Hey again! Man, this week has been so busy! I've never worked so hard in my life!

So, finally, it's the weekend! That word has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Weekend means I have NO SCHOOL! I can finally get the next chapters of Lucy Heartfilia is Dead and Dragon's Blood finished! I have also developed a whole new appreciation for writers who publish more than once a week. Seriously, how is that possible?

I am so dissappointed in Funimation. I waited a whole month for June 30, (the release date for episode 176 dubbed,) and they freaking pushed it back to AUGUST 11! I've thought about watching the subs, (I watch all my other animes in sub, so why not?) But it just isn't the same. Once you watch a show in one form, you can't switch. So keep in mind, I haven't passed the whole Dragon king arc yet. Since this is an AU, though, it shouldn't matter.

I'm done complaining now. Let's meet Porlyusica! On with the Story!

Lucy's POV

The castle is huge. Not nearly as big as my own palace, but big enough to get lost in. I loose track of all the rooms and corridors we pass. Happy flies on ahead.

I'm losing blood, which makes me feel exhausted. My vision is so blurry that I can barely see the bricks in the walls.

Natsu is silent, seemingly withdrawn into his own thoughts. He half-carries me further down into the castle, which gets darker and darker the lower we get.

I can barely think through the odd haze surrounding my head. Everything is spinning out of control. My dress is soaked - funny, I don't remember getting wet.

Finally, we reach a dead end. I absentmindedly wonder why he brought us to a wall, but then the dragon half-breed sets me down on the stone floor. I start shivering immediately, curling into a ball. It's so cold!

For a moment, I think I see fire, but that's impossible. I must be going insane. Before I am fully aware of what's happening, I feel my mind slip into unconsciousness.

Natsu's POV

I press my hand up to the wall, setting fire to the Dragneel emblem. A moment later, the wall slides away to reveal a long, dark passageway.

I step back, letting Happy fly on ahead. I crouch down next to Lucy's sleeping form, placing a hand on her forehead. She's burning up with a high fever.

I don't know very much about human medicine, but I doubt that a fever like that is a good thing. She's shivering violently, clenching her fists.

Scooping her up in my arms, I hurry through the door. It shuts as soon as I enter the passageway. I light each torch as we pass, awkwardly shifting Lucy's weight to one arm and reaching for the torches with the other. The underground tunnels link the Dragneel Castle to several different locations; They form a maze that is nearly impossible to navigate. This tunnel leads directly to the home of Porlyusica, a healer well-known among dragon-folk.

The girl in my arms doesn't stop shivering the whole way. I'm curious about who she is, where she came from, and why people are chasing her. But since she won't tell me very much, I guess I'll have to earn her trust first.

There's also the matter of whether or not I can trust her. If she decides to turn me in for a reward, I'll be executed, and my cousins might very well be discovered. And then there's always the possibility that the soldiers will figure out my connections to the underground mage alliances. I've risked a lot by helping this girl.

The passage splits into two tunnels; I go left. A few minutes later, I take the middle door of three options. My father made sure I memorized every route to every location.

Finally, I see a light up ahead. I step out into the open air. A weather-worn path stretches out in front of us, leading off into the distance. The tunnel is pitch black behind me; untouched by the sun's rays.

"Almost there." I mutter softly, shifting Lucy's weight onto my shoulders. " Just hang on."

Happy soars overhead, his white wings carrying him on the wind. I keep my eyes down on the ground to avoid the blazing sun.

Less than fifty yards from the tunnel entrance, we arrive at a small cottage, patched up in several places. Herbs and laundry hang from a clothesline, blowing gently in the wind. Porlyusica's home is well-hidden from the king's soldiers, and she has become a healer for surviving dragon-folk and mages. Anyone who has been outlawed by the crown can come to Porlyusica for help.

I kick the stout wooden door open, turning sideways to keep Lucy's head from hitting the doorframe. I wince when a drop of blood hits my hand, reminding me that the girl has already lost a lot of blood.

"Porlyusica! We need help, now!" I call into the earthy cottage. Setting Lucy down on the table, I look around. "Porlyusica? It's an emergency!"

A few seconds pass, marked by the ticking of a little clock on the hearth. Bookshelves line the walls, filled with every kind of magic book ever written. On the far right is a foul-smelling cabinet, which stores herbs and remedies.

