Chapter Eleven

Her Sister

I stepped out of the carriage, hood firmly placed over my hair, with a red scarf wrapped around my mouth. Erza and Natsu were also hooded, hiding their hair and face with scarfs of their own. The only one not wearing extreme camouflage was Ultear, and she did most of the talking, adopting a more southern accent easily.

As she talked to the shop keeper with Erza, I wandered away to the markets just a little ways from the group. I ran my fingers over some of the silver plated trinkets, keeping my head down as townspeople moved around, talking and shopping for goods.

I stopped at a small wood carving stand, picking up a small dragon that was as small as my ring finger. It was curved and beautifully designed, the details so acute that I could really tell the carver worked really hard for it.

"It's cute." Natsu's voice made me glance back, and I nodded, holding the little dragon up to his eyes.

"Did you look like this when you were a kid?"

His eyes glittered with amusement and he leaned over to breathe into my ear, "I was way cuter."

I laughed and placed the dragon back down, noticing the ladies smile with a little flush. She eyed the pair of us as if she was trying to figure out the connection, or maybe she was just really nosy. I ignored her and continued to move onto the next booth, Natsu following me casually. I wondered if Natsu was only accompanying me because Erza hadn't wanted me to be left alone while we were here.

"How long are we in this town?"

"Only two days." Natsu informs me, and I stop at a stall that has beautiful flowered jewelry. I can tell they aren't real diamonds, or gems but that doesn't take away from their beauty. The little girl behind the desk, looking up at me with round eyes looks a bit pale, and ashen. Her mother is asleep in the chair behind her, dark circles prominent underneath her closed eyes.

I glanced back to the girl and asked, "Did you help make these?"

She nodded, and proudly whispered, "All the ones on the left, I did myself. The ones with emeralds are my favorite…" I didn't tell her I knew they weren't real, because she looked so earnest, that I figured she might not know herself. Instead, I just nodded and looked over to the section she had gestured as her own.

There was a lot of green, the fake sparkle of man-made gems would trick someone who wasn't knowledgeable about their jewelry. They were good fakes, and I had to inwardly applaud the woman's art of making almost perfect replicas' of the crystals. I picked up a small ring, that was a simple gold band, with a fake-emerald cut in the middle.

"How much is this one?"

She perked up even more at the thought of a potential sale, and rattled off a surprisingly expensive price. I held the ring up to my eye, my lips quirking at the little mistake she had made around the bridge of the golden plated metal. I glanced at the mother, who let out a loud snore and shifted in her sleep, clothes covered with soot and dirt.

I turned to Natsu, "Do you have any coin?"

He nodded, and reached into his pocket, pulling out a small pouch that rattled with change.

"How much is in there?"

"Two thousand in gold and silver." He shrugged and I smiled a little, also perceiving that as pocket change even though I didn't have my own money to flaunt about. Us royals, so materialistic. But for her, and her mother, it would be enough for a weeks worth of food. And more supplies.

"I'll pay you back in interest." I swiped the entire bag and turned back to the little girl, ignoring his grunt of amusement. I handed over the bag and she opened it, her eyes widening. I had easily given her two times over the price she had stated, but I just slipped the ring on my index finger and adjusted it, grateful that it actually fit.

"Thank-you."

She looked up at me in shock, clutching the pouch with wide green eyes that reminded me of the stone and she shook her head, bowing swiftly, "Thank you! Oh thank you! Please come again!" When we wandered to the next stall, I glanced back and smiled a little as she roughly woke up her mother, shaking the coins in her face wildly.

I also glanced back to find Ultear still talking to the woman from before, and producing documents for the woman to sign. Erza stood at her back, glancing around like a trained protector.

"You know the emerald is fake."

"But the emotion and hard-work behind it isn't." I replied justly, giving him a little wink as I held it up, "Plus, it's sparkly."

His eyes glowed with amusement and awe, and I somehow knew, behind the wrap around his mouth, he was smiling. He pressed a hand to my back, swiftly tucking me against his body when two small boys came tearing past, oblivious to the crowd of people.

"Yes, I am aware of you princesses and your sparkly things." He said this lowly, keeping my curves to his firmness, and I looked up into his eyes, leaning my head back so I could give him a playful look.

