Summary: Warmth blossomed over Lucy's hand and a faint echo of metal bouncing across marble reached her ears. She didn't feel the panic she expected when she saw the blade disappear into Ava's stomach, but she knew the guilt wouldn't come either.
Authors Note: This story lost moment, both in my writing and in my readers. Reviews keep writers like me going! This may very likely be the only update before Christmas, as mid-November I'm off to Japan for a holiday. So please let me know what you think of the chapter and I might be able to squeeze another in before I leave. Also, this chapter is unedited and will be addressed at a later date.
On a side note, I also set up a Tumblr. But what would be easier for people to read? A wordpress account, Tumblr, Wattpad, FanFiction or Ao3? Please let me know so I can get to you guys in ways that suit you more.
Disclaimer: I in no way own Fairy Tail! I do however own my own characters. Or the origin of the Black Zodiac though the names and descriptions used in this story are of my creation and interpretation.
Arc: Greed
Previously: "How bold of them to use the guilds name…" Laxus grimaced, brows furrowed as he looked back over the letter, "Wait… So, you want Lucy because she's a Celestial Mage right?"
Hisui smiled, easily picking up the protective edge in his words, "Yes, and also no. You see, while it helps, there will be a certain… openness if it were Lucy. Her names carries a weight that will have the other nobles gossiping for hours. And at events like this, people tend to be, I suppose, loose lipped about a few things. You never know just what you'll overhear."
Chapter 19: The Tyrant
Lucy paced, waiting outside the change room in one of the most extravagant boutiques in Crocus. It had been years since she'd had to rely on her Heartfilia and it unsettled her that now, when she wasn't a member of a guild, that she had to use it once again.
"Lucy! There you are!" The blonde turned, eyes wide as she took in the sight of a done up Evergreen and Bixlow. Freed, as always, was dressed in his formal attire, the only difference being that his cravat and jacket were blue rather than white and red.
"Good afternoon, Miss Lucy. I see you managed to drag our esteemed leader into getting a makeover." Freed smiled at the blonde before clearing his throat, noticing his leaders head poking over the door to the dressing room, "Not that there was anything wrong with leopard print shirts and leather pants… I just mean that it's a nice change."
"Don't lie Freed, even with the Trimen, Laxus hasn't changed his fashion taste. Except maybe adding a few suits to his wardrobe." Evergreen huffed, opening her fan before sending Lucy a wink, "I myself love the chance to change things up. This dress is stunning. Thank you for sending it."
Lucy just smiled, taking in the way the green dress clung to the womans' figure, the sheer material hiding nothing. It had been made similarly to her standard outfit, only with a flair at the hips and a chiffon shawl that wrapped around her shoulder and slotted into a belt on her waist. It made her eyes pop and her hair was twisted elegantly atop her head, showing off her slender neck.
"I still can't believe you got us in, I thought the snobs up there didn't mingle with lesser people." Despite his joking tone, Bixlow showed an obvious distaste towards the evening plans, his suit purple and silver, his helmet firmly in place on his head.
"I know. High society is… less than pleasant. But once she heard that there were mages with rare magic she hadn't invited… well. She fell straight into our trap. The more mages we have on our side, the more capable we are to take her down. And her partner too. We have more than one of the siblings to take on this time. And we need to make sure we're ready." Lucy picked at her shirt, turning only when she heard the door to the change room open.
"Well the sooner we get done with this the sooner I can take this stupid thing off." Laxus emerged, his hands fumbling to undo the top buttons of his yellow shirt, the crisp black slacks and jacket doing nothing the hide the muscles underneath.
"But Laxus. You should be used to it by now. I mean. Considering how Ichiya made he dress-" Ever snickered as his cheeks turned red, hiding behind her new white and blue feathered fan.
"I'd much rather throw myself in front of a train than do that again." He grumbled under his breath, a rumble starting in his chest as Lucy started fiddling with his clothing, assessing everything with a critical eye only an heiress could have.
"This will do. Let's get going. The Princess has covered the cost of everything. I need to go back and get myself ready." Lucy hummed, mentally checking off her to do list while waving a farewell to the store clerk. The poor woman flustered and red as she bid them goodbye, her eyes lingering on the towering blonde male she'd assisted.
"Good riddance to that place. Geez. I forgot how... Annoying wo- I mean... People could be." Despite knowing what he was going to say Lucy let it slide, silently sending a message to her spirits by touching a hand to her keys. Her apartment wasn't far from the centre of crocus, spacious and perfect for a woman like Lucy. But what took the teams breath away was the large board the dwarfed one of the walls, the multitude of maps, string and various images and articles was astounding.
"Lucy... You... You kept tabs on everyone?" Ever choked, her eyes swimming as she saw the article about the Thunder God Tribe joining Blue Pegasus, a stab of guilt pinning her to where she stood.
"Of course. You're all my family. I couldn't just let it all... Slip away..." Lucy gave the wall a pained smile, her eyes pinching as she glanced over her research and the various hand scrawled notes she'd made since the guild disbanded, "Anyway. I'm going to get ready. I'll be back soon."
She left the Thunder Legion to their thoughts, disappearing into her room.
