Chapter 2: The Man With A Craving For Blood
"At some point in history, it was recorded that humans and vampires lived in peace. They shared the land, the food, the shelter and all was fair. Historians from the East recall those days as 'The Harmonious Age' and till today, humans continue to tell the stories of the cold blood and the warm blood living together with not a shed of violence to their children. However, the West recalls the period as nothing but a myth. Although most vampires have lived through the period due to their long lifespan, many of those who I have asked denied the fact that has ever been a time when we all lived in the same plot of land. It still boggles my mind as to why they would never admit it. I presume it's the great war from centuries ago that caused this. But, I supposed we'll never know." —An extract from Levy Mcgarden's book: An Introductory To A World of Hate
Lucy awoke with a startled gasp to the sun's rays. She could feel the heat, slanting warm across the bed, covering her in gold and yellow. A foreign scent wafted through the air and her throat felt awfully dry. With a groan, she pushed herself up and found that she was in a bed that was definitely not hers. Suddenly, aware of the gravity of the situation, her eyes widened in horror as she fanatically inspected her surroundings wondering what the hell happened. One moment she was breathless on the dirt floor and the next she was lying in a luxurious bed that was way too comfortable than the ones back home.
It was then she noticed there was a door across the room with the sounds of water running. Lucy froze, contemplating if she should run out of there as fast as possible or stay put and prepare to punch the fuck out of whoever was there. Her hand unconsciously reached for her side but noticed with dread, her whip was gone. She had nothing but the blankets and pillows that surrounded her.
Stay calm Lucy. She told herself as she tried to formulate a plan. Come on, think! Maybe you can offer them money to let you go? Or maybe some food if they're hungry? Her head turned to survey her surroundings and scratched the last two thoughts. Whoever kidnapped her probably had enough food and money to last them for generations to come. Now, the other thing she had to worry about was how she was going to explain the situation to her village leader if she ever managed to make it out alive. I was distracted by a yellow mushroom and I thought it carried some special powers- no way. He might be stubborn but he isn't stupid. Maybe I should tell him I was trying to save some hostages? Right, like he would believe that, as if he thinks I can fight anyway.
Eventually, the sounds of the water running was loud enough to convince Lucy that she could make an escape, that somehow and someway whoever was taking a shower would not notice her silent and quick exit. She took a daring step to swing her legs off the bed, pushing the blankets away, and slowly crept towards the door. Her mind suddenly took her back to her younger days, when she had to sneak to steal food from fruit stands and parties. She mentally thanked the heavens for her childish ways finally coming into good use.
So far, so good.
Suddenly, there was a creek, a turn of a tap, the running of water slowly came to an end and a loud yawn. Lucy froze, every limb stayed in its place for the desperate fear of whoever was in the shower to find her. She sucked in a deep breath and prayed to every god there was to help her, and at the same time, she mentally cursed at a few of them for giving her the gift of the worst luck in the world.
Lucy concentrated through the movements and managed to focus by closing her eyes. She had to come up with a plan quick, but it seemed almost impossible to do so with all the possible outcomes running through her head. It was an absolute cluster of worries. Her stomach emitted bubbles of nausea, and she tried to wash away the image of her father looking down in disappointment at her, the faces of her family and friends turning away-
"Going somewhere?"
Every muscle in her body tensed at the sound of the low voice. Her voice was caught in her throat as her eyes immediately darted to the man with salmon coloured hair who stood leaning against the shower door. His gaze was dark and burning, setting fire onto every fibre of her skin. She swallowed thickly and she tried to compose herself, attempting to shoot back a look with the same amount of intensity.
"Well, you're definitely looking much better than yesterday." He said with a smirk as his gaze travelled from up to bottom, a light tint of red burned against her cheeks. "Though, I can't say much about your clothes. I'll get Virgo to clean you up."
Lucy blinked. It was then she realised she had been wearing the same muddy shirt and pants from yesterday. The material had gone sticky and torn as it clung onto her skin. She definitely needed whoever that Virgo person was to help clean her up.
She shook her head vigorously, she was getting distracted! For goodness sake, you've just been kidnapped and you're thinking about taking a shower?
"Who are you?" Lucy asked, her voice stern and demanding.
His eyes went wide for a moment, as though he was surprised that she spoke. The man's gaze shifted to trace her features, she could feel it, his fingers tugging and twitching on his half buttoned shirt and a loose tie clung around his neck. Then, his eyes suddenly went back to hers. He cleared his throat, as if to cut through the thick silence that lingered between them.
