I'm sorry again for the late publishing. I've been writing papers for school and haven't had enough time to proofread as much as I would like. So most of the chapters have been a bit more raw than I usually publish. I don't own anything and please R&R.
Zuri led everyone into their rooms and had everyone prepare for dinner. Before then, she took me to a separate place in the stronghold.
"Before I became the leader of Ironpost, I was an engineer and mechanic," Zuri said. "Your mother had contracted a company I worked for to help with her vehicles. I was chosen since I was causing too much trouble for the company." She explained.
We continued to walk down a hall of windows, showing the factory that was attached to the stronghold. There were hundreds of people welding and running large machines. Many of them were kinds I've never seen before. We paused at one of the windows. I continued to watch all the people
"We aren't a country filled with magic," Zuri said. "So we've created most of our technology off of different types of fuel."
"What type of fuel?" I asked.
"Mostly steam," She said. "Created with coal and oil, to produce fire but we hope to move to another source." She said. "But that's not what I wanted to show you, walk with me." She said as she walked away. I ran up to catch up with her. As I walked beside her I noticed how we were the same height. Her steps were heavier than mine, they echoed down the halls. I didn't even hear the metal react to me.
"What is it that you wanted me to see?" I asked. She continued to walk forward. She waved for me to follow her, as if I would stop. I played catch up most of the way down the hallway. I kept getting distracted by more machinery. I bumped into Zuri when we reached the end. "Sorry," I said.
"Now, I don't know what you'll find down in those ruins," Zuri said. "But I know you'll need a few things for your trip." She opened a door in front of her and walked through. I followed her into a study/factory of sorts. It was full of different types of metals and parts. It was shelves of blown parts and shiny new ones. All with labels with long numbers.
"What is it you're talking about?" I asked. She stood at a desk with papers all over it. I walked up and saw that they were blueprints and detailed instructions on cave exploration.
"This," she said. I look over the papers. "We've been cave exploring since the founding of the country, so I thought some of our knowledge would help with mostly anything you'll run into down there."
"This is great Zuri," I said, never taking my eyes off the books. "There's so much information here. How did you gather all of this?" I asked but a signature in the corner of the paper answered it for me. It was my mother's.
"Your mother was quite the explorer." Zuri said, looking over my shoulder. "I was very close to her on our adventures." Her voice was softer when talking about my mother. "She was a huge part of my political party when I took over Ironpost. She introduced me to the right people who were willing to listen to me and fight for what I believed in."
"And what is that?" I asked. I looked towards her and she looked at me with a soft smile.
"Tomorrow," she said. She moved to the other side of the desk and sat down. "I know it sounds corny and something you would find in fairytale stories. But I can't stop thinking 'what can I make tomorrow?' or 'Who will I meet tomorrow?'" She said. "It always kept me working harder in the mines when I could think about a different life outside. Tomorrow provided me a promise that things will change, even rocks will turn to dust at some point."
"Is that why you're helping me?" I asked. "For the promise of tomorrow?"
"To be frank," she said. "Yes, I want to know what a world with an abundance of magic would look like. A world where magic isn't as scares as it is now. That was you're mother's dream and I plan to help her with that."
"I am thankful for your help," I said. "Now, could you explain everything here." We spent the next two hours looking over the supplies she was giving us. Then we left for dinner.
I walked out of my room into a courtyard that looked over the whole city. There were so many lights that it was hard to stay asleep. It seemed that most of the town felt the same way. There were so many loud noises and people yelling. It was a town that didn't sleep.
The courtyard was probably the only greenery in the whole city. The smoke from the factory made the sky cloudy. I couldn't even see the stars. I stood under the smoky sky in the middle of an out of place meadow. Something that shouldn't exist in this part of the world but does.
"It seems this country doesn't understand sleep." A person said. I turned and saw red hair.
"It seems not," I said. "Are they always this busy?" I asked my companion, when she walked up beside me I was able to confirm that it was Erza.
"I wouldn't know," she said. "I've only been to the smaller villagers in this country. I've never been to the capital until now." She looked over to me. "How was your talk with Zuri?" she asked. I glanced her way.
"It went well," I said. "We went over supplies and transportation for our trip."
"I'm sure Natsu would be curious," she said. I chuckled a bit.
"Yes I'm sure." I said. "Has he always been nauseous?"
"It used to be worse when we were kids," she said. "Now he just has an upset stomach but he used to be so bad that if there was an Earthquake he would throw up."
