Hey guys! Kytrin here with your Wednesday update! No major announcements this chapter, so I'll let you guys get on with the chapter! Enjoy! :)
CHAPTER 34
Savvy?
A question asking, "Do you get it?" or "Do you understand?"
Nailing down Levy turned out to be a harder task than anticipated, and Lucy was honestly surprised by how much the ship tended to rely on her upper crew. She had always known that, but always having been so busy herself meant that there was little time to worry about it.
Now that she was bed ridden, with an additional two days of sentence tacked on thanks to her dramatic passing out from the ships coddling doctor, Lucy only had all the time in the world now.
Natsu swung by to keep her company, but as he was acting Captain he was often pulled out on the ship. And Levy was kept busy with the navigation. Whenever Lucy did have an opportunity to speak to her, it was only for a handful of minutes before someone came demanding help from her.
Losing such a crucial member of the crew meant lots of duties had to shift around to people who didn't normally do them. Specifically Natsu's normal job when he wasn't captaining. Keeping the ship running and doing his normal job had been barely acceptable before they retrieved a staff part, but now they were stretched out thinner.
They needed to dock and take stock of supplies and get their bearings, but with Acnologia and his fleet after him, there wasn't enough time before they were attacked.
Any time spent on land would be too long. But it seemed they wouldn't have a choice. They would have to risk it and dock soon. Natsu had Levy working on their path, some place difficult for their enemies to find.
So by the time Lucy managed to corner Levy to get enough time to talk to her about her crazy dreams, she was almost ready to tear her hair out.
They hadn't stopped either, increasing in intensity and frequency.
She could remember different things, like princess gowns and a roguish pirate, or a goddess and her champion causing mischief to her priests. She could also remember the taste of Natsu, as if the man himself had been on her. As if his lips and hands had mapped out a path into her soul and branded themselves there. She couldn't escape that ghostly touch.
It was maddening. And almost enough to make her want to chuck her caution to the winds and tackle the real thing curse or no.
The sensations haunted her, and only heightened the growing attraction and affection she'd already begun developing for the man.
Because, dreams or not, he had captivated her.
He had since that first moment he'd spoken to her in his tank what seemed like a lifetime ago.
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?"
Levy's eyes widened in shock for a moment, before settling into a more speculative look, "Of course it's possible." She replied, "Mortals are reborn all the time. Generally, the spirit king is very good about ensuring they start each life with a clean slate, but there are some circumstances where the memories aren't buried as deep, and could be remembered if the right stimuli present themselves."
She eyed her with a look Lucy wasn't sure she could place, "Do you think you might be remembering something?"
"Yes," Lucy decided to speak honestly, "I do. My dreams are filled with memories with Natsu, things I don't remember us ever doing, or places I don't remember visiting. And they're too real to be dreams. They linger in a way dreams don't."
"There are familiar faces and they're exactly the same, only the circumstances around them are different." Lucy pressed her hand onto the bridge of her nose, "I remember the spirits and, and they call me... Levy they call me-"
"-The Celestial Princess," Levy filled in, speaking what Lucy was so hesitant to say.
Lucy froze, having no idea how Levy would have had an idea on what her title had been. Not unless...
"It's true?" Lucy asked, her voice sounding hollow even to her own ears. Levy reached out and grasped her hands, pulling them into her chest to calm her captain.
"Gajeel and the Master are going to be upset with me, but if you're starting to remember than there is nothing we can do," Levy frowned, "The wards Juvia placed on you long ago are beginning to fail. It's expected with as much as you and Natsu have begun to remember."
"I don't understand Levy, what are you trying to say?" Lucy asked, her voice tight.
Levy took a pacifying breath and her grip against Lucy's hands tightened by a fraction.
"The reason you keep dreaming about Natsu as your Champion is because he is yours. In every lifetime, he has always been yours." Levy murmured, "You are the goddess of the stars and life. Older than me or even Juvia."
