When I woke up I immediately began to cough. I moved and quickly covered my mouth with my arm, sitting up as I attempted to breathe between coughs and a rough feeling settled into my throat. When I peeked my eyes open again after my little coughing fit I realized Natsu was up beside me, looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"I told you that you would catch a cold, Luce..." he shook his head and I pursed my lips. He got up and pulled on an open vest, made of brown material that was lined by a golden hem. His white pants still hung by his belt and he was barefoot as he opened the door, stepping out before closing it. I collapsed back on the pillows as my golden hair spilled around me. I was on my side, resting my head on one hand while the other rested over my side under the covers. I coughed gently but it passed rather quickly. The door reopened and a smaller girl with beautiful long blue hair stepped in with a steaming cup.

"Hello Miss Lucy, I'm Wendy, the Sky Medic for Fairy Tail. I'm sorry we had to meet like this," she approached the bed. I sat up and she held out the glass. "I put together a herbal blend that should clear up your illness shortly. Thankfully we caught it early on, I wouldn't want you falling seriously ill," she sighed after I took the glass and sat on the edge of the bed while I drank down the surprisingly pleasant liquid. When I drew the glass from my lips I handed it back to her.

"Um, Wendy? Could I ask you something?" I stopped her as she began to stand back up. I wasn't sure when I would be able to ask someone about how Natsu got his hands on his sword without him finding out about my inquiry, so I ought to try now.

"What is it, Miss Lucy?" She sat back down beside me and looked at me with curiosity.

"H-how did Natsu manage to get his sword? That is one of the rarest metals in the land..." I murmur my question hesitantly. Wendy sighed as she stood back up; her hair swinging as she did so.

"You should ask the Captain himself, I'm sure he would tell you. He seems to have taken an interesting liking to you anyway," she looked back at me with a kind smile before walking out and closing the door silently. I stared after her, slightly in shock and slightly from amusement.

"This crew of yours, Natsu, it gets more interesting with every person I meet..." I whisper to myself as I doze off sitting up against the wall. When my eyes reopen I find myself coughing rather roughly. I lean forward as it worsens and I hear the door open.

"Lucy, are you alright?" a concerned voice breaks through the coughing and I nod as my body trembles. When I quiet down I look up to see Erza standing above me. She handed me a glass of water which I thankfully took from her. I felt--and looked--relieved after swallowing the cool water.

"How are you feeling?" She asked as I handed her the cup.

"I'm feeling alright, I should be fine really soon," I give her a small smile as my voice comes out slightly raspy.

"That's good. I'll bring you food soon, you need to eat as well. It's already past high noon," her voice held concern. I nod in agreement, my stomach rumbling as if to prove her point. I laughed softly and she joined me shortly before leaving to fetch a little food for me to eat. My mind wandered a little and I wondered where Natsu was, and what he was doing while I was cooped up in his room. I didn't have long to wonder though, because Erza returned quickly with a plate of food. We talked while I ate and she told me how most of the people on the crew where just looking for a family, had strayed from the right path a little or they just wanted to have a little more freedom than the average person. But, no matter what their past was, everyone was accepted and fiercely loyal to one another.

"You where lucky that you snuck onto Fairy Tail and not some other ship, but I have reason to believe we would have crossed paths somehow either way." her words struck me slightly. I quietly nod to her with a small smile while she stands, taking my now empty plate. I utter a soft 'thank you' before laying back down, staring up at the planks of the ceiling as I felt myself drifting off again. Now I found myself in a dream, surrounded by flames while clutching a key to my chest. I was out of my own body, watching as my hair and torn gown where whipped around by the sharp winds. Tears fell down my face and I stared through the flames, a sense of dread settling over me as my eyes darted around–searching for something.

"Lucy!" My name echoed through my head and I watched myself turn as my name was repeated.

"Luce!" I heard my name as I gasped–waking up, craddled against Natsu's chest who was kneeling by me on the bed. My cheeks felt wet and I was clutching Natsu's vest. My body trembled and I stared up at Natsu who's eyebrows where knitted with concern. Something flashed in his eyes but my own where too watery to really catch it. "What's wrong?" He questioned me gently, not letting go of me.

"It was a nightmare...just a nightmare." I mumble, more to myself than him. That was terrifying, watching myself, feeling the dread settle over me as the heat from the flames licked at my skin and my hair flicked back and fourth over my tentative flesh.

"Captain! We've arrived at our stop!" someone shouted from outside.

"Alright, proceed as normal!" Natsu called back to them.

"You can go out there if you need to, you don't have to worry about me," I say sheepishly.

"I'll worry anyway. How are you feeling by the way?" He inquired and I give him a small smile.

"I'm feeling much better, despite the nightmare." I laugh softly, bitterly even. Natsu gently lets go of me and stands up before pulling me up beside him. My legs are a bit shaky from being down from an extended amount of time but he steadies me with his outstretched arm.

"Would you like to go into town with me? You will need to change clothes, but I think a break from the ship would do you some good too." He suggests and I quickly and enthusiastically nod.

"Yes, I'd love to roam a bit! May I, Na- er, Captain?" He chuckles softly and nods. He reaches up, ruffling my hair as he turns for the door. Within seconds of him leaving Levy, the girl I recalled as the navigator, rushed in.

"Hi Lu! I brought you a change of clothes that seemed more your pace..." She held out a lovely blue dress made of a lightweight silk. Some of the material would sweep around my arms and trail slightly down my back where it would then loop around my chest under my breasts. It reminded me of the dresses I used to wear and I looked at Levy curiously, but she only winked and left me standing alone with the dress and my confusion.

"Does she know..?" I bite my lip as I undress carefully, letting the shirt slide down my arms before laying aside. I pulled myself from the pants before tugging the dress on over my head. I hurriedly pushed my feet into my pair of dark boots before rushing out of Natsu's room. I stopped when I reached the railing and my eyes fell upon the port town. A bit of worry wove itself into my stomach but I pushed it aside.

"Yo, Lucy! Let's go!" I turned towards the sound of Natsu's booming voice. He was by the lowered plank, waving for me to head his way. I see that he has his sword by his side and contemplate grabbing mine as well but I decide against it, remembering his words to me on my first night about how they pretended to be merchants. I'd rather not take the risk of carrying one right now, besides I doubted I would need it. I make my way towards my captain, and as soon as I reach him his eyes drift over me. I pretend not to notice by looking back over the nearby buildings. Suddenly a warm hand grasped mine and I was lead off the ship. "Stay close to me, okay? Hold onto me if you need to. I don't want you anywhere but at my side," Natsu looks at me as he speaks.

"Aye," I nod. He smirks and continued alone, leading me down to dry land. He helps me get my land legs back. "I feel like a mermaid who just got her legs," I comment jokingly. Natsu gives me a weary smile and a pained look crosses his face, but it is quickly replaced by his grin. We then head into the crowd of merchants, vendors, and residents. As we walk my mind drifts back to the time I learned about the creatures who dwelled in the sea...mermaids...Had Natsu known one before? I look at the pinkette who was currently engrossed in the weaponry and maps before him, talking to the vendor about their condition and reliability.

What was with the pained look he had given me earlier?

• • ⚔ • •

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! It feels good to finally update since school started. I am really excited about this book! I am really loving writing it, even though it is becoming a popular subject recently. Anyway, I hope to see you all next time, and I hope I can update much sooner this time! Ja ne, minna.

~ Kels-chan