Keeping Secrets

Footprints Of Thunder

Welcome to this week's chapter!

So, I know I told a few of you lovely readers that we'd be back to the opening scene in chapter 19... well, problem is, I got through about half of what I wanted to write for this chapter and saw my word count was 6700 words... so I split the chapter into two. So, we'll be back to the opening scene in chapter 20, hopefully.

Hope y'all enjoy!

KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 18: FOOTPRINTS OF THUNDER

Natsu stood at the main doors of the Imperial Palace, tapping his foot, waiting for Zeref. He said to meet him at 9:30 sharp... It was now 9:35. "Make sure you're not late, he says..." Natsu muttered to himself. The very next moment, as if hearing Natsu's complaints, the palace's massive doors swung open and Zeref, Invel, and August stepped through the doorway. All three of them looked very surprised to see Natsu.

"About time! I was starting to think I was gonna have to come hunt you down myself!" Natsu said, obviously irritated.

Zeref smiled lightheartedly in response. "I think I speak for everyone else when I say we're surprised we didn't have to come hunt you down. The only reason we took our time getting here was because we were sure you'd be late."

Natsu looked offended. "What makes you think that?"

"You don't want us to answer that, Your Highness." Invel said, flatly. Natsu scowled in response, and, with a hint of a smile forming on the Winter General's face, Invel continued, "That said, we wanted to see both of you off and wish you safe travels..." However, Invel's serious gaze returned as he said, "And remind both of you to check your communication lacrimas frequently in case of emergency."

"If you're reminding both of us, why are you just glaring at me then?" Zeref asked his chief of staff.

"Now, do I really need to answer that, Your Majesty?"

Zeref sighed. "I suppose not."

Nodding and then offering a slight bow, Invel said, "Safe travels. We look forward to both of your returns."

August opened his mouth to say something but was cut off by a loud, abrasive shout. "Hey! Boss!" The group turned to find Jackal holding himself up against one of the massive doors, panting and clearly out of breath. "I wanted to... ugh... say...gaaahahhhh! My head hurts!" He grasped his head as he flailed about.

Natsu laughed. "Guess that was your first time drinking, huh? And that would make this your first hangover!"

Jackal, having finally calmed down, looked up at Natsu. "What?! But I tried to be responsible! I watched Lord Invel and didn't drink any more than he did!"

"My drinks were nonalcoholic." Invel said flatly.

"Wait, that's a thing?! No fair!!!" Jackal cried. Even Zeref and August were struggling not to laugh at his distress.

Sighing, Invel said, "Jackal, are you here just to complain about your poor life choices or were you hoping to see His Majesty and His Highness off?"

Jackal grumbled something under his breath but nodded. "Yeah. Save travels, Your Majesty." He said waving at Zeref. He turned to Natsu and smiled. "Safe travels boss! I..." Jackal turned away, and voice lower, continued, "I'm gonna miss you. It's gonna be lonely as hell without you here."

Natsu smiled. "You could always take this as a chance to make friends with Larcade!"

Jackal spun around, furious look on his face. "Larcade?! HELL NO! I'd rather blow myself up again!" And with that, Jackal marched back off inside.