Chapter 19

Her True Self

Mirajane Strauss: Swan-maiden. Constantly chasing after Lisanna because her younger sister gets herself into trouble. Knows how to play the flute, and will flaunt it to the creatures of the forest. Her hair is like clouds but longer and more illustriousness. Has fornicated with a dragon once, before fleeing immediately afterwards, leaving only a damn feather which Laxu- I mean, ahem - keeps tucked into his belt buckle.

My fingers ached. Hell, my whole body was shuddering and squeezing painfully at the cold biting into my skin, through the many layers of clothing. Erza had been right, this was difficult, navigating through the wind and avoiding the core of the blizzard that the storm had manifested into.

Ultear was struggling up ahead, trying to find a clear path that wasn't in its direct line. If what we felt was just the edge, I was very sure we couldn't handle being in the middle of it.

My horse was still going strong, and that I could admire, because the wind felt like it was going to knock me right out of my saddle. Animals scattered by, seeking shelter in small warm places, and I envied them.

I gripped the reins tighter, guiding my horse to Erza's movements, following her every step cautiously. We had started out in a rolling canter, quick and swift, but as the path we forged grew unsteady, it settled into a trot.

Nobody wanted to press down on the wrong part and go crumbling.

Ultear raised her hand and we slowed to a stop, my eyes watering at the sting of snow and wind that I couldn't avoid. I made a note to purchase a pair of goggles, but then wondered if I would even need them.

Hopefully the next time I visited these lands, I wasn't travelling through a blizzard, and was cooped up in a nice warm carriage. We all waited for Ultear to give us the signal to move on, but as time grew on, she remained still.

Erza glanced back at me, probably checking to make sure I hadn't fallen off, before she nudged her horse with her foot, creeping closer to Ultear. I watched as they spoke before Ultear pointed to something in the far distance. I squinted my eyes, but failed to make out any sort of characteristics the shape may have had.

Erza nodded and slid off her horse, walking carefully over to me, "We are almost at the border. Once we enter, I want you to take cover in some trees. Natsu and I are going to go ahead and scout for any… problems."

I squinted at her, finding her words strange before deducing that she had already seen a problem. And wanted Natsu's help to get rid of it before it got out of hand.

I only nodded, keeping quiet and soon we were off again. The border to the North had been marked out, which was rare for a Kingdom but seeing as it was one of the largest and wealthiest it didn't surprise me. Two thick glowing blue lines crawled along the ground, stepping as far as the eye could see, and I watched as Ultear climbed off her horse and crouched down.

She spread her hands, just so her fingers were almost touching the line before muttering something softly. The lines flickered for a few seconds before returning to that bright, cobalt blue.

"Alright everyone!" She shooed us along, "Get across the line before they realise I just tampered with their guard systems."

Her voice was faint as it fought against the wind's roar, but I followed directions and led my horse over, disappointed when I didn't automatically feel the magic aura of the kingdom. The Fae Lands had an immense amount of magical power, and the minute you stepped inside, the ethernano dust was floating around you.

Whereas, the north just looked… dark, and ragged.

Ultear walked to a small set of trees that helped break-up the wind and showed a big smile, though her hands were shaking slightly. Her orb floated out in front of her, glowing a deep red, before splitting off into four, creating a perfect square.

They all slammed into the ground which resulted in me jumping a little in fright and surprise. I slid off my horse and entered the square, sighing in relief when the warmth touched my skin, awed at how convenient and helpful her magic was.

It was as if she read my mind when I got a smug wink from her, as she hauled Gray off the horse by the collar of his shirt.

"Natsu, Erza, go ahead. Sort everything out. Lucy and I will be fine here." She waved them off and Erza took off without a word, but I shared a look with Natsu, smiling when he looked me over.

Honestly, I felt fine.

Despite my extremities being frozen and almost falling off.

I was beginning to think that Natsu was a serial worrier.

Ultear made a fire using her own bare hands and a spark from one of her orbs. I don't know how she managed to find dry leaves in this mess, but knowing her, she probably pulled them out of thin air. I was beginning to suspect that Ultear was the type of person who constantly surprised you, and that you shouldn't question how she did things.

It was far more interesting to just let her do those things and then reap the rewards, or the consequences, of those actions.

