YAY! Update! It's a pretty long chappie as well, so YAY! I wan't going to update this until I finished one of my other stories but I'm at a block with those at the moment.

Anyways hope you enjoy it! :D


"Lu… cy… KICK!" My leg crashed into the side of Natsu's head, hitting his cheek, causing him and Happy to crash into the wall. I took a few deep breaths calming my self before brushing the invisible dust on my hands and dress. Sigh "I feel much better." I dragged the two bodies out of my room and shut and locked the door. I didn't even shoot them a second glance. That should teach them.

"Luuuuuce! Mphh, please… h-h-help me…"

"I shall do no such thing." I replied with venom dripping in my voice. He deserves it after the cruel, improper joke.

"H-hel-mph…" This morning we had set off to the island, where the castle is situated. We arrived at the small harbor and now we're on a boat. It hasn't even been ten minutes, yet the earl is in such a pitiful state already. It seems he forgot to take his medicine. Well… it is his own fault for being so careless.

I sighed before I spoke, "Natsu, this is your punishment." Gray was laughing, whilst Erza was nodding in approval. When I had gotten to breakfast this morning, the two noticed my angry state. I was unconsciously glaring at anything and everything that reached my eyes. Well… as soon as I awoke, the horrible events of the previous nights came to my attention. It dampened my mood greatly. Thinking back, I'm surprised I hadn't woken the whole lodge with my screaming. So… I managed to maintain a little of my pride. It wouldn't have ended well, if people found a man in my room. Even if they knew I was accompanying the Earl. People do have very loose lips and I'm sure the rumors wouldn't be pretty.

So, as I was saying, I explained what happened to them. I felt quite satisfied when Erza punished him. Then Gray insulted him, which resulted in a fight. That seems like a reoccurring thing though… and Gray's stripping habit.

"Gray. Your clothes."

"What? When did I…?" Gray then went around the boat to search for his clothes. At least his underwear were still on… Sigh… I feel kind of ashamed that I'm getting used to a man stripping… After this job, I don't think I'll be fit to wed… Sigh

The trip on the boat was forty-five minutes long, so it wasn't too bad. The breeze flowing through my hair felt great. Well it's a shame Natsu can't feel the pleasantries of transport. As I left the boat, I noticed a carriage was waiting for us. We didn't get on immediately, we needed to stretch our legs a little and allow Natsu to recover.

Looking around, the land is… empty. It looks very rocky, though I see a patch of green in the distance. So it can't be that bad. Natsu seemed to have recovered already and was kneeling on the ground… kissing it and shouting.

"I'm never going on transport again!" My… how unsightly… and revolting. Doesn't he know how many germs are on that floor? I tried to hide the disgust I felt. A lady mustn't show any unpleasant facial expressions, we must always smile and laugh. Though, I'm pretty sure I've broken many rules of being a lady within this journey.

I walked over to Natsu as he stood up, Happy flying around him. I pause. Happy can fly?

"Since when could he fly?" Okay… Don't freak out Lucy… Think! Okay… breath… Happy's a fairy remember! An Exceed… It's normal that exceeds can fly! Right! I sighed. Happy seems too much like a cat, for my liking. Well… I think I ought to brush up on my fairy knowledge.

When I reached them, I opened his bag and took out a bottle filled with tablets. I pulled the cork off the bottle and allowed two tablets to fall out. I reached for the bottle of water and handed them to Natsu.

"You need to take your medicine." I said simply, as he looked at me. I felt a little bad for him. He took the tablets and water.

He swallowed. "Thanks Luce!"

"It's nothing." I muttered as he grinned at me.

We sat in the carriage and waited a few minutes until it started to move. I looked at Natsu for a while. He was chatting and doing silly things with the blue cat. I moved my gaze over to the window and I watched the scenery pass by. There wasn't much to see. It was only a short journey and it felt even shorter with the earl's constant chatting, which could be heard. He definitely wasn't the quietest man alive.

"C'mon Luce! We're here!" He took hold of my hand and dragged me out of the carriage.

"Wait! Stop pulling me!" We were greeted by the sight a young girl with pretty, curled blue hair: standing in front of the small building. As soon as her eyes met the Earl's she bowed her head and walked towards us.

"Juvia is pleased to make her acquaintance with Earl Dragoneel." My… she seems like an odd one.

