Lucy saw the cove through the cracked stone window of her room. Grey skies, Roma and Romni she recognized bustling about one direction to the other and many others she had never seen before. Some didn't hold the mark of the clan. Not in places she could see. The cove looked to reach around a wide stretch of a closed off bay, with salty ocean water moving along the tides and it's scent struck her with every gust of wind. It was a beautiful sight, something new that she had never seen before.
She wanted to see more, but the doors to her room had been locked tight, much like a prison. Scorch marks and ash residue stained the door served as a reminder of Natsu's poor opinion to this change. She gave a tired grin at the sight of it. It helped to reassure her that, despite everything they learned over the last two days, he still believed in her, no matter what was said otherwise. Lucy remembered what lead to this point and the decision she made that sealed itl:
"Ya' can't just lock her up!" The day her fever broke had been a day full of shouting and bitter words. Lucy remembered waking to the sound of snarling as Natsu blocked the path to her cot. "So what if that Kagu - whatever his name is- said she's dangerous! She hasn't done a damn thing to us!"
"Natsu, there's more to it than that," Erza snapped from the doorway, her voice calm in comparison. It was steely and brook no grounds for argument. "We have to take into account what Laxus heard from Jose-"
Natsu's interruption felt like an explosion of force as a burst of hot air filled the room, "I couldn't give a damn what THAT bastard says! Since when did we ever trust that snake?!"
"That's enough, Natsu!" Makarov shouted, silencing them both. He stood between them with arms crossed and mustache bristling. "You know as well as anyone that I wouldn't trust that man with the life of a slug, but we can't take any risks until we have more information." Lucy's eyes had opened by then, viewing Natsu before her as he attempted to block the Chief's view. Makarov's expression did not fit one of a leader protecting his clan from danger, but of a tired man, riddled in guilt. His narrowed brows made his expression harsher than the downcast of his eyes, but they met hers with shame, "Considering her condition, Lucy won't be leaving this room for a few days, this is just a precaution." He didn't bring attention towards her waking up.. Instead, the elder forced his gaze to meet Natsu's, whose entire frame had grown stiff.
"How is locking her up like some kinda criminal a precaution? Are ya losing your mind, gramps?!"
"Natsu!" Erza interjected, stepping from her position she grasped the pommel of her sword, "You will show the Master the respect he deserves or be punished by my ha-"
A flare of fire and heat surged from Natsu's feet, drowning out the sound of Lucy's surprise. "Just try it Erza, I don't care that you can pummel my face into the dirt- you draw that sword and I won't hesitate to melt it!"
"Quiet! Both of you!" Makarov barked, causing them to jump as a heavy pressure emanated from the smaller man's body. The weight pressed against Lucy like weights and her weak body struggled to breathe at the onslaught. It rippled away as fast as it struck and Makarov cleared his throat, eyes meeting hers again in apology. Makarov straightened his back, motioning his fingers for the female warrior to retreat back to the doorway.. "I'll not have you threatening Natsu for doing what he thinks is right. He's attached to the girl and for good reason. Even I would rather protect her in some way that didn't involve locking her up."
"Protect her?" The two warriors, perplexed, questioned in unison.
" - but you said she was gonna get locked up," Natsu wavered, his earlier tenacity simmering. He took a step back to Lucy's bed, "what are you talkin' about?"
Makarov rubbed his temples, lips thinned in consternation as he grumbled, "Listen here, you knucklehead. For some reason, Jose and his men are looking for the girl. We don't know why, but it's enough for them to risk entering our woods and feeding information to Laxus. We know he would never allow something to threaten our home. Corroborating that information is the young man in our cells, Kage. Rather than give that information up himself, he implied what Laxus knew to already be fact. Something is amiss here, and I don't want to leave anything to chance!"
"Yes, exactly." Erza nodded, her expression as fierce as ever.
Natsu snarled, his fury rekindled, "and how does treating Lucy like some kinda criminal, protect her?"