"Just as I am aware of you dragons and your sparkly things."

As he opened his mouth to reply, I glanced out the corner of my eye and noticed a head of white hair turned the corner at the end of the street. The color reminded me of something, but the memory slipped away just as he spoke.

"Hoarding is apart of my blood, you can't judge me for that."

"I would never judge you for the pretty little earrings you have back at your home." I giggle, placing my hands on his chest to lightly separate us. His eyes narrow at me and I turn away, keeping my laughter to myself as I start on the next aisle of stalls and shops that are bustling with townsfolk.

"I will take Natsu to go get us some food from a local restaurant." Ultear's tone left no room for argument, and as I was sliding into a soft one-piece, she left to collect Natsu from the other room. Erza exited the bathroom, her hair out and heavy with water, a towel wrapped firmly around her lovely figure.

"While we have a moment, shall we discuss the recent… happenings? I have some information that might be of use to your thoughts." Erza asked as she grabbed a leather hair-band from her things and tied her wet hair back into a bun. I rubbed the moisturizer over my rough hands, wincing at the burn that holding the reins too tightly had left.

I'd have to see about some sort of riding gloves, I thought mindlessly as I gazed down at the red welts in between my thumb and index finger.

"Please."

She pulled on a robe, dropping the towel from underneath it then I looked away as she slipped on a pair of underwear before sitting on the bed opposite, tying to robe together tightly.

"First of all, the search for Virgo's killer is going well. We've managed to narrow the list down to two eye witnesses within your Kingdom. However, it will be difficult to gather their statements while your father has the entirety of the castle on lock down. Do you have any way to get into the castle without alerting the senturies?"

"The emergency route is through the brushes on the northern side of town. If you can get into the main village, there's a small hospital there. Behind the back are these large brushes that keep people out of the castle grounds for the most part. You go through there, you have around fifty meters of no patrolling to my knowledge. There's a trap door just by there. If you need to get into the castle unnoticed, that is the best way." I didn't see the point in keeping it a secret. This was Virgo's killer we were hunting and if the people my Father was hiding in the castle knew anything, then it must be found.

"You'll have to draw me a map so I can give it to my sources. They will infiltrate and get the information."

I didn't bother to ask if she was worried about the possibility of them getting caught. These mysterious strangers where Erza's sources. She must trust them enough with Kingdom secrets and missions such as these for a reason.

"I will help however I can." I promise and she smiles, satisfied with my answer.

"Now, Mother has a theory about your power changing. She said it would not be surprising if your power is slowly learning what sort of person you are. Whilst it is still very dangerous, it realizes you trust Natsu and I, and that is why it's feel has changed."

I smiled a little, glad that Eileen had agreed with my earlier thoughts. I had suspected it was because I trusted Erza and Natsu so my power was learning to adapt and trust them also.

"However, she is… intrigued by your current situation with Natsu." Erza sounded apologetic and it took me a moment to figure out why. But when I did, I felt a full-body cringe roll over me and I glanced away, muttering under my breath.

"Does Eileen know about boundaries?"

"Surely not." Erza laughed lightly and I sighed, bringing my knees up to my chest.

"He's… odd." I admit softly, resting my cheek on my knee, as I think it over, wondering how to say my feelings without sounding like an idiot. "He tells me he has no demands of me. That he understand that the first priority is to get to the Vapids and find out as much as we can about my power. But, he affects me also. It's like we can't help it."

"So you acknowledge that there is a deeper bond there?"

I give her a look, "If the bond is any deeper, I'd assume we were destined in the stars."

"But destined for what?" She hums, and I blanch at the fact she doesn't pick up my sarcasm, instead pushing forward in hopes she could understand the predicament I'm in.

"I am focused on getting to the Vapids. But, there are moments where I find myself completely… enthralled with him. There's just something about him that calls to a deeper part of me. He saw my lioness the other day, he was able to sweep into my head and see her like I see her. And then, when I forced Loke to submit, he acted as an anchor and stopped me from biting Loke."

"Biting Loke?" She asked, eyes widening and I winced.

