Hi everyone. This is my first Fairy Tail ff and this chapter (not a prologue exactly) is different from the others that will follow as there is only a couple of dialogue here. It's just the way this ended up working out (the more dialogue I did have, the longer this chapter stretched while jumping all over the place) Now onto the important questions:

-Do I own Fairy Tail?

Erm, would I be writing fanfiction if I did? No, no I wouldn't. You know who doesn't write Fairy Tail fanfiction? Hiro Mashima. When he writes Fairy Tail, its called canon.

-Is this story a Lalu? A Nalu? A(n) (insert whatever name prefix here)lu?

Well, it's definitely not a Nalu. I just can't ship Lucy with any members of Team Natsu. As for Lalu...well, if nothing else, there'll be a bromance y'all! Maybe. Sorta. Because Laxus is prickly like that.

-When does this story take place?

Good question! Anime-only arcs are included here as well as things from the manga. Admittedly, I tweaked things a little: for instance, Fairy Tail did disband for a year and reformed but Lucy did not leave Crocus and immediately join Natsu in the effort to reform the guild. Also, while Alvarez did begin their invasion of Ishgar, it does not completely follow canon as I took out bits and pieces for the story (also because I have yet to read the manga). Lucy and Brandish μ did meet and learn about Layla opening the Eclipse Gate but Aquarius didn't say anything about her key once again reappearing in Earthland. Zeref joins Irene at the palace for a little bit while she's doing her thing with the Royal family only to abruptly announce Alvarez will leave Ishgar. Other things may have been changed but this story is a WIP and I'll do my best to make the changes clear when they come up. Essentially, if something in this story diverges from canon, assume it was done purposefully.

Also, I have not written...well, anything really, in a very very long time. This story was born from a couple of theories I've had for a while now since I couldn't find any other stories that suggested/played with the same theories and dammit, I want to share.

I hope you enjoy the story.


Stars, Blood, and Family


The last thing Lucy saw as the train pulled away from Magnolia Station was a giant fist slamming down on an unsuspecting Natsu and Happy as they continued to sniff and give chase to her scent. One hand slowly dragged down Lucy's face, resigned to the antics of her best friend but still somewhat ashamed by the public spectacle of Fairy Tail's master needing to physically stop the dragon slayer's impetuous actions, Lucy let out a silent prayer of thanks that Magnolia on the whole was accustomed to the guild's strange habits. The master's involvement would likely be a footnote to the fact that Natsu appeared to be on his way to a mission. To the great delight of the Magic Council and the relief of everyone who had either met or heard of The Salamander and his particular brand of exuberance, Team Natsu had been temporarily suspended from missions together owing to an incident last month that still gave Lucy the overpowering need to shower (not bathe—oh god, the thought of soaking in that filth, imaginary or not, still sent shivers down her spine) and Natsu and Erza had been grounded from taking missions altogether.

Natsu was still grounded though master hemmed and hawed before letting Erza resume S-class missions after one week. What pay she made in excess of her month's living expenses was to go towards paying off the massive bill incurred when a town was forced to relocate entirely. He claimed the three days Erza had to wade through the swamp and what had once been a quaint little town, picking up all her weapons and various pieces of armor, and the subsequent time she had to spend in isolation due to the utterly rancid stench she was giving off, had been punishment enough. Personally, Lucy thought it was a combination of his walking by the "isolation room" and seeing a sniffling Erza (who had mistakenly taken a passing joke from Macao and Wakaba as fact and bathed in a tomato and onion juice concoction-Lucy did not understand why Erza thought either the bath or rubbing tomatoes and onions all over herself afterwards was a good idea) as well as the monetary loss incurred when an S-class mage as famous as the Titania was grounded from taking S-class missions with S-class rewards.

Mira's rage at the loss of her entire stock of tomatoes, onions, and, later that day, limes and vinegar, may have played a key role in the master's decision as well. Erza's last three days before her suspension was lifted had been tense—the threat of an epic battle between an enraged Demon and the kept-in-the-dark Titania made everyone weary and Lucy was forced to come up with a plan to keep Erza out of Mira's sight and mind. Like Team Natsu's last mission, participants in her plan generally chose to pretend it never happened. Alzack and Bisca in particular, though it was rather difficult when Mira was constantly finding reasons to take Asuka off their hands and shooing them off to some empty room or another, or surprising them with a non-refundable romantic weekend away where they could be alone together, a near maniacal gleam in her eyes as she sent them a wink and knowing grin. Lucy wondered what she could possibly do for the Connells that could come anywhere close to the massive "thank you" and "I'm sorry" she and the entire guild owed them.

