Chapter Thirty-One
Their Undying Love
Demon Natsu was created and mastered with this song: "Heaven Knows" The Pretty Reckless.
"And I said no," I replied, exasperated, giving Porlyusica a stern look, "You can check me after I see Natsu."
We were standing around a sitting room, having been stopped by Queen Eileen, Porlyusica, as well as another woman I hadn't had the pleasure to meet yet. Acnologia and Yukino were behind me, after they were invited in 'graciously'. The atmosphere was hostile, distrusting, and I knew that I wasn't the only person on edge.
She glared back, still displaying the surly, grumpy look she wore at our last meeting. "It would be beneficial if I check your wounds now, Princess Heartfilia."
I turned away from her, taking inhaling deeply. "Let's not pretend I am stupid. You don't truly care about my wounds at this present point of time. You think I'm not real, or I'm some sort of illusion. A trick to make you lower your guards."
Ultear, who had gone to stand by the unidentified woman, spoke up, "Which she's not."
The woman beside her, which I could only assume was her mother considering the resemblance, spoke soothingly. "I understand if you believe that Ultear, you were very upset when your friend died, but I fear that it might be clouding your judgement."
Ultear ground her teeth together, clearly stuck between defending me and respecting her mother. I felt for her, I truly did. If I was in her position, I would be having trouble also.
Fortunately for me, there was one person who was brave and stubborn enough to go against her own mother, no matter what the title.
"And what about me?" Erza declared. "Is my grief clouding my judgement?"
"Your anger is clouding your judgement Erza," Eileen replied, her voice guarded, almost blank and I rubbed my hands against my cheeks, frustrated, noticing how Acnologia flinched at the movement.
"Unfortunately," Eileen continued, undisturbed by the pinning one-eyed glare she was now receiving. "We can't be certain that the… person in front of us is truly Lucy Heartfilia. And her new… friends are not helping her case."
"Where is Igneel?" I asked, trying to remain calm, but frustration was mixing into anger, and my power, not fully restored yet, was reacting to it numbly.
"King Dragneel," Eileen replied pointedly. "Is dealing with other matters at the moment. He has left me in charge of validating your identity."
He doesn't trust himself to make the decision whether it's me or not.
"How long will confirming my identity take?"
Eileen glanced at Porlyusica who cleared her throat, looking at me with a slightly wary expression, "A day or so. With the right tests, to be absolutely sure."
"You want me to wait a day, while Natsu is trapped in a cell, being tortured by his psychotic… whatever, so you can ease your minds?" I snapped crossly, my emotions too heated to recognize that Eileen was someone I loved, and trusted. At the moment, she was merely one of the obstacles I faced in my attempt to get to Natsu.
"Yes," Eileen replied sternly. "The Lucy I know would be understanding of our hesitance and she would allow us to check her before continuing any further."
I clenched my jaw, choking back my tears at her words, letting my irate emotion fuel me.
"Well," I retorted. "The Lucy you knew, didn't understand love and how it changes a person's behaviour."
Eileen's eyes softened, only slightly, "I can understand if you want to see Prince Dragneel, but I am sure Erza has informed you that he is not truly there. And the circumstances are fragile. Until we know you are who you say you are, I will not allow you to pass this room."
The threat of asking if she really thought she could stop me balanced on my tongue, and I had to draw in a sharp breath to keep it in, turning around to face Acnologia. He raised his eyebrow, probably at my furious look, and I bit down on my tongue, knowing that what Eileen was saying was true.
But I was not going to be kept away from Natsu any longer.
I closed my eyes, wondering if I was really going to do something crazy just for the sake of seeing Natsu, whom everyone had the delight of reminding me was not really him. Erza had called him 'END', Natsu's full demon form coming out to play. I had met him before, briefly, at the Vapids, but Natsu had regained control too quickly for me to really poke at the demon side of him.
I knew he was dangerous, but I didn't care.
I glanced at Yukino who was wearing a pleasant, almost delighted smile and she beamed at me. "You look positively burning with rage."
I almost laughed at her truthful words, because she had described it perfectly. A plan began to form in my head, with the multitude of things that could go wrong if I attempted it. I ran through the scenarios, before coming up with a risk level that was pleasingly low.
Worst thing that can happen, I get tackled and badly hurt.
I doubted Eileen would actually kill me.
Of course, that left Ultear's mother, who had no connection with me, and her power was unknown to me. I had to assume that she was a threat herself.
"Erza, where is Natsu?" I asked, before adding, trying to alleviate the pressure in the room, "Will he be safe if I give them a day to do their… tests?"
It was clear that Eileen was waiting for me to agree to their terms and at that moment, I wished I could.
But love, apparently, made me a little crazy.
Or it could be the fact I was buried and woke up in a coffin not too long ago.
"He's in the cells… I don't know Lucy, when I visited him… he wasn't hurt. But he was healing."
Fury wrapped me in a warm blanket at her words and I soothed my power a little, using what little control I had left to keep it tethered to that cave inside of me.
I had scarce power to do what I wanted to do.
"Of course, he will be safe," Eileen… lied, "He is going through his own tests of will and Lord Zeref is helping him with the process."
To hear Eileen lie, even if it was for my own peace of mind, was the last straw and I relaxed my shoulders, slumping them defeatedly, keeping my eyes on Acnologia's. I really hoped he could read lips.
"Run." I mouthed to him, keeping my head tilted away from the others in the room and his brows crinkled forward, clearly confused and suspicious. Luckily, Yukino got the message.
"Oh dear."
The minute she said it, I summoned the magic coiling inside me. It obediently rose, using my temper to ride its way up, and I directed the cool wind it to my fingers. Then I splayed my hands out, feeling my nerves vibrate.
Snap.
The room shook as my power exploded silently, the glass windows shattering, the doors flying clear off the hinges. I had purposely focused on not having the scream manifest to actually hurt anyone, more like distract them so I could escape.
