Disclaimer. I don't own anything. The characters and all that is own by the great Hiro-sensei. I'm just an 21 year old girl who likes Fairy Tail and writing.
-Oby Abel-
Chapter 14: Importance
Natsu blinked at her baffled. So that was her reason? Because she was afraid of falling in love with him?
"Luce," He cupped her face gently staring into her eyes with as much sincerity he could show. Because now he understood. Understood how fragile women really were. All those long hours of lessons from the women at the guild had paid off. "I understand." He muttered softly. "I understand you are afraid and because of that I'll slow down my pace. I'll wait for you. I didn't want you to be upset because I rushed with things. For that I'm sorry.. We'll start from the bottom and work our way up there."
Rushing was his mistake. He shouldn't have acted with his bold confident self. He should've just let them slowly revert back to their former selves, let it happen naturally. He knew now. Lucy's heart was still too fragile and vulnerable and that's why she acted like she did. The wounds were still too deep, hadn't even healed yet.
So he admit this was his fault and he would slow down. He would first be her friend, best friend and when the time was right he would ask her to in date. He would take his time. And maybe that was for the best too. They had to build their severed friendship, the bond that had been harshly destroyed but because of their own selfishness and denial they had tried to shrug it off putting a Band-Aid on and just leaving it at that. He realized that know. They needed to have the thread heal complete before progressing their relationship.
It would be hard. The feeling of wanting to always be by her side was growing stronger. His instincts telling him she was home, he should always be there with her. Never leave her side. And worst the want to always hold her in his arms, securing her in his embrace shielding her from everything. Kissing her pain away. It would be hard to give up on that.
But he would do it. He loved her that much and wanted to make it right. He wanted to start from the bottom. Getting to know her like he had never known her before. He wanted to know everything about her. The side of a woman she was that he had never seen or knowing. He knew her as Lucy, his best friend but he didn't know her as Lucy the woman. He wanted to know her as well. He wanted to known the blonde completely.
Lucy stared at him, searching his eyes. She was relieved and happy that he was so understanding. That he didn't judge her. His words warmed her heart.
Because she wasn't confident enough to hand her heart to him yet. She wasn't ready for that. She wanted to get rid of her fears and insecurities before taking another step. She wanted to heal their friendship. They had both been kidding themselves by thinking everything would just revert back after their talk earlier. To blinded by their relief.
They needed time. Lucy needed time. It wasn't like she didn't trust him. She did. She would trust her life with him but not her heart. Not when she was so confused and broken as she was. It was neither fair for him or her. If they had to have a healthy relationship as a couple they needed to trust their hearts with one other.
Lucy knew Natsu trusted her completely and blindly and for that she was grateful. It eased many of her doubts but to say she was there would be a lie. A lie she didn't want to make herself believe again.
"Thank you. For understanding and not judging me." She whispered with relief. Her eyes shining grateful. She felt lucky to have a guy and friend like him in her life. He always had the right things to say to keep her at ease and have her relax.
Natsu smiled lovingly at her, stroking her cheek with adoration. "We'll start from the beginning. Start with rebuilding our trust." He repeated.
"I do trust you Natsu. You're still my best friend but it's my heart that…"
"And I respect that." He clarified with his kind smile, making her heart skip a beat. "I respect and understand that you can't hand your heart to me as of yet. You are still afraid that the past will repeat itself. No matter what I say and do won't help. You'll need to make your own pace. And I get that, Luce. I will wait here by your side."
Feeling tears forming but refusing to let them shed she smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him. "Thank you for being patient with me." She whispered into his neck.
Elated, Natsu squeezed her waist once resting chin on her shoulder. "I'm just returning the favor." He grinned into the empty space. "Like you being patient with me and our team for always ending destroying things."
She giggled and let her relax completely in his arms. His scent and warmth easing every tension from her body. "We should go on a mission soon. The whole team. It's been a while."
He hmm'ed in approval. "We can ask them after returning from the Celestial Realm."
His statement made her pause and remembering about Draco and his request. Pulling away she frowned. "We'll be away for a long time. And I just got back."
He chuckled at her pouting expression, he found her more adorable. "But this time you'll have company with you. I'll be there, Levy, Erza and Mira too." He reminded her.
