A/N: Here is another chapter!

Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail!

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

~Dr. Seuss

Chapter Six: Be Who You Are

Yukino yawned.

Lucy followed suit.

"Stop it," whined Lucy. "It's too early for this."

Yukino giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "Sorry."

Honestly. Lucy could not believe how tired she felt considering she went to bed at a somewhat decent time. She had to admit that waking up without Natsu was the bright side of her morning. Waking up before eight, however, was not.

I really don't do mornings.

Both girls were sitting on the bench in the train station watching for the train to arrive. Lucy was cradling the package in her arms. Despite both girls' protests Kanae and Miko escorted them to the train station. When asked, Kanae stared at Lucy as if she was out of her mind and replied. "It is our job to make sure guests safely arrive and safely leave."

Lucy had to admit she had a point.

Lucy yawned again. "I can't wait to get on the train. I can take a nap before we get to Oniyuri Town to give this package to the guy. As soon as we are done and get paid, we can leave and I can end the mission with a trip to the Akane Resort."

Yukino nodded her head enthusiastically. "A great way to end your summer vacation, too."

Lucy hummed in reply. She closed her eyes. She wanted to get the mission done as soon as possible. She really couldn't wait for the mission to be over. Lucy wanted to get back to Sabertooth to take Rufus, Sting, and Yukino over to the Akane Resort.

I hope they will enjoy their time at the resort. Hopefully nothing too exciting would happen this time.

Yukino nudged Lucy's arm. "Time to go Lucy."

Lucy opened her eyes. She picked up her bag as she climbed to her feet. Lucy boarded the train, Yukino following right behind her. Once Lucy secured one of the private compartments, she flopped onto the seat across from Yukino and promptly fell asleep.

Lucy felt a hand on her shoulder slightly shaking her. Groaning, she sleepily swatted at the hand.

"Mmm, go'way. Five more minutes." She shifted to get comfortable.

"Lucy, wake up. We made it to Oniyuri Town," Yukino's voice came above her. Lucy groaned and opened her eyes. She climbed to her feet and followed Yukino off the train.

"Want to stop for coffee, Lucy? We can both use the caffeine," she suggested.

Lucy nodded her head. "That would be wonderful."

Lucy waited outside while Yukino went in to get coffee. Lucy looked down at the package she was holding in her hands.

I wonder what could be inside this box. I want to open it but what if this is a test of some sort? No, it couldn't be. Lord Hakaru doesn't seem to be the manipulative type of man. He was very straightforward with what he wanted. I doubt he would test us.

She turned the box in her hand. She was tempted to shake it to see if there was actually an object inside of it but she refrained from doing so. It wouldn't do to any good to shake it and potentially ruin the package.

If Natsu was here, he would have probably burnt the box already.

Surprisingly, she didn't feel any guilt over leaving Natsu behind to spend time with Yukino. It surprised her because she thought she would have separation anxiety over not being near her team. Perhaps this was the kami's way of saying that this was meant to be and she should enjoy the peace and rest while she can.

Lucy sighed and looked around at the town. It wasn't a large town compared to Magnolia. She wasn't sure if she ever even heard of Oniyuri Town anyways. In fact, she never even heard of Sir Daiko Ashida. She had her fair share of balls and parties where she presented herself as the Heartfilia Kozern heiress and have met many nobles.

Yukino walked out of the café and handed Lucy her coffee. Lucy took tentative sips of the coffee. She sighed in relief as the drink went down her throat without scalding her tongue on the drink. Yukino and her walked further into the bustling town.

"Lord Hakaru said look for the biggest house," Yukino murmured.

"Straightforward enough."

They walked through the bustling street lined with shops. Lucy was surprised at the number of shops and people lining the street considering Oniyuri Town wasn't a large town. At least compared to Magnolia. At the end of the street, Lucy spotted a fancy looking gate. Lucy led Yukino up to the gate. Leading away from the gate was an elegant walkway lined with flowers and colorful shrubbery. The walkway led up to a grand mansion. Granted, it wasn't as adorned as the Heartfilia Residence but it had an elegant taste to it. Lucy's attention snapped to the door when it opened and a tall man in a suit walked out onto the walkway. He slowly walked up to the gate.

"Are you the mages delivering a package for my master?"

"Yes," Lucy said. "We are."

"My name is Michael. Please come with me. Sir Ashida has been waiting for you."

He opened the gate for Yukino and Lucy. Both women followed the tall man. Lucy looked around at the flower bushes and colorful shrubbery.

Roses, marigold, camellia, hyacinth, magnolia…wow, so many flowers. Sir Ashida must really like flowers to have his walkway adorned with such beautiful flowers.

Lucy and Yukino were ushered into a spacious room.

"Please sit. Sir Ashida will be with you soon. I will come back with tea and snacks."

Lucy and Yukino both took a seat on the love seat. Lucy entertained herself by looking around the room. In front of the loveseat the two Celestial mages occupied was a mahogany table. At a right angle to Lucy was the comfiest armchair she had ever seen.

I really like the forest green painted walls. Mahogany and forest green go together nicely. But…it is so expensive…and I can't use my safety deposit at all.

Lucy returned back to herself when Michael swept into the room holding a tray with a tea set and a plate of biscuits. Rich people must like to serve their guests biscuits. Lucy watched Michael pour tea with a deftness that she never thought someone could possess.

"Indulge yourselves," he murmured quietly before moving to stand at the wall.

The door opened and a middle-aged man walked through. He had long auburn hair pulled up into a ponytail. He was wearing a black suit. He smiled at both girls and took a seat in the armchair that Lucy had been eyeing ever since she got here. Her attention snapped to his face and she couldn't help but think his gaze was so different from Lord Hakaru's gaze. While Hakaru's eyes had been sharp, the man's eyes were twinkling. He proffered his hand to the girls which Lucy and Yukino shook his hand.

"You lovely ladies must be the mages Lord Hakaru sent to deliver a package to me. Marvelous! Welcome to my home. I am Sir Daiko Ashida."

This is Sir Daiko Ashida? The differences between the two men was astonishing. For a noble, Ashida was quite laidback. Hakaru had a calculating, evaluating attitude about him. They were as different as night and day.

He turned slightly around in his seat to face Michael. "It has been quite some time since I had basked in the presence of two lovely ladies, eh Michael?"

"Yes, sir. Would you like some tea, sir?" Michael asked blandly. Lucy couldn't help but wonder if Ashida asked this question often.

"Yes, please. Thank you."

As Michael prepared tea for Ashida, Ashida continued. "I hope you had a decent and safe journey to Oniyuri Town?"

"Yes, it was. Thank you for asking," Lucy said with a smile on her voice.

"I must admit, I never imagined I would hold an audience with two well-renowned mages before. I am very honored to meet you." He leaned forward. "What are your names?"

Ashida shot a dazzling, inviting smile to both women. His smile reminded her of Loke's.

"I'm Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail."

"I'm Yukino Agria of Sabertooth."

"It is a pleasure to meet both of you. I understand that you have a package for me?"

"Yes, Sir Ashida," Lucy said. She handed him the package. Ashida took the package from her hands. Michael came forward with a knife in his hand. Yukino and Lucy waited with abated breath as Ashida opened the package. Once the package was opened, he rummaged around and pulled out a manila envelope. He opened the envelope and pulled out a parchment. Lucy watched as his eyes ghosted over the document he held in his hand. After a few minutes of deafening silence, he looked up and smiled.

"Well done. Your mission is completed. Michael, bring the money."

"Yes sir."

Lucy blinked. "Is that it?"

He quirked an eyebrow up. "Did you think there was anything else to be done?"

Lucy shook her head. "I wondered if this was a test of some sort."

Ashida casually leaned forward to grab a biscuit. "Oh, it was. But you passed."

Lucy continued to look dumbly at him.

He grinned and took a bite out of his biscuit. "With flying colors."

"Was the test to see if we were capable of delivering the package?"

Ashida snorted. "A non-mage would have no problem with that."

Lucy shook her head in confusion. "I am still not clear. What was the test then?"

Before Ashida could respond, Michael came in with a bag. He handed it to Ashida who handed it to Yukino.

