A/N: Hey guys! Thank you for all the support so far. :) Just to clarify, I do plan on releasing chapters weekly. Expect a new installment of this series every Monday. Or would a different day of the week be better? Let me know! Also, check out my tumblr account. My username is the same as it is on here, and I also have a link on my account page. This week's chapter isn't quite as exciting, but we meet a few more characters and get some crucial information. I've already written chapter 4, and it's jam-packed with stuff. So enjoy this chapter because it only get better!
Lucy awoke to someone shaking her right shoulder. She gave a groggy moan and tried to blink the sleep from her eyes. She looked over to see Happy trying to get her attention.
"Wake up, Lucy. I think we're at the station." Lucy nodded, motioning for Happy to get back in her bag before someone noticed him. The bus had a strict, no-animals policy.
She looked over to see Natsu still sleeping on her shoulder. She blushed when she noticed the way his arm was tightly coiled around her waist. She tried to free herself by peeling his hand away, but he only tightened his hold and nuzzled into her neck. She squeaked, her pretty blush deepening into tomato red. She shook his arm roughly, trying to wake him up.
"Come on, Natsu. We're here. You've gotta wake up."
Natsu groaned, rubbing his eyes and trying to shield them from the blinding light of the rising sun. He yawned, stretching his arms as the people around them began to file off the bus. Lucy tried to keep herself from ogling the sculpted V of his abdomen as his shirt rode up, but it was pretty damn hard. She tore her eyes away and stood up, arching her spine to stretch after being seated for so long.
They picked up their bags and shuffled off the vehicle, Natsu sticking his tongue out in a show of "good riddance". Lucy's mind flashed to the peculiar dream she'd had. Images of Natsu taunting a dragon to provoke a fight played in her mind. Everything had been on fire. It was probably their talk before she fell asleep. Of his ancestors defeating the last dragon and gaining its powers. She must've been walking in a daze because Natsu had to pull on her arm before she ran into a trash bin.
"Geeze, Lucy. You gotta watch where you're going."
Natsu then took it upon himself to grab Lucy's wrist and pull her along, as she had proven she could not do something as simple as walking by herself. She groaned and tried to shake his hand off, but he only tightened his grip. She resigned herself with a sigh and let him lead her. For some reason, she got a feeling that this would be a common occurrence- Natsu dragging her around wherever he pleases.
"So, this is Magnolia."
Lucy looked around in awe. Magnolia, a huge merchant city, was the pride and glory of Fiore's commerce. And Lucy could see why. The hustle and bustle of Magnolia was unprecedented. There were so many people. Tourists and locals and people on business. Artisans were selling jewelry, vendors were setting up their stands, and musicians were playing for tips on the sidewalks. Natsu grinned at the wonder on Lucy's face, pleased that she seemed to appreciate his town like he did. She was amazed. Unlike the pristine beauty of Fiore's capital, Crocus, Magnolia's appeal was loud and vibrant. It had life.
"This is wonderful! I've never seen anything like it," she glowed.
"Yeah, Magnolia is the best city ever. I'll give you the full tour soon, but we've gotta get to The Academy and get you registered. The school year starts soon, so we have to get you all sorted out now."
"So, what's the school like?"
"Well," Natsu started, pulling her along Moonlight Boulevard. "It's pretty big. They teach grades 9-12, and almost every SH teenager in Fiore goes here. Some people, like you, don't find out about their abilities until later, so we do get some transfers every now and then. Every SH highschooler in the country is welcome to attend, and tuition is free. The school gets its funding from the royal family, and-"
"The royal family? Does the Fiore government know about SH's?"
"Only the top-ranking officers. The royal family is actually SuperHuman, so they fund the school to make sure we teach the new generations to keep our secret. The military even recruits special agents from school graduates to do top-secret missions and stuff."
"Wow. What kind of SH is the royal family?"
"That's classified," Natsu said, face serious and eyes earnest. He couldn't hold the expression for very long, however, and soon broke into laughter. Lucy snorted.
"Nice one."
