A/N. Thank you all for your wonderful support and comments, I am looking forward to more advice. Writing this fan fiction has been a very exciting experience so far and it continues to be very rewarding. I love you all!
Chapter 3
The city of Magnolia was divided up into three sections: the docks, the market, and the residential area. Though, not all citizens lived in the residential part of the city. Sailors mostly lived by the docks, where the bulk of taverns were conveniently located. Merchants ran the markets, which were mostly just outside the docks. In fact, most of the Magnolia consisted of this part of town. The residences were the furthest from the docks and most civilians lived here. This part of town was by far in the worst condition; it was also where Natsu was headed. He needed to make a quick stop to meet with someone before he could assemble his crew back together.
Natsu was walking down the side of the dirt road, a road of which sewage flowed freely down the middle. The smell of cat urine and rotting food erupted from the narrow spaces in between the houses. He passed a few children knee deep in rot, rummaging for a meal. They couldn't be more than eight years old, dressed in rags without any shoes on. 'I can't believe how much worse this town has gotten.' He thought to himself. Natsu sighed while taking out his coin purse. The children noticed and stared at the man on the side of the street. He took a couple coins out of his purse and rolled them in his hand, before slowly placing them on the ground. Natsu took great care to be slow and deliberate—knowing that if he approached them that they would merely run away, or be too scared to accept the jewel.
He then continued on his way as if nothing had happened. It took but a few seconds after he had left for the sound of the children claiming the coins to reach his ears. Natsu gritted his teeth and felt the sting of bile rise in his throat. He forced it back down as tears welled up in his eyes.
I'm going to fix this country if it's the last thing I do. Just wait, kids… it won't be like this forever.
Natsu continued down the street, the sun finally starting to make the air scorch. The heat of which only worsened the smell that he was trying to keep at bay. He lifted his head as he turned the corner and stopped to look at the building three houses down. It was a simple house, small, but in better repair than all of the other houses in the residential part of the city. It had an equally small doorway with single paned windows adorning the front of the house. There was nothing unusual about it to the average citizen—unless you knew where you were looking. In the corner of the window sat a drawing. It probably looked like a small bird to the people on the outside, but to people who knew, it was the sign of something great. It was at this house that people in trouble could always come and ask for help; the people on the inside would then take matters into their own hands.
Natsu smiled to himself as a rush of relief washed over his body. The sight of that symbol really made him feel at home and with friends. After the chaotic night, it felt good to be in a place where he felt in control. In contrast, last night he felt like the rug had been pulled out from underneath him, which was very unsettling. It was as though he couldn't get his own house in order. The captain took a deep breath and exhaled; Natsu could feel his anxiety leaving. He clutched at the matching symbol on his shoulder and pressed forward to the house that was now in front of him.
Natsu knocked softly on the shabby door and waited for a response. He could hear movement on the inside and then footsteps which grew louder and louder. A husky male voice came from the other side:
"Who's there…?"
"It's Natsu, Macao! Just let me in, will ya? I need to talk to you."
The door unlocked and slowly cracked open.
"Fine, but close that door behind you, the Royal Army is everywhere today. They've been ransacking the homes of a lot of citizens, so the less reasons we give them from knocking down my door the better." He said, through a cigarette in his mouth.
Natsu closed and locked the door, then turned to look at the scene inside the house. It was much like he remembered. It was dusty with the smell of booze and had evidence of rowdy fights strewn about the place. In the front of the house was a small room for boots, coats, and hats. Past the entrance was what the architects intended for a living room. However, Macao had turned it into a small pub complete with a bar and kitchen. The atmosphere in here reminded him of an abandoned old bar. There was dust and dirt covering the floor so that you'd leave footprints every time you took a step. Smoke from cigarettes hung on the ceiling like a tacky decoration, but Natsu loved it anyway.
Macao hadn't changed that much—he looked more or less the same. His black hair had started to go grey, and instead of a cool goatee, he'd grown a moustache. He also seemed to pick up smoking from his friend.
Well I suppose all people deal with hard times their own way. Natsu thought to himself.
Natsu couldn't help but smile. Being here reminded him of the old days when the guild was in full swing, its beautiful guild hall beside the ocean. Those days were long gone, however. Macao walked Natsu over to the bar and then stepped behind it to pour Natsu a glass of whisky. He slid it across the bar, Natsu catching it right before it flew off the end.
