Chapter 1

9 Years Later

Lucy groggily opened her eyes to loud chirping. She sat up and stretched her arms in the air, several bones cracking as she stifled a yawn with one petite hand. It was a fine morning, streaks of sunlight beamed through the open window, the thin light blue cotton curtain fluttering gently in the warm breeze. The birds were chattering loudly to each other, perched on the branches of the thick oak trees that spread their glorious branches, clustered with dark green leaves, right outside her window. Lucy wearily rubbed her sleepy eyes as her gaze swept the stone cellar that had been her home for the past 9 years.

A large pile of black ash lay in the old grey stone fireplace beside her, the remains of last night's fire. The brown stone walls were barren, the cold room empty, save her, the bundle of ragged blankets that didn't come close to a bed, and the old dusty oak dresser. Lucy got up on her feet, her blankets tumbling off her thin body with a soft rustle, and padded softly towards the old dresser. She was wearing a servant's dress, which was light grey in colour, ended just below her knees. The hemline of the skirt was torn and ragged, as well as the three quarter length sleeves and the rounded neckline. Her feet were bare, and coated black with soot and dirt. She stood in front of the old wooden dresser and stared at her reflection in the cracked mirror. Her parents were right. 19 year old Lucy was defiantly a beauty.

Her long blonde hair reached to just past her shouders, and glittered like gold in the morning sun. Her big chocolate brown eyes were full of warmth and kindness, her lips were full and rosy, her teeth were as white and simmered like pearls, she had high cheekbones, her smooth creamy skin was flawless, and she had a slim hourglass shape, perfect arms and legs and an ample bosom, probably much more ample than most girls her age. Despite her obvious beauty, few managed to see it. Her beautiful blonde hair was streaked with soot and ash, her face was smudged black, and her chest was covered up by her ragged dress. Most people took one look at her dirty face, hair, clothes and the rags she was dressed in, labelled her servant girl and didn't look at her again. She was invisible to them. She was used to it by now.

Yet, anyone who had met her and talked to her would tell you the exact same thing. She was the most beautiful, kind, generous and lovely girl you'll ever meet. They would all say how she would give all of her food to a mouse if she was starving, her beauty and grace almost radiated from her when she walked and her smile could make a rainy day beam with sunshine. If you told her that though she would laugh – that laugh that sounded like tinkling bells – wave her hand absentmindedly and deny it. Because that was Lucy for you.

She raked her fingers through her tangled curls, quickly tied it up in a side ponytail with a grey ribbon, and slipped on a white kerchief. She gave her face a quick splash with cold water from a china basin and dragged open the first drawer with a loud creaking. It was full of other dresses, kerchiefs and aprons. The other two were empty. Lucy plucked an apron out and tied it swiftly with lithe practised fingers. She looked at the picture sitting beside the mirror. It was of her and her mother and father, when she was six and they went to the Christmas market. She was bundled up in a pink fur coat and matching pink mittens, scarf and woolly hat. Her cheeks were flushed red from the cold, but she had a huge grin on her face, her brown eyes shining. Her mom and dad were crouched down on either side, both smiling.

Lucy smiled fondly at the photo. That was one of the happiest days of her life. She spun around and quickly lit the fire, then started on breakfast.

•••

Lucy walked up the flight of stone stairs balancing three plates of food on her arms. As she reached the dining room door, she knocked as best she could without spilling everything all over the floor. Even after 9 years it was still tricky. "Enter!" a shrill voice hollered from the other side. Lucy pushed the door open and stepped inside. The dining room was one of the more decorative of the rooms in the mansion. The walls were wallpapered white, patterned with golden roses and other flowers. The gleaming wooden floorboards were polished until you could see your reflection in them – curtesy of her of course – Expertly carved oak sideboards lined the boundary of the room. An even more expertly carved long oak table was centred in the room. A white tablecloth was draped over the top, and shining silver forks and knives were already in place for breakfast. A fire roared in the large stone fireplace on the other side of the room.

Her stepmother and stepsisters were sitting around the large oak dining room table. They were embellished in expensive dressed, mountains of jewellery and extravagant hairstyles, but it did nothing to make them look anymore attractive. They were still as horrible to look at as they were when they first came to the mansion. Lucy silently walked in and placed the white china plates in front of them, keeping her head lowered. They didn't acknowledge her presence in the room, just kept twittering away. They never did, unless they wanted her to do something for them.

After pouring their tea, Lucy stood quietly in the corner until they were finished. She tried not to grimace at the mess of food Beatrice left all over the table. She ate like a pig. Once they were done Lucy quietly cleared away the dishes. Just before she left her stepmother spoke up, "Lucy dear, just wait a minute". "Yes ma'am" Lucy asked, curtsying. Low, I know. But if she didn't then her stepmother would surely punish her. "We're going to visit my friend in town" her stepmother said, twirling her fork in her fingers. "You are to do your usual chores, and go into town and get something for dinner today. If you happen to see us you are not to come anywhere near us. I can't have anyone knowing that we know someone like you" she sneered at Lucy. Her stepsisters snickered. "Yes stepmother" Lucy said calmly, bowing. "Good" she drawled. "Now get out of my sight" Lucy turned and hurried through the door.

