Thanks to NxL & Superpapercassie for their reviews. I cleaned up the first chapter (thanks Superpaper!).
Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think!
"Adassandra Marigold?" Lucy echoed softly. She glanced at Erza, who was equally engrossed in the newcomer. Natsu, however, didn't bother looking up. It wasn't until Gray elbowed him that Natsu realized something rather important had occurred.
"What?" he hissed, obviously angry that his meal was interrupted. Gray nodded his head toward the entrance, signaling the reason for his intrusion into Natsu's meal. Happy had hopped up onto the table, trying to peer over Lucy's shoulder.
"Who is it?" he asked, just as confused as Natsu.
"Yeah, who is it?" Natsu repeated, his interest piqued.
"Shh, I'm trying to hear," Lucy growled over her shoulder. Natsu crawled onto the table, joining Happy in peering over Lucy's shoulder. Her hair tickled his face, and he sneezed, falling backward off of the table. He toppled onto Gray.
"Gross!" Lucy gagged, realizing that Natsu had just slobbered on her. She was about to tear into Natsu when she realized that he was in the middle of another angry scuffle with Gray. She sighed, returning her attention to the main entrance of the hall.
"Gray-sama, are you alright?" Lucy heard Juvia's voice ring out over the clamor. The blonde looked to Erza, hoping the red-head would calm the two morons, but Erza was too engrossed in her own thoughts.
"Could you two idiots knock it off?" Lucy spat, her voice was mildly urgent. "There's a guild inspector here. She's from the Council!"
For the first time, ever, both men stopped their altercation with Lucy's prompting. "Must be important," Gray nodded, pushing Natsu off of him. "Move it, ass!"
"You're going to get it when this is all over," the dragon slayer promised.
"Bring it on, Dragon Breath," Gray shot back.
Suddenly, the large, looming figure of Makarov became visible to every pair of eyes in the Guild. "Line up!" he commanded as he grew in size. Though his tone was kind, his voice held a silent message: if you screw up, you face me!
Natsu, Happy, and Gray quickly found their places next to Lucy and Erza. Erza was still silent, and Lucy glanced at her nervously. "I-is everything alright, Erza?"
Erza blinked, realizing that she had been spoken to, "Oh, yes, Lucy. I'm sorry, I just zoned out for a moment. I was thinking..."
"Who is that?" Natsu replied, his eyes slightly widened with anticipation. Or interest. Lucy couldn't tell with him.
"Quite drooling," Lucy rolled her eyes, elbowing him in the ribs. She was rather annoyed with his sudden interest in the newcomer. "You don't have a chance!"
"Says you!" Natsu replied in kind, puffing out his chest. "Besides, I was asking for Gray," he indicated the brooding, half-undressed man to his left. "I prefer blondes!" he added. Lucy had missed his quiet remark.
"Me?" Gray replied quickly. "What do I care about some newcomer?" Lucy could see Juvia's angry glare in her periphery. She had a feeling that Natsu was purposely setting up a rivalry.
Natsu smiled mischievously as he dug his hands into his pockets. He squinted into the distance, as his fellow guild members were lining up and greeting the newcomer. "Guild Inspector, eh?" he replied softly. "I wonder what we are in for?"
"Who knows. But you two better cool it off," Erza warned. "Makarov is obviously not pleased with the Magic Council's interference. So, don't add fuel to the fire."
Lucy leaned forward, watching the inspector approach. "Why didn't we know about an inspection?" she asked suddenly.
Erza frowned, "I'm not sure, but anything is possible with the Council."
Lucy nodded her agreement as she watched the inspector come closer. The woman, Adassandra, was dressed immaculately—very becoming of a high-ranking official. She wore a gray a-line skirt over her long legs. The skirt was complimented by white blouse and black jacket. A red, silk scarf was neatly tied around her neck, where the blouse opened to reveal her porcelain skin. Her face was pale, as were her eyes. Behind the stylish, dark-rimmed glasses, Lucy could see the azure orbs. For a moment, the two pairs of eyes met, and Lucy felt shivers run down her spine. She blinked. The moment had passed—leaving Lucy unsure it had even happened. Adasanndra's thick black hair was neatly twisted into a bun, her side-swept bangs carefully framing her face. A few strands had fallen loose, creating a nice, tousled effect. Her lips were blood red. Blood red lips and cold blue eyes. Lucy shivered again.
