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.

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"So," Lucy ducked under an attack, "How are you hold-" she twisted again, taking a breath as she felt the air from the sword strike, "-ing up?"

Zen continued moving the sword, eyes narrowing as he brought it around again, "not bad…" he grunted as his sparring partner ducked under his weapon again at the last possible second, "...you're good at dodging.."

Lucy grinned as she stepped in and under a swing, moving right into Zen's space and flicking his nose before laughing and bouncing back and out, "you're not trying that hard."

Zen snorted as he darted in, sword dropping as he made a fist, "we are sparring…"

Lucy rolled her eyes and twisted, hands on the ground before her foot went up and snapped out, slamming into Zen's chin. She grinned as he stumbled backwards and righted herself, "yes, we are. No Quarter, it's tempting, but...honestly...pushing ourselves is the best thing. As long as we don't go out to kill, but knock out, it's fine."

Zen shook his head as his wings snapped out, "no Quarter, you sound like you've been at the bad end of someone's day." he shifted, righting his stance and then driving forward, fist moving to come at the small blonde's stomach.

Lucy turned, crouching and then holding her arms up, grunting as she slid back and then fell. She used the momentum to roll to her feet, "Vander's...a nasty sparring partner. He won't let you get away with shit."

Zen let out a hum as he made a feint, going further than most would and then turning to the other side. He grinned as he grabbed her and then started tickling her sides, "mm, is that so?"

Lucy let out a squeal and arched, laughing as she tried to wriggle away. Sand, however, was not good for this and she was kicking up sand around them as she laughed. After a few moments, she started smacking at his arms, still laughing but breathing hard.

"Yeild?" Zen looked amusedly down at Lucy, arching an eyebrow. The blonde scowled as much as she could, shaking her head and he redoubled his efforts, grinning at the laughter that came out of her before he saw the tap of her hand on the sand; that had him stop and he chuckled as he sat, letting her lean against him, before sitting down on the beach with her, "So?"

"Dirty tactics," Lucy said as she finally got her breath back and then smiled up at him, "Why did you do that?"

Zen shrugged a bit and gave a small smile, "no reason, just thought you could use some laughter after you had your little freak out about your hair and eyes...not the markings though.."

Lucy giggled a bit, "hey, this magical ink looks bad ass."

The Archangel's fingers slowly curled along the golden swirls, feeling the magic beneath his fingers rise to meet his own, his voice softening, "it looks perfect for you."

Lucy blushed a bit and murmured, "Crux says the ones on my arms are from after we rescued you...whatever happened...I'm sorry, I kind of blacked out...and I feel awful because...fuck if that wasn't something I'd love to do again." she grinned up at him then huffed as he kissed her forehead, "...that's a 'no' isn't it?"

"Until we figure out what is going on with our magic, yes," He murmured against her forehead, "if there's a way to stop the bond from going further…"

Lucy's lips quirked into a smirk, "...now that sounds like something to research."

"You don't take breaks, I'll start tickling you to make you stop," He looked down at Lucy for a moment then tucked her hair back, "we both know whatever happened between us made it so that Hestor doesn't make my head get glazed over, so...that's a plus...but...I'd rather you be with someone, in the end, for love, not because we accidentally mated." He grinned at how red her face got and then turned his gaze to the water, "watch the sunset."

Lucy looked up at him for a moment, smiling before she let her head rest against his shoulder, "it's beautiful." her eyes half closed as she watched the light dance across the water.

Zen looked down at her, features softening, "it is." he looked back to the water, watching the light play on it and just let himself think.

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Lucy let out a hum as she slowly relaxed in the hottub, eyes half closing as she stretched out her leg. The woman let out a soft purr as she felt hands on her shoulders digging into the muscles, "mmm, didn't hear anything...and the callouses…"

The woman peeked one eye open and looked up, smirking, "hey, Farron, what brings you out of your office, mm?"

Farron rolled his eyes as he stopped his hands, moving to gather the blonde hair slowly, "checking on you, mostly. Wondering when you're going to be deployed." his voice softened, "we're working on it...trying to get you, Van, Presca and the others…"

Lucy nodded as she sat there then sighed as she leaned her head to the side, against the man's arm and kissed the skin there, "I'd rather you work on getting Bixy back." her eyes half closed.

"They were reported dead by Fiore's council," He spoke softly, "and Bix was...on that island."

Lucy gave an inelegant snort, "Bullshit. Columbia would be summonable if that was the case. I can't summon her. It means something's up."

Farron arched an eyebrow, "Interesting, I'm going to assume that's half why you've been 'grounded', so to speak?"

