ATTENTION:
THIS IS A REALLY LONG CHAPTER GUYS! It's twice as long as the previous ones and by far the longest the story has had so far. It clocks in at over 8,000 words. So... I THINK YOU'LL LIKE THIS CHAPTER. Also, beware the purity marks in this chapter for some dirty things. #### Beware there is a little bit of smut after the last purity marks, but there were some plot critical things in there, so just skip to the present day if that bothers you.
CHAPTER 33
Polaris
The star Polaris, often called the "North Star", is treated specially due to its proximity to the north celestial pole. The pole stars were used to navigate because they did not disappear below the horizon and could be seen consistently throughout the night.
She watched.
Not that it was out of the ordinary for her to partake in such an activity, but more and more recently she had begun to focus her attentions. Always the humans and the lives had fascinated her, but never had she been so curious over the life of one mortal man.
At first she hadn't paid him much mind. He was a regular supplicant, surprisingly not asking for much save the usual thanks for guiding his parents souls into their next lives. And not even that was him asking for anything for himself.
She had watched the energetic mortal since he was a young boy holding back trembling tears when his father passed, up until his adulthood. She had watched him fail over and over and over again as he attempted to join the priests of her temple as an acolyte. It was a requirement for those who wished to try and conquer her test to become champion. Only her champion protector was permitted to try the test alongside her clergy.
But his restless nature got the better of him each and every time, even though he excelled in the combat portion of his studies.
Eventually her high priest had to gently tell him it was not something in the cards for him, that he did not have the temperament for prayer and ritual.
Instead of cursing her for his failure though, he stayed his course. The man studied the sword harder than ever before, learning combat in every art he could hope to master and dedicated himself as a temple protector.
Eventually his hard work paid off, and he was permitted to try for the champion test. The first non-priest to ever attempt it. And he passed.
But Lucy had been curious about him, wondering how steady his faith was in her, how far he was willing to go.
She had come down to the mortal plane and refused him the title he earned. She could still remember the way the young man had looked at her with hurt and disappointment, his expression dejected for a moment before he took a breath and summoned a smile on his face.
"I'm sorry Lady Lucy, I'll do better next time and I won't let you down. I promise," He had looked at her with a smile that felt genuine.
Lucy had been fascinated after that, and decided to invoke the second part of his exam without telling him. An exam he had also passed with flying colors.
Without knowing it was one of her spirits, Gemini had disguised itself as a child in danger, being attacked without remorse by a disguised Leo. Natsu had stepped in to protect Gemini without pause or fanfare, attacking Leo despite not having a drop of magic in his veins despite his own incredible strength and abilities.
After that, She had declared him her champion.
But now her focus remained on him even as he performed his duties, tied to her heart as he did what she desired on the earthy plane.
Normally her scope was wider, but she watched only him. She peered into her mirror pool, smiling as Natsu erupted into laughter over something a parishioner told him. She felt a small jab of envy over the one who had put that smile on his face but shook it off.
She was being ridiculous, but she couldn't look away from him.
"If you stare into that mirror any more intently, I fear it may catch on fire." An amused voice chuckled and Lucy looked up to see her brother lounging in the doorway. He pushed away and walked over to peer at what had captured her attention so thoroughly, "Ah I see. Your Champion is what's captured your attention."
He flashed her a knowing smirk and she aimed a kick at him that he dodged with the ease of long practice, "What?" He grinned, "Surely you aren't embarrassed to have been caught watching over your own Champion hm?"
He leaned forward, a shit eating grin curling his lips, "Or is it possible my little sister has a more personal interest hm?"
"Jellal..." Lucy growled in warning, "Keep talking and I'll-" She paused when his hands wrapped around hers.
"Go down there and visit him." He interrupted with a smile, "He is your Champion after all. You should get to know him better. I know it would make him very happy."
"But... I... he's mortal!"
"So?" Jellal chuckled as he pulled his hands away, "He's also your chosen, and our family's protector on the mortal plane. That makes him something more than what he seems doesn't it?" He gently tugged a lock of her hair playfully, "Don't tell me you don't want to."
Lucy glanced at the mirror, torn between smacking her brother and doing what he suggested, and felt her heart flutter as she watched her Champion laughing with a small gaggle of children, letting one ride around on his shoulders, "I..."
"Go have fun Lucy." Jellal encouraged her, "Don't worry. I'll take care of things while you're gone." He smirked, "And maybe in him you'll finally find someone worthy of that heart of yours."
Lucy stared at her brother for a moment before she stuck her tongue out at him, unable to deny her desire to rush down to the mortal world and investigate what her Champion was up to.
She faded out in a glimmer of sparkles, reappearing just behind Natsu and watching the man stop as he sensed her presence.
He turned around with the most blinding smile she had ever seen in her life and her heart fluttered again. It was a thing of absolute beauty, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he clutched the child's legs around his shoulders and sank into a deep bow.
The children let out squeals of laughter as they tried to be respectful to the goddess and bow as they had been taught by their parents, though most of them did a rather poor job of it.
