Chapter 10
A few days had passed and Natsu's crew, true to his announcement, was about a half day away from docking at Tenrou Island. In the last couple hours the heat had risen considerably, and most of the crew had switched into swimwear. Mirajane had been kind enough to lend a bikini top and jean short shorts to Lucy. She said that they "suited" her for some reason. The clothing made Lucy blush, she had never been allowed to wear anything like this before, and it made her feel embarrassed.
Good thing my dad can't me see this, I think he'd have a stroke.
"Hey, Lucy!" The Captain's voice rang from the bowsprit, which pointed like an arrow in front of the ship.
Lucy turned to face him, he was grinning from ear to ear, straddling the bowsprit and waving at her to come over and join him. Lucy smiled to herself as she climbed onto the shrouds and managed to land securely onto the bowsprit. Natsu stood and allowed Lucy to walk tight-rope style up to him. Lucy looked at the Captain, and then again at the piece of wood that they were both standing on.
"We seemed to have reached an impasse, Captain. I don't think I can make it past you without falling to my death in the ocean."
Natsu gave Lucy a cheeky smirk, picked her up by the waist, and hoisted her above him.
Lucy cried out in shock.
"NATSU!"
She frantically grabbed onto his shoulders and closed her eyes. She heard a laugh above her head, and slowly pried an eye open.
Natsu had placed Lucy securely in front of him and was giving her the corniest smile she'd ever seen.
"As if I'd let you fall to the depths of anything, my dear lady, what kind of gentleman would I be if I did?"
Lucy frowned and turned around so that she wasn't facing Natsu and sat down on the bowsprit.
"I wasn't aware that pirate captains particularly prided themselves on being gentlemen."
Lucy felt Natsu sit down behind her.
"Look there, Luce, that's Tenrou Island…we'll be there before the sun sets…" Natsu's voice trailed off unexpectedly.
Lucy looked behind her to see what was wrong. Natsu's face had a look of forlorn and somberness.
I thought he'd be excited to go home…
Lucy suddenly became very aware of Natsu's hands. One of them was on her waist, keeping her secure, while the other was resting on his leg.
Lucy stared into the ocean to hide the blood rushing to her cheeks.
I've never had a man act so casually around me, or treat me like this… even Gray put his duty first and always treated me like royalty… or at least he feigned as much.
"Natsu?" she asked.
"Yes, my lady?" He said, looking down at her.
"What are the plans once we get to Tenrou Island? As far as I'm concerned, that is."
Natsu scratched at his head for a moment.
"That's a fair question. To be honest, I'm not sure. Most of it is really up to you. All I know for sure is that we're going to be landlocked for a least a month while the ship is being repaired. So I was planning on giving you magic lessons and teaching you sword play during that time… if that's alright with you?"
Lucy smiled.
"Of course it is—we agreed on this earlier, right?"
Natsu nodded enthusiastically.
"Yup, but the first thing they'll probably do is move you into the girls' dorm at the guild. Most people live in either the boys' dorm or the girls' dorm, but some people have their own houses like m…"
Lucy wasn't listening anymore.
…That's right; I won't be sharing a room with Natsu anymore. It's not like I'm attached to him or anything, but still, the thought makes me feel…uneasy
"Lucy, you okay? You seem to have spaced out there for a second."
Natsu waved a hand in front of her face.
"Huh? Oh, sorry. I'm fine, I was just thinking about living in the girl's dorm…"
Natsu looked at her face; it seemed to be contorted and upset.
"You don't want to live at the girls' dorm? I suppose we could make other arrangements… it might take a couple days, though. So…at least try to deal with it until then?"
Lucy leaned her head back against Natsu's chest and closed her eyes.
"Thank you; I'd prefer as much independence as possible. I don't do all that well with rules anymore; I'd prefer as little of them as possible. I don't think I'd do well with things like curfew and schedules to use the bathroom or the shower…"
Natsu looked down, Lucy was asleep.
Maybe the information was too much? I'd better leave her; we'll have a lot of work to do once we dock.
Natsu sat there with his arms around Lucy, enjoying the breeze of the ocean and the splash of the salt water against the hull. Her head bobbed from side to side as the ship swayed with the waves.
The Captain smiled.
I guess I really don't mind her… for a royal and a run-away.
"…cy…. Lu…. ake… Lu…up…. LUCY, WAKE UP!"