She nodded absent-mindedly but it still didn't make her that happy. She still had rent to pay. The thought of rent made her scream as she remembered that she had two weeks before the next payment, and startled him. "My rent!"
"I'll pay for it." He offered without a second thought. Her eyes widened in shock and mouth agape.
"What?!" She exclaimed. "It's 210.000 jewels Natsu! Almost a quarter of a million. You don't even have money for your own food, always raiding my house, and here you are offering me help!"
He pouted by her disbelief. So what if he liked eating her food. He was just too lazy to do grocery shopping himself. That's why he and Happy always fish, it wasn't that much of a hassle like going through a market full of food only to be shooed away because he may or may not have eaten things without paying for it. And he may or may not be banned from most of Magnolia's supermarkets.
"I do have money. And I can pay for your rent for a whole year if you want me to." He stated still with his pout. He crossed his arms and stared at her who was staring at him in disbelief.
"Then why are you eating all my food, idiot!" She yelled indignantly, staring at him with hard accusing eyes.
"Because your food is delicious."
"You – arh! From now on you make your on grocery shopping and pay for it yourself! I'm not a charity program." She huffed and moved away from his lap, arms folded when she stating her seriousness.
Rolling his arms, he nodded. "I'll pay for my own food. Happy?"
"No. Pissed, but you're forgiven." He grinned at how easily she forgave him. Just like she always did.
"So about my offer, it still stands." She thought about it. But she couldn't just accept that large of an amount. What would he do when they get back? And what about Happy?
Shaking her head she answered. "No. I can't take your money. Happy may need them while we're gone."
He snorted with a grimace. "Yeah, on fish." If Natsu told him about his hiding stash of money apart from their joint stash Happy would use it all on fish and then when Natsu came back he would probably lie and tell him that a burglar stole it just like when they came back from Tenrou Island. He was almost positive that would happen. He knew his feline best friend a bit too well.
"That's true too but I still can't accept. Thanks for your offer though. I'll figure something out." She declined politely him with one of his favorite Lucy smiles. One full of life and one that reached her eyes.
"If you haven't found a solution by tomorrow then I'll pay the landlady before leaving." He warned with a grin. Lucy let out a giggle and nodded.
"Of course." Glancing at her window she noticed how dark it really was and sighed, sitting next to Natsu. "Maybe we should head to bed early today. It's been quite a long day."
He watched her from the corner of her eyes. She looked more like the Lucy he remembered years ago. Of course he could still see the broken girl in her too, it wasn't hard to miss especially know he understood her more. But it was a start. Turning fully around he smiled at her and nodded his head in agreement.
"It has, so I better leave and let you have your much needed beauty sleep." He teased and earned a playful glare and punch to his arm.
"Jerk. Way to call someone ugly." She grumbled and stuck her tongue out.
"Anytime!" He grinned mischievously and got up towards the window. Lucy sobered up when she saw him about to jump out from the window like always.
"Wait!" He turned around at her sudden exclamation. He watched her stand up and rushing to give him a hug. Her arms snaked around his waist and head pressed to his chest, hugging him life her depended on it. He looked down at her with surprised eyes, very baffled at her sudden action.
"I can't say it enough..." She murmured into his chest and slowly leaned her head back, craning her head upwards to look at him with her soft brown orbs that reflected relief and happiness. Pure contest-ness. Her lips turned upwards and slowly a beautiful smile appeared. "Thank you, Natsu."
He was taken by surprise, but slowly his face softened, lips turning into a rare affectionate smile and eyes sparkling with the same emotion. His one arm snaked around her shoulder, giving her a squeeze and a hand landed on her blonde tresses, stroking her head. He didn't speak with words but his eyes.
Rush of happiness pouring into her soul, Lucy laid her head back on his chest reveling in the moment of peace. From her self and her fears. From the world. The only thing mattering was Natsu and her. How at peace both were.
Natsu let the hug go on for a few minutes while just enjoying the feel of having her sighing into his chest peacefully. He could feel how much she needed to hug him and he was glad. To be of help to her and for having her in his arms. She fit so perfectly in his arms.
With minutes ticking away, leaving the two mages in pure bliss, Lucy's lids began to feel heavy and she let out a wide yawn. Noticing this Natsu pulled away and smiled down at her. "It's time for you to sleep. I'll be here in the morning."
