X785 July 1st.
The sun was up, bright and filtering through the large windows that sat to the left of Lucy's bed. She let out a small groan, bringing the blankets of her thick comforter up over her face, trying her hardest to hang on to those last few minutes of sleep.
Today was her 18th birthday, and one would assume she would be happy, being Lucky Lucy, the heiress to the Heartfilia fortune. Lavish parties, amazing food, handsome young men with deep pockets to fawn over her. It was any girls dream to live in her shoes, but Lucy didn't feel that way. If only they knew those men were after her fathers money instead of actually caring about her.
See, Lucy was doted on hand and foot by the staff her father kept. She had more than a few wardrobes of finely crafted dresses, never having to worry about possibly wearing the same outfit. Her jewelry chest was stuffed full of all different kinds of fancy cut stones that could easily feed a small country. And speaking of food, all Lucy ever had to do was call a servant to quench her thirst or hunger. It was all just so ridiculous to her, really.
People struggled day to day just to feed the bellies of their families, and here she was, living a life of luxury she had done nothing to deserve other than being born into it.
A small knock sounded at her door and Lucy snuggled further into her sheets, scrunching her eyes tight. She was not ready for today. She would be stuffed into a gaudy dress and paraded around a bunch of men who would all look at her like a piece of meat. Just like every other year on her birthday.
Can't I just sleep the day away?
"Good morning, Miss Lucy!" Lucy's personal maid, Spetto, sung as she opened the door and floated inside, the smells of scrambled eggs and bacon wafting into the air. "I've brought you your breakfast, its time to get up and ready for the day."
I guess not… the heiress thought to herself.
"Do I have to?" Lucy grumbled, slowly sitting up to watch the pudgy maid drop the tray on her bed side table before rushing over to her wardrobe. She looked the plate over before she picked up a piece of bacon and started nibbling on it. "I mean, it's not like I have anything to do today besides that gods awful party later.."
Spetto slightly hesitated her search for an outfit, her hands dropping a bit before she turned to Lucy. "Master Heartfilia has requested you meet him in his study after you've finished your morning routine." Turning, she resumed her search.
"Do you have any idea what he needs to see me about?" The blonde asked, quickly losing her appetite.
Nothing good ever came from meetings with her father.
"I'm sorry, my dear. I haven't any clue. But knowing your father…" she said the last part in a low voice, not wanting it to be heard by anyone other than Lucy.
Lucy rolled her eyes and pulled herself out of bed, "I guess I'll go wash up," she let out a deep sigh, "If I'm so lucky to have been called to see him, I shouldn't keep him waiting." The floor under her feet was cold as she made her way to her bathroom.
"Wouldn't you like to finish your breakfast?" the maid asked, taking out a dress and frowning at it before she hung it back up.
"I'm okay, I'm not that hungry." She called over her shoulder. Lucy knew this meeting wouldn't be a fun one. They never were. Ever since her mother died, he never had time for her, and the time he did have was business related. The questions and demands always something Lucy couldn't care less about.
Entering her bathroom, she slowly shut the door and faced the mirror. The bags under her eyes showing the sleep she didn't get last night due to nerves, dreading her birthday more than anything. She sigh again and turned the shower on, setting the temperature to where she wanted it and started undressing.
Once done with her shower and blow drying her hair, Lucy walked into her bedroom to see that Spetto had pulled out a very pretty baby blue dress adorn with little yellow flowers. Relief washed over her as she noticed that the dress didn't have a corset and the shoes were flats.
Seeing as she had a party to attend to tonight, she was grateful that Spetto had picked something out that would be appropriate to see her father in but nothing to stuffy so she wouldn't suffer all day.
Lucy adored Spetto for those small favors, the woman always having Lucy's best interest at heart. It was Spetto who took to seeing after Lucy when her mother had passed, and she responded as seeing her as a mother figure as sorts in return. While the small woman would never be a replacement for her mother, Spetto would always hold a special place in her heart.
Just as Lucy finished putting her shoes on, Spetto came rushing in and stopped right at her vanity, signaling the girl to sit.
