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!
Awwwwwwww you guys! I missed you too! I hope you all find yourselves well in these hard times. I myself have been spinning, trying to keep my girls and nephew indoors, away from other kids during quarantine (and being their homeschool teacher seems to have soured my relationship with them, somehow). And so I turned back to this story as a release. A chance to dive into an adventure as nonsensical as my mind feels. It's my release, and I am very glad to have found it. I hope all of you will also find your release, because feeling trapped and helpless cannot be the way to live. Please, find something, anything safe to do that won't hurt yourself or anyone around you. My favorite Youtuber chose to end his life not long ago and it made me realize just how bad it may be for many others out there. Please reach out to someone—anyone if you are feeling alone and vulnerable. Hell, reach out BEFORE you begin feeling that way!
We are in this together, and believe it or not, like all things, this will pass. Hang in there!
Okay, I'm sorry for going on that tangent. I'll stop, but first I'll be devoting this chapter to a person that will be missed throughout his million of subscribers.
Steve Cash, this one's for you. I hope you're squeezing dear Gibson somewhere out there, on the other side of the void.
Through the Looking Glass
The literal translation of 'deja vu' is 'already seen', and many highly educated persons long since having forgot their imagination dismiss the idea as precognition. Even despite that the feeling of deja vu leaves one with is long lasting, and sometimes with a touch of vertigo. Though waking in your own bed after being certain that's not where you'd last laid could have been construed as either precognition or deja vu.
It all boils down to which sort of life lessons you choose to take to heart.
A blue butterfly flitted by Lucy's enormous bedroom window as she kicked off soft, plush blankets. Last night's sleep must have been fitful to have woken in such a sweat. Memories from a dream interrupted were quickly fading from her mind like sand sinking through an hourglass. Lucy always found it so infuriating when she could not remember dreams. They were what inspired some of her best paintings. Ah well. No point in fretting about things one had no power over. Father always did say she over analyzed things that normally would not even require a second thought.
After several refreshing ticks with a water basin, Lucy felt that she might be prepared to greet this new day. She would try harder to focus and give Mistress Ooba the attention a wizened woman like her deserved and follow up her tutorials with some light reading in the interior garden. Upon exiting her rooms, she was surprised by none other than the Lion King Celestial spirit. Typically, she would have greeted her friend with a smile and asked how his morning was going—but apparently this was no ordinary morning. There he stood by her door with a debonair greeting, bowing his head over exaggeratedly, sweeping a hat to his chest. Lucy's heart stopped, and she did not hear whatever he might have said.
He had the most peculiar hat! Something in the back of her mind pulled and tugged at her, pleading to be reached. A shadow of a dream. "Where... where did you get that..." was all she could ask, and even that was a whisper.
"Hmm?" The Lion spirit (Lucy knew him best as Loke) quirked a brow, "well from you of course. You don't remember? You had it with you when you returned from your sabbatical."
"Sabbatical?!" Lucy yelped, "I've-I've been away?"
"Lucy?" Concern creased Loke's brow, "do you need more rest?"
"Uh... no..." it was as though her hands had a mind of their own when they snatched the hat from him. The craftsmanship on it was remarkable. Lucy trailed fingers over meticulous stitching as she retreated back into her room and carefully placed it on her dresser. It would look better with pins sticking out of it.
Hmm... what a curious thought.
Loke frowned, watching her from the doorway. Perhaps he should change the subject. "Seems like you broke in that corset finally. It fits you like a glove now. You look amazing."
Lucy couldn't help but blush, Loke was always finding new ways to make her feel good about herself. Though he had a point... the clothes she'd been trying to wear in were remarkably more comfortable. She felt along a bodice, noticing that the area that used to pinch, did nothing of the sort anymore. The outfit was completely comfortable now. Exactly what had happened on this 'sabbatical' she had no memory of? "Hey Loke?"
"Yes Princess?"
"How long was I gone?"
"You were gone two nights, and you returned to us on night three." Loke's humor faded, "Lucy... where were you? I cannot protect you if I cannot find you, and I couldn't find you anywhere."
"How odd..." Lucy thought out loud. "Aren't you supposed to be able to find me anytime, anywhere?"
