Chapter Twenty-Five
Her History
Mard Geer: He doesn't wash his hair. Ever. He also wears no socks and sneakers. It's gross. Especially since he doesn't cut his toenails. Has a horrible, useless attitude, and is generally a bad demon. The worst out of all of them. Unfortunately, the reaction people have to him when meeting him, amuses Zeref so he keeps him around. Carries around books to show his intelligence but probably has never read them. Damn, this turned into a bash Mard Greer special. One thing that's good about Mard Geer is- wait, no, there's nothing good about Mard Geer. Bye bish.
Kyoka leapt forward, a savage shriek leaving her lips, her strides heading straight for me. I was still brimming with energy, the power of my Scream being sucked back into me through my skin, filling me with the anger that had killed Mard Geer.
It was hungry for more, a gluttonous evil whisper in my head, telling me that I could kill the demon threatening me. That I could kill any demon threatening me.
A warm hand wrapped around my waist, yanking me out of the way just as her long talons swiped the air. It startled me back into the present moment, and I let out a gasp, realising that if Natsu hadn't moved me, she would have torn my throat out.
She screeched forward again, with a rabid cry of revenge, but before she could take another step, Erza swept forward, her sword appearing in her open hand. Then she shoved the sharp, dangerous weapon right through Kyoka's stomach, her speed and precision dealing what should have been a fatal blow.
Kyoka shoved herself off the sword, holding a hand to the gaping wound it left, but growled, clearly not ready to give up the fight.
I wondered if she was friends with Mard Greer, or she was just upset that I had killed one of her kind.
Killed...
Kyoka attempted to run towards Erza who shifted her feet, grasp tightening around her sword's hilt and a blazing fury in her eyes that matched nothing I had ever seen before, demon or not.
"Enough!" Zeref's voice snapped through the air commandingly and Kyoka dropped to her knees, an action that reminded me of Jackal's response at the dinner table. My eyes wandered over to his body, tears filling them as I struggled to grasp the emotional blizzard that was rifling through me.
I closed my eyes and wrapped a hand around Natsu's arm, that was still around my waist like a brand of iron.
Focus, focus, I whispered to myself, drawing on his strength, trying to push back the urge - the wild animal need - to obliterate my enemies.
"I must say, I am disappointed in you Princess Heartfilia. I welcome you into my lands, treat you with generosity that I have long since forgotten, and this is how you show gratitude? You kill one of my people."
I scrunched my eyes tightly, trying to ignore his word. Words that were twisted, dipped, and coated with that frightening blank anger.
Lucy, breathe, Natsu stated through the link, and I shuddered, turning my head into his chest, trying to ground myself, my skin writhing with live power.
"You'd think since you just committed murder, you would have enough courage or sense to respond to my statement." Zeref's voice was unbelievably loud, that I had to assume he was using his power to twist it's perception, making me flinch in fear.
Natsu, deal with him, I breathed in harshly, trying to chase away my power as it spiked against my insides; brewing, throbbing, demanding.
Or I will, I thought-whispered, informing him of what was going to happen if Lord Zeref didn't shut up. His presence was making things worse, and I wouldn't be able to control myself for much longer. It was something about his darkness, it urged my ability, as if it recognized that there couldn't be two big bad monsters in the same room.
Natsu squeezed me gently, then let go, whispering, "Close your eyes."
I nodded, shutting my eyes, before my power flared, causing me to drop to my knees. I sucked in a breath at the trembling wave of heat that rose in the room, making the floor against my skin burn steadily.
There weren't only two monsters any more, there was now a... third.
I kept my eyes squeezed shut, a shuddering bout of fear and horror crawling through me at the feeling, and at how delighted my power was. It wanted to conquer this new power, to make it scream in submission.
"Did you really care about the demon? That's awfully human of you." Natsu's voice was low, contemplative, nothing like the commanding, hauntingly frightening voice Zeref had used before. Natsu's demon voice was a drawl that promised nothing but pain, and suffering.
I screwed my eyes tighter as Erza stated, her voice cautious, "Natsu…"
"Go to the Banshee."
Holy crap.
Can he not even recognize me?
In that state, did he not even know who I was?
I wanted so badly to open my eyes, to confirm that what I was hearing was Natsu unleashing that part of himself,the same part he had so recently admitted to me scared him.
"Think about what you are doing, Natsu." Zeref's voice was careful, a storm of shadows that threatened to crush us all. Two cold hands touched my arms and I let myself get pulled into Erza's grip, shaking, trying to pay attention to the two demons behind me as well as fight the urge to join the fray.
Fuck.
Fuck.
"You need to learn your place, demon."
"That's not a derogatory phrase when it's used by a demon himself."
Natsu laughed softly, the noise causing my skin to flush all over, his power pouring out of his body; an onslaught of heat, wrapped in darkness, topped with a bow of destruction.
"Erza," I choked, writhing. My power was going wild, wanting to inspect this sudden creature. The need to fight and see who would come out on top made me feel like an animal, chained. My power was still a white mist, but it answered a question that I had been asking since I was able to take animal traits from a lion.
Banshees were somehow, connected to animals.
This wasn't a human feeling.
This was something dark. Primitive and untamed.
And the worst thing was, I relished in it.
