WARNING: First part of this chapter is a little racy but it's not in a place that's good to leave purity marks. Proceed with caution if that's not your cup of tea, I believe it's just in the beginning part of this chapter and a little past the flashback. Enjoy!


CHAPTER 23

Feed the Fish

Meaning that an individual or group of individuals will soon die


"Captain Dragneel!" Lucy laughed, "You can't possibly be serious! My father would have your head!"

"What your father doesn't know won't hurt right?" Natsu grinned back as he grasped her hand, "On my honor princess, no harm will come to you aboard my vessel."

"The honor of a pirate and scoundrel?" Lucy grinned, "Surely you jest! You would be charged with kidnapping the royal princess! And I should be obliged to teach you a lesson you will not soon forget!"

"Oh?" Natsu purred, "And just what sort of lesson could a princess teach a pirate?"

Lucy smirked a little at him, "Should I show you?" She asked, and nodded behind him, "Or perhaps you would like to ask Leo that for yourself?"

"You called princess?" Leo purred at her, his eyes sparkling mischievously at the stunned Natsu.

Lucy took one look at Natsu's expression and burst into laughter, "No, I think Captain Dragneel has quite gotten the point." She flicked Natsu's nose playfully, "And perhaps next time he'll remember that a princess has other duties besides looking ornamental. No matter how friendly he is with the monarchy!"

She gently tugged her hand free and turned to go before pausing to look over her shoulder, "There's a banquet this evening Captain. I expect you to be there." She smirked flirtatiously at him, "Perhaps if you're good, I'll consent to a trip aboard your lovely ship afterwards. Maybe even a tour of your cabin."

"A banquet is hardly a good place for a pirate to roam," Natsu purred back at her. His expression relaxed into a fond smile, his hand reaching out for her as she slipped from his grasp, "You sure you want my company princess?"

"I would be bereft if you were not at my side Captain Dragneel," Lucy responded back, her eyes hopeful for his company. Although it was clear she fully expected him to go.

There was hardly any suspense there.

Ever since that fateful day he found her, she had been able to turn his head with her silver tongue alone. His heart had belonged to her for even longer than that though. Natsu couldn't say where or how he knew this, he just believed it to the core of his being.

She was his friend first and foremost, and the love of his life shortly after. He couldn't deny her anything.

"I'll be there princess, and I'll behave just for you," He promised, his heart yearning after her, "Count on my attendance."

Lucy watched him depart, broad shoulders turning away from him as he thumped his way back towards the ship where his laughing crew was waiting for him and blowing kisses.

She smiled at his back and his blushing neck before turning away. There was plenty for her to do before the banquet, and she was looking forward to seeing her dragon prince tonight.

::—

The banquet had been dull, with dull painted faces and dull music. Natsu, who looked absolutely dashing in his finest coat and slacks, seemed like he was getting ready to throw himself off the nearest bridge. Something Lucy couldn't really blame him for. She might even join him if she had to listen to another unsubtle bid for her hand.

Taking pity on him, she lured her dragon off the banquet floor with quiet smiles and encouraging laughs. It always amazed her how easily she could pull his attention. His eyes were smokey with desire at her promises, and her heart raced at the feeling of his warm hand in hers as she lead him away.

Away from prying eyes and puffed up nobles. Away from anyone who would judge them.

Before Lucy even realized, his scalding hot mouth was on hers. Ravenous hunger tore through both of them, and Lucy's back quickly pressed into a slick marble wall as his hands fisted into the gorgeous folds of her blooming gown.

His chest pressed into hers, powerful thighs pressing between her legs. Their kisses were ravaging, desperate in their passions. As if they were two lovers who had been apart for far too long.

Lucy cried out as his strength hoisted her up, mantled her into his body and carried her up into her room where they could find true privacy.

::—

Lucy gasped brokenly as a sudden knock on her door woke her up from where she had been napping. Her legs twitched with remnants of pleasure, arousal pulsing through her body as if it were her very blood.

"Captain?" Levy asked from the door, jarring into her thoughts. Lucy could still feel her dream Natsu's hands on her, like it was a physical caress, pressing into her center to trail into her warmth. Lucy bit her bottom lip and squeezed her legs together in frustration.

