Rated M
M is for MATURE, people.
If I can pretend to be, then you can too!

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING! *sob* However sometimes I wonder if Mashima-sama used to follow me and my friends around to help him dream up a few of his characters!

At least let a girl dream!

*~.🌒.~*

Uncharted Skies

If there is anything truly reliable in this or any world, it is that Time is fickle. Just when one thinks that Time might be on their side is right about the moment Time slips right through slippery fingers. So let's take a finger to the minute hand and push it forward several ticks and more than a few tocks. After all, learning why our beloved Mad Hatter did not make it to his appointment might be much more entertaining than whatever may or may not have occurred when the human girl was invited to sit with the Lady in Red and the March Hare.

Tick, tock.
Tick, tock.

There was something very satisfying about how the red queen had commissioned an entire dungeon just for the likes of Natsu and his brethren. Now that was a woman ready for just about anything; he had to give credit where credit was due. Whenever he thought she'd zig, she'd zag.

So he swung, (hanging from his knees did manage to stimulate the head's bloodflow afterall) content as a mouse napping in a sugar bowl, in his custom made cell that dangled from the high ceiling. Nope. No dark, dank prison cell in some basement for him. Exactly how much trouble had the queen gone through to make this spherical birdcage completely out of dragonsteel anyway?

So nice to know his awesomeness did not go underestimated.

Just as the Hatter was contemplating the difficulties of drinking tea upside down, his ear twitched at the sound of his comrade's familiar gait entering through the corridor. The March Hare leaned against the cool brick wall, a fair distance from Natsu's pendulum of a cage and murmured knowingly, "Damn Salamander. You really know your way around royal types. Guess rampaging into the castle with flaming fists is one way to get the Reds to stop thinkin' 'bout how they got hit yesterday." Then Gajeel grunted in humor, "least they didn't have time to suspect us since you got thrown in here fer sumthin' completely different."

"Gave me some time to tinker with my clock." Natsu replied merrily, patting the broken pocket watch residing in his pocket.

With a harrumph, the March Hare said, "They'll letcha outta there when it's time for our next gig."

"Oh yea?" Natsu raised a brow with a half-cocked grin, "what's the job this time? Salting the Whites' tea? Dying her dresses?"

"Yer gonna love this, geheh." Gajeel looked up at the dragon, "We ain't even hittin'em. We just playin' bouncers."

Natsu's groan echoed throughout the entire dungeon. "You mean we gotta stay here all night?"

"I dun wanna hear that outta you. It pays triple and at least ure plus one'll be around-" the pierced bunny stifled a guffaw, "Even if she's someone else's date."

The Hatter's whining stopped instantly, and he was gripping the edge of his bars, nearly squeezing his face between them to glare at his companion, "Someone else's?! SOMEONE ELSE'S?!" Flames lit up his dangling cage.

And, simply because he could, Gajeel added, "Oh, and ya oughta know... that Knight of Ice or whatever was putting some serious moves on'er too."

"FROSTED FLAKES IS WITH MY JUICY!?"

"Geheh, don't fret kid. A little competition will do ya good."

Gajeel stopped leaning and turned to make his exit to the sound of a hatter's possessive, mad ravings, mildly wondering if he was going to be stuck soloing this gig while his partner got to sit and lounge about. What a chump. No way was the queen going to let Salamander out for that sweet triple pay if he didn't turn down the heat.

Best he get it all out of his system now. The March Hare was such a good friend.

^.^

Sooooooooo yeah. Apparently Queen Erza had seen to it that Lucy was to be her mysterious, exotic arm piece for the evening. How does one turn down a queen? Especially one who gets a deadly twinkle in her eye when Lucy began to display even the slightest affront to not even being asked. Clearly this was a woman who expected to be obeyed.

Unwilling to receive the sharper end of this woman's wrath, Lucy thought it better to remain by her side and listen and learn. The people here in the Kingdom of Hearts (OOC: Yes I said it, and am aware of the amazing video games. ;)*swoons over Cloud*) seemed to have a general consensus. The Inbetweeners were rapscallions and not a far cry from plundering pirates, and the citizens that resided in White Country were traitors that would have an intimate meeting with the headsman in due time. Lucy couldn't quite wrap her head around why though. The people here seemed happy enough. Sure, she was mostly stuck in a sea of aristocrats currently, but their oddities didn't really seem too different from the few people she'd met across the border. As the dull conversations between queen and countrymen continued, the star maiden began to wish she could have grown to be more like her mother. She had had a real knack for entertaining guests.

