Several Months Later
"You ready Natsu?" Ayame asked, her hands gripping his as she stood in front of him. Even with her strong hold, it was easy to see how hard he was shaking.
Why was he nervous? Well, because he was about to stand and walk again for the first time in almost half a year.
After they had attached it (which, even though it used the same process as the arm did, seemed even more painful), Natsu had remained asleep for two days and then had been stuck in bed for a few more while Ayame made him practice lifting his leg leg, rolling the ankle, and wiggling the toes on it
After the days of bed rest, she then made him work on extending the knee forward and back down. It was a little painful, but he knew it was due to the fact his body had to get used to the weight of a leg all over again.
But now, the time had finally come. The moment of truth.
He closed his olive eyes, forcing himself to take several long, deep breaths like Ayame had taught him to do whenever he felt like his emotions were becoming too much.
When his heart slowed down a bit, he nodded his head several times. "I'm ready," He firmly declared, squeezing her hands again to remind himself that she was there.
"Okay," Ayame replied,"We'll start with just standing. If you need to, you can lean on me or the wall for support."
Natsu nodded once more, and let Ayame make the first move. She pulled, and he placed all his weight on his right leg, slowly bringing the metal left foot onto the ground. He buckled a bit, but Ayame's strong arms kept him from falling. Once his weight was distributed equally and the metal leg stopped shaking, he stood up tall.
"How does it feel? Is everything in place?" Ayame questioned.
Natsu gave an affirmative noise. "Everything feels stable, the toes are angled correctly, and the weight is holding," He quickly listed off.
Ayame smiled towards him, looking proud at his how much he remembered, softly answering,"Good, very good. Want to try walking?"
The dragonslayer took a second to swallow the lump in his throat, and breathed out,"Yeah, let's do it."
"I'm going to take a few steps backwards, and I want you to follow after me," She explained,"Make sure to distribute your weight properly."
Natsu almost pulled her back, afraid of being too far away from the only person holding him up. Ayame was firm, however, and kept him at bay as she gently said,"It's okay to be nervous; You can do this, I promise."
Her words sent a stream of courage though his nerves (even the artificial ones), and he slowly moved his right foot forward as he normally would. Once it hit the floor, he slowly lifted his new metallic leg, and then froze. It wasn't that he was scared, he was just completely unsure of what to do.
Ugh! This was so much easier with the arm! Natsu growled to himself. Why did that one come so naturally? He was about to give up, but he ran over the first time he used his arm in his head. His breath caught in his throat, suddenly realizing exactly what he had been doing wrong. When I first used the arm, I was half asleep. I wasn't treating it like a new thing, I thought it was a real arm! That's what I'm doing wrong! I just need to let nature take it's course.
He closed his eyes, and imagined himself walking down the streets of Fiore, heading home after a good day of missions. Then, he let his body follow his mind. His new leg was heavier and kind of hurt at first, but other than that… It felt perfect.
"Ayame! I'm doing it!" He exclaimed, opening his eyes to look at her; But she wasn't there, she was standing all the way on the other side of the room. Natsu quickly rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't being tricked by them, and then caught on to what happened. He had been walking all on his own.
The woman smiled wide with pride, but the mischief in her eyes told Natsu that she knew he had caught onto what she did. "See? I knew you could do it!" She praised.
Natsu's own smile returned hers, and the room seemed to be brighter as their glee filled every empty space. Then, the dragonslayer let out a childish squeal.
"Oh my god!" He yelled,"I can't believe this! I'm walking! I'm standing! I'm… I'm…"
Unable to find the words, he simply went for actions. He rushed forward, wrapping his arms around Ayame tightly, just like he did when he used his new arm for the first time.
Ayame stumbled back a bit, but quickly returned his warm embrace. Natsu didn't bother to speak, he knew no amount of words could explain just how thankful he was for all she'd done for him.
Hopefully, with time, he'd be able to show her.
Natsu spent the next few hours simply enjoying his newfound freedom. He exploded every room upstairs, and even was finally able to come downstairs to eat food instead of relying on Ayame to bring him some.
Downstairs, the rest of the house was just as cozy as it was upstairs. There was a nice mahogany table with four matching chairs that all had red cushions, and a long, red tablecloth over the middle of the tabletop which was seated right by a nice, large window that displayed the luscious green trees outside.