"Yes Levy? What is it?" She demanded, trying, and failing, not to sound irritable and desperately wanting to fall back into her fantasy, silly though it was.

She winced a little at her own tone as the door opened and offered up a smile as Levy stepped in, followed by a scowling Gajeel. Startled out of her irritation, she raised an eyebrow as she hastily stood up, silently cursing the fact she'd just been caught napping.

"Ah, what can I do for you?" She asked, pleased her voice came out more normal that time, though she couldn't stop herself from twitching a little as phantom lips trailed over her neck to bite down gently, and equally phantom fingers rubbed against her.

Stupid dream.

"Gajeel wanted to talk to you about something." Levy replied as Lucy sat down at her desk and crossed her legs tightly.

"Is that so?" Lucy replied and gestured to a bench for them to sit on, "What's on your mind?"

"You are blondie." Gajeel grunted, his eyes trained on her in a way that was honestly a trifle unnerving, and leaned forward, "You an' the fact you're cap'n of a boat that has her original cap'n aboard."

Lucy's eyes narrowed, the phantom sensations mercifully fading away as she focused on him, "I was wondering when that would come up." She replied tensely, "Have you talked with Natsu about this?"

Gajeel snorted and crossed his arms as he leaned back, "Yeah, I talked to Salamander. He says he passed the title on when he got some of his memories back. Says our Fairy Tail sank and it ain't right to take her away from her current captain when she's doin' a fine job upholdin' the code on her own."

"And what do you say?" Lucy asked.

Gajeel's scowl returned, "I say Natsu's still my cap'n."

Lucy cocked her head at him, "A captain who isn't in charge of this ship." She replied evenly, "Who willingly gave up any chance he had of reclaiming the title without a fight immediately after remembering he even had the title in the first place."

Gajeel growled softly but bobbed his head reluctantly, "You gotta understand blondie... I sailed with Salamander for over a century. He did a lot for me. Includin' open my eyes about my former cap'n. I can't give that up."

Lucy frowned at him, "I wouldn't ask you to." She replied and shook her head when he opened his mouth to respond, "No. Hear me out. I understand you and Natsu go back a long ways. I know you're loyal to him. And I respect there are reasons why. I won't ask you to disregard those reasons for me. What I need to know is if you can still obey my orders."

Gajeel blinked in surprise and Lucy stood up to approach him, "Regardless of what Natsu is to you Gajeel, I am the current captain of this vessel. And if you truly want to join it I need to know you'll obey my orders and not disregard them at a moment's notice because I'm not Natsu and never will be."

Gajeel's eyes narrowed, looking at Lucy in consideration. It was like the wheels in his head were visibly turning. He straightened and nodded, "I'll respect my Captain's orders. And he wants me to defer to you."

"Ain't got much of a choice in regards to that. Salamander won't leave, and you're callin' the shots now," Gajeel raked a hand through his hair, "He trusts your judgement, which is good enough for me."

He glanced at Levy, who was giving him an approving smile, "And Lev follows you too. Anyone those two follow has gotta be worth it I suppose."

"Even though I don't get it, why he's sitting on the sidelines with as much years sailing under his belt that he's got, I'll respect it," Gajeel grunted at Levy.

"Just don't forget that he came first, use him if you've got him," Gajeel turned back towards the door, "Alright, Captain Blondie?"

Lucy rolled her eyes, wondering how he could possibly be so stubborn. However she was grateful for the allowance. The last thing she wanted was to have to throw a god off her ship. Shipwright or not, Gajeel would make a dangerous enemy if not taken seriously.

"Follow my orders when I give them and we'll get along just fine Mr. Redfox," Lucy replied.

The god just observed her over a shoulder, giving a short nod before seeing himself out.

Levy gave Lucy an apologetic smile, "He'll come around. Dragons can't just give loyalty when they don't see actions in motion. Once you have it though, they will lay down their lives for you."

"You have Natsu's already, but Gajeel has always been set in his way. Fire moves, but metal needs to be warmed up first yknow?" Levy touched Lucy's shoulder.

