A/N: Here we go guys! It's action time!
Chapter 10: A Tearful Reunion
I had made my way back to the guild as fast as my feet could carry me, Laxus hot on my heels. I stormed through the doors heart pounding, completely at a loss for breath. My ribs screamed angrily at me as I pushed forward.
"GRAY!" I screeched out as I ran over, nearly knocking him clean off his chair. "Unfreeze her, NOW!" I grabbed his arm abruptly pulling him to the infirmary. In my excitement, my temperature started to rise, melting the ice that coated the walls.
"How long do I have?" Gray was trying to hide his excitement, but I could tell he was just as anxious as I was about her return.
"She said like half an hour, and that was almost fifteen minutes ago! I ran as fast as I could. Do you need me to help? I can help!" I could feel myself overflow with flames.
"You don't want to do that, you could crack the ice and that would hurt her." Instantly my flames died away. I patted Gray on the shoulder with a weak smile, before I made my way back out to the bar. I took a deep breath, I knew Gray was more than capable of handling this on his own, but my nerves were frayed to the max, and I wanted to do something, ANYTHING, to get my Lucy home sooner.
"CALL BACK ALL THE TEAMS, HURRY!" I shouted into the full guild several people got up and dashed out the doors yelling out who they were going after. I turned back to the bar with a deep breath trying desperately to calm the pounding in my chest, but it was no use.
"She's coming now?" Mira asked, setting a plate of fire food down in front of me. In all honesty my insides were in so much turmoil that I wasn't sure that I could even eat I looked up at her smiling face and frowned.
"She'll be here any minute. Thanks for the food, Mira, but I'm not hungry." She rewarded me with a motherly 'tsk' and a wag of her finger. I opened my mouth to explain, but quickly closed it, my shoulders tensing at the surge of magical power gathering less than a foot behind me. I closed my eyes for a moment concentrating on the presence.
A soft hand appeared against my arm, wrapping delicate fingers around my bicep. I turned wide eyed to the glowing beauty that stood by my side. Her smile was brighter than ever before, tears glistened in her pools of melted chocolate. I took in the sight of her fully while I swiveled round in my chair. She was wearing a suit with a gold blouse and gold sunglasses, her hair was pulled up in a tight bun while two thick strands framed her face. The gold belt hung loosely around her hips, and I could clearly see the pouch of daggers resting on her thigh. She wore little boots that only came to her ankles, the heels were high, and looked rather uncomfortable. There was a bunch of people trying to talk to us but it didn't matter, Lucy was finally home, their questions would have to wait, because I saw her first. I stood abruptly wrapping her tightly in my arms, I heard a clunk on the floor as she dropped her bags, embracing me just as tightly.
"Natsu, not being hungry, that's never a good sign." Her voice rang like sweet bells in my ears, she laughed softly before continuing. "I've missed you so much." She breathed it as a whisper meant only for me, her voice thickening through her tears. She buried her face into my chest, allowing her tears to fall freely in the safety of my hold. We stayed that way for an eternity, just holding on tightly, feeling each other out after such a long absence from one another.
"Gray is almost done dispelling the ice." I pulled back motioning to the infirmary. I looked behind Lucy to see Loke holding several large stacks of paper. "You really have been busy, hey bring those over here." I said with a smirk. Loke made his way to the bar and dropped the tall stack with an 'umph'. I could see the strain on his face from the effort. I laughed when I saw him mouth 'fricken slave driver'.
"Yes I have. It's been well worth the effort too." She glowed with a bright and happy smile playing across her lips. "Now the first thing I need to do is reattach my spirit to my body, secondly I need to talk to Levy-chan." Lucy winked, backing away from my grasp. "I knew they would make the move sooner or later." I gave her a proud smile backing away further, I knew it wouldn't take long for her to find that memory. "I think a wedding is just what I need to relax before all hell breaks loose." She picked up her pack, and headed for Gray, and her body.
