A/N: Fairy Tail does not belong to me in any way, shape, or form. Thank you.
When Lucy stepped into Sabertooth, she didn't expect to see Sting.
…
Well, to be honest, she expected to see him—he was Guild Master after-all—but she didn't expect to see him sealed inside an eight-by-eight Rune Box. Which was apparently reinforced considering not a peep was heard from him despite the obscenities that were spewing from his mouth faster than Evergreen's Fairy Machine Gun.
"Um…?" Yukino rushed over, practically throwing herself at the blonde mage, sobbing something hysterically. Lucy set to work attempting to calm her down while Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel inched closer to the Rune Box, grinning viciously at the sealed Dragon Slayer. Who continued to beat and pound against the runes, even more enraged now. "Don't do that!" The three turned quick, trying to send out an air of innocence. But the Celestial Mage saw through them and narrowed her eyes. "Yukino, what's going on?" But the white haired woman was too upset.
"It's a somewhat confusing situation," a quiet voice remarked from beside her. Lucy looked up, startled by the sudden appearance of Rogue. She couldn't help the fear sweep through her at the sight of him, but she took a quick breath in, reminding herself that this was Rogue Cheney, one half of the Twin Dragons of Sabertooth and not the Future Rogue that killed her future self.
"Explain?" Lucy managed as Wendy moved in close, holding onto her sleeve, worriedly peering up at Yukino.
He offered the slightest smile and then there was a blob of red in her face. "Rogue went and ditched Zella! Now she's getting married!" She blinked a few times and she heard Rogue huff out a breath while her eyes adjusted. Lector. Sting's Exceed partner. The same cat that went flying when she had spoken to Yukino over the lacrima.
"I—What? Yukino?" Lucy looked down at her friend, who pulled away, rubbing at her eyes quickly.
"I'm so sorry, Lucy-sama, I shouldn't have—"
"Be quiet and stop your crying!" A sharp voice not unlike Carla's shot out. They could only stare in surprise at the purple furred Exceed with deep red eyes glaring at them. The dress she wore was patched in places, but otherwise well taken care of and blue. She crossed her arms over her form, scowling at them. "I remember you Fairy Tail Wizards," was her next remark before her scowl deepened on Yukino. "Why did you call them here?!" Yukino seemed deeply upset and immediately set about apologizing to the feline.
Until Natsu grabbed her by the tail and lifted her up, frowning down at her upside-down form. "You're a mean one, aren't you?" Gray leaned in close as well, adding in his disapproving look for good measure. "Jeez, she's worried about her friend and you're just yellin' at her?" The Exceed held up the skirt of her dress, but said nothing, glowering at them with hate-filled red eyes. "Huh? Nothing to say? Then apologize!"
"—so you're quite alright?" Pantherlily's deep voice was heard then and they were all distracted from the purple female. Lily stood with a black Exceed dressed oddly similar to the former soldier with the addition of a vest. The newcomer could only nod, green eyes shooting over to the hostage Exceed. Lily turned to look and Lucy couldn't tell if he was angry or trying not to laugh. "Natsu, unhand Pepper." Natsu promptly dropped her. "Na-Natsu!"
Pepper sat up slowly, left eye twitching furiously. Her ears, which hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone given their lopsided condition(one was atop her head like Carla's and the other was further away from its partner, thus off-center), shifted back and forth in jerky movements. The other Exceed inched behind Lily. A moment and the female stood up, brushing down her skirt before looking over at Yukino. Sabertooth's Celestial Mage could only stare back at her with wide eyes. "Do what you want, but this was not a matter for a Guild to settle. I'll thank you to remember we are not members, not since our exile." Her voice was a hiss of ice and Yukino could only try to swallow. "No matter what that idiot Blond," her red eyes jerked to Sting, "tries to do. Hyou!" The other black Exceed stiffened. "We're going to get Zella!" He hid meekly behind Lily for a moment longer before slinking out, joining her. She didn't get two steps before Natsu once more gripped her by the tail. "Release me, you destructive—"
"So you guys got another Slayer? How awesome is that!" Natsu cheered while Pepper swung from his movements. Yukino looked about ready to faint while Rogue looked pained. Lector was ever so helpful in running around in circles, shrieking. "So what kind, huh? Water? Rock? Ooh ooh, how 'bout like Jura?"
