Chapter Two

Her Lineage

The hushed whispers outside the room I was in made my nerves jolt. It sounded vaguely like an argument, with one youthful female voice leading the charge. I was grateful for Erza, and a little amazed at how she stood up to King Igneel.

Although, it shouldn't have been surprising, the Fae and Dragon families had been closely united for centuries.

As two of the strongest kingdoms, they backed, supported, and followed each other into battle if the other needed it.

It saddened me that the only reason they were at odds, was because they both had fairly different views with how to 'deal with me'. I already knew Erza intended to take me back to her home, and I felt like that was the safest, and smartest option. Even if I didn't deserve her kindness, I wouldn't take it for granted.

However, King Igneel's argument was unknown.

He – as well as Prince Natsu – had remained eerily quiet when Porlyusica came to inform us all of what I was. It was hard to tell what they were saying, but it made me very nervous that King Igneel wouldn't allow me to leave with Erza.

I didn't know if Erza had notified her mother, the Queen, of the incidents that had transpired, resulting in Father putting out a warrant for my immediate death.

Genocide.

I gazed down at my hands, pain rippling through my system, as I continued to battle the urge to scream. It was different this time; I didn't feel a tight band around my chest, the power was more frustrated and angry. When Virgo… died, I had felt pain and sorrow. It drowned me.

I wondered if I screamed now, what would happen? Would it have the same effect as my last one did?

How many innocents would I kill with my curse?

"Negative emotions are going to worsen the pain, child." My head snapped up, as Porlyusica ignored the arguing Royals outside, shutting the door firmly behind her. I gazed at her, begging with my eyes to help me understand what was happening.

How could I be a creature that has been extinct for centuries?

She brushed her long-fingered hands off on the apron she wore, and walked over to me, "I won't ask how you are feeling. It would be pointless, and juvenile. I will ask, however, if the urge to scream has lessened?"

I shook my head, tapping my throat lightly and she nodded, "I do not know much about your kind. But I was there when the last Banshee died. Her death caused the earthquake that split the island of Keri-guay apart."

My eyes widened, and I wondered how old she was. She had told me that my kind had been dead for generations, almost eight hundred years give or take.

As if she heard the question, she took a seat at the chair beside my bed and stated, "I am an Immortal. Do you know what creature that is?"

I nodded, remembering the moments where I learnt about all known supernatural beings that walked the earth. Immortals were usually scholars or healers. They kept records and lived the longest lives of any known species. The only way to kill them, was a ritual. And it wasn't easy. The older the Immortal, the harder it was.

"I have been alive for over nine hundred years." She informed me, her aged features not looking a day over fifty. But the wisdom she held in her eyes, made me believe it. I wondered if she was a healer or a scholar because the latter would help more.

"I have only met three Banshees in my lifetime. Two, who have long since passed. And yourself." She continued, her eyes sharp, "When they lived, they were secretive creatures. In the Dark eras of this land's history, kingdoms fought over the power of a Banshee. They could use the power of their shriek to obliterate armies. However, even when the wars ended and peace was found, many killed themselves because of the agony they had created."

I felt a cold sweat prickle over my skin, and my chest tightened in fear and horror.

This was the creature I was doomed to live as?

She stopped for a moment when King Igneel, Jellal, Erza and Prince Natsu entered. Princess Wendy was being sent away, tear stains on her cheeks. Erza opened her mouth to say something but Porlyusica cut her off, ignoring their presence entirely.

"Before I get into the details of what I know about Banshees, I will explain to you, how Banshees are created."

I nodded, stunned at her words and she ran her hands through her pink hair, seemingly agitated.

"You are aware of the Edge, yes?"

Another nod had her thinking over her words carefully, I deduced from the way her mouth was pointed and her eyes were staring at the bedside table. I used that time to refresh my own memory. Every child born to this world had been taught about the Edge. It was a term used for the possibility of becoming something non-human once you turned of age.

