Warmth surrounded her, as her thoughts moved like a lazy river. No desire to wake fully yet also not wanting to melt back into sleep Lucy stayed in her comforting semi awareness. She was warm, her body relaxed, her magic hummed happily. Well it did for a few moments, until analyzing it made something start to tug at it. Like Loke trying to come out of his gate but was struggling, but he never struggled to leave the Spirit World. Eyebrows started to furrow with confusion from her magic, feeling started to work its way back to her physical body. She was still warm, surrounded by warmth actually. Yet wasn't she swimming the last thing she remembered? Looking for Aquarius?

Eyes popped open at the thought, she was on a journey! In front of her was a pool of water, as she lay on her left side. Shifting a bit to take in more of her surroundings a weight circled her waist. Looking down her gaze focused on the tanned scarred arm that held her securely against warm skin.

Her brain started to Avril trying to piece together the previous evening. The spell, the island, a man in chains, the cave, and him showing up!

Refusing to dive head first into a panic Lucy slowly rolled herself into her back. Eyes focused on the mass behind her, up close she could see more scars all over his body, the dark splotches she has seen last night crusted over his scruffy face. Above his eyebrow partially covered my messy hair was a gash, tentative fingers lifted to the skin hovering to move it out of the way.

At her slight caress their magic thrummed and the strangers eyes snapped open. Immediately fixing and glaring at her hand. Narrowing they followed the length of her arm and focusing on her face. Calloused and firm hand grabbed her wrist and pulled it back. Lucy was transfixed in the purple and golden gaze.

"...Zen?" Lucy quietly whispered.

Alarm shot through his weary eyes at her word.

"My name is Lucy, Lucy Heartfilia. I am a celestial mage from the guild Fairy Tail in Fiore."

Still no words were spoke from Zen, just his grasp on her arm that now laid between them and him continuing to stare at her. Trying not to feel discouraged she again tried to reassure the man she meant no harm.

"I traveled here last night due to a locating spell. You see I am looking for my friend. My friend Aquarius. Really she was my spirit for many years and I, I uh lost her and finally was able to start looking for her. I didn't mean to stumble upon you."

Zen seemed to assess her at bit more at this revelation. Lucy could see a bit more comprehension enter his eyes. Moving slowly Lucy pulled the hand in his grasp toward her neck line, on it she withdrew the broken key from beneath her shirt. Presenting it to him she watched as his gaze finally dropped from hers to her hand. His own fingers finally released her wrist to more gently than Lucy though possible stroke the still warm golden key.

His brows burrowed as he fingered the broken head of it a bit more. Lips pulling down in a frown Zen shifted to pull back from her. Rising he walked towards the edge of the water, looking back he motioned in a come hither with his hand. Pulling herself up Lucy met him at the edge, looking in his face she could see grim determination. Trying not to startle him but wanted to be prepared for the water Lucy easily shifted into her Aquarius Star Dress. The only difference shown in the man was a little lift of one eyebrow.

Grasping his hand the both slid into the water, once again the top level seemingly warmer. As he dipped down she swam after as the waters again chilled. Swimming back under the entrance of the underwater cave they ended up on the center of pool on the island. Send arms reached down while the floated there and grabbed his chain, tugging on it he motioned down with his free hand.

Nodding in understanding Lucy could only again follow him under the water. The deeper the chill and darkness grew. However they pushed on and suddenly a flair of magic tingled against her skin, similar and familiar to that of her spirits. Now excited Lucy easily sliced through the water, towards the magic. Finally at the bottom of the pool a faint blue glow in a dome was seen. Lucy could feel Zen near but the glow didn't allow her to see details of him.

The bubble seemed to be holding over something and Lucy was starting to wonder if it was the anchor holding Zen to this island. Reaching out with her hand Zens easily met hers and entwined as they touched it. At first it seemed to still be resisting them. Harder Lucy reached with her magic forcing it to collide with Zens against the bubble. With an audible pop they pair was pushed back towards the surface, and taking initiative Lucy swam up. Her magical levels took a hit with forcing it to bend in such a way.

Breaking surface she took a deep breath, not hearing her partner sliding through the water next to her and toward the sandy edge. Lucy watched him while she slowly treaded water his way. Hesitantly his fingers reached toward the bound ankle, smoothing over the cuff before grabbing it where is was cracked and yanking hard.

The deafening crack roused the birds in nearby trees. And his magical aura flooded the area. Immediately he sighed while his fingers smoothed over the irritated skin. Lifting his head, their eyes met. The haze Lucy recalled that impacted her when they first touched threaten to drown her right as she was reaching the beach. She fought to stay conscious aware that whatever this was that impacted her so hard could not be good for her. But this was just one battle she couldn't win, her last glimpse was of Zen reaching out for her and she submitted to the darkness.

Yoooooooo. I love ZenLu but this story baby is not a nice one. I mean they usually aren't with Zen to start, but like this one is a bit harsh. I mean locked down to an unreachable island? Sorry Lucy but you're not in paradise. Maybe one more ZenLu chapter... comment your next Pradish ship request!!!