Hello readers! Its Rockingcass12 here for the third chapter
Jellybeanbubbles and I are so grateful for the amazing support given in the last chapter and we're glad that our Miraxus fan base is well supported even though it's a minor pairing in this story and the compliments on the compatibility between myself and Jellbeanbubbles writings so far are very much treasured.
I had to write this chapter veeeeeery slowly due to a nasty writers block. So hope this chapter was worth the wait!
It was a dawn of yet another day and also the deadline of Natsu Dragneel's arrival for his escort to his employer. Once nearing the inn he was to meet the men of his soon to be 'boss', he dismounted his horse that was of the colour of metallic blue. Natsu led the horse on foot for the rest of the journey to Honeybone inn.
Even though he had been in Crocus before, Natsu couldn't stop aweing at how breathtakingly huge the city was, it felt like an eternity walking to the rendezvous point.
Although now it seemed that the size of the city was the only magnificent thing about it. It was once a place of festivities, beautiful gardens and flowers, wonderful hospitable inns and restaurants and warm earnest residents.
Natsu had never been one for politics or monarchy squabbles, but he knew very well the new king was definitely not take good care of Fiore, he could see it in all his travels after the new king had usurped the throne. Natsu was disheartened at what had become of the once beautiful Crocus.
As they walked Natsu yawned loudly next to his horse Happy, he suddenly realised how little rest he had on his journey to get to Crocus on time. Nonetheless he would rather have walked then spend torturous hours on a carriage.
The pinkette knew the other two should be arriving after him… then again Natsu did get terribly lost on the way… and he had fished for food and napped yesterday evening.
"You were cutting it short on time brat. What happened to your oh-so fast horse with the ridiculous name?" a mocking voice called out as he was nearing the in.
Natsu's eyebrow twitched at hearing the familiar cocky voice. Usually he would throw the first punch and start a fight right there, but Natsu didn't retaliate violently like Jackal was hoping for; instead Natsu can only be the same cocky 'brat' he keeps being called.
"Well I was tryin' ta delay the next time I'd see your foul face, unfortunately good things must come to an end." Natsu said dramatically while smirking.
Standing next to Jackal, Torafuzer tried to stifle his laughter at the comment but regained his stoic facade but still received an unpleasant sounding growl from his companion.
As Jackal was about to retort, Torafuzer gave the two a scary look to shut them up "Now… I'm pleased you could make it Natsu Dragneel, we'll take you to our employer now."
Natsu nodded while roping Happy to the horse's station, and collected his knapsack and sword. The two escorts proceeded to walk in front of Natsu, he looked beyond the two figures to get some idea of where they are heading. His eyes were set on the mighty Mercurius Castle that lay in the centre of the city, or rather took up half the city. The pinkette guessed they were heading to the upper class ring of the city, perhaps a duke or noble was requesting his services.
But his guess appeared to be very wrong as they kept walking, passing the Noble estates and drawing closer to the castle.
"What the hell?" Natsu muttered as they approached the entrance of the castle.
Jackal smirked at hearing the pinkette's mutter "Is your confidence thinning brat? Where'd all that ego from earlier go?"
Natsu snarled back at Jackal "My ego is nothin' compared to that fat head of yours. Just shut up and take me to your employer." Natsu was just about at the end of his rope with this guy.
Jackal was smiling despite the brash comment. Even Torafuzer was smirking next to him, amused at their little inside joke.
The gates were enormous and carved in beautiful patterns, twisting and curving in every direction. There were hundreds of guards in sight when it opened and they all simultaneously bowed before Jackal and Torafuzer.
"Welcome back Torafuzer the Dark, and Sir Jackal." The head officer said in front of his peers.
Torafuzer and Jackal ignored him and walked past while Natsu stood still in awe of the castle and the fact that his escorts were higher ranking people here. Before his two escorts got too far he caught up to them with a mouthful of questions.