Royals had a different strand of blood, the same blood that activated the tattoo they were given at birth. Once an affected child turned 18, it signified that he or she was finished growing and ready to accept whatever his or her creature turned out to be. And more often than not, the creature they changed, was one of the parents creatures.

Mine had started out as a star, as small as a freckle. As I grew, it expanded. My royal change – the creature my mother was, when she was alive – was supposed to be a Nymph. Our land prospered in peace, kindness and the journey of the stars. My father was human, but it was very rare for Royal children to approach the Edge without a supernatural being waiting to come out.

"The world balances itself out." Porlyusica's words made me snap out of my brief history review, and I listened intently, my heart racing inside my chest.

"Extinction of a non-magical animal can be overlooked. The ecosystem may have to deal with the circumstances, but almost always, it can be… handled...adapted. Supernatural beings are different. Where the first issue is black and white, the second is full of colour. This world was created to house these creatures, and consequently, everything has its place. Demons, Dragons, Fae, Mermaids-everything that we deem as 'magical' is meant to be here. So, when you take out something that the world was born around, that has an impact, what do you think happens?"

The world finds a balance or restores the order, I answered in my head, and she continued, seeming to know I would understand.

"I know this is not what you want to hear, but from the moment they died, to the moment you were born, the world had been waiting for you. That is how this world works, whether you believe in the Gods or not."

I bit my lip, and reached over to my paper, scribbling down three words messily. When I handed it to her, the sharpness in her eyes softened just the slightest.

But why me?

"That I cannot explain. It may have been your soul; the magic may have found it to be strong enough to bend with a Banshee's power. It could have been because of your bloodline. It could have been an entirely different reason, but it cannot be changed. The world waited almost a thousand years for you to reach an age, there is a reason for that."

A sense of hopelessness and unadulterated fear rushed through me, and she placed the piece of paper in front of me again.

"I assume that you turned 18 not too long ago. The Star Kingdom is a peaceful one. The power inside you was probably lying dormant until your friend was killed. The sheer emotion and death that surrounded you caused your first scream. They used to call it an Awakening." Porlyusica stopped to clear her throat, before continuing, "A Banshee's power is… endless...unbound. The first Banshee I met, could destroy mountains. She was against all human lives and sought to end them in the War of Tribus. The power she wielded killed people on impact."

I shuddered, bringing my knees up to my chest as I tried to block out her words. I didn't want to hear this. I didn't want to know that I would become a monster.

"But then I met Leora Heartfilia."

My head snapped up and she nodded, "Yes. One of your great ancestors was a Banshee. It's why I mentioned your bloodline. They called her 'Pulcherrima Morte Maga'. Do you know what that means?"

"Death's Beautiful Sorceress," Erza spoke up softly, and I struggled not to look at her. I kept my focus on Porlyusica, knowing if I looked anywhere else, I would break.

"She fought for good, despite the destructive nature of her power. Through many years of training, and hardship, she managed to control the Wail. The first Banshee just let it overtake her, uncaring of the pain it caused. Leora Heartfilia, overtook the noise. She could pinpoint one person in a battlefield, and make her Scream only heard by them and them alone."

I couldn't believe it.

"The most likely reason that it chose you, is because of her ability to live with the Banshee's power and control it. It sensed your blood had been tainted with that power before, and assumed you would have the same abilities."

I doubted that. Leora Heartfilia wasn't spoken of in our kingdom. The entire history of our involvement during the Dark Ages was destroyed, by order of Anna Heartfilia, one of the most influential Queen of the Stars the kingdom had ever known.

As she let me absorb what she had said, I rubbed my throat, feeling the rising urge to vomit. I wondered if it was a trick. If that power just wanted me to open my mouth and release all the horror I felt.

"I can't guide you much on how to control it, or even hope to understand how you feel, child." Porlyusica's voice was soft, and noticing the change from her abrasive manner thus far, I felt a wave of despair crash over me.

"But, Leora lived in the Vapids."

Demon lands.