Erza took the lead in smacking their Slayer upside the head and grabbing Pepper before the fire eater went crashing to the ground. While he moaned in pain and Wendy crouched down, offering kind words, Erza lifted the volatile female and raised a brow. "Excuse him. He means nothing by it." Pepper snorted, letting herself be held by Titania and not making a fuss. "Yukino contacted us over this 'Zella' person's… disappearance?" She obviously wanted the situation explained, but as the entirety of Sabertooth had snuck off somewhere once the Fairies had entered, she raised her eyes to bore into Rogue's.
He seemed reluctant, but Sting wasn't helpful at the moment and Lucy was speaking quietly to Yukino, trying to get her to breathe normally once more. "Zella is a friend. I believe her situation is quite similar to yours, Lucy." The blonde jerked, blinking at him. "Her grandfather created a job in an attempt to locate her. Her Uncle warned her he might do such a thing. As such, when I took the job," here Pepper growled and Frosch beamed up at him, "she requested to come along. And she stayed behind to deal with her family. She's to be married in two weeks." Erza gave a firm nod and set Pepper down.
"I see. So, it's a rescue mission then." He raised a hand before she could turn to rally her friends.
"Please, it's nothing of the sort. That is precisely why Sting," he motioned to their blond leader, who was now sitting on the floor and glaring at them all. He bared his teeth at Rogue. "Is in there. We don't need to burn the place to the ground. All we need to do is wait for her to end the ceremony on the day of the wedding. And then return here."
Natsu, Gray, and Gajeel didn't look amused with this plan. Levy moved to stand with Yukino and Lucy. "Lu-chan, do you know her?" was her whispered question. But the Dragon Slayers heard it and turned expectant eyes to her.
Lucy blinked. "Z-zella? No, I can't say I remember a 'Zella'…" She looked over at Rogue, trying to figure out if he would supply her the answers to her questions.
"I don't think you would. But perhaps her family: the Georges." Recognition flared in her eyes. "So you do." All eyes were now trained on her while she racked her brain for information. Levy and Wendy continued to console a still weepy Yukino.
"Mm. Morris. Him and Papa had some dealings. I would be the same age as his granddaughter, I think." She tilted her head to the side, hand under her chin as she thought. "There was a scandal when I was really young, I know that…" she screwed up her face as she thought. "Let's think…"
"Her mother refused to marry for political reasons and ran away," Pepper responded quietly. Lector had since calmed down and now stood by her, obviously wanting to help but not knowing how. 'How cuuute' flashed through the girls' minds before returning to the problem at hand.
"Ah, that's right. It was a really big deal and relations got really strained after that. Though," Lucy tapped at her chin, trying to recall the snippet of information she read in the papers. "I thought I read something about them trying for another wedding…" she blinked over at Rogue. "I suppose that's what's going on. They're trying again with the wedding, just with… Zella?" he gave a short nod. "Zella and another member of the family, probably a grandson."
"I-I'd like to help Zella-sama!" Yukino proclaimed, eyes tearing up. "I hate thinking she might be forced into this, because of us!" And suddenly Natsu and Gajeel rounded on Rogue, one of either side of him.
"Yeah, what's that all about, huh? Exiling them? I thought you were over that?" Natsu questioned, frowning at his fellow Slayer while Gajeel glowered hard.
"Ryos, what're you all playin' at?" The "younger" winced at the reminder of his past.
Lucy sighed heavily while a depressed aura emanated from Yukino. Natsu and Gajeel were just starting to question him, the Shadow Slayer putting up a flimsy defense.
Which changed quickly when they all flew back as the doors slammed open. A tall form was silhouetted there and when they stepped in, they were faced with a man probably Gildarts' age with short brown hair slicked back. He grinned and the Fairies noted how Sting leaped to his feet, banging hard on the Runes. He grinned, but his blue eyes were cold. An envelope waved back and forth in his hand.
