All Rights to Hiro Mashima
Here's a little fairy tale Fairy Tail style. :3
Boomslang
Day 2: Water
Once upon a time, there was a star.
She was Earthbound and tiny, beloved by all and brighter than the sun. She was born on the longest day of the year, when the veil between the realms flutters and bends, letting them touch in places that had no business touching at all. But they did, and the world was more resplendent for it.
On that auspicious eve, this living star, the youngest daughter of the King and Queen of Astralis was brought into this world on the back of a summer wind filled with magic.
She was blessed under the glowing constellations with fair beauty and hair that shone like spun gold as if the stars themselves had been plucked from the sky and woven together. She was named Lucia, Lucy to those who knew her well, the little light of all their lives.
The people of that mighty Kingdom loved her, as they loved all the King and Queen's children before. The first, Mira Jane who was known for her resilience and otherworldly poise, Crown Princess who took to her role like a fish to water. The second, Erza, who grew to be the youngest and most beloved General of the Kingdom's army anyone had ever seen. The third, Juvia, the romantic, known for her love of the sea and was deemed to be the greatest poet of their generation. The fourth, Levy, a genius and Head Scribe and the youngest graduate of the Kingdom's University.
They loved their youngest sister fiercely, beyond all things. Protected her from the evil of the world and made sure she lived happily and without fear.
She grew up surrounded by love, watched her sisters as they went through the rights of passage, through the Choosing and then, with shining eyes, watched one by one as men and women from all over the known world compete to win the hand of the Princesses.
There was a grand fair, an entire week long that filled the streets of their fair city with flowers and the smell of sumptuous foods. Lucy was held captive by the challenges, and by the challengers. The King created a seemingly impossible task and the first to complete it was worthy to be presented in front of the Princess and from there, the Princess would either deem them a fit match or decline the offer.
Mira was the first to complete the Choosing. The challenge was difficult and many lamented that there wouldn't be a soul in Earthland that could light one hundred lanterns without touching a single one. But then, on the seventh day, a hulking mass of a man who had been blessed with the spark of Lightning lit every lantern at the same moment with only a snap of his fingers. Mira was smitten with Lord Laxus Dreyer and they were wedded the next day. Laxus doted on Lucy like no other save Mira, and Lucy loved her new big brother back with her whole heart.
Erza was the second to complete the Choosing. The challenge sent forth by the King was to beat Erza in single handed combat. Many competed and many lost, not one lasting more than a few minutes up against Titania. None, until Erza's own second in command, Sir Jellal Fernandez, stepped forward. The two had been inseparable since childhood, sparring and fighting easily with each other for years. Their clash ended in a draw which displeased the King, but Erza was happy and declared him more than worthy to have her hand. A dispute between a band of poachers who roamed through the forest that connected the Kingdom of Nix to Astralis and the army pushed back their wedding for a few months, but in the end, it was worth it. Jellal gifted Lucy with a bow and taught her how to use it behind an old out building in the grounds. From that moment on, she trained with her sister to be a warrior in her own right.
Juvia, refused for three entire years to go through with the Choosing, stating that she knew the love of her life wasn't ready yet. On her twenty-first birthday, she absconded with the Crown Prince of Nix, Gray Fullbuster and were married on the edge of the sea at dawn in a small ceremony. The King was horrified by this turn of events and disowned her completely. Juvia was fine with this as the very next year after the King and Queen of Nix passed on due to an unprecedented ogre attack, she began her rule as Nix's new Queen with her beloved Gray by their side. Once a month Lucy would make it a priority to ride through the woods to visit with her sister at the castle by the sea. Gray is kind, but stubborn where Juvia is wishful and flexible. They balance each other out. True love is what some called it. Soulmates, others whisper.
Between the scandal of Juvia's elopement and the impending ceremony of Levy's Choosing, Lucia found where she fit into the world. With hard work and dedication, she became the High Priestess of the Zodiac, holder of the twelve Golden Keys, ancient relics of unimaginable power. Lucy glowed from within and relished the responsibility of being a keeper of these keys, a Star Child in her own right.