"You picked Natsu out of all the mortals to be the protector of the Celestial family, but no one expected how deeply you two would fall in love. Nor for Acnologia's jealousy to try and tear you both apart." Levy lowered her gaze.
"We are unclear how Acnologia waged war on the Celestials. We only know it cost your Champion his life to keep the heavens intact, and yours by accident. Acnologia had no intention of killing you." Levy's face fell, "He was after your brother."
"Natsu is still technically on his second life, but you are on your third," Levy dropped Lucy's hands, "But Acnologia found you both, and cursed your family line."
Lucy gaped at her friend in shock, "I... what?" She managed, "I'm what now? And Natsu is... And that bastard Acnologia..."
She stared at Levy uncomprehendingly for several moments before a thought tugged at the back of her mind, and her shock turned into a scowl, "Why the hell didn't you tell me?!" She screeched and unconsciously started pacing, "I mean... I'm a reborn goddess? Levy that's huge news!"
"It's not exactly something you want to arbitrarily drop on someone Lu." Levy replied, wincing as her friend started cursing a blue streak under her breath, "And you're not a goddess. Not yet."
That stopped Lucy short and she looked up in confusion. Levy sighed, "You're the Celestial Princess reborn yes. But until you regain all your memories, and with them the knowledge of how to access your divinity, you're just like any other mortal."
Lucy thought about that for a moment and dipped her chin in acknowledgment, "But still..." She looked down at her hands, "I'm supposed to be the most powerful goddess in existence? Levy... I can't even keep my own father from making my life miserable! How am I supposed to be any kind of deity?"
Levy's heart twisted as Lucy's panic melted into despair and she hastily got up to hug her friend, "Lucy, you underestimate yourself." She soothed, "You don't see it yet, but you will make a wonderful goddess." She smiled, "Your life experiences will only make you understand the mortal world better. I know that's how it's been for me."
"But..." Lucy protested only for Levy to knock her lightly on the head.
"Hey now, which one of us is the deity at the moment and which isn't?" She asked with a grin, "Trust the Navigator."
Lucy let out a watery laugh and smashed a pillow in her friend's face, "Trust you? I swear you navigate me into more trouble sometimes..." She teased.
"Ah, but you always have fun don't you?" Levy chuckled, relieved to see Lucy was starting to calm, "And really, don't worry about it. You'll remember how all this works when the time comes. Until then, just enjoy things as they are."
Lucy nodded slowly, her heart rate subsiding to something a little more normal, "Yeah... I can do that." She frowned a bit, "What about Natsu though? Should I tell him?"
Levy hesitated a little, "That's up to you Lu." She answered at last, "I won't stop you or anything. He's been your lover and beloved for a very long time now. Just be aware that if you talk to him, it could trigger your memories faster, and the more you remember the less Juvia's protections will hold."
"And that's a bad thing I presume?" Lucy asked, her fingers curling into her palms. She settled down, feeling more in control than she had before.
"I should say so," Levy sighed, swallowing tight and pulling her legs up to her chest. There was caution simmering in her eyes. Caution and worry.
"In all honesty, I sense the protection on Natsu has all but disappeared. The reason we aren't under constant siege from Acnologia is because you are the one he wants, not Natsu. He hates him, but would rather have you, Natsu may not even be cursed to fall under his Sight." Levy murmured. Her eyes cast along to Lucy, "But I suspect Acnologia is still looking. The timing of the attack so soon after Bora's was too suspect. Too close to Natsu separating on his own."
"He was almost killed," Lucy filled in the blanks, realizing the demon had gone after Natsu and sent a spray of monsters in a radius to him to try and hit the Fairy Tail.
"Why aren't we being attacked now then? Aside from that bastard has a one track mind like a shark?" Lucy growled.
Levy looked up, "I believe we have your brother to thank for that. I sense the Spirit King's magic. Faint but potent enough to recognize his shields. He's attempting to fill in the cracks in Juvia's spell, after all it has protected your entire family line until now."