When the ball was officially underway, the queen seated Lucy next to the crimson, cushioned chair to the right of her throne as the blue cat (everyone seemed to call him the White Rabbit, despite all the blue fur) announced the beginning of summer. He then proclaimed a toast to the long reign of their beloved queen. Everyone cheered and drank as elegant music filled the giant ballroom.

Lucy stared out into the crowd. It was odd that nearly everyone here chose to dress in hues of red or black. At the parties back home that her father would make her go to, people seemed to dress in a multitude of different colors. It had always reminded her of a peacock flaunting their feathers. Much to her dismay though, observations in anthropology were cut short when slender fingers took hers, and Lucy almost jumped at the sight of the queen beckoning her to join her on the empty dance floor. "Come now, Miss Heartfilia," her voice was inviting, yet commanding. "Our subjects cannot dance until we do."

"Oh! Umm, yes, of course, your liege." Lucy stuttered out, rising as gracefully as possible with a sudden awkwardness weighing down her feet. Our subjects?! She could feel all eyes on her and it made her skin crawl as the queen led her to the middle of an ornately tiled rose floor and positioned herself to lead their dance. The spirit summoner blushed when the queen winked at her, but then felt surprisingly put at ease as the queen whispered conspiratorially, "You can call us Erza when it's just the two of us. No need to be frightened. If anyone dares laugh at our lovely date..." Lucy's motions became jerky again for a brief moment when a shadow passed Erza's eyes, "heads will roll."

The two of them danced for the better part of an hour, and Lucy was surprised to learn that the queen was actually rather pleasant when not addressing subordinates or subjects. Exactly how cold of an exterior did she think she needed around most people? And why has she warmed up to a complete stranger so suddenly? The blonde found herself beginning to enjoy the queen's camaraderie when a faceless scribe came to whisper something lowly in her ear. How in the world did those guys talk? With a smile fading from genuine to forced, Erza turned back to Lucy, giving her hands an affectionate squeeze. "Look at us... hogging you all to ourselves. You must be parched! Please, help yourself to some refreshments, we will return as soon as we are able."

"Umm... ok." Lucy tried not to frown with concern. A part of her wanted to help this newfound and rather unexpected friend, but did not want to invite herself to tag along. Ezra nodded to her imperially and glided from the dance floor, patrons parting for her.

Suddenly stag, it was a touch more complicated for Lucy to elbow her way through the dancers. Everyone seemed to crowd around her while seeming to be oblivious to her actions. One woman in spectacles nearly even headbutted her as she chuckled at her partner when he dipped her. It felt as though she had to swim out of the crowd to a blissful breeze that ultimately had her stumbling onto a pearly, marbled balcony. She leaned against the rail and gulped in the fresh air, wondering if anyone had ever had a more difficult time doing something as simple as getting off a dance floor.

...When had the sun gone down?

Lucy gazed up into the night sky, and for the first time realized these were not the stars she had studied since infancy. A moment of dread filled her as it suddenly occurred to her that she might not even be able to call her beloved spirits to her aid—should she need them. A thought that was almost solidified at the thought of Loke not being here to complement her on her dress. That wasn't like him.

Her thoughts consumed her so completely, that the sudden voice beside her nearly had the girl tumbling off the balcony. "I thought you might be thirsty, but I didn't think you'd be green."

Quickly rounding on the intruder, Lucy sighed in relief to see that it was the handsome Knight of Diamonds who had delivered her to the queen earlier. "Sir Fullbuster. Apologies... I was just getting some air."

"I see that." Gray's smile was rather charming as he offered her a wine glass, "you looked concerned. Did the queen upset you?"

"Oh! No no!" Lucy quickly corrected, "my mind was drifting, is all."

"Hmm." The knight raised a brow, but didn't press the issue. Instead he raised his glass in her direction and took a sip as she did the same. How did it taste like roses and not be straight up disgusting? The divine liquid slid right down her throat and before she knew it, the glass was empty.

"Guess you were pretty thirsty." Gray chuckled.

"My darling Gray-sama!" Both Lucy and Gray turned to see the intrusive blunette from the bath earlier. She looked stunning in a knee high, sweetheart red dress trimmed in pink. Thick locks of long blue hair added quite the contrast to make her pale skin and crystal eyes shine. Her face looked sour, however, as she reached them. Promptly wrapping both her arms around one of Lucy's, she quipped, "Do not tell Juvia that her Gray-sama is trying to steal her dance partner!"

"Your dance partner?" Gray rose a dark brow, looking both the women up and down. "No... Juvia. She's dancing with me next."

"I am?" A sweatdrop grew on Lucy's forehead.

"Oh Gray-sama!" Juvia looked up at him coyly, "It's sweet that Gray-sama brought refreshments but the lady is saving the next dance for Juvia."

