Chapter Nine

Her Wonder

Ultear sat across from us, tinkling with the orb in her hands. Natsu was leaning against the window beside me, staring out with a thoughtful face and the silence was comfortable. Erza had swapped with Ultear a few hours ago, and was currently racing towards the check-point like a mad woman.

"How's the future looking?" I ask Ultear playfully and she glances up, a smile playing on her lips.

"Sunny with not a cloud in the sky."

I laughed at her joke, knowing that she couldn't really see the future. More so the past and memories. I never really asked what sort of creature Ultear was, but given her abilities, I had to assume she was some sort of witch. There were so many different types, that it would be presumptuous of me to choose one without proper facts.

Plus, some people got offended if you asked, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.

"Where is Jellal now?"

"He's almost at the Northern Glaciers." She informs me, "Hopefully, he can smooth things over and perhaps get the King and Queen to allow us safe passage. It would be easier than the alternative." I nodded in agreement, remembering Eileen's plan to send Jellal ahead using a more direct route, as to give him time to convince them to agree to let us through peacefully.

"I've never been to the North Glaciers, but I've met King Silver, and Queen Mika. As well as their son." I state, before frowning, "I never got to ask what sort of creatures they were."

"The son's a damn seahorse."

Natsu's words made me look over to him in surprise, his eyes narrowing at the scenery outside.

Ultear sighs loudly, "Gray isn't a seahorse…"

"Do you know him?" I ask her, ignoring Natsu's grumbling for the time being.

She nodded with a small smile, explaining, "My mother is their royal adviser."

I blinked, "Oh! So you grew up there?"

Ultear laughed with a look of fondness in her eyes, "Yes, I did. I know Gray and the royal family, quite well."

"Do you mind me asking if you know what sort of being they are?"

"Well, King Silver is a Amarok. And the mother is an orca-spirit." My eyes widen in surprise and curiosity, which makes her laugh.

"Do you know what an Amarok is?"

"Isn't it… a wolf?"

"Basically. But it's much bigger. I mean, a fully grown one would rival a dragon's size, if they were strong enough." She tells me, a smile playing on her lips as she glances at Natsu cheekily. Said dragon glances away from the window with a fierce look of denial on his features.

"A baby dragon, maybe. But I'm sure Igneel could squash King Silver with just his tail, if he wanted too."

Ultear shows no sign of finding his words insulting and just laughs, delight sparkling in her eyes, "I seem to remember you, seeing his full-form and almost peeing yourself."

Natsu splutters which makes us both laugh, before Ultear returns her attention back to me, "Queen Mika is an orca-spirit. She has the ability to change into an orca but it's different than a were-animals ability. I couldn't understand it then, so I can't really explain it now."

"That's okay. So did Prince Gray take after his mother or his father?"

"Seahorse." Natsu hisses from his spot, and I momentarily study him. He's so grumpy today, but I have no idea why. It's almost cute. Okay, it is a little cute. I hadn't seen Natsu grumpy, and petulant, but it was definitely a show.

Maybe that's why Ultear keeps picking at him.

"Well, originally, King Silver was supposed to find a Queen of the same creature. But they fell in love, and the Kingdom adored her, so they were able to get married with little repercussions. And with their… consummation, came Gray. He is both."

"Both?"

She nodded, "It's not terribly rare, there are colonies all over the North where you find his species. They are called an Akhlut. He's an orca-spirit with the ability to change into an amarok. But he can also change into an orca, and I've heard, he's been mastering both forms."

"Wait." My heart shudders excitedly at the idea of that, "So he can change into an orca and a wolf at the same time?"

"Yes, and with the same size of a growing amarok too. I haven't seen it, but apparently it's literally a half change between both of the animals. Wolf paws, orca tail, the works."

"That's incredible!" I gushed, and she smiled, as if the fact I found it amazing was incredible by it's own right. But honestly, how could it not be stupendous?

"I have wings." Natsu mutters under his breath and I turn to him.

"Do you have a tail?"

"Sometimes." He shoots back and I raise my eyebrow, frowning a little.

"How come I've never seen it?"

"It leaves a gaping hole in my pants, Luce. I don't want some trolls to get the wrong idea."

I giggle at that, shaking my head at his crassness before Ultear titters cheekily, her words catching both of our attention.

"Oh, Princess Lucy is Luce now… Interesting."

Blood rushes to my cheeks and Natsu just grumbles, "It's just a name."