"He is?" Lucy asked, surprised the Spirit King himself would do that for her. And that Juvia's magic has been powerful enough to keep her family safe for centuries.
"Aye Captain, But it's just a temporary fix. Natsu is your champion. It's unprecedented, but he's always had a deep connection with you. A bond, so to say," she reached forward and poked at her chest, "A mortal who could sway a goddess. It means the more he remembers—"
"—the more it appears I am as well," Lucy rubbed her temples. It only made perfect sense after all.
"How much do you think he knows?" Lucy asked, suddenly anxious and not quite knowing why.
"Why Captain, are you suddenly embarrassed?" Levy teased and reached forward to pinch her cheek. Her smile turned sly, "Or maybe you're shy?"
Unbidden, an image of Natsu curled around her, his heavy body pressing into her and whispering kisses falling down the back of her neck flashed through her mind.
Lucy blushed and attempted to outright smother the goddess with the pillow this time.
"Shy? Me? Never! What do I have to be shy about! I've already seen the man naked with that fish tail of his!" Lucy burst, snorting at Levy's flailing limbs.
Levy popped her head up at the protest, her grin still on her face and bandana crooked on her forehead.
"Then talk to him. It's only a matter of time before the protections break, the best we can do is draw it out," Levy gave her a soft smile, "You're the one that needs to decide if you want to risk it."
"Besides, right now— your family's curse has no effect at sea," Levy gave Lucy a sad smile, "That's where your ma met your pa, right?"
"Aye." Lucy replied slowly, "He joined her crew dreaming of adventure an' fortune. She always said those were some of the happiest years of her life."
Levy nodded, "It wasn't until after he returned to land for a while that things started to change right?" She asked softly, "A little bit at a time, until finally he was unrecognizable from the man your ma fell in love with. I bet he didn't even worship the Destroyer before it began."
Lucy's eyes widened in shock, "You...you think Acnologia deliberately twisted my father into the man he is now?!"
Levy shrugged, "I have no proof." She replied, "But it wouldn't surprise me. He's spent as much energy in making sure your line's curse remains active as he has wreaking havoc on mortals."
Lucy felt sick at just the thought. It would explain so much about her parent's relationship. How had she never realized the possible connection before?
She knew the answer to that immediately. She had never realized Acnologia was the one behind the curse before. That revelation had been much more recent. If it was possible, she would hate the Destroyer even more now than she already did.
Levy shook her head, "It's the past Lu." She reminded her gently, "There's very little we can do about it now. However, my point remains. As long as you're on the water, your curse doesn't apply." She smiled, "And I wouldn't put money on Natsu being so weak willed to succumb to it anyway."
Lucy smiled a little at that and nodded, "I'll remember that. Thanks."
Levy nodded and took the enchantment down, "I'm sorry all this is happening so suddenly for you Lu." She smiled, "But I would be lying if I said I wasn't happy about it. I'm looking forward to you remembering our history."
Lucy's heart swelled a bit and she grinned, "Knowing you, it mostly consisted of you getting me into trouble. Thanks though Levy. For everything."
Levy nodded and sighed as someone shouted for her, "I should probably answer that." She said wryly, "Do you want me to send Natsu in to you?"
Lucy thought about it for a long moment, really thought about it, and nodded slowly, "Yes. I think I do."
It turned out Lucy really didn't need to have Levy call for Natsu, because no sooner did Levy open the door than a loud crack and explosion reach their ears. A hysterical scream, followed by laughter from the crew reached Lucy.
She raised her eyebrows, Levy twisting to the side as suddenly Natsu as Gray went rolling down the steps to her cabin, Natsu flat on his back and a dazed Gray sprawledon hischest.
"Ah! Gray!" Juvia poked her head around the corner, "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Gray groaned and hoisted himself up, elbow digging into Natsu's solar plexus. The dragons eyes bugged out and he let out a raspy sounding growl.
"I'm okay too, thanks for asking Juvia," Natsu sat up, rubbing the back of his head.
"I didn't." Juvia said sweetly to Natsu, who grumbled at the response.
