Hey ya'all! Gosh, I guess I have to apologize. I'm totally not original with two kinds of each character; I know, I know. It's been already used by Mashima in the Edolas arc, but I'm telling you I had had this idea and only remembered that it's already 'smoked', as people say in my country, after I thought about writing it down. Thus, this idea is not mine. Well, it is, in a way, but considering I forgot about Edolas…. Ok, now I totally sound pathetic. I am sorry.
Oh, but in my story, the Fairy Tale versions don't have their personalities the opposite, they're just different.
So, disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail or the idea of Fairy Tale character version.
Erza's eyes narrowed and her fists clinched. She studied the blonde from head to toe doubt and suspicion fogging up the sight of the compassion and sympathy she had for her personal maid.
Lucy started sweating nervously as she began to understand she had chosen the wrong moment to tell the Bloody Queen she was actually married to The Mysterious Prince. She bowed fast escaping for a moment from the woman's glare.
''I'm sorry, Your Majesty, for telling you a lie. It's just that me and my husband had decided not to tell anybody until the moment we decided to be the right one. As for why now, I have been quite afraid that our little act had gotten a little too far. Your Highness understands that…''
She rose up and looked fast at the woman, searching any sight of mildness.
But there was none, and she started wondering if she shouldn't have better shut her trap.
''…That I don't want him to die.'' She continued in a shaky whisper.
Erza looked at her with coldness. Lucy tried a smile on her, but the woman didn't seem like she was impressed.
Shoot. I'm screwed. Lucy thought.
''You do realize I can no longer trust you.''
Lucy looked at wide-eyed. She hesitated.
''Y-Yes. I do. I'm sorry.''
''And after you forced that ridiculous story into my mind, you still have the guts to tell me you lied.''
The girl couldn't reply.
''And you still have the guts to expect my believing.''
Lucy bit her lower lip.
'But you still believe me' she hoped.
''Nonsense.'' Erza whispered with disgust making the girl flinch. ''You just want to get him out of the prison. You had quite a while at your service to discuss a plan for you two to escape. I don't know if he forced this new story into you, but you can rest assured.''
The woman smiled devilishly.
''I do not believe such a bluff.''
Lucy swore in her mind. She has never thought of this possible situation; she had been caught in the enthusiasm and dreams of freedom.
''Get out of my sight.'' Erza commanded in a whisper with as much disgust as she was able to feel.
Lucy hesitated, but then bowed feeling her heart crush and left the room in silence. Back in her room, she started wiping.
Did they really have no hope left? Will Natsu really die?
Today was Thursday, the twelfth day since they had been caught and taken by force by Erza's underdogs. Two more days and Natsu would be executed.
Hours were passing fast and Lucy was obviously not allowed to visit Natsu anymore. She kept trying to squeeze out of her mind ideas or even plans to escape.
But nothing would work.
One more day slipped by and Lucy was starting to get desperate. Never in her life has she looked at the clock with so much fear. She couldn't get her mind off Natsu and the vision.
Erza was now cold with her. It was more than obvious she disliked her maid.
Perfect. Just when their relationship had gotten better, too.
But thinking about it, Lucy found herself feeling guilty. Who wouldn't blame her, after all? She was the only person Erza trusted. No, she made Erza trust her and only her. And then she went saying she had lied to her while still hoping she would be forgiven and freed. Who did she think she was?
It must've hurt. To find out you've been lied to by the person you trust most. How ironic, that the queen persisted on believing a lie.
Never would have she guessed the truth laid in the innocent bedtime stories.
And so, without any word, another day passed.
Ok this is it for now! Please review!
Just kidding, keep reading.
The morning sun rose up in the sky and soon, the beautiful strong rays were playfully pouring down on Lucy, through the clear and crystal- like windows. How ironic! Such a beautiful day for such a horrible incident.
She was awake. Obviously, she couldn't get any sleep last night. She had dark circles around her eyes and she felt ill. She didn't even want to get out of her bed, but she knew she had to.
