Reviews are Nice; The pairings are NOT decided yet. I get people like Vander/Lucy, I like them too, they're adorable when she's sassy and keeps up with him, but...I really don't know if they will get together or if it will be a friendship...or how far this darkness is going to go.

I don't own Fairy Tail. Mashima Does.

I don't own the Pradesh Clan. Desna does (and thank you for them).

I own the Storyline. That's it.

this will be the last "regular" update for the FF site, I apologize, but those that do want you can find it under the same name over at AO3

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Lucy had finally gotten her research back and then had been shocked at the extra information there. She'd wanted to ask about it, but after looking at the soft look from Kaleb, she'd given him a kiss in thanks and retreated. She let out a low hum as she relaxed in the moonlight, curled back and chuckling at the warmth of her 'pillow'.

Vander was slowly curling his hands along her sides; working to get her relaxed enough to forget about her research, but wasn't having too much luck. He had to give it to Lucy, she could focus through a lot. He grinned, though, when he felt her breath hitch and then leaned forward, letting his lips slowly curl over her throat in feather light kisses as his fingers slowly slid lightly on the underside of her breasts.

Lucy let out a small whimper as she tried to concentrate, eyes attempting to roll back into her head as she let out a soft moan and her head fell backwards. She could feel the heat start to slowly pool between her legs and let out a soft sigh as the book in her hands drop to her lap, "Van, don't you have some sort of work to do?"

The Shadowquip softly chuckled, voice husky, "I've been given the job of making sure you don't overwork yourself with research again."

There was a knock at the door and both turned their heads, Vander half scowling at being interrupted but Lucy called out, "It's open!"

The young woman smiled when she saw Farron and swatted at Vander's hands as she got up and strode towards the door, "Farron, welcome home?" She tilted her head before curling her arms up his chest and around his neck with a grin.

Farron smiled warmly and dipped his head, accepting the readily offered kiss. That was one thing that he did enjoy best about the Blonde: she would freely give affection…and that was also what made him just a tad jealous about his lack of time being around her. She didn't deny any contact when he was around, but with him being an Ambassador, he didn't get the time he wanted to attempt to win her affection. "Actually, I'm looking for a Date to a party."

Lucy arched an eyebrow, "mm, normally you don't need one…means that…Kurino's going to be there, hmm?" She tilted her head and tried to look as innocent as she could.

Vander made a noise, "She's bad news."

"I knew that when I first met her," Lucy said as she relaxed against Farron's chest, turning a bit so she could look at Vander. She arched her eyebrow at the shadowquip, "But…well, I suppose now is a good time."

"aren't you supposed to be registering for the military soon?" Vander watched her and leaned back where he was sitting.

Lucy let out a burdened sigh, "I'm not required to, because I'm still a citizen of Fiore." She shrugged, "I will, I just have a few things to deal with before I actually do."

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With the help of both Virgo and Cancer, Lucy was ready for the ball. Her hair pulled up and then cascading around her features in curls; make up done in a smoky eye and sheer lipgloss, small gemstones actually glued by her eyes and forehead, patterns only known to those that actually knew the stars: Leo resting on her forehead and Aquarius at the corners of her eyes. Her dress started the deep color of the night sky and then slowly faded so that the last six inches of the hem were a beautiful moon silver, making it look like she was rising out of the celestial body, especially with the crystalline representations of the stars in the sky littered on the fabric.

Cris stared as she came down the stairs; his dragon still hadn't responded either as 'mate' or 'kin' to the blonde and he took the time to stare at how she looked. He let out a small breath. "…wow…" he shook his head with a small, easy smile, "You remind me of Mehturt."

Kaleb's mind actually came to a halt as he watched the small blonde walk down the stairs. It wasn't that any of them hadn't already seen her; no, this was something that they'd never really seen her be before. If he had to think, it was as if she were the evening sky personified. He looked at Cris when the words registered, "Mehturt, The Goddess of the night Sky of Stella?" He looked back at the blonde woman, "…it fits."

Lucy blushed a bit as she stepped off the stairs, "you two…I swear." She shook her head with a small, soft smile, "don't do that…you never know if a God or Goddess will hear you…and I've read you don't want to cross one."

Vander purred a bit, "maybe you're just a physical representation of what we think she would look like?"

Lucy rolled her eyes as she pat the Shadowquip's chest lightly with the back of her hand, "Flirty Giants. The whole lot of you."

Farron chuckled softly as he set his coffee down and stood while straightening his dove gray suit, "They speak only what their hearts see."

