This Chapter, as promised, is dedicated to JazkaStar for guessing Lucy Ashley's husband.
And to be fair, I also dedicate this chapter for those who participated in my little guessing game : MeraleeRose, Shadow Mystogan Uchiha and Nickle28.
For those who commented on the previous chapter, it means a lot to me, thank you!
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• Mystogan's Birthday •
He drop the book from his hands and tilt his head to take a better look on the blonde' face as curiosity filled his black orbs. His mind flashed back to the pictures that was given to him and found the similarity between the woman in front of him and the woman from the albums hidden behind the walls of their castle. They expect him to ask them how that was even possible, shout at them how ridiculous they are for telling him his mother is dead but she's standing in front of him. But instead, he walk forward, realisation flash in his eyes.
" I knew they were lying "
He was supposed to be cold and cruel, not caring what goes around him but Layla don't see the boy he was supposed to be but instead, he saw a lost boy. He saw a boy who never had a parent to guide him as he grow up, a boy who grew up only to watch children around his age play with their parents with envy while he, a prince himself, have none— after all, he was just three months old when his parents died. She expect him to lash out but instead, he reach out his hand towards the young lady he's mistaking to be his mother.
" Am I finally gonna celebrate my birthday with you? "
Should she let her grandson believe that the woman in front of him was indeed his mother? She gave him everything he asked for, provide him what he need in hope it might cover the hole in his heart but should she fill his curious mind with lies? She can't bear the feeling of watching him feel temporary happiness with the girl who look a lot like his mother only to watch her return to the world she came from.
Layla felt a hand on her shoulder, only to find his son's soft eyes telling her not to interfere. And for once, she did.
And then her eyes found Lucy Heartfilia.
She is indeed the image of her daughter. If Layla hadn't known better, she would have run towards her and trapped her inside her arms. But she knew this isn't her Lucy. Why does the world has to be cruel and bring someone who looks a lot like her daughter?
If only she accepted her marriage with her husband and didn't disowned her, she would have been alive. She should be here by her side, be the one to take care of her son instead of the servants. But she became ignorant, she refuse to accept them, her pride came first and now she's paying for her mistakes. If there is one thing she want to do right now is to embrace this girl who's a spitting image of her daughter— even just once.
Layla was lost in thoughts until her grandson's sobs reached her ears. She brought herself back to reality and watch as Leo reach out his hand towards Lucy Heartfilia. Layla can feel hesitation in the blonde, mixed emotions in her eyes and tension in her body. She don't know what Lucy would do, she don't completely know her and for Layla, Lucy is still a stranger. Would she shout at the boy for thinking she is his mother? Would she storm out of the room leaving the boy crying? She don't know. This Lucy is a mystery even after the words Mystogan has provided her.
" Silly "
Her brows furrowed and stare at the blonde, trying to figure out the tone in her voice.
" Big boys don't cry anymore ". Layla watch the blonde kneel in front of the boy, finally accepting his hand, enveloping his small hand with her bigger one, caressing it with tender passion. She watch Lucy wipe the tears away from his cheeks with a warm smile that can melt any ice.
" I'm a big boy, " Leo said with a soft voice Layla never heard before, " I'll never cry again, I promise "
Her eyes observe Lucy's movements, examine her face and figure out her smile, though she can't see any lie— she see honesty.
" I'll take him out, excuse us ". Without waiting for another word, she scoop the boy in her arms and leave the Dinning hall.
She still don't understand. For Layla, Lucy is still a mystery. She can't figure out the young lady. The moment she walked in, Layla saw vain in her eyes, a mirror of sorrow and sadness but at the same time she saw emptiness and a moment after Mystogan introduced them to the young lady, she found no emotion at all, it's like in a blink of an eye, she turned into a robot. And then Leo spoke, then again, she changed— she saw sweetness and tender care, she saw a girl, not a lady. And when she found different sides of her emotions, she knew this is not her daughter, not her Lucy. She was certain.
If this is the Lucy of Earthland, she know it would not be easy to figure her out.
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By the time they reached the garden, Lucy found the boy in her arms asleep, only to return inside again and bring her in her quarters. She's still wary of what had happened and still hadn't figure out what would her next move be now that the boy seems to think she is her mother. She hadn't expected it to be like this, she was supposed to be having a dramatic and memorable walk out back in the Dinning Hall as far as she can remember but the unexpected entrance of the Ashleys made it all complicated.
