Okay, so I procrastinated on the Nalu week stuff...and now it is all AU's. Plus, KH3...KH3...KH3. FFVII...FFVII...FFVII. Soul Eater reboot, SOUL EATER REBOOT No, I am not okay. Jurassic World is out, Inside Out is coming, and I need to watch Mad Max still, as well as so many other movies.

I put a Treasure Planet and Matrix reference in this. Is there no end to my terror?!

~Soprana

The fire roared within the hearth like an outraged prisoner behind bars, heating the otherwise chilly room with its familiar presence. Shadows danced along the curtains and worn tavern tables, hiding along the chipped legs of chairs and booted feet of those occupying the spots near the fire.

The tavern workers moved with caution around the strange newcomers, acting like prey animals around a sleeping predator. The heavy atmosphere was there, crushing those smart enough to feel the danger, and hinting that The Thirsty Mule was not the place to be tonight.

"You summoned us?" A bony looking man rasped, skeletal fingers nursing his wooden pint mug with practiced movements, hollow eyes regarding the leader of this lonely group. Dark robes concealed the rest of his body much like the reaper of death, tattooed symbols of his allegiance on his forehead.

The man with hair pointed like blond ears perked up from his meal, eyeing the fellow attendants before licking his lips at the sight of the waiting staff cowering behind the bar. "There is a whole lot less of us. Not much of a buffer between the two forces." He mused, fingers dipping beneath his cloak to touch the rows of explosives he had strapped to his chest.

"Kyoka is dead, as is Sayla. Tempester was slain by a bunch of pathetic radicals and Ezel died from an infection of all things. The other guy, Torafuza, married and had a pathetic family. He refused the summons. What now, Mard? Your perfect army is in disarray." A man with large lips and his left eye stitched shut to give the image of a off center cyclops. The one functional eye discolored yellow from poor treatment and disease.

The man in the center of it all chuckled as he crossed his legs and stirred his drink with leisurely strokes of his index finger. His dark eyes regarded all of those he summoned with contempt and control, not a speck of respect to be found.

"Kyoka was weak. She favored the helpless as well as romanticized their inferiority. Sayla was no better, putting herself too high on the pedestal and not watching her back. Tempester was lazy and I have no need for lazy in my army. Ezel? Now that was a shame. He captivated me with his...brutal ways of slaughter. Torafuza is a traitor and will die like the rest of the scum." Mard said easily, his voice smooth like buttermilk. Though, the hint of darkness lingered within.

"You are my four generals: Keyes, Jackal, Franmalth, and Silver-you have been awfully quiet. Are you not pleased to see us?" He cooed mockingly, eyeing the dark haired man with a scar on the left side of his face. With graceful leisure, Mard rested his chin in his hand, smiling as if he knew exactly how this chase would take place.

Silver sighed, crossing his arms and taking in each face of his comrades—if they could be called that. It was like taking a bath in a tub of cobras and trusting them not to strike as they see fit. He was never much good at games.

"Picture sitting in a room with un-bottled poison. That is my view. I am as pleased to see you as the unsuspecting man is pleased that his wine has not been tampered with...yet." He murmured, voice low and soft. "I survived Deloria. I am set on surviving you guys."

Keyes scoffed. "So dramatic, Silver Fullbuster. I suppose not everything changes with time." The rest of the group chuckled.

Silver smirked callously, cracking his fingers with a curl. "I suppose I am up for torment, seeing as I am new to this 'Zeref hunt' thing." He watched as the silence fell over the others, and he made his move. "After all, I have not spent my entire life searching for him. What do I know?" The mockery hung in the air like dust particles refusing to settle. "I mean, I have never seen his glory through my own eyes like you all have—wait-neither have you. My mistake."

Jackal snarled as Franmalth set down his tableware. "The last mistake you are ever going to make-" the blond man with sharpened teeth hissed, pausing when Mard clapped slowly, deliberately interrupting them.

"Your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated, Silver. However, I must clarify our target is not directly Zeref. Not yet, at least."