As Levy's Choosing commenced in the middle of the autumn, Lucy watched the sister she was closest to drag her eyes away from her beloved books and fall instantly in love with a wild haired man whose eyes glowed like the coals he used to heat metal for his craft. While this man, Gajeel the Blacksmith, was only an iron worker, he won the impossible task of winning a race against the royal family's fastest horse, the likes that weren't seen anywhere else in Earthland. He used a contraption of his own creation, one born from iron and steel that was powered from within to gain his victory. Levy was instantly enthralled, infinitely curious and asked for his hand in marriage without a second thought. They were wed on the longest night of the year. Gajeel delighted in the fact that the King did not really approve of his station and to spite him practiced his craft daily creating trinkets and things to fascinate his wife while producing swords that impressed even Erza and arrows so sharp for Lucy's bow that they could embed themselves deep within the tree trunks she practiced on. Lucy enjoyed his gruff manner and the fact that he always spoke his mind.
Lucy's four sisters along with their four chosen husbands became a very tight knit family, even with Juvia so far away. They went on adventures all over the Kingdom and beyond, traveling on horseback, flying through the woods and over the Red Plains. Took picnics beneath the Tenrou tree and talked weapons with Erza. Spent days searching remote islands for the fabled Grand Library so that Levy could gain more knowledge. Shopping in the glittering cities of Joya for rings made of amber and aquamarine. Spent a week playing in the sea with Juvia and her husband, next to white cliffs made of limestone.
She loved her life, full of fun and in between trips she spent the rest of her time training and taking her duties as High Priestess as seriously as possible.
Once, they all took a ship to Desertio after Lucy learned of a blessed pool that was said to grant the pure of heart long life and happiness to couples who swam at midnight. They all bathed naked in the moonlight content beyond all things that they were safe. No one was safer perhaps, seeing as each person, man and woman alike, were equally as deadly when they needed to be.
Lucy sat in the tallest tree to give her sisters and their husbands some time alone and swim without the need to be completely on guard. She sat all night with her bow notched, arrows ready to fly at the first hint of trouble.
It was just after the deepest part of the night where the stars were the brightest that Lucia heard a rustling in the bushes not far from where she sat silent and still.
The disturbance was too large to be a mere rabbit and too loud to be a deer.
She quietly leaped down from her perch among the leaves, putting herself between the sleeping figures of her family and the unknown enemy. It could be a wayward bear, or another couple intent on bathing, or bandits that came seeking an easy fortune.
Lucia strung her bow and notched an arrow as silently as possible. She wouldn't let whatever was coming come any closer to her sisters. They deserved the peaceful sleep that they were having.
"Come out. I know you're in there. Stand before me."
She expected the cloak, but she didn't expect only one man.
And she definitely didn't expect for him to be smirking. "And what are you doing out in the moonlight so late at night?"
Lucia caught a glimpse of the man's face in the dying light of their campfire. He was handsome, skin dark and smooth, but a massive scar marred his face on one side, his eye closed permanently. She didn't lower her bow but stood taller. She knew better than anyone save Erza perhaps, to never underestimate anyone.
"Why are you here? This pond can only be used by lovers and I don't see anyone by your side."
The man cocked his head and before her eyes, a massive violet snake wound around his shoulders and watched her with an intelligence that went beyond a lowly beast. The two before her seemed to have a conversation if the eyebrow tilts and hisses were any indication.
"You're right. I don't have a lover by my side. But I didn't come to bathe in the water here." He produced a vial in his right hand and the crouched slowly down to the edge where the tiny waves lapped gently at the pebbled bank.
Her hands drop marginally from their taught position. "You came to collect some?"
"Indeed. It's potent, this water. Combined with other herbs and plants from the forest it can speed healing and promote good health."
"Fascinating." She breathed.
The man shot a look at the snake again then rolled his eye. "I've been reminded that I'm being rude. My name is Cobra. And this is Cubellios."
Lucy let her arrow drop. She didn't think she would need it tonight. Not against Cobra at least. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Cobra. My name is Princess Lucia of Astralis, and these—" She gestured behind her to her family. "—are my sisters and their husbands."
Cobra's eye flashed quickly to the simple golden circlet woven through her hair, then to the keys strung through the belt of her tunic. Lucy was startled when she noticed that he had taken his hood down and she couldn't remember when. One of his ears was pierced and the delicate gold hoop suited him well.
"High Priestess." He whispered.
And before she could answer back, he had bowed before her. "Forgive me, I didn't realize—"
With pink cheeks and a flustered hand, Lucia waved off his apologies. "Oh. Uhm. It's nothing. Really. You can stand. And you may call me Lucy. Uh, if you'd like."