She stare down at the sleeping boy in her bed, a spitting image of a certain one third of the Trimen flash in her mind— completely confident she don't need someone to tell her who was his father. How could she not thought of it? Her own spirit a spitting image of that womanizer? Hold on, maybe it's just because this Leo is still a boy. Yeah, maybe that's it.
She stroke his damped cheeks and smile, wondering what could be the feeling of having a child and for once, she thought of the possibilities of what could have happened if she wasn't stucked in Tenrou for seven years. Maybe she could have married and started a family of her own, a family she once had but something she would never let slip out of her grasp ever again.
Could it be Natsu she would have married? Maybe not, after all there was no spark in their relationship from the start and to think everybody thought they'll end up together never fails to make her laugh. Them? Together? She can't even picture themselves holding hands. And Natsu? Oh well, he was too dense to even know what romantic feelings are.
" He does look a lot like his father "
She turn around only to find Edo Sting standing by the doorway, arms crossed in his chest as he watch her.
The silence made Lucy uneasy. She don't know what to say or what to do, aware that the Sting in front of her isn't the one she was acquainted with. Should she tell what Natsu used to say 'I'm all fired up' when he wants to pick up a fight?
" Mystogan was right, " He started, breaking the silence, " If you truly are Lucy Ashley, you would have punched me and started shouting how I should get a haircut "
If there was something Lucy is best at is reading people's facial expressions and body languages. He may be laughing, but his own eyes are deceiving him. The way his broad shoulders tensed when he say her name shows Lucy the truth and she understands.
" Lucy Ashley was . . . different and full of surprises. She and I are so different but similar at the same time. I hated fighting but she, on the other hand, was always the cause of trouble and it surprised me that she married in the end and had a son " Lucy surprised not just herself but Sting too. She didn't realised what she was saying until it was done. She flushed and look back at the boy, " And of all people, why does it have to be Hibiki? "
Lucy let out a bitter chuckle, imagining a picture of her and Hibiki together but when it was formed, she was closed on passing out.
" How did—? " Lucy laugh, waving her hand in front of her and stopping Sting, " Leo as a boy sure does looks a lot like Hibiki but believe me, when he grow up, he will look different "
Sting decided to shrugged it off and smile at the blonde, completely reminding him of his old days with his sister. With her, he's complete like nothing can make him happier. With her, he can't stay away of trouble. With her, he knew smiles and laughter was all that matters but now that without her, he knew living is a must.
" Why? "
Lucy noticed the changed that's emitting and decided to cut in. She's curious. If Lucy Ashley decided to settle down and started a family with the man she love, why didn't they accepted them? Why does no one accepted them? She don't now Edo Hibiki, and that's what doesn't make sense. She knew Lucy Ashley, she's independent and strong headed, she's the type of a person that hardly shows deep emotions, so why would she jump in a relationship with Hibiki if he does nothing but trouble?
" If you did accepted them, Fairytail of Edolas wouldn't have to avoid the topic of Lucy Ashley's marital life, they wouldn't have to say her marriage wasn't taken very well by everyone ". Lucy knew her limitation, if she know she has crossed too much, she will stop without a second thought.
She watch as Sting look away and massage his temple, taking a hard time to decide wether he should tell her or not.
" Hibiki was a Kn— "
" Prince Sting? "
Sting followed Lucy's gaze and found a servant behind him. She bowed at the two blondes before fixing her gaze at the Prince.
" I apologise for the interruption but Queen Layla has asked for your presence "
Lucy nod at the Prince, telling him it's fine. He excuse himself after apologising at the young lady and left with the servant in tow.
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She watch Lucy tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear as she continue to put icing on the enormous six layers blueberry cake she spent five hours baking. She make sure every angle, side and corner are presentable and breathtaking. She was indeed a perfectionist and she don't know if it is good thing or not.
With her young angelic face, it is a surprise if she still wasn't taken.
" Are you done, Princess Lucy? Perhaps we can finally fix your hair? "
She turn towards at the other side of the room and found Coco, almost unrecognizable with her long hair pulled down and dressed in a fine yellow dress.
The working blonde smiled in satisfaction as she roam her eyes around her masterpiece before nodding at Coco.
" It would be my honour to help you "
Of course she wouldn't let this once in a lifetime chance to pass by.
Lucy narrow her gaze towards the woman and curtsy, " Queen Layla, what brings you here? "
Layla smiled at the young lady before nodding at Coco, who excuse herself a moment after.