"That must have been awful." I said.
"It was frustrating but he isn't as bad anymore. Thankfully," she said. "Do you know how long the trip will be?" she asked.
"Probably around a day and a-half. So we'll be on the ship for a night." I said.
"A ship?" she asked. "Is it over water?"
"No," I said. "You'll see in the morning. Natsu will probably puke just looking at it." I giggled at the thought. Erza didn't join in but she smiled.
"You seem to have grown close to him," she said. I felt a warmth in my cheeks and a smile across my face. I nodded my head. "I'm glad you were safe." She said. "We were worried when you were kidnapped and of course Natsu took it the hardest."
"I'm sorry for causing you trouble," I said.
"It wasn't your fault," she said. There was silence between us for a few moments. I looked towards the sky wishing that I could see some stars, at least that was a topic I could talk about. Or that there was something we had in common to talk about.
"If you don't mind me asking," I said. "How did you join Fairy Tail?" she looked towards me and then crossed her arms.
"I was a slave child from Fiore to RayFay actually," She said. "I was taken from my village when I was very young. I don't recall much from those times but I do remember the faces of my parents."
"You don't have to tell me the story if it's too much," I said.
"No, It's fine." She assured me. "I worked as a servant girl in a political family. I made friends with a few of the other kids. They were nice but I knew they were RayFayians so my trust was very limited. They knew nothing of the outside world nor the war. They weren't taught that in their school. The only thing they knew was to fear magic. The children would run if even a minor light spell was casted."
"That sounds awful," I said.
"Not really," she said, "Magic wasn't casted and I wasn't aware of my powers at that point so I wasn't worried. As long as I continued my chores and such I was safe." Her frown said a different story. "I was playing with my master's son when a large group of guards ransacked the house. They accused my master of being a spell user. It wasn't true. He didn't hate magic as much as others, which was really the crime he was punished with." She paused. Her fingers clenched her arms. "The first goal was to get rid of my master then find the actual magic user. They said the scans sensed there was a person with the potential of magical powers." She was shaking. I placed my hand on her back with a bit of hesitation. Her shaking ceased and she was able to continue.
"They killed him there in front of his children. Then they killed his wife." She lowered her head. "I was so terrified and scared. I felt a surge of energy in my body. The soldiers saw it and said I was a wizard. They aimed their guns towards me. That was when my master's son stood in front of me and shouted for them to go away." Her nails dug into her forearms. "The kicked him to the side and brought a brander. The placed it over his right eye to show that he was a sympathizer. They branded the whole house with it." She paused again.
"What happened," I paused while finding the right words. "What happened to you and the boy?" she rubbed her eyes and looked up towards the sky.
"Well, he was banished, I was to be executed, but he used the rest of his money in the family fortune to bring me with him." She said. "When we got to Fairriver he released me. He said I was free to go where ever I wanted. I asked why he wouldn't come with me but he said he couldn't. All native RayFayians had to go to a certain place to be screened and such. He said it would take too long and that he would find me afterwards."
"Did he?" I asked. She nodded her head. "I see,"
"I travel in hopes of finding him one day," she said. "To thank him for freeing me and say sorry for causing so much trouble."
"They were looking for you," I said. "The soldiers, they were looking for a magic user in the house." She nodded. "I'm sorry for your loss, I had no idea of the pain and suffering you've been through."
"We've all been through pain and suffering in Fairy Tail." She said. "All of us have lost something precious to us, that's why we value the bonds we've created so much." Her arms dropped to her side. She tilted her head towards me and smiled. "This is why you belong with us,"
"I'm honored," I said. "To have met all of you,"
"We are glad to have met you," she said. "Lucy Heartfilia"
"I want to go back to bed," Natsu whined as we walked up to the large courtyard above the stronghold.
"Get a hold of your self Natsu," Gray said. "We aren't here for vacation,"
"I know that ice princess," Natsu said. "I just wish Happy was here,"
"Why isn't he here?" I asked.
"None of our cats are here," Gajeel said. "They're on their own mission,"
"Is that a thing with Dragon Slayers?" I asked. "All of you get cats?"
"It seems that way," Wendy said. "I've known Carla since I was really little,"
"I've had Lilly since I've joined Fairy Tail," Gajeel said.
"Natsu found Happy when we were kids," Gray said. "He brought this egg to the guild and said it was a dragon egg. To our surprise it was a cat,"
"Wow, that's exciting," I said. We continued walking up a few flights of stairs. As we continued to move forward, Natsu kept growling.
