Hey guys! Kytrin here with your Wednesday chapter! I expect much screaming from it. Enjoy! :)


CHAPTER 8

Fandango
From the Spanish, a big party with lots of dancing and excitement.


Lucy gathered up one of her finer gowns in her hands, tipping her hoop skirt up and out of its carriage as she flowed out in a rustle of silk and satin. It really was a beautiful dress and she felt like a princess wearing it. Her father's tailor had done a marvelous job keeping it cut to her size with a flattering shape in a lovely mix of pearl and amethyst, dyed magically to obtain the rich color. Jude Heartfilia wished his daughter to attend this party hosted by Mister Precht Gaebolg, and as such had not spared any expense to make his daughter shine out among the others.

She almost felt bad that she would be using this opportunity for something besides schmoozing to benefit her father's business. The guilt was easily pushed aside however, as she knew her father would never abide having business partners that were up to illegal activities. Besmirching the Heartfilia name went against what he believed in.

Still, she needed proof if nothing else and she was determined to either clear Precht's name, or sink it.

Adjusting the pearl-lined mask covering half of her face, Lucy swept into Precht's impressive estate, allowing herself to sink into a perfect curtsey to the doorman.

Hesitant about the masks at first and the strange themed party Precht was hosting, Lucy quickly warmed up to the idea. Everyone was wearing a mask, making everyone a stranger and a mystery. It was perfect to blend in with the crowd, to hide her identity from potential suitors and perhaps find out information freely without being disturbed. The bulletin called it a "Masquerade" straight from the customs of the Alvarez Kingdom.

Lucy smiled as she and her aunt were quickly enveloped into the crowd and made their way around the edge of the room where the buffet was waiting. The dancing hadn't started just yet. That would wait until after they were formally welcomed by their host. So for the moment most were standing, or sitting, and simply chatting while they nibbled on the delicacies Precht had arranged.

"Quite a turnout." Anna mused quietly, her dress a compliment to Lucy's without being identical, "I didn't realize Gaebolg was this popular."

"He's done exceptionally well for himself thanks to his connection with father." Lucy replied softly, "Without the Heartfilia rail lines he would very quickly find himself with a supply problem."

Anna glanced shrewdly at Lucy, "And you don't like him much do you?"

Lucy sighed and shrugged, "I'm not sure." She admitted honestly, "He's never been less than polite, but..."

Anna nodded without saying anything else, and smiled, "Well, don't worry about it for now." She soothed, "Just enjoy yourself. Your meeting isn't until later."

Lucy's lips twitched at the way her aunt had said 'your', but she just nodded. Truthfully, she would be grateful for Anna's presence under any other circumstances. Her aunt might not have been the runaway success her father had become with his railroads, but she was acutely business savvy and successful in her own right regardless. It was practically a Heartfilia trait.

However, in this case, even if she was invited to the meeting, it would probably be a disaster if she showed up and Precht was guilty. At least this way she could keep her aunt from worrying.

She flicked open her fan out of habit as she turned to eye the food waiting for them. They'd eaten just before setting out, but that had still been over an hour ago, and Precht's cook had outdone himself on the menu. Perhaps a small plate to nibble on wouldn't hurt?

Anna clearly had the same idea as she suddenly found an empty plate being presented to her. The two women grinned at each other and began to help themselves. After all, it would be a shame for it to go to waste.

The women wandered off to pick up a few things they wanted, Lucy breaking off down the buffet line when she spotted a smattering of tasty looking buns. They looked warm and soft, which appealed to Lucy's heart.

Forgetting her manners for a moment, she reached forward in her eagerness, completely missing the hand already halfway on its journey to the same destination. Fingers brushing against tanned, and somewhat scarred looking knuckles, Lucy swiftly pulled her hand away in embarrassment.

The man whose hand she had touched, turned to look at her, amusement sparkling in his smile. He too was wearing a mask, but instead of a delicate one like Lucy wore, his was a deep burgundy, lined with what looked like rows of glittering scales.

"Apologies sir, my eagerness got the better of me," Lucy dipped into a quick curtsey, her cheeks burning pink under her mask. Really, where had all her manners gone?

The man watched her, his eyes dark behind his mask. He made no move to bow to her as was proper for a gentleman and a lady, but instead shifted his weight to the side in a way that seemed almost casual.

His smile was easy, and something about it calmed Lucy.

"Plenty to go around I think ma'am," his said softly. Lucy felt a pleasant curl in her stomach at the sound of his voice. It was like a warm breeze on a cold desert night, and just as comforting as his smile.

She could tell by the firmness of his jaw and that roguish smile, that he was handsome under his mask. Confident too if he was brash enough to ignore propriety.

"Ladies first," he shifted out of the way, opening his stance so she could have enough room to freely take a few of the buns she had been eyeing.

Lucy blushed a little more, but she flashed him a grateful smile as she reached over and delicately plucked three of the rolls onto her plate. She gestured for him to go ahead and bit into one with a soft moan of pleasure.

It was absolutely perfect.

Fresh from the oven, tender, and a brushing of butter on top while the inside was full of some kind of duck hash.

"That good huh?" The man asked, an amused slant to his mouth as he bit into one of his own.

Lucy felt her cheeks heating back up, but couldn't help grinning back at him as he proved his own comment by groaning in obvious bliss, "Yes. It's that good."

He chuckled a little, seeming to struggle as he was unable to laugh because his mouth was full, and Lucy was pleased that he at least had pleasant manners if a lack of propriety.

"So it is," He replied after a moment and eyed the very long set of tables speculatively, "It kind of makes me want to try a little of everything now."

"That would be quite a meal!" Lucy laughed as she took another bite, "I'm fairly sure that our host doesn't know the meaning of half measures."

She didn't notice the way he momentarily stilled before his grin was back in place, "Maybe not." He conceded, "But I've got the room for it."

He cocked his head back, a silent invitation for Lucy to join him if she pleased, and she found the idea was quite enticing while she waited for Mister Gaebolg to make his appearance.

"I'm certain the appetite required to sample all of these may not exist in this world," Lucy took a delicate bite from her roll, watching as this only seemed to make her mystery man smile wider.

"Perhaps, but you've never seen one like mine," the man lifted his elbow to her, his head lowering in an amused tilt to his head. There was no denying the slight brag to his voice, but it was brushed away as easily as it rose, "If I fail, at least I'll have company?"

Lucy heard the hopeful tinge to his voice, and laughed, accepting his arm. His grin turned absolutely boyish in his glee she was going along with his foolishness.

"Tell me, what of the darling Jane you escorted here? I imagine she won't be happy about you disappearing with a mystery woman," Lucy teased, assuming a man like him would have someone to accompany him.

He only seemed to laugh harder at her words, his eyes glittering behind his mask like the spark of stars and fire. Lucy fought the impulse to reach up and tug the mask from his face, eager to see what he looked like.

"No doubt she's off breaking hearts left 'n right miss," He chuckled.

"We should have some fun before the dancing starts and everyone starts tramplin' everyone to get to all the pretty ladies," he continued, voice light and amused as if the whole situation was funny to him.

Lucy scoffed, making a falsely offended noise in the back of her throat, "why sir, should I feel slighted since I'm not apart of those games?"

He turned towards her, cottoning on to her humor, his smile spreading wider.

"Of course not miss, I just got a head start is all," he said somewhat roughly, his smile pleased and sending warm shivers down her spine.

Lucy tried to cover her reaction with a smile, grateful he couldn't see her hot cheeks through her mask, but from the way his lips twitched she suspected he'd noticed it anyway.

"Are you asking me to dance sir?" She asked, pleased her voice was so steady.

"And if I am?" He replied, his voice dropping to a slight purr that sent goosebumps up her arms, "Would you accept?"

Lucy cocked her head at him, as if considering the proposal, "I might be persuaded." She replied, her lips twitching into a slight smirk, "Ask me again when the dancing starts."

Her new companion burst into delighted laughter and he leaned a little closer to her, "With pleasure miss." He rumbled softly before pulling away, his boyish grin returning, "Now... shall we see about my challenge?"

"Lead on good sir!" Lucy laughed, a little out of breath at how quickly he seemed to change moods, but interested in seeing what else he had in store. It was a distinctly refreshing change from the formal stuffiness that usually accompanied dealing with the wealthy and noble.

He happily led her to the end of the buffet line, somehow cutting a path easily through the press of people talking business, politics, and political arrangements, and scooped up a plate. Lucy was aware they were being eyed curiously as he began to pile a little of everything in range onto it, and basked in the pleasure that she was having fun here. At least for the moment.

By rights she should be mingling and talking politics and such with the others, but she found she didn't really care at the moment. Anna was doing an admirable job of that for her, and she would be dutiful and deal with the meeting later.

It also didn't escape her notice that more than one gaze was envious.

Not because they were jealous of her, or who she was with, but because they were apparently a pair that had achieved something few of their station ever did. And that made her all the more determined to make the most of her moments with her mystery man as he happily worked his way through the buffet, periodically offering her choice tidbits.

He seemed oblivious to the stares, occasionally teasing and laughing with Lucy as they tried many things. It turned out his appetite was truly a terrifying thing, because she had long since been unable to continue while he carried on taking bites here and there.

At least until Precht Gaebolg stood at the top of his stairs, calling for everyone's attention.

Her mystery man stopped on a dime, his smile falling off as he took to pulling his full attention towards him. Lucy blinked in surprise at the show of intensity, unable to get a gauge on her partner's face thanks to the mask he was wearing.

"Good evening everyone," Precht said, his voice even and calm. His arms were behind his back, stature straight and somewhat foreboding. The man had a severe look to him that allowed very little room for nonsense.

He was very serious, a look which was aided by the eyepatch covering one side of his face and the long, neatly groomed beard and mustache that was pure white.

His single good eye made sure to fall on every one of his guests, scanning the crowd as a whole.

"I wish to thank you all for coming here tonight. I look forward to speaking to each and every one of you," Precht spoke generously.

Lucy breathed out, the room suddenly feeling much warmer. She whipped out her fan and used it generously, her eyes flashing over to her mystery man.

"It's warm," She mumbled, seeming to catch his attention. He flashed her a small smile, his eyes flashing behind his mask, and just like that it seemed as if the temperature once more cooled.

She breathed out in relief, but kept her fan handy just in case it happened again. It was a curious moment, but given how crowded it was she supposed she probably should just be grateful it hadn't happened before.

She hardly noticed as Precht ended his speech and opened the dancing, but the music starting up and the sudden movement among the crowds jolted her back to the present. She glanced up at her companion to grinned down at her and boldly curled his hand around her waist, sending excited shivers up her spine.

"Would the lady care for a dance?" He rumbled in a faintly growling voice that had her insides going crazy.

"I would be delighted sir." Lucy replied, slightly breathlessly, and smiled up at him as he properly took his place and escorted her out to the dance floor.

The first dance was slow, formal, and oddly intimate as Lucy could practically feel the heat radiating from her partner the entire time. But after that the music picked up tempo, and before Lucy quite knew what had happened she was laughing as she got spun and twirled enthusiastically.

It seemed her mystery man was as much a dancer as he was an eater, and very strong as he easily lifted her and carried her weight as the dances called for it. And a good thing too as every brush against his hard body had her heart doing excited little flips, and tingles shooting through her.

"Where did you learn to dance like that?" She asked breathlessly as they headed off the floor for a sip of something cooling.

