This title is funny for a hundred different reasons.
20
The Neverending Story
"When it comes to controlling human beings there is no better instrument than lies. Because, you see, humans live by beliefs. And beliefs can be manipulated. The power to manipulate beliefs is the only thing that counts."
― Michael Ende, The Neverending Story
Lucy laughed quietly at the miserable face Natsu made as he rolled onto his swollen stomach on the cramped cot they had shoved into one side of their single room apartment. It was really all they could afford, but it was still rather nice even with his snoring.
Or whining as it were.
Erza, of course, had defeated him without mercy. For a moment, it had looked as if Natsu could even win, however, when Mirajane had pulled out the final course for their contest - strawberry cake, his fate was sealed.
"Cheaters," Natsu whimpered into his pillow.
Lucy sat at the narrow writing desk she bought second hand, a smile flashing over her face as she looked at Natsu's grumpy back. He was slowly dragging his blanket over his head, but seemed to struggle with it since it was caught under his sluggish body. He didn't seem able to get enough leverage up off his hips to get it higher than his waist, so eventually he just gave up and sagged back down on his springy mattress.
"Oh come on, you didn't stand a chance against Erza." Lucy smirked at him, "She's unstoppable when it comes to strawberry short cake. It's been said she has travelled long distances across Fiore just to fight a horde of Vulcans in strawberry-clad armor for their precious ingredients."
Natsu gave her a strange look over his shoulder.
"You inhale somethin' weird Lucy?" The expression was almost concerned, and Lucy realized the story probably did sound a little strange. She nearly swallowed her tongue as it struck her that her knowledge came from the extracurricular reading Natsu didn't know about.
"Ah, no!" She replied, a tad nervously, "Don't be silly Natsu!" She grinned as her mind latched onto the perfect explanation that didn't involve revealing her book, "I heard the story around the guild hall while you were busy picking fights with Gray and Elfman."
Natsu blinked, trying to recall when Lucy might've heard the story, but almost as quickly gave up the effort. He didn't pay attention to half the things that went on when he was picking a fight with Gray, and some of those guys were like a bunch of gossipy old women. They'd tell stories to anyone who looked interested, and from what he could tell Lucy never said no. Weirdo.
He shrugged and flopped back on his cot, "Whatever." He mumbled, and promptly whined as his stomach sent another jolt of pain through him. He hoped those other losers, especially Erza, were all suffering just as badly. Jerks.
Lucy shook her head, feeling a little sorry for him, and flipped off the overhead light so he could get to sleeping it off. That was about the only thing that would make him feel better at this point. And sure enough, no sooner had she done that than he began snoring. She shook her head a little and went back to writing in her journal. It was something she'd started up after settling into Magnolia, and honestly thought she would've gone insane by now without the outlet. As wonderful as her new friends were there were some things they just didn't understand, so talking to them wasn't an option. This was the perfect compromise.
Once she was done she stretched a little and glanced over at the now firmly passed out Natsu. He was unlikely to wake up before dawn, assuming he even did that. She had time for a little reading.
She grinned and tugged her book out of its secret hiding place, eager to re-read some of her favorite stories. However, when she pulled it into her lap she noticed that it seemed thicker than before. Frowning curiously, she flipped to the back, sure it was just a trick of the light or something.
It wasn't.
It took every ounce of willpower she had not to gasp and risk waking Natsu as she stared at the first few lines. Lines about her. Lines about going to Barnes and Noble, and finding the book she now held in her lap.
The book had updated? With her story?
She shoved it off her lap and scooted away, her heart pounding as she tried to figure out how she felt about this. Sure, she'd read everyone else's stories, but it took on a whole new meaning when she was reading about herself. Did she really want to read her own story like that?
The answer was, perhaps unsurprisingly, yes. She did.
As the shock receded, and her heart calmed, she realized she really was quite curious. She'd been so immersed in the situation at the time she hadn't been able to look at it objectively, and this would allow her to. Reading back over it could give her some insight to avoid problems in the future. More than that, she was curious about Natsu's side of it. And Leo's. They would surely be in there as well. Maybe she would get some insight on them. That could only help her out.
She smiled a little as she gently picked the book back up, and settled in to read the new chapters.
What had prompted such a change in the book? It was a curious mystery, but not one that kept her away from wanting to discover what new stories were written. Especially as she was a new and sudden addition.
Slinking back to her bed much as she had when she was a child, she curled into her covers and propped the book up onto its side so she could read comfortably.
Lucy Heartfillia found herself not only in a new world, but new dangers as well. She came from beyond the gates, in the Land without Magic and thus did not know the strange powers she possessed. Those were powers sought after by many dark mages, for it was the same magic the one they worshiped used long ago before the stars were chained to the skies.
None of that mattered when she found her fate magically tied to the very dragon who waged war against the fairies.
