[EDITED AS OF 07/04/22]
ONE TRUE MAGIC
"Do you know what is the One True Magic?"
"Is there such a thing?"
"One True magic, also known by the term Primordial Magic... It is the most sought-after type of magic that not anyone can obtain."
"Will I be able to have it, Mama?"
"Yes, as long as you stay true to yourself. After all, It's love…"
A/N:
I honestly felt bad for not updating this story. I just need to be sure that I'm gonna pass this sem! Though I have yet to receive the results :( I'm technically on my vacation now so more chapters to come!Yey haha Sorry for the what? 3-month Hiatus?
Oh by the way, Thanks for the reviews! I just want to tell you beforehand that Natsu is kind of emotional in this part...just a bit I guess. I will try to bring back the Natsu that we know in the next chapters since the next ones are mostly with Natsu's plan to make Lucy remember him and the guild! No exposure of the enemies today haha maybe on the next chapters...That's all!
Anyway, here its is!
CHAPTER 4: Forgotten Fire
THIRD PERSON'S POV
The dragon slayer breathed in the scent he craved to find since waking up from his slumber. His once clouded mind was cleared by the warmth brought by the feeling of the celestial mage's form in his arms.
His arms clenched around her waist again at the thought of letting go. He was scared that everything that happened in the past minute was just a product of his overly creative imagination.
It felt right…And Natsu knew the reason is connected to how fast his heart is beating.
He gave it a moment and felt her body trembled. He heard her breath hitch whenever he nuzzles his face on the arc of her neck. He felt how her hands clenched the handle of the umbrella she's holding like she was enduring Natsu's embrace. He felt heart sink at the that thought.
Natsu already has an idea why and he's scared to confirm it. Hell, he was surrounded by his friends who had their memories altered, which obviously implies that they don't know what is happening either. What should he expect if all signs pointed towards the fact that…
Lucy forgot him…
He felt his heart clenched with that realization. He just wanna be oblivious of that fact and remain on his position right now.
But suddenly noticing a salty smell in the air around them (which he assumed as her tears), he decided to let go.
Feeling reluctant, he steeled himself as he let go. As much as he want to smother Lucy and stick to her side (by enveloping her body with his, of course) he noticed how unresponsive the blonde is, which only added to the pile of signs that strengthens his conclusion more.
With furrowed eyebrows and a frown visible on his face, he turned his full attention to Lucy, quietly observing her facial expressions.
NATSU
When she felt I'm letting her go, even if I'm still within her personal space, she relaxed. I searched her face for recognition when she looked up and stared at me. Clenching my hand, I observed the tears I had smelled earlier. Her face is flushed, and I was almost convinced that she'll stook a step back or any action that will indicate what she feels, when she suddenly breathed in. I didn't even acknowledge the fact that she basically smelled me as I looked at her expressive brown eyes, wanting to focus on the matter at hand. But that doesn't mean I felt nothing, feeling my face flushed at that action.
Even with no memories, she's still a weirdo... I thought as I inwardly chuckle.
Chocolate brown orbs stared back at me. The warmth they held is the same from what I remembered. Hell, why do I feel like its been a while?!
I searched her eyes for answers and was crushed by what I found.
I saw confusion and fear…
She's scared…of me? I took a step back, finally letting her have the distance that I believed she wanted. I looked at her form, still shocked and hurt by what I had just discovered. What the actual fuck?! I cursed in my head as the idea actually sink in.
Why would she be afraid of me?
What did I do?
D-Did I surprised or perhaps violated her personal space? Damn! But I can't help it! She was right there! The person who I wanted to find is fucking there in front of me and I don't even get a pass by how I acted?!
Did my actions scared her or perhaps-I stood still, speechless of the things that I realized…Or is it because of me being there in front of her? M-my very own presence?
Sure, I was used to and I'm proud of being feared by my enemies since that only means that I have an upper hand on the battles I'm engaged in, but seeing a person who I hold dear fears me? Hell, a person I will gladly take a hit or a bullet for? With all of the events that happened within the span of 2 days, and the fact that I am the only one who didn't have their memories altered, I'm even surprise to see how I didn't rampage or took my frustration by fighting.