**Lucy's POV**
I entered the infirmary, pleased to see that my friend's turmoil no longer effected me. I was able to read him without flinching for the first time since my awakening. I swiftly made my way to Gray and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Hey there stranger" I said pulling away to get a good look at his tired expression.
"I'm glad your back." He gave me a small smile. "Flame brain has been acting crazier than usual since you left." I giggled as I watch through Gray's memories over the past few days. Indeed, with the time difference Natsu's behavior had seemed very peculiar to the other, but as I could tell by my husbands thoughts, he was caught in a cross between our time shift, so he felt that I had been gone as long as I truly had. "The new get-up looks good on you." He motioned to my Spirit battle outfit.
"You think? It's made of a special material that allows me to use the elements without having to worry about wrecking my clothing. A rather ingenues invention by a new comrades. I feel a bit odd in them though." I put my hands on my hips, a smirk set on my face. Gray did a quick walk around me, eying up the new equipment as well.
"You look a lot like Loke in this though." He stock his tongue out with a mocked nauseated expression. Gray Looked over and laughed at the irritated glare Natsu shot his way. I decided to change the subject before the two broke out in a full on battle, for the simple reason that neither male was in their right mind, as neither had slept properly since I left.
"I'm glad having Ultear and Meredy around is helping you. I thought that it might." I winked at his slightly pink tinted cheeks. He shuffled away from me, keeping his eyes down cast at his feet, taking a deep breath to steady himself before he spoke again.
"Any way, your all set here." He muttered in a hurried tone pointing to the cold body on the bed. I noted that we had been joined by a large group of on lookers while we exchanged greetings. I turned to Loke and secretly motioned for him to clear the room.
"All right people file out." Loke said from the door. "Give her some privacy." I smiled as the door behind me closed, with a click, leaving me alone with my vessel. I carefully removed my weaponry, and clothing and jewelery, setting them aside in a neat pile.
"No turning back now." I sighed closing my eyes and allowed my body and spirit to rejoin. I slowly began to heal the damage so my body and spirit could co-exist once more, the process took longer than I expected. When my body was in a condition that allowed consciousness with out pain, I opened my eyes I was surprised at how weak and cold my body still felt, I was shivering like crazy as well. "NATSU!" my voice suddenly echoed against the freshly thawed walls, allowing me to hear the shock in a cascade of reverberations. The door burst open, and he was by my side in a split second. "Please can you warm me up. I can't feel my arms and legs." I said holding back the chattering of my teeth. His eyes trailed over the slightly purple hue of my slightly frost bitten limbs before picking me up. He cradled me against his chest while he got back onto the bed, setting me back down protectively positioned between his legs to maximize the amount of heat he could spread over the surface of my skin. The door swung open again as the rest of the gang filed in. I quickly surfed through their thoughts, updating myself on what they had accomplished while I was away. After a few minutes my shakes receded, and I pulled away. A bright smile spread across my face.
"First things first, Levy-chan, way don't you come here." The small girl made her way to the front of the group and flung her arms around my neck.
"Lu-chan!" She squeaked happily. "I wanted to tell you first but Natsu had to go and announce it to all the girls!" I laughed and reached for her hand, letting her know I understood and that I was happy for her.
"Did we set a date Gajeel?" I asked while inspecting the little blue stone. I heard him cough from the corner, but he silently told me my answer.
'We were waiting for you to come home. The shrimp couldn't bare the thought of going ahead without her best friend.'
"I see." I released Levy's hand with a bright smile. "I will handle the gowns again." At my words Mira's mind reeled, with all the plans she had been dreaming up since she found out. "Actually, I take that back, I would like to handle the whole thing. Sorry Mira, but getting to give my best friend the day of her dreams is to tempting to pass up." I smirked at Mira's indignant huff, she was not pleased that she was getting cut out of planning.
"Oh, Lu-chan I can't let you do that, you just got -" I cut her off mid sentence with a hand, standing up. I took a deep breath and drew my thoughts inward.
