"A Tale of Two Cities"

Story time

A/N: Thanks to everyone who waited patiently for an update! FF was down so I couldn't get the update to you last night. But we hope this still satisfies you. And we hope it answers some questions for you too, but not too many.

It was strange to be asked to eat with virtual strangers, but the wide berth they were suddenly being given at the mention of Natsu's name made her cautious enough. She was beginning to suspect what Leo had warned her earlier about Natsu was true. And after that fiasco at the vendor's stall, she was not at all inclined to pass up on an opportunity to learn more about him.

Natsu wasn't inclined to share with her, so perhaps someone who knew something about this world, would. Not that she was hoping for much. It seemed everyone was surprised to even see Natsu. Much less have him standing there, almost peacefully. Except for the expression on his face, which alternated between blind rage and cackling mischief as he worked on frightening the curious onlookers.

The two others who were with Jura were also tense, and the one named Lyon looked supremely worried. He turned around to speak to Jura privately, and she was able to make out the words "Gray" and "Fight."

Jura nodded in agreement as something in Lucy's brain tickled at the thought of the word 'Gray.' Now where had she heard something so familiar?

A growl from Natsu interrupted her thoughts, her eyes falling over to him and dropping over his form. There was a line creasing between his brows, his expression black and eyes boring into the back of Lyon's skull.

There was something about this news troubling Natsu, and Lucy only wished she knew what it was. She would give anything to be able to understand him. But she was exhausted, and the temptation of a warm bed, hot meal and shower were all too appealing to her.

So she put away all thoughts about Natsu and the madness of everything going around her as she approached Jura. The man nodded and gestured with a large hand, their odd progression moving through the crowd.

She turned behind her to ensure Natsu was still with her, but he was walking as far away as the seal would allow, still very well within sight.

Jura calmly walked Lucy to the Inn, carefully keeping his hands tucked into his sleeves, and tried to keep his posture as unthreatening as possible. The tired looking young woman with him looked liked she'd been proverbially through the ringer, if not literally. And given her disheveled state he was willing to bet her literal day hadn't been much better than her emotional one.

It was an altogether odd situation. She'd fairly glowed with magical power when she'd commanded Natsu, which by itself was mind-boggling, and yet she didn't carry herself with the confidence most wizards did. Just who was she?

One thing was for sure, he would have to tread delicately. He'd noticed her wariness and hesitation, another clue she'd had a rough time lately, and knew he would have to be at his most gentle and honest to win her trust. Anything else would frighten her off.

He smiled as he held the door for her, and let her pick a table herself. He made no hostile move as they got seated, and gave several suggestions, but didn't push her to pick one. Something he was reasonably sure she'd noticed by the wry look she shot him, and his own lips twitched in response when he made a point of ordering communal pitchers of drink and drinking first.

"You're either trying very hard to get me to trust you, or you really want me to think you're not a threat. Which amounts to largely the same thing." Lucy told him wryly, slightly amused by all the effort the big man was going to, but not enough to beat around the bush.

It had been a hard day.

"It's a little of both." Jura admitted easily, "You don't appear to know who, or what, we are so you're unlikely to know our reputations. And if you don't know that then you wouldn't have a way of knowing we're not the enemy."

He shrugged a little, "I can think of no other way to prove it than show you."

Lucy nodded, something in her relaxing a fraction at the big man's honesty, "Fair enough." She replied and took a bite of the appetizers that had just been set out. She paused a moment to blissfully savor the taste of stuffed mushroom, and focused on the three she was seated with.

Natsu didn't count. He was sulking at a table all by himself when he wasn't stuffing his face. Ugh. Were all dragons that gross?

"So what would you like to know first?" She asked, ready to get the real reason they were here started. Information was the price of this meal and she had to pay.

Jura, however, just shook his head, "You misunderstand me. My curiosity is my own, but if you don't want to say then I won't demand the information from you." He smiled at her kindly, "I truly only wish to help."

Lucy smiled back, deciding she liked Jura more and more, "I'm sorry if I seem a bit paranoid. It's been a weird day, and honestly right now except for one person not here I'm not sure who to trust." She eyed him for another long moment before sighing, "It started back in my homeworld..."

So she told him everything she knew. How she had been followed on her way back home from the store, the fall into this world, and being found by Master Hades and his guild. Then Natsu's ferocious appearance, and the helping hand of Leo. It all sounded ridiculous when she said it aloud. Like something straight out of one of her fantasy novels.

No one around her batted an eye though, although the snarling munches from Natsu seemed to die down. Apparently her story warranted enough concentration from even him to gather his attention. Jura was staring at her in shock and awe, an expression reflected on Lyon's face.

