A/N: Here is another update! Another gift to you all

Disclaimer: Hiro Mashima owns Fairy Tail! I do not (I wish I did)!

Chapter Five: The Mission

After an hour into her book she brought along with her for entertainment, Lucy couldn't concentrate any longer on her book. Granted, it was an interesting book and Levy has excellent taste in books, but her thoughts were all over the place from the mission to the condition of her apartment. He turned around to face the young woman with an amused grin—That's it! Can't do it, she thought closing her book. Lucy leaned her head against the window and let out a long breath. Deciding she was more interested in the mission rather than staring at trees, she looked over at Yukino. "Yukino, you told me you will tell me the details regarding the mission earlier."

Yukino nodded her head. "That's right. While you were talking to Rufus, I was on a communication lacrima talking to Lord Hakaru, an advisor to the King and our employer. We are supposed to be meeting him tonight in Mercurius."

The Royal Palace. Mercurius was where the King of Fiore lived and it was located in Crocus, the capital city of Fiore. Talk about memories. Crocus was where the Grand Magic Games were hosted and where Fairy Tail made their comeback. Mercurius was also where Lucy and Yukino were captured and imprisoned to carry out the Eclipse Plan. This would be the second time that Lucy been to Mercurius. However, this time it was for a mission so she wouldn't spend her time sightseeing, which was a disappointment. Mercurius is a majestic city.

The fact that they were going to Mercurius for this delivery job was surprising. Lucy deduced the advisor thought the information was so important that they needed to mages to deliver it. Lucy was no stranger to delivery jobs. In fact, she often went on delivery jobs when rent was due pronto because they were quick and easy. The deliveries she delivered were often gift packages containing gifts or books that people wanted to be delivered as soon as possible. People were often worried of their packages being grabbed by bandits so they ask mages to do it. Lucy didn't mind delivering them because she got to visit towns she never even heard of and these missions were low-key. Never a threat to her mental and physical health like some of the near-death experiences she has been part of. And they do pay decently depending on the standing of the requestor.

Lucy's thoughts quickly turned to their employer. Lord Hakaru. "You said Lord Hakaru is an advisor to the King?"

"Yes, I heard of him during my time as a Temporary Squadron Sergeant of the Cherry Blossom Holy Knight from Captain Arcadios. From what I know is he is the youngest advisor to ever been appointed. He was chosen because of his intelligence and strategic skills. He is also a member of a noble family," Yukino explained. "He asked me to come tonight considering he will be returning to his family estate sometime tomorrow. He told me that there will be someone waiting for us at the train station to take us to him."

Lucy felt relief and grateful. Mercurius was extremely difficult to get into considering there are guards at the entrance to the Royal Palace. She heard from Lisanna that she had to beg the guards to be allowed into the garden to search for Wendy and Carla. Lucy figured it would be difficult to convince the guards that they came to take a job from Lord Hakaru. She felt grateful for the advisor who had thought of everything in advance. Lucy couldn't help but feel excited. If everything goes smoothly, she could be getting enough jewels to be paying for rent for six months and put the rest of the money in her savings. Money, money, money. Thank you Yukino for getting this mission. You saved me countless payless jobs with Natsu, Lucy thought.

"To be honest Yukino, I hoped Princess Hisui was at the Royal Palace because I was hoping to see her while doing this job."

Yukino laughed. "It would have been wonderful to see her again. Hopefully, she will invite us to another ball. The last one was a lot of fun."

Lucy smiled softly at the memories

"I just thought of something, Yukino."

"What was it?"

"Since I will be in the presence of practically nobility, is this why you made me wear this silver blouse with these pants?"

Yukino gave her diffident smile. "I thought you would want to protect your modesty, Lucy, considering you have a well-endowed figure. Don't you want to make a good impression considering you are representing Fairy Tail."

Lucy grunted. "Touché. I really don't like guys that I don't know or never met before stare at my boobs."

"Are you saying that you don't mind it when Gray or Natsu stare at your breasts, Princess?" asked an unexpected familiar voice right next to her. Lucy let out the most undignified squawk and jumped straight out of her seat. Heart pounding, she stared at her maiden spirit who had a mad grin on her face.

"Virgo! Could you stop popping up unexpectedly?!"

"My apologies, Princess. Punishment?"

"Uh, no thanks Virgo. That is unnecessary." She paused when a brilliant idea struck her. Natsu and Gray will be so mad she did this to them. "If Gray or Natsu pisses off Erza or disrupts my apartment…"

"Yes, Princess?"

"Punish them."

It was early evening, by the time the train slowed to a stop at the Crocus train station. Lucy and Yukino gathered their bags and walked off the train. As the two girls stood together, Lucy decided to take a quick look at her surroundings. There were only a few people waiting off to the side, but other than that the train station wasn't bustling. She swept her eyes around the area contemplating her next step of action.

"Should we wait for someone to approach us?" Yukino asked Lucy quietly.

Before Lucy could reply, a feminine voice came right behind them. "Excuse me misses, but are you the wizards responding to the mission Lord Hakaru has requested?" Startled, Lucy and Yukino turned around. Behind them stood a young woman about Lucy's age with brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a uniform similar to the one Yukino had worn during the dragon invasion.

"Yes, we are," Yukino answered. "I am Yukino Agria and this is Lucy Heartfilia." Lucy slightly bowed her head when Yukino introduced her to the woman.

The young woman slightly bowed. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Midori. Lord Hakaru sent me to bring you to him so you can avoid the trouble of having to deal with the guards. Please, follow me this way."

Lucy and Yukino looked at each other. Both girls came to a silent agreement as they followed the young woman.

"Miss Midori—"

"Oh, please do call me Midori. Lord Hakaru named you his honored guests," she said in embarrassment.

"Guests?" echoed Lucy.

"Why, of course," she giggled. Midori looked over at Lucy smiling. "Lord Hakaru has requested that you can stay in Mercurius for the night."

"That is very kind of him to do," Lucy replied. Lucy was relieved that Yukino and her didn't have to bother with lodgings. Crocus was a popular place for people all over Fiore to come and visit and Crocus was a quite populated city. She had been worrying whether Yukino and her could actually get a room at one of the inns without having to be separated. As Lucy and Yukino followed Midori, Lucy appreciated the quiet the city seemed to be enveloped in. Very peaceful, she thought. It wasn't long until Lucy saw the Royal Palace coming into view. The Royal Palace was as impressive, maybe even more impressive than the last time she saw it. She thought the palace was even more impressive at night than during the day.

Midori led them towards the two guards standing side-by-side in front of the entrance of the palace. She motioned for Lucy and Yukino to stay as she went ahead. After an exchange between the two guards and Midori, one of the guards waved for Lucy and Yukino to go on ahead. Lucy and Yukino followed Midori into Mercurius grand doors. The entrance is just as impressive as the last time I walked through these doors, Lucy thought. As the trio walked down a hallway, two identical girls, walked towards them. Lucy would've had a hard time distinguishing the two apart if not for the hair styles. Midori waved the girl with her dark hair twisted into a bun to step forward towards Lucy. "Miss Heartfilia, this is Kanae. She will be taking care of your needs tonight."

Kanae slightly bowed towards Lucy. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Heartfilia. I will take your suitcase for you." Lucy handed Kanae her suitcase quietly thanking the young girl. Lucy watched as Midori introduced the girl with braids as Miko to Yukino. Miko gave the same greeting her sister gave Lucy. Yukino thanked Miko as she handed over her suitcase to the young girl.

"Kanae and Miko, Lord Hakaru requested if you can take the bags to the rooms prepared for his guests. They will be staying for tonight and leaving tomorrow morning."

"Of course, Midori," both girls said. The two girls turned around and walked away.

Midori gestured towards Lucy and Yukino to follow her again. Lucy never felt so lost in her life as she followed Midori through winding halls that never seemed to end. It felt like forever, until Midori finally stopped at a door and knocked.

"Come in," a man's deep voice rang out. Midori opened the door and walked in followed by Lucy and Yukino. Standing in front of a bookcase facing away from the three women stood a tall, lean blonde-haired man. He turned around to face the newcomers. He had angular features but the most striking was his piercing grey eyes. I assume this must be Lord Hakaru. Yukino was not exaggerating. He looks young. And handsome, Lucy thought. He turned back around to place the book back on his shelf. He turned around and walked towards the three women. Lucy felt his eyes calmly assessing Yukino and her. She stayed still waiting for Lord Hakaru's offer for them to come in. He stopped an arm's length away from the girls.

"I assume these are the mages who offered to take the job, Midori?"

She bowed. "Yes, my lord."

Lord Hakaru smiled. "Ah, good work Midori." The young woman smiled widely at the compliment. Lord Hakaru turned towards Lucy and Yukino. Before Lucy and Yukino could bow to him, he gave them a slight bow. "I want to thank you for agreeing to come meet me in such a short timeframe. Please come in and make yourselves comfortable. Midori can prepare tea and biscuits for us to snack on as we discussed the details about the job."