"You know, Spetto, you don't have to do my hair. I can put it in a braid myself." Lucy said with a hint of a smile in her voice as she sat in the cushioned chair. It was an argument they've had many times. And the maid never relented. But Spetto just rolled her eyes and combed through Lucy's long golden locks.
"This is something I enjoy doing for you, child. Having all boys myself, I never had the opportunity to bond with a daughter until you." Spetto said without thinking before suddenly tensing up as if realizing how rude of a comment that was. "I'm so sorry Miss Lucy. I didn't mean- don't get me wrong, I miss Lady Layla, and if I could go back and saved her somehow I would." She looked Lucy in the eyes through the mirror, small tears welling in her own, "but I'm glad to have been part of your life."
Lucy met her eyes and let a kind smile grace her lips, "don't worry, Spetto. I know what you mean." She turned in her chair and grabbed the old maids hands in hers. "I'm thankful for everything you've done for me." Standing she pulled her in for a quick hug.
After they separated, Spetto finished plaiting her hair in a braid. She cupped Lucy's cheek and let out a small sigh. "Come now, let us get you to Master Heartfilia before he gets impatient, shall we?"
With that the two made their way out of Lucy's room.
The hallways were bussing with maids and servants rushing to get ready for the big night. As busy as they were, as soon as Lucy and Spetto passed they always stopped and bowed their greetings before continuing on their ways.
It was something Lucy had told them all countless times that they didn't have to do, but it was her fathers rules, so they obeyed.
Lucy occupied herself with looking at the décor, the same décor that had been in the mansion her entire life. The beautiful vases and statues, cleaned daily by the staff. Paintings on the wall from all over Fiore. While they were all lovely, her favorite had been one painting of a beautiful star lit night over the city of Magnolia, the artist capturing the essence of the nights sky perfectly. And while she'd never been to Magnolia, she hoped the sky looked just as beautiful as it did in that painting. But she would never know, her father refused to let her leave and travel.
Subconsciously Lucy slowed down. They were nearing her fathers study. An anxious feeling settled in her chest, just as it always did when she visited him.
She didn't even think as she rubbed the ache in her chest, willing the feeling away. It wasn't like he would harm her, well, she didn't think he would. She just hated that he set up "meetings" with her instead of actually visiting her or sitting down to have a meal with her without it being all about business.
Lucy looked to Spetto, the maids eyes sad as she nodded her head. She whispered a "good luck" before bowing her head and stepping back. Steeling herself, Lucy took a deep breath then knocked on the door.
"Father. It's Lucy. May I come in?" the change in Lucy's voice was noticeable. Instead of the carefree way she could talk to Spetto, she had to be prim and proper with her father. She was expected to show him the upmost respect with every interaction they had. And while Lucy never had a problem with showing respect, she wanted a normal relationship with her father. A loving one where they could joke and laugh. But she wasn't that lucky.
A sharp approval to come in was all Lucy needed to open the heavy doors and slip through.
As soon as the door closed Lucy took in the large study. Book cases lined the walls filled with various business contracts and trinkets. There was some books scattered here and there, and it always made Lucy wonder why he wanted such a large room for books if he wasn't going to fill them with books? If she had a room lined with bookcases, she would filled them to the brim and more.
Reading for Lucy was her escape from this mundane life. While she couldn't go and visit all the places she'd like to in real life, the best she could settle for was in her mind. Every time she had asked to go on a trip to see more of the outside world, her father had turned her down, saying it wasn't safe for her to leave the estate. It ticked her off to no end but there wasn't anything she could do. It was her fathers rules, and they were absolute.
Speaking of Jude Heartfilia, he sat behind a large mahogany desk piled high with papers and folders.
When Lucy's eyes landed on him, she realized with no surprise that he didn't even look up from whatever document he was looking over. Behind him was a set of large windows that looked out over the front of the estate so he could monitor visitors coming and going.
She held a sigh and patiently waited for him to address her. To speak out of turn was disrespectful. Be seen and not heard. Not like he sees me anyway with his nose buried in those papers, she thought suppressing a snort.
