It was already hot and humid when Lucy opened her eyes early the next morning. She was still exhausted, but she felt better. Disgusting, but better. She sat up slowly, noting that Natsu was awake, too, and seemed to be rather calm for once. She was glad; it made life easier. She took note of the softly snoring dragoness nearby, and winced at the mass of her. Even Grandeeney was huge – big enough to crush her beneath a taloned foot if she so desired.
Lucy shook such thoughts off. She was alright. For now. Until she had to face down with Igneel, Grandeeney would ensure she was okay.
She climbed to her feet, not bothering to brush the dust from her clothes. She listened intently and smiled to herself when she caught the sound of running water nearby. She glanced once more at the dragon, and then started for the water. She needed to be at least a little more presentable when she met with Igneel – whenever that was.
It didn't take Lucy long to find the shockingly wide creek, and when she did, she dipped her fingers in hesitantly. It was chilled, but not icy cold like other creeks she'd come across. It likely had to do with Igneel. Actually, the impressive heat around the island had to be a warning to those who were thinking of approaching.
Ignoring the heat, Lucy stripped her clothes off and, flustered at the idea of being found naked, hastily did her best to scrub them clean. She left them out to dry, and then went to work on scrubbing herself clean. She nearly scratched herself trying to make herself feel clean while getting the blood off of her skin.
Echoes of screams filled her ears as she stared at a particularly difficult spot. She swallowed thickly, remembering how Zancrow had been snatched up off of her like he weighed nothing – and the shower that had followed.
She admittedly hoped she didn't run into Metalicana again.
She had to wait only a short amount of time for her clothes to try and she frowned at the ripped, stained attire. It would have to do until she could get home though. Lucy sighed as she yanked her shirt over her head and buttoned the ruined vest over it – well, what was left of her vest. Lucy frowned as she looked at her boots. They'd been ruined by the salty ocean water.
"Ugh," muttered Lucy with a heavy sigh.
She picked her way back to where she'd left Grandeeney and wasn't surprised to find the patient looking white dragoness waiting for her. The sun had moved, and it was getting rather hot. Or, Lucy supposed, hotter than it had been earlier. Lucy got the feeling that there was no other temperature for Tenrou Island. It was hot. Period.
"Better?" Grandeeney said, looking amused.
"As best as I can get," Lucy admitted, scowling at her clothes. "I'd feel much happier if I had access to a tub, but I doubt dragons need one, so…" Her stomach rumbled, but Lucy ignored it, instead asking intently, "When can I speak with Igneel?"
Grandeeney shifted, large wings rustling. "When he wakes. He tends to be in the best of his moods when the sun is at his highest."
Lucy wanted to cry at the idea of waiting so long. She could immediately tell that Natsu's attention was turned entirely inwards and on what she was doing, but she ignored him. There wasn't anything he could do about it with how far he was. And getting further, she realized with distress. He was no longer traveling in the direction that she was. He was heading in the other direction.
"How long do you think it'll be until noon?" Lucy asked with a heavy sigh, and Grandeeney gave her a sympathetic look.
"A few hours yet," she said apologetically. She lowered her head to her feet again, watching. "Would you be interested in stories, to pass the time? I could tell you about what mischief the hatchlings and Natsu used to get into."
Lucy got the feeling that she'd get a headache from Grandeeney's loud voice if she listened for too long, but…there was certainly nothing else to do. "I'd love to hear all about it," she said sincerely, figuring that she could get some ammunition to tease Natsu with out of the stories.
Grandeeney gave a high-pitched purring sound and settled in.
Grandeeney was in the middle of telling Lucy how Natsu had once helped the younger generation of dragons with a prank on Metalicana – how Natsu had survived so many centuries was beyond her when Grandeeney mentioned that Metalicana could be volatile even on a good day – when she suddenly paused. Lucy furrowed her brow at a shudder in the ground.
Confusion was replaced by a bit of fear when a massive nose pushed into the open near Grandeeney's back. The snout was black and didn't seem to be entirely solid, its form shifting and changing every now and then before solidifying again. A large head emerged a moment later, glistening red eyes narrowed as the dragon sniffed. Those eyes turned on Lucy almost immediately, studying her suspiciously before the dragon turned to look at the dragoness. Grandeeney had craned her body around to peer at it patiently.
"Igneel is ready to meet with the human girl," the dragon rumbled.
Lucy was caught off guard; Igneel had known she was there? Had Metalicana maybe mentioned her presence?
"Come, Lucy," said Grandeeney pleasantly. "Let us not keep him waiting then. Thank you, Skiadrum."
Rogue's father, Lucy mused, and then scrambled to her feet as Skiadrum vanished into the depths of the cavern hidden within the roots of the massive tree. Grandeeney rose to her feet, too. Lucy eyed the depths of the cavern nervously. She wasn't all that excited about the prospect of entering it.
But she'd dealt with worse, she decided, and maybe it meant she'd be able to go home soon, if at all. Swallowing her nerves and taking comfort in the peaceful yet grumpy feelings coming from Natsu, Lucy followed the dragons into the darkness.
