Starchild (Fairy Tail) (NaLu)

Chapter Five: Maiyumi

I hope everyone had happy holidays! As always, special thanks to everyone who reads, votes, and comments. 

Also, at this point in the story, I think it's safe to estimate that this book (since it is first in a series) will have roughly about 15 chapters, give or take. 

Enjoy!

XOXOXO

The sun beat down onto the back of Lucy's neck, and she found herself swiping her hand across her forehead every now and then to rid herself of sweat. 

She hadn't expected the weather to be so harsh, and she certainly hadn't remembered it ever being so way back when she had lived in the area. 

The streets of her hometown were crowded, much like the train station had been, making it nearly impossible for Lucy to tell where she was going. It was like she was being swept away with what felt like a giant wave of civilians that had formed. 

"This isn't getting me anywhere." She sighed to herself, tugging her suitcase along behind her. 

She peered through the crowd, searching for an outlet that would allow her to go off to the side, away from the hustle and bustle that had overtaken her once temperate home. 

Up ahead in the distance, she spotted a small cafe that didn't seem at first glance to be incredibly packed, and she set her course to it immediately. 

If the crowd would just stop pushing and shoving.

"Excuse me." She muttered on repeat as if the casual saying were a mantra as she did her best to wiggle through the gathering of people. 

Lucy finally caught a break the nearer she got to the cafe, and breathed a sigh of relief as she made her way to the door.

It was decorated beautifully on the inside - something she didn't expect based off of her outward first impression of the place. Decorations lined the walls in delicate patterns, and the air smelt strongly of cinnamon.

In a way, Lucy noted, it almost smelt like home. 

"Can I help you?" A polite voice broke Lucy out of her observations.

She glanced in front of her, taking notice of the front counter and the pretty, chestnut haired woman that stood behind it.

Lucy walked up to her, thinking. She wasn't particularly hungry, but she figured that something caffeinated definitely couldn't hurt. She needed something to boost her alertness.

"Coffee, please," She nodded, "Only a little cream, and an extra boost, if you have it."

The lady smiled at her, "In need of extra energy, huh?"

Lucy smiled, "You could say that."

Lucy watched as the woman flitted about, preparing her order. Silence settled upon them, in which Lucy took notice of the cafe's vacancy. 

With so many people outside, it seemed a bit strange that there was nobody else who had decided to stop by. But what did she know? For all she knew, she could be about to be handed the worst cup of coffee of her life. 

Something inside of her screamed at her to be cautious. Another part told her she was being ridiculous. She had just watched the woman make her coffee, after all.

The woman made an about face, the steaming cup of coffee in her hands. 

"That'll be 400 jewel." She smiled as she set the cup down on the counter.

Lucy pulled her wallet out, handing over the money, before taking the cup into her hands.

She debated taking the coffee with her on the road, but decided against it. It was too hot out there for the steaming beverage in her hands, at least in the cafe it was slightly chilled.