Lucy knew she had been dreaming, but she couldn't remember what she had been dreaming about. There was a fuzzy presence that hung around her, whispering its premonition in her ear. She could feel the hairs on her neck and arm prickling with recognition. It had been happening more and more lately, but she had yet to find the reason for the somewhat disturbing occurrence. She yawned, stretching her tired muscles. She could feel the soreness in her hip and rear—a reminder of the events from the day before. She grimaced as she tried to sit up on the bed. Apparently, her shoulders were sore, too.
Great, she thought, I am getting old!
She waited for her eyes to adjust to the quaint room. It had been one of the doubles that Barsky rented out to travelers—an extra income in his old age, as he was no longer making weaponry or armor. Lucy rubbed her tired eyes, they felt gritty, as if someone shoved sand under her eyelids. Erza stirred in the bed across from her. Lucy reminded herself that she was sharing a room with someone, and not having her privacy invaded by one of her usual, uninvited visitors. Mostly, though, it was usually Natsu. She often found him curled at the foot of her bed or on the floor next to it—always ignoring the plush futon that was only a few feet away. The thought made her smile.
"Why are you smiling, stupid?" she whispered, slapping herself on the cheek.
She heard Erza moan in her sleep, rolling over and curling into a smaller ball. It was always so odd to see Erza without her armor. Lucy's eyes left the single bed across from her, glancing around the cozy room. She could see Erza's sword leaning against the foot of the bed. Her armor was sparkling from the chair that was near the door. Yes. Sparkling.
Erza had, much to everyone's surprise, allowed Adassandra to repair the armor as well as add a few finishing touches. Apparently, even the best armor can begin to wear thin, and the Heart Kreuz armor had definitely lasted years longer than most. Adie had pointed out the minor imperfections and wearings of the armor, mainly along the sides.
"It would be an easy repair, honestly," she told Erza. "Every armor has its weak spots. This, however, is way past its due inspection," she tsked.
Erza chewed her lip, her arms folded over her chest. She eyed the woman warily, perhaps Adie was right. "Fine."
Adie raised a brow, "Are you sure?" Erza responded with a nod.
A small smile tugged at Adie's lips as her eyes examined the armor. "It's the sides--along the axillary line," she murmured.
"Sorry?" Erza's eyes were narrowed.
"Heart Kreuz armor," Adie explained. "That's the usual place where weakening occurs in the metal. It's thinnest there to begin with. Even a blow to refinished armor, here, could potentially be lethal."
Another nod from Erza. "I get it. Can you add reinforcement to that..er, area?"
Adie sucked on her lower lip as she thought. "I'd be worried about making it a more snug fit on you if I did that....but, if I heat it enough, I may be able to make the mold slightly larger."
Erza looked worried at the blacksmith's suggestion. Adie spoke quietly to the mage, "I understand that this is a source of emotional comfort to you." She ran her hand lightly over the high-quality steel.
The red-head looked at her; her eyes clouded by confusion, then acceptance. "I think you are capable. Do what you think is best."
"Will do," Adie replied, cradling the armor as if it were a child. As she disappeared into the back room, she looked over her shoulder, "I know you won't let me work on your armor without watching."
Erza smirked, following the blacksmith.
Lucy liked the final touches on the armor. She didn't know much about metals, armors, or weaponry, but she thought it had turned out nicely. She squinted, looking for the faint etching Adie had added, with Erza's agreement, of course. Two tiny faerie wings were etched into the metal, over Erza's heart. Titania. Faerie Queen. It was fitting. Lucy thought Erza rather liked it, by the way she traced it for hours as she sat against the wall as Lucy tried to sleep.
She pulled on the robe that had been lent to her, tying it tightly around her body. The gleam of the precious stone caught her eye. She had forgotten about the tiny ornament; it was weightless on her finger, so small and delicate. She had no idea what the ring's purpose may be, but Barsky had given it to her for some purpose. She sighed, hesitating with her hand on the doorknob. She hated to admit it, but she had grown fond of the old man after their conversation the night before....