Even if there was no hope left.
To be honest, she didn't want to see Natsu's execution; she has been seeing it every night. But she knew the real thing would be different.
Feeling tears wet her eyes, she immediately wiped them away. She has been crying all night long, it was time to stop. That's right; she had to smile to give Natsu courage when she sees him!
But he had more courage than her anyway.
She did her best to smile, but big tears started tickling her temples and falling in her hair. She rose up and got out of the bed. She had to stop crying already!
A knock at the door echoed in the silence making her flinched. She heard a few persons fidgeting on the halls. Probably preparing things for the king's arrival.
The door opened slowly and a man's face showed up inside the room. At soon as he saw she was awake, he straightened his back and bowed, saying:
''Her Majesty the Queen is calling for Milady in her chamber.''
''What does she want with me?'' Lucy replied grimacing.
The man hesitated.
''She wants to invite you to assist to the execution of the Mysterious Prince.''
''And what if I don't want to go?'' she dared to say.
''Pardon my boldness, but I haven't finished. She also wants to announce you that Your Father, The King of The Skeletons Kingdom, sent a message telling Her Highness that he is going to be late with one day due to his need for rest.''
Lucy's eyes started glowing and she looked at the man with more interest.
''Then is the execution adjourned?''
Great! More time for thinking!
The man hesitated again.
''A-Actually, His Majesty, the King, sent the order not to adjourn the execution and for it to take place in his absence.''
He watched the princess lower her head sadly.
''I apologize, Milady. To be honest, none of us wanted this to happen. The Mysterious Prince seems to be a brave and good-hearted man. And…. If I may…. Milady doesn't seem to hate him either.'' He added. Lucy threw him a sad smile and grateful look, but the both knew this meant nothing.
''I appreciate your kindness, soldier.''
The man blushed. He wasn't a soldier yet, but that was his dream. If the princess saw him this way, that meant a lot for him.
''Can you do me a favor?''
''O-Of course, Milady!''
''Tell Her Majesty I'm not coming to see the execution. Actually, I don't even want to go to her chamber. You already told me everything I need know. I have no reason to leave my room today.'''
The man widened his eyes. Nobody ever dared not to obey the Queen, much less her maids. But even so, this young lady refused to even exit her chamber.
He bowed hesitatingly and left the room quietly.
Lucy stared at her feet. Her blonde hair fell off her shoulders slowly. It was silent again. Her heart was beating lazily and she felt extremely lifeless. All those murderous feeling that have been overwhelming her the past few days were now long vanished. On the last day, she was calmed and more tired than ever. She opened her mouth and let out a big sigh.
Don't misunderstand. She hasn't given up yet.
She has been thinking a lot about it until she finally drew a conclusion. She had no other way to save herself and Natsu.
She had to use her thumb card.
She had to use what she had read in the queen's diary.
Erza Scarlet had to be in a violent temper the moment she heard Lucy refuses to leave her bedroom. She couldn't believe the girl is actually disobeying her after she had promised she would serve her with all her might the first time they met.
Even so, she calmed down fast. She was actually pretty surprised that Lucy didn't want to see her lover for the last time.
She gave a few quick orders regarding the preparations for the execution and then took thoughts about this weird personal maid of hers.
She had wondered this before, but what if Lucy was actually telling her the truth? What if she and the Mysterious Prince were actually married?
By eleven o'clock, everybody from the capital of The Kingdom of Dragons found out about the execution form the crier, but as something like this used to happen pretty often, only a bunch of twenty - thirty people have gathered in the main market where a dais looking like little stage stood all mighty and dangerous. Citizens knew this was a way of being reminded to obey the biggest authority – the queen. Now another soul would have to be sacrificed because of the woman's cruel rules and laws.
The Kingdom of Dragons had a tradition that before one's execution, his or her story would be told to everybody by the crier. That was the only reason people actually came to see the beheading; it wasn't like they enjoyed watching somebody die; they weren't like their queen.