"Just a minute! I'm busy!" An voice calls down from the second floor. I've known Porlyusica since I was just a kid. She and my parents were old friends.

Footsteps sound on the wooden stairs. I turn, seeing the pink-haired healer emerge from the staircase.

"Well, what is it, boy? You're still alive, so it can't be an emergency." Her voice is aged, strained with time, but I can hear the mix of disguised affection and outright annoyance. She folds her arms, looking me over.

"It's not me, Porlyusica. This girl needs help." I say.

Her frown doesn't budge, but I can see her eyes soften at the sight of Lucy. "A girl? Didn't we discuss this already?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Look, can you help her? She's hurt."

Porlyusica pulls up an old wooden stool, sitting down beside Lucy's unconscious form. "Of course I can help her, you oaf. Who is she and why is she with you?"

"Her name is Lucy. I don't know any more than that, except she's trying to hide from some people. She didn't have anywhere else to go." I mutter, leaving out the part about me rescuing/kidnapping her.

She nods, feeling Lucy's pulse. The old healer frowns deeper. "She's weak, probably dehydrated too."

I stay silent as Porlyusica mixes a concoction of herbs and oils. She mutters a few things to herself, focusing on the mortar and pestle.

Porlyusica probes Lucy's ribs, and the blonde cries out softly. The healer rips a strip of cloth away from the area, revealing an ugly black, blue, and bloodied wound. She hisses at the sight.

"Not good..." She says. "Why did you carry her all the way out here in this condition, you idiot? Do you ever think?"

"What did you expect me to do? I can't take her to a human doctor." I clench my fists.

"Maybe so, but you could be more gentle. I thought you learned your lesson." She retorts. "Humans are more delicate than dragon-folk."

"I know! Stop bringing it up. That was five years ago." I feel my voice rising, catching in my throat. Porlyusica gives me a knowing look.

"Be careful, Natsu. You're power can be used to protect, or to destroy. Don't let yourself lose control."

"I told you, I'm fine. I can handle myself." I growl. It seems like everything bad that has ever happened to me - My family's dissapearance, Lissana's death, the outlawing of magic - has been the fault of King Jude Heartfilia. The current ruling family ruined my life; by stealing everything I stand for. But I'm not about to let my emotions get the better of me.

"If you insist. Now, go fetch me some water, boy." She commands.

Grumbling, I grab a bucket and head outside.

Lucy's POV

I take a sip of the bitter tea in my hands, enjoying the gentle breeze drifting through the window. My bandages hold fast, doing their duty well. Although every part of me still aches, I feel revived. Porlyusica says it's the nasty Lionroot tea I have to drink.

I run a hand through my clean, combed hair, appreciating the silky feel of newly washed locks. I was able to bathe and change clothes, which is a welcome change from my old, tattered white dress and grimy hands.

Porlyusica's attic is neat and tidy, a sharp contrast to the dusty, earthen house. I've been resting up here for three days, but the cynical healer wants me out of here as soon as possible. Natsu says I can stay with him and Happy, which is a little weird, but I think he somehow knows that I have absolutely nowhere to go. My father's men will be searching every village, town, and city for me.

"Feeling better?" Porlyusica walks in, setting a tray filled with food on the quilt-covered bed.

I smile politely. "Yes, thank you very much."

She grunts, shooting me a wary look. "Eat. The sooner you heal, the sooner I have you out of my hair."

At that, I simply nod my head. According to Happy, Porlyusica hates everyone, so I shouldn't take it personally. I secretly think she cares, she just hides it under a false facade.

I gulp down a biscuit, some green beans, and a small portion of mashed potatoes. It's nothing compared to the feasts at the palace, but I'm not feeling very hungry anyway. For just a second, I wonder if I made the right decision. If I had obeyed my father and married the Duke of Cambridge, would things be any better?

"Can you stand?" Porlyusica asks when I'm finished.

"Yes."

"Then get up." She commands.

I obey, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My knees wobble a bit, but I manage to find my balance.

"Good. If you can walk, you should be fine. Follow me."

Curious, I slowly make my way down the steep set of stairs. Porlyusica waits at the bottom, watching me carefully. "Does it hurt?"

I almost laugh, but catch myself. "Everywhere."

She frowns, unamused. "Let me rephrase that. Is there anything painful enough to make you wish you were dead?"