However any solemnity they had vanished as the children all burst into excited laughter when Natsu flashed Lucy a sly smile and wink, "My lady! You're here!"
Lucy laughed at how Natsu kept his bent over position, the child squealing with joy over being held upside down for so long. At least until Natsu lifted himself up and uncurled his legs, hoisting him into the air in one motion.
"Such mischief from my Champion! Is that what you do all day?" Lucy asked with a smile of her own, "These are the children of my priests are they not?"
"Yes my lady, they are. But they're also kids, and they need exercise and fun outside of all those stuffy scrolls!" Natsu grinned back at her without a shred of remorse, especially as he just admitted he took the kids from their studies so they could play a little.
"Does the high priest know about this?" Lucy gave Natsu a smirk.
"Not if you don't tell him." He grinned back at the goddess.
Lucy laughed as his cheek, "And risk my champion's health so soon?" She teased, "Perish the thought!" She grinned at the children, "What were you supposed to be studying anyway?"
The kids looked at each other, suddenly shy about being spoken to directly by the goddess, and the oldest shyly dug his toe into the dirt, "S'pposed to be learning the stars." He mumbled.
"From a scroll?!" Lucy gasped, "Why ever would you do that when you can see them every night?"
"Kids ain't allowed to stay up that late." Natsu replied, "It interferes with their sleep."
Lucy blinked a little in surprise at the idea, and then smiled, "Well, if that's the case then I have an idea!" She held out her hand to the boy who had answered, "Come on!"
The boy took her hand bashfully and Lucy shot Natsu a wink as she led them all into the open chamber just outside her inner sanctum.
"You sure about this?" Natsu asked uncertainly, "Normally the kids aren't allowed in here..."
"Why not?" Lucy asked reasonably, "They can't get past the door into my rooms unless I let them, and I rather like the idea of having more people around." She flashed a little girl a wink, "Makes it less lonely you know?"
The children giggled and clapped excitedly over the idea of being allowed so close to the goddess' rooms, and Natsu chuckled lightly, "Alrighty then Lady Lucy, whatcha got in mind?"
"A little bit of magic!" Lucy laughed as a ball of darkness formed in her hands, she twirled her hands around it as it grew, "Now, as you know.. in the beginning my father and uncle were surrounded by nothing but blackness." She released the orb and it shot up to the center of the ceiling and spread out until it covered everything around them.
The children gasped as the lights even vanished, "The darkness was their home and they were happy, but after a time my father longed for something different. Something new. So he concentrated his power and a great ball of fire appeared!" The sun dramatically exploded into existence overhead, startling the enraptured children, "Surprised by the strange light, my father and uncle were at first frightened of it, but soon they became curious. The light didn't hurt them for it was made of their own magic, but it was warm and inviting all the same. Fear was soon replaced with curiosity and they began to wonder what else could be created with their magic..."
Lucy smiled as she wove the story of creation for her audience, a little surprised at how much she was enjoying teaching the young mortals, and cheerfully brought each of the stars into existence before their eyes as she hung the multi-colored lights on her ceiling, until the black wasn't really black at all, but a bright tapestry of light and color against a dark backdrop.
She smiled at the sight of all the enraptured young faces as she brought her story to a close, and wondered if this was the same joy her priests felt when they taught. She smiled as she spotted her clergy standing at a respectful distance and nudged her champion a little.
"Don't look now." She giggled, "But we have company."
The children tore their eyes away from the magical tapestry at that and in moments they'd surged over to their parents chattering over each other a mile a minute about the great lesson they'd had from the goddess and showing off their new knowledge as they talked about their favorite stars and the stories behind them.
"It seems you young ones had quite a lesson." Her high priestess chuckled, "Have you children properly thanked the goddess for taking the time to give it?"
As one the kids came back and lined up to bow to her, "Thank you for the lesson Lady Lucy!"
Lucy laughed happily at their little display and nodded back, "It was my pleasure!"
She lifted her hand to the ceiling to cause her new creation to disappear now that her presentation was over. However she was stopped by a rough hand lightly looped around her wrist.
"Wait, my lady would you leave it up?" Natsu asked her, his eyes soft on her and hopeful. He didn't look even a little hesitant, and Lucy was surprised he had been bold enough to touch her. Mortals rarely were gifted the opportunity unless the god offered first by extending a hand.
She found she rather liked the feel of his warm hand on her skin and the recklessness of his spirit. Although she suspected other gods may not be as amused as she.
Although she supposed he was unafraid of the consequences as well. His loyalty was deeper than any Lucy had seen before, but it was only to the Celestials. No other god had earned Natsu's faith.
Perhaps that was why her champion was so reckless around her? Because he trusted her.
"The canopy is beautiful, Princess," Natsu smiled at her, "Everyone coming to pray would enjoy being able to see your stars in the day."
"Besides, what better way is there for those who are seeking guidance from the stars than to look for Polaris," Natsu grinned and crouched next to a child, pointing up at where the northern star twinkled overhead.
