Vermillion's Cub

Chapter 21: When I Failed

Chapter 21: When I Failed

Fuegoleon had left Leopold to clean up and give his condolences as he forcefully dragged a limp Natsu back home. If it wasn't for his own magical attribute then he would have surely been burned from the temperature of her skin. His sister had told him about this happening and how she handled it, he needed to get her to cool off. To say he was furious was an understatement, it was going so well, he didn't know what went wrong nor why she was set off, it was so sudden.

The whole way back Fugeoleon hadn't said a word, and he hadn't looked at her either, he was mad that much she knew. Natsu didn't mean to cause such a ruckus. It was like her mana had a mind of its own and when she got angry it only got worst. She peeked up, staring at the back of her dad's head. She could feel the rage seeping off him, but she didn't say anything.

Upon making it home he handed her off to the nearest maid, "Whatever you do, don't touch her, just get her into a cold bath. Then send her to bed." He demand then walked away without another word. It was the first thing he said since they left the ballroom and it sounded cold, colder than Nozel looked.

The maid nodded and directed me to a nearby bathroom. She tried to keep her distance, she stayed about a foot away from her mistress and even then it was really warm, so warm it felt like she was near a volcano. The maid left her to get undressed while she ran the cold water, it didn't take long seeing as she didn't need to heat it. A knock soon interrupted her, not waiting for an answer, Lady Adallai calmly walked in, she had on a green shaw that she used as a coat over her gown. "I'm sorry but could you step out? I can take care of Natsu." the maid bowed and informed her of the child's whereabouts, giving her the same warning that Fugeoleon had told her before leaving. Adallai bent down and stuck her hand in the water before hissing back, it was frigid. She reached over to crank up the heat when a dead voice interrupted her. "It's to cool me down," Natsu stated.

Adallai stood up giving the girl a sympathetic smile. Natsu was out of her dress and now had a robe, her hands were bare and clutched shut. One thing that hadn't changed during her time in the capital, Natsu still didn't like getting naked in front of strangers so she figured she would get in the water while wearing the white robe.

"Honey, are you okay?" Adallai asked, stepping to the side to give the young girl access to the water. Natsu didn't say anything but instead walked up to the side of the tub. The instant her skin touched the water, Adallai flinched back, the sound was like a blacksmith submerging their newest creation in water, it was a loud sizzle that got louder as Natsu sat in the tub. The water started bubbling around the girl and steam started rising.

Holding her hand just over the top of the water, it was now a hot bath. "I'm going to drain it then run more water okay?" Adallai asked, once again Natsu didn't say anything. Draining the water, then ran it again. It took a few seconds to fill the tube again, but in almost an instant it was boiling. Figuring it wasn't going to work, Adallai drained it and kept the water running. She grabbed a cup, filled it, then proceeded to pour it over the girl's head. Natsu didn't protest so Adallai took it as a sign to keep doing that.

After a few moments and many gallons of ice-cold water, Adallai gently touched Natsu's knee, it was warm but much more manageable. Silently running the hand over her forehead, it felt like a little more than a high fever, the wet hair was still soaked and a few strands stuck to her forehead. "I think a few more and you will be all good." She said, offering a small smile.

Instantly, Adallai noticed the young girl's breath pick up. "Sweety?" she asked while holding a new cup, getting ready to pour it. Showing the first signs of life, Natsu quickly brought her hands to her mouth and she visibly started gagging. Adallai quickly looked around, her eyes catching a bucket in the corner. Jumping up she placed it under Natsu's nose just in time. As soon as she had the bucket Natsu spilled anything and everything her stomach held. A calm and soothing hand ran up and down her back while another held her hair, after a few minutes of emptying her stomach the force finally stopped. Her belly constricted a few times but there was nothing left to expel. Taking a few shaky breaths, She nodded and Adallai took the bucket away, wiping her mouth with a cloth.