After such a long lapse in between chapters, I don't know what to say besides I am sorry. I also ask you to remember even if real life forces me to drop my writing from time to time, I will NEVER abandon them. I missed writing these characters and you have an extra LONG chapter for it, 12 pages in total. Thank you very much for your patience. I never intended for it to be this long before you got an update.

In addition, I will have a couple oneshots from Earl and Fairy uploaded in addition to this. One is a confession scene between Edgar and Lydia and another is a more somber reflection piece by Kelpie. Please accept them as an apology for neglecting you.

Thank you for giving my story a chance and following it, RoseEmma, and taking the effort to favorite this story during its long unintended hiatus, Scarlet Rosaria, animelovernewbie, and julciawolf.

As I promised before, this IS the much-anticipated duel. Guess who will win before reading to find out.

~ Kelpie's Trap Part V ~

The next morning a feminine shriek shook the house.

"Nico," Lydia whined, running hands through her hair, "why did you let me sleep in?" She leaned over to peer at her reflection and sighed at the static state of her hair. Her eyes narrowed a moment later. "Come on, Nico, there's far too much that needs to be accomplished today for your idea of a cat nap." She rushed past, trying to put on her stockings.

From above, on the mantlepiece, the fairy cat's tail swished back and forth. Nico snorted. "Don't blame me," he said. "You're the one who stayed up all night last night with that kelpie character." He looked at his nails and licked some fur out of a claw "Besides, you needed a good rest," he continued, once finished. "Who is going to look out for your health if not me? Your men certainly don't."

My - " Lydia stumbled over her words, took a breath, and tried again. "Nico, we've been over this," she called over, fishing for pins on the basket of her bathroom counter. "They're not my men." She smiled a bit as some tucking with pins tamed the worst of the fizz out of her hair. She looked over her shoulder. "Also, I'm old enough to take care of myself, and I wanted to wake up at a decent time."

"This is," Nico murmured and then continued cleaning his tail. "This is a 'decent time," the fairy cat explained, waving his hand. " I mean the sun hasn't reached its zenith yet."

"That's close enough to noon to worry me," Lydia retorted. She trotted past him to the chair by the balcony, shaking her white shawl out and looking over it. "Please don't be wrinkled," she whispered, draping it over herself and inspecting it again. She sighed

And then shook her head at the fairy cat still lounging on her mantlepiece. "You know didn't need to worry," she stated, petting him between the ears. "Nothing really happened with Kelpie and me."

"I didn't say anything did." Her familiar flicked his ear and then licked his paw before setting another curl back behind her ear. He spread his arm. ""Come on, what's the hurry?" he asked. Lydia blinked and he set his head on his arms, watching her through lazy eyes. "It's not like you're preparing to meet royalty."

"Edgar is royalty!" Lydia hissed, pulling the shawl up and over her pink blouse and patting her pale blue skirt once again. "And my meeting is important. I have to cancel his plans for this week." She paused, he hand poised in midair. "Wait, Nico did you know about that?"

Nico cracked an eye open. "Know about what?"

"Well, that's good," Lydia murmured, playing with the pendant around her neck. "Sometimes you're just as stubborn as Kelpie, after all."

"Don't lump me with that frilly seahorse," Nico muttered, scratching his ear. "And I don't see why you're worried - if it's for something like that. It's not like you have a deadline." He lifted a paw up to pick up a brownie and move it along before it could play with his tail. "Lunch is just around the corner. Do it then and at your leisure."

Lydia sighed and a small smile lit her face. "You're a cat. Of course you would say that." She looked at herself in the mirror, "Edgar, he's stubborn. He won't let me go that easily." Turning around, she slipped her shoes on and opened the door. "Mornings give me more time to gently persuade him without interfering in his duties. So next time…"

"Just tell him no and be done with it," came a low, sulky voice from beside her.

"Kelpie!" Lydia squeaked, tripping on her carpet.

Hearing no thud, Nico stretched and vaulted from the fireplace. "Cutting it kind of close, aren't you, seahorse?" he murmured as Lydia blushed in the arms of her admirer. "Waiting on the other side of her bedroom door?"