Not one to argue in her tired state of mind Lucy nodded with a sleepy smile and let Natsu guide her to her bed and tug her into bed. Not noticing him still by her side she let sleep claim her worn out and emotionally drained body, asleep in second with a smile on her lips. It wasn't a surprise. She had been working on overtime all day long.
Natsu watched her breathing even out and chuckle when he saw her smiling in her sleep. She was so adorable sleeping in contentment. It tempted him to sneak right next to her, hugging her all night but he couldn't do that. Not yet at least. He may have done it many times before but that was before finding out she was his mate and that he was in love with her. When he was an oblivious idiot.
Sighing he sat down and let his hand even out her hair from her face. He was happy that she had opened up. Told him her fears. Yet he was annoyed with himself for acting rash, for freaking her out. He should've known that he just couldn't ask Lucy to be his girlfriend or demand that he go on with her on her journey to find Aquarius' key. But he misjudged the situation and asked anyway.
And now he knew another thing about Lucy. She was way more fragile and vulnerable than he had ever thought. Sure he had witnessed it at firsthand at the park, but the pure fear in her oh-so beautiful brown orbs he first witnessed this evening. When she confessed why she acted so drastic, panicky.
Understanding better, he knew he couldn't rush this, so he thought that maybe what they just needed was to forget about the mating ritual, ignore suppress their feelings and just act like they used to. Fall back into their routine. Surely that would do the trick, he figured.
So with new determination he glanced down at the sleeping blonde with his signature grin. He would be the Natsu she was used to be around. Be her best friend and partner and wait for her to accept him and fall in love with him. All on her pace.
He left her apartment with his heart at ease and his grin never faltering. Because he was at least confident that now nothing would change other than him making her fall in love with him. The thought excited him.
…
When morning came Lucy stirred when bright sun began warming her face. Turning her face into the pillow she let out a groan. Her body was heavy and her head ached. The emotional drain from yesterday still evident.
Pushing her self up to setting potions she blinked and let out a loud yawn as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. She stretched her body, satisfied to hear her joints pop and then smiled. Despite all the heart ache from yesterday she knew today was going to be a much better day. And it was all thanks to Natsu.
She hadn't felt this good in a long time. It was almost like everything was a dream. She internally hoped not. If it was a dream she hoped she would never wake up.
Pushing herself up from her bed she made her way to her bathroom. When she saw her own reflection she was tempted to let out a scream yet she stopped herself because it made her only know yesterday wasn't a dream. There in front of her was a puffy eyed, red rimmed and bloodshot eyes of Lucy Heartfilia. Her whole face was bloated and she looked like a pitiful mess.
"This is bad…" She mumbled poking under her right eye. It really was bad. Her eye bags were an ugly purply-yellowy color, and the rest of her face looked ill because her complexion was off. She looked paler than she normally was. Add the bloodshot eyes, she looked like a Zombie.
Sighing dejected she decided she would deal with it after a nice bath because her body could seriously use a hot nice relaxing bath. Entering the hot water she eased down into the tub and moaned in delight when all but her head was submerged.
"This is nice." A blissful sigh escape her, her eyes closing and mouth began humming in contentment. Just as she reckoned, this was what she needed. A little piece of heaven on Earth. Her come to place when she wanted peace and quiet. It was so per-
"Luuuuucy-chan!" Her eyes snapped open when that annoying piercing sound of a God she slowly regretted meeting. He ruined her mood.
"Draco." She growled internally and externally. Pissed that he interrupted her peace and quiet.
"Bad timing?"
"Just state what you need and leave!"
"Just wanted to know… when… you… were… coming." He was just like a little child, speaking in a voice meant to make her guilty for snapping at her. She could even see how he was pouting sadly.
Rubbing her temples, trying to soothe her headache that had just turned worse, she answered. "I don't know yet, the other Slayers will have to arrive first. And I just recently woke up."
"Okay. So…" He trailed off, not sure how to continue with his next question but Lucy well enough what her wanted to ask. Just like he always did.
"No. And I don't want to hear about that anymore. We decided to go slow, my pace. So don't even utter a word about it when we arrive." She warned darkly.
Draco stayed silent for a few minutes, making Lucy think he had left and relax in her bath, but she heard a deep sigh which startled her.
"How long till he reach 22 human years? It is what you said right?" Lucy paused, confused and very startled. His voice had changed. He was more serious and had lost his childish and happy edge.