Seeing the sense in his words and how he helped the gathered kids pick out her trusted guard in the stars, Lucy smiled at his energetic way of teaching the children.
She raised the stars to paint them against the ceiling, an illusion of magic glowing around them as the stars shimmered in the celestial heavens. The kids cheered in happiness as they became part of her temple, and began to learn in a way Lucy was proud to have helped guide them through.
Soon it was time for them to depart though, their lesson flying by as the high priestess collected them so they could be safely returned to their parents.
Waving farewell to the children, Natsu grinned at their backs and then turned to Lucy, "Thank you for that princess."
"It was nothing, I quite enjoyed it." She laughed back with him and Natsu took a step towards the goddess. He was certainly worth the visit, and as much as she would deny it to Jellal, Lucy found herself admiring her champion.
He wore a deep read tunic that was tied around his waist with a black and gold sash. It was parted open at the neck, giving her a delightful peek of his strong chest. His deep, clever eyes watched her from under a fringe of rosy hair, head canted towards her.
His arms were bare save leather bracers that covered the tops of his forearms. He looped a thumb into his sash and gave her an expectant smirk.
"So m'lady, are you going to tell me why you really came down?" He asked. At her surprised look he barked out a laugh, "We are not deeply connected yet, but I do serve you, and I can tell there was some other reason you wanted to play hooky from divine duties."
Lucy laughed softly, and inclined her head in acknowledgment, "Actually, I came down because I wanted to spend some time with you." She admitted calmly, and cocked her head slightly at him, "You're my champion, and though I know your heart and prayers, I don't really know you all that well. I would very much like to change that."
Natsu's expression morphed from expectant to surprised to delighted as she spoke, and when she was done he beamed happily at her, "I'd really like that princess." He replied softly, "Did you have anything special in mind?"
Lucy shook her head, color tinting her cheeks, "Not really. I kind of came down on impulse."
Natsu chuckled, and offered his arm, "Then allow me." He replied, "I know a great place to eat. It's run by a family friend, and offers a great view of the water. We can talk there."
Lucy smiled happily and took his arm, "That sounds wonderful!" She shivered a little and the glow of celestial light seemed to shake from her skin as her clothing changed into something less divine goddess and more mortal priestess, "Will this do?"
Natsu swallowed a bit and nodded, "You look beautiful anyway, but yeah... that's good."
Lucy laughed a little at him, but held back from teasing him too badly, "Lead on then my champion!"
"It would be my pleasure my lady." Natsu purred, and Lucy felt a shiver of pleasure and heat course through her at the sound. Oh yes, she was looking forward to this. And perhaps, if he was as interesting as she hoped, she could look forward to more.
As Jellal suspected, Lucy more than enjoyed her time with Natsu. The man was clever when he wasn't being crass or rude, but always held a tender spot for anyone who needed help.
Lucy found herself more and more coming up with reasons to go down to the mortal world. She coincdentally timed it with when he had off with his duties, and often he had her rolling in laughter with his offhand remarks.
Other times he would have her distracted by a gaze that seemed to stretch on forever and a sly smile framing his mouth.
More and more she found herself wanting more than just simple companionship from her Champion though. They had moments that she couldn't describe, where he would touch her hand as he showed her how the humans lived. Or how he would laugh and climb the highest branch, balanced on it with a long bow in his hands to have an archery competition with Sagittarius. Even funnier were his wrestling competitions with Taurus, which despite Natsu's magical disadvantage, always seemed to outwit the burly spirit.
This time Lucy had come early, her heart filling with an unknown feeling as she sensed Natsu becoming aware of her presence like he always did when she was on this plane.
Their bond as Champion and goddess had gotten stronger over the months of them spending time together, and Lucy smiled as she approached the training arena where he was holding dual swords and flaring them in a silver blur.
She didn't interrupt him as he moved through his stances. She'd learned better than to interrupt a warrior's training by surprising them back when she was still learning the ways of the dagger from Cancer. One close call and a very sharp lecture from her father had taught her that lesson abundantly.
So she nodded her head at her other warrior monks on the sidelines and moved to join them. A young one, not more than twelve, hastily moved to stand from where she'd been sitting on a bench, but Lucy waved her back down with a frown when the girl winced.
"You shouldn't move like that when you're hurt." She scolded mildly, "It'll only make things worse."
The girl's cheeks reddened and she looked down, "Sorry m'lady." She mumbled, "I was tryin'ta show m' respect."
Lucy's heart softened as she recognized the girl and she smiled as she dropped a hand down on her shoulder and sat down on the suddenly expanded bench, "Brandish right?" She asked, "The girl from the Alvarez Sea?"
The girl looked up in surprise and Lucy's smile broadened, "I thought so." She rummaged around in the bag she'd taken to carrying whenever she visited the mortal realm, "I've heard your prayers for your family back home you know." She told her as she pulled out a small jar of salve, "So have my father and brother. It's a good thing you do to pray for their protection and well being."