"Honestly," he said sincerely. "No one really knows. Some people think they're Nephilim- those are the descendants of angels. Not all they're cracked up to be. I know one personally, and he's kind of a dick."
"Natsu! Language," Lucy scolded. Natsu rolled his eyes.
"My apologies, princess."
Lucy grimaced, hoping he didn't realize how close to the mark he really was. There was a kind of deja vu that sprung up at the phrase. Her favorite maid (who also happened to have pink hair, strangely enough) used to say that all the time. The conversation paused, and Lucy used the opportunity to think. She pondered for a moment, trying to absorb all this new information. She'd thought that being some sort of paranormal being had closed her off from society, but it turns out that there was this huge community of people all around her that she'd never known about. It was like she was finally seeing the real world for the first time.
"Hey, does the school have dorms," Lucy asked, praying that they did. "I don't really have a place to live right now."
"Yeah. You can either stay in the all-girls dorm or be set up in one of The Academy's townhouses. You have to pay rent, but-"
"Crap. How am I supposed to pay rent? I'm so beyond bankrupt," Lucy moaned.
"The school has odd jobs for students to earn money. What's with the face? You'll be fine," Natsu insisted, bringing Lucy to a stop. "See? This place isn't so scary."
Lucy looked up to see an old, monumental building. It was brick and mortar with elaborate columns that were several stories high. Gargoyles perched atop the enormous building, appearing as though they were eager to scare away any who did not belong. The grand entrance consisted of two impressive, old-fashioned wooden doors. To Lucy, it looked like the doorway to an entire world of secrets she couldn't wait to uncover. She couldn't suppress the anxiety that welled up in her because even greater was her escalating excitement. Lucy had always been a curious girl, and the suspense was killing her.
"Can I… go in?" Her voice was hesitant. Natsu snorted.
"No, I brought you all the way here so you could stand outside all day. Of course you can go in! I'll let you open the door yourself, though. It's always so cool the first time."
Lucy slowly approached the door, raising her hand to tentatively grasp the handle. It was silver, tarnished and worn from time. It felt cool in her hands, the metal smooth and curved to the fit of her palm. She tightened her grip as she was flooded with a new confidence and pulled. But the door was locked.
"Natsu, it's not opening. Why-" She cut off with a gasp.
The handle noticeably warmed in her hand, its tainted silver shifting to a glittering gold. A mark appeared on Lucy's hand, shining off her skin like sunlight reflected off glass. After a few seconds, it dimmed and left behind a pink symbol on her hand. The handle cooled back down and converted to its original antiqued silver. Finally, the gears within the door shifted around, clicking as they set into their new location.
Lucy pulled on the handle again. This time, the door opened. She glanced back at Natsu, flashing an excited grin before making her way inside. Her eyes widened upon seeing the inside of the school. It was even more magnificent than its exterior. Everything about the place was lavish. The floors were a polished marble shiny enough for Lucy to see her reflection in, and a sparkling chandelier hung from the middle of the room. All of the decor was either a shade of ivory or chestnut except for the deep crimson of the tufted victorian sofas that lined the walls. A massive double staircase, one on either side, encased the room and met at the entry for the second floor. But if Lucy continued down the middle of the room, she'd go into a hallway that lead to somewhere else on the first floor.
"So this is the foyer," Natsu said casually. "There's not much to do here except hang out. We're headed to the principal's office, so go straight down the hallway in between the staircases."
Lucy did as Natsu said, venturing into the room and marveling at the click of her heels against the floor. She let Happy out of her bag, the cat flying around and relishing his new freedom. Natsu followed close behind, letting her walk at her own pace and take time to absorb her surroundings. After crossing through the huge room, she started down the hallway, slightly distracted by the feel of Natsu's body heat close behind her. Lucy slowed at the fork in the hallway, wondering which direction she should go. She jumped when Natsu placed a hand on her arm to steer her.
"We're going to turn right here," he said, voice low.
"What's on the the left side?"
"I have no clue. It's prohibited from students. A few feet in, there's a magic block that forces people without access to turn around and leave. I tried it once; it feels like your body has a mind of its own."