Lucy jolted forward and nearly fell off the bowsprit; in fact, she would have if it weren't for Natsu holding onto her firmly.
"What is wrong with you, Natsu?! I almost fell off!"
Natsu smiled.
"We're about to dock."
Lucy turned around and let out a gasp. What was before her was an island with a large winding tree that reached up to the heavens. The branches fanned out across the clouds, and foliage surrounded the whole island. It looked like something out of a story book.
Lucy turned back to Natsu; he was beaming from ear to ear.
"What do you think of our home?"
"It's gorgeous! I already love it. One day I'd like to have my own little house here…"
Natsu continued to smile; he scratched his head and blushed slightly.
"I'm glad you like it… if you work hard enough in the guild, you'll be able to get enough money to build a small house… that is, if you'd like. It's hard, and you have to have permission, but it is possible."
Lucy laughed at his awkward response.
He's kind of cute when he's fumbling for what to say, especially when he's usually so good with his words.
Natsu frowned, then stood and grabbed Lucy by the waist, throwing her over his shoulder.
"NATSU!"
"I'll teach you to laugh at me, missy!"
Natsu stomped all the way down the bowsprit.
"Mr. Redfox! Mr. Fullbuster! Get this ship in the dock, and then find Juvia to help you bring it up on shore for repairs!"
Natsu threw Lucy off his shoulder and placed her down on the main deck.
"Get this ship in port!" he said stomping off towards the hull and took hold of the steering wheel.
"Now, Lucy! Watch as your Captain brings this ship to your new home!"
The crew began running around, furiously getting the ship ready to dock. They dropped the anchor and the sails had been tied up.
"We're only seconds away from being home, Fairy Tail!"
Natsu enthusiastically punched his fist into the air.
"AYE, SIR!" The crew chorused back in response.
Lucy stood at the front of the ship watching all the members of the guild. Levy and Gray were standing on either side of Natsu, as his first mate and navigator. The crew gently and expertly brought the ship against the dock of Tenrou Island. Looking at the dock, Lucy noticed there were two larger ships that were already there. One looked massive; parts of it were made of steel. The Happy, in comparison, was less than half its size. This other ship had an equally massive thunderbolt on the side and one the sail. Not surprisingly, this ship bore the name of "Thunder Legion." The third ship was on the shore getting repaired, but it was beautiful; it seemed to be made out of some sort of red wood.
Maybe sakura trees? Lucy thought.
This third ship also had silver railings and a Heart Kreuz Cross on the sails. The name on the side read: "Titania, Queen of the Fairies."
Natsu had mentioned that his wasn't the only ship, and that his was small in comparison. However, Lucy hadn't expected the other two to be so much more…well, more.
I wonder if there are any more ships in the fleet…
The grumbling behind her woke Lucy from her stupor. Natsu was moaning something about a 'Laxus' and him being a 'pain in his ass'. Lucy looked over to see Gray rolling his eyes at Natsu, as he told him to 'grow up.'
Lucy laughed to herself, just as Gray noticed that he and Natsu were being watched. Gray met Lucy's eyes and then immediately looked away, blushing as though embarrassed. Lucy broke eye contact as well and tried to distract herself by admiring the ships in harbor.
Wendy was dropping the large wooden ladder to the dock with the help of Elfman and Mirajane. As soon as the ladder touched the dock a tall, strong looking woman in armor with beautiful red hair stormed on board.
Is every woman in this guild more beautiful than I am?
Lucy noticed that on her armor she bore a Heart Kreuz Cross on her breastplate.
She must be the captain of the other ship… I can see why they'd call her the Queen of the Fairies.
"GAJEEL! GET OVER HERE!" The red-haired woman shouted at the top her lungs
Gajeel wondered over in a manner that suggested he was most annoyed.
"I see your ship, Erza. I promise I'll start on it before I start on this one… seeing as you've been waiting." He said, looking at Natsu.
Natsu clenched his teeth, but simply nodded.
"Very well…" Erza stated, crossing her arms.
"I expect you there at first light, seeing as nighttime is almost here…"
Erza turned her heel to leave when she spotted Lucy leaning over the edge of the railing.
"You there, who are you?"
Erza narrowed her eyes.