"What's going on out there!" Lucy demanded, causing both men to snap to attention.
"I was helping Rogue dry out some of the gunpowder that got drenched from the sea serpent Captain, looks like it was a little drier than I expected," Natsu said, looking unimpressed. It seemed he suspected a prank, and looked like he was seconds off from tearing into a quietly chucking Rogue and outright laughing Sting.
"I was collateral damage Captain," Gray reported.
"I see." Lucy sighed and rolled her eyes, "Gray, go tend to the powder." She smirked evilly over his shoulder at cackling dragons, "I'm certain our resident dragon twins will be more than happy to help you inspect each and every barrel for moisture before assisting you with inventorying our supplies."
"Aye cap'n!" Gray smirked, "I'll see we get right on it. I'll check with Cana and Mira to make sure we don't miss anything either."
"Very good." Lucy nodded and reached out to grab the back of Natsu's vest before he tried to tackle his brothers, "You stay here. You can beat up your brothers later. We've got something to discuss first."
Natsu blinked and looked over his shoulder at her, "We do?"
"Aye." Lucy replied firmly, her decision settling in her gut, "We do."
Natsu and Gray glanced at each other and shrugged before Gray moved out and signaled Cana while Natsu followed Lucy back into her cabin.
"So what's wrong cap'n?" Natsu asked, uncertainly standing at attention.
Lucy eyed him for a moment, her lips twitching in amusement, before she shook her head, "Nothing official sailor." She replied, and gestured for him to join her as she sat down, "This is personal."
Natsu's demeanor relaxed, but he still regarded her curiously as he joined her. Now that she knew what she was looking for, she could see the wheels turning in his head. There was a depth and knowledge there that hadn't been there before. Even with his returned memories from Tenrou. If she hadn't been confident he would never hurt her, she would've been a trifle unnerved by it.
She leaned back a little and studied him for a long moment, "I know this is going to be personal, but I have to ask... how much do you remember?"
Natsu blinked a little in surprise, curiosity warring with speculation on his face as he cocked his head slightly, "All of it Lucy." He replied quietly, "Every bit."
Heat flooded Lucy's cheeks and she shifted nervously, "I see."
He leaned forward and covered her hand with his, "What's wrong?"
Her heart melted a little and she looked down at their joined hands, "I'm... starting to remember too."
Natsu stilled, his hand curled around hers. He looked at her, a little uncertain but with a smile that was open and honest. She felt a surprising thrill through her at the unspoken words between them.
He tilted his head to her and grinned crookedly, "Scary, huh?"
That simple admission had something in Lucy relaxing in a way she almost couldn't describe. Natsu felt the things she was afraid to bring to voice. It made her feel infinitely better about her circumstances for it to be put in such a concise way.
"Did it hurt when they came back?" Lucy asked, nervousness curling through her as she couldn't help but ask.
Natsu threw his head back and let out a roar of laughter that startled Lucy. She remembered just the reason why she liked the unpredictable man. He never ceased to surprise her in every aspect. Even this one.
"Like a bitch captain!" He laughed, "But it was over as soon as it started and I was too pissed off when it was happening to care!"
That surprised a laugh out of Lucy and she rolled her eyes at his coarse language, pleased he hadn't seemed to change despite gaining his memories.
"I'm not sure what to make out of it all," Lucy swallowed and looked at Natsu, "You're in those dreams I have. Often."
"I'd certainly hope so," Natsu gave her a sly grin that caused a ripple of heat to surge within her. She blushed red, her mouth falling open in surprise.
"Sorry Captain," Natsu grinned, not sounding apologetic at look, "I was already fallin' head over heels for you before I got my memories back."
"So you've said." Lucy smiled, and shifted a bit, "The things in my memories Natsu... I..."
She struggled a little, trying to find the words to express what she felt, and to her surprise a look of understanding flashed across his face. He raised her hands and gently pressed his lips to her knuckles.
