Hello Fellow Fairies. I'm back!
Sorry I've been gone for so long. I just finished my first semester of summer school for my university and i'm heading into my next one in a week. However I had a break and I was finally able to get some writing done.
So I decided to give you all a nice lengthy chapter bordering 5,500 words. It's long, but worth it. Also I have planned the next few chapters out so they should be moving pretty quickly as well.
Well I hope you all enjoy it, and not hate me for the long waits you all must endure.
Thank you to everyone who reads this story. If it weren't for all of you this story would be nothing :)
I do not own Fairy Tail, only the plot and the OC's
ENJOY :)
The town of Holly was a quaint little town bordering the chaotic ocean and a lush forest. It's white walled houses sat in elegant rows along the cobblestoned roads, there light red roof's burning a deep orange in the bright sun. Beautiful hanging baskets of pink, white and yellow flowers gave bright colours to the white washed town. Accompanied with the laugher and bright conversation of the happy and content citizens who mulled in the lazy afternoon sun. Steam rolled out in columns from the small train station that lay in the middle of the town. A small crowd of people could be seen exiting through the stations large oak doors. As pairs and groups branched off towards unknown locations one figure ducked into alleyways. Moving like a shadow between the narrow roads.
Lucy knew the town of Holly like the back of her hand, since she had been here on missions in the past. She knew the streets, she knew the escape routes, and she knew hidden alleys barely seen by the naked eye. She also knew the exact location that she was heading. She had been there only twice and each time was never a truly nice experience. However Lucy knew she had to go to this one particular house because within its worn white walls resided someone who could treat her injuries quickly. Lucy had gained some of her energy back during the long ride on the train. However with energy came more pain. Her arm was throbbing against the chains that encased her arm, and a stabbing pain was erupting in her chest. She knew she had severe injuries and she needed to get them treated as quickly as possible.
The large white walls acted as a safe guard against the harsh reality that could be following her. Between the beautiful white walled houses lay Lucy's path of dark alleyways that twisted and weaved throughout the town. However those walls of safety quickly came to a close as Lucy stopped just within the shadows as the alley ended and opened up onto a wide road. Small carriages weighed down by fish and produce slowly lumbered up and down the bumpy cobblestoned paths, creaking and crunching with each jolt and jump. There were a few groups of women in long dresses talking and gossiping with their baskets filled to the brim with food and flowers. Lucy could hear the hearty laughter of men as they drank and talked about the day's catch.
Lucy took a deep breath and pulled the cloak tighter around her body and moved out into the harsh light. She moved quickly and silently down the road. She moved past giggling woman, and whistling men. Her sharp eyes scanned over a bulletin board covered with jobs and wanted posters. A few freelance mage's stood in front of it mulling over certain jobs. One mage with deep blue hair, a tacky blue and yellow cloak and odd red pants pulled one of the wanted posters down with his ringed fingers. The man looked it over and smiled at the handsome reward not realizing that his prize was moving behind him like a shadow. Lucy ducked out of the way of a large cart whose contents smelt of freshly cut wheat, and moved towards the lush forest that bordered the white town of Holly leaving the content buzz of the town behind her.
The white walled houses tapered off as she moved out of the town's limits. Less carts moved past her and none of the passengers greeted her as she passed. Lucy walked with determination along the rocky path until she came to a beaten sign pointing down an overgrown path that weaved between the spares trees. Leaning against a nearby birch Lucy took a second to catch her ragged breath before continuing down the path. She read the ragged sign once over and felt a shiver run down her spine at the words of the houses inhabitant were etched into the rough wood.
Pushing off the tree Lucy began her trek down the winding path. Even though her visits were never pleasant she still enjoyed the walk. Lucy could never deny that this place was indeed beautiful. The path she walked along was worn from years of feet wearing it down. It cut through the tall green grass like a snake, weaving every so often to avoid one of the sparse birch trees that shaded the ground from the bright sun. Running parallel to the path the grassy meadow tapered off and sloped down towards the distant ocean. A bright blue expanse that encompassed the entire horizon. Lucy breathed in deeply. Savoring the salty air that reminded her of home. She needed a break. She needed time to recuperate and digest the events that had happened in the past 24 hours, but when had her life ever given her the break she needed. As she took one last longing glance at the glistening ocean she pushed towards the small white house that was coming into view. She needed to heal and then she could return home and rest before another storm formed along her clear horizon.