Lucy stood up in a panic, and looked over at Natsu for some sort of nonverbal sign as to what she should do. All she got from him were the disconcerting words which he mouthed:
'You're on your own.'
Lucy threw Natsu a nasty glare before turning her attention back to Erza.
"I… I... I'm a new recruit that the Captain here was kind enough to bring back."
Erza stood there a moment, looking her over.
"What's your last name, Lucy?"
Crap!
Lucy looked at Natsu, again looking for direction.
I hadn't thought of a new last name to give anybody!
"McKnight… her last name is McKnight" Natsu said.
...what…?
"Uh…yeah." Lucy started hesitantly.
"My last name is McKnight. I found Natsu back in Magnolia and I expressed my desire to join a guild. He's helping me to help me join Fairy Tail…" Lucy trailed off in her lie, hoping that Erza would buy it.
Natsu came up behind Lucy and placed his hand on her shoulder.
Erza stood there, glaring at the two, trying to understand.
Finally, she smiled.
"I don't really care one way or the other; anybody is welcome here in Fairy Tail. Everyone here is my family. I apologize for any rudeness you may have encountered on the way here and also from my own behavior." Erza stated calmly as she bowed slightly.
"In the spirit of new friendship, allow me to have the pleasure to be the first one to welcome you to Fairy Tail!" The beautiful red head smiled gently, as she gestured towards the ladder leading the way onto the Island.
Lucy smiled at her as she looked around the ship. She was greeted by smiles from everyone, including Gajeel.
So even he can smile…
Lucy, then, felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Natsu beaming at her with his arm outstretched, waiting to escort her.
"My lady…" He bowed.
Lucy griped onto his arm tightly.
"Good sir." She curtsied.
The two walked down the ramp together, followed by Erza and the rest of the crew. Lucy's eyes glowed with wonder as the sun set, allowing the island to glow with fireflies along with bioluminescent animals and plants. It was as though magic flowed freely through the greenery.
Lucy's attention was then brought to a small elderly man at the end of the dock. He had a white shaggy goatee and was in the last stages of balding. His eyes were kind and his smile made her feel comfortable, like they were old friends.
"Hello there, young lady! It looks like our Captain Natsu has brought us a new member of our family!" The man said joyfully, reaching his hand out to shake hers.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Lucy." She said, gripping his hand
"Well, Lucy, It's nice to meet you. I'm Makarov, the master of Fairy Tail."
Lucy looked over to Natsu who just smiled back at her.
"Ah, Natsu. I'm terribly sorry for taking you away, but it seems that there's an urgent matter to attend to." Erza said gently behind them. Natsu turned to face Erza whose head nodded in the direction towards the gigantic ship docked at the harbor. There, a huge man with golden hair and headphones stood. He had a face that was stern and a lightning shaped scar covered half of his face, going down the center of his eye. He was glaring at the two Captains, obviously waiting for them to conclude their festivities.
"Uhggggg…" Natsu groaned.
"What does that bastard want now?" He snarled to Erza under his breath.
Natsu turned back to Lucy, with an apologetic look on his face.
"Sorry, Lucy, but it seems as though my attention is demanded elsewhere, but I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of Gajeel and Levy."
Natsu nodded in their direction. Levy shook with joy at the prospect, while Gajeel groaned in displeasure.
"They'll show you around the place and get you settled in; I promise we'll meet up later on."
Natsu removed Lucy's hand from his arm and walked away with Erza slightly behind him. The two of them together looked odd. It seemed like there was way too much power in one spot, like a red super giant star being kept in a leather bag.
See you later, Natsu…
"Hey, Lucy! Let's get going! I want to show you the guild and its members!"
Levy grabbed hold of Lucy's hand, waking Lucy from her stupor and started pulling her along a large pathway leading into the forest. Gajeel followed closely behind the two of them, his arms folded and making the occasional grunt while Levy was speaking. It was spectacular; they showed her everything. There was the guild hall, outside baths, and even a small town where older members of the guild had built houses for their families. Most guild members lived in the dorms; however, members with families were allowed to have households on the island. Since there wasn't a whole lot of room on the island, people had to get special permission to build a house from the guild master.
There goes my dream for my own little house…though I suppose it'll happen someday.
There was the occasional member who lived in the safe houses as well, running them and sending jobs to the island.