"Ain't happening. I got here first." Gray replied, and both of them narrowed their eyes as Lucy's sweatdrop grew larger.

Juvia began to tug at the blonde's arm. "Come Miss Heartfilia. Juvia will demonstrate a dance the queen only wishes she could perform."

Chilled fingers grasped Lucy's other arm and Gray frowned, "Wait your turn, Juvia."

"Juvia saw her first!"

"That doesn't matter! She wants to dance with me."

"Oh what a twist of fate! Juvia's one true love, turned love rival!"

"Huh?" Lucy found herself being pulled from the balcony by the both of them. "Maybe I should sit out this next one—"

"You're makin' a scene, Juvia. Just let go!" Gray murmured menacingly.

"Juvia will never release the Juicy! Juvia loves the Juicy!"

"What?!" Lucy squeaked.

"Not my fault you fall in love at the drop of a hat! I get first dance!"

"Never! Gray-sama must let Juvia have this!"

The two of them were pulling at Lucy a touch more assertively than she liked when another person interjected, "You both got it wrong." Lucy felt like she might turn blue... she knew that pompous voice...

Both Juvia and Gray turned to glare at the Chessmaster standing behind Lucy. The spirit summoner just knew that sparks were about to start flying. How am I gonna diffuse this? These guys are nuts!

^.~

"DAMNIT!" Outside the main entrance to the Red Queen's soiree, Natsu paced back and forth while Gajeel leaned against a wall.

"Dun get ure panties in a twist," Gajeel harrumphed. "Party'll start dyin' down soon."

The Hatter rounded on him and pointed past the expanse entryway. "I can smell her ya know. She's a parta the gang, she should be here too. I can't believe ya just left her with Erza. ERZA!"

"Keep ure yap down!" Gajeel snapped, "nobody calls'er that anymore and you know it! Ain't no one getting' outta here if ya go and piss her off at'er own party! Jest finish the job!"

"Ain't no job worth lettin all them Reds cavortin' with my Juicy."

"Damn Hatter. What the fuck is with you? Let the dame have some fun. Queenie called dibs. Game over already."

Natsu was bouncing on the balls of his feet, "Nah, that's already taken care of. Queenie's not even in there anymore."

That got the March Hare's attention. He took a sniff, frowned, stepped into the ballroom and sniffed again. Fuck. He rounded back at Natsu, "Damnit Salamander! What you do?!"

But Natsu was already gone.

Ghosting through the crowded ballroom, the Hatter kept his hat tipped down and grabbed a turkey leg from one of several hors d'oeuvres tables. Standing there for the moment, he took generous bites as sharp eyes scanned the party goers. However, it was his ears, not his eyes, that first gave him a hint of his prey's location. His gaze leveled on his target... that damned blonde, wannabe dragon was leading a giggling Juicy over to a table to sit with his own little gang of followers. Natsu knew first hand that Laxus wasn't funny, so what the hell was his Juicy laughing at? With his scarf masking half his face, he ninja'ed (Yes, ninja'ed) over to them.

So... when Laxus looked up from pulling out a chair for Lucy, Lucy wasn't there. Ninja'ed!

Quickly ducking the both of them under the cover of a table's cloth three tables down, the Hatter released his prize while hardly withholding a snicker. "Did you catch the confusion all over that guy's face? Hehe! Priceless!"

"What the hell are you doing?!" Lucy demanded, running a hand through disheveled hair.

His giddiness died and blinked at her, "Saving you...?" His statement turned question when her displeased expression was noticed.

"From what?" Lucy hunched back on all fours, already beginning to pass him and out of the tablecloth's confines.

"Huh?" Natsu grabbed her arm, the confusion clear on his face, "You mean to tell me you actually liked being with that stuffy—"

Lucy swatted his arm away, "Get away from me! I gotta job to do!"

"Wait a minute..." The Hatter grabbed the girl by both arms, much more fiercely, and swiveled her back around to face him. He glared at her, one nostril flaring. One moment passed of absolute silence as his eyes narrowed on her. "Where the fuck is Juicy?"

A sweatdrop loomed over Lucy's head, "Uhhh... I have no idea what you're talking about."

"You ain't her, how the hell is it that ya look like her?" Suddenly shaking her, he loud-whispered, "Is that you Cana?!"

"Lemme go!" The blonde planted a solid hand print on his cheek, knocking his hat off.

Natsu released her, but growled menacingly, "What did you do to Juicy?"

The impostor grew nervous, was there... fire in his eyes? "Nuh, nothing! I'm just doing what she told me to!"

All threatening auras gone, Natsu blinked in total befuddlement. "Huh?"