I don't even know any worse description after saying that I'm 'hurt'. Well saying I feel worse will suffice as my emotions once again clashed with each other. Why am I so emotional?! I won't even be surprised if I didn't feel the tears streaming down my face. Heck, I'm hurt and I don't even have the time to consider physical appearance or my pride right now because two of most important figures in my life I with me right now; Happy, who is currently watching things unfold in front of him and Lucy, who doesn't even remember me and yet her presence still gave me the assurance that everything will be okay. With that, I allowed myself to be true of what I'm feeling. I didn't have to be strong in front of them when in fact, I am hurting.
I didn't have to wear a mask and I honestly didn't know if I have the will to as being in their presence comfort me to the point where I just let it all out.
I'm not afraid of being judged, and I'm sure though Luce doesn't remember me, I know that she'll never judge me cause' that's just how she is. And I'm lying if I said that I want to leave cause' being with her right now, regardless of the complications that had presented themselves in the way, comfort me.
Ugh! What the hell is happening?! I took a glance at her. I lowered my head and ruffled my still disheveled hair. I want to hug her again damn it!
THIRD PERSON'S POV
As Natsu argue with himself and is thinking about his current predicament, Lucy observed him. Still standing at her place near her door, she fought against the part of her who wanted to flee from the scene and stayed, quietly observed the man that's in front of her.
She can only describe what she currently feels at the moment with one word: warm. She felt something warm envelope her whenever she glances at the dragon slayer in front of her. The pink-headed stranger who trespassed her apartment gave her a familiar warmth that she craves ever since waking up from an accident on her Aunt's care.
It felt home…
Looking at the stranger, who currently looks as if he was stressed, the feeling of being scared slowly seems to fade away.
Feeling confused as to why, since she's in the verge of tearing up earlier, she concluded that having someone who she doesn't know suddenly enveloped her into a hug, made her feel afraid regardless of the fact that she felt safe and warm in the embrace. I am contradicting myself… She thought even if that is truly what she felt.
LUCY
I was constantly reminded of my Aunt how I shouldn't involve myself with a stranger, even just looking or being near one! But she failed to tell me how to deal with a stranger I felt strong connection with. Huh, I'm pretty sure that I'll remember that Sakura-colored hair and him. And he smell-I felt my face heat up. What the heck is wrong with me?! D-did I actually smelled him? Gosh! When did I became a creep?!
Oh gosh, I'm pretty sure he already thinks I'm crazy! I'm sure he felt me stiffen when he suddenly hugged me (Well, who wouldn't? I didn't even know the guy!) and saw me afraid earlier based on his crestfallen expression (which for some reason caused my heart to ache and suddenly have the urge to wipe the frown on his face). But then, I can't help but smell him! And seeing his face flushed and ears redden at that moment is enough to know that my action didn't go unnoticed.
I calmed myself down after seconds of internally freaking out and forced myself to focus on the fact that there's someone in my apartment right now, who hugged and treated me as someone who's close to him, almost bringing him to tears.
What a lucky person they are, being loved and having this kind of person in their life. I thought as I remembered how my father treated me after my mom passed away. How he gave me to my Aunt when I was little. Well, living with my Aunt is fun but I sometimes wonder what I would feel if I had friends? We live in a secluded part of Crocus and I'm not really comfortable to socialize especially after being treated harshly when I first tried to.
This is my first time in the city after my Aunt convinced me to go here. I'm confused as to why since she even gave me the exact locations of the places that I SHOULD visit. Magnolia, this apartment, someplace in Hargeon, a diner named 'restaurant' in the same place, even a place named Fairy Tail? As to why? All I knew is that when I woke up after an 'incident', I find myself being encouraged to travel to Magnolia. Aunt Anna has been acting strange ever since and she even asked someone to accompany m-
"Princess?" I turned to the door opening and saw him poking his head in the room.
