Chapter Five
The trip back was a silent one. When they got to the water entrance, Lucy was at a bit of a loss as to what to do. Laxus had only just recently stopped bleeding and there was so much dirt and well, life, in the water she was worried it might cause an infection. With no power to summon a spirit to help her, she touched Virgo's key and asked if the spirit was strong enough to help them of her own accord. It was a small blessing that Virgo appeared and carved out a path around the pool. The spirit looked a little worse for wear after being fried, and promptly closed her gate. In the haze of his discomfort, Laxus almost left behind his sound pod, only remembering when he saw the shine of the metal from along the rocks lining the pond. He had just felt fine, and he realized that the adrenaline from the battle was quickly wearing off. Turning on a favorite song, he let it chase away the dark thoughts of mortality that slaying Fulgora had inspired.
Going back up the stairs was almost worse then the prospect of the swim. After only a few steps Laxus leaned heavily against the wall. "You should let me help you," she said after a minute of his struggling to get up only a couple more steps. He grimaced. "If you strain yourself, the cut might open up again," she warned. Without a word, he wrapped his arm around her, and Lucy bit back a complaint as his weight fell on her shoulders. She'd be lying if she said he wasn't a little too heavy for her to confidently support. But, it was the least she could do. He had, after all, been the muscle of the operation, and had helped keep her from harm.
She lost track of time again. The only thing that she could really tell in terms of progress was the blood soaking through the right side of her shirt where Laxus was leaning. Her back was starting to ache, and she began to shake a little. That being said, she knew Laxus would not have agreed to her proposal had he not needed it, and she soldiered diligently forward. "I need to rest," he said quietly just as she questioned her own ability to go on.
"It's just a little bit further," she lied, knowing there really wasn't anywhere to rest. He began to chuckle, she was so transparent, but it was quickly cut off by a gasp of pain. "Sounds like you broke a rib." She felt him nod.
Somehow they managed to get to the top. Laxus immediately sank to the floor, leaning against a wall as he did so. Lucy sat next to him and waited patiently. After a while, he looked like he wanted to get up, and Lucy helped him to his feet. On the way outside, Lucy could feel that he wasn't leaning as heavily on her, and was silently grateful. Before they were completely out of the cave leading to the dragon's head entrance, Lucy paused to think something important over.
"How will you know when the lacrima are about to run out?"
Laxus just shrugged, not wanting to undergo the painful process of talking anymore.
"I have an idea," she said, and left him there for a minute. He made no move to follow, sitting down again. When she came back she was holding a large electric blue lacrima.
"You can charge this, and when it gets close to losing its magical power, you'll know the lacrima in the mountain will run out soon too." A small smile crossed his face at that, and he shook his head a little in disbelief.
"You think of everything," he wheezed, and Lucy smiled at the compliment before they got on their way once more. They took their time, navigating the loose dirt with extra care. The sun was only just above the horizon when they had gotten out, and now darkness was beginning to creep across the landscape. In the shadows she only just spotted the lion from before, still crouched on its rocky precipice. A sense of fear caused a shiver to run down her spine.
"It's still there," she kept her voice low to keep from disturbing the predator. While she wouldn't have worried if Laxus weren't injured, Lucy was afraid the cat wouldn't stop to pounce on already wounded prey. Laxus shook his head, confidently saying "Don't worry. We don't have time for the roundabout way." He gestured in the general direction of the already set sun.
As they passed under the cat, it growled in warning. Laxus squeezed Lucy's shoulder comfortingly when he felt her tense. When it moved forward towards them, he sent a small bolt its way. It shrank back against the tree with a startled yowl. From there it was a uneventful walk back to town. The lack of lighting caused a few stumbles, but nothing serious. Soon they were standing before the large oak doors of the chapel and Lucy was knocking.
Father Sky poked his head out, and took a moment to assess the situation, looking them both up and down before letting out a low whistle. "You should go to the healer. Let me help take you there."
Neither of them protested as Sky took over the burden of helping Laxus to walk. The healer's home was all the way across town, and it was pitch black when they got there. Lucy was feeling exhausted by this point, but she wanted to make sure her friend would be alright. A thin middle aged woman answered the door and ushered them inside.
She briefly introduced herself as being called Elsie and using predominantly herbs for mending. Elsie explained that she was not a strong magic user. "I just never had the knack for it," she admitted as she packed a fistful of dried leaves into a mortar. Adding what smelled like a essential oil into the mortar, she began grinding the mixture into a paste. After she was done she gestured for Laxus to sit on the table in her kitchen. Elsie lit several gas lamps in the room to see by. When she placed the ointment on Laxus' cuts, he hissed.
