Dragneel Mansion

☆*:.｡. Chapter Three .｡.:*☆

Last Time:
The porch squeaked underneath my feet. I knocked softly. The door was unlocked. I swallowed and I opened the door.

This Time:
I stared into the darkness. The only light in the entry was from a half covered window. It didn't look like anything i expected. It was clean, not broken, maintained but old fashioned. There were leather red rugs that rolled across the floor. The white amble ground had no marks or stains. The railings were a nice tint of deep chocolate brown. I wander cautiously trying to avoid any more further harm. I made my way up the stairs and I marvelled at the painting on the wall. It hung high up and was nearly twice the size of me.

It was of a beautiful woman in her teens. She had long wavy hair that flowed down to her waist. She had pink-tinted white feathers that came out of her head and rested above her ears. She sat on a chair and had perfect posture. Next to her stood, a tall, tanned, mature woman. She looked like she was in her twenties and also had beautiful blond hair that was tied up in a side ponytail. Her fringe shaped her face. They both wore exotic styled clothing. The woman standing had a bunch of keys, a sword, and a pocket knife by her side. The women had strange tattoos on their hands. The woman sitting also possessed weapons.

They looked familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I turned to the right and paced up the stairs. I stumble when I miss the last step. I realise I'm falling. I brace for the impact, crossing my arms against my chest and squeezing my eyes shut.
But the pain didn't come. I notice that I'm being held by something fuzzy and warm. A low groan rumbles behind me. I spin around and see a muscular, furry half man and half dog... No a wolf.

"Eek!?" I shriek as I leap back, landing uncomfortably on my foot. I whence in pain and land on my butt. (A/N: Buttocks...*giggle*). The wolf-man came over and helped me up. "Who are you and why are you in here? It's off limits." The man questioned in a growling sort of voice.

"Lucy Heartfilia. I need a place to rest for the night and maybe some first aid care." I respond lifting my numb, purple ankle. "Heartfilia. Did you just say Heartfilia? The Hearfilia!?" He asked shocked. "Do you know my family name? Or am I that famous?" I joke.

"Come right this way, Lucy-san. We'll get you treated right away. By the way, I'm Gray Fullbuster but, you can call me Gray. Can you promise after your rest, to meet with our elders and our leaders of the new generation, please?" Gray requests politely.
"No need to be so formal, Gray. Call me Lucy. Sure, I'll meet with your elders and leaders later." I accept.

Gray P.o.v
When on my patrol duty laps around the mansion, I hear a door shutting and quiet footsteps with thuds between them. I classify it as suspicious and head to check it out.
I find a human climbing the stairs. Ugh, the word rolls off your tongue. I storm over to it but it starts leaning backwards. I rush over to catch it. I now have it in my arms.
It's surprisingly cooler than normal body temp. Even for me. I interrogate her and discover she's Lucy Heartfilia... Heartfilia?! I thought the promise was fake. I need to show her to elder Gramps. But if Gramps sees her, they will want to see her too.

I offer to help her and let her lean on me. I take Lucy to the first aid area. Seems nurse Lissanna is out. I lay her down and assess her condition. Her body is numbingly cold but her face is boiling with a fever. Her ankle is bruised a dark purple and she's made it worse. Her breathing is quickening and her heart rate too. She's starving and not as hygienic as you'd want to be.

"G-Gray-y." Lucy stutters. Her hand falls heavily onto the bed. She passed out and her condition is worsening. I need to get help. No one would forgive me if I let a Hearfilia die.