Kelpie grinned, unabashed. "I've been around her long enough to know she doesn't start screeching until she's dressed, cat."

Nico's tail swished as he tilted his head. "Hmmm, is that so?"

Lydia's cheeks burned again. "That's enough, Nico," she hissed. She chuckled at them both and smiled again. "Thank you for catching me, Kelpie, but I'm fine now. Will you let- "

"Unhand Lydia-sama, intruder, before I remove your offending hand."

"Raven!" Lydia gasped. "That's a little-" She halted as Kelpie tightened his embrace.

Kelpie chuckled. "Changed your mind about me being a friend, boy?" he asked. "That's a different tone from our dawn morning."

The faerie boy tilted his head. "I am hoping a warning will deter more advances," Raven returned. He paused and his tone darkened. "Let go of Lydia-sama."

Nico pranced in front of him and tapped his leg. "Come on, Raven. Can't we all go to lunch without fighting?" he inquired. He flicked his tail towards Kelpie. "It would help if you wouldn't provoke him, too."

Raven blinked.

"The gentleman fairy cat is quite right," a smooth elegant voice stated. The Blue Earl, flanked by their butler, walked up to the gathering at Lydia's door. "It's a beautiful morning, far too beautiful to be quarreling, and the kind of morning you share with others." He smirked over at Kelpie. "Will you be joining us, Mr. Kane?"

Kelpie frowned faintly, still holding Lydia, and then his cocky grin returned. "Don't mind if I do, Blue Earl. Lydia will be sitting next to me."

Edgar chuckled as he inclined his head slightly and offered Lydia his own hand. "I can arrange for her to sit between us as an apology for my rude behavior to you thus far. Since you are indeed Lydia's friend, I should be more courteous."

Lydia blinked wide eyes as she accepted the hand, letting herself be slightly pulled away from Kelpie's warmth. Something is going on here… but I am not sure what, she murmured to herself.

Kelpie laughed lightly. "I don't know what you're planning, Earl," he tossed back, "but if I am a friend, then so are you."

Edgar smiled. "Is that so?"

Oh dear….

"Lydia," Nico whispered, "I smell trouble."

"Um, thank you, Edgar. I'm sure we will enjoy it," Lydia interjected with a smile of her own. She squeezed his hand.

It's a storm…. It's definitely a storm. Whatever they're planning, with me in the middle, I want nothing to do with it!

And I still need to talk to Edgar.

"Also, Edgar," she continued, "I am sorry I didn't make it to breakfast this morning. I must have lost track of time last night."

Edgar shook his head lightly. "When you were working so hard for my sake," he explained, leaning close, "how can I complain?" He paused and then inclined his head. "Thank you, my fairy."

Lydia flushed deeply. "Edgar…"

She drew in a breath as her second escort pulled her backwards. "Don't be so sure all the time was for you, Earl," Kelpie called out, interrupting them. "She and I spent many hours together last night."

"I would hardly say that our time was as long as-"

"I am well aware of your sneaking in, seahorse," Edgar declared.

Lydia raised her hands. "Really, at that point, I wasn't really work- "

Edgar seized both of them. "And therefore, your presence is the reason she's late to breakfast with me," the Blue Earl finished smoothly. He pulled Lydia against him, large hands still enfolded around her own. Lips tilted upwards in triumph, his eyes narrowed. "Raven, you were looking for the reason I hadn't eaten yet. Here's the culprit."

"Very well, Edgar-sama."

Lydia held up a hand and turned to face Edgar. "It's not Kelpie's fault."

"If Mr. Kane hadn't kept you busy late into the night, you would have slept better, isn't that true?" the earl pressed.

"Well…. Maybe…."

What do I do? What do I do to stop this?

Kelpie chuckled quietly. "Not a bad argument, Earl," he admitted, eyes glowing. "It was so good I almost fell for it. But you wouldn't set Raven onto someone for something that petty."