"It's okay," Erza whispered, her voice tight with what I hoped wasn't fear.
What was she seeing?
"You will start a war, because your… woman, killed one of mine?"
"I'll start a war just to watch you bleed," Natsu replied softly, his tone full of sadistic amusement and I shuddered again, struggling to maintain control. I buried myself into Erza's arms, eyes tight, breathing harsh.
This power was going to eat me alive.
"I will not be the only one bleeding." Zeref's voice sounded notably calmer, but his power didn't. It was lingering, lying in wait for a moment of weakness, a chance to attack.
Erza shifted, and my eyes slid open, sensing the threat immediately. Kyoka charged from the side, ripping Erza away from me and I placed my hands flat on the floor to steady myself, crying out at the hot stone that singed my fingertips.
Then a wave of shadows rose up from the ground and crashed onto me.
It all happened so fast.
A body flashed between me and the darkness, standing tall and with a low growl, a dragon, no, a demon, spread his hands out. Flames erupted from thin air, a brilliant mix of blue flames, the heat slapping against my skin from my position, and the dark, stunning black that held them, exploding in every direction. It was a tremendous onslaught of pure magical power, piercing and destroying the roof above.
The fire of his demon… was blue.
The flames were still crackling, debris from above still falling, when Natsu growled, "Pathetic. You would attack the Banshee to avoid attacking me."
I forcibly removed my eyes from Natsu, seeking Erza who had a bleeding gash on her side, but a sword to Kyoka's throat, holding it so that the tip sunk into her skin.
"Have you truly so little control that you cannot even recognize Princess Heartfilia?" Zeref asked quietly, his tone full of wonder. I flinched, meeting his eyes for a split second. Natsu tilted his head back to view me and my breath stuttered in my lungs.
Black eyes flicked over my body, horns of black mist growing from his head, and blue flames in various shades licking along his skin like electricity.
"Control…" Natsu mused, the blank look on his face making my heart squeeze, before a clawed hand was extended to me. I looked at the appendage and how the tips of his fingers had black scales crawling up the skin. Shock kept my power quiet for a few pleasant seconds - honestly, I don't know how I'd cope if I was going mad with that same desire.
I took a deep, shaky breath in.
Natsu wouldn't hurt me.
I placed my hand in his, letting him pull me up, and he led me lightly to his side, his skin searingly hot. I almost wanted to check his temperature.
Zeref watched us, as Natsu, my Natsu, stated, "We work so hard to get this illusive control. To maintain it. Boast when we have acquired it. Mourn when we have lost it…" He paused, his head tilting and my eyes flickered to the shadow horn closest, noticing how there was a more definitive outline than I had seen in the past.
"Is there any point to it, Lucy?" I sucked in air sharply, shocked that he had said my name before whispering.
"I don't know. What's control if it stops you from protecting the people you care about?"
Natsu's lips twitched, only slightly, but it was enough to let me know I had said the right thing.
"And did you want control when the demon killed… Jackal, right in front of you?"
I struggled not to flinch, shaking my head slowly, hesitantly admitting the truth,"No. I wanted him dead."
"Natsu, what is the point of this?" Zeref sounded slightly confused, and I couldn't blame him. I was struggling just as much to figure out Natsu's train of thought.
Natsu only smiled, but very slightly. It was a sly, amused tilt of his lips, along with the darkening of a predator's eyes.
Get ready to bluff like you've never bluffed before, I stilled when Natsu's voice rocked through my head and I tightened my grip on his hand, relief swimming through me at the fact that the soul to which I had bound myself was still there. I winced, battling to making my face blank, instead focusing on strengthening the bond, trying to convey my happiness through our companionship.
The link was quiet for a moment before his voice chuckled through my mind, Don't make me want to kiss you when we are about to do something crazy.
The urge to smile was never so hard to resist, than it was in that moment.
"The demon across from you wants to kill everyone you love." Natsu stated, his voice a blank, almost pleasant tone, and I ignored the flare of anger my power felt. It was beginning to rise up again, the shock rinsing from my system.
Zeref raised his eyebrow, looking between the two of us and I took a deep breath in.
"And you don't?" I replied quietly, "You are related. Maybe it's in the blood."
Ouch, go easy on me, Natsu purred through my mind and I got the mental urge to slap him because dammit, do not make me laugh!
"Then after we kill him, you can have a go at me."
I nodded slowly, as if that was an acceptable idea, then whispered through the link, this is not the appropriate time to be using innuendo. I felt his amusement for a split second before it vanished, but it left me warm and tingly.
As Natsu always did.
He lifted our hands, before slipping his hand out from underneath it, "But right now, you've got something important to do."
"You plan on killing me?" Zeref watched us closely as we separated. I remained silent, focusing on calling that power back up carefully, feeling it strum along my bones, jumping around like a wild animal, ready to slash.
I was amazed Erza was not saying anything, but I could hear Kyoka struggling from behind me.
The heat of Natsu's power rose up from the ground like a volcano readying to explode, Zeref's own abilities made the shadows twist around the three of us, and then my power, poured from my body, filling the air with a brewing gale.
It pleased the animal part of me, in some small part, that I was playing with the big boys.
"You may be able to beat me, but both of us… that's a little much for even you, Lord Zeref."