By twelve o'clock, the preparations were done.
Natsu couldn't raise his face from the ground. He heard the soldiers walk in the prison and open his cell's grate. He was dragged outside and the sunlight hit him like a rock. Knowing he was going to die didn't seem as scary as it had done before; just like Lucy, he was calm, but lifeless and crushed under disappointment and lack of hope. You could say they needn't kill him; he was already dead.
Before you could say execution, he was already at the main market. That was the first time he raised his eyes and looked around. The crown was quiet and pitiful. But searching through the people, he couldn't find Lucy.
He was forced to climb the little staircase that would take him to the last place he would ever be.
This wasn't like himself; he should have tried to fight for his life. He should've made sure they wouldn't take him down before he knew he did what he could.
Then why? Why couldn't he move his feet? Why couldn't he raise his arms without feeling tired?
Why was he so ready to die?!
Erza Scarlet was waiting beside the executioner, a massive man dressed in black, wearing a dark and horrifying mask that was meant to scare the sentenced and make him repent for his/her sins before they would go to hell. Another idiotic tradition.
Marcus Johnsgate was also present.
The queen stood quietly looking at Natsu with cold as he was approaching her. The crier was yelling Natsu and Lucy's 'love story', Natsu's version, but with a lot of lies that he couldn't even imagine where the man had taken from.
The young man looked once again through the poor peasants searching for Lucy. She was the only one he wanted to see that moment and she was nowhere to be found. He suddenly felt so weak that he collapsed on his knees right in front of the rock that was meant to serve as a kitchen trencher for his neck.
The crier had finished his talk. The crowd went silent.
Natsu wanted to cry, but his eyes remained dry. Instead, his whole body was trembling and sinking in his own sweat. His heart must've been jogging; for the last time.
He suddenly saw his whole life run before his eyes.
He had been in good terms with Lucy until a certain age, but they have been always fighting. He became cocky just like the people he liked to call his friends. He had started hating people like her: smart, honest, loving and responsible; ethical people. Just because he knew he couldn't be the same. He has been longing his whole life for true love, but while he was searching for it, he kept giving up in front of the carnal temptations. He has been messing up with girls like they were nothing but sacks of beauty. He has been annoyed of the stuff like family and studying. But deep inside, he knew he has been bleeding his entire life. He knew that what he has been searching for was the right, good path. But why was it so hard to follow it? It had always been a lot easier to do what he wanted: pleasure, cool sensations, freedom, strength, authority, popularity, rebellion. Cool, right?
No. Pathetic.
Such a life he had.
He smiled sadly. And now everything was about to end.
After all, it had all been in vain. He managed to accomplish nothing in his life. And somewhere on the road, he had even lost himself.
The executioner rose a huge sword up in the sky, shadowing the young man's head, that was resting on the rock.
Natsu closed his eyes tight. Why was his heart beating so fast now?
And wait, people, didn't he even have the chance of a last wish? Because… because he wanted to see Lucy one more time before he would go away.
Suddenly, he flinched and opened his eyes wide.
Wait.
Something was wrong. Didn't Lucy tell him she saw him get executed in the vision? Then where was she? And he could recall her saying something like he had been all beaten up.
''Goodbye, Mysterious Prince.'' Erza said coldly, loud enough to be heard by everybody.
And the crowd! Didn't she say the crowd was screaming and cheering?! These people were as silent as rocks!
He looked once more trough the people for Lucy. But he knew it was already too late.
Then why was he suddenly filled with hope? He felt his heard run this time with energy and his adrenaline spread through his body. He felt his muscles put forth with the need to move, to jump, to run, to fight for his life! Even if his leg was still bandaged.
He opened his mouth to yell to them to stop.
But somebody else already did that for him.
''STOP IT!''
The executioner held his sword in the air, hesitating. Everybody's heads turned back toward the person who dared to interrupt the execution. They were shocked. Erza smiled. She was expecting this.