"Pavo, Cygnus if you please." Two elegant woman came to stand in front of me bowing their heads respectfully. Pavo, the peacock, stood tall and lean with pale shine and shining black eyes. Her dark blue hair lay slick against her head and neck fanning out across her back and shoulders. Brightly colored feathers shot out from a jeweled circlet that lay gracefully across her forehead. Cygnus, the swan, was just as tall, yet her frame made her appear more frail and delicate. Her skin and hair were white as snow, which made her dark eyes stand out all the more. She too wore a jeweled circlet though white feather adorned hers matching her wispy white locks.
"Your Highness." They chorused, with gracefully executed curtsies.
"Miss. Levy needs a wedding gown fit for the Queen's best friend. Don't you agree?" I put a finger under my chin playfully eying Levy. Pavo walked over swiftly her blue-green gown swishing back and fourth, she peered through her thick dark lashes at Levy, seeming to size the small girl up. Cygnus ghosted over gracefully, her long white gown billowing behind her, she too eyed Levy with curiosity.
"White I presume" Pavo mused as she twirled Levy on the spot. I nodded, with a warm smile.
"And the bridesmaids?" Cygnus asked in a gracefully sweet voice.
"Levy-chan answer the ladies, they have a lot of work to do." I smirked at the look of pure shock on her face. I allowed myself a giggle before I addressed the women. "It seems I have shocked my poor friend into silence. Oh well, she has not yet asked her potential brides maids. I suppose I will take the liberty. Lissanna, Mira, Erza, Wendy, Bisca and Juvia. As I am obviously the marten of honor. What do you ladies say?" Mental shouts of 'yes' made me smile.
"What of the groomsmen?" Pavo eyed the crowd of males suspiciously. Gajeel coughed again, answering me silently. "So Gajeel has asked Natsu, Lily of course, Alzack, Gray, Romeo, Jet and Droy" I mentally marked off to make sure there were enough to match up. "And Gildarts has agreed to give Levy away. Good work Gajeel." I gave him a sweet smile.
"Blue and Silver for the gowns, black and silver for the men, right Levy-chan?" I smirked as she thought of every detail she had gone over to herself. She gave me a small nod. "bring fabric samples with you, I'll have some sketches ready by the time you return."
"Your Majesty" They bowed before disappearing. Mentally I ticked off the things that had to be done, trying to decided who best to ask, for each task.
"Apus, I need you for a moment." The stout little man who had played merrily on the flute during my Coronation bobbed into view. He to my great surprise adorned the same brightly colored frock as he had for the ball.
"What ever you need my lady." He bowed deeply, his impish smile lighting his face.
"The musicians from the ball, gather them all then send Lyra to me." I instructed. "Have them study up on Earth Land ceremonial music."
"As you wish." he vanished. 'What else, Oh yes that's right!' I smiled at my own genius.
"Andromeda may I have a word?" A puff of smoke reveal a tall woman with short brown hair. I felt the males in the room ogle her scantly clad self. She wore a red leather corset that left most of her mid drift exposed, and a simple linen skirt of matching color that wrapped around the essentials. She knelled on the ground, head bowed.
"Yes Majesty." She kept her eyes on the floor, as she spoke.
"We need flowers, yellow and white. Would you be able to find them?" I asked with a smirk. She looked up at me curiously for a moment. "We are having a wedding, and I would like to ask you to be in charge of the floral arrangements. Can I put my trust in you?" She rose, the manacles around her wrists and ankles clack loudly as she jumped.
"Most definitely your majesty." She said joyfully before she disappeared.
"Now that we have that handled, I need to speak with Grampa and Laxus alone." Natsu muttered that he wouldn't leave my side, and that he could hear whatever I had to say because he would just see it later any way. "Natsu you are still thawing me out, I'm not letting you leave yet so stop complaining." This shut him up quickly. The others grabbed Levy, dragging her out to the main area of the guild excitedly. The door clicked closed leaving us alone. I quickly made my way back into Natsu's arms.