"Why do I feel like I won't like this?" Natsu said. "We need to go West but we keep going up," I smiled. Natsu was right, he wouldn't like it. But I was excited. The blue prints were fantastic and if it even lived up to half of what Zuri was preaching then it would be exciting.
"You seem excited since last night," Erza said.
"Where did you go Erza," Wendy asked. "I woke up to get some water and I saw you weren't in your bed."
"I couldn't sleep with all the noise," Erza said. "So I went to one of the small gardens. I ran into Lucy while I was there." I started humming.
"I'm nervous," Gajeel said. "Is bunny girl drunk?" he asked.
"I'M NOT DRUNK," I snapped back. I turned half way to face all of them. My pony tail swung back. I had changed to look more like I belonged in Ironpost. I had a white shirt, brown vest, and some tan pants on. There were goggles on my head with some gear like ear rings. My thick brown boots kept my feet warm, something important for the mode of transportation we were taking.
"What's wrong?" Erza said. I looked at all of them. They were in their nomad clothes. Erza could probably change in a second but I was worried for the rest of them.
"We'll be traveling to some high altitude," I said. "Will you guys be warm?"
"I don't get cold," Gray said. "I'm an ice mage so I'm pretty much immune to the cold."
"I'll be alright," Wendy said. Erza nodded in agreement. Gajeel didn't answer.
"I'm always warm," Natsu said. "Why you asked?"
"Because I don't need popsicles for friends," I said. I crossed my arms. I sighed and continued walking up the stairs.
"If something is troubling you Lucy," Wendy said. "You can tell us," The door was getting close, I didn't answer because they would see what I've been talking about in a few minutes. My excitement was growing again. When I reached the double doors I looked back to my group with a huge smile.
"Ladies, Dragons, and Gentleman," I said. "I would like to present you with the finest mode of travel available by Metalicana Industries," I turned to put on my goggles then open the doors. My friends were blinded by the sunlight but my goggles protected my eyes by adjusting to the increase in light exposure.
The machine in front of my group was beautiful. An airship that was built for war but flew like a bird. The front of the airship was a dragon's head replica (obviously I wouldn't have allowed it to have an actual dragon's head), which served as a large canon. The whole ship was almost a small town, it carried flags from all the major countries which meant it could land almost anywhere. It also held a flag for what I could assume is the Morgenstern family. It held a large white star in the center with four dragons in the NSEW positions. It was the highest of all the flags.
"I already want to puke," Natsu said. Everyone chuckled as we raced up to the aircraft. It housed a crew of 60 men and women. It would be our main mode of travel for our whole journey.
"Zuri assured me it was tested in most extreme cases and came out with flying colors." I said. Natsu didn't seem to be any more at ease with this info. I couldn't blame him. Zuri also told me the ship hadn't left the dock. All the test were done in the stronghold factory. I didn't want to tell them that.
"I'm sure everything will be alright," Erza said. "It seems faster than train anyway so it's less time traveling," Natsu grumbled but walked toward the ship anyway.
"I guess it's better just to get this over with," Natsu said. Gray patted him on the back and pushed him a bit forward.
"That's the spirit flame-brain," Gray said.
"Don't push me," Natsu replied. Everyone walked past me to the aircraft. I stood listening to the conversation. I wasn't sure if I was anxious or excited about the journey.
"Not like you'll be able to do much when we get on the damn thing," Gray said. I walked forward towards the craft when I heard the echo of metal to metal. I turned and saw Zuri behind us. She waved me off with a large smile. I waved back trying to match her enthusiasm.
"Don't crash it," Zuri yelled. I laughed, it was drowned out when the aircraft started up.
"I can't make any promises," I yelled back. "But I'll do my best," I could see her laughing but couldn't hear her. I wasn't even sure if she heard me and if she guessed what I had said, or just has better hearing than me.
I was the last one on the ship, everyone saluted me as I walked on. I nodded towards all of them and they went to their respected duties. I couldn't find any of the Fairy Tail group when I boarded so I headed towards the control room. I was surrounded by metal. The crew ran around, sometimes shoving me into the walls. As annoying as it was to be treated with respect at the start and then be banged up like an old toy, I couldn't help but feel the excitement of riding in an airship.