"Look, piri, I gotta go. Leave me alone." She quickly ducked out from under the table, leaving Natsu to mull over what just happened. She smelled like her... but didn't. Looked JUST like her, and she said she was ordered to play with... the Chessmaster... of all people? He shook his head, rattling the thought away. It didn't matter. He was looking for the real deal, not some cheap impersonation.

Lifting out from underneath the table at the squawk of some noble about to seat themselves there, he swept back up his hat, fluidly placing it back on his head and nodded at the woman. "Everything's safe down there, nothin' ta worry about." And he was off to continue his search.

Melding back into the crowd, ducking down once and again when a Knight of Spades passed by, he eventually caught sight of a flicker of golden locks, brightened by candlelight for a brief instant. Quickly following after it, Natsu gawked at the sight of Lucy dancing with both Rain Woman and Knight of Diamonds—and Lucy appeared to be enjoying it.

Casting all logic aside, he stormed up to them and grabbed Lucy by the shoulders and sniffed her deeply.

"Woah!" Yelled out Gray, "what the hell are you doing, Flamebrain?!"

The Hatter glared back at the Ice wizard and deposited yet another fake Lucy (yeah, she squealed) back into the arms of Juvia carelessly, "Security, Snowflake. Mind ure own damn business!"

The Knight of Diamonds glared right back, "Ain't nuthin goin' on here, Volcano Breath, so beat it."

Oh but Natsu wanted to punch that ice freak's face so bad! Finding Lucy was more important though—by a long shot—and moved on, surprising both Gray and Juvia with his lack of followup. After all, self control was never one of the Mad Hatter's strongest suits. Where in the hell was his Juicy? Those doppelgangers were messin' with his nose.

This was not cool. Any minute now the Queen would return, and if he wasn't out of here with his treasure by then... well... waging war on a queen may not be the worst thing he'd ever done, but it'd probably be in the top ten. He should have branded what was his when he'd had the chance.

With his hat tilted low, Natsu snagged an ornate chalice from the tray of a faceless servant and kept his senses alert. Too many thoughts were filling his head at once, and all of them centered around his desire for his Juicy and a sudden, looming dread of loosing his Juicy; so he drank, and drank deep. Who needed a clear mind when they had instincts like his?

~.~

Outside in the moonlight, water splashed about in a manufactured pond at the whims of bare feet. Lucy sat at the red brick rim, appreciating the water's refreshing chill as she fiddled fondly with her keys. It'd been such a relief to learn that her spirits could still reach her in this odd place. She was toying with the idea of summoning Aquarius just to chat with a familiar face, but it seemed like something the touchy spirit might be perturbed about. And getting all those rose petals that floated here in her hair might be just the thing to make Aquarius' mood much more foul.

So Lucy just sat there, soaking in the solitude and taking advantage of what might be her last chance at peace for some time to come. She knew she needed to seek out the blue cat, but it was late and Lucy was feeling groggy from drink. Or was it from pumping so much power into Gemini? She idly wondered if she should turn in for the night, but where? Back to the room that Happy had left to her? Lips took a slight downward curve as she suddenly thought of Levy. She really was a sweet little mouse... person. It was so interesting to observe how that March Hare's normally hard features softened when she was around. The thought returned her smile. What was it like to have a connection like that? In a society like hers, her father was very likely to try and marry her off shortly after graduation. Some of the boys were nice and all... but none of them screamed husband material. It was a conversation she was becoming rather skilled at dodging with her father.

Shaking the thought away, Lucy stretched and reminded herself that she was supposed to be enjoying the little slice of peace she'd grabbed for herself. The stretch had her letting out a loud sigh as she leaned back on her palms. After many losses of the amazing game of Catch the Rose Petals Between her Toes, Lucy glanced over her shoulder at the sound of slow footsteps. What she saw made her freeze, allowing another rose petal to drift away to freedom.

A collection of faceless card soldiers and servants were congregated not four meters away from her. Some were taking timid steps closer. Lucy's breath hitched, unsure of how to respond. None of them gave off that eerie sense of glee like the translucent ones Cana had invited to Natsu's gathering last night had had. What did they want with her? And why must some of them be armed with sharp blades?

Not wanting to offend, but with great desire to get away, Lucy slowly stood up, snatching her slippers with one hand. "Um..." Her voice shook, "hello there."

The figures must have taken that as an invitation because they all started to walk up to her with no more restraints. They surrounded her, some playing with her hair, others dusting her dress, examining her nails, and one even took her shoes and preceded to lift her foot to place them where they went. Lucy yelped as this unbalanced her and multiple hands caught her. Okay... officially creeped out now. "Umm, thanks guys! I should, uh... really be getting back to the festivities now."