Then again, considering how quickly Bisca had snatched the tickets for the weekend getaway (Mira barely managed to reach the last syllable of the exclusive resort's name before a gust of wind seemingly seized the tickets off her hands and into Bisca's), Lucy might be in the clear. And Asuka was likely to find herself preparing to become a big sister if not by the end of this year, then certainly the next. Perhaps she should be more focused on how to apologize to Elfman and Evergreen, the former whom still could not look at her (she swore she heard a muttered, somewhat tearful, "It's not maaan!" come from him last time) and the latter whom was still trying to swat Lucy with her fan anytime they were within arm's reach of one another whilst silently conveying various threats.

Lucy almost wished to be subject to one of those threats right now. Anything was better than being left alone with her thoughts. But she had little choice in the matter.

She had been summoned.

For the life of her, Lucy could not figure out why she had been called to the capital nor the reason for the Royal family asking her to travel alone and incognito. The notice was apparently sitting on Master Makarov's suddenly clean desk when he arrived at the guild at six in the morning and after initially fearing the worst upon noticing the official seal on the envelope, Master Makarov dared to read the first page. To his relief, it neither demanded the guild's (re)disbandment or for reparations after a certain fire-wielder left behind a large Fairy Tail insignia on the walls of the castle nearly a year ago. Nor did it ask the guild to repair any damage incurred when Fairy Tail's mark appeared on that same wall, this time made of ice, about five months ago, after Alvarez and her army suspiciously suspended their war on Ishgar. The Royal Family did kindly request, however, that the responsible party please remove the sign because it was still very much so present despite the efforts of nature and all sorts of fire and heat-related mages. Well, the request was made as kindly as a thinly-veiled order could be.

When Lucy arrived at the guild a few hours later, she was promptly sent to Master Makarov's office by Mira. This was not at all an unusual occurrence—considered by most to be Team Natsu's most reasonable (and weakest, thus least destructive) member, Lucy had somehow become her team's unofficial press secretary. Any complaints, questions, and praise (okay, the latter had yet to happen but a girl could dream and hope!) was brought to Lucy for a response and it had become commonplace enough that if Lucy was not present with her team, it was generally assumed she was with Master Makarov either clarifying some details or helping to smooth over ruffled feathers regarding some action or another of Team Natsu's. So into Master's office she went where, without a word, master handed her the letter to read. Once she finished, he handed her a smaller, heavier envelope that she knew to contain money.

She was being called to Crocus for an audience with the Royal Family. She was to leave that day and no one save herself and the master were allowed to know where she was going. Included was a sheet containing recommended inns for her to stay overnight during her four-day journey to Crocus as well as money to cover her expenses for the trip. If the amount was insufficient, she would be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses. The Royal Family had even checked and listed the schedules for various trains along her proposed route—which included several out-of-the-way places that would force her to backtrack and re-travel parts of her previous route. Apparently, Lucy was lucky to get to choose which of the listed towns and inns she would spend the night. Once Lucy was finished with the first letter, she was to hand it to Master Makarov, which would trigger a spell to destroy the parchment.

There was an addendum at the end, written in a scrawl Lucy recognized as being the messiest hand allowed for an aristocratic lady (she only just managed to hold back a shudder as memories of being made to practice penmanship for hours at a time under threat of a ruler to the knuckles for any word seen as being written by a "low-class" hand) suggesting, in rather strong terms, that Lucy be sure to keep her keys well-hidden in an effort to help hide her identity. Though the letter in general had been high-handed, with the included list of train schedules and pre-approved accommodations, it was this particular portion that made Lucy scowl, one hand immediately protectively going for her keys. Not even the false name she was to use to announce her presence at the palace bothered her as much as the mention of her keys.

Still, she would listen if for no other reason than that the last time Lucy and her keys were subjected to the interest of either royals, she was temporarily separated from her keys and dragons from centuries-past threatened the country. Looking down towards her keys brought her guild mark to attention and she worried whether or not she would need to hide the mark of her family. She was not so well known as other members of the guild or her teammates but she was still fairly recognizable as a member of Fairy Tail and even if people did not immediately recognize her, it would be fairly simple to discover who she was once they saw the mark. Master suggested wearing gloves but the weather was still too warm to justify wearing any and Lucy absolutely balked at the idea of being rid of the guild's insignia, even if temporarily. With an assurance she did not feel, Lucy cheerily told Master she would figure it out and that she needed to hurry if she was to make it to the capital in four days with the gratuitously long and convoluted path planned for her. With Master's promise to handle the members of Team Natsu for her, Lucy was out the door and sending out a cheerful goodbye to the few early birds—for Fairy Tail standards—in the guild.