"My mother taught me some of it." He replied with a hint of wistful sadness Lucy instantly recognized, "My dad taught me the rest."

She smiled at him, "Well you learned very well." She complimented.

"My little sister loves to dance still, she would have my head if I let myself get rusty," he gave her a lopsided grin and he nudged her lightly with his arm, "It'd be impolite for me to take all the credit though now wouldn't it? I had a good partner."

Lucy very much doubted that. Sure, for the right dance she was proficient at dancing, but doing something as spirited as what they had just done - it wasn't what she was talented at, that was for sure.

His eyes lifted up towards the staircase, and he got up, inclining his head towards Lucy.

"I'm afraid I have to do some actual work while I'm here," he gave her a crooked, almost wistful smile.

He took the hand she extended to him, seeming to stare at it for second like he didn't know what to do with it.

While Lucy was disappointed to be losing out on her partner, she knew it was for the best considering she too would be pulled away from him soon anyway. Still, it was somewhat amusing to see him hovering over her hand, somewhat awkwardly.

She watched with undisguised amusement as his head lowered over the top of her head, in a bow as was proper. Her gaze lifted over his head, still amused over how he seemed to struggle with manners in a place so full of high society.

At least, that was until she felt warm lips pressing into the back of her hand. Lucy's heart leapt up into her throat, strangling in her lungs and making her chest and cheeks flare pink.

His eyes lifted towards her as she stared at him in shock, mouth parted.

"I'd reckon it'd be my pleasure if we meet again, miss," he purred to her, his voice again shivering through her stomach, "thank ya for the dance and company."

"M-my pleasure," Lucy stammered.

He chuckled softly, his teeth flashing white in the soft lighting, and pulled away with clear reluctance before turning and melting into the crowd.

Lucy watched him leave with a kind of achy longing that made her want to chase after him and pull him back. Not that she could now. It was far too late. So she sighed regretfully, and fanned herself, hoping to cool off before she dealt with Precht. There was little that escaped that man's notice and she wasn't particularly keen on him discovering she'd enjoyed herself tremendously at his party.

Thankfully, it didn't take more than a few minutes before the excited sizzle in her belly settled into something calmer. She pushed away from the rail she'd been resting on and gathered herself as she headed towards Precht's office. It was still a bit early for their meeting, but if she was going to find any evidence now was the time to look.

She smiled and nodded as she wove her way skillfully through the crowd, amused at the sight of a girl, a few years younger than her, dressed in blue and white and being doted on by no less than six young men. Whoever she was she certainly knew how to have the boys eating out of her hand that was for sure.

She shook her head a little and gradually the guests and other people standing around thinned. She unconsciously tensed as she entered the more private part of the estate and reminded herself firmly that she had every right to be there as she made her way to the study and tapped on the door once before stepping inside.

She was expecting no response, or Precht's voice telling her to enter when she did. She was not expecting to hear the sounds of someone scrambling as she opened the door.

She was not expecting to see Natsu standing there looking very flustered and tense for a fight even less.

Lucy's jaw hung slack as she stared at him for a few crucial seconds while he also stared at her, slack jawed.

Luckily Lucy gathered her wits fast enough to whip into Precht's office and slam the door shut behind her.

She ripped off her mask, which seemed more of a hinderance to her now that she was no longer mingling with the rest of the masses and stormed up to the bandit, who seemed to be shrinking further backwards by the moment.

"What are you doing here Natsu?" Lucy hissed, poking a finger directly into his chest. His shirt and duster looked like they were on crooked, like he had to adjust them in a great hurry.

For once, he looked completely at a loss for words as he stared at her, his hands halfway up and uncurled. Slowly his lips sealed together before parting once more, blinking owlishly at her.

"Miss Heartfilia, uh... wasn't expecting to see ya tonight," he croaked, somewhat hoarsely.

Lucy's eyes narrowed, her attention squarely on the man pressing back against the desk in surrender.