Lucy was forced to touch Grandeeney to keep from getting stuck. The sky dragon didn't seem to mind at all, only slowed each lumbering step so that she could keep up. Lucy mindlessly dragged her fingers through her tangled hair as they walked, heading further into the earth at a steep downwards incline.
When Lucy had first learned that Natsu was the son of the Fire Dragon King – a very famous position to hold, let alone the Fire Dragon King's position himself – she had imagined that meeting him, if it would ever happen, would go very, very differently. Lucy had imagined looking decent, with nice clothes, and Natsu beside her, too.
Not covered in grime and in bloody clothes after being dragged off by what had been called a black guild. And entirely alone, to top it all off. She'd had most certainly not thought she'd meet one of the most famous historical figures alone.
Light flickering ahead suddenly caught her attention. Lucy perked up nervously.
Her jaw nearly dropped when they finally stepped into a wider cavern. Lucy wondered how far down they were – and where precisely the location was. Under the tree, although she did question how far the tree's roots went down. Still, those definitely looked like roots winding through the ceiling of the cave. Dozens of tunnels split off from the large cavern they'd entered. Eternally flickering flames lit a few spots to give the area light. Signs of life were present, and Lucy fought the urge to retch at the sight of what looked like a whale carcass.
Dragons had to eat somehow.
Lucy saw and recognized Metalicana immediately. The iron dragon was nestled in a corner of the cavern with his bladed wings tucked tightly to his massive body. The shadow dragon was standing nearby, his head low to the ground and red eyes watching Lucy's every movement. An interested white dragon who had to be Weissologia had peered out from one of the branching tunnels, wise eyes calm yet curious.
Lucy took notice that none of these dragons looked too aggressive. Metalicana looked suspicious, but there was no violence. Nothing like she'd seen yesterday. It unnerved her.
Grandeeney suddenly nosed her forward. An attempt at a gentle touch, undoubtedly, although it ended up making Lucy nearly lose her balance. Pointing with her nose, Grandeeney indicated a tunnel larger than any other and said, "Follow that path. Igneel will be waiting."
Lucy wondered again how he knew she'd been there and took a shaking breath. "Okay," she murmured, forcing her legs to move. Natsu hovered at the back of her mind. She sought out the comfort of his presence and was a little bit surprised when she found it easier to grasp than usual. She wasn't ungrateful for it though.
The tunnel was lit with the same flames as the cavern. The roof of the cave was high. The floor led upwards, and Lucy felt the strain in her legs from the sharp incline. But far too quickly for her liking, she managed to find her way into a cave that made the large one the dragons had been in seem small.
What caught her attention above all was the mounds of gold. It was like a dragon's hoard from the storybooks Spetto had read her as a girl. Stacks of coins, jewelry of every kind, even what looked like a gown made entirely of spun gold. Chests piled high with it lined a back part, and across from them on the other side was a massive book collection. All ancient tomes that should have likely been in the Archives, some lined with gold.
Lucy wondered if Natsu's book, the soul he'd described to her, was hidden there, waiting to be found by anyone who knew how to wield it.
It took her a few moments to notice the dragon and when she did, Lucy wasn't sure how she'd missed him.
Igneel was at the very back, curled up with sharp, intelligent green eyes watching her. His mass made her want to shiver; he was huge, bigger than any of the other dragons, and it made her want to cower. She was fairly certain that she was barely the size of one of his teeth. Gold speckled his ruby scales when he finally shifted, lifting his large head, and rained down to the ground in a shower of it. How long, Lucy mused, had he been lying like that?
She didn't miss the pain that flickered through those eyes watching her when Igneel rumbled, "Welcome to Tenrou Island, Lucy Heartfilia."
He didn't even need to hear the stories she'd given Grandeeney. He knew precisely who she was, how she'd gotten there, and when she'd gotten there. He knew everything. Lucy wasn't sure how, but she could feel it deep in her gut.
Shakily, unsure of what to do, Lucy inclined her head and said faintly, "It's an honor to meet you at last, Fire Dragon King."
"The response of royalty," was the dragon's response, a glimmer of amusement flashing through his gaze. "Whoever raised you did well in your mother and father's places."
No; he knew who, how, what, and when about his nest. He knew nothing about the rest of it. Knew nothing about how she'd fallen through time and come to live within the depths of history. "Spetto," Lucy said, remembering her fondly. "Her name was Spetto."
"I should have known. Spetto was always a favorite servant of hers." Lucy noted how hard he was avoiding Layla's name. A low chuckle left him, and Lucy stopped to reconsider what she knew of Igneel the Fire Dragon King.
From what Natsu had said, she'd pictured a dragon still raging and miserable after the death of his Marked One – a brutal king, ready to slay those who interfered with his territory. That was not the dragon she saw now; the Igneel eighteen years ago had been replaced with a wise, calm creature, who fairly distributed his view of justice. A sad dragon, who still missed the woman who'd shared a piece of his soul, but one with a clear mind.
"You smell of Natsu." Igneel's nostrils flared. "His magic emanates from you…you bare his Marks still?"
