AN: Enjoy the chapter folks! Be sure to leave a review when you finish!
EDITED 5/25/18
Berserk
Chapter Thirty Six
{i'll ask of the Berserks, you tasters of blood}
Returning to Fiore is something Natsu never expected to do. He never once wanted to return to this country, not after what happened to him here. After the rings and the violence, Natsu always thought this was the last place he'd want to come back to. Alvarez was where he pictured himself, or perhaps the northern tip of Seven, where he could hide away forever. Not Fiore, never Fiore. He has too many memories of this place, of Igneel and the Red Night. Not all are bad, but each one leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
Now, however, he doesn't feel that ache in his chest, his heart doesn't twist and squeeze as he walks through the forest, the trees towering over the three of them as they walk, silence curling around them, none of them knowing what to say.
Natsu eyes Jellal warily, his lips pressing into a thin line as he observes the other man, unsure what to make of the Ranger. While he seems kind enough, he's also quiet, his gaze following Natsu as he walks, something sharp in his dark eyes that makes Natsu uncomfortable. He's used to people staring, watching him like he'll snap, afraid of the beast from legends, waiting for it to lit its head and strike. Natsu hates that look, his blood boils and his lip curves up into the slightest hint of a snarl as he glares at Jellal, a challenge in his eyes.
Jellal merely blinks back, unconcerned, and stares ahead. His gaze shifts away from Natsu, Jellal's hands sliding into his pockets as he glances up at the sky, the blue a paler shade than his hair, the sun bright overhead, not a cloud to be seen. A crow cries out overhead, a tree branch shaking as the large bird lands, peering down at them curiously, head twisting around as it watches the sunlight glint off the necklace Lucy wears, gold flickering.
Natsu rips his gaze from the bird, glancing down at Lucy, watching her for a moment, concerned when he sees the nervous glint in her eyes, Lucy worrying her lower lip. Her fingers twitch at her sides, Lucy drumming a pattern against her thigh, a random rhythm that Natsu vaguely recognizes, unsure where he heard it before. He knows she's worried about returning home, excited to see her family, but nervous about their reaction.
He can't help but feel the same way. As much as he trusts Lucy, entirely willing to place his life in her hands, he knows that her family isn't her. While Lucy accepted him, looked passed the blood on his hands and the monster he was made to be, there's no guarantee that her family will be the same.
In a way, he feels like he knows them, Lucy telling him stories about her family during their travels. He'd like to believe they'll accept him as well, but he knows life isn't nearly that simple. They have no reason to trust him. In fact, that have reason not to, given what he did to Lucy.
Lucy may have forgiven him for what he did, but that doesn't mean her family will. He wouldn't blame them if they didn't. Natsu knows he would never forgive anyone for hurting her like that. And though he knows he had his reasons, he'll never be able to forget the terror in her eyes when he finally regained control of himself.
And he doesn't dare forget. He thinks the way she looked at him will stay with him forever, keeping him grounded. He never wants her to look at him like that again—like he's a monster. That fear in her eyes was sobering, and he remembers it every time his anger flares.
Sighing to himself, Natsu's gaze snaps to the ground, his shoulders drooping slightly. He wants to do better, and with Lucy's promise to help him, he thinks he will, someday. It's hard, holding back the rage prickling at his skin, but he won't let it control him any longer. Lucy's presence helps, but only so much. Berserks were made to feed on their anger, to slip into it, to gain power from it.
It's not meant to be contained, and he knows it'll only get worse the longer he tries to avoid it, but he doesn't know what else to do. He needs to learn to control it, to only let it out when he wants it, not let it cloud his mind and steal away parts of him he can never get back.
Natsu vows to himself that he'll learn to control it, even if it kills him. He won't let himself snap again.
Lucy clears her throat suddenly, gaining both his attention and Jellal's. Both men glance down at her, but Lucy is looking up at Jellal, not him. She hesitates a moment, lips pursed as her gaze flicks between Jellal and the road, the three of them getting closer to Magnolia with every step. It's been three days since they crossed the border, and Natsu knows they're close, judging by how fidgety Lucy's become, her nerves finally spilling over.