"Yes." She answered. " He'll turn 22 under three years. But about that. He is long over 22 years old, along with the other Dragon Slayers. Shouldn't they have, I don't know, died long ago?" It had been bugged her too when she was told about Natsu and the others coming from the past. They had long exceeded the age limit. So shouldn't they had been dead or something? Like having their magic eat them alive as Natsu stated? Not that she waned that. God no. It just made her confused about the whole mating ritual.
"It's actually not about age but maturity. A Dragon is known to mature when they reach their 200 year while for the Slayer it's around their 20s. Their Dragon parent chooses an age and then a self-destruction spell is set inside their soul, the only way for them to stop it will be mating."He stated grimly.
Her eyes widened in horror. Their own parents bond them to that fate?! Then she remembered. Natsu hadn't actually read anything about a specific age in the book. Her heart clenched painfully. He must've remembered his father informing him then. That must've not been pleasant. Poor Natsu and the others. They all were condemned to such a fate by their own parents.
"T-that's horrible…" She breathed. It was beyond horrible. She felt sad for the Slayers. More than she had ever felt.
"For some people it may seem horrible but it has to be done." Draco explained his tone turning graver the more he spoke. "What you can't read in a book is that Dragon Slayers, they will go insane with the heavy amount of pure magic, my magic. They need to share their power with a mate to save themselves from insanity."
That was indeed something she hadn't known. What the book Gajeel had gotten from his foster father stated was that Dragon had to mate because it was Draco's Legacy. Same applied it's Slayer.
"So the same thing goes for a Dragon? That's why they have been reprimanded since youth to find a mate? So they don't go insane? " She questioned unsure.
"Yes that is correct. My power is not for everyone. It's true I created the Dragons because I was lonely. I wanted company. And it's true I wanted my legacy to continue true my brethren, and forced them to mate. But," He paused and his voice turned hard and terrifyingly serious. "only because one of my children tried to challenge me. He was my first creation. And as time vent by I created more children, the ones you know has the two Holy Dragons. Night and Day. Light and Dark. When they fell in love and mated after I urged them on, I noticed the changes in my son. He got furious. Enraged. He was jealous of his siblings and slowly I watched him go mad. He defied me and challenged me. The power I had granted him consumed him and fueled his rage. He caused havoc in our realm and others, killed galaxies and populations. Just because he was mateless."
Lucy's blood froze in horror. His story was awful.
"W-what happen then?" She mustered her courage to ask. Curious and terrified for the answer.
Draco let out a deep and loud sigh, even she felt it the air leaving his mouth or snout on her skin from up there in the Celestial Realm. "I did the only thing I could do and should've done long ago... I ended his life. He was beyond saving. He had reached maturity and the Fates or the Universe had no a mate for him."
She could hear his pain and sadness of killing his own child. It made her sad and somehow guilty. She had blamed him and called him cruel when he had a perfect reason for doing what he had done.
"So know you understand. A Dragon and a Dragon Slayer can't function without a mate. Many other cases like him appeared throughout the millennia but they were mild compared his case. In fact the reason there was a Dragon War on Earth Land was because some mateless Dragons was envious of the mated Dragons and how easy the humans had it. It drove them into insanity. So that's why the Dragons that taught the Dragon Slayers had to bind a self-destructive seal on their soul when they reached maturity. If not another war would happen upon you."
It didn't surprise the blonde. Not after learning how his son had reacted. It was sad but she couldn't blame Draco. He hadn't known at the time. All he wanted was a family, someone like himself.
"I'm sorry for calling you names, about how cruel it was of you to burden Natsu and the others with such fate when you are actually just preventing another tragedy." She admitted to him because he deserved an apology. She had acted in her spite and it was fair for him.
A hearty chuckle from Draco vibrated throughout her whole being as it was she who had been chuckling. His attitude changing drastically "You have nothing to apologize for. If anyone should apologize it should be I for burdening you with all these information."
The blonde smiled and shook her head. "Not at all. I'm happy you shared this with me."
"We could share a lot more –" And that was where he ruined the mood.
"I'm not accepting him yet! We still have time."
"Fine. Get your ass out of the water and –" She let out a blood curling scream and hurriedly covered her chest with her arms.
"You were peeking from up there! Pervert!"