"A nick-name." She clarifies, a smirk playing on her lips, "A nickname, means you feel comfortable enough with her to make one. And she didn't even realize so either she doesn't care about you at all… or…"

She drifted off but the implication is there. I close my eyes, summoning up enough bravery to do what I've wanted to do for the last two hours. When I open my eyes, Natsu is about to say something back to Ultear, that will no doubt further give her satisfaction since she is doing the impossible, teasing the teaser.

I slid closer hesitantly, lifting his heavy arm and put it around my shoulders, wearing a bright smile, "Well of course I don't mind, Natsu and I are basically best friends already!"

Ergh. My brain cringes from my words, but my movements have stopped whatever Natsu is going to say and now Ultear is looking at me in surprise, probably because I shouted those words at her.

I snuggle into Natsu's solid size, noticing how tense he is and send Ultear a little smile, giving her a playful wink. Her lips twitch and she looks away, though the amusement is still there. When she turns back to us, she just smiles and nods as if it all makes sense now.

"Such an alliance should be coveted all over Fiora."

"I know." I reply playfully, feeling a little more comfortable now that Natsu's warmth is surrounding me. Natsu is absolutely still, so still, I'm sure he stopped breathing. I playfully poke his side with my hand, and he jolts, looking down at me as I speak.

"But truthfully, it's not Natsu's personality that makes him such a good friend… I just wanted a somebody who could sprout wings and fly me anywhere I want to go." I shrug a little, and Ultear laughs, a full-body laugh that leaves her glowing.

"And Natsu does sprout wings."

"It was fate. An opportunity like no other." I declare cheekily and Natsu sighs, his body relaxing with the exhale of air.

"I knew it, you're a user." He mumbles, a smile tweaking at his lips as his arm tightens around my shoulders, my body sinking in against his. The very soft warmth of his magic seeps into my skin and I work off the bracelet, placing it gently beside me. The warmth intensifies until I'm practically a puddle besides him.

Natsu just accepts my weight and continues to look out the window, although, he seems less grumpy than before. Ultear raises one eyebrow at me, "Is it safe to take off your bracelet?"

I nod, "I don't really need it when I'm with Natsu. I think it's all to do with the link. I just haven't tried it with Erza yet."

"Perhaps, I should take it to Erza and get it recharged while you guys are…" She makes a waffling motion with her hand and I blush a little but agree enthusiastically.

"That would be great!" She leans across to grab it, and then stands up, turning towards the door. She sends me a smile before ducking out, not caring that we are still moving. I wonder if I'll ever be so coordinated or graceful to do that.

Once the door clicks shut, I turn my head back towards Natsu.

"So, you don't like Prince Gray?"

His lips purse, "The guy is a putz."

"I thought he was a seahorse?" I inquired innocently and he glances down, narrowing his eyes at me as if he sees right through my act. Which isn't surprising, I was a terrible actress.

"He's that too."

I laugh softly and just press my head against his shoulder, closing my eyes for a few moments of peace. His magic is almost tangible around me, settling against my skin like a warm blanket.

"Why are you grumpy?" I ask, my eyes still closed as Natsu's shoulder moves a little while he adjusts his body in the seat.

"I'm not."

"Is it because Erza hasn't been focused enough for you to tease her?" I wonder out loud, remembering how he had tried to antagonize her multiple times and she had been so busy trying to make up the distance lost, that she didn't react.

"That would be childish, and I am not a child." He mutters, and my lips quirk into a smile when I realize I've hit the nail on the head.

"You know… It's not normal that you feel the need to vex people. I think it's a psychological disease, especially if it leaves you grumpy when you aren't able to do it." I tell him, part cheeky, part serious. But I guess everyone has their outlets, and Natsu's is to pester or tease people.

"I'm not grumpy." He argues lightly and I wrap my arm around his waist, giving him a tight playful squeeze.

"Sure."

When I go to move my hand back, he stops me with a hand on mine, sliding it back over to his side. I don't question it, I just relax and keep my arm wrapped around his stomach. It moves my head slightly so instead of being able to rest it on his shoulder comfortably, I'm forced to press it against his chest.

Oh dear, how did this happen?

Natsu's heartbeat is a steady, if slightly fast tempo underneath my ear and it's almost hypnotizing. It helps seep away everything I had been holding in for the last couple of hours, sadness about not being able to help Loki, anger of what my Father is doing, horror that people in my Kingdom see my gift as a blessing when it clearly isn't.