Lucy looked to her left to find the one and only thing she liked about this room. A portrait of her mother. Well it was a family portrait from when she was younger, but she never focused on anything other than her mother.
Layla was beautiful, her hair a light golden color, piled elegantly on top of her head, long ringlets curls hung from her temples. The smile she wore was soft but genuine if the sparkle in her deep brown eyes was to be believed. In a beautiful pink dress, that Lucy wished she could find, she stood next to the chair that held a young Lucy. It captured the beauty of warmth that was her mother.
Many said Lucy favored Layla, even going as far to say they were identical, but Lucy didn't think so. Sure she could see some similarities, but she could never compete with the beauty her mom was. While her hair was indeed golden, it was a darker shade, and her eyes never seemed to glow the same way as her mothers. Lucy's nose was also different, small but turned up slightly at the tip. Her lips were also not as full-
"Lucy, are you paying attention?" came the gruff voice of Jude.
Lucy snapped her head back to her father so fast she thought she gave herself whiplash. She studied him, his dark blond hair always brushed back with not a strand out of place. His brown eyes pierced her with such intensity it made a shiver run down her spine.
Jude was a large man, his overall presence demanded respect and authority.
She inwardly cringed when she realized she had been so lost in her head she didn't even hear her father addressing her.
"I'm sorry father." Was all she could muster, her hands coming up to slightly wrap around her middle.
Jude narrowed his eyes at her, "It's rude to ignore those who speak to you." He stood up and turned towards the window, clasping his hands behind his back. "Such an aloof girl. Always in your own head thinking of childish things for your stories and what not." He sneered.
Lucy let her eyes drop to the floor. She wished he would take her passion seriously.
"As you know there is a celebration tonight in honor of you turning 18." Jude turned around and settled a stare on her. "There will be some very influential people there tonight. A few eligible bachelors that would be very beneficial to the company."
Cringing, the blonde slowly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She had a feeling she knew where this was going.
Jude continued on, "I want you to mingle with these men. Make a good impression on them." There it was. Make the company look good. Make my dad look good. "And at the end of the night, you will pick one to marry." He finished, unclasping his hands and straightening his tie.
Lucy froze. This was not the direction she thought this conversation was going. There was no way he would marry her off. "I'm sorry father, but I fear I may have heard you wrong. You wish," pausing, she steeled her nerves again, "me to find a husband? Tonight?"
Letting out an irritated sigh Jude clarified, "Not just a husband, Lucy. But someone whose family will benefit the company. There will be a few there tonight." He stared her down, "I'm sure you'll be happy with my selection for you."
Lucy just stood there in shock, staring at her father. She couldn't believe this. There's no way he would do this to her. "Father, t-this has to be a joke. Right?" she clenched her hands into fists at her sides. Her fingers started tingling.
"No, Lucy. This isn't a joke." Jude ignored the way his daughters body started to tense up. "And you would do well not to treat it as such. This will be an extremely important transaction to ensure the survival of Heartfilia Corps."
The tingling in her finger tips started traveling up her arms. "Father, I am not some doll. You cannot do with me as you wish." The back of her neck became hot and she started feeling light headed.
Jude tipped his head back to look down on Lucy. Did this child think she could talk to him like this? "You are forgetting your place, Lucy. As the soul heir to the Heartfilia fortune, it is your duty to ensure the survival of this company."
"I never wanted this company," she seethed. She was trying to hold back her anger, but she was quickly losing the battle. The tingling grew stronger and Lucy tried to flex her fingers to get the blood flow back, but it didn't work.
Jude just stood there, staring at his daughter after her little 'outburst'. "This is unbecoming of you. I don't know who you think you're talking to. But I suggest you change your tone." He looked to where she was wiggling her fingers, eyeing them wearily.
In other words, be the obedient daughter she was raised to be. To just say yes to everything and go along with his plans. Not this time. Lucy would not stand for this.