He smiled at her then and her heart skipped a beat. It was thrilling, this interaction with this stranger. He was intriguing in all the right ways. "If you don't mind. If I call you Lucy, would you call me Erik then?"
"Of course, Erik." She liked the way that name sounded. Strong and resilient, just like the man before her.
They sat for hours whispering quietly back and forth about their lives. He owned an apothecary and the reason he had lost his eye (an attempt on his life as a child of all things) and she spoke of the Choosing and the search for her other half. Of her adventures with her sisters and how she became High Priestess. He told her of his craft and pointed out plants and flora around her, told her which were edible and which were poisonous. He left for a few minutes and came back with an array of flowers, giving each a name and threading the one called Daphne through her curls.
"It is very beautiful Erik, thank you."
"It's also extremely deadly. It reminds me of you."
Lucia blushed again and smiled wide.
Cubellios took to her well and by the end of the time they had together, the snake's head was resting gently in Lucia's lap while the Princess marveled at the texture of her scales. She learned that he could hear her in his mind.
"My sisters will awake soon."
"Then I should probably be gone by that time."
"I was wonderful to meet you, Erik. I won't forget it."
"Neither will I, Lucy."
And then he was gone, and Lucia realized that she felt bereft, as if something she didn't know she possessed had been taken from her.
But she shook it off as the dawn broke. She has her sisters, and her brothers now. In the coming months, she will undergo the Choosing and from then on, she would no longer be alone in that way, she would be one half of a pair. Just like she was meant to, ever since she was born.
-ooo-
Two weeks before her Choosing, the unthinkable occurs. A horde of Demons attack, beholden to none other than Abaddon himself, Prince of Pain. He hadn't been seen in Earthland for nigh on a millennium. But it seemed that he had come to collect his dues of misery and corpses. Everyone suits up for the oncoming clash, even the princesses against the wishes of their father and mother. But none of them would go through a war sitting on thrones and watching as their citizens fought and died for them without coming to their aid, without fighting right next to them.
Alliances are called on and the many Kingdoms come together in solidarity to fight this evil army. Juvia clad in shining silver armour flows through her enemies like water, slicing through the throng with a magical whip. Gray always close by her side brought swords made of everlasting ice taken from the summit of Mount Hakobe. Erza lead the combined army of Nix and Astralis with Jellal fighting at her back. Lord Makarov, Grandfather to Laxus and beloved ruler of Domus was called upon and answered their plea for assistance. He brought his own army that was led by a Demon-dragon named Natsu and his nest. Sting, Rogue, and Wendy were blessings on the battlefield and they turned the tides easily wherever they fought. Levy worked with Gajeel to direct and create plans while the blacksmith brought weapons into existence as if by magic.
Laxus and Mira take leading in stride, coordinating the armies together and leading Domus to easy victories.
For two weeks they fought without the help of Lucia, as she was still only in her seventeenth year and her father had locked her in her room. She went mad with worry, begging servants for any news of her loved ones, and was relieved to find that had all survived so far. Livid as she was at her father and mother for keeping her away, from keeping the High Priestess of the Zodiac locked up in a tower she sat quietly and stewed in her anger until she was summoned on her eighteenth birthday.
She donned pale gold armour, commissioned by Erza and created by Gajeel so that she would be ready to head out at a moment's notice. Her hair was a shining braid down her back and her eyes hard and cold. She would not forgive her father for keeping her here, even if she knew that she could handle herself in battle, the King had refused to acknowledge her prowess seeing her only for the bright little star she once was. But she had grown, she was no longer just Lucia, youngest princess of Astralis, she was High Priestess of the Zodiac and she would march into the fray with her bow. Luckily, her mother hadn't shoved her head so far in the sand and had given her a short dagger to keep in her boot when she was twelve.
The King was horrified and angry by what he saw. His youngest daughter looked like she had been ready to fight, ready to march off and die when all he wanted was for her to become complacent and happy staying in the castle. All he wanted from his daughters was grandchildren and the continuation of his line. Instead, he got defiant women who became scholars and warriors who delighted in exploring the world instead of sitting still.
But he couldn't stop her, not this version of Lucia that was headstrong and willful. She would find a way to escape her room or the dungeons and it wasn't worth it in the end. It was in Lucia's nature to help and give until she gave everything she could to the Kingdom she was born into. She was their light, and she would help cleanse the shadows from it that Abaddon brought.