Guessing which one you would get was half the fun.

"Are you hungry?" Ultear asked, opening a small container to peer in. She made a face and threw the thing to the side, digging through the bag again as I shook my head.

"Not really. Cold though."

As soon as I said it, a blanket was hanging off my face, obscuring my vision entirely. It was soft against my skin but thick, reminding me of a buck's pelt and I pulled it off my face in favour of wrapping it around me.

I sent her a thankful smile, which she ignored, grumbling to herself in frustration as she looked for the muffin she had packed from the last town. I kept my mouth shut, even though I had seen Natsu have a late night snack and eat it the first night we had begun travelling here.

I was beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, Natsu didn't eat other people's food to antagonise them - he did it because he really couldn't control himself. Natsu did love food.

My inner musings were broken when Gray grunted softly, rolling his shoulder against the thick rope keeping him immobile.

"Are you in pain?" I asked hesitantly, walking over to him to observe his shoulder. He stared at me blankly for a long second before stating through gritted teeth.

"I have an old injury in that shoulder. The way that flame-shit tied me up is making it play up."

I raised my eyebrow at him, before reaching over to prod and pull at the ropes, inspecting Natsu's diligent handy work.

He watched me silently, eyes carefully blank as I leant back with an easy smile. "I'm sure you can make up a more elaborate excuse than that if you want to get out of the ropes and flee."

Ultear laughed from behind me as I plopped down opposite him, resting my chin on the palm of my hand as he closed his eyes, obviously giving up his charade.

"What gave me away?"

"You gestured to the wrong shoulder. You were rolling your left, but you jerked your head to your right," I informed him with a playful wince, and he sighed, dropping his shoulders completely.

"Princess Heartfilia, I implore you, release me. This is becoming tedious."

I realised then, Gray perceived me to be the weak link. And for all extents and purposes, I was. But in this situation, I couldn't afford to be weak. If I let Gray go, the repercussions would be terrible.

I gave him a small smile. "Prince Gray, I wish I could. But, until we figure out how to deal with you… I regret to say, you aren't going anywhere and those ropes aren't moving."

Frustration leaked into his features and he pressed his teeth together, which I noticed were sharper than what I had seen on anything before.

"I never gave you permission to use my given first name, Princess Heartfilia. Has your present company made you forget your manners?"

I couldn't help but laugh, because I definitely just got scolded by him, and it felt oddly refreshing. My laughter only angered him further.

"I think you'll find Prince Gray, the fact that I am a wanted felon in my own kingdom has made my manners rather non-existent."

He went quiet before closing his eyes, his voice coming out tight, "You didn't really commit genocide, did you?"

I paused, my smile vanishing as I glanced at Ultear, because I didn't know what to say. My Shriek did cause major destruction, and I had killed people. A lot, from what the reports had said. My power flared at the reminder of my first Shriek, and losing Virgo.

I took a deep breath in and turned back to him. "I killed people, I won't make excuses but there were circumstances that I am slowly learning I could not have controlled at the time."

"What sort of circumstances could make you murder a quarter of your kingdom's population?" he spat angrily, his eyes distrusting and sharp.

I smiled sadly at him, knowing that he had heard from my father first, as opposed from me. If that had been different, maybe he wouldn't be so hostile now. But from an outsider's point, looking in, I guess I deserved the disgust and anger.

I may have put up with it, but Ultear did not. Giving up on the search for the muffin, she strode over to him and gave him a sharp slap over the back of the head.

"Do not judge what you do not understand." Her tone was tight, her eyes flaring with irritation and I recognised her words from one of the commandments from the Rites of Frost.

"What is there to understand?" he all but yelled, flicking his head towards me. "She killed people. And now she runs without owning up to her crimes." Ultear opened her mouth to intervene as I stayed quiet, watching him tremble in anger.

He cut her off before she could speak. "And what's worse is that she's got support behind her. For some reason, you are aiding her. What would Ur say?"

"Ur taught me to fight for what I believe in, Gray." Ultear leaned close, "I believe in Lucy, so I fight for her. When was the last time you fought for something you felt in your heart?"