"Natsu, use your head for a moment, would you?" Makarov groaned. "They are trying to make us give her up without attempting to break through our defenses. Whether they're speaking the truth or not is not the issue. They want her and have already made it clear they will attack us to get her. In her state, if they somehow managed to break in, do you think she could fight them off as she is? Until we get answers, she's safer where we can keep an eye on her."
The words sunk in, filling the room with a permeable silence that was suffocating. Natsu' back was still facing Lucy, but she could imagine the expression on his face, mouth open as he struggled for words- his dark eyes glittering fiercely. Erza's features had softened, no longer attempting to intimidate the Draconis into submission One that spoke of a quiet remorse that matched their Chief.
"I just," Natsu swallowed, tongue swiping along his lips as he put his thoughts to vocalization, "I don't get how that's fair to her, that's... That's all."
The tension broke, all shoulders relaxed and Makarov's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Perhaps it's not, but she needs rest and a way to stay safe for now. I don't intend for her to stay in these stone walls forever, you know. That's not a life for anyone."
"... but-"
His eyes twinkled knowingly, "Perhaps Lucy can tell us what she thinks?"
His gaze met hers once again while two heads twisted to look back, Natsu's cheeks were flushed from emotion, eyes wide. "You're awake? Is the fever broke? Are you better?!"
Lucy blinked owlishly and wondered if Natsu realized just how loud they were being to expect her to still be sleeping. Carefully, she sat up, fingers twisting the thin blankets that covered her. "Yes and I heard everything, Natsu."
The discussion that followed lead to a tantrum from Natsu. He never expected Lucy to agree to the terms and his agitated shouts still echoed through her mind. When the Draconis left, his heated hand slammed against the wall at his exit. Lucy could still smell the charred door frame upon examination even after the few days that passed.
Her leg throbbed where she stood, but Lucy ignored it. It wasn't an ideal situation, but she couldn't deny the logic. If they felt this was the best course of action, then her best option was to listen and hope for the best. How else could she prove her innocence? Truthfully, being distrusted due to some rumors being spread, struck her heart like knives, but she couldn't blame them for being careful. They didn't know her. Not really. Blinking back a sting of emotion, her pale fingers clenched tightly together.
"It's not as if they are my family," She sighed, "they can't be expected to trust me that easy."
Except, they did trust her. So many assured her as they passed by to deliver food, water or to provide other needs. Natsu more than most. He visited for hours at a time. As did Cana, Wendy and Mirajane. Even Gray shuffled by her window at times to check in on her. All those she had spent the end of Summer and Fall with, attempted to give her company at any moment they could spare. It was heartwarming, but not enough for the rest. Not yet.
Lucy hadn't realized the clan would be so large, or so full of people who didn't travel all year round. The cove was like their own village, working together just as any other, and not everyone carried a source of magic within them. Mirajane had tried to answer a few other questions during her visits, but while the knowledge had been interesting, it wasn't the same as experience.
Watching a few waves crash against the beach, Lucy's lip trembled and she struggled to hold back a wave of tears. "Maybe I shouldn't have come with them, after all."
"And what makes you think that?" A voice came from below and Lucy yelped. She jumped away and narrowly grazing her hair against the upper window frame. "Goodness, your observation skills need some work, don't they?"
"M-Makarov-?" She asked, breathless, blood pounded in her ears and she struggled to calm her heart rate. Resisting the urge to step away further, she tilted her gaze downward for the interloper, surprised to find the Clan Chief seated calmly beneath her.
Makarov sat comfortably on the cool, dead grass, arms crossed under his fur cloak, the top of his balding head the only thing she could see from her angle. Sputtering, the Romni cleared her throat and wondered how long he'd been there. Did he do this often?
"I didn't think anyone would sit there," She admitted, "then again, most people don't think to look under their windows."
He chuckled and tilted his gaze up to grin at her, "Of course they don't. Now then, are you going to answer my question or aren't you?"