It was a young girl. Her blonde hair stood out through the black of covered heads of the peasants. Natsu's eyes widened and before he could call her name, the queen already did.
Man, these people just felt the need to talk instead of him today, didn't they?
''Lucy Sketchnik.''
The girl was overwhelmed with only one feeling: determination.
''Your Majesty, please wait.''
''And why should I do as you tell me?''
''Because you would want to hear me out.''
Erza waved to the executioner to continue his doing. Lucy made a ''Tck!'' and suddenly grabbed Marcus Johnsgate by his neck, hit him with her knees in the back of his own knees so sudden that it made him fall to the ground (you're allowed to try this at home, it really works) and placed a sharp knife on his jugular threatening him with a fast move, and so, death (do NOT try this at home, it also works).
''NOBODY MOVE!'' she yelled and the executioner stopped his sword from falling the second time. Erza widened her eyes and froze.
''Heck, I always wanted to do this.'' Lucy muttered with a frown. Marcus touched the handle of his sword, but the girl pushed the knife harder into his skin. ''Don't even think about it.'' she hissed in his ear.
It would have been easy to escape just a light girl, but Marcus was shocked.
''Now will you hear me out, Your Majesty?''
Said woman gritted her teeth and took a step forward.
''How dare you-''
''Or should I call you Erza Scarlet…'' Lucy cut her off, making everybody widen their eyes. ''… daughter of King Hadar (means glorious) and Queen Aaliyah of the Kingdom of Dragons?''
Erza seemed to be boiling with anger. The crowd was now muttering with surprise. After a break of silence, Erza hissed between her teeth:
''Let Marcus Johnsgate go. I will listen to what you want to tell me.''
Lucy smiled victoriously and let the shocked man go. He rose up fast and dusted himself with his pride hurt. Lucy climbed the dais and looked exactly in the woman's eyes.
''Erza. I think it's time for us to call things by their right name. First, I want to apologize.''
The woman threw thunders with her narrow eyes.
''Why?'' she said through her teeth.
''Because all this time…''
She looked away with embarrassment.
''I've been lying to you. We've been lying to you.'' She said throwing Natsu an obvious look.
Natsu looked at her like she was crazy. She wasn't going to tell her the truth now, was she?
Erza had a short glow in her eyes like the news hurt her.
''You mean you aren't married.''
''That was also a lie, but… we're not even in love.'' She concluded looking at her feet. Erza frowned confused while everyone gasped, even if they didn't really understand anything.
'Talk for yourself' Natsu thought.
''What are you talking about?''
''Everything I told you about us running away was a lie. We only ran away because we didn't want to get married. We weren't in love at all. Actually, it started while we were hating each other.''
Erza kept silent not knowing what to say; not knowing what to feel.
''Remember the story I've been telling you at bedtime?''
The woman flushed – this was something a little personal.
''What about it?''
''That's my story.''
She frowned. She didn't get it.
''That is my… life, Your Highness.''
An awkward silence fell in while everyone was wondering what she mean by that. Only Erza understood that the girl has been sharing with her the sad story of her life. But no. It was impossible.
''Listen, Lucy Sketchnik, I know you want to save your lov-''
''I am telling the truth! I know you think I am lying to you again to save him by any means possible, but listen to me!''
She grabbed the woman by her shoulders without thinking.
''This is the first time I am telling you the whole truth and I am sorry for that. But this time you have to believe me. I know, I know, I don't deserve to be believed by you. But just this time, I am begging you! Listen and believe.''
Erza looked at her coldly without saying anything. She was listening.
''Me and Natsu are not from this world.''
A moment of silence and then everybody burst into laughing. Everybody except for Natsu, Lucy and Erza. The woman looked deeply into the girl's eyes, searching for the truth. Lucy tried her best to made the woman see how honest she was.
By the time the laughter slowly stopped, the queen finally spoke.
''You expect me to believe such a pathetic excuse? You have to be quite desperate to have come up with this kind of lie.''
