• " Why do you even care? " •
To say that Mystogan was furious from the previous meeting with the rulers and worried by both the scarlet haired captain and Lucy's disappearance would be an understatement. Trying to catch up through the meeting while keeping his eyes lock with the King of Freya and restraining himself from beating him was hard— never thought four hours could be so long. Expecting he will relax once he arrive at the palace, he kept himself from falling into slumber and endured the two hours ride but things went unexpectedly when he saw the Palace's gates are wide open and Guards and Knights scattered around, panicking. And that's when he found out Erza and Lucy is missing.
It didn't make sense to all of them how the two just disappeared without anyone knowing now that the Palace is under heavy security and the Lady Heartfilia is under the supervision of a Professional and skilled captain.
The King quietly ruffle his hair in anger, keeping himself from growling as he continue sending orders. Placing his hands on his hips, he narrow his eyes towards the remaining captains from the couple of servants who are in charge of assisting Lucy— Sugarboy speak, " It's hard to accuse, Your Majesty, but with Hughes leading the search party for Lamia Scale, Coco and Byro gathered all the Guild Masters in Edolas and I who accompanied you on a meeting, only leaving Miss Lucy in the care of Captain Knightwalker— Lamia Scale could have seen it as an opportunity to abduct the Lady for King Lyon, and their possession of magic could explain the two ladies' disappearance without any trace "
Of coarse Mystogan had though of it, but just like what Sugarboy said, it is hard to accuse, that's why he decided to only send a group of spies to investigate King Lyon if the two ladies are still not found by sunrise. Meanwhile, Coco felt guilty, she knew she should have stayed but the blonde kept on insisting to send her to accompany the Chief of Staff, stating it is her duty. If only she remained, she could have at least helped the Lady to escape. Pacing, with her hands covering her hand and eyes casted on the ground, she keep on ignoring Hughes' worried glances and attempts to comfort her— which would have overwhelm her if only they aren't having a problem. Bumping Hughes' chest with her head again, she muttered another apology as she step backwards and raise her gaze, only to find their King by Hughes' shoulder, massaging his temple. He's worried, and they all know it.
" What if Princess Lucy is gone? What would I do now? My dreams of organizing her wedding with the King will crash! How can King Mystogan be happy now? " Throwing her hands in the air in frustration, she exclaimed. If only they are not in a situation like this, Hughes would have agreed with her. Feeling Coco's small hands on his broad shoulders, he stare at her with wide eyes as she continue ranting, " What would I do now, Hughes? I am not going to picture myself anymore as Princess Lucy's bridesmaid or Maid of Honor! There will be no blue haired babies with brow orbs running around the Palace grounds anymore! My life and King Mystogan's life will be doomed! "
Ignoring Hughes' flushed cheeks, she turn her back towards him and found the guards relieved and staring at something, or rather someone. She follow their gazes and found the blonde walking with Captain Knightwalker in tow, both are seem oblivious to what is happening. She raise her index finger and point it towards the blonde, " Princess Lucy! "
Mystogan and the other captains immediately turn around. The King quickly walk towards the blonde with the Captain in tow, tired and worried, " Where were you? Do you know what time is it and how you worried everyone?! "
They all watched the scene unfold. The blonde opened her mouth but closed it again. She continue staring at the King with wide eyes and mouth agape, not knowing what to say. She felt Erza walk pass her and watch as she bow before Mystogan.
" We apologise for leaving without telling anyone. It is my fault, Your Majesty, I agreed on taking her out. Punish me of you desire and I shall take it without a second thought ". Lucy look towards Erza and clenched her fists before returning her gaze back to the King, " No, it is my fault. I forced her and told her not to tell anyone about our plan of leaving. Punish me instead "
Instead of answering the blonde, Mystogan grab her wrist and start walking away. Stunned, Lucy grab her hand and slap Mystogan's hand. With cold eyes, keeping himself to show any emotion, his eyes return to Erza from Lucy, " I am replacing Erza Knightwalker as the Captain in Charge of guarding the Lady. You are now in charge, Hughes "
Angered by this, Lucy clench her jaw and glare towards the King, " Why do I even need someone to guard me?! "
" To protect you ", Mystogan emotionlessly said.
" Protect me? Frow what exactly? I am no longer a child that needed protection! In case you forgot Mystogan, I am a mage, an Independent Mage and you of all people should know about it! " Surprised by the sudden outburst, the Captains and Knights step back with the exception of Erza and Mystogan.
" You don't understand "
" Then make me! "
Erza sigh and stand on her feet, " Your Majesty, Heartfilia— "
" Quiet, Erza! "
The scarlet haired captain look at the enraged former fairies, surprised. She step back and level with Sugarboy, " Did they just silenced Captain Knightwalker? " They heard Coco whispered. Scoffing, Erza cross her arms and glare at the couple.