The kitchen was a beautiful sight to behold, with dark brown cabinets and smooth birch colored countertops. The stove shined of a black metal, and a pan of eggs sat sizzling on the surface. Natsu felt his mouth water at the beautiful sight, and quickly asked,"Need any help?"
Ayame smirked at him, her icy eyes turning to the pinkette. "Try not to sound too eager, Natsu," She teased,"But, yes. I would like some help. Could you set the table?"
Natsu was more than happy to; Not only because he was hungry, but because it gave him the opportunity to use his new arm and leg more. Soon enough, the table was set and the two companion were eating a delicious breakfast.
"O, Natu," Ayame said,"I was thinking, would you like to go out for a walk today? It could help your leg get used to new terrain, and I've been wanting to show you around town for quite a while."
It wasn't even a question to Natsu, his curiosity had been overflowing for a while now, and the idea of fresh air excited him. "I'd love to!" He replied, moving to get out of his chair.
Ayame didn't move, slowly cutting her eggs. "Natsu, slow down," She calmly said,"Patience is passion tamed."
His face turned red, and he sheepishly slid back into his chair. "Sorry, Ayame," He softly whispered.
"Don't apologize," She responded,"You're excited, that's nothing to be ashamed of, especially considering what you've been through."
Thankfully, Ayame finished her food soon after he did, and they headed out the door. Natsu kept ahold of Ayame's hand, and followed her out of the door.
It took a moment for a Natsu to get used to the sunlight; Once he adjusted to it, he was finally able to see the outside world once more. It was breathtaking.
Ayame's home was in a clearing surrounded by giant, red barked trees, their leaves were a luscious green that seemed to glimmer in the sun and their bark was shining and thick. In front of the house was a stone path that went horizontally on both sides towards the forest, and on the other side of the house, in the middle of the clearing, was a large river that followed the stone path into the forest as well.
"Whoa…" Natsu whispered, turning to look at the outside of Ayame's house. It was large, just like Natsu guessed, and around three stories tall. The first story was made of stone, and the stairs sat against the wall to get to the front door which lead to the second story (where Natsu and Ayame cake out of).
The second story was made of the same wood as the sequoias that surrounded them, as was the third story. The roof was made of black slats, and complimented the wood nicely. Behind the house was a barn building with the same roof and barn doors. The entire house was surrounded by a fence made of the same stone as the first story of the house, with an iron gate at the front.
"It's beautiful!" Natsu exclaimed, looking back at the lake in awe. "I can't believe you live here, a-and you have this all to yourself!"
Ayame chuckled, seemingly amused by his words. "Well, I wouldn't say I live here all by myself," She said,"I have the goats, the cow, the chickens, and Farley."
"Farley?" Natsu asked curiously, realizing that the building behind the house was indeed the barn based on Ayame's animals.
The old woman smiled, motioning for Natsu to follow him; He did so, going to the backyard with her. It was very large, and Natsu could see the animals she mentioned wandering around. He saw three chickens, a cow, and two goats wandering around freely.
"So you're a part time farmer?" He asked teasingly.
Ayame chuckled, crossing her arms. "Well I have to have some reason to get these old bones outside, Don't I?" She responded, reaching the entrance of the barn. "Farley!" Ayame called, clicking her tongue and walking inside.
Natsu heard the clip-clop of what sounded like hooves, and a large horse ran up to Ayame. They had white fur, which had black spots around the legs and face, and the muzzle slowly faded to black as well. It's hair and tail were a silver color, much like Ayame's.
Farley nuzzled against Ayame, who began rubbing the horse's snout. "Hey girl! I have someone I want you to meet!" She said, motioning for Natsu to come closer.
Slowly, Natsu held out his normal hand. The horse stared at him silently for several seconds, and then ignored Natsu's hand completely; She nuzzled against his neck, making the pinkette squeal in surprise.
He smiled, suddenly feeling excited by the creature's acceptance. He made sure to pet Farley the same way Ayame did, and softly said,"Hey girl! It's nice to meet you!"
Ayame watched the scene with a strange look in her eye before softly saying,"She usually never lets people touch her…"
Natsu was surprised by her admittance and looked back at Farley, who nuzzled against him further and let out a soft nicker. Natsu quickly began petting her head again.