"What were you doing so close to the border, Jellal?" she asks him softly, curiosity and suspicion thick in her voice. Her fingers continue tapping, and her free hand comes up to play with the necklace at her throat, Lucy tracing the gem with a gentle finger. The question hangs heavy in the air, Jellal stiffening slightly, but Lucy only raises a brow, impatience flickering in her eyes.
Jellal clears his throat, wetting his lips as he runs a hand through his messy hair, brushing his bangs out of his eyes, the long strands blowing gently in the breeze. "There's been…" he trails off quickly, frowning as if he can't decide what word to use, "skirmishes near the borders recently," Jellal tells them, shrugging as if it's nothing important. Natsu doesn't believe it, noting the hard look in the man's eyes, the way he avoids Lucy's gaze. "They want us patrolling, and I was stationed close to Magnolia."
"In Bosco or Seven?" Lucy asks him, frowning. Natsu frowns as well, confused.
They hadn't noticed anything unusual in Bosco, the borders were clean and there were no signs of anything for miles between Fiore and Bosco, nothing but small towns and forests. Natsu can't be sure how big of skirmishes Jellal means, but judging by the Ranger's expression, Natsu knows it must have been serious. And from what Natsu knows of Seven, he doesn't see much fighting occurring. Most people live north, in the mountains, mining. Seven is famous for their weapons, from what Igneel told him. There's never been unrest in Seven.
Jellal purses his lips, avoiding Lucy's gaze. He clears his throat, growing tense the longer Lucy stares at him. "Both," Jellal admits after a long moment, peering over at her. Jellal's fingers disappear beneath his jacket, and he pulls out one of his knives, hesitating only briefly before tossing it in the air, the blade spinning before Jellal catches it with deft fingers. He doesn't speak again for a long moment, then sighs, shaking his head. "It only begun recently," Jellal murmurs, suddenly looking exhausted. "I'm surprised you two didn't come across anything."
He peers down at Lucy, then shrugs, unconcerned. Jellal turns away from them quickly, falling silent once more as he quickens his pace, walking several feet in front of them, clearly giving them some space, though Natsu doesn't know why.
Lucy falls into step beside him, arm brushing against his, and Natsu glances down at her, a fond smile creeping onto his face, and Lucy locks eyes with him. She doesn't say anything, but she doesn't need to, he understands. There's so much hope in her eyes, hope and fear and a thousand other things that he can't even begin to understand. Her hands tremble, but she smiles up at him, her fingers brushing against his gently.
He glances down at her wrist, noticing the symbol still streaked across her skin, faded, the blue paint chipped away after nearly three days of walking. He would have thought she'd have removed it by now, what with how close they're getting to her home, but she's simply let it be, careful not to rub off the paint. She's caressed it several times with her fingers, from what he's noticed, tracing the symbol almost lovingly.
It looks delicate against her skin, with how thin her wrist is, not nearly as intimidating as it is on his own. The symbols always appear imposing on Berserks, almost threatening. Most others don't know what the runes mean, they simply recognize them as those worn by beasts. The symbols have become a brand of brutality that they were never meant to convey.
He hadn't been thinking when he painted it across Lucy's skin, not about the implication or what others might think. He simply wanted to see it on her skin, a symbol of protection, his rune. Somehow it felt like a promise, more so than his words ever were.
Several minutes later, they rise over the crest of a hill, Natsu going still as he looks down into the valley below, eyes widening when he gets his first glimpse of Magnolia. Lucy steps up behind him, angling to face him, a gentle hand settling in the center of his back as takes in the city below, awe coursing through him. He drinks in the sight of it, unsure how to feel as he stares.
It's much bigger than he expected, not half as large as Đüskell or Crocus, and still smaller than Narja, but a city regardless. His gaze flicks to the lake towards the northern edge of the city, mountains and forests surrounding the other three sides. The buildings are all made of stone, from what he can tell, the city beautiful. Nothing like Narja with its dark alleys and looming stone walls, and far different from Đüskell, its streets silent, an air of violence creeping through the city.
Magnolia, while not bustling, has something charming to it, the stone buildings bright and lined with what must be flowers, the sides overgrown with vines, something he never would have seen in Ðüskell. He gapes, tracing the canals with his eyes before something in the center of the city draws his attention. His gaze snaps to a towering building, Natsu squinting for a better look, noticing a flicker of color reflecting the sunlight, reds flickering in the morning sun, looking like fire dancing across the sides of the building.
