We're back! I'm so excited to share this chapter with you. It has a bit more of an insight to the Dragneel family.
The room lit up with small specks of sunlight as morning approached, seeping warmth into the dark velvet-shaded room. A figure rested on a red couch, clearly uncomfortable with the living situation. Her blonde hair sticking to the fabric couch, whilst her pale porcelain skin showed red fabric lines from where she slept. Lucy stirred in her sleep, shutting her eyes tightly when the sunlight shone against her face. Groggily, she opened her eyes and allowed her vision to change from blurred to clear. Sitting up from the couch, and pushing the blanket from her body, she allowed a petite yawn and stretch to leave her body. Still tired eyes turned to view the room, landing on the figure sprawled across the velvet bed. Shaking her head, the 16 year old recalled the events from the previous day and grimaced. Although unsatisfied with her new home, the blonde stood up and made her way to the bathroom in hope that a steaming shower would wash away her worries.
Little did she know, a pair of onyx eyes had been watching her from the moment she stood up. A small smile twerked on his lips and he drifted back to sleep.
"Oi... Hey... You... Wake... Up" A voice echoed in the back of his mind and a soft probing to his cheek slowly intensified. Natsu decided to wake up, but continued to keep his eyes shut as if playing a game. He rolled onto his side – back facing the culprit attempting to wake him up and faked a snore. He suppressed a chuckle when he heard a sigh of annoyance and little foot steps that told him she had moved to the other side of the bed. Natsu felt a soft thud on the bed and someone hovering over him – it wasn't until his ear was grabbed and Lucy screamed "Wake up!" into it that his eyes shot open. He quickly sat up, knocking the blonde over in the process, and rubbed his now throbbing ear.
"What was that for Luigi?" He snarled unhappily, turning his piercing onyx eyes to his abuser. His breath hitched as he watched her stand up, observing the curves of the body which stood out from her outfit. She was wearing a short skater-skirt that was black with gold spirals, and a white singlet blouse with her black lacy bra slightly seeping through the thin fabric. Her golden hair was pulled into a messy bun with small strands surrounding her face. She had her slender hands on her hips and an annoyed face that he couldn't help but chuckle at.
"It's Lucy – and what is so funny?" she hissed impatiently, tapping her foot on the floor as if waiting for a response.
"No nothing, sorry" he chuckled once more before lifting himself off the bed and strolling over to the blonde who looked up to him with a ferocious stare. "I'm just not used to such pretty pets". He hadn't missed the way she rolled her eyes and shoved passed him.
"I've heard it all before and I definitely don't need to hear that from you. Your father has requested you come down for breakfast, go get ready" she huffed, venom dripping from the word father. She chucked a towel in his direction, which he easily caught, and watched him move towards the bathroom.
Natsu scowled at the word and grunted in response "He is not my father". With that, Natsu shut himself in the bathroom leaving a confused Lucy to stare at the door where he once stood.
"So, Natsu, my boy" Achnologia started, taking a sip from his coffee cup, his eyes fixated on the paper he was reading. "We have a party on tonight, I would like for you to come, talk to some business partners of mine and put on a little show". Natsu froze for a moment before continuing to eat, clearly disliking the idea of a show. Achnologia continued, finally folding his paper down and looking towards Natsu "There have been an uprising of slaves that don't know their place. I would like for you to demonstrate what happens to these slaves when they disobey" he chuckled darkly at the thought.
"But father-" Natsu started but was silenced with a glare. A small door opened and a small bluenette popped her head through the crack, her eyes downcast with fear.
"Wendy my dear, I'm glad you're here. I need your help showing Natsu something. The young 8 year old cautiously strolled towards the older male, eyeing Natsu in the process. "Now Natsu, you have a choice, you can do as I say and demonstrate on your new blonde-" Natsu's fist tightened around the fork he had been holding "or, I can take your sister down stairs and make you agree". A darkened chuckle left Achnologia as he stroked the young girls bruised arms. Natsu eyed the bruises and held back a snarl.
"Okay father" was all he said before storming out the dining room – motioning for his little sister to follow. When he left the room, a blonde bob of hair interrupted his thoughts. She had been ordered to wait outside whilst he had breakfast. Natsu pushed passed her and down the hall, small foot steps following him closely behind. He stopped at his room and opened the door, allowing the blonde to walk in before shutting the door with a click. Lucy snapped her gaze around, eyeing the pinkette cautiously – but decided against her better judgement to say anything.
"I'm so sorry" a small, broken voice croaked out, shocking the blonde. He strolled over to the blonde and fell to his knees, his hair covering his darkened eyes. "I am so sorry you came to me". A wrecked sob was unleashed from his body. Lucy knelt down and hesitantly placed a hand on his shoulder. Tear-streaked eyes met with her brown orbs and for a moment, regardless of the situation, she felt remorse for her master. She helped Natsu up and they sat on the couch. He explained the situation and what would happen if he disagreed.
"I understand... I promise I won't let anything happen to your little sister" Lucy responded, determined eyes met his, and before she could comprehend what had happened. Natsu had tackled her into a hug of appreciation. They sat like this for a while. Lucy finally understood what painful life she had installed and was set on ensuring this soul that her master had, would not be broken.