After months of writer's block and rewriting this about 50million, gazillion times (more like 5-) here it is! There are some things I wanted in this chapter, but it was getting too long- so they'll be appearing in Chapter 11. Enjoy!'
Reality and fever dreams joined together for Lucy. She had no sense of time, no sense of place- merely the brief realizations of movement from time to time when she had moments of lucidity. The illness that wracked through her body was a worthy nemesis- one that left those around her baffled. She missed the days that passed, the conversations that occurred around her. Lucy barely recollected any moment she had when awake.
Just small moments, of her hand in a larger one- giving heat to her chilled skin when she was in need of it; and a few moments of being fed by a woman she had only just met. The red hair reminded her of the named- Erza.. yes, that's who it had been.
She wasn't awake when the winding trail through the forest sloped out towards the coast, meeting with a more, rockier path that trekked up through the range of mountains. A familiar place for those who knew of the dangers of rock-slides and heavy rainfall. By the time Erza's little band came across the Main group- the chilled wind of winter had already began to turn its head, knocking away colored leaves as fall battled to stay the dominant season.
Her awareness of surprised cheers and happy shouts was non-existent- stirring just enough at the sounds to be noticed by a few, but Lucy did nothing else to greet them. Natsu had been hugged, shoulder punched and cried upon the moment his group saw him all excited at the miracle of his survival. Even Makarov had to tilt his old gaze away, hiding the glistening tears streaming down his face.
At one point, when the back doors of Erza's wagon opened, Lucy caught the sound of rolling waves and a smell of salty air. - Eyes fluttered open to blearily look upon the faces of many whose own visages blurred together. Natsu was there- his hair unmistakable, and the brief sighting of Mirajane and Wendy made her heart stir before darkness slid over her senses once again.
A fever dream perhaps? She couldn't be sure.
It had been the relief of many when the two Caravans converged, just outside the secluded cove that was their home. The strong faith their Chief had stubbornly held proved true and he could hardly contain his own emotion, smiling as one would at the sight of their family becoming whole again. - but while he bit back his own emotion and enjoyed the excited exclamation of the others, the elder Roma took in the signs that something was not quite right.
For one, a wagon, off to the back of Erza's small group, was locked tightly shut and glimmered in the sunlight by telltale signs of a strong barrier cast by one of their stronger mages. This was not a good sign. - and the obvious evidence of a battle shown out in spades. Broken and scraped armor, damaged wagons from recent stress.
What had happened? The glance he cast towards the Scarlet Warrior spoke volumes and Erza nodded her ascent. They would speak later, and she would give her full report of the events leading up til that point. However, he wouldn't force her to speak just yet, allowing his charges to greet each other with joy. Not only had the lives of Natsu and Lucy been weighing upon all of them, but it had been half a year since they had last seen the smaller caravan. The moment they would enter within the large, stone gates of their home, the Roma Chieftain was positive the festivities wouldn't stop for days.
After all, there were many they hadn't seen within their little village as well.
It was Wendy's worried shouts upon opening Erza's wagon that stirred Makarov from his musings, brow furrowing as he heard of the Celestial Romni's unfortunate illness. The smaller Draconis had moved herself within the wagon with a purpose, lifting the fevered form of Lucy to test her temperature, bottom lip trembling. Many others tried to pull in, listening with attentive ears- but crowding around until not a single breath could be let loose.
"Natsu, you're the one who said you'd be protecting her- what happened, huh?"
"She wasn't supposed to get WORSE while alone with you!"
"H-hey, shut up- shouldn't you guys be HAPPY we're alive instead of blamin' me?!" Light laughter from teasing to cover their worried and Makarov finally managed to wade himself through the crowd, lips thinning into a frown.
"Now, now-" He mumbled, sending a stern glare to the crowd around him. "If she's ill, then fresh air and space is needed, not you lot sticking your noses up against each other. Let's get inside and settled in before night falls!" It wouldn't do to keep the entire group right outside their home another day when they were so close- and something had to be done to get them to clear off. His orders were a good a reason as any, causing many to shuffle off with their own wagons and horses, eagerly moving to the gaping, cave-like entrance of their home.
It was cut within stone- part of the mountain range, in fact- and none quite remembered if the whole formed within the rocks was natural or man-made anymore, but it did it's job of hiding their base well-enough. With a firmer nod to a few others, more scattered off and the Chief was finally able to look inside the wagon, where Mirajane and Wendy both hovered over the sick Lucy.
She was- paler than he remembered.