Lucy stood in front of the dark red door, with it's pealing paint and weird symbols carved into its old wood. Lifting her good hand she took a deep breath and knocked. There was nothing but silence for a long time. The only sound accompanying Lucy was the slight song of a nearby bird. Grinding her teeth together Lucy knocked with more force than her previous attempt. However when this still brought no reply from the house Lucy's agitation only grew. She had not been mistaken in coming here. She could clearly see that a lamp was still lit inside and she could see movement within the stained glass windows. Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried not to yell in frustration. It was always like this when she came to this house.
"Porlysucia! I know you're in there, and I know you are ignoring me on purpose. I get you don't like me, but Makarov told me you could help. So will you please just open the door," Lucy said as she glared at a symbol on the door. It was the only symbol upon the door that Lucy was familiar with. It held the shape of an eye and seemed to be glaring right back at her. There was silence as the two glared at each other until Lucy finally heard the distinct scrapping of a chair against wood and heard footsteps approaching the door.
The door swung inward quickly to reveal an older woman with startling pink hair tied far to tightly into a bun at the back of her head. She wore a long red cloak that had a tacky toothed rim to it and had a strange gold medallion stinking out of either end of her bun. Lucy focused in on her eyes. The deep red pupils showing the same guarded and steeled gaze the old woman always held.
Porlysucia glared down at Lucy. Her keen old eyes took in the blonde in front of her. Her tattered cloak was pulled tightly around the blonde's body, most likely to keep others from looking at her to closely. She couldn't see any injures at the moment and the defiant spark that was blazing in the girl's eyes didn't help her in detecting any form of pain. However when Lucy shifted ever so slightly on her feet Porlysucia heard the faint rattling of chains and the sharp intake of breath from the girl in front of her. Porlysucia may be old but she was very observant.
"Fine. Come in girl, but don't think you will be getting any form of special treatment just because Makarov contacted me," Porlysucia said in a cold tone as she stepped aside to let Lucy in. Porlysucia knew that Lucy had been right in her assumption. She didn't like Lucy all that much but then again Porlysucia didn't like any human she came across. Lucy was, in some way, the acceptation. Yes they may glare at each other, and exchange some snippy words, but Porlysucia did have a heart. She had known of Lucy's situation since the death of Layla and she believed that Lucy did have the capability to do a lot of good in this horrendous world.
Porlysucia had been the one Makarov had called when Layla had become ill. They had been to late, and Porlysucia's introduction to Lucy's world was shown in tears and devastation. Porlysucia watched as a young girl buried her last remaining family member, she watched as Lucy's true magical potential reached new heights in order to protect and save a friend, and she watched as a broken and emotionless gaze turned into a fire of determination and intensity. Porlysucia watched as a young Lucy embraced and transformed into her new life. It was a first meeting that Porlysucia would never forget.
Porlysucia watched closely as Lucy stumbled into her small living space. She could clearly hear the slight clinking of metal against metal, and the ragged breaths that Lucy took. That strong image that Lucy held within Porlysucia's mind was brought low as she watched the girl struggle to sit down in a nearby chain. Narrowing her eyes ever so slightly, Porlysucia could only wonder as to what kind encounter she had gone through.
"What injuries do you have this time?" Porlysucia asked as she made her way towards the now slightly pale Lucy. Whatever encounter she had gone through, it had taken a lot out of her. Porlysucia watched as Lucy grimaced and opened her cloak to reveal the chains Porlysucia had heard before.
"My arm is defiantly broken and I think either a bone has broken or cracked in my ribcage," Lucy said finally showing the pain that was eating away at her body. Lucy slowly began to unwind the metal encasing her wrist and almost screamed out in pain as the metal shifted against her skin. She risked a glance at the ever-stoic healing mage and watched in astonishment as something almost close to concern flashed across her burgundy eyes. However the emotion had flashed so briefly and fast that Lucy thought she had only imagined it as Porlysucia turned to her workbench.
