Fairy tailed Part 3
Lucy opened her eyes to more rain pounding against her. She was swaddled tightly in a piece of fabric, keeping her warm. Was she walking? No, she couldn't feel her legs moving, but she felt her body moving, as if on a steady horse. She gave a moan as she tilted her head up from the warm surface she was lying on. She was on Natsu's back, wrapped in his shirt as he kept on the vest, his boots sinking into the deep mud of an incline, the forest a bit behind them.
His breathing was ragged, and she could feel his body tremble in strain as he fought against the river of water that flowed down the hill. "What..." She mumbled, and he snuck a look at her, sighing with relief. "You all right? You passed out a little while ago.." He took a few more strained steps, the rain and wind icy, but he could feel Lucy's warm body resting on his back, even though she weighed him down, he would get through this for her sake. "Let me walk-"
"no, you'll slow me down, hang tight." The incline got steeper and he began to slide, so he stuck his hands in the sticky mud to stable him self, Lucy's arms tightening around his shoulders, her breath warm as it tickled the back of his ear. With about an hour of struggling, he finally made it to the peak, sinking to a knee in exaustion. "Natsu." Lucy called, her voice worried as she climbed off his back, on her knees next to him.
"I'm just a bit tired." He assured her and stood, heading towards the shed he climbed the hill for. He wobbled in his step, Lucy stabling him by supporting his elbow. Natsu kicked open the rusted hinged door, and it opened to a single dark room. It was small and square, with a crumbled fire pit on the wall, dust floating around and leaks on the room letting water drip through the ceiling. So exhausted, without even doing anything else, Natsu fell on the floor and passed out.
Lucy jumped and made sure he was all right, but he was measly sleeping. "Jeez, how can you fall asleep so fast?" She sighed, closing the shed door and keeping it locked. The fire place was too caved in to work, so she broke up some rotted floor boards to make a pit in the ground, using the boards to make fire wood. She wished Natsu were awake to make a fire, but she had to do it herself. So after fiddling with some rocks and pine needles for a few hours she finally got a spark, so she blew on it a bit and placed it in the fire, smiling proudly.
Once the fire was really going, she peeled off her soaked dress, leaving her in a thin white underdress, hugging her curves with its wet fabric. She hung her dress by the fire and did the same with Natsu's shirt. The man was so asleep he didn't even wake when she tugged off his boots, shaking the mud and water out of them and placing them with the clothes, pulling off his pants and vest, leaving him in black underpants. She felt a bit nervous that she was stripping off a man's clothes, but her justifying the situation was that since she bought them, she could do what ever she wanted.
Once all the clothes were hung, she grabbed a stray ragged curtain from the window and shook off the dust, using it to cushion the two from the rough floor. Once Lucy finally had it under Natsu, she lied next to him and cuddled into the dragons chest, her hand clutched into his. "Sleep well." She whispered, kissing the mans cheek, the man who had protected her, and falling asleep soundly.
Natsu woke with a start to a roll of thunder, sitting up in the shed he remembered they had found. "Shit!" He hissed, realizing he had fell asleep before he had made sure Lucy was all right. She was fine, sleeping soundly next to him, though shivering a bit to the cold air he couldn't feel. As he took down his now dry white shirt, he realized he barely wore any clothing, and blushed to the thought that she had taken off his clothes.
She was just looking out for him, he probably would have done the same for her... His blushing became more furious at the idea of taking off her clothes, and shook his head, promising he wouldn't think of it again. He draped the shirt over Lucy for a blanket, thinking how big it looked on her. Her blond hair began to curl in the humid air, and he let his fingers stroke a soft strand. Realizing what he was doing he stood abruptly and walked outside to cool down, standing under the eve of the door while he watched the morning rain.
It wasn't as ferocious as last night, but gave a pleasant cool feeling, Natsu folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the door jamb. what was he planning to do with the girl? She was a runaway princess, people were after her, where was she going to hide? He was afraid he couldn't hide her for long, eventually they were going to be found. As he thought to himself he didn't notice the door opening behind him, Lucy tapping him on the shoulder.