"Natsu…" Zeref sighed, "Think about what this will do to your reputation. Killing a royal isn't a crime you can get away with."
"Well," I stated slowly, thinking my words through carefully, "If we kill you, and your witnesses, that only leaves his word, and that of two other royals as proof. The story of how you became obsessed with killing Natsu, after finding out his true power, would not be so very unbelievable."
"I didn't believe you were so easily manipulated, Princess Heartfilia."
I tilted my chin at him, "I'm not. But I am… angry, Lord Zeref." I pressed accelerate on my power, making it fill my skin, my bones, my hair and my eyes. Everything soared and exploded inside of me, and the wind that filled the room picked up, whipping around us like a vortex of souls, screaming for revenge.
It was dangerous. Playing with my power like this after achieving my first scream of Wrath, and being around two powerful demons, but I latched onto the one person left that, in my mind at least, was normal.
Someone I could trust to stick with me.
Who always believed in me, even when she should have had doubts.
Erza's link tugged on mine with a responding strength, sensing that I was using her as an anchor to keep myself grounded and not get caught up in the spectacle of our theatrics.
Natsu's chuckle was as sinful as it was deadly, as Zeref looked beyond me to Erza.
"Your kingdom believes strictly in honesty. You must always tell the truth. Will you really be an accomplice to their lies?"
Erza replied steadily, "What lies? All I see is a jealous ruler, who has been eyeing Lucy up like meat since we arrived."
What?
He had?
How hadn't I noticed that?
The growl that ripped out of Natsu's throat made me shiver, and my eyes snapped to him, as he smirked slightly, his eyes glinting with anger, "Apologies. I suppose even dead men have needs."
Ugh.
Gross.
Zeref didn't say anything for a few seconds, clearly thinking, and I couldn't really have that. If Zeref managed to see through our facade, we were royally screwed.
I lifted my hand towards him, splaying my fingers out like I had done with Mard Geer, before glancing at Natsu, "You are next, demon."
A smug, satisfied grin slipped over his lips, "Can't. Wait."
I almost rolled my eyes, but instead, I just took a deep breath in, then parted my mouth. At the same time, Natsu summoned his flames, those angry, beautiful blue flames igniting in his palms, shifting into an attacking stance.
Zeref barely flinched, and spoke calmly, "Enough. Don't start this battle."
I slowly fisted my hand, acting as if I had caught my Scream before it hit him.
His eyes snapped to me, and I pressed my other hand to my head, wincing in pain as if I had just stopped a Shriek in it's tracks. I turned away from them both, taking a few deep breaths in, struggling to keep my magic brimming at the top like this and not use it. I hadn't played around this much, for this long, ever.
"Why? Afraid?"
"Princess Heartfilia, call off your lover."
"What makes you think I can do it?"
"Because the minute you couldn't deal with me and your power simultaneously, he unleashed his potential. If you can do that, then you can bring him back."
"No." I denied, "I won't. This Scream isn't going to go away just because you want it too, so Natsu isn't going to trap himself either."
Apparently,I should be a professional bluffer because the next second…
"I admit defeat."
Kyoka let out an enraged scream, but Zeref calmly continued, "I left your door open, hoping to see your reaction to Jackal's punishment. I did not expect you to have the power, or courage, to kill Mard Geer. Surprises upset me, and may have I acted out of turn."
I sucked in a breath, "You did all of this because you were curious?"
"Yes, in a way."
"Do you truly enjoy to see other people in pain, Lord Zeref?" I whispered, feeling tears fill my eyes, "If that is so, please tell me now. Because I killed a man - a demon, tonight and that's something I never wished to do. I did it purposefully, and without mercy. I made Natsu turn demon to protect your people from my power, I did all these things to avoid causing more pain. And now that I've decided killing you is the only way to stop it, you tell me that it was all a game of curiosity?"
He didn't respond, but then he didn't need too either.
"Get out. Just leave. Take Kyoka with you. I need time away from demons I don't trust, or I will never be able to choke this power down." I shuddered, "I want those books. The minute I get them, we are gone."
"Of course. Jackal will deliver them to your room."
"He's dead."
"He will be reborn, if he hasn't already." Zeref said softly, his tone blank and the next second, he was gone. I glanced over at Erza, who sat up. Kyoka's body had also disappeared before my knees hit the floor. I settled there, sucking in gasping breaths.
She rushed over to me, grasping my arms, as I sobbed out, "Shit, shit." My power was a wild force, gnashing at my bones, angry that I had played around with it for so long and didn't allow it to be free.
A tear streamed down Erza's cheek as she wrapped her arms around me, pulling my sobbing body into her embrace, "We'll leave soon, I promise it."
Natsu wrapped himself around me, still awake, still him. I buried my head in his chest, tears still falling, making me wonder when I would be able to stop.
Ultear, when Erza had gotten a shuddering Natsu, and a mentally exhausted me back to the room, had told me that it was a type of shock sickness. Using too much of your power without actually using it, she said.
Natsu wasn't much better off.
He'd ripped the seal away from his demon-self, and even though he had recognized me and was able to speak with me through our thoughts, I knew it had taken its toll.
"You didn't have any control at the start, did you?" I whispered against his chest, smearing my tears against the cotton shirt he now wore.
