I don't own Fairy Tail or any of its characters.

Please R&R! It gives me inspiration to write for you guys :)

Sorry for any typos.

It'll be third person in this chapter and probably for the rest of the chapters... *shrugs* I'll have to see.

~Remedy~

Chapter 6

"If our love is a tragedy, why are you my remedy?"

The group walked through the colossal city of Crocus that was bustling with life. Lucy and the rest of Fairy Tail, except Makarov and the S-class hunters, gaped at the city. The city resided in a vast valley surrounded by rocky mountains, housing mild prominent hills. There was a river not far away with isles in its largest part, flowing in a small gorge with woodlands on both sides, and occupying the western part of the valley. On the western mountain was a giant arena called the Domus Flau with four giant monuments on top of it.

Being the capital of Fiore, Crocus was the largest city and had vast amounts of buildings in a circular formation as far as the eye could see. The building possessed bright facades and towers with pointed tile roofs jutting upwards. Lined up among them were cobblestone streets. The most distinctive trait that gave Crocus the nickname "Flower Blooming Capital" was the limitless amount of flowers adorning the streets with flowerbeds everywhere you look.

In the center of the city, a giant palace was surrounded by a lake with bridges on all four sides. The palace was the most visible part of the city that anyone could see from miles and it towered above everything in the city. As the evident role of the royal pure bloods palace, the Fullbuster's, the palace was intricately decorated and designed.

The palace was surrounded by a lush floral garden like the rest of the city. Lucy smiled in delight as she took a closer look at the beautiful flowers. There were so many she'd never seen before. She decided that since this was a once in a life time chance, staying at the palace, she would definitely visit the garden.

Everyone walked to the main entrance, which had a high decorative arc with pillars on each side. The double doors were grand and depicted beautiful floral designs. The guards by them easily opened the doors for them to walk through. Lucy was amazed. The inside was more impressive than the outside. She couldn't even describe the beauty and exquisite atmosphere and decor. The walls were covered with elaborate paintings and golden lining.

Lucy ran her fingers along the gold as she walked down the hall in wonder. She felt so small.

All of them followed the three vampires to Ur's study. Ultear knocked and the door opened, inviting them in. A lady not even in her thirties sat there, entranced in a map that she was overlooking. Her hair was a dark purple like Ultears's, but was shoulder length instead of waist length. Her face rose and met all their eyes with a charismatic smile.

"Welcome, Fairy Tail," she greeted with a firm voice that held authority. Her black eyes skimmed over each of the new faces in the crowd. Lucy and Queen Ur's eyes met briefly and Lucy swore she saw a glimmer of recognition in the queen's ancient eyes.

Lucy was awed at how young she looked. She guessed that the queen was about in her mid-twenties from the looks of it. Lucy almost forgot that vampire's didn't age if it weren't for the canines that were slightly longer than the average human.

Lucy felt a chilling stare on the side of her head. From her peripheral vision she could see Ultear glare at her with troubled eyes. Lucy gulped, not feeling safe anymore. She didn't remember doing anything to offend Gray's sister. Or was it just her sole presence that caused the vampire to despise her? Lucy had no idea.

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Queen Ur," Master Makarov apologized with a small bow of his head. She laughed gently, sounding like music to Lucy's ears.

"It's no problem Makarov. How many times do I have to tell you to call me Ur? It's not like we don't know each other Makarov," Ur admonished with a grin on her face. "Let's set you all up for the time you'll be staying," she suggested. "We have enough rooms for all of you to have your own. It's getting really late. You all must be tired."

"Lynn! Damian!" she called. In the blink of an eye two figures appeared. The girl, Lynn, had long, light brown hair that was elegantly braided to the side with gentle blue eyes and pretty features. The boy, Damian, had jet black hair that was tousled with blue piercing eyes and stood proudly with arms crossed. His features were sharp and vigilant.

"You called, Your Highness," Lynn spoke gently.

"Yes, I want you to show the girls their rooms and get them everything they need," Ur commanded. She turned to Damian. "And I want you to do the same things for the boys. That's all."

The crowd dispersed and was separated. Lynn appeared in front of the girls and asked them to follow her. Lucy walked in step behind her with wandering eyes, taking in every detail. She was the last to get to her room.