He was as his reputation suggested. Cruel, childish in his anger, and violent. But Lucy was a woman of noble birth, and as such she dealt with the dragon with a patient and kind hand.
Lucy snorted.
How generous of the book.
The actions of Lucy frustrated the dragon, who finally revealed his name to her as 'Natsu.' No matter what he did to intimidate her, she remained steadfast in her morals. Despite his plans to kill her at the earliest opportunity, the seeds of curiosity began to form in the evil dragon's mind, and it gave way to a path of uncertainty.
Natsu took care to watch her carefully through their journey. Adventures which lead them to join Fairy Tail. It was a decision which shocked Magnolia down to its core, and gave those who lived there the first sliver of hope in centuries. Could change be possible?
The young Lucy did not seem to notice the ripples she caused by her presence alone, or the calming effect she began to have on Natsu.
He was aware of this effect though, and while he began to grow uncertain of his desire to kill her - he still watched her with deep suspicion. Natsu did not trust her, but not even he could deny he was beginning to grow accustomed to having her around.
After their journey to the mountains, they ran into a nest of Natsu's old family. The fire dragon could remember the claws digging into his throat as he listened to Mother Glare's snarls. The scar upon his neck remained a cruel reminder of how he had been turned away, still a hatchling to their ways. Each word burrowed further into his heart as he remembered how much he hated his human skin.
And why he hated at all.
It had been so long since he had been in his vulnerable form, the dragon had forgotten how violently he could be hurt like this. He wished to transform into the shape he was comfortable with, away from the shame of being who - what - he was.
Lucy swallowed, uncertainty burning in her chest. These words were private, just as they had been for the other guild members. Her eyes lifted across the room to where Natsu was snoring obliviously away on his cot, not a care in the world aside from a stomachache.
It was the first time she read words like this about him. Up until now, Natsu had never been shown in a way beyond that of a monster. Despite being a constant in the story, the dragon had never been named. His thoughts never penned.
This made him real.
It made him human.
Lucy glanced down at the pages, wondering how he would react to her entertaining a thought like that. She wondered if she should continue. It felt like it was a violation into his thoughts, but it showed her so many things about Natsu. Some, such as his desire to kill her, were not news to her.
But the fact it seemed to be lessening, was.
Guilt twitched at the fingers resting on the pages, her eyes flashing up to Natsu's sleeping form.
He was sulky and a brat, but the words she read on the page - even if he had shared a bit of his past to her himself, were heartwrenching.
Was he okay?
The sudden thought of not knowing, made her decision for her. Natsu would never tell her if there was something wrong with him, it was clear on the pages themselves. He didn't trust her, and even if he did, he was too proud to admit it.
Returning to the book, she quickly devoured the unfolding story.
By the time she was done her eyes were burning with the effort to stay awake. She'd read, and re-read, the story half a dozen times. She hadn't wanted to miss even a single nuance, and had gone back over every moment she'd had with Natsu over the past weeks looking for hints of what the story had told her was happening.
She still wasn't sure she would trust him exactly, at least not without the bond, but it made her feel better to know that perhaps he didn't hate her as much as he kept saying he did.
She managed to slip the book back into its hiding place, unwilling to risk falling asleep with it in her hands for Natsu to find, and curled up back in bed.
However, despite her exhaustion, Lucy couldn't quite bring herself to sleep yet. Even after several hours it was still a shocking revelation to see Natsu's perspective, and guilt surged through her again. Should she be reading this stuff? It really was private, and while the guildmembers who knew about it didn't mind it, Natsu was another matter entirely. He would probably hit the roof if he ever found out, and she wasn't sure she could blame him for it.
Still, it provided valuable insight into him. Insight she, frankly, needed. He was hardly going to provide such insight himself, and if things took a wrong turn and he decided he really did want to kill her again...well...a little forewarning might well save her life.
She sighed as her eyes began sliding closed of their own accord, and decided that for now she would keep reading their chapters. Maybe one day, possibly, she would be able to trust him enough to sit down and explain all of it.
Though she wasn't about to do that until she was confident he would listen to what she had to say and not immediately jump to conclusions.
She just kind of hoped that day came sooner rather than later.
Lucy breathed out a heavy sigh, eyes opening to stare up at the ceiling, pulling her blanket up and under her chin. She felt the tension drain from her body, the words from the book floating back up into her mind.
Perhaps it wasn't foolish to hold out hope that one day soon he might be ready to hear about the book.
Natsu felt the first shock of hesitation when Lucy advanced against Mother Glare, defending him in a way no one had since his father died. Someone so small and fragile, against an opponent which could easily crush her hadn't given her pause. That wasn't to say she wasn't afraid, because Natsu could smell her fear easily.
Lucy had been so scared, but she defended him regardless. Something which, for the first time in centuries, almost made him want to trust her.
Natural suspicion caused him to believe every kind hand extended towards him would soon ball up into a fist to strike. Instincts for battle edged in him, waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop. The moment Lucy stopped being the kind, caring woman she pretended she was.