"My name is Natsu Dragneel, the vampire prince of Magnolia and yesterday, one of my men saved you. You were in critical condition and you were sent back here immediately." He explained as his eyes never left hers, "They said you put up quite a fight, even threw a stake to their commander's chest killing him. That's quite impressive for a human, especially when you were injured."
Lucy gaped at the man in front of her. She was saved… by vampires? The creatures that everyone warned her about? The creatures that raided numerous villages in the East? The creatures that nearly killed her parents? She blinked at him, swiping a tongue across her bottom lip.
"Are you… really a vampire?" She finally asked.
He looked at her, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, he opened his mouth to reveal his two sharp canine teeth catching the light.
Lucy gulped and shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. She was having an actual conversation with an actual vampire, the fact that she was still alive astounded her.
"So what were you doing in the West, human?" Natsu inquired, placing his hands on his hips. Lucy opened her mouth, attempting to force out the words that were stuck in her throat, but to no avail, her mouth moved but it merely formed silent syllables.
"Well?" He demanded, a slight frown of impatience pulled at his lips.
"I-I was trying to get something back." She stammered and her heart hammered against her chest, wondering if he was going to ask her what was she trying to get back. Even if she told him, it wasn't like he was going to believe her, anyway.
Instead, Natsu caught her wrist, she flinched at the sudden contact and tugged slightly against his hold. He stared intently at the hand that was wrapped in bandages. It was tattered in red and brown, she supposed it was her own blood with a mix of mud. The—thing that lied beneath it started to hurt again. Short and quick throbs of pain ached from it and she felt herself slightly wince at the feeling. It had been a few days since she felt the odd sensation that came from her hand and no one in her village knew what was going on. The doctors believed she could've been infected by an unknown disease and her parents thought she had been bitten by some sort of creature.
With his fingers still enveloped around her thin wrist, his thumb unconsciously soothed the palm of her hand. Lucy gasped slightly, taken a little off guard, but she didn't pull away. He examined each part of her hand closely, turning it to the side and back, studying each part as though it was something put on display.
His eyebrows furrowed in concern, "How are your other wounds?"
She shrugged, "They're… doing fine. A few unhealed bruises here and there, but I think I can manage." Suddenly realising he had been holding her wrist for quite some time, quickly and as subtly as possible, she shook her wrist from his hold and pulled her hand close to her chest.
"What happened to your hand?"
Her body stiffened at the question. For a moment, Lucy pondered about telling him the truth, but seeing as she literally just met him, her parents taught her better than to reveal too much to strangers—especially vampires.
"While I was a hostage, at some point I angered one of the raiders and they slashed my hand with a blade." She wasn't lying about angering her kidnappers. Though, the injury they inflicted on her was a totally different injury on a totally different body part.
Natsu watched her for a moment, lips slightly pursed as though in deep thought. Then, he leaned in close, gaze settled intently on her hand and his face was mere inches away from hers.
"Come with me, we need to get that treated." He said and drew back, shoulders broad and chest out as he started to walk out of the room. Lucy attempted to catch up with him, her steps still shaky and unbalance.
"Wait, hold on!" She piped up, earning his attention but he continued to walk at a fast pace. "The wound might look a bit different— well, it's not what you think it is… It's not exactly a cut. No! No. I mean. It is a cut! But not in the shape, of a cut, I mean of course it is, I just meant-"
"Save the explanation for later." He abruptly said and placed a finger to her lips, "You're in a castle filled with vampires and you must listen to my instructions very closely, do you understand?"
Lucy nodded and sounded a quiet noise against his finger.
"Keep your voice down and don't make eye contact with anyone but me or straight ahead. You are still in vampire territory, human, there are some here who wouldn't mind killing you if you look at them in any way." He whispered and pulled her close to his side. Lucy could only blink and nod to tell him that she understood every word.
The two walked side by side through the castle halls. Lucy noticed how the windows were covered in dark velvet curtains and the sky was a mixture of purple and blue. The ceilings hung chandeliers that glowed dim as it swayed and creaked in the darkness of the corridors. The floors were covered with carpets, patterns that originated from all over the West.
The people who roamed the halls had stopped, stared, and their looks varied from curiosity to disgust. She felt herself gulp as she tried to ignore their obvious whispers and chatters. Her eyes were focused intently on the road straight ahead and the direction where Natsu was leading her to.
A little voice at the back of her head whispered silent doubts. Maybe, this vampire prince was not to be trusted? Maybe, he was going to drain her blood and use it for his own selfish purposes? She had heard too many stories and rumours of those who had mysteriously disappeared from her village. Feeling a little more alarmed, she held her hand tighter and closer to her chest, her eyes slightly wide with worry.
