AN/: hey readers! It's been so long since I've updated this story. It's due to some rude reviewers and some idea copy-cats that, unfortunately, were the reasons for the rude reviews. I've noticed that there have been a lot of stories popping up that sure do sound a LOT like mine. I'm flattered that some of you like my story enough to copy it, but it's rude to something like that without the writer's permission first. I ask all of you to be on the lookout for these stories and to help me take care of this little "copy-cat" problem. I also received a review stating that they they, the reviewer, was tired of reading stories that were all the same. Then, when I summarized the story for them to show them how my story was unique, they didn't even have the decency to read that.
One thing I'm going to say right now, and this goes for all of my stories, if you don't like it, then don't read it and don't review it. I'll take criticism, but not like that. Don't tell me my story is horrible or that you've read tons of stories like mine so you're not gonna read the rest of mine if you aren't willing to hear what I have to say about it. Criticize me on my writing style, technique, grammar, spelling, and other stuff, because if you don't like it then you can close out of this story now!
Now that that's out of the way... I wrote a really long chapter for you guys! Seven pages worth!
I also dedicate this chapter to my good friend Samrit! She recently got into a pretty bad accident and is currently in the hospital. This chapter is for her! I love you Lisanna! This chapter is for you!
DISCLAIMER: Obviously, I don't own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does! But, Enjoy this chapter!
"Lucy, we must be leaving soon," Luka said as she gracefully landed in front of her master. The Elemental Dragon had flown straight back to her master after her little chat with the Black Dragon, Acnologia. His words had worried her more than she showed.
"And where is it that we'll be going?" Erza asked sternly. Luka chuckled lightly, and slightly shook her head.
"To Leafre, of course," Luka responded. Lucy let out a quiet gasp. Did they really have to leave so soon? The Elemental Dragon Master swallowed hard before she called out to her dragon soundlessly.
'What about my training? I thought you said that I could learn more before we had to leave,' Lucy told Luka. She saw her dragon's expression shift to a serious one, worry and fear written on her scaly face.
"I have faith in you, Master. When the time comes, you'll be ready for it. But we must leave now," Luka responded silently. Lucy disappointedly nodded in understanding, although she didn't quite understand.
"We must head to the Dragon Realm of Leafre, but we must be cautious," Luka said addressing all of the mages that surrounded her. She sent a frown in Lucy's direction. "At this point, I don't really know what may happen next. But one thing I know for certain is that we must make a move now, or it may be too late," the dragon said gravely.
Lucy nodded sternly. She felt like she knew now why they had to be careful. She also felt as if she knew what to do. The feeling of raw determination settled in and it tingled down her spine and buzzed on the tips of her fingers like electricity.
Lucy reached for her keys that hung securely on her belt loop. She always had her keys with her. Even though she had a new and stronger magic, her Celestial Spirits were her friends. But, it wasn't a celestial gate key she was reaching for. Her slender fingers wrapped around the smooth and finely cut key that sparkled brilliantly at her side. It outshined the others tremendously by comparison. Lucy expertly removed the key from the key ring and held it out in front of her, ready to open the gate to her kingdom.
"Anyone who doesn't want to come should speak up now," Lucy warned. Everyone was silent for a moment until a lonely cough broke through the air.
"I would like to stay behind, if that's alright," Lisanna said softly. All eyes were placed on Lisanna. She nervously clasped her hands together behind her back as she averted her gaze and stared at the ground intently. "I feel like I've been enough trouble as it is," she explained ashamedly. Lucy slowly let her arm drop to her side.
"What do you mean, Lisanna?" Lucy asked. Now all eyes were on the blonde mage. They knew what Lisanna meant, how could Lucy not understand? Lisanna's eyes widened at Lucy's words, her response being unexpected. "If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have known about Acnologia's plans," Lucy reasoned. "Sure you may have caused a bit of trouble, but it wasn't your fault."
"She's right, you know," Natsu added. "Now that we know Acnologia is involved we can better prepare ourselves, even if it is for the worst."
"I hate to admit it, but I agree with Flame Brain over there," Gray said with a sigh. He shoved his hands in his pants pockets; surprisingly enough, he was at least still wearing his pants. Though, his shirt had been lost a while ago. "Even though you almost killed Ash-For-Brains' girlfriend, you had… good intentions… I guess."