"Had to make sure you were awake before I called." He replied nonchalantly or tried to, Lucy differently heard the mischievous undertone lingering in his words.
"Get out before I –"
"Fine, fine. Stache and little Lion says hi!"
Her eyes widened before her whole face contorted to pure anger. "You were all peeking?!"
"No….?"
"That's it! Get out from my head! I'm punishing you –"
A shimmering gold light appeared next to her and after the sound of a chime Virgo materialized. "Punishment princess?" Her eyes twinkling with excitement.
Lucy felt dizzy. How many had watched her bathe?
"No! Everyone out!"
A disappointed Virgo left and Draco cut the connection not wanting to piss off the blonde any further. Lucy was fuming. Washing her body and hair not wanting to stay in bath much longer, she stepped out.
Wrapping a towel around her body she entered her living room only to stop dead in track. In her living room were guests. Guests she hadn't known were coming over and certainly not invited in.
"What are you all doing here?" Her voice barely containing her anger.
"You told us to come, Blondie. And Natsu-san let us in." Her head snapped from Sting to Natsu with dangerous eyes.
"Natsu!" She hissed his name with much malice. He gulped and back away from her murderous aura. He didn't trust himself to speak afraid one wrong word would end his life.
"Lucy-sama," Her face softened when she saw Yukino, her fellow Celestial Mage, approach her with pink kissing her cheeks.
"Yukino," She pulled her friend into a hug, her anger leaving her body. It had been such a long time since she last saw her. "How have you been?"
Pulling away the pixie haired Celestial Mage pulled away with a lovely smile on her lips. "Very well. I was very excited to know that you invited us to the Celestial Realm. I've always dreamt of going."
"You'll love it." The blonde assured and pulled away to greet the other people, completely forgotten her undressed state with only a towel covering her.
"Sting, Rogue, Minerva." She acknowledged them and got a nod of acknowledgement back. "I gather –"
"Before saying much more, will you for the love of all holy put some clothes on?" The blond Dragon Slayer pointed out.
It was first then she remembered. Screaming once again that morning Lucy scram to her bedroom in such haste that nobody had time to react.
"No wonder you aren't mated yet. She's the dominating one." Minerva pointed out with a snicker throw towards Natsu. The Fire Dragon Slayer narrowed his eyes on her but refrained for saying anything. It was true. Lucy was the dominant one.
"So, she said we were going to meet Draco, our God. Can you explain why Blondie is connected to him?" Sting questioned Natsu. "As my lady stated, you aren't mated." He added.
Natsu fixed his eyes of the ones of Sting Eucliffe's, and began grinning. His grin and eyes were of pride. "Because my Luce is special." He stated
"That doesn't answer his question." Rogue chimed in, his red eyes zoomed in on Natsu's.
"But that is why. Lucy is special. She's connected to the Stars and the Universe more than anyone else. She's Earth Land's Gatekeeper." Natsu explained what was explained to him yesterday.
"Gatekeeper?" Yukino inquired with a confused frown. "What do you mean by that Natsu-sama?"
"You're a Celestial Spirit Mage, right?" She nodded her head in confusion. "So you know that there is a Celestial Realm. But –"
"But there is more Realms out there than we know of." Lucy cut in entering her living room with a white tank top and navy blue high-waisted denim shorts. Her hair still damp from her shower.
The small group turned towards her. Natsu smiled when his eyes met hers causing her to smile as well, her cheeks a little pink.
"Other Realms?" Yukino questioned the blonde. Lucy tore her gaze from Natsu's and nodded to her friend.
"Yes. You all know about Edolas, a world with our counter opposites." She stated rather than question. Most allies of Fairy Tail have been informed of Edolas. "And then there is the Celestial Realm, the Dragon Realm, and many more that are claimed or built by some gods. The only realm that isn't claimed by anyone is Earth Land, the Neutral Realm."
"And you are it's Gatekeeper? Natsu-san said –"
"Yes. My family bloodline have been blessed from the Stars and the Universe. We are what connects the other Realms to this. Like a bridge. If a God wants to visit they need to contract with me to pass so I can forge a key for them and of course open a gate." Lucy cut in with a smile.
"So that's why you know Draco, he wants to contract with you to enter Earth Land." Rogue muttered, gaining a nod from the blonde.