"Take your time with those chains, but try not to make a racket. They are already grinding on my nerves with their continued clanking. I shall make you a remedy for the pain before I look at your injured ribs and arm," Porlysucia said as she grabbed several jars from her cupboards and a mixing bowl from the sink. Lucy watched for a moment before she turned her attention to her injured arm. She was not looking forward to this, but she needed to get the metal off her arm in order for it to heal. Taking a deep breath she began unwinding the metal from her arm as gently as she could. But no matter how delicate she was it still twisted against her skin and pulled her broken bones. However Lucy didn't scream, she didn't call out or let out a whimper of pain, instead her eyes welled with tears and streamed silently down her face as the two of them worked in silence.
Porlysucia turned abruptly in her chair and Lucy hurriedly wiped away her stray tears and kept her eyes averted. She knew that Porlysucia's keen gaze would have picked up on her red eyes, and tear-stained checks, but Lucy didn't have the energy to deal with Porlysucia's antics any more. Unwinding the metal from her arm had drained the remains of her energy and all Lucy wanted to do was rest and go home. Keeping her eyes focused on the pile of chains that had once confined her within a dark cell less than 24 hours ago she saw a bottle of purple liquid enter her field of vision. Without a second thought she grasped the glass bottle and drank the entirety of the purple liquid, knowing exactly what it was for. However what she didn't expect was to see green specks being sparkled around her. Looking up in confusion she watched as more of the green little specks left Porlysucia's hands and landed on her mouth and nose making Lucy sneeze and lean back in confusion.
"What the hell?" Lucy demanded but was stopped suddenly by Porlysucia's hand over her mouth. She struggled momentarily until Porlysucia sent her a very pointed glare and motioned for her to stay quite. Lucy calmed instantly and fear crept back into her system. Why was Porlysucia acting so strange? Had she heard something Lucy hadn't? As realization finally dawned on the emotionally drained blonde, Lucy wanted to scream at herself for being so stupid. She had let her guard down and she was in no way fit to engage in another battle. Lucy had thought that she might have been safe after the train due to her detour through the ally ways, but anyone could have easily followed her. Had they found her already? Had she been followed this entire time? Questions continued to pile up within her mind as her fear began to blossom within her.
Lucy knew that Porlysucia had astonishing senses, even rumored to be better than the dragon slayers, and even if her and Porlysucia's friendship was a little strained she trusted the older woman with her life. Instead of wallowing in her own fear and making it worse Lucy took this moment to focus on Porlysucia. Lucy took in her narrowed eyes, expressionless face and slightly turned head as she listened to her surroundings. Lucy watched for any form of panic or fear to enter into the woman's eyes, hoping that her own fear would not come true.
Lucy was shocked instead to see disgust and anger flash violently across her facial features paired with a low curse. Porlysucia pushed herself away from Lucy and took a handful of the green dust and showered it all over her house. Lucy just sat there in shock listening to the multiple curse words that left Porlysucia's mouth. She had only ever seen Porlysucia get this angry when she had found a bunch of children running around her field. Lucy had watched through the front window in astonishment as Porlysucia's anger flared and she chased the kids with a broom. So Lucy had to wonder what she had sensed and heard that would throw the usually stoic woman into a fit of anger.
"Porlysucia what…" Lucy began but tapered off when Porlysucia's angry eyes fell on her in an intense and terrifying glare. Lucy suppressed a shiver and fell silent immediately, deciding that it would be best to stay on the woman's good side.
Porlysucia continued to glare at Lucy for a moment longer before she knelt and waved her hand across the floorboards. A latch appeared from nowhere and Porlysucia pulled it open to reveal a dark hole in the middle of her home. Lucy looked innocently at the pit of darkness wondering why Porlysucia even had a secret pit in her home. Lucy shuddered thinking that she would rather not know the reason behind the pit of darkness. Lucy then glanced up at Porlysucia with a confused look, asking with her eyes why she was showing her this. All Lucy got in reply was a sharp nod towards the hole and Lucy's stomach plummeted knowing exactly why she had opened this trap door.
