Chapter 16

Her Pain

Dame Ultear Milkovich: Witch. One of Erza's 'men'. Carries around a mysterious orb; nobody really knows what it does. She claims it can protect the future, then will proceed to make weather jokes nine out of ten times. Likes to create mayhem. Apparently the only one who can win against Natsu's antagonizing ways. Has connections to the Northern Glacier royal family, and likes pink lemonade. She is classy. Needs to be protected, but will probably laugh her death off.

Ultear sat across from me, cleaning her orb meticulously, which I had observed was something she did when she was bored and in need of entertainment. Natsu was up front with Erza, probably arguing about where to stop and take a break.

We had to make camp tonight because it was a crescent moon and that meant it was the perfect time to form a companionship with Natsu.

I was enjoying reading about dragon rituals - which oddly involved a pissing contest where two dragons had to prove who could bring back the biggest catch and cook it to perfection using one breath attack - when Ultear's voice made me look up.

"Are you nervous?"

I closed the book and frowned a little, "I suppose I am. Not about linking with Natsu, I wouldn't be doing it if I wasn't sure of my decision. It's more about the fact that I'm not sure I can even do it in the first place."

"Because you aren't a full nymph?"

"I'm not even a half nymph at this point." I smiled a little, but I knew it was bitter, "I just have tendencies that you can link to my nymph heritage. That's why I'm skeptical of my abilities to create a healthy companionship to Natsu."

"Well, you can't know until you try."

I shook my head at her words, "You sound oddly like Erza."

"She got all her wisdom from me." Ultear winked and I laughed, setting the book aside with a sigh. I turned my head to gaze out the window, as she asked another question.

"So, what was with yesterday? Why did Natsu try and challenge your dominance?"

I sighed, "He didn't just try. He succeeded. He wanted to see how many of the were-lion traits my body was adapting to when my power is in that form."

"What was it like?"

I pursed my lips as I thought back to how I felt when Natsu was trying to make me submit, before answering slowly, "Raw. I didn't have human thoughts. It was instinct. I knew the dragon opposite me was trying to make me bow, and I wouldn't do it."

"Wow." Her eyes widened in amazement before a sneaky grin crawled over her lips, "And how was the second part?"

"Excuse me?" I was proud of myself when the words came out blank, and untouched. I was trying my hardest not to remember the intense moment afterwards which ended up with me ripping Natsu's shirt to shreds.

"You know…" Her eyebrows wiggled suggestively and despite my best interests, a flush began to crawl up my neck. She must have noticed my struggle to keep it away and just snickered at me, "I mean, he was practically dry-"

"Ultear!" I gasped, covering my ears, ignoring her wicked laughter with a roll of my eyes.

Honestly.

"Alright, alright. I'll stop. I mean, you did get enough humiliation since Igneel was the one who interrupted you."

I closed my eyes, remembering Igneel's shit-eating grin and incessant teasing, most of which, Natsu buffeted for me. I couldn't help but be thankful of that, at least. Natsu seemed to have controlling his father down to an art-form.

"But anyway, what was he trying to prove by making you go were-lion?"

"I believe he was trying to gauge how much control I had to learn. We both agreed that controlling my lion-form and controlling my actual power might be two different things entirely. So I'm keeping it out of lion form until we get more answers."

"It seems like this quest is just opening up question after question," Ultear noted, and I nodded, a frustrated feeling flitting through me. She must have caught that expression because she gently placed her orb to the side and linked her fingers in front of her.

"Let's go over what we do know. Just to keep a clear head. It helps me when I'm searching for answers and finding more questions."

I couldn't help but smile, because Ultear was trying to comfort me, and keep us all level-headed in her own way. She always managed to dispel the tension or bring an air of lightheartedness to the group, after all, was said and done.

"Alright. We know that I am a Banshee."

"And you have nymph-like traits, and your ability to form your power into a lion has caused you to adapt and summon some of those traits as well." She held up two fingers and wiggled them before gesturing for me to go ahead, despite the questions attached to those two facts.

"We know Father wants me back home."

"Good. We also know that you have a true-form."

I nodded, before pursing my lips, trying to figure out something else that we definitely knew.

"We know that someone killed Virgo," I said softly. "Probably so they could trigger my scream."