His chin tipped up stubbornly and I knew, however close Ultear and Gray might be, he wasn't going to listen without proof. And I wasn't in the mood, or able to, summon up a Scream just for him. Sadness rushed through me, but I pushed it away, focusing on Natsu to see if I could sense anything from his end.

An odd burst of determination made me smile a little, glad I could manage it. I let his mood wash away all the negative thoughts, so I could intervene before Ultear got truly mad.

"How long is the trip to the Vapids?" I asked her, watching as she sat down opposite me, holding her hands out to the fire with a sharp glare in Gray's direction that told me they weren't finished fighting.

"Luckily, it's only a day and a half more. If this storm lets up, we can make it there easily. Of course, the blizzard gives us good cover."

"You mentioned that there was a stretch of land with no cover and bad conditions, wouldn't a blizzard on top of that be a little risky?" I wondered, wrapping my arms around my body to give myself a little squeeze, finding that the action always calmed me.

So much so, that I had begun to do it a lot more often.

"Yes. But, I am hoping that the terrestrial shift has worked in our favour."

"Terrestrial shift?" I repeated, confused and she gave me a wide smile, excitement lighting up her eyes.

"Has anyone told you why this kingdom is called the Northern Glaciers?"

"I just assumed it was on account of the massive glaciers in the North," I laughed sheepishly, before leaning forward, curious as she nodded, smiling with an intelligent eager twinkle in her eyes. It occurred to me then, that Ultear may not have been home in a long time, and anybody would be proud to educate someone on the mysteries of their home-land.

"That's partly true, but really, it's the magic behind the glaciers that gave the land its name. Normally, glaciers move through the water at will, but the glaciers here hold extreme magical power. So instead of moving constantly, they settle in one spot for a few months. That is how our scholars first tracked the seasonal change, even though it's predominantly an icy wasteland," she informed me. I nodded, following along fairly easily. I had always been interested in the Northern Glaciers, but I hadn't known that there was power behind the name.

"But, every few months, the glaciers move and it causes the magic to expand over the land. That's why it's called a terrestrial shift. The whole land rearranges."

"I don't quite understand?" I murmured, confused as she waved her hands around wildly.

"This part of the forest, at the end of this season, will be somewhere else entirely. The magic separates the land into six zones. The only thing that has never changed is the location of the castle. But everything else, moves. It took our scholars a large amount of time to create spells that would preserve the towns after countless destructions."

"So, basically, the whole land just shifts. And rearranges itself because of the magic power in the glaciers." Amazement crept into my voice and she nodded.

"I've seen it happen countless times, it's like the whole kingdom splits off into the water underneath, walks to a different spot then pops back up, connecting once again. Scholars are now able to track where things will end up, because it's a cycle of six rotations per year. But the day before the shift, the whole kingdom goes into 'pack' mode and makes sure things are ready for the terrestrial shift."

"That sounds amazing!" I gushed, clapping my hands together in delight and she grinned proudly, nodding in agreement.

"That's what you mean when you say you hope the shift has given us some cover." It all clicks together now.

"I haven't been home in a very long time, so I've lost track of what phase we are in. Sometimes, you get trees or at least the edge of a forest that we can hide in, but other times, it's a long expanse of white," she explained before shrugging a little. "I guess I'll just have to wait and see."

"We are in the fourth shift." Gray's voice made us both turn to him, surprised as he glared at the ground while continuing to speak. "Last week was the end of the third phrase."

"Is there cover in the fourth shift?"

Ultear brightened even more. "It's not the best, but it's definitely doable without looking like sitting ducks."

Her sentence reminded me of Natsu and Erza, which prompted me to ask, "So what are Natsu and Erza taking care of right now?"

"I saw some wild yetis ahead. Normally, we'd be able to pass without much problem, but the storm tends to agitate them. Trust me, you don't want to deal with a pissed-off yeti."

"Wild yetis are creatures that were once human, but they aren't any more, right?" I checked just to make sure I was on the same page, proud when she nodded and changed the subject.

"We've made excellent time, and, now that we are in the lands, we should be able to camp here for a few hours." Ultear lifted her orb and peered into it. From my view, all I could see was the sheer pearl colour that covered it.

"Good. I am tired," I yawned, stretching lightly as she sent me a cheeky little smile that immediately made me regret my words for reasons yet unknown.

