Chapter Eleven: "Knight Fernandes."
Sawarr caught up with Lucy outside the hospital ward of the palace, "Why so tense my sweets?" He grabbed her wrist.
"Don't touch me, I'm not a doll you can toy with." Lucy said wrenching her arm from his grip, and glared directly into his eyes.
"It's a pity, you truly haven't inherit any of your mother's natural grace. You never were ladylike."
"Haven't I politely asked you to address me as Lucy? I've expressed on many occasions how uncomfortable I feel towards your behaviour, and I've had enough." Lucy said almost raising her voice.
"I would if I were you keep your voice down, we wouldn't want anyone to overhear our little couple spat." Sawarr moved closer to Lucy, which she slightly moved back.
"Tell me, are you happy with the arrangement?" She asked keeping eye contact with him.
"Of course I am." He said with a smile spreading across his face.
"Well don't get too comfortable just yet. I will find a way to break this arrangement." She said in a voice full of confidence.
"My sweets, why would your dear father put you through an arrangement you clearly dislike? Surely he loves you enough to see what's best for you, after all you are his one and only dear daughter." Sawarr then dropped his voice in almost a whisper, "Unless the rumours are true, and he averts his eyes at you because you look so much like your belated mother. The one person, he truly loved. Perhaps he would've preferred…" He didn't finish his sentence, because Lucy defensively said at the top of her voice.
"Don't say something so utterly ridiculous! Of course he loves me!" When those words came out her mouth, Lucy didn't know who she was trying to convince, Sawarr or herself. There was a drastic change in her father's behaviour and attitude towards her before and after her mother's death... Lucy thought it was because of grief, but now she wasn't so sure.
"Miss, are you alright?" A man wearing a white curly wig; indicating he was a king's adviser and held a high respected role in the palace, and in a prestigious white outfit approached them. He was carrying documents and was heading for the king's office, but when he heard Lucy's raised voice, he thought it unusual and went to investigate.
"There's no need to worry, Lucy is just upset over the recent affair today. She's such a sensitive soul." Sawarr answered.
"Miss, is this true?" The man asked keeping his attention on her. Everything inside Lucy was telling her, to disclose what Sawarr implied. To tell the man her father placed much trust in, and perhaps with a slight chance her father will reconsider. She opened her mouth to respond…
"Yes." In the end she couldn't, "I'm sorry to worry you Siegrain, you should return to your work, father is waiting for you. Now, if you excuse me gentlemen, I'm exhausted and require some sleep. Night." She did the tedious curtsy (which Siegrain reciprocated with a bow) before scurrying to her room. That's it, she couldn't tolerate the man any longer, he deliberately overstepped an emotional line, and for what? Spite? Not to mention, every time he called her "my sweets" sent unpleasant nerves down her spine. How on earth was marrying him the spiteful man would be beneficial to Magnolia? What does Ashton have that Magnolia doesn't?
"Have pleasant dreams Lucy, we'll have another talk tomorrow." Sawarr called out.
"Sir, the king would like a word with you about today. Would you like to follow me to his office?" Siegrain turned his attention on Sawarr.
"I would be honoured to." The two men headed for the king's office.
Erza was in a dark and earthy place, she wasn't wearing her knight's armor but instead a dirty and ragged piece of cloth. "Erza! Erza! Quick, they're coming!" Before she could ask what was happening, a boy with blue hair grabbed her hand almost dragging her. What was happening?! I'm I dreaming? He took her to a crate where there were already two boys crouching, "Sssh... get in here, we mustn't let them find us." He urged in a whisper.
"Where will you hide?" Erza heard herself ask while toppling inside the crate.
"Don't worry about me. Don't get out, until it's safe." He gave her and the others a reassuring smile, "We'll get out of here. They can't keep us here forever." He said, before he closed the lid to the crate. In the dark, Erza waited, she could hear the muffled sound of footsteps. Then the clanging of metals hitting each other. Then the screams. Frightened, she closed her eyes, and covered her ears.
"Erza!" She heard someone calling her, but she was too scared to move. "Erza!" She opened her eyes... she was no longer in the crate, but on a bed. She was breathing rapidly and was sweating. The blankets were all askew. She looked over and saw the boy... well, he was now a man; his facial features flickered by the candlelight. He had messy blue hair, his right eye was covered with an eyepatch, and he wore a black cloak. He was looking at her with concern on his face.
"Knight Fernandes." She tried getting up, but he motioned her to stay down.
"Please Erza, we've known each other for a while there's no need for formality. Did you have a nightmare?" He said in a quiet voice, so he doesn't disturb the other patients, which they could hear Jet's rhythmic breathing and Natsu's snores.
"Sorry Jellal, it's out of habit. Most would consider it one, but to me it was the ending of one." Erza said giving a small smile, "I just woke up too soon, I missed the part where his majesty opened the lid of the crate and he and his valiant knights gently took us out."
"Freedom." Jellal sighed, "After two long years." Silence fell, as the two reminisced their tarnished childhood.