"I had heard of tales that they still kept scripts-books of strategies and journals from the dark ages- instead of eradicating them like most Kingdoms did. There is a small chance, that they have something that can help you."

I had never visited the Vapids, despite their treaty to remain neutral the Stars. They just wanted to be left alone, I had heard. They didn't like visitors, and if people kept off their lands, then they had no reason to attack.

I reached for the quill, a question playing on my mind. Pushing away the idea of travelling to the Vapids for the moment, I scribbled down the question and handed it to Porlyusica.

Why didn't everyone die?

"From your first scream?" she clarified and I nodded. "I do not know. I remember Leora once telling me that a person's soul had a massive impact on whether the shriek could affect them. For one thing, some souls, such as child's, are more or less pure. It is difficult to kill a child through a wild, untamed shriek. It is only a guess, but I would assume the amount of death, or suffering, a person has gone through decides if they can handle the Wail of a Banshee."

I already knew I had killed children. I could remember feeling, seeing, even hearing them die. But I wasn't sure if I had killed them with my Scream, or with the repercussions of my Scream. They may have died in the wreckage, but I still killed them.

I had killed… my people.

And my father? My guards? Was Prince Dan dead?

"I cannot answer why your guards, and your father did not die." Poryluscia stated, frowning down at the note, "A Banshee's power is unpredictable. It may just be a draw, or it could have something to do with your emotions. I am guessing the latter, since your first scream was triggered by a close friend's death. But I cannot give you any true answers. Only suggestions. As for Prince Dan…"

She glanced up at Erza, who stepped forward, "Prince Dan is in a coma. His eardrums burst, and he has not woken up yet. From the most recent reports, at least."

I bit my lip, flinching at the pain as tears filled my eyes. Erza sat down and grasped my hand, eyes searching my own, "I… Lucy."

I opened my mouth to soothe her, but the pressure suddenly scrambled to release and I shut my mouth quickly again, yanking my hand from hers. She jumped back and I buried my head in my hands, covering my ears. I heard sobbing, a faceless man's aggrieved position as he held a woman in his arms.

His wife. His wife was dying.

I sobbed through my teeth, and felt my body begin to shudder, and twist.

Erza gasped, "What's happened to her?"

"Someone is dying. Somebody close to her person. She's picking up on the death." Porlyusica shouted, as the room began to shudder with my body, the walls releasing dust with the shaking.

"Igneel, do you still have the cells to cage newly formed Dragons?" She snapped and I barely heard his reply, fighting with everything in my body to keep the Scream down.

I would not kill again, I would not.

"Erza, pick her up. We need to get her into an isolated room!" Porlyusica snapped orders, "How soundproof are the rooms?"

I felt strong, slim arms wrap around me and lift. Moisture touched my skin, sizzling and burning into my pores. Thoughts left me and the only thing that echoed was the grieving man's horrified pleas.

"Don't die. Don't leave me. Please, my love, stay."

Erza's voice swam through the man's pain, "Her eyes. Porlyusica, she's bleeding from her eyes!"

"Her body is trying to expel the Scream. Keep going straight then turn right! Knight Jellal, find Princess Wendy, tell her to ready a bath. It must be cold. She could damage her immune system with all this power; she's over-heating."

"Help is coming, don't go. Please."

Pain writhed and crawled over my body, stabbing at my ribs, curling down my spine like a steel hand, tearing out pieces of my skin to try and alleviate the pressure. The band around my chest was so tight, I struggled to breathe, but the sobbing never stopped. The pain was extravagant. I only wanted to pass out, but the pain of the Scream kept me from the solace of sleep.

I needed to do what it wanted me to, or it would perpetually torture me.

The sensation of cold stone touched my skin and I twisted onto my back, hearing King Igneel shout, "Natsu, do not come down here!"

I didn't hear his reply because everything went quiet. The pain vanished and I rolled onto my knees, my breathing deep and steady. Peace flowed through me and I closed my eyes, swaying on my kneeling spot lightly.

