Chapter Twenty-Six:

Her Farewell

Princess Wendy Marvell: Future Ruler of the Air Tribe of Dragons. Spends most of her time at the Moltens because 'Uncle' Igneel is the bomb. Once refused to wear clothes because they 'restrict the wind'. Her mother, Grandeeney, agreed with this, but smartly told her that if she walked around naked, everyone would be able to see the freckles on ass. Tells Grandeeney that she studies and works hard at the Moltens, but really, she follows Igneel around as he boasts about his impressive hoard and assists him in terrorizing Happy, Natsu's cat.

"Jackal, what are you doing?" I watched his twitching ears with a confused, if slightly amused look as he glanced around in front of me, once again stopping our path to Zeref's study.

He turned his head to pin his eyes on me. "Kyoka is angry about whatever happened between you and Lord Zeref. And when I woke up, a servant informed me that Mard Geer had already revived himself."

I laughed a little. "So, is this the part where you are supposed to tell me to stop making enemies?"

He didn't laugh, instead, his look turned thoughtful, "Powerful people make enemies, so that's asking the impossible of you." I screwed my nose up at the idea of being 'powerful - and making enemies in the first place - but it was rapidly becoming clear that it was a reality I had to face now.

"Of course, only insane people make enemies of demons. So, that's something you could work on," he added, which made me laugh. I shook my head at him.

"You're silly. If you don't think that every person on my little team, myself included, isn't insane, then you haven't been paying attention."

He grinned slightly. "Yeah. But, it's the good type of insane."

Lucy, march your cute ass back here right now.

I rolled my eyes at Natsu's demanding tone, foolishly replying to him out loud, "How about you keep that cute ass right where it is? And stop talking to me."

Jackal halted and gave me a bewildered and somewhat speculative look, and I huffed, crossing my arms a little stubbornly as I relayed the message through my thoughts instead.

"I've got an angry dragon in my head. Please carry on with your excellent guard duty." I gave him my best smile and he snorted, but turned back, leading the way once again.

You see, this is why I can't trust women. You make a decision, without my input, then you sic Erza on me.

I smiled a little. Did you have a nice sleep?

No. Because halfway through it, I felt Erza and Ultear tying one hand to the bed.

Kinky.

He wasn't impressed with my words.

And, to top it off, Ultear is reciting the entire Elven dictionary. How does she even remember it all?

Ultear is an unstoppable force, I agreed before softening the voice in my head. Trust me with this. I can handle whatever Zeref throws at me.

I would have agreed if Erza had not informed me that he's been watching you, Natsu's voice also softened, and I was amazed how his grumble sounded in my head, still as cute and petulant as always, Like some sort of taloned pervert.

Zeref doesn't have talons. I turned the corner, following Jackal's moves precisely, as he kept a close watch, heading towards a part of the castle I hadn't even noticed existed.

How do you know that? Why did you even notice that?

He's supposed to be the demon King or whatever, but he doesn't really look like a demon, I ignored his accusing tone, favouring a more intellectual stand point, I wonder if he has an original form like we do.

Don't lump me in with that ass.

Sorry, dear, just amusing myself.

I felt the amusement shine through the bond from him at my words, and couldn't help but smile, glad he wasn't as angry as he was trying to make himself out to be.

I'm a little nervous. I want to know what sort of things demons eat for afternoon tea.

I've only been invited once, and things got a little heated, so I didn't stick around for the chow, Natsu admitted, before he sighed, Just be careful. If you get a bad feeling, leave.

I will. I promise. Try and get some sleep.

Impossible, Ultear's giving me an academic lesson and Erza's holding a sword to my neck to intimidate me into not falling asleep.

When has that ever stopped you before? I let out a small laugh at the image he had conjured, deciding that I'd let Ultear and Erza have their fun.

An odd sense of pride ricocheted through me, which caused me to roll my eyes at the fact he was happy I knew that. The minute anyone met Natsu, they'd notice that he would do anything for a reaction. Even fall asleep with a sword to his neck.

I think we are here, I informed him, as Jackal knocked on the black double doors twice, not seeing me jump when they swung open and light poured into my eyes. I blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the brightness spilling from the room.

Be good. And Lucy?

Yeah? I rubbed at my eyes, as he stated firmly from inside my mind, the command echoing around my head.

Break a teacup for me.

Despite the confusion his last words conjured, I followed Jackal in hesitantly, blinking in surprise at the massive change in décor. Gold and white tapestry, hung from the walls. The floor was covered in a blue, furry rug, and the furniture, breaking the castle's musty dark palette, was a warm brown. In the corner of the room, there was a large cabinet, which held… teacups.

Why are there teacups? I asked myself, taking in the peculiar glowing room and it's style before my eyes found Zeref, who sat a few metres away from me, at a beautiful, round, antique table. A white laced table-cloth was carefully placed over it, as well as an ornate, golden teapot, and two identical teacups.