"How injured were they from the landslide?" He wondered aloud. The fact they were alive was a miracle in and of itself, but now he wondered at what else could have damaged them.
"They weren't." Was the calm ,unexpected reply to his right- Erza's arms were folded against her, her own expression a deep frown. "Natsu told me everything." She supplied after a few moments, gaze sliding to meet the gaze of her Chief. "There are many things he and I need to fill you in on."
"So it seems." He agreed, running his fingers through the thin wisps of hair on his chin. Why did he have a dark feeling in the pit of his stomach still? It was getting stronger as the days went by. "We can discuss it later then- make sure to bring Natsu with you once we're all settled in."
He didn't wait for her reply, knowing full well the Romni would follow his orders. Instead, he tapped the wagons entrance before hopping his smaller body in with a spryness that belied his age. He could feel it in the air, the sickness and a pulling of energies that spoke to him on many instinctive levels. Magic was in the air, diluted and thick all at once. Like a band grow taut and threatening to snap. The tension was coming from the sick form at his feet.
"She's not going to like it." He said after a time, watching as Wendy worried fussed over the blonde, "but we may need to have Porlyusica come to us for this issue." Under normal circumstances, if the need was greet enough- many in the clan went to visit the grumpy elder of their village, but rarely did she venture out to see them.
"I'll see to it myself." He stated upon seeing the worried, wide eyed glances of Mirajane and Wendy at his response. Even Natsu, refusing to enter the city while they stayed behind, had snorted in disbelief at the notion. "I don't want Lucy being moved too much until we know what's keeping her sick. Come on now, we can all discuss this later."
And that was that. What was left of their two caravans finished its long, long trek back into the place they called home- ready to board up and wait for spring. The closed off wagon was sent off to their unused dungeons- an old, underground part of their cavernous fortress, built within the very mountain- much of the roof had been collapsed, and doors unhinged, but it still served its uses. For now, it would be used once more was a place for holding.
Something it hadn't done since before The Fairies With Tails had made the cove their home.
Much the same as when they all packed themselves and prepared to journey- the unpacking was just as systematic and routine. The years it had been done brought swiftness to fingers and feet and soon- the groups returning greeting those who lived within the stone walls and those who worked along the beaches. Reunions were always a happy business, but others, stuck back to clear out the wagons or greet the dust that had piled up within their left behind shacks.
Lucy was moved within a small, built in row of homes, built within the very stone itself. Some walls were made from screens that folded outward, while others shut with rotting wood. It was the safest place from the sea spray and elements- as good a place as any for an ill person. At least, until they could find better quarters.
"Couldn't she just stay at my place?" Natsu had grumbled, not quite understanding the choice in location. She was his charge, so wouldn't it have made since to keep him near? This question had earned him a laugh from Mirajane, who fluffed a pillow beneath the sick blonde's head and clicked her tongue.
"Natsu, we're home now." She chided, "We're not under threat of attacks out here, and I'm sure she'd prefer to have her own space once she's feeling better."
The low rumbling of Natsu's disagreement was his only response, settling himself at the foot of Lucy's bed as he worried over her prone form. He couldn't tell if she had become better or worse in the last few days. Her breathing was easier and during the times of wakefulness, she ate and drank with ease… but the fever was still high, he could feel it through the blankets Mirajane had tucked her in with- and the scent of her illness still permeated the air.
It made him feel sick, but for entirely different reasons.
"Don't worry Natsu, I'm sure Makarov will figure something out."Wendy consoled as she prepared a wet rag to place upon Lucy's head. Every little thing they could do to keep her comfortable, at least until Porlyusica arrived. If she would at that. Though, a sudden sniffle from the smaller draconis made both Natsu and Mirajane stare at her with wide eyes.
"So-sorry," She mumbled, wiping at her eyes, "I'm just- so.. So HAPPY you're both alive- I- just-"
Natsu had moved from his seat swiftly, pulling the blue-haired healer into his arms as he pat her head and clicked his own tongue. Of course, they were all happy to see each other again, but even he could sense what wasn't being said. As a draconis, he too felt the fear of being alone without another.
A strong reason he understood Lucy's own pain as well. "Oi, oi," He murmured, finally pulling back to wipe at Wendy's eyes as he grinned, "Like I'd let some rock and mud take me out that easily- an' Lucy's tougher than she looks! I'm glad to see you too."