"There are no 'probably' statements allowed in this list, Lucy," Ultear playfully scolded before smiling evilly.

"We know that Natsu currently has a huge dragon-boner for you."

"Ultear!"

"Alright, kids. Let's get this show on the road." Ultear stretched, having successfully pitched the tent.

Natsu looked up from the impressive fire he had made and nodded, standing up to wander over to me.

Erza appeared a second later with the blade, which was wrapped in a clean cloth, nodding when I glanced over to her in affirmation.

"It's been blessed with running water and I haven't touched the blade at all."

"Is that really important?" Ultear wondered and I nodded.

"It has to be a straight link between Natsu and I. If Erza accidentally touches the blade, I could drag her into it also," I inform her seriously before continuing under my breath, "That's if this even works."

Natsu didn't appear to hear me, but I remembered his earlier comment about dragons having amplified hearing, and it made me believe he did. I took a second to observe him, finding his calm, almost blank features a little unnerving.

When he caught me staring, his face relaxed and he shot me a wink.

The breath I was holding rushed out quietly and I closed my eyes, seeking strength within me. "We should kneel by the fire. Erza, can you bring me the bowl of water I put aside earlier?"

"Of course." She walked over to where I had set up my things, despite everyone wanting me to sleep in the carriage. I, of course, would cave later on when there was a bug crawling on my thigh but until then, I was stubbornly refusing.

Besides, I was hoping Erza would cave first so she could sleep in the carriage too...

Natsu and I knelt by the fire and I tied my hair back a little firmer, smiling when Ultear plopped down right beside us, holding a flask to her lips. Natsu turned to her with an amused glint in his warm, forest green eyes.

"You ever heard of a private moment?"

"There's no such thing around me. I know everything," she retorted.

Natsu seemed to be inviting an argument but was cut off when Erza returned. I placed the blade in my lap and took the bowl with a thankful half smile, my nerves rattling through me like loud, obnoxious tin cans in an empty hall.

"Lucy, you don't need to do this if you don't want too," Erza reminded, but I shook my head, opening my eyes even though I hadn't realised I had closed them again.

"I'm not afraid of linking myself to Natsu. I'm afraid of failing something that my mother taught me."

Erza's face softened and she placed a hand on my shoulder, "I have faith you can pull it off, and if you can't… consider yourself lucky."

"Charming as ever Erza, remind me where you keep your cakes again?" Natsu grinned at the sudden dark aura coming of Erza and I sighed, fighting my smile and shaking my head.

"So, what is the coin for?" Ultear asked, leaning forward to observe the gold coin that I had put in the water I had collected from the stream earlier.

"Normally, we'd do it with a small gold piece. But, I didn't have anything like that so a gold coin should work fine." I took a deep breath in and explained softly, "It's difficult to explain without sounding insane. I cut my palm, and slip the coin underneath my skin."

"Gross," Ultear deadpanned, but Erza quieted her with a sharp smack on the back of the head.

I continued, ignoring them for a moment as I stared at the sparkling gold coin in the water: "Then, I use whatever nymph magic I have in me, and start the link. You'll have to watch from there, it's pretty amazing." I glanced at Ultear with a small smile, "And gross."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as I turned to Natsu, eyeing him, "Are you sure about this?"

"Yes."

"Alright. I'll need to concentrate so no talking," I murmured, lifting the blade up and pressing it against my right palm. I bit my lip and sliced into my skin, watching as the blood streamed from the newly made, deep wound.

Pain stung at my senses, but I just handed the knife to Natsu slowly, careful not to touch anything that could contaminate it. Once he took it, my blood still dripping off the sharp silver edge, I picked the coin up and brought it to my palm, reminding myself to breathe.

In… out…

In… out…

I began to push and slide the coin into the wound, the pain making my fingers flex and my teeth grit, but I continued, pushing harder. Normally, they would numb the hand for this part. I could understand why now, it was a horrible sensation.

Tears trailed down my cheeks, dripping off my chin, but I managed to get the whole coin in there, my hands twitching at the onslaught of torment on my senses, chewing at my ability to think.

I could practically feel Erza's need to ask if I was okay, so before she could get a word out, I began to speak softly.

"My body is cold,

my heart is numb.

With this gold,

I call upon,

the goddess above.

Assist me!