I barely noticed Acnologia wrap an arm around Yukino's waist and dive out of the room a second earlier, two black wings snapping from his back, then I was running.
Eileen's power chased me to the best of her ability but I knew I had disorientated everyone in the room, so when I disappeared from her sight, the power faltered. My legs trembled and ached, my eyesight blurred, that one burst of power clearly taking its toll but I ran down the hallways, dodging past the shocked servants who didn't know whether to stop me or help me.
It looks like they kept my arrival a secret.
Truthfully, I didn't remember how to get to the cells, but I was following a very strange sense of shadows. It was everywhere, plaguing my sight and senses, so I had to assume it was either Zeref or Natsu I was tracing. I wondered if this ability was something I always had, or something I had just learned.
My luck got worse when I slid around a corner, coming to a stop in front of three men.
Bickslow, the strange nomad I had the pleasure of meeting in the north, smiled a slow, delighted smile, "Princess Heartfilia, is that you?" I briefly wondered how he knew it was me since he couldn't see before pushing the pointless thought away.
I eyed the crown on top of the blonde's head, biting my lip as the royal man – King Dreyar if I was to guess– stared at me, curious but not hostile.
Yet.
"Bickslow. Great to see you," I replied, a little breathless as the shorter man (much shorter) smiled a wrinkly, surprised smile.
"I apologize Princess Heartfilia, but we were under the impression you were dead."
"I'm so lazy," I laughed, slightly crazed. "My friends thought I was dead, but it turns out I was just taking a really long nap." I tried to figure out what sort of power they had, and if it was at all possible to get past them, but I was never good at sensing that sort of thing and if I knew my royals, it didn't matter either way.
King Dreyar was the leader of one of the strongest kingdoms in Fiora.
He could probably subdue me with one pinkie.
Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to create another plan.
"Find her!" I heard Eileen's voice shout, a snapping order through the air, travelling to me as I winced, adrenaline pumping through me. Bickslow grinned wildly, appearing even more delighted.
"Are you running from something?"
"More like to something," I replied justly, "I don't suppose you will tell me where the cells are, more importantly where Natsu Dragneel, my boyfriend, is being kept."
Boyfriend.
Huh, way to go with the labels, I thought to myself, slightly hysterical with all the emotions and adrenaline coursing through me. .
"Perhaps you should turn around and speak to those who are chasing you," King Dreyar stated smoothly, his tone almost friendly, "I'm sure there has been a misunderstanding."
"That's very diplomatic of you," I panted, slouched against the wall, my knees becoming weak and his face twinged with concern. I had heard stories about King Dreyar's temper, and hoped they weren't true.
"Dear, are you well?" The older, shorter man asked, his concern the spitting image of King Dreyar's and suddenly I knew who he was as well.
Ex-King Makarov…
He could probably subdue me with one hair from his moustache.
"I'm fine," I waved it off. "Bickslow, please remember that I didn't let Natsu kill you when you kissed me."
"Of course, that was very kind of you," Bickslow laughed, and I smiled a little, panting a little harder, my power zapping around inside of me, but it was a fickle thing, alerting me that I definitely did not have enough to do this again.
"Excellent, because I'm about to piss off another royal – three now if my count is correct."
I placed my hand flat on the wall and drained every inch of me, pulling enough power together to send another shock wave. It knocked Bickslow into King Dreyar, who tripped over ex-King Makarov. If I wasn't being chased, I would have laughed at how unroyal the whole scene was.
I jumped over them, limping as my hip ached and my body tried to move without it's natural essence fuelling it. My eyes fluttered but I continued to run, tripping over my own feet a few times, feeling my power slowly fill back up, like a trickling, dripping stream, much too slowly to do any good.
My luck turned for the best when I stumbled onto a caged, steel door, stone stairs leading down into darkness and I pushed at it, almost sobbing in relief at the fact that it was open. As I staggered down the stairs, I played with the idea that maybe I should inform Igneel that his jail door was left unlocked and that could create some serious security issues.
When I reached the bottom, the dimly lit corridor of stone and barred doors greeted my eyes. I peered inside one, coming up empty before trying to think rationally, trying to remember some sort of clue or idea of where Natsu could be.
If I was a royal member, driven to my demon side, where would my loving Dad put me?
Admittedly, trying to enter that headspace was harder than I thought, since my father was just interested in kidnapping me and possibly killing me. Exhaustion made my thoughts heavy, and slightly insane, but I continued to walk, lurching every few steps.
I blinked a few times, my eyes attempting to slip closed, so I could sleep off extreme magic deprivation when a figure made me still, the hair on the back of my arms raising. Two ears were piqued on the top a sandy, mop haired head. Golden eyes peered at me in shock, a few metres away and I smiled, tears filling my eyes at the friend staring at me.
"Jackal!" I laughed, tripping forward, the air rushing around me until his arms caught my loss of balance, fur tickling my sweaty skin.
I grinned up at him, panting, "Hey! You are out of the Vapids."
"You aren't dead," he whispered, his own answering grin on his face as I smacked him lightly, the force behind it pitiful.
"You know all about resurrecting acts, buddy."
"Are you okay? You look… wrecked."
"I look beautiful," I corrected him before slouching forward. "I'm a little winded, and tired. I sort of went a little mad upstairs."
"A little mad?" He eyed me, amusement in his eyes, and I grinned, an odd burst of joy rushing through me at the fact it was Jackal, not somebody that would stop me. Jackal would probably help me find Natsu.
Hell, Jackal was probably down here guarding Natsu.
"I made some more enemies, potentially."
He sighed, shaking his head. "Why am I not surprised?"
"Because you know me, at least a little." I leaned against his body, my muscles aching, and he supported me. "Come on. Let's get you sitting down." I resisted at his offer, shaking my head firmly, despite my sluggish movements and sore, stinging body.
Damn, I hurt all over.