"That should keep them all destructed while we talk." I sighed deeply as Laxus landed in a chair not to far from me and Makarov settled himself at the foot of the bed. "Alright then, down to business." I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. "Grampa you can't retire till this is finished." I elbowed Natsu in the side before he got a chance to voice his opinion. "I will take active duty if you would like, though you need to keep the title till this mission is over." I took another deep breath. "If anything happens to me and Natsu while we are completing this mission I would like Laxus to take the position, but only If I don't come back in one piece." Laxus shot a meaningful glance at Makarov, which I could read in my sleep. I knew he wanted me to take the masters possition, since I had beat him fair and square for it. I amused myself, watching as they entered a silent battle through heated glares, their expressions changing ever so slightly as they continued.
"We will do as she says Laxus." Was my grand father's only verbal reply. Laxus gave a disapproving glare, but relaxed into his chair. I knew they were both extremely worried for me, but their trust greatly out weighed any doubt that might cloud their judgement. Grampa was going over the plans he and Laxus had discussed in private, I couldn't help but laugh to myself.
"There is no need to teach them to me, I have mastered all three." I answered the unspoken thoughts they had been sharing with me. "No, I will not tell you how just yet. Just feel at ease for the time being." I laid a comforting hand on Laxus's shoulder "We will have visitors soon." I smirked at his questioning glare, I knew so much more than they didn't, it was frustrating my cousin to no end. "Lets enjoy Levy's wedding, while we wait." Silent protests came at me from all sides. "We should join the others, we have an occasion to celebrate don't we?" Natsu tightened his grip on my waist, I could feel him protest sharing me with everyone so soon. "We'll catch up in a minute, I'm still feeling cold." Laxus sent me a look letting me know he knew perfectly well what I was planning and there was no need to cover up for myself. "Tell Mira to start pouring rounds we'll be there soon." I rolled my eyes as Laxus stuck his tongue out at me.
When they were far enough away, I melted back into Natsu's embrace. "Have they figured it out yet?" He asked softly. He had obviously shifted through my memories, and was aware now of what would come, and how I wished they would make it sooner rather than later.
"They are confused, and they will come looking for answers. That article will be more useful than I originally thought." I smiled to myself, I knew this would be fun. "After Levy's wedding I'll take care of them, it should give me a good opportunity to practice my new techniques in this body." An evil smirk broke out across my face. Natsu nuzzled into my neck tightening his grip around my waist. I spun in his arms and laid a kiss on his cheek before getting to my feet. My body was about 87% healed, and I was 90% adjusted to the flow of my magical power, by this point.
"Time to go out there already?" Natsu asked sadly, wrapping his arms around my waist, I simply nodded, attaching my new weapons to my belt before I made my way to the door.
As we made our way over to the bar, I could sense a flood of apprehension cloud everyone's thoughts. I gave each and every person a bright smile, trying my best to settle their nerves. "Reedus, can I ask a favor of you." I leaned over the table he was sitting at, batting my eyes with a brilliant smile, he simply nodded. "Would you please sketch dresses for Levy's bridal party?" He gave me a sweet smile, and set to work. I turned and walked to the bar.
"You are looking well." Lissanna said with a smile, handing me a mug of juice. Mira smiled brightly from her sister's side. I felt their relief was over the room, it seems that I had worried everyone with my sudden disappearance even though Natsu was constantly comforting them.
I leaned over and gathered both women into a hug. "I was well taken care of, Loke and the others made sure I had everything I needed. I was honestly enjoying myself more than I should have." This elicited a few giggles from my female friends. Lissanna and Mira made their way around the bar and captured me in a tight hug
"We missed you." I returned their hug, whispering how much I missed them as well. I backed away smiling brightly, giving myself plenty of room.
"I have some people I want you all to meet." I smirked slyly at Loke who raised his brow, I was being evil by not letting him in on the secret. Everyone turned their attention to me once again. "come say hello" I waved my arm in a sweeping motion. "Meet the Celestial Royal Guard, Vulpecula, Lynx, Lupus and our Dear Leo." They each bowed as I called their names, greeting my friends with warm smiles. Lupus and Lynx automatically latched on the my arms hugging me tightly.
