Lucy stood straight, to full height with her head tilted to look at the tall Pig Demons before her. She hadn't a clue that the Key she was searching for would be right before her and a former acquaintance to several of the people she traveled with. In fact, Lucy was forcing herself not to roll her eyes at the situation and melodrama. Then again, the lewd look the Pig was giving her wasn't new either. But the killing aura coming from here behind her was.
"You are the one I have been feeling, and while you are beautiful with a nice body, I ain't givin' ya shit girlie," The pig demon said, giving a deep laugh at her.
Arching an eyebrow and crossing her arms under her breast, Lucy didn't even bother reacting. She was used to arrogant chauvinists like this. Reacting would only stroke their ego and goad them on. She didn't think it was worth giving him what he wanted. But then again, he was one of the Keys. And it was obvious which one, the Key of the Boar.
"What, you're too timid to respond?" The Pig Demon goaded her. "This right here is proof you are weak. Though, if ya amuse me, you can be a part of my divine harem. I even have a pretty circlet that will look gorgeous on that golden hair of yours."
Lucy blinked slowly, opening her mouth and yawning. If he wanted to play the game, he better be able to take what she was about to dish back.
"The hell!" The Pig Demon yelled in shock at her reaction. "I, the Great Chokyukai, will not take this from a mere mortal woman."
At his quick outburst, Lucy smiled. This Pig Demon, Chokyukai, face was slowly turning red with indignation. Not wanting to lose her momentum Lucy shifted herself to a more comfortable position.
"I am no mere mortal woman, you posturing piglet," She said, feeling the smile on her lips pull higher. "And only an ignorant weakling calls another weak without having any proof. So, I throw the gauntlet. Pick a challenge and face me directly, you Pig."
The killing intent at her back practically vanished as gasp and smothered giggling came from not just behind Lucy but also behind Chokyukai. And the way his face continued to grow a darker shade of red steadily, had Lucy wanted spiced, roasted boar for dinner. And her thoughts must have reflected in her eyes as a wariness crept into the dark, black beads this Demon called eyes.
"Fine. I, the Great Chokyukai, accept," Chokyukai declared. "And I choose a drinking contest. I doubt you can handle liquor, little woman. If I win, you are my woman. If you win, which is impossible, I will submit my Key to you willingly."
Lucy preened as she spoke, "You all heard him. If I win, he has to submit. This challenge is one of honor now. Witnessed by my group and the Demon Clan at the Yoro Caves!"
A loud cacophony of grunts, growls, and howls erupted all around from the Demons who had watched the spectacle. Agreement was loudly stated behind her from her group. Lucy had never been more glad at that moment; she was a member of Fairy Tail and best friends with Cana Alberone.
0000000000000
Sesshomaru stared in shock. It had been several hours and many bottles of sake since the challenge had started. He was a bit beside himself in shock. There was no way this tiny human woman could put away this much alcohol and not be affected. Yet his eyes did not deceive him. And he didn't have to look around to know that everyone else was thinking the same thing as him.
"Are you done yet?" Lucy openly goaded Chokyukai. Her lips twitched in mirth. "I mean, I can keep going. I am just now starting to feel a bit buzzed."
"I, I a-am f-fine," Chokyukai slurred as his dark eyes glazed over. "Keep the sake coming!"
Sesshomaru wondered how the woman was even able to drink like this. It shouldn't be possible for a human, let alone a woman, to-go cup for cup. And with a Demon, no less. He was damn sure his mother would have bowed out a while ago.
"This is nothing for her."
His body tensed from the soft voice that came from his side. Sesshomaru hadn't felt the presence of anyone until then. Slanting his eyes to the side, he saw the Spirit called Loke, or was it, Leo, standing there looking smug. Sesshomaru couldn't help the way his nose scrunched up at the smell of cat wafting off the Spirit. But he was intrigued. So, he just gave his trademark 'hn' to indicate he heard and the Spirit should expound on.
The slight lift of the Spirits lips as he responded was telling, "Our world is a lot different from yours. Yes, there is social classism practiced. The country Lucy hails from is run by a Princess who will be Queen soon enough. And the Guild Lucy and I belong to are known for their rowdy parties and brawls. In fact, one of Lucy's best friends is a certified lush. Cana can down up to ten barrels of whiskey a day. Lucy, over the years, has learned to keep up. Then again, her tolerance was strong, thanks to being a Noble's daughter. All those soriees with champagne and wine can add up."
Sesshomaru said nothing as he tucked this information away. His eyes were still stuck on Lucy, who was cackling as Chokyukai swayed where he sat. There was no mistaking it; the challenge was almost at its end. And there, her face flushed and eyes bright, sat Lucy looking calm and still ready to drink more.
00000000000000
Lucy stood up, her body tilting precariously to the side as she looked down at the unconscious Pig Demon. Letting her head fall backward, she let out a loud happy laugh. It was her win. When she got back to Earthland, she would pay for the finest top shelf, gold label for Cana. Who would have thought all those binge nights would benefit her. Yes, Lucy was more than tipsy; she was almost three sheets to the wind. And that meant she would feel it tomorrow.
Turning to look at the group, Lucy saw the astonished faces as they looked at her. However, it was the stoic Demon Lord who had her raising and wiggling her eyebrows. When he didn't frown at her but looked rather contemplative, Lucy shrugged and turned her attention to Loke. The faint smile on his lips had her feeling suspicious. But figuring she could ask later, with a clearer mind, what he was doing by Lord Stick up his ass.
Lucy shifted her attention to the Demons of the Yoro Caves and spoke, "You all bore witness. I won. When your boss dude wakes up, let him know he cannot break his word about the challenge. If he does, he will know the real price he has to pay. A Celestial's word is its bond."
The words were clear, and none could refute them. So when Lucy noticed they all either hung their heads or nodded acceptance, Lucy flashed them a bright smile. Then, closing her eyes, she felt gravity do its job as she allowed herself to pass out and sleep it all off.
TBC!
It is November, thus National Novelist Writers Month (NaNoWriMo), and like the previous years, I will be solely focusing on writing nothing but Fairy Tail (FT) stories. And I am doing this because I want to finish them and get the hell out of a fandom that has become toxic. More so with the new insurgent group of fans that promote unhealthy and toxic behaviors and relationships.
