AN: Sorry guys! I know I said 'late next week' but this is pushing it. Thanks to everyone who favorited, followed and of course, left such lovely reviews! I'm not as good at keeping up with reviews as I'd like to be, but every encouraging word is truly appreciated. Thank you all!
I wish I could say everything is good now, but it looks like I'm going to have to take another break. I've got about two more chapters that are ready to post, and I'll be editing those and getting them to you in the next two weeks, but after that I'll need to sit down and decide how this story needs to wind up the loose threads and end. I feel like I'm still only halfway through the story I really wanted to tell, so once I get time to write again I'm pretty sure I'll be cranking out chapters as fast as ever.
As for this chapter…
I'm evil. I know. My obsession with drama (especially revolving around our favourite pink-haired muffin and his only true lady love) is unhealthy. He he. No regrets.
Enjoy!
Twigs cracked and leaves crunched underfoot as she ran. She struggled through the thick forest foliage, unheeding of the numerous branches and brambles that tore at her delicate nightgown. The flimsy sandals she wore were almost worn through - a thin sliver of blood from the gashes on the soles of her feet trailing behind her, leaving a ghastly route for the curious wildlife of the enchanted woods. Her breath came out in harsh pants as she struggled to stay on course - her vision hindered by the tears that blurred the forest path before her.
Her heart felt numb.
With a desperate spurt of speed, she burst through the last set of bushes, her chest heaving as her the rest of her body trembled from fatigue, stress and immense, heartbreaking sorrow. Before her was an open clearing, the mood amongst its inhabitants as somber as the cloudy night sky overhead. At the opposite end of the clearing stood Cana's cabin - the normally cheerful looking cottage steeped in gloom.
"Lucy!"
His worried, sorrowful voice barely registered as her gaze locked on the long, wooden casket laying in the center of the clearing, surrounded by a solemn group of magical dignitaries. She did not feel the warm arm that wrapped around her shoulders, or hear the soft words whispered in her ear, urging her to lean on him for support, as she was gently steered to the edge of the simple yet imposing coffin. Her tears blinded her, her entire form trembling against the strong arms that grasped her tight against a warm chest, as she gazed down upon the silent, still figure in the coffin.
Colonel Makarov looked far more at peace in death than he had ever been in life.
Lucy gently disentangled herself from the tight hold of her dragon best friend, missing the distressed whine that escaped him as she did so. She knelt down closer to the form of her beloved Grandpapa, gulping in deep breaths in a vain effort to regain a semblance of composure. She tore her gaze away from his still figure a few seconds later, her bloodshot eyes scanning the remaining beings gathered around the casket. Her gaze fell on Igneel, the being right opposite to her and closest to her after Natsu.
"How could they bring him down? Who?..."
Lucy's voice was a hoarse rasp, her eyes unable to quite lock onto Igneel's, but the question was unmistakably meant for him. Igneel bowed his head.
"Demons, dear Lucy. Overwhelming numbers of them. The contingent your Grandfather led to the town was small, and none - save one - had magic to fight back. Your grandfather tried to fight them all on his own, protecting his men to the end, but it was a doomed endeavor. Whoever planned this heinous ambush put in an amazing amount of effort towards it - the mercenary demon troops were surprisingly well organized, and kept themselves and the battle well concealed from the nearby human towns. He and his entire regiment would have perished without a trace if it had not been for your timely suspicions that led to Natsu's involvement."
Lucy sobbed, glancing over her shoulder to offer a watery, wane smile to her dragon best friend.
"You really went there, just as you promised…"
"Of course, Luce." Natsu rasped, his voice rough with contained sorrow. "And we now thank the dragon Gods that you sent me. For we would have never known about the demon's involvement in Gramps' death if not. Nor would we have been able to rescue Laxus…"
Lucy gasped, shooting to her feet immediately.
"Laxus is alive?! Where is he?! Take me to him!"
Natsu stood up beside her, taking in the thin, silky nightdress clinging to her voluptuous form with a frown. She shivered as a soft night breeze wafted through the clearing, prompting him to instantly shrug off his cloak and wrap it around her shoulders.
"Here you go. Now, follow me."
He slipped his clawed hand into hers, gently coaxing her away from the casket and towards Cana's cottage. Lucy clutched his hand like a lifeline, her head resting heavy on his shoulder as she still struggled to contain her grief, every step away from her beloved Grandpapa's form laborious and terrifying.