I think about it, looking up at the cobweb-covered ceiling. "No, nothing extreme."

"Good. Natsu will be here soon; you'll go with him." She states.

I look up. "Already? Don't you think..."

"You don't need my care anymore. You'll be perfectly safe with Natsu."

Clearing my throat, I wonder whether I should trust them or not. These people, Natsu, Happy, Porlyisica, seem to genuinely want to help me, though I have no idea why. I don't mind having people to rely on, but it just all seems to weird.

"If you're going to stay with Natsu, there are a few things you need to know." The healer says.

"Hm? Like what?" I'm starting to feel slightly uncomfortable.

"First: Natsu gets very protective of his close friends. He doesn't think rationally if one them is in trouble. He'll get destructive, for both himself and others, if it means protecting a loved one." She says slowly.

I wriggle my toes in the soft grass. "And you're telling me this because...?"

"I know how he can get. I want you to promise me something."

The sun's rays pierce through the leaves , dancng playfully with the little ripples in the nearby brook. A lark sings in the willow tree. It's a perfect day, the kind I never got to experience as a princess. I don't want to think about promises right now. Still, how hard can a promise be?

"Sure, what is it?" I reply asentmindedly.

"I want you to stay away from him. Don't get to close. You'll only end up hurting the both of you." She states.

I shrug. "Wasn't really planning on it."

"Second: For your own good, be especially careful to steer clear of his dragon form." She says.

"Okay...so stay away from him in general?" I say, confused.

"Yes. It's for the best. " She confirms. "Your highness."

My heart jumps into my throat. Did I just hear her right? That's impossible. I haven't told her, Natsu, or Happy anything.

"Wh-what? What are you talking about?" I stutter.

She smirks. "Save the act. I recognized you the moment Natsu brought you into my kitchen."

"But how?"

"I knew your mother, Queen Layla. We were close. I delivered you and your brother. You're almost an exact replica of her." She explains, getting a far away look in her eyes.

"Oh." I say quietly. "Please, don't tell anyone. I can't let them find me."

She smiles ever so slightly. "I owe a debt to the former queen. For her sake, I will keep your secret."

I breath a huge sigh of relief. "Thank you. Thank you...for everything."

The corner of her mouth twitches. "Don't thank me. Just make sure I don't regret helping you."

"Of course. I appreciate it." I nod hastily.

The healer only grunts in response. We sit in silence for a while, enjoying the late morning sun. I fold my hands, unfold them, and refold them. Everything that's happened in the past week has all been so sudden, it's like I'm not even in control of my own life.

"I don't know why you're doing this. Why you helped me, or why Natsu helped me. I can't give anything back." I say quietly.

Porlyusica's expression doesn't change. Her eyes stay focused on the butterfly fluttering past. "You're not the first, and you won't be the last. Plenty of people have taken refuge at the Dragneel estate."

I swallow hard. "You've all done enough for me. I'll be fine on my own."

She snorts, almost amused. "Lucy, if you try to strike out on your own, I will tie you down. It's my policy. If you'll get yourself killed or captured, you're not allowed to do it." Seeing my expression, she raises her eyebrow. "Don't believe me? Just ask Natsu."

I believe her wholeheartedly. "Isn't that a bit much?"

"Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done, even if it's hard." She replies. "It's harsh, I know, but I'm not here to be your friend. I'm here to make sure you stay alive."

A leaf drifts down from the trees, landing softly on the surface of the water. I blink, realizing that Porlyusica must've ruined dozens of friendships that way. She must really care about her patients if she's willing to take that risk to save a life.

It must be a lonely life.

Natsu's POV

"Children, listen to me. I know you're scared. I know you're both confused, but you need to trust me. Things are going to get harder from now on." My father had gathered both me and my sister in front of the hearth. I was no older than ten, and my sister was just beginning to control her dragon form. It was something every dragon learned eventually, but it had to be taught by a parent. "You must hide your dragon forms. No one can know that you aren't human, or you will be taken away by the soldiers."

I was huddled on the rug, staring at my father with wide eyes. "Like mother?"

My sister shot me a burning look; something all dragneels were experts at.

However, Igneel simply nodded. "Like your mother. But you must promise me this:" He leaned forward, looking us in the eyes. "I don't know what lies ahead. But no matter what, promise you will keep the fire going. Don't let the Dragon-folk die out. Protect anyone who needs protection, be they dragon, mage, or ordinary citizen. I would be ashamed of my family if they abandoned their code of honor."