''I'm not asking you to believe me, I'm just asking you to search into my eyes and find the truth for yourself.''
'Well you just asked her to believe you a few moments ago…' Natsu sweat-dropped.
''We were suddenly sucked in when a portal appeared in my room. I appeared in the place of the Lucy Sketchnik you know. But my name is actually Lucy Heartfilia.''
Erza made a quick move with her eyebrows, but she didn't even blink.
''And this is Natsu Dragneel.''
This time, everybody gasped and Erza widened her eyes.
''Natsu…? You don't mean Natsu Fremont (the noble protector) , the Prince of the North Fire Kingdom?'' Erza said in an angry whisper.
''W-Who?''
''Our enemy.'' Erza hissed.
''No.'' Natsu said loud enough to be heard by everyone. They all looked at him surprised. ''No, my name is Natsu Dragneel and I have never heard of the Fire Kingdom.''
The people started muttering confused.
The sun was shining brightly on them.
Erza tried to keep calm, but she couldn't. Lucy stopped talking because she had already told the woman everything the past nights. The queen clinched her fists and looked Lucy straight in her eyes. She started talking softly, but her words became louder and louder until she finished with a scream:
''Lucy Sketchnik or whatever you pretend your name to be… I can't stand thieves, criminals and any kind of person who goes beyond the law… but I have to tell you, hate liars the MOST!''
Lucy widened her eyes. So she didn't believe her, after all. She gritted her teeth and felt how she was starting to anger herself.
''I've killed Gale Hutch, who was known as the greatest liar in the history, Catherine Carcase, who has been pretending her whole life to be a countess, Ashton Kieger, Maurice Anthon, Yurice Morty, Loffle Vartigan and many, many others. You cannot imagine how many times I drew my sword and pierced their body with these two hands of mine. The first moment I got to-''
''THEN GO AND KILL YOURSELF!'' Lucy but her off with a scream that shocked everybody. Erza widened her eyes again.
''THEN GO AND KILL YOURSELF BECAUSE YOU'RE THE BIGGEST LIAR I'VE EVER MET!''
The scarlet haired woman stared at the angry girl with teary eyes with in front of her with no hidden shock. Everybody was still gasping. Lucy eventually managed to calm down her angry breathing and even pushed out a sad smile.
''Aren't you the one that's been lying to herself this whole time?''
Her shaky voice revealed how sad and in pain she was for the queen.
''Come on, Erza. Let's face it.''
She approached the woman again and took her hands into hers. She smiled to her.
''You like pink.''
Natsu and Marcus raised their eyebrows while everyone else gasped for the hundredth time that day.
''When you were a kid, you wished you had a pony.''
Natsu smiled amused and Erza became more and more uncomfortable and shocked. How did Lucy know all these things?
''You were dreaming on how you would decorate its hair with pearls and petals. But you never had a birthday party and so, you've never got a gift in your whole life.'' Lucy's smile vanished sadly. ''Every single year you lived with the hope that something would change and somebody would actually do something nice for you.''
The whole crowd turned quiet. Lucy's words had had more or less an effect on them. The girl saddened even more.
''Your parents died when you were three, killed by the past King of the North Kingdom of Fire. He was known as 'The liar', which is the reason you hate people who lie so much. Your bigger sister died before your own eyes by the king's hands while she was trying to protect you. This is the reason you are now at war with the North kingdom of Fire.''
Lucy's eyes watered even more. Any sign of hate or anger for this woman had vanished the moment she decided to make public the queen's personal, sad life. As for Erza, she was too shocked and pale to react.
''You were raised up by a nanny who would always tell you everything was alright: lies! More lies! You grew up feeding yourself with hate and you started ruling you kingdom with cruelty, fact which you have always regretted you whole life deep down your heart. But you somehow got over it with time.''
Erza opened her mouth to cut her off before she would say any more embarrassing stuff, but Lucy thrust her arm forward.