Brandish stared at her in awe, "Will you... will you answer my prayers?"
"To the best of our ability yes." Lucy replied, "But just like you, we cannot see all ends. We can't always predict what the outcome of something will be." Her lips twitched, "It's a hazard of free will. That's why we ask you all to try to take care of each other too." She pressed the salve into Brandishe's hands, "And why I will never be upset if you should choose to tend your own hurts instead of following protocol."
She winked playfully at the girl and looked up to see Natsu had finished his display and was watching her with a broad grin, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I have a champion needing my attention."
She brushed her hand over Brandish's forehead, leaving a silent blessing and headed off. The small jar of ointment she'd been holding still pressed into her young priestess's hands.
Natsu crossed his swords, sheathing them along his back and striding towards his goddess with purpose. There was an excited twinkle in his eyes as his long strides ate up the space between them. His cheeks were flushed, and his chest heaved with breath after his practice but made no effort to slow down.
He rushed to the goddess, his hand reaching out for her but freezing through the air as if remembering himself. Lucy observed the aborted movement, a touch disappointed at the way he seemed to stop himself.
Still, that didn't stop her appreciation any. Her eyes swept down along his body, bare from the waist up. She enjoyed the sight of his sleek body, strong from the constant effort he put into his training. Lucy was pleased to see his eyes travel over her too.
Natsu always tried to keep his reactions to a minimum, but she had begun to pick up on his tells. The slight tightening in his jaw, the way he swallowed before his lips parted.
The quick dart of his eyes down to her mouth, back to her eyes, and down once more.
He wanted her. Lucy could tell.
Her Champion sank to his knees, hair falling into his eyes as he knelt before her. For all intents and purposes, it looked as if he were showing his fealty, which Lucy knew in part was true. However she knew that wasn't precisely what she was seeing.
His lips curved up at the corners, a wry smirk hiding by how his head was bent. He met her gaze, dark eyes meeting hers as that smirk turned somewhat teasing, "My Lady." he purred.
"Rise my champion, it doesn't suit you to be at my feet," Lucy replied, her heart beating quickly at his sly smiles. Just those two words he spoke were full of soft promises and a world of intent.
And it was a call she fully intended to answer.
After all, what kind of goddess would she be if she refused so decadent an offering?
She smirked a little at him as he climbed back to his feet, heat and that fluttery feeling rising higher in her as she watched that powerful back ripple. She wondered idly if he was doing it on purpose. Looking at him it was hard to say, but she would enjoy finding out.
"What brings you here so soon my lady?" He asked softly once he was on his feet, the image of propriety spoiled by the heat burning in the back of his eyes.
"I can't arrive early to my own festival?" She teased with a gesture to where the temple was practically covered in spring flowers and offerings for fertility and prosperity in the year to come.
It was a festival dedicated to her and Jellal alone of all the gods. For despite their uncle's ability to create from nothing, it was she and her brother who presided over life and death. And on days like this, when the earth was beginning to stir, and cried out for their touch, a darker, wilder, aspect of her arose.
It was on days like this she longed to run, to taste the blood offered her, to feel the thrill of the hunt, the rush of the dance, and the ecstasy of a mate. To pour that wildness into the land at the height of everything and bring forth a new year.
"The festival is yours my lady." Natsu rumbled softly, his eyes darkening as he picked up on some of the tempest stirring within her, "You are welcome here at any time."
Her smile took on a slightly more predatory tone, "Run with me Natsu." She breathed, "I want you at my side."
Natsu looked faintly surprised for only a moment before his smile grew across his face, his eyes trailing over her.
"Yes my lady," he grinned, unable to stop the giddy smile that flashed over his face that was far from proper.
He adjusted the bracers against his wrists, falling into step with the goddess and laughing quietly, "I'll be at your side for as long as you desire."
Lucy could see the promise in his eyes that went beyond that of her champion. Of feelings and desires that held nothing to the rank he owned. To his faith in her as a goddess.
No, what she saw in his eyes owed entirely to his desire in her. Not as his goddess, but as someone he desired. As if she were a normal woman.
"Try to keep up Natsu," she said low to him, waving her hand when he hopped over the training fence after discarding his bracers.
Lucy let out a squeak of surprise as he took off without warning, her eyes widening as she realized her Champion had dared to cheat and get a head start.
He let out a roar of laughter as he raced on ahead, the giggling goddess chasing after her intrepid champion as he sprinted into the wilderness and disappeared in the brush, swords jumping on his strong back.
Lucy followed after him, relishing the hunt and the chase. Her heart throbbed with emotion as she realized no one else would think to make her runs as fun as this.
They ran together in a chase that left even them wondering just who was chasing whom. They laughed as they caught each other, and just as swiftly let go so as not to end the fun. Her magic flowed over and through him, lending him speed and stamina that he could keep up as she took them from land to land. The waking of the earth beneath her feet matched the pounding of her heart, and by the time they met her brother and his new betrothed, she was fairly glowing with energy.