He recognizes it, though he's never seen it before: Kardia Cathedral. One of the Berserks in the King's army mentioned it once, talked for an hour about the stained-glass windows and the bell tower that played the sweetest song. The old Berserk smiled as he told the story to Natsu and several other children, expression wistful, eyes sad. He'd been an old man, older than Igneel was, his hair graying and his eyes losing the life held within. He died soon after, and Natsu never knew his name, but he remembers the stories he told.
He called the cathedral the most beautiful thing in all of Fiore, though, Natsu thinks, glancing down to see Lucy smiling up at him, Natsu thinks he'd have to disagree.
Lucy breathes a laugh at his expression, winding her fingers through his as she leads him down the side of the hill, guiding him towards the city. He follows, only a step behind her, gaze locked on Magnolia, even as he loses his vantage point, much of the city being swallowed from view by the trees. The high towers of the cathedral rise over the treetops, marble walls just tall enough for Natsu to see.
He misses the amused expression on Jellal's face, the man waiting for them at the bottom of the hill. He exchanges a look with Lucy, but she only shakes her head, smiling as well. Natsu is pulled along behind her, the awe leaving him the closer they get to the city, knowing he isn't welcome there. Lucy only squeezes his fingers, reassuring him that she's right there with him.
Eventually, they come to a stop just outside of the city, across the road from a stone house, vines with soft, pink flowers curling along the sides of the building, overgrown as they stretch towards the top. The windows on the second floor are left open, flowerboxes in the windows and a small balcony on the building's left side, a workshop off to the left that he assumes must be Lucy's grandfather's. He doesn't need to ask to know this is her home, resting just outside the city, surrounded by trees, tucked away but not hidden completely.
Lucy clears her throat suddenly, gaining his attention. She squeezes his fingers, eyes locking with his for a long moment. Lucy glances away from him briefly, gaze flicking from the stone house to Jellal, who watches her curiously. "Jellal," she starts softly, looking back to Natsu, something unreadable in her eyes, "can you…" She trails off, leaving her question unfinished, but he seems to understand.
Jellal blinks at her, gaze sliding to Natsu slowly. He doesn't speak for a long moment, dark gaze focused on Natsu. There isn't hatred there, or even mistrust, but Natsu's skin prickles regardless, not used to being watched so intently. A moment later, Jellal turns away, smoothing down his rumpled clothing. "I think I'll go find Makarov," he says casually, wrinkling his nose at he looks at a tear in his clothing. "I believe he has something waiting for me."
Lucy's lips twitch slightly, and she shakes her head, clearly amused with Jellal's none too subtle excuse for leaving. The ranger shoulders his bag, taking a step towards the house. "Thank you," Lucy calls after him softly, just loud enough for Jellal to hear her. He keeps walking, and Natsu thinks he's simply going to ignore her.
He stops halfway across the road, but doesn't turn around. "Don't leave them waiting too long," is all he says to Lucy, hesitating a moment before casting her a glance over his shoulder. He doesn't smile, but there's something softer in his gaze, perhaps even amused. His eyes flick to Natsu, who tenses in response. "Natsu," Jellal says softly, nodding at him.
"Jellal," Natsu replies in kind, returning the gesture, unsure what else to do.
The man's lips quirk at the edges, so small Natsu almost doesn't notice. He doesn't spare them another look, simply turns back to the house, ambling across the street, limping slightly from where Natsu kicked him the other day. Natsu watches him go, Jellal heading towards the workshop, slipping inside with ease, and disappears.
Lucy squeezes his fingers, bringing his attention back to her. His eyes lock with hers, but her gaze darts away from his immediately. Natsu frowns, confused, and turns slightly, facing her more directly, waiting for her to look at him once more.
"Are you nervous?" she asks him suddenly, staring at the house. Natsu follows her gaze, seeing a figure move inside, their shadow shifting across the window, a curtain hung in the way. He swallows, glancing at his feet, but doesn't say anything. He doesn't have to. Lucy's gaze flicks to him, her lips twisting into a small, reassuring smile. "Don't be."
He snorts, shaking his head. "That's a hard thing to ask, Lucy," he tells her gently, peeking down at her. She locks eyes with him, and Natsu feels his own mouth quirk into a smile, barely there, but enough for her eyes to brighten.