"Get out! Everyone out now, shut the doors!" A female voice shouted, the sound almost sweet to my ears.

I smiled a little at the relief, thankful that the Scream had stopped itself. I felt like I was floating in clouds.

A vision passed across my mind, and I watched as the woman's soul began to leak from her body, the death seeking me. I welcomed it. I'd help her pass through. I could help.

"Why is she so quiet? What is happening?" Erza's voice shook and I wanted to soothe her, to tell her I was okay. I was comfortable in this state of dizziness, floating somewhere ethereal.

I followed the darkness as it slithered and pooled through the ceiling, dropping onto a woman who kneeled on a chipped stone floor. It looked like a cell. She wore a simple white dress, had a small welcoming smile on her lips.

Her hair was black, twisted in messy tangles, yet smooth and long. Her pallid skin almost seemed to glow in the dark room. A tear in her dress showed a sliver of her thigh and the tattoo she had there; a beautiful creation, full of swirls and stars.

Her mouth opened as the darkness seeped in, and the newly wandering soul crossed over.

Just as the shriek of power bubbled up in my throat, I realised.

The woman was me.

When I woke up, I was submerged neck deep in freezing water. My nerves sung with an aria of pain, and I felt my bones creak when I moved a bit. My eyesight was blurry, my throat coarse, but I managed to peruse my surroundings.

I was in a large oval shaped bath, the stone fixtures and lights casting a wraith-like glow upon the room. When I looked down, the dark obsidian stone bottom made my skin look ghostly white. It was only then that I heard the stuttered short breaths echoing around the room and realised I was making them.

My teeth shattered, and I put my hands on either side of the bath, the dripping fabric of the bed-dress I wore causing icy currents to slather my thighs and torso. I began to lift myself gently, my body permeated with the pain of exhaustion. I took a shuddering breath in, my hands shaking as I slowly climbed out of the bath.

Once my feet hit the cold stone floor, my knees crumbled and I felt my body drop. I almost welcomed the smack I was about to endure, hoping it would be enough to knock me out again. Hopefully this time, when I woke up, I would be in a warm bed.

Before I could hit the floor, tanned, hot arms wrapped around my waist and kept my upright.

A whoosh of warm air brushed past me, "Damn. That was close."

I looked up wearily, meeting two dark green eyes, the colour hypnotising me into a moment of dumb staring. He stared right back, and for a few moments, I wasn't noticing how cold I was. Then it came back and I shuddered. His arms tensed around me, ready to catch me again, if I fell. But instead, an epiphany settled over us.

I noticed how his throat worked into a gulp before we both glanced down at the same time. The dress clung to my curves, dripping wet and see-through, showing off everything a princess wasn't supposed to show until marriage.

Despite the freezing temperature of my body, a warm blush began crawling up my cheeks as I realised, I was basically naked.

When I glanced up at him with a cringe, I noticed the way his eyes went upward and he huffed through his nostrils, which, I noticed, was a very dragon-like trait.

"Gods," he breathed out, eyes stuck to the ceiling, but arms still around me. "I can't say I didn't see anything, because I saw everything. Why am I being punished?"

I blinked, before the smallest smile began to twist at my lips. It felt strange. I felt like I hadn't smiled in an eternity.

He glanced at my face, wincing in horror as if I was about to kick him around, but stiffened even further at my small smile. He gulped again and the next time he spoke, he sounded winded.

"That smile is way too sweet to be wasted on me, Princess."

I shivered again, but ignored it, settling to just watch his eyebrow twitch. I could feel the stress, and horror, of what had happened before I wound up in the bath pinching at the back of my mind. But Prince Natsu was a strange being and he somehow made everything quiet. It was like all my attention had to remain on him, when he was this close, holding me like this.

"How are you feeling?" His eyes strayed upward again, as if it took everything in him to not look down.

When I didn't reply, he glanced down and must have realised, I couldn't really speak. He huffed a small chuckle, "Sorry."

I shrugged a little, almost tempted to giggle along with him, not at all insulted.