" I made it clear that you are not allowed to leave, have I? But you went against my orders, Lucy. I am keeping you safe, but you're making it difficult "
She don't understand, did he thought she's not aware of the Knights he assigned to keep an eye on them? She's already locked inside this Palace, had a couple of people to tell her she's not allowed to leave, but to assign a Captain and Knights? Isn't that too much? He's keeping her safe but he's the one who's making it difficult. She wants to understand but he's not cooperating.
" I don't get it. Why would you protect me? It's not like I am not capable of protecting myself! " She hissed as she unknowingly wrap her arms around herself even though she's already wearing sleeves. It's cold but she don't care.
Noticing this, Mystogan took off his coat and drape it around her shoulder, caught her off guard and surprising everyone. Despite his frustration, he softly wrap his hand around her wrist and continue to drag her, " Let's talk inside "
For the second time, she slap his hand away, " No. We started it here, and here is where we will end it ". Rolling his eyes, he ignored her and close their distance to wrap his arms around her waist and slump her over his shoulder.
" Wha—? You! " She pound her fist against his back, shouting to release her but Mystogan keep on walking like she's not there. Her punches and kicks are rather strong for a girl like her and he admit that it hurts but hey, he was an S-class mage, compare to his previous missions and battles, her attacks are nothing.
Disappearing in the front doors, they left the people stunned and mouths gaping. Flushed cheeks, though no one noticed— imagining themselves wearing dresses as Lucy's either Bridesmaid or Mair of Honor— Erza and Coco muttered, " Their first Lover's Quarrel, young love "
Once out of sight, Mystogan put down the shouting blonde on the floor.
" What is your problem? Your the one who's making it difficult, Mystogan. You said you're protecting me, but why does it feels like you're holding me like a prisoner? " Lucy whispered.
She look at him, pained, waited for him to answer as she remember her times at the Heartfilia Estate, when she felt like a prinsoner in her own house. Locked up and was not allowed to leave their grounds unless her Father wish to have her accompany him with his meetings. Mystogan said Edolas will be her home, but why is he keeping her? Why does she see her Father in him?
" I'm want to protect you . . . " He started, " . . . and that is what I'm doing. Out there, Lamia Scale still wander, lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to attack . . . and take you, and are capable of using what you can't "
Frustrated to furious, she grit her teeth and felt her breath hitched, " Now I get it, in other words, I'm vulnerable, you're trying to say I'm weak "
Her eyes hardened as she found Mystogan froze. She chuckle bitterly, dropping her eyes on the floor and noticed her knuckles turning white, " Is that what you think about me? Weak? Do you think I am not ca— "
Mystogan cut her short by slamming her at the wall behind her. Her eyes widened as she felt his hot breath in her neck, his left hand firmly holding her shoulder and his right one on the side her head.
" That's not it. King Lyon of Freya, Edo Lyon is after you, he is the one behind your abduction, " He said in a low and dangerous tone, sending shivers down her spine, " and he will stop at nothing until he have you. "
His grip on her shoulder only tighten when she used her hands to push him in attempt of escaping.
" I care about you, that's why I'm protecting you Lucy, and I know that is what Fairytail would do if they are here "
Fairytail
That word affects her the most and saying it or even hearing it bring back memories, lift promises and remember people. Tears escape her eyes as she continue to stare at the window by Mystogan's shoulder.
" You know nothing, Mystogan, why . . . why do you even care? " In a pleading tone, she whispered, pained and broken, " I am not your girlfriend, your fiance or even your friend, we are just acquaintances, merely . . . ex-guildmates "
Stunned by the chosen words, Mystogan's hands fall in his sides as he slowly step backwards. His bangs covering his eyes as he clench his fists, too tight that his knuckles quickly turn white, " You're right . . . why do I even care? "
She watch as he turn his back towards her, noticed how his voice seems . . . broken. Before he walk away completely, the last words he said stuck her and made her back slide down against the wall behind her, " We're just ex-guildmates "
-0-
Silence. There is nothing but eerie silence that everyone is afraid to even swallow their food in fear that it might echo throughout the room. No one dared to make an attempt of starting their supposed conversation concerning the upcoming visit of the Royal Family of Extalia, not even Erza— which only add in the tension building between the former fairies. Lucy, on the other hand, is both confused and furious due to the fact that her plans for the day are ruined. She was supposed to stay in her bed and stuck her nose in a book with a cup of tea all day but Mystogan bursted in her room, told her to dress up and that she will join them for breakfast but here he is, ignoring her like she's not present beside him. Though she's against it, she was forced to wear a sleeveless royal blue dress that reaches her knees and a pair of white heels. Her hair is pulled in a ponytail with a white ribbon, leaving strands to frame her face.