Lucy didn't waste any time. She struggled to get up not even bothering to cover up the groan of pain that escaped her lips as she hobbled towards the pit. She pulled her hood above her head and tightly wrapped the cloth around her body. Shutting out her scent from the world around her. The green dust that Porlysucia had sprinkled around her house must have been used to mask Lucy's scent, it was the only thing that made sense, and that also meant that someone was on his or her way to this house. Lucy knelt down quickly and gave Porlysucia one last look of thanks before she jumped down into the pit. She fell only a short distance before her legs absorbed her fall and she landed on her butt and gave a yelp of pain. Lucy was only able to look up towards Porlysucia's familiar face before the door slammed down above her and shut out her only light source.
Lucy's eyes refused to adjust to the darkness around her, so instead she brought up her good arm and began to feel around, looking for some kind of exit. Her hand found smooth wood on all four sides of her, and smooth cold rock underneath her. Lucy was relieved when she found a small doorknob on one of the wooden walls, but when she tried to open it she found, with much disappointment, that it was locked. Sighing in frustration Lucy sat back to consider her options but just as she leaned her head against the smooth wood and looked up at the sliver of lights that shown through the crack's between the hardwood floors she heard it. The edge of a conversation slowly entered her field of hearing. Lucy froze. Her breath hitched in her throat and her eyes never left the small slivers of light. All of her focus was on the distant voices that were slowly making their way towards this house that she was trapped in.
The first thing Lucy noticed was that there wasn't just one voice. She still couldn't make out the words that were spoken but there was one distinctly male voice and the other was female. At fist she couldn't pick up on their words but as they neared the house their voices seemed to carry more easily.
"Why are we wasting our time here?" the male asked in a cold demand.
"He thinks she's here," the woman said easily. Lucy froze, there was a hint of familiarity to that voice, and Lucy couldn't help but think that maybe it was Minerva. Lucy tried to calm her racing heart. Their voices were still far away and Lucy couldn't jump to conclusions. For all she knew it could be her frightened mind playing tricks on her.
"And he's willing to risk all our lives for this, hoping that the old woman is in a good mood?" the male said and Lucy could detect the impatience in his voice. Who was the he they were talking about, Lucy thought suddenly. Whoever this person was they hadn't spoken up since their voices had come within range.
"You saw how he was when we got the news. There was no way of stopping him," the woman said again and Lucy's heart continued to hammer against her chest as she tried to place the woman's voice.
Terrifying silence descended around her like a thick cloud. Her pulse hammered in her ears and she barely dared to breath. She hadn't moved an inch, her eyes never leaving the slivers of light. Lucy waited for a shadow to pass over her and find her trapped under the floor. A loud knock sounded at the door breaking the tension filled silence. Lucy jumped at the sudden sound, her ribs stabbing in pain at the harsh movement. Bringing a hand up to her chest she listened to the voices once more and was astonished with what she heard.
"Don't break down the door you idiot," the male voice said harshly and Lucy's eyes widened. They were right outside the door and she knew the male's voice.
"Are you sure about this," the female voice said with a hint of skepticism in it, and Lucy's mouth fell open in astonishment. She had only heard those two voices on one occasion. It had been so long ago and in the middle of a battle on the outskirts of Magnolia. Lucy's breath seemed to leave her, if they were here at Porlysucia's front door, than that meant that he was here.
"She has to be here," another voice said with such determination and confidence that it made Lucy gasp. Lucy heard the harsh scraping of Porlysucia's chair above her and the sound of her footsteps as she made her way to the door. Lucy however was focused on the voice that had just spoken and brought a hand up to her mouth. She couldn't believe it; she thought she would never hear that voice again. The door creaked open and Lucy heard Porlysucia give a grunt of disapproval before she addressed the small group on her doorstep only confirming Lucy's thoughts.
"What can I do for you, Prince Natsu?" Porlysucia said in an angered and cold tone. Lucy sat under the floorboards in shock. Natsu was here.
"Lucy?" Natsu said as his footsteps moved to the middle of the room. Her eyes lifted to the small slivers of light and she could see his shadow standing right above her. A smile spread across her lips as she looked up at the one person she thought she would never see or hear again. Emotions that she had buried deep resurfaced reminding her that she had indeed missed the Dragon Slayer. However her fragile walls slowly reformed themselves as she remembered why she was hiding. He was so close, but Lucy knew that she couldn't reveal herself and so she buried her feelings once more.