But he could sense no deception from her, and his heart began to feel lighter.
Just as it had the first time he was able to fly with Igneel, warm under his father's wing.
Her strength, calm and inviting in its own strange way, picked at Natsu's caution. She convinced the Great Dragon of Black Steel to take them back home, unknowing of his plots to steal away Natsu's territory.
Still, when he held her next, sitting astride the metal dragon's powerful back, Natsu felt a strange sense of peace completely take over him.
Again he was in the air, and despite the rushing wind, the cold iron he was perched upon, Natsu felt quite warm with Lucy gathered in his arms.
It was strange…
It was almost as if he truly wanted to believe her…
Lucy sighed, knowing for whatever reason, Natsu couldn't bring himself to believe in her. But that was okay.
She wrapped her arms around herself, remembering the way his hands had felt gripping her safely to his chest. A flush began to work its way up her cheeks and she looked at the daisy print on her bedsheets.
She would just prove it to him.
Sorry guys! Short chapter this time around! I promise the next one is longer! I'll try to answer your questions! 50 reviews for this past chapter! Excuse me while I go pass out.
I also want to give a special shout out for the-ultimate-anime-trash for drawing us FANAAAAART! EXCUSE ME WHILE I GO FOAM AT THE MOUTH. I really need to start posting links in my profile. I'll start doing that when I wake up from having dropped down into a coma. You can find it at the-ultimate-anime-trashXtumblrXcom/post/131049773415/the-brighter-his-scarf-gets-in-parallels-the-more ! Just replace the X's with periods!
SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED! - Jiryuu no Megami - Guest - Sara lovelymusic - bluebirdeyes (Yeah, Kytrin and I love dragons as dragons) - Cora-DragonSoul (Omg I sometimes do that too while at work) - Little Red (Yes we have seen Edolas. It would've been rather strange to mention END and Zeref had we not gotten that far. There is no Edo!Lucy in this or Edo!Natsu) - Chouxes - sammydalammy (just wait, you're gonna need to buckle in for a fun ride) - Snavej (WHATEVER WOULD GIVE YOU THAT IDEA? You should totally trust us. Especially me. The person named 'mslead' ) - OgaxHilda (You'll get even more fluff soon to drown in) - Mo0nyMoon (Oh there will be plenty of steam in this fic, and action, and fluff) - shvartzit - Avengerika (Yes we're focused on pushing the characters forward) - BakaFangirl (I'm glad you enjyoed it, just be careful of the fluff. It gets stuck in the carpet) - Guest (hahaha friendship feels. Yep. That's FT ok) - NaluLuva23 - Wonderwomanbatmanfan - sunshine-melodi - fanficlove2014 (Yes, Natsu is slowly emerging as the character we've all come to know.) - HalfBlackWolfDemon - Intangibly Yours - silver light of dawn (Yeah we hit that GaLe like a 2x4 to the face. The eating contest was definitely inspired by that) - Dakota X Hoax (I'm glad you love it so much! HEre's an update!) - KirstyKakes - - AJ Drakes (That's okay! You left a review for us now! Thanks bunches!) - Pixelbow (Hahaha ya, there was definitely a lot of fun in this chapter) - Liz - sarara1.8 - Guest - Twishadowhunter - ThatOneExoticPotato (NO I DON'T?! I'M SORRY. SHOULD I? SHIT. DO I KNOW YOU? I'M PARANOID NOW.) - RazenshiaSapphire1306 (Thank you for your kind words! We will continue because of comments like this) - Animallover (You know what, I think that's a cool idea too. Maybe Kytrin and I will write a GaLe oneshot over them meeting. Wonder if anyone would be interested in that. Stay tuned with dragons, and Natsu called Gajeel a 'catfish' because those are bottom feeders) - Mechanical-Rose-Sama (He is definitely a brat. But hopefully they will play nice) - Amelia Loves Anime - the-clumsy-one - No1Bookworm - equastar - Yuyui Hime - KaUiA (HAHAHAHAHAHAH THERE WILL BE PLENTY OF THAT. And yes, the scarf is very important) - Poxxy - Guest - The-Rosette-Wolf (Don't forget to breathe :D ) - Senna - Tyrande8 (Oh! Well thanks for dropping a review for us anyway! I know Kytrin and I are glad you will read this! As for the exceeds... stay tuned) - Princessatj (hahahah yes. The scarf is a thing) - Dark-Angel-of-Wicked-Chaos17 (Ooooh you picked up on that!) - Zaryin - eternalstarrlight - (Well I think you're just a LITTLE biased, now aren't you? Hahaha, and yeah. They are heading straight past friendship and into love. Although it'll take them a minute to get there! And MAN. YOU ALWAYS SNEAK IN right when I am about to post the chapter. HOW. DO YOU . DO THAT.)
See you guys in two days!