He smiled, looking very dark in the stark light of the room, "Princess Heartfilia, I'm glad you accepted my invitation."

"Do you collect teacups?" I blurted, my hand pointing to the cabinet, as he glanced at them slowly, a look of pride in his eyes.

"They are all antiques. Crafted perfectly. I enjoy beautiful things."

I walked over to them, unable to stop my curiosity, and peered through the glass to look at them closely. There had to be hundreds crammed into the cabinet, piled on top of each other, turned upside down, delicately hanging on ornate hooks.

I opened the cabinet, stopping when Zeref cleared his throat, "Please be careful."

Did he care about these teacups?

I picked up one cautiously, observing it before a stunned laugh left my mouth, "These have been cleaned, and polished. Oh my god. You collect teacups."

"It's a hobby," Zeref stated defensively, and in that tone, I heard a bit of Natsu. It made me laugh again, placing the teacup back in the cabinet, closing the doors with a firm thud.

When I turned back to him, I smiled a little. "It's hard to think of you as the bad guy, when you collect teacups."

"Rest assured, I am the bad guy. Despite my… accumulation of…" His words drifted and he winced, as if he himself couldn't say the words and admit it.

Luckily, I was there to help him along.

"Teacups. You collect teacups."

"Yes, that."

I shook my head, still a little stunned before walking over to his table, giving Jackal a thankful look as he pulled out the chair opposite. Once I sat down, Zeref glanced at Jackal once before stating, "I will have to gain your promise, that whatever we discuss, remains in this room."

"I can't even talk to Natsu about it?" I didn't like the sound of that.

His eyebrows rose, as if he hadn't expected me to question it, before he smiled slightly. "I suppose that is asking a bit much. I am aware of your… connection with my cousin." He lifted the pot and poured green, translucent liquid into my teacup, then his.

"If you feel the need to relay anything to Natsu, then by all means, do so. But it cannot pass him."

"What, are you going to give me the secrets to your kingdom, or something?" I asked, partly joking, but partly probing as he lifted the cup to his lips, hiding one of the first genuine smiles I had ever seen on him.

He placed it back down on the matching saucer, before stating, "Or something. The matter of this meeting, whatever topics we explore, should be dealt with using extreme delicacy."

I thought about it, before nodding, "Alright. Then you have my promise to keep the things we discuss here private. But, it goes both ways." I waited a few seconds, summoning up courage, "Everything I say or share with you, stays with only you."

"You have my word."

An important thought occurred to me, "May I have a clause in this agreement?"

Zeref gestured for me to go-on, and I stated, "Any information that you give me when it is central to Banshee lore, I will be able to tell my whole team."

"That is fine, you can use your own personal discretion to figure out what involve Banshee, and what does not."

I didn't exactly trust his word, but with nothing more I could say, I just nodded slowly, lifting the teacup to my lips.

I paused, pulling the warm porcelain away to ask, "This isn't poisoned or anything?"

"No, Princess Heartfilia. It is not. I swear it." Zeref replied, clearly amused and I took a hesitant, very small sip. The liquid soothed and burned my throat all at once. I found it to be bitter, yet sweet at the same time. It was actually quite nice.

"This is great." I admitted reluctantly, and he tilted his head, smiling.

"I'm glad you find it to your liking."

We sat there in silence for a few long, awkward seconds before Zeref clapped his hands, summoning two short women who pushed in a silver tray full of fluffy desserts and savouries. My mouth watered at how normal they all looked, but I waited until he chose his, before grabbing the exact same ones.

Zeref's lips twitched in amusement, apparently stifling back a laugh and I frowned over at him, "Is there something funny?"

"No, Princess Heartfilia. You just remind me of Natsu. He didn't trust me when I invited him to afternoon tea either."

"He told me that he didn't stick around long enough for the food."

Zeref chuckled under his breath, "No. Instead, he insulted our family, burnt my curtains and broke a teacup. However, I can assure you, there is nothing I take more seriously than afternoon tea."

"Really?" I asked curiously, using a tiny fork to slice into the fluffy vanilla slice in front of me, watching as he lifted a chocolate truffle to his mouth, nodding by way of an answer to my query. Once he finished, he cleared his throat and spoke, his tone oddly fond.

"Yes. I have always enjoyed the simplicity of afternoon tea. Mavis, of course, designed this-" He stopped himself, his eyebrows furrowing and I smiled knowingly, glancing around at the theme of the room pointedly.

"Apologies, I misspoke. Mard-"

"Lord Zeref, if I may be blunt? It is quite obvious that a woman styled this room."

His features remained blank, but I saw the anxiety, the tension in his eyes, as well as a threat, for me to remain quiet, to say no more. When I glanced at Jackal, he was staring at the far wall, seemingly zoned out, but I knew what a touchy topic was when I saw it.

And luckily for them, I happened to be the most delicate person I knew.