"I just hope the warming doesn't come at the cost of lives." Lucy sighed, and eyed her friend, "If you don't mind me being honest for a moment... I'm not at all happy about any of this Lev." She crossed her arms, "I know I agreed to it, and I argued hard for you to give us the temple locations because that was the right thing to do. And it still is. But I can't help hating the feeling I'm being jerked around by forces beyond my control."

Levy shot her friend a wry smile, "I hate to break it to you Lu, but you are being jerked around by forces beyond your control." She spread her hands at Lucy's annoyed look, "Well it's true."

She sighed a little and curled her hand around Lucy's, "I promise this won't be like your father's control Lucy. No matter what happens." She smiled, "You have much of the pantheon rooting for you, and while that may be a small comfort it does count for a lot."

Lucy snorted a little, but smiled back, "I suppose it does." She agreed and nudged Levy playfully, "Though it would be nice if you gods were a little less cryptic."

Levy laughed a little, "Ah, but Lu... where would the fun be in that?" She shifted into a more comfortable position, "So... mind if I ask what we interrupted?" She grinned, "You sounded pissed."

Lucy felt her cheeks burn at the reminder, echoes of the phantom sensations returning, and Levy burst into laughter.

"Ooooh! That good huh?" She grinned wickedly, "Who was it? Natsu?"

"What!" Lucy squeaked, remembering those hot, phantom lips burning an erotic path down her chest. It was hard to even think about the way sharp teeth glided over her breasts or the way it felt for burning hands to roam under her gown.

"Why would you think it's Natsu?" Lucy stammered accusingly.

"Why wouldn't it be?" Levy smirked back at her, "You two have been thick as thieves lately, and it doesn't take a fool to see how—"

Levy frowned, suddenly cutting off in the middle of her sentence. She swallowed hard, her hand shaking as it settled against her throat.

"Levy? Are you okay?" Lucy asked, her immediate concern overriding any embarrassment she felt over her friend's accusation.

Levy nodded, clearing her throat, "Oh, uh, wow... I just got a weird feeling. Almost like—"

She stood up abruptly, choking this time. She coughed, stumbling towards the door as she went to get fresh air. Lucy frowned and followed after her friend, who swayed to the railing for support. She clutched at it, her breath coming in ragged pants.

"Levy?" Lucy called, this time in real alarm. It attracted the attention of her crew, Gajeel striding over in obvious concern.

"I'm fine it's—" Levy couldn't even begin her platitude as a sudden invisible force seized her and Levy crumbled to her knees, a scream wrenching from her throat, "No! No! NO!"

Her eyes snapped open, glowing with a bright orange light. Her chest heaved and she rose to her feet, rushing to the edge of the ship, "I can't stay here. I have to go. I have to go."

She muttered it continuously, tears prickling at her eyes as the orange light began to grow brighter and take shape over her body.

"What's happening?" Lucy demanded, scared for her frantic friend and a little alarmed over a rogue god on her ship.

"She's bein' invoked!" Gajeel growled and rushed over to grab Levy before she could do anything else, "Lev you gotta stop!"

"No Gajeel!" Levy cried, frantically struggling against his hold, "Let me go! He's destroying Crocus! Their blood is running in the streets! I have to help them!"

"You go back there an' you'll be captured or worse!" Gajeel snarled, his own power flaring as he struggled to contain her, "If they capture or kill you it's all over! They'll know the locations, and there won't be a way to stop them!" He stared down into her pained eyes, his own heavy with sorrow, "And if I lost you, it would destroy me."

"Gajeel..." Levy whimpered, "I can't!" Tears trailed down her cheeks, "Please! They're my city! My people! Crocus is where we came together! I can't abandon them! Please Gajeel! They're crying for me! I can hear them! I feel their blood! They're desperate prayers! I have to answer!"

"Then answer them without going." Gajeel growled firmly, "You walk into that trap and we're lost! So navigate your way around it! You can do it! Think! Find a way to channel that power to save them at a distance!"

Levy stared at him wild eyed for a moment, tears streaming down her cheeks, before she took a slow breath and nodded, "Right... distance..."

She closed her eyes and Lucy watched with bated breath as the dark orange aura around her flared only to immediately turn away as it flared too brightly for her to look at. When it faded she warily turned back to look to find a no longer glowing Levy falling into Gajeel's arms unconscious.