"Well," He gently replied,"I'm glad she likes me at least!"
Ayame smiled back, before turning her eyes to look outside. Natsu noticed that she seemed to be thinking hard about something inside that brilliant mind. Natsu wondered what it could possibly be.
Eventually, they took the stone path down to the town. It was about a fifteen minute walk which left Natsu feeling a little winded, as it was the most exercise he had gotten in half a year.
The town was extremely beautiful too, almost as breathtaking as Ayame's home. The trees not only surrounded the town, but was a part of it as well.
There were houses built into the trees and around them, nearly blending into the trees since they were made of the same bark. There was a stone path throughout the town, and Natsu noticed that all of the buildings were held off the ground several feet by stone supports.
The beautiful river went right through the middle of the village, so there were a few bridges along the river as well. The dragonslayer looked from the houses to the large river, and then something occurred to him.
"Hey…" Natsu softly asked,"Are the houses raised and built into the trees in case the river floods?"
Ayame smiled at him. "Correct!" She declared,"Very good observation, Natsu."
The dragonslayer beamed with pride, his eyes glowing brightly. He turned back to look at the village. Sure enough, there were stairs that led not only to the doors on the raised houses, but to the buildings on the trees. He also saw several bridges connecting trees to trees, so people didn't have to go down to the ground to reach homes in other trees.
Homes weren't the only things in the town. There were several shops which included a pub, a blacksmith, a garden shop, a hotel, and a small hospital (to name a few). He saw, in the town square, several small stands or wagons with people selling different items.
But the town's attention wasn't on any of the things he had seen, instead all their attention was on him and Ayame.
People and children were staring at them, whispering in what was either fear or excitement. Natsu frowned, unsure how he felt about all the attention.
"Umm… Ayame?" He asked nervously, not explaining any further. He knew Ayame had noticed what he had seen.
Ayame kept walking, and calmly declared,"I've neglected to share some information with you, Natsu. I'm not just another villager, although I'm sure you guessed that long ago. I'm the royal alchemist of the kingdom."
"Royal!?" Natsu whispered, looking at her in surprise. She was right, he had guessed she wasn't just some civilian, but he didn't expect her to be nobility. She sure doesn't act like nobility! But at least now I know why people are staring..
The old woman nodded to his question, and calmly said,"Don't worry about them, they're just curious. Everyone in this town knows each other very well, but I've been staying away while caring for you and they've never seen you before. They'll warm up quickly."
Natsu took her words to heart, as she had never lied to him before; he took a deep breath, and followed her up to the blacksmith's shop.
Inside the shop there was a big, burly man with dark skin and dreadlocks in a ponytail hammering a piece of metal, he wore a black apron and red clothing. Nearby was a young, tan girl with a notepad, watching his every move and taking notes.
Ayame knocked on the side of the door, catching the blacksmith's attention. He turned his golden eyes towards her, and smiled at the sight. "Ayame! Good to see you!" He exclaimed in a deep, baritone voice.
He hugged her tightly, yet gently, and then noticed Natsu. "Oh? And who is this?" He asked curiously.
"N-Natsu Dragneel, Sir," The dragonslayer managed to force out of his throat, unsure why he was suddenly so anxious.
Ayame pulled away from the hug, noticing Natsu's nervousness. She grabbed his metal arm, pushing the sleeve away, and holding it up. "Remember when I ordered that metal from you? This is who it was for," She explained.
The man gasped in awe, reaching out towards the arm. "Amazing! Such craftsmanship, Ayame!" He whispered, looking towards Natsu. "May I?"
Natsu nodded slowly, reaching the metal hand out and letting the calloused hand examine the grooves, bolts, and every other part of his arm. He even grabbed the fingers and moved them, making shocked noises with every flex.
"Incredible! Sensational!" The man exclaimed,"Ayame, you've really outdone yourself this time!"
"Well, it wasn't just me, Makera," Ayame admitted,"Natsu was a big help, he even helped build his new leg!"
Makera gasped. "Leg!?" He exclaimed, letting go of the hand and grabbing the metal leg, and lifting it to his height. Natsu cried out in surprise, falling back against Ayame who managed to catch him from behind.
"Amazing!" Makera repeated,"Sensational! And even the toes are moving! How did you manage to make it so lifelike?"