"I have begun to adopt lion-like tendencies when my power is in that form. When I made Loke submit, I had this intense urge to bite him, to make sure he understood that I was more powerful. Natsu said it was a way to show dominance over food, or a lesser being. That it was animal behavior and there was nothing wrong with it. He tried to get me to understand but…"

"From what we know, Banshee's have no connection with any animal form." She reads my thoughts and I'm entirely thankful that she understands me that well. That she could see where I was coming from.

"Exactly."

"So Natsu is telling you to accept that there is a part of you that is animalistic, but without knowing if it is normal for Banshee's, you are struggling. Because if there is no record for Banshee's having this side-effect or extra power, then…"

"I'm a freak." I whisper, closing my eyes as tears well up in them, "I'm even more of a freak, than I was before."

"I see Natsu's point as well as yours, Lucy. The way you are feeling, is not your fault at all. But putting that aside for a moment… Let's return to Natsu." She tapped her nails on the bed in thought before asking, "My mother mentioned Natsu wanted you to form a companionship with him?"

I winced, "Yes. He has offered."

"You did not accept?"

"I told him to give me time. That if he still wanted it in a week or so, then I would truly think about it." I admit quietly before sighing, "I believe he doesn't realize how strong, and potent a nymph link is. The bond I have with you and Natsu already, is like water. It's ever-changing, flowing, a stream of power between us. But it can be stopped with a wall. A nymphs' companionship is impossible to alter, or cut unless death or extreme pain for both parties that soon kills them."

"You don't want him to enter into anything he doesn't fully understand?"

"Yes. But I am sure, Eileen has already explained it." I pout and she smiles softly, as if her mother's meddling ways is incredibly amusing to her. I wondered if she went through this with her and Jellal's courtship.

"Is that the only reason you are filled with hesitation?"

I pursed my lips, a little put off at how easily she read me and she laughed in response, leaning back with an amused smile, but remaining silent. I sighed, and rubbed at my eyes to try and physically clear my head.

"I don't believe I can make Natsu a companion even if I wanted too."

"Which you do," Erza said softly, ignoring my pointed look as I bit my lip, and explained.

"I'm a Banshee. With or without the added nymph things." I moved my hands about in a waffling movement, and she nodded, patiently waiting to finish my thoughts.

"Companionship is something that only nymphs can do. So, if I'm a Banshee with only a side of nymph, it's the equivalent to a salad on the side of a massive steak. Salads can't make bonds of that strength."

What on earth did I just say?

"Apt description." She laughed softly and I rolled my eyes at her, but just kept my lips tight as she mulled it over in her mind, testing my theory.

"Do you know how to do one?"

I shrugged, leaning back on my hands, "Sure. Sacrifice some blood, recite some poetry. It's actually a little anti-climatic."

"So, it stands to reason, how will you know if you don't try?"

"That's… actually really unhelpful Erza. I mean, wow, ignore my fear of not performing at all, and just tell me something I already know." I pout at her and she raises one sassy, perfectly groomed eyebrow.

"Since I have already started the trend, allow me to say, falling in love with Natsu Dragneel isn't the worst thing in the world. To me, of course, it is abhorrent. But I don't see the appeal in greedy, pink-haired buffoons."

I blinked at her, feeling the red spread over my cheeks as I cleared my throat weakly, pointedly ignoring her amused eye twinkle.

Did she learn that from Natsu?

Because I swear, it was unnerving and getting annoying quickly.

"W-Well, luckily, I don't have any plans to fall in love with Natsu Dragneel."

"Does anyone ever have plans to fall in love?"

"Erza, this is too much honesty for me." I squirmed and she laughed, as if my very terror of this topic was extremely amusing to her. Which, was just great.

"Sometimes, I believe you need mass amounts of honesty. You would never do anything if you didn't have someone telling you what you need to hear."

I squinted my eyes at her, "So, what, you are my 'eyes of truth'?"

Erza's smile widened at my sarcastic tone, "Such lovely words to describe someone who is not afraid to tell you that, whilst Natsu may be an idiot, and a dragon; he is loyal. And I suppose, some people may find his… attitude appealing."

"You really don't like him." I tried to change the subject and it worked because a look crossed her eyes, her aura darkening immensely.

What on earth did he to her?

"I will tell you the story of my strawberry cake, another day." She said ominously and I almost laughed, realizing that bad blood was probably about a desert he had eaten that Erza had already claimed for her stomach. Even I knew that once Erza dibs, you don't touch her food.