-::-

Meanwhile, back in Crocus, Levy's High Priest gasped as he felt his goddess' presence and power flood him. Freed jerked away from the altar where they'd been desperately praying, ignoring the alarmed noises from his fellow clergy, and tore into the inner sanctum. Driven by a desperate need and knowledge he'd never possessed before, he stumbled to a lacrima and pressed his palm to it.

Immediately it flared to life showing him hundreds of screens of information he couldn't hope to comprehend in a thousand lifetimes. Uncertain what to do, Freed surrendered himself to the goddess' will and his fingers skipped over the screens with supernatural speed and ease.

In moments lines of script magic coursed all around him and across the city as magical defenses he'd never known even existed flared to life.

Freed panted and looked around, the sounds of explosions tapering off as the script magic worked. He closed his eyes as relief shot through him. Stumbling away from the lacrima, he was driven by the need to see if everything was okay. An urge he quickly surrendered too as his body began to move, and although the sensation was strange he wasn't unprepared for it.

Almost all the gods had High Priests they could use as a proxy. Although rarely used, Freed had known before today there could be a time where the Navigator could extend her will through him. The fact that she had now, in their desperate hour, filled him with unspeakable gratitude. He smiled a little to himself as they moved past the other clergy, and politely retreated to the back of his mind.

Though that did not prepare him for what was to come.

She looked through his eyes the moment he burst free from the temple to look at the red stained streets. He dropped to his knees, shock that wasn't his own tearing through him.

There were casualties. Heavy ones, and grief both human and not clawed at his throat, but the temple still stood, protected by the goddesses magic, and those alive were taking refuge in it. The city remained in one piece, its attackers driven away by its shields.

It was a disaster. His eyes pricked with the goddess's tears, and he couldn't help reaching out in a mental brush to hold her as close as he could. The streets ran with blood yes, but it could have been so much worse. Many people were still alive even if the demons that attacked them were frustratingly close.

They would lose interest once they realized they couldn't breech the city any longer. And while they had their fun at the time being because of how little of a military establishment Crocus had, there would be no point in trying to wait the citizens out.

Not if they wanted to come after the Navigator. The city was now safe. Protected by her goddess.

There was a moment of stillness at his thoughts, and then a soft sigh and a gentle caress of acceptance. With that, Freed felt her presence leave him, the safety of her magic remaining in place.

"Thank you my lady." He murmured reverently and climbed to his feet unsteadily. He stumbled back inside, exhaustion kicking in now that the moment had passed.

"High Priest Freed!" A voice called urgently, "Are you alright? You were... glowing."

Freed smiled tiredly back at the younger priestess as he rested against a pillar, "I'm fine." He replied, "Just tired. Lady Levy borrowed my body to erect the defenses. Go gather the others. The city is safe now, but there was a lot of damage and even more casualties. I want food, shelter, and healing set up for the refugees. And I want teams out sweeping the city for survivors. Coordinate with the palace."

"Yes sir!" The priestess replied, and started to rush off before hesitating uncertainly, "Um, are you going to be alright there?"

"I'll be fine." Freed insisted and waved his hand at her, "Now go! I'll be along."

Though he fully intended to get a nap as soon as possible.

-::-

Back aboard the Fairy Tail Lucy knelt next to her friend worriedly while Wendy examined her, "Is she going to be alright?" She asked Gajeel anxiously, "That light..."

"That was her bein' invoked." Gajeel replied grimly, "By blood sacrifice. I dunno what happened back at Crocus but it had to be bad." He rubbed a hand absently over Levy's head, "Good thing she worked out how to help without goin' herself."

"But will she be alright?" Lucy persisted.

"Physically she'll be fine." Wendy replied softly, "Her body is strained, but it's healing itself. A side effect of being a goddess in mortal form I guess."

Gajeel smiled down at her, "She's just tired fledgling." He rumbled gently, "Nothin' to do but let her rest. She might wake up a bit heartsick, but she'll recover. Her people are safe an' the city was protected. Much as it hurts she knows the Spirit King'll take care of the ones that died. An' there's not much more a person can ask for."

Lucy smiled at that and nodded, "Then I leave you to take her back to her quarters." She replied, "Thank you Gajeel."

