A/N Here it is! As promised it was sooner that the last post, but still not as soon as I would like it. Please let me know what you think!
Chapter 12
Natsu sat in his old wooden rocking chair, nursing his beer that he held onto loosely. He was watching Lucy sleeping soundly in his bed; her hair was disheveled and slightly damp from her bath. She was silently breathing into his pillow, occasionally letting out a soft sigh. Natsu let out a sigh of his own; it was really hard for him to get through the night because he felt like he was lying to Lucy every time he looked at her—but what could he do? The Master had ordered him to stay with her and protect her. On top of that, Natsu had promised the same thing to Gray. Natsu had even signed a contract preventing him from leaving Lucy in the care of others.
That's it, I might not be able to change the future… or the masters plan. But I can protect her from everything that comes her way. Looks like Lucy's not the only person that's going to have to do some training.
Natsu scratched at the back of his head with his free hand.
Looks like I'll have to hurry and fix the ship so I can get off the Island.
Natsu sighed yet again, and stood to leave the room. The realization hit him that there was no one he could confide in about this particular predicament—not even Gray.
Especially Gray… he'd kill me if he found out. I guess that's just one of the responsibilities of being a Captain.
Natsu groaned, and looked down at Happy, who was curled up in some blankets Natsu kept by the foot of the bed.
"What would you do, Happy?" Natsu muttered softly under his breath. Happy let out a yawn and rolled back over in his pile of blankets. Natsu smiled to himself and staggered out of the room. He went to his kitchen table (where he kept his pen and notepad) and started to write.
Lucy,
Sorry about this, but I had to get going early this morning. If you need me, I'll be at the docks helping Gajeel repair the ship. If you're hungry, there's food in the fridge—help yourself to anything. Don't worry about locking the door on the way out. Good luck with your training today!
Natsu.
He looked at his note one more time before tearing it from the note pad and placing it on the table so that it could not be missed. Natsu rubbed at his eyes, yet another night without sleep.
This girl is causing my sleeping patterns to become very irregular. I should have just taken her home like I said I would. But what was I supposed to do? She fell asleep, and I didn't want to wake her up.
Natsu's hand slid down his face; it was impossible to go to sleep now, so he might as well go down to the dock and get an early start on the repairs. Letting out a huff, he started getting ready to go; he looked back at his house one last time before setting out.
The sooner the ship is repaired, the better.
A few sweltering hot weeks passed and soon both ships were deemed sea-worthy. Natsu, Gajeel, and Elfman had worked endlessly trying to get them back out to sea. Erza's ship, 'Titania' had been repaired for a while now, but she had decided to stay and help Lucy with her training until Natsu's ship was finished with its repairs.
Once in a while, Erza would take Natsu's place with the repairs so as to allow him to train Lucy—as he had promised. Erza also said that learning how to fight different styles and people is essential. During this time, Lucy and Natsu's friendship seemed to grow, and soon Lucy felt herself looking forward to the days that Natsu would teach her. Not that Erza was a bad teacher, but Natsu was more… gentle. He was a good teacher; he listened to Lucy's questions, stopped her when she made mistakes, and was more focused on technique. As opposed to Erza, who was more focused on power and strength.
Loke and Cana also were helping Lucy with her Celestial magic. They were trying to make her pool of magic larger and more controlled, so that she could summon more than one spirit at a time. Her progress in this area was slow and grueling compared to her swordplay training. Luckily, Levy was there for emotional support. They were all kind and patient with her. Loke even told Lucy:
"Lucy, as long as you're making progress, there's no reason to be upset with how slow it's going. It's when there isn't any progress—then you'd have something to be worried about."
The thought was comforting to her and she appreciated their kind step-by-step way of teaching her. But Natsu still remained her favorite teacher.
The days continued to fly by at an alarming rate until Lucy found herself once again aboard the 'Happy,' sailing away from Tenrou Island. It had taken a few days after the ship was finished to load it with supplies, and for the members to select jobs so that the Captain could chart his course. As soon as the ship was done, the Captain basically ran out of the Island. It was almost like he was in some sort of hurry. Lucy had tried to talk to Natsu alone since she crashed at his house, but he'd been so busy with repairs and preparation for the voyage that he really hadn't had time for her outside of her lessons.
There's something that's been bothering Natsu since we got to the Island… I really want to talk to him about it. It's probably the reason he took off when we first got there. I just want to make sure he's okay.
Lucy finished her thought as she watched the Island slowly fade into the horizon. It was a hot day; she could feel the sun beating against her skin and clothing, but it didn't bother her as much anymore. Back on the Island, it was hot every day. Lucy eventually just got used to it. Especially after Wendy had given her a magic potion to take so that she wouldn't get sunburned. Lucy lifted her face to the breeze and let it play with her hair.
