls of his temples. The ones build for him in every direction of the continent."
That's it, the runes unearthed in Ironpost must be one of the temples of Morgenstern. What else could it be? That's why Rayfay is after it. I should thank Erza for leaving me up here.
"Hey pretty lady," a man sitting next to me said. "How you doin'?"
"Um," I said. "I'm doing fine, just about to leave actually," I stood up and tried to walk towards the door but he grabbed my arm.
"Why you gotta leave?" he asked. His face was flush and he smelled of alcohol. He was far too touch for my taste. I could see there were some men staring at us. I couldn't walk away from this quietly. What would Erza do?
"That's none of your business old man," I said. This would be something Erza would do, right? "Now let go before I bust you're head open," all empty threats but he didn't know that.
"Hehe," he said. Ok maybe he did know that. "You're so cute," Great now I'm a child. Not sure if this made this really not ok, or just plain creepy.
"You're really creeping me out," I said. I pulled my arm out of his grip and headed towards the door. He followed me so I quickened my pace. That's when he grabbed for my shoulder. I spun around and kicked him in the head. He flew off. I didn't know I had it in me.
I sighed but everyone was looking at me. There was a mixture of shock and awe in their faces. Then suddenly a burst of laughter.
"Did you see old Mike's face when she kicked him." One man said laughing.
"I haven't seen him so confused," another one said. The whole crowd just laughed and held their side. I couldn't help but smile and giggle a bit.
"Hey girl, what's your name?" a man asked. He lifted his hand up towards me. I looked up towards him and shook his hand.
"Lucy," I said. "Just Lucy," he laughed again.
"Alright just Lucy," he said. "My name is Geo, and that man you just knocked of his ass was Mike. Both of us are usual at this bar and we don't see too many cute girls around these parts. So forgive him for his indecency. Let me get you a drink," he said. He wrapped his arms around my shoulders and held me close while dragging me to the bar. I pointed to the exit but he was stronger than my will to use words.
He held a large mug in front of me. Full of a liquid I was sure would regret drinking. Suddenly the whole place began chanting "Chug Chug Chug". I gulped down any hesitation and did as the crowd demanded. It tasted foul and warmed my whole throat going down. I managed to at least swallow the first half quickly before needing air.
"What is this?" I asked. Geo laughed.
"This is whiskey, and other stuff, mixed with some citrus fruit juice." He said. "I assume this isn't your first drink." I nodded my head.
"I've had wine before," I said. "But that is all," I could feel my stomach temperature rising. I knew I needed to finish my drink but I already felt sick.
"You Got This!" shouted a man. The crowd cheered me on. I looked around and saw everyone dancing and smiling. I chuckled a bit as well. Geo slapped my back a few times as he chuckled as well.
"You Can Do It!" another man shouted from the crowd.
I already made it this far. I might as well. I thought. I lifted the glass up and finished by slamming it on the table. I lifted my fist into the air as the crowd cheered. They lifted me up into the air and threw me a few times. They chanted my name and I admit, it was kind of fun.
"Lucy Has Finish the Assassin!" the bartender said. I was jumping up and down. I hadn't felt like this ever in my life. I was starting to understand why people drank.
"Lucy?" said a familiar voice. I turned around and saw the red hair, I knew. Erza.
"ERZA!" I said as I ran to give her a hug. When I wrapped my arms around her she didn't move. "All these guys gave me some nice drink and I chugged it down,"
"What did you give her?" Erza asked. I didn't notice at first but I turned to see most of them were shaking in their boots. At the time I thought it was funny.
"The Assassin," the bartender said. I felt a strange heat emitting itself from Erza's body.
"Gajeel," she said. "Please take Lucy to Natsu and Gray's side. It seems I have to attend to some more personal matters." That's when I noticed that there was a man standing next to Erza, it was Gajeel. His long black hair, his eyebrow piercings, and his rough look was hard to ignore. He grabbed me by my collar and lifted me up. I wiggled around but he had a firm grip.
"Let me go," I said. "Let me go, I can walk on my own jerk,"
"In a few minutes you won't," he said. When we left the bar I could hear screaming and metal banging around. Like sword fighting. Erza seemed to be letting off steam.
"Are they going to be ok?" I asked.
"They knew better," Gajeel asked. "They saw you with Erza commin' in. They shoulda known this was going to happen." He threw me over his shoulder and continued to walk. I just watched as Erza sliced through the whole bar. There was fire and for once, Natsu didn't cause it.
"Err..." I mumbled as I opened my eyes.
I woke up laying on a seat in a train. It was dark outside and my head felt it was swelling in my skull. I tried to sit up but I just fell back down in exhaustion. The last thing I remembered was sitting at the tavern listening to the story of Morgenstern. Then I remembered that I had consumed a large glass of alcohol without thinking. I hadn't asked the ratio of alcohol to juice so those men could have over poured.