It was the truth, down to the very last word, and Wendy hiccuped in response, letting out her own, small, relieved smile. Mirajane didn't bother with trying to hide it, her own eyes welled with tears and she patted the back of Natsu in a small show of affection. She didn't doubt he would, eventually, be smothered in more hugs (or punches- if Gray had any say in the matter) once he set foot outside again.
Lucy awoke to the sound of a mad woman, practically growling as she stomped across the stone floor. In her addled mind, the Romni couldn't figure out where she was, but Natsu, hovering close by, had been enough to calm her, fingers slipping from beneath the covers to grasp the hem of his shirt. Just a small reassurance. It was enough to turn his attention on her, his own hand reaching to grasp her own, freeing his shirt and giving her solace all at once.
If he noticed the way Wendy and Mirajane cooed, he took no notice- there was a bigger issue to worry about. That issue being the tall, pink-haired, severe woman, staring at him as if she could curdle his blood and gouge his heart with her eyes alone. In fact, he wouldn't have put it past her. Makarov had stayed just long enough to reveal he'd been yelled at the entire time he'd brought the wizened healer to them, but ducked out through the wooden door before much else could be said.
He'd issued a brief order for Natsu to come see him with news of Lucy's condition -among other things- later and darted off. If they hadn't known any better, they would have thought he was running.
"- .. why is.. Makarov… running?" Lucy questioned, pulling forth a smile from Natsu as he chuckled. Well, at least he wasn't the only one thinking it, but her confusion was apparent as the Celestial Romni processed her own words. "W-wait, Maka-... rov? He's here? Where am… did we make it?"
Kneeling to his knees, the dragonic tried to calm her, calloused hands tightening around her own as he shushed her words. "Deep breaths, aye? It's all gonna be alright, but you should just focus on-" He never had the chance to finish, feeling the heavy knuckles of Porlyusica striking the back of his skull. "- YEOUCH!"
"You-" The old woman grumbled, "out. Now. I need to examine the patient, not watch you make eyes at her!"
"I ain't makin' eyes!" He griped, nursing the back of his head with one hand, refusing to budge. "And that ain't happenin'- I'll sit right here an' you can check her from there!" The withering stare that was sent his way made Natsu almost swallow his own tongue, but he held fast. "Not unless Lucy tells me to go."
Both of their gazes tilted to the aforementioned blonde, whose mind was so muddled, she could hardly keep up with what was happening. She briefly realized Wendy and Mirajane were in the room, but her eyes held the stern ones of Porlyusica, unsure if they had actually met before or not. I'm sure we hadn't, but- .. - and then the rest of their conversation struck her, causing the Romni's weakened grip to tighten over Natsu's as a sense of panic flowered through her.
"N-No! I'd rather.. I'd rather-" There was a distant part of her that screamed she shouldn't speak much further, but Lucy couldn't quite place why that was- so she persisted. "I'd rather not be without Natsu."
A more polite side of her realized she should have said please, but it was far too late - and silence fell over the room as Natsu's face suddenly turned an interesting shade of red. Lucy took no notice, her body was too busy shaking with the thought of being left alone once more. For days he had been a strong source of comfort, the mere thought of losing it sent her lungs into overdrive.
This seemed to frustrate the older woman- either from Lucy's words or her sudden dive into panic, she couldn't be sure, but she quickly moved into her personal space, chilled and bony fingers touching the top of her head as a sudden sense of calm awashed through her like a buzzing heat. At first, Lucy thought Natsu had begun to warm her with his own magic, but she soon realized this heat was of a different variety-
It came from the older Romni, who was setting Natsu with a frustrated stare as if the entire situation were his fault. "If I'm do this, I need you calm. So do whatever you like, but DON'T panic again you ninny!"
Natsu may have protested the insulted thrown at Lucy, but she wasn't able to hold her focus enough to attend. It was all a bunch of questions, poking and prodding after that, with Porlyusica letting Mirajane introduce her, checking Lucy's vitals with calculated movements, all while asking Wendy for her own diagnoses during the previous weeks. The Fire Draconis only stepped from his spot when she poked the old, healed wound on Lucy's leg, forcing a shocked cry of pain and curl out form her throat.
He was quickly forced to sit back down by Wendy- not wanting another verbal battle to strike before Lucy could have the help she needed.
"You're here to HELP her get better, not make it worse!" He hissed through his teeth, almost serpent-like, but Porlyusica chose to ignore him. In fact, she ignored all other comments after that, focusing, instead, on running a hand, not lit up and a pink hue, along the length of Lucy's body- entire face scrunching as she examined her.