It's nice not having royal duties, so I can enjoy the sea like this. I want to enjoy the sun and breeze like this every day to make up for all the time I spent locked inside my room. I'm so happy; I thought I'd never be able to see the ocean before meeting Natsu. I can see why he likes it here; it's probably the purest form that freedom can take.
Lucy smiled to herself as she tucked her hair behind her ear. She let her mind run wild, reflecting on her experiences since she ran away from the palace. She thought of her and Natsu's fateful encounter, meeting the crew, and making friends here aboard the 'Happy' and on Tenrou Island.
Most of all, she thought of Natsu and how he'd run around the ship—like when he'd hang from the shrouds and climb up and down the bowsprit.
Lucy laughed to herself.
Erza was right, he really is just a giant child.
But still, Lucy couldn't help but become fond of him.
"Hey, Lucy!" rang Levy's voice.
Lucy turned to smile at her friend, breaking her peaceful moment to herself.
"What's up?" Lucy asked.
"Let's get your stuff all settled in the girls' cabin below deck. We saved you a spot on the top bunk. I'm your bottom bunk roomie." Levy said with a large grin, using her thumb to point at herself.
"Oh, yeah I guess that's right." Lucy said, with a hint of disappointment.
Levy smiled mischievously at her reply.
"Of course, none of us would be upset if you decided to take the Captain's cot on this journey as well." Levy smiled knowingly and narrowed her eyes.
Lucy huffed.
"I'm not a child; I don't need to sleep next to the Captain out of selfish reasons. And also, I've told you it's not like that."
Levy shook her head.
"Whatever you say, Lucy—just don't be upset when you find yourself missing his company. And just so you know. it's not like sharing a room is uncommon here. I stay with Gajeel sometimes and I also know that Juvia and Gray are living together already."
Lucy stopped in her tracks as a chill ran down her body and settled in her chest.
"What…?" she whispered back to Levy.
Levy's eyes widened.
"I thought you already knew… I'm so sorry Lucy. I had thought that Gray or Juvia had told you. It's not like they're trying to keep it a secret." She said mournfully.
"No I didn't know, but I guess it's only natural. After all… they are engaged." Lucy said, flashing a fake smile.
Levy frowned in concern for her friend.
"Well not officially, but by the time we get back, I'm sure they will be."
"What do you mean? Juvia isn't on board." Lucy stated quizzically, looking around the ship just to make sure she hadn't missed something.
Levy raised an eyebrow at her.
"Neither is Gray—he didn't come with us."
"Wait then, who is acting first mate?" Lucy exclaimed in shock, turning her attention to the hull, trying to find Gray in his usual spot.
Levy shrugged.
"Your guess is as good as mine. He's yet to name an acting first mate.
Lucy frowned as her mind wandered to thoughts of Gray.
Gray… That's right. He was getting married. Training the entire time on the Island had distracted me from that fact…
In fact, Lucy couldn't remember really seeing them at all after the first week she was on the Island.
Was I really that busy? Or did they go somewhere?
Lucy still wasn't sure how she felt about Gray. When people asked her, she just said that he was just happy he was alive. But the truth was she only felt okay when she was being distracted or when she was with friends.
But when she was alone in her dorm room, she would find herself in a spiraling depression that would eventually lead to crying herself to sleep.
Lucy sighed.
It was hard. The only times that she didn't cry herself to sleep was when she found herself sleeping next to the Captain, or when she fell asleep at his house that one time after going to the bathhouse.
"Huh…" She said, thinking out loud – finally realizing the connection.
It's probably because I don't like to cry in front of others that much… right?
Lucy had made the conclusion and closed the door to other possibilities.
I wonder if Levy ever cries in front of Gajeel…
Gajeel…
Lucy's eyes widened as she realized she'd missed something that Levy had mentioned.
"…Wait a second, you spend the night with Gajeel!?" Lucy shouted in a whisper to her small blue-haired friend.
Levy just gave her a knowing smile and a shrug.
"Enough about me, it looks like Natsu's about to name his acting first mate." Levy said, pointing past Lucy.
"W… what?" Lucy stammered, snapping out of her train of thought.
Lucy turned around, following Levy's gesture to witness the Captain hanging from the shrouds of the ship, calling everyone to gather. Lucy then looked down at Levy and narrowed her eyes.
"Don't think this conversation is over just because it's being interrupted."
Lucy pointed directly at Levy's nose, while Levy let out a sigh and shook her head.