"Please, call me Natsu." She nodded her head. He started gesturing towards us as we were introduced. "Those two are Gray and Erza, they're my attendants." They bowed. "And this…" He laid a hand on my back and pushed me forward a little. I resisted the urge to lecture him about this unwanted display of public affection. It is also unorthodox as he is not my spouse, nor am I, his. "My companion, Miss Lucy Heartfilia." I moved away from him, creating space between us. I then held my dress and lowered into a curtsey.

"A pleasure to meet you."

The girl returned my gesture. "Juvia is called Juvia." Blue suddenly entered our sights.

"Don't forget me, Natsu!" Natsu chuckled as he gestured to the blue cat.

"This is my buddy, Happy!" He does seem like a child at times. Juvia curtseyed again.

"Juvia is pleased to meet Sir Happy."

"AYE!"

"If Juvia is not speaking out of term, she would like to say: it's strange to see exceeds in the human world." We all looked at her shocked. I then cleared my throat.

"Well… the rumors of the people in this land, having merrows blood in them, is true then?" I asked. She nodded.

"Juvia's family served the Earl dragon knight for generations. If Earl Dragoneel can prove he is the successor, Juvia shall be in your care." She curtseyed again.

"Judging from your reaction to Happy, the blood is still strong." Juvia nodded.

"Yes, Juvia can control water."

"Cool!" Natsu said as he laughed. "It'd be a pleasure to have you in my services." Juvia then led us into the building and escorted us to our rooms.

I settled in rather quickly and I'm currently sitting on a chair by the window. The sea could be seen from here. It looked quite angry: with the waves splashing violently on the rocks. The merrows must be unhappy… I sighed. It isn't a good idea, if we meet the merrows, whilst they aren't in the best of moods. Oh dear! I suppose we'll have to see what happens and hope they won't mind a little chat.

There wasn't much point in unpacking, though I didn't have much to begin with. We'll be leaving to the castle in the morning. I wonder what the castle is like…

"My sweet Lucy! I see you are safe!" I turn around at the sound of a voice and stood up.

"Loki! Where have you been?" I asked, looking at the lion in his human form. He had spikey ginger hair and had glasses on. Those glasses are only for show though. He doesn't actually need them.

"Well I had a few duties to attend to in the Fairy world,"

"How convenient…"

"I assure you, it will help you in this job."

"Right…"

"It's true! You're doubting, wounds me!"

"Okay, okay."

"Anyway, why didn't you escape when you arrived? You had many opportunities."

"Ahuh, and I thought you weren't here, so how would you know?" I raised a brow at him: as I walked over to the bed and sat down on it.

"… I watched you a bit before I left…"

"Right… besides, I already said, it's my job. I've been paid and it'll be un-honest to just leave without finishing it."

"But Lucy-"

"No buts! How am I supposed to keep peace between human's and fairies if I, myself resort to such un-honesty and dirty schemes? They'll surely not trust me."

"I suppose."

"Not suppose, I am correct and you know it!" There was a knock on the door that signaled the end of our conversation. "Come i-" The door was opened harshly before I even finished the sentence.

I was greeted with a mop of pink and blue.

"Luce! We're bored…"

"Natsu! You can't just barge in here!"

"I can! I technically own it!" He then stuck his tongue out at me. My, how childish! It dies suit him in a way though.

"Natsu! That's inappropriate for man of your status. It's rude as well."

"Riiiiight, and you are a lady." The blue cat snickered behind a paw.

"Shut up, cat!" Natsu chuckled as well, earning a glare from myself.

"Wouldn't the lady like to have a stroll outside?"

"You! Stay away from me! After the stunt you pulled last night, I ought to give you another good kick!" His face immediately paled. I smiled in triumph.

"Wait! What happened last night?" Loki asked. Natsu and Happy turned to stare at Loki. I wonder what's going through his mind? After a moment of silence, Natsu spoke again.

"Luce… Who's that?" Oh! I forgot! They haven't seen Loki in his human form before.

"That's Loki."

"What? The lion, cat thing?"

"Err. Yes. I'm sure I've mentioned he has a human form to you before. Though it was quite brief."

"Cool!"

"I'm a lion! Not some "cat thing" as you said it," Happy suddenly flew up to him with big sparkly eyes.

"So, you're like a big, grown up cat?"

"Yes, that's one way to put it."

"Loki-sama!"