"That is not what I asked you, sir." Lucy said somewhat harshly, "I'm about to meet with Mister Gaebolg on behalf of Heartfilia Railway. I don't need a bandit snooping around his office!"

In all honesty, she didn't even understand why he was taking all this as seriously as he was. She didn't know precisely what Natsu was aiming for in this ongoing adventure of his, but Lucy was determined to see through it.

Because there was a dark thought she had, one she couldn't quite shake.

One she was almost afraid to voice aloud.

She shook her head to clear it, but Natsu's gaze seemed to find her in that intense way of his. It was as if he had picked out a chink in her armor.

"I'm lookin' for clues, figure Precht is a hard enough ticket to hit on a train. Not when there's a standin' invite into his home," Natsu explained.

Lucy sucked in a breath and huffed irritably that Nasu had clearly decided to replicate her plan. It was a little annoying. As if he was determined to not only live up to every stereotype she'd ever heard about bandits, but also break them in the same breath.

Unfortunately, now wasn't the time to quibble about it. If either of them were going to get what they needed and get away unscathed the needed to work fast.

"Alright." She said as she took half a step back, "Have you found anything yet?"

Natsu blinked at her a little, as if surprised by the sudden change in her demeanor and she shot him an annoyed look.

"Natsu, we don't have time for your gawping. My meeting is in a few minutes. Now, have you found anything?"

Natsu blinked again and shook his head, "Not yet." He frowned a little, "I thought you were working with him?"

Lucy rolled her eyes as she began moving expertly around the study, "I have as much invested in finding out the truth as you do, and Precht rubs me wrong. If he didn't I wouldn't have pointed you towards him."

Natsu shrugged a little, willing to concede the point, "What happens if we find something?" He asked curiously, "To you I mean."

Lucy shrugged, "I'll inform my father." She replied, "He'll deal with it from there."

Of course she would. He should've known that. Natsu shook his head a little to try and clear it. The shock that the gorgeous woman he'd so happily flirted and danced with earlier was actually Lucy was throwing him off his game. And that was the last thing he needed.

The memory wouldn't go away though.

She'd been so pliable and eager in his arms before. And so hungry for his touch. She might not have realized it, but he'd seen the signs of attraction. The way her pulse fluttered at her neck. The way she unconsciously leaned into him. And most telling, the hot scent of lust whenever he'd held her close. She'd burned for him on the dance floor, and damn if he didn't want to make her burn again.

He grit his teeth together, huffing out a low sigh to try and screw his head on straight. He hadn't been expecting a Lucy-sized wagon smashing into the room and disrupting all of his on the fly-plans, but now that she was there, he had to try and recover. At least he had already hurriedly changed from what he was wearing at the party. The last thing he wanted was for things to end up nasty and him burning away all of his clothing in a fight. That sometimes happened when he wasn't wearing his own stuff.

He was not running out of Precht's house as naked as the day he was born.

Not unless he had to.

"Alright then," Lucy hissed and looked around the room, "Help me look! We can't keep you here for long! Precht is going to find you here and I have no idea how I'd explain you to him if he shows up!"

Her concerned voice sprang him back into action, and Natsu nodded, pushing off the desk to twist around and rifle through his papers. There had to be something about his siblings here. Some clue to be found.

He didn't even want to think about the fact he was focusing so hard on finding a clue about that to distract him from the woman a few feet from him.

So he was attracted to her. So what? Natsu didn't need to stop his life because he was stuck with a crush. It didn't matter anyway. The woman was foul tempered on the best of days, and... quite nice the other times.

He shook his head.

He didn't know Lucy Heartfilia. She was a pretty face and nice company, but neither of those things took stock in the type of person they were.

Natsu had to keep telling himself that as they dug around Precht's office to find a scrap of information concerning Heartfilia Railways or his lost brothers.

Several tense moments passed in silence as they searched before Lucy sucked in a shocked breath. Natsu glanced over at her, and his irritation vanished to be replaced by concern at the pale look on her face.