''No, don't try to stop me. I'm not finished yet.'' She smiled and then giggled. ''Did I say you love strawberries? You love them so much, you even sneaked out of your room one night, went in the kitchen, stole a whole strawberry cake and returned to your room eating it joyfully. You think ribbons are cute, but you would rather wear a red rose. Red is your favorite color, after all. You secretly have feelings for Jellal Fernandez, the King of the Kingdom of Demons, whom you've known since you were a child. You also secretly hope that he hasn't married up until now because he's been waiting for you.''
Lucy smiled softly and everybody watched with pure shock their queen's face turned as red as her hair.
''And there are much more, Erza.''
There were, indeed, a lot more things that would have helped the two get out of this kingdom, but only with threatening. And Lucy wanted to help this woman, to reveal the truth once and for all. It was more than obvious that these people, her people, hated her.
Erza's stare began to turn into a glare. But her body was shaking. She was embarrassed, still in shock and a little angry.
''What have you done?'' she asked crushed.
''Aren't you tired of hiding the truth? Or more like trying to forget about it.'' Lucy said quietly searching for the woman's eyes. ''Because I am.''
She turned to face the crowd.
''As you can see, people, everyone has their own little secret. As you can see, your queen is a bare human. Like the rest of us.''
Everybody knew about the rumors of Erza being the devil. Even Erza herself.
''But that doesn't excuse her for what she's done!'' somebody cried making the rest turn their heads and face a small, sick woman crying from her spot and pointing to the queen like a sentence.
''She may be a human'' she continued. '' But she's done things only the devil could do!''
Some of the people agreed with her.
'''She is able to kill innocent persons! Children!''
The woman's voice was shut by her own tears. Natsu and Lucy immediately recognized her as Peter's mother.
''She killed my baby!'' she cried crushed. ''She killed my baby Peter!''
The duo's heart melted with sadness.
The woman's sobs were the only thing that could be heard the following moments, along with somebody tying to comfort her. Lucy bit her lower lip. She wished she could do something for her. She hesitated, but thrust her arms forward and smiled.
''Come here.''
He woman hesitated as well with surprise, but then climbed the staircase hiccupping and walked be to Lucy slowly, making it obvious she was ill. The girl took her knurled hands into hers and then looked Erza.
''Erza Scarlet, you did many cruel things and you broke many other hearts. You even hurt me.''
Erza tried to stay strong and indifferent, but this moment of truth was weakening her. She sadly looked back at Lucy, feeling the need to bit her lips.
''But I forgive you. Will you forgive me as well for lying to you all this time?''
Erza muttered surprised an ''Yes''. Nobody has ever apologized to her asking for her forgiveness.
''Good.'' Lucy frowned. ''I apologized. I think now it's your turn.''
Erza widened her eyes and threw the crowd a desperate look. Apologize? Her, to these people? But thinking about it, she realized Lucy was right.
And truth to be told…. She did feel guilty.
''I…'' she started, but couldn't continue.
''Erza. Tell me, are you sorry with what you have done all your life?''
Many people muttered a ''Tck!'' or ''As if!'' or ''Yeah sure!''. They were convinced Erza was the way she was. Maybe she indeed had a rough life, but it wasn't like their lives were better.
''Yes.'' The queen whispered with embarrassment.
''R-really?!'' Natsu screamed shocked, but shut his trap the moment Lucy threw him a glare.
''Yes. I sincerely am. I've… I've been sorry every time I did such a… thing…'' her sentence finished in a whisper. Her cheeks were blushed.
''Then…'' Lucy smiled broadly and turned her attention to the crowd. ''Will you all forgive your queen? Are you all ready to free your heart from the pain and hate and start a new beginning?''
A moment of silence and nobody said anything. But an old man looked with determination at Erza and screamed:
''I do.''
They all looked at him surprised.
''I've been waiting for this moment since you started to rule your Kingdom, young lady!''
