Chapter Three

Her Loss

Erza was all business.

She spoke of treaties, and alliances but remained confident that in the face of the Molten & Fae Kingdoms, my father would back down. Perhaps even try for a reunion and understand what I was going through.

I tried not to become too hopeful, but Erza's firm voice and sharp eyes made me want to believe.

She was one impressive spokeswoman.

She'd be a lovely queen someday.

Jellal had helpfully inputted some comments here and there, but otherwise silently backed his betrothed, an amused, affectionate note in his eyes.

Nevertheless, I was extremely thankful to both. Their passion and dedication to helping me, was enough to make myself determined that I would do my best, just to make them happy.

Unfortunately, the ride to the Fae Lands wasn't the smoothest.

It wasn't bandits or even the possibility of passing someone dying – which Erza had no plan for, breaking character protocol by saying she would wing it, if I needed to Scream.

No, the source of Erza's ire was the dragon seated next to me, still in his human form as his rumbling deep snore shook the carriage roughly. He had his hand in his shirt, tucked away and his mouth was wide open as he snoozed. After asking Erza about a million pointless questions, the dragon had found sleep, leaving an irritated fairy across from him.

I had the strangest feeling, he was purposely provoking her, despite his less than impressive run-ins with her previously. I wondered why he would do such a thing, but more thought on the subject reminded me that dragons were cheeky, mischievous creatures around non-threats or family.

Perhaps Natsu enjoyed teasing and baiting as much as I enjoyed human touch.

I was listening to Erza's report on the economy in Fae Lands, when a loud meow caused her to stop speaking. We both turned to Natsu who immediately stopped snoring, and his hand shifted a little.

There was a flash of light, before a sword was pointed to Natsu's throat and Erza was leaning forward, a threatening look in her eyes.

"Natsu… Is that a cat?"

"No." He mumbled, but his body was tensed, and less sprawled out than before. I kept my eyes on him curiously, noticing how his chest moved and writhed a little underneath his shirt.

"Then what is that noise?"

"… My stomach."

Erza made a leap for him, Jellal missing the chance to pull her back and I quickly ducked out of the way as she attempted to shove her sword down his throat. He grunted and flailed, dodging her attacks in the tiny carriage as best as he could, when something blue, and soft jumped out of his shirt.

It landed on my lap in a mess of tiny claws, and a puffed tail.

Erza and Natsu both stilled, eyes shooting to me as I picked the cat up gingerly, turning it around to see it's wide, frightened eyes staring back at me. His fur was a beautiful sky blue, and he had a marking of ownership on his forehead, something that most animals that were companions of the royal family were given.

The marking was two small white wings, sat in the middle of his eye-whiskers, and he trembled in my hands. I placed him back in my lap, and attempted to soothe him, stroking down his back, and he began to settle, shooting wild, alarmed looks to the carriage as if trying to find a means of escaping.

"You brought a cat with you?"

"His name is Happy, and I couldn't leave him back there. My father finds it hilarious to frighten the living shit out of him!" Natsu argued, struggling against her grip.

Erza eyes narrowed further, and I focused on scratching under 'Happy's' chin, simply watching them both hiss at each other like wild animals. A delighted feeling rushed through me when Happy began to purr, and I continued to pet him, though with my other hand so I could rummage through the bag Igneel had given me, full of clothes and paper.

I had to stop petting him for a second, which earned me a mournful meow and I scribbled down a few words. I turned it around so Erza could read.

I like him. Can he stay?

She stared at me in shock, as Happy cuddled into me, oblivious to the situation.

Jellal's voice was soft as he spoke, "It might be a good idea to have some… feline comradeship. If it would help settle Lucy."

I was thankful that he had spoken, because I could see the denial on the tip of Erza's tongue, and it worried me. Natsu remained silent, settling on just staring at Happy, who had made himself plenty comfortable nestled into my lap, purring and rolling around happily.

Erza sighed and slowly released her grip on Natsu, "Fine. He can come with us to Fary-Vella, but I would advise against bringing him with us to the Vapids." I smiled, nodding once and she returned the smile softly, reaching her hand out to pat Happy very gently on the head.

He, having forgotten her attack on Natsu, soaked the attention up greedily.

"I apologise for frightening you. It is not your fault that your owner is an idiot." Erza sat back down next to Jellal, her sword vanishing into thin air as Natsu leant closer, rubbing his fingers against Happy's ear.