"We're here."
Natsu had stopped in front of a blue door and knocked on it three times. Sounds of rustling and bottles being knocked over erupted from inside, a feminine yelp and another squeaked "sorry" over and over again. The door was then slammed open and there stood a woman, her hair white and long and her lips graced a soft smile.
"Ah, Milord, what a pleasant surprise." She said and her gaze shifted to Lucy who had moved behind him, "Is this the human everyone's been talking about?"
"That's right. Gray rescued her from Eucliffe's men and she was severely injured. Although Wendy healed most of her wounds," He paused and took her bandaged wrist and lifted it up, "this still hasn't recovered."
She inspected it with pursed lips. For a full minute, they stood there in silence as Mirajane continued to look at her hand that sent short throbs of pain through her arm every once in a while. The silence was cut by her sigh and she nodded at her conclusion.
"You two better come in. I think I might know what's happening."
The room was like most medical rooms Lucy had been in. They were filled with medicines and books, some jars and bottles were toppled over and paper scattered across tables. There was a girl with dark blue hair, who Lucy supposed was no older than 16, was busy throwing away the scattered pieces of a flask. Her heart gave a throb of pity and she wondered if she should offer help, but the small voice in her head had returned to remind her to keep her guard up.
"Sit here." Mirajane motioned to a stool next to a large desk where it was the messiest. As she took her seat, the doctor— who she believed was Mirajane, settled a box of medical supplies beside her.
"Can I take this off?" She asked softly, motioning to her bandaged hand. Lucy stayed silent, chewing on her bottom lip as she contemplated. After a moment, she nodded hesitantly. It wasn't like she could say no to a room full of vampires.
Mirajane slowly began to unwrap the dirty cloth that covered her hand. She continued to suppress the urge to make a face of pain as the ache had returned. Whatever it was, she silently prayed that vampire doctors knew what to do with it.
"Milord." Mirajane suddenly said. Her voice was quiet and filled with shock as she stared with wide eyes at Lucy's uncovered hand. Slowly, she started to back away from the human. "Milord, please, you need to see this."
"What is it Mira-" Natsu stopped in his steps and craned his head to what Mirajane was looking at, then, he froze. His shoulders had gone stiff and tense and his eyes were wide with his mouth slightly parted open. The entire room went silent except for the sounds of the girl cleaning up the shards of glass. Lucy looked at both of them in utter confusion, her stomach clenched in worry, wondering what in the world had happened.
"She—the mark." His voice wavered. "How?"
"I sensed something was odd about her the moment you brought her to my door but I didn't think she was…"
"A human…is that even possible?"
Mirajane nodded with a sigh, "There has been some cases of this, but never has there been a case of a royal blooded vampire with a human mate."
Wait, did she just say mate?
"Mate?" Lucy suddenly spoke up and the two turned their attention to her, "What do you mean by that?"
They both wore troubled expressions, Natsu's frown only deepened at her question. They exchanged a few more words before Natsu walked towards her, yanking her up by the arm and she stumbled slightly at his action. Then, without another word, he took her by the wrist and swiftly guided them out of the room to their next destination.
"Where are we going?" Lucy attempted to ask as she tried to keep up, her wrist feeling a little sore by how hard he was gripping it.
He remained silent as they entered a large room with three massive seats in the middle. The room was surrounded with guards and some others who were dressed in formal attire. Lucy came to a sudden revelation that she was in the throne room and the man who sat in the largest seat in the middle, was the king.
Her skin crawled with horror as she was brought in front of the man who ruled the kingdom she was currently in. He looked at her solemnly, his appearance showed power and superiority. There was something about him that made him dangerous yet peaceful at the same time. The king had blood red hair tied into a long pony tail, a crown that glistened under candle lights and eyes that were almost as dark as Natsu's.
"Father." Natsu said, inclining his head in respect, but his body shook with anger.
"You may rise." The king said calmly, as though he did not notice the state his son was in.
Natsu swallowed thickly and pointed towards Lucy, who kept her head down as though in shame. "This human— you knew about it the entire time didn't you? You knew she was my mate the minute she arrived." His voice was low and each word tried to hide the obvious livid anger that radiated from him.
"Of course I did." He said, almost emotionless as looked at Lucy with an amused smile curling at his lips, "How rude of me, I believe introductions are in order."
"Father." Natsu said again.