Show, teach,

spread your wisdom,

and help me overcome this cold."

I felt the magic tingle inside of me, and looked down at my hand, watching as the power rejected the idea of a Banshee calling upon another creature's goddess.

The coin began to slip out.

I grit my teeth, shaking my head and placing my fingers over the wound, purposely keeping the coin under my skin as I continued to speak, my words stronger, a streak of stubbornness rushing through me.

"With my blood, I call.

With my soul, I beckon.

Help me escape this cold,"

I pleaded, shoving the coin in deeper as the sensation of wind picking up barely made it past my pain clogged senses. The power bit at my skin now, rejecting it, me. Refusing my right to make a link.

"With my blood, I command.

With my soul, I bind.

I will escape this cold."

The words slipped from my mouth before I could stop them, an edge of a growl on them. It took me a second to realise that my form had slipped into the lioness during the pain, and was growing angry at being denied anything. But instead of attacking me, she assisted.

What she didn't understand was, this was essentially a goddess we were talking too.

You didn't command a goddess.

I closed my eyes tightly, waiting for the inevitable strike of anger - something that a few nymphs had experienced when the power had rejected their right to link - but instead, the coin slipped further into my skin. My lioness melted away, pleased and I opened my eyes, watching as the coin appeared, blood-soaked, resting delicately on the top of my hand.

I blinked a few times before wiping at my eyes, probably smearing blood on my face, but I got rid of the tears, "Well… That was fun."

"Did it work?"

I nodded, still stunned and confused, but I managed to make out, "It still has to accept Natsu as my companion though."

I expected Natsu to ask if it would hurt, but instead he just raked his eyes over me, a concerned frown on his features, "Are you alright?"

I smiled a little, "I'm fine. Are you ready?"

He extended his hand, palm up and I grabbed his wrist, tugging it gently so his inner arm was offered instead. I placed the coin on the skin there, my blood staining the warm tone of it.

"I'll put the coin in here. It needs to travel to your heart. Whereas it left my skin, you are to be my companion, so the coin stays with you." I took the blade from his other hand, waiting for him to shout 'stop' or ask questions, but he barely blinked, instead nodding with a resolute expression.

I bit my lip, and whispered, "This will be the only time I willingly hurt you."

Then I dragged the sharp edge across his skin, making it deep enough so I could insert the coin there. He barely flinched, so I tried not to feel bad. Natsu had endured worse wounds than this -his scars said as much- so he could be as tough as he wanted.

My hands shook a little when I inserted the coin, watching his face for any sign of pain. There was a slight flicker every now and then, a tightness in his eyes, his jaw working as he ground his teeth, but for the most part he was silent.

I admired him for that.

Once the coin was in, I used one hand to keep a pressure on the wound and began to speak the words again,

"I ask for this warmth.

I ask for this touch.

Will you accept it?"

"I do."

I breathed out a sigh of relief.

"This warmth will heal my cold.

This touch will fix my numb.

With my blood, I control the bond.

With my soul, I nurture the bond.

Goddess above, will you approve of this link?"

I waited for the power to flare and argue, to reject us both, but instead, the coin began to move up his arm, under his skin. I followed it with my fingers, amazed, before it disappeared under his shirt.

"Is it over your heart?" I asked softly, and he nodded, glancing upward with a very well concealed wince of pain. Wanting this to be over as quickly as possible, I placed my palm against his heart and murmured.

"Let it be so," I used my magic, the tiniest bit, to push the talisman into his heart. For a split second, he just kneeled there, gasping, before I felt it.

The link pulsed, twisted and intertwined our souls.

After a few seconds of simply feeling, Ultear asked, "Is it done?"

"Yes. Natsu is now my companion."

Erza nodded proudly, "Good. I suspected you would be able to do it."

I didn't tell her that for a split second, the power that recognised nymphs did reject me. It knew I wasn't of their bloodline, that I was another creature, but somehow, I had pushed through it.

"Do you feel any different?" Ultear leaned close to Natsu, narrowing her eyes at him and Natsu shrugged.

"Not really."

"Since I'm the holder, Natsu will be more attuned to my emotions now than I am of his. As time goes on, that will even out."

Ultear nodded slowly before tilting her head curiously, "So he'll be able to sense when you are needing touch, but what happens then? Is it any different?"