Truly, the Royal Family were being extremely presumptuous and according to the given schedule, Lucy would have to leave on the next train heading westward in order to arrive in Crocus in the four days she was allotted for travel if she was to follow the overly-complicated course set up for her. Fortunately, she did not diverge from her usual schedule today and arrived at the guild in the morning as was her usual wont. Otherwise, she was unsure she could make it to the capital in the allotted timeframe while using the recommended trip itinerary. After haphazardly packing and writing a note for her teammates should they come looking for her, Lucy looked at her reflection and frowned.

Since it was made clear her identity was meant to be kept secret, it seemed wise to disguise herself. She might not have been a household name but she had made enough of a name for herself, either as a member of Team Natsu or as a former model and writer for Sorcerer's Weekly, that there was a real possibility someone might recognize her or at least think her to be a familiar face during her travels. With that in mind, Cancer was summoned to change her appearance but to her surprise, Cancer did not come alone. Virgo decided to help her master as well and before Lucy could say more than her name, the spirit had neatly repacked the blonde (now temporary brunette)'s luggage and, aware of her master's attachment to the guild, appeared with some makeup to hide the Fairy Tail mark on her hand with apologies and her usual request for punishment. Colored contacts and glasses completed Lucy's transformation while several concealed pockets in her pants, boots, and a loose poncho kept her keys hidden from sight.

Even if Natsu and Happy had managed to make it onto the train, it would have taken both some time, especially with Natsu's motion sickness, to recognize Lucy—and she was sure only her scent would have given her away. Settling into her private compartment, a luxury she was pleased was both afforded and demanded in her summons for the day's travel, Lucy's mind was free to wander. Unfortunately, Lucy was a curious soul with an unforgivably good memory and imagination, currently in the midst of a giant mystery and now with hours of free time on her hands.

Memories of the last time she was made privy to secrets held by the royal family, including their little secretive execution squad, nearly made her froth as anxiety filled her. The first hour of her trip was thus spent trying to keep the contents in her stomach where they were. Hour two was filled with more frothing, some tears and muttered denials, and the unwelcomed appearance of a worried Loke who took it upon himself to comfort his key holder. Unfortunately, his idea of comfort was predictably Loke-esque and the threat of a Lucy kick meant hour three saw him curl up and sulk in one of the corner seats against the wall. Fortunately, Lucy was more than fine with this as hour three also saw her finally decide this was absolutely not another Eclipse Gate in the making, the Royal Family now knew better, and she was absolutely not going to be thrown into some prison and her keys confiscated. Her relief was such it not only called Loke back to good humor in a burst of sparkles reading "I love Lucy Best!" but also damn near made her glow which had Loke mumbling something somewhat crass regarding said glow and the fact that lions could mate up to fifty times a day. Hour four was thus heralded by the flying figure of Loke across the admittedly small compartment into the seats lining the opposite wall, courtesy of a quick kick. Quickly realizing he was sprawled out in an empty row of seats, the physical embodiment of the lion constellation took the opportunity provided with a lascivious grin.

"Oh? Why Lucy, if you wanted me lying down, you need only say s—" the dark look sent his way convinced him to leave in a shower of glitter and rainbows that faded to read "Lucy + Loke= 50 times!" before he finished his sentence.

It was for the best, Lucy decided, as she was sure no one would appreciate the Loke-shaped hole in the train's wall if he had remained. Unfortunately, that thought reminded Lucy of all the property damages Fairy Tail incurred, particularly her team and that the Royals were aware she was the least dangerous—and thus, weakest and easiest to punish—member of Team Natsu. As ideas and possibilities of different sorts of retribution and torture flashed through her mind, the kinder ones ranging from being forced to pay off every single jewel of destruction caused throughout the country (she would never be able to pay rent again—and worse, she would have to deal with her Landlady!) to being simultaneously flogged and boiled alive in oil (she could almost hear Natsu muttering something about tasty fire and Happy bemoan that Lucy wasn't fish). Unbeknownst to her, after her initial hyperventilation, she had taken to muttering various forms of torture which must have caught the attention of Virgo who summoned herself, face flushed as she nearly swooned at the words of her inattentive master.

Thus passed the next three hours, Virgo becoming more and more excited and aroused with each new macabre muttering, Lucy growing more and more depressed and her musings subsequently more descriptive, graphic, and brutal, unmindful of the flushed spirit currently rubbing her thighs together.