"Good for you, Happy!"

"I don't think that's how it works though…"

I sighed as I turned from the window to look at the pink hair that was glowing from the lamp.

"Luce… I said I was sorry!"

"Hmph!"

"Luuuuuce!" Natsu whined. I crossed my arms and puffed out my cheeks, looking down at him, as he was sitting crossed legged on the floor. "Lucy… it was funny, lighten up!"

"For you maybe." I hissed.

"C'mon, I said I was sorry!" I turned away, my back now facing him. I walked over to the bed and sat on it, sulking. Stupid pink haired Earls and their pranks…

Early this evening, I was getting ready for bed when I heard rattling on my window. I ignored it at first but then I started hearing noises and more rattling. I cautiously walked over to it the window, holding a broom that I found in the closet, as a weapon. I called for Loki but he seemed to have vanished again. He probably spotted an unsuspecting and venerable girl… I know… He might as well be a gigolo.

Anyway, as soon as I unclasped the lock something white flew right passed me. It was such a blur; I couldn't help but be startled. A couple of thoughts hit me. All negative, I tell you! I screamed and hit it with the broom, though I missed each time. It started to chuckle darkly and it walked closer and closer towards me. How did you expect me to react? There was a person like figure: practically white with red all around and dripping from its mouth? Of course I screamed and made a cross out of two random objects I found. He looked like a freaking vampire!

As you have most likely guessed, the figure was indeed Natsu. He burst into fits of laughter as he rubbed the flour from his face and hair. It seems he was in the kitchen with Happy and they had an unfortunate accident with the flour and thought it'd be a good idea to prank me. Of course, in retaliation I kicked in against the wall, causing several bumps to appear on his head. And that leads us to where we are now: Natsu sitting on the floor apologizing and sulking, calling me mean.

"Hmph!"

"Luce! I'm you're employer. Meaning I'm the boss, so forgive me!" He held his head up high a cocky aura surrounding him. "In fact! I demand you to forgive me!" I could feel my eyebrow twitching slightly.

"Well excuse me, my dear Earl Dragoneel," He flinched at my overly sweet voice. "Did I disrespect my gracious and lovely master in any way? I apologize greatly for any inconvenience I have brought for you. You surely need to put me in my place." Sweat started to coat his forehead the more I spoke. "I am only but a woman whom has no status in the high society, I must have offended you with my opinions and thoughts. I'm sorry for my disgusting behavior. I'm sure I'm not even worthy or your presence," I then sighed. I glanced at him and had to hold off a smirk. He seemed to be panicking. I sniffled a little. "I suppose, to you a woman must only be good for the kitchen and looking after the house… Oh my… how I have misjudged you." His eyes seemed to have swirled in circles. "I wonder how Erza puts up with you… I should ask her…" He burst. Got ya!

"I'm really, really sorry Luce! I reeeeally respect you! Please don't tell Erza!" I hid a smile behind my hand. I quickly changed it to a frown as I turned to face him. His eyes were big, like a puppy's, and they had gathered tears in the corner. I almost felt sorry for him.

"I suppose I couldn't, you are my employer as you so boldly said earlier. Whatever you demand of me, I must do. Even if you degrade woman so greatly." He suddenly stood up and took a few steps towards me.

"Lucy! I didn't mean to demand anything! I just want you to forgive me!"

"Really?"

He nodded his head vigorously. "You're not just and employee, you're my best friend!" Well… I didn't expect that… "Erm… Just please don't tell Erza!" I couldn't help but giggle at his scared face. He seemed like a child whom had just been told about the boogey man. His face visibly relaxed at my laugh. "Luce?"

I stuck my tongue out at him. I know it was a childish and rude thing to do but I couldn't help it.

"You fell for it!" He looked at me confused. "I may have not known you for a long time but I know you well enough to trust and believe your values of women. You have given me too much freedom and shown me much kindness for me to know at least that." He released a sigh and smiled at me. "Plus, you'd be too scared of Erza." He playfully glared at me.

"I'm not scared of her."

"Sure."

"And that was mean, Lucy."

"Hey, I was only paying you back, for the prank." He pouted as I laughed at him. Well… it seems he can be adorable as well as annoying.