"Brother!" She breathed with a broad grin, her cheeks flushed and her body tingling.
Jellal grinned broadly back at her, his own skin shimmering with gold and warmth in his eyes, "Sister!" He brushed a strand of her hair, "You have chosen?"
"Aye!" Lucy laughed giddily, and bobbed her head at a happily smiling Erza, "My champion, Natsu." She laughed, curling her hand around Natsu's arm, "Natsu, my Uncle - the Creator's Champion, and brother's love, Erza!"
An equally flushed Natsu stepped forward and sketched a bow, but he was having difficulty holding himself still, "Pleasure." He rumbled thickly to the other human.
"Same!" Erza laughed, just as drunk on the god's power as he was, "I'm honored to meet the first champion! We must meet and spar sometime!"
Natsu grinned back at her, "Sounds great sister!"
Lucy brushed her hand along Natsu's side, "It's time." She breathed at him, her high from the run morphing into something darker and more primal, "Are you sure you want to remain with me?"
"Always." Natsu affirmed, his expression darkening at the look on her face, "Nothing will tear me from your side."
"Natsu speaks true." Erza told Jellal, "You have all of me, and I will not forsake you."
"Then let us dance." Jellal growled softly.
The two mortals were led into a clearing that existed nowhere in the mortal realm and yet seemed to encompass all of it. Giant trees of all varieties grew around them, fairy lights dancing in a colorful display among their branches. The grass beneath their feet was thick and soft, sprinkled with flowers that had no description save beautiful. Music, deep and wild, filled the air, though the players could not be seen, and sent shivers over both their bodies. Erza and Jellal fell out of sight, disappearing into their own world.
Lucy smiled as she led Natsu into the clearing, her costume transforming from ethereal guide to the dead to earthy giver of life, and every aspect of him ached with want.
"Dance with me." She breathed, pressing close to him, and he was only mildly surprised to find his own clothing had changed to match hers, "Let us renew the land."
He groaned softly as he took her in his arms, acutely aware that there would be no hiding his desire, "Lucy..."
She flashed him an impish smile as she began to move, and suddenly all else fell away as his senses registered nothing but the music and her.
His heart throbbed with emotion, his body twisting and curling around her, thrumming with the push and pull of her magic. He could hardly feel the earth beneath his feet as she filled him to the brim with the essence of renewal.
He was overwhelmed by her senses spilling into him, he could feel the prayers of people pouring into her, their rejuvenating sacrifices, the way each drop of magic poured into her in a continuous stream.
####
Natsu groaned against Lucy's throat as he succumbed to the impulses that were overcoming him. He let loose a throaty hiss, twisting his goddess into a spirited dip. Her brown eyes glittered like the stars, her hand lifting against his cheek and stroking down to his chin.
He pulled her up, falling back into the dance as they twisted and turned with one another, fleeting touches that stroked against bodies loosely clothed. Natsu hissed in surprise as he felt Lucy's hand slid under the new clothes he wore, the edge of his tunic riding up under her touch.
Her cool touch sent electricity though his body, a shudder running through him and a band of heat stretching taut in his gut.
Lucy gave him a smile, so coy and teasing, Natsu thought he may lose his mind. Unable to stop himself when the last cords of the song ended, he pulled her into a gentle kiss, fully intending on wiping that smirk off her perfect lips.
It was hesitant though, new, and barely a taste of what both of them wanted. But it did the trick, Lucy wasn't smirking any longer.
The hunger stretched between them, Lucy licking her lips to taste him. Natsu felt her grip tighten in him, and throwing caution to the wind he grasped her firmly and pulled her back into another kiss.
This one was all consuming, hungry, and filled with a dark fire that fueled his passionate nature.
His goddess answered in kind as she tore his shirt open to run her hands hungrily over his chest and stomach, "More." She moaned as the broke apart, and Natsu was helpless to resist.
He pulled her into another savage kiss as he slid his hands along her body in ways he'd only dreamed about before. She growled her approval as he slid his hand to her chest and squeezed gently. The sound of it went straight to his groin, and in seconds he pulled it off, exposing her to his hungry sight.
"Lucy..." He groaned incoherently and descended on one hard nipple, pulling a heated cry of pleasure from her.
She writhed and bucked under his touch as he sucked and teased for what felt like a small eternity, unable to get enough of the taste of her, before switching to the other one. When he finally pulled away, she was flushed and panting, her nipples red and swollen and practically begging him to return. He went instead for her mouth, eagerly pulling her into another kiss, and pulling her tightly against him.
He ground his aching need against her hips, letting his hand slide daringly up the flimsy scrap of short cloth covering her thighs, and nearly lost it on the spot when he discovered she wore nothing underneath.
He brushed his fingers over her groin, not quite daring to go further until she reached down and pushed his hand into her most secret place. Needing no further encouragement, he slid his warrior hardened fingers against her silky folds, pulling a scream of ecstasy from her throat in the process.