"Mavis, you said, right?" I could feel Jackal's eyes snap down to me, as if he wanted to silence me with just his stare as Zeref raised an eyebrow, lifting his teacup, his eyes glaring into mine. Intimidation rolled off of him and down my spine. but I pressed on, in my usual fashion.

"Mavis… Mavis… Why does that name sound so familiar?" I mused to myself, wiping my bottom lip with the soft napkin that I had only just noticed. What horrible table manners, I thought idly to myself before the reason I knew that name came to me.

"Mavis Vermillion," I gasped, closing my eyes to breath in the shock. "Mavis Vermillion, one of the only royal immortals still living, designed a room in your castle? And probably had multiple afternoon teas with you?"

"Princess Heartfilia, if we could change the topic of conversation," Zeref stated through clenched teeth, but I continued unperturbed, grasping at the theories my mind was creating.

My eyes snapped open, and I laughed, delighted and shocked all at once, which ripped away any sort of verbal filter I may have had. "You have a thing for Mavis Vermillion? As in one of the founding royal families? As in the woman who created the strongest empire from nothing when she was only fifteen?"

"I am the demon King, I do not possess the feelings to have a 'thing'-"

I cut him off with more laughter, my tears of joy stinging my eyes. "Isn't she over three hundred years old?"

Zeref stared at me for a long moment before muttering, " And I am just over four hundred years old, it's not a very large age gap."

I burst into wild cackles, leaning forward to place my head in my hands, "Oh my god. I am speechless! Does she know you like her?"

He sighed, "I believe she is aware."

"Does she come here often?"

I watched as he glanced at Jackal before nodding silently, his eyebrows furrowing further as I asked the next question, "How often?"

Another pained sigh, as if admitting it made it a weakness, "Every two weeks."

I struggled to keep my knowing, gleeful smile contained, watching as Zeref finished the rest of his tea in one nervous gulp.

"Do not tell Natsu. He might not like the royals from the Wilderness, but I'm fairly certain he wouldn't be able to resist telling their king about my… about Mavis."

"Your secret is safe with me. It's just so cute."

He visibly winced, and for a split second, I saw what was left of Zeref's humanity. And it was a hopeful, beautiful thing.

After a few more cups of tea, and about a dozen tiny iced petit fours, the tepid, if polite, conversation grew into something that made Jackal fidget beside me.

"Tell me the truth, do you have any books about Banshee lore?"

Zeref sighed, "No. Because two months before your episode with your Kingdom, the castle was broken into and the books were destroyed."

That sounded too suspicious to even contemplate.

It seemed my face told Zeref that, because he placed his lemon slice down, a serious, brooding look on his youthful features.

"I know what it sounds like. But I have evidence."

"This place is supposed to be an impenetrable fortress. How could somebody get in, destroy books and get out without you finding them?"

His eyes darkened, "They had an inside source. Someone who knows the castle, led them through the evacuation exit, and aided them without growing too close to the actual crime. So when I did a full investigation into the matter, it seemed as if they were nothing but phantoms."

I frowned, "So you never found out who the traitor was?"

"I know exactly who the traitor is. It wasn't difficult to figure it out. However, the minute I captured them for interrogation, it was obvious that they had fallen into some sort of spell that removed all will and knowledge of the crime."

"So you aren't able to find out who broke in, or why?"

"The who remains unclear. But my spies have been pursuing a lead. However, the minute I heard about your… incident, that's when I knew that this somebody had a reason. They didn't want to get your hands on anything to do with your species."

"So why didn't they destroy Leora Heartfilia's diaries?"

"I suspect they couldn't find them. They were placed in a different part of my library and I imagine that the time they had to infiltrate, carry their mission and get out, was a very small window. After the crime, I collected the diaries and put them in my own private collection."

"Which is where they stayed until I came here." I surmised, before asking, "I don't suppose you know why your kingdom didn't have the books destroyed when the rest of Fiora did?"

"Actually I do. Banshees are part of demon lore, and we are under sanctioned oath to keep all lore about our kind well protected."

"Part of demon lore? So, Banshees are demons?"

Zeref shook his head slowly, "Not the demons you know today. When civilisation and the kingdoms of Fiora were born, any creature that thrived on darkness, which was associated with death, was considered part of demon culture."

"But Banshees are considered neutral."

"Now, but then, they weren't. Matters were judged from what the power of a creature was destined to do. You are destined to carry souls from this plane to the beyond, so our primitive ancestors placed you with the creatures that used darkness. Witches were categorized with other humanoid creatures. Were-animals were associated with other were-animals. And so on." I was impressed and surprised by his knowledge, which I had to admit, made sense in some twisted, stereotypical way.

"How do you know so much about this?"

"Demon politics and culture are what I needed to learn to take over the throne."

"So you'd know why Leora Heartfilia had it in her mind to come here before anything else? Would you know what she did here?"