She's young, the Celestial Spirit mage mulled, much too young to be a snooty inspector. Before she could examine the young woman further, the newcomer was standing in front of Erza, awaiting introductions.
"This is Erza Scarlett," Makarov said approvingly. "The pride of Fairy Tail!" He looked lovingly at the ex-quipping mage; she was practically a granddaughter to him.
"Ah, yes! I have heard about you, Miss Scarlett," the raven-haired woman murmured. "Titania, is it not?"
Erza replied with a tight-lipped smile. Adassandra's pale eyes fell on Erza's armor. "Heart Kreutz?" Her eyes widened momentarily as she reached out with slender fingers. Her eyes were still wide behind her glasses as she looked at Erza apprehensively. "M-may I?"
Erza smiled grimly; it was unusual for her to smile at all. Lucy watched as the young woman—who couldn't be much older than she—reached out and touched Erza's armor. She ran her hands along the sides of the armor, her voice silken with awe. "Quite a rare piece. I hear he's difficult to find these days," her musical voice was filled with surprise.
"He is, but I manage," Erza offered stoically.
"I can see that. What a masterpiece! Do you have other pieces from him?" Ms. Marigold eyed the armor approvingly. Erza nodded stiffly.
"Armor is a tricky piece of weaponry," the raven-haired woman spoke cryptically. "Even the greatest of armors have weak spots." She smiled at Erza, her features softening. "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Scarlett. I can understand why so many are recommending your name for candidacy as one of the Great Holy Mages."
Erza's eye's widened in surprise. "That honor is too great! I do not deserve it!" Her face flushed pink.
"Have more faith in yourself. You are gifted, Erza," Adassandra spoke quietly. Her azure eyes fell on Lucy as Makarov continued leading Adassandra down the line.
"This is Lucy! Our very own Stellar Spirit Mage!" Makarov smiled toothily. He patted Lucy on the rear as he introduced her.
"Hey!" Lucy screeched, slapping the old man's hand away from her rump. The newcomer arched a finely shaped black eyebrow in amusement.
"Stellar Spirit Mage?" she repeated softly. Her eyes fell to the keys around Lucy's belt loop. "Lucy, was it? May I call you Lucy?" her eyes met the young blonde's.
"Y-yes," Lucy bowed her head.
An outstretched hand was immediately proferred to her. "I am Adassandra, as I have said. But, you may call me Adie!" she smiled.
Lucy reached for her fingers, softly returning the handshake. She could feel the rough callouses beneath her own fingertips.
"I look forward to getting to know you better, Lucy!" her face lit up with exuberance as she smiled at the spirit mage. Lucy couldn't help but to smile back.
"And this is our Dragon Slayer, Natsu Dragoneel," Makarov said cautiously, his tone warning Natsu to remain on his best behavior.
Natsu nodded, apparently not happy that this woman had interrupted his breakfast. The woman stared back with equal vehemence. "Dragon Slayer, eh?" Again, Natsu nodded. Adassandra's eyes fell on Happy, who was standing between Natsu and Lucy. Something akin to tenderness sudenly became evident on her smooth porcelain face. She knelt down, offering her hand to the tiny blue cat.
"I think we have yet to be introduced," she spoke to Happy, ignoring the Dragon Slayer. Natsu was confused by the sudden exchange, looking at Lucy questioningly. Lucy shrugged her indifference.
Happy looked at Natsu, before smiling and shaking her hand, "I'm Happy!"
"That's a very honorable name," she replied, a slight smile on her dark red lips.
"Did you bring fish with you?" the feline suddenly blurted, eyeing the newcomer warily.
"No, but next time I see you, I'll buy you a fish dinner. My treat." She reached out her slender hand to shake in agreement. Happy shook took her hand, responding more fervently. Natsu's face became softer at Ms. Marigold's acceptance of the tiny cat. Normally, because of his size and appearance, Happy was often overlooked at a guild member.
"Between you and me," Adie whispered to Happy, "You really run this place, right?"
Happy nodded, "If I did, it would be fish dinner every night."
Adie chuckled, standing and smoothing her skirt. She looked at Natsu, "He's your friend?" Natsu nodded, looking down at Happy. The young cat was beaming at Natsu; he had been recognized as a guild member. It was a happy day for...Happy. The pink-haired mage turned back to the woman, his former hostilities gone.
"He's my best friend," he confirmed. The inspector nodded her understanding.