"Who the hell am I seein'? Who are you exactly? And who in the world is my employer?!"
Torafuzer kept walking along the long hallway and ignored Natsu's small outburst, Jackal though, had much to add to Natsu's irritation.
The dirty headed blonde stalked back to Natsu and moved in close to his face. Provoking Natsu with his dirty glare.
"Listen you, we chose you on behalf of our employer, but if you carry on making a noise we will throw you out and leave you jobless without a second thought." He said leering, taunting him in a way.
Natsu grumbled and glared Jackal in the eye, he hated to admit it but it was true that they could throw him on the curb, and that wouldn't help the dragon hunter since he needed to… well… hunt dragons. His employer's lackeys were just a little bump on the road.
After their short stare down Natsu shoved passed Jackal almost knocking the dirty blonde over, which again, Jackal ignored since he was having too much fun with this one.
The halls were long and seemed like a maze of sorts with everything looking the same, they would walk past décor or doors that would make Natsu think they were walking in circles they were so similar.
Natsu's palms were sweating, was he meeting a castle official? Or perhaps a high ranking officer? The King…?
Natsu shook his head at his last thought, for why would the King need his services, or better yet, need him to slay a dragon? It just sounded ridiculous.
Although… Natsu has been wrong before, many times actually.
Torafuzer and Jackal halted abruptly at a grand entrance to an unknown chamber, the door was ten times larger than any man that would stand next to it, and was an exquisite piece of art.
Natsu gulped finally realising who might be on the opposite end of the door.
The door swung open with haste by the two escorts and Natsu felt his self-image being questioned. His mouth pulled into a frown at seeing none other than the new King of Fiore; Mard Geer.
His Majesty was seated upon his throne uncaring of who just entered, taking in his goblet of wine. He had an eerie smile on his face that would've sent chills up any ordinary man's spine. Except Natsu wasn't normal man, his face was nothing less than emotionless, which Jackal mistook for fear, Torafuzer on the other hand became concerned that he couldn't read the young man's expression.
Mard Geer finally made eye contact with the Dragon Hunter, the Kings cold black emotionless eyes were gateways into the underhanded mans' mind. Natsu thought to himself how careless it was for a man in such a high position to let anyone see through his façade, and his eyes were screaming at Natsu.
The men and woman, of which Natsu counted seven, were surrounding his Majesty were less of a threat than the man on the throne. Natsu would class them with the men that escorted him. Basically Natsu ranked them at a level below him due to his ego. Although he felt indifferently about the man they serve.
The Dark King's smile didn't falter; in fact he just folded one leg over the other casually and looked towards his men and Natsu.
"Come in gentlemen. Torafuzer, Jackal introduce me to the fine young man behind you." He said amiably, it was almost sickening to Natsu's ears the way he said it.
Natsu was escorted by the two men in front of Mard's throne, they practically threw themselves on the floor to kneel before the King.
Natsu raised his eyebrow at them and almost mocking the two men, he bowed slightly, since he held enough common sense to know that he was in the presence of a man who could kill him right there and then.
Mard's fake polite smile turned into a foul smirk "Seems you are a very proud young man, the intensity I see in you might be taken the wrong way though."
Natsu didn't answer but only nodded which in turn made Mard even more narcissistic.
Torafuzer and Jackal lifted themselves from the ground and both turned slightly to glare at the pinkette.
Torafuzer then took a step forward "This, your majesty is Dragon Hunter Natsu Dragneel. He was highly recommended by the best Hunters guild association in the land."
"Highly recommended you say?" Mard said trying to sound impressed.
"More like he's the only one stupid enough to take on those creatures." Jackal said with a offending tone.
Natsu rolled his eyes knowing he couldn't retort to the bastard now.
"Are you implying he's the only one in the land Jackal?" Mard asked curiously.