The proud lion spirit nodded, "Supposed to. Aquarius couldn't find you either, it was like you dropped off the earth."
Shaking her head, Lucy stepped past Loke. "I must get to my studies. Mistress Ooba is waiting."
"Actually," Loke interjected, catching up to walk alongside her, "she's not here anymore. You don't got to worry about that anymore. Congratulations Princess, you skipped your last couple classes!"
"At least something good came from this." Lucy muttered.
"Better stop that, Princess. Your father has instructed you to join him after breakfast."
Oh man. Lucy thought to herself, and stood up straighter.
Breakfast was a repetition of the redundant. Nosy servants, food sweetened with fruit and sugars, with juice and water to drink. Her mind focused on what she would need to tell her father. Disappearing like that—with no story to tell—was not something that was allowed. Perhaps if she sent word to Yukino, she might back up a tale of Lucy leaving to vacation there for a day or two. Ugh, lies had a nasty habit of blowing up in her face though. Going through life honestly had always suited her better. Dragging her dear, newly wed friend into unnecessary drama would be wrong.
So, Lucy entered her father's study with zero ammunition. Straight to the guillotine.
Lucy had become convinced that her father arranged his study in such a way that those arriving would instantly get a sense of intimidation. He was a man of great power, and others would see him as such. He stood, looking out a large window behind his polished, wood-carved desk and said simply, "Close the door behind you."
The double doors echoed throughout the room as the handles latched behind her. A death toll.
The silence was deafening as Lucy stepped quietly up to his desk. He kept no chairs for visitors, no, they must stand when addressing Lord Heartfillia.
She knew not to speak first, so she stood, and waited for reprimand. She could have read a short story by the time he finally spoke.
"I trust you enjoyed your rebellious holiday." He began, still facing the window. "I will refrain from inquiring, since you have returned in time. But you will cease anymore ridiculous notions of leaving the property. Your mother has planned for this Debutante of yours ever since you were a lass, and you will be there and you will be introduced to high society." Her father paused, "with any luck, you'll catch the eye of some little lordling and we can make a place for you yet."
Finally turning to look upon her, he frowned. "And you will remember your lessons and agree to dance with those who offer it. We will keep track of your potentials and make an acceptable match."
It was too much, "Father, I really don't think that—"
"Hush girl," Lord Hearfillia deepened his frown. "It is time to leave childish ideas of skipping matrimony behind. I have trained you to be the ideal wife, exactly as your mother was."
"But Father! I'm not—"
"How many times must I silence you?" His voice raised, then simmered. "For that matter, it's time to leave this summoning nonsense as well. You won't be needing it anymore."
- ~.~ -
Couldn't ya just... uh, quit this summon stuff? Then you'd be able to stay right?
- ~.~ -
A memory lost clawed at her consciousness, but went unnoticed. "What?" That was too much. Lucy frowned right back at her father. "Summoning is the only real thing I have left of Mother! I would never just give it up!"
"You'll do as you are told!"
Lucy gripped her fists tightly and lowered her head, speaking softly. "I will go to the Debutante my mother helped plan. I will smile, I will make small talk. I will dance. All this I will do because you say so. But I will never, never abandon the gift of summoning passed down from my mother!"
It was forbidden to leave before being dismissed, but she did so anyway. Once her father's doors were closed behind her, Lucy called out for Virgo.
A petite, pink haired woman wearing a maid's outfit complete with frilly apron manifested next to her, "I am very sorry for not finding you sooner, Princess. Perhaps I should be punished?" She held out shackled wrists with a blush on her face.
Ignoring the odd spirit's mannerisms, Lucy kept walking. Getting farther from her father with every step. "From now on, you are to stay here using my power until I formally dismiss you. Same goes for the others too. If they must visit, they will come using my power, not theirs."
"Forgive me Princess, but won't that punish you more than me?"
"You gotta stretch muscles to get them stronger."
^.^
The next several days were a blur of fittings, tastings, and platter selections. On the night before Lucy's big day she swore that if she saw another version of the same blasted fork she'd stab someone with it. Violent thoughts for a lady were fine—so long as she kept from acting on them... at least that's what she told herself. Flinging onto her bed with a sigh, she heard her spirit Virgo ask, "Has that been enough punishment for the day, Princess? It would be good to be well rested for tomorrow."
Indeed she was exhausted. Virgo had been with her for the past three nights, and despite her body screaming at her, she'd summoned Aquarius and chatted with her for a while as well. The water spirit was typically a disagreeable soul, but she had seemed genuinely happy to see her today; albeit a bit worried for the strain summoning her had cost. "Yes Virgo, you can leave. Thank you so much for your patience with me."
"If I might, Princess? Leo requested me to remind you that he was promised an invite to the Debutante."
A smile cracked past Lucy's lips, "Yes I remember. We'll just have to keep you both here tomorrow."
"Yes of course Princess." Virgo said, bowing in a rush before vanishing, no doubt in a hurry to let her master rest. Lucy sighed anew at the release. It had been as though she'd finally been granted leave to stop running after many grueling hours of it.
Slipping off to sleep was involuntary, as were the dreams she'd never remember upon waking. Images of shadows dancing with cats and mice. Of a menacing, sharp toothed rabbit crushing a teacup, fading into a pink, chucking fog, sweeping her up and laying her down on a bed of roses. A thorn pricked finger. Heat. Too hot.
Musical chirping is what roused the lady, soon followed by the door bursting open to admit a group of chatty maids Lucy had dubbed 'gaggling hens' years ago.
"Lookit the lass! She's still sleepin'!"
"Rise and shine mistress! There's much to do before your guests arrive!"
Following cues from maids well rehearsed for this day eventually brought her to evening. Perched and peacocked for her grand entrance. The guests had been here for the better part of an hour by now but she had not been permitted to join the festivities. No, she had to wait for an introduction. After her arrival she would be—by high society standards—ready to wed. Nevermind her desires, education and interests. Lucy tried relentlessly to stop thinking of that part of the meaning of this party, but the issue had a maddening habit of creeping back into her head.
She could feel Loke in the garden past the door she stood at. Mingling with the guests unbeknownst to his magical nature. She could feel him just as acutely as she could feel Virgo, standing right next to her. Hmm. Perhaps she was getting stronger, or at the least, better at honing her power.
"No. Nope. I can't do this." Lucy gathered up pale green skirts and turned to retreat back to her rooms.
"Princess?" Virgo spoke softly. "Apologies Princess. Please punish me if I am out of line, but there is a promise I made to your mother I fear I must break."
"My mother?" Lucy paused, glancing up at her spirit.
Lifting up her palms, a bright light grew and stretched into her hands. Lucy stared at the light until it settled into what could be described as a hilt for a weapon. "I promised your mother I would pass this down to you after your coming of age. Though I have come to realize you might need it right before instead. Should I be punished?"
"What... what is it?"
"This is Fleuve d'etoiles. With the proper application of power, a river of stars spills from it that you, just as your mother, and those that came before her, can use to to defend yourself; should the need arise."
Taking the handle tentatively, Lucy closed her eyes and felt energies pulsing from within it. "It feels... it feels more like souls than stars..."
"Well what is it you think that we stars are? If not souls?" Virgo asked.
Suddenly worried that she'd offended, Lucy began to sputter out an apology. She did not get to say much though, for people on the other side of the doors were making her grand arrival public. As the doors began to open, Virgo quickly took the handle and latched it onto her mistress' belt. "Have no fear princess. We are all here for you, should you need us."
The crowd gathered near the steps of the garden to witness the newest lady born to nobility and ooh'ed and awed at her beauty. Though Lucy might not have agreed, she truly was a sight to see. Her hair was meticulously stacked to trail back down to bounce off pale shoulders in breezy curls and wore a bodice that showed a woman's cleavage and tight sleeves that ended at her elbows, bordered in silk lace. The Lady Heartfillia started down the garden steps as the music began to play. Lucy silently prayed that feet found the following descending step instead of the many layers of white trimmed green skirts. When she was halfway down, her eyes met with her beloved lion spirit and all fear ebbed. Keeping eyes locked on him, she finished her descent and took his proffered hand.
"Ravishing as always, Miss Heartfillia." Loke hummed, playfully lifting her hand and kissing it tenderly. "May I have the first dance?"
"Please," Lucy smiled up at him. Perhaps this evening wouldn't be so bad after all.
^.^
Clearly there had been many the blowhard waiting for a turn to dance with the newest debutante. Lucy's feet were aching more than the strain of Loke and Virgo pulling at her power by the time she was free to take a drink of the fine wine her father had saved for tonight. She'd already been asked by several eligible bachelors for future luncheons, and a few more brazen dinner requests. As the sweet liquid slid down her throat, a thought echoed through her mind: Father must be pleased.
Right when she was examining her empty, fluted glass, a much missed friend greeted her. Lucy smiled brightly at the lovely woman with pale blue, short-cropped hair. "Yukino! You made it!"
The two hugged while her friend replied, "Of course I did! If you think I would have missed it just because we're in the middle of our bridal tour then you're sorely mistaken!"
Lucy chuckled, squeezing Yukino's hands, "How did your husband take it?"
"Oh..." Yukino winked at her slyly, "he was all for it when I told him I'd be coming unescorted if he didn't approve."
Unable to keep from laughing harder, Lucy replied, "We mustn't let our pretty young bride come to one of these things and be mistaken as a bachelorette, now can we?"
Yukino took two wine glasses from a passing server and handed one to Lucy. "Cheers to womanhood."
Lucy squinted at that, which forced a giggle out of Yukino, but they clinked glasses and drank anyway.
As they finished, Yukino raised a brow as she spied someone from over Lucy's shoulder. "Don't look now, but I believe you may have caught the eye of possibly the best match for you in all of England."
Suddenly able to feel eyes creeping up her back, Lucy shivered. "What? Who?"
Virgo spoke up, ever by her side. "That individual is known as The Earl of Southampton, James Croft. Southampton is a port city to the south that specializes in—"
"Yes, thank you Virgo." Lucy cut her off. She really didn't care to learn about a man that did not have courage enough to approach her. She even prided herself by continuing nonchalance even after Yukino commented on how handsome he was.
Lucy's Debutante Ball stretched into the long hours of the night. Her father had lined up many suitors that had traveled all throughout England and she had to accommodate every one of them. By the time she was standing at the garden exit next to her father, bidding her guests a good night, it felt as though her legs would go under protest.
She was loathe to wish her friend, Yukino, goodbye. Her marriage would wisk her far away up into one of the Scottish Providences. It would be some time before they would see each other again. Truly their childhood days of running throughout their parents' gardens were thoroughly dead. Those memories would have to be something she cherished for the remainder of her life.
Right when she thought she was finished bidding people farewell, there he was. Dark blue eyes as deep as the sea piercing through her. Blue locks of hair wafted in his face as Mr. Croft turned to her father who was thanking him for traveling all this way.
"Traveling has always favored the constitution, Sir Heartfillia. You needn't concern yourself." His voice was low, but not soft. "I do not plan to head back immediately, however. Might I trouble you for a meeting tomorrow morning?"
Lucy's heart sank as her father agreed and the earl turned back to her, lifting her hand to his lips. "Until tomorrow then, my lady." A chill went up her spine as his lips brushed the top of her hand.
~.~
Darkness and silence erupts into roaring flames. A hand reaches out from its midst and lures her in. An eternal dance in an inferno ensues, where she need not leave her singular, mesmerizing partner. His hands were so warm, his eyes were so bright. Shadows frolicked between flames that reached for her but never touched. She'd never felt so warm. She'd never felt so safe.
She had never felt so loved.
Waking brought with it an unknown sadness. A return to a world outside of paradise. Lucy rolled back into her pillow, coaxing herself back to sleep. Though the sun shined through the windows, she felt so cold—so lonely. A feeling that lingered even as the dream's memory faded.
Another hour of dreamless sleep was all she got before Loke burst in. "Lucy!"
Yelping from the sudden intrusion, the blonde squinted at her spirit through a sleepy fog, "What, what is it?"
Why was he going through her closet? "What kind of stuff do you need to take with you? Wouldja rather run off to Ireland, or the Americas?"
"Loke... ugh, slow down. What are you talking about?"
"It's happening! Already!" Loke spat, turning back around and tossing some dresses onto the bed. "That father of yours just agreed to let you be wed! We're gonna need to look as inconspicuous as possible to get off the property. Do you think that Virgo could..." His voice kept talking, but in Lucy's perspective it faded as her inner monologue began.
So that's it then? The very morning after the debutante Father already has me sold? To be packed away like some old jacket? Is that really all I mean to him?
"Mistress?" A female servant's voice from outside the door ceased both Lucy's thoughts and Loke's planning. "Apologies, I'm sure you are still tired from last night, but it is approaching midday and you have a guest waiting for you in the parlor."
Loke motioned for her to respond, so Lucy said the first thing she thought of, "Yes... I'll, I'll be right out."
Her brave lion spirit silently walked to the door and listened to the servant's retreating steps before he whispered, "Say the word Lucy, and we'll have you on a ship to wherever you want to go."
"I..." Her mind was racing, yet she could untangle not one single thought.
A yelp was muffled as Loke took her into his arms, holding her tightly. His embrace was warm, tender, and welcome in that moment, and she gripped him back as a tear trailed down her cheek. "Don't be scared. I'm going to see to it that you won't have to do anything your uncomfortable with." He could feel her trembling, and it broke his heart. In an effort to make her smile, he murmured, "I guess I'm in trouble too, having come here all by myself, not using even a trickle of your strength."
She did give a half-hearted chuckle at that, then pulled away to wipe her eyes. "I think America would be better, Ireland has enough problems right now..."
Loke winked at her, "Then across the Atlantic it is. Now listen. You're gonna have to go talk to this guy, just to keep up appearances. I'll go make arrangements with the dock master. You going to be okay with that?"
Lucy nodded and started sifting through dresses he'd strewn onto the bed. A smile edged onto her lips when fingers found the soft fabric of the blue plaid corset. Something about it warmed her from the cold she felt all around her. Taking it and a blue skirt behind a changing blind, she said, "Thank you so much Loke, you've always been a true friend. Without you I'd have no idea what I was walking into to."
Loke stared at the blind his master stood behind, listening to shifting fabrics. She had looked far too attractive for one so pure in that sleeping gown. "I've got your back, always Lucy. You're not alone in this."
No time to dally. Lucy left her rooms the moment her spirit vanished, and headed to the parlor. It was a room close to her father's study, and another room women were not typically allowed. The double doors towered over her, and servants were stationed outside. Father must be showing off his resources, for servants were never left to do something as simple as play usher.
Nodding to them as they opened the parlor doors, Lucy walked in, immediately landing her gaze on the Earl of Southampton. He had his back to her, perusing a book he'd liberated from one of her father's shelves. With the only window having its curtain drawn, the room was darker than normal. Perhaps the ushers outside also counted as chaperons, because (as per usual) her father was no where to be seen.
Without looking up from his book, the earl spoke in his low drawl. "Judging from your late arrival, am I to assume you know why I'm still here?"
Everything she had been taught told her she should remain quiet, but it had never been a lesson she'd become accustomed to. "Apparently I've been sold to the highest bidder. I had no idea your little port town had become so profitable." It felt wonderful to allow the distaste she felt taint her voice.
Closing the book with a resounding thwomp, James Croft, the Earl of Southampton turned around and looked her up and down. His eyes felt like snakes slithering up her skin. "Hmm. Southampton is not as small as it was back when your text books were printed. In the last 15 years it has risen in fortune substantially." As he stepped closer, Lucy stepped back. Right against a wall next to the entry doors.
A half smile rose onto James' face, "No need to be nervous, Miss Heartfillia." His blue hair covered his face as he bent down to pour two drinks from a decanter sitting on a glass table. "Your father thought we should celebrate our engagement with champagne." He must have already ascertained that Lucy would want no part in his cheers, for he never held the second glass up to her. He merely held his up, smiled to her and took a long drink.
While he poured more into his glass, Lucy took this as an opportunity to glean information. "Exactly how does the nearly destitute Croft family of Southampton gain such riches in only 15 years?"
"It's simple really." Mr. Croft replied, beginning to walk the room's perimeter with his fluted wine glass in hand. As he spoke, he would touch, lift, and/or inspect random things within the room. "I've been collecting riches for quite some time. I've always found the laws of this land stuffy and rather unforgiving. Really quite dull actually. However my quandaries have forced me to spend more time here than anywhere else, so I had to make the best of it. And it seems that all you people truly care about is money, so money is what I massed. Nothing loosens tongues better, actually. After all, it certainly loosened Lord Hearfillia's.