Somehow, eating something of Erza's seems like exactly the thing Natsu would do.

"We have been traveling for a few days, and the water pressure in the shower is adequate. Go pamper yourself before our companion's return." My eye twitches at the cleverly placed word, and I struggle with my facial expressions to remain blank and not squirmy but she sees right through me and laughs again.

I grumble and walk into the bathroom, pulling off my top as I turn on the water and adjust the temperature. Erza's words are circling my brain like annoying flies that refuse to leave me alone until I swat each of them down. So I ignore them, to the best of my ability, focusing on recuperating and not further straining my brain and body with questions I am not ready to answer.

I'm awake in bed, as Erza and Ultear both sleep deeply on the bed beside me. I had offered to share with someone or even take the couch, but after a small argument and a round of what I would like to call 'the girls guilt trip', I was fortunate enough to get an entire bed by myself, and although previously I would very much enjoy the space - this time I felt different.

Ultear snored softly, wrapped in the blanket and when I turned my head, I noticed that she had stolen all the blanket from Erza, who sleeps in a fetal position. I smile a little and turn away, staring up at the ceiling. Natsu is across the hall, in his own room after Erza had demanded he get one for privacy issues. She also said it was because she would rather poke her left eye out than allow him into our room.

I wondered if he was awake.

My body was slipping out of my bed before I could stop it, and I stopped, looking down at my bed with a frown.

Was I seriously going to check if he was awake?

My arms moved on their own and I picked up my blanket, lightly throwing it over Erza so she was covered. Ultear snored quietly as I slipped on some shoes and a jacket, creeping out of the room. I glanced back to check Erza before sliding out the door, letting it close silently.

I crossed the small hall and lightly knocked on the door, looking down at my body with a wince, wishing I had put something more suitable on. My legs are bare, and cold in the breeze that rustles through the open window at the end of the hall. The jacket is more of a wrap and it doesn't protect my sensitive skin from the biting sensation of goosebumps.

I knock once more before a little sense of loneliness seeps into me. Natsu was asleep.

I mean, why wouldn't he be asleep? He's probably tired, and he's a normal being, it's late.

When I turn to go back, the door slowly opens and Natsu is staring down at me, a frown on his lips. We don't say anything, and that loneliness slowly subsides, filling me with relief. My skin feels a little tight, and I'm uncomfortably cold, so cold.

He reaches a hand out and I slip my hand into his immediately, the warm tingle of his skin sliding against mine. It's rough, and hot, and so good. I step closer, allowing him to tug me into his room, and lead me across the floor to his bed.

"Cold." I whisper, and he glances down at me, bright eyes searching every piece of me before returning to my own.

"It's been more than ten hours since we got here. Do you think you are low on touch?"

"Can't think." I choke out, pressing my head to his chest as I close my eyes, taking a deep breath in. He places his hands on my arms and rubs up and down, attempting to soothe me. I make a soft noise, a whimper that causes his hands to grip on my skin. It makes me shiver, and rub my head against his shirt, taking a deep breath in.

Vaguely, I can feel the white power inside of me slip effortlessly into a lion form, without me even prompting or commanding it. She rolls onto her paws, and slumps down inside me. Suddenly his smell fills my nose, and it makes me gasp. She purrs softly, pushing her senses through me so I could take deep lungful of his scent, intensified by the ability to take on lioness attributes.

It's all smoke, and spice. Something that's building on my tongue and making me dizzy in the sweetest of ways.

"You smell." I mumbled into his chest, rubbing my cheek against his shirt as he laughs roughly.

"Thank-you?"

I pulled away from him, looking up into his lush green eyes, before stepping past him. I slip off the jacket I had grabbed and climb into his bed, snuggling under the covers as his scent surrounds me. The purr my lioness lets out echoes through my mouth this time and I curl in closer, letting the smell soothe me like a drug.

The blanket lifts and I feel Natsu slip in behind me, warm muscles pressing into my back and I roll over to face him, my voice soft, "I don't know why it's this bad, I went three days without it before, but now ten hours leaves me like this."

"You get at least three sessions with me per day. Today we've been so focused on getting sorted and sorting our travels out, I haven't given you one. That nymph part of you must have gotten used to the routine."