"I don't care." Lucy seethed, "you have never let me even LEAVE the estate and now you plan on throwing me at some man? All because it'll be good for your company?!" She shook her head and squeezed her eyes shut. "Under no uncertain circumstances will I agree to this."
When Jude had finally had enough of Lucy's outburst he yelled over her. "You are MY daughter, and you WILL do as you're told!"
"I'm only YOUR daughter when you need something from me!" Her eyes squeezed shut, she threw out her arms. Small beams of light shot thru both of her palms, knocking a few things off the book shelves.
She never noticed, so caught up in her stand against him. She hadn't even noticed Jude make his way over to her. "You NEVER cared at all! If mom were he-"
The sound registered before the pain did. Lucy slowly opened her eyes and realized she was now on the floor. Bracing herself up with her right arm, she slowly reached her other hand up to cup her cheek. The stinging started soon after. Her vision became blurry as she looked up to see her father towering over her.
Jude lifted his chin and looked down at Lucy, now laying on the floor. "Do not bring your mother up to me again. As for this insubordination, you will now only have until 10 tonight to pick out your husband." He straightened his suit jacket and turned from her. "You will show up tonight. You will engage when you are spoken to. You will NOT disrespect me tonight. Do I make myself clear?"
Lucy only nodded before remembering he needed verbal confirmation. "Yes, father." She slowly lifted herself off the floor. Shock still flowed through her system, but for a different reason this time. Her father had never outright hit her before. She didn't know what to think.
Jude made his way to his study and sat down at his desk, "if you have no more questions, you're dismissed." The way he just brushed her off as if he didn't just strike her astounded her.
As much as she wanted it, and as much as she craved it, there was no love there. The realization that she would never have a loving relationship with her own father, her only flesh and blood left, broke her.
Lucy turned and quietly slipped out of the door. Jude never looked up once
Embarrassment flooded Lucy hours later as she sat in front of her vanity, staring at the bruise her father had left.
When she had entered her bedroom after the incident Spetto had been in there with a couple other maids tidying up her room. As soon as their eyes locked Lucy had broken down, which had the small maid rushing to her side and inspecting her face. Before she knew it she was laying in her bed with Spetto holding and ice pack to her face, shushing her like a mother would do to comfort a small child.
Maids rushed around her with all sorts of makeup trying to cover up the mark, but it was no use. It only lightened it a little, letting the whole world know that she had disobeyed her father.
Spetto sat off to the side, waiting for the others to finish what they were doing before fussing with Lucy's hair. Not much was said as she curled and pinned her hair up in an elegant curled bun, fitting a small tiara and a few other embellishments. She dropped her hands to Lucy's shoulders, giving her a light squeeze and a small smile before leaving the room.
Lucy still stared into the mirror, looking at the broken heiress staring back at her. Years of neglect worn down a person's soul and today had been her breaking point.
Her father didn't love her. Constantly used her to make himself look better and now he was going to marry her off to a complete stranger for money. Her eyes started burning, tears threatening to come, but she did everything to will it away. She didn't want this. She didn't want this life. But what could she do? The only option she saw was running away but where would she go? She had no skills, no money that was directly her own. Hell, she didn't even have normal looking clothes! Just fancy dresses. Yeah that would fit in well.
There was a small knock at her door that took her away from her thoughts. She looked over to see Spetto entering her room again holding something that looked to be a small box.
The maid went to Lucy's bed and motioned for her to follow.
When Lucy stopped by her, Spetto set the old looking box on her bed and stepped back. She looked up to Lucy and smiled a little.
"Spetto, what's this?" Lucy asked, eyeing the box then the small woman.
"Miss Lucy. This was given to me by Lady Heartfilia herself to give to you on your 18th birthday." The small smile she wore fell, "when she passed, your father ordered me to destroy it. I couldn't do that. It was your mothers final wishes."
Lucy gasped as she took another look at the box, "this was moms?" she tentatively reached to open it but Spetto stopped her.
