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Something was wrong with Natsu.
Lucy couldn't put her finger on it, but the change was obvious. Her enjoyment with Mirajane's siblings had left her feeling giddy even hours after when the Draconis took her home that night. His footsteps stayed diligent beside her, a steady familiar pace that kept in time with her as they walked, the taps of her cane filling the silent air between them. His dark eyes would sweep over her, checking on her knee with each step she took down the beaten path. These actions were normal and Lucy half expected him to sweep her into his arms to carry her the rest of the way when she lightly stumbled on a stray stone in the path.
But he never did.
Instead, once her balance was secured, he released her shoulders as if he'd been scalded by intense heat and the space between them filled the air with a chill far colder than the surrounding night. It left an emptiness stirring in her gut. One that refused to fill from idle chatter. A strange discomfort that set alarm bells into her mind. A warning Lucy couldn't quite name.
Natsu left Lucy at her doorstep after a quick exchange of goodbyes and a promise to see her in the morning. It was familiar, the same piece in the comfortable pattern that had formed over her months living here. And yet, Lucy thought with a furrowed brow, his smile hadn't met his eyes when he left. She watched the outline of his slumped shoulders until he rounded a corner, no longer to be seen.
Only her thoughts kept her company as she slipped inside, Lucy convinced herself it was a fluke. It had to was imagining things.
Natsu was the same as ever, obviously. She wanted to be independent, after all. No, she needed to be independent, and how could she if she expected him to carry her every time she stumbled on a stray pebble? Yes, that's all it was. Nothing more. Her mind was getting ahead of her again. Everything was fine. With that decided, Lucy swept the strange feelings aside, buried in the back of her mind to be forgotten and nestled herself beneath her many furs to prepare for sleep.
It wasn't her imagination.
He was back in the morning as usual, dropping off items for breakfast before darting off to start his rounds for the day. The space between them was wider than before and Lucy didn't miss the way he froze and withdrew his hands before she touched them. Natsu's smile was natural, his laugh the same and even his jokes landed as usual, but the distance… He hadn't given her so much since she'd given him the chance to be her friend. Perhaps, she told herself while nibbling on a hard-baked biscuit, trying to fill the emptiness in her stomach that had returned, he was in a hurry? Yes. She must have misunderstood again. There was no other explanation.
Throughout the day she witnessed his arm slung over the others: Lisanna, Romeo, Wendy - and he never shied from a slap to his shoulder from Gray or Elfman. Even Freed had earned a slap to the back when something was said to leave Natsu roaring in laughter. (And the look on Freed's face, while hard to truly decipher in Lucy's position, had pulled a giggle from her as well.) On and on she noticed the little touches, the space closed between himself and the rest of the clan. Never once did he shy away from being close -or even too close some would say- with everyone. His care and indifference towards personal space was everywhere.
And then he'd sit beside her, chair sliding a couple feet away in a not-so-subtle attempt to create space, carving a distance between them that only she could see. He gave her the same smile, the same questions: Asked her about her day, what her plans were, perhaps he'd join her for a bit before darting off again for some odd errand or two.
"Erza and Freed are going to be re-checking his rune barrier later." He explained once, narrowed eyes glancing back towards the old ruin their makeshift dungeon resided in, "I was asked to watch the exit while they're busy." Not for the first time, Lucy felt knots form in her stomach at the mention of Kage. The churning caused a wave of nausea to rise in her throat, but was quickly dispelled.
He was alive and well, as far as she knew, but his existence was the one dark mark on an otherwise enjoyable time. Natsu sensed her unease and motioned to nudge her shoulder with his, an action he'd performed many times before to pull her from sinking too deep in her thoughts. But the expected heavy warmth never came. The sudden disappointment washed over her when he made no contact, withdrawing a second later, left Lucy confused. She was drowning in it. Whether Natsu noticed or not, he gave no hints, turning to fiddle with the straps of his sandals as if nothing had occurred.
Lucy desperately tried to ignore the hurt that flashed through her chest. Was it hard to breathe suddenly or just her?