She stopped when Virgo breathlessly praised her genius, for the immortal had been exposed to and thought of many forms of punishment throughout her lifetime and more than a few of Lucy's ideas were new to the maiden spirit. Lucy squawked when Virgo fell onto her knees, hands clasped together in supplication, and begged for Lucy to practice some of those punishments on her. Her usual response unfortunately only further excited the spirit who swooned with a, "Oh, Princess is so good!" a hand over her heart as pure pleasure emanated from her very being. "Please, Princess, Deny me again! I have been so so bad, I do not deserve to be rewarded! Punish me, deny me, tie me to—" it was at this point Lucy forced Virgo's gate closure though she had an odd feeling the spirit might have taken some sort of pleasure from the act.

It was an hour before she was to arrive at the town where she would spend the night when she resolved to cease her tireless thoughts and anxiety. After all, with the exception of imprisoning her during the x791 Grand Magic Games, the Fiores had been kind enough the few times she chanced to speak with them and both fondly recalled Lucy's father—surely that, in addition to any residual guilt regarding the Eclipse Gate incident, could be used in Lucy's favor if need be. No, she needed to stop being so negative.

With a deep sigh, one which had become all too common after the guild had disbanded for that awful year, Lucy shook her head and gave both her cheeks light slaps in an effort to refocus her thoughts. She was not hurt, sick, or anything. Whatever happened tomorrow or the days after, whatever the Royal Family might want, it did not matter right now. Lucy needed to just focus on the present and make certain she did not take it for granted.

Besides, whatever the reason for her summons, Lucy should focus on the fact that she was essentially on an all-expenses paid trip.

With that thought in mind, Lucy resolved to enjoy her journey and take the unexpected time she had free to write or brainstorm new ideas for her story. Writer's block had been kicking her behind as of late and it was high time Lucy beat it. The remainder of the trip was uneventful, save at the inn the first night when Virgo made a surprise and unexpected visit, a pillow in hand and in what appeared to be a pajamas version of her usual maid outfit, wishing to partake in one of those classic sleepovers she heard so much about where girls could confide in one another about various tortures and punishments they could think of whilst using their pillows to bind and punish each other. Lucy spent half the first night convincing Virgo that was not what took place in sleepovers and the second half consoling the pouting spirit. The sun was starting to peak through the horizon when the solution hit her and she fought the urge to smack herself—she explained the concept of a pillow fight to Virgo and promised the now excited spirit a pillow fight (admittedly, the pinkette's excitement was tempered by the knowledge she was expected to hit Lucy back with a pillow) at a later date. The next night, she had to specify "a later date" meant after she arrived back at the guild. Fortunately, (or unfortunately, Lucy was not sure) Virgo had gotten it in her head that Lucy denying her was some long passive form of punishment and readily agreed with a somewhat disconcerting gleam in her otherwise deadpan eyes.

She was unsure whether it was too late to see the Royals when she finally arrived in Crocus the fourth day as it was nearing night but considered the urgency of the notice to excuse the rudeness of an unannounced and late-evening visit. As it turned out, it was too late to visit and the guards at the front gate of the palace appeared offended she would think otherwise. There was some scoffing when she announced she was expected (which was only technically a lie) but after giving the alias she was told to use during her travels, they made a quick attitude adjustment. Ushered inside and then met by a quick succession of other guards and hired help, it seemed as if she blinked and found herself transported from the front gates to an empty and opulent but comfortable room. Princess Fiore was the first to arrive, five minutes after Lucy sat down having browsed the room once already, slightly out of breath as if she ran to meet with Lucy though she came to a sudden stop upon seeing the figure in the room. Another fifteen minutes and the King himself appeared, his reaction to Lucy's new appearance similar to his daughter. Both appeared suspicious whether or not she was actually Lucy Heartfilia and while a part of her was pleased at the sign of her being unrecognizable, another part was annoyed either should doubt her when her disguise was under their orders. Bending down to retrieve a key hidden in one of the lower side pockets of her pants, she summoned Virgo and that, along with washing the make up from her hand to reveal her Fairy Tail mark, satisfied the current ruler of the country and his heir.

Lucy was tired, anxious, curious as all heck, and most of all, in desperate want of good food, a nice long soak, and a good book to curl up with in bed. Traveling was exhausting business, especially when one took unnecessary routes. All she wanted was to know why she had been secretly summoned and take care of it so she could go home.

As it turned out, "Lucky" Lucy Heartfilia struck again because with little preamble, Princess Hisui Fiore blurted out, "We have a mission for you!"

And it was just Lucy's luck that everything suddenly became so much more complicated.


Please let me know what you think of the story. Also, where I could improve my writing as again, it has been many many years since I last wrote anything. Thanks for reading!

Edited to Add: Sorry about the formatting everyone. I can't seem to get the single line breaks