"My name is Igneel Dragneel, the vampire king of Magnolia and this is my son Natsu. I'm sure you have figured out by now you're currently in the West. We're clan Fairy Tail, a group of vampires who are for peace. The vampires who took you hostage was clan Sabertooth, an enemy and threat to most of the clans who reside in the West." He smiled kindly, "I can tell you're tense, human, please relax. I understand this is a lot to take in but don't worry, we will not hurt you. Unlike Sabertooth, we don't drink human blood."
Lucy released a sigh of relief. Although she still had a jumble of thoughts spinning in her head she knew Igneel was telling the truth about how most of the vampires wouldn't hurt her in this castle—well so far that wasn't anyone trying to lunge at her.
"What's your name?" He asked, causing Lucy to flick her gaze up to him.
"I'm…it's Lucy Heartfilia." She said quietly, slowly peering to Natsu who stood by her side with the same frown from earlier.
"Father I still don't understand," Natsu snapped and looked at the king, his eyes narrowing into a glare, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? And how in the world can my mate be a… a human?" His last words slipped off his lips like venom, causing Lucy to scowl.
Igneel sighed. "Sometimes, even I don't have the answer to these things Natsu, but they do happen."
"I-I'm sorry, but can anyone please explain what does this 'mate' thing mean?" Lucy spoke up, surprising herself by her sudden surge of courage.
Natsu went awfully silent as he started to peel his clothes off. Lucy felt her face flush as she immediately turned around, coughing awkwardly as she tried to focus on the masked guards that surrounded the room.
"Look." His voice made her attention turn to his finger that was pointing to his bare shoulder, where a mark similar to the one on her hand was imprinted on his skin. It was coloured in a dark shade of red, while hers was light pink.
"You see this mark? This means you're my mate, as in the person I'm supposed to be with for the rest of my life. It's something most vampires have to go through, but most of the time, their mates aren't usually…human." He said and took a step closer to her. She stared at both of their marks in shock, finally coming to a conclusion it had not been an infection or a wound, but a mate mark.
It was then, Natsu leaned in to her ear, his breath ghosting against the shell and Lucy suppressed the urge to shudder out a breath. She stayed still in her spot, her lips pressed tightly together, her eyes wide and her breathing had gone quiet.
"Listen carefully," He whispered, his voice low and she could see the shine of his fangs, "You are my mate and that makes you mine. You are to stay at my side and only my side. No one will be able to have you and no one will be able to touch you." Her face went red, "Do you understand me, Lucy?"
"Yes." She said, her head slightly fuzzy and softly pushed him away from her body and was met with an uncomfortable emptiness. "I…I understand."
She tried to tell herself she understood the situation. She tried to convince herself that she was now the mate of a stranger she barely knew, not to mention the stranger just so happened to be a vampire prince, and that was going to be her whole life and she was going to be okay with it. Because—yeah, that's right, It was a totally normal thing to happen. Most people- or okay, some people became mates of vampires too. She wasn't the only one. But then again, no one ever told her what happened to them at the end. Were they were killed off? Sold as blood banks? Or maybe they ended up living happily after and raised a great family of half vampire humans?
Her brain gave a little internal whimper.
"Then it's settled," He said, already heading out of the throne room and his clothes back on. "Come with me and we'll get you cleaned."
With one last look at the King who flashed her a sympathetic smile, she quickly caught up with Natsu and stayed by his side, just as he told her too.
"What's your favourite colour?" He suddenly asked.
She blinked. "Oh, I uh, I don't really have one."
"Then I guess you'll have to stick with wearing pink." He nodded, satisfied with his choice.
"Pink?" She mumbled and she couldn't help but to smile as she said that. "Out of all colours, why pink?"
"I figured you would look nice in pink." Natsu said with a small smirk, and Lucy thought he was joking, but when she saw the look on his face, her cheeks turned bright red.
Author's note: Oh my gosh! Thank you all so much for the reviews from the previous chapter! They really helped motivate me to write this chapter as fast as I can. I'm also really happy that most of you like the idea of strong Lucy. She's really an interesting character to work with and in this chapter I showed more of her vulnerable side, since she's literally just been captured by vampires and now she's suddenly a mate of one, it's definitely a lot to take in, even for a character of her personality.
Thank you for the amount of you who volunteered to be a beta for the story! But because I'm currently on a holiday with my family, the beta will only be confirmed by next week (the next update), I'm very sorry for the wait and I'll try to get back to you guys as soon as possible. I intend on updating at least every week, but I'm not very sure at the moment.
Here's a fun fact: I was actually inspired by Spirited Away to write this. With the whole going to another world with no way back and suddenly a bunch of strange characters appear is really what most of the aspects of this story is based on.
Thanks for reading and once again, thanks so much for the support! See you in the next chapter (: