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Natsu Dragneel polished his parade armor. He took great pains to buff the mark on the chest plate from his scuffle with that idiot, Gray Fullbuster. He grinned. That scratch had been worth it. Gray had about cried when his stupid silver cross had screed across his own armor.
“Idiot!”
“Pfft. Shan’t pay attention until you say ‘Captain Idiot!’”
“We all know you were only promoted to Captain because you fit better into the ceremonial garb. Because you’re shorter.” Gray Fullbuster stood a bit taller as he slighted the other man. “Rich nobles stay rich by curbing their coins.”
“Then mayhap they should have picked you to cut down on all the clothing costs.”
Gray shrugged. “I’m confident. Don’t be jealous.”
“Of what?” Natsu turned his back to his subordinate. “Thank the gods we don’t have to patrol together anymore.”
Mest Gryder entered the guard room and trotted over to his captain, saluting. “Your presence is requested by our lord Duke, immediately. He’s waiting in the chapel.”
Confused but obedient, Natsu nodded. The kingdom of Fiore was a land of many different peoples and religions. Spending time in church was expected - but Duke Orland had never seemed overly devout. Still, that t’was between him and his chosen deity. Natsu navigated the warren of dim-lit corridors to the chapel. He greeted the various pages, servants, and tradesfolk that kept the Duke’s castle running. He entered the antechamber.
“You need me, my lord?”
Duke Orland ignored the captain of his guard for a full minute. His head was bowed as he sat alone on the polished pew at the head of the chapel, directly in front of the pulpit. He pressed his hands tighter in prayer, finishing with a mumbled ‘amen.’
Natsu waited. Candles placed in fine silver candelabras made the room glow with soft light. The subtle beeswax perfume was a welcome respite from the earthier animal fat candles used in the other areas of the Duke’s castle. He stifled the urge to tap his feet or otherwise fidget. Orland was pretty decent, but he was a bit of a stickler for rules and conventions.
“Ah, Natsu m’boy! My prayers keep getting longer as our king’s health deteriorates.”
“His Majesty is lucky to have such a loyal retainer–I mean, Duke.” Natsu repressed the urge to grimace at his poor choice of words. Yes, a Duke was subordinate to the king–but even if Orland was gracious to his people, the man had his pride.
“B’wahahahaha!” Duke Orland laughed until tears ran down his ruddy cheeks. “I see you are growing into the role of Captain of the Guard most ardently.” He wiped his visage dry with one heavily embroidered sleeve. “I shall resolve to remain humble and keep you close and myself in good graces.”
“As you will, m’lord.” Natsu Dragneel smiled, one of his easy and most pleasing smiles. The slight display of his canines made him look feral and untamed, though all unbeknownst to him. “For what purpose do you need me?”
“I merely want your company.” Duke Orland gestured to the seat beside him, “Please sit and tell me again of your recurring dream.”
“Yes, m’lord.” Natsu sat. “I know magic can be treacherous; ‘tis known to come from evil spirits, but it comes to those who have the need or those who cannot choose.”
“M’boy. It must depend on strength of character. In my heart, from my prayers, only a just god can share occult powers.” Orland chose his next words carefully. “The prophecies are known to all. Our brave but ailing king knows well the words given to us by Minerva.”
“As do we all.” Natsu shook off his uneasy thoughts. “My dream is of a large red dragon, it glows and flies above the skies of the king’s castle. He roars and blasts fire until massive flames dance upon the moat. Roars shake the stones of the castle and though I know ‘tis night in my dream, the sky glows dawn red. Acnologia, god of Divine Guardians, strolls the palace gardens and watches without speaking. He has both worry and pride on his face, a face I know not and yet recognize.” Natsu blew out an unsteady breath and then continued to speak. “The dark sky returns and stars blaze, they dazzle my eyes and my heart soars without reason. ‘Tis winter yet I feel no cold.”
“Aye. Acnologia and one more god hath seen fit to bless your path.” Duke Orland patted Natsu’s hand. “Zeref works in mysterious ways, ‘tis true.”
“Aye, though I doubt he has concerns for my pitiful self.” Natsu shook his head. “The red dragon screams in every dream, I know not what this signifies, I dare not presume to know the will of any of our gods.”
“Allow me to assist you, for I have prayed for many hours for this very need.” Duke Orland swallowed his smug smile, only showing a mild concern on his wrinkled face. “M’boy, it behooves every man, be he noble or common to follow the words of our gods.”
“I know not of which you speak.” Natsu ruffled his uncommon pink hair in an agitated manner. “I have no special power, no importance in this world. I may fight well, heal fast, but it cannot be the will of the gods.”
“My dear child, do not fear the will of the gods.”
“I feel no fear, merely understand that I am only one of many of god’s children.” Natsu rubbed his forehead. “My dreams do wake me screaming, but ‘tis only an oddment. I serve you and know my place.”
