Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail.

Chapter 7

Once everyone woke up, they decided to grab breakfast before heading to the konzern. Lucy poked around at her food, her stomach was to upset to eat.

"Blondie you need to eat, it's going to be a long day, and I'm not sure when we will be able to stop for a lunch break."

"I know, just don't like the thought of being there and knowing he will be there too!"

"We will be with you, and I will stay right by your side. I will not let anything happen to you." I feel a pull towards her, but I don't understand why. It started to become stronger when we were training her. I always found her beautiful, and have had a crush on her since I've come back to the guild. I will ask Gajeel about this when we get back.

Once everyone was done eating they paid, and headed to the konzern. Once there they met with Alastair in his study and he introduced them to his head guard Sebastian, and head over the house hold Gerald.

"If you have any questions you may ask either of them. I will be in and out of meetings all day and won't have time to answer questions."

"Sebastian could you introduce to the guards that will be working the night of the ball, please?" Lucy asked.

"Of course ma'am. Please follow me." They followed him to a servants house behind the konzern. Once they met with the guards, they decided to explore the grounds before exploring the konzern. It took them a few hours to explore the grounds. Before going to explore the inside, they decided to go into town and grab some lunch.

"Lulu, will you know any of the high society guests that will be there?"

"There is a possibility of it. That's why I bought a more traditional styled dress." They talked needing to know where all the entrances were and also the servants passages.

When they got back to the konzern, the located Gerald and asked him for a tour of the place. He told them how many rooms the place had, showed them all the entrances and servant passageways. Once they were done for the day, they stopped at Alastair's office to let him know they were leaving, and would be back tomorrow to work with the guards on security.

-Next Day-

They were going over blue prints with Sebastian, trying to decide the best places to put guards around the outside of the place. It was decided that Lucy and the Thunder Legion would be in the ballroom walking among the guests. Two guards would be placed at the doors to the ballroom, and two more inside the ballroom.

"Ma'am thank you for coming to help with security for the ball. I am hoping these are empty threats, but one can never be too careful. He has made some enemies."

"Of course Sebastian, it's what we do."

They decided to call it a day. They stopped and picked up food to take to their hotel room. Lucy sat next to Laxus, and she couldn't help but feel calm next to him. I feel safe next to him, and he is really handsome. All those muscles. I have had a crush on him since we had started training and getting to know each other, but I know he would never go for someone as average as me.

"Blondie, you okay? You've been kinda quiet since we got back."

"I'm fine. Will just be glad to have this mission done. I don't like that I have to look over my shoulder when we are there. He definitely can't be trusted, and I'm surprised he hasn't tried something already."

"If he tries to touch you at all, I will shock him." Laxus growled. Lucy couldn't help but smile at how protective he was acting.

"We should all get some rest, tomorrow we will be meeting all the staff that will be working at the ball." Freed said. Everyone nodded. Lucy and Ever went into their room to get some rest, while the guys cleaned up from dinner, and then laid down.

-Day of the ball-

They decided to order room service for breakfast and then get ready for the ball. The guys knew it would take Ever and Lucy longer to get ready. The guys each took their turn getting showers, then decided to stay in sweats until they had to put on the tuxedos. Lucy took her shower first, and then put on a button up shirt and shorts. She called out Cancer to put her hair in an up-do and do her makeup. He pinned the top half up into a braided bun with small blue crystals placed through out the braid, and the rest was left down and lightly curled. Her makeup was neutral colors.

Ever gasped when she seen Lucy. "You look beautiful! I can't wait to see you in your dress."

"You were with me when I got it Ever. Ever would you like Cancer to do your hair and makeup?" Lucy asked.

"Really? He wouldn't mind?"

"I don't mind helping ebi's friend." Ever smiled and sat down for Cancer to do her hair and make up. He curled her hair and pinned it up and had some cascading down her back. She had light green eyeshadow and a light pink gloss for her lips.

The guys knocked on the joining door to let them know lunch was there. Laxus eyes widened when he say Lucy.

"Wow Blondie, you look amazing. I can't wait to see your dress."

"Lookin' good Cosplayer. You too Ever."

"Yes, both you ladies look lovely." Lucy and Ever smiled as they sat down to eat. Lucy came up with the idea of Virgo holding food and drinks for them in the spirit world for tonight. After they had finished eating the decided to get dressed and get to the konzern a couple hours before the ball started.

Evergreen's dress was a floor length, mermaid style green dress with off the shoulder straps, and a pair of green gloves that stopped at her elbows. Each of the guys had on a black tuxedo with a white vest and black cummerbund. Lucy's dress was a corset ball gown. The corset was blue with gold lace, the skirt was blue and had gold lace trim on the bottom, with off the shoulder sleeves that stopped above her elbows. I forgot how uncomfortable these stupid dresses were.

"Wow Blondie, you look gorgeous."

"I think I need to start calling you Cosplayer Queen." Bix said with a grin. Lucy shook her head and smiled.

"Are we ready?" She asked. Everyone nodded and they left to head to the ball. Once they arrived they met up with Sebastian to make sure all the guards were in place. Then they went to the ball room to make sure everything was set up.

"Laxus-sama, may I speak with you a moment?" Sebastian asked.

"What do you need?"

"Please make sure you keep Lucy-sama, by you at all times. I've heard Alastair-sama talking about creating a distraction so he could kidnap her."

"You are going against your employer to tell me this, why?" He asked crossing his arms.

"Before I worked for him, I worked for Lucy-sama's father. She was always kind to me. I remember what he tried to do to her, and that he is the reason for Mr. Heartfilia's business failing."

"I will keep her with me, no one will touch her."

Sebastian nodded and went to his stationed place in the ballroom. Laxus walked over to the others. Lucy gave him a questioning look but he just shook his head. Now all they could do was wait for the ball to start, and hope nothing went wrong.