He gestured for Yukino and Lucy to enter the room. They followed the tall man to a couple of couches. In the middle of the two couches was a table. At his gesture, the two girls took one of the couches while, Lord Hakaru sat on the couch across the two girls. Lucy saw Midori from the corner of her eye bustling around preparing tea and biscuits. As they waited for the tea and biscuits to be served, Lucy gazed around the room taking in details. The room had a light, intelligent, and sophisticated feel judging by the large collection of books Lord Hakaru possessed and the large mahogany desk that adorned the room. She couldn't help but appreciate his tastes in the interior of the room. She especially liked the caramel color of the walls. Lucy eyes fell on a door right behind his desk. She assumed that Lord Hakaru's bedroom was probably connected this room. Convenient and homely.

Lucy's attention turned to Midori as the young woman came back with a tray bearing three cups of tea and a plate full of biscuits in her hands. She knelt down and placed the tray on the table. As Midori gave Lord Hakaru his tea, Lucy decided to speak up. "I want to thank you for your hospitality, Lord Hakaru," she started. "We are very grateful for this gesture."

As she took the proffered tea Midori handed to her, Hakaru leaned back in his chair with the teacup in his left hand. As chocolate eyes met grey eyes, Lucy couldn't help but think his grey eyes reminded of a hawk's eyes. Calm, intelligent, and clear. After Midori was done serving the tea and biscuits and made her way to stand off to side, did he finally speak.

"Ah, but I did this because I desired to, not because I needed to or I had to." He leaned forward to take a biscuit from the pile on the plate. "I am very grateful that you accepted the job. The package I am entrusting you to deliver is quite important to me and I didn't want to take a chance delivering it through the mail and risk it being stolen or misplaced."

"We understand," Yukino spoke up as Lucy took a biscuit from the pile. "We are very happy to be doing this mission for you. Could you please tell me more about the job than we already know so we are prepared?"

"Very well. I want you to take this package and deliver it to Sir Daiki Ashida in Oniyuri Town. You won't have an issue finding his residence. The package must be given to him by tomorrow evening at six in the evening. If you leave tomorrow morning, you should arrive on time tomorrow for the delivery to be completed and for you to be paid. Although I am your employer, I will not be the one paying you. I informed Sir Ashida that if you succeed, he will pay you the expected payment. If you don't complete the job, then you won't be paid and you will leave emptyhanded." He set his cup of tea down on the table. "I take wizards' jobs very seriously. I expect jobs to be done in its entirety. Are there any more questions you have for me?"

Lucy and Yukino looked at each other. They turned back to Hakaru. Lucy shook her head. "I think you answered our questions."

Lord Hakaru smiled. "Good. In return, I have some questions I hope you will be able to answer for me."

"I will try to answer it any question you have for me," Lucy replied.

Lord Hakaru nodded his head. "Very well. I sent the mission to Sabertooth, expecting a member of Sabertooth to show up. Instead, a Fairy Tail member and a Sabertooth member both respond to the mission. I didn't request a joint mission, so is there a reason why you are with Miss Agria, Miss Heartfilia?"

Lucy had to give it to him. He knew how joint missions are requested and carried out. Joint missions are special requests. A special request is when an employer requests the help from specific mages. After the Grand Magic Games, Fairy Tail had been flooded with special requests for certain mages like Gray, Natsu, Erza, and even Laxus. Employers have even requested a joint mission. A joint mission is when two mages from different guilds team up (only by request) to complete a job. Lucy knew Sherria Blendy and Wendy have worked together on several joint missions. Apparently, the mission wasn't a special request or a requested joint mission and Lord Hakaru knew it.

"Yukino asked me to come along with her on this mission, considering I am spending my summer vacation with Sabertooth." She looked at him. "I didn't know you wanted only Sabertooth to do this job.

Lord Hakaru waved his hand dismissively. "Actually, it didn't matter to me whether you joined Miss Agria or not, Miss Heartfilia. I think it's a very good thing Sabertooth and Fairy Tail work together. I was just very curious to know your purpose Miss Heartfilia." He leaned slightly forward leaning his elbows on his knees, his chin resting gracefully in his hands. "I knew who you are when you walked in the door, Miss Heartfilia, considering I was a spectator at the Games."