King Jude, back then had a friendly face, and he had warmth in his brown eyes. He personally ensured each child was provided a home, and he imprisoned members of an illegal mercenary guild; Blue Skull. Magnolia, known for its several mines of bountiful riches: gold, silver, jewels, and precious gems seemed to pour from the walls, drawn unwanted attention. Every now and then an illegal group would find ways to steal from under the king's nose by either: going to an abandoned mine, or discover a hidden passageway. The king attempted to keep the problem under control by placing guards at the entrance of the mines. They managed to capture a few thieves, and tracked down illegal group work. However, the Blue Skull case was the worst. They always seemed to be a few steps ahead, but that wasn't the foulest part. They've abducted children from different villages, and forced them to do their bidding. Erza and Jellal along with many others watched their homes, villages, and families being wrenched away and never returned back to their prior life. Erza hardly ever spoke of those two years, but she often replayed them in her memory as though it was a cruel reminder of why she's the person she was today.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were positioned near the Frontier." Erza asked breaking the silence, and returning to the present.
"I volunteered to report, so far it's been quiet. But forget about me, I heard from the king about the fire, and the nurse reported you fainted due because of inhaling too much smoke. Erza, did you act out on a life-threatening situation on your own again?" Jellal asked almost in an accusing tone.
"There was little time to react. Even if I asked for help, it would have been too late. As an appointed knight, it's my responsibility to keep the citizens safe."
"As much I want to lecture you, you are not wrong."
"What do we know about the fire?" Erza interrogated.
"Zilch, any information so far is only rumours."
"Who's running the investigation? Surely there has to be some evidence."
"The king appointed Lieutenant Justine."
"Freed, he's the best man for the job and he hasn't yet found anything?" Erza threw off the blanket and started getting up, "I'm going…"
"No you're not! Erza, you're still healing and it's late." Jellal exclaimed, struggling to keep Erza down, "We know you're invincible, but you're still human! The king orders you to rest, he even asked the palace guards to escort you back here if you're caught wandering about!" They could hear Natsu's snore grown louder, and he rolled over.
"Fine, if his majesty asked me too." Erza said in a reluctant tone and settled herself back in bed. Jellal gently pulled the blanket on Erza's shoulder.
"Thank you. I'll have to leave before dawn, but until then I'll be here."
"Jellal? Did you see…?" Erza yawned, "Did you see your…?" Erza however fell back into a slumber before she could finish her question which made Jellal smile, and he gently kissed her forehead. "I have." He whispered softly in her ear before he planted himself down again on the chair. He stifled a chuckle, as he thought the first thing Erza will do tomorrow; she's going to march straight for the king and ask to be part of the investigating squad.
The next morning, the sun rays poured through the windows. "I don't care, what you did yesterday was reckless and idiotic! Erza's and your life would've been gone in vain." Erza stirred, she heard Jet's voice.
"What about your life? Your life is just as important. Anyway how are your legs feeling?" She heard Natsu's voice.
"OWWWWW!" Erza flashed her eyes open, and she turned to see Natsu standing at the end of Jet's bed with both of his hands in the air, and Jet sitting upright with a screwed facial grimace. "Touching them isn't going to make them feel better!" He winced. "Why do you act before you think?!"
"Sorry." Natsu said quite apologetically.
"I'm starting to emphasize with Gray."
"You what?! How can anyone understand that roiderbanks?"
"Quit it you two. You'll wake the whole city." Erza sighed as she sat up.
"Erza! We're sorry! Don't punish us!" They both stiffened and turned their attention to her. She gave a stretch, and got out of bed.
"Did I not tell you to quieten down?!" She barked, which cause the two men to almost whimper, "Anyway I have no time for this foolishness." She proceeded in putting on her armor.
"How... how are you feeling Erza?" Natsu asked hesitantly.
"Not too bad, I have a bit of headache but what can I do with loud roommates?" She shot them a look, "What about you?"
"I'm alright, better than Jet at least" Natsu replied.
"Good. Well, I have to get going now..." Erza paused as her eye caught a folded parchment on the chair Jellal sat on. She grabbed it, and read the note:
Erza, to answer your question, yes I have seen my brother Siegrain. As for the other, well we know he's like the mist and then he's gone as his name implies. Take care, and always be on your guard- Jellal
Erza smiled and she folded the note. "Is that from someone special?" Jet asked, both men were looking at Erza as she read the note and they couldn't help but notice her face softening and her lips curling into a smile.
"It's from a friend, but it's also none your business." She could feel her cheeks warming up, "Anyway, I have to go now, and behave in my absence!" She declared as she exited swiftly, she hoped they didn't notice her cheeks reddening. Regaining her professionalism, she walked onwards, the Scarlet Knight was back to business.
Jet and Natsu were having a discussion on Erza and the note, when a maid came in. "Excuse me, Mr. Dragneel, if you feel fine the prince would like a word with you."
"He does? Does he?" The maid nodded her head, "Fine, I'll come. Well Jet looks like I'll be leaving too. Recover buddy, ok?"
"Not that I have much of a choice. Hey Natstu, despite what I've been saying. Thanks, it means a lot." Jet said earnestly.