"Question?" She deadpanned, only just processing the words that had startled her. "Isn't that answer a little obvious? You welcomed me to stay as long as I wanted, but look where it got me. Stuck in a small room. The view is lovely, but that doesn't really make up for it."
"Ah yes," He said, pushing himself up to face her, "I knew you were putting on a brave face for the others. I wish it hadn't come to this."
"I know." Lucy said, eyes moving away from his. The look on his face was full of pity. She couldn't bare to see it. "I know why you did it, I just…" She couldn't help how she felt, the words dropping before she could finish, hanging in the air and dispersing, but the elder understood. He gripped his staff and inhaled slowly, as if mentally counting the seconds before he spoke.
"You're a strong, girl." He said, "Though I don't think you realize it yet. I've noticed many of the others visiting you. They seem to accept you just fine, haven't you noticed?"
Lucy made no effort to respond, unwilling to state her fear of the opposite. She didn't have a family, and this new clan couldn't trust her. What right did she have to hope for more? Licking her lips, she looked over Makarov's head, searching for a new subject. "Where's Natsu?"
She missed him, strangely enough He often poked his head through the window as if he could fit right through it. (His shoulders were too too broad, but that didn't stop him any.) The day they had locked her in, he had complained and dug his heels in, refusing to give an inch- even more so when she agreed to it. His anger at her decision was clear, but that never stopped him from visiting. However, she hadn't seen him since the night before, and it left her anxious. Was he still upset?
"He's on patrol today." Makarov broke through her thoughts, full of amusement, "I'm sure the minute he returns he'll be trying to dive through your window again, don't worry about that."
"Patrol?" Somehow, Lucy had never thought the need for patrolling would be necessary.
"Hmm, yes- while Erza and a few others are tracking down the men who attacked, he's part of another group that's keeping watch over all entrances. He'll be back once off rotation."
It was then that Lucy remembered Natsu was one of the many warriors and hunters in the clan. She'd become so used to having him near, watching out for her, that the day they had met was almost a distant memory. The revelation left an empty feeling inside. Not a day went by that she didn't recall the days and nights with the slavers, but the singular night that lead to her escape had somehow become a blurred vision. Had she grown so used to the clan? Had her guard been lowered?
"Now, I did have a reason for my visit," Makarov pulled her from her reverie once again and she flushed at being caught distracted twice. His mustache twitched in amusement, but his eyes were narrowed: serious. "Do you recall what I told you when you first awoke from your fever?"
Her eyes lit up, "Yes?" After accepting his order to be shut in, Lucy had asked about the man they'd captured. In her state, she missed far too many things. Who was Jose? And what were they told to make them distrust her so? When she asked, Natsu and Erza had stiffened, their expressions cloudy.
Makarov was undeterred and shook his head. "I'd rather not reopen old wounds by repeating them to you. Just know it has raised many concerns that need looking into if we're to keep you here."
It wasn't the answer she wanted, but at his order, no one would tell her otherwise and she knew it. Looking upon the Chief now, she hoped he was ready to give her the answers she requested. No, the answers she needed and deserved to know.
"I'm still not telling you what was said." She deflated instantly, but he raised a hand to interrupt an outburst. "Lucy, I need you to trust me. I know it's hard to feel as if we're on the same side, but I assure you that all my decisions have been made in your interest, not just my own. What was mentioned spoke of the deaths of your family, and I won't force you to relive that telling again."
She bit her lip enough to draw blood and winced, her own brows knit together as she shook in silent fury. "I'm sorry, Makarov, but I have WANTED to trust you since I was saved. I've wanted to heal and to feel safe and, and- " to find a new home! She couldn't finish the words as a strangled sob burst through her. Lucy's knuckles hurt from her as she slammed the flat of her fists against the stone, "h-how do you expect me to do that when you wont even tell me what I'm being locked up for?"
He let her talk, calmly watching as she shook and poured forth her frustration and feelings of helplessness, but when she fell silent- his gaze no longer held the pity it once had. "You were accused of something dreadful, and I won't lay that burden on you." She opened her mouth to speak, but his voice turned harsh, "Lucy! I need you to be quiet and listen!"