"After the fourth century, when more experiments and tests were being conducted to categorize creatures of Fiora, a Banshee obliterated a large part of the south. Destroyed mountains, killed thousands of people. Her name was not recorded, but two weeks later, she arrived here, seeking protection. And since she was still under the right of protection, my predecessor allowed amnesty. It is very likely that once Leora Heartfilia found out she was a Banshee, she traveled here for the same reason."

"She wasn't being hunted, though, to my knowledge…"

"But Banshees were not welcome in any other kingdom. If she was seeking refuge and a place to stay whilst she learned how to control herself, the Vapids would have been her first and only option. It wasn't until the first war, that scholars tested Banshees further and decided they were instead, 'neutral beings'." He commented, refilling his fourth cup of tea.

"Because Banshee's are part of the system of life and death."

"Precisely."

I finished my tea, nodding when he offered to refill it silently, what I had learned twirling around in my head, adding to what I already knew about my kind. Although it wasn't the sort of information I was seeking, any knowledge helped me. And to know that, in my ancestor's time, the Vapids were considered a safe haven to Banshees? It now made sense why Leora had been desperate to travel here.

"I don't suppose you know anything else that might be useful to me about Banshees?" I watched as he picked up another chocolate truffle, rolling it between his fingers with a thoughtful frown. It reminded me of Natsu so much that I had to look away.

It was hard to remember the pain Zeref had caused when he looked so much like someone I cherished and cared for.

"If I remember correctly from my perusal of the books that were destroyed, Banshees were somehow linked with animals."

I jolted, my eyes flying from the table to his, "Do you know how?"

He closed his eyes as if he prying through his mind, trying to remember how. I struggled to keep my heart rate down. That was one of the seriously confusing aspects of being a Banshee, that I was able to adapt to lioness traits when I formed my power to look like one. If he knew anything, especially since Leora had called herself a lion and another Banshee a mouse, it would help with the search.

"The book called it the 6 Spirit Animals. I apologise but that is all I can remember."

"It's better than nothing."

The six spirit animals…

Why had I never heard about them before?

Zeref allowed me to brew that over in my head, before stating, "I must ask you something, Princess Heartfilia."

I shook away from my thoughts, nodding as I took another sip of the warm tea, watching as he leant forward with a calculated look, "Does Natsu speak to you through your thoughts?"

I blinked, not expecting it, and wondering if Natsu would want me to answer it. On the threat metre I had going on in my head when it came to Zeref, it wasn't registering very high so I hesitantly answered, "Our link allows… some communication. It wasn't until recently that I was able to connect with him without touching."

"I had heard a rumour that you were unable to speak during the first week of your transition," He lifted a pastry from the cart of goodness, eyes sparkling with that thrill of knowledge and power. Something inside me curled up nervously, but I remained silent, wanting him to finish.

"And that Natsu, accessed your thoughts in way of assisting you. That was before any sort of link or..." He stopped to give me a meaningful if slightly disturbing look, "Companionship was made. Correct?"

I managed to stop my wince but inwardly asked myself how he could have found this out. I had avoided using the word 'companionship' in hopes that he wouldn't see me as a target to get to Natsu - which he probably already did - but hearing that his spies got such intimidate details was frightening.

Thinking of the only equivocal response that wouldn't agree or deny too much, I shrugged, my hands tensing slightly around the cup when he laughed softly.

"Why does this interest you?"

"Because the ability to read thoughts and communicate through them, is a demon skill. One that many demons are unable to learn. Natsu, when he visited previously, showed no interest and vehemently denied using any sort of demon-traits. That was, until you came along. Now he has mastered one of the oldest, and most difficult abilities in our culture..." He let his words trail off but I could see the threat in his eyes, that fierce power inside me rose to the challenge.

So the ability to enter my mind and talk to me through my thoughts was demon all along…

I remembered Natsu saying that he didn't bother with it, before attempting with me.

"What is between you and Natsu, is none of my business." I replied diplomatically, placing my teacup down, my hands slightly sweaty from how I had been clutching it.

When Zeref opened his mouth to respond, I looked up, and he stopped, tilting his head at me.

I had to assume that my power had triggered the change in my eyes, and that's what he was looking at, but I pushed forward. "However, I regret to inform you that if you harm one hair on his rose-coloured head, the consequences will be painful."

Zeref smiled. "Such protectiveness. Tell me, has Natsu offered his hand to you, yet? Has he spoken of his kingdom and how you could become his queen? Whilst other kingdoms would scoff at that sort of naivety, the Moltens seem to react to such… attitudes fairly well. King Dragneel would do everything and anything to make his son happy, even harbour a wanted fugitive."

Hearing Zeref talk about things that had warmed me, and kept me strong - people who I cared for and had looked after me in my time of need - trivially made anger burn inside me, providing me with fuel as I stared back at him, my mouth shut tightly.