He seemed to think for a moment before carefully stating, "I'm not very good at this, but I think I can talk to you through your thoughts? I mean, it's not something I practice, or bother with, but I'm willing to try. Unless you can hold yourself up until I get a paper…" His eyes strayed further down, surveying me and he cleared his throat weakly.

"Maybe some clothes as well."

I thought about it briefly, but my body had other plans. This was a living, breathing fire Dragon holding me up. His warmth was enough to make all thoughts of decency and dignity leave my brain for the time being. My body inched a little closer to his, leeching off whatever heat I could get, and he stared at me for a second before blinking in realisation.

"Right. You're cold. That's why you're cuddling into me."

I wondered why else I would cuddle into a virtual stranger, but his words cut me off, "I'm guessing leaving to get you clothes is a no?"

I simply brought a shaky hand to my head and tapped two fingers against my temple, hoping he understood my permission about talking through my thoughts. He did, nodding for a few long seconds, but not moving. He eyed my hand which was twitching and pale white.

He lifted his hand slowly and caught my wrist. I watched him with confusion but didn't shy away as he brought the hand to his neck. He slid it under the scarf, eyes focused on the wall behind us. The warmth I found against the skin on his neck was heavenly, and I sighed softly, feeling the slight heat coming from his body strengthen.

I realised then, he was burning up a little on purpose, so he could warm me.

If I wasn't so… indisposed, I would have swooned a little.

My other hand soon followed and went onto the other side of his neck, slipping under his scarf to seek the heat there as I cuddled in a little closer. Heat surrounded me and relaxed my bones, seeping into my skin and loosening the muscles that had grown taught with the cold water.

"Okay." He breathed slowly, and I felt his throat vibrate through my fingers as he spoke, "Like I said, I'm not very good at it, but we'll give it a try."

I nodded silently, focusing on warming myself on this attractive – walking – heater, and he brought a hand up to my head. It trembled a little, and I wondered if I was making him cold. It made me feel a little bad, but I was still greedy for heat and wanted more.

The pulse of magic that left his fingertips made the small hairs on the back of my neck stand up, but it didn't cause anything bad to happen with the power inside me.

Then he asked, "How are you feeling?"

I took a few moments, before thinking, Sore. Cold.

He squinted his eyes in concentration, strengthening the torrent of magic that seeped through his skin and into mine.

"You said sore and cold?"

I nodded, sort of pleased that I didn't have to write everything down for the time being. He grinned, the slightest bit of affection slipping into his pretty eyes. I was finally starting to realise, Prince Natsu was a pretty good guy.

"Just pretty good? That's all I get?"

My eyes widened a little and I cringed as he chuckled. I would have to be more careful with what I thought about. Figuring this was the best time to get some information about what happened, I asked him through the link.

Where is Porlyusica?

There was a little bit of a delay, I noticed, but the silence wasn't awkward. Not when he was so warm.

"She's gone to get some herbs for the pain. She thinks she can make a remedy that will lessen the impact of holding your Scream in."

Oh. I bit my lip before asking, Did anyone die?

"No. You were powerful though." He stated truthfully, "The left wall of the castle has a massive split in it. It's getting fixed now."

Sorry. Relief washed through me as I realised I hadn't killed anyone this time around. But we had all been lucky that Igneel even had cells of that calibre.

"Don't be. I've trashed this place more times than I can count."

I hummed, before questioning curiously.

Where is Erza? And your father?

"Dad and Erza are in his office, planning your departure. After your… episode, he has agreed to an alliance with the Fae against King Jude. He will be aiding your escape and helping from now on."

Tears prickled at my eyes over his kindness, feeling my walls crumble at the information. So many people were willing to help me, to care for me enough that they'd destroy peace treaties with my kingdom. I never wished for any of this to happen, but I also never expected King Igneel to do something like this.

He doesn't have to do that.

Natsu stared into my eyes, arm tightening around my waist slightly. It caused our bodies to inch even closer together, and I felt my cheeks warm again with a slightly scandalous blush. I tried hard not to think about how nice his warm solid chest felt brushing against my own voluptuous one.