" If you would allow me, I would like to be the one to fix your hair "
She watch as the blonde's brown orbs widen and raise her hand in protest but she cut her off immediately, " Please, let me "
They ended up in Lucy's quarters, with the young lady sitting still in front of her vanity and Layla brushing her golden locks from behind.
She don't know when was the last time she felt alive, the last time she felt warmth in her heart, the last time she touch her daughter's hair, and having Lucy Heartfilia by her side makes it feels like she's home . . . again.
But she know this is not her daughter, this not her Lucy. They're different and by the way Lucy Heartfilia move makes it all clear. This Lucy is a lady that moves with grace and passion, speak like a true princess while her daughter was more of a woman, loud and obnoxious, and always the one who starts trouble.
" Lucy, my Lucy, hated wearing dresses. She loathed light colors and refuse to put makeup and never let someone touch her hair, " Layla started, feeling the young lady's tense and uneasiness, " She was never sweet and soft, always the tough one "
She remember when she entered her daughter in school, she was called the next day by the Principal, reporting that Lucy Ashley punched a boy for teasing her. If it wasn't only for Sting, Lucy would have expelled at the end of her first week of school.
When her daughter returned home after Magic disappeared in Edolas, suitors started lining up to ask for her hand in marriage, she remember her daughter sneaking in the kitchen only to found out that she put lots of spices in one of her suitors' tea that he ended up drinking the nearest water he found, which happened to be from a flower vase.
" I was wondering, are you married? "
She watch in the mirror how Lucy's eyes widened in horror. Layla chuckled before pulling her hair in bun.
" I'll take that as a no "
If there is one thing Layla has failed to do for her daughter was to attend her wedding. And if watching Lucy Heartfilia walk down the aisle one day or be the one to help her prepare for her wedding will make her feel at ease, she'll do it.
" The party has started " The servant waiting by the door said.
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Mystogan continue to greet his guests, didn't had other choice but to smile even against his will. He knew he shouldn't have agreed on throwing a party for his birthday but the Council has said the Rulers of the Kingdoms of the Continent has been waiting for this day, the day he was destined to announce his betrothal. The thing is, he's not even courting a lady. What would he do now? Grab a maiden from the crowd and proclaim he's off to marry?
This is a bloody madness and Byro has grown tired hearing his complains. Erza has threatened to beheaded him if he try to run away. Hughes had told him he'll fetch Princess Minerva from Sabertooth if needed. No one was on his side, not even Coco who he asked to turn on her Matchmaking Radar.
Mystogan watch the crowd from his throne, silently wishing for this day to end quickly. He can't stand another ' Happy Birthday ' greeting, he just want to sleep and maybe think of a way to fix his problem with Lucy.
Lucy.
He snap back to reality and started roaming his gaze around the crowd, hoping to see the blonde. He wonder if she chose to attend the party or remained locked inside her room reading a book. Then again, why would she attend? After all they're not in good terms right now and blame it on his protectiveness. She must be with Leo, trying to fill the hole in his heart his parents weren't able to do. But he did noticed one thing, the entire Royal Family of Extalia is nowhere to be seen.
He was taking a sip of his wine from his goblet when he head a 'ding' echoed throughout the hall. The music stopped as well as the crowd and focused their attention who asked for it.
" Your Majesty, " Mystogan could swear his knuckles has quickly turned white the way he clenched his fist. He felt his blood boiled as he stared blackly— completely having a hard time to hide any emotion— at a certain King. He forgot that all the rulers were invited, and by all means King Lyon was too.
" We were wondering who might be the fortunate lady you are ought to betroth "
He was doing well of avoiding bringing that topic, frequently excused himself from conversations for the past few hours and he knew he's close to success but why does this man always have to ruin everything?
" Unless you still had not found a lady ". There comes snickers and a few laughter, whispering and talks. He cleared his throat and try to think of a better way to escape this. What if he can't? What would he tell now? He can't bear he humiliation especially when it comes from the man he loathed he most.
He was about to give up and tell him the truth when the sound of the Trumpet that signals the arrival of an important guest rang in the hall.
The crowd cut into half, heels clicking on the floor as they clear the pathway that leads to the throne, everyone's attention glued at the large wooden doors wondering who might be the special guest that has gained such a special treatment. When the doors opened, five figures walked in.
