Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail or its characters; that right belongs to Hiro Mashima. Nor do I own the Pradesh boys/family; that right belongs to Desna (who permitted me after asking them) to use them for my story.
Author's Notes: I have finally decided how many chapters this story will have. And I will not state the number here, but this will be on the shorter side for me. So, if you know the regular number of chapters I usually write, you have a rough guess. Now on to messing with fictional characters for my own self-gratification.
Feeling the corner of her left eye twitch, Lucy put on a polite smile. Ever since she had crawled out of bed and stepped from her 'room,' she had been accosted by His Royal Pain in the Ass, Vander Pradesh. The man was incessant. She got that she probably bruised his ego in more than a few ways. Hell, it was obvious that he had confidence and oozed sexuality in spades. But being in Fairy Tail with some of the most gorgeous guys in Fiore, if not Earthland, she had a decent immunity. Hence why she hadn't fucking fangirled over the others.
Keeping her eyes on the beautiful woman now sitting next to King Arman. Lucy's mind was going through everything she had ever heard Bickslow mention about his family. Which, in retrospect, was not a whole lot. But what she did know was he had seven siblings and a father. He was adopted, and his father's wife had died in an accident in Pergrande. Wisely she didn't ask for more information, knowing something was private.
"So, you are definitely a unique girl, Miss Lucy," The woman, Ganier, said smiling as she turned a warm gaze to Vander.
"Thank you, Your Majesty; I am honored by the compliment," Lucy replied as she got a loud snort from behind her and just to her left.
Vander had been bugging her as to why she was in his room sleeping.
Constantly asking who she was. And if Lucy was a lesbian because she didn't seem to find him interesting or attractive. Of course, she knew how to deal with this type of personality. She had several in her guild who acted like this, including her two teammates.
"Vander!" Ganier snapped.
Lucy kept her face blank as she noticed that Zen and Emzadi were openly grinning. Farron and Kaleb looked slightly annoyed. Cris and Xally were just passive, though their eyes betrayed their amusement. King Arman, himself, was doing his best not to smile.
"Mother?" Vander asked, his voice dripping innocence.
"Do not pull that with me, young man. You are being extremely rude to our guests. And after you gave her a rather rude awakening this morning," Ganier stated, lifting an eyebrow.
"It is fine. My reaction was rather extreme, though it was purely self-defense. I am surprised I was not immediately tossed into the dungeon for assaulting someone of the royal family," Lucy spoke up, her voice soft and soothing.
Though no comment came from behind her, she could feel the agitation rolling off him at her words. If he wanted to play this game, she would. And she'd be damned if he'd beat her. The small smile she got from the Pradesh Family Matriarch had Lucy thinking back to her mother. So, to hide it, she looked around at those gathered for Lunch. Since Zen and Ganier had arrived, neither was happy that Vander had gone ahead without saying anything.
"I will let it go since you seem to be rather forgiving. Though, I know for a fact that I instilled the same Manners and Decorum in Vander as I have done to all his siblings," Queen Ganier stated, her voice dropping a few octaves as she glared at her son.
The glare had even Lucy shivering where she sat. The woman, while beautiful, was also a rather big stickler for propriety. Knowing she shouldn't ever cross this woman, Lucy waited patiently for the questions she knew were coming.
"So, you arrived a week ago to our little country. And by less than conventional means, Lucy," Queen Ganier stated as she lifted her cup of tea to her lips and sipped.
Knowing a prompt when she heard one, Lucy took a small breath and spoke, "Yes, your highness. And, I am sorry for any inconvenience that I have caused your family. However, I must say that it is definitely a unique family. Each of you is different. And sorry if I am overstepping myself, but are they all yours and King Arman's kids? Did you adopt any of them?"
The small gasp that came from Kaleb had her shooting him a quick look. Seeing the amused smile on both Farron and King Arman's faces as well. It was something that could be taken either way. And she was clearly not being delicate. Because she wanted to compare this world's Pradesh Family to her own. So far, the biggest difference was that Ganier was very much alive. Making her mind do random, semi-logical leaps.
"Ah, you want to know the differences between the two worlds, yes?" Queen Ganier replied, a light, lilting laugh coming from her.
Blushing slightly as she nodded her head. Lucy couldn't help but wonder just how the woman knew. She was sure that she hadn't been told via the message for the sake of keeping her a secret.