"You should be happy you still can feel it. That means the flesh is still viable." Elsie was too focused on the task at hand to contribute much else, saying nothing for a long time. She packed the cut on his chest heavily with the paste. Stepping back to admire her finished work, she hummed with contentment at the look of it. Laxus huffed, asking, "Aren't you going to close it?"
Elsie shook her head. "It's been open too long, and while I know nothing of dragons, I've seen enough lizard bites to know it will fester if you don't let it breathe."
"It'll be a nasty scar then."
"Don't worry, I'm sure the ladies will love it," the older woman added cheekily as she finished wrapping his hands with some cotton strips. "Make sure you change these every day, or whenever they become soaked through. I can't do anything for your broken ribs, but I'm sure you already knew that. I know you Fairy Tail mages," she pointed to the insignia on his chest before she moved on to wrapping the largest gash, "Running around getting yourselves hurt, this isn't the first time you've had a cracked rib, is it?" He grunted in the affirmative.
"All set then, I'll make up some more of the salve to send with you in the morning. Are you staying nearby?"
Father Sky cut in, "No, he was staying with me at the chapel."
Elsie clucked her tongue disapprovingly, "You'll have to stay here then. I won't let you go ruining my handiwork. I don't suppose you have your money with you?"
Laxus hadn't actually been about to suggest the trip back across town. He was only barely sitting upright at this point. The comment about money made him remember, "My coat. It's at the tavern."
"I'm staying there, I can bring it here," Lucy piped up.
"In the morning child, you look tired too."
Lucy nodded, feeling the weight of her own body acutely. As Elsie led Laxus to a guest bedroom, Lucy took her leave with Father Sky, who politely offered to walk her back. It was a quiet town, and so she had no fear of the dark streets, but she appreciated the gesture. The trip there passed in a blur, and soon she was wishing the man goodnight as she stood before the broken tavern door. Father Sky kindly opened it for her, and in another blur she had grabbed Laxus' coat off the hanger and was lying on the bed. She asked Horologium to wake her the same time as the morning before. There was no time to contemplate the day before her consciousness slipped away into a deep dreamless sleep.
She found herself asking Horologium for more time to sleep in. She could faintly hear him chiding her, saying it had already been an hour. Every time she tried to get up her body wouldn't respond. A question came to mind as she was lying there. Why did her bed smell like Laxus?
Oh, the coat.
Opening a single eye, she found she'd fallen into the bed with it and had pulled it against herself. The fur trim was so comfortable to snuggle into. Consciously she used it as a blanket. When had it gotten so cold? She snorted in annoyance when she noticed that she had been sleeping on top of her covers the whole night. Well, that certainly would explain it. It was too much effort she found as she drifted back to sleep, content with the coat.
"Lucy, it is now six," the spirit said, waking her yet again with a gentle but insistent voice.
That startled her awake finally. She sat straight up in bed, which aggravated her sore muscles. "Thank you Horologium," she told the spirit, and she made for her bag to grab a spare set of clothes. Lucy wasn't looking forward to yet another cold bath, but it might alleviate the ache she felt all over. Not to mention she could feel the dried water from the pond had left some kind of scum behind. When she got into her bath, she could feel some scrapes stinging. She felt bad for worrying over them though, as Lucy was certain Laxus must be in much more pain right now.
Speaking of which, she remembered Father Sky saying something about him keeping early hours. Scrambling out of the tub at the thought, she felt refreshed. Before she headed out, she left the room fee on the counter for the bartender. The sun was starting its climb when she got out, Laxus' coat in hand along with her own bag. She noted with relief that the shadows were still long though, it was very early; perhaps no later than half an hour past six. Even though she made haste down the path that led to the healer's home, she was disappointed to see that Laxus was indeed up, and appeared to be enjoying the morning air as he leaned on the outside of Elsie's house. His foot was tapping to the beat of a song coming from his sound pod. It was interesting to see how the dawning sun's light changed the color of his now yellow eyes, making them a warmer orange. After an internal debate, she resolved that she liked the change. Her face flushed slightly at this, and also at the raised eyebrow when she handed him his coat. He put it on before addressing her accusingly.
"You know, this smells like you've done more with it then carry it here."
She quietly damned his perfect sense of smell, and smarmily replied, "I'm glad you're so grateful I brought it to you."
"Whatever, took you long enough. She made breakfast for you; it's getting cold." He dug his coin purse from an internal pocket and went inside to pay the healer. Feeling like she'd been purposefully spared more taunting, she gratefully followed. It wasn't something she wanted to explain; it's not like she did it on purpose anyway. Elsie was smiling brightly at her when Lucy waved her greeting.
"I'm glad to see you well rested." Elsie placed a plate of bread and a couple eggs before Lucy as she retreated to the back of her house to fetch cotton and make the salve. While she ate, Laxus made himself at home, leaning back in a chair, lost in the music and not looking at anything in particular. Lucy took in her surroundings, hungrier for that homey feeling then the bland sustenance before her. She basked in the serenity of it all, a stark contrast to yesterday.