"Anyways, once that's done," Natsu continued, finally facing her again with something unnamed glittering in his eyes, it made Lucy's heart tighten, "I can come see ya' again. It's gettin' warmer so you're going to be busy getting thinner clothes right?"
"Yes." Lucy monotoned. She had the strange sensation of going through the motions, forcing a smile across her face all while her mind jumped wildly from panicked thought to thought. Had she done something? In a second of insanity, she almost tilted her head to subtly smell herself. Did she need a bath, perhaps?
No, that couldn't be it. None of this made sense, but finding the words to ask Natsu why he wouldn't touch her was harder than one might think. The mere thought of how she could word herself made her cheeks warm with an intense heat. It sounded so - … she pushed the thoughts further aside. Definitely not. She didn't need to make things more awkward than they already were, right?
When he left with a quick wave of his hand and a light grin, not even a familiar pat to her shoulder, Lucy knew she wasn't crazy. Something was off, but what?
Days slipped by and Natsu's odd behavior continued. Lucy spent them being fitted for new outfits with Mirajane and lending her ear as the woman flitted about her, learning from whatever topic that graced Mirajane's mind as she took Lucy's measurements or tested fabric colors to suit her. She assisted with the daily chores wherever possible, and oftentimes found herself enjoying time with Levy and her books when she made the trek out to the archive. Lisanna became a mischievous presence in her schedule, whisking her away for more dance practice always with a new step for Lucy to learn. Her days filled up until she felt as if there was hardly a moment for herself and before she knew it, another month had passed. Her leg, still sore, could carry her much farther than before. On a good day, the cane could be left behind unless she spent too long standing.
By the time Spring's first blooms sprouted, Lucy felt as if she'd fallen into a schedule that reminded her of home. But Natsu's unwillingness to lay even a finger on her was a festering issue that boiled beneath the surface and sleep was becoming difficult.
The dreams that plagued her night and day persisted and some nights, Lucy thought she woke to Natsu gently bringing her back to the waking world, only to glance about her room and find it empty and dark circles surrounded his eyes for many mornings after. It made Lucy wonder if he also suffered from more nightmares.
When she asked, it was met with his usual fanged grin, waving her off as he took down more targets with practiced ease during his training.
"Nightmares? Nah, I'm good, Lucy, don't worry about me!"
Somehow, Lucy wasn't sure she believed him. When his words were diffused by an open-mouthed yawn revealing all his teeth, her disbelief was sealed. He was hiding something.
"If you say so." She waved him off, a hint of a frown pulled at the edges of her lips, "But.. you know… if you are having them, you can tell me, right?"
As if sensing the serious tone she carefully hid in her voice, he paused to look at her. Really staring as if attempting to read her mind. "Yeah, of course." Lucy almost missed when he mumbled a quick, 'you too' before he resumed practice.
Another week passed with no changes.
And soon, a week became many until the first blooms of spring were sprouting on the trees and all sight of snow and frost had long dispersed, sinking into the soft earth to feed the grass poking through. Lucy had almost convinced herself that whatever was going on with Natsu, he'd come to her with it in time, but she couldn't avoid the thought that perhaps she had done something. If he wasn't willing to say, she would respect the decision. All the while ignoring the way it ate her from the inside out.
The Celebration was closing in and Lucy could see evidence of that fact all around the village. Banners and streamers were slowly being made and placed upon every lamp post, hanging over the walkways. The docks were busy with overfishing to prepare for a future feast and new clothes were being made or tested by the many denizens of the town, stepping out to face the day with colors and patterns that rivaled the returning nature. Lucy was not outside of this. The day Mirajane finished one (Lucy balked at the knowledge there was more) of Lucy's new dresses, she'd been made to try it on immediately. Its flowing skirt and bodice fit snugly along her frame. Lucy had to admit, she loved the change and the knowledge that unlike her previous outfits: this was made for her.