"I am more than willing to answer that question, as well as how I know. But first, I would like to ask you to ask the question that has been bugging you since I arrived with Zen," Ganier said softly, her amethyst eyes showing understanding.
Gasping, Lucy looked at her, then at everyone. Even though it meant she had to crane her neck to look back at Vander, who was sulking where he stood. Not happy that his mother took him to task. So a Mama's boy.
Taking another breath, exhaled slowly before speaking up. "Where is Bickslow?"
The reactions she got were instantaneous. Shifting of bodies. Curious yet guarded looks. As a dark aura popped up behind her. The tension was almost palpable in the room. The only two other than her who did not react were Ganier and Cristoff, curious in their own manner.
"Ah, I take it he exists in your world?" Cristoff asked her.
"Yes. He was the guildmate whose family I was going to see. In other words, the versions you from my world," She stated, pausing for but a brief second before continuing. "The only one of this family who doesn't exist... is..."
She trailed off and looked uncomfortable at having to say it. There was a soft sigh, followed by the clink of a cup being returned to its saucer.
"That would be me, right? Over twenty years ago, there was an incident. I should have died, yet I am still here, Lucy. Myself in that world died, didn't she?" Queen Ganier stated bluntly.
Flinching and numbly nodded her head in agreement to what was said. Seeing the shock on everyone's face. Except (again) Ganier's and Cristoff's. Causing her to feel a bit wary.
"I, in all reality, should have died. But instead, I was protected and fully healed by some miracle. Hence, I visit the other Countries, they give respect to me and listen to what I have to say because the All-Knowing-One's gave me a second chance at life. Same with my son Zen," Queen Ganier explained. "As to the other questions, well, that ties into the History of this world and our country of Ciaqearon.
Shifting herself a little bit in her seat, Lucy gave the woman before her full attention. This was important. She needed to know. So, she could hopefully figure out why she had landed in this country, found by this Royal Family. Potentially giving her a clue as to why they thought she was part of this world's Prophecy.
"Bickslow does exist in this world. And yes, each of these are my biological children, Bickslow included," Queen Ganier said, smiling warmly as Lucy watched her look at each of her children. "And as to why they all look different, well that has to do with History. What have you heard so far?"
At this, Lucy lowered the lids of her eyes halfway. "Not much. Just that a few hundred years ago, there was a war that wiped out almost all the magic. But from what I have seen and heard after sharing with your husband and those of your children that were here, it does manifest. And those who do and are not of the Royal family were taken in and made a part of the household. Whether family or not, that is another matter, I am guessing?"
The small smile that graced rose painted lips told Lucy that she had been pointed on. That the woman was happy with her answer.
"Good assessment. You got a quick mind and wit," Queen Ganier said, voice lilting in amusement. "Now, to break things down nice and simple. When magic flourished here, it was all based on the four primary elements, Fire, Air, Earth, Water, for the most part. Then there is Light and Shadows, as the advanced elements. Followed up by the Supreme Element Spirit or soul. Those individuals born with that magic were kept and enshrined in temples in their respective countries. Due to the fact that they could commune easily with the All-Knowing-One's."
Unable to keep her jaw from dropping open in shock, Lucy immediately looked at each member of the Pradesh family. It was easy to tell that the light touched Kaleb, Emzadi from her eyes color fire, Xally was water. Cris, since he stated he came from the church, was possibly spirit/soul. Vander was most definitely Shadow.
"I see that you have already placed a few of us with our respective element," King Arman said, chuckling. "Care to guess what mine is?"
Pursing her lips as she narrowed her eyes. Looking the man over before looking at Farron and back. There were similarities between them, though more between Farron and his mother. Zen was another unknown. Then it hit her after she thought about it a bit more. Lucy smiled.
"You are air!" she exclaimed as a nod was given. "Farron is the same too, isn't he?"
Again she got another nod as well as a few chuckles at how excited she seemed to be.
"I do not look at it, but I am of the light," Zen spoke up from where he stood behind his mother.
It had her dragging her eyes to him again. She found his muscled body, strong face, and chiseled jaw damn sexy. That and his eyes matching his mother's only added to it. But then again, each of them was fucking god level in the looks department.
"So, Lucy, in your world, with my other self dead, how many of my children were of mine and Arman's make?" Queen Ganier asked pointedly, clearly not bothered at all.