"Anytime." He flashed Jet his grin, then he followed the maid. He was led from one hallway to another hallway, and up several staircases. How huge was this castle? And where heck was the prince? At the top of the tallest tower? No, typically it was the princess' who were locked in towers... Natsu's mind pondered. "The prince is just behind this door." The maid stoppped at a double wooden door. "Right now, he's having some refreshments. Please enter." The maid curtsied and left to do her chores.
"Thanks." Natsu said before opening the heavy door. He entered a massive room with a wooden table that could fit a dozen people. On one side of the room was a stone fireplace, and on the other side were gigantic windows with maroon drapes embracing the sides. "Welcome my dear boy, please take a seat." Sawarr was sitting at one end of the table and pouring himself a cup of tea. He had only two of his guards standing either side of him.
"Err..." Natsu a little overwhelmed, took a seat at the other end.
"Would you like a cup of tea? Or perhaps some sort of other beverage?" Sawarr offered, "Like Hot n' Spicy Apple Cider?"
"Err... no thanks. So, what did you want to see me for?" Natsu wanted to quickly end this visitation.
"I just wanted to express my admiration of your courage. Going into a fiery building like that and attempting to save your friends." Sawarr stirred in some sugar and milk in his tea, "It's almost remarkable."
"Thanks... but I wasn't able to." Natsu paused before continuing, "I want to thank you for saving our lives yesterday. So I thought about on what you asked me… I'll do it."
"Do what exactly?" Sawarr asked taking a sip of his tea.
"I'll make Lucy's wedding band… I'll come tomorrow and measure her finger, and discuss the details."
"I'm so delighted to hear that. I'll ask the carriage to…"
"That's not necessary!" Natsu raised his hand emphasizing the no, "I'll find my way."
"I knew I could rely on you my boy." Sawarr signed a piece of document, "This my boy will let you come through the palace gates tomorrow. Show this to the guards when you arrive." He handed the document to the guard on his left to pass it to Natsu.
"Is there anything else you needed say?" Natsu asked while taking a glance at the document. Whoa, the Prince was good at calligraphy; his writing was neat, cursive, and smooth... certainly something, Natsu himself lacked.
"I'm rather curious, what would you describe the relationship between yourself and my sweets?" Natsu felt Sawarr's amethyst eyes narrowing down at him.
"We're friends." Natsu promptly answered as though it was the most obvious thing to assume.
"You don't find her attractive?" Natsu could feel some tension coming from the Prince.
"Err... well, she's nice..." He answered, not fully comprehending what the Prince was trying to extract.
"Interesting." Sawarr smirked.
"Well is there anything else you wanted to say?"
"Nope, you are free to go. My guard will kindly show you the main entrance."
"Speaking of Lucy, could I see her?" Natsu wanted to check on Lucy, see if she was doing ok.
"My sweets? Unfortunately no, she has a busy schedule today."
"Ok... Well, then I'll see you tomorrow." Natsu got up, gave an awkward bow, and he followed the guard. "How does it feel wearing that helmet? Can you see?" They could hear Natsu asked, as the door closed. Sawarr smirked, after a few minutes have passed he gave an order to his other guard.
"Keep a close eye on Pinkie, and give a detailed report on his activities." The other guard bowed, and exit the room. It was barely a few minutes later that Sawarr heard an angry voice approaching.
"What the hell are you doing?!" Gajeel aggressively entered the room. "Damn it!"
"Is there a problem Mr. Redfox?" Sawarr coolly asked.
"Why are your guards not letting me return to Ashton? I thought my job here was done." He knocked over a chair.
"Calm yourself, I have another business proposition for you." Sawarr took a sip of his tea, "We're going on a manhunt."
"If your fiancé ran off again, I ain't fetching her. If I were you, I would just move on and find another spoiled brat. The Magnolians are obnoxious people with their goody-good and upbeat persona… it's disgusting!"
"My sweets, being a good girl she is, is still here in the palace."
"So what is it?" Gajeel calming down a bit and asked with a slight interest.
"A crime has been committed and a criminal needs to be punished. The problem is, he's on the run and we can't have that. Does this interest you?"
"Let me be clear on something, do I get to do this job my way? Or do I have to follow an imperious knight around?"
"It's strictly between you and I, and we're doing it the Ashton way." Sawarr smirked. Gajeel in response let out a small laugh which sounded like, gi-hi. "Although, I do wish you hold respect towards the Scarlet Knight, or should I say, Titania." Sawarr took another sip, "She holds a fearsome reputation."
"Yeah, yeah, I don't give a damn. Anyway who are we sniffing out?"
"We're going to catch ourselves, a slimy Salamander."
"What does he look like? Is there a picture of him?"
"I can identify him, but I need your honed skills to track him down." Sawarr took out a scroll from his pocket and handed it to Gajeel, "Go to the Prison Tower and present this to the guards, and you'll have permission to enter his jail cell. You'll also be able to have a search at the scene of the crime, I'll join you with that one."
"I'll get right on it." Gajeel said smiling and took the scroll.
"I expect nothing less from you." Sawarr said taking another sip of his tea.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail it rightfully belongs to Hiro Mashima