"It was kind of creepy," Happy added.
Lucy's mouth twisted into a frown. That was the second mystery today, and Lucy had never been a fan of the unknown. She made a mental note to begin a checklist of SuperHuman conundrums that must be solved. 1. What is the royal family? 2. What lay at the end of the left hall? Natsu guided her, stopping in front of a door labeled, 'Principal's Office'.
"Makarov's inside. He'll set you up and get your schedule together. I've gotta help bring in some of the new equipment. I volunteered, and Erza will kill me if I don't show," Natsu said with a shiver. "See you later, Luigi!"
"It's Lucy," she yelled, disgruntled. Natsu grinned and dashed out of sight with Happy trailing behind.
She huffed, before turning back to the door and pushing it open. An old man sat doing paperwork at a rich mahogany desk, his bifocals sliding down his nose. He didn't react to her coming in, scribbling something down on an important-looking form. He reached over to type something into his computer before speaking.
"Are you going to sit down?"
"Oh," Lucy stammered, rushing to take a seat. "Sorry. I didn't think you realized I was here."
"Of course I did," he smiled. "I'm the one who let you enter the building. Think of that symbol on your hand as a key. There are several places all over Fiore that only SuperHumans can have access to. With that mark, you're now in the club, so to speak."
"Woah," Lucy said, admiring her right hand.
"Now, let's get down to business. Natsu brought you here to enroll, yes?"
"Correct," Lucy said with an eager nod.
"Do you have your transcripts?"
Lucy blanched. Being a teenage runaway had its disadvantages- like not having a lot of money or place to sleep. Or, for that matter, any important documents you may need. The only thing Lucy had to affirm her identity was her driver's license.
"No," Lucy murmured, deflated.
"Don't fret. I'll get them."
Makarov held out a hand as if he were expecting something, and suddenly a thick folder appeared. Lucy's expression contorted into one of disbelief as she watched him thumb through its contents in expert time. He hummed and nodded in approval as he read through the papers.
"4.2 GPA. Volunteer work for the school blood drive. Student ambassador. 1st place in two annual poetry contests. President of the Latin club. It seems that you are quite the model student, Miss Heartfilia."
"My dad had high expectations. That's all," Lucy said, blushing and looking away.
"Well, you must've met them with flying colors. The Magnolia board of education only requires three years of Math, Science, and History. So the only traditional class you'll be taking this year is English Literature."
"Traditional?"
"The Fiore Academy for Extraordinary Adolescents teaches its student all of the state-mandated curriculum for the first three years. The final year, however, our students learn about the SuperHuman realm. Since you'll be a senior, your curriculum will consist of classes that help you hone your skills and train you in self-defense. You'll also learn about SuperHuman history and how to keep from being exposed."
Makarov typed her information into the system, and Lucy used this time to process the way her school year would be this year. She'd be learning how to use her powers, as well as how to defend herself from attackers. And if her classmates were at all like Natsu, this would be a lively year.
"Miss Heartfilia," Makarov said, interrupting her from her thoughts. "I'd be correct in my assumption that you're a succubus, yes?"
"Um," Lucy stammered, panic welling up. "That's what I've been told. But it can't be true! I- I never-"
"Calm down, Lucy."
A sudden tranquility took hold of Lucy's body, and she felt the panic go away. She slumped in her seat, taking a deep breath in. Her erratic heart rate slowed, and the heat in her face cooled. She knew this serenity probably had something to do with Makarov's order, but she couldn't bring herself to care.
"You don't need to explain yourself to me. We have SH's of all kinds here. It would be in your best interest to learn more about your race, but that's just for your own well-being. As long as you take care of yourself and refrain from hurting others, your business is your own. The school board will not intervene. Do you have any resources to learn about succubi from?"
"I have this," Lucy said, pulling a book from her bag. "I haven't read it yet, though."
"That," Makarov chuckled. "Is a bit dated. And the author had a prejudice against your kind that likely wouldn't be very flattering. I wouldn't take anything from that book too seriously."
"Ugh," Lucy groaned in exasperation. "I wasted 19,000 jewels on this thing!"