"No can do, friend. You have to take me to Natsu, preferably before the full weight of the royals upstairs comes bearing down on me."
His eyebrows furrowed, "I don't think that's a clever idea. Zeref just finished with him, he's not in a welcoming mood."
"I don't care about his mood, I care about him."
"You are aware that he's… not the same?"
"I don't care if he is Natsu, END or a damn dodecahedron. I need to see him," I whispered, closing my eyes for a few seconds before jolting back awake, fighting the darkness that threatened me. "Please, just take me to him."
Jackal stayed still, clearly thinking about my words before he nodded. Thankfully, he didn't pick me up, allowing me to lean on him and walk on my own. The cell was just around the corner and I recognized the entirely steel door.
"Ironic," I whispered to myself, knowing that this was the same cell they had put me in when I lost control of my second scream. Jackal pretended he didn't hear me, leaning me against the cool wall as shouts met our ears, the sound of people rushing down the stairs making me look up.
"My welcome wagon is here," I informed him conspiringly, smiling proudly when he laughed, before he crouched, his golden eyes concerned, sternly looking at me.
"Are you sure about this? They might be a lot nicer than what's in this cell."
Fear shuddered through me at his words, and the haunted look in his eyes. I guess I never thought about what Natsu might be like when it was Erza or Eileen telling me he had changed, but when faced with an actual demon, who was warning me of someone I loved, it made the threat a lot more serious.
However, I wasn't going to give up that easy.
"I can handle it," I whispered, my head throbbing with a headache, my body warbling with pain and energy deprivation. Jackal turned away immediately, sinking the key into the lock, obviously reacting to the noises and running footsteps coming towards us. Then he gave me the key.
"One key gets you in, and gets you out. It'll give you a few hours to talk before they manage to break open the door."
I smiled, tears swimming in my eyes. "Let's have tea soon, okay? Without your creepy master being a creep."
He squeezed my arm, nodding before I slipped inside. The door thudded shut behind me, locking and protecting me from the horde approaching. I rested my back against it, listening to Eileen's demands about where I had gone. Jackal's voice was entirely blank as he informed her.
"She's in there with the prisoner."
"She is indeed." A cool, amused voice drawled, the power swirling around it making the voices outside the cell stop entirely, obviously listening in on what he was saying. I opened my eyes, my heart stopping for a dull second as I gazed at the seated man opposite me, chained to the wall, without shirt, without humanity.
His smile was an amused, cruel thing, like he was a spider and a butterfly had just flown into his web. A predator against a prey.
"You've given me a Banshee and the key to my freedom, Zeref. I have to say, this is a cruel trick even by your standards."
I gazed over him, momentarily distracted by the tanned, firmly cut shape of his muscles, before inspecting the two shadowed horns on the top of his head. Black splatters of darkness peppered his arms, chest and fingers, long claws laying lax. Then my eyes swept over his face, taking in the way his mouth seemed larger, his fangs longer and sharper at any other time I had ever seen them.
Steadying myself on aching muscles, I walked over to him hesitantly, leaving the key on the floor so he couldn't grab it. Then I pushed my fingers through his hair, clenching down on the strands and yanking his head back.
Our eyes connected and I leaned down, inspecting the blackness of his eyes, noticing how very fine, thin black veins pulsed, as if it was pushing the demon around his body and into his eyes.
"Huh. You don't even have pupils."
"You've seen them before, Banshee."
"My name is Lucy, Natsu, you know that," I chided, raising my eyebrow at him before stepping back, crossing my arms as I looked him over.
"Honestly, with how everyone was acting, they made it seem like you were a crazed lunatic. I'm a little disappointed that you are just…" I waved my hand in his direction. "This."
Natsu's lips twitched, the smile chilling, but it was still my Natsu.
"Unlock my chains and I'll show you how crazed I can be."
"Say please." I walked over with the key, shaking it with a playful smile, ignoring Eileen's sharp commands to give her the key through the chained window instead.
"You seem to have no perception of how dangerous I really am," he stated, amused, and I sighed, shaking my head, trying to ignore the ache in my body and the exhaustion plaguing my focus. I placed the key in the far corner before sitting down, opposite him, only a few metres separating us.
"You are always dangerous, Natsu. But that doesn't mean I have to fear you."
I stretched out my legs, finally having a moment to take stock of my injuries and pain rippled across my nerves. My fingers and knuckles were beat to all hell, and my knees were scraped and bruised from my fight with a coffin.
"You haven't asked if I'm really Lucy yet." I ripped off a part of the dress they had buried me in, and lightly dabbed my fingers. I winced at the stinging pain, shuddering a little.
"It's an insult to my intelligence for me to believe you are anybody but … Lucy."
I glanced up at him. "Oh? I suppose I can't ask you to prove it to our friends out there, seeing as you aren't exactly the best source of information right now."
Natsu stared at me closely, an intense look and I got the strangest feeling that he was eating me in his mind. I almost asked him, but instead, the look relaxed and he leaned against the wall, twisting his wrists lightly and I noticed the bruising marks there.
"Why haven't you healed that yet?"
"I feel no need to. I like the pain."
"Why don't you heal me and you can handle this pain as well?" I wiggled my fingers lightly, ignoring the sting and he glanced at my hands then back into my eyes.
"END doesn't heal others."
"I heard about the nickname. I don't think I like it." I smiled playfully. "I mean, it is a little dramatic, don't you think?"
"It helps Natsu's friends separate this side of him."
I leaned forward. "Well, I know better than that. You aren't anyone but Natsu."
"Normally they call me Natsu to try and trigger my humanity."
He noticed the way pain played across my features, but I couldn't stop it. It was my fault that Natsu had lost his humanity in the first place and now he was paying for it, chained up in this prison, like some sort of rabid animal.
"Trust me, Natsu, I can find some more exciting triggers other than your name."
"You want my humanity back," he stated, amused, his black eyes glowing. "Kiss me and I'll bring it back."