He ignored my glare, continuing to stupidly speak, "Of course, you cannot fault King Dragneel. He has always been a glutton for punishment. I am not surprised at all that he ignores the dangers of helping you. After all, what is one princess against an entire kingdom."

I could feel myself getting angrier, hotter, so I shoved that power back, imagining those steel gates, bundling up that white ethereal power. I was so focused on the storm that was brewing inside of me, that I didn't stop Zeref's next words, although I doubted I could have.

"Perhaps that is his plan. To have Natsu court and marry an extinct, extremely powerful creature. It would certainly cause the other Kingdoms to look, and talk, but not touch. Perhaps Natsu knows of this plan and is only humouring your feelings to further power his future kingdom. As reasons go for marriage, it is not a horrible one…"

His magic was loitering around inside me, making me grow cold, making me upset, helping me believe what he was saying about Natsu. The warmth that Natsu gave me had run out and I was defending my mind with everything I had. I took a deep, slow breath in, my hands shaking slightly as I fought tears, trying not to imagine that was he was saying was true, that Natsu was just… humouring me.

I knew deep down it wasn't, but I had stupidly looked at Zeref too much and now he was pushing around inside me, causing a flurry of reactions that I definitely didn't want.

I struggled to ignore his presence. Once I had that down, I looked up and smiled, though it was a tremulous effort.

"You've forgotten where I come from, Lord Zeref. I am a princess from the Star Lands. I am not a stranger to marriages for reasons other than love. Growth of power, wealth, protection are all perfectly normal, valid reasons to form a marriage." A tear slipped down my cheek, and I hurriedly brushed it away, gritting out the words that I never wanted to believe were true, "The Moltens have aided and helped me for this long. I am indebted to them… If King Dragneel wants to create a union with me and Natsu, then I will graciously accept that offer."

The power stuck in me for a few seconds before vanishing completely, which made my shoulders slump forward. I wanted to cry in frustration, I had let my guard down and he had messed with my head. If Natsu were here, he would be so disappointed.

Zeref clapped his hands twice, and I looked up, watching as the silver cart was removed, and another servant rushed forward with a scroll, handing it to him.

I blinked away my tears, strengthening my resolve to get through this meeting, and tried to remember that Zeref wasn't the good guy. He told me himself he was the bad guy… so why didn't I listen?

A mock of Zeref's voice echoed through my mind in answer: naivety.

"This is a treaty that I had drawn up after the incident with Mard Geer," he stated, unrolling the parchment slowly before clearing his throat.

"I, Lord Zeref, Demon King, Ruler of the Vapids, extend my hospitality, aid, and support to Princess Heartfilia, Princess of the Star Lands. With this contract, I bind my oath, and the oath of my people in my land, in assisting Princess Heartfilia in her future endeavours. In sound mind, I agree that if this contract is not upheld, I will forfeit my right and my rule of this land will become unlawful." He slowly placed it down, ignoring the servant who returned with a quill and a bottle of ink.

"It goes into some detail, but it's a rather open-ended contract. I will send a copy of the treaty to King Igneel for his records, and this one will be your own."

"You are supporting me? I thought demons didn't get involved in these matters." I couldn't believe it. Considering he just made me cry, I was expecting him to be callous until the end. Now he had dropped this on me like it was nothing. However, on the contrary, if I signed this and Father tried to get me, Lord Zeref, along with the Moltens and the Fae Lands, would have the right to rescue, aid and fight with me against whomever I thought to be my enemy.

"We don't." A small smile appeared on Zeref's lips and he said nothing else. I wondered if he had been hasty in his decision, but I got the feeling that Zeref didn't do much without due thought.

So, what exactly had led Zeref to believe creating a treaty with me over my Father was the best course of action?

I followed Jackal numbly, a jumbled mess of emotions and thoughts in my head. He held the contract, and remained silent, as if he knew I didn't want to speak.

I had to admit, Zeref knew how to play with someone.

Anger, regret and embarrassment flew through me. I felt like I had lost my dignity, and allowed myself to be open with someone that Natsu had warned me about. It showed how young, and naive, I really was.

That word, naive, was now a poisonous reminder that I hadn't changed enough.

"Princess Heartfilia." I pulled myself out of my thoughts, as Jackal stopped, turning to me, "We are right outside your chambers."

I frowned at him, wondering why he was stating the obvious before realizing. He was giving me a chance to gather myself, and it made my eyes burn with tears, gratitude rippling through me. I reached out and snatched his hand, squeezing the slightly furred, rough appendage.

He startled, a noise coming from the back of his throat, but I just closed my eyes, and nodded, taking a few deep breaths to steady my heart and quiet my thoughts. It wouldn't help team morale if I couldn't handle a few dark moments with Zeref.

He remained still, his hand warm before I squeezed it gently and let go.

"Thanks Jackal."

He inclined his head slightly, his eyes soft, before turning away and pushing the doors open. I followed him in and Jellal looked up from the journal he was reading, smiling calmly, "You have returned. Later than I expected."