"Bribing, I believe, is what you people call it. Though doing the act with information is much more fulfilling than the promise of shared income. Though one does do as one must." His walk had brought him all around the room to stop right in front of the double doors and only a handspan away from Lucy, still against the wall. He continued, now looking deeply into her chocolate eyes with his deep, ocean blue. "Honesty. Yes, that's what I think is the most valuable thing in a relationship. And that is what I have started between you and I this morning. So I believe it is vital to inform you that my name is not actually Earl James Croft. The true Earl of Southampton is out gallivanting as me, while I enjoy retirement as him. So allow me to introduce myself for who I truly am. Jellal Fernandes, Captain of The Tempus."
This man was mad! Lucy may have forgiven it if any of it could have been considered in jest, but this man spoke with severe sincerity! The idea that the man standing before her was the notorious Captain Fernandes was utter poppycock! He couldn't be much older than her, yet here he was, claiming to be someone to rampaged the seas over 40 years ago! But there he stood, without even a glimmer of humor on his face... blocking her exit.
Seeking distance more than anything else, Lucy turned away and sought refuge in the glass of champagne still sitting at the table. While she pretended to drink, her other hand fumbled for her spirits' keys.
"I wouldn't bother trying to summon anyone." Jellal called out, still at the door. "They cannot come."
"What?!" Lucy scoffed, panic filling her eyes.
He folded his arms, having abandoned his empty glass on a shelf. "I knew you would find what I say as... hmm, far-fetched, so I took liberties and froze this room. To everyone outside this door, no time has passed at all."
This time Lucy really did drink, and as she slammed the glass down, she cried, "This is complete lunacy!"
"Ahh," Jellal's smirk grew in fervor, "but neither you or I are unfamiliar with lunacy, now are we?"
"Why are you telling me this?" Lucy tried desperately to keep the fear from ebbing into her voice.
"Because of you." Jellal pointed at her. "You are Touched, or used to have been. I sought you out, just as I had her." His finger rose from her, to point directly at a portrait of her mother. "And yet, even though I have found both of you throughout these long years, I have still never found the one I seek."
"My mother?! What do you know about my mother?!"
"So much." Jellal's face grew sober. "I had hoped, because of their deep friendship, that by following Layla, she'd eventually lead me to Mavis. Surely you, as the only living Touched human in this realm, must know something of Mavis."
"M-Mavis?" That name rang a bell, but it was fleeting—as so many memories of her mother were.
"They say that she's dead..." Gripping his fists tightly, he suddenly swung an arm out to crash into a lamp, dooming it to shatter onto the tiled floor. "DEAD!" Jellal ran hands through his hair doggedly. "I've been away for so long. This world is so exhausting, how could she stand it?"
Lucy took his emotional reaction as an opportunity. Bolting to the door as fast as she could, hands gripped at the handles and pulled. Locked? The parlor doors did not have a lock?! She pulled anyway, harder and harder. Sure that at least the handles might break off.
Jellal's voice spoke into her ear, making her freeze in her own futility. "Silly human girl. Only I can control time. You cannot open that door."
How is this happening? She let loose a full blown scream when Jellal took her by the shoulders and pinned her back up against the wall. "This would be so much easier if you'd just remember." Blonde hair swung into her face as he lowered his lips to press them against her forehead. As he did, Lucy's eyes widened as her entire adventure through the rabbit hole came racing back. All the pieces from a puzzle she hadn't realized she'd been trying to put together. Particularly the last meeting she'd had with a certain, positively mad hatter.
- ~.~ -
"Come on, come on, come on!" The Wendy-bug called, as Lucy tried to keep up. Had the creature thought her to have night vision? It was thanks to Gemini that she hadn't fallen multiple times already. Why couldn't they have left in the morning? All of this would have been so much more favorable in daylight.
Long after she'd lost track of time, The butterfly stopped and waited for her at a large door. The very door Lucy swore she'd never forget. Through her fatigue, Lucy smiled, "You found it!"
"I didn't find it, never lost it. I am the gatekeeper after all." Wendy beamed. "Just go right through these doors and you're out! No games, Mama's orders."