"Liar," I sung softly, biting my lip, "You have been waging against yourself for far too long to give up freedom over a kiss."
"I might if it's a good kiss."
I laughed quietly, shaking my head. "Demons aren't supposed to feel so how would you know what how good a kiss even is?"
"If demons aren't supposed to feel then why did the puppy light up when you arrived?"
I had to assume the 'puppy' was Jackal and shrugged. "I don't know. Demonology isn't exactly my forte, any information I have is either guesswork or something you've told me."
"So, your inadequacy is my fault?"
I smiled proudly. "Well… If you weren't truly Natsu, wouldn't you blame that on him instead of yourself?"
"I never made the claim that I wasn't Natsu. But it became repetitive to constantly remind people who I am, when they refuse to listen."
"Aw, poor you," I muttered, more to myself to him. "Are the mean royals not being friendly to the scary demon?"
His low chuckle burned through me, a cloying, husky thing, laced with cool darkness. I fought the shiver, before closing my eyes, feeling sweet exhaustion swim through me.
"This was your plan? Run from the royals who will probably protect you once they verify your identity, and sit in a cell with a caged demon?"
I opened one eye to look at him closely before closing it again. "Pretty much. Now that I'm here, I need to rest and then I'll proceed with phase two."
"And what is phase two?"
Figure out how to get your humanity back and avoid being bitten by your sharp, sharp teeth in the process, I thought silently, before answering, "Figure out if I'm hungry or just bored. I can't tell."
"Am I not scintillating company, Princess?"
"You're alright," I shrugged, feeling my heart slowly begin to calm itself, the adrenaline fading from my system, my magic still trickling, filling, filling, back up again. We were both quiet, me finding my equilibrium, still ignoring the demands of the angry Queen outside the door, as well as the equally angry Erza who wanted me to create more distance between Natsu and I.
I didn't like that idea very much, seeing as we had been separated for far too long.
"I am curious, Banshee, how did you come to be alive? I saw you die. Your death is the reason I got the control I so desperately craved."
"Clawed my way out of a coffin. Turns out the 'second awakening' is just a fancy term for coming back to life after dying."
"Which explains the wounds, but it doesn't explain your exhaustion. Surely outrunning a few royals did not leave you in this position," Natsu replied wryly, his tone slightly satirical, and I opened my eyes to look at him, keeping all emotion off my face, trying my hardest not to let his… lack of everything get to me.
"I used too much of my power too early. Apparently resurrecting yourself takes a lot out of you." I remembered Acnologia's words, holding them to stock with all the knowledge I knew, before adding, "That's what Acnologia said at least."
Natsu raised an eyebrow. "You see ghosts now? My, that's impressive."
"He wasn't a ghost," I denied, spiralling down an existential vortex of confusion as I wondered if ghosts could pick people up, and pull them out of graves. I shook myself from my thoughts. "He's actually been alive, roaming, for all these years."
"For a dragon to live that long… that is impressive."
"That's what I thought too," I murmured, my eyebrows crinkling. "I didn't think dragons could live over four hundred years, but since he's still alive and kicking, that would put him at eight hundred, at the very least."
"Has he aged?"
I thought back to his face, surprised that I had missed such an important question, trying to remember if I had seen any obvious signs before informing Natsu, "Some grey hair. Slight wrinkles, but he looks youthful."
"Then he has either been very virtuous or has figured out a way to extend life past the limit dragons are meant to live. The oldest age recorded is just under five-hundred. Although, there are stories of older." I had a moment of stark realization that this part of Natsu spoke in an analogous way to Zeref, factful, but completely ambivalent, without the usual smile, or sparkle of pride in his eyes.
"You'll have to ask him about his age when you get out of here then," I quipped, leaning back on my palms, wincing in pain as Natsu smirked.
"What makes you think I am getting out of here?"
I decided then that Natsu probably found me amusing – which was better than aggravating – and that I should steer away from the emotional speech I had been planning in my head. If he really didn't feel anything – or felt as little as possible – I don't believe he'd find any sort of overly emotional, heart-warming statement moving.
So instead, I just looked around, going for a humorous reply instead, "You know what, you don't have to leave. I like this cell, it's homey. A few throw cushions, maybe a rug would really improve it, though."
Then I had a strange thought, asking hesitantly, "Where do you go to the toilet?"
Natsu smiled archly, and it made worms wiggle around my skin, scared, but needing to know the answer.
"Zeref brings a bucket in. Since I haven't eaten, all I need to do is ai-"
I slammed my hands over my ears, shaking my head, "I don't want to know. I'll hold until you are ready to stop playing hooky and step up to your responsibilities."
"I wasn't aware I had any responsibilities."
"Don't be ridiculous," I huffed. "You have a responsibility to amuse me. I'm your captive now. Dance monkey, dance."
His smile turned into a taunting, mordant, grin, "Seeing as I'm the one chained to the wall and you are as free as a bird, I'm your captive. Dance, monkey, dance."
I felt blood rush over my cheeks, trying to push away the erotic image of me 'capturing' Natsu, since this wasn't the time nor the place for those sort of ideas, grinning a little back at him.
"I got you to say 'dance, monkey, dance'. Your reputation as a big, bad demon is slowly deteriorating."
"Banshee, I could say whatever I want and the result would still be the same," Natsu replied blankly, his smile fading from his lips. "I would still be the enemy they hide from their Kingdom. I would still be the murderer that the great King Igneel raised. I would still be the demon that will rip out their hearts with no remorse."
"I spy with my little eye," I looked around the room, struggling to find something I hadn't already pointed out, leaning against the same wall Natsu was now, having moved so I could watch Ultear and Jellal talk outside the door, their faces visible through the little barred window.
Natsu had been awfully chatty – by that, I mean, after his dark statement, he had mostly fallen silent in his own thoughts – and we were on round twelve of a riveting game of I-Spy. It had been a few hours now, the door so reinforced and indestructible, that not even King Dreyar's lightning had managed to harm it.