Makarov chuckled and pressed a button on his computer, printing out a sheet of paper. He placed it in a stack with a few other forms and handed it to Lucy with a warm smile.
"Here is your schedule, along with a school map and information about the opening ceremony. School doesn't start for two days, but the library is open. The librarian's assistant could help you find some books about succubi. Your new address is written down on one of those papers. First, however, you should probably get your school uniform and school supplies. The school store is in in the room right across the hall. Hand this to MiraJane, and she'll get your order for you. Tell her it's on me," he said with a warm grin, handing her what looked like a receipt.
"Thank you for everything you've done," Lucy said, standing up and putting her papers in her bag. She walked to the door, giving Makarov one last grateful smile before heading on her way.
She opened the door across the hall and entered the school store. A long counter divided the room, and behind it lay a vast array of school supplies, uniforms, and snacks. Lucy ripped off a stub from the ticket dispenser and stood in line. The ticket was blank, and she turned it over in her palm again and again as she made her way to the front of the line.
"Next!"
Lucy gasped when the ticket in her hand began to glow, glancing up to see the clerk looking at her expectantly. She stuttered an apology and stepped up to the counter. I guess that's why there was no number. Lucy handed over the paper Makarov had given her.
"Let's see what we have here," the clerk said, giving it a once-over.
The clerk was a pretty girl, appearing to be around Lucy's age. Her eyes were big and ice-blue, her hair an almost-white platinum blonde. She wore her bangs pinned back from her face, leaving the rest of her hair to flow down to her waist. Lucy couldn't help the sneaking suspicion that she'd seen her before.
"This is a large order," the girl murmured. She flounced over to the rack of clothing and plucked out three pleated, red plaid skirts, two black pencil skirts, and two pairs of khaki capris. And the pile only grew. One black blazer, two red sweater vests, six white button ups, and five cardigans. Several packages of sheer tights and a few pairs of black knee highs. Ties of at least five different varieties, a red bow tie, and a pack of hair ties. And finally, a single FAEA pin.
"Is that... all of it?"
"Oh," the clerk exclaimed. "How silly of me! I forgot all the school supplies."
She rushed to grab a backpack and fill it with notebooks, folders, and the like. Dear Lord, how am I supposed to carry all this stuff? Lucy watched the clerk put everything into bags and ring her up.
"So, are you a new transfer? I haven't seen you around before."
"Yeah. I just found out about the whole, um-"
"SuperHuman thing? Yeah, some people come into their powers later than others. Are you a junior?"
"Incoming senior," Lucy corrected, still trying to place where she'd seen this girl's face before.
"That's great! I'm a senior, too. My name's MiraJane, by the way."
"I'm Lucy. MiraJane... like the Maybelline girl?"
"That's so embarrassing," MiraJane blushed prettily. "I just model for some spending money. Anyways, your total is 35,000 jewels."
"Makarov said it's on him," Lucy said nervously. No way did she have that much money. MiraJane eyed her intently for a moment before giving Lucy a warm smile.
"Oh! Okay. Here are your bags," she said, handing them over. "And I'll see you around some time."
"Thanks," Lucy said, taking her enormous purchase and giving MiraJane a smile. "You too."
She dug out her school map and made her way to the library. The library was, of course, as huge and luxurious as the rest of the school. But it was completely empty, not a single person in sight. Lucy set down her cumbersome bags before walking up to the desk, trying to find help.
"Hello?"
A thud sounded from beneath the desk, followed by a curse. Suddenly, a mop of electric blue hair made its way into sight. The rest of the person it was attached to came into view soon after. It was a girl with round brown eyes and a button nose. Her skin was incredibly fair, and her bone structure was delicate. She looked like a porcelain doll.
"Sorry," the girl said, blowing her bangs out of her eyes with a huff. "I'm Levy McGarden, the librarian's assistant. How may I help you ?"
"Lucy Heartfilia," Lucy said with soft smile. "I was looking for a book about a certain kind of SuperHuman."
