I'll Save You

It's Only The First Day

    I was gasping for breath and my muscles were already starting to ache. I was covered in grime and sweat and my body begged for a shower. The sun was starting to set which meant I still had a few more hours left to train. After I came across this little training field I had summoned Loke and told him everything I had learned about Hoshi no Kakikae. I asked if he knew anything about the curse or the scar. He disappointedly said that only the celestial spirit king knows about the details and side affects of the spell and that I will have to ask him personally.

    First, training started simply with Capricorn. The key focus of his training was to meditate and relax while also being hyper-aware of surroundings. He would create sounds (the snap of a twig, knock on a tree, foot steps, etc.) and I had to pinpoint exactly where they were blind folded while maintaining a calm, reflexed structure. It was a frustrating, but I know it would help in the long-run; it will help me always be aware of my surroundings without being tense and I'm guard all of the time. Capricorn also helped with hiding my aura and learning when to release it to surprise my opponents.

    Virgo helped me with weapon techniques. I had gotten my new whip and since I had already mastered it, we moved on to different weapons. For now, the weapons I'm learning how to use are throwing knives, a bō staff, and a katana. The chances of me actually using these are unlikely since I have my star dresses, but this is for the cases I might not be able to use my magic. Virgo's training was tough; I had blisters on my hands that had already opened and even a few shallow cuts. Virgo was relentless with her training which I'm grateful for, it just means I'll be able to improve faster.

    Which brings me to now. My last few hours of the day are with Loke and his mostly consisted of hand to hand combat without magic for today. I quickly got up from the ground and raced towards him. I dodged a punch from him and quickly ducked down in an attempt to punch his stomach. Loke quickly side stepped and flipped me on my back. I felt the air leave my lungs when my back made contact with the ground. I shot a glare at him while he just laughed.

    "Your move was too predictable and you were too slow. That gives you twenty push-ups and sit ups." I groan at this. Every time I failed he would give some sort of punishment, which was practically every time I attempted to fight him. I quickly did what he asked which took a lot longer considering my muscles were shaking from exhaustion. It was only the first day of training and my body already felt like shit. "You look exhausted. Do you want to retire for today? We'll pick up tomorrow."

    I shook my head, "No! Just one more time. I need to succeed at beating you at least once today."

    I see him smirk, "Who say's you'll beat me this time, princess?" Loke says with a teasing glint in his eyes.

    I quickly jump onto my feet and go back into a fighting stance. I slow my breathing and relax my shoulders. We stand there for a few seconds, each refusing to make the first move. At the same time, we both sprint forward. If I'm going to beat him, I'll need to surprise him. When I'm about two feet away from him, I pretend I'm going to jump. He reacts on extinct and goes to block his face. While he does this, I duck down low and swipe my feet from under him. He falls down and I can't help but smile to myself. This was the farthest I've gotten all day.

    I let my guard down for a split second, and just like that, I'm on the ground for what seemed like the thousandth time that day. I slam my fist down in frustration at losing, again.

    "Never let your guard down, princess. But I must compliment you, you surprised even me with that attack. Good job." I sit upright and cross my legs. I lightly scuff at his compliment; after all, I still lost. If this was a member of Death Wish I would have been killed.

    "Thanks. Can we go again?" I asked even though it was getting hard to stand at this point. I needed to get better, a little muscle pain wasn't going to stop me.

    Loke slightly shakes his head much to my dismay. "Sorry Lucy, but I think you're done with training for today. You're tired, and you need to sleep." I wanted to protest, saying I probably won't get much sleep anyways, but Loke made it clear that he was done for the day and I didn't have the energy to argue with the Lion spirit.

    I numbly nod and say thank you. I get up and wave goodbye to Loke as he disappears into the spirit realm. Luckily, This area is only about a fifteen minute walk from my house, and a fairly easy one at that, too. It's just pass nine so by time I take a shower and eat something it should be around ten thirty. With that in my mind, I start walking with the yearning of a shower.

    "Woah. What happened to you?" I open the door to see Natsu and Happy sitting on my bed. I mentally sigh; I should've expected this.

    "Training." I grumbled out, "What are you doing here?" I ask while gathering my pajamas and a towel for my shower.

    "We were bored."

    "And hungry." Happy adds.

    I rub my temples before releasing a sigh, "Fine, fine. Let me take a quick shower and then I'll prepare us some dinner. There's some fish in the fridge, so you can have that whenever you want Happy. Please don't cause any trouble, I'm to tired to deal with your shenanigans right now." I say as I walk towards to the bathroom.

    "Aye! Thanks Lushi!"

    "Yeah, Thanks Luce!"

    "Yeah, yeah. Whatever." I tell them as I shut the bathroom and prepare for a long-needed shower.

    When I step out, my muscles are much more relaxed but still sore. I know for a fact that in the morning I'll have some nasty bruises. My legs are still shaky and all I want to do is sleep, but the grumble of my stomach (and Natsu's) tells me I have to prepare something for dinner. I decide to make some Takoyaki since it was simple and easy.

    Once I finish, Natsu and I sit at the dining table and start to eat. Happy is sleeping at the end of my bed already had eaten some fish.

    "Thanks, Lucy! It's delicious!" Natsu praises me before stuffing some more into his face.

    I watch with mild amusement and let out a giggle, "You're welcome."

    "So how was a training?"

    "Hell." I puff out before shoving some food into my face. Finishing, I stand up and gather bother our dishes and clean them.

    "I can tell. What made you get all of those cuts from?"

    "Virgo thought it would be a good idea to practice with knives." I say sarcastically. Not really happy with the fact that they're still slightly stinging. I had to have at least twenty.

    "What made you want to start training anyways?" Right when he asks that, I start brushing my teeth. He waits patiently for me to finish.

    Once I finish with brushing my teeth I grab my hair brush and start brushing my hair before answering, "Curious as ever, aren't we?" He doesn't look amused with my answer and stays quiet expecting me to add on. I put the brush down and walk over to my bed and sit down next to the sleeping form of Happy. Natsu follows and sits next to me. I'm too tired to even notice how close we are. "I just want to get stronger, that's all." I whisper out before crawling under the covers. I'm not lying to him when I say I want to get stronger. I just don't tell him why I want to get stronger.

    Natsu turns off the lights and I feel the depths of sleep pulling at me. I try to fight it; not wanting to face the nightmares, but I eventually give in.

    I hardly even register Natsu crawling into bed next me. Draping an arm around me in a protecting embrace. I couldn't even bring myself to care because I felt something I haven't felt in a long time...

    Safe.