I couldn't believe my eyes. The real Lucy Heartfilia was standing in front of me, but…
"Hello," Lucy said softly. "Do you maybe have some food? It's been a while since I last ate anything..."
She is... weak... Physically, Lucy looks leaner and slightly worn down rather than weak.
Her posture slumps just a bit at the shoulders, and her movements are less springyPhysically, Lucy looks leaner and slightly worn down rather than weak.
Her posture slumps just a bit at the shoulders, and her movements are less springy
Her eyes are still large and warm brown, but their usual sparkle has dimmed. Soft shadows rest beneath them, and her gaze lingers a moment longer when she focuses, as though even concentration now demands effort.
Her outfit, whether her usual sleeveless top and skirt or some other travel-ready attire, shows clear signs of the long journey. Dust clings to the hem, the fabric is creased from constant motion, and her boots are scuffed from miles of hard use.
Overall, she looks like a mess, like someone who has traveled for days without rest.I glance behind me, checking whether I even have any food. I didn't feel hungry, so I hadn't thought about getting any.On the counter, I spot a bowl filled with fruit, like apples, oranges, and a few others.
"Yeah, I have some food. Come in, Lucy." I slowly open the door wider, stepping aside to make room for her to enter.
She walks in, each step measured, carefully conserving what little strength she has left."How do you know me?" Lucy asks, curiosity flickering through her exhaustion.
I hadn't thought about it. How should I explain what's happening here to her?
"It's a bit complicated," I say, my voice trembling with concern. "You should eat first… and then tell me what happened to you."
I watch as Lucy slowly makes her way to the dining table and sinks into her chair. She immediately reaches for an apple and takes a hefty bite. As she swallows, I hand her a glass of water.
"Tell me," I say gently, "what happened? You look really bad."
She takes a big gulp of the water I gave her and says, "I wish I knew that too… I was on my way back to my guild after a mission. On the way, I saw a bright light. After that, I ended up in a place I didn't recognize."
Lucy points out the window toward a mountain in the horizon. "I started yesterday on the other side of that mountain. I was looking for any city, village, or just a place where people are. You're the first person I've found… Do you live here? And do you know how I can get to Magnolia?"
I take in what she said, and now I have even more questions. Did only fictional characters like her end up in this world? Is there already a civilization here? And if there is, how far away is it that Lucy could walk all day without finding anything?
"Damn… sounds like you've had a really rough day," I say. "I'm Valentino Vester, I'm 14, and… well, something similar happened to me. Kinda." I hope my words will make her trust me.
"I saw a light too, and then I ended up in front of this small house. But… I think this might be my fault," I admit. "Before that happened, I heard a voice talking to me. Ever since then, I've gotten some strange abilities and… other stuff. I even received a mission."
I hesitate for a moment before continuing. "My mission is to build my own kingdom around this house." I let the words out, hoping she won't be angry at me for what happened.
As I watched Lucy, trying to read her reaction, she said, "From what you're describing, it sounds like you're another… victim. Did you live in Magnolia too?" Her expression was gentle, understanding. This really is Lucy, not just some character from an anime.
Lucy had always been my idol. I wanted, no, I want, to be like her.
Every time I felt alone, I watched Fairy Tail. It gave me a sense of family. I imagined what it would be like to be Lucy… or at least to be near her.
And, god damn!… she's insanely beautiful. Even more than in the anime or the manga. She looks like a mess, but still is hotter than hell!
I answer her in a calm, measured voice, careful not to have to repeat myself. "This might shock you, but the voice told me something important. Probably over a hundred different worlds, or their people, have ended up here. There's a chance you might never see your home again… or at least not for a very long time."
I left out the part that, she wasn't real, or at least not always. That might be too big a shock for her.
"I can offer you a place to stay until we learn more and gather information," I say. "The only condition is that while you're here, you help me build my kingdom. Are you in?"
I extend my hand toward her, letting her shake it to seal the deal.
Lucy takes a moment to absorb everything. I half-expected a face full of fear or despair, but instead, I see someone ready to give her best. That's the Lucy I know.
She takes my hand and says, "Okay. I'll help you… until we find Magnolia or any of my friends."
Then she asks, "So… what will you name your kingdom?"
I take a moment to make up a name. I answer with "It will be named Cross"