"So, Silver tongued, flirty Giants," Lucy looked amused as she stood there then took a breath, "I'm just glad I look decent."

Farron smiled, "I'd say you look more than decent." He also knew that she had a few small issues with how she looked…and her height, so he'd just leave it for now. He offered her his arm and smiled, "come, let's go to this ball."

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Lucy could feel Kurino's eyes boring into her; she had all night after she'd been introduced with Farron. There had been a tell tale sign that Vander was around, a shadow slithering up her leg but just patting it, so to speak. She knew if things went south, she could easily get away and so would Farron. The two carefully made their way around the assembled men and women, Lucy sipping her drink and inputting where she believed corrections need to be made.

It wasn't until later in the evening, when Lucy was getting just a bit tired from the lack of sleep overall in the last few weeks that Kurino came over to them. She could almost feel the disdain radiating off the crown princess and she quirked her lips into a smirk, "Princess, what a pleasure."

"Indeed," Kurino smiled to Farron, "Farron, nice of you to make it, I was hoping you would."

Farron gave a nod of his head, "Of course."

Kurino smiled and then the smile turned forced as she turned to Lucy, "Miss Heartfilia…always a pleasure."

Lucy smiled a slight, if stiff smile, bowing just a tiny bit, "of course, Princess, the pleasure is all mine, I assure you."

"I've heard a strange rumor that you've yet to register for military service, and you turned fifteen last month," Kurino looked at the blonde, knowing it would get quite a few ears.

Lucy waved a hand lightly and sipped her drink, "as I am still technically a Fiorian Citizen, I am given an extra few months to tidy things up. I do have to travel a bit to put my business in order, take care of my living will, that sort of thing."

"Ah, I see," Kurino's smile became strained and she took a breath.

Lucy could see the simmering anger and she debated on how far to push the other woman. With an innocent smile, she shifted to lean against Farron, pressing against his side and watching Kurino's eyes darken, "it's one of those processes that takes a few months, but…well, I've got plenty of support." She demurred, "Farron is a wonderful support in my life; I can go to him for…anything I need, in fact, he offered that support last night. He is very skilled with his hands." She wasn't about to say that it was a simple massage of overworked leg muscles, Kurino didn't need to know that and the anger she was stroking in the other woman was on purpose.

Kurino's jaw bunched as she ground her teeth and took a moment to calm herself as much as she could, "though…I had not heard you'd be bringing a date, Farron."

Lucy's lips quirked just slightly as she stood there, then curled a bit more into Farron's side, murmuring, "he asked me specifically. It was quite the emotional reconnection." Her eyes half lidded and she hid her eyes, "I'm very glad that he asked me to be his date."

"That's…good," Kurino's smile was stiff as she stood there, "I was about to ask Farron if he would join me for a dance."

"no," Lucy smiled softly as she continued to mold her body to Farron's, "I'm afraid we have other plans that we must attend soon." She finished off her drink, setting it on a passing tray that one of the wait staff was carrying, "afterall, I'm his date and it would be rude to leave a lady alone."

"It is also rude to turn down a request for someone else, Miss Heartfilia," Kurino kept the smile on her lips, though her eyes radiated her fury.

Lucy waved a hand, "yes, but I'm his date, you see. There are special societal rules in place." She pointed a finger to her own bosom, "me…not you. All of this beauty of the night sky, not…you…in black." She waved a finger and was going to talk again when the woman lunged forward. The blonde just let go of Farron and fell backwards, the shadows rising up and curling away with her as Kurino let out a frustrated half cry.

"one of these days, you're going to push her too far," Vander snorted as they appeared on the upper balconies, "you do enjoy pushing her buttons…"

Lucy shrugged a bit, "She started it." The blonde nuzzled into his shoulder and smiled, "though, I am getting a bit tired and catty."

The Shadowquip chuckled softly, "Obviously." He watched as Kurino's head whipped around and just as her head started to go up, he whisked them away, curling through the shallow shadows until they carefully rested atop the large chandelier, "There, much better."

He played with her hair a bit as they settled here, "so how's my favorite slut." He grinned, it was teasing and both of them knew it meant nothing like the connotation of the word itself.

"peacock," She gave him a light shove, "I don't know…I'm looking for the…right fit."

"maybe the right fit is closer than you think…" he trailed off, smirking at her.

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Vander scowled as he looked at Lucy, then back to the hallway. He hissed softly, "this is a bad idea!"