"Thank you, Um, Wendy. Without your help I'm sure I'd never have been able to find it."
"Well that's the point! Makes my job easier." The little butterfly fluttered around her head. Then, as she was right between Lucy's eyes, she grew a huge grin at something over the top of her head and shot away, crying out, "Natsuuuuu!"
"Hey ya, Wendy." Came his voice, from behind her, forcing her heart to beat rapidly. "Do ya mind if I speak to the Juicy before she leaves?"
"Well, Mama didn't want that, but seeing as you're here and all, who am I to stop ya?" Wendy turned to wink at Lucy, who was also just turning to face one of the people she'd not been permitted to bid farewell. "I'm gonna miss ya Juicy." Then she flittered away, calling out, "be sure to dream lots of dreams!"
Silence stretched between the hatter and the human girl. A void Lucy feared to cross. Natsu watched her with his lips in a straight, humorless line. The expression looked so alien on him. When Gemini decided to slink away, Natsu finally spoke. "So that's it then? You come into our lives, steal our hearts, just to disappear like a thief in the night?"
Lucy was just so tired, she couldn't keep up a facade of strength or courage. "Oh Natsu, I'm so sorry! Ms. Porlyusica said it was what I had to do!"
Natsu was unable to bear any of the woman's tears. Before his head could keep track of his feet, he was there, with Lucy in his arms. He was so warm, so welcoming. "So if that blasted bug had said you had to stay forever, drinking that damn tea, wouldja have done it?"
"I couldn't, not while my spirit is trapped in this realm." She stopped short when her legs gave way, and blushed right after when the Hatter scooped her up bridal style. He seated her onto a large rock and sat down as well, an arm around her shoulders—lest she collapse again.
"Err, thank you." Lucy made herself say. How could she be so damned weak?
"Anytime, Juice," was all that he said.
After the moment it took to catch her breath, Lucy spoke in a tired whisper that sent chills up the Hatter's spine. "I may not have seemed like it, but I did enjoy my time here."
"Juice..." Natsu paused, "Couldn't ya just... uh, quit this summon stuff? Then you'd be able to stay right?"
"It's not that easy... I could never abandon this ability. It'd be abandoning friends, and giving up the only thing I have left of Mother's."
"Incredible." The hatter whispered. "Even in leaving, you remain utterly fascinating."
"I'm sorry, what was that? I can't seem to stay... awake."
As her eyes refused to stay open, the world faded into darkness with only the feel of warmth pressed against her forehead.
- ~.~ -
Lucy's eyes opened from reliving her mysterious sabbatical to gaze back into deep blue. Yes, this was Jellal. Every crazy thing he'd told her fit, in the same nonsensical way other nonsense seemed to fit in the world of shape shifters and talking animals, and fairies. "Natsu!"
A blue brow rose on Jellal's face, "The Hatter? What of him?"
Red spread on Lucy's cheeks as she pressed lips together. She hadn't meant to call out his name. "N-nothing. Jellal—who are you?"
"Have I not already made that clear to you?"
"Well, yes. I suppose. But, how are you here?"
"How does the blue dragon come to this realm? Or this new 'White Rabbit'? The two worlds run parallel to one another. It is not difficult for the adventurous soul to dip into the other from time to time. All one needs is to become lost."
Lucy frowned, and edged away from where he still held her gaze against the wall. "You mentioned someone called Mavis? And that she knew my mother."
"Yes."
"She's not here, and I've never heard her name mentioned. Not by Father, not by teachers, and not by any of the older servants who have divulged everything they've ever known about Mother. I fear you're chasing a ghost." Lucy returned to the table and poured herself another drink, this time wishing the champagne had more of a bite to it.
"A ghost yes. She'd like you, I think." Jellal smiled, stepping lightly to the short table as well. Lucy handed him the decanter and he filled another glass for himself. He held the glass out to her again, and after a small hesitation, Lucy clinked it with hers, saying, "To new relationships."
"To an intriguing engagement." Jellal countered.
Before drinking, Lucy eyed him suspiciously. "I won't be marrying you."
Jellal laughed and they both drank. As he set his glass back down he spoke lightly, "One should never close a book without first exploring all options."