Golden eyes rolled as Lucy settled back a bit more, nuzzling Farron's arm, "i'm used for recon mostly. It's not that I can't fight, but…"

"Your spirits make you better suited for recon and intelligence gathering."

Lucy splashed a bit of water, "yup. I also think the guy's a bit sexist...just can't prove it." she chuckled softly and looked up at him, "but Van's been helping me with speed and dodging before now...it's just…"

"You lack muscle and you aren't Emi," Farron chuckled softly as he played with her hair, features soft, "what's on your mind?"

Lucy shifted and then slowly drug herself out of the hot tub, water falling over her skin, "I have no clue, at all, how to go about something." she curled her arms around Farron's neck, giggling as he picked her up and carried her over to one of the lounges. She stretched out as he sat with her in his lap and closed her eyes, letting her head rest on his chest. Her fingers slowly splayed along the skin there and she murmured, "I need to find a key…"

"Alright," He arched an eyebrow, "That's not hard…"

Lucy smiled faintly and shook her head, her voice soft, "it is...it's bound somehow…" she let out a soft breath, "but I've got Grandpa Crux working on it...and...well…"

"you'll figure it out, you always manage to," Farron lightly kissed the top of her head, letting his hand curl along her back.

Lucy let out a low purr as she sat there and then grinned before she sat up a bit, "is the big bad ambassador all tense?" she tilted her head and giggled as she slid out of his lap and then started to walk backwards, bouncing a bit and winking, "I can help with that."

Farron arched an eyebrow as he watched her, "well, aren't you full of yourself?" he ached at hearing her words and he listened to her soul, finding the playful undertones, finding the sultry ones and he smirked as he stood, "but if you're asking…"

Lucy let out a squeal as Farron made a lunge and then laughed as she twisted, barely managing to get away, "maaaaaybe." She let out a squeak as he lunged again, eyes dancing with glee as she moved, ducking into his space and then tilting her head up with a purr, "what sort of dreams do you dream, Farron?" her hand curled up his chest and she watched him, "let's go explore a few of them, hmm?"

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"There are rumors that the crown princess of fiore might be up to something," Grandace looked at Lucy as she stood in front of his desk, "I need you to check on it."

The blonde watched the greasy little man and nodded, "yes, Sir. Anything specific you wish to do?"

The man stared her down, "...go play tourist, they have this odd little tournament going to start...take a few weeks...take a friend." his lips curled into a smirk, "by the time you get back, things should be sorted out with the clans."

Lucy bowed her head "of course, sir."

The man didn't speak and Lucy turned to go. Her lips drawn into a thin line. She was the best to do this. She had a reason to be in Fiore and it wouldn't be odd to see her traveling there. She debated on who to take with her, she had very few options at the moment and she hummed to herself as she walked.

As much as they disliked one another...Zen and Hestor were her best bets on who to take with her. If there was weird and strange things and it was magical, they'd probably be able to sense it. With a nod to herself, she finally got around a corner and let out a sigh of relief. It couldn't be that bad, right?

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Lucy opened her mouth at the mirrored arms crossed stances from both men, "...oh, come on…"

Hestor slowly arched an eyebrow, "you want to play tourist right now?"

Zen snorted, "For once, I agree with him."

The blonde sulked up at the two and put her hands on her hips, "now look here-!"

"There is no 'looking' and no reason to do so," Zen spoke firmly as he stared down at the woman, arching an eyebrow as if for her to refute him.

Lucy grit her teeth as she stood there and ground out, "I technically can't tell you why."

Hestor pursed his lips, "Steel Council." The man wasn't stupid and he let out a sigh, "it must be possibly dangerous if you're asking us, Farron would have been a good choice if you were just going to visit and enjoy some sort of tournament."

Lucy bit her lip and nodded and it was that moment Zen softened and spoke, "You couldn't say it was work related?"

The blonde shook her head as she tucked a bit of hair back, "technically no...if you figure it out…"

Hestor rolled his eyes, "right...alright, Angel boy, let's go pack for a trip to one of the most sexually repressed nations in Earthland."

Lucy gave Hestor a small smile and then moved to hug both of them. "You guys are the best."

Zen rolled his eyes as he returned the hug, "this reeks of trouble."

Hestor snorted as he walked towards the door, "Celestial Mages attract trouble. It's the magic itself."

Zen watched the other mage go and then looked down at Lucy, "Maybe the last generation of archangels just got sick of bailing celestial mages out of things." his lips quirked a bit as he smirked down at the blonde.

Lucy rolled her eyes and smacked his arm, letting out a hiss as she shook her head, "ow...mean….did you use magic to make your arms hard as rocks?"