Her mouth ran dry, eyes wide while emotions boiled over into more tears that clouded her vision. "What is it?"
"I don't believe what that man told Laxus is true. I refuse to believe it!" The passion in his words surprised her, belied everything said before, it filled her with jarring confusion. "That being said, I still have to make absolute certain that my own intuition is correct. I have to ask this of you, Lucy. One more time, please tell me that you gave me and Natsu the full truth about the attack on your Clan.. Tell me you gave every. last. detail."
Lucy froze. So that was it. Whatever this Jose had said, whatever this Kage intended when he attacked, it all had made her sound as if she had something to hide. Air left her as her lungs constricted, refusing to breathe and her eyes stung with tears she couldn't contain. Swallowing thickly, her mind ran through her previous account: the route they had traveled, the sudden attack, the wagon that covered her… surviving, listless and alone, traveling like a wilting corpse until …
The men that caught her, outside of a town, as if they had known exactly where to find her. Had she lied? Emotions and memory flurried together in her heart and mind; they whispered and circled, giving visions of memories she had forgotten or dreamt of nightly. Had she hidden some terrible truth? Did Makarov know something she didn't about her own family?
Lucy met his gaze, her voice cold and gaze blazing. Lucy answered with every emotion she could feel boiling beneath her skin, throbbing in her knee, "I told you everything I know."
That was the truth and she prayed he would feel her earnest emotions and know them for what they were. He grew silent as the wind grew in force, rustling empty branches and dying leaves across the turf as sand from the beach scattered against the stone wall. His gaze searched hers, as if burrowing into her eyes to pick apart her brain, but the Romni refused to turn her eyes away.
The tension faded, melting into a sigh of relief and a small smile crinkled the corners of his eyes, "That's all I needed, Lucy. Thank you."
She didn't know what string had pulled taut inside her, but it snapped- releasing the tension in her body as the last ounce of energy inside her faded. Limbs felt boneless and her knee panged like an electric shock. Lucy mustered what strength she had in her to hold herself up and looked towards the village beyond. She felt as if she'd been put through her paces and took a deep breath to fill her shuddering lungs.
"I don't know what I did to ease your mind," She said, "but you're welcome, I suppose."
"Never you mind that," he replied, reclasping his cloak as he turned from her, "Your eyes told me all I needed. I'm sorry I had to put you through that. Now rest up, please. "
She didn't move as he left, a lightness to his steps she hadn't noticed until then. Lucy pursed her lips, her heart still raw from their discussion. She refused to rest, not until he had left her sight, but Makarov didn't remain alone for long. Joining him at a nearby corner was a tall blond man she had yet to meet. He spoke with the chief before narrowed eyes looked her way. Lucy felt rather than heard the threat that came from his stare.
He didn't trust her and wouldn't hesitate to strike her down if he had to; that she knew. Though the expression on his face was difficult to distinguish from a distance, she knew the intense feel of it. It was the same look she had given the slaver's when captured. A look she never expected to have aimed at herself.
"That… must be Laxus," She surmised, exhaustion forced her to finally drift from the window to fall against the ragged cot that was her bed, "It almost felt like an angry bear was staring me down."
Lucy laughed, her voice empty, and closed her eyes. She wouldn't sleep, not now. Lucy felt she had slept long enough in recent days and the Romni refused to succumb to further daytime napping. She would rest her body and wait to rise again. Maybe her next visitor would give her a reason to smile and hope, rather than jump through emotional hoops.
Her breathing began to even out, but the wind and sounds of others rushing by her window, echoed in and out of her ears, keeping her aware. With each intake of oxygen, her limbs grew heavier- the release of all tension in her body relieved Lucy and allowed the last vestiges of tears to fall, stain her cheeks and dampen her pillow. Only a few, and her crying stopped after a few stricken gasps.
She didn't want to think anymore, only listen.
… forgive us….
What?
We didn't mean to hurt you.
