Definition: a person who sins; transgressor.
Example: Someone who takes without asking, for their own personal greed.
July 4th, 792
Lahar stood there staring out across the black expanse of the Heartfilia Konzern, amazed at the transformation it had undergone. In the week that he had been there, it was changed from open fields to a carnival of amazing proportions. There were stalls put up that would house games, food stalls, and vendor stalls. As well as various rides that seemed to just have sprung from the ground in the last two nights. While over on the back portions nearest to the mountain range was an open area that would house the contest showing the mages of Fairy Tail's magic abilities.
Lucy had already stated that she was going to participate in it with her spirits. Lahar had not been the least bit shocked at this, unlike his parents who just stared for a few minutes. It was nice to see how easily she caused his parents to become very unbalanced when around her. Just like she had done to him, over the last eleven months, as she slowly drew them into the spiral that was her soul.
Giving a small shake of his head as he recalled after she accepted his proposal, that their parents decided to come back. Catching him in the act of standing up from his kneeling position. The look of shock and outright blinding happiness on their faces at what they were seeing. From there, things started to take off quickly, only for Lucy to put her foot down and tell them to back off. This was their wedding and they would pick and choose a date and time.
Making his father sputter in indignation while his mother covered her mouth to hide the smile there because of his father's reaction. While Jude just stood there and smiled smugly at his parents, as if he warned them that Lucy was very much her mother's daughter with his temper at times. After those things went a bit smoother for a while. They had talked things out, deciding that they'd tie the knot on the same day that they'd first gotten to know each other last year, August 31st.
Which his mother found rather endearing and while quick, it gave them enough time to deal with this festival, on top of planning the wedding. Lucy already stated that invitations will be sent to all the mage guilds of Fiore. Because without a lot of the members in each of those guilds, she more than likely wouldn't be there. Besides the fact that it would make things much more interesting at the wedding and reception.
He didn't say anything other than it was Lucy's wedding and if she was happy he would be. But secretly Lahar was fifty-fifty on that one. And in total agreement that having mages, there would definitely make things interesting with all the high and mighty, better than thou nobles. While wondering if both their families would be able to cover the damage that more than likely will incurred at that time. ON top of the paperwork he would be doing afterward.
A soft touch to his shoulder brought his attention back from his musings as he turned to see the object of his thoughts standing there, practically glowing with her excitement. She was looking forward to telling her guild of their engagement. Mostly because she wanted to see the reactions they'd have, which had him a bit curious to see them.
With the gentle gaze, she was looking at him with, had him smiling easily as he reached out and pulled her to him. Hugging her tightly to his side, Lahar felt like a cat that got the cream. When she began to squirm, he loosened his grip letting her go. Getting a look of reprimand from her as she smiled warmly up at him.
"It is time to go out there and meet the guest that are arriving. The members of Fairy Tail will be arriving a bit later. Also, I have good news for you to boot. Remember your unspoken concern about inviting all the mages guilds. Well, my father drew up a proposal to submit to the Magic Council for that issue. He worded it very well and has your father and mothers signatures on it to back it up." she said as she turned and began to walk down the hallway towards the double staircase.
Blinking Lahar couldn't help but shake his head and chuckle happily. He would be reading that later to see if there was anything that might need to be tweaked since he knew how the Magic Council felt about Mage Guilds. With that thought, Lahar followed Lucy down the hall to meet and greet the first of the guest arriving for today's festivities. Which had struck me as an interesting and functional cause when it was explained to me.
The task of greeting people both many statues of society was by far the most diverse thing he could claim to have done. But ironically Lahar had enjoyed himself and the reaction of those around him. But the moment his eyes landed on the small guild master of Fairy Tail flanked by his grandson Laxus, the red-headed re-equip mage Erza Scarlet, Ice-Make Mage Gray Fullbuster.
Stiffening a bit when a squeal of delight came from his side, Lahar looked down to see that Lucy had her hands over her mouth, eyes misting over with tears as she saw them all. Causing a small wave of jealousy at her reaction to well in his chest. Placing his mask on his face, only with a small, tight polite smile on it out of curtsy for Lucy. Lahar just stared down the defensive gaze that he was receiving from the guild members as they came to a stop.
Watching silently as Lucy interacted with them, her face alight with bliss that could only come from seeing a person's loved ones. Lahar continued to wait patiently until someone asked about him. That took a bit longer than he thought it would because everyone kept asking her about the marriage proposal. With a smile on her face, he saw that she kept dodging the question, until she was grabbed in a possessive bear hug, by Wendy.