"That's just training," Zen smirked, "I'm going to go pack."

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"I hate shirts," Hestor complained as he tugged at his shirt.

Zen was no less annoyed, but he was being quiet about it. He still didn't like full shirts and the fact that the train ride from the border town to Crocus had more than enough looks sent their way, he supposed the loose shirts were good for a reason.

Lucy rolled her eyes as she walked, she wasn't wearing something Boscan, but a short skirt that barely came down to mid thigh and a sleeveless shirt that barely held in her chest, much to her dismay. There hadn't been much of a choice at the shop they'd gone to. "Yes, yes, well, we're trying to blend in, they're at least soft?"

Hestor mumbled towards Zen, "I don't think we can 'blend in' as much as she thinks we can."

Zen couldn't help the humored snort that came from him, giving a faint, if helpless shrug. They knew how hard it was to change the small woman's mind, but he had to agree, if the looks they were getting meant anything.

Lucy slowed her steps as she watched the guards around the entrance to the arena and fell into step between the two men. To most, it would look like she was intimidated by the amount of guards, but she was really wary. If there were so many mages here, there wouldn't have to be a reason for them to be outside.

They slowed as they all realized that the guards were looking at them, though Lucy poked at Zen's side, watching them from the corner of her eye, "See, I told you, my homeland is amazing."

Zen snorted as he crossed his arms on his chest, "all i see is a festival so far. I don't know that you are correct yet."

Hestor chuckled a bit and shook his head, smiling slightly as he watched them, "well, we know how stubborn she is...I wonder if it's a Fiorian Trait?"

"No, that's a me trait," Lucy pouted a bit as she nudged Hestor, "so mean."

"Miss Heartfilia?"

Lucy blinked owlishly at her name and then turned to look at what had to be the man in charge. He didn't look like a captain, but she couldn't be sure, "...um…?"

The man gave the group a small smile, though it was tense, "Princess Hisui's been trying to contact you for a few years now, she'd like to have a talk, if you don't mind?"

It was a 'question', but she could tell by the way they were standing that it wasn't really one. The blonde smiled as she hooked her arms around one that belonged to both her companions, "as long as my friends can come. I promised to be a good hostess to my guildmates in my home country…" she paused, "I mean...I'm not sure how well two Boscans will do on their own here…." she chewed on her lower lip, looking almost nervous.

The man didn't seem to think much, especially after 'Boscan' was said and nodded, "of course, I'm sure the Princess will understand."

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Lucy looked at the door that they were being lead up to. She supposed that there wasn't a better place to watch the Grand Magic Games than the Royals' box. When the three of them slipped in, she realized that the door was closed behind them and she slowly looked around, letting out a whistle, "talk about watching in style."

There was a light laugh that sent shivers up the blonde's spine and she looked towards it, taking in the emerald haired woman who was probably right around her own age, "That's one way of putting it." She smiled as she came towards them and bowed her head, "A pleasure to meet you, Miss Heartfilia. I'm Princess Hisui and your mother talked a lot about you when she'd visit."

"Oh? You knew Mama?" Lucy tilted her head, watching the woman's eyes as they trailed along both Hestor's and Zen's body, it gave her a moment and when the eyes were brought back to her, she smiled brightly, sliding into a bit of a 'ditz' role as she held out her hands, "does that mean…?"

"I am a Celestial Magic User, yes," Hisui smiled as she took Lucy's hands and gently held them, "knowing your mother...I would like to think of us as Sisters, after a fashion."

Hestor kept his features impassive as the two women walked slightly away and to a couch, settling. He looked at Zen and arched an eyebrow. The Sisters were letting out delightful little cooing sounds and he knew it was because of the Princess...which meant the woman was dark. He looked towards the couch and gave a slight nod before he moved to a chair to watch the two women and relax.

"Oh, i'd love that!" Lucy chirped, glancing to the two men as they settled in, "I've met so few other celestial mages." her voice saddened, "that's why I was sent with bodyguards...well friends, but bodyguards at the same time."

"Oh?" Hisui looked at the two men, smiling softly, "It seems like you're quite well protected...are you two mages?"

Lucy nodded as she tugged on the woman's hands to get her focus back on her, "They are, both of their magics focus on augmenting their bodies in fights." she'd gotten a shiver up her spine meeting the woman and didn't want to reveal anything about the two she was with. She forced a blush to her face and leaned in, stage whispering, "and it's amazing to see them spar." she let out an airheaded giggle that the two men rolled their eyes at, but it sucked the Princess in, who blushed a bit.