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"I need that potion right away Cana!"
"Here ya go! Careful, tha's gonna sting 'em."
"Mother, his vitals are still dropping! I think he has stopped responding…"
"Don't stop no matter what, Wendy! I'm working as fast as I can…"
"Grandine! Please, I beg of you, let me do my part…"
"No, Freed. You know as well as I that Laxus would never forgive you were you to sacrifice your life force for him! Stay by his side - right now, he will need you when he awakens…"
"I-If he awakens…"
"Wendy, for the Dragon God's sake, stay positive! A healer's greatest tool is their power to hope!"
"Yes, Mother."
Lucy took in the scene before her with wide, fearful eyes, clinging to Natsu's arm as tight as her tired limbs allowed. Natsu whispered a few solacing words into her ear, his own expression tense with worry as his eyes darted between the frantic healers hovering around Laxus, and the no less worried figures hovering around Bixlow, who lay a few beds away. Lisanna and Mira worked frantically over the inert form of the seith mage, tears flowing freely from Lisanna's eyes as her sister shot her concerned glances every now and then. The silent, solemn forms of Elfman and Evergreen hovered between both beds, offering support and help to both patients when and where they could.
"B-Bixlow?" Lucy's voice was a soft whisper, intended for Natsu's keen ears only.
Natsu nodded. "Twas he who fought the demons most effectively after Makarov. He's a seith mage, after all. His dark brand of magic worked against them. It was thanks to him that Laxus survived even as long as he did…"
Lucy trembled. "Will they both be… okay?"
Natsu sighed, nuzzling Lucy's golden-haired head for a second for her comfort and his own before he replied in a shaky voice.
"Bixlow has sustained heavy injuries to his torso and right leg - the parts he could not protect while blocking physical blows for Laxus. He's also being treated for magical deficiency, since he expended a huge amount of magical power in such a short period of time. Laxus on the other hand…"
Natsu's voice lowered to an angry growl. "As they did with Gramps, those bastard demons targeted him. Most of his body has been crushed, and they used their twisted powers to shrivel some of his vital organs. It appears he has a drop of magic in his blood, and that is what has saved him - Mother and Wendy are attempting to spark the ethernano in his body and coax it to regenerate his entire form…"
Lucy let out another choked sob, burying her face in Natsu's shoulder. Natsu sighed, extricating his arm to pull her into a warm embrace, propping his chin on her head as he glumly surveyed the morbid scene before them.
"It's all my fault…"
Natsu stiffened, drawing away slightly to tilt Lucy's face up with a single clawed finger under her chin.
"How could it possibly be your fault, strange one?"
Lucy's eyes overflowed with tears that she struggled to contain. She shook her head slightly to convey her unwillingness to explain and tried to push away from Natsu's warm embrace. The fire dragon held onto her stubbornly, until their silent, discreet tussle was interrupted by a loud, choking gasp from the bed closest to them.
"Laxus!" Freed cried, his voice filled with equal parts grief and relief.
The once large, muscular man looked shrivelled and smaller as his beloved drew him into a desperate embrace, burying his face in the hollow of his neck and sobbing. Laxus raised one ashen hand with difficulty, gently stroking Freed's bright green locks.
"Don't cry Freed, they can't kill me off that easy." The gruff soldier murmured, discreetly planting a kiss on his fiance's head.
"But they got damn well close ta it!" Cana growled, arms crossed and eyes flashing with fury.
"And you are not out of the woods yet." Grandine interjected as she and Wendy continued to hover over him, administering their healing magic. "To be honest, this is but a temporary respite - we will have to transport you to Alagesia tonight and begin an intensive magical treatment if we are to save your life, Laxus. Your heart is dangerously close to failing, and we may have to find a suitable magical substitute for it."
"I understand." Laxus responded. "I am in your debt, oh Queen of Dragons."
Grandine's eyes softened. "It is my pleasure to do all I can for you, Laxus, noble warrior of Pergrande and dear brother to Lucy…"
Laxus jolted upright, a gasp escaping him the moment he was reminded of his cousin.
"Lucy! She is in grave danger! I have to warn her! Someone has to get her out of Pergrande…"
"There is no need to do so, cousin." Lucy interrupted softly as she stepped forward. "For I am already here."