Lucy waved a hand and then grinned as she was looking through the closet. When she found what she wanted, she came out and held up the ornate jar, "I have a jar of dirt."

The Shadowquip slowly blinked and then looked between the blonde and the jar. It took a moment, but he snickered, "dammit, Lucy…"

The two shared a grin and then Lucy carefully shut the door. She took a breath as he grabbed her and they disappeared into a shadow. When they reappeared, they heard the angry yell of Kurino and the two chuckled.

"so, how far are you willing to go?" Vander watched her, arching an eyebrow.

Lucy smirked, lips quirking, "I want to drive her crazy."

The Shadowquip arched an eyebrow, "you really didn't like how she was at that party…"

"Nope!" Lucy's eyes danced as the 'p' popped and she chuckled, "she tried to make me come off as if I were running from the laws. I'm not, I just have special considerations."

The two slipped in and out of the shadows, Lucy giving a playful and sing song "I've got a jar of dirt" every time they did. The two "watched" from the shadows as the woman got more and more worked up.

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Kurino was fit to be tied as she stormed through the palace. Someone broke into her room! Someone stole something from her room! The young woman was on the war path…and she had two mages in her sights. There weren't many that could get through the wards and other security measures in the palace! They had done so to defile her shrine to her dear Farron!

She turned a corner and heard a giggle and a whisper, "I've got a jar of dirt." Her head whipped around as she let out an enraged scream and then started after where she thought the voice had come from.

She tore through the palace, enraged until she was stopped from walking right out a door that the balcony was being repaired. She was panting and near frothing at the mouth as she swore she heard the giggled phrase again. She would kill them.

She smiled tensely as she saw her father, "Father." She clasped her hands behind her, trying to hold in her anger and rage.

"Daughter, is…everything alright?" Altiene looked at his daughter in worry. She normally was a calm, relaxed child – to him at least.

"someone stole something from my room," She took a breath, this was it, she could get them in trouble.

The king let out a soft hum, "That's not good, we'll get someone to track the person…what was stolen."

Kurino's smile faltered, "oh..a…a jar."

The man looked at his daughter and slowly arched an eyebrow, "…a jar?"

"A jar."

"care to…describe this jar?"

She slowly licked her lips, "…it has dirt in it…"

All the heads whipped around as they all heard the whispered and singsong tone "I've got a jar of dirt!"

The man watched his daughter run off and sighed as he stood there, this really had to stop. Two figures appeared at his side and he knew he shouldn't be shocked in the least bit at the blonde young woman and the youngest Pradesh boy, "…must you?"

Lucy grinned as she held up a jar that had an ornate label reading 'from the garden at our first dance' in the Princess' writing, "…I've got a jar of dirt."

The pair was grinning widely, similar devilish grins as he took the jar and sighed, "I'd ask you to stop, but…you won't."

Lucy giggled as she buried her face in Vander's neck, "not until she stops obsessing."

The king watched the two disappear in a swirl of shadows and sighed before murmuring, "please, Immaculate light, never let those two marry and have off spring." He was all for love, all for finding your perfect match, but those two being a match scared the hell out of him.

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While Farron absolutely hated the obsession Kurino had for him, he had to admit he had a bit of one with his God-sibling. She was wild, free, but had a heart of gold that just drew people to her.

She was sassy as well, and team her up with Vander? The two were neigh unstoppable. He appreciated all they were doing to attempt to get the king to see that his daughter needed help. His only lament was that the Steel council had Vander into being Blood hounds, and that there was a rumor that they were setting their eyes on Lucy when she enlisted. That was enough to get him to worry and he was glad he'd found the very small bit of old, archaic law that allowed her to get things in order because she was still a citizen of another country.

The blue eyed man sighed as he sat back at his desk, slowly rubbing his face. They'd been gone for two days on an assignment and it was driving him crazy. He needed to hear her laughter, see her dancing eyes that had such sadness and horror buried in their depths. When Lucy had gotten Kurino to attack over them cuddling the night before the function a week ago, he half had wished they'd done more that night, not that he could admit it.

It might make a target out of both of them. He carefully filled a tumbler with some Boscan Gold and took a slow draw out of it, trying to think of anything other than the blonde haired woman that he'd known since she was a baby. He was man enough to admit that he'd had a small crush on her mother, but as Lucy had grown, to him, she was more beautiful than Layla and shone enough that he hadn't figured out exactly when it had gone from 'try to love her as a sister' to 'needing to feel their bodies together in pleasure'.