"We thought you'd never call!" Lupus whined with a pouting lip.
"It has been hooours, Luuucccyyy." Lynx joined in, his little ear plastered to his head in obvious disappointment.
"Hey, where'd your suit go? I liked it better when you match us! You know it looks a hell of a lot better on you, Lucy." Vulpi pulled one of my pony tails with a dissatisfied look on his face, his bright orange ears were also matted to his hair in disapproval.
"I have it packed away for now. I will need it later, but these are more comfortable." I shot him a stern glare, and he returned it with a toothy grin releasing my hair and stretching lazily.
"That is just creepy." Gray was doing a double take between Natsu and Vulpi, as many other guild member were.
"Beg your pardon?" Vulpi glared at Gray. "Who are you calling creepy, stripper?" Vulpi pointed his finger accusingly at Gray.
"It's like Natsu, but with blonde hair and ears." Gray continued to gawk, suddenly he realized the implications of Vulpi's words. Looking down Gray realized he was missing his shirt, "When the hell" He muttered as he fell over in surprise expelling and 'eep' before setting out to look for his missing article of clothing.
"I still don't see it." Natsu shrugged as he slide into his seat, intent on eating the fresh plate of his favorite food that Mira was so kind to give him. I laughed as Vulpi shot me a questioning glare.
"Lucy what the hell did the stupid stripper mean?" His eye brows knit in obvious frustration.
"Be nice." I scolded punching him in the arm. "Or I'll kick your ass." He raised an eyebrow, and grabbed my pig tail again.
"Is that a challenge?" A fiery glint ran across his eyes. "Because I wouldn't mind a one on one rematch." He winked pointing his thumb in the direction of the door. There was a bout of snickering from behind the bar. Natsu shot a heated glare at the fox spirit, before returning to his food.
"Not happening, I have better things to do than listen to you whine when I wipe the floor with your face." I crossed my arms over my chest. Lupus and Lynx giggled and stuck their tongues out at Vulpi.
"You're mean Lucy. I was gonna give you a fair fight this time, too." He sat down on the floor cross legged and pouting.
"I can always send you home if you prefer Mr. Fox." I said teasingly. His mood instantly snapped back to being jovial, his tail twitching.
"But I just got here!" He whined. "You promised Luuuucccyyyy." The Natsuish grin took over his features, his ears twitching as he pleaded.
"Fine, fine. But behave yourself." He shot his arm in the air in triumph, and hopping around, singing happily. I had to giggle, I just couldn't help myself.
"That is just freaky" Levy's voice broke through the giggles and chanting of hooray.
"So Lupus here is the Wolf, Lynx is the Lynx, Vulpi is the Fox and Loke is the Lion." I explained cheerfully, ignoring Levy's comment as well as the murmur of agreement from my other friends. "They are my Personal Guard." I smiled proudly at them.
"Hey Loke, why do they all have ears and you don't?" Gray leaned back from the bar, sliding his shirt back on before looking over at Loke.
"Why does everyone have to mention that?" Loke seethed in a low voice adjusting his glasses. "Maybe I'm so awesome that I don't need stupid ears. I'm the leader of the Zodiac you know, that makes me awesome, I don't need stupid ears to be cool. Yeah, that's right, I'm too damn cool for Stupid Ears!" Loke huffed. Mira and Levy giggled at how obviously sensitive Loke was about his lack of animal characteristics.
"Loke stop being a baby, just accept that you're defective, and get over it." Vupli said in a lazy manner. Loke stared at the Blonde fox for a long minute, fists clentched.
"Just one good hit, Lucy. Just one pleeeeaaaaassseeee?" Loke begged. Vulpi fell backwards in a fit of laughter, he sat up turning to point at Loke. It was obvious he was going to start teasing the lion more. I swiftly took spirit from my belt and lashed it out at the back of Vulpi's head. He yelped and curled up into a ball on the floor. The laughter was replaced with a stunned silence.