All eyes darted to Natsu inquisitively, especially the eyes of a certain tactician; Seilah. Natsu particularly noticed her watching him as her mind was compiling information that she might know of him. Her brain was a bountiful archive of facts and important information but she could barely trace his name in her mind.
Mard Geer sat up and stretched slightly "Well, before we get down to business I'd like to enquire about how many dragons you've slain."
Natsu's mouth tightened, not really sure how to explain himself.
He inhaled and exhaled out his nose "I haven't really kept count, but I killed the Axios Mountains nest when a disease swept Fiore that affected the dragons. From then I travelled the whole country to get rid of every single one."
Seliah's eyes widened which was rare for her "That was twelve years ago… h-how old were you?"
Mard's interest was piqued at Seliah's question and by Natsu's reaction, his face showed he was in pain and his fidgeting showed he was uncomfortable.
Natsu hesitated before answering "I was Ten years old at the time." He said lowly.
A mumbling went around the room, and some were especially shocked while others silently kept to themselves.
Another one of the Tartarus' gates was annoyingly cackling "This boy sure knows how to make a first impression! How much are the lives of those beasts worth?! How much?! How much?!"
Torafuzer's patience was wearing thin "Franmalth, stop that infernal cackling. It's undignified."
The one named Franmalth made Natsu hot with fury. The knight was a horrid spectacle to behold, he was short and disgustingly fat with a greenish complexion. He had only one eye as it seemed the other was missing, and he kept spitting each time he spoke.
He made someone angry that would've been best no to. Franmalth though, didn't notice that Natsu stalked to where he was standing.
The sound of a sword unsheathing caught his attention and sure enough in front of him Natsu's sword was pointed directly at him. Franmalth normally wouldn't be shocked at a sword pointed at him but this time it was different.
The sword was on fire.
"Listen you lard of crap, you better damn well show some respect. I had no choice but to kill them because of that disease, not for some sick thrill!" Natsu roared.
The others tried to intervene until Silver pulled Natsu back by his collar and pushed him away from Franmalth. The action made the large man sigh in relief and in turn wipe off some sweat on his forehead.
"Apologies, but you are in his Majesty's presence. I want to ask one final question and then this interview will conclude and you may be on your way, far from my comrades." The older man calmly said.
Natsu stared down the older knight irritably and realised his impulsive decision wasn't the best idea. He straightened his back and glanced at the King who hadn't said anything for some time but looked to be enjoying himself, as if the pinkette was some kind of jester.
Natsu gave off a low growl and extinguished his sword by sheathing it. His gaze on the older man was hard, waiting in anticipation.
"How did you come into Dragon Hunting?" Silver asked.
Natsu's gaze hit the floor immediately; Silver knew he hit the nail on the head by his reaction.
"Do tell us the reason Sir Dragneel. Your hesitance and behaviour are indeed making me curious." Mard Geer spoke up, mockingly.
Natsu's proudly lifted his head and made eye contact with the King "I assure you, your Highness, that it was not by choice." Natsu grumpily replied.
Before he could elaborate his reasoning he noticed the smug faces of those he already despised in the room, creating a mental note to himself to punch every single one of them once he finished his job.
"I was raised by Dragons at an age I do not recall. Thus over the years I learnt their behaviour, weaknesses and was well taught on everything I know in combat today. When the disease sprung I made a promise to a Great Dragon, I promised him that I would eradicate all Dragons that would cause harm to the land."
The room fell silent; everyone was beyond shocked at the news. Even Jackal, who always had something to say, was quiet. Mard's smile was almost lost but regained itself.
"Ah, well, I think you're just what I need then." The King said condescendingly.
Natsu's inner battle to keep his mannerisms together wasn't going as well as he thought until Mard said he had been given the job.
"I grow tired, everyone leave, and Kyoka please do explain Sir Dragneel's assignment so that he may be on his way." Mard shooed off.
Once the room cleared Natsu still stood in front of the King with his mouth firm in a frown.
