Shadows
Chapter 2: The Past's Gift
Team Natsu managed to deliver the young aristocrat's son without any further damage and claim the reward. However, the journey home wasn't quite as cheerful.
Natsu laid across the red leather booths of the train, nestling his head on Lucy's lap. The travel sickness numbed as the soothing scent of vanilla and strawberry intoxicated the dragon slayer's sensitive nose. In its stead, a different weaker sickness replaced it. When his eyes were closed, and his ears listened to Lucy's soft breaths, her fingers running unconsciously through his pink, scruffy hair, he felt calm and peaceful.
However, when dark onyx eyes came to occasionally sneak a glance at his blonde friend, the sickness twisted inside of him, knotting his stomach so tight he thought he wouldn't be able to breathe. She wasn't chatting about nonsense with any other team member like she usually did. She could talk for ages of boring books, plays and clothes. Instead, she was quiet. And when Lucy, of all people, was quiet, it meant she was doing only one thing- Over thinking. When Lucy was troubled or feeling anxious about something, she tended to go quiet and think. Natsu didn't always like the outcome of Lucy's quiet moments. He had a feeling he wouldn't like the one coming either. If only her face would turn from the world outside the window, to him, then he would know what to do. But she didn't turn.
Lucy's eyes drifted passed the moving scenery outside of the little train they were on. Green grassy hills were a quick blur. Buildings were faintly noticeable in the distance. And the sky was a clear cloudless blue. Soft, bouncy strands of fluffy hair felt faintly ticklish between her fingers as they twiddled with his pink, scruffy mane. Warm breath prickled and teased the goosebumps on her arm, scaring away the chill of the carriage. Big brown eyes looked over the small clusters of passing towns through the frosted pre-winter chill creeping up the edge of the glass. In truth, she wasn't really looking at the villages at all; they just passed as indifferent flashes of brown, beige and red. 'Who was he?' The question wriggled its way into her mind, rattling her calm thoughts like the train on the tracks. She wasn't sure if she had flinched, but the warm bubble in her chest was letting her know of the dark eyes watching her. Natsu's gaze had that affect on her, alerting her when he was watching. Maybe it had been because of all the time they had spent together. Many of the guild's members had known him for years longer than herself and they probably didn't feel it. Nevertheless, raven eyes tracked her face with a cautious and uncharacteristic intensity.
A silent sigh escaped under her breath, as she tried to ignore their drawing beckoning. They had interrupted her train of thoughts, which had barely begun to move. Thought it didn't take long before they were rolling ahead again.
Once again, the questions began cropping up with an irritating but alluring chime. 'Who was the silver-haired man, really?' She thought helplessly 'How does he know who she is?', 'What man was he talking about?' Lucy felt a headache coming on, maybe even a migraine, if she was lucky. Familiar scenery began to crop out of the dull background. More sandstone and welcoming golden buildings began to appear more frequent, as Lucy realized they were nearly home.
Involuntarily, brown orbs glanced down the dragon slayer cradled on her lap. Surprisingly, Natsu was awake. Normally, he'd be asleep and it would take forever for the stubborn, fire-head to wake up. Big, dark eyes watched her gently, a little smile curving on her lips. That small bubble in her chest radiated across her body, lifting her body temperature, and her mood as well. Somehow, Natsu's smile, full of innocence, naivety and hope, could change her whole mood around. Those big, dark eyes that felt like they saw everything, always felt like they were telling her 'Don't worry'. Because of that, she never really did. Not with Natsu around anyway.
The train let out a harsh whistle as it came to a slowing shudder, and then a stop, at Magnolia train station.
Night swept in like a veil of darkness, coating the sky in a deep, navy blue. Only the glittering moon, which hung like a locket over Magnolia's burning city, could escape its grasp.
Lucy Heartfilia ravenously searched through her bag, trying to locate the key to her door, as her legs ached and whined for rest. They hid within a zipped-up compartment of her purse. She plucked them out swiftly, fitting them into the lock and swinging the door open. A warm burst of air welcomed her home to her snug apartment. Lucy escaped the foyer's chilling, winter daft and draped her wool coat and bag over the hanger beside the door.
As Lucy trotted past her bed, towards the bathroom, she noticed something familiar. More like someone familiar -two someones, as a matter of fact. Curled up under her soft, pink sheets was Natsu, snoring away peacefully with his blue companion balled up at his toes, poking out the ends of the bed. "Jeez," Lucy groaned softly. "You guys always fall asleep here!" She scolded with a gentle whisper. She was thinking she was going to come back to some empty apartment where a big bed waited there for her; looks like she thought wrong. Instead of feeling irritated or annoyed, she felt strangely relieved to find them there, as cute as always when they were asleep- a masked innocence compared to when they're awake. Another sight later and she hurried into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, she returned. Little yellow chicks decorated the new pink pajamas she bought from the clothes retail store in the neighboring town. She had brushed her teeth, combed her hair, tied it back in a bun, and was finally ready for bed.