"Oh...from what I know and read in the papers, just Farron and Zen. The latter was thought dead with you when the Embassy was bombed in Pergrand. Later it was found out that he had been taken due to his - magic and put in the slave pits to fit," She said in a very solemn voice. "When that tidbit was revealed, Arman moved heaven and called in a ton of favors from how excited Bixy talked about it to rescue him."
"I see. So, most of my children in your world are all adopted?" Queen Ganier asked her.
"Yes, your Majesty. It was a rather good article when Ambassador Pradesh answered that he promised to have a large family of at least eight kids with you. And he found each through unique circumstances and adopted them," she replied, smiling warmly. "Even in my world, your husband is a much loved, respected, and an amazing person that everyone warmly welcomes."
There were several chuckles and a few back claps to King Arman, who tried to look smug.
"That is good. Now, let me continue my explanation. You were correct; Arman and Farron's magic revolves around Air, embodying the aspect of sound. Hence, why I am sure, my darling husband seems like he doesn't do anything," Queen Ganier teased, while King Arman looked sheepish. "He is fully aware of everything going on. Farron, as his Regent and the Crown Prince, has his ability. Next is me; I have the seventh element. I can hear the voices, no matter where I am at, of the higher beings. But because they allowed me to live, I am no longer interred in the Temple. Zen is light; his magic is that no one in the same room as him can lie. Though omitting is not lying, it is a way to hedge around it. Kaleb is again light. His is more of the mental aspect. He can read the surface thoughts of those who don't shield, and he can get deeper if need be. But that, of course, like all magic comes at a price."
When Ganier stopped and reached over to pat Kaleb on the arm. Lucy saw how tense he was. It was clear that he was not too fond of that ability. It did serve a vital purpose, interrogation. And she knew that Farron and Kaleb had similar abilities on a grander scale in her world. Zen, well, his magic was way different in her world. Of course, when she had heard he was an Archangel, Lucy had studied it. So, this world's Zen made it hard to lie, and it was similar to Earthland Zens in that aspect.
"Ready for me to continue?" Queen Ganier asked her.
"Yes, but why are you being so forthcoming with this information? I am an unknown foreigner in your lands. Coming from a totally different world. Prophecy aside, you shouldn't even be trusting me," Lucy stated.
This had the woman laughing a full throaty laugh that was almost musical in nature. And while Lucy was pretty damn sure, she had not said anything funny, and she couldn't help but give a small smile to the Queen.
"Because I have been given the promise of several 'powerful' beings that you are incapable of lying or deceiving, due to the nature of your own magic, Lucy," Queen Ganier stated. "Now, let us continue. Next comes Cristoff. I am sure you figure him to be on the seventh like me, but you'd be wrong. He is actually of the earth. His calm nature. The ability to soothe, even heal, is all things that the earth, nature itself, gives to us. Though, he does have a touch of the seventh since he can also commune with the All-Knowing-One's on very rare occasions. Next would be my missing son, Bickslow. He physically is the embodiment of the Seventh. He is interred in the Temple of this Country. And he can send us, his family, messages via the small souls of the deceased that seek him out and cannot move on. It is his fate never to leave that Temple, sadly. But we are more than welcome to make a pilgrimage to see him."
Her eyes were wide as she snapped her jaw shut. What she had described was a more powerful version of a Seith Mage. Exactly what Bickslow of her world was. It resonated with her, though she felt the pang of sadness from everyone. She knew what that was like. It was how her father had tried to keep her in a sense. And her team treated her at times. She loved them, but yeah.
"I see you understand and made a connection. Does my son in your world have something similar?" King Arman asked her.
"Yes, your Majesty. Not as powerful, but he is called a Seith Mage. He can see and hear the souls of those who have not passed on. And if he cannot help them, he keeps them in small totems, which make his magic stronger. And they will protect him at all times," she said, a gentle smile curling her lips. "He loved them and called them his babies."
This earned a soft chuckle from everyone. Allowing some more of the tension in the room to alleviate. Thus, allowing Lucy to sink a bit further into the chair she sat.
"Now, for the last of my children. Emzadi is fire. She can manipulate light to be superheated if she strains herself. But all fire is hers to command. Currently, in Ussirea, it is the only Fire Mage this strong. She is also a warrior on the battlefield. Next comes Xally, my little medic. Her magic is water. Though she will only use it if she needs to, because, like Kaleb, she prefers to use science before relying on magic," Queen Ganier explained while looking at her youngest daughter, who shrugged. "And last but not least is Vander. His magic is the shadows. He can hide in them and move through them. And that is part of why we don't really take him to task too often for his attitude or personality quirks."