Evergreen felt the first tear drop and Bixlow patted her back, his mouth pulled into a deep frown.
"I knew Cosplayer loved the guild... But this. Watching everyone move on while she..." He couldn't continue, looking to his leader for something, anything to justify what they'd done.
"Natsu left before we disbanded. He made her promise to look after the guild. He couldn't have known that we would..." Laxus growled, his eyes narrowing on the image of himself surrounded by women at Blue Pegasus.
"Miss Lucy is quite the promise keeper. It's vital to being a Celestial Mage. It's just a shame that she's had to carry the burden this whole time." Freed hummed, looking over all of Lucy's notes and articles, "It's quite an impressive amount of research that she's put into this."
The team stared at everything Lucy had collected since the disbandment, from articles to photos to all her hand drawn notes and maps. Even rumours that she's heard while travelling for work.
It wasn't long before the sun was setting and they heard the bedroom door open, revealing the blonde in all her glory.
"Lucy... wow." Laxus felt his breath stall, taking in the sight of the woman that was very much the heiress she was raised to be.
Her hair was tucked up in an elegant yet messy bun, only small strands framing her face, strands of pearls fell among the tangled mass. Her makeup was light, only a faint touch of pink on her lips and eyes while her ears, neck and wrists were also decorated with pearl strands.
"Where can I get a dress like that?" Evergreen swooned over the blue silk, the steely colour of Laxus' eyes, the sweetheart dress clung to her like a second skin, falling like water around her legs, a slit to her thigh showing off her sensible heels.
"I can ask Aries to make you one if you want? She won't mind if I ask for another dress." A faint blush dusted Lucy's cheeks as she adjusted the material, her hand falling to her covered thigh and move something underneath.
"They managed the find a way to hide your keys?" Laxus asked, approaching the blonde woman, his hands landing firmly on her waist.
"Yep. Now we're all good to go. A car will pick us up from here." As if on cue a horn sounded from outside and the group took only a moment to gather their things.
The car was a form of limo, plenty of space for all of them and the driver remained silent the entire ride at the front of the car, carrying them away from the city and into the surrounding foothills, the forest encroaching the further they moved from civilisation.
"We're going a fair way out aren't we?" Evergreen looked to the driver only to huff when he ignored her.
"From what I've heard, the woman hosting is someone that appreciates privacy. Her and her husband have been outside Crocus for about two years now, but no one knows where they came from, only that they came with wealth and power." Their was an edge to Lucy's voice, an effort to get some form of reaction from the driver, but again, they had no luck.
"Miss Lucy. I believe the driver is enchanted. We will gain nothing from questioning him." Freed sighed, leaning back in his seat.
"It was worth a shot. What else do we know about this woman?" Laxus adjusted his suit, wincing as the material pinched.
"Ava Infernos is married to Gula Infernos. They moved to Crocus two years ago and quickly made a name for themselves. Ava is infatuated rare things, collecting various magical objects from around the world. She has been known to enter some fencing competitions and has won every single round she's been in. Her husband is known to have a taste for fine food and has invested heavily in the industry. Nothing the inherently screams 'dark mage' but at the same time..." Lucy cut herself off, staring out the windshield as light suddenly flooded in.
To say the mansion was large was an understatement and could have easily put the main building of the Heartfilia Kozern to shame, something that, for some reason, didn't sit well with Lucy.
"Well... I'd say they make a statement." Lacrima lights littered the driveway, with servants bowing to the vehicle as they approached. But it wasn't the staff that drew their attention, but the woman clothed in gold, her red hair a virtual flame in the light and Lucy felt herself tense, easily feeling the call of the Black Zodiac keys now that she was accustomed to them.
"She's beautiful..." Ever whispered, following Lucy from the vehicle once the door was opened.
"My, my. Once an heiress always an heiress, right? I'm so glad you could make it, fashionably late too I might add. But for a prize to meet the strongest Celestial Mage in the world? Why, I'm honoured."
"You are far too kind Lady Infernos. I'm humbled to meet someone of your prestige." Her noble mask slipped into place for flawlessly that Laxus had to restrain himself from doing a double take, the cold look in Lucy's eyes unnerving him, the fake smile tugging at his heart, "I would like to introduce you to my companions, those who also received your kind invitation to the gala."
She started with Bixlow and Freed, carefully taking in Ava's reaction to them, moving quickly to Evergreen who was quickly dismissed before stopping on Laxus. Instantly Ava straightened, her blue eyes narrowing ever so slightly. Her dark skin seemed to pale in the light and Lucy realised there was recognition in the woman's' eyes.
"Ah. The famed Thunder God. What a... pleasure to see you in attendance. What a shame none of the other Slayers could make it. Just makes you all the more precious to us at Infernos Manor."
A dark glint lit her eyes and Ava turned from then in a flourish of red hair and gold fabric, beckoning them forward.
"I do so hope you enjoy your evening."
xXx The First Sin xXx
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. The next will have a big battle and quickly lead to the next. Who's been you're favourite sibling so far? Let me know!
A big shout out to Darkfairie3590, Guest, Veraozao and Perfect Memories. I'm so glad you guys enjoy the story so much and I really appreciate you letting me know you do. I hope I can do it justice and have you enjoy it right to the end.