He spun around as the sleepy girl rubbed her eye with a fist, his shirt way too long for her as she wore it, fitting her like a short dress, with the sleeves covering her hands. "Hi." She mumbled and gave a yawn, her eyes watering a bit to it. "Hey,you okay?" He asked and she nodded, smiling up at him. "Mm hm. Thanks" he smiled back and patted her head, walking back inside with Lucy in tow after she closed the door. "Oh yah!" Natsu remembered and went for his boots.
He shook a bit of the dried dirt out as it scattered on the floor, a puff of dust following it as he reached into the boot, pulling out Lucy's book, not a scratch or fold on it. "I didn't want to get it wet." Natsu admitted as she took the small book from his hand, smiling warmly. "Thank you." She sat against the wall, both silent as Lucy flipped through the pages, her face growing solemn. "What?" Natsu questioned, watching her finger a page, her eyes tearing. "This book contradicts negative or strengthens positive emotions. The story is so joyous... It makes me realize how messed up I really am..." Tears began to fall, making the dragon shocked as she sobbed, clutching to book to her chest. Her voice was hoarse with a thick throat, hiding her face behind her hair. "I'm sorry..." She apologies in barely a whisper, Natsu scooting a bit closer to comfort her. "Hey, its not-"
"it is! It's because of me you had to run from your home! I'm sorry, I should just go back-" Natsu hit her shoulder and she jumped. It wasn't hard enough to hurt her, but enough to make her shut it. She stared at him with her wide brown eyes, tears still sliding down her cheeks. He gave her a pouting look mixed with a glare, making her heart flutter. "Like I'd let you go now." He turned her head so they were facing each other, looking at her straight in the eyes. "Your my friend. And I'll protect my friends." Lucy hiccupped back a sob, bowing her head as she shook. She'd been so lonely in that castle that was merely a glorified cage, but now she had a friend, someone who wanted to be with her. When she lifted her head to wipe her eyes, Natsu was watching Her carefully, her sweet wine scent intoxicating as it filled the warm moist room, her skin glowing in the fire light.
He unintentionally leaned forward, her scent becoming stronger, almost to the point he could get drunk off it. Surprisingly Lucy felt calm, reaching slowly for the dragon, taking in his handsome features, the pink locks glowing in the light, his dark eyes a hint of green as they closed, his lips parting to expose his pearly dragon fangs, making Lucy's stomach twist, her breath hitching, feeling his warm spicy breath sweep over her face as she neared. A hard knock on the door sent the two crashing back reality, Lucy jumping where she sat. Natsu got to his feet, keeping a flame on his fist ready as he cracked the door open. A woman's came from the door. "Hello, do you mind giving us shelter from the rain? We've been travelling so far." She asked and Natsu hesitated, looking back at Lucy as She gave a nod. He widened the door as two women entered the shack, dark blue capes soaked with hoods covering their faces. They removed the hoods to show two beautiful women with shining silver hair walk in, smiling kindly. "I'm Mirajane Strauss." The one with long silver hair introduced, and gestured to the younger girl. "And this is my sister Lissana."
" I'm Natsu Dragneel and this is Lu-"
he froze, not wanting to expose her name. She was being chased down after all. "Lu?" Lissana asked and Lucy stepped in smiling kindy. "Lucky, my name is lucky." She lied and natsu gave a small sigh of relief, the sisters smiling. "It very nice to meet you. Have you also come here to find shelter from the rain?" Lissana asked, removing her cloak and hanging it on the clothes line with the rest, wearing a pretty blue dress, Mira wearing a red one. "Y-yeah, we were..."
"On our honeymoon." Lucy interjected, and natsu's mouth fell open in shock. Huh?! "We were just married and on our way to the house but got caught up in the storm." Mira clapped her hands together with joy, beaming. "Oh how wonderful! Congratulations! But such a shame this storm came through, isn't this your wedding night?" Natsu began to blush, finding Lucy's cheeks turning pink too. "Um, yes..." Mira pouted, lissana sitting down by the fire, warming her hands as she held them out. While Mira turned to her sister, Natsu slid beside Lucy, whispering in her ear. "Married?" He asked and she nodded. "It'd be too suspicious for a man and woman to be traveling alone and not have some kind of relationship, plus, they probably have gotten word all over the kingdom that you've adducted me." He nodded, sighing. But how could he play the married couple correctly? Lucy leaned against the wall, rubbing her eyes tiredly, still pretty worn out from last night, feeling lightheaded. "You okay?" Natsu asked and she nodded, smiling." I'll be fine." She assured, staring at the fire. Natsu sat next to her, pushing her head onto his shoulder." Get some sleep, you don't want to catch a cold." He mumbled and Lucy smiled, wrapping her arms around his and doing as he said. "I want a husband!" Mira whined and lissana giggled at her sister, the two now sitting by the fire. "So why are you two traveling?" Natsu asked them, Mira answering with a kind smile. "We're looking for a cure. Our brother was put under a curse, far worse than our own."