"Before, I had to stay cuddled to Natsu if I wanted to be fully… for lack of better word, fed. Now, all I would need is a simple brush of fingertips and I would feel sated. Of course, I would also find it harder to not touch Natsu, since he's my companion and it is a source of comfort."

"Is that why you haven't taken your hand off his chest?" Ultear mused, tapping her chin innocently and I glanced away from her to my hand. I cleared my throat weekly and brought my hand away, busying myself with tying the cloth around my still bleeding wound.

Erza stood up from her crouched position and cracked her knuckles, stretching to loosen up her limbs, "Ultear, let us go and find something suitable for dinner."

Ultear nodded, and stood up also, giving me a small grin before they both headed towards the forest. Once they left, I felt comfortable to check on how Natsu was feeling.

"Are you okay?"

"Feel a little weird. Jittery." He informed me and I nodded, slightly relieved that he was feeling what was a 'normal' symptom of a companionship bond. He glanced down and raised his eyebrow at the way I was holding the cloth to my hand.

"Need help with that?"

I smiled, and shook my head, "No. You can't even pretend it doesn't hurt you to heal me anymore because I know the truth."

"It's a nice pain. I'm a freak for it." He inched closer and I pulled my hand to my chest with a laugh, shaking my head again.

"No way. It's going to heal like a normal cut."

"You sliced yourself pretty deep and probably damaged nerves jamming that coin in there."

I pursed my lips, trying to ignore the pain that made my hand twitch because he was right. I wasn't gentle with that coin, I didn't have any sort of healing potion that my mother had taught me would fix the wound and nerve damage sounded horribly painful, and inconvenient.

"I said I wouldn't hurt you again."

"It's only a slight sting, Lucy. I'd rather deal with it now, then have you permanently scar your hand." I sighed, closing my eyes, because I knew I was being stupid. But some part of me didn't care, it wanted to be negligent towards my own hurt, which was childish and naive.

I turned my head away, but held out my hand, flinching in pain when he slowly began to unravel the bandage. The cool air brushed the wound, further increasing its sensitivity. I bit my lip to keep my whine of pain in, scrunching my eyes tightly to try and ignore it.

The minute his lips brushed the cut, relief flowed through my body, the pain disappearing completely as I felt my own skin mend with a tingle of his warm, throbbing magic. A sigh left my lips when he lightly kissed the healed area.

Happiness flooded me at that simple action and I felt him flinch, turning my head to see his eyes widening almost comically.

"What?"

He laughed a little breathlessly, "That was insane. You were happy, and it was like a big jolt of magic pulsed through me."

I nodded slowly, a little embarrassed that he had picked it up so fluently, "Well, yes. A strong emotion can cause that effect."

"Does that mean I'll feel it if you get sad?"

I twisted my lips into a bitter smile, "Only if I get really sad. And I try not to be." I lifted my other wrist and showed him the bracelet, leaning in to divulge the terrifying secret I had been keeping for the last few days.

"It's not working anymore."

His eyes glanced at the bracelet before he moved closer. "At all?"

"It's a dull ache. I've had Erza recharge it thrice today, and it hasn't changed," I informed him softly, before shaking my head. "Dark emotions make my power flare up. The bracelet, and keeping it in lion form, suppresses that to a semi-controllable level. If the bracelet stops working completely, and I can't twist my power into a lioness because I struggle to control that, then…"

"You'll go quiet again," he murmured, and for a split second, a tiny shard of pain that isn't mine touched my senses, but was gone in an instant. I was surprised I was able to pick up his emotions so quickly, but quickly accepted it. My bond with Natsu was unlike any I had heard of before.

"If I need to, yes."

"I'd miss your voice."

His admission made my stomach flutter with butterflies, and my mood brighten. I watched as he closed his eyes, his own smile beginning to fill his face, probably reacting to my happiness. It was intimate.

Very intimate.

The thought of Natsu being able to feel my emotions, and then take them on as his own was almost too much to handle, but I ignored it, because if it made him happy… then why should I care otherwise?

"I want to tell you that putting your power into lion-form isn't dangerous, that it won't have any effect on you, but I would be lying," he began, opening his eyes to reveal a serious gaze that made me nod, even though I didn't fully understand what he was trying to tell me. His head tilted, and I flushed a little, realising that he had sensed my confusion.