“Bless you, child.” Orland allowed himself a mental pat on the back. “Follow my warnings and all will be well.” He rose and walked to the altar, piled high with flowers and herbs. “Take these and use them to perfume your fireplace.”
“But m’lord, I am not worthy. These are gifts given unto the gods, I cannot accept.”
“Fear not, being worthy is not under your purview.” Duke Orland chuckled. “I am lord and master in these halls, and my will is as great as the gods in heaven for this small thing. And ‘tis a small thing, fear you not. Do as bid, child.”
Reassured in no small measure, Natsu gathered the offering of flowers and herbs into his arms and awkwardly bowed to the Duke. “Many thanks.”
“I know all will be clear come the break of dawn.”
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Half amused and half skeptical, Natsu piled the flowers and herbs into the large fireplace his tiny room boasted. Yes, it was the official room allotted to the Captain of the Guards of the Duke of Orland, but it was of smaller than average size for even a low-level servant of the castle - scullery maids had more square footage. Natsu was happy enough with his space. There was room enough for the cat that had chosen him. He had a small wardrobe, and his collection of weapons. There was room for the dark time in the night when his dreams took over his waking life.
Soon a crackling fire consumed the kindling and rough-hewn logs and the offerings from the church altar. The sweet smell lulled Natsu into a light doze that soon propelled him into a deep sleep.
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Heavily muscled, deeply red, and with glistening scales, the dragon threw his head back and roared a challenge into the midnight sky. His scream was a torrent of fire and guttural noise. He paced with sinuous grace, his unfurled wings stretched wide in triumphant display. “Come forth, youngling.”
Watching the immense red dragon from a distance, Natsu was yet close enough that he could feel tremendous heat. Bemused by the change in his dream, he looked around to see he was at the edge of the Queen’s garden. It was unkempt and abandoned for over ten years, the span of time since she’d vanished.
“Heed my words.”
There was no way that dragon was talking to him, right? Natsu brushed a withered bouquet of flowers off a centuries-old bench and sat. He was enraptured by the fiery sky and how hard the diamond-bright stars were struggling to shine. The solitude was peaceful. As in the way of dreams, Natsu accepted the presence of a dragon. He was undisturbed by how large it was and the fact that it was stomping closer.
“Heed, I say, heed my words, impertinent pup!”
Natsu was bowled over by a rush of wind No. It was a searing gust of air from the imposing pair of red wings a scant inch from his face. Flat on his back on the ground he stared up, mute.
“War is coming and you will lead the charge. The celestial maiden speaks with the constellations.”
Natsu nodded cautiously, unsure exactly what this dream figment wanted.
A very large glinting eye took up all Natsu’s field of vision. The ground trembled and the stench of brimstone became overbearing. “I wager you need proof as most foolish humans desire.”
“Ummm…” Natsu stood, doing his best to still his tremours, and faced the dragon he’d spent his youth dreaming.
“It was foretold ages ago, lost to all but the one who waits. Seek enlightenment in the Forest of Tauschen.”
“W-Why me?”
“Harumph.” The red dragon caught sight of Acnologia but the human was oblivious.
Dark power emanated from Acnologia. A silvery form wavered and solidified, forming into the face and figure of Lucy Heartfilia - who had been caught in the middle of her night ablutions, eyes shut, washing her face. The unsmiling god lifted his hand to the woman, made an arcane symbol then dissipated into the ether.
Used to the sensation of transport, Lucy knew she’d been yanked from her home. “Fickle gods!” She stomped her foot, angry at the umpteenth summoning, not yet realizing the subject of her ire had left. “I swear -!”
“Are you here to talk to the constellations?” Natsu ignored the dragon in favour of the stunning blonde woman who had appeared. “I’m Natsu Dragneel, captain of Baron Orland’s guards.” He shook his head, and his hand which he’d extended to greet the woman lowered before making contact. “Tis a strange dream tonight.” More to himself than the woman, Natsu mumbled, “I can’t believe I’m introducing myself to a figment of my imagination.”
“I see you need to be schooled.” Lucy crossed her arms. “I know full well thou art the Guardian who serves Baron Orland. I am most assuredly not a dream figment.”
“Just the captain of his guards.”
“Nay, thou art a Guardian.” Lucy hugged her thin night rail to herself and gave silent thanks to the heat of the dragon. It could have been worse - she could have been caught and summoned fresh out of her bath. At the very least she wore her collection of talismans in their small leather pouch around her neck.
“And you are?” asked Natsu. "Pray introduce yourself."
“She is part of your enlightenment.” The red dragon sighed and leaped into the sky, his time and attention needed elsewhere.
“Gods dammit. It matters not, but my name is Lucy, Lucy Heartfilia.” Lucy frowned, concerned over being abandoned in the Queen’s garden in the hours before dawn. Much could be hidden in the dark - but perhaps not her lack of proper clothing.
“What is it you wanted to enlighten me with?” Natsu kept surveying the grounds, to him they looked pretty accurate to real life. “Though I ought not listen to the weird words of a phantasm conjured by my own brain.”
“...” Lucy blinked slowly and took stock of her situation. “I assure you, I am quite real.”
“Real underdressed.” Natsu scoffed, unaware he was present in the drooping trousers he had worn to sleep.
“Yet clad better than yourself.” Lucy let herself enjoy the muscles on display, skin battle bruised and scarred as any man would have who worked with blades. “Tis not the time to dwell on such frivolities. It seems I must bring forth your latent talents. You will don the mantle of Guardian tonight or never.”
“I bid thee good night then.” Natsu pinched himself and grimaced. He blinked in surprise, finding himself still in the middle of the neglected garden. He mumbled, “Good night, dammit,” and pinched his other arm. “Why isn’t this working?”
“Because we were summoned and left here to find our own way home.” Lucy sat on the nearby bench and patted the spot next to herself. “We need to talk.”
“We don’t need to do anything.” Natsu remained standing, arms crossed. “Why does your name sound familiar?”
“Because Fiore has had generations of Heartfilias serving the king.” Lucy sighed, rubbing her forehead. “Sit. My neck will ache if you keep looming.”
Deciding he’d best humour his erstwhile companion for the nonce, Natsu sat as bade. “Satisfied?” He grinned.
Despite knowing better, Lucy’s heart fluttered. This man was attractive even if too naive for his own good. “We don’t have a lot of time. You should have been allowed to mature your guardian senses little by little.”
“I’m full-grown, my lady. As for the time, ‘tis unseemly late for us to be secluded.”
“Here is better than either of our chambers.” Lucy watched the wind push and pull the weeds now thriving in the Queen’s garden. Why wasn’t she cold? Did the guardian already possess a few of the gifts?
“I never invite anyone on first acquaintance to my room.”
“Oh, then on the second?” Lucy regretted her flippant remark. She needed to gain rapport with the man, not aggravate him. “Forgive my impertinence. It has been a long night even before I was summoned.”
“Summoned? Do you mean to say we are truly in the Queen’s garden? And that dragon was here? Why wasn’t the alarm raised?” Natsu asked his questions at a slow and measured pace. “One would hope a giant dragon would be noticed.”
“Summoning is basically portal magic, and some more than others of Fiore’s gods love pulling this trick. We are here in the Queen’s garden.” Lucy spoke louder, emphasizing her words. “That dragon has skilled command of many magics. It is a small matter for him to cloak his presence.”
“Makes sense, can’t talk in the middle of a crowd panicking.” Natsu shifted in his seat and then began swinging one leg. “But even more important, what’s this talk of tonight or never?”
“Please don’t take this poorly, but you reek of Mandragora.”
“Ooookaaay. Odd response for a question of tonight or never, but you’re not boring, I’ll give you that.”
“It relates.” Lucy hesitated. Her next choice of words needed to be delicate, insightful, and respectful. “I detect other herbs, but the Mandragora is most worrisome.”
“...” Natsu shook his head and shifted in his seat again. “I have duties come the morn, I should leave -”
Well, Lucy thought, telling him faster would be less delicate and respectful but he’d gain much in the way of insight. The guardian was about to leave and that would be disastrous. She grabbed his hand in one of hers and held onto the leather pouch on its slender cord. “Crux, I beg thee, lend thine aspect and power for I have need.”
Natsu was a mellow fellow, but this woman, this mage, was weird. Too weird, he thought, time to flee.
Weird I may be, but you will remain. Lucy squeezed Natsu’s hand before releasing him. Listen and share my vision.
Natsu’s vision blurred and then cleared to show him a bright and sunny pastoral scene. What in the nine hells is going on?
Lucy’s mental voice was succinct and sharp. Magic. Now watch and listen. On a field of daisies, sprinkled with larkspur, goldenrod, and Queen Anne’s lace stood Lucy and Natsu fully clothed in normal day attire. “It’s less strange to speak in this shared dream. This is our best chance for you to pass the test.” She held up a hand to forestall the undoubted many questions the erstwhile guardian harboured. “You have been dosed with an herb that leaves you susceptible to magic thieves. I wager the Duke gave you a gift tonight and bade you apply them to your night’s fire.”
Natsu nodded. With difficulty he held his tongue. He had many queries about this fantastical event. He was in mental communication with a celestial mage. He was sharing a vision - and if that wasn’t weird enough, he’d talked to an actual dragon. Bemused, he stared at the brightly lit meadow and the dark trees ringing them in the distance. He ignored the woman.
She snapped her fingers under his nose. “Pray attend. We have not endless time here. There are guardians born every year to serve but few make it down the path. In essence, you should have had more years to grow your native power, but Orland wants to use what you have for his own gain.”
Natsu protested, “Duke Orland is not like that, he raised me from humble beginnings to the office I hold today. Of a surety, yes, he has wealth and power, but he is kind and cares for his people. My first day as part of his guards, I saw him feed a gang of orphans. How did he make gains from that?”
“You sweet summer child. Think that a person’s surface reflects the inner core? I will share my own memories of that day and his. Witness his cunning - he planned much more than you saw.”
Mist descended, obscured their figures and painted a new reality.
Tamping down his irritation at the slow progression, Duke Orland forced his smile wider. He leaned from the carriage window to wave and scan the crowd of festival-loving lowly commoners. It had always amused him how grateful they were for the smallest mercies. Any excuse to dress in their finest rags made them happy and content to keep working their fingers to the bone for his benefit. Well, he always acted as if he organized his political machinations for their betterment. That lesson his father had taught through carefully hidden violence. Never let them see you plot.
Duke Jiemma Orland glanced to his honour guard keeping pace with his horse-drawn carriage. It contained only handsome, youthful, and therefore fervent men. He settled his eye on one of the newest and most promising who showed several traces of latent magic. He had lots of lovely plans to take advantage of this naive soul, but first - to cement his loyalty.
Finally. The procession was passing by the notorious pie-seller and as agreed, the band of raggedy children waited nearby.
“Pardon me, my lord!” Phineas Tortenmacher clamored as he held up a steaming sample of his famous might-be-steak and kidney-plus-assorted offal pies. “Fancy one of the finest festival foods available?” He grinned, showing off a veritable rickety picket fence of yellowing teeth. “Me da always said your father, bless his soul, he loved a good pie!”
Sotto voce, Alf Berater, from beside the duke said, “But not from some disgusting merchant of questionable viands.” Alf fastidiously brushed imaginary lint from his ornate clothes but fished into his coin purse, pulling out a small silver disk in readiness.
“If only I could enjoy such a delight!” Duke Orland gave what he’d practiced being a rueful grin. “Alas! The king has bid all royal guests attend this celebration with great appetite; fear not, it would be mine pleasure to feed some of my people.” Without turning around, he grabbed the coin from his advisor and tossed it to the pie-man. “Prithee feed the children! Yon group looks to have great appetite!”
“Kind duke, a thousand blessings upon your esteemed family!” Phineas took careful measure of the coin in the blink of an eye, dropping it into his battered leather apron pocket, then selected several of his wares, some of them not even burnt, to pass to the clamouring children now in front of his cart. He paused, narrowing his eyes as he slid the last pastry to the biggest ragamuffin, not releasing the treat until the child made a subtle nod, then glanced down and away.
“Bless you, kind Duke!”
Now reminded to pay homage, the other children’s thin voices piped up, complimenting and thanking the Duke.
“Thank you for your kindness!”
“Yer the best!”
“Yer not half as bad as–”
That was silenced by the eldest child’s elbow into Ralphie’s gut. The leader then took charge of his crew by dragging them into the nearest alley to finish eating. Gilbert half sighed, half groaned. “Ralphie, why must you go off script?”
Totally unrepentant, Ralphie continued to gorge himself on his made-of-somewhat-meat pie, mumbling around a mouthful of gristle, “If we’d any magic, do you think we’d be orphans?”
“Shut yer mouth about magic!” Lupita choked on her food, coughing, and sputtering crumbs as Geralt thumped her back repeatedly. “God’s bones, stop already!”
Geralt took his role as leader of the street urchins seriously. “What ‘ave I told you about the swearing?”
“Don’t care.” Lupita rolled her eyes. “We need to keep that idiot,” she pointed at Ralphie, “from getting us killed with his talk of,” she lowered her voice to a quaver, “magic.”
“I fear you are both right and wrong.” Lady Lucy Heartfilia pushed her hood back, revealing stunning blonde tresses that flowed down her back to her waist. “Magic will only get you killed if those in power know you possess enough to be a threat. Despite what we’re taught, magic is not inherently evil.”
“I’ll tell you what is in-her-intly, hur-ently, very much evil!” Geralt pushed his sleeves up to expose old scars and fresh cuts on his forearms. “Adults.”
Sorrow widened Lucy’s eyes but she kept herself from blathering platitudes to the leader of the orphans. “Aye. I won’t tell you otherwise. You are free to choose your own paths, but I can offer support and future assistance. Don’t decide now, learn from what you witness - not from what the surface shows you.”
Lupita scoffed, “Who are you to offer anything?”
“My apologies. My name is Lucy, Lucy Heartfilia.”
“You're a celestial mage!” Lupita clapped her hands over her mouth as if that would erase what she’d said, then bit her lower lip, fear making her pale.
“By virtue of birth, true.” Lucy nodded. “My mother’s ancestry gives me claim to such power. Some of the twisted nobility that holds this kingdom thinks unearthly power must be derived from hell’s depths. But power is only power, ‘tis man that taints magic with ill-will.”
“All fine and such, but why do you reveal yourself to us?” Geralt scowled. “We’re aware of being pawns.”
“Say not such things.” Lucy pulled out her purse. “Life is hard for many in this kingdom and I believe sharing knowledge will clear the skies.” She withdrew enough coin to feed the gang of children for a week, and gave it to Geralt. “I can do this much.” Turning on her heel she left, striding with purposeful steps down the alley, disappearing into the depths.
The fog returned and vanished, leaving Natsu and Lucy standing once again in the flowery meadow.
“You make a pertinent point.” Natsu crossed his arms. “I have served the Duke for years. One vision cannot undo all. Now you’ve admitted you could be hiding ulterior motives, why should I believe you over my Duke?”
“Did you forget the words from your dragon already?” Lucy could feel time slipping away. The test needed to happen now, but the fledgling guardian was stubborn!
“My dragon? Surely you jest.” Natsu knelt to examine the flowers carpeting the meadow. He reached out to pluck one - had his hand hovering over the stem of a magnificent brown-eyed daisy with pearly white petals - then rethought his actions. Instead, he bowed his head and sniffed the delicate blossom.
“The truth is the truth and it will reveal itself.” Lucy waved her arms in frustration.
A rustling from the trees made itself known, odd grunts added to the noise and crackling of twigs. A wild boar burst from the trees and charged Lucy. She lifted her skirts and ran, disappearing into the trees that circled the meadow.
“What?!” Natsu was unsure of everything, but he wanted answers - and that could only be had from Lucy Heartfilia. Instinctively he gave chase, running after two of nature’s more dangerous creatures. As fleet as the boar was, Natsu was an expert woodsman and was well able to track its cloven hoof marks and the booted heels of the celestial mage.
This is crazy. A dream within a dream? How is it I’m chasing a boar in a vision without any caution? Natsu squashed his concerns and ran faster. Breaking branches sounded, and the drumming of the hooves of the animal. The trees were old and gnarled in this part of the wood and many wore thick coats of moss.
“Aaaaaaaieeeee!”
Lucy! Natsu put on another burst of speed, following the noise of the boar’s now angry squeals and the panicked hoarse breathing of the woman. The boar was ramming the base of a slender tree where Lucy perched barely high enough to escape from the animal. He skidded to a halt and used a massive old tree as a shield. “Shoo!” Natsu didn’t expect the boar to leave, but he tried it almost as a given human instinct. “Get!”
The boar ignored Natsu.
“What’s going on?” He called out to Lucy. Tonight was getting weirder and weirder. Not only was this dream happening late at night, but the vision was in daylight and Lucy had promised to enlighten him, and right now she was ignoring him!
Lucy attempted to climb higher as the tree shuddered with every attack of the boar.
The animal grunted, its shoulder making contact with incredible force. A crack formed in the base of the tree trunk, leaves and bits of twigs shaking down and off the poor tree.
“What do you want me to do?” Natsu was normally decisive - but tonight had given him much to ponder. The woman was somewhat safe, so he didn’t need to recklessly act. As if thinking that very thing made the boar ram the tree again - it did so, and the crack in the base of the trunk widened. The boar stumbled back, dazed by the impact.
Making up his mind, Natsu used the opportunity to run past the confused animal and snatch Lucy from her perch. He held her in a princess style carry - running full pelt away, deeper into the forest.
“Put me down.” Lucy had enough presence of mind to not struggle. She did not want to any of the branches they were cruising past to smack her after all.
“Now you speak?” Natsu kept running, but slowed enough to look over his shoulder. “Looks like I lost the pig.”
“I am not a mere pig.” The words spoken by the boar dripped with disdain. He was sitting on a rock throne. “I’m the guardian of the forest of Tauschen.”
“Ah, forgive me kind swine.” Natsu stumbled to a stop in front of the boar and allowed Lucy to stand on her own. “I appear to have succumbed to some kind of mental illness.”
“I fear the test and the truth of Duke Orland has unsettled yourself.” Lucy conjured two stone chairs, gently leading Natsu to sit and then settled herself. “Congratulations. The first test was successful!”
“There’s more insanity?” Gaping, from the boar to the woman and back again, Natsu blinked, trying to force his brain to make sense.
“No more tonight at least.” Lucy smoothed her skirt over her lap and drummed her fingers on her knees.
The boar made a peculiar grunting laugh. “Tomorrow night is another story. We will have our work cut out for us, yes?”
Lucy sighed. “I fear so.”
“I have questions.” Natsu kept looking at each of his companions. “Um, it’s good to know I’ve passed this test, but I’m curious as to how. And, more tests? Training? I have obligations, a full time job! I can’t go haring around the kingdom with a talking pig and a mage!”
“M’not a pig.” The boar managed to twist his expression to show his disdain. “I am the guardian of Tauschen, and have been for decades. You are an impertinent pup just like Igneel told me.”
Lucy sighed, waved her hand to shush the boar and addressed Natsu, “A guardian needs to be tested for many things, and guided to use certain magics.”