Natsu despite not having any magic of his own, felt the surge of renewal from her. He was amazed by how responsive she was at his touch, but his connection with her flared in response to her pleasure and helped guide his hand instinctively.
He shrugged off the remains of his torn tunic off, descending down onto her lips with a hungry fervor. He couldn't get enough of her, the taste of her fueling every burning inch of him.
She consumed him and Natsu felt everything fall away. The ritual, the magic, her divinity and his mortality. It was just the two of them, heat coiling between them.
Lucy was just as responsive, something deeper forming between them besides the cause of fertility. She gasped at his attentiveness, his thick finger sinking into her core to massage and bring her to a precipice of pleasure while a rough thumb pressed into her folds. She writhed and moaned, unable to remember a time this has been as good.
That was because it was Natsu. He was focused only and her and his experience with her. He wasn't caught up in the appeal of being with a goddess. Never had she felt closer to another person.
They had barely even done anything yet.
Her hands clawed at the sash at his waist, Natsu pulling away enough to let her leave angry little marks against his stomach in her haste to get his pants to slacken. He didn't seem to mind though, his eyes darkening to the color of the night itself.
He chuckled softly, and caught her impatient hands, bringing one hand up to his lips to kiss her palm. Smiling at her expression, he pulled back a little further and pulled off his sash, grinning at the way her eyes locked on his groin. Deciding to tease a little, he slowly pulled open his pants, groaning softly in relief as he did, and wriggled out of them.
Her eyes remained locked on him, and his grin widened at the way she licked her lips.
"See somethin' you like m'lady?" He purred roughly as he discarded the unwanted fabric and descended back on her.
"Yessssssss..." Lucy moaned as they finally touched everywhere skin to skin, "Natsu..."
Her hips rocked demandingly against his, and he couldn't resist her. He caught her legs in his hands and curled them around his hips, "I love you." He declared fervently as he rubbed himself against her dripping slit, "Forever."
Her breath hitched at the words, a fresh wave of heat coursing through her. It wasn't the first time a mortal had uttered those words to her, and it wouldn't be the last, but Natsu had once more defied the norm. Her other worshipers, they meant their words as much as her champion had, but never had they ever forgotten she was a goddess, and that they had been chosen for the festival. Something they could easily lord over the other mortals.
Natsu didn't care. He saw only Lucy. His beloved who had answered his prayers. Who had been his friend and succor. Who had painted her temple with stars to teach the children. Who laughed and loved and sometimes embarrassed herself. He loved all of her, completely and without restraint.
And it was enough to bring tears to her eyes.
"Natsu..." She breathed, and shifted so he was aligned with her entrance, "Please."
She felt his love for her, pure and steady through their strengthening connection. It was an unexpected, but not unwelcome side effect of their partaking in the festival together, but Lucy was overcome with the sensation. It was unwavering and true, she could feel it even if his actions already hadn't showed it.
He bent over her, his hand cradling her cheek and thumb brushing under her eye. Natsu smiled at her, something warm and gentle that filled her up with emotion.
Lucy's head fell back when he brushed her tears away and slowly sank into her. She heard a soft grunt from him, the pull of his breath and the way his heavy chest felt pressed into hers. She let out a keen of pleasure at the sensation of him filling her so thoroughly, grasping onto his broad shoulders.
She could feel his hot breath on her throat, his powerful body flexing against hers to stop himself from moving and give her a moment to catch her breath.
This was what she needed, her ankles locking together around his hips. Her heels dug into his ass and jerked his hips forward, slamming him in the last inch.
Natsu caught himself on the ground, an almost feral sounding snarl drawing from his throat. He gave Lucy a cross look that seemed like he was on the verge of unraveling and brushed his nose against hers, nudging it into her cheek, "Impatient."
"Maybe, but I want you," she smirked back at him, taunting him with her coy smiles. His eyes narrowed and his lips curled up at the corners.
"Oh you do, huh?" Natsu dragged his rough hands up her thighs and along the swell of her rear. He drew out enough to make her gasp in frustration.
"Who am I to deny you?" Natsu smirked at her, the very picture of mischief.
Lucy opened her mouth to respond, but it came out as a gargled scream as he slammed back into her. The expression on his face changed from mischief to heat and the next thing she knew he'd captured her lips in a ferocious kiss as he did it again.
She cried out into his mouth and he growled softly as he peppered kisses along her jaw to bury his face in her neck.
"Lucy..." He moaned thickly as he moved against her, "Gods Lucy..."
Lucy's lips twitched upwards as a distant part of her registered the old joke, but it was immediately pushed aside as they settled into a rhythm that was as timeless and ancient as she was.
Time ceased to mean anything as the frenzy of renewal crashed over her again. She could hear her people's prayers, taste their pleasure as they honored her and Jellal in the most primal ways possible. The smoke from their bonfires, the sacrifices, and blood, they'd given. She could feel it all as Natsu stroked her.