I screwed my nose up at his words, "Can we not call them sessions?"

"What would you like to call them?" He asks, amused, as my legs intertwine with his, tugging him closer with my thigh muscles. I shrug, pouting because I don't know what to call them either.

"You said I smell." After a few moments of silence, he states with a note of confusion in his tone. I nod, tightening my legs around his and he glances down before asking softly, "Did your lioness leak out?"

"I think so. I didn't even call on her this time. My power just… twisted by itself."

"Did you smell Loke when you forced him to submit?"

I thought back and nodded slowly, "His blood was what made the urge to bite him appear. But you aren't bleeding, and I don't have to urge to bite you."

"Perhaps it is because your lion knows me and trusts me."

"Maybe." I frown a little, not interested in giving myself another headache over the things I didn't know about Banshee's and what I was.

Which turns out, was a lot.

Natsu, sensing my determination to ignore the 'why's', just inched closer, "Are you feeling any better?"

I shrug to the best of my ability, looking up into his eyes with that same frown, "I don't know. I still feel like my skin doesn't fit, and I'm needy. But it's not as harsh as before." Memories of being so touch-starved that I tackled Natsu to the floor rush through me, as well as Eileen's help explaining what companionship was.

"That must mean that once you hit day three, your body is beginning to flush out any nymph symptoms as well as clinging to what you have left."

"Do you think I should get rid of it?"

He is quiet for the longest moment and it makes me look down at his clothed chest, wondering if he hung his scarf neatly somewhere. Partly hoping he'd take his top off so I could trace his scars with my fingers.

"The only thing I think you should get rid of is that bracelet." His words make me remember that I wore the bracelet to bed, just in case I had a nightmare and it triggered the 'threat' scream. I did as I was told, and then suddenly, the warmth that was lingering at where our legs were wrapped against each other, rolled over me like a wave of heat.

I gasped, and threw the bracelet to the end of the bed, gripping Natsu's shirt to tug him closer. My eyes rolled back a little as his warmth fills me, and that needy parts of me greedily takes everything it can get. My lioness slumps down to her stomach, blinking in a sort of daze as she relaxes in Natsu' power like she's basking in the sun.

"Better?"

"Yes." I whisper, and his arms wrap around my waist, pulling me into his body. Long corded muscles tighten very slightly, giving me a firm squeeze that makes it hard to breath but I savor it. That feeling of being held onto, of someone being there.

We lie there for thirty minutes in complete silence, until my skin is flushed and I'm feeling relatively normal again. My muscles are lax, and that greed inside takes a break from leeching on Natsu's warmth and touch. The feeling is so nice, it tingles at my scalp and I sigh happily, practically headbutting his chest, rubbing my cheek and forehead against the soft fabric of his bed shirt.

"I've never cuddled with a woman before, let alone a Banshee that adopts were-lion traits and has a wanting for touch…" Natsu's words make me hum as I open my mouth to blow lightly against his shirt, wishing he was bare once again. My world is hazy, a fog that settles on my skin and makes everything silently beautiful.

His words swim to me through that fog, blending together deeply, "But I'm pretty sure even I don't have this much self-control."

I stop mouthing at his shirt at his words, looking up in confusion as his eyes fight to choose green or red, the colors blending and pushing at each other in those dark orbs.

"What do you mean?"

"Luce… You are rubbing yourself against me. And I'm pretty sure it's on purpose." I look down at his shirt in thought, then go further where my hips and his are pressed together, our bodies practically left with no space between us. My legs are locked tight, despite my muscles feeling liquid-like.

"Huh." I hum softly, not even realizing that I was doing it, but then not really caring since I didn't think Natsu was complaining. But of course, insecurity won out and I looked back up at Natsu, who was staring at the far wall. I noticed how his eyes were more green, as if me observing what I was doing, made him control his dragon-side better.

"Am I hurting you?"

My words make him glance down at me incredulously but I just blink up at him, curious and a little worried. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Natsu.

"No, of course not! I was just-" He doesn't finish his sentence, even though I really was listening, because my mouth returns to his shirt and instead of mouthing at the fabric, I tug it lightly with my teeth.

Why does he still have a shirt on?