Natsu didn't say anything about that, but decided to explain it a little further.

"We don't know anything about Banshees. That much is true. They probably have a plethora of secrets. But, it's not… normal, to be able to borrow traits from a creature you only have a superficial tie to. Until we know more about your kind, I want you to avoid using that part of you at all."

"Because, it's not right?"

"It's not right or wrong, Luce. But it is unpredictable, and that's the worst kind of power."

He took a deep breath in and his next words made my heart still, "When I was younger, Igneel knew something was different with me. I was a dragon, yes, but there was this faint lingering of calm… darkness."

I listened intently, shocked that he was telling me more about the secret that he kept.

"I grew up with it, thinking that it was helpful. It didn't ever flare, or threaten the balance inside of me. It just felt like a blanket, something that I couldn't touch, but was always there. I didn't tell Igneel about it, because I thought it was just… left-overs from my mother's side. I even tried summoning it a few times. That was my mistake."

"What happened?"

"When I tried to summon it, the first time, I had unknowingly awoken a magic that could have stayed dormant inside of me, without causing any trouble. But I reached out for it, assuming it was safe, and it swallowed me. It was all a farce, a trick to get me to accept it. And I had no way of stopping it, no way of protecting myself."

"Natsu…"

"Unpredictable power is a power you can't trust. You can control what you know, but how can you control something unknown?...untested?"

"You think the lioness form is a trick," I murmured, a shiver of fear running through me at his story. An image of a young pink-haired boy being swallowed by a dark cloud ran through my mind.

"I think until we know otherwise, you should try and stick to your real power. Don't rely on power you don't understand."

"I don't understand my real power either," I whispered, looking inside of myself, watching the cloud of white, untrained magical essence pool and twist through the air, like a soft mist. A hand on my cheek made me focus back on Natsu and he tilted his head.

"I think you understand it more than you want too."

I laid in the carriage, my head tilted up, looking out the window. Erza snored softly from the opposite seat, Ultear piled next to her, while Natsu sprawled on the floor. They had all planned to sleep outside, but a swarm of biting bugs began to loiter, so now we were all cooped up in the carriage.

My neck hurt a little from the position I was in, but I couldn't stop counting the scarce stars I could see through the roof of the forest. It was something that had always calmed me, and seeing as calm was always a good emotion on me, I relished in the comfort.

Memories of sitting on the balcony with my mother when I was younger, counting the constellations and galaxies, flitted through my mind. It was one of the only memories I could still recall from when she was alive.

Of course, once she had died, Aquarius had taken up that job. And she wasn't nearly as kind as my mother.

But those were fond memories as well.

I wondered where she was, and if she was okay. After saying she had been exiled from my kingdom, Loke hadn't been sure where she was. I hoped that she had gone to Scorpio, the man she spoke of in those rare times when she was feeling chatty.

Scorpio was someone she had served with during the Ocean Wars. And from what I had heard, their relationship was steamy.

This was before she had met my mother, and decided to come to the kingdom in service to her.

I smiled a little when I remembered how close they were.

A movement further down caught my eye, and I squinted, looking into the dark forest, trying to see if I could spot an animal. My eyes lazily raked over the scenery. Thick trees, green in the day, but darkened to black in the night, made it hard to spot anything.

I lifted my eyes to look back at the stars, trying to find Taurus, when my mind registered what my vision had just noticed. I slowly brought my gaze back to the forest, and my heart began to pound, fear crawling through me.

That was a person.

A shadowed figure stood behind some trees, two red eyes gleaming angrily and my spine prickled. I stared at them for a long second, trying to find something that could pinpoint what they truly looked like, as the darkness engulfed them entirely.

But those eyes…

They looked dragon-like.

I thought it might be Gajeel for a moment, but this thing was different. I could almost feel the animosity coming off the presence in waves, and a scream began to build in my throat as terror and fright clouded my senses. Pushing off the seat, I almost tripped over Natsu, nearly hyperventilating as the pressure pinched at my chest.

Natsu jolted awake when I crawled over him, seeking the furthest spot away from those eyes, and sat up quickly, grabbing my arms.

"What's wrong? What is it?"