Unfortunately the skirts were long and it made walking the trek to Porylusica's difficult as its path was covered in gravel that shifted despite every careful step. Natsu did not join her that day, placed on an extra shift for hunting and surveying the surrounding woods. Wendy, though she tutted about Lucy the best she could, was not strong enough to balance her when she stumbled, opting to dash ahead and knock away every loose rock she could find instead. It was amusing to watch, the steely look of determination on her young face and skirt bunched her fists as she swiftly kicked away any stony obstacles from her path, but Lucy worried her lip in mild frustration at the need of it.
She cursed her slow healing for the umpteenth time. The cane had become an extra limb for her, but Lucy still wished for the times she didn't need it, to walk as freely as she used to. Perhaps someday soon, she could put it to the side for uses only on bad days.
"I hope, for your sake, you took a break on the way here." The acerbic healer made no attempt at pleasantries when Lucy finally stepped into her isolated home. The walk was more strenuous than visiting Levy's archive and the sting of Lucy's calves shot through her nerves to tingle at the edges of her eyes.
Wendy wasted no time in pushing a chair from the corner towards Lucy, silently offering her a place to rest. "We did." She chirped, glancing back and forth between the two with a nervous apprehension. "But we couldn't take too many or it would have taken too long."
Porlyusica fixed them with an intolerant stare, arms crossed as she blew an errant strand of gray hair off her stony face. "If that is what was needed, then that is what should be done. If it's lunch and dinner you're worried about, I have plenty of food to set you right while we work."
"But- " Wendy began, eyes sliding to the window where the sun was starting to make its descent, "You don't like when visitors stay too long."
"I'll put up with whatever is necessary." The doctor snapped. At Wendy and Lucy's flinch, she rubbed the bridge of her nose and sighed. "No matter. You seem in good enough shape to me, regardless. Don't move and I'll get started."
Lucy nodded vigorously, far too nervous to speak out against the woman's tenacity. Wendy's shoulders relaxed once the attention was drawn from her and tutted about the small space, gathering cups and a kettle, judiciously starting up a pot of tea in an attempt to stay busy. The older woman knelt with ease, hands grasping Lucy's leg with a surprisingly gentle touch as she inspected the from back to front, gnarled knuckles brushing along the sensitive skin. A scar had formed over the months that resembled a small star: a grim reminder of the arrow tip that once pierced her.
"It is a good sign you could make it here." Porylusica mumbled beneath her breath, before Lucy could respond, she raised a hand to silence her, shaking her head. "Let an old woman mutter to herself in peace."
She clamped her mouth shut, staying silent.
No sounds were uttered aside from Wendy's shuffling about as the gentle scents of tea wafted through the small room and Porlyusica rambling beneath her. She struck below the kneecap to test the reflexes, nodding when Lucy's entire leg jumped in response and after bending the leg in and out, she checked for any change of expression on Lucy's face, expression grim and focused.
"She's been taking numbing tea?" She asked.
Wendy's answer was immediate, "I haven't had to replenish it this week."
"Good. She's not needing it as much. A good sign. Now." A cup of tea was pressed before Lucy's nose and she furrowed her brow as Wendy muttered a quiet apology. Taking a sip of the heated brew, she fought the urge to chew her own lip. Couldn't the grouchy woman ask her directly? Why does she only acknowledge Wendy?
A sudden, tight grip on her leg brought Lucy's attention back to the older woman, eyes stinging from the shock of pain while the tea scalded her throat. "I asked you a question, girl. Did you not hear me?"
The room seemed to rumble with a sudden wind as Lucy flushed, Wendy's eyes suddenly growing sharp. "Aunt Porly, be gentle! You know a non-draconis isn't as sturdy as us!"
Wait a minute - Lucy's mind reeled at the new information she gleaned, but before she could compute it, the grip had eased against her as Porlyusica tsked, patting the attacked portion of flesh in an attempt to apologize.
Shaking her head, she rumbled a non verbal reply to Wendy and fixed Lucy with a curious expression. "A doctor I might be, but social cues still escape me. Well then, girl, do tell me. Have you attempted to learn about the block on your abilities? You've made tremendous steps in your healing, but the knee is still taking far longer than it should to catch up with you."