Not recalling that moment the keen senses of Dragon Slayers, Lahar was mentally berating himself, as he noted that two males present glaring him down with daggers in their eyes. Not one to falter in his duties as he stared right back them with indifference, until Wendy spoke up, asking again about the marriage proposal. It as that point, Lahar stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Lucy's shoulders and pulled her away from the small Dragon Slayer.
Knowing the glint in his eyes spoke volumes as he winked before tilting Lucy backward with a softly whispered sorry and planted a kiss upon her lips. Enjoying the feel of her lips against his, how they were soft and supple, Lahar drew the kiss out as long as he could. Before slowly drawing his mouth from her now swollen lips, giving her a slightly apologetic look as he righted her and looked at her guildmates.
Seeing that they were all standing there in various stages of shock, causing his perverse sense of humor to flood him, as he spoke up. "That would be me. Now if you all will follow us, I will show you to your rooms for your stay as well as to the festival itself."
With his arm around Lucy, who was still in a dazed shock, Lahar guided her to walk beside him, knowing that later he would be on the receiving end of a lecture. But for the moment his mental self-was strutting with a massive ego boost at what he did, on top of finally getting to kiss his fiance for the first time. So as he continued to walk away, Lahar let his mask drop as a cocky, shit-eating grin spread across his face.
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Lucy couldn't help but be speechless at what Lahar had done in front of her guildmates, before announcing he was her fiances. She hadn't figured that he would pull a stunt like that since he was always so strict about stuff. Not that she was going to complain at the moment, no she would reserve that for later when she was able to get him alone. Instead, she let him guide her as he showed her guildmates to their rooms in the west wing of the mansion.
Telling them that they could divide up the rooms as they saw fit, while if there were couples they were more than welcome to room together. But to behave themselves while in the mansion, before guiding them out the back to show them the setup. Explaining that there was already a mix of the local villagers and nobles. Some of which had vendor stalls for entertainment, while others were food and trinkets for sale. As he continued to walk towards the back area, where he stopped and gave a small sigh as he showed them the arena that would be in use in two hours time.
It was at this point that Lucy chooses to pull herself from Lahar's grasp. Giving him a bit of a glare of mock annoyance, she turned to look at her friends a smile on her face. "If you have a routine with another member of the guild, please let the MC know as you enter the field. I too will be participating in this. Because I am a Mage of Fairy Tail!"
At her words, she watched as everyone whooped and hollered happily in response. It was at that point she felt the tension she had been holding melt away. No matter what happened, being around her Fairy Tail family always relaxed her. So as she waited for the bombardment of questions, Lucy looked at Lahar, noting that he was just watching it all with a detached interest, mask back in place. Thought she could see the small tells that said he was actually rather amused by their antics at the moment. Even if his body was stiff as a plank of wood.
"Hey Lucy, what is going on. Master told us of this whole shebang than that you had left early because of a request from your father for a marriage match."
Looking over to the voice to see Max standing there with a sort of sad look in his eyes, as the rest of the guild went quiet. Letting out a small sigh, Lucy opened her mouth to speak, but was stopped as Freed spoke up, "Recall that last year after the whole ordeal with Tartaros, Lucy made amends with her father and with our help, we got her father's lands and business back. Well, she made a binding contract with him, a mutual one, that stated that she was still free to be a mage as long as she attended functions that he hosted throughout the year and promised to get married."
Turning a small smile at Freed, only to notice he paused just for effect before continuing on with his explanation. "She set the conditions that she could reject the potential marriage arrangement if the man didn't meet her requirements, which were rather simple but at the same time a tall glass. Since her father had his own set that she should have in a potential husband. I surmise that when she was called her for this, it was Lahar. Who not only works for the Magic Council but is heir the Zieger family as well."
When Freed stated whose family that Lahar belonged to, Lucy looked up to see his reaction. Hoping that he was mad that Freed might of overstepped a line. But saw a small smile on his lips as he stared almost affectionately at Freed as if seeing an old friend for the first time in a long while. As her mind supplied that Freed was technically the heir to the Justine Family estates when he was ready to take over.
The resounding gasp of shock to hearing of Lahar's lineage drew her attention back to her guild members as MiraJane spoke, "You mean your the infamous Young Lord Zieger, who had vanished from High Societies limelight? You are the nephew of the king of Crocus, cousin to princess Hisui."
A small groan escaping her lips at what MiraJane stated, knowing that Lahar didn't like to mention his family for that exact purpose. In the week they'd been engaged and had free time, they'd done the whole question and answer game. One of the questions she, herself had asked was what MiraJane had asked. Lahar had shut himself down and began to brood as he answered. Claiming that was why he vanished from society as a whole. He got tired of people trying to use him for a connection to the throne of Fiore.
Slowly Lucy tilted her head to look up at Lahar, who wore a slightly irritated look on his face as he responded, "yes."