"You must listen carefully, my child." A low, warning voice sounded from the woman, "this box holds the secrets to who you truly are, something that Master Heartfilia has tried to keep hidden." Spetto sighed, "once you open this, doors will open for you. And only you will know which one you should go through."
"Spetto, stop. I don't understand," Lucy's head was starting to hurt. Who she truly was? What would her mother have hidden in this box that would have the answers.
Spetto reached out and cupped Lucy's cheek and smiled at her, warming her heart. "We both know you aren't happy. I think it's about time to learn about your heritage. You have a choice to make. And you make it tonight. Do not wait. Do not worry." She walked over to Lucy's wardrobe and pulled out two items. One was the finishing touch on her outfit for the night, her earrings, necklace and bracelet. The other was a plain brown backpack, though Lucy had no idea what was in it.
As Spetto placed the items on the bed, she gave Lucy a long look. "Which ever path you choose, just know that you are very loved here. And we will be fine." With that, Spetto pulled her into a tight hug that lasted a few seconds before releasing her and wiping her eyes. She smiled, turned and left the room, leaving Lucy thoroughly confused.
As soon as the door closed again Lucy looked over to the box. It was rectangle in shape, the outside a dark blue color that almost shimmered, while the edges were lined in silver.
She graced her hands over the top, where a white star was painted. In the middle of the star sat a white stone that flashed blue from certain angles. Lucy could definitely appreciate the craftsmanship. Love was put into this box by its creator.
Lucy slowly opened the box, a small bit of dust escaping as fresh air finally hit its contents after being closed for so long.
Peering inside, the first thing she noticed was a brown paper package. She carefully took it out and easily snapped the old tape holding it closed. Inside the paper was an leather bound journal, the letter "L" stamped in cursive on the cover. Is this what I think it is? She thought as her heart started to race.
This was her mothers journal. It had to be. There's no way it would have been Lucy's, she would have remembered it. While she kept many journals, none had been personalized like this one. And judging by its condition, it was old, the wear on the outside letting her know it had been used over and over again.
Lucy opened the journal, careful of the old pages within, and a piece of paper fell out. She quickly picked it up and carefully unfolded it.
My dearest Lucy,
If you are reading this letter, it means I completed my task, but I unfortunately had to leave you. While I cannot answer all of the questions you will find yourself with after reading this journal, I can answer a few.
Lucy, you come from a long, long line of Celestial Wizards. Each waiting until the obligation the line was given would come. It finally arrived, and I was the one who begun the task. It hurts me to know that you must fulfill and end it. I prayed it would skip us, but unlike the rest, we were not that lucky. I am sorry for the burden I leave to you.
I am hopeful that your father has left my keys in your care, but it is doubtful. He was never a fan of my magic or what it entailed. Though I begged him to let me teach you, he never relented.
Lucy blinked her eyes trying to numb the familiar sting of tears that was starting. There was a slight pang in her heart before she had to take a moment to compose herself, shoving the feelings down to continue on.
Inside this box you will find my journal, which will help you on your journey to becoming a mage. I have also left my most precious spirits with you.
The Zodiac. Capricorn, the goat. Taurus, the Golden bull. Cancer, the giant crab. And lastly Aquarius, the water bearer. These are the four gold gate keys I leave to you.
It was then that Lucy looked back into the box to see a small leather pouch, the same "L" stamped on the front. A tear escaped as she reached down and lightly caressed the pouch before looking back to the letter.
There are twelve in existence, if you find one, please do your best to make a contract with them. While other mages see them as tools, they are not. They are your friends. They will be your greatest allies. Treat them with love and respect.
Lucy, I must cut this letter short. There is so much I wish to say to you, but I do not have the strength left.
Just know I loved you so very much.
Please, my darling child, follow your heart. Let it guide you down your path, find happiness and love and hold onto it with everything you have. Life is to short to let it slip through your fingers.
I love you,
Layla.
Lucy couldn't breath as she read the note over and over, trying to wrap her mind around everything. She was a mage. And these were her mothers final words to her. The amount of questions that swam around her mind made her head hurt.
Why would her father hide this information from her?