Mard Geer, leader of Tartarus, stood slowly with the fire flickering behind him like a symbol of power. His face cast in shadow and his eyes narrowed. "We seek Acnologia, the one warrior that has seen Zeref's greatness. He will lead us to Zeref...and we will find our master, END, along the path."

The wiry man known as Franmalth twitched, looking nervous at the announcement. "We are really going to find Acnologia? The Destroyer of Eras? Just to find Master END and Lord Zeref?"

Jackal lost his staple expression of calm, eyes darting from Mard to Silver in shock. "You can not be fucking serious. Acnologia can wipe the floor with us. He can eat us and shit us back out. He can-"

Mard silenced the man with a silent glare that promised pain. "Acnologia is a fellow follower of Zeref's ideals of order. He will come with us once we assure him the completion of the task. Order by annihilation."

He paused, standing slowly with a grin of pure sinister thoughts on his lips. "Now, we move out. Oh, and do take care of our hosts. They have been so very generous to us. Let us...return the favor."

The generals moved as a unit, some sporting excited gleams of joy as they turned on the wait staff of the tavern. The air, once heavy with danger, now lightened with the truth of fate.

Not one of the staff would be closing up the tavern...ever again.

He felt mild pain shrivel from the bottom of his feet to his knees when he landed, causing a slight grimace of pain before he forced himself to walk. Bad landing. Bad landings hurt.

Natsu limped for a moment before righting his stride, blending back in with the crowd while his eyes caught the prize again. Over the many different heads of many different people, there stood his target. A stringy looking man with highly wealthy clothing and pompous facial hair, easily walking with a servant burdened with his many items at his side.

A funding supporter of the limping Templar Order of Magnolia. One investor of many that needed to be removed for the full fall of the struggling enemies. Removing...not killing. His kind of job, to instill the fear of the Salamander into foes of Fairy Tail.

Begin.

He moved swiftly, sidestepping carts and people with practiced grace and calm confidence. Laxus has just left to rendezvous with his Thunder Tribe, leaving Erza to train them to full fledged agents of the Order. It has been a rough time but Natsu knew he was learning much more than before...in painfully vivid lessons.

Soon, he could function as a single assassin, free to travel outside of Magnolia on his will. Soon, he could visit places he only heard about from others and seen in travel posters. Lucy would tell him of places that she too hoped to see one day. Maybe...when he was finished here, he could visit Lucy, and they go together.

But first, the mission.

The pink haired man stalked along, keeping close but out of sight of the target. The guy kept moving through the cobblestone streets, unaware and content with his superior mask of indifference. Onyx eyes narrowed, scanning the poofy and horribly styled clothing of the nobleman, guessing what, if any, weapons he was concealing.

When the noble grumbled something to his servant, delivering a demanding smack to the back of the poor boy's head, Natsu decided that it did not matter if there was a weapon or not. He knew how to properly deal with cruel men.

With movement far more swift than he could remember, Natsu skimmed through the crowd, brushing past the burdened boy and catching the nobleman around the neck with his arm. Not waiting for retaliation, Natsu made use of the startled shock to yank the guy around and shove him against the stone wall, hearing the skull smack on stone and watching the man go limp as he slid down the wall.

Many bystanders gasped and whispered, but Natsu made quick work by throwing spare coin from his pouch, effectively causing a mad scramble of distraction. While the crowd grew behind him, frantic shouts and grabbing hands trying to collect the abandoned coin, Natsu fished out a rope to bind the arms and legs of the dazed noble. Taking quick time, the assassin hoisted the limp body over his shoulder before trotting away. "Sorry buddy, but Titania has a few bones to pick from you—I mean with you." He mentioned as the captive groaned in agony, blood dribbling from his nose.

"Uh...sorry about the nose too...but you kinda deserved it for pissing me off." Natsu spoke again, turning the corner to see Erza waiting patiently at the end of the deserted path. "Just because you are filthy rich does not mean you can be mean to the little folk. Or...just because you wanna be mean-uh, I lost my words?"