Her grip on his hand tightens, and Lucy curls her fingers through his, shifting to face him directly. "They won't turn you away," she promises, free had rising to his chest. Her fingertips ghost the thin cut on his collarbone where Jellal nicked him. It's small, hardly bothersome, but she frowns, her thumb brushing against his skin slowly.
His fingers curl around her wrist, gently lifting it to his mouth, and Natsu presses his lips to the paint on her skin, holding her there. "They'd have every reason to," he mumbles against her arm, nosing at her skin. She hasn't put her gloves back on since he drew his rune there, and it sends a flash of pride through him.
She sighs, leaning into him slightly. "Do you really believe that?" she whispers back to him, fingers brushing against his cheek. Her expression twists into something sad, and Natsu winces, releasing their connected hands to settle his palm on her hip, leading her closer to him.
"If someone else hurt you the way I did," he tells her, fingers squeezing around her hip, "I would never forgive them." He swallows thickly, locking eyes with her, and Lucy's other hand comes up to cradle his jaw.
She shakes her head, leaning into him. Her thumb brushes against the stubble on his jaw, tickling him slightly. "It's not for them to forgive," she reminds him, expression honest as she stares at him, eyes seeing right through him. He winces, looking away from her, shame coursing through him.
"Lucy," he mumbles, grip loosening on her as he leans back, pulling away from her slightly. He doesn't release her, not having the heart to let her go. She doesn't allow him to leave her entirely, grip growing tight on his jaw, holding him in place. Natsu's eyes lock with hers, apologetic, but she only shakes her head, sighing as she traces a finger across his cheek.
His breath fans across her wrist, tickling her bare skin, and Lucy shivers slightly as he leans into her touch, nosing at the rune on her arm. "Let me handle them," she murmurs, nodding towards the house, a pleading note to her voice that makes him wince. "You did nothing wrong," she continues, voice firmer this time. His eyes snap up to meet hers, surprise flashing through him. "Not to me," she tells him, a promise.
He manages a smile for her, leaning in and pressing his forehead against hers. Her thumb strokes across his cheek, gentle and soothing, and Natsu finds himself pulling her towards him, her torso barely brushing against his. Lucy's breath ghosts across him, light and nervous, and he peers down at her, gaze questioning. She smiles back, though it's small, unsure.
Eyes narrowing, Natsu's palm slides around to the center of her back, grounding her to him. He squeezes her wrist softly, then releases her. She doesn't pull back from him, both hands settling on his cheeks, fingers quivering slightly.
"I need to know what it means," she whispers, so close he can almost taste her, Lucy just out of reach. His free hand settles on her waist, holding her loosely, and he frowns, not understanding what she means. Lucy wets her lips, gaze snapping away from his for only a moment before her soft, sweet gaze comes back to his.
"What?" he whispers back to her, squeezing her side gently. Lucy's exhale is shaky against him, and he winces, unsure what's wrong. "What do you mean?" he asks her, leaning in to press his nose against her cheek, nuzzling at her until she gives a breathy laugh, pulling away as he tickles her.
Lucy takes a deep breath, calming herself, and her gaze is more serious than he's ever seen it when she looks up at him. She pulls away from him, putting several inches of distance between them. Before he can panic, Lucy releases him with one hand, moving her painted wrist into his line of sight. "What does it mean?" she asks again, wetting her lips before biting them, worrying her lower lip with her teeth.
His frown only deepens, Natsu not understanding. "I told you," he murmurs, shaking his head, "it means—"
Lucy cuts him off, though not unkindly. "What does it mean to you, Natsu?" she clarifies, hands coming back to cradle his jaw, gently coaxing him to meet her gaze. There's something unfamiliar there, something thick and sweet as honey, Lucy staring at him as if his answer means something, but he doesn't know what.
His mouth goes dry as he realizes what she's asking, Natsu inhaling sharply. He swallows down the lump in his throat, his eyes flicking to her lips for only a short moment. "What do you want it to mean?" he asks her. He knows what the symbol means to him, what he wants it to mean for both of them, but first he needs to know if she wants the same thing.
She breathes a laugh against him, huffing lightly, and sends him a look that's a cross between amused and annoyed. "That's not an answer," she tells him, unable to smother the laugh that bubbles up from her chest. A smile pulls at her lips, her eyes brightening, and he can't help but pull her tighter against him.