''I also want to forgive her. I don't think she felt at peace with what she's done. I am part of her kingdom, so I want to serve her properly. But I can only do that is she agrees to change.''
Erza's eyes were shining. Lucy realized it was also because they were filled with tears.
''I do, too!'' somebody else screamed.
''Me too!'' another one. ''I forgive you, Your Majesty!'' someone else.
Erza bit her lower lip and the tears rolled down her cheeks. At the sight, they all suddenly believed her and they could feel she has been really sorry. That moment, twelve people screamed ''I do!'' at once.
The rest who hadn't said anything started crying and laughing at the same time. They had learnt not to hope for a better tomorrow, so being witness to a (indirect) confession and an apologize from the Bloody Queen was a miracle.
''One more thing.'' Lucy interrupted the enthusiastic screaming and laughing with joy. ''I want you guys to drop the nickname Bloody.''
Her way of expressing had been weird, but they got message.
''L-Lucy…'' Erza called for the girl with teary eyes. ''What am I supposed to do? I want to be forgiven, but…''
Lucy smiled and whispered something long in her ear. The woman's eyes started shining with hope. After Lucy was done, she nodded.
The sun rays were pouring down or everybody. They were all happy. Lucy looked at Natsu, who grinned. She grinned back and took her hair behind her ear. Erza was looking at her and the moment she saw the girl doing that, she widened her eyes and muttered with shock:
''You really aren't from this world.''
Everybody went silent and Lucy looked at the woman surprised.
''What do you mean?''
''The back of your ear.''
She looked at Lucy's ear once again and saw… nothing.
''You don't have the mark…''
''What?!'' somebody from the crowd shouted.
''What mark?'' Natsu asked. He was still laying on the rock and the executioner still held the sword in the air. By the time they realized this, they immediately sat back in a normal positions with embarrassment. It was obvious the execution wasn't going to take place anymore.
Erza walked fast to Natsu and looked at the back of his eat, as well.
''You truly aren't from this world…'' she whispered shocked. ''You were speaking the truth.''
She then took her hair over her ear and showed them her own ear. A brown form of a heart looked like a tattoo on her skin. Lucy and Natsu smiled.
''Do you know what that symbol means?'' Natsu asked grinning.
Everybody looked at them surprised.
''Isn't it just a simple mark? Everybody has it.''
A few people nodded while all of their faces told them it was true.
''In our world, that's the symbol of love.''
They all looked surprised. Lucy drew a heart on her palm with her finger.
''Love. Love for those close to you. Love for your family, friends… ''
Lucy looked at Erza and continued:
''… Love for your people and…'' she then looked at the crowd. ''Love for your queen.''
She smiled wider while everybody was touched.
A soldier came running. He announced through his panting:
''Your Majesty, the King of the Skeleton Kingdom sent message that he is arriving in exactly one hour. It seems like he had found a shortcut through the woods.''
This time, Erza, along with the rest of the present people started to panic. The soldier went back to the castle.
The woman turned her head fast to Lucy and Natsu.
''I sincerely apologize for everything I've done to you.''
She sat on her right knee and bowed her head respectfully.
''I know you deserve more than just a bare apology. Tell me, what can I do for you to show my gratitude?''
''Well we really have to hurry up.'' Lucy said worriedly.
''Please, there must be something I can do. But then again, how could I ever repay you for what you've done for me?''
She smiled kindly for the first time in years. Lucy also smiled; glad to have helped this woman.
''Well you can start by bringing us two horses and a sack of food!'' Natsu grinned.
''Natsu!'' Lucy screamed embarrassed with him.
Erza nodded determined.
''No, I understand. You there!'' she screamed to a soldier. ''Go and prepare what two horses and victuals for these two! No, wait, better than that, bring food for everybody here! I am going to hold a feast for everyone!''
The people gathered started muttering with happiness.
''Your Majesty, please, we don't have much time!'' Lucy begged sweating.
''You're right. Hey, you! Hurry up, or I'll cut your head o-''
She widened her eyes and everybody froze. The following moments, nobody dared to make a sound.