Erza rose her brows as the younger assassin deposited the ruffled target before her feet, bloody and cross-eyed...and a chipped tooth?

"Natsu," She uttered carefully, tilting her head to inspect the target. "you were supposed to capture and deliver. No rough housing allowed." The words became darker and loaded with ire as the sentence progressed, to the point where Natsu shivered in terror as her wrath brewed over.

With a single strike, the pink haired assassin had to peel himself off the wall while nursing a massive aching swell on his cranium. "Owwww, Erza!" He managed to whine before she kicked him over harshly, sending him sprawling in the dirt comically.

"A good assassin obeys and only uses force when necessary. Assassin's never use more force than required and a good assassin follows instructions." The red head hissed coldly, eyes nearly skinning Natsu alive with irritation. "I wanted him, unharmed. So, in fair trade, you will suffer as he did."

While the pink haired Dragon Assassin pouted, his body sprawled in the dirt, Erza plucked up the captive with one hand, unflinching. "Sorry about your nose...but you should have listened to my orders. Take fifteen to clean your face and then we shall brush up on sword work." She said sternly before turning on her heel with grace and balance, ignoring the dagger glares Natsu returned to the back of her head.

Lucy groaned, carrying the basket filled with clothes from room to room, trying to figure where exactly the 'Second Master Suite of the East Wing' was. There were no labels, no maps, and Juvia only pointed her in a general direction when she woke her up.

'Lords Metalicana and Igneel do not tolerate lazy guests. They demand work for room and board.

So, Love Rival, time to get up and work!'

So, Lucy and Levy both had work.

The blue haired librarian had it easy, Lucy pouted as a loose piece of bramble prodded the hip she used to hold the basket. Book inventory and organization as well as document keeper. Little lucky Levy.

Lucy was stuck with laundry while Juvia cleaned their rooms. After one night, Lucy found the blue haired stranger kind and loving...as long as Gray stayed out of the conversation. For some bizarre reason, her name was now Love Rival. Not Lucy. Not Lady Heartfilia. Love Rival.

But, Juvia was a friend, and Lucy supposed nicknames were to be expected in this new life. Natsu called her 'Luce', so why not Juvia?

Though, it would have been so helpful if Juvia had sketched a map of this place. The crimson tapestries and marble floors were a mind-blowing sight, but the amount of rooms were beyond the blonde woman. She already walked into some closets, a maid station, two unused bedrooms, a bath, and one room filled with nothing but sculptures of dragons.

The blonde woman was tired, dragging her white flats across carpet and tile with a basket on her aching hip. The image of domestic tasks, and Lucy found herself understanding why her father paid the maids to do this. It was truly tiring and awfully tedious.

The next door loomed, and Lucy figured the fiftieth time was the charm as she opened the door with her eyes watching the floor carefully. She had also encountered a few homicidal rugs in her escapade.

Then, she took in the room.

Grand. Just like the rest of the manor. The king sided bed, however, hinted that she may have finally ended her quest. After exploring most of the East Wing, Lucy believed she finally found her treasure.

She proceeded slowly, reaching the decorative couch near the empty fireplace, setting down the basket and beginning to unload. Her eyes remained on the task, concentration broken only when the far door opened, revealing steam and a lone figure.

Igneel, dressed in only pants, with large hands working a small towel through his red locks. Moisture clung to his chiseled chest like crystals, showing years of work and pain from the scars and tanned skin. Lucy froze in shock, caught in mid-fold with wide eyes and terrified realization that she did not knock and he had just gotten out of the bath.

That was when fate bestowed her death...when Igneel glanced up and noticed her gawking with bright red cheeks. Built arm muscles paused as he blinked dumbly, taking one long glance around the room to check if this occurrence was a jest.

Life came back to her as she squeaked in shame, turning and slapping her hands over her eyes quite harshly. "I am so sorry! Juvia told me to put these in the second master room of the East Wing and I got lost so I forgot to knock and I am so very, very sorry. My eternal apologies and-"

She cut off quickly, because he was chuckling. How demeaning.