"Your cursed?" Lissana nodded, her expression solemn."it's a curse that turns us into creatures, and our brother right now in an uncontrollable beast. Mira turns into devils, and I animals." The fire continued to crackle, Natsu staying silent. What bad luck, to not have control over your body. "We heard there was a healer, but it's come to be ancient myths, so in our research we've found something but..."
"It's impossible!" Mirajane hissed, Lissana staying silent. "It's vulgar and in humane, there has to be another way." Mira's eyes were dark, Lissana
straitening, facing her sister. "But what if there is no other way?! What else can we do to save him?!"
"What is the way?" Natsu asked, Mira refusing to answer. "A human sacrifice. The spilling of human blood." Lissana took out a necklace that looked like a green stone, the charm gleaming in the firelight. "This stone is supposed to glow when faced with someone worthy for it. I've found it months ago after years of searching."
"And I've told you countless times to throw it away, we don't need it!"
The two sisters scowled at each other, the conflict deeper than the rising issue. Lucy stirred to the yelling, and Natsu soothed her hair gently, needing to find a way to calm the sisters before they wake her. "But if you murder someone to save him, doesn't that make you as inhumane as the monster forms you hate." Lissana froze, scowling. They were finally silent, and Natsu smiled. "Now I'm going to get some sleep too." He gave a yawn and leaned back against the wall, drifting off quickly. Lissana sat down, her gaze drifting to the pink haired man. "I guess he's right, but everyday Elfman is suffering more."
"We'll find another way lis, don't worry." Mira assured with a soft smile, her sister sighing. "Okay." Plus, it's not like they would find a sacrifice worthy right in front of them. "What do you think of Natsu?" Lissana asked and Mira gave a shrug. "He seems like a good husband. Lucky is, well, lucky." They giggled, lis shushing her sister before they woke the couple. "It really is a shame they have to spend their wedding night in this filth. Maybe we should do something for them to celebrate." Mira thought for a second, looking at lucky's dress that hung from the line. It was covered with mud and drying slowly, so she took it down. "I'll clean this up for her, why don't you clean Natsu's clothes."
"Allright." The sisters got to work, washing the fabrics with fresh rain water, and drying them quickly by the fire. Natsu's smell was nice, lisanna noticed, spicy and warm. It was the exact opposite of Lucky's which smelled of sweet wine. Lucky stirred from her husbands shoulder and sat up, giving a yawn. "Awake all ready?" Mira asked and she smiled kindly, noticing her dress looked brand new. "We cleaned it for you, along with Natsu's clothes. We thought it was the least we could do."
"No, than you very much, they look wonderful." Lucy put on the blue dress, running her fingers through her blonde hair. "Is this the dress you got married in?" Mira asked and Lucy cleared her throat nervously. "N-no, I changed after the ceremony." She hated piling on lies, they were going to find out eventually... Natsu was now awake, stretching with a yawn. "Natsu look, they cleaned our clothes for us." Lucy called and he beamed, taking his clothes. "Thanks! I was afraid these clothes would be ruined!" He put them on and Lucy smiled, straightening his scarf. Lissana noticed Lucy's earring had fallen on the floor, so she bent to get it. "Lucky, your-" as she bent close to Lucy the green stone necklace dangled from her neck and glowed an eiree green.