"Please excuse the Prince's manners, he hasn't quite been himself lately. We were wondering if you have seen a young girl with blonde hair. We think she may be injured and came here for some healing. She is a good friend of Makarov's and he is worried about her," The girl said and Lucy vaguely remembered that her name was Erza. She was the red head that Lucy had faced, and the other guy must be Gray, the cold dark haired boy whom never wore his shirt. Lucy new that these two people were Natsu's best friends, and a part of his team, but why were they looking for her? She could understand Natsu's concern to a degree, but them? Why would they care about her well-being? They had fought the last time they had encountered each other, and Lucy knew that she hadn't left the best first impression with either of them.
"No such girl has come through here. If's she a friend of Makarov's wouldn't she be with her team?" Porlysucia said harshly, her words silencing the room momentarily. Lucy wondered what kind of stare Porlysucia was currently dealing. There weren't many that could silence a room but Lucy could pretty much picture the irritated and angered face of her caretaker at the moment. Porlysucia really didn't like it when humans just popped by for a visit. Even if they were Fairy Tail Mages and the Prince of the Kingdom.
"No she prefers to work solo," Gray said in his cool voice, breaking the silence that hung within the room.
"Well she isn't here, but I may inquire as to why two mage's from Fairy Tail and the Prince of Dragon Realms are traveling in search of one girl. It seems a bit odd," Porlysucia asked, and Lucy looked questionably at the wood above her. Why would Porlysucia care about what the three mage's were doing? However, it was a good question. Lucy was under the assumption that Natsu and his team were on a mission in the area, but their task was not to be looking for her. If anyone else found out about this side quest for Lucy it would only cause more trouble for her.
"We are on a mission in the nearby town of Dawntin to catch a man named Bora and thought that it would be useful to take the time to see if our friend had made it to a healer," Lucy's stomach plummeted and her anger boiled inside of her at the mention of that horrid name, her fear of being found out momentarily forgotten. Bora. She knew that name far to well. She had encountered him before at Hargeon and had stopped his human trafficking circle, but he had gotten away. Lucy's eyes narrowed. Bora was a low ranked member of the Organization. He had been one of her first leads, and he was in a nearby town.
"It's about time something was done about that man, he's a despicable human being. You might also want to check the town of Holly, I heard a rumor today that he was in town," Porlysucia told them as she moved across the floor boards and stood right above Lucy, almost like she was dropping a hint for the girl below the floorboards. Lucy smiled up at the wood. Porlysucia was a sly old woman when she wanted to be, and she had just given Lucy her next mission. Porlysucia knew whom Bora worked for and she knew that Lucy couldn't pass up the chance of getting more information from him. Lucy smiled she wouldn't not let him escape a second time.
"Well as much as I love your company, I am going to have to kindly ask you to leave before I throw all of you out of my house. Fairy Tail mage's or not I don't want human's stinking up my house," Porlysucia said quickly as she attempted to usher them out of her small house. Lucy could her a few shuffling feet but one pair of feet moved swiftly out of Porlysucia's path.
"You're lying," Natsu's demanding voice cut Porlysucia off as she attempted to get her "guests" to leave. Lucy's heart seemed to pick up in pace, and her breath seemed to leave her at his words. Had he somehow discovered her?
"Excuse me young man?" Porlysucia said and Lucy could feel the anger radiating from her caretaker.
"About Lucy. Her scent. It's faint but its here," Natsu said as he walked up to where Porlysucia had once stood, right above Lucy. Lucy instinctively pulled the cloak tighter around her body and barely risked a breath as the room above her fell into silence.
"Tell me where she is," Natsu said in a low cold voice. Lucy's eyes only widened at the depth of his voice. She had known he hadn't taken her situation very well, but she had not been anticipating this kind of rage, and fierce determination to find and protect her. Only her parents had shown that kind of dedication to her. Lucy's heart swelled in appreciation and in other emotions she couldn't quite place for the pink haired Prince as the silence only continued to thicken above her.
"She's gone," Porlysucia said flatly as she moved to face the Prince. Lucy heard Natsu take a step forward before his words rang out within the small little house.
"You let her leave?" he demanded, and Lucy could hear the small pricks of concern beginning to enter Natsu's voice.