"The desserts were to die for," I joked lightly, my voice a little hollow, but a decent effort that made Jellal chuckle. I glanced at Jackal, or more importantly the document he was holding using my 'discretion' that if it was information on Banshee's or the treaty, that I would still inform everyone of it.

I would just stay away from anything Zeref-centred.

"Jackal," I stated after a minute of silence. "Could you give the treaty to Jellal, I think I'll feel better if he reads through it."

"Treaty?" Jellal stood, walking over to us. Jackal handed him the scroll as I nodded.

"Zeref is officially for Team Goth-Lucy, apparently."

Jellal raised his eyebrow, a suspicious look scrunching his features for a moment, "Is that so? Demons don't normally get involved in matters outside of their land." When I nodded in agreement, because even I knew that, Jellal opened the scroll and squinted at it.

"I'll read it and let you know if we are involved in some sort of sacrificial oath."

I laughed, it sounded closer to my own, "Thanks. Where are Erza and Ultear?"

"Natsu, I'd like you to repeat after me…" Ultear's voice came from our bedroom, and I turned, listening to her recite a familiar poem... in Elven code.

"She's up to letter W and seems to have gone off on a poetic journey," Jellal informed me absentmindedly as he perused the contract. I smiled a little, turning to Jackal.

"Will we see you again before we go?"

"I'll make sure of it," Jackal replied before bowing, swiftly leaving the room. Jellal returned to his seat, placing the journal inside and I walked over to my bedroom, hesitating at the door. I placed my hand on the door and slowly pushed it open, my eyes taking in the spectacle before me.

Natsu had one hand tied to the bed, and the other was underneath Erza's foot, the tip of two swords pressed into his neck, Erza standing above him. Ultear was lounging on the plush chair, her feet kicked up, her hands flailing about as she recited another Elven poem.

Erza glanced back, smiling as I entered. "Lucy, you are back."

"When did it become two swords?"

"When Natsu attempted to throw the lamp at Ultear," she informed me justly. I nodded blankly, acknowledging Ultear's smug grin before my eyes drifted to Natsu's, his neck craning up, pressing against the swords to see me.

He was wearing a smile, but it dropped the minute he laid eyes on me.

I stared back numbly, forgetting that he could sense my emotional state.

"What happened? What did he do?" Natsu asked, his voice low, filled with anger. The sound of it made tears fill my eyes and my body moved without my command, dodging Erza's legs to crawl onto the bed, cuddling up to his side.

I closed my eyes tight, running my fingers over his bare chest, my arm touching the cool steel of Erza's sword for a moment.

"Lucy, talk to me. What happened?"

I shook my head, remaining quiet, savouring his feel, and his smell, reminding myself that he wasn't just humouring me, and that Zeref, was dead wrong.

The bed shifted, and a few seconds later, the light thud of a shutting door made me aware that Ultear and Erza had left.

Natsu moved from underneath me, and I opened one eye, watching as he reached to the bound hand, quickly untying himself with his dexterous fingers. Whilst he was doing that, I lifted the blanket from underneath me and snuggled into his side, tucking my face against his warm side, taking a deep breath in.

His scent of smoke, charcoal, and spice washed over me, soothing my hurt. Thawing my cold.

Once he was free, he reached over and tucked me closer, "Talk to me. Tell me what happened."

I sighed, "I just let him get to me. I forgot what he put me through, and your warning, and let him worm his way into my head. I feel so stupid."

"That's not all of it."

"That's what I know is true. He made some comments about your feelings and if they were genuine, but I'm not stupid," I replied, a little stubbornly. "I know you care about me. And I know I care about you. So why would I bother with ideas that say anything else?"

He was quiet for a few long moments, before his arms tightened around me, "Okay. Was it a pointless meeting? Did he at least give you some information?"

"He did," I admitted softly. "I found out that Banshees are part of demon lore. And the Vapids were considered safe haven to newly awakened Banshees in Leora's time. He also remembered something about Banshees being connected to the 6 Spirit animals. But I've never heard of them before."

"The 6 Spirit Animals are entities that supposedly guard the gateway to the other-side." Natsu informed me and I jolted, lifting myself up to gaze at him shocked.

He smiled at me amused as I asked, "How did you know that?"

"There are stories about them in the Moltens. Caves covered with drawings."

"What animals are they?"

"Mouse, Sea-snake, Bear, Fox, Owl and Lion. Six animals to guard the six gateways."

I sat up even further, pinching at his side, "Lion? Lion? Natsu, I'm a creature that literally ferries souls into the other-side. You didn't think to mention that there is related mythology regarding an animal I can steal attributes from?"

He sat up on his elbows, still smiling. "You look cute when you're all worked up."

I pinched his side again, trying to be annoyed, but my words coming out fond. "You're an idiot. Come on, let's go tell everyone about these finds."