My father drew up plans for such a vehicle but the magic council would never fully approve of such a thing. To use so much magic for a craft only a few could enjoy didn't seem reasonable. However, Zuri used a mixture of magic and fuel. It created toxins but if the whole mission was successful and I was able to unseal all the magic of the world, then it would only be temporary. The key is making sure the mission is successful.
Zuri is confident in this machinery and is basically using my mission as a test run for the product. If successful this would be a more preferred mode of travel for the continent. It would be an investment worth having with her. She was more than willing to talk business once my end of the deal was completed.
When I walked into the control room, I saw a familiar face.
"Bruno!" I said. He looked in my direction with a smile. He handed a clipboard back to the man he was talking to and gestured for me to walk over.
"I hope the crew is treating you well," he said. I nodded.
"I was only shoved a few times, other than that, they seem nice," I said.
"I suspected as much." He said. "Not all of them are aware of your actual status, just that you're an important person,"
"That's fine," I said. "It would allow me to walk around without as many looks," we talked about the direction we would go and how long it would take. It all matched what Zuri said and seemed to be easy going.
"By the way," he said. "What is the name of the ship?" he asked. I looked up from the maps.
"What do you mean?" I asked. "Didn't Zuri give it a name? She was the engineer after all," He shook his head.
"No," he said. "She wanted you to name the ship," another man walked up and whispered in his ear. He nodded and looked towards me. "I'm sorry but there seems to be a small issue with the stock room. I'll have to leave you to your own."
"That's alright," I said. "I'll try and come up with a name while you're gone," he left with the man. I turned my attention from the maps to all the crew flying the ship. The two men in small little cockpit type seating with levers and buttons, I assumed were the actual pilots of the ship. Some men stood by screens displaying the same maps that I had at the table but interactive. Other men were set up at consoles with more buttons and knobs. I really had no idea of what was going on.
"Are you lost miss?" a crew member asked.
"No," I said. "But, yes as well. Could you tell me how this machinery works?"
"I would but I'm afraid I have other duties," he said, "There is a study with some of the manuals portside."
"Could you show me?" I asked. He nodded and led me to the study.
It was modest but was filled with engineering books and blueprints I had seen before. The man bowed and then left me in the study. It seemed to be open for everyone but no one was there. It seemed most of the crew members wouldn't need all this reference material. So I had some catching up to do. To be fair I had no previous experience with mechanical engineering much less chemical engineering. However, if I could at least understand what the buttons do, I might feel more comfortable being around everything. Not knowing which button is forward and which is reverse could be disastrous. Although shouldn't be too much of an issue since I won't be behind the wheel.
Again in my life, I was surrounded by books I only half understood. Most of the terminology went over my head. The book was written for engineers so it assumed a lot of things. There wasn't a beginner's guide anywhere. I won't lie, I was willing to take the challenge but it was still frustrating.
"Why can't they speak plainly," I said to myself. "Why does it all have to be written in code?" I scratched at my head. I wanted to pull someone aside and ask them about it but I knew that they would be busy. It was a puzzle I wanted to solve on my own anyhow.
"Figures I'd find you here," I heard. I turned and found the source, it was Natsu. I smiled but quickly blushed when I remembered the last time we were alone.
"How's your stomach?" I asked. I kept my eyes towards the papers, filled with equations and images. He moved to sit at the table I had littered with manuals. He was at one end and I was on the side. We sat at a comfortable distance.
"Not as bad as I expected," He said. He rested his chin on his arms as he looked towards me. "I still feel nausea but it's manageable," I turned the page of my manual. It depicted images of steam pressure engines and their specs. The comparisons between water-tube and fire-tube boilers.
"I see," I said. I gave quick glances to the side to see if he was still looking. "Where did the others run off to?"
"Gray is outside with Wendy and Erza." He said. "Gajeel is in the engine room helping with something."
"Gajeel has knowledge of aircraft such as this ship?" I asked. I faced Natsu fully.
"Yeah," he said. " I mean he's no expert but he picked up a thing or two before joining the guild." He explained. Finally I found my human dictionary. It was right under my nose the whole time.
"This is great news," I said. "I can ask him about these books and what all the symbols mean. Then I can ask him more on the mechanics of the ship." I started rambling when Natsu interrupted me.
"Lucy," he said. "You're acting weird again." I looked away and back at a different book. "Like right now, you won't look towards me when I'm talking."
"I just," I said. I sighed and closed the book. I still held it in my hands as it went to my lap. "I keep replaying what happened on the train in my head."