"Go." He said, defeated and small in his throne. "Go and come back having slain this mighty beast. Then we will celebrate your birthday and go through your Choosing."
The Queen was silent, as she so often was.
"I will father," Lucia answered. And then she was gone.
She arrived at the camp her sisters had made in the dead of night. They rejoiced her presence with a midnight feast of wild boar and grainy bread and Lucia felt more at ease than she had in ages. She was with her family again. Natsu and she became fast friends, closer than anyone else had ever come before and she revered Makarov and looked up to him as a father figure she wished her own father was, kindly and warm instead of iron cold and stoic. Lucia had grown up with love in her heart and love from her sisters, but she had wished her own parents had shown it more in hugs and smiles and laughter.
A small package arrived as she was heading to her tent one evening after dinner, and when she opened it there was a tiny vial that held a mixture that shimmered like a pearl a small letter than only told her to drink the potion for good health, and fast healing. There was no signature, only a drawing of a flower that she recognized instantly.
Daphne.
Lucia popped the vial open and smelled the mixture against her better judgment. Mira would slap her sideways if she had seen it, and she didn't know why, but she knew she could trust Erik. Especially with this.
The potion smelled of mint.
Five days and six nights later, it came to a head. Evil and destruction rolled through, enough to gag everyone with cloying scents of death and blood. So, Lucia took the front with her family at her back, downed the potion from Erik without hesitation, then marched forward. Lucia called for assistance from her beloved stars in the sky, the Zodiac, for the tools to purify this blight from the world.
Her answer came in the form of shimmering beings, spirits from a world that manifested as corporeal versions of their constellations. Leo appeared first, their leader a magnificent white lion that shone with all the light of the stars. Scorpio, a massive scorpion plated with diamonds and precious metals. Taurus, a solid golden bull with rubies for eyes. Libra, a blind seer who judged those by the weight of their souls. They were all beautiful and entirely loyal to Lucia who loved and cared for these stars since she was a little girl. The keys on Lucy's hip became gates, pathways to call forth these corporeal forms from the ether.
So, Lucy notched her bow with some of Gajeel's deadliest arrows, called out Leo to her side and stood tall. "It is time," she said. "To bring an end to this blight on our Kingdom."
And so, they fought long, and they fought hard. Darting and blinding and swirling with all the light in the sky. Natsu let go of END and consumed the lesser demons with all the enthusiasm of a child confronted with honey cakes. His nest changed forms and breathed light and darkness, made tornados that shredded and rent anew, flesh from bone, muscle from tissue. Erza blazed a path, dual swords glinting. Mira slunk through the shadows, eyes flashing without mercy. Levy planned and Juvia danced through the ichor. Gajeel's machines skittered around the rest, cogs and iron working, bringing the enemies to their knees through sheer numbers.
Lucia watched fascinated as a cut on her hand slowly healed right before her very eyes. She would have to find a gift for Erik after all this was over.
And all through that Lucy hunted. She picked off the demon spawn one by one, let Leo tear her a path through the darkness, where she met Abaddon.
Leo roared for strength from Regulus and Lucy called as many spirits out as she could.
They stood in that clearing on a razor's edge for a moment, silent and still.
"Little light." The demon whispered and became poison in her ears.
Lucia's grin was fleeting and vicious, here one moment, gone the next. "Demon Lord Abaddon."
Then they attacked, arrows flying, claws shredding. Until there was nothing left of Abaddon but a slip of shadow and a violent smile. His darkness could never drown out Lucia's light.
In a fit of defiance, the demon left his mark on Lucy. He blinded her with the last of his despicable magic. Her once amber eyes turned milky white and she could see only darkness.
-ooo-
Later that very same night, Wendy tried her hand at healing but it was no use. Not even the elixir that she had drunk before the fight could heal something as malicious as an anathema from a dying Demon. Even END could give no recourse, no suggestions.
"I am sorry my lady. With curses such as these, there is no cure, no potion I can give you."
Lucy still smiled as bright as the sun. She had no regrets, no shame. "I do not begrudge you, little bird. It is what it is. Abaddon can no longer harm my people or my family, the sacrifice of my eyes is small compared to what could have been lost."