He stood as he heard the melodious laughter fill the halls and let out a sigh of relief, she and Vander were back. He had to admit, he did have a little bit of guilty pleasure because she embraced Boscan ways so well, enjoyed touching, kissing and he'd take any kiss he'd get from her, as soon as they dealt with Kurino.

Farron walked down the hallway, sighing as he saw the two half dancing to a peppy tune only they knew in their own heads and arched an eyebrow, "are you two quite done? People are sleeping, you know."

Lucy let out a squeak and turned, looking at Farron and it took her breath away seeing her flushed cheeks, "Sorry, Fare…we took a detour before we came back."

He arched one of his eyebrows, "do I want to know."

The two looked at each other and he groaned as Lucy did a little skip, tone light and lilting, "I've got a jar of diiirt."

Vander laughed as he wrapped an arm around her waist, swinging her about as he sang along, "I've got a jar of dirt."

"and guess what's inside it," Lucy laughed again as she was deposited by Farron and looked up at him with dancing eyes as she bounced a bit to lightly kiss him, making him inwardly groan at just the small touch.

He could only arch an eyebrow, "…a bunch of trouble from the Palace, if I'm right."

Lucy purred as she leaned into him and he reflexively pulled her closer, "mm, damn right. Her dad knows now too."

Farron sighed, "You two are going to get killed if you keep this up."

Vander slid up, sandwiching the woman between them, "we've got this, and don't worry…I'll keep her safe." He arched a very challenging brow at Farron, watching the babyblue eyes narrow.

Farron's lips drew in a thin line as he looked over the blonde at his brother, "we will keep her safe." He heard her soul let out a beautiful trilling sound and he dipped his head to kiss the young woman's hair.

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Lucy was sitting under a tree, watching Kaleb and Laxus spar. The dragon slayer was struggling, but that was a good thing. She could see his ego slowly being chipped at and it was something that needed to be done. He needed to be rebuilt physically and mentally…and this was the first step.

She tilted her head as Kaleb tensed a bit while twisting. She pursed her lips as she did so, letting out a low breath and then licking her lips. She'd seen him lift weights that would make her cry just putting one on a bar…and not get sore or anything. She assumed something was up, but she wasn't sure how she should bring it up. Her eyes went back to the book in her lap and she slowly started reading again, just listening to the spar going on.

She let out a hum as she heard someone sit next to her, "hey."

Hestor rolled his eyes as he closed her book, "you're reading time is up for the day."

Lucy's eyes blazed, "excuse me?"

The other celestial mage nodded towards Kaleb, "Guildmaster's orders."

The blonde's eye twitched as she put the book aside, "is that so."

Hestor flinched as he sat there, watching as she stood and couldn't help but smirk. He could have said something else, but he did prefer to be transparent with the woman. It was easier on him to do so, she was downright nasty when she found out she was told a half truth.

"Kaleb Suraday Pradesh!" Lucy hissed and both men on the training field froze out of instinct.

Laxus mumbled, "if we stay completely still…she won't see us…right?"

Lucy rolled her eyes, "I'm not an animal that sees better when things move around me." She poked Kaleb in the chest a few times, until he physically stopped her, "what is this about I'm only allowed to research for so long every day?!"

Kaleb stared down at her, "in blocks, yes. So that you eat and do other things."

Lucy hissed at him again as she stood there, "That's unfair."

"That's me making sure my mage is healthy," Kaleb said firmly as he stared down at her.

The small blonde snorted, almost bull like in action and then grumbled, "Fine, whatever. I'll get my revenge!" she turned, tugged her hand and threw her hands in the air, "You will rue this day! Rue it!"

Laxus blinked as the blonde stormed away, "…what just happened?"

Kaleb rolled his eyes and turned back to the dragon slayer, "what happens every time someone has to make sure she takes care of herself when she gets too focused…" He smirked slightly as he heard the screeched 'rue it! I swear!' echo through the air, "she doesn't mean it, she's just…what was the word that Vander used? Oh, right 'hangry'."

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Lucy sighed as she looked up at the night sky, the moon was half full and she just relished in the light it gave off, the soft glow allowing her to pull in magic and just relax as best she could. She snuggled back into the warmth of the body behind her and let out a content sigh.

"there's a sound I like," Vander spoke, kissing her shoulder gently as they relaxed and he grinned against her skin.

Lucy let out a relaxed chuckle and half turned, holding the sheet against her chest with a quirked eyebrow, "really? I thought it was a moan?"