It was now morning and we're now very close to the castle. In fact, we're reaching the gate now. I could see the sea surrounding us thrash and crash violently into the rocks. Oh dear! The merrow's are restless today. They are defiantly not happy. It may be a little difficult to get the sword. Oh well. We'll never know until we try. As a fairy doctor my job is communicate between the two species and sort out fairy related problems, so I'll have to try.

The gate opened with a creek and we all followed Natsu towards the enormous double doors. Gray and Erza slowly pushed the doors: the heavy weight of them, slowing them down. As soon as the gap was large enough for them to walk through, they stopped and we continued our journey.

We stumbled upon some wood and Nastu lit it up with the friction on some small rocks to provide some light in the dark building. The flame created big, looming shadows that increased the ominousness of the place. Each step we took, echoes followed in our silent venture through the castle. I hid behind Natsu a little, every time I heard a strange sound. The blue cat called me a scardey-cat, which of course I told him to shut it before he regrets opening his mouth.

After a while, we came upon a dead end.

"What now?" Gray asked.

"We should go back and take a different route." Erza said.

"Yeah…" Natsu agreed with a sigh. I scanned the area we were standing in until I noticed a little symbol engraved into the wall. It was the symbol for the Fairy world so we must be in the right place.

"Wait!" I shouted before everyone left, "We're in the right place, we just need to find some sort of secret entrance."

"Natsu… I think Lucy has read too many books and her brain has fried… if she had one…" The cat snickered. I glared at him, hoping the expression "if looks can kill' would come true, right this second.

"Lucy, it's a dead end." Gray said.

"And there should be a secret passage. Fairies are sometime very secretive, you know. So it's not that strange for there to be a secret passageway."

"Luce, you're being weird again…"

I huffed and turned to face the wall, placing my hand and moving around.

"Lucy, I don't think you'll find anything." Erza said.

"Luce, you're wasting time!" Natsu whined. I ignored them. He hired me to help him and I am. Stupid Earl's and normal people that think they'll know more than a person in this profession… I sighed. I think I know why less people can see fairies these days. It's because they're all simple one-tracked minded people.

I started to crouch as I moved around on the lower section of the wall.

"Pfft! Lucy looks like a dog! Dogs are lower than cats!" Happy snickered.

"Would you like to be skinned alive?" I said, sweetly.

"Natsu! Lucy is scary and mean!"

"It's okay buddy! I won't let the meanie hurt you." I glanced over my shoulder and glared at the two. I suddenly felt a perfectly circular hole and snapped my head back to the wall. I bent down lower to look at it. This is it!

"Natsu, do you have the coin?" He took out of his pocket and held it between his thumb and forefinger. "Give it to me." He walked over and placed it into my palm.

"What are you doing?" I turned around and placed the coin in the hole. There was a clicking sound and suddenly the wall in front of us started to vanish. It was like mist clearing after a foggy day.

"Cool…"

"And there we go. Most fairies can use magic." I said simply as I stood up and dusted my long dress.

"I'm sorry for doubting you, Lucy. Please hit me!" Erza stepped into my line of vision and bowed her head.

"E-err, it's fine Erza."

"C'mon, let's go!" Natsu cried.

We continued to walk as I glanced behind us to see the path still opened. Oh well, we'll need it to exit anyway. That is… if Natsu really is the dragon knight… if not, I doubt we can escape. We'll probably be trapped and-

"Kyaaa!" I tripped over something found myself face to face… with a skeleton… Oh my! "Eeeeeek!"

"Lucy, you're so loud." Erza helped pull me up and I glared at Natsu. He better be the real dragon knight or we'll become like Mr. skeleton over here. I regret not conforming things properly first. Note to self: If we get out of here, do background checks on clients before accepting jobs.

We continued down the path until we reached a set of stone steps, leading downwards. As I thought… the merrow's are underground, close to the sea.

We started to make our way down the stone steps, as we got closer to level ground, the steps started to get damp. I had to be careful because I had already almost slipped a few times. As we reached the last step we were met with four different, tunnel-like, passageways.

"Where should we go?" Gray asked.

"That one!" Natsu shouted, pointing to the one in the middle, right side.

"Aye sir!" Everyone started to walk to the entrance of that tunnel.

"Guys! Shouldn't we think about it first? There could be traps!" Of course I was ignored and I had to jog to catch up with them. Sheesh! Why did they even bother hiring me, if they weren't going to listen? Urgh! I ought to just leave them to learn a lesson… but my stupid conscience will not allow it.