"That is correct. But there are certain requirements for some gods to enter this Realm." She paused to look at Natsu, a deep blush adorning her cheeks. He looked at with a confused smile, and she hurriedly looked away and back to four other mages clearing her throat. "For Draco to enter this Realm I need to be either a Dragon Slayer or a m-mate… so…"
The pinkette's eyes widened in surprise, gaping at her. So Draco was counting on them to mate to enter their Realm? Talk about embarrassing… he had a feeling he would try to brainwash him and tell them both to hurry, or he would threaten them.
Yukino giggled at how both the still unmated couple blushed, it was adorable. Lucy saw the teasing glints in her friend's eyes and her eyes grew wide in mortification. So she hurriedly dismissed the topic. Draco would probably explain everything to them when they all meet. Hopefully though he wouldn't. It was already embarrassing as it was.
"Enough about this. Why don't we met up at Fairy Tail? I'm sure most of you are hungry or something."
"We already ate. You told us to be here and here we are. When are we leaving?" Minerva said in a bored tone.
"Just go to the guild already. I'll be there soon and then when everyone's gathered we'll leave." The blonde just wanted a bit morning privacy before hell broke lose in the Celestial Realm.
Natsu seeing her eagerness to have the Sabertooth members out of her apartment, he helped her out. "The first one getting to the guild gets to fight me!" He bellowed, staring straight into the blue eyes of Sting before winking at Lucy and jumping out from her window. Sting accepting his challenge eagerly followed, running after him seconds later.
Lucy blinked before blushing, Natsu just winked at her! It was so weird yet it made her heart skip a beat. Lie. Many beats. He managed to get the most persistent of the group out.
Yukino sighed deeply towards the window, shook her head and turned to her friend with an slightly apologetic smile. "Sorry about Sting-sama. You know how he gets whenever Natsu-sama challenges him." Lucy giggled and nodded.
"They both are like children. It's really hard to imagine them becoming fathers." She noticed Yukino blush cutely and unconsciously rubbed her abdomen, making the blonde gasp in surprise.
"You-you're p-preg –"
Yukino smiled brightly with her cheeks in a deep pink and nodded. "Just a little over a month. Minerva-sama as well." Lucy's eyes grew wider and looked at the black haired mage, she nodded in confirmation.
"Wow." She couldn't find anything else to say. There was going to be so much destruction in the near future. Four Sabertooth children, four Fairy Tail's – when Mira and Laxus of course finishes the ritual. She suddenly felt so sad for Master Makarov and the Sabers. So much property damages.
"Yeah." Yukino breathed dreamily with a smile reflecting her giddy state.
"Well congratulations to you all. Four kids, I hope your prepared." She said earnestly glancing between the two of them – Rogue had left silently thinking he would challenge the Iron Dragon Slayer – only to have the two pregnant women gawk at her.
"F-four?!" They squeaked causing the blonde to cringe, her eyes hurting.
"Yes. You each most likely carry twins. No. I'm sure you are both pregnant with twins. A different breed of Dragon Slayers. One child with your magic and the other with your mates but much different." She explained to the surprised women and quickly added. "Draco will explain it all to you later." Or she hoped he did.
"Then we better tell the idiot and Rogue." Minerva nudged Yukino and received a nod. They both said goodbye to Lucy, Minerva awkwardly hugging her goodbye. Their relationship was still weird but okay. They were past the GMG'S.
Letting out a tired sigh Lucy began getting ready. She summoned Virgo and made sure that each person had a outfit that would fit them. The diligent maid had it all covered. She had their measures stored into her brain after getting help from the Zodiac Twins who had copied their forms and had sown outfit that she thought would suit them, which made the blonde ecstatic.
"So I was thinking. Is there a way to connect the two Realms? Or just time so we don't miss time in Earth Land while being in the Celestial Realm?" Lucy questioned Virgo after she had counted the remaining of her jewels. She needed a lot to even make this month's rent and the thought just suddenly struck.
Anything else seemed to be possible so why didn't that be the case? It didn't hurt asking.
Virgo looked thoughtful for a moment before uncharacteristically shrugged her shoulder. "Punishment Hime, for I do not know." And then the same glint whenever punishment rolled off from her tongue was back in her eyes making the blonde groan and internally face-palm.
"No punishment, Virgo."
