The story is back in Lucy's point of view!

Enjoy <3

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We spent four days trudging through the forest. It rained almost every day and night. During sleep we'd huddle under a tree or in a cave to stay out of the warmth. I wasn't used to it all, and my back ached from sleeping on the hard dirt surface. For food, Natsu would hunt all different types of small animals, while Happy would hunt for fish every chance he got. It wasn't the best meal to have, especially for a Princess who grew up in a luxurious palace, but it's all we had. I just hope we'll end up passing a village nearby. The thought of even a simple room and cot was all I needed at the moment.

Even days were difficult for me, I'd have to stop every now and then to gain my footing. Every day, I'd stumble during our long hike through the forest, my feet aching in every step. But even through my clumsiness, Natsu never showed any sign of annoyance nor Happy.

"Where are we?" I ask when we reach a big clearing on the fourth day. We were in a clearing near a cliff overlooking the ocean.

"West of the Kingdom," Natsu replies, his right hand on his sword's hilt, "I think there is a village nearby but I am not sure."

"And where are we heading to now?" I question. Clearly he had a plan, by the way he was taking us.

"To my home village," He tells me, handing me some leftover meat from last night, "It will be our sanctuary for the time being until we will decide on what we will do concerning your safety."

"Is it safe?"

"Very much," He smiles softly, "Our island is well secluded and is protected with magic barriers. No one can go in or out unless permitted or part of the clan."

"I see," I take small bites of my meal, "How long will it take to arrive?"

"A little more than a month if we walk the whole time," Natsu responds while devouring his food, "But if we mannage to find horses or even a carriage, it will take less time. We'll have to look for lodging during our travel, but it will be tricky."

I nod and continue to eat.

"I found fish!" Happy suddenly flies into the clearing and lands beside me, "Enough to last for a few days!" His little black eyes brightening in excitement.

"Here let me cook them!" Natsu suggests, about to grab the fish.

"What?! No way!" Happy screams and holds the fish to his chest, "Their better eaten raw!"

"Not for me or the Princess," Natsu responds in a calm voice, "At least let us each have one and you can have the rest," He crosses his arm and gives Happy a look.

"Fine..." Happy grumbles, handing him two of the fish, sitting back down. He bit into one of his leftover fish in anger.

"Thanks, buddy!" Natsu grins.

"It's not like I had a choice," The poor cat huffs while rolling his eyes.

The day went on smoothly and soon we were back on the road. I had a cloak around my shoulders that Natsu found in the forest. It was black and covered most of my body. He insisted I wear the hood to hide my face. No one could know my identity, for now we knew who was our friend or who was our enemy. I was exhausted, the last two days tired me out immensely and I could barely walk.

A big stone stands in the middle of the road, causing me to fall clumsily onto the road. My left knee hits what seems to be a small pointy rock and I hiss in pain. Happy flies down and places his paw on my shoulder, "Lushie! Are you alright?"

"I-I think so..., but I think I injured my knee." Grimacing with pain that's coming from my kneecap, I try to stand up but the sharpness of the injury is too much to bare and I cry out.

"Natsu! Lushie's injured!" Happy calls, while looking at me with worry and doesn't leave my side.

"Princess!" Natsu's booming voice says with worry, in a blink of an eye, he's next to me. His calloused hands on my shoulders, while he looks down at me, "Where were you injured?"

"M-my left knee..."

"Mind if I take a look?"

I shake my head, sitting down a rock nearby and bring out my left leg more. With hesitant fingers, Natsu lifts up the bottom of my dress. I blush slightly, never having a man look at my leg before other than the Royal doctor of course.

My eyes widen when I notice the big bruise on my knee. It's purple and there's slight blood seeping out. Damn! That was one nasty fall.

"Does it hurt?" He asks, touching it lightly.

"Y-yes," I flinch at the contact.

"And how much does it hurt now?" Natsu places his thumb on the bruise, adding a bit more pressure. I yelp, the sharp pain ten times worse, "Looks like you hurt yourself bad," He smirks, "Still clumsy as ever, eh Princess?"

My face turns red, "S-shut u-up! It's not like I asked for this to happen!"

He laughs, "I'm just teasing you, Princess. Chill."