"You just want to cuddle up to Natsu, and make gooey eyes at each other."

The noise that left my mouth was pitiful, but it was out before I could stop it, and I pressed my fingers to my hot cheeks, pouting at her indignantly.

She held up her hands in mock surrender, but the damn twinkle in her eyes told me the teasing torture was not yet over. "I don't judge. But, I am jealous. Whenever I look at Natsu, he's almost always looking at you. If I didn't see the obvious feelings in his eyes, I would call him a creep."

"I think he worries about me, for some reason."

"We all worry about you, Lucy," she stated softly. I glanced up, pressing my lips together to keep quiet, allowing her the chance to talk.

"I know you say you are fine, and I believe you. But even I would begin to crack at this point. The pressure on your shoulders is enormous. Not only do you have to figure out what you can and can't do, you also have to address the threat on your life, the threat of your father, and manage to control an ancient power that has been dead for centuries."

I smiled a little, "I won't crack, Ultear. I have you guys, and your constant… friendship. It helps me. Keeps me grounded. And strong."

We shared a smile, and I felt my eyes water a little at how much I cared for Ultear, after only truly knowing her for a few weeks. I had met her before, when I visited Erza, but she had always been so quiet, and reserved. If I had known that a woman of her calibre was underneath that blank facade, I would have made a bigger effort to be her friend sooner.

"Alright enough mush, tell me when Natsu decided to eat my muffin before I threaten your very existence."

I laughed sheepishly, rubbing my head with a small smile.

Ultear and I set up camp, while Gray watched us silently, clearly brewing in his own anger and resentment. Honestly, it was a little unnerving. So every so often, to break the tension, Ultear would lob something at him and laugh when it rebounded off his face.

When Erza and Natsu returned, they tied their horses to a nearby tree. Ultear wandered over, holding the bag of food that we had brought for them, whilst I heated up the pot of soup Erza had smartly purchased from the last town. It was probably only a day away from being spoiled, despite the extended magic keeping it fresh within the container.

I was stirring it with a thick wooden spoon when Natsu appeared beside me, leaning over to pluck at one of the flames and swallow it. It wasn't my first time watching Natsu eat fire, but that didn't stop the laugh at how ridiculous it looked.

"How did the 'problem' go?" I asked, lifting the spoon up to test the consistency. There was nothing worse than overcooked soup.

"Roughed them up, insulted their kin, you know, the usual routine," he joked lightly, leaning over my shoulder to peer into the pot. I giggled softly and leant back against him, closing my eyes for a second when his heat registered on my back.

The companionship had been, so far, working perfectly, despite the hiccup in the ritual ceremony. I handled the urge to touch Natsu rather well, becoming strangely confident when I felt needy for comfort.

And he hadn't complained about it yet, so I was thinking he didn't mind.

Proving my thoughts, he very slowly wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me into his body. My power flared lightly, though not in a threatening or aggressive way. It just recognised Natsu's own power and gave me a small rush of tingles.

"Natsu…"

"Yes?"

"Do you think once this is all over, I'll go down in history for being the princess who killed her people?" I asked softly, my voice tiny and hesitant. What Gray had said stuck with me, and I knew if I didn't talk about it now, seek some sort of opinion on the matter, it would only boil up inside. I was slowly beginning to learn that holding things inside wasn't good for my abilities, and that meant a certain about of openness and honesty.

He was quiet for a few seconds and that prompted me to continue, "Before you say that I couldn't have known what was going to happen, and that it wasn't my fault I was targeted, I know that. But some of the blame… is mine. After all, it was my Scream that caused those deaths. How can I return to my kingdom, as the princess who helped destroy it?"

"Luce…"

"I know that my own atonement isn't up to other people. Only I can seek repentance for my own actions. But, they are my people in the end. And I hurt them."

His arms slipped down slightly, so that his hands were touching my hips and he used them to turn me to face him. Then they came up and cupped my face, drawing my full attention to his beautiful green eyes. I almost drowned in the colour. It reminded me of lush, fresh forests, with that elusive hint of addictive wildness.

The world around me completely faded until all I could focus on was him.