"All the same, Mr. Fernandes, I won't be marrying you."
"Your father will be so disappointed." He replied, trailing a finger over the decanter.
Lucy watched him curiously for a moment, until she felt the need to ask, "So... where are you from, Mr. Fernandes? This world, or Wonderland?"
Jellal jerked back up at her with a cocked brow. "Wonderland?"
"It sounds silly, I know..." Lucy responded sheepishly, "but that place didn't seem to have a name much suited to it."
"The realm you visited is known as Fairy Tail. It is the world where dreams can come to life, should they so choose. It is but one of many realms, and no, that is not where I am from—but it is where I chose to make my home."
"Exactly how many... realms have you been to?"
Though his eyes remained pointed at her, they became distant, and Lucy began to understand how they seemed inhumanly deep. Shaking his head, Jellal's face grew stern for the slightest of ticks before answering. "Time is of all realms, my dear. I do not belong to any, nor am I welcome at most. Yet I pass by all. One cannot deny antiquity."
Time? Was he saying the he was the embodiment of time? Lucy trembled, remembering how he'd locked her in this room without so much as an incantation. "What, what will you do now?"
Jellal sighed, pouring himself and her the last of their celebratory drink. "With you not having even heard of Mavis, I fear I must admit that my search within the realm of man has hit a dead end. Perhaps she is hiding elsewhere. To find fresh tracks, I must return to Fairy Tail. If I play my cards right, I might be able to trick the cat into divulging more information. To beat a card master though..." he trailed off, then zeroed in on her. "Care to join me? I could always use another pair of eyes when playing against the Cheshire."
"Me?" Lucy nearly stumbled. Return to Wonderland? The idea was both marvelous and terrifying. "But, but I can't! How could I? I'm... I'm broken there."
"Malarkey." Jellal spat. "You are no more broken there than you are here."
"But I am! If I summon spirits, I can't send them back. They're trapped there just like I was."
"Trapped? I find it hard to believe you were trapped. Were you imprisoned?" Jellal's raised brow was beginning to rub Lucy the wrong way.
"Well... no."
"Rules are different in Fairy Tail. If you are lost, unable to find your way back, the stars you summon cannot find you, nor can they return should you call for them. There is a maddeningly simple remedy for your dilemma."
Lucy grew annoyed when Jellal took a sip from his glass instead of continuing. "Well? What is it?!"
"You forget, my dear fiance—"
"I'm not your fiance."
Jellal continued, speaking over her interruption, "That I spent many years as a pirate. Call it old habits and all that, but if you want such valuable information, you must do something for me."
"What do you need?"
"Have you not been listening, girl? Be my eyes when I play against the Cheshire."
Lucy shrank back, "Apologies, Mr. Hernandes. I've-my head is a tangle at the moment, but do you mean... you want me to help you... cheat?"
Lucy jumped at Jellal's sudden raucous laughter. "Cheat? Against her? Even I would never get away with that. All I need is for you to be there, at my side. All other matters will sort out for themselves."
Well that didn't make any sense. Though... . Taking leave of her better judgment, Lucy agreed. "But I need to tell my friend that I'm leaving. This engagement you set up has him making arrangements of our own."
"Hmm. How does the saying go again?" Jellal started, cupping his chin inquisitively. "Ah yes. Time is fickle, my dear. I am leaving now. This second. If you wish the ability to be free to do as you will there as well, this is, and I mean it with all sincerity, your only chance."
"What?" Lucy's eyes widened, "I can't say goodbye? Again?"
"Time waits for no man." Jellal hummed, turning around to gaze upon himself in one of her father's rather large mirrors. Looking over his shoulder, he reached out a hand. "Are you coming?"
What else could she do? What would you have done, given the chance to traverse a land of the lost yet never become lost yourself? What would you do, if you were given the opportunity to see friends that your traitorous brain had forced you to forget? Would your story end here?
Adventure called. Lucy chose the Inbetweeners, for without even remembering them she'd discovered that she'd missed them terribly. She wanted to see Natsu, though her waking consciousness would never think the thought out loud. So Lucy took the hand of a renowned pirate, and stepped with him through the looking glass.
Stay true to yourself.
Seriphia
aka
Lick
*~.💤.~*