"Aye Captain," Gajeel glanced at Lucy, his expression softer than it had been before. He scooped up Levy in his arms, curling her smaller form into his chest. Levy curled herself into him, his expression guarded but relaxed.

Lucy walked over to him, settling her hand against his shoulder. Gajeel gave her a look of faint surprise and she smiled at him, "Don't worry about her Gajeel. You said it yourself. The best way we can avenge Crocus is by finding those temples and kicking some demon ass."

The look he gave her seemed slightly more receptive than it had been before, and he nodded once before taking her leave.

Wendy gave Lucy a worried look, and she knelt in front of their healer, "Don't worry, everything is okay now. We've got this. If there's one thing I know Fairy Tail can do, it's kick some rear," She smirked at Wendy, "Now come on Wendy, I think Happy needs some help settling into his cot. He needs some breakin' in as the ship's mouser."

Wendy nodded and went off to do ask Lucy asked. Yet no sooner was she gone did a soft grunt catch her attention from above.

Glancing overhead, she spotted Natsu watching her from above. His slanted eyes were dark, sharp and calculating. A look that had her raising an eyebrow at him.

"Not bad Captain, you handled having a goddess melt down on your ship pretty well," He grinned at her and swung down.

Lucy smiled back at him, "Thank you." She replied, "Though I'm sure you'll forgive me if I hope it doesn't happen too often!"

Natsu laughed, "Can't blame ya there!" He cocked his head slightly, "I saw Gajeel comin' outta your cabin just before it happened. Everything alright?"

Lucy's lips twitched at the question, "As much as it can be when Gajeel's convinced you should still be the one calling the shots." She replied in amusement, "He's promised to follow your order to defer to me at least. Perhaps something more genuine will come in time."

Natsu huffed a little, "I told him it was fine! You're a good cap'n, an' I like you. That's good enough for me."

Lucy laughed softly, her cheeks heating a little at the compliment, and flicked his fringe playfully, "You only say that because I saved your life my dear dragon merman."

"Maybe." Natsu agreed, "But you gotta admit... that's a pretty good reason to trust someone." He paused and caught her hand, "And I do trust ya Lucy. A lot. Even with my memories scrambled still I've seen a lot in my lifetime, and you're somethin' special."

Lucy felt her cheeks heat a little more and smiled at him, "That reminds me... how are your memories doing? Any new ones?"

"A few." Natsu admitted easily, pleased by her response to his words, "Nothing like on Tenrou though."

"Well every bit helps!" Lucy replied, "I'm sure at this rate you'll get all your memories back really soon."

"Sure," Natsu agreed. His smile was easy on Lucy, spreading to his eyes and gentle at the corners. He took a lingering step into her space, hovering there.

"About Gajeel, want me to kick his thick, metal skull in to get the message across?" Natsu's grin turned a little sharp around the edges. He cracked his knuckles for emphasis while Lucy rolled her eyes.

"He may be a god, but I can kick my own crew around if I need to, thanks," Lucy smirked back, turning around to glance over where Gajeel had taken Levy away, "I'm sure it'll work out."

Natsu frowned, stepping to Lucy's side. His arms crossed over his chest, eyes slanting towards her.

"Are we still talking about Gajeel?" He asked.

Lucy ghosted a smile back at the sharp man, somewhat happy he was able to pick up on the weight of her words and their subtlety, "Perhaps."

She almost jumped when his warm hand landed on her shoulder. There was a heaviness in the force, although he didn't seem to notice. His eyes drew on ahead with an easy smile on his face that relaxed her in a way she couldn't quite explain.

"I don't know if it's going to be okay," He said truthfully, "What happened in Crocus was only the beginning, and all that tells me is that they're headin' our way whether we like it or not. But we're ready for 'em, right Cap'n?" He turned towards her, complete faith in his eyes, "You're not in this alone Luce, even if we look to you as our leader. I trust ya and ya judgement."

He paused to consider her thoughtfully, "If I didn't, you would know." He nodded to her, "We might be having a different conversation about Gajeel."

"What, you'd stage a mutiny?" Lucy arched an eyebrow, and Natsu flinched back. For a moment she thought she saw a flicker of confusion and hurt on his face, and uncertainty there as if she had accidentally touched a live nerve. However, it passed before she could react to it.