One of the faceless then lifted her other foot, and she was being held above the ground. All she could see was heads bobbing all about her. Faceless heads. It became hard to breath in her panic, and speech became inaudible. What did they want with her?

"Whatchu guys doin' over there?" Lucy knew that voice, and was so relieved to hear it!

All the figures froze, turning only their heads towards the newcomer—who was gently pushing his way through them.

"Make way you guys!"

"Hiya! Didja loose weight?"

"Hey! Lookin' good there!"

Then a hand pushed one of the faces blocking Lucy's view to reveal the very dragon she hadn't realized she'd missed so dearly. Through a cracking voice, she cried out, "Na, Natsu!"

A wide grin greeted her in response as he relieved the nameless figures of their burden, holding Lucy in a tight hug. One that was returned gratefully. His large hand cradled the back of her head as she hid her face in his chest, squeezing tightly and trembling.

Looking all around, Natsu barked at the onlookers. "Nuthin' ta see here, go on, you had your fun," and they all began to disperse; albeit in a regretful shamble.

There the two of them stood. The Mad Hatter finally finding his peace, and the woman finding comfort in his embrace. However, Natsu was disturbed by his plus one's terrified demeanor. So once his warmth ended her shivers, he gently tilted her chin up to gaze into his eyes. Eyes as golden as the setting sun, an eternal inferno.

Lucy began to sputter out something, for women were supposed to be well spoken, but stopped as Natsu lowered his lips to her cheek and parted them. The blonde trembled anew as a supernaturally warm tongue snaked up her cheekbone. Natsu sighed contentedly. He'd only meant to taste the tear that had slipped down, but the salty taste of her skin sent him reeling. Self control faltering, he planted his forehead onto hers with eyes closed and spoke lowly. "Toldja I wouldn't give up treasure..."

Already pink cheeks rose in temperature. Having all senses consumed by this dragon was indescribable. Wits gone, she simply murmured, "Finders keepers, huh?"

Taking on a feral yet seductive grin, Natsu purred, "Now you're getting' it." And he leaned in to steal another kiss.

Lucy's mind all but exploded as the tiny shards rattled everywhere when his lips brushed hers. A hungry mouth prodded hers to open, but she resisted the urge to melt into the embrace—alarmed to discover that she actually wanted it. She had been raised better than that and pulled away, primly turning away to hide her embarrassment... and perhaps to cool her nerves. What was this swirling sensation in her gut?

The Mad Hatter cackled and wrapped his arms back around her from behind and spoke into her ear. "There ya go again, smelling too good for a gentleman to resist."

That warm breath against sensitive skin sent her head spinning again, and she found herself much more unwilling to pull away. Instead, Lucy attempted to change the subject. "Who were all those... people... just now?"

Raising his head, glancing at one of the faceless figures that was loitering on the opposite side of the pond, he replied. "The Nobodies? Don't worry about them, totally harmless. Heard Cana talkin' with Mira about them once though, somethin' about undreamt dreams."

Lucy contemplated that, not noticing how she leaned against her rescuer. Dreams that have yet to be dreamt.

After another precious moment of the two of them enjoying one another, Natsu asked, "You ready to go home, Juicy?"

Her eyes widened briefly, home?

"Pretty sure the Dormouse will be worrying if we don't get outta here soon."

"Oh..." Lucy felt an odd sense of relief. For the first time, she was unsure if home was where she wanted to be. "Yes, of course. But don't you think we should say goodbye to the queen first?"

Natsu released all but her hand with a smirk and an all too simple, "Nope!"

"You little fucker!" Gajeel came stomping up to them, fast, and slammed a fist as hard as steel into the back of Natsu's head without an ounce of hesitation. The Mad Hatter's face was planted onto the ground, precariously close to the water's edge.

Lucy sweatdropped, wide eyed as she watched stars rotate around the Hatter's head.

"Hmph," The March Hare muttered, "he's lucky I don't chunk him inta that pool and let Juvia have'em."

I'M BACK!

….Kinda.

I tell u guys, raising a teenager is taking up just about all me free time. Honestly, can't that girl take a break on the sass already? Things have chilled out a bit lately, and I'm using this fic once again to try to regain my muse. Not sure if my next update will be on this, or Zombie Earthland, or the MUCH needed update on Seven Deadly Sin's Love is a Battlefield. Atm I'm just sort of a slave to my mind's whims... so it wasn't surprising that my oddest story was the first to get some love.

Not sure if you guys still remember me, but I remember you!

MUCH LOVE TO MAH LOVELIES!

Lick lick lick!

Seriphia
aka
Lick!

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