Captain Arcadios and Yukino were right about the guy. He was intelligent and strategic. He obviously had a very good memory. Lucy idly wondered if he appreciated the clothes she was wearing on during the Grand Magic Games, or if he appreciated the silver blouse and pants more so. Nah, scratch that. Every male spectator had seen her in towel, courtesy of Gemini.

"Ah, I wasn't that impressive in the Grand Magic Games," she admitted quietly.

Lord Hakaru shook his head in slight amusement. "I will have to disagree with you. There is a whole lot more to be admired about you, Miss Heartfilia, other than your beauty. I thought you were impressive at the Grand Magic Games."

That confirms he was one of the many male spectators who have witnessed her in nothing but a towel. Fantastic. To cover up her awkwardness, she allowed herself to smile faintly at him. "Thank you for your kind words."

Lord Hakaru smiled. "You forget that Princess Hisui is a Celestial Mage such as yourself. I admire her loyalty to her spirits. Seeing two other Celestial mages who are loyal and kind to their spirits is something to be very much admired."

Lucy shrugged. "As a Celestial spirit, my word is my contract. If I can't keep my promises to my spirits, how are they supposed to trust me? Furthermore, how are we supposed to work together?" She gestured toward Yukino. "Yukino and I share similar beliefs which is why we became good friends." Yukino flushed in embarrassment. Shy girl, thought Lucy amusedly. What exactly am I going to do about getting Sting and you together? I guess it's a good thing I decided to bring them along with Rufus and I to the Akane Beach and Resort.

"I suppose I can give you the package for delivery," Lord Hakaru spoke up. "Midori?"

"Yes, my lord?" Midori asked.

"Please bring me the package on the desk, Midori."

"Of course, Lord Hakaru," the young woman said softly. She brought the package over to him. He handed it to Lucy. "I am assuming you ladies are very tired and are in need of a good meal, so I will have Kanae and Miko bring you dinner." He stood up and the two Celestial wizards did the same. He walked them out of the door. Outside the door, stood Kanae and Miko. "Kanae and Miko, bring my guests to their rooms dinner. After Miss Heartfilia and Miss Agria are settled in, you can retire for the night."

The two girls bowed and said in unison. "Yes, Lord Hakaru."

Lucy and Yukino turned towards Lord Hakaru and bowed. "Thank you again for your hospitality, Lord Hakaru," Lucy said. As the two girls straightened, Lord Hakaru inclined his head.

"Have a good rest of your night." Hakaru turned towards Midori. "Midori, there is nothing else I need you to do for me, so you can either help Kanae and Miko or go home for tonight."

Midori bowed her head. "Yes, my lord. Have a good night."

Hakaru nodded his head in acknowledgement. He turned and went back into his room. Kanae and Miko turned towards Lucy and Yukino and gestured for them to follow the two young girls to their rooms. Lucy stopped and turned towards Midori. "Midori, are you going home for tonight or are you coming with us?"

"Oh, I should be getting back home tonight. It is late and I should go. Have a good night Miss Heartfilia and Miss Agria. Have a good night Kanae and Miko."

"Goodnight," the two girls echoed.

"Goodnight, Midori," called Lucy to the brown-haired young woman. She turned and waved before she walked away.

Kanae turned towards Lucy. "Miko will be taking Miss Agria to her room and I will be taking you to your room."

Lucy turned towards Yukino. "Have a good night Yukino."

"You too, Lucy."

Lucy turned back around and followed Kanae as the young girl led her through the hallway. Kanae stopped at a door. She opened it and gestured Lucy to enter first. Lucy entered her room and couldn't help but awed at the spaciousness of the room. As Lucy set the package on the desk, she took in the room. She appreciated the elegant furnishings of the room. Mavis, a fireplace?! This room could have been designed for me. And that couch looks so inviting, Lucy thought tiredly. Her eyes fell on the king-sized bed begging for her to collapse on and fall asleep.

Kanae cleared her throat. "Miss Heartfilia, I will prepare your bath for you. How would you like the water?"

"Warm, please," Lucy answered.

"Would you like roses, vanilla, or strawberry as your body wash?"

Lucy was pleasantly surprised at the choices. "I will do the strawberry body wash please."

The young girl bowed. "Your bath will be ready in a minute, Miss Heartfilia."

"Lucy."

Kanae's head shot up and surprised. "Oh, but it wouldn't be right—"

"Then please call me Miss Lucy," Lucy grinned at the girl. "Miss Heartfilia makes me sound old. I prefer people calling me by my first name."

"O-okay, Miss…Lucy. I will let you know when your shower is ready."