"But, maybe Lisanna has a point," Erza retorted. Heads were cocked to the side in confusion and some held more anger than others. A statement like that wasn't something Erza would normally say to her nakama, regardless of what they had done. "If Acnologia was able to control her once, then how do we know he won't do it again?" Erza pointed out. Murmurs of slight agreement sounded in the group. "Perhaps it is that she is trying to be cautious," Erza finished. Again, all eyes were on Lisanna watch her expectantly, waiting for a response.
Lisanna nodded and tightened her now clenched fists that hung at her side. Lucy frowned sadly and walked over to the white-haired girl that was still hanging her head in shame.
"You're scared?" Lucy asked. Once again, Lisanna nodded. Lucy sighed and unknowingly began to twirl her Universal Gate Key in her fingers. "Then, I'll just have to make sure you don't have a reason to be scared," Lucy said with determination. She stopped twirling her key and clutched it in her palm. "If you're really that scared, you could go back to the guild and tell the others what we've decided to do," Lucy suggested. "We're gonna need all the help we can get with this, even if it's something small like taking care of a mission that I can't tend to anymore," Lucy finished with a smile.
Lisanna was staring at Lucy with her eyes wide in amazement. Lucy was really great; she couldn't be compared to anyone that she knew. She couldn't think of one person that could stand up to Lucy when it came to her kindness, determination, and overall ability to care for others. A bright smile slid gracefully onto Lisanna's lips. The guild was lucky to have such a great member.
"Thank you," Lisanna said almost inaudibly. She took a deep breath and held her head high. "I'll go back to the guild and tell everyone what's going on. I'll make sure that mission gets taken care of. You can count on me Lucy!" Lisanna said with determination.
"I'm going to join Lisanna in going back to the guild," Mirajane said stepping forward to stand next to her younger sister. "Just make sure you all come back safe and sound," she said sternly. The group chuckled in amusement at her words, knowing the seriousness behind them but understanding the playfulness in them as well. "We should be heading out now, then. They need to hurry up, Lisanna," Mirajane said addressing her sister. Lisanna nodded and began to follow her sister, but stopped abruptly.
"Lucy," Lisanna began, turning to face Lucy once more, "I'm so glad that I met you," she said with a soft smile. She ran over to her to give her a warm hug. "I know that I'll always be proud to say that you're my friend. So make sure you all come back, you hear me?" she said with tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.
"Lisanna," Lucy said baffled. Lisanna pulled away from Lucy and walked over to Natsu who was not too far away.
"And you better treat her right or I'll be the first one to give Death your address!" Lisanna shouted at her childhood friend. Natsu chuckled nervously and scooted closer to Lucy hoping that she would at least help him out. The others chuckled as well.
"And I will beat you so hard into the ground that you'll pop out on the other side of the earth!" Erza yelled. The color drained from Natsu's face as he nervously began to sweat and shake in fear. Laughter rung out and Lucy gasped playfully.
"What, you're planning on leaving me or something?" Lucy asked pretending to be offended.
"N-no, but just imagining it is scary enough," Natsu answered.
"Well, if you guys want I can open a gate back to the guild," Lucy offered. The two nodded gratefully. With that Lucy flick her arm up into position. "Open, gate to the guild of Magnolia, Fairy Tail!" Lucy shouted and she turned her key to open the gate.
"Thanks, Lucy!" Lisanna shouted as she stepped through the gate.
"Lucy, we should get that little Sky Dragon Slayer while we're at it. She may be useful in Leafre," Luka said. Lucy nodded and rushed through the gate after Mira and Lisanna. The gate closed behind her, but she knew she could just reopen it.
"Lucy, why'd you come?" Lisanna asked curiously.
"Oh, I'm here to get Wendy, if she's here," Lucy answered. She looked around to see if she could find the little, blue-haired mage.
"Lucy-san?" her petit voice rang out. Lucy turned to see Wendy standing behind her. "You were looking for me?" she asked innocently. Lucy nodded and smiled.
"Would you mind coming with me, Natsu, Gray, Erza, and Gajeel to Leafre?" Lucy asked sweetly. Wendy perked up happily.