"I could still drive you from the grounds."

"You could, but don't I have a chance to defend myself? As the 'leader' of our kind," Kelpie inquired slowly, "don't you think that is fair?"

Edgar's eyes gleamed and he stood taller. "I doubt your response has anything in it of merit, but I will grant your request."

Kelpie grinned like a pirate. "Shall we take a bet on that, Mr. Earl?"

Edgar chuckled. "If you think you have a chance."

Looking between the two of them, Lydia sighed. Below her, Nico crossed his neck with a paw.

I know, Nico. There's nothing to be done now.

Kelpie's eyes narrowed. "If Lydia or one of your manservants agree with my reasoning, you will not serve liver with our meal as a means to get rid of me."

"Such a suspicious creature," Edgar murmured. He closed his eyes for a moment. "If I win," he intense mauve eyes darkened, "you will not set foot on these grounds for one full day, from dawn to the upcoming dawn, and there will be no night visits."

"Sounds reasonable," Kelpie stated. "As long as you can keep Lydia out of danger."

Edgar's hand slid up into his hair. "You needn't worry. I will always protect my fairy." He sobered. "Furthermore, I highly doubt the Prince is ready for a second attempt at my life."

"Then we- "

"-Agree."

Edgar stepped away from Lydia and spread his arms with a large smile. "I will now allow you to put up your defense, Mr. Kane, futile as it may be."

"You aren't the person who will be deciding that," Kelpie stated. He folded his hands and leaned against the wall. "Let's see…. my crimes, at the moment, are preventing you from eating breakfast and keeping Lydia awake. Is that correct, Mr. Earl?"

"The correct form of my title is the Blue Earl or Lord Edgar, Mr. Kane," Edgar returned, "but yes, those are your crimes."

Kelpie smirked. "I hate to be the one to tell you this, milord," he emphasized, "but are you not old enough to eat on your own? Or do you need supervision?"

Edgar's eyes narrowed.

"Furthermore, Lydia was working on her account of the Prince's attack. Whose fault is it that she was involved in the violence that night?"

Edgar stayed silent, but his lips thinned.

Lydia tried to interject. "Um… I chose to follow-"

Kelpie chuckled. "Finally, according to your own words, Lydia is your fairy doctor. Then, it is your responsibility to make sure she isn't so disturbed by what she witnessed." His eyes deepened. "The fact that I realized she needed a little emotional support is proof that I know her better than you."

Lydia looked between the two. "I don't think it's something that sim-" Edgar raised an arm to stop her.

He smiled gently. "My apologies, my fairy, but I can't let you defend me in these circumstances." Edgar's expression faded. "This is between the both of us."

"She may have the final say in the matter," Kelpie reminded him.

"I am well aware of that," the earl stated, "but as the prosecutor in this matter, I have another more opportunity to speak." He turned back to Kelpie.

His upper lip curled. "You're brave, Mr. Kane, having the nerve to mention my age when you were childish enough to spirit my fairy away, in a dream of all places."

Kelpie fingers jerked in their folded position.

"And that's not all," the earl continued. "Perhaps you wouldn't know, but it is considered rude to eat by oneself when waiting for your partner. Lydia and I have had a tradition of eating our morning meals together for a few weeks now, which also explains her adorable scream a short while ago." He paused and chuckled. "The fact that you don't understand the social understanding of this matter is my proof that you are little more than a skulking highwayman."

"You sure like to talk," muttered Kelpie.

Nico wound himself around Lydia's leg. "For once, they both have good points."

"Hush, Nico," Lydia whispered. "You're not helping here."

"However," Edgar announced, "I will admit that it is my fault and no one else's that Lydia observed the cruelty of my former master. I don't deny that."

He walked over to the fae at the wall. "That being said, was it really that which disturbed my fairy or was it your shameless flirting after I claimed her heart with my kiss … in the carriage?" he purred.

Kelpie's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"WHA- WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, EDGAR!?" Lydia screeched, face flaming up. "That- that - " she stuttered, "It - what you said has nothing to do with this argument!"