"Quite simply, the test was to see if you are trustworthy."

"And we aren't—?"

"My dear, do you know of the opinions nobles and wealthy people have of mages?"

"They don't like us?" Lucy guessed.

"Correct. Most nobles consider mages to be inferior to them because of their lesser, impure blood." He held a hand up as Lucy opened her mouth to protest. Ashida said quietly, "Understand Miss Heartfilia, that although there are some nobles, like me, that appreciate and understand the value that mages bring to the Kingdom of Fiore, there are many others that dislike mages for many reasons. Fortunately, Lord Hakaru is indifferent towards mages. The purpose of the mission was to deliver the package to me intact and safely. The test was to see whether he can trust that mages can be trusted."

Lucy was stunned. Many conflicting feelings raged around her. Is that why her father hated her using magic? Was he trying to protect her from being judged by other wealthy families he had ties to? Was there more to her father than she had ever thought? Had she misjudged him?

Sir Ashida sighed. "I see that you are not aware of it, my dear. It wouldn't surprise me. Most nobles keep quiet because they understand mages are of special value and resource to this country."

He took a long quite sip of his tea. "I, on the other hand, don't mind bragging about the latest successful mission my last mage did." He smirked slightly at Lucy. "I will certainly brag about you two at the dinner party I am attending to tomorrow."

Lucy and Yukino stared at him.

"You didn't have to escort us, Sir Ashida," Lucy murmured embarrassed. Sir Ashida stood in a suit right next to Lucy and Yukino. Michael stood right behind him with both bags in his hands. She could feel the stares piercing her back. Ashida flicked his fan open and shot her a lazy smile as he fanned himself.

"Oh, but I wanted to! Besides, I get to have two stunning women stand right next to me." He let out a sigh of satisfaction. "People are turning their heads. And most of them are men."

Is he flirting?

Ashida continued almost slyly. "And I enjoy the presence of beautiful, young women."

No kidding. One thing she was learning about Ashida is that he may not be an obvious one like half the men in Fairy Tail, but he was a pervert. As the train pulled up, Sir Ashida escorted the two women up to the conductor. Most people moved aside to let the knighted man pass by with the two women on his arms; however, there were a few that gave her dirty looks.

Not my fault that I am being escorted by a perverted knight. A persistent perverted knight.

As Sir Ashida exchanged pleasantries with the conductor, Michael handed Lucy and Yukino their bags. He murmured his farewell and good wishes for both women. Sir Ashida turned and offered his hand to Lucy. Lucy took it. She was startled when he kissed her hand and repeated the same for Yukino.

"Have a safe journey home Miss Heartfilia and Miss Agria," he said kindly. "If you ever come this way, feel free to come by and visit. It is not often my living room is adorned with lovely, remarkable women such as yourselves."

Yukino blushed. Lucy smiled and offered him a bow and her thanks. He repeated the gesture and walked away through the parting crowd with his ever-loyal butler following right behind him.

The girls boarded the train and found a private compartment to themselves. Both girls remained silent while the train pulled out of the station.

Lucy stared out the window, her mind wandering to the events of the past two days. A mysterious package. A delivery. Two nobles with two apparent different mindsets. Where does this all lead to? Her thoughts went to her father. Was he…protecting her? Lucy found it easy to believe. She wanted to believe that her father always wanted her to follow in her mother's footsteps, but she couldn't exactly dismiss how lonely her childhood was.

Her thoughts flickered to her mission. A test? That is what this mission was? To prove herself to Lord Hakaru just for his little mission? She wanted to know what was in the package but she knew she would never know. It is just not within her right to know. If there was any danger to Fiore, the Mage guilds would have been notified. Her thoughts flickered to the perverted knight of Oniyuri Town. He had been willing to share the details of the mission. But why? What his reason for sharing that information? It was possible that because of his fondness for mages he had decided to tell her.

They consider mages to be inferior.

The nobility consider mages to be inferior? What could make mages inferior to them? Status? Pure-blooded line? Power? Wealth? Influence? Lucy decided that she should bring up this topic to Rufus and see what he says. Rufus had proven himself to be very knowledgeable and well-rounded for a mage, capable of conversing on many topics. She believed that his opinion would provide some insight.