"This one will be yours," Lynn gestured. She opened the doors and Lucy couldn't help but gape in awe.

"Wow," she breathed.

The room made her feel like a princess. There was a canopied king-sized bed with satin sheets and a writing desk next to the window with book shelves filled with obviously filled with books near it. Lucy giggled in delight when she saw a balcony. She eagerly walked up and opened the doors. The cold night air hit her face, but she hardly registered it because she froze in surprise at the view.

She had the view of the royal garden.

Lucy enthusiastically leaned over the balcony to the garden. She knew she was acting like a child, but she couldn't help it. It was just...

"Beautiful," she whispered. She pondered on how the garden would look like during the day with all the flowers and neat arrangements that were designed.

"I know what you mean," Lynn sighed dreamily. "Quite nice isn't it?"

"You bet," Lucy replied.

"I'll be back in a few minutes with everything that you need," Lynn informed. "Make yourself at home," she added warmly. She flashed Lucy a smile.

"Oh wait!" Lucy called. Lynn stopped with her eyebrows raised curiously.

"Yes?"

Lucy slipped off the warm white coat that she was wearing. Lynn gave her a perplexed look and scrutinized the coat carefully before recognition dawned on her. It was the Prince's favorite coat. She wondered how it got in the hands of the beautiful human girl.

"This is Gray's," Lucy explained. "I burrowed it from him on a mission and I wanted to give it back to him during the invasion of Magnolia, but he told me to hold on to it then. I think now would be the best chance to give it back. So...here," she handed the white coat to Lynn. She couldn't believe she almost forgot about it.

"I'll give it back to him, no worries," Lynn assured. "I'll be back shortly." She walked out of the extravagant room and quietly closed the door behind her. She briskly walked down the empty hall, her footsteps as light as a feather. No wonder the Prince didn't take it back from her then, she thought. The girl's scent was fascinating. She would be sure to wash it first before giving it back. Lynn didn't know if it would do any good or not, but it was worth a try.

Gray examined all the restless hunters walking about the hallways outside their rooms talking to each other in hushed whispers. He could feel their insecurity and tension in the air. Most of them didn't seem to like it. They couldn't trust them.

"It's going to take some time for them to adjust," Ur avowed as she gazed down the buzzing hallway where the boys were placed. "Now, off you three go. Get some rest. I must talk to Makarov about some important matters."

The three siblings traveled out the door and went to their quarters of the palace. Gray noticed every time they would pass by some wandering hunters some would look at them with aggression, others with fear. It aggravated him that they couldn't grasp the fact that they helped them in Magnolia an hour ago. The only ones he could tolerate were the S-class hunters and Lucy. Maybe even that pink-haired idiot...

"I have to say," Ultear murmured with a glint in her eyes, "they're all very mouthwatering."

"Ultear," Lyon warned, eyes flashing. Gray narrowed his eyes, silently observing his older sister. Ever since that seal was placed on her since Grimoire Heart by their mother Ur, she's been under control and as settle as ever. But what would happen if the seal faded away? Ultear said it was almost gone and she would be able to use her full power once again. Would she turn her back on them again or stay by their side and fight with them? Gray wasn't sure, but she was tilting more to the latter to his relief, but there were times when he thought they would really lose her again when the time would come.

He knew that Ur had her doubts too.

They were all scared of losing her again.

"I know," Ultear dismissed, a small pained smile gracing her lips. Her body was tense and her expression was solemn as she left her brothers in the middle of the hall into her room. Ultear could feel them staring at her back, at that spot, worriedly. They were on guard. It hurt to know that they couldn't fully trust her after so many years. It was her own fault though. She brought all of this on herself.

When Ultear closed the door of her room, she tightly grasped the small of her back where her seal was. She gritted her teeth at the stinging sensation the seal was giving her. It always stung when she had that old yet powerful craving for human blood. It reminded her of what she was and how she betrayed her own family. Her mother trusted her completely and had confidence in her. That's why she set the seal to gradually fade away over time.

But Ultear wasn't so confident in herself.

She's gotten considerably better over time, but she still had a speck of darkness in her heart. She could feel it gnawing at her chest, telling her to fall back into the insanity she was once in. The only reason she hasn't lost herself so easily along the way was because of how much her family really wanted her back. They were there for her and they treated her as if everything in the past never happened. That was love. It was her remedy.