She could feel every inch of him caressing every inch of her, the friction and frenzy driving her to heights she'd never dreamed existed. She could taste his love most of all. Rich and sweet and intoxicating as he touched, licked, and teased her, his control shattered under the onslaught.
And then, just as she could stand no more, he brushed a finger against her clit.
For one heartbeat the world stopped. She teetered on that precipice, the divine energy that had been building throughout the day sizzling just under her skin. She looked up at Natsu, the power building to dizzying heights.
Then the world shattered into incomprehensible pleasure as life was renewed for another year.
Natsu sagged over Lucy, breathing heavily against her skin. He dragged his lips over her throat, leaving loving and lazy marks scattered over.
He blinked, and one moment to the next he found both him and Lucy no longer in the gardens. Instead he was in her chambers on her bed, still buried inside her and hard.
He gave her a drowsy smile body still sparking with pleasure that just wouldn't leave him. Slowly he parted from her and rolled over onto his back, "Privacy now?"
"The ritual is over," Lucy purred back to him, leaning up on her side to trace a finger over his chest, "That is, if you wish to stay?"
"I do," he grinned and drew her hand up to his mouth to nip at it, "I think you'll find I have a bit of an appetite once I find something I love."
####
"I look forward to this voracious hunger then," Lucy giggled, tracing her fingertips over a raised scar on his throat. They took a moment to catch their breaths after the ceremony, and Natsu looked at her with such warm affection it was a wonder to her how she had been blind to his love for so long.
"How did you get this?" She asked, tracing her hand over his strong neck, eyes trailing over his muscular chest and the scattered love bites and hickies she had left behind.
He swallowed and breathed out, her hand moving with the motion, "I was playing with my dads knife when I was little. Nicked myself trying to be brave."
"Did you now?" Lucy laughed, leaning in to kiss the scar, "Somehow I can totally believe that. Reckless champion that you are."
Natsu chuckled and pulled her closer, "Isn't that one of the things you like about me?"
"Mmmmmmm... yes." She agreed, "Though sometimes you get a little carried away."
Natsu grinned unrepentantly at her, "That's just part of my charm."
"Charm is it?" Lucy asked, and abruptly swung her leg over his hips and pulled herself on top of him, "I may have to teach you a new definition of charm then."
She caressed his lingering hardness, a common side effect of the ritual, and gently positioned herself so he was pressed against her and rocked teasingly.
"Is that how you're going to teach me?" Natsu gasped at the contact.
"Maybe." Lucy smirked, "Positive reinforcement never hurts." She bent over and kissed him lingeringly, "Though I think lessons can wait until later."
"Definitely." Natsu groaned, as she pressed her hands against him, and a refreshing surge of energy ran through him. Much like the ones she'd given him during their wild run. His aches and exhaustion soothed away, along with the marks of passion she'd left on him, though it did nothing to his lingering euphoria.
"Aw, I'm going to miss those." He pouted, though he was grateful for the surge.
Lucy leaned forward and wrapped her lips around one of his nipples, sucking hard for a moment, "You'll get more." She promised darkly, and slid up his body to his neck scar, "Though, this intrigues me." She trailed her tongue over it, "Such a dangerous place to have a scar. So very near your lifeblood. And so visible."
She pulled back and looked at him, "I think I shall claim it." She told him, "A mark to show you belong to me, no matter what lifetime you're in." She smiled, "After all, a champion is so very hard to find. I have no wish to lose you now."
Natsu shuddered at the sensation of her tongue swiping along his scar, a smile drifting along his face as he felt the trickle of magic against his skin where her mouth caressed.
He also knew this was her way of telling him he cared for her. She was a goddess, she couldn't tell him she loved him. Perhaps she couldn't even love a mortal, as fragile and fleeting as their lives were in comparison. But even though his life was just in the blink of an eye next to hers, the fact that she wanted to find him in his next life warmed him from the inside out.
"Take from me whatever you want Lucy," he groaned when her blunt nails scraped over his chest and nicked against a nipple.
He would take whatever brand she gave him gladly into the next life. In all his lives.
And Lucy backed away, looking into his warm eyes. Her thumb pressed against his scar, a happy smile drifting over her cheeks.
"I will my champion." She promised and pressed her forehead into his, "I won't lose you quite so soon."
Her heart throbbed with a very mortal emotion, and having no other outlet for it, descended back on Natsu to further express it.
-::-
Lucy opened her eyes, blinking from one moment to the next and feeling an odd sense of drowsiness overtake her.
She was in her bed, the scent of the sea heavy in the air and the gentle rocking of her ship grounding her from what had been one of the most erotic dreams of her life. And with her sailor! Gods Natsu really was doing a damn fine job of wiggling under her skin.
"Hey you're awake," the devil himself spoke besides her bed and caused Lucy to jolt into her pillows in surprise.
Natsu sat besides her bed, shirtless and damp, with a towel draped around his neck as he attempted to mop at his rosy hair. He looked exhausted, completely drained of magic, but his eyes were concerned on her.