"Thanks, Macao." He smiled.
Macao nodded, and took a long draw from his cigarette and let the smoke spill out of his mouth like a satin sheet caught in a breeze—it found its home on the ceiling; more smoke was waiting to welcome it.
"What can I do ya for, captain?" Macao grunted from the other side of the bar leaning against the large mirror on the wall. In turn, Natsu pulled out a stool from the bar and sat himself down.
"I have a few questions for you before the usual, Macao."
"Hmmmm. Is that right? Well you do know what that means don't you, Natsu?"
The captain chuckled and pulled out his coin purse and placed a coin on the counter.
"Of course I do, I came prepared." He said, taking a sip from his whiskey.
Macao whistled in an impressed manner.
"Where'd you get cash like that, kid? Are you holding a princess for ransom?"
Natsu choked on the whiskey going down his throat, causing him to cough it back up all over the bars' counter.
"OF COURSE I'M NOT!" Natsu spat, glaring at the graying man behind the bar. Macao looked shocked at his reaction.
"Hey, man, calm down it was just a joke…" He stated very calmly trying to reassure Natsu. The captain closed his eyes and sighed.
"No, it's my fault. I freaked out for no reason…" Natsu coughed into his hand and looked back at Macao. "I have a question about the royal family."
Macao nodded and took another long draw on his cigarette, effectively using the last of it. He then put it out in an ash tray sitting on the bars' counter. Without looking at Natsu, Macao simply replied to him.
"Go on…"
Natsu inhaled and thought for a minute thinking of how to phrase his question.
"Who exactly is in the royal family? Like, the immediate family. I know who the King and queen are, but do they have any children?"
Macao shrugged, walking over to Natsu so that he was in front of him. He picked up the coin on the counter and placed it into his shirt pocket.
"Not that they've shared with the public. Word is that the Queen wasn't able to have children, this turned out to be true, as she left this world without bearing a child. If there isn't an heir, the reign will be sold off to the country with the highest bid. Essentially, the king is planning on selling off his rule."
Natsu glared at his drink. 'I can't believe that the king is planning on doing that… how low can this kingdom fall?!' Rage was boiling in Natsu's stomach, like a sickness that couldn't be cured. Natsu looked up as Macao was lighting another cigarette in his mouth. Natsu just shook his head.
"Seems like you've been hanging out with that friend of yours and picked up some nasty habits since the last time I saw you."
"Ahhh…" Macao scratched the back of his head, "Seems like these hard times have taken their toll on me." He said timidly. "But besides that, why are you asking about the royal family?"
Natsu smiled.
"You know the rules, Macao..."
He said as he stood up finishing the last of his whisky and placing the glass back down on the counter. Macao simply nodded.
"Don't take it as prying, captain; I'm just worried about you, is all. Something about the face you were wearing when you walked in here. Whenever I see that look, it always means trouble for us."
Macao gestured to the mark on Natsu's shoulder to emphasize his point.
Natsu threw his head back and laughed.
"Yeah, I suppose that's true, but I kinda like being in trouble all the time." He said with a mischievous look. "Well I suppose it's time for the usual, Macao. Let them know I'm pulling off shore first thing tomorrow."
Natsu slid his stool back into the bar and started towards the door. He stood for a moment and looked around the small bar. He really loved this place; it felt like a home away from home—where solace was found for those who needed help. Natsu looked at Macao. He knew it was a chore for him to keep this place going, but it was the only way for the people to get help from outside the government without getting spotted by the mafia.
Macao looked at Natsu who had broken out of his daze and headed to the door.
"Any reason for the rush captain?"
Natsu stopped and turned to smile at Macao.
"None whatsoever, just getting a little tired of dry land. It's time for some adventure. The seas have been calling me of late, and I want to get out of this city."
Macao knew better than to press the issue. He leaned over the bar resting his elbows on the countertop.
"Be sure to come through here again when you're back in Magnolia." He said, puffing more smoke into the ceiling.
Natsu nodded and walked through the door to the street outside, allowing the putrid smell to pierce through the air of the house. He gave one last wave to his friend before heading down the street.
By the time Natsu had finished with his errands night had begun to fall on Magnolia.
Going back to the ship will be awesome… I'm sure Lucy's furious with me for leaving her there all day….'