"Who cares what history makes of you. You know the truth. And it's up to you to decide whether you will allow what rumours say to shape your image. I know, when I read back on the events that happen here, I will know what truly happened."

"And what is that?"

"A princess, fell from the stars and found herself on a path that needed to be taken. If she didn't, she wouldn't be living her true life."

My eyes watered at his words, and a rush of something joyous rushed through me. I threw my hands up to lace around his neck, pulling him down so I could press my lips to his. His grip on my face tightened for a second before one of his hands dropped to snake around my back, pressing my body to his.

Our lips moved in rhythm, moulding, breathing and brushing, sparking my own heavy feelings. I drew his bottom lip into my mouth, sucking on it softly, feeling my desire melt along my bones, sink into the deepest parts of me. He let out a soft groan, slipping his fingers through my hair, tugging very lightly.

I tilted my head to the side, sighing at the pressure of his warm tongue as it slid along the seam of my lips. I opened them for him, willingly drinking him in with all my senses. My skin felt electrocuted in the most amazing kind of way, tingling and prickling with increased sensitivity. Once our tongues touched, his power breathed through me, leaving a shaking mess of nerves in its wake, filling my whole being with warmth.

It spread over my limbs, made my knees weak, but energised me all the same, waking a greed in me for more. Our tongues brushed and fondled lithely, hesitant to explore, but definitely interested.

When it became hard to breathe, I pulled back, panting for breath. My eyes widened at the scales threatening to adjourn his face, and the shadows that slithered around the edges of his body, coming to two dark horns shaped of cloud above his head.

His gaze drifted over me, and he breathed out, "If we trigger our true forms every time we kiss, I'm going to have to answer a lot of questions."

"Maybe we shouldn't kiss any more, since you seem to be complaining."

He smiled, probably at my breathless, sarcastic tone and gave me a firm tug, reminding me I was still pressed up against his body with no room to move. His words finally registered and I slid my hands away from his neck, pressing against his chest.

"Wait. You just said our. Does that mean I'm…?"

"Pale goth Lucy, with tattoos, yes."

I groaned at his words, pulling out of his arms as Erza walked over, studying me closely, Ultear following her.

"Interesting. It's like they just rise from your skin in a split second." She inspected my arm where long thick swirls of gold and black decorated my skin. I stayed quiet, knowing that this was the first time either of them had seen it. The only other time Natsu and I had kissed… with tongue, was in the bath at the first town.

I had to wonder if it was the added tongue that made our powers flare.

Because if so, that was a very odd personal touch to add to the list for a power we still didn't fully understand.

"And her eyes. I mean, the hair is enough of a change, but damn. It's like the galaxy is in there." Ultear leaned close and I twitched, not used to such scrutiny. I persevered, allowing them to poke and prod at me, before a spoken question made us all still, remembering that we weren't alone with those we trusted.

"What are you?"

Ultear was the first to speak. "You were so sure she was a murderer before, so why do you care?"

"Wait." Natsu stepped away from me, giving Gray a sharp glare. "You called Lucy a murderer?"

Animosity rose in the air between Natsu and Gray, making my heart race, concerned and annoyed that my own thoughts had caused turmoil between them.

When Gray didn't answer, Ultear took it upon herself to answer for him, "With as many words, yes."

"Isn't one of the Rites of Frost rules or whatever, that you cannot judge what you don't understand?" he snapped, and I was momentarily surprised, because Natsu didn't seem like he was interested in religion. Dragons didn't follow any, to my knowledge. I made a mental note to ask him about it sometime. Ultear looked impressed, before the look disappeared from her face when Gray spoke.

"With all the rumours that are circulating about Princess Heartfilia, it's hard to stay subjective. Besides, those look like demon marks," he practically growled the word 'demon' with such venom that it made me still, and look over to Natsu.

Natsu took a step toward him, shoulders tightening in anger, but my next words made them all still, except for Erza who had simply been observing. She had probably been waiting for the moment when she needed to intervene.

"What's wrong with being a demon?"

Ultear turned to me slowly, and Natsu's shoulders tensed even more. Knowing what I knew - or at least suspected - I chose my words very carefully.