"Really? You want me to go with you guys?" she asked surprised. Lucy nodded. The small mage quickly agreed and soon after Lucy was opening another gate back to her friends. When she stepped through the gate again she greeted her friends and prepared to make the journey to Leafre.
"So, what's the plan?" Gajeel asked gruffly. Lucy quickly extended her arm out in front of her again, her Universal Gate Key glistening brightly in her hand.
"We're going to go to Leafre, but we must not let ourselves be discovered. The key here will be stealth," Lucy explained. "We're going to do a little spying."
"Why not just go and take them out now?" Natsu asked casually. "I bet we could do it." Lucy threw a glare at her boyfriend. "Or, we could spy. Spying is good."
"There could be more to this than we think. We need to gather all the information we can," Lucy said after heaving a large sigh. She steadied herself and readied her magic.
"Open, gate to the realm of the dragons, Leafre!" Lucy shouted turning her key to unlock the magic gate that formed in front of her. The gate opened and glowed brilliantly.
"Whoa, that was actually pretty cool, Bunny-girl," Gajeel commented.
"Yes, very well done, Lucy," Erza agreed. Lucy just smiled with pride. She placed her key back on her key ring with her other keys. She turned to face the others and placed her hands on her hips.
"Okay, Luka will head in first to scout ahead. Remember," Lucy said turning to Luka, "don't be seen." Luka nodded sternly in reply and quickly, quietly, and swiftly flew through the gate. "Next, me and Natsu will go through followed by Erza and Gray. Wendy and Gajeel, you'll come after Erza, okay?" Lucy looked at the others to see if they were okay with the plan.
"No," Natsu protested. "You'll be going last," he demanded gently pushing Lucy away from the gate. He lightly gripped Wendy's shoulder and pulled her forward. With his other hand he yanked Gajeel forward. "We'll be going through the gate next. Then Erza and Gray will follow us, and you'll step through last," Natsu insisted.
"But, why—" Lucy had begun, but Natsu wouldn't allow her to finish.
"You're not going through first, end of story," Natsu said with finality clear in his voice. His decision wasn't going to change. Lucy sighed nodded.
"But, will you at least tell me why?" Lucy asked pleadingly. Natsu smiled softly and reached over to gently brush a lock of her golden hair away from her face.
"It's our job to protect you," Natsu reminded her. "It's my job to protect you," he said softly, brushing her cheek softly with his thumb. "We don't know if it'll be safe, so you have to stay behind until we give the okay, got it?" he asked tenderly. Lucy rolled her eyes and pouted.
"Well, I don't have to stay behind. I could go if I wanted to," Lucy mumbled quietly in protest. Natsu chuckled and stepped closer to her. He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She was so cute when she pouted, but there was no way he was going to risk her safety. They would be going into a world where some of the most powerful creatures there wanted her captured and under their control. He didn't want to take any chances.
"Yes, you do," he countered. He heard Lucy grumble in protest and he sighed. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a hug. "Promise me you won't step through the gate until we say it's safe," Natsu demanded.
"But, Natsu it's my kingdom!" Lucy retorted trying to push him away from her. He only tightened his arms around her.
"Yes, and there are also a bunch of power hungry dragons who don't want you to take back your kingdom. It's not safe and it's my job to keep you safe! Not only as you bodyguard, but as your boyfriend as well! I'm not letting you go through that gate until I know that it's safe!" Natsu yelled causing Lucy to flinch. It was silent after that, and Natsu kept his grip on Lucy.
"Fine," Lucy finally mumbled sadly. Natsu slackened his hold on her and pulled away enough to see her face. He gripped her arms with his hands and squeezed them reassuringly.
"We won't be long, I promise. You'll be stepping through that gate before you know it," Natsu said. A small smile slid onto his face. He was going to keep Lucy safe no matter what. Just knowing that made him happy.
Lucy turned her head from him and pouted. She wanted to be the first on to go through the gate. It was her kingdom and she would feel terrible in someone she cared about got hurt in her kingdom. She'd feel responsible. She wanted to avoid that, and to avoid that she'd have to go through first. But Natsu was against that. In his defense though, he wasn't aware of her intentions. Lucy supposed that he really did just want to keep her safe. But even so, that didn't mean she had to be happy about it.