''I-I'm sorry… '' Erza lowered her head ashamed.
Everybody suddenly burst into laughing and screaming of cheer. Their queen has changed! Said woman remained still with shock.
The soldier with the duty to bring Natsu and Lucy their necessities sprinted to the royal stall and then to the kitchen and in fifteen minutes everything for the two was ready.
While they were saying goodbye to the queen, somebody announced that the king has arrived even earlier. Lucy finished the thanks and sorry-s and even hugged the queen.
''Are you going to be fine?'' Lucy asked Erza. Said woman smiled reassuringly.
''Don't worry about me. I'll take care of everything. Now go and be safe!''
They sat on their horses, dressed in long, black coats and after they looked once more back while smiling, left in the cheers of the people.
The exact same moment they disappeared from the queen's view, a tired horse could be heard galloping towards them. It was the King Of the Skeletons Kingdom.
''Your Majesty.'' Erza said bowing. Said man also bowed full of respect. Without any other word, he got to the point.
''Where's my daughter?''
Erza shook her head sadly.
''She disappeared. She and the Mysterious Prince had left before the preparations for the execution were ready. We found nothing in the prince's cell.''
''WHAT?!'' the king had a burst of anger. Erza took on his frustration and hate with all she got. She couldn't even hear him, thought. She was happy. She was so happy that she almost couldn't hide her smile.
Lucy and Natsu were now moving fast. They were soon very far away from the castle. Natsu looked happily at Lucy and grinned.
''You did well. I'm proud of you.''
She blushed and grinned back.
''Yeah. Thanks.''
They both started laughing with all their hearts.
They were finally free.
And the wind of freedom felt amazingly good.
That night, the figure of a woman silently and secretly leaving the castle could be seen under the moonlight. She walked through the forest until she finally reached a little church in the middle of the darkness. She knocked at the big doors and an old man answered after a while. The woman let the coat fall off her revealing her beautiful scarlet hair.
''Your Majesty…'' the priest said surprised.
The woman hesitated, but entered the church at the man's invitation. He was a calm, mild and peaceful old man.
''What brings you here?''
Erza remembered of Lucy whispering something in her ear.
''I wanted my sins to be forgiven… and I've been sent here.''
She was a little shy and embarrassed.
''I have to ask for forgiveness, right?''
The man looked at her silent and surprised.
''Well, look, my while life I've liked to do the wrong and I've been killing many people…. ''
She felt a little stupid telling all these to an old man.
''… I have a really black heart and it feels really painful… I….''
The man suddenly started laughing silently, surprising her to the point of widening her eyes.
He looked down at her with a parental love and compassion.
''Your Majesty. I think you misunderstood that person's message. You don't have to tell me your sins to me forgiven.''
He looked at a big cross on the front wall of the church and pointed to it.
''It's Him.''
Erza looked at the cross and started feeling a little nervous.
''Well… what can I do? I am really sorry.''
''I am glad you are, Your Highness. A soul that does not feel the need to be forgiven cannot be forgiven entirely. Our Lord already forgave us, but He just needs you to accept it.''
Erza looked back at the priest with big eyes.
''I want it. I want to accept it.''
''Then you have already done.''
The queen's heart started fluttering and a rock fell of her heart. She has been forgiven.
Her wide eyes filled with tears and her lips bloomed into a smile. She couldn't express what she was feeling. Her heart was suddenly so light and she felt even freer than Natsu and Lucy felt escaping from her castle. She was suddenly feeling like she had wings and she could fly.
She has never felt this way before. And it was the most wonderful happiness she could ever imagine.
She rose up and smiled. Now she was ready to start a new beginning.
Because she felt like she has been reborn.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Natsu had lightened up a fire and they were gazing at the beautiful stars still smiling. The grass felt so soft and the smell of the earth was filling their noses like a perfume. The songs of the crickets spread through the night sky and they were glad they could witness such beauty.