It was slightly impressive and a little frightening since I was beginning to believe this was sorely Natsu's cell when he went demon.
"Something beginning with… C."
Natsu glanced over to me, black eyes dull, lifeless and I smiled encouragingly. "You'll never get it, it's very difficult. The hardest one so far."
He sighed, looking away from me, before guessing, "Is it claws?"
"How the hell- Stop reading my mind. No touching." I scooted a little further away from him, not trusting that he wasn't somehow in my mind, wondering if the companionship still worked. Normally if the nymph who created the bond died, the gold piece dissolved and the connection would be broken. I highly doubted it had reformed in my resurrection.
"Banshee, there are four things in this room that start with C. Cell, cement, chains and claws. That's it."
"Well, I'm sorry that your jail cell doesn't have a fancy chandelier. You should consider refurnishing. Maybe a splash of colour will brighten your mood." I flicked a piece of dirt from my fingernails at him, and his lips twisted, very slightly.
"You are making it very hard for me."
I perked right up, "What do you mean by that?"
"You're just so… annoying," he continued, not answering my question. "I don't know how I put up with you with my humanity."
His words did not faze me. He had called me annoying three times now, and I was beginning to suspect that this was the extent of flirting when it came to his demon side. I just smiled at him. "I can answer that. You love me. That's why you put up with how annoying I am."
"Demons don't love."
"Demons don't play I Spy either, but look at us." I gestured around the room. "A couple of regular sleuths, aren't we?"
He sighed again, his lips twitching again. I was beginning to suspect that maybe demon Natsu appreciated my company. Or, he could be grinding his teeth to stop from lashing out and biting me.
"Now, it's your turn."
He ignored me, leaning back against the wall and I groaned, tilting my head against the wall, "Sooner or later, you are going to have to choose something!" When he didn't respond, I pursed my lips and began to scour the cell for something I hadn't noticed yet. Which was pretty damn impossible since I had said virtually everything.
"I spy with my little eye... something beginning with-"
"It's blood." I looked over to him in shock as he shook his head slowly, eyes pointed towards the door. "I don't need to read your mind to know what you are going to choose Luce. I don't even need to hear the letter from your pretty lips."
I startled even more, tensing before leaning closer, watching him meticulously. Then I saw it. A flicker - a very brief, small, miniscule thing - but I saw red. Red flashed through his eyes. I reeled back, and he turned to me, frowning slightly, apparently not aware of it, or the fact that he had said the nickname he used for me.
My heart was in my throat, my blood rushing around me and I ignored the fact that he had gotten my object right without a letter to start with. Blood stains were still on my knuckles and it had been what I was going to say.
"Distressed now that you have no way of filling the silence?"
I gulped, taking a big breath in before lying, "No. I'm just surprised you got it right. I'm questioning my intelligence."
It was such a bad lie, and a glimmer of something flickered through his eyes. I think he knew I was lying, but I truly didn't want to tell him that I had seen the dragon. It was… there. Fighting, maybe. Or just laying low until it could regain control.
The words Natsu had said to me when we discussed his power came flooding through my mind; "I chose to be a dragon, and because of that, I have complete control of that side of me. I would never worry about hurting someone by accident, or losing an inch of control. I control the beast because I chose the beast."
Natsu didn't say anything, he just turned away, watching as two familiar eyes peered through the bars. I stood up, anger burning through me as Zeref greeted me.
"Princess Heartfilia, I am amazed and grateful that you are alive and well."
"Lord Zeref, whilst I am reluctantly pleased to see you, I want you to remember a conversation we had at your Kingdom." I smiled, but it was a mean thing, an angry thing. I knew little what he had done to Natsu but I don't imagine that it was good, or pretty. Especially since the scars of the more recent injuries were still healing.
When he didn't respond, just peered at me through the bars with those dark eyes, I repeated exactly what I told him during our little afternoon tea.
"I said, 'if you harm one hair on his rose-coloured head, the consequences will be painful.' And as you can see, he is harmed."
"Surely you don't blame me for assuming that with your death, that threat was forfeited."
"Don't assume things. It makes you an ass," I replied softly. "When I'm not busy with Natsu, I'll even the score for him. I promise."
"There are quite a few witnesses out here. Do you believe it is wise to threaten me with them listening?"
"Depends if you thought it was wise to torture Natsu."
Zeref sighed softly, "I understand your anger to a degree, Princess Heartfilia, but it is a method that has brought Natsu back from this state before. It is not stupid of me to assume that it may work this time."
"There you go, assuming things again," I responded calmly, but the anger inside of me was anything but calm. It was like a tornado of rage and disgust, inspiring the next words to leave my mouth without much thought.
"I think you are just too much of a coward to believe something other than violence and pain can help Natsu."
"It's incredible that such a soft kissable mouth can spew such crafty insults." Natsu's bored, blank tone made me turn to him, frowning at his words. He looked back at me darkly, and I jumped when a flash of red swam through those black eyes.
Then something clicked inside my head. A lightbulb flicking on. An idea, a thought that was so bizarre, it made me gasp, staring at Natsu in shock.
"Princess Heartfilia, it might be best that you hold your-" Zeref spoke, his words tight in that dark, motionless anger, but I cut him off with a sharp word.
"Shut-up."
"Princess Heart-"
I turned to him, my power flaring, giving him a ferocious glare. "For once in your life, be quiet."
He narrowed his eyes at me, and I turned back to Natsu, whispering, "You've been giving me clues all this time."
Natsu raised his left eyebrow in a show of suspicion, as I breathed, "You've been trying to tell me how to bring you back this whole time."
"Have I?"
I began to pace, remembering his words from when I first entered the cell.
"Kiss me and I'll bring it back."
Then from our game of I Spy, an add comment about my lips, "I don't even need to hear the letter from your pretty lips."