"They're memories." He murmured gently as he lowered their hands, "Nothing more. No matter how good they are, they're still memories. This is the life that matters now. I meant what I said before, and I'll stand by it. I'll wait."
"Is that really fair to you though?" She asked softly, "You've been so devoted to me for two lifetimes..."
"It is." Natsu insisted, "Because though those lifetimes matter a great deal, they're not this one. They're not Lucy Heartfilia, cursed pirate queen. And this is the lifetime we have to live in now."
He grinned crookedly at her, "It's not like courting you again would be a chore either."
Lucy blushed a bit and nudged him lightly, "I'm pretty sure you've been courting me since that night you spied on me chewing out my father."
"That?" Natsu scoffed, "That was me bein' a friend an' getting to know you. You haven't seen a proper courtin' yet if that's what you think."
"Then, when this is over, I look forward to it." Lucy smiled, "I want to see you sweep me off my feet."
"You'll get that and more besides." Natsu promised with a hint of a growl, "I promise you that."
Lucy laughed a little, a shiver working its way down her back at his tone, "It's a promise then." She agreed and gently reached out to touch the scar on his neck, "Thank you." She murmured, not really sure what exactly she was thanking him for, but needing to say it.
Natsu grinned, his hand settling over hers against his neck. He met her eyes, "Don't know why you're thankin' me for. I was your champion long before I was your love. I was your friend before I was your sailor too. No matter what lifetime, you'll have me in whatever capacity that means."
"Somehow that feels like you got the short end of the stick," Lucy muttered, and Natsu leaned forward. His forehead pressed against hers, his hand settling against her crown.
"Quit being a weirdo and overthinking it princess, we've been friends in every lifetime at the very least. I'm not about to jump ship on ya now," he grinned and pulled away.
"Just lead your crew Lucy, and get better alright?" Natsu grinned at her, "I'm a retired captain. I'm too old for these little shits."
"But you're not too old to be one of the little shits I see." Lucy smirked at him at the way he swept up and rolled his shoulders.
"It's more fun to be part of the chaos than try to quell it." Natsu admitted.
He laughed and ducked the pillow Lucy threw at him. He swept it into his arms, his eyes gleaming at her.
"Looks like the Captain is feeling much better!" He purred, lifting up his new weapon with an air that could only mean terrible things for her.
"Oh no Natsu, don't you dare! That's an order!" Lucy shrieked, scooting back.
"There's one thing you should know about me Cap'n, I'm a pretty insolent bastard." He pounced on the bed, swinging wide and lightly nailing his princess on the side of her head.
"Treason, mutiny or blasphemy don't matter to ya, do they?" Lucy yelped, fumbling for a pillow, "Fine then! How about punishment then!"
And that's the chapter! I hope you all enjoyed! As I said before, no major announcements this chapter. Though I want to give a huge shout out and thanks to everyone who reviewed! You guys ricked awesomely, and definitely more than earned your preview! Thank you all so much!
Also, I saw a lot of eagerness for Empire (which we're thrilled about), so I thought I'd let you all know that Mslead is currently working on what will be the future cover for Empire, and we'll start posting that one once it's done. You all enjoy your preview and we'll see you Sunday! :)
"I was careless with your ancestor. I thought the worst he would do was take his life. I never suspected his entire line would suffer," Juvia settled her hand over the markings on his arm, "This punishment was meant for me. I'm sorry you've suffered for it."
Gray stared at Juvia, not sure how he felt about what he was seeing now. The goddess had always protected him, hadn't she? She had done the best she could, even while operating under the weight of grief to try and protect those she cared about.
He wondered again about this mysterious ancestor of his that Gray suspected wasn't really an 'ancestor' at all and the relationship he had with Juvia. Gray had begun to suspect he had his own past life, the strange dreams he had been having seemed to align too well with events unfolding around them.
Memories of Natsu as his captain, teasing and getting him into all sorts of trouble flew to his mind. The fun they had, the companionship. The endless adventures and the love of the sea and the woman who owned it.
"Juvia it's not your fault—"