"I'll take you to the paranormal section," Levy said, hopping over the desk. "We have books on virtually every kind of SH here, so I'm sure we'll find what you're looking for."
Lucy followed her to the back of the library, noting how short this girl was. She could only be 4'11, 5'0 tops. Despite this, she seemed to be manning the library by herself just fine. She was definitely capable.
"So if you're the assistant, where's the librarian?"
"He's off taking a nap or flirting with women most of the time. Which is probably for the best. Gildarts is a good guy, but he tends to destroy everything he touches. We've lost many a soldier to him."
"What," Lucy gasped, eyes wide in alarm.
"I mean the books," Levy chuckled. "We have some really valuable literature in here, so it probably best that the actual librarian stays as far away as possible."
Lucy wondered exactly what kind of person this Gildarts was. A librarian that was hazardous to the library? It made no sense for one person to be so destructive. Lucy's mind flashed to Natsu, and she hypothesized that recklessness was an SH thing. Levy lead her to the stairs, making a grand gesture when they reached the top.
"The entire top floor is dedicated to books on SH's- we have a pretty extensive collection. We organize these books by subject, rather than author. What kind of SuperHuman are you researching?"
"Succubus. F-for an essay," Lucy rushed to say.
"I see. I've always found them fascinating. Right this way."
Levy showed Lucy the succubus books, picking out the three that she thought were the most informative. They headed back downstairs, making small talk the whole way. Ah, small talk. Lucy relished it. It had been so long since Lucy was able to lose herself in lighthearted conversation.
"I loved that book! It was so underrated," Levy chattered.
"I know, right? I enjoyed it so much more than most of the bestsellers I've read," Lucy said, agreeing.
"You should totally join the book club! I actually don't know how we haven't seen each other around before."
"I'm new," Lucy said, laying the books on the counter. "I just enrolled earlier today. I'll be a senior."
"Me, too! Have you met anyone else? It must be hard, going to a school where you don't know anyone. Especially a school like this."
"I met MiraJane when I went to the school store. And Natsu, of course. He was the one who brought me here."
"Natsu," Levy asked, incredulous. "Natsu Dragneel?"
"Yeah. You know him?"
"Since fourth grade," Levy snorted, checking out Lucy's books. "He's the biggest goofball on the planet. You've gotta tell me how the two of you met. I'm sure it's quite the story."
"Yeah," Lucy sighed. "It certainly is. But I should probably go. I need to find out where I'm living."
"You got an address? I could probably point you in the right direction," Levy said helpfully.
"It's written down somewhere in one of those bags," Lucy grumbled, pointing to the pile of stuff sitting in the corner. Levy gave a low whistle.
"All of that's yours? How are you gonna carry the books on top of that stuff?"
"I'll just have to make it work," Lucy said, trying to sound cheerful. "It may be a hassle, but it's nice having things to drag around for a change."
If Levy noticed Lucy's insinuation, which she likely did, she chose not to say anything. Instead, she glanced around the empty library, pursing her lips. After giving it a moment's thought, she opened a drawer and pulled out an intimidatingly crowded keychain.
"How about I lock up early and help you? We're not exactly jam-packed at the library today. We never are before school starts. I'll carry some of your bags."
"Are you sure," Lucy said, concerned. "I don't want to get you in trouble or anything."
"No, it's fine. Really. Besides, what are friends for?"
Lucy watched, a little awe-stricken, as Levy walked over to her bags and scooped a few up. She'd experienced more generosity in the twenty-four hours after meeting Natsu than she had in the six weeks she'd spent on her own. A feeling she'd never had before brimmed in her chest. She'd lived a charmed life with her father, being pampered by tutors and servants. But never had someone truly wanted to help her out of pure kindness. Lucy dabbed at the moisture in her eyes while Levy had her back turned, not wanting to look like a glassy-eyed damsel in distress.
Friends, huh? That sounds nice.
I hope you guys liked this chapter. Next week's chapter is super good. I kind of itching to release it early. :P Follow this story and review! Reviews are love. I'd like to send a cyber-hug to all the reviews I've received thus far. Y'all are great. Anyways, until next time. 3