Erza and Ultear both stirred awake when he spoke, but I just gasped out, using what little strength I had, and adding to that his comfort and strength, "There's a person. In the forest. And he was looking right at me."

My body shook and I clamped my mouth shut, covering it with my hands as fear crawled over me like a million ants, amping up my power until it slithered up my throat.

"Shit. She's going to scream. Ultear, come with me. Erza…"

"I'll handle it."

Ultear and Natsu left loudly, but I was grinding my teeth together, the scream pressing against my vocal chords, aching to be released. When it didn't, it had other means to make me open my mouth. The first vessel in my brain popped, the feeling making my body jerk in agony as Erza grabbed my arms, her soft, strong hands holding me.

"Look at me Lucy, control this."

My heart raced inside my chest and I looked into her one eye, trying to convey my horror, as she pursed her lips, a pained look crossing her features.

"Don't let it beat you. You are stronger."

Synapses tore apart, and I felt the cool slide of something wet drip out of my nose then my eyes. Erza shook me, her voice becoming frantic which only heightened my urge, the power destroying brain cells while pushing at my mouth, angrily demanding that I let it protect me.

That I protect myself the way I knew how.

"Lucy, please. Look at me." Desperately, she did something that made my body tighten. One of her hands released me and she grabbed her eye-patch, yanking it away. I stared at her black, dead eye for a long moment, sadness sliding through me, before using one arm to grab her neck, bringing her into a hug.

She squeezed back, and I closed my eyes tightly.

I would not hurt her again.

Not again.

I strengthened my will, my resolve, commanding my power to leave, using Erza's sweet strawberry and steel smell to keep me centred. I remembered that 'anchoring' was something my lion-form had done with Natsu, and used Erza to anchor me in this moment.

Slowly, the pressure began to fade away, softly moving back towards that cave that I imagined held my power. My brain ached, and my cheeks were wet, but the relief that flowed through me when it dissolved into nothing but a reminder of the pain was enough to let me make a small breathless laugh.

"Lucy?"

"I'm here. Just, don't move."

"I won't." Erza's arms tightened around me and the link between us strengthened, after being weakened through countless days of things unsaid. We stayed like that, for what felt like barely an instant, when the carriage door opened.

I pulled back and she rubbed her hands over my arms, "You did it."

"You helped."

My words made her smile and the one working eye watered, which in turn made my eyes water. She pulled me into another fierce, rib breaking hug before releasing me, a prideful air around her, "Of course I did. I'm your sister."

I laughed, and allowed her to help me up.

Natsu and Ultear had been quiet during our moment, but when Erza helped me sit on the seat, and I leaned forward, placing my head in my hands to keep breathing slowly, he spoke,

"He's a dragon. Old, too. From what I could tell, he hasn't been following us the whole way because I haven't smelt his scent before."

"We almost had him, but he just… vanished behind a few trees," Ultear added, as Erza's soft hand touched my shoulder. I looked up, and she handed me a wet cloth, smiling encouragingly. Ultear and Natsu were now seated opposite me, but when I looked over to them, they cleared their throats and looked away.

I glanced at Erza, confused, and she murmured, "You bled from your eyes, again. And your nose."

"Oh." I began to scrub at my cheeks, embarrassed as Erza crossed her arms.

"Even if he's gone, we should get moving now. I don't feel comfortable staying in this area, we will have more cover and protection in the town."

"Are we close?" I asked, rubbing underneath my nose. Ultear stood, nodding with an easy smile.

"Only seven more hours, but I'm sure with Erza behind the reins, it'll turn into five."

"Naturally," Erza cleared her throat pointedly, before aiming her finger at Natsu, "Get over there and comfort her. She just pushed back her first scream successfully. What use are you if you don't do your job."

"Erza…" I whined pitifully, burying my head in my hands as Ultear laughed wickedly at my embarrassment. Natsu just chuckled and exchanged seats, slipping in beside me.

They both left to wake the horses, leaving me alone with Natsu. I placed the cloth on the seat beside us and curled up against him, welcoming the arm that wrapped around my shoulder.

"You okay?"

I pressed my face against the side of his chest, nuzzling the cotton there that was filled with his spice-filled smell. I breathed it in before softly saying, "I just need to sleep."

"I'll be here when you wake up."

"I know."