A small kitchen sink window let in the warm rays of a morning sun. It was framed in a floral pattern which brought a smile to her face. Even the sensation of the table beneath her hands was something she took note of. It's roughly hewn texture reminded her of the guild hall. Naturally her eyes drifted as she observed the whole room. Laxus had closed his eyes for the moment, his fingers tapping out an unheard rhythm. There was a telltale lack of the darker circles she'd seen the day before, but also the gash he had across his chest sported a blooming pink patch in the fresh bandages. For all her keen observation, his smile came to her attention to late.
"You know, it's rude to stare." His voice showed no sign of irritation. There was an easygoing amusement that she could not remember ever being privy to before. Perhaps there would be more moments like this. One could only hope, as it inspired a deep contentment which filled a void in herself she'd been only too keenly aware of. "Have you decided to return to the capital or are you going to keep stalking me?"
She bristled a bit, but didn't rise to the obvious bait. "That almost sounds like an invitation." He shrugged and looked away. Lucy wasn't buying that either, saying, "I just remembered I have some very important work I should be getting back to."
Laxus looked back at her, skepticism heavy in his voice. "Like fetching coffee?"
"Don't downplay my job Laxus. Sometimes I get to sort paperwork."
"You won't be doing anything half as exciting if you tag along with me."
"I doubt things stay boring around you for long."
Here she had faltered in her attempt at playful banter. This was sounding an awful lot like flirting. As if to confirm her misstep, she could see his smile growing wolfish. "Stick around and find out." Internally Lucy berated herself. She had to stop this constant trend of throwing herself at men; it was getting embarrassing. There was no way to deny that he was good looking, however. She soaked up the last trace of egg yolk with a corner of her toast and considered her options.
"Where are you heading to anyway?" She pressed him for specifics, and having thus been rejected, Laxus' face fell a bit. Lucy didn't read much into it.
"Probably to rejoin the group," he answered with a nonchalant shrug. "They're waiting in this retreat in Seven. Some random resort that Freed owns. Nobody goes up there anymore, and although it's damn cold it's good for training. No collateral damage."
"That sounds pretty far, how are you going to get there?"
That happy expression was crushed. Lucy knew that face well; as if merely thinking of it was going to make him sick. "The sea."
"Don't look so excited."
"It's only the two things I hate most. By boat, from here to the northern port of Seven is a week."
She frowned unhappily, more from sympathy then her actual dislike of the idea. Knowing it was the best way to get there, she didn't press him for more options. Although she wasn't especially familiar with geography she remembered that there was quite the mountain range between them and Seven. By horse would be just as bad with all those long winding roads meandering up the sides of so many cliffs. Just thinking about a two week trip made her saddle sore. No train lines had been constructed yet between them as the peninsula of Seven made boat an infinitely more attractive option then blowing up a tunnel through mountains. Looking at him, it was clear if a dragon slayer had been in charge of the infrastructure that would've happened already regardless. She felt bad for him, but also a little bit amused. Laxus Dreyar, one of the most powerful mages of Fiore, laid low by a little water and motion sickness. He caught her unconscious smirk, and his eyes narrowed. "Something funny?"
Shocked out of her amusing thoughts by his aggravated demeanor, she was at a loss for words. She settled for a shrug and said, "It's just ironic." Growing more annoyed with her vague use of pronouns, he gestured for Lucy to explain. "You're the strongest dragon slayer, but you also have the most weaknesses. It's not like water magic is uncommon."
She expected him to not react kindly to her accusation, but he simply grunted his agreement as he leaned further back in the chair. "Just don't go posting it on billboards and we'll be fine. Besides, that's what a team is for."
It was Lucy's turn to get annoyed, crossing her arms. "That's not what you were thinking earlier when you were so set on going it alone."
Laxus held up his hands. She had him there. "I was wrong; I was wrong to tell my friends to go on without me, and I was wrong to try and tell you to stay behind."
"Why did you do it then?" Letting a puzzled expression cross her face; her eyebrows knit together as she waited for a response. She became a little concerned he wouldn't answer. The wheels were turning, she could see as much, but it was taking him some time to come up with a conclusion. Lucy tried to be patient, knowing it might not be a happy one.
"I feel like I haven't done a good enough job of protecting my friends. I didn't trust myself to keep them or you from getting harmed by whatever I faced in the mountain." His voice was very soft as he said this. It made him seem very vulnerable. The sincerity of that confession caught her off guard. Why was he telling her this; someone he barely knew? But the sentiment itself reminded her of something she was still very angry about. His eyes had been staring off into nothingness again, when he suddenly locked onto her as the fury came off Lucy in waves. It was so very unlike her.