Ultear swallowed thickly, accidentally inhaling a nearby scent that was indescribable. This was definitely a challenge for her. She could feel the fear resonating off her siblings. They were scared she'd be leaving them for good this time. Ultear's eyes flashed with determination.

She would make sure that wouldn't happen this time.

She would show them how much she wanted to stay.

Gray and Lyon stared at the closed door for a while.

"I'm worried about her," Lyon whispered.

"You're not the only one," Gray admitted. "Even mom has her doubts," he added quietly, making sure Ultear wouldn't hear.

They sauntered further down the hall to their own rooms in silence, both in their own thoughts.

Gray was sure that Ultear would have a difficult time in their current situation. He had a sense of what it felt like, but his and Lyon's control for human blood was even better than the average pure blood royals resistance strength, but he was curious as to why only Lucy's blood called his attention. It aggravated him to no end. He couldn't even keep his damn coat!

He knew he wasn't the only who found Lucy's scent alluring. He's seen plenty of guards leering at her and he hated it. He couldn't even describe how furious he felt. If her scent was attracting all vampires, even Ultear, he was going to have to watch Lucy. She couldn't be left alone. She wouldn't be as safe as he'd like for her to be.

.

.

.

Why the hell did he even care?

"Gray," Lyon interrupted his inward reverie.

"Hn," he grunted back, half-listening.

"You and I both have good resistance to human blood," Lyon said matter-of-factly.

"Yes," Gray agreed absently. He had no clue as to where he was leading this discussion to.

"There's this one scent that's getting to me," Lyon confessed with a deep frown. That caught Gray's full attention. His eyes widened in shock for a second before glaring at his brother.

"Really? Who?" Gray's voice was tight, hoping it wasn't who he thought it was. He mentally wondered again why he even cared.

"Hell, I don't even know," Lyon sighed irritably. "All I know is that she smells good."

"Be careful," Gray advised, eyes flashing with warning.

"Tch," Lyon scoffed. "Like I need to be told what to do." Gray watched him go and went to his own room when he heard the soft click of the door. He was going to have to watch his brother too.

Gray opened the door to his room and freshened up. He then contently fell on his bed, shirtless as always, drooping his eyes shut. He turned on his side and was suddenly consumed in Lucy's scent. His eyes snapped open and he bolted upright. Staring straight at him was his favorite white coat, washed and neatly folded. The corners of his mouth lifted unexpectedly.

Gray was glad that Lucy's scent wasn't as strong as it was before, but it was still there. A gentle, comforting scent. He didn't mind her essence right now. He wouldn't lose control. It wasn't as bad as when she was standing in the same room as him.

His eyes closed again, Lucy's scent singing him to sleep. He unconsciously wrapped his arms around his coat and nuzzled his nose closer to it, greedily indulging himself with the heavenly fragrance.

He really didn't mind.

Lucy roughly twisted and turned during the night because of her regular nightmare. The sheets were tangled around her sweaty body. She unceremoniously fell off the bed with a loud thud, the sheets following her. "Ow, ow, ow..." she winced, rubbing her throbbing hip. Her hair was untamed and spiked up in different directions like blades of grass. She sat there dazing into space for some time before deciding to shower and get dressed.

She came out of the shower feeling better and glimpsed at the clock on the night stand beside her bed. She picked up the device, noticing it wasn't digital. She squinted her eyes at the minute hand. It was approximately 4:05 in the morning.

Lucy hummed. What to do, what to do... Oh! That's right she wanted to visit the royal garden but... She trudged to the balcony and observed the dark sky. It wasn't even dawn yet. Oh well... She closed the balcony doors behind her and jumped down, silently landing on the rich green grass. She might as well stick around here since there was nothing else better to do than read a book, which she wasn't interested in doing for once.

Her eyes darted across the garden, marveling at the various colorful flowers. She couldn't see it as well as she wanted to, but she could definitely smell it. It was so peaceful. She loved it. She hadn't seen a garden like this since her parents passed away. Her eyes lit up when she saw a beautiful fountain in the center of the garden. She happily trotted over to it and sat down, running her fingers along the surface of the cool water. She drew her hand back when she heard leaves rustle softly nearby. She narrowed her eyes.

