From her earliest memories, magic had been a part of her. Her mother was a powerful Fae in her own right, and Lucy was no exception, despite her half-human parentage. Layla had always encouraged the Light that blossomed within her daughter, coaxing the vast potential within her. Even as she was dying, her own Light dimming to strengthen within her child, Layla Heartfilia never ceased to fan the embers of greatness within Lucy.
Following her mother's death and her father's abandonment, the Court had reluctantly assumed guardianship of the halfling. She was the sole Half, surrounded by pure Fae children; they did not let her forget it. Through her years of study and training, Lucy knew that each mistake was catalogued as a result of her impure blood, her faulty breeding. What did Layla think, bringing a sorry Half into our world? This one will never thrive. But Lucy Heartfilia was nothing if not stubborn, and her love for her mother drove her to push beyond the expectations of all.
Despite all assumptions that her mixed blood would hinder her, the half-Fae surpassed all limitations and quickly became rose through the ranks of the Court, her magic of summoning growing stronger, rivaling her late mother's. She was close to being recognized as a full Fae of the Seelie Court, and others, embittered by her success, could see it clearly. In secret, they formulated a last resort, one they were highly confident would stop the Halfling in her forward progression.
"Lucy Heartfilia, born of the late Layla Heartfilia, the Council gives you your final task. Complete it, and you shall be recognized as a full member of the Court, entitled to the protections and status of a Seelie Fae. However," the Elder intoned solemnly, "should you fail to complete this summoning or the binding of this Spirit, you shall be expulsed from our fair Court." The Elder, wise and caustic from her millennia of existence, glared at the Half, her tone sharp. "Do you accept the challenge?"
Lucy, on the cusp of adulthood, nodded from her place on the floor. Her eyes were wide and innocent, excitement to finally be instated as a full Court member shining through to the Council. The Elder twitched in irritation, her voice icy.
"You are to summon an Elemental Spirit." Lucy looked up in surprise and fear, for such Spirits were among the most difficult to control and could often be dangerous. There were instances of even high-ranking fae dying at the hands of an unruly or playful Spirit, and several Elementals refusing to submit to a fae of mixed heritage, as she was. Unconsciously, she drew her lower lip into her mouth, biting it as she struggled with her thoughts.
"Well, girl? The Council has important things to attend to. Do you accept the Trial or not?" The blonde Half jumped at the address, and quickly rose to her feet, dipping in acquiescence.
"I accept your Trial, Elder. I shan't return until my task is complete and the Spirit bound to me." Lucy did not see the vicious smirk and hidden smiles of the Council.
"Very good. You are dismissed." The blonde fae exited the chamber, and a dark chuckle echoed in the empty space. "Let us hope that she does not return."
A/N - Why, look at this. A Fairy Tail AU with actual Fae? That can't be right, not so close to Halloween and Samhain! Oh, wait... So, here you are! The first chapter of a short(er) multi-chapter fic for October. Three guesses as to what Spirit she'll summon that's Elemental. Brownie points for whomever gets it! Also, to explain why I'm not updating as quickly as I used to LONG ago, I am experiencing health difficulties. Currently, it is difficult to type this in an organized and somewhat-correct manner, ha ha. I hope to be recovered before too long, but chapters may be a bit short unless I am particularly pain/shaking-free and wildly inspired. I hope all of you are doing well, and thank you so much for staying with me through everything. :) Please tell me what you think - I'd love to hear your hypotheses on where I'll be taking this. :) -AT