This had Lucy pausing and narrowing her eyes as the Queen spoke. Her mind processed things at a very rapid speed; it was almost headache-inducing.
"So, what you're not saying is that with each type of elemental magic, there are sub-categories. And each element holds its own ups and downs," Lucy stated rather pointedly.
The gasp of shock from behind her had her tensing as several nods came from those before her. It was a lot to take in. But the way their elements synced up with their magic, on top of overlaid with their version of them in her own world. It said volumes. And while it gave her some answers, as well as where her own magic more or less came into play, she didn't know how she was tied into the damn Prophecy.
000
He was not happy with his mother sharing their magic with the woman. Who he found to be rather irritating. It was clear to the small signs her body showed that she was affected by him, if not all his siblings, though she remained aloof. But he could get a rise out of her. And he fully intended to do that. Time had flown by as they had talked, and she shared things from her world as she learned about theirs.
He noted that she had looked relieved when dinner was announced. But the way she was glaring at him as he looked at her pleased with himself let him know that she had hoped he'd sit somewhere other than next to her. Nope, he had a vendetta with her. Not only did she reject his sexual advances, but she had also double kicked his ass out of bed and across the room. It rankled that she took him by surprise and had bruised him badly. It was not easy to do, and she had done it. All on top of calling him a pervert.
"Is something wrong, Lucy?" he asked, keeping his voice neutral.
"No."
He was internally laughing at her one-word answer that held a bit of venom behind it.
"Are you sure? Because I get the feeling you find my presence offensive," he stated as he accepted his plate of food and began to cut into the roasted chicken breast.
"Not, particularly," she replied.
He noted easily with a superstitious glance that while the rest of the family was eating, they watched the interactions with sharp eyes. It was rather amusing.
"So, about this morning... you calling me a pervert. I am not, you know. Just because I am not ashamed, like any of my family, to take pleasure from someone does not make me a pervert," he stated succinctly as he shoved his chicken-laden fork into his mouth.
When a slightly choked sound that came from her let him know he had hit something, whether a nerve or not, well, he would see.
"I think it fits, your... Royal Highness," she said, drawing out the word into a hiss. "Especially since you walked... completely nude as the day you were born from the room. Last I knew, that was classified as a pervert or worse."
He twitched at being addressed by his title. He hated it, as did all of his siblings. But he could tell she was doing it intentionally. Needling him.
"Well, does that make you a perverted shrew for watching me as I left the room? I mean, I have a nice ass," he needled back.
When Vander saw she flushed out the corner of his eye, he knew he called her on her shit. And the slight grins on his elder brother's face said that Farron was enjoying this. However, he had noted that both Farron and Kaleb seemed to like her a lot.
"It was... not to look at something that had clearly never seen the sun and glowed practically in either the moonlight or torchlight," she snapped back. "Also, I am not a shrew. I have certain social standards you apparently lack or have forgotten. Such a disservice to your mother."
The fact her face was getting redder was comical. Vander was sure she'd go plaid if he kept this up. Already that shade of red held a purple tint to it. But the moment she used his own mother against him, Vander narrowed his eyes and turned to look at her fully. Noting a slight smug tilt to the corners of her lips.
"Really? Then forgive me, your ladyship," he said in mocking tones. "I guess you are an easily offended whore then. I wonder if you get that from your own mother."
It happened so quickly that he was stunned. His hand came up to his cheek, which was burning as he looked up at Lucy. Whose eyes were practically sparkling and shimmering with tears? Letting him know he crossed a line that shouldn't be crossed. And he was sure it was about her mother.
"You are a certifiable conceited, puffed up, hind-end of a juement," she screeched, all while her body drew up straight and stiff. Face going into an unreadable mask. "My mother was a lady of propriety just like your mother. She was a great woman who sacrificed her own life to ensure that my world wouldn't end in ruin. And for the record, I am untouched, pure in the literal sense. Due to both how I was raised and my magic."
After her rant, he looked at her, horror in his eyes. "Say you renounce hitting me," Vander told her.
The way her eyes narrowed as she sneered at him as she spoke, "I refuse! I never go back on my word or my actions. Because then I could lose my magic and thus my friends, my spirits."