The memory of her first, lucid moment in the village struck Lucy as she began to worry at her lip, fingers clenching her mug tightly, ignoring the vicious heat that steamed off of it. "I've tried, but I still haven't learned anything."
"As you value your life," The older woman clicked her tongue and stared into Lucy's eyes with an intense worry that caused her heart to clench, "Try harder. Whatever power has done this: only with you, can it be undone."
The severity of her words settled in the pit of Lucy's stomach, robbing her of her voice. Nodding wordlessly, she resumed drinking the tea, only partially listening as the older woman rounded on Wendy to talk to her. As far as Lucy could tell, she'd been trying hard and often. After each odd dream, she'd often take a moment to meditate, hoping some answers could come to her. In the quiet evenings when alone, she'd focus on her knee and desperately try to sense the magic that blocked her own. To no avail.
Even the voices from long ago, who had apologized profusely for damaging her and had given her the power to save Natsu, had grown silent. What could she be doing wrong?
But then there was this new information that took hold of her. Wendy had called Porlyusica her Aunt, and they spoke of the Draconis tribe as if they both were among it. Did that mean… Natsu and Wendy weren't the only ones? She eyed the wizened woman through her lashes, keeping her cup held to her face in contemplation. Yes, with a closer look, she could see it now: a slight point to the older woman's ears that matched Wendy and Natsu's, and the hint of fangs glinting behind her lips. She had considered it nigh impossible for two Draconis' to be part of this tribe, but now was the revelation to three.
How many were out there, away from their supposed, ancestral home, against the grain of all rumors Lucy's heard? Curiosity gnawed away at her, but Lucy knew better than to ask. Especially not to Porlyusica. Her temper was legendary among the tribe and Lucy dared not test it any further. She continued to sip her tea as the two healers discussed her condition, offering details when asked of her. This check-up had been a long time coming and while it did not last for too long, Lucy did begin to feel stir-crazy the longer she sat, listening to the two speak of her as if she weren't there.
She couldn't deny that it was a fruitful afternoon. Wendy was skilled, but Porlyusica's experience was obvious. Her tests were quick, swiftly getting through one after another with practiced ease, and her judgments positive. It left Lucy feeling a surge of relief, knowing that, in time, she'd be able to walk properly again. (So she hoped.) The warning to her magic block was important, and she was aware her knee would never be exactly as it was before, but the confirmation to her healing cleared away a doubt Lucy had forgotten. It eased her mind and allowed the tea to go down nice and smooth. All other concerns could be dealt with in time, just like her leg.
At least, that's what she told herself, seeking more relief on her mind than was given.
When Lucy and Wendy left the older woman's hut, she felt energized. The long rest had recharged what stamina she had and the trek down the verdant hills was much easier than the trek upward. Wendy stayed by her side, eyes still glancing this way and that, looking for any errant rocks she'd missed before, but there was no further stumbling. Lucy's objective was set and she walked with a relaxed gait.
"I'm sorry," Wendy said after a few moments of silence, eyes glancing out further along the road. "I know she can be hard to deal with. I hope… erm, I hope we didn't make you too uncomfortable!"
Lucy's smile reached her eyes, "Don't worry about it." In truth, Wendy was correct to assume the awkward nature of the visit would be daunting, but Lucy felt no ire towards it. "You both are doing what you can to help me, that's more than I could ask for."
Wendy nodded, a meek expression shading her eyes as she hummed in thought. "It's not like we wouldn't help you. That would be horrible, but," She paused, eyes glancing in the direction of the small library in the distance, "I do wish Levy had come with us. She could have kept you company while we talked."
At the mention of the would-be archivist, Lucy gave a noncommittal shrug. It's true they had invited Levy to join them that morning, but she had been occupied. If the stacks of books blocking the door of the building had been any sign. Lucy had made the attempted visit with hopes of extra company -if only to distract her from her concerns over a particular draconis of flame- and while Levy sounded aggrieved to deny them, her rush through the building sounded anything but. She was looking for something, and refused to be taken from it.