"Do we have to? Two of them held me captive in here for over two hours, and the other came in and asked if I wanted tea once before not coming back."

"Put a shirt on while you are at it." I replied, intentionally ignoring his words as I crawled off the bed, my dark-mood vanishing. "You'll distract me if you are half-naked."

Ultear cooed at her horse, as Erza and Jellal talked at the gate. Natsu was strapping the bag that held the books onto our horse and I was looking out at the vast emptiness that was the Vapids, the dark storm brewing just beyond the stable doors.

"How are we going to get out of the North? Surely they'll know we have to come through." I asked Natsu and he shrugged.

"Oh, we're just planning on some good luck to get us through undetected."

I frowned at this plan, before sensing he was joking, as Ultear walked over to us, wrapping an arm around my shoulder and leading me away a little, "Actually, the best plan of action is to strip your cute-self down and let you be bait."

"I'd freeze to death," I pointed out, imagining walking across cold snow and through the storm bared to the world.

"Natsu, your girl is more worried about her extremities than a bunch of Northern guards ogling her."

I had to giggle at the way Natsu's head popped up, halting his work on securing the gear, as he turned to us. Ultear smiled smugly at him as he walked over, dark eyes narrowed in on us. He opened his mouth to speak when a pleasant, cool voice stopped him.

"Now, I wouldn't be a very good host if I didn't see you off, and offer you a way around the relentless North."

We all turned to find Zeref, Jackal and… Mard Geer, standing a few metres away. Zeref was wrapped up in his usual dark robes, a small, ingenuous smile on his handsome face. I inwardly bristled, still suffering hurt dignity from our 'tea party' only a few hours prior.

Ultear cleared her throat as Natsu moved over to me, brushing his fingers over my hand in a calming way. Zeref caught the movement and his head tilted, as if a voice in his head was speaking, telling him something about us.

"That's very kind of you, but we'll take our chances," Erza replied politely.

Zeref waved his hands, "Nonsense! If you get captured, then this expedition will be for naught. I am happy to allow you to use my tunnels as a way to avoid such… unpleasantness."

"Tunnels?" Ultear asked, searching for more information as Zeref waved behind him as a way of directing us. I glanced at Erza who hesitantly stepped forward. I wrapped my hand in Natsu's before following with him silently. Zeref pressed his hands against the side of his castle, and we watched the magic happen.

It was like observing acid eat away at the stone, and I feared for the castle, losing a part of its supporting structure. But nothing threatened to crumble, break or tear so I remained silent, keeping a close eye on Mard Geer, who had his features schooled into a blank look.

Erza leant slightly to peer down the dimly lit tunnel, now viewable from the outside as Jellal asked, "How long has this been here?"

"If I used the North to transport and receive goods, it would be a mess of legal obligations and shipments gone missing. So I had these built for that purpose."

"What sort of things are you shipping in that you don't want the North to know about?" Erza questioned, turning around to pin an inquisitive stare on Zeref who smiled, not at all bothered by the question.

"All beings have their right to privacy," he replied, somehow answering the question, but also not at the same time.

Erza accepted this, eager to leave as soon as possible. "We'd be grateful if you would allow us the use of these tunnels for our travels."

"Of course, I will aid Princess Heartfilia and her party in anyway I can." He turned to me, extending a hand towards my body and I managed to keep from flinching, staring back at him blankly.

"It has been an honour and eye-opening privilege to meet you, Princess Heartfilia. I hope this visit marks the first of many."

I really didn't want to touch him, but my royal-bred manners won out and with the hand not attached to Natsu, I took the hand offered, allowing him to squeeze it lightly. It rested there for a second before he lifted it towards his mouth.

I smiled when I heard the low growl of threat, and his movements stopped. I pulled my hand back, allowing Natsu to tug me closer to him.

"Natsu," Zeref began, his tone fond and dangerous all at the same time.

"Zeref."

They stared at one another for a few long seconds before Zeref sighed, "There was a break-in an hour ago."

I felt my eyebrows furrow, wondering if Zeref was asking for Natsu's help to investigate a crime. However, Zeref's next words made me believe it was more of an annoyed, statement.

"The culprit infiltrated my tea room and broke countless… artefacts."

"You should have better security," Natsu replied, and I caught up on the silent conversation, stifling my laughter when I realised 'artefacts' were in fact, teacups.

They stared at each other for a long moment more, then Zeref turned away, effectively dismissing us. "The entrance will close as soon as all parties have passed. Safe travels."

Then he walked away, Mard Geer trailing after us. Jackal hesitated then stepped forward, pulling me into his arms. Furred arms, and warm muscles tensed against me. I went stock still, surprised, and I could feel Natsu's surprise grow into jealousy.

However, before I could warn Jackal of impending draconic doom, he whispered, "The tunnels change. They shift. Stick close together or you'll get separated."

