Introduction: A history of the underworld.
There was once a time when the undead and those who had never existed in the human realm were once classed as one, and so were ruled by one ruler. However, after many wars and conflicts, that realm, also known as "Other" became divided into multiple areas, each ruled by different rulers.
The Kingdom known as Tesukage, a Kingdom made from iron, and ruled with just as much of a strong and stern hand. The rulers of that country were known by 'Redfox'. Their King for the past three centuries was a ruthless -yet humorous and charming- man named Metalicana redfox. A widow with a son. His son, Gajeel, wasn't very sociable. He preferred to keep to himself, though was interesting to spar and talk to. Those of the iron kingdom were known as dark demons. Ones that stuck to shadows. However, not everyone there was as scary as their blood suggests. One such person was a girl named Levy McGarden. Lord Gajeel's fiancee. She spent her days working in the city's main library. She was a possession demon, she could also make objects appear out of thin air and was a very intellectual person. [She is also the best friend of our main character].
Then there was the coldest country, one up north of the realm. The Queen that had once ruled that land passed away less than a decade ago, and in her place was her daughter. Queen Ultear had once ruled harshly. Her cold heart and even colder words ripped through the people of Mizukori. She had almost enslaved and killed many of her subjects until her two younger brothers had intervened -mostly after learning that the maiden they loved had been enslaved, too- and eventually her five-year slavery had ended. It took another four and a half years for her to begin to make emends. One of which was her stepping down from the throne and allowing her elder younger brother, Lyon, to rule in her place. For once, the youngest sibling, and twin, Gray, didn't object to that proposal. Mizukori was a winter wonderland full of many beautiful places, including a light show that resembled the Aurora seen in the human realm. It was also the home to cold-blooded demons. Demons whose skills revolve around water [mainly], or ice, or even shape-shifting ones, such as those who can shift into animals like arctic wolves or white rabbits, sometimes even cats and foxes.
Another kingdom was Sora. A beautiful, bright, warm and luscious kingdom. It was unrivalled in beauty. Open, clear skies every day, the air was fresh and it seemed almost like a giant village than a country. No matter where you were you were always surrounded by nature. The grass, green. Trees tall and healthy. Streams and lakes flowed throughout the towns. Most of the creatures here was Nymphs and fairies, a few others such as dragons often moved here. The rulers of this area were often referred to as 'Sky Maidens'. The Queen, Grandine, had two daughters, Chelia and Wendy Marvel. Not much could be said about this country except that it was far different to those that surrounded it. Due to the difference between these creatures and the bloodthirsty demons, a barrier had been placed around the borders, and only those who have been invited by the Queen herself, can enter.
The most powerful of the Demon lands was the Fire Kingdom, Kasai. A fierce continent occupied by the strongest demons. The home of the warriors. One characteristic of these demons -and dragons- was their hair. Either red like fire, orange like the sunset, pale blonde like the tip of an orange-flame or cherry-blossom pink. The rulers of this kingdom were known as 'Half Breed' as they had the blood of both a demon and dragon. This only helped make them stronger. Their abilities taking on the strengths of both races, cancelling out the other's weakness. Their leader, King Igneel, had ruled for four whole millennia before stepping down.
It was on this day that Lucy ended up being chained to a child who changed her life. Though she wouldn't say it was always for the better.
But, for better or for worse, she was to protect this child; and even death couldn't part this promise. After all, she was already dead.
And not just that, but she ruled the country of the undead, Muertos. Her subjects consisted of those that had once lived or had been cursed. She ruled over the deceased, and those who had been cursed to walk in the dark. Witches, werewolves. 'Monsters'. She was a vampire princess and was also known as the 'Collector of the Dead' or 'Reaper'. Why? Simple, it was her duty to enter the human realm and take their souls. She was the only one who could travel to and from the human realm. Her bloodline had been appointed as the royalty as they were just as strong as the demons who ruled the other countries. Stronger than other vampires; and unlike other vampires, she didn't have blood red eyes, instead her's turned golden when the thirst for blood took over. Her family had always stood out against the others of her kind. Another thing that was different was that, other vampires, who had either been turned or 'cursed' by demons and the original vampires. It was the original vampires that were the first of her kind and were the bloodline for the throne. During the war all but two, her parents -as well as herself- had been killed. She was a pure blood. The last of that bloodline. Born from two original vampires.
Lucy had been around since the war against the demons had started and finished, though back then she was still young and growing. Though she was over three thousand year old, she had still looked thirteen. Being a pure blood growth was slow. She wasn't fully grown until she was almost eight thousand, three hundred years old, at that point her body was frozen at an age humans would call around eighteen years old. She had watched as her parents had ruled, and as the first of the other royalty had ruled and retired.
She had watched as Igneel had grown into a fine ruler. Had been there by his side to support him whenever and wherever he needed it. He classed her as a close friend, similar to Ul and Grandine.
That's why Igneel had asked her for a favour.
A/n: So this is different to the Band of the Fallen, but when I was re-writing it I sort of got this idea instead. I might end up making a band fic later on, but I thought that this would be a better version for the story. I'm not sure though so I guess we'll see where it goes!