He shook his head and snorted, "Against you? Never. But if I thought you were flounderin' then I'd help ya. You ain't a green gill captain. You can do anything."

Lucy smiled back at him, "I appreciate that." She replied honestly, "And I'm glad to know I've got you watching my back. That means a lot."

-::-

Leagues away Jude scowled as he watched a cloaked figure slide into the seat opposite him, "This had better be worth my time." He growled, "I have little patience for my time being wasted."

"Oh I assure you, this will not be a waste of time." The figure purred, "Is the room secure?"

Jude studied the figure for a moment before raising a hand. A moment later guards slipped outside and latched the door closed.

"It is now." He replied, "The proprietor of this establishment is well known for his discretion. No one will approach without my say so. Now take off that ridiculous hood and explain why I'm here."

The figure hesitated a moment before pulling the hood back, revealing a handsome, if hard, face.

"I begin to understand Captain Heartfilia's aversion to visiting her father if this is how you normally are." Bora smirked wryly, "I've met sharks more personable. Fortunately, I have a certain fondness for sharks, and my own bone to pick with my dear former captain."

"Your point?" Jude scowled, not at all in the mood to word fence with this pirate. After what had happened when he'd informed Acnologia of Lucy's refusal of the arrangement, he wasn't feeling even slightly charitable towards pirates of any kind.

Jude leaned back a little in his chair, "I understand the Destroyer is your patron god." He said instead, "And I understand he's on a mission involving the demon gates. As well as certain ancient artifacts." He studied his nails, "It may be that I can give him some information pertaining to that and Fairy Tail's quest. For a price."

Jude watched Bora, unimpressed by the man's sauve outward appearance. He tapped his fingers on the wooden surface of the table, his eyes narrowing, "How do I know your information is even worth the effort?"

He leaned forward and crossed his fingers together, "I'm a businessman, and if you don't make an attempt to show me there is value to whatever nonsense you're spouting, then you're just wasting my time."

Bora grunted, as if understanding Jude's request and leaned forward.

"The Destroyer has just sent his forces to Crocus where Captain Heartfilia stranded me. I was able to escape off a fisherman's ship just as those demons started their attack," He smirked, "Now you don't have to listen to me, but what would your patron god have to say if you ignored knowledge that could bring him closer to his bride?"

"You've already failed in securing Lucy's hand for him once, haven't you?" Bora asked, voice low.

Jude fell silent at that, weighing his options carefully.

The Pirate was shrewd, although he supposed he could expect no less from his daughter's dirty crew. Jude pushed over a jug of ale across the table and an empty tankard.

"I'm listening."


You made your sneak peek so thanks to everyone for dropping us a line! Get ready for some shenanigans soon! Kytrin will see you on Wednesday! As for the people who want to know when this fic is updated, it's roughly on Sunday and Wednesday EST. Depending on what time of day we can get to our computers. By no means is it set in stone, but that's kind of how it is. Anyway, enjoy your sneak!


"It's always just been out of her reach," Juvia said sadly, her eyes turning to the sea, "She is a stranger to me every time I see her."

"Every time? Are reincarnations really that different?" Gray asked her, leaning against the railing and crossing his arms. His eyes met hers, and Juvia bit her lip.

"For the gods they are. Life shapes us in different ways, different paths affect us the same as it would any mortal. Perhaps even more so, since we come from a place a mortal can't reach without help." Juvia gave him an amused look for his questions.

"Mortals however, their souls often travel in similar paths as they did in their original life. Different choices are made, but their personality and essence..." her eyes met his, capturing him in their depth. Gray swallowed as he felt pulled to her like the tides in tandem with the moon.

"—are the same."

Gray felt his heart race, heat rising in his chest and blood to thaw out the frost in his body. Juvia was standing before him, baring her heart out to him over the loss of her friend. He struggled to focus.

He had to bring her some comfort and snap out of her sirens call.

"You've found your friend before right?" Gray asked her suddenly, startling the goddess into nodding. She gave him a curious look, her eyes narrowing.

"Then have faith that one day she'll remember who she is," He thumped his fist over his own chest. He gave her a smile, "I know I couldn't forget you."

Juvia stared up at him, heartbreak clear on her face, "I wish I believed that."