He watched Gray silently push the door open, quietly exiting the shop. "Man needs to think," he mumbled under his breath.
"Yeah," she had agreed. "Poor Gray."
"He'll stop feeling sorry for himself eventually," Barsky gruffly retorted
"Hey! T-that's mean!" Lucy stared at him angrily. Surely he couldn't be that cold-hearted?
"Really? Do the rest of your friends have happy stories to tell?"
Lucy lowered her gaze. Of course not. Barsky was right, Gray wasn't the only one who had suffered. They all had, in one way or another. "At least allow him to mourn for the truth he thought he knew."
"The truth is," Barsky lowered his voice. "That his teacher, that Ur....it was her daughter who had tricked Lilith into releasing Deliora--"
"What?" Lucy practically screamed.
Barsky raised a hand to quiet her. "Urtear. That was her name."
"You knew that this entire time, and you didn't say anything?" her voice was shrill. "No, it's not true! Ur's daughter died! Gray said his Master told him that."
"If you knew that mage--Ur. You'd know that this girl is a spittin' image of her mother. The girl isn't dead. She ran away. Told Lilith that herself," he leaned back in his chair. He began to cough, though this time it was less productive.
"Are you going to tell him?" Lucy asked, looking toward the door.
"What good would that do for him? I'd just provoke a revenge mission. And right now, I don't think he could handle the truth."
"The truth?" Lucy repeated softly, her stomach sinking.
Barsky looked at her with pale, fading eyes. "Look, girl, I don't know why I'm sharing this with you, but Adie sure as hell won't," he glanced toward the back room. "But, that girl..she's a follower of Zeref."
"No--" Lucy began. It made sense. Why else would one of his creations be unleashed by Lilith. "Deliora," she whispered.
"Right, Kiddo," he murmured.
"But, how does this girl....how does she even know of Zeref. He's so old!"
Barsky chuckled, "You kids and your ideas of what's old!" He tapped his chin thoughtfully, "But, yes, he is 'old'. He's been around for a long time. His influence is great...."
"There's more," Lucy sighed, already knowing she would hate this explanation.
"You're sharp, Blondie," he smiled as her mouth puckered in distaste at the name. "Ur's husband," he began. "Was also a follower--"
"WHAT?" she roared. This time, Natsu's head peeked around the door frame.
"You alright, Luce?" he asked, eyeing the old man warily.
She waved her hand, "Y-yes, s-sorry!" Barsky gave him a mostly-toothless grin, and the pink-hair disappeared once again.
"Follower of Zeref?" she whispered frantically.
Barsky nodded. "I'm not sure why he married Ur. Maybe it was her power Zeref had been seeking. He has longed for his freedom for centuries..."
"The keys," Lucy murmured. She knew that there were keys that would release him from his prison. But did Ur have anything to do with those keys? Maybe he thought if she was inducted as one of the Great Holy Mages....
"Exactly. But, as I said, I'm not sure why this man married Ur. Regardless, they had a daughter. Urtear," he confessed, closing his eyes. "All I know is that it eventually came to a head, and Ur was reportedly forced to kill her husband. No one knows the details surrounding the events. No one except her."
"And she's dead," Lucy replied softly.
"Yup. And so, the daughter left home at a young age--"
"Why would Ur tell Gray and Leon that her daughter was dead?" Lucy's brow knotted with confusion.
"It was probably easier that way," he shrugged.
Lucy turned to face him. "How do you know all of this?"
"You kids are too young to remember such things. I lived through it, remember?" He jerked a thumb toward his chest.
Lucy said nothing. Maybe he was telling the truth--maybe not--but she wouldn't pry. She felt, in her heart, that he was being honest with her. At least, he believed what he was telling her.
"So now you know," he whispered. "And you can choose to tell your friend. If you like."
