Heyo, I'm uploading another chapter because why not. There's more Mavis, but still no Happy. Happy will probably be in the next chapter.

Enjoy!


The next morning, Natsu met with Lucy in the lobby. Natsu sat patiently on the brown sofa that was soft and lumpy from so much use.

The pair had been with the guild through breakfast, but as lunch rolled around they slipped away. They hadn't told the others where they were going, but they knew their friends wouldn't be worried by their absence. Especially when they were all off doing their own things.

Levy and Wendy were going to the library. They had invited Lucy, but she declined due to her promise to Natsu. Which was honestly extremely hard to do, especially after seeing their faces when she declined. Cana, Elfman, and Laxus were going bar hopping throughout town, something that they made sure to do at least once in every town they stayed in. Mira and Erza were going shopping and visiting some pastry shops. Gajeel and Gray were going weapon shopping and training, which Natsu had to decline (just as Lucy had) because of the commitment. They all would be too busy to even notice their absence in the first place.

Natsu spotted Lucy coming from the hallway. She wore a white blouse tucked into a high-waisted brown skirt that was covered by her skirt was longer than normal, stopping halfway down her thigh rather than the usual quarter length. Still, you could see plenty of her cocoa butter colored legs that looked irresistibly smooth. Around her waist were her whip, belt, and keys. Her blond hair was pulled back so you could see her small ears. Natsu got strangely warm when he saw the tiny star earrings in her ears.

Natsu greeted her with a hospitable smile. He met her side and they walked out of the hotel together. They headed in the direction of the Guild Center. Lucy finally had a chance to really pay attention to the town. The streets were cobbled and pretty wide. On each side of the street houses, restaurants, and shops ran along it. The buildings were a white stone with many windows in a different shape and placement for each building. Wood panels were placed on the buildings in various patterns and topped with a burnt orange or red roof.

Nearly all the buildings were decorated with flowers of all colors. Various vendors sat on the side of the streets and a variety of people walked the streets coming to and from shops and homes. The streets smelled faintly of flowers. Occasionally, there would be a cobbled bridge lined with flowers that they'd walk under as people walked above them. The city was very beautiful.

"Thanks for doing this with me, Luce," Natsu said as the Guild Center neared closer.

"You don't need to thank me Natsu. That's what are friends for." Lucy smiled.

Lucy wasn't sure why, but somehow she had gotten the closest to Natsu. She had spent the more time with him than any of the other guild members. She always seemed to always unconsciously gravitate towards him. Or maybe he gravitated towards her. She couldn't really tell. She really did enjoy his company, though he did have his setbacks. She just was strangely safe around Natsu. Ever since their first interaction back at the spring and their second meeting in town she felt protected whenever she was near him.

"Well, I think I should anyway." Lucy's lips curved upward the smallest amount. She held her hands behind her back and cocked her hooded head in Natsu's direction.

"Can you tell me about your father Natsu?" Lucy asked. "I'd like to know more about him." Natsu grinned excitedly. She couldn't help but be curious. Besides, she looked the way he lit up when he talked about the man.

"Igneel was the best really. He was very patient and caring, but strict whenever he needed to be. Whenever I got discouraged or couldn't do something, he was always there to encourage me and keep me going. He taught me how important it was to have friends and to always protect the things I care about. Igneel lost a lot in his lifetime. He never told me, but I could see it on his face." He paused for a moment examining Lucy's expression. "I think that's why he stressed protecting the things you care about. But he also told me sometimes you can't protect someone anymore and you have to let them go." Natsu said. He looked to Lucy who gave him a warm smile. "I think he'd like you, Lucy. If I ever find him, you'll be the first one to meet him."

"Natsu, that's..." Lucy smiled. She began to fidget with her hands. "I mean I'd be honored. I really would. But I don't think I deserve it all that much. I mean we're still strangers. " Natsu laughed, by now he'd expected Lucy to say just that.

"Igneel told me, the same night he gave me the gold key, that he once had a Key Keeper. He described her as the best; smart, brave, kind, and full of brilliant spirit. I think you fit that description perfectly really. I think he'd be proud I found such an amazing Key Keeper and friend. " Natsu paused to look Lucy straight in the eyes. "And though we really don't know much about each other, I really don't think we're strangers at all. In a weird way, I feel like we're connected." Lucy looked at Natsu with a sentimental expression. Her eyes were glossy like she was going to cry. Her lips were pressed into a tight but not forced smile and her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Without thinking she squeezed Natsu into a hug. Natsu grinned widely and hugged her back. She never felt less alone.

They parted before the contact could become awkward and both faced forward. Lucy hadn't noticed, but they had arrived at the steps leading to the entrance of the building already.

"You wanna race me up the stairs?" Natsu asked. Lucy gave a thoughtful look before giving a small frown.

"But you'll beat me,"

"It's only for fun, Luce. If you want—" In the midst of Natsu's talking, Lucy darted up the stairs with a laugh. "Hey, that's cheating" Natsu shouted running after her.