"Lucy," Natsu said after she turned away from him. "Look at me," he said softly. "Lucy!" He said louder grabbing her chin and turning her head so that she would face him. She made eye contact with him for a few mere seconds before she averted her gaze. Natsu sighed. "Think of it this way, what help can you give your kingdom if—"
"I get it, okay," Lucy sighed. "It's just that I wanted to—"
"I know what you wanted to do," Natsu interrupted her. "I know you better than anyone. You'll feel responsible if anyone gets hurt while they're in your kingdom. And you can do that once we make sure that you'll be safe, understand?" Natsu asked. Natsu stared at her with a hard gaze when she finally looked at him once more. But his softened his gaze as soon as her warm, chocolate-brown eyes locked with his.
Lucy sighed in defeat. There was no way she was going to win against his argument. There was a small part of her that didn't really want to either. She trusted him with her life. After all, he'd saved it so many times before, why would he fail now? She bit down on her lower lip.
"I swear to god you better come back to get me!" she yelled at him as she threw her arms around his neck. Natsu smiled and wrapped an arm around her torso as he let his other hand hest on the back of her head so he could hold her close for a little while longer.
"Of course I will," he assured her. He pushed her away and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was as mind blowing as the first time… and the second time. Natsu hoped that each and every kiss he shared with Lucy would be just as amazing as the one before it.
Natsu released her and lightly stroked her face before he turned to the gate, which surprisingly was still open, and stepped toward it.
"Come on you guys," he said to Wendy and Gajeel. "Erza, Gray, wait at least ten minutes before you step through, got it?" The two said mages nodded in response. "Then, I'll come back and get Lucy," he finished. With that Natsu, Wendy, and Gajeel left the other three to enter the kingdom of Leafre.
"I've never seen him act that way toward anyone before," Erza said after Natsu and the others had disappeared through the gate. Lucy looked over to Erza with questioning eyes and scrunched up eyebrows.
"Neither have I," Gray agreed. "It was actually…" Gray trailed off.
"Adorable," Erza finished rather absentmindedly. Gray silently nodded in agreement.
"What do you guys mean?" Lucy asked.
"I've never seen Natsu act so… protective over someone," Erza explained. "I've never seen him kiss anyone before either," she added with a soft chuckle. "I honestly didn't think he knew how to be gentle, but I've never seen anyone treat anyone as gently as he just did."
"I didn't think he could do anything but break stuff," Gray snickered amusedly. Lucy rolled her eyes and scoffed at Gray's words.
"I used to be just as destructive as him when I was little," Lucy said. "But I can be gentle, too."
The time went by rather slowly. Finally, Erza began to walk toward the gate and she motioned Gray to follow her, which he did without question. Lucy sat down on the ground and began to pick at the grass. She watched at the two disappeared behind the gate, Gray pausing before entering.
"You really shouldn't worry about whether he's gonna come back to get you," Gray said turning to look at Lucy. "I can tell by the way he looks at you; he wouldn't leave you behind if he wasn't going to come back. He wouldn't do it in a million years."
"Gray," Lucy said softly. She smiled kindly at him. "I know," she practically whispered. "Thank you, though." Gray smiled back at her and turned to step through the gate leaving Lucy by herself.
Instantly she felt lonely. How she ever let Natsu convince her to stay here all by herself she would never truly know. But, she figured that maybe it was for the best. Natsu really was the sweetest guys she'd ever met. Sure he could be blunt and dense, destructive, noisy, sloppy, careless, insensitive, and just a handful, but when he wasn't being any of those things, he was the most amazing person Lucy had ever met. He was everything that Lucy had ever wanted in the man she'd spend the rest of her life with.
Their last kill was enthralling. It had her heart racing and her mind spinning like it did when they'd first kissed that day in her apartment. Lucy was sure that after that kiss she wouldn't be able to argue against him over anything, and she made a mental note not to let him kiss her if she was mad at him.
The blonde sighed as she tore another blade of grass from the ground and tossed it to the side. She really hoped she would have to wait too long.
"Natsu, you anywhere close?" Gray yelled out. A warm hand clapped itself over his mouth and he jumped startled, ready to attack.