"No." He admitted quietly, "I only got that sliver of control when Zeref mentioned not recognizing you. That's when I realised what was happening. If he hadn't done that, who knows what would have happened."
"I'm sorry I forced you to do that." My breath caught in one of those pathetic "hic" noises, causing Natsu to crush me closer into his warm body, "I s-should have never left the room."
"Don't ever apologize for needing help. I'd do it again if I had to."
"Y-You hate that part of yourself. I said I'd be strong for the both of u-us but I wasn't." My fingers bunching in his shirt, as Natsu cleared his throat weakly, which made me want to look up and see if he was crying too.
But I didn't.
Because sometimes, crying had to be private.
"You were strong. You always are strong." He ran a hand through my hair, "If half the people in the world had as much patience, and courage, and heart as you did, we'd be living among angels."
"They don't exist."
"If you put on a pair of wings, I'd be as awestruck as the humans were. I'd tell everyone I saw an angel. I'd draw paintings, create stories, do just about anything to make sure everyone knew that there was one in the world."
"You're an idiot," I laughed, the noise mixing with a sob, and he sighed, the noise fond and silky to my ears.
"Maybe. But I made you laugh."
"You always do." I smiled a little, lifting my hand to wipe away the tears as I apologized again, wanting him to know how truly sorry I was for messing up and making him protect me with a part of himself he didn't trust.
"I'm really sorry. Please know that."
He was quiet for a few seconds, his warm fingers twisting through my hair, before admitting, "I know you are. But you don't have to be. Part of life means doing hard things. And overcoming them."
I didn't respond because I honestly had no idea what to say to that. I guess he was right, but still, it didn't stop the guilt that ate at me. I took a deep breath in, surrounding myself with his warm, smoky scent. It helped the shock little, but was more helpful in soothing deep parts inside of me.
I wanted to wrap myself around him, and never let go.
"I killed a man. I don't care if he was a demon or not. He was alive and I killed him. On purpose. Even with Tempester, I just made him collapse, but he was still breathing afterwards…"
"Mard Geer is as evil as they come, Luce…"
"But I still killed him. How do I overcome that? How do I deal with taking another person's life on purpose?"
"I don't know Lucy. I'm sorry, but that's one question I can't answer for you."
I nodded my head, rubbing my cheek against his chest, drawing in comfort from his touch. The hand that was pressed against my waist squeezed and I got the funny senses that Natsu was just as greedy as I was for this.
Just touching.
Comfort.
"Hey, Natsu… how do demons see defeat? I barely hurt…" I racked my brain for the name, "Seliah, and then all of a sudden I won. Then with Zeref. He backed off. Does it mean the same thing?"
"Not exactly. Demons perceive defeat differently," he stated, his voice calm, soothing. "You made Seliah bleed, without the use of magic that matched her potential. Immediate defeat. It would appear we scared Zeref, which made him 'back-off', but I doubt we really scared him."
"You think he was just being nice?"
"I think he was being cautious. Still, it could have gone a lot differently. We should cherish the small things."
I lifted my head, eyes slightly hazy from all the tears I had copiously leaked. Resting my chin on his sternum, I looked into his forest green eyes, the colour and vibrancy sucking me in immediately.
"Do you really believe we could have been able to defeat him?"
Natsu only nodded, "It would have taken a miracle for him to take down both of us. And demons don't believe in miracles."
"Are we really that powerful?" I asked, a little doubting as his lips twitched.
"Lucy. You can't avoid this topic forever." His words were accompanied by a serious look, but I was surprised to see a glimmer of awe in his eyes. "You used the Scream of Ira. And the only thing that was left of a fucking insanely strong demon, was dust. If that doesn't show your power, I don't know what will."
I flinched. "I've never been so angry before."
"I know. You looked ready to rip my head off when I went to stop you." His lips twitched again, clearly struggling not to smile. I frowned, lifting up a little so I could slide up his body, so that our heads were level with each others. My hair fell down like a thick curtain of gold, barricading us from the rest of our room.
"Why are you trying not to smile? This is serious, I could have hurt you."
"Can't help it, angry Lucy just does it for me."
"You've got problems," I sniffed, not even bothering to stifle my grin this time. I rolled my eyes, glad the tears had stopped momentarily. He only smiled, as if just the fact that I knew it made him happy. I leant down, placing my lips against his in a soft, chaste kiss.
He breathed against me, his chest brushing mine as a frisson of electricity shuddered through me.
"Sorry to interrupt guys."
I had been so focused on Natsu, I hadn't noticed Ultear arrive, pulling open our door, and now standing in the doorway.
I sat up, resting my ass on Natsu's thighs, turning back to look at her, "What's up?"
"You feeling okay enough for a visitor?"
I winced, "I don't really want to see any more demons for a few more hours."
Ultear didn't answer, she just beckoned me and I shook my head, sliding off Natsu with a sigh. He sat up also, rolling his shoulders a little, and I noticed the way his muscles rippled with the motion. He winced then tried to cover it up, but I was already leaning over him.
"What is it? What's wrong?" I pressed my hand gently to his head, as his eyes found mine, a soft look in his eyes at my actions.
"Little loud in my head, that's all."
It took me a few minutes to understand what he meant before I blinked, "They have voices?"
"Who?"
"Your dragon and your… demon."