"I see," Jura frowned once she was finished, his eyes on Natsu. It was strange having the dragon in the same room as them, much less in a form so... vulnerable. He knew dragons possessed the ability to turn into a human form, but no one had seen what the Dragon King looked like in centuries.

"Strange as it may sound, you have been very lucky Ms. Heartfilia," Jura put his hands together calmly, drawing his attention back to her, "These lands have known hard times. Lamia Scale does its best to protect the locals against dragon and demon attacks alike. From the sounds of it, you landed on the edge of Magnolia, right in the heart of Natsu's territory."

"If you were very lucky though, you might have landed in the town of Magnolia itself, where perhaps your life might have taken an easier turn," Jura looked at Lyon, who scoffed and lifted his nose in the air.

The white haired man's eyes slanted towards Natsu though, his eyes narrowing at him just a fraction.

"My brother is a mage in the local guild of Magnolia, they are very powerful, and could have protected you from Master Hades," Lyon straightened in his seat, looking straight at Natsu, "And he holds a certain defense against this particular dragon."

Natsu's head turned towards Lyon, his nostrils flared and smoke curled from the corners of his grinning lips. He tilted his head at Lyon, dark eyes blackening in anger.

"Oho," He purred and threw his head back, laughing, "This is great! You're that ice pricks brother?"

He doubled over laughing this time and lifted his chin to Lyon, "Listen snowcone, there's nothing your brother could do to stop me if I really wanted to chew on that frilly little toothpick over there."

He jabbed a thumb in Lucy's direction and rolled his eyes, "And if it wasn't for her interference, I would have just smashed Grimoire Heart there and been on my way. Magnolia is mine and even if I let those flies in that guild stick around, that fact isn't going to change."

"It seems that 'frilly little toothpick' has you well in hand," Jura said with a calm air before Lyon could rise from his seat. He chuckled and glanced at Lucy, ignoring the way Natsu was suddenly choking on the air. Or the mean glare the dragon was giving him.

"We will be more than happy to put you up for the night Miss Lucy, perhaps Sherry will be able to provide you more comfortable clothes while you bathe and relax. And after you are cared for, we would be happy to show you around Hargeon when you are feeling up to it," Jura rose, scooting his large frame out from behind the tiny table.

Lucy gaped at him for a moment, stunned at the offer, but it quickly morphed into a grateful smile, "Thank you!" She exclaimed, hastily getting up to say goodbye to the big wizard, "I really appreciate it."

It was, without a doubt, the best stroke of luck she'd had since Leo had shown up. Though part of her kind of wished she'd just landed in Magnolia directly and avoided all this mess to begin with. Still, as harrowing as it had been she'd apparently dodged a bullet, and her luck was holding.

Jura chuckled and patted her hand, "Not at all." He rumbled with a smile, "It's important for us human wizards to look out for each other, and I couldn't in good conscience turn my back on you regardless."

He nudged her gently back to her food, "Enjoy your meal Lucy. I'll arrange that room and bath before I leave."

Lucy nodded and sat down again, feeling better about this mess than she had since it started.

She stared slightly awkwardly at the other two people still at her table, "So, what kind of magic do you do?" She asked curiously, her natural curiosity rearing its head now that her immediate fears were calming.

Lyon gave her a charming smile that had her trying not to roll her eyes, "I'm what's known as an ice make wizard." He told her, "I can create anything out of ice." He demonstrated by creating a small flock of birds similar to the ones who had attacked Natsu, but these simply flew harmlessly around the room.

"And you create the ice yourself." Lucy breathed, her eyes wide with awe, "That's amazing. Is most magic element based?"

Lyon looked supremely pleased at her reaction as he picked up his fork, "Not at all, but much of it has some basis in the elements. Make magic is simply more pronounced about it due to the nature of the magic. You'll learn that as you begin to study your own magic. Though I'm less familiar with celestial magic than other types."

Study? Her?

Somehow the thought of becoming a wizard herself had escaped Lucy, and Lyon's calm assumption that she would study and do so startled her.

Though she supposed it made sense. She had to learn some kind of magic to get home right?

Maybe Leo would be able to help her out with that when he came back.

"I-I guess," Lucy allowed, not really knowing how else she could respond to a comment like that. It wasn't like he was wrong after all, there was a distinct possibility she could learn magic. But did she really want to?

Well, it wasn't even a case of whether she wanted to learn or not. She had to. Leo had said himself that she opened a gate to this world, that meant she could open a gate back to her own world. Something which was imperative.