"That damn dragon." Gray growled, sloshing through the deep mud of the forest, loke behind him, holding the whip that princess Lucy had. "Who knew that idiot had so much power, I thought he was all talk." They continued through the rain, looking for shelter. "Look, theirs a shed!" Loke called, and they trumped through the mud through the shed, light shining out the windows. Looks like someone was already there. "Hello?" Loke called, banging on the door. "Is anyone inside?" After a moment of silence gray opened the door, seeing it looked like it was freshly evacuated, the hearth glowing feint with red embers. "This..." Loke picked up what looked like a pink ear ring that lied on the floor, staring at it with wide eyes. "This is princess Lucy's."
(A few minuets earlier.)
Lissana looked up at the princess, her mouth agape and eyes wide, Lucy's expression curious at the glowing stone. Lissana whispered under her breath, Mira jumping to grab her sister. "Lissana!-" but it was too late, she had Lucy in her grasp, in a cat form with her claws at Lucy's throat, the princess bewildered. "Hey! What are you-!"
"Sorry Natsu, but your wife is eligible for the sacrifice to free my brother. This opportunity might only come once every century and I'm not going to let it slip away." Natsu became infuriated, fire dancing over his fists. "Give. Her. Back." Mira backed away nervously from the dragon, Lissana, holding her claws closer to Lucy's neck, making her wince. "One move and I'll hurt her!" After a brief second, Natsu reluctantly let the fire disappear.
They now stood in front of a towering cave as the sun rose slowly, Mira's head bowed in shame, unable to do anything to stop her sister. Lissana still held Lucy captive, with Natsu close behind, his expression still infuriated. Lissana led the way into the cave, giving a look to natsu and he glared back, reluctantly lighting a flame to light the way. Mira came beside Natsu as they walked, her expression sad. "I'm so sorry she's doing this, I wish I could stop her but that would mean Lucy getting hurt in the process." Natsu didn't answer, he was too pissed off. They reached a narrow tunnel of the cave, that soon dipped into a large cavern, holding a towering silhouette of a beast. He was held by chains, his eyes glowing red with anger. "We're back Elfman, and we've brought a sacrifice to free you." lissana told him with a smile. She took off her necklace and put it on Lucy.
It glowed brightly, turning the cavern an eerie green, brightening the large beast covered in fur and scales, its teeth as long as swords. Natsu looked up at the monster than at Lucy This thing was going to kill her! Natsu rushed to grab the princess but Mira grabbed his arm, he looked back at her, infuriated, his eyes like a green flame. "Please wait a moment Natsu-San. Look at lucky." She whispered and he did as told, surprised. She was calm, looking straight up at the beast, a kind smile on her face. Lissana began to chant something, with her hands clasped around the necklace.
"Lissana." Lucy called and she hesitated a bit, but continued. "Do you'd think your brother would want someone to die for his sake? Is he that kind of man?" Another hesitation, this one longer. "I know why you have this curse." Lis stared at the girl who looked calmly back, the glowing gem falling from her grasp. Lucy pointed to lissana's hip. "I saw this while you dried your clothes. You have a mark correct? So does your brother and sister. What do you think thy are?" Lissana shook her head, confused. "Birthmarks... I guess. It must have run in the family-"
"Wrong."
Lucy walked over to Natsu and made him show them his right shoulder, which had the same print, but a deep red color. "It's a symbol. For fairy tail. It marks all magical creatures." Lucy gave a smile, and grasped lissana's hand. "It's not a curse that you have, it's magic. Your shape shifters. I've read stories about them." She looked up at the giant beast, the man Elfman, and tore off the green necklace, and with a swing of her arm it crashed against the cave floor, shattering. And in the Monsters place sat a large man with white hair in worn clothes, his mean looking eyes surprised as he blinked. "The real curse was the necklace you found, which confined him in that form." Lissana and Mirajane began to cry, Mira running to her brother as Lissana hugged Lucy tightly.
"I'm so sorry! Thank you! Thank you!" And with a joy filled smile she ran toward her brother as well, Natsu smiling at their reunion. "So you met the old man?" He asked Lucy and she turned surprised. So he knew he was a fairy tail creature? She nodded in response and Natsu grinned, ruffling her hair. "We'll, good job on figuring out the mystery! Lets get outta here." They said farewell to the siblings, Mira giving Lucy a pretty raspberry colored cloak, elf man giving Natsu a trench coat in a deep black color with a hood, both gifts of thanks. Lissana prepared a basket of goods from their supplies in the cave, and with teary eyes thanked Lucy again, beaming.