"You could've gotten killed," she snapped. "You're so much stronger than me, but that doesn't mean you're beyond ever needing help! Do you realize how arrogant that is? No, how stupid? Do you think you're immortal or something?"
Laxus knew this anger wasn't just directed at him, but he decided to bear it, as he had earned it. Getting it off her chest might be just what she needed. "I admitted I was wrong." There was a defensive edge to his voice that he was trying to suppress. Damn, this might be hard to pull off. He wasn't exactly used to being chided by anyone besides his grandfather, and he handled that poorly too. Part of him wanted to say he wasn't her responsibility, to let him do as he pleased and mind her own business. That wouldn't have changed that she was right and he knew it. Biting his tongue against such childish retorts, he instead acquiesced, "I'm not going to try and pull anything like this again." His eyes pleaded with her to let it go; he wasn't sure how much more scolding his pride could take.
Satisfied, Lucy visibly deflated. "I'm sorry for snapping at you, I'm still upset about, you know…" Laxus nodded, having already gotten a feeling the outburst was related.
"That's just how Natsu is," he said in his best imitation of a soothing tone. "He's got tunnel vision. I'm sure in his own head he's just trying to deal with Igneel's death the only way he knows how."
"He's not the only one who lost friends. I don't up and leave like that when I'm sad. I look to my guild, because I trust them with my problems; they're like family." Her fingers subconsciously reached for the rough edge of Aquarius' key. Laxus caught the gesture out of the corner of his eye but said nothing. Although he hadn't liked getting yelled at, it made him happy to hear her confiding in him. Bonus points for the fact that she hadn't yet turned into a blubbering mess. It always drove him nuts when he got put on the spot like that.
"Tunnel vision," he said with a grunt. She could see him shifting uncomfortably. Sighing, she backed off, mirroring his earlier apologetic gesture by putting her hands up.
"Thanks for listening."
"Don't worry about it, we're cool." Relaxing, he propped his feet up on the table. As if on cue, the house owner reappeared with a satchel full of medical supplies and a scowl. Elsie glared at the offending dusty boots as she handed the bag to him.
"Remember what I told you earlier; keep the wounds packed with the salve until you run out. I'd apply it at least as often as you change the bandages. No strenuous activity," she said with a mischievous look at Lucy, "For at least a week. Beyond that, just don't push it. If it hurts, don't do it. Your body should do a good job of letting you know what it's ready for."
With a snicker at Lucy's furious blush, Laxus took it that it was time for them to go. "Thank you for your help." From within the guest room he retrieved his traveling bag as well. Father Sky had thought far enough ahead to bring it earlier that very morning.
"Just keep out of trouble," Elsie warned.
As they stepped back out into the town, Lucy paused. Laxus took a couple steps before noticing, and raised an incredulous eyebrow. "What are you waiting for?"
"I'm still thinking," she answered apologetically. He gave a long-suffering sigh; patience wearing thin. Laxus could hardly recall when he'd ever been so tolerant, or had such a personal conversation.
"Figure it out."
Hands on hips, intense yellow eyes focused on her, Lucy felt a bit intimidated. Avoiding his stare, she self-consciously inquired, "What will your team think if I come with?"
Laxus scoffed, "Knowing Ever she'll probably be thrilled to see you; she thinks that since we left the guild it's been a sausage fest. Freed will be happy to talk to someone 'intelligent for once', and Bicks just likes to look at girl's-"
"I don't need to know that!" She yelped; face a dark shade of red.
"Well? What's the hold up? I thought it's what you wanted."
It had been. But it didn't seem right to her on the other hand to walk away from her internship. They didn't pay her good money or anything; it was just she felt responsible. Lucy tried to push the feeling down. While she was grateful for the generosity they had shown giving her a job, this was more important. She just couldn't keep living like this, as social as she was. She needed people to talk to right now. They weren't her first choice in companionship, but Laxus was the first one to offer. Looking back at him she wondered if this is what he wanted. Reading into his irate posture, it was not a good idea to ask. Besides, when did Laxus ever do something he didn't want to? It was hardly like she'd twisted his arm into asking her. With determination she said, "Okay. Where to?"
Letting out a sigh he didn't know he'd been holding, he started walking wordlessly towards the north. "Um, wait. I kind of brought a riding hog to get here." He wrinkled his nose at that.
"So you're leaving it here, right? It's only a day's walk to where the river's wide enough to support the ferries."
Oh, only a day, she thought sarcastically. "Well, shouldn't I tell the stablewoman I'm leaving it here?"
Laxus rolled his eyes, still having not stopped to talk it over, "You're overthinking things. We're the only strangers here. When we don't show up for a couple days, she'll get the idea. Hurry up, or I'm leaving you behind."
She squeaked and jogged the short distance to catch up.