He chuckles, one hand leaving her back to brush her hair away from her eyes. "Lucy," he whispers, head tilting as his mouth goes back to her wrist. He stops short of finishing, knowing it's not the right time for this. As much as he wants to tell her what she means to him, her family matters more. They've been waiting for her for months now, aching to know she's okay, and he can wait a little longer. "It means I'm going to do everything in my power to keep you safe," he tells her softly, a serious note to his words as he presses a gentle kiss against her painted skin. He holds her gaze, watching her breath catch, and pulls back slowly.
It isn't a lie. That rune means he would do whatever it took to keep her alive, to keep her happy. It means she's something he wants to protect, even if he knows she doesn't that from him. Lucy is strong, so much stronger than he ever could have imagined. It amazes him, just how incredible she really is, and he'll be damned before he lets something break her. He's been broken before, snapped into pieces and he won't let the same thing happen to her.
For a moment, something like disappointment flashes across her face, but it's gone before he can be sure. Lucy nods slowly, sending him a grin that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I know you will," she tells him, stepping in close. Natsu holds his breath, losing himself to the gold in her eyes, and he practically sighs when Lucy pressed up on her toes, placing one hand on his shoulder to steady herself.
She leans into him, lips pressing against his cheek in a lingering kiss. Natsu sighs, eyes slipping shut as Lucy coils her arms around his neck, dragging him into a hug. He falls into her willingly, his arms wrapping tight around her waist, crushing her to him. Lucy clings to him in return, tucking her head against the side of his neck as she gives him a gentle squeeze. His grip only tightens, Natsu burying his nose against her hair, inhaling her sweet smell, stardust clinging to his senses.
He squeezes her around the waist, pressing a soft kiss against her temple before tucking her beneath his chin. Natsu sighs, knowing he needs to let her go, but not wanting to quite yet. He forces himself to anyway, breaking the grip she has around his neck, leaning just out of reach. Lucy frowns up at him, but he only smiles, tugging at one of her braids gently.
"They're waiting for you," he reminds her, grinning when Lucy's eyes light up. She untangles herself from him, glancing towards the house across the street. Jellal can only stall for so long, and he knows she itching to be back with her family. Lucy hesitates a moment, glancing up at him. She nods just the slightest, sending him a smile, and he watches her fondly, Lucy's emotions flickering in her eyes.
Pulling away from him, she stoops, grabbing her things off the ground where she set them aside. She lifts her bow gingerly, holding it loosely in one hand along with her quiver. Lucy stares at the house, reaching for her magic bag, but Natsu grabs it before she can do anything with it. He pries the bag from her hands, slinging it over his shoulder before she can protest. Lucy frowns, head cocking to the side curiously, and Natsu grins back at her.
He says nothing, only gestures with his chin for her to move. The bag is only going to get in the way. He doubts her family is going to hold back when they see her, given how long she's been gone. The less things she has to hold, the better, he thinks. Lucy appears to agree, considering she doesn't argue over it. He has no doubt in his mind that she wouldn't hesitate to protest anything she didn't like.
Lucy takes a step towards the house, the worn, cobblestone road crunching beneath her boot. She pauses, uncertain, then reaches for him, linking her fingers through his and pulling him along behind her. He chuckles, allowing her to drag him across the road, Natsu glancing between her and the house looming before them.
It's inviting enough, lived in and radiating a warmth that chases away the fear in his chest. It's a home, and that's something he hasn't had in a very long time. His steps falter, his free hand curling into a fist as he eyes the building warily, unsure what to make of it. Lucy seems to notice his hesitation, her grip on him growing firm. She sends him a look over her shoulder, the look in her eyes promising that everything will be okay.
He believes her, nodding slowly and matching her pace, her excitement whirling around them in a gust of air, Lucy's magic finally coming back in full force. It was week before, after the black blood was removed from her arm. She could barely summon a breeze, and though she never said a word about it, he knew it bothered her deeply. She told him her magic was weak to begin with, but it was a constant in her life, something she could rely on. He can't imagine having something like that ripped away from him.
Lucy's fingertips brush against the doorknob, tracing the copper with a gentle touch. Lucy can hear noise coming from inside, someone moving around in the back of the house. She takes a deep breath, straightens her back, and clenches her jaw, looking more like she's preparing for battle than returning home after being gone for so long.