Unable to break up the cute sleeping faces of the duo, Lucy grabbed a blanket, spare duvet and pillow from the cupboard and settled for the couch. She made sure the door was locked, lights were off and everything was tidy before she rearranged her bed scraps into sleeping material.
Nighttime was suffocating silent as Lucy laid alone. Moonlight spilled in through the gap in the curtain, lining everything with an incandescent silver glow. Sleep was welcomed, but it never came. It wasn't the couch; it was comfy enough to sleep on. She wondered why Natsu always complained about it when she sent him to it on the days he insisted on sleeping over. Instead, it was lingering thoughts that made the celestial wizard wander back through the day's events. She went back to the cabin, to the room where she listened to that white fox's words and felt the world shake and crack underneath her feet, dropping her into a dark blurry haze. "I wonder what that was." Lucy whispered quietly. Slowly, she lifted her hand up in front of her face, watching the moon's rays run across her palms. The pink Fairy Tail insignia glimmered a pale pastel pink under the pure light, compared to its rather vibrant shade. As her hands flipped and turned, the light illuminated her skin an icy white. It ran down her fingers, over her palms and down across the iron black shackles that clung to her wrist.
Lucy shrieked, stumbling up to her feet. Pulling her hand back, her body jerked to stop, dragging her down to her knees. The chains began to pull, knocking Lucy onto her back. Quickly, Lucy retreated to sitting up just as her body slowly began to be hauled forwards, closer and closer to the dark shadows where the chains were swallowed in black. Lucy screamed, kicked and dug her nails into the floor. But it didn't stop.
A whip, long, thin and black, cracked out from her wrist like lightening. Just as quickly, she launched backwards. Black shadow claws gripped around her, engulfing her whole. "He's coming for you." A voice cackled in the air. The voice drowned out quickly against the thump of loud, heavy footsteps echoing in the dark.
"NO!" Lucy screeched.
Suddenly, Lucy's body flung up with a jolt. Her heart rattled inside her ribs, her lungs gasped for air in her chest, and cold skin, wet with sweat, shivered and shook. Fists clawed and twisted the fabric of the duvet in her palms. The cold darkness of her apartment surrounded her, empty and quiet. "What- What was that?" She exclaimed her voice croaking into a whisper. It was a nightmare. A really horrible, terrifying nightmare that felt too real for her own tastes.
Lucy managed to calm herself down with her head cradled between her knees on the couch. Lucy sighed and glanced up, spotting Natsu and Happy tranquil and asleep, just how she had left them. Big brown eyes watched the wriggling toes peeking out from the bottom of the duvet, and she giggled, seeing them waggling and digging for warmth. Hauling herself up quietly, she dragged the blanket off the couch, tip-toeing over to the bed with it.
The blanket draped softly over the dragon slayer's cold toes and tucked it over Happy's sprawled out star-fish. Gaze still wandering, she ended up at the other end, watching the pink-haired boy sleep peacefully. "Take that, ice princess!" She heard him mumble, slurring the letters as if he was drunk. It couldn't be helped, she giggled. "Lucy~" Natsu whined, catching the stellar mage off guard. Was he awake? Lucy thought with startled surprise. Natsu buried his head closer into the pillow, breathing softly. Sound asleep. Lucy sighed and turned making her way back to the empty couch which was as alluring as it looked; which wasn't very much. She doubted she'd get much sleep on it anyway. She came to an abrupt stop.
A firm, warm grip tightened around her wrist, holding her in place. As she turned back, she realized it was Natsu's gentle hand, holding onto her in his sleep. Before Lucy could think about what to do in her predicament, she was hurdled backward. She lost her footing, stumbled and crashed into something hard and warm. Two arms wrapped tightly around her as Natsu buried his nose into the nape of his neck, making a low grumble that sounded like a purr. "I'll protect you." he whispered gently into her ear. Lucy's heart suddenly leapt, skipping at least ten beats. As she tried to calm her heart, she felt his relaxing breath tickling the hairs on the back of her neck. In and out, slow and steady. The rise of Natsu's chest grazed her back before it fell back down. Lucy closed her eyes, engulfed by the soothing, rhythmic pattern. Her breath fell in sync with his, concentrating carefully. Before she realized it, she fell asleep wrapped in Natsu's protective and comforting embrace.