“...I don’t know what to think…” Natsu sighed, rubbed his forehead and shifted his weight in the stone chair. “I could use a cushion. And who’s Igneel?”
Lucy shook her head. “I haven’t magic to spare for a cushion and you met Igneel tonight,” she held up her hand to forestall more questions, “yes, the red dragon.”
“Oh.” Natsu looked past the boar and Lucy, at the mix of old trees and young, the tiny wildflowers blooming at the base of a fallen log, the loamy soil and a flock of birds that flitted past. “We’re really in the forest of Tauschen, aren’t we?”
“Truly.” Lucy smiled. “You enjoyed the scent of a flower, admired its beauty and left it be. You ran after me into danger without hesitation. You could have left me to fend for myself. Instead of injuring the boar, you plucked me from danger. That is how you passed the test.”
“Don’t I need you to get back?” Natsu made a sickly grin. “I’ve lost track of where I am.”
“Mmrhahaha! Honesty! Another pass! He’ll make a fine guardian.” The boar leapt down from his throne. “I will see you anon my friends.”
“Fare thee well.” Lucy turned her attention back to Natsu. “It’s a lot to take in all at once, I grant you that. Let’s take it slow. You may remain in service to the Duke for as long as you desire - but you must continue on your path of enlightenment.”
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Days, weeks and months of training passed.
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The Duke revealed his perfidy slowly yet surely, making his plans to overthrow the King of Fiore. He started with small things, silencing the voice of the common man. Orland used his money and influence to crush dissent. He claimed to be making Fiore great again - but he was greatly mistaken.
The general populace had revered the personal guards of the Duke, but now they were reduced to glorified goons. Daily orders had them dragging innocent folk from their homes and imprisoning them for the slightest of crimes.
Natsu Dragneel soon relinquished his position. His personal relationship with the celestial mage grew from friendship to love. Natsu, being naturally forthright, accosted Duke Orland and challenged him openly. The prophecy had said Natsu would lead the war, and he merely ran with what Minerva had ordained.
And then, as predicted, Fiore became a battle ground. Duke Orland led mercenaries and levied serfs. As inevitable as Minerva’s words, as implacable as death, war was declared. The king, old and frail was sent away to hide. His champion, the guardian Natsu, prepared to fight.
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Captain Dan Straight didn’t care if the Duke won this skirmish or not. He would do his best, get paid, and stop fighting as soon as a winner was declared. Money was his god he liked to joke, and he’d never be unfaithful. His mercenaries, men, and women were highly skilled fighters. Today was the big push, it would be over one way or another as the oracle Minerva had prophesied.
Duke Orland scowled as he stomped over to his waiting horse. He snapped at his squire to assist his mounting. Things had gone from bad to worse and how he was going to have to kill the one person he thought was completely under his thumb. Better a dead pawn than himself dying he thought, this day would be the last for him or Natsu Dragneel.
“Captain Straight, a word with you.” Duke Jiemma Orland kicked his horse’s withers and sawed on the reins. “My guards have deserted me, give me twenty of yours.” His horse whinnied in protest.
“My Zenobian mercenaries are highly effective, I can spare you five at double their regular rate.” Dan didn’t like the Baron, but he liked the heft of the gold he’d already taken in payment. He gauged the Baron’s mood and offered, “Ten for four times the amount.”
“Agreed. We march now.” Digging in with his spurs, the Duke used the flat of his sword and swatted the rump of his horse. “Men, to me! To victory!”
“Of course.” Captain Straight kept his servile smile in place until he turned to address his mercenaries. “Who wants to earn a bonus?”
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The battlefield was smokey. Loud. Screams and cries of fear and anger came from both sides. Duke Orland had skills with the sword, but he preferred to let his subordinates take the brunt of battle. Like many men in power, he made sacrifices - and the choice was always to make the common folk suffer.
Gray Fullbuster, the former second in command of the Duke’s personal guard spotted the knot of mercenaries protecting the Duke and sent his mount charging. “Still hiding behind others I see.”
“If I have a mongrel, why would I bark?” The Duke scoffed, “Methinks you know somewhat of shame. Did you not run from my castle when that bastard called for you?”
“He’s a right bastard, I vow.” Gray sidled his horse closer. “But you are a traitor to the King.”
“Might makes right in this world, did you not know?” The Duke snapped his fingers and pointed at two of his hired swords. “You and you, make this scoundrel pay for his impertinence.” Jiemma spied pink and gold off in the distance. “I see my attention is needed elsewhere.”
He left with his reduced entourage of eight men. “Today is Dragneel’s last day. I will kill his woman and then him.”
><><><><><
“Lucy, be sure to keep near.” Natsu trusted Lucy, yes, he did - but - he did not trust the melee they found themselves inundated by. Their group, who fought to support the King of Fiore were tragically small in numbers. The Duke had conned most of the nobles, subverted them, outright lied, or politically maneuvered them into abstaining from the struggle for the throne.