"So. Anyone wanna explain why I just got invited to my cute little niece's wedding?"
"Please, see her in!" Reed was almost panicking. But he was a George and a member of the George family did not panic. He was just… caught off-guard. Yes. That's it. He wasn't expecting such company and so was unprepared. The doors opened soundlessly and he rose, smoothing down his tie. He brightened as the blonde glided in, pasting on a hurried smile. "Miss Heartfilia, such a pleasure. It's been too long."
Lucy gave a short nod, eyes taking in the cozy office she now stood in. Warm, dark hardwood floors, olive green walls, white baseboards and crown molding. A medium sized desk in-front of the window, plush chair behind it. Papers were scattered in piles, a few pens, and a desk lamp atop. He motioned to the armchair before his desk and she perched on the edge, brushing down her skirt before folding her hands in her lap. Now she eyed the man standing behind the desk, just about ready to sit in his own chair. Green eyes and light brown hair on the shorter side. An impeccable brown suit(one she was sure her father also owned at one point), a dark brown vest covering a cream button up, and a matching dark brown tie. "Mr. George. It's been quite a long time. I hope you don't mind my unannounced visit," she breathed, gazing at him calmly. He hurriedly sat, attempting to tidy the top of his desk.
"No, no, not at all!" She raised a brow. He was flustered. Interesting. "If I had known—Oh, excuse me, would you like some tea?" He motioned off to his right with his hand and Lucy told herself she couldn't laugh. She was here on a mission and he was obviously frazzled by her sudden appearance. She was now regretting Levy's company.
"No, thank you." She had to be the picture of elegance, the epitome of grace and class. "I happened to read in the paper that there was to be a wedding. I came to offer my congratulations." Horror passed over his face and she couldn't help the confusion that flitted over hers. "Mr. George, is something the matter?"
"Forgive us, but last we knew, your father—T-that is to say, we weren't aware—I-I mean—"Lucy held up a single hand to stop him.
"True, my father and I had a strained relationship and his death came as a shock to me," she offered him a soft smile and he was struck by how like Layla she was. He took a moment to remember the beautiful blonde(in the processing, tuning out her daughter). "Agreed?"
"What? I'm sorry, say again?" He flushed at his oversight. Ignoring the Heartfilia heir! Of-course, she no longer had an empire, but the name Heartfilia was still respected and well-known.
Lucy still smiled. "I'd like to meet Lizell. I can't recall ever meeting her, but if I had, I was very young, so she must have been barely a toddler. Perhaps we'll find we have much in common now." She pulled at her gloves, the white fabric hiding her Guild mark. It pained her to do so—and Natsu nearly threw a fit—but she hoped they weren't caught up on current events(or was it past…?) to know she was a Guild Mage. That might make everything harder than it should be.
"Lizell? Why, yes, of-course! Please!" he rose, stepping out from behind his desk to lead her out of his office. She rose slowly, clasping her hands behind her back and following behind him. The dress was starting to annoy her and she half expected her hair to tumble out of its elegant up-do any second now—but this was Cancer's handiwork and he would die if it did such a thing.
But she was doing this for recon.
Some time ago in the Sabertooth Guild…
Rogue and Yukino had tensed as the man walked in while Sting went berserk in his box. The man shot him an amused look before turning his sight to the purple Exceed, Pepper. "You seem to know what's happening. Care to enlighten me?" From what they had seen of the cat, they expected her to hiss and snarl at him. But she pointed to Rogue instead.
"I'm blaming him. He took the job." And the man zeroed in on the Shadow Slayer, who looked mildly uncomfortable.
"Fro picked it~!" the cat cheered, stating her hand in this whole mess. The man's look softened slightly. "Zella said to leave it to her and she'd be back soon! And Sting could rescue the…" the cat trailed off, tilting her head cutely to the side as her eyes went wide. She hopped closer to Rogue, pulling on the edge of his cloak and looking up at him, a paw covering her mouth. "What did she say?" was the half whispered question. Rogue looked pained as all eyes went to him, most in confusion.
"Damsel in distress." Fro beamed up at him before letting go and raising a paw, facing Burg once more.
"Zella's gonna get rescued by Sting, and then they're getting married!" There was a choking noise from her partner while the man turned dark eyes to Sabertooth's Master, a vicious grin on his lips.
"Oho? Are they now, little cat?" Frosch nodded while Rogue attempted to reign in the out-of-control Exceed. "Well well well… Did you plan this from the start, Master?" He rolled his shoulders and Yukino bravely stepped forward, her face a bright red but she stood between the two all the same.
"B-burg-san, please, Frosch-sama is mistaken. Zella-sama is currently with her grandfather. The ceremony is in two weeks. Sting-sama," she shot a look over her shoulder at their Master, who was snarling something they didn't care to hear, White Drive beginning to activate once again. She was glad the Runes were created to hold him—and silence his words. "Sting-sama wanted to charge off to kidnap her back. We thought it best not to… anger the Georges. So I called Lucy-sama to help!" The man turned towards them and Lucy reluctantly waved a bit. He blinked hard.
"Lucy… Lucy Heartfilia?" he seemed hesitant.
"Yes?" His eyes narrowed slightly, but he smiled all the same. And then it widened as he looked back at Yukino. She looked just as surprised as Rogue did. Along with the Exceeds.
"Apologies, Yukino. A brilliant plan." The white haired Celestial Wizard could only stare at him. Erza raised her chin a bit, trying to determine who this man was and why everything was so weird right now. "Aha. Fairy Tail Mages. That should get his attention. Are we blowing up his mansion?" Natsu cracked his knuckles, a wild grin on his lips.
"I like this guy! Don't know who you are, but I like him!" Lucy shot him a look before eyeing the man once more.
"Plan?"
"Yeah, aren't you gonna go in, charm them all with the Heartfilia's grace, and smuggle Lizell out safe and sound?" Lucy's jaw inched open while he looked surprised. "That is why you asked her here, isn't it, Yukino? Because of the Heartfilias' connection with the Geroges?"
And so she was here. The plan got fine-tuned under Erza and Rogue's supervision and it was decided she would just visit to see how Zella was doing. They'd go from there once they got more information.
"Lizell, you have a visitor," Reed stepped aside to allow Lucy entrance. The blonde expected a young woman with teal hair. She also expected a scared young woman, possibly even frantic. She expected yelling, screaming, crying, shrieking. She expected rebellion.
She got a young woman with teal hair. She also got a young woman looking over from a window seat, brow raised in curiosity. She didn't get any of the yelling or rebellion. "Heartfilia-san. A pleasure to meet you." She got a young lady raised on etiquette and manners.
"Likewise, Lizell." Reed beamed at them, backing out of the room and closing the doors behind them. Lucy stayed where she was, listening to his footsteps receding rapidly. No doubt to tell his father the brilliant news. "You are… Zella, aren't you?"
"Correct, Lucy Heartfilia." Lucy tread closer, eyeing her and settling onto a nearby couch. The room was overly high end, almost suffocating in elegance. The Heartfilia manor had a few rooms like this, reserved for important guests and afternoon tea. She had never been allowed in those rooms, as everything was easily breakable and very expensive. "I take it Aguria-san contacted you? Is she very worried?"
"Yes…" Lucy bit at her lip, trying to figure this woman out. Yukino made it seem like she was a hostage, taken against her will. Rogue made her out to have willingly stayed behind to deal with this mess she had no part in. "Your Uncle is pretty upset too."
A smile graced Zella's lips and she leaned back, returning her gaze to the back gardens of the George estate. "I see. George-san must have sent him an invitation. Was Eucliffe-san angry with him? For returning before his suspension was lifted?"
"Suspension? Burg? What? No, he just marched in and wanted to know about your wedding." Lucy was lost. "And, well, we didn't exactly let Sting… speak." They didn't let him out in the entire two hours she had been there. Lector had slipped a plate of food through the Runes and the blond had sulkily picked at it before Natsu made the comment about him being a sore loser.