"Whatever you say, Lucy."
Lucy huffed in a satisfied manner as she turned her attention back to the Captain.
"'Happy' crew, gather 'round!" Natsu shouted.
Lucy looked over at Levy for some kind of direction; in return, all she received was an eye roll and a gesture that suggested for Lucy to follow her. Lucy gave in and followed Levy to where the Captain was waiting. Everyone had gathered, causing the deck of the ship to suddenly get very crowded. Elfman was standing next to her and accidently pushed her with his elbow.
"Gah!" Lucy exclaimed as she toppled over, landing disgracefully on the deck.
"Lucy! I'm so sorry! Here, let me help you up." Elfman apologized.
Lucy took his hand and straightened herself.
"It's okay Elfman, don't worry about it." Lucy smiled as she patted the dust off her legs.
"It's okay to ignore him, Lucy, he's still has a lot to learn when it comes to coordination and women." Came Mirajane's voice from behind Elfman.
Elfman was about to protest when the Captain's voice interrupted him.
"As many of you know, Gray is staying in Tenrou Island for this voyage—which leaves me an officer short."
Natsu jumped down from the shrouds.
"I can't afford to assign somebody who already has a position aboard this ship to be acting first mate, so I've taken great consideration as to whom I'm going to name as my acting first mate."
Lucy looked around the crew trying to guess who it was going to be.
The obvious choice was Gajeel, but he's still finishing up small repairs on the ship. So it can't be him. Levy would be the next choice but she's the Navigator. After them, it would probably be Mirajane, Elfman, and Wendy—in that order. But Wendy was the doctor; and Mirajane and Elfman didn't exactly strike her as people who'd want to be first mate.
Lucy looked over to the brother and sister. Mirajane was holding back laughter while Elfman was red with embarrassment, trying to cover his face. Lucy closed her eyes and sighed.
Who the acting first mate will be is anyone's guess.
"That's why I've decided to appoint Lucy McKnight as my acting first mate." Natsu said, gesturing towards Lucy.
Lucy stood frozen unsure of what just happened. Her mind went blank, unable to process what was happening in front of her.
"I've personally overseen her training in swordplay, and in her magical abilities. She is, in my opinion, the equal of anyone here for this position. In other regards, I trust her with my life and with my ship." He said, firmly looking at Lucy again.
Lucy still couldn't move. The rocking of the ship was all she could focus on right now. Time seemed to stand still, until Levy jabbed her fiercely in her side.
"Ah!" Lucy said, finally being awoken from her comatose state.
"Move it, he's waiting for you!" Levy hissed at her from under her breath.
Lucy stumbled over her first few steps, looking back at Levy who was smiling at her, giving her thumbs up. Lucy straightened herself and looked forward at Natsu, who was still waiting with his hand outstretched.
Here I go.
Lucy forced her feet to move toward her Captain. Everyone's eyes were on her, they seemed so happy for her. Like Levy, they were all smiling and encouraging her with their eyes. Even Gajeel was smiling slightly as she walked passed him. After what seemed forever, she finally reached Natsu. He took her by the hand and guided her to stand next to him. Lucy looked around at the crew and gave a worried smile. She felt Natsu's hand grab onto her shoulder and gave her a comforting squeeze.
"Alright, people, let's get back to work. Levy, take the wheel. I need to converse with my newly appointed first mate."
"Aye, Sir!" The crew chimed back in unison.
The crew scattered as they went back to their daily routines, most went below deck to prepare supper. Lucy watched them for a moment before Natsu woke her from her daze.
"Come on, Luce. I have to relay your duties. So let's go talk in my cabin." He said, grabbing her arm and pulling her along with him.
"Alright…" she mumbled hesitantly.
Once inside the cabin, Natsu sat her down at his desk and locked the door behind them. Lucy was watching his every move; her face had a look of permanent shock plastered to it. Natsu went to the back of his cabin and pulled the curtains open, allowing a flood of light to illuminate the room. Lucy waited for him to turn around, but he just stood there staring out the window. Seconds turned into minutes, and pretty soon, half an hour had passed.
Natsu was still staring out the window.
What's going on? Is Natsu okay?
Natsu continued to stand there, hands on his hips, leaning slightly onto his right leg. Lucy looked around awkwardly waiting for something to happen. Eventually she decided to break the silence.
"So uh… I don't really have any experience sailing or steering a ship, but I…"
"Listen, Lucy." Natsu cut her off.
Lucy went silent, waiting for Natsu to finish. He slowly turned around to look at her.
"You don't have to worry about much; this is really just a formality. Levy and Gajeel can take care of most of the work, they already do anyways."