Then the two departed, walking through the forest to no where in particular. "We last saw loke and prince grey eastward, so lets head west, hopefully we can find a village and an inn near the river." Lucy suggested and Natsu nodded in agreement, leading the way. "It's going to be lunch soon, so lets walk a bit than find a good place to eat, I'm starving!" He grumbled and Lucy giggled, situating the basket so it hooked at her elbow. "Of course you are." The path became more rocky and steep, Lucy using this excuse to hold onto Natsu's hand, though he paid no mind if it, willing to hold hers. They came onto a sunny field with tall swaying grass, the sun shining cheerfully with few clouds visible in the sky. The cool breeze smelled so refreshing, and with the beautiful view of mountains in the distance, it was the perfect spot to rest.
"It really makes you see how vast the world is." Lucy told him, looking his way, but caught his eyes looking at her. He grinned as their eyes met and she couldn't help but smile back, finding it contagious. Natsu, her precious companion. But the word felt out-of-place, like their relationship was something more. His coat swayed in the breeze and his hair became tousled, looking out at the mountains, seeming like natural castles, standing tall and proud, the ones farther away covered in white, others closer splashed with colors of reds and yellows, signs of cooler weather that way.
"Hey, Natsu." Lucy called, her arms behind her back, golden hair blowing behind her, than forth, the wind ever shifting. "What am I to you?" He was a bit startled by the sudden question, but took no pauses to answer, his expression looking as if the answer was obvious. "My best friend." It warmed her heart, but also left her a bit disappointed. Was she expecting a different answer? "It was kind of lonely before, I mean, I had the fairy tail creatures, but I closed myself off, only caring about weather igneel would come home. But ever since I met you, I haven't thought once about it." Then there was his smile again, that joyful contagious smile.
Lucy found herself blushing and gave a nervous laugh, taking the basket. "Whoops! Almost forgot about lunch!" She fumbled about, setting up a small picnic and using a blanket inside to lie everything on. Their was a whole assortment of delicious food, accompanied with a jar of fresh goats milk and bottle of wine. She rationed the food from perishables to non-perishables , making sure Natsu wouldn't eat it all. While chewing on a roll she noticed a small potion bottle at the bottom of the basket, picking it up and reading the note tied around it. " lucky and Natsu, thank you so much for your help, here is a small potion to show our gratitude. Lissana."
She popped open the top and sniffed it curiously. It was sweet, like nectar. She read a small label on the bottom, reading "life." Knowing Lissana and Mira, it's probably a fertility potion or something, Lucy admitted with red cheeks. For all they know she and Natsu are married and childless, with a ruined wedding night. Lucy hid it away, not wanting Natsu to see it and being a numskull making her explain its purpose. That would be too embarrassing. Natsu's hand suddenly touched her cheek, making her jump with surprise. "Your face is red, are you okay?" She gave a laugh and took his hand to push it away a bit. "I'm fine."
"You sure? That storm could have left you with a fever." His concerned face looked so adorable, making her smile. "Don't worry, I'm completely fine." And happy, just being with Natsu lifted her spirits, wishing she could be with him forever, enjoying these precious moments.
They had found a small cabin on the mountainside that evening, following the river. It was an old farmer an his wife living alone, gladly letting them stay the night in the spare room. The played the newly wed card again to keep from suspicion, and ate dinner with the elders. "So, are you two traveling to the near bye kingdom blue Pegasus?" The woman asked and Lucy nodded, responding on a whim. "Yes, it's where my parents live." She hated lying, but she had to to arouse suspicion. "They just moved there so I don't know much of the town."
"We'll you're welcome to stay here as long as you need. I've heard there was a fortune-teller around this area, maybe you'll run into her." The old man added, and Natsu smiled in thanks. After dinner the two stayed in the attic, the only spare room inside the small house, and it had a separate furnace that connected to the one on the main level. Lucy borrowed a night gown that once belonged to their daughter, a white one that hugged her comfortably. Natsu fluffed out the floor mattress, and let it lay by the furnace to keep warm, lighting it with his fire. As he unbuttoned his shirt, he looked over as Lucy came upstairs, wearing the night-gown with her hair tied back loosely, giving a yawn.