"No. They are parts of me. It would be mildly concerning if they did." He gave me a wry look. "They just have loud, battling presences. I don't let that part out often, and now that I've tucked it back in, it's being a shit to ignore."
"Ignore what part exactly?" I questioned softly, and he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in. I sucked in air, ready to apologise for asking, before he answered.
"The urge to let loose and destroy whatever I can get my hands on."
"Oh. Do you need some sleep?" I bit my lip, worried, but trusting that he had it handled. But if he needed some shut-eye, I definitely wasn't going to stop him.
"No. I'll actually need to stay awake for a bit longer. I've almost lost control countless times because I fell asleep in a bad mood, or something similar. That part of me always looks for some sort of way to crawl out."
"Your feelings affect how your demon powers react?"
He gave me a sly smile, "Yeah. Doesn't that sound familiar?"
Something inside my chest eased, which was horrible, seeing as I knew what it felt like to have every negative emotion multiplied and ready to rip apart anything if I said the word. But somehow, the fact that Natsu had dealt with it longer than I had, and was so amazing, gave me hope that I could too.
I reached a hand out, and pulled him to his feet, before walking out to the sitting room, expecting the worst.
What I got was, much much better.
"Jackal." I smiled, tears stinging my eyes at his appearance, and he bowed slowly, eyes flicking over me as if to look for any signs of damage.
"Princess Heartfilia. Are you well?"
I nodded, my own eyes taking a personal stock of his body, and I couldn't help but notice the slight changes. A little less fur, a little more fang.
"You look as good as new."
"It's only my fourth resurrection." I remembered what Natsu had said about demons and their ability to resurrect themselves, and the stronger they were, the more times they could do it. And I was so happy to find out that Jackal had enough power to come back to life, but that also meant Mard Geer was able to as well.
It seemed like a waste of power, but the effect still stuck with me.
If he had been anything but a demon, my anger would have ended his life with no return.
It was a frightening thought. The Shriek of Ira was addicting and all-consuming. It made things so much easier, instead of clenching for control, it sorted itself out like seamless silk.
I pushed those thoughts from my mind, not wanting to glorify the destructive killing power I had managed to pull out of me.
In his clawed hands, sat three books. They weren't overly big, or impressive, a leather bound, red colour with string keeping the fraying spine together. He reached out, and I took them from him.
"Zeref managed to find three of your ancestor, Leora Heartfilia's journals. He said that it was mostly legible, but there are parts that the quality lessens."
"I understand." I didn't want to tell him to thank Zeref because I was still sick to my stomach with his idea of games. I looked down at the books in my hands, feeling the weight of the world slowing sliding off my shoulders. Even if there wasn't anything overly helpful in these journals, it was a start to understanding who I was.
"I was also directed to give you this." Jackal extended his right hand, holding a pearl and golden lined envelope. It was wax-sealed with a curvy, bold 'Z' signet and my heart thudded painfully in my chest. I handed the books to Ultear who took them gently, noticing how Natsu stepped forward as I took the envelope from him.
I opened it carefully, licking my dry lips as I looked at the neat, small handwriting for a few seconds before actually paying attention to what was written.
'Princess Heartfilia,
I would be honoured to have your company for tea this evening.
If you are not interested, or too exhausted, I will not take offence.
If you would like to accept, I will be waiting in my study at sunset for you.
Jackal will show you the way.
Regards,
Lord Zeref.'
"He invited me to… tea?" I puzzled, thoughts brewing that all stemmed around saying no, and ripping the invitation up. Natsu seemed to agree with me whereas Jellal just turned away, facing the steel windows with a thoughtful expression.
"It might be a good idea to attend. One does not get a private audience with the Demon Lord often. Or at all."
"We can't trust him," Ultear shook her head, disagreeing. "Look at what has happened because of him already."
"Ultear, could you not point at me? It's rude." I smiled a little before glancing at Erza who remained silent. She looked almost normal, having already cleaned and healed the wound Kyoka had inflicted.
She gave me a smile that was calm, and lovely, and helped me quiet my thoughts.
"It is your decision in the end. However, I am sceptical about your safety."
"I will be attending this tea as a servant," Jackal stated, "I can assure her safety with me."
"No offence puppy, but you are Zeref's lap dog. We can't assume you care anything about her safety." Ultear rubbed her forehead, and I couldn't help but agree with her. I liked Jackal, really, I did, but in the end, he was Zeref's subject and the loyalty he had displaced was enough to make me feel a little antsy.
"Princess Heartfilia avenged my death, whether it was pointless or not. That means I am indebted to her. My Lord understands this duty and has given me free reign to pay back the debt by any means possible. Which includes protection."
I wanted to say something, but the words just caught in my throat. I cleared it, folding the letter back up neatly before sliding it into the envelope once more.
"Can you come back in an hour or two? I'll have my decision by then."
"Of course." He bowed, and went to leave but I called out softly after him. Once I did, he turned slightly,his golden eyes sliding over his shoulder to meet mine.
"I'm glad you are back."
xxx
Diary Entry #4 Month 4 Year 34XX
The witches of the South taught me two things that I would never forget. Breathe when you feel scared and try not to fall over when running.
It was odd they taught me only these two, when the town was filled with restrictions and codes. But my time there was short, and the coven had all agreed that those were the two most important things to teach me before I left.