I was a walking risk factor. I could have been killed or worse. If it wasn't for Erza I might have ended up in more trouble. I could hear Erza screaming at me already.
I stared up at the ceiling of the train. I was alone in the room. No one was next to me nor around from what I could tell. All there was were some baggage and books. Really all a girl needs when combating a hangover.
I reached up and grabbed my mother's notes, the ones I grabbed from the house. Erza hand brought them to the castle and I had them in my bag since.
There was a huge lot of information that could be useful in exploring the temple in Ironpost. There were translation of common imagery and language that had been dead for a few generations. There were also, answers to puzzles found in some smaller temples. I couldn't read all of it because of my blistering headache but I could tell I needed to keep this close to me.
"I see you're getting better," said a small voice. I turned and saw Wendy standing in the door way. "I'm glad."
"Yeah, I was just going through some of my mother's notes." I said. "Just to see what we might find when we arrive."
"What is it that you are looking for?" Wendy asked.
"Well, anything at this point." I said. "Going in blind would be a huge mistake so it's wise to go in prepared."
"Says the girl with a huge hangover," said a familiarly irritating voice. It was Natsu. Usually I was glad to see him but for some reason he was pissing me off.
"What did I do this time?" he asked.
"Never mind me, how are you able to walk on this train?" I asked. "You should feel as sick as I do right now,"
"Wendy cast a spell on me so I wouldn't get sick." He said, "It gets weaker every time it's cast so she can't cast it all the time."
"Yep," She said. "I cast it on him during this ride because it usually takes him a long time to recuperation after long train rides."
"So you cast it on him in case we need him when we get off the train," I said. She nodded. "In that case, could you cast a spell on me?" I asked.
"Erza said I couldn't," Wendy said. I lowered my head back onto the seat. Erza was punishing me with a hangover. I couldn't say I didn't deserve it but she could have taken just a bit of mercy on my sake. After all, I was going to have to present myself in front of the leader of Ironpost, Zuri Ikin. I still needed her permission to go to the temple. How was I supposed to meet with her if I was still hungover?
"Why you accept a drink from those guys anyway?" Natsu asked, he sat across from me and next to Wendy.
"They seemed nice," I said. "They were rewarding me with bashing in the head of one of the creeps in the bar."
"I wouldn't suggest accepting another drink," Wendy said. "At least not without one of us there with you. Things could have gotten hairy if Erza wasn't there."
"I know," I said. "Next time I'll pass on a drink." I was being lectured by a younger girl on the importance to not trust strangers.
"Man, you were funny when you were drunk." Gajeel said as he walked in. "Couldn't keep you off Natsu," I sat straight up and was about to defend myself as he kept talking. "When we met up with flame-brain and Ice boy, you jumped off my back and gave Flame-brain a hug. You kept saying how he was your 'bestest friend'."
"I did not!" I said. I held my head. It was hurting even more. "I would never," I looked towards Natsu but he had his eyes closed.
"Oh but you did," Gajeel said. "You were hopping around so much I kept calling you bunny girl. Where ever Natsu went you followed like a little dog." My face was red. I just curled my knees to my face and hid in a corner. I was never going to be drunk again.
"I'm glad you're awake," Erza said as she sat next to me. My back was still towards everyone but I recognized her voice. "Good now that mostly everyone is here we can discuss our plan."
"What plan?" I asked. "We ask Zuri to let us in, we go in, we find stuff, and come back." Everyone looked at me. Erza had more anger in her face, Gajeel had a raised eyebrow like Natsu, and Wendy looked worried. I wasn't sure where Gray was but I'm sure he would have smacked his head. I got the memo that I was the idiot here but no one could explain to me why.
"I understand you have never been to Ironpost," Erza said. "But nothing is that simple." She sighed and pulled out a book and started to write some stuff down.
"Of course it isn't," I mumbled. My feet were now over the seat and I was facing the window. There was nothing but darkness outside. The train must be traveling through the tunnels still.
"You must understand," Erza said. "Master made me the lead of this group which means I am in charge. So, all plans and strategies will fall under my control. You don't have to worry about anything. I'll handle it." I got up, stumbled a bit, and walked out. If they were going to create a plan they didn't need me. I sure didn't need to hear it.
"Where are you going?" Erza asked. I slammed the door. Part of me was proud that I did it but the other half of me was terrified to go back in.
I was in too deep.
So I just walked towards the back of the train, towards the cargo hold. There was a passenger viewing area. I walked fast towards my destination. Even if we were just surrounded by black walls, it was better than Erza's face after my little stunt.
I entered the viewing area and sat down in the closest bench. When I looked up I saw stars.
"What the hell," I mumbled to myself. "I thought we were in the tunnel."
"This cart is surrounded by a screen that allows passengers to view the world outside the tunnel." Said a server. "It helps passengers with the long ride in darkness. If you are in your own cart, you can see the same by pulling down one of the screens over your window. It will give the appearance of a sky."