"Thanks," I heard him murmur and I simply handed Happy back, watching as the strange cat climbed back into his spot underneath Natsu's vest.

After a while, the sunlight streaming through the carriage window became tinted a beautiful purple. It cast a gorgeous glow on the carriage and Ultear informed us from her seat driving, "We have just entered Fae Lands. We'll be in the capital soon."

Whilst Erza thanked her, I opened the small window and poked my head out. I hadn't been to the Fae Lands in over seven years, but it hadn't changed much as far as I could see. It was still breathtaking.

We passed waterfalls and streams that were crystal blue The grass was a vibrant green and large willow trees decorated the landscape. Small villages, decorated in beautiful lights and Maypoles waved to us as we passed by, children chasing each other through the warm fields.

The atmosphere was full of fresh-air and happiness, two things that I would rather die than live without.

Specks of magical power dusted the air, like small embers that glowed different colours. I reached out to grasp one, the tiny mote of power splashing against my skin. I pulled my hand back, cradling the small floating speck of fairy dust, watching as it floated, now knowing my touch and satisfying my curiosity.

"Careful Lucy, you touch one, many more will come." Erza's tone was fond and I reached out again, catching another with a small smile. Fairy dust, or ethernano, was the effect of moments of pure happiness or bliss. They ranged from the smallest to the largest moments in a fairy's life, and they let out a burst of magical power or in this case, fairy dust. Once touched, you could feel the happiness along your skin.

I had never asked why fairies had the ability to produce dust, or why the dust cultivated and came to someone who touched one, but I found myself not caring. I remember running through the fields with Erza when I was younger, watching her learning to fly.

I wondered if any of the dust surrounding us, was from Erza.

Once I had accumulated a small handful of dust, vibrant colours of orange and blue, I stuck my head back in and Erza blinked, noticing the glowing Aura in my hands. My smile turned playful and she visibly shrunk back, "Please don't-"

I lifted my hands to my lips and blew them directly in her face, watching as she sneezed, and rubbed at her nose, her eyes glowing a beautiful purple as she reacted to the fairy dust. Her hair began to float up, as if pulled against gravity and she groaned.

Jellal cracked a small smile and Natsu snickered, watching in amusement as she tried to push the hair down.

She shot me an exasperated smile, her eyes affectionate, "Are you pleased with yourself?"

I grabbed my piece of paper, and quickly wrote down.

I'd be more pleased if I managed to get your body flying as well.

Erza simply laughed and tied her long hair into a bun, pushing the floating strands out of her face with an eyeroll. I turned to look out the window, noticing the cherry blossoms that now lined the road.

As we grew closer to Fary-Vella, their petals fell like raindrops, the trees bigger and mightier with every metre. I noticed something peculiar and turned to Natsu, shyly tapping the side of my head.

He tilted his own, before realising what I meant, lifting his hand to press two fingers against my temple.

The cherry blossoms look like your hair.

A smile grew on his lips, and he nodded silently, keeping his hand there for a few more seconds as Erza asked, "Why on earth are you touching Lucy?"

Her voice was threatening but high-pitched, another side-effect from the fairy dust, and Natsu barely glanced at her, his fingers warm against my temple. I struggled to remain focused, this simple touch soothing me.

"She said that the cherry blossoms look like my hair," he responded to Erza, watching me closely for a few more seconds before dropping his hand. Cold air rushed to that spot, leaving it sensitive and I felt my stomach begin to twist with displeasure.

Was it normal to want this much contact from a stranger?

"You can hear her?"

"I managed to tap into her thoughts and talk to her that way in the bathroom," Natsu confirmed, turning away from me. Once he was focused on Erza, I gave way to the little pout on my lips, as Jellal murmured.

"Dragons don't generally have that ability."

His statement caused the comfortable aura of the room to shift into something much...darker. Erza turned to Jellal, eyes forbidding, but the man was too busy staring at Natsu. Natsu glared back, before smiling with his teeth.

"Funny, I wouldn't expect a knight to know anything about dragons."

Natsu didn't seem like the type of person to use someone's title or standing against them. Jellal's mouth twisted and I could tell he didn't like it. I remained quiet, confused as Erza stated sharply, "Stop it, both of you."