•••

Lucy skipped happily down the street, humming a merry tune, her kerchief abandoned and her hair fluttering in the gentle breeze. She had finished her chores early, so she had more time to spend in the town. She loved her trips to the town. For an hour or so she was free from her stepfamily. The town was always bustling and busy, people yelling out the latest bargains in their spindly wooden stalls along the side of the street, mothers gossiping over fences holding baskets of wet washing, horse drawn carriages rolling past every few minutes, splashing dirty water over anyone unlucky enough – or stupid enough – to be standing in the way. Lucy breathed in a deep breath of air and walked down the street, her wicker basket swinging on the crook of her arm.

"Morning Lucy! Lovely day isn't it?" a voice called out. "Good morning Mr Green! Yes it is isn't it!" Lucy called back, waving her hand in the air. Mr Green grinned back. He was the owner of the local bookshop. Since she had no money to buy any, and since she loved reading he often let her borrow books then return them once she was finished. He was a really great guy. Lucy hurried down the street to the butchers shop. Up ahead on the hill towered Fairy Tail castle. The old grey stone was still as sturdy as ever, the red turrets were flying red flags, and the wooden drawbridge was down so you could clearly see the majestic silver gates protected by the palace guards in their red uniforms. It was home to the royal family of Fairy Tail of the Dragneels, King Igneel, Queen Grandine and Prince…. Prince… Huh. His name had slipped Lucy's mind. But she had been excluded from society for 9 years, you can hardly blame her.

She skipped into the butchers shop. It was empty for once. "Good day Mr Cale!" "Good day to you too Lucy!" Mr Cale replied merrily. "How's things?" "Oh you know same ol same ol" Lucy replied with a joyous laugh. "How's Mrs Cale? Did the ointment work?" "Like a charm!" Mr Cale laughed heartily. "Thanks so much for making it for us Lucy". Lucy waved a hand dismissively "Don't mention it" she smiled. "So, what have you got for me today?"

•••

Lucy left the butchers shop even happier than when she entered. Mr Cale had given her a really good deal on some chicken. She looked up at the clock in the town centre. 3:30! Her stepmother would be home soon! She had to run! She leapt round a corner and full out sprinted down the street, turned another corner and… ran straight into someone's chest. She felt pain shoot through her nose as it came in contact with the rock hard chest. Caught off guard, she stumbled backwards and fell down with an 'oomph'. She hissed slightly in pain and rubbed her nose as she looked up at the mysterious person. Her breath caught in her throat,

Standing in front of her was the most handsome man she'd ever seen in her life. His dark onyx eyes were entrancing; his face was clear of facial hair, and she had knocked his hat off in her rampage, revealing his messy pink hair which was weirdly REALLY good looking on him. He was wearing a white shirt tucked into black trousers, with black leather boots. He had a black jacket with gold buttons on which was open, showing of his chest, which was incredibly muscular and just visible through the thin white shirt. Lucy gulped.

He looked a little shocked at this girl who had randomly ran into him, - then again who wouldn't be shocked by that – but he quickly snapped out of it and turned his gaze to her. She stared up and him in shock. "I'm so sorry!" they both said in unison. Then they both grinned and laughed. She decided she really liked his voice. It was deep, but not too deep, and was soothing. His grin made her heart flutter. What? Why was her heart fluttering? She noticed his teeth were sharper than normal. Weird. "Here, let me help you" he said offering his hand. "Thanks" she said smiling at took it.

She almost gasped out. The minute his tanned skin touched hers she felt a jolt of electricity race through her body. What the hell was that? He smiled apologetically at her, "I'm really sorry about that" he said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "What? Oh no! It was my fault! I should have been looking where I was going. I'm sorry if I hurt you" she said before brushing her skirt off. "Pff, no way, it would take more than that to hurt me" he said folding his arms across his chest proudly. She couldn't help but giggle at his antics. "Oh here" she said, scooping up his hat and handing it to him.

He took it and placed back on his head, covering up his pink hair. "Thanks" he said. "Pink hair huh? That's… unique" she said with a smile. "It's not pink its salmon!" he huffed, pouting. Lucy sweat dropped, and then put a finger over her mouth and giggled at his childish behaviour. "Of course, of course. Salmon" she said nodding. He laughed. Then Lucy remembered that she had to get home. "Oh goodness, I have to go! Goodbye! I hope we meet again" she called out over her shoulder as she rushed past him. "Bye! I hope so too!" he called back waving. She turned the corner and vanished from sight. The man sighed and continued on with his hands in his pockets. I didn't even get your name…Mines Natsu…