"Give me one good reason why he wouldn't, Princess."

I've killed people.

He shook his head, "So have I. The only difference is, I was lucid when I killed. I did it because I had to, and that was that. You killed people because you got this ancient power that you couldn't control."

I was silently thankful at his attempt to cheer me up, and went to think so, when I shifted a little. My freezing feet slipped once more, and his arm pulled firmly on my waist, hauling me to his body, tightly. A gasp ripped out of my throat and I couldn't stop the thought that rushed through my head.

Was I being punished?

His body shook, his warm hand splayed on my lower back as our chests pressed up against each other. I realised, appropriately mortified, that he had heard that.

I pouted at his struggling laughter, and the look seemed to spark more chuckles from Prince Natsu.

"I'm sorry. Shit." He breathed roughly, still chuckling and I closed my eyes for a moment, suddenly feeling very, very tired. His laughter stopped, and he just held me, hand dropping from my temple, warm fingertips brushing my cheek. I tilted my head, noticing how greedy I was for human touch.

I had always pegged my need to be touched, cuddled and generally spoiled with caresses, on my incoming Nymph powers. But now, I didn't have a good excuse as to why human touch made me feel better.

He noticed the way I inched a little towards his hand, and his fingers lightly stroked the skin along my jaw, causing me to shiver.

"Huh." The noise was inquisitive, deep and full of heat. It made my toes crinkle. Just as he went to do something else, the door was smacked open.

My eyes snapped open just as a livid growl filled the room, "What do you think you are doing, you predator?"

Natsu's eyes widened in fear as Erza grabbed him by his hair. He squeaked, "Wait! It's not what it-"

He was ripped away from me and I fell forward, two smooth frail hands catching me as Porlyusica scowled, "The princess is in need of rest! Put that away!"

Natsu couldn't reply because Erza was currently beating him senseless. Porlyusica took one look at me before helping me out of the bathroom. I glanced back to see Erza wielding a sword. King Igneel stood at the threshold, an odd look in his eyes before he wandered over to me. I had my fingers pressed against my jaw, savouring the lingering warmth and trying to rebuild the heat left there.

Porlyusica was helping me get changed into some warmer clothes, lacing up the soft shirt when Erza appeared, strutting over to me confidently. Natsu staggered from the bathroom a second later just as Erza began to braid my knotted hair back. "When we get to the Fae lands, we'll get you some more suitable clothes and company," she said conversationally.

I barely heard her, because I was curious as to what King Igneel seemed to be communicating to his son.

"Hmmm." He just made a noise, a simple noise, but it prompted Natsu to growl.

"Don't say a word."

"I didn't. Just… interesting."

"We were just talking." Natsu hissed back, and I felt his eyes on my back. They seared through me and I felt that spot where he had touched me tingle.

King Igneel was quiet for a few seconds before he spoke, amusement in his tone, "Talking to a Princess, who has lost the ability to talk?"

Natsu choked and I glanced over to find King Igneel smiling a little, watching his son clutch his stomach and go a little pale.

"Interesting." He repeated, and Natsu glared wearily, shooting little glances over at me. Our eyes met and I stared for a few seconds, trying to understand what I was sensing about him. Porlyusica pulled me from my thoughts, so I looked away, pushing it to the back of my mind.

Whilst Ultear and Jellal were packing the carriage, and Erza was stocking up on food for the trip back to the Fae Lands, I was thanking King Igneel the best I could. Natsu was nowhere in sight, and it made me a little bit sad, as I had wished to say goodbye.

I wrote down a quick thank-you on the piece of paper given and handed it over.

I can never thank-you enough. From your patience to your support. Please thank Prince Natsu for me, as well.

He read it over twice before stating, "I know when things are right, and when things are wrong, Princess Heartfilia. You have the Molten Lands' support. I will be sending word to other the kingdoms, informing them of the change, and trying my hardest to get the warrant removed."