Jellal opened his mouth to say something, but he was cut off when the carriage slowed to a stop. Eager to get out of the suddenly awkward atmosphere, I gathered my bag and opened the door, stepping out slowly.

The large palace doors, decorated in ivory and lace-fixtures greeted me, as well as a smiling familiar face. Warmth spread through me as Eileen, the Queen of the Fae Lands, opened her arms.

"Hello, lovely Lucy." I dropped my bag and dashed towards her, climbing the small set of steps until I was in her arms. She wrapped her own around me tightly and ran a hand along my hair, the action so motherly, I felt tears fill my eyes.

"I've missed you." She stated quietly and I squeezed, hoping she'd understand how much I missed her, and how grateful I was to have her fighting for me.

After Eileen sent me up to the room I was staying in, two handmaidens entered a few minutes later, bowing.

"Princess Heartfilia, the queen would like you to attend dinner tonight, if you are well."

I immediately agreed, but when they dropped off the dress Eileen had gifted me, and offered their assistance, a stab of pain in my heart, made me shake my head. Once they had left, I sat down and applied my make-up, trying to remember exactly how Virgo had done it. My hand shook and tears filled my eyes.

I dropped the brush and put my head in my hands, whimpering softly as the door opened. Knowing that I had to remain composed, I straightened and tried to wipe the tears falling away from my eyes.

Two cool soft hands touched my shoulders and Erza's voice came out gently, "I can help."

I sobbed loudly and she wrapped her arms around me, letting me bury my head in her neck as she comforted me with soft words and kind-hearted apologies. Even though there was nothing she could have done, it helped to hear it. It helped that somebody was there.

Once I had calmed down, she let me wipe my face with a damp washcloth, twisting my hair into a thick, loose braid diligently. Her fingers moved with practiced ease, and when she was finished, she tugged and rearranged the strands evenly.

Then she began applying creams on my face, "Do you miss her?"

I nodded, my throat aching with all the words I wanted to say, and she seemed to understand as she applied a smooth line of black onto my eyelid, following the natural curve of my lashes.

"Do you feel guilty?"

Her question caused me to think, because even though I hadn't killed her like I had killed the others in my kingdom, I was still in-avertedly responsible. If the person hadn't targeted me, she wouldn't have been there to jump in front of me. If I had done something… different, she could still be alive and I wouldn't be exiled.

I nodded.

She painted my lips with a coral colour in silence before she spoke softly, "I won't tell you how to feel Lucy, but will you trust me to tell you the truth?"

I nodded once more and she set the brush down, her brown eyes staring into mine, only a shade lighter than my own.

"Virgo would not allow, or like, you to feel guilty. She would not want to see you in pain over something you cannot control, or couldn't have stopped. She would want you to try your hardest, and live."

Tears filled my eyes at her words and she shook her head, fanning me, "I know it looks like I know what I'm doing, but if you smudge it, I can't guarantee it looking good."

I nodded, a smile on my lips as she stood up, glancing at the extravagant clock on the far wall, "Let's help you into your dress. Dinner is almost beginning."

I only then realised she wore a dark blue dress that almost touched the floor, and a beautiful bracelet that started at her wrist and crawled upward in intricate curls to her upper arm. I wanted to compliment her, but the fear of opening my mouth and not controlling whatever came out, shut me up.

Instead, I simply mouthed "Pretty" and she smiled, "Thank you Lucy." She helped me into my dress, tying the ties accordingly and I momentarily awed at how beautiful the design was. I was used to corsets, and dresses that had a lot of poof.

The Fae fashion sense was more smooth, silky and form-fitting with an edge of dangerous allure. The colour Eileen had chosen for me was a soft fuchsia colour, that clung to my hips, then fell in a soft draping motion. The upper half was modest, a high neckline that accentuated my chest, whilst leaving my arms and shoulders mostly bare.

I wore no accessories apart from a silver bracelet similar to Erza's, except less extravagant, only going to my forearm. I appreciated that, although Father had mentioned, once or twice, that silver was not my colour.

"How is your… power?"

Erza's question made me tense and I glanced at her, shaking my head slowly.

"You haven't felt the urge to Scream?"

I shook my head again, watching as she placed the shoes at my feet, before rising, dusting off her dress absentmindedly, "That is good. Perhaps, the pain lessens when you are feeling comfortable."

Or maybe it's because I haven't been in the immediate vicinity of a dying person, I thought, but didn't bother to write down. She didn't need to know how dark my thoughts were when discussing my 'power'.