I can wait.

Lucy looked at Yukino. She smiled when she saw the young woman sprawled over the bench sleeping. I suppose Yukino was more tired than she thought she was.

Lucy realized belatedly that she should start planning for the vacation for Akane Resort. She needed money, clothes, and most importantly she needed to get Rufus on board for Operation Get Sting and Yukino Together (O.G.S.A.Y.T). Sting was Natsu 2.0, he wouldn't get the hint no matter how much of a pervert he may be and Yukino was…innocent. Getting Rufus to help and would be beneficial to push the two lovebirds together. They were just too nervous and oblivious to notice they got the hots for one another.

Mira would be so proud of me. She looked over at Yukino and let out a tiny giggle of excitement. She is rubbing off on me. At least she isn't here to bother me about my love life. Lucy paled. I am so screwed. Mira would probably find out from Sting about my interest for Rufus. Oh my God, I am screwed. Sting won't keep his big mouth shut. Oh sweet Mavis, oh what am I going to do?

Lucy decided that figuring out different strategies to prevent Mira from finding out about her and Rufus. If she finds out I'm going with Rufus to the Akane Resort she will start imagining Rufus's and my babies. Not that I mind having his babies. They would absolutely be beautiful. What the hell—abort, abort! But, truly, Rufus is one gorgeous man. I wonder what he looks like in swimwear? Probably absolutely yummy—sweet baby Mavis, get your mind out of the gutter! Spending time reading Erza's romantic novels and spending way too much time with Cana is definitely kicking my inner lecher into gear.

Lucy decided to pull out her book and read it and see if it can pull her out of her salacious thoughts. She spent the next last few hours of the train ride to Sabertooth reading her book. When the train pulled up to the station, Lucy stood up to walk over to a still sleeping Yukino. She shook Yukino's shoulder. "Wake up," she repeated. Yukino groaned and sat up.

"We here?" she mumbled.

"Yeah."

Yukino stood up and stretched. "Alright."

Lucy grinned.

"Let's go to Sabertooth."

Lucy shoved the doors to Sabertooth open grinning madly. It really surprised her how much she missed Sabertooth. Sabertooth wasn't as crazy as Fairy Tail, but the people had great character and personality. Lively. Like a beating heart. She really couldn't help but love the people at Sabertooth. All of them had been apologetic about Minerva's treatment of her as well as kind and cordial.

She walked by several people; many of them greeted her and Yukino cheerfully. She walked towards the table were Sting, Rogue, and Dobengal were engrossed in a conversation. She stood at the edge of the table watching with amusement. Not a single one of them noticed until Yukino plopped down right next to Sting.

"Oh, you are back," he said startled." Where the hell is Blondie?"

"Right here dumbass," Lucy chirped cheerfully as she took the seat next to Rogue.

Sting stared at her. "I am not a dumbass."

Rogue's red eyes narrowed at Sting. "You aren't? Should we ask Ariel her opinion?"

The Guild Master threw his hands up in the air. "I don't get it! What did I say to piss her off? All I did was ask her a question!"

Orga came up to the table and handed Lucy her strawberry milkshake. He snorted as he took a seat next to Yukino. "What didn't you say Sting?"

Before Sting could utter another word of complete nonsense, his chair tipped backwards and down he went with it.

"Oomph!"

"My bad," Rogue said unapologetically.

Yukino sighed as she looked at Sting lying supine on the floor. "Sting, what did you say to her?"

"Nothing!" he whined.

"He can't mind his own business and keep his big mouth shut," Rogue coolly said.

Sting groaned. "What? All because I said I knew you two were—OW, dammit Rogue!" A table to the left of their table was lifted into the air and was dropped right on top of the prone form of the Dragon Slayer.

"You are a dumbass," Orga commented.

"And fucking stupid," added Dobengal.

"Rogue I'm gonna fucking murder you!"

More tables made their mark on the Guild Master much to the amusement of the guild. Lucy spotted shadow tendrils moving away from one of the table's legs. Lucy grinned. Payback was a bitch. And Rogue was enjoying making his partner pay.