"Not good-" She murmured, "Certainly not good, whatever did you do to yourself?"
Lucy opened her mouth to answer, but found her body was far too tired and sluggish- words just weren't wanting to come anymore. Was she fading back to sleep again? Speaking for her, Wendy raised a small hand, stepping to the older woman's side with a downcast gaze.
"It must be my fault then," She answered, guilty. "I was the one taking care of her, but she ended up like this either way. I'm just not skilled enough yet- I'm so-"
"I'll have none of that!" Porlyusica snapped, her teeth, surprisingly sharp in her own snarl, silence Wendy and she withdrew her hands. "You did everything you should have for her, the rest is her own doing!"
Off to a corner, unheard and unseen- there was a force of the world, sifting through the energies of all things- constantly aware of every living entity as their life ebbed and flowed through time and space. It was everywhere and nowhere, all at once, but it's attention had been gained by a brief- dying arachnid- it's eyes gaining form, but unseen by the other occupants. For he was death, and he chose to give his audience where he pleased.
He knew the blonde, laying so sickly on the faraway cot- and he knew the mass of pink hair too. In fact, if his attention had been on the others- would have recognized them and all their multitude of lives in the span of a universe, but that was not what pulled his interest. The spirit of the small bug was quickly taken within his own darkness, touched and sent on to either join the universe or start anew. He never knew what choice such beings would take. That was for Life to judge.
Here, and now- his bright eyes took in the small death- was aware of the millions his being collected all at once, but his form, still turned his gaze on towards the others. They didn't recognize the spectator, had not known he was even there.
If the Celestial Romni had been more lucid, perhaps she would have noticed- perhaps not. It had been so long since she last had seen him, last had met his gaze with the wide-eyed fright of her own. She wasn't supposed to see him. No one was, but that day- her power was synchronized just right, seeing beyond the veil as he ventured through her dying Caravan. He had taken her Mother, her Father- her friends, aunt and uncles- had pulled their souls into his being as they suffered their fates.
It wasn't the first time he had seen her- nor would it be the last. It wasn't the first death either.
Zeref- embodiment of death, had followed them all, and he knew her since her first death.
The second.
… and the third,
So many times- he had begun to lose count. (In fact, he barely attended enough to bother with counting.) He was even there when she almost died in her current life. How many deaths had it been now? Listless, going through the motions- he was everywhere and nowhere, forming when the need arose. From a massacre of humans- over run by bad luck and forces chasing after a chosen child that may or may not have been born. Ah yes, he remembered.. . it was the first time she had seen him after so many centuries. And it was a testament to an awakening power she had yet to fully realize.
The memory was strong in him- like all memories that he stored within himself. Zeref remembered those eyes- it was the million time he had seen them, but her life was not ready to end: not then. Her soul had glowed with a heat he hadn't seen in a long time. He realized this truth even as the souls of her friends and family rose to join his clutches, the light fading from their spirits before passing through to the ever after.
Like all souls, they would move on- and her tears that day, the fright she felt, almost begged to join the others that fell.
It wasn't her time.
A slight adjustment of the world was in order. Fate shifted to his will. So many of her lives had been taken- and some cycles needed an ending before the curse of bad luck continued. Rather than follow the way of his purpose, Zeref had cast his darkness out and over her, blinding her body beneath the fallen wagon: hiding her from the ones who searched. He left her then- to grow her light and hopefully…
His eyes narrowed, latching onto the form of the Pink-haired Draconis. He studied the other man's back- who seemed to stiffen during the conversation Zeref witnessed. Or, maybe a part of him sensed Death's presence, as his gaze, for a mere second, tilted to glance behind him. Yes… hopefully…
Death felt the world change beneath his feet, and knew his choice had been the right one. Yes, perhaps, this time around…
Things could be different.
A strange feeling of being watched had crawled along the back of Natsu's neck, making his attention jump from Porlyusica and Wendy for a split second. The back of the room, while dark from low-light, was empty as it ever had been, but it did nothing to ease the sudden warning bell screeching inside his head. Eyes narrowed and for one, brief, tiny moment- he thought he saw the outline of a man, but blinked and it was gone.
A rumble of unease clamored through his throat and the Draconis returned his gaze Lucy, who was currently- half asleep and staring at the wizened Doctor with every last ounce of strength that remained in her. His hand tightened over hers and the check up continued.