Night trickled by and Lucy slept undisturbed till morning, entranced in Natsu's warm. Sunshine rose through her opaque curtains in the early dawn, giving a pale pink tint to her apartment. A rapping knock at the door startled the blonde wizard awake.
As she began to rise from her bed, she felt firm resistance around her waist. One big arm laid gently over her hip, hugging her stomach. Lucy felt her stomach flip and her cheeks flush with heat. Before she could even comprehend her position, the door wrapped again.
Urgently, Lucy flung herself out of bed, twisting out of Natsu's grip and stumbled forward to the door. She grabbed the brass handle, swinging the door open on the person who was in the middle of knocking for a third time. It was her land-lady. The dark-haired, middle aged woman just thrust a small package into her arms, muttered something and left. Lucy watched the woman stalk away from her doorway until the woman was shutting her door behind her, before she closed her own. Lucy shrugged her off and looked down at the package sat in her hands. Faint traces of the chilling draft traveled up the leg of her little chick pajamas and she shivered, feeling goosebumps prickle up her calve.
'To Lucy Heartfilia,' it said in sharp, black curling letters that flicked at the end. Dusted string wrapped the box tightly together over the dark tan packaging paper. After spending five minutes looking for scissors, Lucy cut the box open. Paper slowly unraveled as the string slipped off. Ripping the box open, Lucy found a smaller box inside. Cautiously she plucked it out, examining it closely. Whispers of snoring could still be heard behind her as Natsu and Happy where still asleep.
Expensive white paper wrapped the forearm-length, rectangular box which was about five inches thick. Red, ribbon crossed the edges and tied into one bow, holding a small tag. On the tag was the same, jet-inked pointy handwriting as the address box. Lucy pulled off the tag, setting it face up on the table. Taking one end of the silk bow, she slowly pulled, watching the ribbon unravel and come undone. Ribbon slid away and floated to the floor as Lucy lifted the white, smooth lid, eager to see what was inside. Laid on a bed of red, paper confetti, was a single flower. A dead, red rose.
The world came crumbling down around her. Her heart rapidly thrashed in her heart, playing her ribs like a xylophone. Lungs cried and pleaded for air. High pitched sirens racked and scratched at her ear drums. Black hazy darkness swirled around her, wrapping its claws around her skin like a heavy, constricting slick of oil. Brown lost eyes trailed back to the little paper tag set on the table. The rest of the world fell out of focus as she read the big black letter, coiling like a snake on paper. 'I missed you, Lucy.'
Child cries blasted through her ears. Glass smashed around her. Chains slithered across the floor. Shadows crept closer and closer, scratching her arms and leg. Lucy froze. Everything towered around her; the faces coated in the blackness of the shadows. She felt her body swing out at the shadow, digging into firm skin with her jagged nails and then recoiling as they lunged for her. A figure followed after her and she staggered, stumbled and fell back into a stone cold wall, dripping with ice and moss. Light loomed up over the figure. Short silver hair folded around his sharp, narrow face, baring the bloody claw marks down the right side of his forehead.
A flickering image darted over her mind. It was her, looking at the same man. He looked older, darker grey streaks cut through his hair, blemishes, and wrinkles covered his kin, but the same weary but sharp eyes were embedded deep in his face. His hand lifted up locks of his long, silver hair. Three shiny, silver scars ran across his forehead. It was him. It was the same man. Red, blood shot across her vision as the image distorted and snapped back into darkness.
Instantly, the man's face looked up in front of hers. She squealed and tried to push back but felt resistance from the wall. Instead, she lurched forward trying the push him aside. "He's coming for you!" His voice shrieked in a horrifying cry as the shadows hungered for her. Its dark cold mouth locked around her arms, rattling like chains.
"NO! LET GO!" she screamed, trying to pull free. The shadows melted away, dripping from the cuffs that locked around her wrists and ankles. "NO!" She howled as the shadows pulled and shook her.
"LUCY!" A voice faintly snapped in the darkness, drowned out by the hollowing cries.
"Natsu?" Lucy whispered.
"LUCY!" It bellowed again in a loud thundering roar. The shadows wailed and crumbled away, detaching themselves from the corners of her apartments. The world set back in a slow, hazy focus, lit by faint golden rays of winter sun.
Warm hands locked tightly around her wrists with a secure and gentle grip. "Natsu?" Lucy whispered, letting her gaze rise. A sigh of relief left the dragon slayer's lips as he dragged her into a quick, rough embrace, smothering his face into the nape of her neck. Natsu's skin was moist with sweat and she could feel his hands shaking as they held dearly onto her shoulders. "I'm sorry." she whispered into his vest, burying her head into his chest.