If I hadn't learnt that, I doubt I would have figured out a way to master my powers.
My mother has been sending me letters via the stars, in the manner of our kingdom. She thinks my purpose wrong, believes that I was born broken. I know convincing her would have taken too much time, and with the world on the brink of war, I had no hope in controlling myself if I stayed with her.
But still, though we have our differences, whenever I become lost I look to the sky. It soothes a part of me that stuck around from my heritage. Until I discover otherwise, I have starting calling it 'the cry'. It's a cry for comfort, and for company. A part of me that is freezing, weak and timid.
But I ignore it.
And eventually it goes away.
Though, it always comes back.
Always.
xxx
"Listen to this," I stated, catching Ultear and Jellal's attention. Natsu and Erza were getting some rest, after I had rudely awoken them before. Even though Natsu was hesitant, Erza had insisted he get some sort of rest, as the growing bags under his eyes weren't healthy. I would have gotten some sleep as well, but once we had obtained the journals, I found I wanted to do nothing but read them.
That's when Jellal and Ultear offered to help me and read through the other two journals. I'd still have to read them all eventually, but we were hoping they could help point out any answers for the plethora of questions we had amassed.
I cleared my throat, flipping back to the previous page, my heart pattering a nervous but hopeful rhythm in my chest, "The people of this village think I am a nymph. When I tell them I am a Banshee, they cringe away. It makes my soul burn cold, my body weak and my temper short, and the urge for company, for touch, escapes me yet again. I don't wish to lie to them, but I ache for comfort." I stopped briefly, looking up at them with wide eyes, "Does that sound familiar to anyone?"
"She had the nymph-traits like you do!" Ultear, who had been lounging back while reading the other journal, sat forward as I divulged this information.
I nodded in agreement. "I mean, I think so. She nicknamed it 'the cry'. But the effects are parallel, I'm certain that it's the same thing."
"So it's not just you. If your family line allows for that small part of nymph to stay, we can assume that if a fairy or some other sort of creature, turns out to be a Banshee, then perhaps whatever their family creature is, a part that remains to lurk around."
"Yeah, but we don't know that for certain. We only know that in this case, the only other Heartfilian royal who didn't "go nymph", had the same side-effects as I do."
"Reading this, I find she quotes a lot of books about control, or the Banshee history, all of which aren't around anymore." Jellal chimed in, a sigh leaving his mouth. "When it comes to those things, we are still in the dark."
I sighed also. "Hopefully, as time goes on, I will understand it better...or I'll at least pick up clues or something."
We all went back to reading, and time dragged on, my mind sucked into the world of Leora Heartfilia. Banshees during her time were feared and generally respected. Leora obviously felt the isolation of the world around her giving her space she didn't ask for. The start of her journey, as the Star Lands weren't involved in the war yet, was to head to the Vapids. Apparently, that's where most Banshees started off. Although, she didn't say why exactly, part of it seemed to be the fear that if she was in open territory, the kingdoms clashing in battle would try to capture her, and force her to use her powers against their enemies.
She knew that she needed to go the Vapids, to begin her journey, but also that it was closed ground. There was no chance anybody could grab her, aside from the demons, who weren't fighting at the time.
I sunk my teeth into my lip when I read what she recorded of her first, uncontrolled scream.
xxx
Diary Entry #6 Month 5 Year 34XX
I killed a group of men today.
It was, horrible. The power swallowed me up and spat me out, leaving me to look at the mess that I unwillingly created.
They were attacking two children, who thankfully, got away unharmed. In fact, the power did not seem to hurt them at all. But the men… Only their corpses lay in front of me at the end of it.
It was horrible and barbaric.
And I had caused it.
Rumours that a new Banshee has been awakened are spreading through the warring Kingdoms like fire.
I need to get to the Vapids, before one of them snatches me up.
Everyone wants a Banshee on their side when it comes to war, but I will not kill anyone on the battlefield for another royal's beliefs.
I would rather not kill anyone at all.
xxx
"Lucy!" Ultear's voice snapped me from the words as she yawned, handing me a journal, wide open to a particular page.
"Read the first passage."
I take it from her, giving the page a quick once over before doing as I'm told, and reading the first entry.
xxx
Diary Entry #134 Month 8 Year 41XX
I met the mouse today.
She greeted me with a look so vile over the battlefield, and the minute she opened her mouth, I could hear the scream coming from the ground beneath me.
If I was stupid, she would have killed me there.
But lions eat mice, and she was no match.
No match for me, at least.
xxx
I felt my eyebrows furrow, "Lions eat mice? What is that supposed to mean?"
Ultear yawned again, showing her exhaustion. "I have no idea, but it's weird right? From this entry, it sounds like this 'mouse' was a Banshee too."
I shook my head, feeling confusion probe at my head, which was rapidly turning into a headache.
Jellal, who had been watching us, spoke up. "She also references herself as a 'lion'. This might be an important clue as to why Lucy is able to take on her kingdom's animal."
I bit my lip once more, before stating, "Ultear, get some rest. Jellal and I will keep going."
She went to argue but Jellal softly cut in, "We need to all be alert and rested when we leave."
After a few more minutes of half-hearted argument, she conceded and retreated to the bedroom she slept in. I closed the book I was reading, massaging at my head.