"You're like an old man." I smile a little, and he sighs, but I can feel his smile strangely. I don't want to look up and ruin my comfortable spot, leaning against him, letting his heartbeat and magic soothe me. I can vaguely feel some part of me pulling for more, sucking away that warmth to store inside me. I wonder if it would be a good idea to go cold turkey and get rid of the need for touch entirely.

"You feeling needy? You don't normally initiate contact."

I shrug, "I guess I'm feeling affectionate. I don't really need it though, if you want me to move."

"You are practically wrapped around me, Luce. How can I ever deal with such a burden?" I smile and nuzzle his chest with my cheek, letting free a happy sigh. His arm tightens around my shoulder even more, getting rid of that last centimeter of space.

"This is what it would be like, you know." I find myself saying through the light fog of fulfillment. Very lightly, through the link we made, I feel a sense of confusion that isn't from me, and clarify further, "If I was going to accept your companionship. I wouldn't have to worry about society's expectations or feelings, or the fact that we are literally heading towards hostile lands. If I needed to hug you, I just would."

He's quiet for a few seconds but when he talks, his voice is stained with a sly amount of humor and something darker like need, "Firstly, you are a wanted princess, Luce. Society has no expectations of you right now, aside from being wild and uncaring." It's odd that it makes sense, but it does. If anything, my Father and my Kingdom are probably assuming that I'm arranging some sort of attack or even running off to join the travelers.

So why was I so worried about appearances if my reputation was already pretty bad?

The question baffles me, but I find myself unable to answer it fully.

"Old habits die hard, I guess." I sound bemused and I am, because I would have never thought of it that way.

"And secondly, if you ask me, this is a great time to find yourself. An adventure to a dangerous place, surrounded by people you enjoy. Sow a couple of wild oats, do some stupid things. Dance naked under the moonlight if you want too."

"So, basically, your typical night at the Dragneel castle?" I tease and his chest moves as he laughs softly, the noise husky and so deep in all the right places. It's a little astounding how his nice his voice is, because usually, deep voices like his were hard to understand and even a little annoying. His accent, paired with his tone, makes it almost sound like a soft spoken tale-teller.

Of course, that's when he isn't cackling madly.

"As for your feelings, you know I'm not demanding anything. You do what you want, the chances are, I want the exact same thing in spades."

"I wouldn't have taken you for wise."

"Don't tell my Father, he'll think I'm ready to become King." He whispers and I laugh a little, rolling my eyes as I stare down at the floor in thought. He was right, this was a chance of a lifetime. Sure, it's not exactly the best circumstance and the mission deserved our utmost attention, but there's moments like this, when I can do whatever I want and it doesn't hurt anyone.

It's like I don't have to be Princess Lucy Heartfilia.

I can just be, Lucy.

"What are you thinking about?"

"Typical nights at the Dragneel castle." I tease quietly, smiling proudly when he laughs again.

"Alright, we are stretching our legs for ten minutes." Erza barks as Natsu and I crawl out of the carriage, me with a little kitten yawn since I had - embarrassingly - fell asleep on Natsu. He gives into a large back-breaking stretch before glancing at me with a little smirk.

"You've got drool on your cheek."

I glower at him, shoving his side lightly, "Five meters away from me, swine."

Erza nods approvingly at me when she see's the action, before asking, "Lucy, there's a stream just through those bushes if you want to wash your face and do your business." Ultear, who is pulling off her shoes looks up and offers to join me. She also hands me the bracelet, which I slip on, cringing a little at the sting of Fae magic.

I accept and we tread off, leaving Natsu and Erza to entertain themselves. We walk through the brush, scratching at different places and my legs are a little weak from how I slept. When I step into the clearing, I make a noise that causes Ultear to look up and still also.

Three people, two women and one man, are in the stream already. Completely naked. The man is sitting on a rock, laughing as the woman reclines in the water, one leg propped up in the air, showing off incredible flexibility. The last is washing her hair, bent over from the waist, ass directed at us.

I advert my eyes immediately, whilst Ultear whispers to me, "Swan maidens. They shouldn't bother us." I nod, because I had already came to that exact conclusion. Due to research and my own curiosity, I knew a lot about the creatures closer to my Kingdom. Swan maidens were essentially, beings that could change between swan form and human form with a talisman they were born with. The reason why their type is so obvious is the flawless, milk-white skin and cloud-colored hair.

We move a bit up stream and I remind myself that it's considered rude to gawk at them, even if they are naked. It's a sign of disrespect, and I really didn't want to tumble with a swan-maiden. Although, I think they are light creatures and stick to flying away from people or things they perceive as a threat.