Still? Lucy silently echoed, fighting the urge to start questioning him. It would be rude. She'd get answers with time. "Yes. I have Marks. Not that we know how I got them, since Natsu doesn't remember doing it."
So much for waiting for answers.
Igneel snorted. Smoke curled around his nostrils in a way that reminded her of her partner, and Lucy felt a stab of pain. She missed Natsu. A lot. She felt something warm and comforting curl in her chest in response to her pain. "He wouldn't. I ensured he wouldn't." His eyes flickered with guilt and grief.
Lucy stilled, startled. Igneel had erased Natsu's memories of what had happened? That worried her. More than she could say, that worried her. What would Natsu do when he found out?
She listened when Igneel continued quietly. "You had supposedly died, and he felt the loss that we all feel. It was risky, agreeing to the request he made, but I saw no reason to decline it. We were unaware that you would leave so soon after."
Lucy swallowed thickly and changed the subject, tucking the information away for later, when she could think about how to tell Natsu. He already claimed to dislike the dragon he'd lived with for centuries after their argument, refused to accept that Igneel was anything but a fool. She'd have to figure out how to word her commentary until the time came to tell him.
"You seem aware of everything that happens here on this island," Lucy began, and Igneel interrupted before she could finish.
"You wish for me to give permission to one of my kin," Igneel said, narrowing his eyes, "to return to the nest so that you may leave."
"Not necessarily," Lucy said quickly, not wanting to upset him. "If it's more preferable, I could ask for permission to Portal to another location. I can't make a Portal, but Wendy mentioned Grandeeney was skilled at making them. Weissologia, too."
Igneel fell silent, debating, and Lucy fidgeted with her hands after tucking them behind her back, fighting the urge to beg. Igneel didn't seem the type to appreciate such pleading. She watched as he suddenly rested his chin upon the gold piled around him. "No," he said quietly, sighing heavily, "you will not Portal from here. It is not allowed. The ancient magic of the island will not allow it. If you have heard of the Archives, then you will understand that the magic is similar to that. It came before we did, and it will be present long after we are all dead and gone. There are many places that allow for scrying here, however. Grandeeney may scry with Natsu and tell him that he alone has permission to enter the territory. Refrain from joining the conversation; I need to ensure that he comes himself."
Lucy's stomach twisted. With relief or with worry, she didn't know. She couldn't stop herself as she said suddenly, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Wendy might be better."
"Because of our argument?" Igneel surprised her with a roll of his eyes. He blew a cloud of irritated smoke from his lips. "That boy…blind as the day I took him in. Very few dragons liked him, even centuries after he joined us. I know of the stories that are whispered about our nest. About what happened here. Summon him to Tenrou Island, and I will explain the truth. And, I suppose, apologize for my behavior. Natsu has known far too much betrayal to recognize the truth of actions such as mine. I should have known better and used a different method of ensuring he would leave."
Lucy felt a chill run down her spine and wondered if maybe – just maybe – she and Natsu would find out the truth about what had happened on July 7th, in the year X777.
He was right back where he had started over a week prior, staring out at the roiling ocean waves from the safety of a roof. This time, he ignored the rain that soaked him to the bone, drenching him from head to foot, listening to the cracks of thunder and watching the flashes of lightning. Natsu clenched his jaw angrily, dwelling in the annoyance that flickered through the back of his mind. What the hell was happening on Tenrou Island? Lucy had gone from constant fear and nerves days ago to curiosity, even irritation.
It was frustrating, to say the least. At least she wasn't in any pain.
At least Gray, frustrated as well, had stopped teasing him after they'd gotten into port mere hours before about the fact that he was constantly confused by Lucy's emotions – about the fact that he cared so much now a days.
Natsu had been sitting up there for ages before a sudden high-pitched shriek of his name came from below, well-within the Lamia Scale guildhall, occurred. While Juvia and Gray had gone home to report to Makarov about what had happened, Wendy had decided to stay and help, and he recognized her voice with a wince.
With a sigh, Natsu crept from the roof and ducked through the attic window he'd used to get up there. He'd barely shook the water from his hair when Wendy burst through the door to the attic, her dark eyes round with shock and her hands cradling a cup of water.
"What is it?" he said sharply, cranky. The storm looked as if it would never end, pissing him off beyond belief. How could they leave if it didn't end? Chelia had said that it would last at least two or three days, but Natsu got the feeling that it would last longer.
Wordlessly, her gaze shimmering with what looked like unshed tears, Wendy shakily held out the cup of water.
At long last: Igneel! What did you think? I considered having him be a little cranky, but felt like it didn't fit him (in ODAS at least).
Sydneste, regarding Grandeeney's Marked One...have no worries, you'll get the details! ;)
I'm heading home tomorrow! So excited. I get to cuddle my pups and do some fun Christmas things with my family. :)
Thanks to reviewers (stranger1999, Lady Of The Sphinx, itsxoi, LePengwen, Sydneste, Forbidden-Hanyou, Lodemai04, Meow Orbit, FairyTailxFanGirl, Lissuin, Eyriegirl, Uchida Akira, and Fidosa!)!) as well as those who favorited and followed!