" Your Majesty, Miss Lucy, " Byro, the Chief of Staff, started, earning sighs of relief from everyone, with the exception of the King, that someone has finally broke the silence, " How are 'things' between the two of you? It is not appropriate to see that both of you are ignoring each on your first breakfast . . . together "
Hughes snickered in his seat while Coco is trying her best not to giggle. Sugarboy remained perfectly still as he continue to sip his coffee. And in Erza's case, she's incredibly entertained how uncomfortable the former fairies are sat next to one another— how she love seeing their King not in the mood. But it's true, Lucy never joined them in breakfast but instead eat inside her Chambers, either have Erza or Coco to accompany her. Until now.
" As you see, not good " Mystogan immediately said, stating the obvious, eyes focused in his meal. Sighing, slightly irritated how their King act immature of ignoring a fine lady, he nod, dropping the subject down.
" Princess Lucy, " Slightly awoken by the high pitched sweet voice, they all turn towards the chirping Coco, surprised— but she paid no attention, " It's been years. How are you? Can you tell me about your adventures? How are things in Earthland Fairytail? "
Interested, they all turn towards the blonde and watch as her brows furrowed. She's surprised at the very least, and knew they'll pry her about Fairytail, but didn't expected in the time around when things aren't good between her and Mystogan. Didn't noticed her sudden changed of mood, Byro asked, " Actually, I've been meaning to ask you something, how are you look so young? It's like you haven't aged "
" You see, " Lucy started, chest weaving, " I only aged a couple of years "
Mystogan stopped, brow raised and confused from her statement, as well as the others that they abandoned their meals and wait for further explanation from the blonde.
" What do you mean? " Hughes asked.
Lucy sigh and continue to swallow her food, took a moment before she spoke " I was frozen in time for . . . seven years "
" That explains why I still look young, and instead of being aged twenty six, I am nineteen, " Lucy look from her meal and met Coco's shocked gaze, " I have been fine though, also have been by myself for two years now even though Fairytail has . . . disbanded "
The blonde look away as she heard the spoon and fork fell from Mystogan's hand. She felt tears prickling in her eyes but remained unfazed. She stand on her feet and excused herself before walking away, but stopped when she felt a hand on her arm and a hot breath by her temple.
" Why? When? " Though barely a whisper, it echoed throughout the room.
" It was after our battle with the demons and why? That is the question only the Master know " Grabbing her hand, she continue to walk away but stopped again when the doors burst open, revealing Madame Molly.
" Your Highness, Miss Lucy, " She greeted the former fairies before giving the others a nod, " The Royal Family of Extalia has arrived "
Stepping aside, three figures behind her walk inside. Lucy watch as the three reached them and their features become clear. She froze.
" Lucy, " She look up and found Mystogan staring at her, " Meet the Royal Family of Extalia, the nobles who succeeded on taking over Extalia three years after it's demise when Magic vanished. The Ashleys "
The man gape at Lucy, not believing his eyes. His blue eyes bore on her, his long blonde hair reach his shoulders and a scar on his left forehead.
The woman step forward, a warm smile welcoming Lucy. She, in Lucy's observation, seems in her fifties with blonde hair with a few gray strands, and hazel brown orbs just like her and her Mother.
" Prince Sting and Queen Layla, meet Lucy Heartfilia— Lucy Ashley's counterpart in Earthland "
She blink, and again, and again, not even noticing tears are escaping her eyes. Then she heard it, a small voice coming from someone she forgot, a boy standing behind.
" Mama? "
" And of coarse, Prince Leo, Lucy Ashley's son "
-0-
Author's Note :
Sorry for the late update, I have been busy for the past few weeks. Since I am back to school, updates will be every nine days. Is that fine with you? Although my classes for the whole school year are only six hours and twenty minutes, in other words, half day, teachers don't go easy on giving works. And I don't think I can update every Saturday or Sunday considering there are might be school activities that I will probably join. You see, I am into that, which annoys my parents sometimes, and they say that I am too much active. But hey, I love school activities, competitions and challenges, even though I lose sometimes. Lol.
By the way, what do you think about the chapter? Review or else I won't be updating for the next two months. Just kidding! But hey, Layla Heartfilia is alive in Edolas! But what about Jude? And what do you think about Mystogan's protectiveness? And Edo Leo being Edo Lucy's son?
And about Edo Lucy's husband, it will be revealed on the next chapter, sorry. But someone has already guessed it right! I left a hint, actually, about Edo Lucy's husband, in that way you'll find out who he is.
I posted another story, titled as Wanted. It's a Laxus x Lucy story. Check it out.