"I can ask the King if you'll like Hime? Punishment for –"
"Could you do that?" She cut in ignoring her punishment comment. The Maiden nodded and with a puff disappeared.
Around five more minutes later she reappeared with Loke. "It has been set." Loke informed making the blonde raise an eyebrow?
"What has?"
"The Time. Celestial Time. The King has the Time match Earth Land's Time but only for the hours you're visiting. Any longer than a day will cause an unbalance." Lucy nodded in understanding and felt relieved. She didn't have to disappear for three months. Hallelujah!
"Thanks. But why are you in the Celestial Realm? I thought you were staying on Earth Land for a while?" Lucy looked at the Leader of the Zodiacs.
Loke brightened up with a grin and hung an arm around her. "Not anymore. With having the Time flow differently the other gates will be closed. So no gods appearing unannounced." He gushed all giddy.
Amused that he was happy not to have the other gods visit made her smirk. He was such a simpleton. "And when we're leaving then everything will –"
"Don't say that!" he hissed and clapped her mouth with his hand, body shuddering just with the thought. "Don't burst my bubble."
"Go home and replenish as much energy you can as possible then. Before your harassment begins." The blonde giggled at his dejected face and pulled away.
"Hime is right, big brother." Virgo chimed in with her eyes lit in hidden envy. She was wishing it was her who was to get harassed and punished by the gods. A girl can only dream right?
"Going…" He grumbled to the two women before leaving the apartment in a golden mist. Lucy looked at Virgo who sighed deeply, and saw the wistful look on her face but didn't comment. She knew perfectly what it meant.
"Alright. I need help with my bloated face. Have any ointment that could help?" It was getting close to noon and she wanted to leave soon, but both before fixing her face.
Virgo nodded and conjured a little blue container, handing it to her mistress. Lucy smiled grateful and grabbed it before going back to her bathroom.
After the pleasant effect of the ointment she deemed herself ready to go to the guild. Virgo and herself were holding each a bag full of the Celestial clothing the others needed.
Taking a deep breath she pushed the doors open, it was around noon and mostly all the members had arrived. She was greeted upon entering and smiled back with a bright smile. "Morning."
"Lucy there you are. I was about to pay a visit thinking you fell asleep again. Virgo." Erza greeted when the blonde and spirit approached the bar. Lucy smiled apologetic to her friend and then took in the guests sitting by Erza's table. The whole guild making up Crime was present. She immediately greeted them and apologized for being late.
"So, when are we leaving?" a bored Sorano questioned. Lucy grimaced. She didn't think having the former owner of the twins, Scorpio and Aries come with them to the Celestial Realm. Redeemed or not.
"I'll only bring a select few with me." She replied and turned to Erza. "So would the Dragon Slayers and their mates follow Erza to the Second floor?"
"Yes and Gray, Juvia and Jellal too." Erza added looking at each of the person Lucy mentioned before settling her gaze on the man she had been crushing on for years, her eyes softening tenfold.
Lucy ignored their exchange and didn't even question why the said three mages were coming along and began walking up the stairs, Natsu right behind her. He bumped his shoulder against her shoulder gently walking up the stairs, gaining her attention.
"Why was it Happy couldn't come? Wheb Snow Cone and Rain Woman can?"
Her eyes wandered to the slightly sulking Exceed sitting on the bar counter with two other less sulky Exceeds. She shrugged her shoulders turning her gaze back to him. "I don't know. And it was Erza that wanted Gray and Juvia, and of course Jellal to come with us. I was only told to bring the Dragon Slayers and their mates. Ask her.."
She really had wanted to tell Erza off yesterday but she wasn't in the mood to argue with her or having her life threatened. But in a way it was a good thing Happy wasn't coming with them, his endless teasing would drive her insane and even have Draco hooked. She was sure those two would make the perfect duo of mischievous teasing and pranks.
The thought made her shudder and ignore Natsu's pouting. They were the first two to enter the Fairy Tail conference room. It was a surprised the guild even had one because they rarely used it, always being busy with threats lurking around and whatnot. But Lucy was glad they had one nonetheless and today she had the perfect opportunity to make good use of it.
After everyone filed in, Lucy and Virgo stood by the end of the large table with the two bags in their hands. "These are clothes you'll need to wear to survive in the Celestial Realm." She told, as Virgo slowly began dispatching outfit to the new owners.