Natsu took a seat on the chest next to his cot.
Lucy's brow furrowed in confusion.
"Then, why am I here? Why did you name me acting first mate?"
Natsu looked at her without a trace of emotion on his face.
"…To keep you close to me."
What?!
Lucy's face flushed red with embarrassment.
"What! Why?!" She demanded, trying to look anywhere but at Natsu.
Natsu continued his dead-panned stare.
"Lucy, your time with me and the guild is going to get more and more dangerous from here on out."
Lucy watched as he came over and kneeled down in front of her.
What is he doing?!
Lucy was bewildered, staring into Natsu's black eyes. They had passion and determination raging inside of them. She'd never seen that look in anyone's eyes—not even Gray. The way Natsu was looking at her made her feel uncomfortable, and unsure of what to do. She tried to look away but it was impossible to break eye contact.
"Natsu, what are you talking about?" She whispered breathlessly.
"This trip is going to be very dangerous, and I'm not sure I can protect you like I had promised to Gray."
There was a hint of bitterness in his words.
"That's why we're making a trip, just to two of us. After we're done in Fiore, you and I are going to Caelum—I'll be doing some training and so will you."
Natsu placed a hand on Lucy's arm.
Caelum? I remember that Fiore and Caelum had had border fights over some of the islands between the two countries. Also, their monarchy had lost a lot of their power and was mostly run by the republic and senate.
…Why are we going there?
"Caleum?" Lucy asked.
"Yeah, I trained there as a kid after Igneel left and before I made it to Fairy Tail. There's a lot of natural magic there." Natsu said, smiling at her.
"There are a lot of volcanoes and earthquakes as well as crazy storms. It's beautiful and dangerous and the training there goes a lot faster, because of the overwhelming amount of magic power that the Earth is pouring out."
Natsu's face got really excited and lit up when he was explaining the love he had for this country.
"Yeah okay, but why am I coming with you?"
"We both need to train for the future. Listen, Lucy, the world is going to be at war and the guilds are going to be caught in the middle of it. I'm going to lead my friends into the hellish fire of the battlefield, but you Lucy…" Natsu stopped there, gripping her arm tighter, his face turning bitter.
He stood up and turned around.
"N…Never mind, Just understand that you're not allowed to leave my side. I will protect you; you don't have anything to worry about." Natsu gritted, clenching his fist.
Lucy looked up at him.
What is all this about?
"Natsu, I think I understand. I also realize there are some things you're keeping from me… but that's okay. I don't need to know everything right away." She said, flashing her most sincere smile.
Natsu looked down at her flabbergasted, unfolding his arms.
"You… you know? And you're not mad?"
Lucy rolled her eyes at the Captain.
"Of course I know you're keeping something from me. You might as well have announced it upon docking at Tenrou Island… running off like that and then avoiding me, pretty much spells it out."
Natsu clenched his teeth and glared at her.
"Sorry if I'm an open book." he hissed.
"Yeah it's pretty bad when I, a girl who's had one friend her entire life, has enough social awareness that even I could figure that out." She teased.
Natsu continued to glare at Lucy as she mocked him mercilessly.
"OKAY! I get it! Geeze, woman!" He shouted, as he grabbed a hold of her wrists in an attempt to end her antics.
Gah! Natsu!
Lucy's heart was racing; it felt like it was trying to jump out of her chest. Blood rushed to her cheeks as she felt her breathing hasten.
"I can see there's no sense in keeping anything from you." He smiled wryly, leaning in and staring her dead in the eyes.
Uhhhh Natsu? You…you're so close!
She thought as she clenched her eyes closed and turned her face away from the Captain.
What is he doing?! He does know I'm a Princess…right?
Lucy could feel Natsu's breath against her forehead, causing her hair to flutter across her eyes.
"Curfew is in 4 hours, until then you can do as you please. Just make sure you get some dinner before heading to bed." Natsu reminded her gently, taking his hands away from her wrists.
"Don't be late." He stated finally before turning to leave the cabin. He gave her one last wave, his back still facing her as he left through the door.
Once he left, Lucy was there alone breathing heavily. She slowly raised her hands to her chest and inhaled deeply, trying to slow her heartbeat. If it had been anyone else, Lucy would have jumped them and held her knife to their back.
Well, I suppose that is how it happened the first time we met, but what was that?!
She'd never seen that version of the Captain before. He started out as protective, and then changed so awkwardly, and then he left just as intensely. Lucy wasn't sure whether to feel safe or scared. She slowly removed her hand from her chest and walked to the door.
Maybe I should talk to Levy about this and see what she thinks.