"I mean, there have been good demons in the past. Ones that fought for the lighter side. Who's to say that just because someone is a demon, that person is bad. I think the strength of character is far more important than the strength of species." My voice came out thoughtful, and I began to walk toward Gray, only now beginning to get annoyed at how he had spat out the word, as though it was filthy.

"But even so, these marks may look demonic, but to my knowledge, I am not a demon of any sort." When I reached him, I crouched a little, black hair falling around my face. His eyes widened as we stared at each other for a long moment. They flickered away to assess the marks on my skin, before finding my eyes once more.

And for the first time, no shame, sadness or fear came to my mind when I uttered those words.

"For your own information, to help you form your own opinion, I'm a Banshee. The first one in over five hundred years." I stood up to my full height, crossing my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes at his figure.

"And remember that well for future reference when you tell King Silver about your brief travels with us, because I doubt my father has bothered to divulge that fun little fact."

I brushed off my pants, giving my back a light stretch as I eyed the surroundings. Ultear appeared beside me, handing me a steaming cup of liquid, "The storm has passed, Banshee Lucy, the first one in over five hundred years. Can we engrave that on your tombstone, by the way?"

"I was hoping for something more whimsical, truthfully." I grinned a little, pressing the cup to my lips at her teasing. She laughed loudly, free as a bird, and the sound lifted my spirits even more.

"You are in a good mood."

"I slept on a blanket that did not protect me from the hard floor, found a caterpillar in my hair this morning and currently feel roughly around fifty years old spiritually and physically. I'm in a splendid mood."

"Soon you'll be complaining of a sore hip."

"Well… Natsu did squeeze a little hard last night," I murmured, lips twitching when she let out a loud cackle, throwing her head back as her whole body wiggled on the spot. I watched her, barely suppressing my own laughter at her reaction to my innuendo.

Of course, Natsu and I had only cuddled last night before I passed out, warm, and sated from all the power sharing through touch I had been gifted.

But, sometimes, if you can't beat them, you just have to join them.

"What has you both so happy?" Erza mused as she walked over to us, already dressed and ready for action.

"Lucy was telling me about Natsu's rough ways in bed."

I sighed as Erza pushed us aside and marched towards the tent Natsu and I had slept in, shaking my head at her behaviour with a small giggle.

"Why do you enjoy hurting Natsu?"

"It's amusing to me." She winked, before wandering off towards the bushes, probably needing to pee. I sipped the warm liquid, ignoring the loud shout of pain coming from the tent, deducing that it was Ultear's payback on Natsu for eating her muffin.

He could handle himself.

I walked over to my horse, rummaging through one of the bags to retrieve my hairbrush. Sitting on a small rock a few metres from the now dead fire, I placed my cup on the floor beside me, pulling my hair from its messy braid.

"I believe I owe you an apology."

Gray's words made me look up, and turned to him, running the brush through my hair with a small confused frown.

"Pardon?"

"I judged you when I didn't get your story. I shouldn't have done that. I prefer the easy way out, most of the time, and the easy way was to assume whatever King Heartfilia said was true."

"Well, thank you Prince Fullbuster… But if this is some ploy to get me to release you…"

"Don't bother. I'm really enjoying this ropes, seriously." His dry tone made me smile slightly, and his shoulders relaxed, his own smile twitching at his lips. It was exactly how I remembered it, a touch sardonic and pessimistic, but still cute. It almost couldn't even be called a smile, more a stretch of his lips, truly.

I was working out a particularly nasty knot when his words made me still once more, "I'd like to hear it."

When I gave him a confused look, he clarified, "Your story."

I blinked a few times, before smiling a little more, nodding. "Okay. You can ride on my horse with me, and I'll tell you all about it."

"Excuse me?" Natsu barked, making me jump at his proximity as he glanced between us both, eyebrows furrowing. I observed the obvious lump on his forehead with a sigh, wondering if dragons could get concussions.

"Are you becoming… friends?" He sounded like he didn't like it. "I don't like it."

I laughed at my ability to read his thoughts before patting the spot next to me. "Prince Fullbuster was just apologising, sort of." He sat down beside me, glaring at Gray closely.

"As he should."

"And now he'd like my accounts of the events that led me here. Since we will be leaving soon, I figured it would save time and be smarter for him to accompany me on my horse."

"He doesn't deserve an explanation."