She couldn't open her eyes, but the voices whispered in her mind as if beside her, it caused goosebumps to travel up her arm. 'Who are you?' Lucy froze, realizing that while her mouth moved- she couldn't hear herself. Muted, quiet, no voice to echo along the walls of her room.
'What's going on?'
Don't you remember us, yet?
We wanted to help.
It's our fault… please… please…
'Wait, I can't-' Lucy struggled for the words to come, but the barrage of voices continued echoing through her skull. Memories of Natsu rushing off to fight without her flooded her senses, the sudden ability to see his every move, the aches in her head the…
The voices…
Forgive us!
The sudden paralysis broke and Lucy shot up from her bed to shout furiously. "Tell me who you are already!"
Lucy's words echoed off the stone walls with brilliant vibrations and her chest heaved from the exertion. The voices scattered, dispersing as quickly as they came and a strange pressure in her skull released. Lucy blinked the vestiges of sleep from her eyes and gasped. Why was this happening so much?
"Last I checked I was the same as I always was. Do I sound different to you or something?" As if the world was set to continue throwing surprise visitors at her, Natsu's familiar voice struck Lucy like cannon fire and in her sudden fright, she slipped from the cot with a loud thud.
"Ow! - W-when did you get here?!" She whined as her fingers searched for the nearby cane to pull herself up.
"Just now." He said, beaming from the window as he watched, but the smile was forced. "You doing all right? That didn't hurt you did it?"
"I'm fine!" She shouted, teeth ground together as she managed to stand, "Just perfect!" Rubbing her stiff knee, Lucy gripped her cane tightly. Makarov sounded as if he would be gone for most of the day, what brought Natsu back so soon? She was about to ask, but froze mid-sentence when she realized the sun was well-beyond the horizon behind Natsu's head.
"-But, I wasn't sleeping, how did-" She stammered, looking back from her cot and towards the window again. Was all that just a dream? The Draconis at her window watched her with a deep interest, nose scrunched as she looked between them. His lips pulled back under his teeth as he examined her from the distance.
"And you're sure you didn't hit your head?" He asked quizzically, one pink brow lifting into his fringe. "Cause you're sounding a little strange right now, Lucy."
"I said I was fine, Natsu," She snapped as she trudged back towards the window. His hair was a mess, much like the time she'd picked leaves from it. His outfit had changed as well. No longer clothed in just a vest and pants- a loose shirt was worn beneath. She ignored the appreciative voice in her head that enjoyed the view of its open neck. Clearing her throat, she tore her eyes away and sighed, "Sorry, you didn't deserve that."
Natsu used his forearms to hold himself up pushing partially through the window with feet splayed out behind him. Not for the first time, it looked as if he would attempt to crawl through. Instead, he hung in the air, head closer to hers while his frown deepened. "Nah, I probably do."
"Natsu?"
His eyes were solemn, a dark brooding simmered in the depths of them. The past few days were full of the Draconis bouncing between anger and energized movement; Each time he came, he either threatened to break down her doors and pull her free or bring her new items from the village to look at. She saw nothing on his person today, but the dirt and scuff marks on his clothing told a clear story. He'd run straight to her from his patrol. Lucy felt a lightness in her chest at the realization, but ignored it too. He was too close, even if he was barely through the opening.
"I couldn't convince them to let ya' out," His rumbling complaint turned to a low growl, full of frustration, "And instead of bustin' the doors down like I should be doin', I'm just letting them keep ya here."
"It makes me sick!" Lucy flinched at his fervor, it dripped in bitter toxicity and spewed from his mouth like hissing fire. His gaze darkened as he shifted back to his feet and he ground his teeth together, sucking in air to calm himself.
Lucy hated seeing him like this, closing in the distance to reach out. He froze at her touch, her hand cupping his cheek and lightly rubbing his skin and unseen focus turned back to her with wide and blinking eyes. She knew he'd been against Makarov's decision from the start, but she never realized just how much he placed the blame on himself for it. "No, you're not. I agreed to it, remember?"