Before Makarov could introduce Gray, Adie's eyes fell upon him. Gray stood, quietly, his face turning bright red from embarrassment. The old mage sighed, "And this...this is Gray Fullbuster. He apparently dislikes clothing." He waved dismissively at the young ice mage.
Gray's face turned more red as the inspector's eyes ran over his body, analyzing what she was seeing. "Not bad," she replied, a half-smile on her face. "Not bad at all." She stepped in front of him, her heels clicking on the hard floor surface. Her eyes narrowed, as she looked over Gray's face, "What kind of mage are you, may I ask?"
"He uses Ice Magic," Natsu scoffed, as Grays' face turned a few more shades of crimson.
Gray glared at Natsu, "I don't need you to speak for me, idiot!"
"Well, maybe I should dress you from now on!" he shot back, his smile triumphant.
"Are you two brothers or something?" Adie asked, smirking at their exchange.
"What?" they both roared in unison, staring at her incredulously.
"You two argue like siblings. Lovers, maybe?" She raised her eyebrows in mock confusion. Natsu's face twisted into something akin to humiliation and rage. Gray's eyes were bulging, the vein on is forehead visibly pulsating in disbelief.
Ms. Marigold shrugged. "My mistake," she hummed as she purposely stepped past them. Lucy snorted, covering her mouth as Adie shot her a satisfied glance. Even Erza had smiled at the remark. Makarov shook his head as he began introducing her to the rest of the Guild. First Juvia, who was stony and cold, followed by Levy and her two companions. Adassandra's smooth voice became quieter as both she and Makarov moved down the line. Lucy giggled as Elfman knelt and kissed Adie's hand. The inspector stared in wide-eyed shock at the greeting.
She chewed her lip in contemplation as she watched the rest of the introductions. "Erza?" she asked quietly so the others couldn't hear.
Erza raised her eyebrows in recognition, "Yes, Lucy?"
"Have you ever heard anyone in the Council by that name...Adassandra Marigold?"
Erza thought for a moment, "No, I can't say that I have. But, there are a lot of people who work in the Council that we do not know of. Why?" She looked at Lucy suspiciously.
"N-nothing. I was just wondering," she answered quickly. Adassandra...had she heard that name before? She thought she had heard it somewhere, but she just couldn't remember where. The last name, however, didn't ring a bell. She could taste the blood in her mouth as she bit her lip too harshly.
"Are you alright, Lucy?" Happy asked, as he noticed her far away look.
"Yeah, I'm fine!" she smiled. She watched Juvia stare murderously at the newcomer as Makarov introduced her to the Gajeel, who wolfishly licked his lips a the new woman. Lucy felt her stomach sink with disgust.
Why was this bothering her so much? Maybe it was because Erza had unsettled her with the newspaper article so early in the day. No, she thought. It was her handshake.
"Uh, Erza?" Lucy piped up. "Are all Council members mages?"
Erza thought about it for a moment, "I think that's a requirement to become part of the Magic Council."
"So, this woman, Adie...is a mage?" she was hesitant in her question.
"What is going on?" Erza asked pointedly. "What is the matter, Lucy? Do you know her?"
Lucy shook her head, "No, I'm just curious. That's all!" She followed Makarov and the newcomer's procession to the counter, where Mirajane graciously introduced herself. Her hands, she thought. They were the hands of someone who spent time doing manual labor. Lucy had grown up in a wealthy manor, surrounded by maids and butlers. She was well aware of what a particular profession could do to the fragile skin on the hands. Despite the nicely manicured nails and immaculate attire, Lucy wasn't entirely sure of what to make from this woman. Maybe she was just being extra paranoid. Maybe.
Makarov wouldn't be so easily fooled, she told herself. She sighed her resignation as the other guild members began to resume their morning activities. The low humming of voices grew into a boisterous roar.
Erza leaned over to Gray, "Maybe you should get some clothes on."
"Listen to Erza, Gray," Natsu chimed in. He almost choked on his food as Erza glared at him warningly. Lucy leaned over to slap him on the back, dislodging the food.
"Thanks, Luce!" he grinned sheepishly. "You saved my life!"
"Don't mention it," she rolled her eyes. She watched Makarov lead the young Council member from the dining hall, his eyes on her rear the entire time. Lucy remembered her first time in the guild as well. She was an immature girl with thoughts of becoming a well-respected mage. No one had been unkind or suspicious of her, she supposed. She smirked into her muffin, shrugging off her earlier suspicions.
I'm being silly, she thought complacently. Definitely being paranoid.