Lucy chewed her lip as she mulled over Barsky's information. She could faintly taste blood. "I'd rather not. Not yet," she whispered. How horrible it must have been for Ur to kill her own husband! The man she loved. And to have her daughter follow in the dark man's footsteps. It must have broken her heart. No wonder she took in two young boys.
"So you think this Urtear is behind all of this?" Lucy meekly pondered.
"I would bet my remaining days on it," he slapped his hand against the arm of the chair. "Which means things are about to get sticky."
"So why Lilith?"
"Who wouldn't want to have control over a gate that leads to every demonic presence known to man? Do you know how much power that would bring?" His face was serious as he began to wave his hands in the air.
Lucy shuddered. "Good thing they don't have Adie's key," she whispered.
"That girl will die before that key falls into the wrong hands," he hissed. "She's always had a good head on her shoulders. But," he looked at Lucy, his eyes hinting at his fear, "if they do....then they will be practically invincible. Even the heavens couldn't save us!"
"What does that mean? What is Adie's power?" Premonition!
Barsky said nothing. "Not my place to tell, Missy. Not that I'm even sure. I have my theories, of course," he winked, his hand fondly patting the small box that had been forgotten on his lap.
His attention was suddenly drawn toward it, and he reached down and pulled open the box with trembling hands. Lucy eyed the box with curiosity as she leaned toward it. Barsky said nothing as he used his finger to pull something tiny from the box. It sparkled in the candlelight.
"Here," he whispered, his voice barely audible. He handed the tiny object to Lucy.
"W-what is it?" she asked, as she reached an outstretched palm toward it.
"It was Freya's," Barsky murmured.
"You want me to take it?" she asked, her eyes wide with awe. Something that belonged to the Stellar Spirit Queen?
He nodded softly. "Told me to give it to you, she did."
"Huh?" she spoke absent-mindedly. Suddenly her head shot up as the words began to sink in, "She told you to?"
He watched her, his eyes filled with an unspeakable sadness. "She had given me this box before Daylon died. Told me that someday, a Stellar Spirit mage would ask for my help. And when she does, I am to give her that ring."
Lucy gently held the tiny ring between her thumb and forefinger. The milky white stone swirled before her eyes as it sparkled its mysticism. "Like a prophecy?" she wondered aloud.
"You are smart," Barsky smirked. "For a blonde."
Lucy didn't argue with him, realizing that he was rather harmless in his teasing. "I am," she smiled as she pushed the ring on her finger. "What does it do?"
"Do?" he repeated. "I'm not sure. I'm just following directions, Lucy."
"How did you know I'm a Stellar Spirit mage?" she asked, her eyes narrowed with sudden suspicion.
"Those," he pointed to the keys on her belt. "I know about mages, Dearie."
Lucy nodded, "You're sharp, for and old perv."
"Keeps me young," he chuckled, tugging at his beard. "Keeps me young."
She was about to remove the ring when the wrinkled hand grasped her wrist. "Don't."
"What?" she asked, confused. Why couldn't she remove the ring?
"Don't take it off," he told her.
"Why? What if I want to take it off?" she was slightly taken aback by the urgency in his tone.
He shook his head. "I dunno. Freya's rules. Don't make me say it again, I get cranky after repeating myself two times!"
Lucy splayed her fingers, looking at where the ring sat on her right hand. "I-I guess I can't even feel it," she admitted, a crease forming in her brow. "But how did Freya know about me."
"That I can't answer," he sighed. "She knew lots of things I didn't understand. It was as if she was forewarned...."
He quickly shifted in the chair, so that he was facing her, "I can't help you with what those do and whatnot, but just keep it close. Freya collected valuable and powerful items. I get the feeling that tiny piece of jewelry help you along the way."
"Along the way, huh?" she murmured thoughtfully.
"I 'spect you'll be going with her tomorrow morning," he leaned back in his chair, looking around the shop fondly.