That one word held all the answer that they'd get out of him, as well as told them to abandon their line of questioning. Which was only reinforced as Master gave a cough and turned to glare at them all? A shake of his head making them realize that they were being very rude. Making Lucy let out a small sigh of relief. Glad that Master was able to understand things were the rest of the guild, In their normal zealous manner didn't.
After a few seconds of silence, the guild members began to disperse to either settle into their rooms or to look at what fun the game and vendor stalls would have to offer. Leaving Lucy alone with Master, her teammates, three Dragon Slayers, and her Fiance. Who seemed to be glaring at each other as they tried to measure up each other. Once more she felt her body stiffen in fear of them all starting an all-out fight. But as the seconds ticked by and nothing happened, she decided to break the tension that was building min monumental proportions.
"So, how have you all been for the last two weeks?" she asked in a soft polite and calming voice.
Letting her eyes met each of her guildmates as she reached out a hand to hold Lahars. Both as comfortable for him as well as herself, but to show that she was going to stand by him. Earning her a few stares of shock. Looking over at Master, to see a wide smile on his face at her confidence in her choice of action. With a tilt of her head, she raised an eyebrow, daring them to make asses of themselves.
Again the seconds flew by, before the silence was broken, "Well, as long as he knows not to besmirch your honor or make you cry Lucy, then I for one will back this. I know for a fact that Lahar is a man that is driven by his duty and sense of responsibility. And if you accepted this engagement, then that means he agrees to all your terms." Erza stated, uncrossing arms from over her armored chest.
With that said, Lucy watched Erza step forward and thrust out a gauntleted hand. Glancing up at Lahar as she squeezed his hand. She saw him level Erza with a stare that recognized what she was implying and offering in one go. Before he reached out grasping the proffered hand and shook it. Though it was obvious that they were both gripping the others hand in a contest of wills and strength. Leaving her to sigh and roll her eyes in mock exasperation.
When they were done, Erza stepped back and turned to look at the other four. Her brown eyes narrowing as she spoke in that tone that said you will obey. "I think enough has been said if you have any qualms keep them to yourselves. We should be happy for Lucy, as she has found someone who doesn't want to change her. But wants her happy, thus allows her to be who she is."
The slow nodding of the three males present was all Lucy needed to see, as a small squeal of delight came from Wendy. Who had brought her hands up over her mouth and was shifting from foot to foot? Face lit up in her excitement. Unable to stop herself, Lucy let go of Lahar's hand and knelt down and opened her arms. An invitation that Wendy took as she ran into them hugging her with fierceness.
"I am happy that this worked out for you two. Lahar is a good guy and will do his best to always make you happy Lucy. So when are you holding the wedding." Wendy burbled on elatedly.
Caught a bit off guard, Lucy couldn't help but let a peal of laughter escape as she hugged the small dragon slayer back. Giving her answer in a succinct manner, "The day we first met, August 31st."
Letting go of Wendy to stand up by Lahar once more, she looked at her guildmates and family members. Enjoying the various emotions and thoughts flickering in their eyes and on their faces. Ranging from Shock to amusement at how soon it was going to take place. Though she couldn't help but feel a bit sad at that moment as she thought about her best friend. He wasn't here so he hadn't shown back up to the guild from his training yet.
It must have shown on her face what was on her mind, because Master spoke up, "Don't worry child, he will be back soon enough. Remember Natsu left the end of July last year, stating he'd be back in exactly one year. He is a Fairy Tail mage and takes his promises very seriously. My only concern is his reaction to this situation since it was decided while he was gone."
The tumultuous smile that graced her lips at those words, Lucy just nodded her head as she felt an arm wrap itself around her waist. Pulling flush against a firm, warm and well-toned body, causing a blush to spread across her face, as she looked up at Lahar at his open display of affection again. Wondering just what was going through that head of his. Only to see a mix of concern for her as well as worry about what they were talking about.
She knew from what little they were able to talk at random, that his biggest apprehension was Natsu. As he had told her, that man was the currently the most destructive force in Fiore, in his opinion. Which was something she couldn't deny at all since she had struggled often to get her rent money because he went a little bit overboard on missions? But she rebuttal-ed that he was also one of the most loyal and protective friends anyone could ask for.
A fact that he had admitted that he actually respected in him, but it as still overshadowed by the amount of damage he caused. It would be a long road before she knew that Lahar would close to one hundred percent of accepting of Natsu. She had faith that he would find a common ground that would lead to that since he promised to accept her family as his own. Even if they were a bunch of psycho's in their own right.
Looking up at the sky, noting that the sun was starting to sink behind the trees to the west of the arena. Telling her that it was almost time for the contest to begin. Pulling away from Lahar, Lucy motioned for them to follow her. Before turning and walking to the back side of the arena, so that they could start getting ready. Already noting that a few others had shown up and were discussing things for their performance.