"Do you really think seeing Zeref is a good idea?" I asked him, closing my eyes as a wave of sickness washed over me at the very thought of it.
"It is not a good idea, but it is a very rare chance. Kingdoms around the world have been trying to arrange a meeting with him for decades. He doesn't present invitations lightly," Jellal considered, before hinting, "He may have something important to say."
"Or it could be another game of 'find what nerves make the Banshee scream'."
"And that is why it is your decision in the end," he reassured. I sighed, slowly opening my eyes.
"I suppose, a nice cup of tea and some cake might do me some good. If only the company wasn't so…" I failed to find a word that described the puzzle that was Zeref. He was blank most of the time, pleasant almost. But it felt like every step taken was a shuffle of feet on a board of problems.
Jellal smiled slightly. "Don't say cake too loud. You will wake up Erza."
"Excuse me, I was waking up to help you both with the research." Erza's voice made me turn my head, noticing how she hadn't bothered to change out of her cotton pajamas, that had little comical swords all over them.
He chuckled and I laughed, amazed that one word had stirred her from her sleep. She gave the room a sweep with her working eye, the other still covered by the eye-patch. From what I knew, the eye was still in there, an oddly stone-like obstruction, that she admitted barely gave her any trouble.
She had previously said that it was what she assumed a glass eye might feel like.
I had wondered if it was a bad idea to keep it in there, but Ultear assured us it wasn't rotting, and for the most part, was fairly sterile. I guess having a hardened black eye was better than having a gaping hole.
Still, it always gave me a twinge of guilt, knowing I had caused it.
"Erza." I cleared my throat, before informing her, "I will be going to meet Zeref. Will you help me keep Natsu in the room so he doesn't blow up the castle?"
She raised her eyebrow, before smiling, the calm lift her lips almost evil.
"I would be glad to assist you."
Hello friends~
I'm lacking enthrallment today so you'll have to excuse my shitty attitude.
I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! So much happens, you can really tell I'm keying up for some CRAZY shenanigans.
Before we kick off the questions, I will answer three of my own, because I have a feeling I know what the most asked questions will be;
Did Natsu really go demon? Yes. Yes. Yes.
Why is Jackal back alive? Because, kiddies, demons don't have souls and strong ones can revive themselves.
Did you buy extra sass at the store? Yes. Yes I did.
On another note, the journals of Leora Heartfilia, will be set out like this.
Book One: The Journey (Her starting moment as a Banshee. Travelling. Where she has little to no control, and is avoiding the growing war if she can) Entries between 1-120
Book Two: The War (She's in the war now. I won't tell you which side she is fighting for because if you have been paying attention, you should already know. The parts of this journal will be her thoughts about kicking ass and whatnot.) Entries between 121-199
Book Three: The Aftermath (LOL. Can't tell you about this. It's just after the war, and it's very important.) 200 and beyond.
The reason why I'm telling you this, is to limit confusion. You'll have moments where Lucy will be reading from one journal, then will remember a part of another journal in future chapters. If you can remember the numbers, it'll be a bit easier to understand but I doubt it's too hard to grasp for your smart alecks.
ON WITH THE QUESTIONS.
Is there going to be a fight between Zeref and Lucy? If you call this a fight? I mean, no? I mean, what?
Does Zeref know who killed Virgo? Does he ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The person who was following them in the forest that one time with the red eyes, that was Jackal wasn't it? Ah, I can definitely tell you that was NOT Jackal. Lmao, I wish it was.
Is Jackal really really dead or..? To all the poor souls that have forgotten, demons are soulless creatures and the stronger have the ability to revive themselves. As it has been said in… Chapter 22? I think?
Why didn't Lucy scream? No soul. No scream.
Tf why would ppl want Ultear to die? Because people like that shit, whereas I do not.
Is Lucy's kingdom okay with sex before marriage? That wasn't really clear to me from the rules of Aphe that Lucy listed. The Rules of Aphe, tell you not to let chastity, feelings of guilt and/or shame, to stop you from experiencing and enjoying lust/sex/love. So, yes. They really are saying "if you feel that it's right, don't let society/ negative feelings stop you from being happy, sexually or no.
Gajeel willingly GAVE something to Natsu? Really? Really, really.
How many horses are pulling the carriage? Until this chapter I thought it was only two, since that wouldn't stand out as much as four or six. My friend, there are four horses pulling the carriage. And as for 'standing-out', this is a world where most walk, ride horses, or are in the carriages. With Jude having no knowledge of where his daughter is headed, what her plan is, and only gathering small amounts of gossip amongst the vastness that is Fiora, there's a very little chance, as well as luck on his side, to find her. They only ran into her father's people once, and they all died mysteriously after they made the barricade, so how would Jude know what's going on?
When Natsu was testing Lucy's dominance, is the reason Lucy didn't do any damage to him when she tried to claw him because, despite what it felt like to her, her nails didn't actually turn into claws? YEEEES. She felt it, she thought she had claws, but since she is not an actual were-lion, there were no claws to attack with. Kudos to you.
So, why did Natsu's dragon horns appear during the hunt and not any of the other times he did a partial transformation (with the exception of the first time he and Lucy met)? Natsu can chose what comes out with partial transformations. He can chose tail no wings, wings no tail, horns no tail, a side of fries with sweet-chilli sauce. I mean, you get it now? He doesn't do horns too often though, because it reminds him that his demon-form, also has horns.