From what I could remember, nudity in their culture is considered normal and families often wear no clothes around each other, never once feeling anything other than purity and comfort.

I didn't really understand it, but that's probably because I would get ridiculously squeamish if I had to disrobe in front of family or even close friends.

Ultear wades into the water, after pulling her pants up a little and stands calf deep, wiggling her toes. I sit on a rock just at the edge, taking my shoes off and sinking my feet into the water also. I sigh, and we share a smile, content in acting like they aren't even there.

Which sucks, because I sort of wanted to ask questions.

The one who had been showing off her limberness, wandered closer to us, and I glanced over out of habit. My eyes met two large blue ones, her lily-white hair cut into a short style that sat around her cheeks. Her skin almost glistens in the light, and she's petite framed. Beautifully so.

I offer her a small smile, keeping my eyes on hers before looking away slowly, watching Ultear lean over and rub her hands in the cool water. A little fish swims past my feet and my eyes follow it before I look up, startling at the face suddenly in front of mine.

Those huge blue eyes blink at me curiously before she smiles, but remains silent. I return it slightly, a little astounded by her appearance in my personal space. She leans even closer and her hands reaches out, lightly touching my hair.

"Gold." She says quietly, her voice full of youth and vitality. I nod then reach up slowly, watching for any signs of stress or fear and lightly untie my hair from it's braid. Her eyes widen as my smooth, thick hair falls out around me.

A delighted laugh leaves her lips, as she shouts, "Mira! Look! Her hair is gold!"

The older swan-maiden looks up and her eyes go large, "Lisanna! You musn't-" She stops when I smile at her also, trying to convey that I don't mind her friends interest in my hair. Of course, given their appearances, they look related. I wonder if they are family or not.

Lisanna turns back to me, asking with a vibrancy in her eyes that I can't really say no to, "Can I touch?"

I nod slowly, and she reaches out, raking her fingers through my hair slowly. She makes an amazed sound and I wonder why she's so impressed by it. My hair was practically passed down by royal blood, a few shades from being pale as hers, but in the sunlight, it did shine golden. The warmth just bounced off it, which used to be a source of ire for me.

I glance at Ultear who is watching the swan-maiden in shock, standing perfectly still. She must not understand either.

Her friend, Mira has finally reached us. She looks much more confident and somehow knowing of the situation and lightly apologizes, "Sorry for my sisters manners. She's obsessed with gold."

"It's fine." I clear my throat when my voice comes out a little shaky, giving her a smile, "It's in need for a cut anyway."

Lisanna gasps, "No! Don't cut hair! It's beautiful!"

Mira tugs her arm but Lisanna refuses to budge, her baby blues pleading to eyes are practically glistening with horror and her voice is so upset. With how limited her English is, I have to assume it's not her native language. But I can't for the life of me, remember what native tongue swan-maidens spoke.

"I won't cut it." I promise, nodding, "I won't cut."

"You won't?" She now sounds delighted again and I laugh, glad she isn't upset anymore.

"I won't." I assure her and she gives me a wide smile, her teeth almost blinding me. Mira also smiles but then it slowly seeps away as the man, who had been observing us from the rock, stands.

"Dragon." His voice is thick with an accent, but the word is slightly shaky. I glance up and notice Natsu and Erza, who are standing at the entrance of the path, watching us speak. I wonder how long they have been there.

Mira firmly grasps her sisters wrist and begins to tug it, tug her away from me as the man gathers their talismans that sit innocently on a rock in the middle of the stream. Lisanna glances to Natsu, her natural flight instinct kicking in with how afraid she looks. I almost feel bad, but I know how it works.

Predator, prey.

I wonder if it ever hurts Natsu.

Erza and Natsu just watch them, not exactly looking threatening, but it's an aura around them that I can almost see.

It basically screams, 'careful.'

Lisanna surprises us all, and fights her sisters grip, reaching for me whilst struggling, "Name! Name!"

"Lucy." I tell her, standing up from the rock as Ultear comes to my side. Lisanna smiles widely and fists her palm, shaking it lightly. Mira frowns at her sister, also not understanding why she's making such a fuss. Lisanna wrenches her arm against the grip and Mira releases her, shocked.

Lisanna, still completely naked, marches over me and shakes her fist again. Ultear takes a step to protect me, but Lisanna ignores her entirely, reaching out. Her cold, wet hand grip my right arm and pulls it out.