"I-I don't know if she'd want that."
"Doesn't matter what she wants!" his voice was commanding as he thumped a fist on his thigh. "Don't let her bully you."
Lucy watched him, feeling a sudden surge of importance. She had never felt so wanted or needed in her entire life. A Spirit Queen predicting her presence....
It was so surreal.
"She's gonna need friends. Support system and stuff," he mumbled. Lucy angled her head waiting for his explanation.
He looked at her, "I lied to you. I do know why I told you all of this." He reached out and patted her hand. His pale gray eyes glistened as he spoke, his voice becoming thick with emotion. "I'm sorry."
Lucy held her breath. This man knew a lot more than he let on.
"She's gonna go after Lil. Finally. This has been in the making for some time. I think she just stuck around here to take care of me. I've been sick for some time, you see. I'm the only person she has, and I don't have the heart to tell her."
"Tell her what?" Lucy asked, putting her own hand on top of his. She already knew his unspoken confession.
"I don't know if I'll be here when she returns," his voice was soft as he continued, "with or without her sister." A single tear ran down his cheek, and he reached up to push it away. He leaned back in his chair, and Lucy's eyes filled with her own warm tears.
"I'm dying," he whispered, his eyes clenched shut.
Lucy silently nodded her understanding, she had known it from the moment she saw the blood on his kerchief. It reminded her of her own mother, Layla. The same fear. The same foreboding. She could feel his frail fingers close around her hand. They were the fingers of someone who had spent his entire life using his hands.
She mustered the courage to force the words from her mouth, "How long?"
"Months, at best," he admitted.
He turned to look at Lucy, his eyes pleading. "I don't know what'll happen to her without me. But she needs you, Lucy. Promise me you'll watch over her when I'm gone."
The tears fell down her face as she nodded. "I promise," she whispered softly. "On my life."
Lucy descended the stairs, pulling the robe tighter around her body. She could smell bacon and syrup--the delicious aroma causing her mouth to water. She passed the lounge area as she approached the kitchen. She could see Adie curled up on one of the old, worn chairs, her knees tucked into her chest. Her back rose and fell with each sleep-filled breath. Her head rested on her arm, her long, pale hair practically touching the floor. Lucy smiled, who knew the demi-spirit would sleep like such a child? The commotion from the kitchen caught her attention.
"What the hell, Natsu!" Gray roared as she entered the kitchen. Gray was looming over the table, glaring at the dragon slayer. Natsu was happily eating a sausage link that had been impaled by the knife in his hands. Barsky was reading the newspaper, ignoring the commotion.
"Why do you get the last sausage?" the ice mage howled.
"Why are you being such a baby?" Natsu shot back.
Gray opened his mouth to reply, his eyes bulging with anger. Lucy quickly snatched the knife from Natsu's hands, handing it to Gray.
"Hey!" Natsu reached for the utensil. "Why would you do that, Lucy?" he wailed.
"Because you're being an idiot!" she hissed. "And quiet down, people are still sleeping!" She reached onto his plate and picked up a soggy pancake. She took a bite. Natsu watched her, his mouth hanging open.
"That one fell on the floor," Happy informed her.
"What the--" Lucy bellowed, throwing the spongy cake at Natsu, while frantically wiping her tongue with her robe. Natsu and Gray laughed at the hilarity of the situation.
"Be quiet!" Lucy warned, her ears burning with embarrassment. She could see the newspaper shaking. Him too?
"Why? No one can get any sleep around here with those two," Adie walked into the kitchen. She reached out and pulled the partially-eaten sausage from the knife Gray was holding. She popped into her mouth.
"Thanks," she said between bites. Gray just watched her in bewildered silence.
"Ah, you're up?" Barsky pushed the paper onto the table.
"Yeah, just going to fill my stomach before I go," she nodded, reaching out and patting his hand reassuringly.