"Lucy, what was that for!" Tears were pooling in the corners of his bright blue eyes, as he rubbed the spot I had struck.
"I said behave. Do you understand now?" I glared at Vulpi who gave me a pouting lip. He curled up tightly letting fake tears run down his face. I noticed Loke's satisfied sneer at Vulpi's punishment. "Don't think you're safe either, mister." He coward behind Levy who was obviously dumb struck.
"That's right. Better watch yourselves now that Lucy is scarier than even Gramps. She could put you all down easy." Laxus laughed as her put his arm around my shoulder. His sense of pride was admirable, but the way he choose to voice it was rather uncouth.
"Scary huh?" I elbowed him in the gut, with a smirk. "Are you trying to pick a fight?" to my surprise Natsu started laughing rather loudly.
"Told ya!" he said loudly as he fell off the chair clutching his sides. I looked over to Mira for an explanation.
"Well um he said you were itching for a good fight, and that he felt sorry for the next person who challenges you." Mira explained, with a slightly worried smile. I couldn't help but smile down at my husband, he knew me so well. I surfed the crowded rooms thoughts, and found that most were curious to find out what my training had accomplished.
"Well since so many people present want to see what I'm capable of, why not give them an exhibition match. Lets say..." I stopped to gauge the magical abilities of my fellow guild mates. "Erza, Gajeel, and Laxus. I'll take on all three of you." There was a chorus of gasping. "After Levy's Wedding of course." I walked over and wrapped my arms around my best friends shoulders.
There was a puff of smoke revealing Pavo and Cygnus who were holding books and a basket of brightly colored fabrics.
"Majesty we have returned." Pavo said in her casual yet blase tone. Her eyes being the only thing to give away how excited she was at being called on.
"Levy take them to Reedus and decide on the gowns, and please enjoy yourself." I smiled shoving my friend towards the two women. I watched with a sense of satisfaction as Levy gushed over the delicate squares of fabric.
"Is there a limit to how many you can call?" Cana asked wide eyed at how many spirits were present.
"I can call who I want, when I want. The rules have changed." I walked over and took a set at the table she was sitting on top of, Lupus and Lynx slide in on either side. Vulpi decided to sit on the table just behind, eying my guild mates suspiciously. Cana gave me a wary smile. "I have something you might like." I put my hand to my cheek leaning my elbow on the table. "Crater" with a puff a large golden goblet with intricate patterns of stars and the moon carved across its appeared in front of Cana. "The goblet that never runs dry." I motioned for Cana to go ahead and take a taste. She smiled brightly and began to drink.
"That is really cool." Wendy's smiling face came to sit on the opposite side of the table.
"I see you've been training hard." I reached over and patted her blue hair. I noticed Lupus fold her ears back at the action. "Lupus this is Wendy. She is the healer in our group." Lupus looked up at me with bright eyes. "Don't be like that, I promise you are still my favorite wolf." I ruffled her hair affectionately and she gave me a toothy smile, her dark tail wagging in her obvious delight.
"That is tooo CUTE!" Mira was gushing over little Lupus, dragging her into an unwilling hug. Lupus gave me a pleading smile, and I just laughed. I dually noted that Lynx had tightened his grip on my waist, and I gave him a sweet smile.
"Lynx you should let go before you cut off circulation to Lucy's brain." Vulpi teased from his perch. Lynx turned his head and promptly stuck out his tongue.
"Apparently you need another sound lashing Vulpi. That insult didn't even makes sense." He dodged my whip this time with an evil smirk.
"Come on Lucy, you're not being any fun." Vulpi flipped to lay on his stomach, tail swishing in the air, a Cheshire cat grin planning across his face. I found out quickly that I couldn't stay mad at this face for very long, I had my suspicions that Vulpi was completely aware of the weakness and exploited it to the fullest of his abilities.