He, like everyone earlier, got a very in-depth explanation of how her magic worked. Standing up, he growled down at her. Getting a raised eyebrow that said she wouldn't budge and was not intimidated by him.
"Lady Lucy Heartfilia, are you sure you won't take back hitting my son on the left cheek?" his father asked in a booming voice.
"No. You can throw me in jail or kill me, and I don't care. I won't. Vander insulted my mother. My deceased mother. I wouldn't do that to your wife, his mother, no matter what," she stated. "Though I know I started it by throwing the manners he seems to toss aside, that your lady wife said she taught him."
There was a deafening silence following her words as he felt his stomach sink. Already he could feel pressure encompassing his body as his own anger rose.
"You idiot!" he muttered, reaching out and grasping both her wrists in his hands.
"Then it is settled. Based on Tradition and the laws of our country and world. Set with the land wights and the greater spirits when Ciaqearon was founded, to help keep the peace, I ask if anyone from Vander's siblings will second this or challenge this?" His father intoned.
The confusion on Lucy's face as she attempted to jerk her wrist free. Just as Xally and Cristoff stood up and said that, they seconded it. Vander looked down to where his flesh was connected with hers. As she wisely rolled her wrist in another attempt to break his hold. Gasping as the Air seemingly congealed around them. Forcing her to grasp his own wrist.
"We, on our Master, Lucy Heartfilia's behalf, third this motion," a deep voice rumbled from to the side. "In the name of our King, Sei-roo, of the Celestial Realm
Unable to look away from where they now held each other as his magic, and her's formed an intricate magic circle under their feet while mixing in a hypnotic swirl on both of their wrist and forearms. Runes forming a very complex pattern, very much like the fancy lacy his mother loved. The magic surged into a brilliant swirl of black, gold, white, and silver. Then it was gone.
The moment the light vanished, the damned woman jerked her wrist from his grasp with a jarring arm snap. Her head whipped to look in the direction that deep voice had come from as his mind supplied the words that had been spoken. Causing Vander to widen his eyes as he turned to look at who or what had spoken. Just to feel stunned at seeing a tall, tuxedo-wearing Goat-man.
"Capricorn, just what in the hell do you mean you accept on our behalf? What did 'Stache Face agree to? What just happened?" Lucy's voice squeaked out, choked with fear.
"Why, you are now engaged to this fine gentleman, the Fifth Prince Vander Jerico Pradesh, of the Country Ciaqearon of Ussirea," the Goat man spoke.
The high-pitched whimper that preceded a slew of colorful cursing that had him impressed came from the blond next to him. He turned his attention back to his now Fiance to see she looked pale, if not outright sick. When she turned to look at his family, he saw her face morph into a mask he knew all too well before she turned back to the Goat man.
"Why? How could you?" This is not..."Lucy, she whispered just loud enough to be heard.
"Miss Lucy, you were given two chances to take back your actions," His father said, his voice soft, soothing as he tried to calm her from having a panic attack. "You stated you would not. Thus now you are engaged by the laws of this land and world. Set by the wights, the greater spirits, with the first King of Ciaqearon, Lucien Vander Pradesh. Magically it is binding. And all countries have this same Tradition."
Vander watched as her pupils shrank to mere pinpricks in her iris'. Her chest bounced with each forced, hitched breath.
"I... no..." Lucy said as she turned to look at his family again. "You, I told you about my magic, how it works. I figured that at some point, down the road, if I didn't get to go back to my own world, that this could happen..."
Before anything could be said, Vander watched as she spun and ran from the room. There was a loud boom, and a very sexy Orange Haired man with dark glasses on his face appeared. He, too, was wearing a tuxedo.
And if it was any other situation, Vander was sure that he would be asking a dozen in one question. But as the new arrival shot a dark glare at the Goat Man, then to his family before taking after his Fiance. Calling her princess and his sweet love, Vander narrowed his eyes.
This was not how he figured he'd get engaged. Hell, he never wanted to be married and have a family. Preferring to be free and do what he wanted when he wanted. But now, he had a woman from another world. The supposed prophesied one as his Fiance. And it was clear she hadn't had a clue about this Tradition being chased by some strange man, he growled, giving a dark look at his family before running after the man and Lucy. He'd be damned if he'd let another man touch what was his. At least not until they sorted shit out on what was okay and not okay. Too much damn hassle, hence why he wanted to avoid ever getting engaged and married.
TBC!