Vander nuzzled her neck gently, giving a soft groan as he did so, "Oh, I like a lot of sounds you make."

The blonde tilted her head to the side, giving him more access before her brow furrowed. She swore she heard something and by Vander's actions of stopping as well, he heard it. She slowly pulled away from him, moving to grab her black fluffy robe and slowly curl it around her body. She tied it firmly before she padded out and knew Vander was following her.

It didn't take the two long to find the right room and when she opened the door, the sight that she saw made her bring a hand to her mouth. There was a blood soaked shirt and pants to the side and though she could almost see the flesh starting to knit itself together beneath the bloody mess, she knew that whatever did this…was bad. Silver eyes blazed at the two of them, looking feral and ready to attack. She spoke softly, "Van…?"

Vander's eyes narrowed a bit, "I'll…get the first aid kit."

She half turned, kissing the corner of his mouth and nodding, "thank you…I'll see if I can get him calm." The blonde took a deep breath and then slowly moved towards the bed, listening to the growls that were coming from the slayer that was laying there. She spoke softly, "hey, moonbeam, you know me…no need to growl."

She carefully sat on the bed, listening to the growls before inching forward to lightly touch Cris' hair and then she smiled as he let out a whimper, "There we are, moonbeam."

Lucy gently played with his hair, letting him hiss and shift to wrap his arms around her waist and nuzzle into her stomach, "what happened?"

Cris was quiet for a few long moments, hissing and arching a bit when he felt something on his back.

"it's okay, it's just Van, he's cleaning your back up…shhh…" she kept her hands curling through his hair, "what happened, Cris?"

"Kurino…" His voice was hoarse and he let out a small sound.

Her lips drew into a thin line, "why. Why would she do this? We've not messed with her in a few months…and she's pretty much seemingly gotten over Farron, to the point of not interacting with him at one function…"

The dragon slayer sounded broken, "She…wants me to tell him…that…she'll stop…if he marries her."

"That's blackmail," Lucy hissed as she sat there, still running her hands through Cris' hair. She looked up at Vander, both of them sharing a look. They knew Farron, they knew he'd do anything for any one of them and they both gave a shake of their head. They couldn't tell him. When the pained whimpers turned into sleeping purrs, Lucy sighed. "…we have to do something, Van."

"...like what?"

She gave him a flat look, "you and I both know he probably went tonight thinking it would be a good time…not come back with wounds that were resisting his natural healing…she could have killed him if it had been just about anyone else." She let out a low hum, "…we'll…find a way to protect him…and Farron."

Vander settled against the headboard next to her, pursing his lips, "this won't be easy, Stardust…"

"of course it won't…but…"

"I'll help."

The two looked towards the doorway, seeing Kaleb barely illuminated in the moonlight, but his eyes gave him away. Both nodded as they sat there then Lucy snorted softly as he moved to crawl on the bed. She wanted to fuss, but knew it was probably nothing she could do much about. She was sandwiched between Vander and Kaleb with Cris stretched out over her legs. Only one thing came to mind: at least I don't have to pee.

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The three had planned, working out the details when they could while going about their daily lives. Lucy had gotten the biggest shock when Cris had nuzzled her neck and murmured to her that she was his kin. She was smiling softly, but sadly and patted the large arm around her. She liked them all, but the thought of perhaps having someone that needed you that deeply had fully appealed to her as she'd talked to Nurem.

She was currently under 'her' tree was Kaleb worked with Laxus again, the blonde meditating and pushing her magic outside her body. She used to do this with Bickslow and she missed that harmony with another person. It wasn't that she had it with no one else, but feeling their magics play along one another was something that she couldn't explain to anyone else.

She took deep breaths and felt her magic, slowly making orbs and then letting them spin around her and carefully start to split into smaller and smaller orbs.

Laxus looked over as he felt the magic and tilted his head, "…that's…her?"

Kaleb smiled as he kept the dragon slayer in a headlock and looked over at the starting to float blonde, "it is."

"…that's…a lot of magic…" Laxus frowned a bit as he shifted and got out of the hold, "how…she…?!"

Kaleb smiled, "her magic. It takes a lot to open a gate to another plane of existence." He arched an eyebrow, "She might look weak, but…her magic draws from her heart, not just the physical. One of her Golden keys is like one of your bigger slayer attacks."

Laxus' jaw came a bit unhinged before he cleared his throat and then looked between the two, "where is she compared to you?"

The Mindbender arched an eyebrow, "I'm a wizard saint. You do the math."

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