"I will just go...and bury myself somewhere." She yelped, already making her way to the door blindly, with hands still covering her precious sight. She had hoped to see only Natsu like that...in her deepest fantasies, of course. But...she did see Gray strip completely in the guild...a few times.

She was way beyond that point.

"Wait-" Igneel spoke quickly, freezing her in her tracks to hear rustling of clothing. His voice was so deep, so frightening that every joint of hers locked. His footsteps were heavy and loud as he neared, appearing around her with a shirt on and somewhat dry hair. "I almost called you Layla. You look so much like her, it is ridiculous."

Her face was on fire with this guilt and embarrassment, her eyes locking on his before casting down shamefully. "Thank you," she swallows, hoarsely replying, "I am her daughter, Lucy."

He hums knowingly, a kind smile on his face. "I gathered as much. I was great friends with Layla before she settled down in Magnolia. I am Igneel, second master of this house." He introduced lightly, as if being a master of this grand house was nothing compared to what else he could do.

"I am so sorry. I forgot to knock and-" Lucy hiccuped again, voice high pitched and hysterical.

Igneel snorted in amusement, waving his hand. "Please, that is small potatoes compared to what my son has done. I honestly do not understand how you put up with him." Though, the pride was in his tone, and Lucy wondered exactly who was the son of Lord Igneel.

"Uh...forgive me but, who is your son?" Lucy questioned curiously, the embarrassment fading at the easy conversation. That, and they were walking out of the room and slowly meandering along the halls, side by side, leaving the scene of terror behind.

The red haired man gave her a funny look before understanding dawned on him. "Oh, he never told you, that pea-brain. Natsu is my son, well...adopted son technically."

At the blonde's dumbfounded stare, he sighed and pinched his nose, "My idiot son."

Exasperation coated his tone like sticky molasses, as well as the hint of tired worry. This man obviously cared about Natsu and Lucy could see it in his eyes. Something that he and Natsu had in common, she supposed.

The woman smiled lightly, looking to her feet happily. "That may be true but, he is a good man." She offered with a sigh.

Igneel raises his brow at her before grinning knowingly. "Aye, and he has found a good woman to keep him in line." He mused thoughtfully, bursting out into a deep belly laugh when Lucy bristled with flushed cheeks.

"W-What is t-that supposed to mean?!" She squawked defensively, huffing as he picked up his chuckling again.

They walked down the grand staircase of gold and marble, Igneel chatting about how surprised he was when Natsu sent him a letter and a girl all in the same week.

Lucy listened, smiling at Igneel's questions about his son and if he had treated her right. Then, the Lord offered to smack some manners into Natsu should he ever forget, causing Lucy to burst out giggling.

"Promise me you will let me know. I will not have my brat being rude to a lady." He hissed, cracking his knuckles darkly as they trekked out of the manor and to the back courtyards of the two winged manor.

At the sight before her, Lucy paused, watching with wide eyes and an open jaw. Igneel, too, stopped with his hands folded behind him, watching the blonde carefully as she saw the action below.

It was a concrete circle, about five men in diameter around waist high, filled with dirt in the center of the garden.

In the circle, two people fought with long and thin swords, expertly stepping around each other like practiced dancers in the ancient art of warfare. Beauty, grace, skill, and determination. One of the fighters, was Juvia. Blue hair tied up in a high ponytail, she strike with pride and precision, knocking her foe back every few attacks. She wore a simple sundress, twirling with flexible skill as she kicked and added in physical attacks without a blade.

She was absolutely stunning, a work of art honed and sculpted with many long days of practice and pain: blood, sweat, and tears.

Lucy, for the first time, felt envy bite at her soul like a vile creature that had waited in the shadows of her heart. Juvia was a fighter, a warrior that had the power to protect her friends and loved ones. Her moves told of the hard work the blue haired woman put into her training, and was now reaping the bountiful fruit of labor.