Laxus slumped back onto the bed behind him, the action of sitting up proving too strenuous for his weakened state.
"Thank the Gods! Grandfather and I made a truly horrific discovery during the battle…" Laxus hesitated, seeming to steel himself before posing his next question.
"I saw him fight the demons ferociously. Did our grandfather survive the battle, Lucy?"
Lucy's grief-stricken look and full body shudder answered his question. Laxus closed his eyes for a long moment, a few tears escaping him despite his iron will not to show what he perceived as weakness. At last he opened them, gazing upon his cousin with a tenderness and concern that the stoic man rarely openly displayed.
"Lucy," He began solemnly. "My dear sister. You are my only family left living."
Lucy barked out a bitter laugh.
"Have you forgotten my father, dear Laxus? He is your uncle, after all, and from the most recent report I received from my spies on the front lines, he is in the peak of health."
Laxus features darkened, a look of fury overtaking his weakened yet handsome visage.
"That monster does not deserve to live, Lucy! And I do not wish to be associated with his name or lineage in any shape or form! DO YOU KNOW WHAT HE HAS DONE?!"
Lucy regarded him warily, but did not respond. Behind her, Natsu shifted restlessly on his feet, glancing around at the rest of the magical dignitaries who had wandered closer to the doorway of the cottage, curious about the heated discussion between the Princess and her knight. An uncomfortable silence permeated the room, one that was finally broken by the arrival of Happy and Carla.
"We've passed on the messages you asked us too, Natsu." Happy blurted out a little breathlessly, plopping down on Natsu's head to rest his over-taxed wings. "Gajeel and Levy are rounding up the last demons as we speak, and Chelia along with the dragon council are securing our borders… Lucy!"
Happy yelped, leaping into the young woman's arms as she returned the gesture by squeezing his fluffy cat form affectionately.
"Of course… The Lord of Demons… Why did I not remember... It is the perfect solution…" Laxus muttered, his gaze fixed on Lucy.
Lucy winced a little under his slightly glowering stare.
"What are you mumbling about Laxus?" She enquired with a frown.
"Prince Natsu." Laxus ignored Lucy, pointedly directing his gaze to the dragon hovering behind her. "Do you remember the offer you made to protect her majesty, Princess Lucy, and harbor her in Alagesia if the need arose?"
Natsu raised a curious brow but nodded curtly.
Laxus' eyes flashed with something like triumph. "Excellent. Then I, as Lucy's elder cousin and equal claimant to the throne by birth, use my status to insist that you honor your promise - whether she consents, or not."
Lucy gasped, her eyes flashing with rage as she unceremoniously dropped Happy, advancing upon her weakened and bed-ridden cousin with fire darting from her eyes. Her stubborn brother stared back, the equal heat in his own gaze only barely hiding the rampant fear and concern hidden in its depths.
"How dare you! And why in the world would you order such a thing?!"
Laxus let out a breath in a frustrated hiss. "Because it is the only way I can think of to keep you safe, Lucy! Only END would have a chance of protecting you now…"
"Protecting me from what?!"
"FROM YOUR OWN DAMN FATHER, LUCY!"
Laxus' voice echoed in the small cottage, all eyes turning to regard the young humans with shock. A flash of warning shone in Lucy's eyes, one that Laxus chose to ignore as he barreled on.
"He's the one who sent the demons after us, Lucy. Those wretches that attacked us told us as much. Not only that, they hinted of a plan to brutally kill you too…"
At that point, Natsu - who had been standing in a shocked stupor behind the golden haired maiden - burst into a fit of rage.
"WHAT?! LUCY! YOU'RE COMING HOME WITH ME AT ONCE! I'LL RIP THOSE FUCKERS TO SHREDS IF THEY DARE LAY A FINGER ON YOU!"
His fiery temper extinguished the moment he took in the dark expression on Lucy's visage, her usually sparkling eyes dull and haunted.
"L-Lucy?" Natsu whispered, his tone uncertain.
Laxus frowned, unable to understand his cousin's continued silence.
"Lucy, I heard them. They spoke of an ambush they planned for you, one in which…"
"...They would send five of their most skilled, ferocious warriors to lay in wait for me at the junction of Bethelmain and Jorda. They would attack at once, slaying my soldiers instantly before advancing on the occupant of the carriage. They would take their time with her, ensuring her death would be long drawn out and painful…"
Lucy's voice drifted off, the pain in her tone evident to her shocked audience. Natsu took a step forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, as the rest of his body twitched with the need to do more.