I nodded quietly, and he stepped forward, speaking with a hushed tone that was full of tenderness, "I know the journey seems frightening now. But you will be able to get through this, child."

I mouthed 'thank you' to him, curtsying weakly, and his lips twitched. Tears filled my eyes and I wondered if I'd ever see my own father look at me with such warmth ever again.

Probably not.

"You may as well call me Igneel. My friends don't bother with Royal titles." A tear slipped down my cheek and I reached out to clasp his hands. His were battered, and large, but they filled me with a shy amount of hope, hope that I would be able to live through this.

"Hey! I leave you for two minutes, and you make her cry again!" Prince Natsu's enraged shout made me jump as he appeared at his father's side, disconnecting our hands roughly. Igneel's lips twitched in amusement, which further infuriated his son. I wiped away the tear, before noticing Natsu's attire.

Erza came over, and stopped, taking in the clothes he wore, and the bag slung over his shoulder.

"You are not coming with us." Erza snapped, and my heart fluttered a little. I noticed Igneel's head tilt toward the sound, no doubt hearing it, as Natsu smirked.

"King's orders. He wants to make sure the Princess gets there safely. And he obviously, trusts his favourite son to do so."

"You are my only son."

"Why try to recreate perfection?" Natsu shrugged, clearly enjoying Erza's outrage. I felt a smile sneak onto my lips, which made Erza stop whatever threat she was going to issue. She turned to me and sighed.

"Lucy, please. He's a menace. He won't be good company."

We both stared at each other, silently talking through our eyes before she sighed, "It is your expedition, so he can come along. But if he misbehaves, he's walking."

I nodded, and she touched my shoulder, shooting Natsu a filthy look. She exchanged farewells with Igneel, promising him that the Fae Queen would be in touch and they'd send updates of their travels. When she wandered away, I was faced with the two Dragons alone.

"Natsu, do I need to tell you to come back with all limbs accounted for?"

"Nope. I plan on showing up, waving a severed arm." Natsu replied and I watched as they grasped forearms and hugged briefly.

"Look after my son, will you Princess Heartfilia?" Igneel turned his sights to me and I mouthed shyly, Lucy. Igneel's smile widened and he nodded, "Lucy."

After a few more insults, Natsu escorted me towards the carriage, slipping on a leather cuff that I had seen used before as a motion sickness ailment. I wondered how bad his was.

Then I wondered why he had decided to come. Was it really Igneel's command that made him come in the first place?

As everyone climbed in the carriage, Ultear leaping up front to take the first shift driving, Erza told us of the plans she had set up.

"We will travel to my mother and get more information on the Vapid Lands. Hopefully, the warrant will have died down a little by the time we leave. I also have some informants that are searching for the person who shot Virgo." I looked up, surprised, because, in all that had happened, I had forgotten that she was shot, protecting me. Erza patted my hand softly from where she was pressed up against Jellal in an easy, comfortable fashion.

"You've been through a lot Lucy. You can trust me to remember the things you miss. It may just be a coincidence, but if the assassin planned to kill you, then why wouldn't he wait for a better opportunity? I've been in your palace, it is hard to get a shot from where you and Virgo were walking. This person is either extremely skilled, or he knows something we don't."

I had never been more thankful for Erza in my entire life.

Thanks for the support on the first chapter!

To answer a few questions:

How long with this book be? More than 20 chapters (updated because damn this has gotten out of hand)

What does this mean? Spoilers.

Is something coming in the future? Maybe... ;)

Is there a reason why all Banshee's are dead? This chapter pretty much explains it but it will go more in-depth later on :)

Will there be more Banshee's coming later on etc Yukino? Probably not. This chapter sort of explains why Lucy is a Banshee (or gives you multiple ideas of how it could happen to be) but if I can fit it into the plot, maybe?

It's 10 reviews and then a new chapter is out! You guys managed to do it in a day (which is amazing)!

As always guys, stay fresh

xo freshprincess