“I have much in the way of assistance from my constellation companions.” Lucy reminded her paramour. “I can fight. I have been fighting for years before you woke to your guardian powers.”
Natsu had the grace to feel chagrin. “I fear my words were inopportune. You are the bravest warrior I know. It is that my happiness lies with you - a you that is whole and healthy. That damned Duke has sworn to kill you. I will be your shield.”
“He’s been hiding behind his mercenaries. Perhaps too scared to attend the party?” Lucy attempted levity. “Our forces are mighty, right is on our side, and the prophecy too.” She patted the whip secured to her hip. “My friends the spirits are formidable.”
“Yes.” Natsu took stock of his companions, all fighting on behalf of the King. So many had made sacrifices of blood, sweat, and tears. “We, together, will prevail.” Holding his sword high, he called to his allies, “For freedom! For Fiore!”
The answering cries, “For Fiore! For Fiore!” bolstered his nerves. Natsu settled his face into grim acceptance of the situation they found themselves in. Either himself or the evil Duke Orland would perish today.
><><><><><
“Aim for the woman.” Duke Orland ordered the archer. “A bonus rides on your shot. I should have killed her long ago.”
The archer nocked an arrow but hesitated. “Our men are too close, they battle all around.”
“I have the superior numbers, I can afford such a loss. Fire or you will regret disobeying me!” Orland spat his words at the mercenary.
Captain Dan Straight caught the angry gaze of the bowman, giving him a subtle nod. Battle was battle, for any and all sides - but loyalty to his own was supreme. Dan rode his horse at Orland’s mount. “Methinks you should reconsider that threat.”
“I paid good money for their blood, let it paint the ground!”
“There is no honour in perishing by friendly fire.” Dan narrowed his gaze onto the Duke. “Gold is my religion but should I allow you to murder my men with my men, I would be the most disgraceful man in the kingdom.”
“I’ll have your guts for garters!” Duke Orland sputtered. In all his many years of politicking and rousing the nobles to his side, he’d never been gainsaid thusly. “Shoot that wench!”
“You’ll have to do that yourself, without my men.” Dan withdrew a whistle from his doublet and blew three sharp blasts. Like the well-trained fighters they were, the Zenobian mercenaries stopped their attacks. They backed away and left the battle instantly.
Confused but happy, the defenders faced less enemies. Others remained, the common folk duped by the Duke. They continued to fight, throwing their lives away for the black-hearted villain. No longer outnumbered, Natsu and Lucy’s companions fought with renewed vigour.
A berserker rage descended on Orland. Through a red mist of anger, he caught sight of Lucy. The desire to kill, to maim, to obliterate the obstacle in his path prodded at the twisted soul of the Duke. Beyond human thought and consciousness, he flung himself off his horse and confronted the blonde woman. “Foul wench!”
“Foul would-be usurper!” Lucy was prepared for the sword Orland swung. She was naturally light on her feet, agile and surefooted - but the ground had been torn up from the massive hooves of the warhorses. “How dare you plot to steal the king’s throne!”
Native cunning began to percolate and ease his berserker rage. “You won’t escape me!” Orland kept plying his sword, driving Lucy towards a downed tree trunk, with its roots sticking up in the air like the splayed fingers of a corpse. “You die and then your lover dies!”
Natsu felt dread low in his stomach. He turned and saw his nightmare come to life. The Duke was menacing Lucy. Natsu was too far to intervene. “No!”
“I will kill everything that bastard loves, starting with you.”
“You could have chosen a better path.” Lucy brandished her whip, flicking at Orland’s hands and face.
“Wounds sting so briefly. I cannot be stopped with your woman’s weapon.” Orland slashed again with his sword, catching only air.
Lucy ignored the weak insults and redoubled her efforts, snatching the cursed sword from the Duke. She flung it away. “You are undone!”
“Never!” Duke Orland charged Lucy, taking his eating knife and driving it into her side. “Die, bitch.” He stepped back, gloating.
Lucy gasped, face draining of colour. She looked down at her side. Blood was seeping, saturating her corset. Her vision went blurry and then faint. She felt like she was watching herself in a tunnel at a distance.
The corner of Natsu’s mind occupied by the guardian spirit woke and whispered sana. It grew louder. Sana. It was determined and desperate. SANA.
Heart rent and utterly dismayed, Natsu struggled to restrain his emotional response. He had to save Lucy but he needed to punish the Duke. Natsu's fist clenched and muscles in his jaw twitched.
“Ha! You can’t stop me!” The Duke loomed over Lucy. “Your love won’t save you. He’s -”
One powerful flap from the cloaked red dragon’s wings bowled over all the players of the battle. Igneel assured Acnologia he would pay later for his intrusion and dissipated back to the realm of the gods, for sometimes the side of good required divine assistance.
“Sana.” The word tasted strange to Natsu but he could feel the connection between himself and Lucy growing stronger. Unnatural lethargy sapped his strength and he collapsed.