Natsu answered this time,"They're connected directly to my nerves, and so they get signals like my real limbs do!"
Makera seemed surprised by Natsu's expertise on the mechanical limbs, and gently put his leg down. He looked back at the girl with the notebook, and then back at them. "You know quite a lot about this. Are you Ayame's apprentice?" He asked, gasping and looking at Ayame with excitement. "Did you finally choose an apprentice!?"
Natsu tilted his head in confusion, looking back at Ayame. "What's an apprentice?" He asked the older woman.
"I'll explain along the way, we have errands to run," Ayame quickly said, grabbing Natsu's normal hand and waving goodbye to Makera. "See you later!"
Natsu allowed himself to be dragged away from the blacksmith store, gathering his courage. "Um… What's an apprentice?" He asked again.
"An apprentice is someone who is learning a trade or skill from a master of that trade or skill," Ayame explained bluntly,"That's it."
The dragonslayer frowned, seeing through her blunt facade. "Based on Makera's reaction, it seems like there's more to it than that," He deduced.
Ayame sighed, moving to the garden shop and grabbing a paper and pencil from her pocket. "You're correct," She admitted,"Here, in our country, apprenticeship is a big deal. But, an apprenticeship is even more serious when it comes to the royal like me."
She began writing something out on the paper. "You see, people like me serve the king and queen directly, as well as doing our own projects," She explained,"Once we die, our apprentices will take over. It is a huge job to be responsible for, and a lot to learn. A lot of people can't do it."
She continued through the store, and Natsu followed her as the puzzle pieces began to fall together. "And you're the royal alchemist, a job that involves tons of different sciences and engineering," He said,"So… Finding an apprentice is difficult for you."
"Exactly!" Ayame exclaimed, seemingly relieved that someone understood. "I've been Royal alchemist for forty years and yet I can't find anyone in this country I could count on to be my apprentice! I can't just have a simple student! I need someone stubborn, someone willing to learn, someone who doesn't let supposed limits hold them back, someone-"
Then, she stopped. Her icy eyes widened, turning to look back at Natsu blankly. The paper slipped out of her hands because she had become so concentrated on whatever she was thinking of.
Growing uncomfortable, the dragonslayer slowly waved a hand in front of her face. "Uh… Ayame? Are you okay?" He nervously asked.
His voice seemed to snap Ayame out of her stupor. She shook her head, blinking rapidly, and noticing what she did. She then knelt down, grabbed the paper, and quickly said,"C'mon, let's finish our errands."
Natsu, once again, followed after her. But he wasn't focusing on the shopping, he was more focused on trying to understand what made Ayame freeze up in such a way.
Later, in the late of night, Natsu sat slumped over on his desk, illuminated only by the desk lamp. He flicked his pencil forward, letting it roll back towards him before he flicked it again.
He sighed, mind wandering easily. Poor Ayame… She's been looking for an apprentice for so long, and she just can't find one. I mean, I'm not surprised, how many people could be willing to learn that much?
The pencil clinked against his metal finger, and Natsu didn't flick it again. Instead, he thought some more. Maybe I could…? He frowned, shaking his head. No… No, she'd never choose someone like me. I couldn't even save my own guild, what good would I be as an apprentice for something that important?
He sighed sadly, his dark thoughts seeming to infect his whole being. He turned his olive eyes to the corner of his desk, noticing the book he had left against it.
Natsu sat up, bringing the book closer and reading the cover. "Alchemy Through The Ages.." He whispered.
His sad thoughts were overwhelmed by the curiosity that seemed to always be with him. A smile climbed up his face, determination returning. Even if she wouldn't choose me, why should that stop my from learning more?
With that in mind, Natsu returned to the page he left off on, and continued to expand his mind with the knowledge within.
Unknown to the dragonslayer, someone was watching his actions nearby.
Through the crack in the door, Ayame watched as those emotions flew across his face. The pride that swelled in her heart when he reopened the book was indescribable.
Just a few months ago he needed to ask me what everything meant… She thought. And now he's speeding through books like those in only a few days.
Ayame slowly backed away, returning to her workshop. She examined all the equipment, all the potions, all the blueprints, all the things she had never had a chance to teach someone… Until today.
"I've found him," She declared,"I've finally found my apprentice."