His dark gaze melded with her own, the simple effect of her hand against him made his shoulders relax and the Roma relaxed further, tilting his head to nudge into her palm before moving away. He reached out and flicked her on the nose. "Ya shouldn't have, that's my whole point!"
"H-hey!" She recoiled instantly, but avenged herself seconds after by pinching his nose with enough force to make his eyes cross. "Don't be rude! I only agreed to it because I know it's not going to be forever! You'd know that too if you had any faith in me!"
"Oi! I do have faith, why else would I think you shouldn't be stuck in here?!"
"I don't know, maybe because you don't think everything through?"
"Now you're just being mean, Lucy!"
"No, I'm being practical! You should try it sometime!"
Breathing mingled together as they continued their back and forth. It was a tug-o-war match over who could make the other retreat from the window first, but neither did. A few more well-placed barbs and the two fell silent, glowering at each other in mock offense. A cricket chirped, interrupting the moment and their downturned expressions lifted to a fit of giggles instead. They leaned against the sil, laughing and gasping for air as they wiped their watery eyes.
"I needed that." Lucy admitted, her quiet chortles became muffled behind her hand and Natsu's fanged grin grew wide as he agreed. But he fell silent faster than her, his expression pensieve. The silent consideration sobered her and she stared in confusion. What was it now?
"You know what?" He asked, leaning further into her personal space, eyes gleamed with a sudden, mischievous light, "I think you need a better view. What do you say?"
Lucy blinked, casting her eyes to the frame of the window and around the landscape between them. All things considered, her view was fairly decent, if not limited, "And how am I supposed to get that?" She asked, her arms crossed. "Are you going to make me a new window?"
"Nope!" He exclaimed, pointing pass her towards a stool in the corner, "Bring that over and stand on it."
Not understanding his intentions, but seeing no reason to disagree, Lucy hobbled to do as requested. The stool was lighter than it looked, and wobbled when she placed her foot upon it. After a few adjustments, she managed to stand, balancing on the seat while it boosted her an extra foot: the view was extraordinary.
"I never thought I'd see a wall this close up." She said dryly.
Natsu snickered, "Don't be weird and bend down through the window. It's too narrow for me, but your shoulders should fit through just fine!"
His plan finally dawned on her, "Wait, are you wanting me to sneak out?" What other reason could he have? Curiosity urged her to follow his instructions, feeling just a graze of the stone frame brush across her shoulders. Natsu was right, she could fit through, but the stool wobbled and her balance faltered. "N-Natsu this is- I shouldn't be doing this!"
He used a steady hand to hold her by the shoulders. "Don't worry, I'll help you get back in again,. Just trust me, will you?" With guided movements, he pulled her through, clicking his tongue as she wriggled through the opening. The pain of her knee was a dull throb in response to the movement, but to Lucy's surprise, Natsu's grip did not falter and he swung her gently down to place her on solid ground without fuss.
She smelled the woods on him as her fingers searched for purchase in the hem of his vest to hold herself. "If I can't get back in later, I'm blaming you. What are you planning?"
"Keh, I'll take the blame no problem!" Natsu's chest puffed and he turned to look towards the starlit beach. "Not everyone sleeps early, but you still haven't got much of a tour yet have you? Let's change that."
A part of her knew that it was better to have him help her crawl right back into her locked room. To be patient and wait for Makarov to release her, but soft whispers, familiar and unheard, spoke into her mind and urged her to listen. Grasping his hand - her cane forgotten in the confines of her room- Lucy smiled.
The stars were bright. It felt like their own brilliant glitter agreed with the voice inside her.
"I'd like that."
Natsu's only response was to smile so brightly, it was like the sun was still shining.
I'm still trying to be consistent with this and apologize for the long wait! (Again.) I had issues come up that made it impossible to focus on my own work for a long while. For more information you can check the update on my BIO or find me on Tumblr at RougeScribe for more information!
Thank you all for still sticking by me. Enjoy!