"I'm sorry if I read too into it," he said, "I was just going with the moment."
"I know," I said. It was silent between us. I ran my hands across the back of the book. The sound of my skin against the cover and the engines around us filled around us but the questions I wanted to ask him were blaring in my mind.
I looked down at the green cover of the book, a tweed like pattern surrounded it. The title as well as the author's name were in gold and indented on the spine. I thought about how to phrase the question that rang the loudest in my mind. The one that would answer most of them. Unlike the mechanical books, personal relationships were a puzzle I would prefer to leave allow.
"Natsu," I said "Would you have continued if the others didn't enter the cabin?" I asked. I didn't look up from the book.
"Lucy," he said but no other words left his mouth. We sat, not looking at each other.
I started to kick myself for even asking the question then became angry for the fact he wasn't answering.
"Never mind," I said as I stood up. "Forget I asked." I took a step towards the door when he grabbed my arm.
"Lucy," he said. "I want to know you're answer first," I didn't turn, I continued to look towards the door.
"I asked." I replied.
"Well I'm asking too," he said. "I followed you into it,"
"Kiss," I said.
"What?" He asked.
"It was a kiss," I said. "We would have kissed if the others didn't show up,"
"Yes, we might have," he said.
.
His word choice answered the question.
.
"I see," I said.
"No, that's not what I meant," he said but I pulled my hand and walked towards the door. He grabbed my arm this time and made me face him.
"What," I said firmly. I could feel tears gather in my eyes with no known source. Was I upset that he didn't want to kiss me or that I was a fool for initiating such a thing? Or that I wanted to kiss this pink haired idiot. "Just let me go Natsu," I tried to pull from his grip but he didn't release me.
.
Instead he kissed me.
.
He pulled away. He released my arm and we stood facing each other.
"Does that answer your question?" he asked.
.
I slapped him.
.
His face stayed angled to my left, my hand stung, my breath was heavy. I was confused. I was frustrated. He was the cause of it and I wasn't sure of a solution for any of it.
"I'm sorry Lucy," he said.
"Don't ever kiss me after you…" I said, thinking of a way to end that sentence. I was so railed up that I was at a loss for words.
"I chose the wrong words," he said. "I'm sorry."
"All you had to do was repeat what I said. You changed the wording, whether it was unconscious or conscious doesn't matter to me." I said. "You changed the meaning of the whole thing." I held my hand up to my mouth. I couldn't hide my tears. "I'm so frustrated by you and interested in you," I started to pace the room. "Plus, I have to prove that I'm the true heir to the Morgenstern line, then prevent a war, and undo the seal so that all of the lands can enjoy magic. I just don't know what to do." Both my hands combed through my hair and down to my shoulders.
"I understand," he said. I looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "I mean, I know you're going through a lot. All of us are." He sat down in my chair. "It was only a few weeks ago that I thought you were being tortured and now those same people who kidnapped you are funding a large expedition in finding some old magic. I'm also at your service since you are heir to Morgenstern line and I can't run from that. It complicates things. Then the train thing and now. It's a lot."
"You got that right," I said. "I just don't know if I could handle this right now. Maybe if we just… keep it between us?" I asked.
"How so?" he asked.
"Well, when we're alone," I said. "We can have a more intimate relationship but when seen by others, we are professional." I explained.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"I like you Natsu," I said. "But I'm not sure how much just yet. And with everything I have to do and our current status, I'm not sure I'll have the time to find out." He nodded. He sat on the edge of his seat. I had stopped pacing and crossed my arms while I leaned against the wall by the door.
"I'm not sure either." He said. "I can't tell yet if it's just the attraction of the contract my people created with your ancestors or if it's an actual attraction." He stood up and dusted his pants. "But time will help us figure it out." He smiled.
"I agree," I said. "We can start off slow and speed things up once both of us are comfortable."
"I guess that means no kissing," he said. I shook my head.
"Not for a while." I said. "Now come on, I have some questions for Gajeel." I left through the door and saw that the coast was clear. With the noise of the engines I wasn't surprised no one noticed the small fight Natsu and I had. "Where is Gajeel," I asked. Natsu walked into the hallway with me and pointed to my right.
"This way," he said. "Do you want me to come with you?" he asked.
"No I should be fine." I said. "Thank you though." We said our good-byes and I made my way to the engine room. I turned to see that Natsu wasn't there. I continued down my path to find Gajeel and finally get some straight answers on something.