Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Chapter 6

Lucy walked to the train station to meet up with the Thunder Legion. When she got there she looked around, and spotted Freed sitting on a bench reading a book, she walked over to him and sat down.

"Morning Freed, what are you reading?"

"Good morning Lucy, it's a book on Celestial magic. I wanted to learn more about your magic, I know I could ask you, and I still have some questions for you."

"I will answer any question you have Freed, we can talk more on the train if you'd like. Should I go get the tickets?"

"I already have them. Everyone should be here soon." As soon as he said that Laxus, Ever and Bix showed up. Freed gave everyone their ticket and they got on the train going to a private compartment. Lucy sat next to Ever, and Laxus sat on the other side of Lucy. Bix and Freed sat across from them.

"Cosplayer, where is the guy's house at?"

"It's in Acalypha Town. About an hour from where I grew up. Alastair's place is bigger than the Heartfilia konzern."

"How big was your home Lulu?"

"It had twenty bedrooms, and fifteen bathrooms. Then we had little houses for the staff to live in, and it sat on about sixty acres." Everyone's eyes bugged out. They couldn't even picture a place that big.

"Lucy, how many keys do you have? How many can you have out at once?" Freed asked.

"Ten gold zodiac keys and eight silver keys. I can have four golden gates open at once. It drains my magic a little faster, so I don't do it that often. I'm slowly building up my magic reserves to try and get to five gates open at once." They talked for most of the train ride. The closer they got to Acalphya, Lucy started get nervous.

When they got off the train they went to check in to a hotel. They got two rooms, that had a door joining them. Lucy and Ever were in one room, and the guys in the other. They kept the doors joining the rooms open. Once they got settled they decided to go and get some lunch before contacting Alastair. After they finished eating they went back to the hotel to contact Alastair. Lucy decided she should be the one to contact him. They were all shocked when she sat up straighter than normal, and her face became blank, not showing any emotions. Lucy pushed some of her magic into the lacrima and waited for him to answer.

"Ah, lucky Lucy Heartifilia. It has been too long. I take it you made it into town?"

"Yes, I and the other mages have made it into town. You look well. When would you like us to come to your konzern?"

"Tomorrow morning will be fine, you can spend the day getting to know the place, and my staff."

"Have a good evening Mr. Darkstone."

"You too, Lucy." Alastair sneered when the call disconnected. He should have just requested her, but he knew she would have been suspicious. It didn't matter to him though, he would have her the day of the ball.

Lucy sighed when the call ended, she couldn't help the shiver that passed through her when she seen the hungered look in his eyes. Laxus came to sit by her.

"You okay Blondie?"

"Yeah, I'm okay Laxus. Thank you. How about we go out and look around town since we don't have to be at his konzern until tomorrow."

"Sounds good Blondie." Everyone nodded in agreement. Lucy and Ever linked their arms as they walked out of the hotel. They spent the day looking through shops, Ever bought a couple new outfits. Lucy found a magic store, and bought a new silver key. I can't wait to make a contract with you, Deneb.

"Lucy would you mind if I watched when you made a contract with your new spirit? I would like to see how it is done." Freed said.

"I don't mind at all! I need an open area to call him out."

"I would also like to watch Lulu."

"Blondie, there is an open field by our hotel you can use to make your contract. Let's get some dinner first though." Everyone agreed, and looked for a restaurant to get some dinner. After dinner they walked to the field for Lucy to make her contract.

"Open gate of the swan, Deneb!"

"Hello master."

"Deneb, please call me Lucy or Princess, which is what my other spirits call me. Would you like to make a contract?"

Deneb's eyes widened, "I have heard a lot about you Princess, I would be happy to make a contract with you." They talked about when he was available and what his powers were. Once finished he went back to the spirit world.

"Thank you for allowing us to watch Lucy. It's amazing how spirits you haven't contracted with have heard of you and your kindness." Lucy blushed and smiled.

"Ever look, they have a hot spring! Let's go change and go!"

"Alright Lulu, lets go!" The two ran off leaving the guys standing there. They shook their heads and followed after the girls.

"I think I will go as well. Get to see Cosplayer in a bikini." Bix said with his signature grin and tongue hanging out. The other two decided to go as well, saying it would be nice to relax before tomorrow. Once everyone was changed they headed down to the hot springs.

They spent about an hour in the hot springs before going back to their rooms. They decided to get some sleep since they had to be up early. It took Lucy awhile to finally fall asleep, she was nervous about seeing Alastair tomorrow. She knew she would have the others there to keep her safe, but she would make sure to stay as far from him as she could.

After everyone was up and dressed, they decided to grab a quick breakfast before going to the konzern to meet Alastair. Everyone was surprised to see that Lucy wasn't wearing her normal mini skirt and crop top. She was wearing a white skirt that reached her knees, a dark red off the shoulder top with flowing sleeves.

"Is something wrong with my outfit?" Lucy asked.

"You look beautiful Lulu! But why are you wearing something different than what you normally would?" Ever asked.

"It's just for today for the first meeting. I needed to look more high society to greet him." Lucy said, while thinking she couldn't wait for the day to be over. They all started to walk towards the konzern. Once it came into site, Lucy had to stop for a minute to compose herself before continuing onto the grounds. You will be okay Lucy, you have Laxus, Bix, Freed and Ever with you. They are the strongest team in our guild. She started to walk closer to Laxus, which he noticed.

"It will be okay Blondie, we are all here with you." She nodded and took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After a couple minutes a servant answered the door, and showed them the way to the study. They waited outside the study while the servant went and announced that they had arrived. When they walked in Bix and Laxus stood on either side of Lucy, with Freed on the other side of Bix, and Ever on the other side of Laxus.

"Mr. Darkstone, I hope you are well today." Lucy said.

"I am, and I hope you and your guild mates are as well. We will keep this meeting short. For the next week up until the ball, you will have the privilege to go any where on the konzern to get to know it better. The staff have already been informed to answer any questions you may have. You can start tomorrow, I actually have to leave for the day, got called away for urgent business."

"That is understandable Mr. Darkstone, four days should be more than enough time, especially with the help of your staff. Is there anything we need to know today? If not we will be on our way. We wouldn't want to be rude and keep you from business matters."

"Please, call me Alastair, Lucy. And no, nothing needs to be explained today. You are all free to go. Please be here by 8am tomorrow." They all nodded and left the konzern, heading back into town. Lucy let out a sigh and visibly relaxed once they were away from there. I will be glad when this mission is over, Lucy thought.

What will happen when they start to explore the konzern? Will Alastair try something before the ball?