The young girl turned around and left to go into the bathroom. Lucy heard the water turning on. Lucy looked around the room for her suitcase and found it lying neatly beside the dresser. She opened her suitcase and pulled out her pajamas. She closed her suitcase and walked towards the couch. As she sat on the couch, she leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes for a moment as weariness seeped into her body. It was a long day. Sabertooth, the long train ride, and the meeting with Lord Hakaru. Just before Lucy could fall asleep, Kanae called out to her. "Miss Lucy, your bath is ready for you."

Lucy opened her eyes albeit reluctantly. She slowly got up and walked towards the bathroom. She stopped when she stood right next to Kanae. She turned towards Kanae and smiled. "Thank you Kanae for preparing my bath. I really appreciate it."

The girl gave Lucy a shy smile and bowed. "It is my pleasure. As you take your bath, I will be preparing your dinner. I will return shortly."

Lucy nodded her head. She walked into the bathroom and closed the door. After she stripped off her clothing and stepped into the bath. She let out a soft groan in relief. She sank into the warm soapy water. She leaned her head back and rested against the side of the bath. As she slowly stretched her legs out, she contemplated the events of the day. Lucy wished she knew what the package contained. She couldn't help but wonder if there is something more to the package, but Lucy figured she was probably overthinking things. For all she knew, the package could be nothing important. Her thoughts then went to the young girl serving her. Lucy wondered how did the girl and her twin sister become servants of the Royal Palace. To take her mind off of her wandering, twisting thoughts she began humming a lullaby her mother used to sing to her when she was really young.

Lay down your head and I'll sing you a lullaby

Back to the years of loo-li, lai-lay

And I'll sing you to sleep and I'll sing you tomorrow

Bless you with love for the road that you go

May there always be angels to watch over you

To guide you each step of the way

To guard you and keep you safe from all harm

Loo-li, loo-li, lai-lay

Deciding she was done with her bath, Lucy grabbed the towel hanging next to her hand. She stood up and wrapped the towel around her body. While she was drying off, Kanae called through the door, "Miss Lucy, dinner is ready for you to eat!" Lucy pulled on her pajamas and walked out the door. She walked over to where the dinner tray was set up and sat down. Kanae smiled and walked into the bathroom. Lucy didn't realize how hungry she was until she started eating her dinner. Kanae came back out the bathroom with a laundry basket in her arms. Before Kanae could walk out of the room, Lucy didn't know what possessed her, but she held up a palm.

"I need you to do something for me before you go and take care of my laundry for me," she said.

"Yes?"

"Sit down with me and keep me company until I am done with dinner," Lucy requested. Kanae's eyes widen in surprise. Lucy patted the seat next to her. The young girl sat down next to Lucy.

"How did your sister and you came here to the Royal Palace, Kanae?"

"Princess Hisui was traveling to the countryside where my sister and I are from. It was a quite surprising encounter. We must have left an impression upon her because she offered us to come and work for her at the Royal Palace. Miko and I have lived in Crocus our whole entire lives here. We are very grateful for the Princess's kindness to take us in. She didn't have to, but she did it anyways." She smiled a distant look in her eye at distant memories from long ago. "To be honest, Miss Heartfilia, you are a lot like the Princess. Both of you have that same look in your eyes. The burning determination to help anyone in need, regardless who they are and where they came from."

Lucy smiled gently at her. I am glad I met Princess Hisui. I know she will be a great queen someday. I am glad my path converged with her, otherwise I would never have befriended such a good person who have the same desire to help people in need of help. After Lucy finished eating, Kanae took her plate and utensils and placed them on a tray. She turned to Lucy and bowed slightly. "Thank you very much for your companionship tonight Miss Heartfilia. I will come tomorrow morning to wake you up and serve you breakfast. I hope you have a restful night."

Lucy smiled at the young girl. "Have a good night as well, Kanae, and thank you for your companionship as well."

The young girl smiled and left the room. Lucy sighed and got up from her seat. She went into the bathroom to brush her teeth. After she finished in the bathroom, she climbed into bed. Laying back down against the plush pillows and slowly closed her eyes and drifted into a dreamless sleep.

A/N: Please review, favorite, or follow Strange Magic.

The song that Lucy was humming while bathing is Sleepsong by Secret Garden. It is a famous and beautiful Irish lullaby. You guys can find it on YouTube if you are interested in the song.

Stay tune for the next chapter of Strange Magic.

Be kind and have courage.

Lady Serai