Natsu's face fell as he slowed his pace.
She's probably going to skin me from nose to navel… I'm so not looking forward to going home…
The worry and stress started to ball up in the pit of his stomach and started to burn. He was giving himself a stomach ache and he knew it. He took a deep breath to calm himself down.
Sack up! You're the captain! Stop letting some spoiled rich girl get her way, besides you don't even know if she's going to be mad. She could be asleep or….something…else. YEAH!
Natsu let his delusions run wild while he made his way onto the docks of Magnolia. He slowly made his way up the ramp of the 'Happy' and tried to make his footsteps as silent as possible on his way to his captain's quarters.
Natsu was just about to take out his key to his cabin when he stopped dead in his tracks. He felt something unusual, something that wasn't supposed to be there. Natsu lifted his head and gave a few sniffs to the air surrounding him. There wasn't a breeze so he couldn't get a firm scent on what it was. He slowly reached for a knife that he kept wrapped up in his scarf around his waist, and slowly pulled it out from its sheath. He could hear footsteps behind him getting closer.
These are too heavy to be a woman, and my crew has only just been notified that we'd be sailing off tomorrow morning. It is far too soon for them to be here Is the Royal Army looking for Lucy?Ahh… Lucy…
Natsu thought about Lucy and what would happen to her if she was caught, but shook the thoughts from his head; now wasn't the time, the footsteps had stopped right behind him. Natsu spun on his heels and turned to face the invader. And as he spun, he swung his knife in front of him, meeting the other man's steel. Sparks flew and lit up the man's face, which Natsu could see quite clearly.
"Gray!?" Natsu shouted, enraged. "You almost gave me a heart attack! You ice freak!" Natsu angrily sheathed his knife into his scarf and stood up straight to look at him.
Gray sheathed his sword into the belt around his waist, wearing a face of irritation as he was scolded by the captain. He was a good looking man by any standard; he had black, shaggy hair, black eyes, and a scar over his left eye. He kept himself well trimmed and clean, and wore a simple white linen long sleeve shirt that was open in the chest. The shirt had strings to close it, but he never did; it was part of his 'charm,' or so he said. He wore black pantaloons and boots that stopped mid calf. But his most prized possession was his saber; it was given to him by his dad and made entirely of re-enforced silver. There wasn't a sword that compared to it in the world, and he carried it at all times.
"What are you talking about, captain? You're the one who sent out the immediate summons! I was close by so I made it here before everyone else, and I've been waiting here patiently for the last three hours!" Gray pressed his index finger and his thumb together and flicked Natsu hard in the center of the forehead. "I thought you'd be grateful! I didn't expect you to attack me out of nowhere!"
Natsu rubbed his forehead and glared at Gray. "Some first mate you are…" he muttered, under his breath. Gray raised an eyebrow at his captain and shook his head.
"So what's the big emergency to have us all summoned so quickly?" He asked, folding his arms.
Natsu straightened up and looked at Grey. He nodded his head towards the docks shore, inviting him to look. Grey followed Natsu's eyes and observed the Royal Army patrolling along the streets.
Grey nodded.
"I was wondering about them on my way here, the entire city of Magnolia is swarming with them. Do you know what's going on?"
"Well, the official reason I heard today, while running errands through the town, was that there was a servant who ran away from the royal palace and had been spotted here in Magnolia. Which I think is a bunch of dragon crap." Natsu said, still watching the Royal army. "No royal family cares that much about a servant to release their entire army and occupy a city. I figured the faster we can get out of Magnolia and back to the guild the better." Gray closed his eyes and contemplated what had just been said.
"I agree with you, we can't do business while under the thumb of the Royal Family, that's for sure…" Gray said, through gritted teeth. "I assume we'll be making the same stops out of here that we did coming in?"
"Of course we will. We'd be half a crew if we didn't. They're just going to have to hurry up because I'm sure that the entire country will be searched at this rate."
"I'll start making the arrangements immediately." Gray said, as he headed below deck. "I'll see you in the morning!"
"Night, Gray!"
Natsu waved, watching Grey until the last of his hair disappeared below deck. Natsu let out a sigh of relief and fell against his cabin door.
It doesn't seem he knows about Lucy. That was close. I'm not ready to tell the crew just yet, that we're harboring the princess on our ship.