After Lucy calmed down, Natsu decided to go to the guild. They went, called the rest of the team, Master, and Mira and explained the situation. Levy intervened with Gajeel somewhere in the middle. Jet and Droy came after that. Then it was Lisanna and Cana. After it was Bickslow, Freed, Laxus and Evergreen, along with Elfman. It wasn't long before the whole guild was in on the discussion. The crowd surrounded the little table where team Natsu, Master, Levy and Mira sat.
Everyone was discussing and contemplating the story while Natsu and Lucy bickered in hushed tones next to each other.
"Natsu, are you sure it was a good idea to tell them?" Lucy whispered.
"Of course!" Natsu replied matter-of-factually, giving her a look that said he thought she was stupid.
"But- It wasn't real- I mean the man was real, but the dream, it was just a nightmare!" Lucy protested, leaning her face closer to his.
"Lucy, you completely freaked out over that creepy present!" Natsu argued, leaning his face even closer.
"But- come on, we don't even know who he is!" Lucy grumbled, turning her head down to her hands that sat in her lap, fiddling with the edges of her blue skirt.
"It's because we don't know who he is worries us even more. I want to protect you, Luce." Natsu smiled sweetly, banging his forehead gently against her when she turned. Lucy's mind jumped back to last night, remembering the same words repeated at the nape of her neck with his warm breath on her back. A hot blush began to creep up her cheeks. "You're my nakama, right?"
"Right." Lucy caved, smiling back to his signature, goofy smile that made her feel hopeful as always.
"Lucy." An old, strong voice called. Lucy span away from Natsu and turned towards Makarov standing on the top of the table, making him seem a little taller than he actually was. At his feet, was the package with the rose, the tag and the latest profile update on the silver-haired criminal. A small sense of unease still churned in her stomach as she looked at them. "Do you have any idea who he is?" Makarov asked, setting the tag carefully in front of her. As her brown eyes scanned over the black, jagged letters, she was only thinking of one word; Shadow. It made her feel uneasy and nauseated as she tried to think of anyone in her past that would send her a dead rose. Lucy shook her head, fearing that if she spoke, her voice would fail her and show everyone the feelings that suffocated her inside.
"Well, we could go talk to this guy." Gray suggested, picking up the criminal report to read the name and dropping it back on the table with purpose carelessness. "Issac Silver- a.k.a. The Silver Fox." Gray recited. Goosebumps prickled all down Lucy's soft skin, feeling a chilling draft despite the warmth of the insulated guild. She felt herself flinch at his name and she involuntarily found her body pushing backwards into the seat, trying to get back as much as she could. It couldn't be a coincidence could it? The fact that she had referred to him as a fox- a silver one- bothered her.
"Luce!" A voice whispered sharply into her ear. Lucy's head snapped up to catch Natsu staring at her, his face barely inches from hers. Lucy realized how hot she felt and unintentionally jumped at Natsu's surprise. A heavy weight pulled down her shoulders making her jump unnoticeable. Slung around her shoulders was Natsu's arm, radiating warmth through her body like a hot drink in winter. Natsu must have noticed her quietness and realized how she was worrying. But, he said nothing. Lips quirked in a curved line and he gave her a flash of her favorite, goofish grin that always felt reassuring. She sent one back with surprising ease, considering the situation.
"Erza, Gray and Gajeel, go and find out all you can about Issac Silver, I will ask the council to let you see him." Makarov instructed. Lucy realized that she had been over thinking long enough to miss the entire importance of the conversation.
"Natsu, Happy, you stay with Lucy." Makarov continued.
"What?" Lucy exclaimed.
"It's only temporary until we find out whom your mystery sender is and if he poses a threat. I would feel guilty, leaving you alone while he's still out there." Makarov moped with his devilish and cunning puppy dog eyes.
"Okay, I understand." Lucy whined, caving in to the old man's manipulation. Quickly, she turned to Natsu and Happy. Both wore childish grins, almost bouncing up and down in their seats. "You get to sleep on the couch." Lucy- rather bluntly- snapped, smiting the boys straight down into a sulk.
"Wouldn't it be better if a girl we-" A small voice quickly cut off, after speaking aloud from the crowd. As Lucy turned, she noticed Mira had disappeared. She was found right behind Natsu and Lucy, smothering her hands over the lips of her younger, struggling sister.
"It's okay, she didn't say anything. Have fun! We're counting on you Natsu!" Mira laughed nervously, dragging Lisanna by the head into the kitchen. Natsu gave Mira a thumb up as she disappeared behind the swinging door.
"I wonder what's up with her?" Lucy said, finishing with a yawn. Glancing out the window, she realized the day had already ended. Night had shrouded them in a blink of an eye, losing morning and midday. Having ate their fill at the guild throughout the day, Natsu, Happy and Lucy headed home.
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-A-ccentric