"Oh...oh, my," Hisui giggled softly, a hand to her mouth, "I can only imagine how...difficult it is for you to live in Bosco…" she cast a demure look at the two men, "no offense…"

"None taken," Hestor waved a hand as he sat there, "it's not for everyone." he grinned, "Lucy's always blushing." he wasn't about to say why, but that seemed to be for the best as the blonde squeaked and put a hand to her face, drawing his name out in a whine. "We don't fault her for having different views."

Zen shook his head as he watched, staying quiet and making sure to tamp down his magic, drawing in the part that he knew kept others from lying around him. Apparently this wasn't going to be one of those very truthful meetings; he disliked it, but he felt like there wasn't something quite right with the green haired woman and just ousting what she was doing wouldn't be good, not while they were essentially 'guests'.

Hisui smiled softly back to Lucy, "your mother spoke so much about you when she was here, it made me want to get to know you…" She trailed off, "but...the grief of losing such a teacher made me blind to what happened to you…" her lips turned into a small smile, "and I'm so very sorry...I wish I would have been older, been able to get past my grief…" she squeezed Lucy's hands, "I would have begged Father to bring you to the palace, away from your father. When I heard...I was...devastated."

Lucy took a breath and smiled, letting her eyes get glassy as she thought about her mother, "I...thank you, but my god father has...done an amazing job of keeping me safe and well taught." her features were soft and she murmured, "also...I don't think I could ever imagine myself living in the palace…"

Hisui smiled warmly, "There's so much I could have shown you growing up, the observatory, there's an entire room dedicated to the moon phases." the princess looked delighted, a bit too delighted to the other three, but Lucy repressed the wariness.

The two women talked idly as the Games started, Hisui talking about possible events and Lucy took stock of each group that came out. Every time it looked like someone from Fairy Tail might do good, it seemed like the events were stacked against them. Lucy let out a few low hums from time to time, looking disappointed no matter what.

"Do you..like Fairy Tail?" Hisui said as there was an intermission. The woman carefully handed the other woman a drink and smiled as she motioned to the snacks laid out.

Lucy nodded, "mmhmm, I had planned on joining before." she gave a small smile as she sipped her drink, "but I do like White Sea, it's amazing and long standing."

"Oh, I see.." Hisui shook her head, "something happened and a group of their mages went missing...the training grounds that they were using for their S-Class trials disappeared, if the Magic Council report is correct."

Lucy's lips pursed, "I see…" she sighed softly, looking into her glass.

"That would be why we've not heard from Bix," Zen said, sipping his water. Neither man trusted the woman, but they wouldn't make any suspicious moves at the moment, just keeping an eye on lucy in case something went wrong.

"Who?" Hisui pursed her lips.

Hestor crossed his legs as he sat back, "Bickslow, Zen's brother..."

Hisui couldn't tamp down the flash of distaste in her eyes, "A Seith mage, very dangerous magic, I hear."

Lucy let out a low hum, "So who do you think has the best bet to win the games?"

Hisui blinked at the change of topic and grinned slightly, "well, I'm not sure, Father adores Fairy Tail and he's hoping they'll win, but...it's not looking good."

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"Are you sure you don't want to stay in the guest wing of the Palace?" Hisui smiled at Lucy, holding the woman's hands gently.

Lucy chuckled softly and blushed, "thank you for the offer, but we've already got our rooms set up."

"Oh? Would you like me to have someone escort you back? It wouldn't be an issue…or perhaps you could give me the hotel you're staying at and the room, I can check on you to make sure you got there safely."

The blonde woman smiled warmly, "we'll be fine, I promise, I know you said there's been issues where Celestial Magic users are coming up missing, but that's why I've got these two lugs along with me, as an 'in case'."

"Oh, Alright," hisui looked at the other woman sadly, "if you're sure."

Lucy nodded a bit and then moved to stand by Zen and Hestor, "I am, thank you though."

The three turned and walked down the hallway, Hisui watching and her eyes slowly closing until they were half lidded, "Aracados."

"Yes, Princess?" The Knight in question asked, watching the three.

"Find out where they're staying. I want tabs kept on them. Rumor has it...she's got all twelve zodiac keys...I need them," Hisui paused as she turned to walk, keeping her steps even, "have we tracked down enough different Celestial Summoners?"

"We should have enough to power the gate in two years."

"Good." The woman's lips curved up in a slightly dark smirk, "Then I have that much time to make Lucy Heartfilia my friend so that she will agree to open the gate to help us rid the world of Zeref through Heavenly Magic."

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A/N: ...it's Hisui. i'm not a fan of the character...and the Eclipse gate worked for a good...bit of tension and plot hook.