Ruthless Winds and Raging Seas

Chapter 24

Natsu and Lucy walked down the cave looking for the legendary Capricorn.

"I wonder what this capricorn thing looks like." Natsu said.

"My mother once told me a story about the capricorn. She said that it was a large goat like creature with a fish tail." Lucy said.

"Okay so it's basically a goat fish?"

"I think it's more detailed than that."

"Wonder why it chose to live in this place."

"I don't know but according to my mother they're supposed to be very serious and not very emotional."

"I don't care what it's personality is as long as we can get it's horn."

"Won't taking it's horn hurt it?"

"I'm sure the horn will grow back."

They walked for quite some time until at last they reached the center of the cave where there sat a very large, white, and serious looking goat creature with fish features. It was the capricorn.

"Who goes there?" He called.

"Let me handle this." Natsu told Lucy. He then stepped forward to the capricorn. "Hello uh...Mr. Capricorn, I'm Captain Natsu."

"Humans are not welcome in my cave. Be gone before I call upon a tide to wash you away."

"Hey I don't want any trouble."

"What do you want?"

"I'll be out of your hair as soon as you give me one of your horns."

"Why should I give you one of my sacred horns? You're just a filthy human pirate."

"Hey I'm not filthy!"

"Nevertheless I cannot give you my horn for you are not worthy of receiving such a treasure."

"If you won't cough it up I'll just take it."

"Lay one finger on me and I'll see to it that you drown."

"Can't we just come to an agreement?" Lucy asked walking forward.

The capricorn looked at Lucy in a rather strange way. He became silent and his eyes scanned her entire face and body. At long last he brought broke the silence and spoke.

"Human woman, what is your name?"

"Lucy." The blonde answered. "Lucy Heartfilia."

"Heartfilia? Do you have any relation to Layla Heartfilia?"

"She's my mother. How do you know her?"

"She once did me a great service. Long ago I used to live in a different cave until it collapsed and trapped me under the rocks. She found me and helped me escape, I promised to one day return the favor but she died before I could. I shall reward her by helping you, what is it you wish?"

"If you please, give me one of your horns."

"Very well." The capricorn then tore off his right horn and handed it to her.

"Thank you." She said.

"Hey goat fish you wouldn't happen to know how to get out of here would you?" Natsu asked.

"Go back the way you came, when the Roc sees the horn I have given you he'll realize you two are allies of mine so it will spare you."

"Thanks."

Natsu quickly hurried back to where they started. Lucy would have followed immediately but before leaving she wanted to know if this creature knew anything else about her mother.