Realization flooded me, because Jackal had only hugged me to let me know something that Zeref knowingly kept quiet. He had only wanted to help. I wrapped my arms around him gently, and gave him a squeeze to let him know I understood.

Then we separated and he bowed, "Safe travels to you all." Then he left, catching up to his master. And a part of me was sad to see him go, but hopeful that I would see him again.

Even if I had to venture back to the Vapids myself someday to do so.

And the quest continues!

*music intensifies*

I find it really fitting that we are finally getting to the CORE of this story, and the new trailer for Game of Thrones comes out. I mean, I like to think of Fiora as a nicer, friendlier atmosphere than Westeros and the surrounding lands but who doesn't love a kick ass Daenerys and Jon Snow!

I'm going to give you all a fairy warning - I have been really trying to give you as much wholesome content and information as I can because from here on out, it only gets wild. So brace yourselves, kay? And put down the pitchforks please, violence is abhorred.

Moving on~

Question Time:

Who is worse: Jude Heartfilia or Zeref Dragneel? Jude Heartfilia. I like to think that you all sort of understand that Zeref is a necessary evil. Whilst he isn't the best person, Natsu himself has said that the Vapids needed him to restore order. He's bad but he's also good and smart, and Jude is just a fucking dick.

Someone said that a Banshee was an 'angel of darkness', sooooo will Lucy grow wings at some point? I WISH. The image of Lucy having wings, is something that I really deliberated over when I was creating my Banshee, and after some thought, I just thought it was a touch much. Sorry!

Why did you choose the Nine demon gates to protect/serve Zeref instead of the 12 Sprigans? Well firstly, I don't like the Spriggan 12. And secondly, Eileen is part of that team, so I would have been flaunting 11 Spriggan, not 12 since Eileen is a Queen of another nation. It was all in the deductive reasoning, my friend.

Is Jackal going to join the gang on their quest? Nope, but we will be seeing him very soon.

I wonder if there is any exciting things happening during the tea? Answered ~

Where is Happy though? As stated in previous chapters, and questions, Happy journey with them to Fary Vella but Erza said it would be smart to send him back home since the quest they were going on was considered dangerous for a kitty.

Are we going to see what Leora meant by the 'mouse' and/or are we going to be able to find out more about the nymph like traits and why she had them just like Lucy does in the next chapter?! You get a partial answer for the mouse - and look-out for answers of the nymph traits in the next chapter!

Will Lucy feel better about Zeref over tea and cake? Or will Zeref fuck it up anyways? Answered ~

So Lucy is basically Natsu's equal, Natsu is stronger than Zeref by a little bit, and Natsu and Lucy could beat Zeref if they wanted, right? It would be one heck of a fight, let me tell you that

So will Zeref act on his somewhat "desire", cuz that'd be scary/creepy? NO. Just, no. He's creepy enough

Hey what's your tumblr? fresh-princess-is-here ;)

Will we be seeing Anna? Since Lucy is a Banshee I'm assuming Anna was one too and if that's the case; is she alive? One thing I can tell you is Anna was not a Banshee and is definitely dead. She was the one of the royals that decreed all history on the dark war be erased - and ruled as one of the most influential Queens of the Stars.

Is there a secret journal that Zeref is hiding in his office? Answered ~

Will we see more of Gajeel soon? Probably ;)

Will Levy make an appearance soon? YES ^^

Will END have a 'casual' conversation with Lucy? I'll take a vote; if you guys want a conversation with END and Lucy, let me know in the comments and I'll fit it somewhere

Also if Jude EVER finds his daughter, will he burn her at the stake? If Jude ever gets Lucy, shit is going to go down

Was there another banshee alive during the war? There were multiple Banshee's alive during the war, including Leora and this 'mouse'

How did Lucy's ancestor (Leora, the last banshee) die? Will find that out in the Journals in the next chapter ~

And like is the story set up in arcs? I guess you could say it like that but it's all pointing to an end, trust me.

Some of these entries discuss the previous banshee in war and how they played a part in it, will Lucy also participate in a war possible against the Vapids or Zeref specifically? Since Zeref has signed a treaty and joined 'Team Goth Lucy', I'm going to say definitely not

I'm just curious but in what country do you live? Australia ~

If demons revive themselves on how strong they are, is it strong from birth, or his strong they are when they are older? Like if a low level demon decide to rise his/her class, could he/she just train for a couple years, and then BAM they are Zeref's secretary? It is possible, but every year, all demons have to declare their magic to Zeref and it is up to him to decide whether they should continue to grow stronger or if they are a threat

How many chapters do you think this story will turn out to be? I'm thinking 50? Maybe 40? Not sure yet, I'll keep you posted!

When the hell are they leaving the Vapids? Answered ~

Damn guys, that's a lot of questions!

Hope I cleared some things up and you enjoy this chapter!

It's 40 for an earlier update, or it comes out next Sunday :)

As always guys, stay fresh and delicious

xo freshprincess