"It doesn't?" Edgar inquired smoothly, lips still upturned in amusement.

Lydia placed a hand to her forehead and shook her head.

Raven looked to his master. "I have to agree with Lydia-sama, my lord. That event took place a couple days ago. What merit does that have here? Also, was it a kiss? I mean-"

Edgar lips lifted further. "That's enough, Raven. It seems I have upset my fairy."

Kelpie chuckled. "Thank you, Raven. I feel better now that I know this scoundrel hasn't sullied," he paused and stood off the wall, stepping into Edgar's space, "Lydia's mind in that regard."

Lydia sighed loudly. "Really, you two, I'm not a chil-"

"Sullied?" Edgar interrupted. "What a dirty word. I'll have you know that my duty is to sweep her off her feet." He grinned. "Again."

Kelpie's smirk grew. "I'll have you know that spiriting away is a much more thorough spell than that."

"Being proud of something I accused you of, I'm shocked you would be so giving in this matter."

"And why not?" Kelpie retorted. "Your manservant knows I returned her, and that doesn't change the fact that I have more than outdone you in the matter of sweeping Lydia off her feet."

"Kelpie…" Lydia murmured.

"Really?" Edgar responded. "And whose ring is she wearing?"

"Edgar!"

"I'll thank you for reminding me." Kelpie fired back. "That ring was originally in my possession."

"Stolen property," Edgar prompted, "if I am not mistaken. It belonged-"

"To the Fairy Queen," Kelpie finished for him. "Your actual fiancé."

"You do know that that was settled, correct?" the earl asked. He chuckled. "Much like your engagement to Lydia."

"I'll have you know-"

"Gentlemen," Tompkins annunciated, "the luncheon has been prepared on the balcony." The fishman bowed, forcing the two of them to step away from each other. "If you will both follow me."

Edgar nodded in his direction. "Tompkins, did you hear anything of the matter at hand?"

The butler bowed once more. "As I see it, you both had excellent arguments and all but nullified the accusations towards each other."

"A draw then…."

"However, there was one argument the kelpie made that I did not hear a good argument from you, sire, so I am afraid I will be removing the pieces of liver from the chef salad today." He bowed yet again. "My apologies. And if you will follow me." He turned around.

Kelpie grinned and folded his arms. "It seems there is at least one smart fellow at this ridiculous abode."

Lydia sighed yet again. It's over. It's finally over. She blinked. But I do wonder…. which matter did Edgar fail to combat adequately?

The Blue Earl shook his head with a wry smile. "If that is how our matter is seen, then, for now, I will extend my hospitality towards you, Mr. Kane. For one meal, we will share fair Lydia." He offered her his hand.

Kelpie looped his arm around her opposite arm. "Suits me. It's about time you had to show me some manners."

Edgar kissed Lydia's hand. "Don't worry, Mr. Kane. I will thoroughly educate you in what it is that a highwayman, such as yourself, could never attain in your rough life."

Lydia closed her eyes. Who am I kidding? There's no way it's over. They've barely just begun.

Nico rose up onto his hind paws. "This is going to be a good meal."

Raven blinked. "What do you mean? Tompkins' meals usually are. Why is this any more so?"

And at that, Lydia started screeching the privacy of her own mind. SERIOUSLY! Why can't I be like him and not know what's going on?!

I hope you were enjoyed the banter and Lydia's adorable oblivious reactions. I know I did. As soon as I got to those two, the story wrote itself. Now, if you guess right on what aspect of their duel Edgar failed to argue against, then I will tell you. If not, it will become clear in the next chapter or two. Your hint is that they both use the same word to emphasize a point, but Edgar misses the mark. Also, remember which is the main couple in this story.

The next chapter will probably be Lydia's collusion with both of 'her men' due to details revealed in that duel after lunch as well as Raven being inquisitive as always. Will she escape Edgar's weekend schemes?

There is also a high chance that you will get a double update next time as this chapter was longer and changed the position of a draft for a near future chapter. Enjoy your week and please review.