"Go pick on someone your own size then, leave Lynx alone." I mumbled patting the little spirits head. Vulpi took that as an open invitation.
"Leo~" He sang happily pouncing on top of said lion spirit, tail swishing happily. The surprise knocked Loke over, the two fell to the floor in a small battle of fist to cuffs.
"Get off me you stupid fox!" Loke yelled landing a hit on Vulpi's gut.
"But I'm bored you defective Lion." Vulpi whined with a punch to Loke's cheek. "Entertain me!" Loke returned the blow knocking Vulpi backward.
"I'm not your fricken babysitter, fox!" Loke disappeared and reappeared by my side. "I'm going home for a while. Do you need me to bring anything else when I come back?" Loke shifted his glasses in his attempt to calm his anger.
"Leo come on and fight me!" The fox spirit demanded as he got on all fours, his tail swishing in anticipation. Loke balled his fists ignoring Vulpi to the best of his abilities. "Man, you are so whipped!" Vulpi chimed, as he went back to his original seat. I shot Vulpi a stern glare before turning to Loke.
"You have been working hard lately. Just take some time off. Aries could probably use some company anyway." I winked, noticing Loke's shoulders tense up. He disappeared before I could say anything else. I laughed to myself at how adorable the action had been.
"No fair Lucy, you go to way to easy on him. You should have beat him up for being a little baby. He ran away from a fight!" Vulpi gave me a displeased frown. I got up and walked over, seating myself next to the fox spirit, an evil grin spreading across my face. I placed my hand on the top of his head lightly ruffling the blonde hair. I could see him grin in response to my touch, my hand began to glow gold and I grabbed his thick blonde locks bringing his head down hard through the table.
"I'll give you something to whine about, if you don't knock it the hell off." I said dangerously throwing him up in the air, I connected a round house kick to his stomach sending him flying into a wall with a sickening crack. "If you really want to fight I will take this seriously, do I make myself clear Vulpi?" He rubbed his head, a look of pain on his handsome face.
"You don't need to be so damn rough. I was just playing around. You never beat Leo up like that." There was a puff of smoke as Lyra come to stand by my side.
"Is Vulpi getting on your nerves again, Majesty?" She asked with a bright smile. She pointed to the dejected looking fox who lay crumpled on the floor.
"How could you tell?" I gave her a sarcastic smile. "Lyra, I want you and Apus to get the musicians ready to play for Miss. Levy's wedding. You have two days our time." Lyra giggled with a nodded.
"Is there anything else you needed?" Her sing-song voice was as relaxing as any melody she could strum on her lyre, I was instantly calmed.
"For now that is your task, thank you Lyra." She waved happily and vanished.
Vulpi had made his way back to his demolished table, scowling that his comfortable seat no longer existed. I caught him growl in a low exasperated manner before he sat on the floor a few feet away. Temperamental fox, yes he had mood swings that put any woman to shame. I laughed loudly point to where he was, arms crossed over his chest, ears laid flat in sheer irritation.
"Serves you right." I sputtered out. Vulpi just shot me a wary smile and resumed his brooding. Lupus finally wriggle free from Mira's grasps and made her way to my side once more.
"Lucy-nee you shouldn't be so hard on poor Vulpi." She looked up at me with bright eyes. "He doesn't mean any harm by his teasing. He's just been so bored since you left." I patted her head gently, as I looked over to Vulpi.
"I guess I'll cut you some slack this time." I heaved a sigh. Vulpi didn't move, muttering something to himself. "Stop sulking, now." I motioned for him to come join the others. He made his way over, though his mood was not improving, he placed himself by my feet, and I ruffled his hair.
"Glad to see you are still as demanding as ever." Gajeel smirked as he took a seat next to Wendy. "Seems you run a tight ship." He let out a laugh at the grin I shot him.
"It can't be helped." My expression changed to an evil smirk, my hands continuing to play with Vulpi's blonde locks. He leaned his head back to lay on my lap tail swishing happily against the wooden floor boards.