"It's not the same though," I said.
"Of course, there isn't a magic in the world that could recreate the stars." The server said.
"Would you like anything to drink miss?" he asked. I looked towards him and nodded. The drink I had yesterday wasn't bad, it tasted foul at first but it felt nice sitting in my stomach.
"A glass of whiskey please," I said. He was taken back a bit. "Anything wrong?" I asked.
"No, one glass of whiskey coming right up," the server walked away and I was left alone. I didn't blame him for the weird look. I was ordering it mostly to spite Erza. I probably wouldn't drink it all anyway.
When I got it, I took a sip. It was still harsh to my tongue but pleasing to my stomach. I held it in my hand as I stared into the false sky. The constellations did not bring me the same comfort that the real ones always did. The ones my mother taught me the names of, just as her mother did. I sit anticipating a long drawn out story of each character floating above my head. Alas there is no story just as there is no actual sky above me. All of it is fake. And I sip another sip.
"Man you look depressing," a man's voice said. I turned my head and saw Gray was the voice.
"I can only look so happy when there is a false sky above me." I said. He sat next to me on the bench and looked up.
"I'm surprised to see you drinking," he said. "You didn't seem the masochistic type," I sighed and he looked towards me. I looked down at my glass.
"I'm not sure anymore." I said. "I just walked out on Erza, and I'm too afraid to go back so I sat here."
"Man, you're a brave one," Gray said. "I'm surprised she didn't chase you down. What happened?" he asked.
"Well, a mix of things. My headache, Erza babying me, and everyone backing her up." I said. "How am I expected to lead a nation when my only solution is to slam a door? I'm supposed to be some princess that will lead Fiore into a new age of magic and power and yet, when challenged with leading a group of five, now six, I can't keep a cool head."
"You're asking the wrong person," Gray said. I looked over to him. He was looking up again with a faint smile on his face.
"Oh yeah, what's your story?" I asked. He sighed and put his hands in his pockets. He looked down towards his feet.
"It's a bit of a long one, you ready?" He asked. I nodded.
"Not like there isn't time," I said. He nodded.
"Well," he said. "I was born in Silvercoast, not too far from the capitol. It was attacked by some Rayfayian rebels. They had us running like dogs." He sat up and rested his arms on his knees. "It wasn't long until they found where my parents and I were hiding. They shot them down and had their guns pointed towards me. I stared down their barrels, afraid that I was going to end up like my parents. When a girl froze them in place." He sat up a bit and looked forward. He's knees were still on his knees but his head was up. "She grabbed me and pulled me to safety. She didn't give me her name or anything, she couldn't have been much older than I was, but she did tell me something." He said.
"What?" I asked. "What did she say?" he looked towards me and chuckled.
"Well," he said. "I screamed and cried for my parents. Then she pated me on the head. She held me and I cried. I kept saying 'what am I going to do, my parents are dead, what am I going to do?' and she lifted my head and into my eyes, she said 'Live, live and live some more. You're still alive, keep it that way, even for just a little bit longer'. I nodded to her and held her close. She took me to the next town and left while I was sleeping."
"How did you learn ice magic?" I asked.
"Well, after a few weeks of recouping, I found a teacher and she taught me everything I know now. But I never did meet that girl again." Gray said.
"She seemed nice," I said.
"Yeah, I just wanted to thank her at least," Gray said. He stood up and walked towards the exit. The door that lead to Erza…and the others. "Ya coming?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said. "Want to finish this?" I asked him as I pointed to the whiskey.
"Na, after seeing what it did to you I don't ever want to touch the stuff." He said. "Especially with how you acted when you saw Natsu." My face instantly turned red.
"Not you too," I said. "Gajeel said I hopped around like a rabbit and kept saying that he was my best friend. Is that true?" I asked. He laughed which answered my question. I stood up and walked towards him.
"Yep, all of that is true. I kept teasing the flame-brain, which pissed him off, but Erza told me to stop." Gray said.
"I don't know how I'm going to face him now," I said. "Knowing I embarrassed myself like that."
"Don't think much on it," he said. "We knew you were drunk. But you know what they say? Drunk words are sober thoughts." I shoved him in the ribs.
"As if," I said. "He can be kind and gentleman like sometimes but he is far from what I would expect as a potential husband." I walked in front of him.
"Well, you looked close at your little ball you had." Gray said. "Makes you think, if he was wearing one of those tuxeos, would you have chosen him?" I stopped and he bumped into me.
"No." I said. I turned around and smiled. "If he was in one of those tuxes, he would be another boring man. And not the Natsu you and I know." Gray smiled back at me.
"Yeah I guess you're right," he said, "Come on, we gotta get back before Erza gets too upset and wreck the train." He walked in front of me and I followed close by.
"She wouldn't go that far, would she?" I asked.
"Well it wouldn't be the first." He said. I was starting to think of possible reasons Natsu had motion sickness, Erza was one of those reasons.