Then she whispers, "Lucy."

When she opens her palm, a feather sits in it. So white, that in the sun, it almost glitters. She gently places it my open palm, and it's soft. I blink at the gift, confused and flattered all at once. Our eyes meet once more as Mira hisses at her sister, glancing at Erza and Natsu erratically.

"Lisanna!"

Lisanna ignores her sister, and I smile a little. My smile makes her smile and we stand there, smiling at each other.

"Thank-you." I whisper, and she nods, a satisfied grin on her lips. Then she wades back over to Mira, chin tilted high. I almost laugh at how smug she looks, and how exasperated Mira is. Then with a flutter of glitter, and magic, three swans take off out of the lake, into the sky.

I look down at my palm, bemused before chirping, "Well, back on the road!"

Ultear laughs breathlessly, "Do you know how rare it is to get approached by a swan maiden, let alone get a gift?"

I blink at her before laughing it off, "She just liked my hair." I walk out of the stream, stretching as Erza shakes her head at us, or well me.

"I think we should just keep you in the carriage from now on, you just attract creatures." Erza jokes and I step into my shoes, balancing myself with a hand on Natsu's shoulders. The feather is lightly clutched with my other hand Erza and Ultear walk up ahead and I take the time to ask Natsu if it bothers him.

"Not really." He shrugs, "It's natural preservation. I'm a big bad dragon, they are swans. An entree really."

"That's horrible." I pout at him, as he continue walking, my hands now free to cup the feather gently.

"Princesses are more filling really. Spoiled brats, and all that."

"Stop!" I laugh, shoving him gently with my shoulder and he laughs as well before peering down at the feather.

"A swan did give my Father a feather once. It's supposed to be good luck."

"Really?" I ask, surprised as I hold it up to my face, studying it. Natsu cackles, as if he knows that I'm trying to see the luck with my eyes, instead of just believing it.

"Yeah. Looks like you've got a guardian angel."

"Maybe a guardian dragon, by the end of this trip." I tease, giving him a coy smile as I step into the carriage open doors. Erza is already unpacking some sandwiches for us, whilst Ultear is in the front. Natsu follows me in, a slight red tinge on his cheeks and I inwardly cheer that I got him to blush this time around.

I bit my lip, using my fingers to measure the small piece of leather Erza had graciously given me before lifting the scissors and cutting it. Erza was sleeping soundly opposite me, and Natsu had been driving for a few hours. Ultear had opted to stay up there with him so she could navigate him better.

It seems we were all in agreement about Natsu's sketchy navigation skills.

Erza had decided we weren't going to stop for another break until we hit mid morning, and it had been dark for a few hours now, the moon in it's crescent form, bright in the sky. I had the feather resting delicately beside me, and was currently working on the piece that would hold it in my hair.

The door opened when I was trying to figure out how to secure the quill in the leather. Natsu slid inside easily, glancing at Erza for a moment before quietly shutting the door. I smiled a little at his consideration, but continued to puzzle at the dilemma I had.

He sat down beside me and watched me fiddle with the leather piece, before asking, "Can't get it to work?"

"I need something to clasp it and hold the leather and the feather together." I admit before giggling, my voice soft, "I rhymed." I almost slapped myself at that point because I was so not the type of girl to point out that I rhymed to an attractive member of the opposite sex.

I blame Natsu, he's the only thing that's changed.

He gave me a soft smile that my cheeks could not resist, causing a light blush to spread over my cheeks. He lifted his hand and tugged on his ear, before pulling out the metal cuff that sat at the top of it. He handed it to me and I frowned, "No, it's okay. I don't want to take it."

"It's a gift." He placed it in my free hand and I smiled thankfully at him, flushed and pleased at his soft attitude. It seemed, whenever night came, Natsu got a little more sweeter, somehow. Maybe smoother. Maybe it was just added darkness that took away his exuberance.

"Can you help?"

He nodded, and together we managed to figure it out. He tied the thin piece of leather around the quill, securing it, before helping me meld the cuff so the leather melted and stuck to the metal. Once we were done, he took a strand of my hair and slid the cuff in, squeezing lightly so it clipped into my hair.

"Thank-you." I stroked the feather lightly, eyeing it from the side as it dangled from the mid-lengths of that strand.

He just nodded and smiled at me, before asking, "How are you feeling?"

"Calm." I said, before adding after a minute, "Wide awake, unfortunately."