"Good," he muttered, hiding his face with the paper, once again.
Erza eventually joined them, and breakfast became much quieter, much to Lucy's satisfaction. After they had eaten their fill, everyone dressed and returned to the common area. Barsky was sitting outside on the steps, rolling his cane between his hands. Adie appeared from the back room, her eyes grazing over the group that was gathered in the shop. She looked at them, as if she didn't know what to do about the situation.
"Well, uh, um..." she looked over the handful of mages. "Thanks for your help, I guess. It was nice knowin' you," she waved half-heartedly as she adjusted the backpack on her shoulders. She turned and started toward the open door.
Natsu looked at Lucy, who seemed at a loss for words. "Wait!" he stood, not knowing why he was suddenly on his feet. "That's it?"
She stopped, turning to look at him over her shoulder. "Oh. Um, well, you are welcome to stay as long as you like. Keep the old man company. No need to pay."
With that, she disappeared through the door. Lucy frantically looked at Natsu, but his eyes relayed their silent apologies as he looked torn about what to say or do. Erza was standing against the wall, looking expectantly at Lucy.
"Guys..." Lucy whispered. "I'm sorry for all the trouble I caused you by bringing you here."
Erza smiled, as if she knew what Lucy was thinking. "We all came on our own free will, did we not?" she looked at Gray, Natsu, and Happy—who nodded in unison.
She turned back to Lucy, "If it's important to you, we'll understand." We'll follow you.
Lucy's jaw fell open, could they be saying what she thought they were saying? She squared her shoulders as she jumped to her feet, "Right!"
"Go get 'em, Luce," Natsu crossed his arms over his chest, a slight smile on his face.
"Aye. Let's go, Lucy!" Happy added.
"We know it means a lot to you," Gray chimed in.
Lucy could feel the warm tears stinging her eyes. She nodded, instantly barging toward the door.
"Adassandra!" she bellowed, her arms braced against the doorway.
Adie was standing in the empty street, her hand on Barsky's shoulder. Her eyes were moist as the two spoke in hushed tones. She looked up to see Lucy stomping down the stairs, glaring angrily at the young blacksmith.
"Just where the hell do you think you are going?" she hissed. Adie's mouth opened to speak, but her shock forced her to close it, wordlessly. Barsky turned, his eyebrow raised in anticipation.
"Really? You're really going to just leave. Just. Like. That?" she stared at the pale eyed woman, her own voice icy. "After we helped you, no less?"
"I don't need—" Adie began.
"Just listen to Lucy," Natsu interrupted, as Erza, Gray and Happy crowded the doorway. Adie's eyes widened with surprise. She apparently wasn't used to being ordered around. Lucy smiled at her friends as she turned back toward the blacksmith.
"Unacceptable," Lucy replied, her voice low and her hands tracing over her keys.
"What?" Adie quipped, both confused and annoyed at the interruption.
"It is completely unacceptable," Lucy dug her heels into the dirt, bracing for the storm, "that you think you are leaving without us!"
"You can't be serious!" Adie shook her head in disbelief.
"I think she's serious, Dee," Barsky murmured. Adie shot him a murderous glare.
"Yup, definitely her serious face," Natsu shrugged.
Lucy had never been so serious in her entire life. Her voice practically tore through the frosty morning air. "You will not take another step away from this shop unless it's over my dead body!" Her eyes flashed their challenge, no matter how empty it might have been. She hoped Adie couldn't hear how fast her heart was beating. She glanced at Barsky, who winked at her. Don't let her bully you!
Adie's eyes narrowed as she glared at Lucy, her hand reaching into the pocket of her jacket. "Over your dead body, huh? Fine," she shrugged, "If that's how you want to play it."
***
When I started with this story, I never imagined that it would receive so many reviews!!
I actually expected the story to be cut down pretty quickly. Twenty chapters later....
Thanks for reading, reviewing, and adding!
Thank you all for your support!