I just need to take a moment here to playfully discuss this lovely little comment;

Personally, I think the review hit is ridiculously stupid and self-seeking considering people can't and simply don't like being controlled by something they enjoy, like a drug they don't want to become addicted to - meaning it's a real reading turn-off however I enjoy this story and will leave only this to you.
Me, I prefer earning my reviews rather than demanding it. Perhaps you are of business but one must know business is highly despised by any not playing against you.

~ Hi there sweetie, first of all, how about you chill with your 'demand/supply' thing you got going on there because face it, that is how the world works. I mean wow. This is a fanfiction story, not a college essay or a drug. And if you liken it to a drug addiction, meaning you feel like you can't LIVE WITHOUT MY STORY, then hey, thanks, that is actually a kickass compliment and I shall take it with me wherever I go.

Secondly, darling, if you actually bothered to read the author's notes (and I do mean, all of them) you would know that this book is updated every Saturday without FAIL. However, I give MY readers the option to comment, tell me what they think and they get an earlier update. If I didn't earn my reviews honey, then why would I continually have to update because people like my story. I, for one, forget to review on books that I like and would be gracious to receive a reminder/incentive.

Check that high and mighty attitude on the way out love, too da loo x (HUZZAH sayeth the Beta!)

/yes Fresh is low key salty, but if you read TNM this shouldn't surprise you ;)

Question Time!

Can I get some more Erza/Lucy bonding? Your wish is my command (but just this once ;)

Will Plue be on this story? Probably not… I mean, maybe. I don't know. Don't look at me like that.

Why why do you do this to us? Because I can ;)

You would have Laxus as a pikachu wouldn't you. Not a question but the accuracy is overwhelming. imAGINE LAXUS WITH LITTLE PIKACHU HORNS. I made Gajeel a mini-dragon, so who knows what I'll do ;)

Semi-serious question what happens if Lucy screams in pleasure? Semi-serious answer, she'd probably blow a few minds. (I'm horrible sue me)

What is Natsu's earliest food-related memory? Igneel would tell you that he picked up a fireworm and chomped that shit down. Natsu will deny it.

Did you just challenge her for the right to bed her or was it all a ploy so Lucy's lion would see you as a suitable mate? Your question has been answered ~~

How big is this damn carriage? 3 Wendy's long, 1 Laxus wide.

Is ur chapters getting longer? And how come no pov in Ezra's view or Ultears? My chapters are always either 5,000 words or above! They fluctuate. Because, as much as I love my ladies, this is Lucy's story mainly. I mean they are travelling to the Vapids for HER.

Does this mean that Igneel is 100% on Marry Team Lucy too or is he just amused by his son's interest? IGNEEL IS THE PRESIDENT, FOUNDER, AND ILLEGITIMATE PUSHER OF MARRY LUCY TEAM. HE HAS SHIRTS YOU CAN BUY AND THEY MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE A PICTURE OF NAKED BABY NATSU/DRAGON ON THE BACK.

So, does it mean Lucy (whoever she really is), is as equal as a dragon? That is an interesting theory, ohohohoho (go away, you'll ruin the plot)

Does Lucy know fighting in general or was she just following her instincts? Following her lion instincts, if you notice, she just sort of thrashes and headbutts… Not exactly ka-ra-te ;)

IGNEEL, YOU SHITTY COCK BLOCK, WHY NOW?! YOU ARE IN TEAM NALU, REMEMBER?! YEAH IGNEEL WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT. WHAT SORT OF DEVIL ARE YOU.

Seriously, can you give us an idea of how long it might take? I promise, when the smut comes, you'll know… You'll smell it in the air or something smh

Who are the people that are after Lucy? Are they linked to any of the characters that have been introduced? One word… SPOILERS.

Did you mean when spring melts into summer? because spring comes before summer and i'm not sure how summer can melt into spring unless you actually meant fall and not spring? This is a supernatural AU of a world that doesn't exist outside of my mind and this book - the seasons can be wherever I want them to be bro

*dons diamond slippers* Hey guys, thanks for these, I really like this cock-blocking jewellery I am accumulating ;)

It's 35 reviews for an EARLIER UPDATE (just in case anyone wants to fight me) or you'll get the chapter on Saturday.

May Yurio bless your dreams with his tight leather pants ~~

Stay fresh!

xo freshprincess