Natsu places a firm hand on the center of her back, steadying her, and though she doesn't look at him, Lucy leans into his hand for only a moment. She releases a breath, shaking herself, and quietly opens the door, the hinge creaking softly, so quiet he barely hears it.
Light spills into the house, the door slipping open, just wide enough for them to slip through. Lucy heads inside first, a small smile on her lips, and Natsu hesitates, unsure if he should follow her or wait outside. She makes the choice for him, reaching back with one hand and finding his fingers. Slowly, he offers his hand to her, letting her digits curl around his gently. She squeezes his hands, so softly he barely notices, and then slips through the door, pulling him along behind her.
Her hand stays curled through his, and Natsu follows a step behind her, gaze darting around the threshold nervously, feeling as if he isn't supposed to be here. Lucy glances at him over her shoulder, sending him a small smile, and again she squeezes his hand, reassuring him that he'll be okay.
A clatter comes from the back of the house, what sounds pans being shifted and smacked together. A curse follows the noise, then a bang and a yelp. Lucy bites back a smile, and Natsu snorts, figuring that something's been dropped when he hears mumbling, swears mixed with other snippets that he doesn't understand.
Lucy takes a step further into the house, waiting for Natsu fully enter the room before shutting the door softly behind them. Whoever's in the back either doesn't hear them or doesn't care, and Natsu thinks they're in for a surprise. Lucy must think the same thing, because she glances up at him, smile impish and eyes sparking with mischief. He sends her what he hopes is a disapproving stare, but he cracks, smiling back at her when he sees the absolute joy in her expression.
Lucy gently sets her bow against the wall, then her quiver, and Natsu watches as Lucy slips the knives from the sheaths on her thighs, placing them on a small table near the door. Natsu sets her bag beside her knives, hovering a step behind her as Lucy maneuvers towards the back, guiding him with a gentle hand.
They stop in the threshold of what must be a kitchen, a younger man standing by a table, a stack of pots and pans balanced precariously in his hands. Natsu recognizes him as Romeo, Lucy's younger brother. He's average height, shorter than Natsu but far taller than Lucy. Dark, shaggy hair falls around his face, his brow furrowed and a frown marring his lips. He can't be any older than seventeen, and Natsu vaguely recalls Lucy mentioning his age weeks ago, though Natsu can't be sure if his birthday has passed yet or not.
The male grumbles something to himself, and Natsu eyes him critically, quirking a brow when he sees what the other man is wearing. He knows little of the fashion in Fiore, given he last time he was here was over a decade ago. From what he's seen it's very different from that of Pergrande, shorter and more skin-baring, if Lucy's clothing are considered natural. Pergrande is stuffy, long dresses and layers and layers of rippling fabric, lavish red and gold, jewels decorating fingers.
Ðüskell wasn't called the Red City for no reason.
The other man's state of dress is odd to him, though Natsu figures he looks similarly unnatural, perhaps more so. He'd never put much thought into the traditional garb of Berserks, loose where they do wear any, his chest bare. Romeo seems at ease in his baggy panty, his bare feet padding across the floor.
Natsu frowns at the dark violet jacket he's wearing, the fabric hanging to his mid-thigh. The jacket is left open and synched at the waist with a white cloth, knotted over his right hip. He shifts and Natsu catches sight of a black string woven through the knot at his hip, three gold coins dangling down his leg, glinting in the light spilling from the window. A dark, teal bandana is tied around his neck, white spots dotting the cloth.
Romeo notices them out of the corner of his eye, but doesn't appear to realize that it's Lucy. "Laxus!" he gripes, huffing when he lifts the stack of pans higher, trying hard not to drop them all. "Do you think you could grab me the—" he cuts off suddenly, eyes going wide. The pans drop from his grip, six of them all tumbling to the ground, crashing loudly as they roll across the wood floors. "Lucy," he murmurs, eyes wide in disbelief as he stares at his sister, unsure if she's real.
"Hi, Romeo," she whispers, voice thick with emotion. Natsu glances down at her, his eyes widening when he realizes Lucy is crying, but he says nothing, simply watching as she takes another step into the room, releasing his hand as she does. Natsu shifts awkwardly now that she's not standing beside him, but softens when she holds her arms out to Romeo, beckoning him forward.