While the Captains and First Mates were welcome to live in the dorms, most of them lived out of their ships, with the exception of Natsu. According to Levy, Natsu and Happy lived in a house on the island. When Lucy asked her why he had a house, Levy went silent and merely said,
"He just does, I guess the Master must favor him I suppose…"
But it was obvious that even Levy didn't believe what was coming out of her mouth.
Lucy finally made it to her room at the dorm. Levy had dropped her off with strict instructions that she'd be back in an hour to take her to the guild hall for a proper initiation into the guild. Saying, "It only hurts a little." with a sarcastic grin, handing Lucy her room key. Room 112, this was going to be her home for a small while.
At least I have the room all to myself.
Lucy took a moment to take in her new home. The "dorm room" was really more like an apartment. When you walked in, you were standing in the living room that had a sliding door on the opposite side that lead to a balcony. To the left was a very small dining area, barely big enough for a small table and a couple of chairs. Directly in front was a small kitchen with vintage appliances. If you went down the hall next to the kitchen and dining area, there was a large bedroom to the left, with a washer and dryer stacked on top of each other in the nook outside the bedroom. Directly across from her bed room was the bathroom, again small, but enough for one person. There was a second small bedroom or study between the master bedroom and the bathroom. All in all, it was a charming place that Lucy loved.
Lucy grinned to herself.
Maybe I'll stay here a while after all.
When she went to her bedroom she saw that somebody had already brought in her things. Lucy didn't bring a whole lot, but the wardrobe she was wearing the night she met Natsu was folded up nicely on a dresser in the corner of the room, along with what looked like some of Levy's and Natsu's clothes.
… I don't think I'll be able to fit my bust into any of Levy's tops…
I'll have to thank them both anyway, and I'll be able to get by for a while wearing Natsu's clothing.
At the very least I can put on some clothes that don't make me look like I'm going to the beach.
She sighed at the pathetic pile of her only belongings. Going from riches to rags wasn't glamorous at all.
"I think I'll need to buy some things in town next time I go… I really shouldn't have given Natsu all my money." Lucy groaned, reaching out for the white cotton shirt Natsu had given her.
"I can have Virgo bring you some clothes if you need them. Princess."
Lucy gasped and turned around to see Loke sitting on her bed, testing its softness.
"I'd prefer you wearing those clothes to the captain's sweaty rags, as well as the bra that you're wearing into public." He said making a disgusted face at the cotton shirt Lucy held in her hands and at her bikini top.
Lucy frowned at her friend.
"It's not a bra! It's a bikini top!"
Loke shrugged.
"Same difference, but a bra covers more than that bikini does. Your family would have a heart-attack if they saw you."
Lucy glared at him.
"Loke, you really shouldn't be here. Men aren't allowed in the ladies dorm, I don't want to get in trouble…"
"But you're joining a guild! This is an exciting day; I thought I should be here to congratulate you on behalf of the Zodiac spirits."
Loke looked rather longingly at Lucy.
"Fine, you can come. I guess they're going to find out what kind of magic I use anyway. There's no sense in hiding it."
Loke jumped from the bed, clapping his hands.
"YAY! I'm so excited! I'd like to make some new friends as well."
Lucy smiled at her spirit friend, when she heard a knock at the door.
"Lucy! Let's go! We can't start the party without you!"
It was Levy's voice.
Start the party? It was already past nine o'clock, and they want to start?
"Alright, I'm coming out."
Lucy opened the door to see Levy, Wendy, Mirajane, and Erza standing there in party dresses with eager grins.
"Oh, uhh… well thanks for picking me up. May I introduce my Zodiac spirit, Loke?" Lucy gestured behind her, unwilling to delay the introductions and furthering the awkwardness.
"Zodiac spirit…?" Wendy stated quizzically cocking her head.
"Ah! You must be a Celestial Wizard!" Levy exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Yes, he was really excited to meet new friends. I explained that he wasn't allowed in the ladies dorm, but he just couldn't wait. Please forgive his rudeness."
"Don't worry about it Lucy." Erza smiled.
"We're all family here, and just so you know, anybody is allowed in the dorm with the presence of a ship Captain."
She winked.
"Well then there's no problem, right, Lucy? Let's go!" Loke smiled as he grabbed her hand and pulled her through the threshold.
"But, I don't have a party dress like you guys… I'd feel really out of place."
"Don't worry about it Lucy." Erza laughed
"I brought a dress for you to wear."