Then another odd statement, one that seemingly came out of nowhere, "It's incredible that such a soft kissable mouth can spew such crafty insults."
I turned to him swiftly, wondering if it could really work. Was he trying to tell me to do what I had done to Bickslow when he attempted to shove his power down my throat? What good would that do? Drive his demon back? Maybe the threat of death would kickstart Natsu's humanity?
I bit my lip, walking over to him slowly, knowing that if I didn't try, I would never know.
"Lucy! What are you doing?" I heard Erza's worried question echo into the cell, as I lifted my dirty dress, climbing onto Natsu's lap hesitantly. Natsu watched me closely, and I hoped that it wasn't just his demon side playing with me, trying to get me close enough so he could-
No, Natsu would never hurt me, I let those words pound around in my head, letting them strengthen me.
"Yes, Banshee, what are you doing?"
"You said that a good enough kiss would bring back your humanity."
He frowned a little, and it gave me the opportunity to notice how the spots of black splattered his ears, and how his body was cool and hot all at once.
"I lied. It's not unlike a demon to do that."
I shook my head, taking a deep breath in, "If I'm wrong, then I get a little hurt but I'll figure else something out." I lifted my hands, placing my hands on either side of his head, smiling nervously, "This is going to be one hell of a kiss. Try not to bite me too hard."
He laid his head back on the stone behind him, creating distance, and for a brief moment, red swarmed the black, swirling, mixing, before disappearing.
"I know you are Natsu. It doesn't matter if you are without humanity or not. You're still mine," I whispered, closing the distance he had created, closing my eyes. "And I'll love you with or without it."
Then I pressed my lips very softly against his, feeling the sharp, hardness of his fangs behind his closed lips. I let my tongue slide along his bottom lip in a soft caress before pressing it against the seam, pushing for entrance. His lips resisted before slowly parting, allowing my tongue to slip into his mouth.
His body jolted when his fang dug into my tongue a little as I passed, pain flaring but I just twisted my power inside of me, bringing it up from my chest. It wasn't completely full inside me, it was weaker than usual, still filling up and I wondered about the possible ramifications of continually using magic that wasn't completely strong yet.
But in the end, we all did crazy things for the people we love.
Then I slammed that wild, barely controlled, barely able power, down his throat. I could feel him thrash underneath me, a loud, trembling growl ripping through his throat, but I stuck with it, shoving it down his throat, searching in the same way I had with Bickslow, memories much too fast to actually see flickering behind my eyelids.
His body heated, burning beneath mine, and I pushed through it, feeling pain and exhaustion beginning to sting at my skin, telling me to stop, telling me to slow down. Telling me that I was pushing myself too much.
Natsu was growling below me, body twisting, trying to throw me off and I sunk my weight down against him, before ripping my lips away when his teeth lashed out, biting down into my bottom lip. I gasped out, my head falling against his shoulder, feeling blood pool and the piercing wound sting.
Then, in a raspy, trembling breath, "Luce?"
I brought my head up, tears of happiness soon joining tears of exhaustion as I looked into the green eyes I had fallen in love with.
"Natsu," I laughed out, tears falling as he stared at me, shocked, eyes wide.
"W-What…" he breathed, and I remembered that it took him time to remember everything that happened when he went demon. He probably didn't remember my explanation, or any of the things we spoke about.
I brought my hands up, shaking, wiping my tears away, smiling. "You're back. Hey. Are you okay? Talk to me."
"How are you alive…" he whispered before he looked around, a flash of pain passing his features, and I brought my hands up to his face, touching his cheeks.
"It's a long story. I'll tell you all about it. How do you feel?"
His eyes opened and I jolted a little at the wet in his eyes, tears clinging to his eyelashes. My heart ached, and squeezed as more tears fell down my face, "It's me. I promise. It's me."
"Fuck, yeah, it's you. It's definitely you," he rasped out, closing his eyes tightly and I laughed, the noise getting mixed up in a sob, before leaning over, pressing my lips to his over and over again. Then I started kissing his cheeks and his forehead, then his chin, hiccupping as I blubbered over him, joy pounding through me wildly, pushing past my exhaustion.
He jolted again before groaning, "Shit, wait, stop Lucy."
I pulled back immediately, worried, about to climb off his lap, "Am I hurting you? What is it? What's wrong?"
His eyes softened slightly, that beautiful emerald green colour making me breathless and dizzy with relief, as he shook his head, "No. I just want to get out of these chains. Do you have the key?"
I bit my lip, wincing. "No. I didn't ask for it when I barged in here."
His eyebrow rose, and it gave me a brief image of his demon side that flickered through my head, "Barged in? What do you mean?"
I sighed. "When I came back, the royals didn't believe I was me and they were refusing to let me see you. Erza, Ultear and Jellal knew, of course, even Jackal, but nobody else." I didn't want to sully the moment with Zeref's name so I purposely kept him out of it, not wanting to anger myself with the memory of him hurting Natsu.
I took a inhaled deeply before continuing, "But I knew I had to come see you so… I might have distracted them with my Shriek for a little bit. Nobody got hurt, but, they aren't very happy with me." I glanced back at the key that was sitting in the corner of the room, "Jackal gave me the only key in and out so they didn't immediately charge in here and arrest me."
"Arrest you?" Natsu barked, struggling against his chains. "How fucking- Dad!"
I flinched back, pressing my fingertips to his face. "Hey, hey, wait. It's not their fault, I would have understood better if they weren't refusing to let me see you. The tests would have taken them a day and I-"
Natsu shook his head. "I don't care. This is getting sorted right now."
"Maybe you shouldn't struggle so much," I pointed out. "You have been through a lot."
His laugh was a slightly manic one as he gazed at me, "I've been through a lot. Christ Lucy, you…" His eyes raked over me and I suddenly felt self-conscious, covered with dirt, and sweat. They flared when they noticed my hands and tucked them away, wincing in pain when I brushed the wounds there.