"We can't always be available," Lucy said after a bit, mentally reaching for a subject change. Wendy voiced her agreement, but was startled when the Romni's next question tumbled from her lips, "So… you and Porlyusica are related?"
"Uh… yes?"
"And both Draconis?"
Wendy scrunched her nose, mumbling a confused confirmation. "Uhm, why do you-"
"It's nothing really, I just… '' Lucy struggled to think of the right words, "all my life I've heard rumors of the Draconis tribe. As far as I knew they mostly stuck together, not nomadic. Their ancestral home is a secret to everyone. It's just… interesting to me that three of you are here. Did you come together?"
At that moment, Lucy felt as if she'd stuck her foot in her mouth. She'd asked something wrong. Wendy's face darkened, eyes shining with hidden emotions while her fingers fiddled together, nervous and uncertain. "No.. I.. Aunt Porly was here first. I think. Natsu was found next when he was little and I was…" She shifted awkwardly, eyes darting from tree to ground then towards the sun, "My Mom left me with her."
Lucy had to fight the urge to ask further, noticing the way Wendy's voice grew hurried and tense, voice cracking near the end of it. There was a story to tell here, but she felt now wasn't the time to speak or hear of it. "I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me if it makes you uncomfortable. I shouldn't have asked-"
"I-it's okay!" Wendy interrupted, waving her hands wildly, "I just- Well, I don't know all the details and," She paused, struggling to explain, "It's hard to remember. So I'd rather … not."
"Then you don't have to." Lucy urged, hoping to ease whatever pain she had inadvertently caused by her line of questions. Wendy was still young, the fact she held such a pain struck a chord in Lucy's heart that made her own eyes sting. There was a loss in that expression. She knew it well. Poking at a painful memory was the last thing she wanted to do.
It's the same courtesy she would have liked for herself after all.
"Thank you." Wendy whispered after a time, hiding a sniffle. Lucy could have bitten her tongue for causing such a sound. "Let's get you home in time for dinner, okay?"
"Sure, but wasn't Natsu supposed to meet with us after this?" Lucy asked, hoping Wendy would take the subject change.
She latched to the bait like a lifeline, shaking her head, "Oh! That was the plan, but he asked me this morning if I could do it. Said he would be busier than he thought. Which is strange. Usually he works fast so he can make time to check up on you. Did something happen?"
Perhaps that wasn't the best topic to change to. Lucy grimaced and quickly hid her face within the fringe of her hair. "No. At least. I don't think so."
"Oh." Wendy paused. "Well, I'm sure whatever it is, Natsu will get over it soon. He always bounces back." Her tone was certain.
Lucy heaved a deep sigh, eyes casting out to the village as they reached the base of the hills. "I hope so. The Spring Dances will be soon right? It would be a shame if he was upset during it."
"I'm sure he'll be all smiles by then." Wendy assured, but her fingers continued their nervous twitching.
.
The whole of the village still buzzed its excitement. Not a single thing was overlooked. Decorations continued to be placed on every bare nook that could be found, plans and spaces were made along the beach, and patrols had increased. It was their hope to ensure the protection of the town before the celebration.
No stone went unturned. Even the prison, hidden beneath the ruins, was checked over. Freed's barrier had been reinforced. Levy had painstakingly added her own flourish to the sigils that kept Kage locked within his cell.
As for the aforementioned prisoner: he listened to the hustle and bustle. Was aware of the excitement. Pieced together each sideward glance and hurried whisper between each guard who stood watch over his little room. He'd counted the stones in his little room a thousand times over, and relaxed against his cot if he hadn't been locked away for all of winter.
He knew what would be coming, and when his current guard turned their back to address Erza from the stairwell, he took a finger out to trace along the edges of the enchanted barrier placed around him. A sizzle and spark danced along his fingers as he felt a stirring of magic that cracked beneath the surface.
Kage grinned. It was almost time.
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Next Update: 4/20/23
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