Erza used her magic and pulled a beautiful blue party dress out for her.
"Erza! Thank you so much!" Lucy said as she was handed the dress.
Erza nodded in appreciation as Lucy ran off to change. When she re-appeared, she was beaming from ear to ear turning around in a circle to show the girls and Loke her new dress.
Loke gave a wolf whistle as he admired her.
"You look wonderful Lucy, but let's go!" He shouted as he grabbed hold of Lucy's arm.
"I'm going to get so wasted!" He said gleefully, dragging Lucy behind him.
"Save me some cake!" Erza called after them
"Well, we're not being very good hosts, we should be the one taking her to the party." Wendy giggled, chasing after them.
Erza waved her hand in front of her dismissing their banter.
"Alright, I suppose we should go after them."
The guild partied well into the night, and Lucy got to meet new members of the guild. Everyone from the other crews were there, apparently they have a party like this every time they got a new member to the guild.
Lucy also finally met Juvia, and she found that she liked her a lot. Despite being in a relationship with her childhood sweetheart, Lucy couldn't find it in her heart to hate her. She was kind, generous, and full of love for her fellow guild members. Everyone in Fairy Tail truly believed that the members were a family and that the guild was their home. All in all it was an outstanding night. The members liked Loke as well; they all thought it was fascinating that Lucy was a celestial wizard. Apparently most of them had never met one before. Lucy was already in love with her new home and family. The only person that Lucy couldn't find there was Natsu. It was strange; he had promised that they would meet up later.
Maybe he fell asleep?
Lucy was walking along the road back to the ladies dorm; Levy and Wendy had already returned long before Lucy had left the guild hall. Loke went back to the celestial realm after getting so drunk that he'd passed out on Elfman's lap. Lucy brushed it off as nothing to worry about until she found Natsu's silhouette standing off in the distance.
Lucy couldn't see him very well, so she stepped off the path to get a closer look at him. He was standing next to a campfire that was on the banks of a small river. Happy was curled up beside the fire with his belly facing skyward, trying to warm it against the heat of the fire.
What's he doing?
Lucy walked closer trying to keep as quiet as she could.
He just stood there staring at the water, Lucy wasn't sure for how long; she'd lost track of time. He was pacing along the river bank occasionally stopping to stare at his reflection.
He obviously wants to be alone… I'll just go back to the dorm.
Lucy turned to walk away when a voice stopped her suddenly.
"Lucy, I know you're there… come over here."
Lucy cringed at being found out as she slowly turned to face him.
"… Sorry for snooping, I was just leaving."
"It's fine… I did miss your party so I suppose you could call us even." Natsu said, with a pained grin.
"What's wrong, Natsu?" Lucy asked, walking over to both Natsu and the campfire.
"Ah…. I was just remembering some sad things. Unfortunately, this is the anniversary of the day that my father, Igneel, left. Not really an excuse for missing your party, but I hope you'll forgive me."
"Of course I will, you should have just told me." Lucy said, sitting down next to the fire.
"… I suppose it's not something I like to talk about." Natsu stated morosely, as he stared at the fire.
I want to ask him more about his father and Igneel, but I think now probably isn't the time or place… I guess this was why he spaced out on the ship though.
"I met a lot of the guild, including Juvia."
"Yeah? And what do you think?"
Lucy closed her eyes and folded her arms as she thought about it.
"She's impossible to hate, a real classy woman. And you can tell she loves Gray with all her being."
Lucy smiled woefully, as she opened her eyes to see Natsu staring at her from across the fire.
"Yeah, I thought you'd like her. What about you and Gray? You two getting past the awkward stage?"
Lucy blushed and looked away.
"I think it's better, at least I can be in the same room with him now."
Natsu smirked back at her.
"I'm glad it's getting better. However, it's getting late Lucy; let me escort you back to your dorm." He stood, brushing off the dirt from his trousers.
He walked over to Lucy and reached down to help pull her up.
"… alright, are you sure?" She asked, grabbing his hand.
"Yeah, it's okay. I'll see you tomorrow, on the first day of your lessons. He said, with an avid grin.
Something's off about Natsu today… he was such a gentleman this morning… but ever since we got to the island…
Lucy nodded as she followed behind Natsu, who led her safely and soundly to her new home.
I suppose he'll tell me when he's ready.