"What are you talking about Luce?"
Lucy gently shrugged Natsu's hand off her shoulder, her focus on her cousin never wavering.
"There is no point to this useless charade of yours, Laxus, because the attack plan you overheard has already been executed."
She paused, her dark expression giving in to one of despairing grief.
"Aquarias was brutalized in my place."
Wendy's gasp of horror and the indignant cries of most of the assembled magical dignitaries were almost drowned out by Natsu's enraged roar.
"Luce, that's it! You've got to leave! Those fuckers are trying to kill you!"
"I-I'm sorry." Laxus rasped. "But this just proves that your father is a villain, and one that you must be protected from. What if he tries again?"
"Luce, please, come with me back to Alagesia." Natsu's voice was frantic as he disregarded her stiff stance to step forward yet again, encasing her in a warm embrace from behind and nuzzling the back of her neck with a piteous whine. Lucy stiffened even more, her voice cold as ice as she addressed him.
"Leave. Me. Alone."
Natsu stilled, letting his arms drop slowly from her voluptuous form, a knot of fear in his chest as he absorbed her aloof expression and icy tone. He scanned her form, unhappy as he took in her rigid posture. It sent his heart into a panic realizing just how much she had shut him out in a matter of minutes. Before he could call her out, Laxus interrupted his train of thought with a strangled gasp.
"Wait. Lucy, you don't seem the least bit surprised by the fact that your father is behind all this…"
Lucy winced, her haughty expression wavering as she shot Laxus an apologetic look.
"I-I had my suspicions. I'm sorry, Laxus, in a sense I have been too careless of late, and Aquarius, Grandpapa, and you have paid the price for my own state of distraction. A few moons ago one of the Pergrande army's most loyal and respected Generals reached out to me with disturbing news. M-my father has been in secret talks with a representative of the enemy camp. No one knows who, or what the terms of their arrangement are, but it appears my father has betrayed our kingdom. By rights, if exposed, his betrayal automatically allows Laxus to assume the throne and gives me far more reach in court and in his army… I suppose that is why he resorted to such drastic measures. Had I just been more cautious and had a little more foresight, I could have taken more precautions to prevent this tragedy from happening. This is all my fault…"
Laxus exploded.
"DAMN IT LUCY! CAN'T YOU SEE THIS IS MORE THAN JUST SOME POLITICAL GAME?! Don't you dare put any of the blame on yourself! Your father just tried to murder you, his own daughter! Not to mention me and G-grandfather…"
Lucy sighed, her eyes filled with gentle sorrow.
"Laxus…"
"NO! I CANNOT LOSE YOU TOO! YOU MUST LEAVE PERGRANDE AT ONCE! Natsu, take her, whether she wills it or not!"
Natsu made a motion to grab Lucy, but was stopped short by the glare of pure venom she shot him. She rounded on Laxus, her eyes filled with fiery rage.
"Listen, you arrogant, simple-minded fool! You may be ready to turn your back on Pergrande at such a crucial turning point, but I dare not do so! This is our last chance to use whatever resources we have left and put a stop to the plan my father deigns to put in motion."
"Nay, Lucy." Laxus hissed, clenching his fists and glaring at her with equal fervent emotion. "I cannot stand by and watch you sacrifice so much for Pergrande! Enough of your shenanigans! Leave with Natsu!"
Natsu, desperate and scared, timidly tried to add to Laxus' argument.
"Your cousin has a point, Luce. You've done enough. Come with me… Let's go home."
Lucy exploded.
"NO! YOU FOOLS! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO ORDER ME ABOUT THIS WAY! You do not know how much I have already sacrificed for Pergrande, and I refuse to let all I've been through go to waste. Not when I'm so close. This body is a worthless husk that has long been pledged to Pergrande's service - I will not abandon my people. I cannot. And if you cannot stand with me, then you are against me."
She whirled on her bed-ridden cousin, her eyes flashing with fury and determination.
"Laxus - I release you from the bond of fealty. As first claimant to the throne by birth, I strip you of your right to the throne. Furthermore, you are banished from Pergrande - you leave with the dragons tonight. And don't you dare show your face in my kingdom again."