"I told you! But did you listen? NO." I screeched. "That was the third time! I said to wait and let me work things out but noooo, let's just carry on falling into the traps in each tunnel."

"You talk too much and now my ears hurt…" Natsu said, obviously irritated. "We're safe now, aren't we? So let it go, stop holding a grudge."

"Of course we're safe now! We went in three out of the four tunnels. All in which were ones filled with traps. This is obviously the right one now! If you listened to me, we could have saved time and not nearly give me a heart attack or almost having to fall to my death." I huffed.

"But you're fine, right?" I glared at Gray.

"That's not the point!"

"Luce, I won't let you get hurt, so it's fine." Natsu said grinning at me. I puffed up my cheeks and turned away from him. My cheeks had suddenly become warm.

"Yeah… I give you my sincere gratitude." I muttered. He grinned again.

As you may have guessed, the first tunnel we entered had a trap. The ceiling started to crumble and we were almost buried alive. Luckily, Natsu, Erza and Gray had quickly gone back when they noticed the change in the environment. Happy was even flying me back to the entrance because I was too slow.

The two after, were not any better. The second tunnel had spikes shooting out of every wall, ceiling and floor we passed. It was horrible. I am glad I have good reflexes, other wise I would have been impaled by many of those sharp spikes.

The third was filled with tiled floors as we entered deep into the tunnel. As soon as we took a step onto a tile, it collapsed revealing an endless pit. We figured we had to search for safe tiles to cross, so we took some rocks and threw them onto the tiles. In the end, large pit that seemed endless was revealed. There were a few shiney spikes that could be spotted if you looked very carefully. There were even some monstrous creatures, between the spikes. You can say I was definitely mortified.

So that leads us to the final tunnel. This one should hopefully lead us to the merrow's guarding the sword. And in theory, my job should end there. The contact did specify that I was to only help them in finding the location of the sword and to help them get there. Not to find the actual sword itself. So that is the loophole that's going to free me from the Earl. Though, even without the loophole, as I have mentioned, I should soon be free of the contract.

Levy's POV

"Plue! Are you sure we're going the right way?" I asked as we got closer and closer to the harbor.

"Pu puun!" Plue then nodded his head and pointed to the schedule for the boat departures.

"What?"

"Puuuun."

"You want me to lift you up?" He nodded his head again. "Alright." I lifted the small white creature has he glanced at the schedule. He then suddenly jumped from my arms and started to walk again.

"Plue! Where are we going? I hope you are leading us to Lu!"

"Puun puuuun." He then pointed towards a boat.

"We need tickets to get on boats… well I do anyway."

"Pu puun puun." I sighed. He seemed adamant about getting on the boat.

"Fine." After I purchased the ticket we got onto the boat. "I hope you know where we're going Plue."

"Puuuun!" He placed a fist to his chest as if saying 'leave it to me.' I sighed. Don't worry Lu! I think we're getting closer to where ever you are.

Lucy's POV

I sneezed and had to stop for a moment before walking. I wonder if someone is talking about me? Well I'm not exactly liked very much. I am considered an oddball. We carried on walking through the tunnel for a while.

"Are we there yet?"

"No."

"… Are we there now?"

"No."

"…How about now?"

"… No."

"… Are we there n-"

"Natsu, BE QUIET!" Erza shouted, getting fed up of Natsu's persistence.

"A-aye! S-sorry, sir- I mean- ma'am!"

"Good!" Suddenly a blue light could be seen at the end of the tunnel. We all immediately rushed towards the source, coming across what seemed like a lake, with sapphire blue water.

"So…" Gray started, awkwardly. I moved towards the lake and kneeled down. I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

"Merrows." I called, "I have brought someone who claims to be the dragon knight. I am Lucy Heartfilia, a fairy doctor." Suddenly everything started to shake and the water started to thrash around. Suddenly a big wave came, revealing a woman with long blue hair and an equally blue mermaid tail. Her eyes shining like aquamarine.

Everyone gasped as they saw the woman before them. Even I couldn't with hold a small gasp that escaped my lips. I signaled for Natsu to step forward. The woman then spoke,

"What do you want brats? It better be important, you interrupted my date!"

All our jaws suddenly dropped.


Can you guess who that is? Haha, it's kinda obvious, I know XD

Anyways, Review please! :) Until next time... XD