The ballroom was decorated beautifully in pastel colours and twinkling lights, fast-little pixies rushing across the floor gracefully. They bowed their respects when passing us, but took off again, dressed in glittery wraps.

The floor sparked and glowed with every step of someone royal, and Erza steered us toward the head of the table where Eileen was seated, sipping on a goblet of wine. She smiled at me, over the brim of the glass and placed it down.

"My kingdom, please welcome, Princess Heartfilia."

A chorus of greetings made me smile and curtsy before taking my seat, Erza sitting down to the right of me.

Natsu sat opposite me, chowing down on a piece of meat like he had never eaten before and, instead of being disgusted with him, I felt myself admire him a little. He honestly didn't care much about being princely, or how he appeared.

Of course, he was a dragon, so maybe the etiquette was different.

"How were your travels here, daughter?"

"Accompanied by a snoring dragon, there weren't any hiccups worth mentioning," Erza replied, as a pixie filled the goblet in front of me with deep red liquid. Eileen's laugh was husky, and feminine all at once.

Natsu swallowed the food remaining in his mouth before apologising sincerely, "Despite the elixir my cousin, Princess Wendy, gave me, I still find wheeled transport horrible. I managed to sleep through most of it, thank the gods."

His words were bordering on playful, and I realised then that he might not have the best human manners, but he knew how to navigate around royalty. It made me admire him even more.

Eileen nodded understandingly while Erza glowered, but she was ignored, "I understand Natsu, I'm sure you tried your hardest. And I'm sure Lucy is happy you have volunteered to help."

They both looked at me and I nodded with a blush, picking up the goblet to calm the burning feeling on my cheeks. Eileen smiled and addressed me, "Erza has informed me you are unable to speak. Is it because you are truly unable to or for another reason?"

I noticed there wasn't any sort of parchment or way to tell her, and scrambled to reply. Natsu stood up swiftly and came around the table, crouching down with a hand raised, "May I?"

I nodded, silently thanking him, and he pressed two fingers against my temple. Warmth rushed through me and I felt something inside me, reach out and draw his power in.

I am afraid. Every time I go to speak, I can feel something rise up my chest. Something I can't control.

Natsu relayed my words to Eileen who listened intently, before asking, "And can you feel that power now?"

I bit my lip and closed my eyes, seeking out something that could tell me it was still around. It was an odd feeling, because when I was about to scream, I felt boiling hot right up until I gave in to the noise. But when I was like this, surrounded by happiness, the power was practically non-existent; I could barely feel it.

Something, somewhere deep inside me, twisted. My eyes snapped open, and I lifted my hands watching as my skin began to glow a pale white. The rushing pixies stopped in their tracks, but I barely took notice, as I felt that power run through my veins and slowly overtake my body.

A hot flare reached out and snapped the connection I had with Natsu and he jolted back from my body just as I placed my hands on the table. A tight grip formed around my wrist just as the power began to get more real, so real that I could touch it.

A bright light flashed through my vision and the power was forced back immediately, shut down and locked away. Eileen sat down slowly, her hand still on my wrist as she murmured, "I admit, I didn't believe you were a Banshee at first. But, it seems I was wrong."

She drew her hand away from mine with a tight comforting squeeze before clapping her hands, "Leave us."

The pixies began to gracefully exit the room, rushing through the door as Eileen gestured to the food spread in front of us, "Eat Lucy, I'm sure you are famished. We have much to discuss."

Sorry for the late update, my account wasn't working and I was buried with work.

To answer a few questions:

Why can't Lucy talk? This chapter explains that but just to refresh it, she can talk but at the moment, she is too afraid that she cannot control the power that wants to constantly break out.

Will Lucy ever talk again? ;) ... yes

What is the link Natsu and Lucy have? Spoilers.

What was the look Igneel gave? ;) who doesn't love a meddling Igneel

Is Zeref or Mavis coming soon? Look out for the big Z but don't hold your breath for the M.

(Any question about END and Natsu being able to do the mind-reading thing w Lucy is spoilers so I promise I'm not ignoring them!)

There isn't much nalu in this chapter mainly because plot development was needed but the next chapter; just you wait.

Since you guys keep smacking out 10 comments so easily, I'll up the ante to 15 and see you next time!

As always guys, stay fresh

xo freshprincess