Was someone else here?

She brushed it off and her eyes literally sparkled when she saw white roses, her favorite flowers. Her finger traced the rose's petals, feeling the soft, silky texture. As she walked along the several rose bushes, she ran her hand gently over them.

"Lucy?" a familiar deep voice called questioningly. The said blonde flinched in surprise, whirling around and accidentally pulling her hand too roughly from the rose bush. A thorn pierced her soft skin as she pulled it back.

"Ow..." she whined for the second time that day. Forgetting about the voice, she inspected her stabbed index finger. Along the side there was a small but deep scratch, which was bleeding. She watched as a drop of blood formed and spilled down the side of her finger. She couldn't believe that this sticky red liquid was the cause of vampires going rogue.

"Sorry, did I scare you?" Lucy looked up to see Gray wearing his white coat. His hair was as spiky as ever and his tantalizing dark blue eyes stared into her soft brown ones, which then drifted to her bleeding finger. Lucy laughed nervously. Was he watching her the whole time?

"Yes, yes you did," Lucy admitted with defeat. She was in no mood to argue with the guy. "What are you doing here so early?" She brought her wounded finger to her lips and sucked the blood. Her brows scrunched down at the salty, metallic taste.

Gray clenched his jaw, watching her lick the blood off her finger. "I could ask you the same thing. Besides, vampires don't need much rest as humans."

"I woke up early and I wanted to visit the garden so..." she trailed off, glancing at the roses. Gray followed her eyes and looked at the white roses. "Pretty, don't you think?" Lucy asked with a bright smile. "They symbolize purity."

"Ah," Gray grunted, his thoughts elsewhere. He gave a strained smile. Purity, huh.

"Um...Gray?" she asked shyly. Gray raised a brow at her.

"Yeah?"

"How long were you...watching me?" Lucy was embarrassed asking such a question. She twiddled her fingers, finding them fascinating to look at them instead of Gray's handsome face. An amused smile spread across his lips.

"Just enough to know that you enjoy white roses."

Lucy inwardly smiled in relief. At least he didn't see her trotting to the fountain and playing with the water. He would tease her about it and would never let it go. Oh God, that would've been embarrassing. She felt like writhing under his gaze, but that would show him how uncomfortable she was and he'd be pleased to have that effect on her with only his eyes...and his smirk...

Gray turned around, about to walk back to the direction he came from. Lucy tilted her head with a puzzled expression.

"Breakfast is at seven, if you're wondering," he said stiffly.

"Thanks," Lucy smiled. She then turned around and had her fascination and attention to lotus flowers that were floating on a pond farther down the garden. She wondered why Gray's eyes were sharp and stressed every time she saw them. He always seemed tense. She hated to admit it, but she was concerned.

Before Gray walked back, he looked over his shoulder watching Lucy's retreating form. His eyes then traveled to the thorn that cut her finger. His eyes followed up the stem to the rose itself.

One of the delicate white petals was smeared with Lucy's blood. Gray gently plucked it off the rose bush, inspecting it with narrowed eyes. A drop of blood fell to the grass below him.

A bleeding white rose...

If he remembered correctly, a bleeding white rose signified that someone was hurt...

He dark blue eyes gazed where Lucy disappeared off to.

What was she hiding?

After breakfast all the hunters that were thankfully unharmed from the attack in Magnolia were in the throne room with Queen Ur and Makarov and of course...the three siblings. Those that couldn't come and were still healing were diligently being taken care of by Porlyusica who was assisted by Aries, the doctor of the palace.

Lucy stood in the throne room, awestruck at how huge the room was. It was remarkable just like everything else in the palace. The marble floor glistened in the sunlight and showed her reflection. Her friend Levy had to elbow her in the ribs to snap her out of her admiration mode. Lucy glared at her, but the petite bluenette only gestured her head toward Master Makarov who was about to speak.

"As you all know, we have signed an alliance to work with the royal family that kindly let us stay here. The reason we have decided to work together is because of several rogues appearing and destroying villages, killing everyone in it."

There was a grim silence as he paused.

"Villages that have been untouched have had a handful of survivors move in. The survivors have been telling of the horrors of their experiences, which have become rumors because every time it is exchanged orally people tend to exaggerate most matters," Master Makarov continued.