Her thoughts strayed for a moment to Erik, to his eye that had been taken from him at such an early age. What would he say if he saw her like this? Would he be proud of her? Disdainful? She shook her head of those thoughts. If she knew Erik even a little bit, he would be unbothered by it, and so should she. It would take time to get used to, of course, but she was far from helpless.
"I admire you Princess, but there are whispers of a magic beyond what mine is capable of. The One Magic, the first magic. It may still heal your eyes."
"And what is One magic, Wendy?"
"No one knows Lucy. But if you found someone who possessed it…"
"I understand." And Lucia did understand.
Before they left camp, Lucy asked for a dagger and a flag from Abaddon's army. Jellal produced both easily and the family watched as their Lucia ripped the flag in half and folded it in on itself. She deftly tied it about her eyes. "This will remind us what we have lost, but also what we have gained by the destruction of our enemies. We will never forget, but we will move on."
The armies parted ways at the crossroads. Juvia and Gray leaving for Nix and their fortress by the blue ocean. Makarov and Natsu with the rest of his nest back to Domus, with a promise to keep in touch. Lucy knew that she would hear from Natsu before long. Their connection was instant and bond strong as best friends were ought to be. Astralis, the Princesses, and their families marched on.
It took a week on foot and during that time Lucia learned to navigate without the use of her eyes. She panicked only once when she realized that she would no longer be able to fight or use her bow, the targets all but lost on her now.
Laxus created a walking staff for her from a blackened tree along their path. Gajeel tipped it in iron so that she still had a weapon to wield it if need be.
On the night before they arrived home, Leo came through his gate.
"Have you come to relieve me of my title Leo?"
"Never Lucia. You have done the world a great service, and we would be honored to stay with you. The title of High Priestess is yours and yours alone."
Lucy buried her hands in his glowing mane and wept for joy, startled at the fact that she could still shed tears. She was happy and humbled by her Celestial friends. "Why have you come, Leo? Is something wrong?"
"No. I just thought you might like some company, dear one."
"Thank you," Lucy whispered. Then—
"Leo, may I ask you a question you might not be able to answer?"
"Anything for you."
She laughed, bright as bells. "Have you ever heard of the One magic?"
The lion rumbled deep in his chest and Lucia found herself feeling safe. "Yes. It is old. Even older than I am and I am older than everything."
"What is this magic, Leo?"
"I don't truly know. But I can guess."
"Please. It might help bring my sight back."
"Love, dearest Lucia. The answer is True Love. Untainted and pure."
Lucy smiled and sighed into soft fur. "I think I understand. Thank you, Leo."
The lion nudged her until she was lying down, then curled around her to keep her warm and content through the night. "Sleep, I will keep watch."
It was then that Lucia knew that her Choosing was more important than ever. She could feel it in her bones.
-ooo-
They were welcomed back as heroes, the citizens lined the streets that they paraded down. The army broke off early for the barracks, but the Princesses and their husbands made their way through the middle of the grand city of Stars. Almost as an afterthought, came Lucy, hand hidden deep within the glowing white mane of Leo.
She held her head high and walked quietly. If the people of her Kingdom were confused about why she kept her eyes covered, they didn't show it and cheered as loud as they did for all the others. This gave Lucia hope.
The procession stopped where the King spoke of victory and battles won. He declared the next week a holiday and on the last day would be his youngest daughters Choosing. He beckoned Lucia up to stand before him as the crowd cheered harder at the promise of merriment and a grand fair.
"Princess Lucia…why have you covered your eyes?"
Lucia unwound the enemy flag that bound her blindness. "Because I have lost my sight, your Highness."
"—Oh Lucia."
"I am sorry father."
"You are alive, that is all that we could hope for. You fought and you lived. Be proud, Lucia. In the light of what you have given for this city, I dub you High Priestess Nova of the Zodiac. Do you swear to uphold the Stars?"
"I do."
"Then, Nova. I believe there is much to prepare for."
Lucy threw back her head and laughed with delight. "Thank you, father. I cannot wait to feel a love like my sisters have found."
"And you will my daughter. I promise."
-ooo-
In a little-known town just north of the border of Nix and Astralis, a man swept into a small apothecary with a smile that held more teeth than should be possible. The man with one eye knew something was wrong the minute he was asked to make this poisonous potion, almost no one knew about the Hallowed Death.
And no one used it to kill rodents.
"What did you say you needed this mixture for?" Cobra was skeptical of his shifty customer who kept half his face hidden in the shadows of a hood.
