The Elemental Sorceress

Chapter Seventeen

CHAPTER — SEVENTEEN

Journey for the Keys [1]

Nova and Lucy arrive in Hargeon rather quickly. Once they exit the train, the brunette begins leading them towards a small cafe. She notices that Lucy lights up at the sight of it.

"Man, it's just food. You can't be that hungry, can you?" Nova snorts elbowing her friend lightly.

Lucy sniffles and shakes her head, "This is where I first met Natsu. We came here after he saved me from some creep using charm magic."

Nova smiles at the girl's words, "That's sweet, you must really love him."

Lucy's face turns bright red as she begins denying the accusation. It makes Nova laugh and shake her head. The feelings between the pair were obvious to anyone with eyes. Though it would probably be a while before either of them admitted anything.

"Alright, let's go eat. Our boat leaves in about an hour, best to get some decent food in before sailing the ocean for several days."

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After they have their fill they find their way to a decent-sized ship. It wasn't any ordinary ship though, it belonged to a band of pirates. "Uhm... not to discredit you or anything but, is this safe?" Lucy looks rather nervous staring up at the large black boat.

Nova grins shrugging, "They owe me a few favors, we'll be okay. It's only for three days 'til we reach another island anyways."

"Th-three days?!"

Nova puts a hand on her shoulder, "I promise that everything will be okay. No matter what I will protect you." The look in her eyes is fierce and determined.

Lucy's mouth opens slightly as she stares up at Nova. She knew that the woman cared deeply for all her friends but...the declaration made her feel warm and safe. "Okay." She smiles brightly at her friend and begins to board the ship.

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The crew of the ship is rather friendly and begins telling stories as they sit around a table. Everyone is drinking ale and having a good time together. It was their first night at sea after all.

Kiren the young captain of the ship leans in and looks at Lucy. "Has Nova told ya why we're good mates? It's quite the tale."

Lucy shakes her head, "She just said that you owe her a few favors."

He lets out of howl of laughter at that response. "A few favors? I owe this woman my damn life!" Kiren throws an arm around Nova's shoulder, squeezing her to his side.

"It's not that great, Kiren." Nova rolls her eyes with a huff. She turns away to hide her bright red cheeks.

Kiren begins to recall his story, capturing everyone's attention.

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Kiren's boat crashes against a beach shore, burning under the night sky. Another ship attacked them and set it on fire while trying to steal their loot. Before they could board he began sailing away even with flames eating away at the old wooden planks. The crew immediately jumps to the shore and watched as the flames rise higher. Their entire life's work was going up in smoke. It was painful to watch their livelihood be destroyed in front of them.