Natsu ended up winning anyway. Lucy pouted in defeat while Natsu boasted loudly getting looks from the people around them.

"I was going to let you win but then you cheated," Natsu informed her. His toothy grin seemed to mock her now. Lucy elbowed him lightly.

"Whatever, pinky, let's go," Lucy said annoyed. Lucy pushed the door open and walked inside. Natsu hurried after her.

Lucy and Natsu walked up to Evergreen behind the front desk. Evergreen glanced up at them with a suspicious look.

"What are you little fairies doing back here."

"I would like to request another consultation with Miss Mavis," Lucy said before Natsu could speak. Natsu raised an eyebrow.

"What are you going to that lady for?" Natsu asked. Lucy waved him off.

"Sorry, but she's busy today. She isn't doing any consultations." Evergreen informed them.

"Can you call and tell her Lucy of Fairy Tail wants to talk?" Lucy asked. Evergreen sighed.

"I mean I guess, but don't get your hopes up." Evergreen said annoyed. She called Mavis's office. "Hello, sorry to bother you Mavis, but Lucy Heart . . . er . . . of Fairy Tail has requested another consultation." Mavis's voice could be heard faintly from the phone.

"Oh goody! Sent her up!" Mavis said happily through the phone. Evergreen looked surprised.

"Alright then." Evergreen hung up. "Go ahead, I guess." She said. Lucy bowed in thanks and walked to the elevator. Natsu followed behind her confused.

Lucy and Natsu arrived at Mavis's office. They walked inside. Mavis smiled a smile so big her eyes squinted closed. As she opened them she looked slightly taken aback.

"I didn't expect you to be here Natsu." Mavis smiled before returning her gaze to Lucy. "I'm so glad you decided to come to me to talk Lucy."

"Well, I'm here but I'm not sure why" Natsu huffed. Natsu grabbed Lucy's arms and pulled her to the side. "I thought we were gonna research the Key, Luce. Why are we here." He whispered harshly.

"She's an expert, Natsu. It would save us the trouble of looking for the information we need."

"I have a bad feeling about her though, Luce," Natsu said giving a sideways glance to Mavis.

"I really can't imagine why. She hasn't done anything to cause you suspicion." Lucy said. "Now knock it off and be polite." Lucy dragged Natsu forward. She reached into the pouch on her belt and pulled out the gold key she gets away from the rest. She set it on the table. Natsu watched biting his lip. Mavis raised an eyebrow like it wasn't what she was expecting.

"We would like to know what you could tell us about this key," Mavis nodded slowly.

"May I?" She reached for the key.

"No." Natsu blurted. Lucy nudged him as soon as the word slipped his tongue.

"Natsu," Lucy said. "She's helping us." Natsu pouted and crossed his arms.

"Fine." He spat. Mavis gave a patient but wavering smile and picked up the gold flame shaped key in her hands. Mavis seemed to get a distant look.

"Where'd you get this?" She asked. Her voice took on a different tone. It was more serious but still calm.

"My father gave it to me,"

"I don't see how that's possible," Mavis said. "No one is supposed to know about these let alone have one. I'm going to have to take this." Natsu's eyes widened and his hands slammed into Mavis's desk.

"You can't take it!" Natsu shrieked. The boldness of his voice seized Lucy's heart for a moment.

"It's not registered under your name. So legally I can." Mavis said her voice was considerably grimmer than it was before. Each word got graver and graver. Natsu tried to charge at her but Lucy held him back squeezing his shoulders desperately.

"Mavis, that key means a great deal to Natsu. You can't take it. It was his father's, then his, and now mine. His father found that key." Lucy's eyes seemed to plead with Mavis.

"He didn't find it. He must've lied." Mavis said. She squeezed the key harder. "This belongs to a Key Keeper named Zeref. I don't know how you got it but I do know he had it originally."

"I don't care! Give it back! Igneel told me to protect that and I won't let you take it." Natsu yelled. His hands grabbed at the air trying to grasp the key. Mavis stared at Natsu.

"Igneel?" Mavis asked. Her face fell immediately. Her whole body seemed to melt. "Igneel couldn't possibly have a son."

"Yes, he did. He adopted me." Natsu said. Mavis set the key down on the table. Natsu snatched it from the table and pressed it into Lucy's hand. Mavis put her hands under her chin and thought a moment

"Zeref must've given the key to Igneel. I apologize." Mavis frowned. She looked away in shame.

"It's okay. It was only a misunderstanding. Right Natsu?" Lucy gripped Natsu sleeve and tugged it lightly. He bobbed his head up and down once.

Mavis's eyes widened suddenly like she remembered something. She bit the tip of her thumb. "You must be the one then. Yes, things are becoming clearer now." It seemed the statement was mostly to herself like she was saying her thoughts out loud. "And you're with Layla's daughter. Fate really is coming together quite nicely. Hold on Natsu, Lucy, I have something to give you." Mavis got up out of her chair and disappeared out of the door. Lucy and Natsu stood confused as they watched her leave. Lucy's hand still gripped Natsu's sleeve.