"It's me, you idiot!" Natsu yelled in a loud whisper. He slowly removed his hand from Gray's mouth and he sighed with irritation. "We may be discovered if you yell like that! This is a dragon world you dumbass!" he said, again, in a loud whisper.
"Geez, sorry," Gray halfheartedly apologized.
"How are things here looking so far?" Erza asked. "Any signs of trouble?" The requip mage put her hands on her hips as she looked around what appeared to be an open and spread out forest.
"Not so far, but I found this gorgeous lake just outside the edge of the forest," Natsu answered. They were all talking relatively normally now, but still kept their voices down. "Come on," Natsu beckoned them. They followed him to the shore of a truly beautiful lake. It glistened in the setting sun of Leafre. The water rippled gently and each and every time it did so it seemed as if a million stars flickered in the water. The surface had an orange tint to it that made the water look like liquid gold.
Gray and Erza stepped forward out of the cover of the forest and gaped at the magnificent sight. They breathed out words of amazement and awe as they ventured out further. Panicked, Natsu scrambled to pull them back into the cover of the trees.
"What the heck, Natsu?" Gray questioned with irritation.
"You can't just walk out there! You could be seen!" Natsu warned. He poked his head carefully out of the trees and peered to the right. He motioned the other two to look as well, and they too carefully followed his gaze. Their eyes were met by the most magnificent palace they'd ever seen.
The palace stood tall and proud; its towers extended high into the sky. Its walls were built with fine, grey stone that none of them had a name for. But it looked sturdy and tough, yet elegant and beautiful. In a way, it looked like the kind of castle that you would see in small children's fairy tale stories; the kind that was elaborate and grand enough for royalty, as the human world would put it.
"Isn't it beautiful, the palace?" Luka's voice rang out in quiet question. The three jumped in surprise but swiftly turned to find that Luka had ever so quietly snuck her way right behind them.
"Yes, it's the most beautiful castle I've ever seen!" Erza said with adoration. Luka nodded in agreement. "It will be the most beautiful castle you will ever see. It was built with the help of human and dragon magic together. This castle is the product of what was the bond between the humans and dragons. Besides, it was built for royalty," Luka explained. The three looked back at the castle.
"What you're looking at right now is the Grand Palace of Leafre," Natsu said. Gray and Erza stared at Natsu incredulously. "I remember coming here once when I was young." Natsu smiled tenderly at the memory. "I used to live here with Igneel," Natsu admitted. "I'm starting to remember everything now that I'm actually here."
"Perhaps all of you young Dragon Slayers will regain your memories while you're here," Luka wondered aloud. "Well, I didn't see anything that could trouble us to the point where it's unsafe for Lucy to step through the gate. Why don't you go and get her, Natsu, she's feeling depressingly lonely!" Luka said with a pout on her dragon face.
That was right; Luka must've been able to tell all of that because of the connection between the two. Natsu had almost forgotten about that whole connection thing. But, Luka was right. Natsu hadn't seen anything too threatening either. He knew that it would be best to keep their distance from the palace, but other than that there wasn't any monsters running about all over the place. Now, all Natsu had to do was get Lucy and they could go and gather all the info they needed.
Dedicated to Samrit
END NOTE: How was it? was it terrible, great? Now, when I ask if it was terrible, I mean did you like this chapter or dislike it FROM A FAN'S POINT OF VIEW! I don't want to hear that it's terrible just because you don't like the story that much. *sigh* I'm sorry I'm still really mad about that. But whatever.
The plot so far: Lucy is the Dragon Princess, Lucy Natsuko Heartfilia. Her mother was the queen. The Elder Dragons want to capture Lucy and keep her under their control because they're tired of being ruled by humans. They would kill her if they could, but they'd die without her there. Acnologia wants Lucy dead for some reason, and it has also been revealed that there was some kind of relationship between Luka and Acnologia.
:) I hope that helped some of you out! Well, I'm kind of tired, so I think I might just chill and listen to music and read stories. Review please! It would make me so happy to know that my readers haven't given up on this story! I love you all... except you haters out there... I adore you just because I think it's make you mad... LOL Well, until next time...
~Alice-chan (Mirajane)
Pie~!