The captain stood back up and faced the door, took out his key and unlocked it. He placed one hand on the door and the other on the door knob and slowly pushed it open
Lucy was sleeping silently on the captain's cot, letting the waves rock her while she slept. All of a sudden, a loud crash woke her with a start. She bolted up out of bed, causing the cat that was using her as a heating pad to hiss and scamper across to the other side of the room. Lucy clutched her hand to her chest trying to slow her heart rate down, when the captain's voice came from the other side of the door.
Is he fighting someone? If so, who else is on board the ship?
Another voice was coming from outside the cabin that didn't belong to the captain. Lucy stealthily made her way to the cabin door to try to listen to what they were saying. She pressed her ears against the door frame crack and tried to listen as best as she could. All she could make out were a few words here and there, something about the Royal Family.
Lucy's stomach fell.
Were they talking about me?
Suddenly she began to panic.
Is he talking to someone from the Royal Army? What if he sells me out? Does he not care if he's punished by the Celestial bodies?
Lucy's mind continued to race, coming up with more and more ludicrous situations. In the middle of her frantic panic, she heard the captain clearly from the other side of the door.
"Night, Gray!"
Suddenly, Lucy's panic went away and was replaced by visions and feelings of her past.
It couldn't be… could it?
Lucy raised her hand and touched her fingers to her lips remembering past events.
"Gray… Fullbuster?"
Suddenly, Lucy's heart began to beat fast as she felt blood rush to her cheeks.
Oh, no, no, nonononono. It can't' be! This is terrible!' Gray can't be here! That's impossible! I thought…
Her thoughts were cut off by the sound of the doorknob turning. Lucy frantically rose to her feet and slapped her cheeks, trying to get a hold of herself before the captain walked in the room. She backed away from the door so it could swing open without hitting her square in the face.
The captain opened the door slowly and was shocked to see Lucy standing in the door way staring at him.
'Oh, great, her face is red… she's definately mad at me.'
Natsu sighed as he squeezed through the opening in the door, trying to keep it from opening as much as possible. He then closed it, waiting to hear the click of the lock so that he knew that they were safe. He walked past Lucy, who seemed to be frozen where she stood, and waited for her to unleash her hell upon him. In the corner of the room he noticed she had made him a futon. He smiled to himself, thinking of a princess doing housework was almost comical to him. He turned around to face Lucy, whose face was still red.
Why isn't she screaming at me?
Natsu looked at her confused.
"Hey, Lucy, you ok?" He said, waving a hand in front of her face and walking closer. She looked at Natsu but didn't say a word. Tears started to well up in her eyes and she fell to her knees.
"Lucy!" Natsu exclaimed, in a panic as he ran to catch her. He put an arm around her shoulder and helped her back up, walking her over to the cot. He sat her down and with his arm still around her shoulder he sat down next to her. Lucy's eyes showed no emotion other than shock while silent tears fell down her face. She looked at Natsu who had serious concern written across his face. Finally, she managed to summon the words to ask Natsu.
"The man you were speaking to… who was he?"
Natsu was shocked by her words but glad to see her out of her stupor none the less.
"Oh, him, that was my first mate, Gray Fullbuster." He stated.
Her face showed shock as the words reached her ears. Her face contorted as more tears flew from her eyes. She placed her head in her hands as Natsu softly stroked her back waiting for her tears to stop. Remembering their first encounter and the name she had given him… It was Fullbuster. He remained patient and her sobbing slowly came to a stop. When the moment felt right, he asked Lucy,
"Do you know Gray? It was his name that you gave me when you first met me. Was that coincidence?"
His voice was gentle, and full of understanding. Natsu wasn't sure what to do; he was never very good in these kinds of situations. When Elfman's bird died, he told him to get a new one. Natsu groaned internally.
Great, what am I supposed to do, should I stop stroking her back? Is it to intimate for people who just met? Is it coming off as creepy?
Natsu stared at Lucy's face, buried in her hands. It was weird for him to see her like that; she came off as strong and fiery, but what he saw before him now was a sniveling pile of… sad.
Lucy simply nodded in response to Natsu's question.
"Yeah, I du du do kn kn know hi hi him." She managed to stutter out. She sat up, wiped the tears from her eyes, and took deep breaths to steady her speech. She then looked straight at Natsu and said,
"I guess I'll tell you our story…"