I grit my teeth in annoyance. Dammit! Even after all this time, he still finds a way to get on my nerves! Ugh! What an ass!

Tearing the bottom of his shirt with his teeth, Natsu quickly wraps the ripped fabric around my bruised cut, tying it tightly. I grimace at the tightness and pressure. But t's better than having my cut exposed.

"I'm going to carry you on my back," He tells me a moment later.

I gulp, "What?"

Natsu smirks, "Unless you'd rather walk of course...it will be very painful though."

I roll my eyes, "Fine.." Grumbling, I wait until he crouches in front of me. Grabbing a hold of his shoulders, I push myself up until I'm somewhat situated comfortably on his back.

"Hold on tightly Princess," Natsu instructs me, "But only put pressure on your right leg, so the injury won't become worse."

I nod, even though he can't see me and I do what he asks. Once he stands up, Natsu continues walking with Happy flying beside us. His little wings making flapping noises against the wind. The weather becomes much worse as we continue our hike. The air becomes much more cold and the winds blow in our faces. I gasp when the cold digs into my skin and I bury my head against the back of Natsu's neck.

"Are you cold, Princess?"

"Y-yeah.."

"Don't worry, we'll find shelter soon. I'm positive there is a village nearby."

"A warm room and bed does sound nice," Happy sighs, "I really hate this terrible cold."

"And a wagon or horse would be nice too," Natsu grumbles, "It's hard carrying a heavy Princess on your back."

I smack his shoulder, "I heard that, you know!"

"I know, it was my intention."

I grit my teeth, "Why yo-."

"Will you two stop your bickering?" Happy interrupts, "I think your wish came true Natsu!"

"Huh?" We both look up when we hear his words. Sure enough a carriage comes into view from the path to our right. It's big and brown, driven by a man and a woman.

"It's a carriage!"

"Yes, I see that," Natsu squints his eyebrows.  

"Cover your face!" He whispers to me, before placing me down, "And wait for me here!" He sprints towards the carriage just as it comes close to our spot and waves his arms, "Excuse me, sir!"

The carriage stops a few feet away.

"Yes, young lad?" The man asks.

"Sorry to bother you, sir, but is there a town nearby?" Natsu bows politely, "My sister and I are in need of a ride to the next town. You see, she recently was injured and cannot walk too long of a distance."

Sister? I snort quietly, lets see how long that lasts! We look nothing alike!

The man looks at the woman for a moment and she gives a nod, "Yes of course, lad," He replies,  hopping off the carriage, "We would never turn down a request like that, especially if a young girl such as your sister is injured."

"Thank you so much, sir!"

Natsu shakes his hand before coming over to fetch me, "Your going to have to lean on me while I take you to the carriage."

I nod and stand up, hissing at the pain. He puts his arm around my shoulders and guides me to the carriage. Happy nervously flying beside us.

"Sister?" I chuckle while we walk.

Natsu grimaces, "It's the first thing that came to my mind. Just go with it. And if they ask for your name, make one up." I nod, and continue to cling to him as we walk towards the young couple.

"Here, let me help you," The woman smiles at me and helps me climb onto the carriage. She has short light brown hair and brown eyes, "What's your name, dear?"

"Layla," I quickly lie.

Uh...I hope it was smart to use my mother's name. But it was the only one that came to mind...hopefully no one will notice.

"Nice to meet you, Layla." She smiles warmly at me, "I'm Elie, and this man over here is my husband, Haru." He nods at me, before climbing back into the front seat. Natsu jumps on right after and immediately sits next to me. Happy swoops down from above and settles between us, his little wings folding neatly behind his back.

"The next village is a day's journey, your lucky you ran into us or it would have taken you longer," Haru tells us, "I'll drive you all the way there, but after that, you're on your own."

"Thank you, sir. We appreciate it." Natsu responds, his hands nestled comfortably behind his head.

A day huh? At least it's better than walking. I'm so looking forward to a warm room a comfortable bed. And real food!

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Hope you all enjoyed! I stayed up late working on this 😂

But it's not like I have anything else to do other than online classes and homework 🙂

So I thought I would treat you guys and post another chapter!

Bye ! I hope you have a good day or night! ✌️❤️

Date published: March 29, 2020
Word count: 1661