400 years

15

As the men's voices vanished in the distance, they joked about those responsible won't live long to regret it.

"Everyone is relived to have our Lord back. But we won't rest until those bastards are caught."

'They won't live long to regret it..' the words played in my head, I couldn't share in either men's relief. The thought of killing wasn't my forte.. I was reminded of a well-known phrase from school 'What does Natsu do to the bird that won't sing? He kills it.' This thought made me uneasy.

Sting peered at my face. "Your quiet all of sudden, why?"

"Not to worry, I'm not plotting anything." I huffed the words, trying to shake off my unsettling feeling.

Suddenly a man came running our way, he was pale as if he'd seen a ghost. Breathing hard the vessel heaved his words. "Sir! I'd just gotten report from the scouts in the east! One of the regional Daimyo has decided to revolt!"

Sting's face turned grim. "Lucy, come. We need to relay the message to Lord Natsu."

"Wait, we? I'm coming too?" Without answering me Sting led me back to the audience room. Where Natsu took the news with strange satisfaction.

Natsu's faces curled into a grin. "Bastards don't plan on letting me rest. Bet they think I've been weakened. Heh."

I only grasped the gists of the report and yet I was sweating with fear, but he sat smiling.. Revolt, revenge, and possible war. 'Maybe this is why they called him the king of the Demons.' While I was lost in my thoughts the room was in a uproar, over who'd  be going to deal with the revolt. After a tense moment Natsu stood up, catching my attention, my eyes followed his movement.

"I shall go." Natsu declared.

Surprise crossed Stings face, while Rogue's seemed disappointed. Everyone was initially surprised, I could see why. The job of leader is to guide from afar.

"Why?" Romeo questioned.

"My Lord, this opponent is hardly worthy to face you. He commands a force of only 2,000 men." Gray knitted his brow.

But Natsu sat back, with a cocky smirk. "I'll only need 500, Human or beast."

"That's to risky!" Romeo exclaimed, with worry. You could tell his young age at the sound of cracked voice.

'Seriously!? He could rally ten times that amount! Why would he put himself at a disadvantage?' My shock and curiosity had me staring at Natsu, searching his eyes. But the cold green, was solid onyx, giving away nothing. He turned to me, having caught me staring, he smirked.

And withou missing a beat, Natsu included me.. "Lucy, you'll come too."

"Wha-" before I could protest Sting quickly voiced his own opinion. "My Lord, I'm not sure if that'd be wise-"

Natsu raised his hand to cut off his complaint. Still looking at me Natsu continued.. "I've made my decision. So here's your chance to bring me luck again, Lucy."

"N-no way.. you truly think I'm going to bring you luck!? Against swords, arrows and whatever else?"

"Yes, now prepare yourself. We leave before sunset."

Before I could protest any further, Natsu strode past me. Leaving me shocked while the others talked amongst themselves. Romeo then approached me..

"Lucy, was it? (He let out an exasperated Sigh.) you need to get one thing straight. Natsu's orders are absolute. That goes double for pushovers like you."

"But he's talking about war. I don't-"

Once again my attempt to protest caught Sting's unwanted attention as he scolded me. "This is no more than a skirmish. Besides, being able to obverse is a rare opportunity."

"Whatever! This isn't a picnic and I'm not going!"

Sting grabbed me by the hand and dragged me out of the audience chamber. "Stop fussing and come on!"

"Sting, quit it! Let go-"