Chapter 9
Introductions, Foxes and Danger
"Wendy!" Natsu and Zeref exclaimed in one voice upon seeing their younger sister clumsily stumble out of the bushes.
Wendy sat up and looked as if she was going to burst into tears. "I'm sorry!" she wailed. "I-I didn't mean to spy! I just wanted to see what you guys were doing….."
Zeref sighed. "You could've just asked, you know, sister."
"Yeah!" Natsu said with a grin. "We wouldn't hide it from ya!"
"T-Thank you…" Wendy stood up. "Um I know Miss Lucy, but…." She looked enquiringly at Mavis.
"Just Lucy, if you please, Your Highness," Lucy replied politely. "And this-"
"Mavis Vermillion, her friend," Mavis cut in brightly. "Pleased to meet you, Your Highness!"
"Likewise," Wendy smiled at her. "And just Wendy, please."
"She is so polite," Lucy commented and looked at Natsu dryly. "I think you should learn from her, Your Highness."
Natsu waved her off. "Aw, lay off, would'cha?"
"It's for your own good." Lucy retorted.
Wendy watched curiously as the two began to argue back and forth. Zeref sighed and then grinned at her.
"Mother put you up to this, didn't she?"
"Well, um-"
Zeref chuckled. "No use trying to lie to me, sister dear."
Wendy glared at the ground.
Zeref laughed again and ruffled her hair. "I'll trust that you'll keep our secret? Knowing Father, by sunset these rumors will be all over Fiore."
Mavis watched amusedly before butting in. "Enough of hassling the child, Zeref, she'll keep your secret. Now, Wendy. Shall I show you where some foxes have a den just at the foot of this hill?"
Wendy's eyes brightened. "Oh do, do!"
"Come, then," Mavis turned. "Do you want to come, Zeref? Those two are too busy, I know."
"Alright, I will."
And altogether, it was a delightful time. Lucy and Natsu joined them soon enough, and Wendy was enchanted by the fox cubs. When the siblings had to return to the castle, Lucy spun a humorous tale of wit and fancy about certain animals of the forest which kept them busy with laughter. And on the whole, Wendy was incredibly sorry to leave the company of her newest friends.
However, in their glee, they all failed to notice a certain shadow lurking in the trees, watching them closely and smirking in satisfaction to itself.
(A/N): Cliffhanger! :D
Review Responses:
BeginnerFanfictionWriter16: They certainly do, and here's your answer!
Laxusdreyar2324: Indeed, she is!
DIGIKO12: Thank you!