The white looked complimenting against her skin, her tired brown eyes glowing against the furnaces light, making heat creep into his cheeks. He looked away quickly and pulled off his shirt, hanging it on a chair with his coat and vest, his chest bare as he flopped on the mattress. Lucy lied beside him, giving another yawn as she pulled the quilt over her. "You'll catch a cold without a shirt." She scolded, and he gave her a scowl.
"I'm warm enough, I'm a dragon after all." She scoffed, yet with a smile. "Yah, yah. Get some sleep hot head." She teased, and he looked at her with a pout as she closed her eyes, not feeling like going to sleep just yet. "Lucy." He called and she opened a single eye. "Hm?" He just wanted to talk a bit, but he had nothing to talk about. What should he ask? "Um, who were those two? The ones you called grey and Loke." She closed her eye and answered. "Loke is the head knight of the castle, and is a good friend, but a total flirt. I don't know prince grey much, but I was supposed to marry him before I left."
Natsu froze a bit at that, his insides a bit icy and uneasy. "He's your fiancé?" He asked and she gave a shrug, sighing. " I suppose." He became angry, and rolled over so his back faced her. He didn't know why he became so upset, but felt hatred to the fact she was engaged. Lucy felt the tense mood in the air and opened her eyes, curious. "Natsu? What's wrong?" She asked and he sulked, his cheeks puffing. "Nothing." She sat up Realization hit her and her mouth popped open, begging to laugh. Startled, he rolled back over, looking up at Lucy as she propped herself on her elbow, chuckling. "What?" He asked, irritated, making her laugh more. "Are you jealous?" She asked and his face flamed, looking away, back to sulking. "O-of course not weirdo! Why would I be?" She laughed again and he watched her, the soft blush on her cheeks lightening her face.
"Its just..." He looked at the furnace and she quieted, curious. "I didn't want that guy to take you from me is all... Don't make me say it." His cheeks continued to redden, and Lucy smiled. "It's an arranged marriage decided by my father, I never wished to get married to him." She explained and he looked surprised. Lucy rested her hand on the side of his face, her thumb brushing his warm skin, leaning closer.
"Your cute when your jealous." She whispered softly in his ear and kissed his cheek, backing off a bit as she realized she did something embarrassing. But he held her wrist, sitting up more so their faces were closer, his smile playful. "Your cute when your embarrassed." The whisper was husky, deep, making her stomach flutter and heart hammer, his smile growing which made her realize he could hear it. Natsu drew closer his grip tightening around her wrist as the other cupped her cheek that burned heat. "Weirdo." He breathed his hand moving from her cheek to the nape of her neck, using the leverage to pull her face down. That sweet wine scent filled the moist air of the tiny room, making his heart quicken its beat, the corner of his lips curving in a small smile.
His lips met hers gently, testy like a first kiss is always like, but warm, sweet, and Lucy realized her love for this man, the dragon that had stolen her heart like a precious gem. He was the first to pull away, looking up into her eyes, those soft brown orbs that showed every emotion like an open book. His were the same, and when she saw it she smiled joyfully, the love in his charcoal eyes obvious.
He dipped in for another kiss, keeping it slow, but deeper than the last, every touch sending fire through his skin. As his lips moved over hers, he began to lean his whole body in, closing the distance between the two and wrapping her in his arms, her hands feeling Natsu's hot skin, the hard muscles of his strong frame. She was so small, so delicate it felt as if she could break in his arms, but her skin felt like satin, hot with a deep blush. All he wanted to do was hold her, to feel that comforting warmth that has been absent from him for years now, the lonely feeling in his heart long gone. He found himself doing just that, Lucy wrapped tightly into his arms, his face buried in her neck, her sweet scent intoxicating. She could feel her heart vibrating her whole body, her breathing in gasps as her arms remained over his shoulders. "Natsu?" She called, and he held her tighter, his lips tickling against her skin as he spoke. "Lets just stay like this for a bit." She stayed silent, her breathing calming as they held each other for what seemed like a long time.
A/N- don't you just love how I continuously forget to update? anyway, hope you enjoy the new chapter, I've started the next which comes with a cool twist so stay in tuned! love y'all, R&R! :D