Chapter 25: Mavis's Garden

"M'Lord, I think we have a problem," reported Jacob Lessio as he stumbled into the library.

At first, Zeref did not even acknowledge the immortal's presence. He was mildly distracted by his reading. After a moment, he responded without taking his eyes off the book, "Everyone has problems. What makes these any different?"

"The Assassin" grimaced. "There were a group of demon slayers that happen upon Achnologia's lair."

"Demon slayers? Hunting a dragon?"

"Not sure. I think they discovered it by accident."

"I'm guessing there was some reason you did not kill them." Zeref said, finally setting down the book.

"The Count of Galuna was with them. It would have triggered political unrest if a nobleman was killed in our territory."

Zeref absentmindedly stroked his white robe. "Count of Galuna?"

"Mika's husband, Silver Fullbuster."

Zeref's eyes burned with aggravation. "One my son's fairy brats. Mika Fullbuster helped Layla escape this castle with END's book." In retaliation, Mard Greer sent one of his best general to kill her.

Taking a deep breath, the black wizard pacified his inner turmoil over his son's organization. Fairy Tail thwarted his plans every chance at every moment. It was hardly surprising with Achnologia and Mavis awakening. Clearly, Ragnarok was approaching. He asked, "Did you find anything interesting at the site? You have been gone three weeks."

"Yes. I finally found what you suspected would be there. Layla's keys." He pitched them toward Zeref's desk. The pieces shattering into dust upon impact. "Actually I did not find it. They found it."

"How did they manage that? Your detection skills are the best among my guards?"

"One was InVel's daughter."

"Ur?"

"I once offered her a seat as one of my guards along side her father, but she fell in love with a human and had a daughter. Now she is working with Silver?"

"I don't think she has told him anything about you, sir. It seemed they were her family. One of the boys seemed to resemble Lord Silver but his power greatly trumped the Count's."

"That would be Gray Fullbuster."

"You know him?"

"I investigate all the people who go into the Heartfilia estate. How do you think he is stronger than Silver?"

"There was an altercation. I inadvertently killed the fourth member."

"I'm guessing that between InVel's daughter and this boy, they manage to survive?"

"Yes I couldn't kill them without taking more damage."

"You are an immortal; therefore, I wonder where the impression of self preservation came from? You needed not flee. And now merely killing one makes it personal for the other three. Especially if this guard was probably one of Fairy Tail's nakama."

Jacob gulped at the implications of Zeref's statement, but the black wizard continued. "The increasing human presence here is troublesome already without adding fuel to the fire. They might antagonize Achnologia into making a play for the castle. And to know that so many demon slayers are so close will surely trigger Mard's people to react. Pity that you weren't able to kill them. That would have been the best. And if Fairy Tail is here as well, we might end up having a multiple sided war on our hands - demons, black wizards, dragons, fairies, fairy tail, humans."

Jacob started to scream as his body begin to contort into strange angles.

"Centuries ago, a prophecy from the stars was written that said a time would come when the world would would be ecased in chaos. Gods would clash, bringing the end of humanity. Your decisions might have doomed us all."

The crunching of bones was heard as the immortal twisted. His size started increasing in certain areas almost like a balloon. His hands were the first to explode before the rest of his body was ripped apart.

Zeref merely waved a hand separating the parts knowing that Jacob was still alive. He summoned two people as he picked back up his book.

The Ladies Dimaria and Ultear appeared, "We have to strengthen our defenses, let the demons know. Make sure everyone is aware that Achnologia could attack at any moment. I can no longer track him through the Magna Carta. He might appear where you least expect him. " Continuing his reading, Zeref added, "And clean up this mess before you leave. Lock his body parts at opposite ends of the castle for at least a week as punishment. And Ultear, I want you to track your mother for me. Discretion is advised. Will that be a problem?"

"No Lord Zeref."

A flash of blonde caught his attention in his gardens.

Mavis?

(Lucy's POV in the bathroom)

Lucy heard Natsu yelling at her.

She mentally cringed as images appeared of how she behaved toward the demon.

Just let me die now rather than face him.

And the worse thing was…

Not the regret.

Or the embarrassment.

But the mortified from the realization he probably knew she liked him.

Stupid freaking hormones!

Life experience had not taught Lucy what she needed to handle this situation, so she did the only thing that came to mind. She slapped him. (When in doubt always have your hands ready...)

"Get AWAY from me!"

Stupid alcohol for lowering her inhibition!

"Lucy, are you hurt? You scared me!"

Damn, stupid, sexy M-E-N!

"What are you doing?! How about you cover your eyes?!" Lucy covered her breasts with her arms while crossing her legs.

TRYING TO TEMPT INNOCENT GIRLS WITH HIS BODY AND COME HITHER EYES!

This was going to have to stop very soon. Lucy had to get control of her emotions. This was the demon that tried to kill her father. Who had fought Gray and Loke.

"You're the one who was pressing flesh against flesh!"

Sure, blame it on me...

"Well you were the one who burned me!"

"That's only because you were acting like bitch in heat!"

Why you shameless... If she had something pointy, she would have stabbed him. Lucy fumed, "You probably enjoyed it! Or else why are you all holding me? Coping a feel?"

"And what about you?! You haven't taken your eyes from my body since you met me."

"Bullshit! Who would want that?!" Lucy denied although she averted her face. "You leave me in prison only to take me out for a bath? That's creepy. "

"What the fuck?! That has no relevance to this conversation?!"

"I'm not your sex toy!"

"I never said you were!"

"THEN WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS TRYING TO FEEL ME UP?!"

"STOP GETTING WORKED UP OVER NOTHING! YOU WERE TRYING TO RAPE ME WITH YOUR TOUCH AND SOFT WORDS!"

Technically, Natsu was correct to point out that Lucy had instigated the situation. She calmed herself with a deep breath, knowing that between the two of them being riled up... Natsu would win in the end. Honestly she was not mad. Her humiliation from losing control was just making her snappy.

"Natsu, why is it we always end up in these predicaments?"

"It's not by choice!"

His answer was way too quick. Lucy felt a bit insulted that he put so much emotion into those words. Glaring at him, she bit out, "Well then turn your ass around!"

"The same could be said about you!"

"It wasn't like I was trying to look" They said in unison before presenting their backs to each other simultaneously.

Sliding in to the water, Lucy waded to the other side of the pool. Patting the water with her hands, she tried to think of something else. Hesitantly, she peaked around at him to say "I'm sorry."

"What?"

"For being a burden. And for always making you angry. You didn't take advantage of me. Most human guys wouldn't have done that. To which I am grateful."

"You're not a burden Lucy! And I am a demon. We have better control than a mere human. Don't worry about it. You changing attitude is apart of your weirdness."

"Grr… Stop calling me weird!"

"I'm serious. When I call you weird, it's because I never met anyone like you before. Being different is good when you live with the people here. Even when you argue – I am not really mad. So think of it as a complement. Trust me I can inflict harsh wound if I was really trying to be mean."

"I know" She said softly.

"Besides. Being around you is kind of fun. Life is not boring any more."

"Are you bored often?"

"Yea. I'm always constantly hunting for something to do."

"Really? Me too. Hey Natsu, is there a towel? I am done with bathing."

He manipulated his flames to summon an oddly shape fabric that was towel-like.

"Here." He shoved it behind him.

Lucy sighed. She waded back through the water. "You could have just made one appear closer to me."

MAJOR EVENT COMING UP! BE PREPARED! NEXT CHAPTER: Queen or Pawn?