Probably because he could control me better. Lucy thought, pressing a couple fingers to her temple to try and ease the pain. Everything was about control when it came to her father. Even this damn party.
"The party!" Lucy gasped while whipping her head around to look at the clock above her mantel.
It was 5:30. She had an hour and a half before her torture began. Before she would have to entertain men who would never see her, just her fathers money. She would have to do it all with a smile on her face, even though a few were sure to put their grubby hands on her, grabbing intimate parts without her permission. And then I'll have to pick one to spend the rest of my life with! Lucy shuddered at the thought.
Lucy let out a defeated sigh, her shoulders sagging as she reached over to pick up the jewelry that Spetto had placed on the bed. She didn't want this. With ever fiber of her being she did NOT want this. But being the good obedient girl she was raised as, she picked up the necklace and walked over to the mirror. As she unfastened the clip her hands wavered.
In the mirror stood a girl she didn't recognize.
Lucy was usually a proud and confident person, always with her head up high and a smile on her lips.
Well, that's other people saw anyway. But this girl, this girl looked defeated. And the longer she stared, the more tired she looked. Tired of being pushed around by her father, tired of being told what she could and could not do. Tired of putting on that fake smile that kept everyone at bay. Her shoulders sagged, her hair usually a beautiful gold, was dull despite the pretty up do Spetto had twisted it in. And her eyes. Her eyes looked hollow and haunted, the despair of the upcoming festivities weighing down on her heavily.
The fresh bruise that was darkening by the hour, the one her father gave her the one time she tried standing up for herself, finally snapping her out of her daze.
"What am I even doing?" Lucy closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she snapped her eyes open and let out a growl, ripping off the corset top of her dress. She didn't care if it was ruined, her decision final. Even with no skills, no place to go or no money, she was leaving. Tonight. Lucy didn't care how she got out but she was determined. Anywhere is better than here. Anything better than this!
Ripping the dress she currently wore was exhilarating, first the corset and then the skirt. You won't control me anymore! Lucy's conviction was solid. Nothing was going to stop her tonight. She grabbed and pulled and huffed at the constricting dress until she was standing in her room wearing nothing but her underwear.
Lucy let a puff of air escape her lips, finally able to breath correctly without the constraint of that stupid dress. Her eyes roamed the room, falling to the bag Spetto brought in. As she made her way over, she made a mental note of everything she had to grab while glancing at the clock. 5:45. I need to hurry this up.
Opening the bag she saw that Spetto had lightly packed it with some food, a small canteen, an outfit and a little pouch. Lucy took the outfit out and looked it over. It was simple, something that would make her father die if he caught her wearing it. A simple black pair of pants, paired with a black t-shirt and running shoes.
Spetto knew. Lucy thought with a small smile as she started dressing. After she finished she started stuffing the bag with various objects she would need. Her journals, some jewelry to sell off for money, and a few pairs of underwear for the journey. She didn't have any regular clothes to bring with her, Spetto must have been planning this for a bit. She rushed over to her bedside table and opened the drawer, seeking a small golden chain that belonged to her mother.
Charms adorned the bracelet, constellations, her mother once told her. After a small debate in her head, she decided to slip it into her pocket to keep it from possibly breaking.
When Lucy closed the drawer she looked on top of the small table, her eyes landing on a picture of her and her mother. Gently picking the picture up, she admired it for a few seconds before putting it in the bag.
Glancing around the room, she decided she was satisfied with what she had packed, all except the box her mother had left her. That was last to go into the bag, Lucy not knowing if she would have time during her escape to sit and flip through the pages. Do I have enough room for a couple books? The blonde chewed on her lower lip while pulling her eyebrows in. "No, that would just add weight. I'm sure I can get more later on…"
Lucy picked up the brown backpack and threw it over her shoulder, taking one last glance at her room. She wished she could feel sad about leaving all she's ever known, but she didn't. She just felt numb.
She turned towards the large doors to her bed room and breathed deeply through her nose. I'll follow my heart, mom. I promise. And with that she pushed the doors open.