"Lucy?" He asked softly, "What is it?"

She looked up at him jerkily, which made him even more nervous, and wordlessly handed over the small brown journal she'd been leafing through.

Natsu raised an eyebrow at her and looked down at the passage.

The most extraordinary thing has occurred today! By chance, I happened across the very soul I once dreamed of resurrecting. He appeared young. Younger than I imagined. But perhaps such is not surprising for one of his caliber. We spoke quite amenably for some time before he revealed himself to me, and only did so once I'd expressed my both my desire to meet my Lord and the reason for it.

Upon hearing my reason, he applauded my wish but regretfully informed me that such was impossible at this time. He then spoke eloquently of WHY the Grand Magic World was beyond our reach, and though it pains me to know my Lord Zeref cannot bring it about, I much better understand the reason for it.

However, my Lord is as gracious as he is wise and learned. He explained such a thing might be possible, but that to achieve such would require much work and preparation. Naturally, I pledged myself and my followers to him immediately. A pledge he accepted with gratitude, and has already given his first instructions to my followers.

For now, my role is to remain in the background. I cannot help be a trifle jealous of my followers for they have the more interesting tasks. Nevertheless, I understand how vital my role is, and there are no others who could hope to accomplish it as well. So I will do as my lord has instructed and await further communication from one of my Lord's allies. I only hope it will not be my Lord's friend Acnologia. He spoke little through our encounter, but I could not help feeling as though I was prey in the eyes of a predator. It was most unnerving.

More unnerving was the name. I cannot help feel as if I've heard it somewhere before. I shall have to research this.

The book nearly fell from Natsu's slack grip, his fingers trembling as that name whispered in the back of his head.

Acnologia.

"It's impossible, he can't be-" Natsu whispered, face pale even as he thought about the one whose name all the Slayers knew.

That clinched it. Precht had to be Hades. If Acnologia was involved, and he had tried to get his hands on Natsu...

"Natsu?" Lucy was alarmed by the complete way Natsu's face transformed after he read the book. Her hand found its way to his wrist, feeling heat rise off him from through his duster.

He seemed to snap out of it at her touch, gaze focusing back on her as his thoughts pieced themselves back together.

"What's the matter?" She asked, her brow creased with worry.

In her admittedly short time of knowing Natsu, she had never seen the normally confident outlaw looking so shaken. It unnerved her and made her footing loosen. It was like cracks in the foundation of what they were looking into had formed.

He took a breath and touched her shoulders, "Lucy this is..."

He froze, this time going stock still, cutting himself off in mid sentence.

"Someone's coming," He hissed instead, dropping the book back where they found it and he rushed to snag his bag on his way to clean up the mess he made.

Lucy, wondering how he could have possibly heard someone coming, wasn't going to argue with him. Especially since he seemed on high alert now.

They looked around, Natsu rushing to the window to escape through, just as Lucy heard a boot fall right outside the door.

"There's not enough time Natsu," Lucy hissed at the pale faced bandit. Her thoughts spun, knowing if he was caught here, especially in a room alone with her, his neck would be stretching from the gallows by dawn.

"Quick!" Lucy lifted up the hoop of her gown, "Hide under here! Precht wouldn't dare check for intruders here!" She hissed, cheeks burning.


I wanna say a quick thank you to everyone who reviewed! You guys are awesome, and you definitely earned your preview! Enjoy!

He had no idea what she said next, too focused on the happy roar in his ears that reacted to the heat and the overflowing scent of Lucy. But all he knew, was the door was closing and Lucy whispering.

"The coast is clear."

Natsu practically fell out from under her hoop skirt, wheezing for breath. He crawled out, his cheeks flushed and eyes hazy.

"I never knew a heiress could be so fresh," He growled, almost wincing over the tenor in his voice. It was rough, dark with intent, and far more wild than he liked exposing.