Orland scrabbled to his feet, bruised and battered from the unholy wind so suddenly conjured. Anger filled him. One more stab and that bitch would be dead. Orland clenched his fists and started walking back to confront his enemies.
><><><><><
Natsu groaned and roused minutes later. His attempt at solo magic had drained some of his energy. He staggered over to his love. Fury darkened Natsu’s eyes. Lucy had been hurt and everyone responsible for this disaster would pay. Even if he needed to kill a god, he would have vengeance. Forbidden words bubbled up in his mind, threatening to break free. He bit them back as Lucy weakly stirred in his arms. He crooned, “Shhh, take it easy.”
“I’m okay.”
“The blood you’re losing says I don’t believe you,” Natsu replied, his words having a choppy cadence. His easy-going smile was notably absent. “I will make them regret and beg for death.”
“Such a bold statement from a Guardian.” Lucy patted Natsu’s warm hand. “That is not the answer. Help me to stand…I will finish this battle with a spell.”
“I won’t risk losing you.” Natsu could feel the otherness rising again, and it agreed with the need to protect. He growled, “Not now, not ever.”
“I’m not going anywhere, so let me up.” Lucy gave in to the need to gently touch Natsu’s cheek. “I promised you all my tomorrows, no way I am giving up on our future.” Her eyes glowed. “We will clear the skies.”
Reluctantly Natsu helped Lucy stand and checked her over for any other wounds. “You sure you’re fine?”
“I swear.” Lucy smiled up at Natsu.
Touching his forehead to Lucy’s, Natsu closed his eyes and took a deep reassuring breath. She was going to be fine, or all the gods would suffer. “We can do this together.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Lucy held out her hands and when Natsu grasped them she closed her eyes. “Mighty Leo hear us, your disciple and guardian, lend us your power.”
“You don’t need to shout.” Leo brushed imaginary lint off his finely embroidered tabard. “I pleaded with you to let me join with you to battle. You were hurt because you wanted to spare me. I won’t forgive the Duke and I’ll have words for you later, mistress.”
Power began to pulsate in the immediate area surrounding Leo, the leader of the Celestial Guardians. Aquarius descended from the heavens, followed by Scorpio, followed by Aries, and the rest of the twelve upper echelons of the constellations. A host of minor guardians flitted into sudden solidity.
Both sides of the battleground halted their struggles. This was a wild and crazy occurrence. None in recent memory had witnessed such magic - and mayhap none would soon do again.
The constellation guardians made a circle around Natsu and Lucy. They all looked to Leo.
Duke Orland had been sweating profusely - and now his stomach rebelled, roiling and twisting fit to burst. “You won’t ever beat me, they are forbidden from taking a life. I have no such restraints. You -” he pointed at Natsu, “You may want to kill me, but you can’t. You would be damned to an everlasting hell. You are guardian scum and I know that is your weakness.”
“I see it more as a strength.” Natsu declared proudly. “Life should be protected. I’m a guardian and I’m blessed to have that task. I refuse to take your life, but I can give you the chance to begin again.”
“What riddles you speak.” Duke Orland waved the knife he’d so cruelly stabbed Lucy with, “I have the power, I have the might of numbers. I will kill everyone here one by one if I have to!”
“We won’t let you go that far.” Lucy linked hands with Natsu, a gentle smile on her battle-dirty face. “We are together for a purpose, mightier than we are alone.”
“I’m so scared.” Orland rolled his eyes. “Pfft. The oracle must have been delusional the day she foretold your fortune. It’s too late to stop me from conquest.”
“No. It’s too late for you, or rather, the you of this moment. Duke Jiemma Orland is dead, long live Jiemma Orland.” Lucy closed her eyes and directed the mental energy of the Celestial guardians to purge the stained soul unrepentant before them. Invisible but powerful magic pulsated in time with Natsu’s and Lucy’s heartbeats. The steady thud, thud, thud was all-encompassing, mesmerizing, and comforting.
“Purus!” This spell came from the throats of all spirits in attendance, simultaneously. The strength of will that focused the spell came from Natsu and Lucy.
Duke Jiemma Orland rocked back on his heels at the first incantation. Decades of obsession and overreaching pride fought with crazy desperation against the magic.
“Purus!” The second chant made every human drop their weapons, the weapons they held unthinkingly and without the urge to use.
“Arghhhhh! Nooooo! Damn you!” Orland held his hands to his head, unsteady on his feet, stumbling like a newborn lamb.
“Purus…” The spirits' third incantation was gentle and persuasive.
Tears ran in grimy rivulets down Jiemma’s cheeks. He sobbed, ‘no, please, no’ over and over as he collapsed to the ground in the fetal position.
Lucy and Natsu supported each other, slowly making their way to the defeated man.
“Welcome to the rest of your life, Jiemma Orland. The spirits offer you a second chance, raise your chin, see clear skies.”