She already knew time was running differently. She had been travelling so long with Natsu to this new town, the sun was beginning to set. Lucy's eyes were sagging under the weight of her own exhaustion, even as she tried to wrap her brain around the idea of practicing magic.

"There's no rush," Sherry smiled, her expression growing lax, "Not when you're in love"

Lucy coughed on her drink, her eyes widening a little, even as Lyon just nodded, dispassionate to whatever his comrade was saying. He was just taking a long sip from his drink. He seemed very used to her, and the unusual comment seemed common.

"Uhm, excuse me?" Lucy gaped at her, a flush working over her cheeks. Was that her... power? Or was that just a strange personality quirk of hers?

"I mean yours," Sherry gave her a coy smile. Her eyes slanted mischievously between both her and her traveling companion. Natsu gave her a bored, disinterested look, sticking an entire chicken leg in his mouth and crunching down on the whole thing. Lucy cringed in disgust.

"My, love?" Lucy repeated, desperately needing clarification.

"It must have been extremely powerful to tame the demon you travel with," Sherry explained, tucking her hands beneath her chin. She gave Lucy a severe look, and for a second, she thought she heard the word 'hussy' come from her painted lips.

Lucy wasn't paying any attention to that, or the derisive snort that came from Natsu nearby.

No, she was a little hung up on the 'demon' part of what she had said.

"Wait, demon?" She demanded, "The dragon is also a demon?"

Lyon looked surprised, his attention turning to an equally stunned Sherry. He frowned, shoulders stiffening.

"He didn't tell you?"

"Must've slipped my mind!" Natsu cackled.

Lucy sighed tiredly, "Of course it did." She muttered, rubbing her temples a little.

Honestly, at this point it didn't surprise her as much as it probably should've. After all the shocks of the day she was nearly at the point where she wouldn't be surprised if Lyon told her he turned into a unicorn under a full moon or something too. This crazy world seemed insane enough for that to be entirely plausible. And she couldn't muster the energy to care much anymore.

"I think it's pretty safe to assume that I haven't been told anything beyond what I told Jura." She told them, "And I doubt Natsu's going to bother telling me much of anything either."

"Of course." Lyon replied smoothly, "What's common knowledge to us would be completely unknown to you. Apologies. We should have remembered that."

Lucy shook her head, "It's alright." She replied, "I'm not sure I would've remembered either." She stood, "If you don't mind though I'm going to see about that bath and get some sleep. It's been an exhausting day."

And she wasn't sure how much more she could cope with. It was kind of a miracle she hadn't cracked yet really. Though she had the feeling she wasn't much more than one more shock away from it.

Lyon hastily got to his feet as well, "Of course." He repeated, "The Innkeeper will show you to your room and get you anything you need. We'll come by tomorrow morning after breakfast to show you around."

Lucy gave him a grateful, if tired, smile, "Thanks." She replied and nodded to Sherry before heading off. If she was lucky Natsu wouldn't be forced to follow her, and would stay down here while she relaxed.

Maybe.

If she was lucky.

Which was kind of doubtful.

Her luck had already been strained more than enough that day. So it was grudgingly that Natsu was tugged away from his table as he trudged up to follow her to her room. However as soon as he was in there, he slipped out the window, muttering something about sleeping where it didn't stink of humans.

She watched him disappear into the night, knowing he would reappear in the morning.

So. He was a demon.

It made just as much sense as anything else did. Although she was a little surprised he was missing the devil horns, cloven feet, and tail. She had no idea what a demon was in this world and could only guess it was something bad. Well, she only had knowledge from her land as reference.

For the time being she wasn't going to think about it.

Since Natsu had thankfully removed himself from the room, leaving it free for Lucy to take a bath. A nice, long and hot one.

While under the spray of a shower, Lucy sank into the tub and leaned back. This world was so strange. How could they have running water and faucets, but still live in practically rural settings.

Still, as she curled underneath the steady stream of water, letting it work on her tense muscles and limbs, she felt almost normal. For the first time since she bought her book, she gained a little bit of her identity back.

Lucy would never complain about the mundane life she lived again. Adventures and magic, that was the stuff for heroes. Lucy hardly qualified. Still though, the reminder of her book brought a little bit of energy back to her body.

Even though she wanted to curl up in the tub and fall asleep for a hundred years, Lucy managed to pry herself free from the water and dry off. She found clothes waiting for her, much to her pleasure. It seemed Sherry had followed through with Jura's request and found a spare outfit for her and something comfortable to sleep in.

The people here were so kind, if a little strange.

She changed quickly, looking around for peeking eyes or wild Natsus. When she was done, she crawled quickly into bed and dragged the heavy comforter up to her chest. Laying down on the feathery pillow, Lucy expected for sleep to take her quickly.