"However, there is one rumor that is a fact," Ur began. "Rogues have been banding together creating cults once again. Not only regular rogues but pure bloods too." Her eyes showed a hint of despair, but as soon as it came it was gone. Lucy heard the 'once again' and immediately recalled the incident with Grimoire Heart from the book she read from the library the other night. She almost groaned out loud in frustration as the book was probably destroyed along with the rest of the guild.

"We only are aware of a few so far," Makarov stated. "Ghoul Spirit, Naked Mummy, Harpuia, Dark Unicorn, Red Hoods, and Eisenwald."

"From what I've heard, all of them work for Oracion Seis. They control the network of rogue cults all over Fiore," Ur wearied. "I believe the man behind all this is that despicable man, Midnight."

Lucy felt herself stop breathing. Fear seeped through her entire body and enveloped her. It took all her willpower not to tremble and curl herself up in a ball. Her stomach felt as if it were on fire.

Midnight. He was the one behind all this. That heartless monster would kill everyone in his way just to get to her.

Lucy inconspicuously glanced around her, seeing if anyone noticed her hitched breathing. She mentally sighed in relief as everyone was entranced on the information Master and Queen Ur were giving. Her eyes curiously landed on Gray's face. His expression was dark and his jaw was set. Never had she seen him so livid. His sister beside him set a gentle hand on his shoulder, relaxing his rigid body. Lyon wasn't doing much better than he was.

What was that all about? Did they know who Midnight was?

"So we'll be assigning teams," Ur finished with a gentle smile. "This is what Makarov and I talked about last night."

"Alright you brats, listen up," Master Makarov demanded. "I want the Thunder Tribe to head to Shirotsume Town." Laxus, Freed, Evergreen, and Bixlow's ears perked up, intently listening. "There have been sightings of the Ghoul Spirit cult northwest of there."

"Mira, Elfman, Lisanna," he called. The three siblings looked at him attentively. "The Red Hoods are residing near Tully Village."

"Was that where Natsu destroyed the historic clock tower and seven homes three months ago?" Lisanna asked.

"The one and only," Master Makarov confirmed with a nod. "Loke, Cana, Gildarts, I want you three to head to Lupinus Town. The Dark Unicorn cult is using the old castle that Gajeel destroyed as their base. Laki, Macao, Wakaba, and Romeo, I'm sending all of you to Acalypha Town to scout the area. Rumor has it that Naked Mummy are raiding the town some nights. Gajeel, Levy, Juvia, and Lyon, the Phantom Lord guild is not taking any action on protecting Oak Town from Harpuia. I want you to take them down. Lastly, Lucy," -said girl straightened herself at hearing her name-, "Gray, Natsu, and Erza, I want you to go to Oshibana Town. Eisenwald is dwelling around the area," Master Makarov finished.

"If you find any leads to any new information, check it out," Ur commanded. "We're counting on you. You'll all leave tomorrow first thing."

With that said, Lucy numbly walked out of the throne room with Erza and Natsu. She had the most destructive team. She swore hell was going to break loose.

"Why do I have to work with that popsicle?" Natsu complained.

"Because Master said so," Erza replied sternly.

"I'm not so happy about it either, flame brain," Gray glowered. Lucy jumped in surprise once again as he appeared out of nowhere. She felt chills running up and down her spine. For the love of God, he has to stop doing that!

"Well suck it up, all of you," Erza glared. They all gulped at her evil aura surrounding her menacingly. Lucy was scared stiff and she didn't even say anything! She heaved a haggard sigh walking along with her new team. If that's what you could call it... She was the most sane person there. Gray and Natsu bickering and throwing insults at each other with Erza hitting them for not getting along and her watching from the sidelines with an amused expression.

Lucy laughed, a real laugh. She hasn't felt so carefree and happy in such a long time. She would treasure these moments with all her heart with the little time she had left.

Her friends were her cure. Including Gray.

Every time she gazed into those hypnotizing dark blue pools of his, she felt like she had a chance of escaping her fate.

Wow, I am proud of myself or publishing three chapters this month! That's another new record XD

Hopefully you guys loved it. I added some more stuff in this chapter. Well, at least I think I did...

Please read and review! Love to hear your voices!