Natsu took a shaky breath in, closing his eyes before shouting, "Dad! Shit, fuck, Dad!"
I almost laughed at the way he twitched and squirmed. I climbed off his lap, which made him demand I sit back on him. I shook my head, sticking close to his side, brushing my fingers through his hair, "The most important thing right now is to get you out of these chains. Don't worry about me."
"You died, Lucy. I'm putting you in a bubble of protection as soon as I get out of these chains."
I smiled a little, tears filling my eyes at his words and he growled softly, the noise soothing, familiar and full of comfort, "Hey, don't you dare cry."
"I'm not," I lied, wiping them from my eyes. "I'm just really tired."
"After assaulting more than three royals, I imagine you would be." Igneel's voice made me snap my head up, looking at the cell door, which slowly opened. He entered, holding an identical key to the one Jackal had given me, his deep red hair tied back in a very intricate plait. I frowned, confused, since Jackal had told me there was only one key.
If Igneel had another, why hadn't he come sooner?
"Dad, I need to be released so I can hug Lucy."
The tears returned and I sniffled, unable to control all the wild emotions that flowed through me. I was just glad I had drained my power yet again, because I didn't know how I'd cope mentally if I had both the emotional instability and control issues.
Natsu struggled even more at my small noise, as Igneel reached into his pocket, revealing a key for the shackles on Natsu's wrist. He leaned over his son, looking into his eyes before glancing at Lucy.
"You did it. Without using… Without Zeref. Thank you."
I nodded, not wanting to admit that I had forced a Scream down his son's throat and I wasn't even entirely sure it was going to work.
"Less gratitude, get with the freeing."
"Be nice to your father," I sniffled again, wiping at my nose, my eyes closing for a moment in exhaustion before I jerked back awake, realizing that I was going to collapse from fatigue if I didn't sleep soon.
Igneel snorted a soft laugh, but his eyes were worried as he looked over me. I leaned back against the wall, taking long, even breaths in, as a cold hand touched my arm. Erza looked down at me, having followed Igneel in, her one eye concerned.
"Are you okay?"
"I've used too much of my power too soon. I'm empty. Is Acnologia okay?" Igneel and Natsu both turned to stare at me when I said his name, but I ignored them, momentarily.
Erza nodded. "They were captured but they are both in a room upstairs. I've made sure they weren't harmed or distressed. Acnologia is worried about you."
"He is?" I sounded surprised. I dimly realised I was surprised, because it didn't make much sense why he would be worried about me. Maybe it was because I was Leora's ancestor… Dumb realization slapped me in the face and I brought my hand up to cover my eyes.
"I'm related to Acnologia." The resemblance, all of Yukino's sly remarks, his fatherly concern. How could I be so damn blind?
Erza reeled back. "I'm sorry? The man upstairs is your… relative?"
I groaned, berating myself mentally before asking, "Why is he worried? Did he tell you anything? Because when he pulled me from my grave, he was very tight-lipped." I grumbled the last part, annoyed at the fact he had ignored multiple questions in favour of being a secretive dragon.
"Only that he felt your magic flare and that it's dangerous for you to continually use it when it's trying to refill your body. Plus, you haven't slept Lucy. I don't know how you are still awake."
"I'm waiting for Natsu to hug me," I informed her justly, and she smiled a little, the smile fond and exasperated all at the same time. It filled me with warmth, and love, adding to the jumbled mess of emotions currently flying through my body at the speed of a dragon.
"Of course you are."
The sound of Natsu grunting made me look over to him, as Igneel worked on the second lock, telling him to stop twisting around because it was making it hard to unlock it. I sent him a small comforting smile, silently telling him to be patient, but, to be truthful, nothing sounded better than being squeezed and held by Natsu at this point.
The minute the second shackle was released, the chains smacked against the stone wall and then Natsu had me in his arms. I brought my hands around his back, my eyelid fluttered as his warmth filled me, soothing that aching loneliness that had left me so cold.
I wanted to joke, to say something, but he just squeezed and I felt his body shudder. Wet touched my shoulder, where his head was buried and I closed my eyes, bringing my injured hand to his hair, stroking it, allowing him to cling and realize I was truly back.
"It'll take me a few hours to remember everything that happened," he spoke softly, lowly, voice tight and emotional. "So, rather than make you repeat it, let's just go get some sleep. You look wrecked."
"I look beautiful," I whispered back, my body shaking as I fell into a very small, very shocking sleep, leaching off his warmth. We stayed on the floor, hugging each other for what felt like a blissful perfect eternity before he slowly stood.
"I want to stand."
He didn't argue. He just lightly set me on my feet and the world moved, his hands reaching out to steady me. We walked out together, being stopped by a cross Eileen and a crosser Porlyusica. I took a moment to notice the rest of the crowded hallway, Zeref was gone, as was Jackal, but King Laxus, Bickslow and Ex-King Makarov were standing just behind Eileen.
Ultear and Jellal were at the stairs, smiling at us, a welcoming sight considering I was facing the people I had 'attacked'.
"Natsu, I am glad you are back to normal, but I need to speak with Lucy privately."
"No."
Natsu's firm denial made me jolt, and I noticed how Erza smiled slightly, turning away to keep it hidden. Eileen's eyes tightened. "I understand how you feel-"
"I appreciate your help, hospitality and kindness, Queen Eileen. You've helped my Kingdom a lot in the past and we will always remain great allies," Natsu stated, his words calm, but they hardened with the next sentence. "But this is my future territory and any who enter it are under the Molten law."
"If Royalty pardons a citizen, then no other royalty can dispute whilst in the land of Volcanoes," Erza stated from behind us, making me turn back as she gazed up at the ceiling, appearing bored, but I could see the twitch of her lips, the way her shoulders relaxed.
"Exactly, Princess Erza. And I grant Lucy Heartfilia, Princess of the Stars, full pardon for any crimes committed in my land."