"Are you sure these are you're guards? They look more like pets to me?" Laxus said in a teasing manner, Vupli was at his throat before I could respond, flames light and poised to strike.
"Say that again." His blue eyes hardened as his flame extended into the shape of a short sword. "I dare you to say it again." His voice was laced with venom, baring his sharp canines as he growled at the unsuspecting Laxus.
"I wouldn't make him angry Laxus, Vulpi has a very short temper." I giggled as my cousin stumble backward a bit. "If you think I'm scary you should see these guys in action, I assure you that they are my personal guard for a good reason." Vulpi relaxed at my words and returned to his seat on the floor. I gave him a grateful smile as I went back to petting his ears.
"We are the Celestial Royal guard, do not underestimate us. I would gladly dispatch anyone on Lucy's command." Vulpi nuzzled into the fabric of my pants.
Natsu's laugh rang out in the silent hall. "I thought I told you guys about them. Didn't you believe me?" I watched as they shot glares in Natsu's direction. "I was having the conversations out loud for your benefit. The fox guy is on par with me where fire is concerned. Lynx is probably stronger than Gajeel despite his size. Lupus can out do Mira in about three moves. And Lucy can fuse with each one, doubling the strength of their already outrageous attacks." He looked over at me with a proud smile. "So who else is in your arsenal now?" I raised an eye brow to his question, but didn't get a chance to answer.
"Lucy can summon any one at any time. She is our only master. Well that's not really true either." Vulpi yawned. "We are family and any one of us would be happy to help when Lucy calls. She is our Queen after all." He smiled up at me, before nuzzling into my lap once more.
"Yep, Lucy-nee only needs to ask and we will do what ever we can to help." Lupus added with a smile.
"And we will make sure she is happy no matter the cost." Lynx said with a smile. I gave my smaller companions a one armed hug each. They smiled brightly at me and dissolved into a fit of giggles.
"What do you mean by only master?" Erza had come to settle at a spot near Cana who was happily drinking from the goblet I had given to her.
I covered Vulpi's mouth before he could respond, and turned to Erza with a sweet smile. "You'll see in due time, Erza." She raised a brow to my answer, completely unsatisfied, but she decided that if I was unwilling to tell her that there must be a good reason.
"Well Ladies we need your measurements please come over here." Cygnus said softly motioning to the brides maids. The six bridesmaids made there way over to an excited Levy who was showing everyone the sketch she had decided on.
I made my way over to the bar. "Levy wants to have it similar to ours, so I'm going to need help from a few others. The time difference will work in our favor, so I'm sure I can have everything done in two days. I need someone to contact Violet from the Sorcerer, tell her I want to give her an exclusive and to bring her best equipment." I felt like an evil grin was plastered to my face by this point.
"Columba, bring the plans I designated." A delicate white haired girl appeared handing over a stack of papers. "I'm going to need you, Aquila and Leo Minor to help me with decorating the hall, bring back the things on this list with you, as well as the others." The small girl curtsied, taking one of the pages and disappeared once again.
Grampa had gone to make the call, requesting Violet. The Bridal party was busy getting their measurements taken, and my personal guard was close behind. I made my way to Ultear and Meredy who sat away from everyone, Jellal occupied a spot not far from them. I took a seat and set a business like expression on my face. "We will have visitors in two to three days. When they get here, allow me to handle them. If you find them on your rounds direct them here. There is a total of four mages on their way to confront me, as I can tell two have already met up, and decided to travel together, I believe they will get here first." They nodded in agreement to my request.
"Now all that's left is to get this place looking fit for a Fairytail wedding." I smiled around at the mass of singing mages who had finally decided it was time to celebrate. I had truly missed this crazy family of mine.
A/N: Exclusive interview with Lucy Dragneel! Violet is such a lucky reporter! And Levy's Wedding looks promising... hopefully everything goes smoothly.
Chapter 11: Mrs. Gajeel Redfox
Till then!