With a soft look at Lahar, who excused himself, before leaving the area. Lucy closed her eyes as she let her hands drift down and into the pouch at her side. Brushing her fingertips over her keys that were in there, feeling the warm tingle of them responding to her touch. A smile gracing her lips as she opened her eyes and looked around to see that more and more of her guild members were showing up. Just as a call went out that all mages present should make their way to the arena.
Time flew by as Lucy watched her as everyone displayed their magic to the awed crowd. There was a shooting display from Bisca, Alzack, and Asuna that was almost comical. While all three of the guilds Dragon Slayers did a rather breathtaking display of their magic via magical construction and weather. After that was mages doing single showings of their abilities until Cana stepped out with Juvia. Causing the crowd to go wild a the act they put on. Both in bikinis as Juvia did a water lock and then burst it, as Cana summoned her Light Fountain. Lighting up the arena in an almost mystical manner, befitting those from Fairy Tail.
The pride welling in her chest at all of this was just indescribable in her mind. But the teamwork from the Strauss siblings and Erza was heartfelt and amazing as Erza defended off the three of them in their take-over forms. Shifting easily from one amour to another as she kept up with the friendly on the onslaught of attacks. Soon it was her turn to come out into the arena, silence all around her as she made her way to the center.
There hadn't been much time for her to do a routine or do something elaborate to show her magic off. But after feeling a bit put out, she had gotten a bit of advice from the least expected place, Lahar's father. It was a simple, yet an ingenious thing for her think of doing. Which would exemplify what her rare magic was about? So as she came to a standstill, Lucy took a deep breath and pulled out the keys Ares and Equuleus. The smile that appeared on her face as she drew both through the air, feeling the flow of her magic race down her arm into her hand and then into the keys.
"I open thee, gates of The Ram and The Foal." Her voice ringing loud in the quiet.
Soon a bright glow of her magic burst up from around her feet before two loud poofs sounded before Ares appeared next to a small black haired boy with horse ears on top of his head. They looked at her with secret smiles on their faces as she looked back at them. With a nod of her head, Ares spun around opening her arms wide, while Equuleus shifted to his full horse form and sped across the arena to the section that her father, Lahar and his parents set.
With another poof sound, Ares bowed from behind a giant pink cloud of wool, before vanishing. Keeping her body straight as she started running, Lucy heard the soft whinny from Equuleus, as he signaled that he was on his way back towards her. As she neared the pile of wool, Lucy jumped up expertly, landing on it. Only to feel it's resistance push her back up into the air as it vanished. Closing her eyes, Lucy let her body free fall through the air, trusting that she knew spirit and friend would be in position.
Twisting her body at the last second, opening her eyes to see Equuleus appear beneath her as she landed sitting side saddle on his back. Just as bright yellow and orange sparks burst around her as both Leo and Virgo appeared from their gates.
Each of them thrusting their fist rapidly at Equuleus as she sat there calmly, letting him race around dodging their attacks one after another. After a few minutes of this, Lucy reached down and patted Equuleus to slow and stop moving. At which point she slid down off him and turned to look at him, before kissing his velvety nose, before releasing him to go back to the celestial world. Already Leo and Virgo were gone, having left the moment she had touched Equuleus.
Giving a theatrical bow of the waist, Lucy felt as well as heard the resounding thunder of the clapping from the crowd gathered to watch the display. Her smile was large as she turned and shot a wink at Lahar's father. Thanking him for his advice, about showcasing her magic for the bond of trust that it was. Because it held its own elegance in how it worked, coupled with her passion to work with them as friends and companions instead of tools, would truly make what did make it memorable.
As the applause continued, Lucy made her way out of the arena. Her eyes looking at those gathered at the opening of the arena from the staging area, seeing their amazing looks as they called out to her. But a flash green-tinted black hair had her slowing her steps. As her friends parted to reveal Lahar walking forward and towards her with pride shining on his face.
When he came to a stop before her, still standing in the arena with the crowd rejoicing from her performance still, Lucy just looked up at him. "Lahar?" was all she was able to get out before she was swept up in his arms.
That mischievous glint back in his eyes as he looked down at her, speaking softly for her only, "You are an enabler and an angel that makes a man into a sinner, Lucy Heartfilia."
With those words, Lucy felt her eyes go wide before his mouth was slanted over hers. While her body was being dipped backward again. Shock washing through her body, Lucy parted her lips just enough as she gasped, only to have him deepen the kiss as his tongue delved into her mouth. Causing her to sigh as she wrapped her arms around his neck. Rolling her eyes as she gave back what he was giving her.