"Oh, just to get rid of a nasty rat problem I have. Odorless and tasteless, yes? I don't want to spook—them of course."
"Yeah. I made it to your specifications, just as you asked. I haven't mixed a tincture this deadly for years. It must be one helluva rat problem."
"Mmm. Yes. Quite right. My master hates rats, and these ones are very tenacious."
"Uh huh. That will be six hundred and fifty jewels."
"You can't actually be serious."
He smiled wide, a little slice of white in the darkness. "You better believe it. Take it or leave it."
A clinking bag of gold seemed to materialize out of thin air. "That should be enough. Thank you for your…help in this trying time." The man simpered then glided out the door.
The shadows seemed to cling to him.
Cobra swiveled in his chair and debated with himself for a moment before he addressed his best friend who was coiled under the desk. "What do you think Cu? Shifty bastard eh?"
Distrustful. Dishonest. Smelled wrong, death, dark, black.
He eyed the door of his small shop. "What do you reckon then? We should probably follow him just to make sure he doesn't kill the wrong thing with that poison, right?"
She didn't give an answer but slithered up his body and wound herself about his neck like a scaly scarf. "You're right. Let's go Cu. Something that deadly in that sneaky prick's hands doesn't sit right with me."
He grabbed his cloak and locked up tight before letting Cubellios loose to follow the scent of wrongness and death into the night. Cobra followed the mysterious man, shifting from shadow to shadow before he stopped outside the garrison of the small towns even smaller army.
He watched as the cloaked figure handed over the tiny bottle of Hallowed Death to a beaming man with auburn hair and shining silver armour. Cobra sent Cubellios forward to listen in on the exchange.
When the door was closed again and the shifty man had disappeared in a swirl of smoke that smelled of brimstone, Cubellios slithered back.
Bad, wrong, assassin.
"Of who?"
Princess, gold, stars, twelve. Deathdeathdeath.
"Alright, I think I understand. There's only one Princess in the whole of Earthland who deals with the Stars." He whispered to his friend. "Come on Cu, I think it's time we took a little trip to Astralis, don't you? Lucy's probably in trouble and doesn't even realize it."
Yesssssss.
Cobra snorted and made his way back to his shop to pack and saddled his sleepy horse Midnight for the long journey. "Rats my ass."
-ooo-
The grand fair was wonderful and it filled the streets of the city with delicate scents of flowers and freshly baked bread. Lucia wandered from stall to stall, smiling and laughing along with the children and the citizens of the Kingdom.
She could feel their stares at her bound eyes, but instead of shying away, she let them all look their fill. Lucia knew they were only curious and sad, not wary or disgusted. Leo padded along beside her, glittering in the noon day heat. She could hear the exclamations of delight from her family and those who were invited to be with her on this auspicious day. Natsu had only left her side when they had crossed paths with a booth owned and operated by a young woman named Lisanna. She had stifled a sigh when she realized that her best friend had stopped to drool over the different hot chilies on display. Makarov and Natsu's nest had come along as well, happy to join in the festivities. Queen Juvia and King Gray were formally invited at the behest of Lucy, for she wanted her entire family to be with her, not just those who still lived in Astralis' castle year-round.
She had wanted to send a letter asking Erik and Cubellios to come as well, but when she had sat down next to Levy to dictate to her sister, she realized that she had no idea where he lived. That thought had roiled around in her mind for days, internally she chastised herself for being so forgetful of something so important. But there was nothing to do about it now.
Before she knew it, it was the day of the Choosing.
The King stood before the gathered crowds and announced that the challenge set down before the challengers would compete in Pandemonium. "You must defeat one hundred of my most skilled knights, if cannot get up again before the last of them fall, then you will be disqualified. Good luck."
Lucy sat on a throne beside her parents with Leo at her feet and for the second time lamented the loss of her sight. She would have liked to see the fight and cheer for the brave men and women who had come out to try and beat this impossible task.
Knights fell left and right, but all the challengers either grew too tired or too reckless. None made it very far.
None until a peculiar knight that had traveled from another town to fight for the Princess' hand in marriage as he felt that it was love at first sight, my sweet turtle dove. Lucia's heart beat harder in her chest as if it could escape the cage of her ribs, whether from exhilaration or contempt at the nickname she couldn't say.
Could this be it? Could this man be her true love? Could he have the One magic? Could he heal her eyes?