"Oi! Rogue! Get these damn tables off of me!"

"No."

"Fuck you—OW!" A Sting sized hole was now gracing the guild floor courtesy of Libra and Yukino.

"Nice one!" howled Orga. Rogue gave Yukino a thumbs up.

"Too bad Rufus isn't here. He would have enjoyed Yukino making a fool out of Sting," Dobengal remarked.

Remembering she wanted to talk to Rufus about the mission, Lucy turned towards Orga. "Where is Rufus? I haven't seen him since we got back."

"He is probably in the library."

"Where is it?"

After Orga told her where to go she left the commotion of the guild hall to make her way to the library. Walking in, she glanced around at the library for her fellow blonde.

"Rufus!" she called.

"Over here Lucy," he called back. She trotted down the steps and turned to the left. Rufus was sitting at a table with ten books in front of him writing on a notepad. Lucy walked up to the table and sat down in front of him. She glanced at the books slightly interested.

"Can't you memorize the notes?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I could but writing down the information helps me organize my thoughts," he said with a slight smile on his face.

After a few minutes of silence, he closed the book he was currently reading and looked up at her. "How was the mission?"

"Easy," she immediately responded. "Almost too easy."

He quirked an eyebrow. "How so?"

"It was a package from Lord Hakaru to Sir Daiko Ashida."

"I heard of them. Hakaru is an advisor and I believe Ashida was knighted by the King."

"I think Ashida is a pervert," Lucy muttered.

Rufus chuckled. "You noticed?"

"How do you know?" asked Lucy surprised

"I once did a mission for Ashida a while back."

Lucy thoughtfully glanced down at the table.

"Is something bothering you Lucy?"

Lucy looked up slightly surprised at how astute Rufus was.

"The delivery was a test," Lucy started slowly. "A test to see if mages could be trusted. I was surprised because I thought people liked mages because they employ mages all the time. Ashida told me although nobles employ us, but there are some that dislike mages because they see mages as inferior. I never knew about that. I grew up as the Heartfilia Kozern heiress despite my heritage as a Celestial mage. I have never truly practiced my magic until I joined Fairy Tail. I feel…ignorant. I should have known."

"Does it bother you?" Rufus asked quietly.

"Yeah. It does."

"Don't be."

Lucy stared at him.

"Don't feel bothered by your ignorance. Instead, you should be proud of your heritage as a mage. You protect those who are weak because that is what is means to be a mage. Be proud of you and what you are because those who mind really don't matter and those who do matter to you don't mind you for you."

Lucy grinned at Rufus. She felt ten times better.

She clapped her hands. "Now we got that out of the way and I am feeling much better, I am now recruiting you as my new co-captain for a top-secret operation!"

Rufus raised his eyebrow detecting the glee in her voice. It was then he knew it was going to be a long night.

But it was going to be well worth it.

A lone man sat in his armchair in front of the fireplace, gazing absentmindedly as the fire danced back and forth, holding onto documents long since forgotten. In two fluid movements, he folded the documents in half and with a flick of his wrist, he sent them to burn into ashes. He watched the fire licked its way up the pages.

"Useless. Just useless," he muttered in derision.

The door to his study opened.

Turning his head slightly, he sharply reprimanded. "I don't believe I called for you."

"Is that so? I assume you don't need me?" a smooth female voice shot back in icy amusement. "It would be a shame if you let go of me too soon."

A small smirk snuck its way onto his lips. He slowly stood up and turned to face the intrusive being standing in the doorway of his study. He noted she had taken the precaution of closing the door. Good. Privacy.

"My apologies. I mistook you as one of my servants." He smiled and handed her a piece of paper. Raising an eyebrow at him, she took the paper and looked at it. After reading the paper, she ripped the paper into shreds. She walked by him and tossed the paper scraps into the fire. She turned back around and gave him a sickeningly sweet smile.

"Finally. I will enjoy this very, very much."

The man smiled.

So it begins.

A/N: Please review, follow, and favorite!

Be kind and have courage.

Lady Serai

Edited 2/2/17