My back hits the mattress lightly as two red eyes narrow at me from above, two hands pinning my wrists to either side of my head. I gaze up at him, before smiling softly, a great spurt of tipsy courage rushing through me, "What's up?"

"Are you aware of what you are doing?"

I nod, and his gaze narrows, "That would suggest you biting and sucking on my shirt, was done entirely on purpose."

"I was trying to get it off." I reply diplomatically, giggling when his eyebrow twitches at my response.

"You could have asked."

"I was asking." I pout at him, squirming a little under his gaze and he watches me closely, before stating quietly, his voice a deep growl.

"In what language?"

I pout harder at his words, not really wanting to think but the dragon above me is not having any of it, and I sigh, relaxing against the soft sheets, trying to think about how I could explain it.

"I don't… know." My words make him sigh helplessly and I smile up at him, grazing my eyes over his features. He stares back at me, his eyes carefully blank and my smile widens as I take notice of his strong jaw and high cheek bones.

"You're very pretty."

My statement makes him choke back a laugh and he loosens his grip on my wrists slightly, "You think?"

"Yeah." I nod slowly, "You look exotic."

A brief grin twitches on his lips, "Luce, your pale-skinned. Anyone with a tan would look exotic to you."

"But you are extra exotic. Pink hair, color-changing eyes… the fangs." My voice softened, as my eyes wandered to his lips, then to the porcelain white fangs peeking out between them. My stomach fluttered lightly and his grin widened a little, a tongue slowly raking over one of the pointed canines.

I shivered and he leaned down, murmuring softly, "You like my fangs?"

Finding his question ridiculously personal, I looked away shyly and bit my bottom lip, refusing to answer. He leaned even further down, his weight pressing against me and I took a shaky breath in, letting out a soft whine.

"What's wrong?" His grin turned dark, and I felt my back arch a little in response, our bodies brushing against each other.

"I want to do what I was doing before." I groan a little, pouting up at him, "Why did you stop me?"

"I wanted to make sure you weren't influenced by anything." He stated before rolling us once more, so I landed on his chest. He brought his hands softly down the sides of my waist, lightly stroking his warm fingertips against my skin.

I shivered a little, enjoying his soft touches before my entire body went cold. I stilled, and my heart fell flat in my chest, leaving a horrified feeling to crawl over me. I looked inside myself shakily, afraid of what I would see.

My lion curled up, shuddering for a second before it happened.

It was like watching steam escape a glass. One second it was trapped, and in form, the next, it collapsed into a mist. The cloud grew bigger, and bigger inside of me and I vaguely heard Natsu speak, but it was too late.

A woman sobbing, fighting against the rough, disgusting hands on her arms.

My breath seized and I yanked off of Natsu, stumbling off the bed. The power rose up my chest, through that hallway, filling me with the need.

"Elfman!" Another voice joined the cries, as a man was thrown to the floor, muscles deflated and stained with blood. He jolted when they landed another kick to his ribs.

Natsu's voice swam through my mind, "Lucy! Shit!" My ribs sung with pain, and I can feel every part of my body tremble. His pain is horrible, a choking pressure on his lungs, liquid filling somewhere that liquid shouldn't be filling. He doesn't deserve this.

I tighten my fists, and focus on him, trying to lessen the pain in anyway I can, instead of just feeling it alongside him.

"Fucking little prick. Once we get finished with you, we are going to pluck every single feather from your girls over there." The horrible man spat on the figure, his friends laughing as they easily kept their grip on the women struggling against them.

Then, I could feel it. Elfman's stuttering breathes, the light of his soul beginning to dim, his heart slowing down as his entire body beginning to feel that sweet numbness. I vaguely feel like shivering, feeling how Death greets him, but I'm so focused on that fluttering light inside of him. I can feel the blood stream down from the newly formed cut on my head, and my lungs are phantom aching with the same pressure Elfman had. My ribs hurt, ache, and I realize, I've taken his pain.

Two arms grip around my arms, and I hear Erza.

"Lucy. Who is it? Who?"

I focus on her question and my mind sucks me back to the scene where a head of white hair makes my breath catch. Lisanna. She's been pushed to the ground, and the man holding her, has a boot pressed to her back. She struggles but he pins her so well, that she gasps in pain. Mira is up against the wall, a thick hand clasped around her throat, and she's fighting, trying to pry the grip off.