Romeo doesn't hesitate, launching himself at her. "Lucy!" he shouts, throwing himself at his sister and wrapping her up in his arms. Romeo's embrace swallows her up, his long, gangly limbs curling around Lucy tightly. Romeo lifts her clear off the ground, forcing Lucy to throw her arms around his neck, lest she risk falling down. He spins her in a fast circle and Lucy shrieks with laughter, giggling as Romeo babbles something incoherent. A jewel glints in his right ear, a sapphire dangling from a hook.
There's a shuffling sound from the right side of the room, and then a tall, blond man in a dark, sleeveless blue shirt steps into the room, a frown marring his features and a large scar cutting across his right eye, taking up much of his face. "Romeo," he grumbles, running a weary hand down the side of his face, bags under his eyes. "What are you—" He cuts off as soon as he sees Lucy, but doesn't say a word.
Lucy's eyes lock with his, and Natsu realizes who the other man is when he sees his eyes, only a shade darker than Lucy's. "Laxus," she breathes, Romeo setting her back onto the floor. That one word is all it takes. Her cousin lunges forward, nearly knocking Romeo aside as he jerks Lucy into a tight hug that only lasts for a moment before he's jerking back once again.
"Where have you been?" he hisses at Lucy, both men hovering over her, taking no notice of Natsu standing silently in the doorframe. "You were supposed to be back weeks ago!"
He looks away from them, feeling as if he's intruding, and busies himself by fiddling with the garnet cloth attached to the belt around his hips, nose wrinkling when he sees how many holes there are in it now. He'll have to get it fixed at some point.
"I know, I know," she tries to placate her cousin, holding up her hands between them as she attempts to soothe Laxus. "I ran into some trouble—"
He cuts her off, shaking his head and narrowing his eyes. "I told you not to—"
"Don't start that with me, Laxus," she hisses at him, placing her hands on her hips and glaring. "I can do whatever I—"
Romeo watches their back and forth with wide eyes, but wisely stays silent, not daring to get caught up in their argument. None of them notice the side door of the house open, an old, short man stepping into the house, Jellal hovering behind him. The man quirks a white, bushy eyebrow at the bickering cousins, a fond smile on his face as he shakes his head. He waits for them to finish, leaning on a cane with polished grip made from what must be a ruby.
Jellal simply shakes his head when he sees Lucy and Laxus arguing, not paying them any mind as he hovers behind Makarov, Lucy's grandfather. The ranger stares at Natsu curiously, expression neutral, giving away none of his thoughts. It's unnerving, but Natsu decides it's better than hatred or fear.
Laxus and Lucy continue to argue and Makarov's gaze slides to Natsu, who stills, breath catching as he waits for the man's anger. Makarov, however, only raises a curious brow, a twinkle of mischief in his pale eyes. He blinks at Natsu slowly, looking him over carefully, observing his scars with a hint of sadness, knowing what he is. His eyes lock with Natsu's, staring him down, and Natsu suddenly feels the smallest he's ever been, with this man no taller than five feet staring at him.
His gaze suddenly flicks back to his grandchildren. "And who's this?" he calls to them loudly, breaking up their squabbling. Laxus stops mid-insult, frowning, and glances around curiously, searching for what Makarov means. His gaze locks on Natsu's frame hovering in the doorway, and he tenses, gold eyes widening.
Romeo also stares at him, curious, but confused, not appearing to know that Natsu isn't as ordinary as he must appear to be.
Lucy is quick to step in front of him, pulling away from Laxus and shifting so she's standing only a foot in front of Natsu, body rigid as she shifts. "A friend," she tells her grandfather, though her gaze never leaves Laxus, gauging his reaction carefully, lest he try something. Lucy reaches backwards, her hand finding his, and Natsu's fingers slip through hers easily, squeezing her palm gently.
"A Berserker," Laxus corrects, hissing the word as if it's vile. Natsu flinches, gaze snapping to the ground. A snarl builds in his chest, his lips curling back challengingly as he stares at the other man, but he bites his tongue, knowing he shouldn't pick a fight. He settles with flashing a glare towards Laxus, anger prickling at his skin at the disgust that seeps into the man's tone.