Taking a few deep breaths to calm her rageful state, Lucy abruptly turned to the magical dignitaries loitering at the doorway of the cottage, their expressions varying ranges of worry and fear. She offered them a grim smile as she swept past Natsu and a quietly whimpering Happy. She stopped short at the doorway, her cool gaze falling on each of the gathered beings.
"As of today, I retract my offer of friendship to the magical races, and release you all from the pledge of an alliance. To alleviate your most pressing worry, I swear that I will deliver the Celestial Priestess to the magical alliance once she is revealed to us Guardians. To assure you that I will keep my promise, I will continue to leave my Celestial Keys in the care of your leader - Etherious Natsu Dragneel."
The golden-haired monarch offered them a respectful, low curtsey, before she hurried away from the group, not daring to look back.
"Luce!"
Lucy hurried faster, her heart breaking at the hurt and fear in his voice, not trusting herself to hold her resolve were she to answer his call.
"Lucy!"
Natsu gasped, urging his numb body to move faster.
"Lucy Heartfillia! Stop!"
Lucy took a shaky breath, coming to a slow halt at the edge of the dark forest. Try as she might, her feet would not let her take another step forward. Before she could force her distraught body to move, a warm grip on her forearm stopped her. She took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing her sobs back as she spat out through gritted teeth.
"What is it, Natsu? Can't you just let me go?!"
"You promised, Luce! You promised that we'd speak…"
Natsu clung to the words she had uttered when they had last met. Lucy turned around slowly, her gaze arresting the dragon man's.
"I did, didn't I? Very well. Let us speak."
Natsu shuddered, taking in her haunted, deadened eyes with dread.
"Not like this." He pleaded. "Pray, come with me to Alagesia…"
"I can't be your friend anymore, Natsu."
Natsu's heart stopped. "W-what?"
"I can't keep up this acquaintance anymore, your majesty, release me. Let me go."
"No! Just… Lucy, don't… don't lie, we can't stop being friends! Heck, we're meant to be…"
"NO! Can't you just leave me be? What part of 'I don't want you' can't you understand?! It's over! I never should have become your friend, never should have let our relationship go this far and I just…"
Lucy yanked at the medallion around her neck, breaking the clasp with the force of the pull. Disregarding the angry red streak on the back of her neck and the droplets of telltale red on the gold chain, she thrust the necklace into his hands. She whirled around, frantically stumbling away, not daring to look into his face as she uttered the most cruel words her numb tongue could muster.
"I never want to see you again!"
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Golden locks sprawled on the crumpled sheets, their usually luscious sheen dimmed by the unkempt tangles and leafy debris lodged within their matted twirls. The golden head shook with the wrenching sobs that accosted her huddled form, the pillow she was curled around drenched with her bitter tears.
In just one day, everything had gone so horribly wrong. She had lost her beloved grandfather, and her cousin was so badly wounded, both in body and spirit, that she could not muster the heartlessness to push the burden of ruling the kingdom upon him. It was back to her. And she had now lost Aquarius as well, one of her most trusted advisors and a mother figure. She had lost so much today. But the worst loss of all had been entirely of her own stupid doing.
"I never want to see you again."
Lucy let out a pitiful wail. Those tormenting words echoed in her mind, causing stabs of sharp pain in her aching heart. How could she have said that? What possessed her to push him away? To turn away the only being who had ever cared so wholeheartedly for her, even if his love could never be more than that of a friend…
Lucy shivered, a stab of heat shooting through her as she recalled the much more than 'friendly' embrace they had shared just a day before. The soul-searing kiss had made it obvious that Natsu wanted her body, and perhaps even liked her enough to want her affection…
But she knew it was hopeless to think any more of it. She was not, and could not, be the female his bonded had to be. She was a magicless, cruel, broken human woman. She was not worthy of him, and never would be. And that was why she had been so desperate to guard her heart against the wonderful, immensely attractive dragon man. However…
There were times when she thought there was something more stirring within herself - something in his look, in his voice, would soothe a part deep inside her, and send a thrill through her system. The true turning point in her feelings had been the kiss they had shared. The sultry, passion-filled embrace that had finally broken the dam of sexual tension between them, had also forced her to face her own heart…
She was done lying to herself. She would not deny the hopeless truth any longer.
She was irrevocably, helplessly and wholeheartedly in love with Natsu.
As she always had been. And always would be.