"Lisanna." I whisper.

"We need to get her as far away from the village as possible."

"There isn't any time!"

"I can fly her somewhere else. It'll take me two minutes."

I push away those annoying voices, giving my full attention onto Elfman who twitches, looking up at his sisters. He smiles weakly, and I see the light in his eyes begin to flicker anxiously, ready to be snuffed out.

I'd help him.

He deserves peace.

"I love you guys." Lisanna cries out, sobbing wildly as Mirajane goes quiet, a horrified look on her features.

He turns away and closes his eyes, numb to all pain. My body quiets, and the arguing ceases. I smile softly, that power inside of me swirls, heading towards that last stretch inside of me, grateful that I'm not fighting it.

"We don't have two minutes." Erza whispers as my fingers begin to tingle, and his soul seeps out of his body, slithering along the murky town floor towards me. I coax it, ready to help, wanting to send his soul somewhere peaceful, kind.

It's hesitant. It doesn't want to leave his sisters unprotected.

But that's not my duty. My duty is to make him cross, to make sure he is happy to leave. Even though he comes towards me, a black puddle of being, I can feel how he wants to turn back and try and protect his family.

So I look back towards the alley, noticing a small bookmaker sign.

"Perla's Book-Making." I tell them softly, "There are two young women about to be physically assaulted."

"Natsu, Ultear, go and rescue the women. I will… I'll figure something out." Erza commands and I can hear the argument on Natsu's lips but a loud cry of pain echoes through my mind, coming from that alley. The soul stops, and almost turns back, but I coax it closer.

"Hurry. They don't have much time."

I don't realize they are gone until I feel two hands on mine, my power aggressively sparking against the Fae touching me. Erza sucks in a short breath before releasing it.

"How close?"

"The soul is almost here. There's no chance I will be able to stop it."

"It's a scream meant to pass people to the other side. I don't expect you to stop it. Can you control it?" The soul seeps up from the floor and I keep my eyes closed, watching as it slides through the wall of the hallway, heading towards our room.

"I don't know." I whisper.

"Alright. I'll give you no option. Control it, or kill me."

Fear climbs up my throat but the soul is still coming. I open my eyes to stare at Erza but she's wrapping herself in a blanket.

"Erza, don't do it. Whatever you are doing-"

"You won't hurt yourself because I cannot protect you. You won't hurt the people of this town because I cannot protect them. So, you will scream, and I will attempt to conceal most of it. It's up to you to make sure you don't kill me in the process."

"I'm not ready!" I cry, horrified by her idea but it's too late. I feel the cool touch of the dead slide along my skin, seeping into my bones, ready to be vaulted. When I close my eyes for a split second, the image of two women, one with red, the other with black hair sit on the floor.

One is pale, and ethereal. The other is tanned, and fit.

The pale woman opens her mouth, black hair a tangled heap mess around her, as the other girl wraps her arms tightly around her friend. That's right, they are friends.

Sisters.

My eyes snap open and I shriek.

*blinks*

lol.

was anyone expecting that?

Question Time!

Is Gray going to become part of their little group? I apologize but all questions revolving Gray cannot be answered yet. You WILL meet him, but I can't spoilt the happenings of the meeting.

Do we properly meet him or is he going to just be in passing? See above ^^^

What does natsu still have hidden if talking about control over his instincts by fire is touchy to him? My boy is full of secrets ;)

Is Lucy going to be perfect in a dungeon? the answer from last week was me telling you how I was going to start the book before I chose a different way.

When is juvia and gajeel coming into play? Gajeel, soon. Juvia, probably never? I'm not sure yet about her.

Do dragons have an obsession with gold in this world? they have an obsession w gold, treasure, gems and things of important or priceless value

Why must you torture us so? Because I like the sounds of hundreds of ft lovers flailing about for another chapter ofc ;)

Why was Natsu so quick to be defensive when Jellal mentioned the mind-thing etc? Bro has secrets.

Will this be silimiar to some parts in the anime/manga? I wouldn't look out for it, no.

it is still 30 comments and then the next chapter is out!

as always guys

stay fresh!

xo freshprincess