"Let's go Dragneel" Kyoka grinned wickedly.
Natsu broke his gaze with Mard and turned to Kyoka who looked amused at Natsu's displeasured face.
Once out of the throne room, Kyoka turned to the Dragon Hunter with a sadistic smile on her face for no apparent reason "Now to business. As you quite well know there is a Dragon that needs to be slain. But what we truly need is for you to retrieve a person."
"A person? Who?" Natsu said with a raised eyebrow.
"Princess Lucy Heartfilia." She confirmed.
"A Princess? What in Mavis' name is a Princess doing with a dragon?" he asked sceptically.
Kyoka frowned slightly at the unnecessary questioning "It really doesn't matter why she's there. What matters is that she is in a tower guarded by the dragon. The King just wants you to retrieve her and bring her back safely, and you may kill your Dragon along the way."
Natsu wasn't convinced, but had to let his suspicions slip and he unwillingly nodded his head at the woman.
She smiled again sinisterly "Good… Now, her location is somewhere on Galuna island; which is all the information we have. Because of the lack of information the King has permitted you less than two months to retrieve her. Any more time than that we will just assume you are deceased."
Natsu irritation leaked back in "And what makes you think I'll die that easily? All you idiotic knights are infuriating me." He said walking away from the female knight.
He stopped abruptly when he suddenly recognized something about the information she gave him "Galuna?! The Hell! You made me come all the way here so I can be told to hop on a god forsaken boat that was on standby from where I was originally?! I can't believe you wasted my time! You sons of – huh? Where did you go?!" Natsu yelled at the woman who seemed to have slipped away at some point.
The pinkette rubbed his temple and sighed at the thought of this burdensome journey ahead of him. He may have unknowingly agreed to more than that he had bargained for.
The crystal blue waters of the ocean were breathtakingly beautiful at every time of the day. From dawn till dusk and dusk till dawn, the view of the shimmering waters always had a way of making her smile and forget everything for a much needed brief moment.
It was one of the only things she enjoyed while being imprisoned.
This woman was dazzlingly beautiful; the sun generously shined on her which showed off her long blonde hair which looked to be made of gold and her eyes against the sun resembled embers. Her skin was pale and unblemished, and her features were nothing short of flawless. And this beauty was all but trapped in an accursed tower.
The woman looking over the ocean sighed sadly and redirected her gaze to the disgusting sight of the land she lived upon.
You could see just a little beyond the tower she was trapped in, the rest of the fortress was all in ruins and scattered debris. And just beyond that was a lake of fire and sulphur, a single bridge connected the forbidden area and the rest of the island.
The woman scowled at the Black beast returning to its nest in the ruins it created.
Unladylike, she snorted at the creature and spat outside her window to show her distaste for the creature.
Very unladylike indeed, for she is the Princess of Konzern. Or so a journal told her, since she had no memories of being one or being raised like one.
All she could recall was the loving faces of her parents but beyond that she can't remember much except that they have perished. The main reason she wept many nights.
But as she had gotten older the tears slowly dried up and the memories of her parents have become that of yesterday. And likewise was the lady known as Princess Heartfilia.
She is just Lucy Heartfilia now.
She turned her gaze from the outside and crouched down to retrieve an item from under her bed.
What she had in her right hand was a handcrafted bow, the lines were exquisitely precise, it was well crafted and sturdy regardless what direction you pull from. In her left she held a few hand-crafted arrows that weren't as well made as the bow. She gripped them tightly and turned her head to the window once more.
"Just a few more days, and then I'll finally escape…"
Sorry Lucy's scene was sorta short. And another sorry for the story being updated later than usual.
Big thanks to everyone who has been greatly supporting us! We're in awe that we're nearing 50 followers! You guys are great!
The next chapter will be posted by Jellybeanbubbles but till then please leave an encouraging review of the story :3
JBB: Woohoo! Chapter 3 done! Good job as always twin ;D