"We were not going to hold her in contempt for her actions. I do understand what it is like to love foolishly, and bravely. But, the real issue we are facing is much more serious. We have no proof that this is, Lucy Heartfilia. According to our records, she died, and although her involvement brought you back, Natsu, that does not grant her amnesty. If you'd let Porlyusica run some tests, to confirm her identity, I will make sure that she is back to you by tomorrow morning."
I held my breath, staggering a little as my knees weakened, leaning into Natsu's side. Erza stepped forward to help steady me as Natsu blew an impatient breath through his nose. I noticed how Igneel remained quiet during all this, when he could have overridden both Eileen and Natsu. Eileen was acting under oath to help her allied Kingdom, whilst Natsu was the next king for this land.
I wanted so bad to look back at his face, when Natsu asked, "Lucy, can I borrow your wrist?"
I blinked slowly, my brain struggling to comprehend his request before slowly lifting my heavy limb, sleep crawling loitering over me, demanding I get to a bed or I'd faint right there. He brought it to his mouth and sunk one fang into it. I gasped, the diluted pain/pleasure giving me a jolt of adrenaline before he lapped over the mark, holding Eileen's eyes.
He kissed my wrist gently, before stating, "Dame Ultear, Knight Jellal, can you both act as witnesses for a moment?"
They both walked from the stairs, as Natsu had asked, their expressions guarded, never removing his eyes from Eileen's, who appeared confused by the chain of events. But I knew what he was doing and it was incredibly smart.
"Have I, Natsu Dragneel, tasted Lucy's blood before?"
They both agreed, and he asked another question, "Would you say I have tasted it many times and that I would know if it was an imposter?"
Ultear nodded, and Jellal cleared his throat before replying, "Yes."
"Princess Erza, Fae are knowledgeable on illusion and trickster magic. Can you please remind me what the one thing that can never change when performing this magic?"
"Blood, Prince Natsu. Blood can never change."
"Then, with my witnesses, and my own knowledge of Lucy Heartfilia's blood, then I would be the ultimate test of her identity," Natsu concluded, before kissing my wrist once more. "This is Lucy Heartfilia, by her blood, by her line and by her heart. Now move out of my way and let her get some rest."
I'm very, very sorry for the late reply. I've been in the hospital, cooped up on liquid drugs after a very aggressive form of food poisoning then a horrible cold which made my immune system sputter around like an old car.
To all those who asked if I was okay/showed concern, thank you!
I hope you all enjoy this chapter.
(if you were hoping for angst and fighting when Lucy spoke to END, my dear, you just don't know me or Lucy yet)
I'm trying my hardest to get back on my schedule, so let's aim for the 40 for a new chapter. I'm still fighting off fatigue - just like Lucy, aye - but I will try my best to get it out for you.
Question Time!
- Seriously though, why is the darkness/bad boy thing so damned attractive? Because it just is man, I can't even explain it. It's yummy.
- What happens with a fight between Banshee's? Hopefully some destructive, feral grins and an epic triumphant scene.
- Do you or any of the characters play musical instruments? I like to imagine Natsu being able to play the harmonica. It makes me amused as heck to imagine him just chilling. What he won't tell you is that Gajeel taught it to him. Ultear can play the harp - the women of the North all play it for some religious reason. As for me, I play multiple musical instruments
- How long is the life span of a Banshee? Do they just die of old age or are they just resurrected when they still can be resurrected? It all depends on the power that the Banshee holds. The more they resurrect themselves, the more power it needs. It's a lot similar to demons in that aspect. However, I'm still playing around with whether they can die peacefully and not have their power automatically begin to revive themselves. I'll have the answer of what I decide in the next few chapters.
- Does Aquarius have information on the other older Banshee or on Jude's idiotic, misunderstanding, stupid, son of a bitch self? Aquarius has all the information we need for the opening sequence to the end 'arc' of this book.
- Will we see Cana since you swapped her original role for Yukino? If you've followed me here from TNM, you'd know that Cana was a very focal role in another fanfiction I wrote. And since I like variety and the chance to play around with characters, I highly doubt the famed drunkard will be starring in this book. Sorry!
-What happened to your cockblocking jewelry? Ya'll assholes took it from me after I gave you the ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
-Is it only me that loves Acnologia in his human form? *wiggles eyebrows* It ain't just you.
-How will Igneel and the other dragons react to Acnologia's presence? You'll get that in the chapter but if any of you are confused why Eileen and such don't recognize Acnologia from the get go in this chapter, it's because very few portraits of Acno were ever made and the only reason Natsu figured out who he was because of the servant in Leora's memory stating her name.
-How many more chapters do you think will happen before Her Scream is over? I answered this a few chapters ago, but I'll answer it again here, I'm not entirely sure. At the moment, my guideline has forty five chapters listed but when I write, some parts might not take up much of the quota or I might believe that the chapter could use a little more. So I snip and paste a lot.
-How deep was that grave cause it ain't normal to have like three inches of dirt on top of a coffin? My dear, sweetie, if Lucy is clawing at the lid of a coffin, and Acnologia/ Yukino are digging from above, it's not very surprising that she didn't get more dirt in her face. The grave was roughly four feet deep from the top, but will Acnologia and Yukino there to hoe out the dirt, things were a lot faster.
-Will Yukino have Sting or Rogue? Or both? They could share? Yukino is a flirty, slightly masochistic vampire who just wants to have fun. So no, probably not.
-Will Lucy ever celebrate her birthday? I could make a little fluff, filler chapter to break up the madness approaching if you guys wanted. I never really spectated when her birthday was expect that she was a Spring baby. Which could be any time since this is my own mystical world and yeah.
Hope you enjoyed, leave a review, tell me what you think and stay strong, the next chapter will be out soon.. (Of both the manga and this)
stay fresh lucky, healthy bastards
xo freshprincess