Lucy did not even possess the seeds to get started.

Igneel was quiet as Lucy began to speak softly, brown eyes following each movement as if to absorb the skill like a sponge. "She is really good. I was afraid of her in the beginning, but now I know not to get on her bad side."

The male rose his brow before beginning to walk, away from the arena and to the gardens, Lucy following with separated interest between the spar and her companion. "She looks like she can protect those she cares about." She finally said once out of sight of the arena, turning to look at the red haired man somberly.

He regarded her for a moment before stopping before a cross-way. The green hedges kept close like shields from the outside, keeping the garden silent and peaceful for meditation. The far away sounds of metal clashing echoed over the tranquil bubble of a nearby fountain. Peace was never truly there in the first place.

Lips drawn thoughtfully, Igneel still stared, making the blonde slightly uncomfortable under the intensity. "What if I told you...that you can learn to fight?" He asked levelly, keeping his tone flat and mysterious as well as pensive.

When the blonde ex-heiress looked up to him in shocked curiosity, he coughed awkwardly. "Layla would have my hide...but this is new times. You need to protect yourself and those you care about."

He sighed, eyes softening into a paternal glow as he noticed the glimmer of hope in her eyes. Much like someone else he knew when offered the chance to learn the ways of a Dragon Assassin.

Though she would not be able to become a Dragon Assassin...Igneel knew for certain just by the look in her eyes, that she would be a great pupil. She had the spunk, the drive, the will too.

A dull sword in need of reforging, sharpening, and experience.

"I trained Natsu and currently have another pupil in progress. However, Metalicana managed to train his son with another pupil too. I may be old, but I certainly have more knowledge to pass along-" the man pondered aloud, sending a smirk towards the beaming Lucy.

"Are you willing to learn from a Dragon?"

She almost blurted the answer, her excitement bubbling behind her lips like a flood. "Yes!" Lucy nearly bounced with the word, toes curling in her shoes as she attempted to remain somewhat calm.

The older man snorted, her enthusiasm not lost to him. He raised Natsu, after all, and his other adopted brat was not much easier to handle.

"I warn you that it will not be easy. I will not be lax on you because of your upbringing or your lack of previous training. You will complete the exercises given and you will not fail to improve." He paused for effect, searching her chocolate eyes for any doubts or hesitation. Any at all, and he would know immediately if she was worthy.

Igneel, in all his searching and scouring, could not see a shred of anything but determined fire behind her gaze. "Am I clear?" He finished.

"Aye, sir." She said evenly, reminding him of his son. It was uncanny, how much of her mother she was...but then, his son clearly had an effect on her.

Should be amusing, Igneel thought lightly as he nodded with a satisfied curve of his lips.

"Then, Lucy Heartfilia, we begin tomorrow."

OmegaSage037: I had hoped somebody would enjoy their...torturous methods. Erza's shade throwing too!

Ryleeunicorn: Thank you!

Animallover: I agree, Natsu is very intelligent when it comes to things he cares about *points to the 'mind like a steel trap' Lyon comment* My anthem. Hehe, and you called the teasing part~ My favorite stuff in ACB is the IgneelLucyBROTP. Beware.

rrrRANDOMmm: That was actually a last minute edit, believe it or not!

Sara lovelymusic: *squints back* I'm not telling.

AnonymousStalkerFriend: Hmmm, not EVERYONE

Hannah-Nobody: Yep, they are! Hehe thank you *blushes profoundly* ...the sinister laugh should scare you. *sinister chortle*

anime4eva222: There will be much more of them, don't worry!

C10Books: Aw thanks. Natsu is sinking like a stone, isn't he? Ah, let him sink a little further.

Footser26: That info is coming soon, not much further in the dark before I turn on the light~

Thank you for all the reviews! The make me smile like an idiot.

P.S- who is this mysterious pupil Igneel has~? ? ? (●ω●✿)

P.S.S- yes I killed some of the nine demon gates for a reason, I promise. (●‿●✿)