A distance away, in the broken, battered remains of a prison, Makarov stood with Erza and one other- a tall man the Chief hadn't expected to beat them on the return home. Generally, his Grandson spent more time out of the village, rather than inside of it. That was okay, so long as he stayed fit and healthy. Now, however, Laxus' clenched jaw and cold gaze was focused on the man who had almost killed Natsu.
"- that idiot needs to train more." He grumbled, clearly agitated, but not willing to explain himself. Erza's own comment towards Natsu's capabilities went ignored and Makarov had to clear his throat to keep them from being distracted.
"You can discuss that with him later, if you want." He replied, frowning deeply. His gaze never left the man in the cell- who was currently seating himself against a broken bit of stone, lounging despite his predicament- eyes glimmering in humor to a joke no one understood. "This, however, is more important."
The agreement that followed was interrupted by the Shadow Mage's chuckle- it started low but built up, cocky and arrogant. "Oh? Me? I'm flattered you'd think me so important- can't say I feel the same about you, though, old man."
More laughter, but Makarov gave no response to it, despite the shifting agitation that came from Erza's figure. Her body had grown tense. Before her ire could be shown in words, he'd lifted a hand and cleared his throat. They weren't here for arguments, or for biting the bait of a man in chains.
"Did Freed create a barrier here as well?" He asked, eyes glancing back towards Erza, but wasn't surprised when Laxus interjected.
"Of course he did. You can see his handy work all over the place." It took a few blinks before the elder man saw what his grandson was speaking about, chuckling to himself. Of course he would recognize the signs of one of their strongest Magician's barrier work. Laxus was always aware of his own on a level that astounded many.
"Good. Let's get down to business then, shall we?" He didn't wait for permission. He was Chief after all. "Now then, boy," He ignored the way this produced a glare from the man, "I'm certain you already know what I'm going to ask, but I'm going to say it anyway. You shouldn't have known the way to this place, let alone the paths we take. So obviously someone has been keeping careful watch or has some interesting power in their sleeves. Which is it?"
"You REALLY think I'd answer?" The man tilted his gaze away, arms crossed as a sneer pulled at his expression. "I'd say you'd have to torture me first, but I'd kill myself before you could do that."
"So you're a coward as well as an enemy." Interjected Erza. Though her face stayed calm, the man's reaction made the corner of her lips twitch.
"Death won't come easy for you here." Makarov stated quietly. Casting a glance towards the towering man behind him as if searching for confirmation. "That barrier is more than just a way to keep you from using your abilities."
"Most likely," Laxus answered, noticing the shift of the Chief's gaze on him, while considering the skills of the Roma who had perfected such things, "it is also set to sense when he tries to do anything violent and will suck the air out of the cell long enough to knock him out." It was a method that had been seen dozen of times with Freed, and it never ceased to surprise even Makarov that such a thing could be done.
It was that moment that the man of Shadow's face paled and he cleared his throat. Was such a barrier possible? He mulled through his thoughts, wondering if he was willing to risk it. The words that followed Laxus' confirmation, only made his anxiety spike.
"That being said, with Porlyusica healing, we could definitely keep him alive and in plenty of pain if we really wanted."
This made Erza and Makarov's frown deepen - but if it was in disdain towards the idea of torture, or centered at the man behind bars, he couldn't tell. Instead, he gulped and held two hands up, waving them frantically before him as he glanced about his quarters. Small and tight- others he had walked through had holes and weaknesses in them, but not this one- it was sealed tight- and without his abilities….
"All right, all right-!" He shouted, hoping giving them something would stave off any pain for the time being. "I can't say everything, because I wasn't told everything! - but I can tell you why myself and the others were here in the first place."
This garnered their attention, brows rising. That had been earned easily enough. "And how do we know it's the truth?" Erza's distrust reflected their own, and the man cleared his throat.
"Look- I'll even give you my name- It's Kage. Okay? We weren't even here for your mismatched clan anyway, we're after the girl you have with you!"
"... what.. Girl?" Makarov pressed, expression turning cold. His Grandson's entire frame seemed to rumble, a quiet threat and interest that seemed to fill the room with its own shadow. The Chief made a quiet nod in his direction, "- I"m not sure if you noticed boy, but we have many girls here."
"Oh please, don't act so dumb- you pick up pretty blonde's every time you venture out then?" Kage laughed breathlessly, casting his gaze towards Laxus, lips quirking into a grin for just a moment. Good, it seemed someone had already gotten in contact with HIM, that would make this easier. "That Celestial Romni of yours- the one who knocked me flat?"
"... what do you want with her?"