Lucy takes a half-step away from her cousin, her back pressing flush against Natsu's chest as she glares at Laxus, lips pressing into a thin unamused line. Her fingers squeeze around him, anchoring him to her, and Natsu slowly feels himself relax, the anger bleeding from him. "Laxus," she hisses right back at him, ignoring the wide-eyed look Romeo sends her, a spark of fear in his gaze, "don't." There's a warning in her tone, but Natsu tugs her closer to him, shaking his head slowly when she glances at him.
He won't have her fighting her family, not for him.
"Lucy," Makarov cuts in, stepping forward until he's standing between the tense cousins. The old man stares up at her curiously, gaze flicking between her and Natsu. "Why is he here?" he asks, not unkindly, only curiosity creeping into his tone.
She hesitates a moment, glancing at him over her shoulder as she squeezes his hand in hers. "He helped me get home," she tells them honestly, eyes searching his for a long moment before she turns away. Natsu eyes her critically, aware of how much she's omitting.
"Is that so?" Makarov murmurs, expression knowing, his eyes narrowing slightly, aware that she's hiding something. Then, he looks at Natsu, something like gratitude in his gaze, though he says nothing else.
Romeo takes a step towards them, edging around Laxus to get a better look at the Berserk standing in his house. He frowns, eyes narrowing as he observes the older man. Natsu locks eyes with him, Romeo's dark blue eyes curious. Then, the boy's head snaps up, his gaze darting to Laxus. "Do you think he might be willing to help us?" he asks Laxus suddenly, a serious edge to his words.
Makarov's face pales, but before he can speak Natsu cuts him off, eyes locked on Laxus.
"Help with what?" he asks, practically growling, speaking for the first time. Romeo's eyes widen when he hears the gruff timber of Natsu's voice. Heat flares in his veins, his skin itching at the way they stare at him, the same way Domus Centari stared at him—like he's a weapon to be used. "Lucy?" he murmurs, voice softening as he stares down at her, confused. She frowns back, looking as lost as him, but before she can reply, Laxus laughs.
He snorts, shaking his head, and eyes Natsu almost lazily. "She didn't tell you?" he asks, a half-smile pulling at his lips. Natsu's frown only deepens, his eyes narrowing as he looks at the other man. "We're starting a war," Laxus tells him.
AN: As previously stated, I should be catching up with the rewrite by around Friday next week, so new chapters will be starting soon (~6/02/18).
Glossary of Gods/Terms/Creatures:
Djehl: Fire God from the northlands that granted the Berserks their strength/inner fire. His battle axe is called Bran.
Djerda: Goddess of night and the mother of Djehl.
Estra: Sister of Djehl and Daughter of Djerda. Goddess of the Stars. pulled the stars from the sky and gave them life, proving her devotion to Ieyar, a chaos god, and creating the Fae, their magic gifted to them by Ieyar.
Ieyar: God of Chaos. Gifted the Fae their magic after Estra pulled the stars from the sky for him.
Ashtacar: Berserker word meaning "safe travels." Traditionally used between friends and family, it has since become a way to honor the dead, granting them "safe travels" on their way to the next life.
Ulfræder: Berserk word for "blood traitor." It's a relatively heavy insult. Being a "blood traitor" is an unforgivable act.
Descæter: Berserk word for "deserter." Follows the same vein of Ulfræder, but is less insulting. Blood traitors abandon their homes and families, white a deserter abandons their post/army position.
Velsigna av Branna: Berserk word for "blessed by fire." As Vesigna means "to bless." "Branna" comes from "Bran (Braun)" an old word for fire, and the name of the God Djehl's battle axe.
Velsigna av Strakaz: "Blessed by Stars" From "Estra," a Berserk Goddess of the night sky, daughter of Djerda, Goddess of night, and sister to Djehl. Term for Faeborne and a reference to their scent.
Mae Strakaz: Literally "my stars."
Valkyr: An untranslatable word of admiration and love.
Ellyra [El-eye-rah]: Formal name of the fairy trees. Rumored to house the souls of slain Fae within their trunks. The trees are semi-sentient, and can speak, though only to those who they want to hear. The trees are tall, with pale colored bark (white, to a light grey as the trees grow old) and red leaves. The trees bleed red sap, and in the Northlands they are commonly called Azgetta meaning "the bleeding" or alternatively "the weeping."