" The Royal Family of Extalia has arrived! "
Whispers and murmurs began in the hall, eyes following the unknown additional member of the Ashleys. Queen Layla walks in the middle, still glamorous even she's at her fifties, wearing her warm smile as they proceed to the throne. On her right walks Leo, hands enveloped with his Aunt's who's carrying her daughter, Ariana, with one arm, who walks in his right. On the far left walks Sting, his long wavy blonde hair reaches his broad shoulders, wearing his intimidating fierce facial expression.
But what caught everyone's attention was the lady walking beside Queen Layla. She move with such elegance and beauty, her off-shoulder dress hug her body perfectly and shows her curves and all, her long gloves cover up to her elbows with frills at the end of them, her tamed blonde hair pulled in a bun along with a lacy baby pink band with ruffles on it's edges which rests on her hair with her flicks and strands of hair framing her face— her heels clickinh against the floor matches their entrance. Every woman inside the hall feel nothing but insecurity, some stare with disgust and jealousy and some with admiration. Her beauty truly attracted most of the crowd that even children stopped playing to watch her.
Byro had no other choice but to nudge the King to catch his attention. Mystogan snap back to reality, only to glare at the men that are gawking at the young lady.
By the time the Ashleys reached the end of the stairs that leads to the throne, they curtsy with a smile full of grace on their lips.
" Your Majesty, receive our greetings " Altogether, they spoke with a perfect synchrony.
Mystogan's eyes are practically glued on the young lady, didn't know what to do and what to say. To say that he's surprised and stunned would be an understatement. She is indeed beautiful, and there's no denying it but tonight is different. She show off her true beauty and the moment she straighten herself and look deeply into his eyes, he was lost in thoughts.
Byro's cough pulled him out of his thoughts and caught him off guard. He look away and composed himself for a moment before looking back at the Ashleys.
" I am grateful you had arrived, and that's enough "
Whispers started for the second time, and they were certain what are everybody's thoughts.
Lucy Ashley.
The whispers of the crowd made it clear what they are talking about, having the same questions of how a girl that looks a lot like the dead Princess of Extalia appeared out of nowhere and seemingly proclaimed as a Ashley. Though they were all aware that Queen Layla only had a son and a daughter and that Lucy Ashley don't have a twin.
" Your Majesty, " Queen Layla walk ahead of her family, her eyes meeting Mystogan's, silently telling him something he don't understand, " My daughter and youngest child, Lucia, has ret— "
He step forward, unintentionally cutting the Queen, suddenly becoming wary. King Lyon is here, so does the lady he is after. He is smart and clever and will not stop at nothing until he get what he wants, Mystogan know it. He will protect her, keep her safe, and if doing this will help then he'll take the risk.
" Thank you, Queen Layla, " Mystogan's voice rang perfectly inside the hall, didn't failed to reach everybody's ears, " For encouraging her to return "
He let his eyes roam around the crowd until he found Lucy's soft brown eyes. He'll apologise later, but now, he have to make sure Lyon will not get her.
Queen Layla, thinking he seems to get the message, reach out her hand towards Lucy and motion for her to come forward. She did, with a smile on her face, walk forward until she is two steps ahead the Queen.
" I want you all to meet Princess Lucia Heartfilia Ashley of Extalia, Queen Layla's youngest child, " Mystogan forced a smile— but deep down, though he's not clearly aware, he wish this could be true, not in the way he just desire to protect her but in the way they both want it— " The lady I had been courting for the past few months and I wish to marry to be my Future Queen "
Mystogan could swear he watch how Lucy's eyes turned from confused to shocked and furious.
For the first time this day, he wish the party will not end soon because he know the moment he and Lucy are out of sight, she'll kill him.
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Author's Note :
I'm sorry for the late update, school is just getting under my nerves. Can you believe it? I became our Class Vice President and things and all are hard. I was one of the assigned students that will assess the upcoming events and competition this July and it's pretty hectic plus loads of homeworks, reports, essays, projects and some more. Sorry again.
So there it is! Hibiki is Edo Lucy's husband, we will just have to wait what's the reason they are not accepted.
Starting next chapter Mystogan and Lucy's relationship will start to develop and blossom and we'll start to learn more about Mystogan and Lyon's rivalry and how it started. We'll also explore Edo Aquarius' life, she's kind of important in this story, just to let you know.
I have a question though, do I need to get a beta?
Leave a comment, please?