"There you are! I though—Natsu?" Loke stared at Natsu who turned to us when he noticed the new presence.
They know each other?
NATSU
"—Natsu?" I turned to face Lucy's direction only to see someone by her doorway. Loke.
"You remember me?" I asked him. I saw him nod and sigh. He turned to face Lucy who is currently watching the exchange, confusion visible on her features.
"Can you wait for your prince here, princess?" He smiled at her which deepened the frown on my face. Even in this situation? Tsk.
"Ugh! Stop calling me that! I told you-"
"Please?"
Lucy stared at him with a scowl and nod.
I felt hesitant to go when I noticed Luce observing me like what she is doing earlier. I breathe a sigh of relief when I didn't notice the fear in her eyes from earlier, where only confusion and curiosity remains. I gave her a small grin as I passed by her, going after Loke as he made his way out of the room. I almost lunged at her again (for a hug, geez) when I managed to get a reaction from her, even if its just a twitch on her lips.
I felt her stare lingers as I closed the door behind me.
LUCY
It proved to be difficult to remain expressionless when he flashed me that grin of his. Something is definitely wrong with me!
I sigh and make my way to the bed. I have many questions. Questions mostly about who that guy was or how does he know me, which were currently left unanswered since the two people who might answer them were somewhere, discussing something about this situation.
I placed my neatly folded umbrella at the side of my bed and lay on the mattress.
"Ne, You don't really remember Natsu?" I quickly sat up and turned to the direction of the voice where I saw a blue cat staring at me.
Natsu? Huh, why does this name seem familiar? Did I hear it somewhere?
Hmmm…
Oh, that's what Loke called that guy!
"Natsu? Is that the salmon-haired guy earlier?" I answered, leaning against the headboard of the bed to make myself comfortable.
"Aye!" The blue cat nodded. I fell silent as I consider his question.
I really don't remember him, but I'll be lying if I said that I don't feel something about him. Something about him and this cat comforts me. Its as if everything is slowly coming to pieces? I don't even understand it myself.
I shook my head, "I really don't remember him, but he feels familiar…" I stared at the cat once again, "I also feel the same way about you…Strange right?"
"Aye! I also feel the same way about you Lucy!"
"How did you know my name?"
He shrugged, "Natsu told me about you…He also said that I knew you and based on what you said, it seems like you forgot about us…"
So, I knew them, but I forgot about them? It seems like he also didn't remember who I am unlike Natsu. But from what time of my life did I encounter them? I remembered being at the village with my Aunt ever since I was little and added to the fact that this is my first time in Magnolia?
"He told you about me? Can you tell me what he sai—Oh! I almost forgot! What is your name?"
"My name is Happy and Natsu is my partner!" He replied, moving from his position by the window to sit beside me.
"Though you already know my name, I'll still introduce myself! I'm Lucy, nice to meet you Happy!" I smiled at him which he returned with one of his accompanied by his 'Ayes'.
"So, Happy can you tell me what Natsu said about me?"
Maybe knowing these things may bring flashbacks or something? Ugh! I just want some answers!
NATSU
"How do you remember me? Do you know what happened?" I asked Loke as soon as we stopped right outside Lucy's apartment. He sighed and fixed his glasses.
"The Celestial Spirit World is connected to this world by Celestial Mages and contracts. Our worlds are connected but not to the point that what happens to your world, also happen to ours. For example, the weather. Raining in this world doesn't mean that it will also rain in the Celestial World. Remember what happened in Grand Magic Games with the Eclipse Portal? We are affected by it since its mechanism involves time and space. Add that to the fact that we, the 12 zodiac keys were used to open it. So to answer your question, I remember you and still retain all of my memories with Fairy Tail since based from what we concluded, someone used their magic to alter the guild's memories. Alter in which that person has the capability to choose what remains and erase on their memories or has the ability to rewrite what they remember. Since these are caused by someone using their magic, celestial spirits are not affected by it…" He explained. A magic that has something to do with the person's memories huh? Just like Mest's magic.