My older sister gripped her pillow. "What are you saying, Dad? Nothing's gonna happen to us. We'll be fine. We - We'll stay together. You're talking like this is the end!"

"Do you promise?" My father asked quietly.

My sister hesitated. "Yes. But you're not going anywhere! We're not getting seperated again!"

My father closed his eyes. "Natsu?"

"I promise, Father." I said, feeling tears falling from my chin. It was hard enough to lose my mother and brothers, I never wanted to lose another family member.

The next day, my father and sister never came home.

After the Great Dragon Purge, King Jude issued another decree: all magic guilds were to be disbanded, and the mages were either imprisoned or forced into military service. I was all alone, scared, but I remembered my promise to protect. So when a shivering, soaked young boy arrived at my doorstep, I let him stay with me. It turned out that he was an ice-make wizard, who was running from the police. We became friends. He stayed for a year, during which another young mage took refuge with us; a redheaded girl called Erza Scarlett. They both left to become palace guards, hoping to help other mages by disguising their true identity.

That was the start of an undercover operation to hide mages and dragons. Porlyusica always helped, tending to injuries and sending people to me. Most of the people that I helped went to Magnolia, where a secret resistance known as Fairy Tail was located.

It's been five years since I last hid someone. Erza, Gray, MiraJane, they've all kept in touch. But no one but Happy and I have lived in this castle since then.

For a moment, I wonder if it's wise to get back into the business. But I shove the thought aside, remembering that it's my fault she's here. Lucy is my responsibility, and I have a promise to fulfill.

I keep telling myself that as I step through the tunnel opening. Squinting in the sun, my feet carry me down the hill to Porlyusica's cottage. There's Porlyusica, and sitting next to her is Lucy. She's healed up well, apparently. Her old, ripped white dress is gone, replaced by a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

"Hey, Porlyusica! Lucy! We're here!" I call. Happy swoops down to land next to the blonde.

"Hi Lucy! Are you better now?" The cat says, cheerfully munching a fish.

She smiles. "I guess so."

Porlyusica stares me down with her stone-cold eyes, sending me a clear message: Screw this up and you're dead. "Lucy will most likely need to lie low for six months or more. I'll let you know when it's safe for her to leave."

I nod. Porlyusica was always the one to make decisions. But Lucy is what, nineteen? She can make decisions for herself.

"Lucy, I don't know what things are going to be like. If you're lucky, everyone will assume that you're dead." The healer states. "If that happens, you'll just need to be careful."

"I understand. Thank you for everything, Porlyusica." Lucy says politely.

"Take care of yourself, Lucy. And remember what I said."Porlyusica replies.

I briefly wonder what she's talking about, but I figure it was something to do with not going outside or staying away from police.

"You ready?" I ask her. The girl nods.

She follows me and Happy down the dark passageway. "It's so dark! Where are we going?"

"You don't remember? This is the way to my castle." I say, raising an eyebrow.

"I was unconscious." She points out.

"Oh, that's right. In that case," I light my hand on fire, illuminating the corridor and enjoying the expression on Lucy's face.

"H - how? Okay, your hand is on fire!" She gasps.

I feel a laugh burst from my mouth. "I'm a dragon, remember? I'm immune to fire!"

"I thought you could only do that in dragon form!" She says, still shocked.

I smile. "You can't believe everything they tell you in school."

"No, I guess not." She returns the smile. "I don't think I told you how much of a mess I'd be in if it weren't for you. So thanks. For everything."

I blink, letting it sink in. Once again, curiosity takes hold. Who was she running from?

I guess I'll have to earn her trust first.

Phew! I FINISHED CHAPTER THREE! YAAYYY! I'm throwing a party in my room. Part of the reason it took two weeks was because I started and finished Attack on Titan this week! I honestly never thought I would watch it, but now I see why everyone loved it. It's my new second-favorite show. Sorry, Sword Art Online, you just got bumped down to third. *sighs* Still waiting for season two of Fairy Tail...and now AOT as well.

But guys, I am so proud of myself for finishing this. I was stuck.

Oh, also? I AM OUT OF ANIME SHOWS TO WATCH! Reccomendations?