Zella seemed surprised at that. "Oh, I suppose they didn't tell you then." She shrugged a bit and raised a hand, pulling at her shirt to reveal a fresh pink scar. "He was suspended for attacking me." She smiled while Lucy stared at it. "But we worked everything out. Eucliffe-san agreed to let him back in after two months. Was he surprised? At getting the invitation?" Lucy was having a difficult time processing this woman. She seemed too calm and too laid-back. It was very near frightening the blonde and she wasn't sure what to make of the whole mess.
"I'm sorry, are you okay with all this? You just seem… remarkably calm." It had to be asked, honestly it did.
"This?" Zella apparently needed her to elaborate.
"Getting married? Forced into it?" The teal-haired woman blinked, then shook her head.
"If I left, they'd simply come after me," that struck a chord with Lucy, "so I decided to deal with it. I have no intention of getting married. So, I'm merely waiting for the ceremony to decline."
Aha. So that was it.
Lucy settled further into the couch, crossing her legs at the knee and resting her arm on the side, fingers tapping lightly against the fabric. "I'm afraid if your grandpa went through the trouble of finding you and bringing you here, he'll probably have the ceremony rigged so even if you say no, it'll go through." She shrugged, resting her chin in her hand. "Probably paid off government officials and the priest to go through with it."
Zella looked as if the idea had never occurred to her, eyes narrowed as she processed Lucy's words, lips parted as though to speak. "…what?"
"Yeah, that's probably what's up," Lucy sighed heavily. "Sorry."
"But… If I say no… They can't force me to get married, and they certainly can't make me live with this supposed husband, even if the license is somehow forged and granted." Lucy gave another little shrug and Zella looked down at her hands.
"I'm sorry, but people who have power and influence can do just about anything. Even force someone into marriage. Living with him? They'd probably find some way to do that too. Force you by threatening you or your family. Say if you don't go through with it, something bad will happen," Lucy waved her free hand in a vague motion. "Or something to that effect."
Zella looked back out the window, silent. But her hands were curled into fists on her lap.
"So where do we go from here, Heartfilia-san?"
"Please, call me Lucy," but Zella only gave a slight smile. "Well, I go back to Sabertooth and we go from there." Lucy offered her a grin. "But I'll come back. Tomorrow?"
"Best not. George-san might get suspicious. In a few days." Lucy saw the logic to that. "I'll walk you to the door, Heartfilia-san. I'm sure someone will see you from there," and Zella rose, to Lucy's confusion. She patted lightly at her dress, shifting her shoulders in the fabric. "One question, Heartfilia-san?"
"Sure?" Lucy wondered if she would ask about her Uncle. Or Sting. That would be fun. Or even her ill-tempered cat.
"How do you wear these? They're very uncomfortable," and Zella pulled at the skirt, pulling a pained look. The Celestial Mage couldn't help but laugh, pulling at her own (shorter) skirt.
"To be honest, I don't anymore! I could never stand them! I'm much more comfortable in my own clothes!" Lucy linked her arm with Zella's and overlooked the surprise that flitted over her new friend's face. She opened the door, smiling over at her. "Is there anything you'd like me to bring next time I visit, Zella-chan?" Outside, Reed perked up.
Zella smiled softly. "My cards, if you will. And if you could assure Farrow-san I'm quite alright, that would be most appreciated." Lucy beamed, drawing the teal-haired woman in for a hug. Zella reacted flawlessly, but Lucy could tell she hadn't expected the action.
"Then I'll be back in a few days, Zella-chan. If, that's alright, Mr. George?" Reed jerked when he realized he was being addressed and nodded quickly.
"Of-course, Miss Heartfilia! I'll see you to the door," and he motioned down the hall. Lucy offered one more smile before she pulled away and followed Zella's uncle. She heard the door close as she walked away and glanced back. Zella had retreated into the room she had been granted, no doubt going back to gazing out at the garden once more. "Am I to assume you and Lizell have common interests, Miss Heartfilia?" Lucy raised her head, offering a small nod.
"It seems we do. I quite enjoy her company."
He could only beam back at her, elated at the news.
Chapter twelve~!
So, it continues! I did mean to post this last week, but time got away from me, but I'm posting it now~!
Reviews are always appreciated; it gives me an idea of what you guys are thinking!
So, until the next time, ciao~!