"Yes. I fixed her broken arm and cracked ribs and directed her out the door," Porlysucia said coldly and Lucy could only smirk up at her caretaker. That sounded exactly like what she would be doing in the future.
"You should have kept her safe. Out there they can find her again," Natsu said as desperation and anger fluctuating his tone. However Porlysucia's calm demeanour snapped unexpectedly at the emotional Prince in front of her. Surprising everyone in the room at her outburst.
"You don't think I know of her situation boy. I have treated Lucy before, but this is the first time I have seen her sacred. Whomever or whatever she faced it has shaken her and she needs to be close to people she trusts. That is why she cannot stay here. I am the only one in this region whom she trusts and she is not familiar with this area, she needs to be among friends and in a place where she can have the advantage," Porlysucia said and with each sentence she took a step towards Natsu and the silent bystanders.
"Lucy is a capable and strong mage; she will be fine on her own. Now that you know that your friend is healed and on her way home, can you please leave me in peace. I don't like to hit royalty but my broom would not mind chasing you out the door," Porlysucia said in a cold and terrifying voice as her broom twitched to life in the corner. But before the broom could spring to life and beat the trio out the door an unlikely voice finally spoke up.
"Lucy is apart of Fairy Tail and we don't leave family behind," Erza said with a determination she had not previously used as she stepped forward to face the accusing glare they were all receiving from Porlysucia.
"Yea. Sure I fought her once but I knew nothing about her. We were just protecting our own back then. Lucy is a part of Fairy Tail and if we can help her we will," Gray said as he stepped up beside Erza. Lucy could only listen in mute astonishment and confusion. Yes she appreciated the sentiment and was shocked that those two would stand up for her in such a way, but she barely knew them. What had changed their minds so drastically?
"You say you are her friends, you say you care about her safety, but how can I be sure of your devotion. No matter that is for all of you to decide, but I advice you to finish your mission quickly and find your way back to Magnolia. A storm is brewing and it is time for all of you to decide what kind of role you will play in it," Porlysucia said, and Lucy took her words to heart.
Porlysucia made a good point. How far did their devotion truly lie? Was it just false words with no support wall, or were they honest words spoken from a changed heart? Lucy could not be sure. She didn't like that more people were discovering her battle. She didn't want others to get caught up in her mess, but it seemed that no matter the distance and walls that she placed they were all beginning to be torn down. A storm was definitely brewing and she needed to find where she stood within the cloudy horizon.
Brief words were exchanged as the team left, and a deepening and long silence ensued. Finally footsteps made their way to the trapdoor and Lucy was blinded by the bright light that shown down on her. Lucy got up tenderly, her body sore from the cramped position she had sat in for so long. The pain had finally ebbed away and she sat down in one of the chairs as Porlysucia finished up a few more of her potions to help speed Lucy's healing up.
"You think they meant what they said," Lucy said breaking the easy silence that had fallen between them. Porlysucia gave Lucy a brief glance as she mixed one of the potions choosing her words wisely.
"I think that Fairy Tail is full of people devoted to family and friends, so yes in a way I do believe their statement. But I stand by what I said as well. They have not proven this devotion to you directly. How can you be sure that they are your friends when you have never spoken or fought beside them? Only time will tell, and only you can actually let them into your heart," Porlysucia said and Lucy could only nod in agreement. She had come to that very same conclusion, but it still helped to hear it from another person.
"Did you mean what you said?" Lucy asked, her eyes locking with Porlysucia's burgundy eyes. Porlysucia words had been cryptic but Lucy hoped she had been right in her assumptions. Lucy hoped that Porlysucia meant what she said when she had said that she was one of the few that Lucy trusted. Trust went both ways, and the information Porlysucia had shared up there, her confidence and concern for Lucy's well being was something that Lucy wanted confirmation on. Lucy was graced to see the usually stoic woman's eyes soften ever so slightly before she turned and poured the potion into a clear glass.
"Of course I did, and don't ever bring it up again. Now let's get you fixed up, if my assumptions are correct you have a mission to attend to," Porlysucia said as she stood from her chair and handed Lucy the glass bottle, a small smile playing at the edge of her usually frowning face. Lucy could only offer her a bright and rare smile of her own as she took the bottle and downed its entire contents.