Lucy turned to Natsu with a frown. Her face was still pale with fear.

"I'm sorry, Natsu. You almost lost your key because of me."

"No, it's your key now remember. It's alright, Luce. You didn't know that was gonna happen." Natsu said. Lucy couldn't tell if he meant it or not, which scared her because his emotions always shown in his sleeve. She was never uncertain of what he was feeling.

"I promise to keep it safe Natsu. Because it's precious to you and now it's precious to me." Lucy assured him. Natsu managed a small smile and a nod. Mavis came back with a small chest. She set it on her desk and pulled out a key from around her neck. She unlocked it and pulled out something wrapped in black silk cloth. She unwrapped it carefully to review and pulled out a platinum colored key with silver attachments coming from its tops and coiling down to the bottom.

"The key in your hand belongs to a series of six Elemental Keys that were discovered by the Key Keeper called Zeref. Inside each key's room, it was said that it contained immense magic power. That one is Ignis, the Fire." Mavis explained. "This key called Aether, the emptiness. It is one of the most powerful keys known to man." She seemed to clench her teeth as she leaned forward slightly. "The moment Zeref held this key in his hand it began to suck the life out of him. Slowly, he lost his sanity and will to live until he disappeared altogether. You see, this Key is different from all others. It has the ability to suck the life energy out of anything it touches and it is then added to the power held within its room, a truly dark power. But to open its rooms you need to complete the others. Before Zeref disappeared he hid the other keys and told very few about them. He gave this one to me."

"Why are you holding it then? Isn't it draining you like it did to Zeref." Lucy asked. Mavis shook her head.

"This may be confusing to understand but I'm not quite human like you. But rather I'm an embodiment of the magical power of another very powerful key." Mavis motioned to the key that sat in a glass case on her desk.

"If it's so powerful, then why keep it out in the open like that,"

"It's magic power protects it. Unlike Aether, Lux, The Light, emits power rather than taking it." Mavis said.

"Are you one of the elemental keys then?" Lucy asked. Mavis shook her head.

"No. Lux was the first key to appear on earthland. It creates all the other keys. That is the reason why I know so much about them. The same power is what adds new pages to the book that is held here. When the key was put into Earthland, so was I. I haven't always been working here. Before this, I had traveled with Zeref for a short time. And before that, I traveled alone." Mavis said.

"You said you were giving that key to us though. Won't it drain our life energy?" Natsu asked.

"Indeed it will. Of course, it's up to you to take on the burden of having it." Mavis said.

"Why give it to us?" Lucy asked.

"That is what Zeref had requested."

"Why would he request to give it to me?"

"I don't think now's the time to tell you that, Natsu," Mavis said. "But come back to me when you're older and I'll tell you then. If you don't find out yourself or course."

"What do we do if we take the key?" Lucy asked bringing the subject back around.

"Defeat its room and keep it out of the wrong hands,"

"How do you know we are the right hands?"

"I don't. But you both are quite promising." Mavis said. "So will you take it or not."

"Yes," Lucy said while Natsu said no. Lucy looked at Natsu with a curious look.

"You're not carrying around a key that's sucking the life out of you Lucy. That's not happening." Natsu said.

"You could always hold it, Natsu." Mavis pointed out. Natsu thought about that for a moment.

"Alright, we'll take it then," Natsu said. Mavis took a chain necklace with a small flower on the bottom and gave it to Natsu.

"You can have this. It will help protect you from Aether's power and slow down its effects." Mavis said. She then attached the key to a string and placed it in Natsu palm along with the necklace.

"It's a girl necklace," Natsu muttered.

"I'm willing to wear the necklace and key if the necklace bothers you that much, Natsu. " Lucy said. Natsu shot her down instantly and put both around his neck and tucked them into his scarf. The pair waved goodbye to Mavis and walked out of her office.

"That was nothing like I was thinking we'd learn,"

"Do you feel it draining you, Natsu?" He shook his head.

"Don't worry Lucy I'll be fine."

She had the strong desire to tell Natsu her secret. They were already keeping so many together. She knew Natsu wouldn't tell. She knew Natsu would help her through it, he actually already was without even trying. She trusted Natsu more than she thought she could trust anyone. Natsu had been so open with her as well. Besides, it'd be good to get it off her chest. She took a deep breath and huffed it out. She couldn't tell him today. He had just discovered so many things already. And besides, Lucy didn't think she'd be able to muster up enough courage or find the right words to tell him that she had been lying to his face.

The two of them walked back to the hotel in a strange silence. It was as if everything was just settling into them. A lot of things were still left unexplained and there were a lot of answers that they both wanted, but they hadn't the time. Plus, Mavis wasn't so willing to give them. Maybe fate would make everything clear in the end. All Natsu and Lucy needed was to be patient.


Welp, there you go folks. I don't when I'll update again. Hopefully, soon.

I'm feeling a little saucy so I might have a chapter that takes place in the past just so I can have some zervis moments.

leave a review, or not, the choice is yours

Edited and Refined: 02-25-18 (should've been done a lot sooner but life got in the way.)