"Are other people other than the guild under this magic?" I stated remembering Lucy's landlady.
"No, they're not. If you're wondering about the landlady, I asked her to do that for Lucy's safety. I even told her to tell anyone to say anything that would not describe her in any way, like creating a name although I know it isn't much. I know returning to Magnolia is dangerous but it's the only way Lucy could regain her memories naturally..." I frowned the moment I understood what he meant.
"So you plan to hide her away, is that it?!"
"If it's up to my decision, then yes!" He looked at me seriously. I quickly got ahold of his collar, "You don't have the right–" He cut me off by pushing me off of him.
"You have to understand that Lucy saved my life! I owe it to her and if that's the only way I could save her, even if it's selfish, I'll gladly do so! But it's not..." His tone lowered, sadness evident in his voice. "And that's why we're here..." He explained and I calmed down after understanding what he said.
I nodded in understanding, seeing myself making that selfish decision if I were in his shoes which earned me a small smile from him.
He fixed his collar as he talked, "It seems like this spell only affected Fairy Tail guild members since Anna still remembers us when I asked for her help. Fairy Tail is Lucy's family and I think that's what our enemy wanted to use to their advantage when they did this spell..." He stopped before continuing, "They wanted Lucy to go back to Fairy Tail, informing them of what is happening since she managed to escape from them. You know that Lucy's strength is from her friends and family right? They wanted to extinguish that first in her life, at this point where she is weak...This conclusion is based on Anna's explanation when we consulted her of what is happening. What they don't know about is that Lucy lost her memories too, disabling her to go to the guild and fall right into the enemies' plan..."
"That reminds me, how did she lost her memories?"
"We don't know, honestly... I'm still searching for the answer to that..."
At his answer, I was about to follow it up with another but he cut me off and said, "And before you questioned why we didn't go directly to the guild, well to inform you, we did. When I had enough strength to check on Lucy, I noticed her alone without you and the others. Knowing that something had happened, I asked Virgo to open her own gate and go to the guild. It took some time but we managed. That's when Virgo informed me of what is happening. I asked where you and the other members of Team Natsu. All she said is that Erza and Gray questioned who she was and that they refused to let someone suspicious to see you even after telling you who we are…I know that there's something going on but we, Celestial Spirits, must put Lucy's safety first. The Celestial Spirit King felt something disturbed the flow of time and asked me to find Anna, a celestial sprit mage like Lucy and someone who is experienced with time and space anomalies…" He continued as I listened intently, trying to finally grasp the situation we're in.
So the landlady did remember me huh? And she really didn't told me anything NOT describing Lucy in any way other than knowing her.
She even indicated that we're the same age so I guess she's secretly rooting for me and she knew that I won't bring any harm to her?
Other people not being affected by this sort of magic is a good thing! I can even asked other guilds about ways to stop and solve the problem!
"Do you have any clue about the mage who did this? All I could remember is that we are on our way to a guild to gather information about the 100-year quest..."
"Virgo and I were summoned to face one mage who uses Spatial Magic like Minerva. I remember questioning Lucy of your whereabouts, but she just showed me a determined face with tears welling up her eyes. She said that we will save you and the others. I was confused but I disregarded that thought as I assist her. With her Virgo Star Dress and Fleuve d'etolies, the three of us fought the mage. We defeated her, and have her as a prisoner for a while. We wanted to get answers but as the morning comes and we followed her instructions, we were ambushed. She fought us, together with her allies and we are able to hold them off with Lucy also opening Capricorn's gate, but as she was in the verge of collapsing, another man appeared and helped her. One earth mage surrounded Vurgo with his vines, a woman knight faced Capricorn which she overpowered. I helped Lucy at the end but failed when this mage, covered in black cloak, blasted me with his magic. All I can remember before disappearing is Lucy's fighting stance as she held her whip to her chest..." Loke answered clenching his fist at the memory.
Meaning, she fought till the end…
Even without her celestial spirits…
Alone…
Damn it! Why can't I remember anything?! And where the am I during that time?
She will save us?!From what?!