Lucy opened the door and walked onto the deck to observe Levy chasing Elfman around with a large mallet that she had obviously stolen from Gajeel. The other members of the crew were cheering her on as Elfman left a river of tears behind him.
Lucy frowned and let out a massive sigh as she slumped her shoulders.
Then again… maybe not.
Lucy ignored the rowdy bunch and walked passed them and headed below deck to the girls' cabin. It was a very small room. There were two sets of bunk beds and two trunks to share between two girls and that was it, but at least it was way nicer than where the men had to sleep. It was not uncommon to see one of the men sleeping on the ship's deck at times, and it was hard to blame them. The alternative was sleeping in the ship's hold, ensconced in a hammock.
Lucy looked around and saw a blue paisley, quilted pull-string pack tied to one of the bunks that had 'Lucy' embroidered in pink on the outside. The other girls had similar bags on their beds. All embroidered with their names.
Lucy smiled to herself.
Levy must have quilted these by hand.
Lucy climbed up on the top bunk and sat down to open up her pack. Lucy loosened the string, anxious to see her first-ever present from a friend. Lucy's stomach fell as shock and horror filled her body at witnessing the contents of the pack.
Panties… they're all panties! And they're… SEXY!
A fountain of sexy lacy panties fell out of the pack and onto Lucy's bunk. Shades of red, pink, purple, and black covered her bed.
Lucy sifted through the contents.
That's ALL that's in here, NOTHING else? Levy! WHAT THE HELL!?
Lucy's vision was filled with panties and Levy's face giving her that stupid knowing smile.
Damnit, Levy!
Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose as she looked around at the mess. She was too tired to do anything about it right now, so she simply jumped down to bolt the door –she didn't want anyone to see what had happened. Lucy quickly made her way back to her bed and plopped her head down on her pillow and closed her eyes. She took one last look around at the scattered panties, glared, and then fell asleep.
There was a knock pounding impatiently at Lucy's door, that shocked her awake. Lucy bolted up in bed, adrenaline rushing. Lucy looked around; the panties were still strung about her bed.
Damnit!
Lucy silently cursed Levy as she frantically started shoving the lacy atrocities into her bag, when another impatient knock came at her door.
"Uhh…just a second!" She squeaked nervously.
Lucy quickly finished shoving the rest of the panties into her bag, just as the bolt moved to the unlocked position and the door cracked open.
"Lucy! I don't like to be kept waiting on my own ship!" Natsu's voice bellowed into the room.
"Uhh, sorry. What's up?"
Natsu looked around suspiciously.
"You okay? You seem startled…"
"Well yeah, you woke me up from my nap. It wasn't exactly pleasant." She admitted.
"Also, how'd you unlock the bolt?" She asked, brow furrowed.
"Oh, sorry about that, I have a set of keys to every door on my ship. Besides that, Why are you in here?" He asked, leaning against the door frame.
"I was just getting settled in, like you said, it's going to be a long trip. I just wanted to get an early start."
Natsu frowned at her.
"You missed dinner." He stated, disapprovingly.
"Oh! Sorry! I guess I was more tired than hungry. It's okay though, I'll be fine until breakfast tomorrow."
Natsu frowned even harder.
"That's not all I meant when I asked 'Why are you in here.'"
Lucy frowned back at him.
"I'm sorry; I don't understand what you mean…"
Natsu walked over to her bunk and offered his hand.
"I mean, I told you not to leave my side."
Lucy grabbed his hand and jumped from the top bunk into his arms.
"You're staying with me." He told her, still gripping her tightly against his chest.
Lucy felt herself blush, and she slapped at his arms.
"I'll have you remember, Captain, that you are in the presence of a Lady! And you should behave as such!"
Natsu released the Princess, but not before giving her a corny smile.
"You are correct; I seem to have misplaced my manners, my lady. Here, allow me to grab your bag for you." He bowed, taking her bag into his hands.
Lucy's body went rigid with fear.
The panties!
"N..n..nnn no that's fine I can take it!" She shouted, as she lunged for her bag and stole it from Natsu's hands.
Natsu stared at her for a moment before walking to the door.
"You coming, Princess? Or, am I going to have to carry you?"
Lucy walked up to him.
"I'm perfectly capable, Captain Natsu." She snapped as she walked past him.
Natsu bowed low.
"As you wish, your highness."
Lucy turned around to give him a spiteful glare, and then continued walking.
Natsu watched her climb the ladder to the main deck, still unsure of how she'd managed to intertwine their destinies so thoroughly. The Captain laughed to himself as he grabbed hold of the ladder.
"And so it truly begins."