"Perhaps, but it is a willing explanation." I soothed him with a hand to his arm, and he switched his eyes from Gray to I.

"I can't tell you no, but if he tries to grab onto anything…"

"Hands on the horse's ass, or nothing," I laughed, leaning close to press a small kiss to his lips. When I pulled back, he looked smug and surprised. I supposed my good mood was making me a little more greedy for affectionate touches.

He reached out and lightly twisted a strand of my hair around his finger, before sliding down to tinker with the feather accessory I never took out.

"I'll be watching him closely from behind. Should we have a sign for when I need to take him down?"

Gray scoffed, before I could reply, "As if you could try, you dirty moron."

Natsu's hackles rose, but I noticed it wasn't as angry as previously, and felt infinitely better. I leaned back and let them bicker, laughing when Ultear passed, shooting them both an amused look.

"Boys, this dirty talk is some kinky stuff. Mind if I write some of it down?"

I'm here! On time! Yet again!

So what did you guys think? Are we a little annoyed at Gray or do we understand where he's coming from? Tell me your thoughts!

Thanks for the support on the last chapter but it's time to get some answers~

Question Time!

Is Ultear another member of Team Nalu? *stares at this question, wondering if it's a typo or not*

Ok I can't help but keep thinking of Lucy's "true form" and it makes me wonder if she's a demi-goddess or something? I feel like maybe no? Demi-goddess would be sacrilegious in that world, really.

Bunnies can scream? appARENTLY THEY CAN

I know this isn't related to the story, but what's your tumblr ;w;? My tumblr is fresh-princess-is-here folks!

My GOD, why did Ultear put that image inside my head!? Because she can ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Are Natsu and Lucy like open about their love for each other, hence those wonderful kisses in front of everyone? I like to think that they are slowly becoming more open with their FEELINGS (omg don't say the love word yet) because of Lucy's mentality changing.

What if I made 35 accounts and used them to review? Legit reviews, not just crummy ones? God damn,, that is dedication tho

Can I keep her? In my pocket? She prefers to be carried around in your mouth so she can wreck some bitches

Also is Natsu running with Gray or is Gray tied to a horse while Natsu runs beside it? *clears throat* Well… It's more like cuddy action ON the horse… TOGETHER. Google it.

Will Natsu be healing the other companions and will Lucy get jealous? I'd like to think that Lucy is a big enough girl that if there is a NEED or dire circumstance where Natsu does have to heal Ultear or Erza, she can be like 'do it my dragon love, i will wait patiently to bring it up back up when you forget you even did so'

If Juvia is dead, will there be some other love interest for gray? I for one, don't think everyone in the story needs a love interest. I mean, I'm happy for you guys to ship certain characters w certain characters but the chance of Gray actually getting a love interest during this book seems sort of pointless.

Are Natsu and Gray gonna get into a fight that knocks over a mountain? Also, wth happened with the volcano? If they are near a mountain DURING a fight, then yes my friend,, I shall knock it over just for you. An angry Gray, an adrenaline expert Natsu, what on earth could possibly happen w a volcano ;)

Can we have sexy nalu time soon? -.- not yet, patience my friend

Is Juvia really dead? I don't think she's REALLY dead? Will you ever tell us what happened to her? How dare you do that to Juvia? Etc Look, it was careful deliberation about killing off Juvia before ever introducing her. There were a lot of factors to consider, and in the end, even if I hadn't killed Juvia, you probably wouldn't have met her. She might not have even been mentioned. She is REALLY dead. There will be no coming back for her. I'm sorry if she's a fave of yours but yeah, she's as dead as dead can be sweeties. You will learn the full story of what happened to her in the next chapter ~

When she's in it does it give her a power boost or something? Her true form is the strongest form that brings forth the strongest effects. Think of it similar to a dragonslayers dragon force.

Are we going to be seeing any of the other celestial spirits again?

Aquarius, yes. We might be stretching for any others though. Maybe a sneaky Sagittarius would be fun…

Can we get some fighting action from Erza? *scribbles it down* Mhmm. Would you like some fries with that today?

It's 35 reviews for an earlier update!

Hope you are enjoying it so far ^^

I'll see you all, next time

Stay fresh and lively,

xo freshprincess