"Probably because you fell asleep and drooled on me earlier." He teased and I leaned in, glaring at him playfully.

"Princesses don't drool."

"No, but Luce does." He leaned in as well, our voices quiet so we didn't disturb Erza and I rolled my eyes before biting my lip. His eyes fell down to the action, narrowing a little bit before I questioned bravely, despite my heart racing in my chest and my brain cringing at the incoming humiliation.

"Want to cuddle?"

His eyes widened for a second before a smile spread across his lips. He nodded quietly and I reached over to the bags, grabbing a blanket. He adjusted himself on the seat, laying on his back like he had done on the couch at Jellal's cabin, and I motioned for him to scoot, not sure that I'd fit sideways with my ass and that tiny scrap of seat left.

"Just sit on me."

I gasped, coyly scandalized, "Why, Natsu. What on earth would your Father say?"

"Good work." He smirked at me, eyes glittering with amusement and I scoffed, shaking my head to hide my smile. I slipped onto his body, my knees bracing on either side of me as I wiggled a little before telling him.

"I want to put my legs in the middle."

"Just don't shove your knee in my crotch, and I'll be fine with that." I rolled my eyes but adjusted when he spread his legs a little, just enough for me to slip down his body. He lifted one of his legs, bent at the knee and placed it over the back of my thighs, and I cuddled into him.

I made an unhappy noise, and he murmured, "What is it?"

"I want the blanket to the top of my ears."

"Then pull it up."

I clenched my hands on the fabric of his shirt, my head resting on his chest, and mumbled, "I'm too comfortable. I'll ruin it if I move."

He chuckled and with his long arms, reached down to grasp at the blanket that was piled at my hips, and pulled it up to my ears, as per requested. I sighed happily and lifted my chin, staring up at his handsome face for a few moments.

"Take your bracelet off, it's blocking your magic from me." He stated and I frowned, resting my chin more firmly on his sternum.

"That's good. From what Erza has told me, I'm too aggressive."

"Protective, yes. Aggressive, no." He denied, opening his eyes to gaze down at me, "I like the feel of it. Feels like fur sometimes, other times it feels like wind. Depending on the shape you have it in."

"It's just a blob of white at the moment," I tell him and he smiles.

"Blob. How surprisingly eloquent of you."

"Spell eloquent." I reply cheekily, but lift my hands to slip off the bracelet. I place it carefully on the ground beside the chair, before snuggling back into him. He pinches my waist at my attitude but doesn't bother to reply, making a low growling noise that makes Erza stir.

I shiver, "Don't you dare. You'll wake up Erza and then you'll be dragged by your tail off the back of the carriage."

"You like it though." He says this so innocently that I'm a little surprised, and I convey that with my eyes. His eyes darken a little as he adds the sinker, "Plus, I like doing it."

I giggle, lifting my hand from his side to place it on his lips. He looks shocked and pleased that I'm being so touchy and inwardly, I'm equally as surprised.

"No growling tonight. That's an order."

"Yes, Luce. Whatever you say, Luce." He mumbles from the other side of my hand and I roll my eyes, but slip my hand away and tuck it under his scarf, sighing at the warmth there.

My email says it's only 19 comments but Ffnet says it's 26?

When in doubt, trust the source i guess?

I'm generally puzzled by t his but whATEVER.

WHY DOES THE EARTH PLAY WITH ME LIKE THIS

Question Time:

Was Lucy and Loke talking about Levy? Uh... no.

Will Levy be introduced? *Looks at previous chapter, and the 2,000 word dialogue between Levy and the gang.* UhhHHHH

Does Lucy have black hair now? Non my friend. She has black hair only when she goes Banshee, I will be changing the previous chapter a little to clarify that properly soon.

Will there be a main character death? Noooooo. Would I do that? ;)

So whens the lioness going to lick Natsu's wounds? Ohohohohoho, i like how you think ;)

Is Ultear connected to Gray? This chapter answers that.

So is zeref going to be king of the demons and then reveal natsu to be a half demon or something and that's why he can do the mental link with Lucy? Zeref is a LORD. There's a clue for you. He's a dictator, as said by previous chapters. He is not the KING of Demons. Can anyone guess why the distinction between 'Lord' and 'King' is so important when it comes to Zeref? P.s he is royalty, but he abolished the royal law and made it completely under his rule.

It's another twenty comments to get the next chapter!

I'm going to go contemplate my life in the corner.

As always guys, stay fresh... and sane.

xo freshprincess.