"The fuck?!" Gajeel, Laxus and Erik bellowed when they were handed their outfits. Their eyes narrowed down on the blonde, distaste evident in their eyes.
"I'm not wearing this sparkly shit!"
"Sparky is right, no way in Hell I'm wearing that!"
"You'll have to kill me to wear that shit. Fuck no."
"Gajeel!" his not so happy mate hissed, giving him a look that told him to shut it or else she would end him.
"But –"
"But nothing! You three better wear those or else I will personally dress you up in front of everyone. I promise, it will not be pretty." She possessed a demonic aura making even the other males gulp and silently accept their clothes.
Lucy shot her a appreciate smile and mouthed thank you. Levy's mood lightened up and beamed one back at her.
When everyone had changed back into Celestial Clothes handed out them – of course they changed in private. No one needed to see anyone in their birthday suits – Lucy began explaining some rules she thought she needed to be set.
"When we arrive, keep in mind you are guests. Be polite and respectful of our hosts. So that means no fight," Her eyes zoomed in our three males who would definitely cause trouble – Natsu, Gray and Sting – before continuing. "No setting things on fire – don't even try to protest Natsu – no eating the cutlery – yes Gajeel I'm talking to you. Just try not to cause any harm. It's two gods that invited you so you better not fuck anything up."
"Don't worry Lucy, we'll keep them in line. If not," Erza's eyes flashed darkly at the males. "they'll answer to my swords."
"You have nothing to worry about Lu. I'm sure they won't do much in the presence of Draco." Levy reminded the blonde. That did ease the blonde's worries. If just the name of Draco could sent the Dragon Slayers cowering his presence would make them frozen in fear. Sadistic the as it might seem that made her happy.
"Alright with that said, do any one of you have any questions before we open the gate?"
Kinana raised her hand. Lucy bobbed her head to continue. "Do you have the proximate time of how long we'll be away?"
The blonde flashed a radiant smile and nodded her head. "Yes. One day. The Sta – King," She corrected herself. "have granted my request of having the Celestial Time flow as the same as Earth Land's. That way you won't have to worry about being gone to long. We'll probably be back during morning."
A collective sighs of reliefs and murmurs filled the room.
"Anything else?" She questioned one last time before opening a gate with help of Virgo. When no one spoke up she told them to stand up.
"Our next stop is; The Celestial Realm. Enjoy the short ride."
Yaaaaaaaaaas! Finished writing the chapter! And I'm so pleased with it. Because next chapter is: Draco! Ma baeeeee xD
I hoped you liked my true explanation of why Dragons were forced to mate. Poor Draco. He had miscalculated things. And the agony he was put through to see his firstborn go berserk and to put him down himself. But that's what power can do. They can make someone insane.
And I'll quickly explain what I meant with the Slayers Dragons putting the self-destructive seal/spell on their souls. It much like the Dragon Soul Technique Spell but this is just fatal. When their Dragons performed the technique they also added the spell, all agreeing that when they reached he age of 22 they were all deemed mature. That's why all the first generation Slayers all have till their 22nd birthday. Their body knows when they are physically 22. Oh, and the Slayers had been informed before hand but because their parents suddenly going missing it slipped until Gajeel was informed of the book.
Hope that explains things. If not, just PM or review and I'll explain. ^-^
And thanks for the reviews!
Guest: Thanks a bunch! I'm glad you liked it!
RandomRage: Lucy is a bit infuriating in this story, so it's okay to hate her a bit. I totally understand. And nothing is wrong with being simple-minded like a guy. I was like once xD Here's your update, hope your rage has calmed down a bit. XD
Manga4eva: Thanks! I'm glad I got you hooked. It means a lot ^-^
BlackHeart-FallenAngel: I'm happy to have you think so. Fallen in love is indeed scary when have been hurt. Be it unintentional or not. Hurt is hurt. And happy you are still sticking around and for your reviews! Means a bunch! Next chapter will be all Draco goodness and awesomeness xD
I would also like to thank all those who faved and followed this story, I bid you all welcome!
Read, review, fave and follow! Everything is much appreciated and you only make me happy with your reviews. Hearing your thoughts is like fuel for me! Keeping me fired up! XD
Peace out! Good luck with your studies and finals. Until next time!
-Oby Abel-