"Happy said you just dropped, you okay Captain?" Natsu asked, drawing the towel sharply off his neck when he leaned forward.
The motion caught Lucy's attention, and she felt her blood run cold at what that small movement had drawn her eyes to.
There, on his neck, was a scar. Hardly noticed before, if she ever had, but now holding far more weight than Lucy thought was possible.
Without realizing it, her hand reached out through the air. Just before her fingertip could graze his warm skin though, his hand caught hers around the wrist.
"Hey you okay?" He asked her with deep worry.
"Yes, Natsu I'm fine!" She swallowed and shook her head, "You look like you've been through hell and back."
Natsu pouted at her observation and Lucy couldn't help but smile at it.
But it didn't distract her from her burning questions. Or how long he had that scar beforehand.
"I don't remember you having this? Is it recent?" Lucy asked, thinking herself sly as she gestured towards the scar across his throat.
She wasn't expecting the suddenly sharp look on Natsu's face, or the way his eyes searched hers. It lasted for just a split second before his face opened up into a wide smile.
"Gods no Luce, I was born with it. It's a birthmark, not a scar." He gave her a cheerful look.
A mark for every lifetime?
Lucy fought back a wince as her head throbbed for a moment, but it passed quickly and she smiled back at him, "I see. I guess I just never noticed before now."
There was a part of her, a very large part of her, that wanted to blurt out what she'd just been dreaming about, but the rest of her held herself back. As intense and detailed as it was, she had no way of knowing it wasn't just a dream. For all she knew it was just her feverish imagination putting things together.
Though, given what had been going on lately, she was starting to doubt that was the case.
Imagination didn't give her dreams so intense they felt real.
Imagination didn't give her sights, sounds, and smells. Or sensations that lingered long after she'd awoken.
Imagination didn't create a connection to the waking world that had every instinct in her screaming it was important.
Still, it wasn't something she could just blurt out to Natsu. Not without proof that what she was starting to believe was real. Though she was honest enough to admit she wasn't sure if she wanted it to be real or not. Either possibility was... staggering.
So she smiled at Natsu and kept her mouth shut, and instead did her best to assure her worried sailor, and maybe champion, that she really was fine.
"Honestly Natsu." She huffed, "I'm really fine now. I don't know what happened, but all its done is left me tired." Her stomach growled, "And hungry."
Natsu chuckled at that and stood, "Well far be it for me to stand in the way of a lady's stomach." He grinned, "I'll go an' tell Mira you're up and wantin' food."
"Thanks." She replied sincerely, "Would you mind sending Levy my way too? There's some things I wanna talk with her about."
"Sure thing cap'n." He replied easily, "I gotta take a shift in the nest anyway. I'll be back after?"
Lucy couldn't help smiling at the hopefulness in his voice, and nodded, "Yeah. That sounds good."
When he walked to the door and paused at the entrance with a smile on his face, for a moment she thought she saw her champion standing there instead.
They were one and the same for a moment, blurring what could be a past over her present.
She knew in that moment that she was screwed.
SEE ADDITIONAL NOTES AT THE VERY BOTTOM ABOUT OUR NEXT PROJECT.
I'm just gonna moonwalk on outta here. ALRIGHT GUYS! You did so well with your reviews, we really appreciate it! I hope this chapter was everything you guys wanted and more. We're creeping into endgame, slow but surely. Anyway, here is your Sneak Peek! You guys earned it!
He was intriguing and ridiculous with his bright smile and stubborn refusal to give up. He exasperated and enchanted her at every turn, and though she'd tried resisting mightily she'd known deep down that he'd captivated her the moment he'd sung on the ship that one lonely night.
"So what's up Lu?" Levy asked, pulling her from her thoughts, "I can tell you've had something on your mind lately as much as you keep trying to get me to talk."
Lucy frowned a bit at the understatement, but let it go, "Can you make sure we're not overhead for this?" She asked, "I don't want this conversation leaving this cabin yet."
Levy raised a surprised eyebrow at that, well aware that thanks to Gajeel's work eavesdropping on the captain without her noticing would be difficult anyway, and equally aware that Lucy knew that too. Whatever this was about, it had to be something special.
She nodded thoughtfully and got up to sketch out a quick enchantment to ensure privacy before rejoining her, "Okay Lu. No one will be able to overhear anything now. What's wrong?"
Lucy bit her lip a little, "Lev... I need you to tell me something honestly. Is it possible Natsu's not the only one getting back memories?"
Also just so you know, for those of you who are returning readers, you may have noticed we're getting to the point in the story where we will start posting a smaller story we wrote. This one is called Empire, and it will update on the same schedule of Tempest, so you'll get four updates from us per week if you chose to follow both stories.
EMPIRELucy Heartfilia always one day knew leading a gang was going to put her life in danger, however when a strange pink haired man breaks into her house in a hospital gown with no name, no history and with the strangest abilities she had ever seen, Lucy realizes that it wasn't just her past she had to worry about catching up to them. She would do anything to protect her family and their Empire. NALU