But in fact, it didn't.

No instead, sleep decided it wanted to be a fickle bitch.

Lucy felt tears of frustration sting at her eyes, and she snapped on a light-switch set on a nightstand.

All she wanted to do was sleep and then wake up in her own bed. But neither of those seemed to be viable options anymore, so she sighed heavily and rolled upright.

Sleep would eventually find her, but she supposed in the meantime, she could read. Snagging her bag from at the foot of the bed, she fished around for her book and cracked it open. One would think it was a little odd for her to pick up reading a story filled with adventure when her life was currently filled with it, but the habit put her mind at ease.

The book was every bit as engaging when she re-opened it as it had been the minor eternity ago when she'd first sat down at Starbucks and cracked it open. She was quickly swept back into their world as she continued reading about Juvia's endless pursuit of Gray. Whom she was certain had feelings of his own for the water nymph, but was probably afraid to voice them. And she couldn't really blame him either. Seriously, did Juvia even know the meaning of the word subtle? It didn't seem like it.

She giggled a little, slowly relaxing as she allowed herself to be wrapped back into the story. The escapism was exactly what she needed, and despite her exhaustion she was grateful for it.

However, as she relaxed and her mind started letting go of it's confusion and bewilderment of the day, she couldn't shake the sense of something nagging at her. It had been happening off and on all day, as if she was forgetting something important, but now it was getting stronger and wouldn't leave her alone.

It wasn't until a couple of pages later, when Gray was shooting an ice bow at an enemy, that it suddenly slammed into her.

Her eyes widened, and she gasped softly as the realizations pounded her brain. Gray. Fight. Guild. Ice. She'd just been so distracted she hadn't put it all together.

Gray was Lyon's brother and an ice make wizard. He lived in Magnolia and was part of a guild in a world that was apparently built around them. Magnolia was where the guild Fairy Tail was based according to her book. And it was in the middle of Natsu's territory.

Her book was, somehow, about the guild in Magnolia.

The shock was nearly enough to make her drop the book as her mind tried to process the implications of that. That the people she'd been reading about were real. That these weren't stories at all, but were probably actual events. Possibly a bit glamorized, but still real events.

She'd somehow gotten her hands on a first hand account of this world and the people in it.

She could hardly believe it.

She didn't know how such a book had gotten to her world, but she wasn't going to complain about such a stroke of luck. She could learn about Earthland through it. Enough to navigate until she got home anyway.

Suddenly feeling excited, and not the least bit sleepy, she sat up a little more and began reading again avidly. The stories still swept her away, but she eagerly sought out every nugget of information about magic and this strange world she could. Maybe it was a bit weird to be learning from reading about stories of a guild, but there was a chance it could answer a lot of her questions. Things that Lyon or Jura might not think to tell her simply because to them it was a normal as breathing.

She could only hope. She needed all the help she could get with this place.

It was strange to read about these characters, people who were in fact real enough to Natsu and the members of Lamia Scale. Despite the kindness she was shown by Jura and the others, the fact that they were allies with Fairy Tail, this strange guild she had come to love, even if it was just through the written word, put her more at ease than anything else had.

Even despite never having known the characters themselves, Lucy was able to draw a little courage from the stories and Fairy Tail's adventures. It was then a plan formed in her head. A real goal, one that could give her a real sense of direction in this confusing world.

She could go to Fairy Tail.

If anyone would have an idea what to do, it would be the wise Master from Fairy Tail. Makarov, the Wizard Saint. The old man who treated his guild like they were his family.

Lucy's heart jumped and her fingers shook around the cover, her excitement palpable as she gripped the book like the very lifeline it was. For the first time since landing in this world, she had a goal. Magnolia. Fairy Tail.

And that was precisely where Natsu was heading anyway. He was eager to return to his territory, and they would have to cross through Magnolia to get there. Which meant there was a good chance they could run into Fairy Tail. Lucy couldn't hide the broad smile that flashed over her face.

She wouldn't have to let Natsu in on what she was planning either. Which was a good thing, because Lucy wasn't naïve enough to believe he was gamely traveling with her. Just earlier he tried to kill her, and Lucy was certain he had his own plots he was hiding.

A knot tightened in her lungs, her worried gaze flashing over towards the window where she had seen Natsu disappear. She began to understand Leo's hesitation when it came to healing the dragon and the worry Jura and Lamia Scale had when confronting Natsu.

Natsu was the Fire Dragon King, the demon END, and the ruler of Fiore from everything south of Crocus.

If Fairy Tail were the protagonists of her book.

Then Natsu was the villain.

Hope it makes a little more sense now.

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