I'm guessing Levy was the pixie responsible for Gajeel putting iron studs on himself? Great guess ;)
Could Lucy with her Powers be stronger than Natsu or Zeref but just has no control over it jet or do they overpower her completely? YOU GET SOME OF THIS QUESTION ANSWERED IN THIS CHAPTER IF YOU READ IT WELL.
Is it normal for Gajeel's dragon form to be that tiny? As explained in prev chapter, Gajeel's tribe, the Steel tribe, has the ability to miniaturize their dragon forms.
What is a smol bean? *insert picture of Lucy, Natsu, Jackal, Ultear, Jellal, Igneel, Erza* I have provided examples of "smol beans".
At the beginning of this story when Ultear showed everyone Lucy's memories of her first scream, or Awakening, were they seeing them from Lucy's point of view or from a third person point of view? Lucy's point of view. But I wrote it in third, to avoid confusion. It really only blends towards the end, when it's Lucy's perception, looking at what happened.
Does Erza really still have that rotten eye still inside of her? Answered in this chapter.
Horse paragraph stamina, 'spurr' etc Thank you for the opinion! I will be going through all the chapters and fixing plot holes/little details soon! Will add it to my short (long) list.
Which is it actually supposed to be? Three claws or six? Lmao! Apologies, I went back, that "two" is a typing error that I missed entirely. It's just three claw marks. Six is a bit much.
What happened to Jackal? He's not dead dead right, because he's a demon? BONUS POINTS BECAUSE YOU REMEMBERED MY FRIEND 3 (I don't give out hearts at all so enjoy that)
So Lucy mastered the scream of wrath? She'd be the first to do so right? She definitely didn't master it. The tricky thing about the Shriek Of Ira (or the Scream of Wrath) is that it's a straight, destructive Scream. There's no battling it, once it's summons, it knows what it has to do and it will do it. That's why it seemed like Lucy had it under control, but really, she didn't. She was only letting the Scream do what it wanted to, because at that moment, she wanted Mard Greer dead.
Are demons and banshees linked? And that's why Lucy feels drawn to Natsu? Spoilers! But try not to cling to demons & banshee's being linked so much. Lucy and Natsu just have this special love, but maybe build your theories up on the fact that Banshee's were deleted from history? Why would they be deleted from history? Who made the order? And why is it that the demons were the only Kingdom who didn't follow the same rule? (gives you unhelpful hints)
When did the pussy conversation happen?! In my head when I day-dreamed a petulantly grumpy Natsu being called a pussy by playful Lucy.
Why do you always give us a tiny bit of lemon and then decide to take it away?! Because you looove it~
I wonder what book Mard Geer was holding? How To Piss Off A Banshee 101
I know it's off topic but where/how did you see it? (Dragon Cry) It showed in the cinema's only an hour away from my place, so I went and saw it there :)
So about that picture of Lucy in her true form… … You can find it on my Tumblr, as the book cover.
Soooo that whole section where Natsu is revealing the demon part of himself to Lucy, is Natsu that scared of his demon side or is he ashamed of what he is? A bit of both. He can't control it properly, so there's fear, and it's also being ashamed of something that only wants to create pain and suffering. It's a killing intent, he has.
Does Lucy's presences bring down the barrier that Natsu put around his demon (will Lucy tame this demon with her feminine wiles)? You'll find that there isn't much that Natsu won't do for Lucy, and vice versa. As for the 'bring down the barrier', Natsu can push it back, but when Lucy is around, he does find himself brewing on that darkness.
HOW DO U FEEL ABOUT FT ENDING?! LET'S NOT.
Also why did everyone look shocked at her outfit? Did it have different symbolism even with skin showing? I'd think it's more puzzled, because the light is supposed to show how you measure up with the amount of clothes you wear. Lucy's clothes were revealing somewhat but they was a lot of material and little touches.
Do you have any new stories coming up for the summer or do you like to finish a story before starting another? Let Me Be There will be starting and finishing soon (just a small short story) and I will be participating in Nalu Love Fest. After this one ends, I have no idea. I normally take a few months off to brew and decide which one out of the many ideas gets thrown onto the page.
So... is Lucy gonna confess back? What happened after Natsu confessed...? You said something about Natsu helping with her shirt and that he was sleeping? IS SHE? And after Natsu confessed, he fell asleep, lmao, and he offered to help her out of her shirt by burning it before he fell asleep.
Will Zeref get pissed at Lucy for what she's done? Answered ~
Why did Lucy threaten Natsu like that? Because she wanted Mard Greer dead, and she knew that out of anyone, Natsu would have been able to stop her.
Did you enjoy Dragon Cry? YES. It was amazing, definitely worth the twenty dollars I spent on popcorn, drinks and assorted snacks.
And that's me for now! The next chapter is being written and it involves Zeref's hoarde of teacups. As well as some more journal entries.
I'm curious guys, did you want a specific character intro? As you can see, I'm struggling to find one (that's why I did that shit Mard Greer) and I'd be happy to take on suggestions!
Hope you enjoy, thanks for all the support,
and as always, stay fresh ;)
xo freshprincess