She hoped so.
So, Lucia sat and listened to the crowd's gasps and the commentary made by her father and critiques by Erza and Mira in the row below.
"Did you see that?!"
"His armour?"
"No! His shield, and his lance."
"Magical?"
"Most definitely."
Before long the bell was wrung that signaled the end of Pandemonium. The knight with the shinning shield had won. Laxus had leaned close and described the man who would be offered to her and whether or not she accepted would be up to her. Her brother sounded haughty and annoyed when he informed her that his hair colour was a strange mix of bright red and subtly brown, but Lucy loved that her family would do just about anything for her so she let him be without a scolding.
Then she heard his name for the first time.
Sir Daniel Straight.
Hopefully, he was the man who would love her and she, in turn, would love him so incredibly much that their true love would be seen as One and help to heal her.
Sir Daniel was brought before the King and the courtiers who all bowed down to listen to his speech from the throne room. With his blessing and congratulations, the knight was then presented to Lucia who stood proudly beside Leo and reached out her hands with a beatific smile. "It is such a pleasure to meet you, Dan."
"Oh, no, the pleasure is all mine darling dear. I have been waiting for this moment my entire life. It was as if the stars knew that we would be destined to be together forever."
He gripped her hands in his large palms and Lucy waited for that feeling of love to sweep over her entire body until she was adrift in a sea of happiness. Just as her sisters had told her would happen.
But all she could feel was an aching wrongness.
The man who stood before her was not the man who was destined to be by her side through thick and thin.
Lucia pulled away from Daniel, her unseeing gaze trying to find her family. Recognizing Natsu's inherent warmth at her back she shook her head. "I am truly sorry Dan, but this was not meant to be."
Her father's voice filtered through the shocked gasps from the crowd. "You are quite sure, Lucia?"
"I am."
Without another word, the King stated that Pandemonium would be restarted tomorrow at midday, but now was time for a feast and relaxation. He invited Sir Daniel to sit at the table with the royals as a sign that while he was not meant for his youngest daughter, he still completed a remarkable feat. The knight agreed, albeit with a small whine in his voice, but Lucia didn't think anything of it until later that same evening.
-ooo-
"Princess. Might I ask for this dance?" Daniel breathed in her ear. It irked her for some reason, and also slightly charmed her. Even if he was a touch brattish, the man did have impeccable manners.
"I will have to decline since I lost my sight dancing doesn't come naturally anymore. Although I still enjoy listening to the music."
"Forgive me, My Lady. I didn't think. Could I bring you a drink then while you take pleasure in your surroundings? Champagne? Wine?"
Although she wasn't truly thirsty, Lucia was brought up with manners of her own, and a glass of something would be nice. "Just water, Daniel. Thank you."
Just as the goblet had been placed in her hand, chaos erupted around them. The cup was thrown across the room and Sir Daniel was removed from her side with an ungainly yelp of surprise.
"Did you drink it? Tell me you didn't drink it! Hold him Cu, don't let him get away."
It took only a moment for Lucia to realize that it was Erik that was gripping her arms tightly, she could recognize his voice. "Lucy, did you drink—"
"No. I didn't touch it. What—Erik, what on Earthland is going on? What are you and Cubellios doing here?"
A moment later they were surrounded by her family, her friends and an entire platoon of knights led my Erza herself. There were many weapons pointed at them, most at Erik, but some of the men were smart and eyed the giant snake that had wrapped itself around Sir Daniel with a certain wariness that would be humorous at any other time.
"Unhand my daughter at once. Guards, seize him. Take him to the dungeon."
"What! I was only—"
"Father, don't you think we should—"
"—don't move bastard, or I'll roast you alive!"
It was at Mira's bellow of enough that halted everyone in the room.
"Now that we're all quiet. Young man, why don't you explain why you accosted Princess Lucia here."
Erik spoke of his work and about his most recent client, about the potion, about the Hallowed Death. Following the shifty bastard to where he came upon Sir Daniel and then tried to beat him here before he could compete in the Choosing. If it wasn't for the mudslide just outside of the capital city, he would have.
When asked for proof, he pointed to where the goblet dropped and all but Lucia could see where the liquid inside had started to eat through a hanging tapestry.
Erik shot a glance at Cubellios and the snake tightened her hold on Sir Daniel. "Speak. Tell us why you tried to assassinate Lucy."