Loke looked away and I stared at him suspiciously, "Is there something else you know about?"
He sighed but nodded. "Yes, Lucy gave us a glimpse of what those people want but I ask that you refrain from asking about it for now..."
"What?! If it's what they want, shouldn't you tell me about it?!" I questioned, fueled by a mixture of confusion, anger and desperation.
"I know but it's...I just—"He looked at me, eyes asking for understanding. "I first needed to consult the Celestial Spirit King... I'm sorry Natsu, Fairy Tail is my family but this, its concerned with my duty, my responsibility...I will try to tell you as much as I can but not now..."
At what he said, I can feel my resolve weakening. I can see that he really want to help and this only proved how serious he is at his request.
I sighed, nodding. "I'll take your word for that, Loke..."
He was grateful, I can see that but it still doesn't subside the curiosity bubbling inside of me. Due to this, I turned and focused to what he told me about.
"And she doesn't remember anything?" I managed to ask through clenched teeth and frustration.
What the hell, what the hell, what the fucking hell?! I fought the urge to punch the wall I'm leaning at.
"No…She woke up a week ago with no memories of you guys but with memories of what it seems like someone else's because of how detailed they are. Two days ago, Anna urged her to travel to the places where her adventures started; to Hargeon, to the place where two first met, the restaurant where she bought you food, and now here in Magnolia. We chose this method because whenever we tell her something about Fairy tail and you guys, she collapsed from feeling her head hurt. We thought that if she remembers you guys naturally, all of her memories will return smoothly…" I nod my head in understanding. Okay, all of the pieces are slowly coming together. We just need a plan and some leads then I'll go straight to the bastards who did this!
"So we can't tell her directly huh? Guess I'll just show her then! Come on Loke! She may not remember me now and is reluctant to be near me…" And there's that sinking feeling again! Tsk I'll make her remember no matter what! "But she remembers you right? She trusts whatever you say?" I exclaimed intending to return inside and ganged up with Happy to plan Operation Lucy when he suddenly stopped me. I looked at him in confusion which he only returned with a sad smile.
"Lucy doesn't remember me well, not like she used to I guess…" His statement made me paused. Then what about her other spirits?
As if he can read my thoughts, he sighed once again. "She doesn't remember anything about Fairy Tail and that includes me and all of her spirits…S-She doesn't even remember that she's a mage…."
"What?!Damn, this is getting more and more complicated…"
Any more problems and I feel like my head is gonna burst!
LUCY
"Hmmm so Natsu is a mage huh? And with Dragon Slaying Magic? Wow!" I grinned at the new information that I have learned about Natsu.
"Aye! And he said that you're Fairy Tail's very own Celestial Mage! Ne, Lucy, can you show me some of your spirits? Do you have any Fish spirits? Hmmm Fish Lushii I'm hungryyy do you have any fish?" I was about to comment on Happy's short spanned attentiveness when I digest what he said.
Fairy Tail? Celestial Spirit Mage? Me? A mage? But I don't have any magic!
"But I don't have any m-""Lushiiiee fishhh I'm so hungry!" He whined before placing himself in my lap.
I stared at the Blue talking cat who seems comfortable sitting in my lap and sigh. "Wow I'm surprised on how familiar you are with me when we just met a few minutes ago...but guess can't blame you if I feel the same way…"
Guess I'll just have to wait after I fed him.
"I'll just make us lunch since I'm also hungry…Ne, Happy think Natsu will come join us later? I don't want to waste any food if he already ate…" I asked him as I look for anything to cook at the fridge. Loke said that he already ate so I guess I'll just make him some tea…
"Aye!" I nod in response and start preparing the ingredients.
Huh…Its weird…
I looked at the ingredients that I have prepared…
When did I learn how to cook fire chicken?
END OF CHAPTER 4
A/N: Thank you for reading! And if you have time, leave some reviews? I don't know? Just want to know what you think of this I guess? Haha Anyway, the next chapter is in progress! I'll probably upload it this week so stay tuned! Thank You!