The grin that pulled across his face seemed twisted, triumphant, and he snapped his finger, pointing it towards the Roma behind them- whose entire countenance spoke of a threat towards danger.
"Why don't you ask him? Looks like he already knows."
The fortress and village of Magnolia, hidden within a cove of mountains and forest, seemed both somber and full of parties all at once. As the sun fell below the horizon, replaced by the soft light of the moon- laughter, music and fires rose into the sky as many Roma, Romni and others alike, celebrated the return of their caravans, laughing and dancing to drums and flutes. - but the dungeons were quiet and the stone rooms of the cliff-side fort just as heavy. Lucy, tired with far too much on her mind- had slipped into dreamless slip within minutes of Porlyusica leaving to her hut. After much fussing about, Natsu had been left in the room with her- his own cot brought to rest against the distant all.
What had made him feel so nervous earlier was long gone, but he disliked being in the corner either way, gaze shifting towards Lucy in the low light of candles instead. Her fever had been lowered by the older woman, her leg propped by Wendy- and a cold towel of water rested upon her head.
"If you remember to do it- try and replace that over the night, would you?" Mirajane had asked him- he'd almost scoffed to her face. He wasn't THAT irresponsible as to not do it. Just who had he been busting his back for all these days? The Draconis wasn't about to grow slack on his duties now.
He did, however, hope that the moment would bring forth happier news.
"What do you mean it's her own fault?" He recalled asking the old healer, growling before he could even stop himself. Wendy had flinched beside him, startled by his sudden anger. "She's been trying her damndest, lady, what the hell would you-"
"Natsu, let her finish!" Mirajane reprimanded, hands on her hips as a low hiss of anger passed her lips. He had been silenced in seconds, but the angered stare of Porlyusica didn't lessen. His disrespect towards her position struck a chord in her and she almost considered walking out without giving the answers they sought.
Then again, Makarov had asked this of her… and who was she to sit back and let someone suffer under her care? Magic welled within her fingertips and her gaze shifted back towards Lucy- who was staring with questions in her eyes, but far too stuck in her throat to be made. Natsu being rude aside, this girl deserved to know- and with hands softer than the voice they belonged to, she eased the pain of Lucy's knee before placing her fingers along the Romni's forehead.
"Girl-" She breathed, eyes sliding shut as she studied the wavelengths of power flowing beneath Lucy's skin. "You have power, much the same as your clan- but there is a block on it. It has layers- one created by someone I don't recognize, the rest is your own emotions. Self-doubt, mourning- I can feel all of it. You used this power recently, didn't you? Now you are paying the price. Your body can't sustain it with the block in place, it was too much for you to handle."
"What… what does that mean?" Wendy asked, her own eyebrows had knitted together and she tried her best to look as reassuring as possible when Lucy's sickened gaze well on her. "Surely she can break it, right? It's not.. Fatal?"
Porlyusica's silence spoke volumes and the seconds ticked on like eons before she deigned to give a reply. Satisfied by the normal temperature her magic had given the blonde, she stood carefully and brushed dirt off her skirts before moving towards the exit. "If she doesn't rest, or break the block before using them again…."
She didn't finish her sentence, but they all knew the answer.
The worry that filled Natsu as Lucy slept was just as strong then as it had been when he first realized just how serious this actually was. Her old arrow wound wasn't the problem- perfectly healed. It had been confirmed after all- Lucy's body was just… rejecting help because of this.. Block? And her magic… how could someone even explain the things he had seen since the landslide?
Should he even try? The draconis had to hold back the urge to join her on her bed- an instinctive need to keep her company over ruling her need for rest and space. What if she grew lonely? What if she had nightmares? What if… what if…? There were far too many thoughts in his head. Snarling, he quickly threw himself under what little furred blankets he had (giving most of them to Lucy-) and stubbornly closed his eyes.
It would all be better in the morning, he told himself. She would be just fine. They'd figure it out. Of that, he was certain. Forcing himself to relax- his ears focused on the deep breaths given by Lucy. The soft intake, the slight change of pattern when she moved and fell back into deeper sleep- the exhales… In and out.. In and out… Tomorrow he could show her the entire village- let her see just how much they had succeeded in getting here. Everyone would be so glad to see her… In and out.. In and out…
Either he dreamed of happy smiles and laughter as they walked up and down the sandy beach, or it really happened. Natsu would never know for sure until he woke up, but for that- he would have to sleep first- and at that moment- … all he could do was listen.
In and out…. In and out- Lucy kept breathing.