"Assass—no! He told me it was a love potion! Guaranteed to work on my lovely shining star here. Lucia and I are in love, can't you all see it! I just wanted us to be together forever!"
The King took one look at the way Lucia cringed away at the words and simultaneously leaned into this mysterious stranger's hold. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that she trusted this…Erik. As well as the large reptile that was slowly winding its way from around the guilty knight on the floor to slither up Lucia's side.
Everyone but Erik was more than surprised when the purple snake nuzzled the side of Lucia's face and were even more flabbergasted when she giggled.
Natsu decided that it was time for them to leave, even if he was still a touch naïve, he knew when Lucia didn't need him for back up. The banquet was calling his name, and it didn't help that Lisanna was waving at him from beside a haunch of spiced deer meat. His nest followed him, and before they knew it, only the King remained after directing his guards to take Sir Daniel down to the dungeons and leave him there for a long while to stew in his idiocy.
"Lucia," His voice was stern, but his eyes held warmth. "Who is this man?"
Then Lucy smiled, warm and bright just like used to before her eyes were taken from her. "This is Erik father, but he goes by Cobra. He owns an apothecary and Cubellios here is his best friend. I met him months ago in the middle of the night while I watched over my sisters so they could get rest." Then her voice dimmed slightly, "He sent me a potion that probably saved my life several times over when we went to war against Abaddon."
The King had heard all he needed to hear in her voice and in her words. He nodded and without another thought walked back into the revelry to join his wife at the party. He had a feeling that they would need to plan a wedding soon.
"Thank you for saving me, Erik. It seems that I will never be able to repay you."
Hands swept over her face and the cloth that had hidden her eyes from the world was removed. "I will always come, you know that."
And even though Lucy had only met this man once before, she knew that he was telling the truth.
"Lucy," he whispered quietly. "What happened? Your eyes…"
"Not here. Take me out to the garden and I'll tell you everything."
So, they walked and found a bench out among the roses, Lucy told him about fighting the demon spawn and defeating Abaddon. About the death-bed curse.
"You are still beautiful Lucy."
She was thankful that it was dark and that her blush couldn't truly be seen.
And all through the evening, Erik held one of her hands in his while Cubellios curled up sturdy and warm by their sides, ever watchful. It was overwhelming in its simplicity. But all Lucia could think about was how it felt so right.
When she couldn't stand it any longer, she cupped Erik's cheek in one of her hands and the motion startled him into silence. "I choose you, Erik. If you'll have me, that is."
"Choose me for what?"
She laughed bright and happy. "I choose you. For me. You are my choice, and I will never make another."
"Oh. Oh."
Then—
"I choose you as well Lucy." Then he leaned forward and between one breath and the next he kissed her so sweetly that she gasped at the softness. Then her head pounded heavily and there was a bright flash of white light.
Then nothing at all.
She tried to open her eyes and see again because surely that was the One magic, surely her eyes had healed.
But it was just black still. No shapes, no colours to be seen. She felt like weeping, but before a tear was shed, a little light blinked into existence in front of her. Deep purple and flickering with untamed life. Then another, by her feet, a poisonous soothing green.
"Lucy, what happened? Are you alright? Are you hurt?"
She gasped when the light wavered like a living flame. She reached out to touch it knocked her knuckles against Erik's chest. "Erik. I think—I think I can see your soul. Amazing, it is so gorgeous."
He laughed and kissed her again, hugged her hard to his chest.
Lucia would never again see the light of day, but she would always be able to see the souls of others. And that was wondrous to them both.
-ooo-
They were married on the longest day of the year in a ceremony under the Tenrou tree. Lucia donned her golden armour again, with her eyes bound in white lace. Erik waited for her underneath the boughs with her family spread out before her. She didn't need the help of a walking stick any longer, for she saw much more than anyone else.
Their vows were simple, yet binding as they rang clear through the trees. They danced until dawn rose on the other side of the mountains and that night Erik laid his Princess down in their marriage bed and stated in no uncertain terms just how amazing he thought she was, how beautiful she was to him.
How much he loved her and always would.
Nine months later, Lucia gave birth to a baby girl, strong and willful just like her mother with glowing violet eyes like her father.
Lucia took one look at her daughter's tiny white soul and wept joyful tears. "Her name is Daphne." She would say, and Erik would kiss her sweetly because it was perfect.