2015: Revised

Chapter 25: Angel's Return

Lucy awoke to the sun streaming through her window and the soft chatter from other house guests outside her door. Yawning widely and stretching Lucy crawled into a sitting position, looking around her room bleary eyed. Natsu was still sleeping at her side, mouth slightly open and his breathing even and steady, Lucy smiled down at him tenderly.

"Natsu," she whispered, nudging his shoulder gently, "it's morning which means it's time for you to wake up."

Natsu rolled away from her, groaning loudly and pulling his pillow over his head.

"Lemme alone." He grumbled, shrugging deeper into the blankets.

Lucy rolled her eyes, adjusting herself so she was positioned on her knees, leaning over him. Poking at his shoulder she began to chant in a singsong voice, "good morning sunshine."

Natsu made another indistinguishable grunting sound before burrowing back into his mountains of pillows but despite his grumpy disposition Lucy couldn't recall being happier in her entire life. Tomorrow was the day of the Solstice and all her friends were here to celebrate the joyous event in a way Lucy had never been allowed to before! Everything, at that very moment, seemed perfect and for the first time in months Lucy got out of bed feeling excited and ready for the day ahead. Casting a small glance back at Natsu who was still buried in the sheets of her bed, she slipped out of the bedroom; stomach growling and in desperate need of breakfast.

Walking down the hallway toward the sprawling kitchen in the heart of the manor, Lucy was surprised at how many people were already awake and dressed. Small clusters of friends and family of the Scarlet's were huddled around in the many sitting areas and lounges scattered around the mansion; talking excitedly about that day's events.

Trotting down the main staircase, still feeling excitable and refreshed, Lucy rounded the corner to the kitchen, the scent of fresh baked bread and bacon already wafting down the hall. Entering through the push doors Lucy took in the marvel that was the Scarlet family kitchen. Around ten chefs and undercooks scuttled around the kitchen, all holding some ingredient or another, mumbling instructions to one another as work progressed. They all seemed so absorbed in their work no even noticed the blonde haired girl, still wearing pyjamas, standing in their kitchen.

"Umm excuse me," Lucy reached out for a short red headed chef who had flour splotched across the bridge of his nose. "I was wondering if I could find a mug for tea."

The chef stared at her blankly and blinked twice, "of course you can find a tea mug here, this is a kitchen is it not?" He snorted rudely, " you'll find them near the pots and pans, stored in a cup board, now if you'll excuse me." With that he hurried away, heading over to the large fire in the corner of the kitchen.

Following the chef's direction Lucy found herself a mug and poured herself a cup of existing tea that sat warmed and ready in a nearby kettle. Hastily grabbing two pieces of jam smothered slices of toast Lucy made her way out of the kitchen and towards the dining hall where she was sure she'd meet up with everyone else. Correct in her assumption, everyone was in the dining hall. Lucy took a seat beside Juvia who was talking animatedly to Cana and Lisanna about something.

"So as Juvia was saying," the bluette chimed in, dark eyes glittering. "If Erza was serious about the ball then Juvia is sure Gray will ask me to be his partner!"

Cana broke off a piece of her croissant and shoved it into her mouth, "what makes you say that Juvia? It's not like he's made any advances on you or anything."

Juvia flushed angrily, her cheeks puffing up. "For your information Cana Gray talks to Juvia a lot in Magic of the Eclipse's class and he's very sweet."

Cana just rolled her eyes, swallowing the rest of her croissant whole and taking a gulp of her orange juice.

Lisanna sighed wistfully, her large blue eyes dazed and twinkling, "can't you just imagine it though? A ball, with lovely ladies and all the guys dressed in tuxes and dress shoes the soft spell of classical music and dancing, oh, the dancing!" She sighed dreamily resting her chin in her hands, "it truly would be a dream come true. Don't you agree Lucy? You and Natsu would surely be partners wouldn't you?"

Lucy looked up, ceasing her chewing on the toast abruptly. "A ball?" She whispered thoughtfully, slowly munching on her toast.

Images of twirling, graceful ladies in satin skirts and silk gloves danced in her head and a small smile tugged at her lips. " I think a ball would be a lot of fun." Lucy agreed, biting into her second piece of toast and taking a sip of her chikory tea.

Lisanna smiled at her knowingly which made Lucy's stomach clench in embarrassment, "exactly! A ball would be so much fun, I hope the rumours are true!" She clapped her hands together, squealing loudly.

"What would we do about dresses though? Juvia didn't bring anything acceptable to wear." Juvia said worriedly, chewing on her aqua coloured nails nervously.

"We'll just go naked." Cana winked mischievously, mixing a large amount of vodka into her orange juice; being away from school meant she could drink to her heart's content.

Juvia blushed a cherry red and Lisanna smacked Cana's arm disapprovingly, "I'm sure Erza has something planned she always does." Lisanna comforted, reaching out to pat Juvia's arm.

"What are you four talking about?"

All three of them snapped to attention looking up at Erza who was leaning over Lucy and Juvia's chair looking very interested in their conversation.

"What are you four chatting about over here?" She asked harshly, though her twinkling eyes betrayed her. "If I'm not mistaken you three were talking about the annual Scarlet family Winter Solstice ball." Her dark eyes danced and her lips twitched in a smile, "isn't that right Lucy?"

Lucy stopped chewing her toast and careened up at her red haired friend, "y-yeah we might have brought it up once or twice." She muttered sheepishly, hoping Erza wouldn't come up with one of her infamous plans.

"Well. because you all seem so excited I suppose it'll have to happen!" She exclaimed a determined glint sparkling in her eyes. "I wouldn't want to disappoint."

Lucy and the three others shared a look that was both of familiar amusement at Erza's antics and suppressed exasperation.

"So it's settled. The ball will be held tonight in the grandhall and it will begin at exactly 6 pm!" Erza announced, hands on her hips. "There will be flowers and chandeliers, candles and champagne!" She declared loudly,"we've only got eight hours to get it all prepared and I'm sure no one has anything to wear. We'll make costume dresses for everyone that way every lady can feel like a princess!"

All four of their jaws dropped simultaneously just imagining the amount of work that would require. "Are you insane Erza!" Cana choked , "how the hell are you possibly going to whip up that many dresses in such a short period of time?!"

Erza looked at her, raising a lone eyebrow, "magic of course. All the manors servants are trained and practised witches and wizards it'll be easy." Erza stated matter of factually. "The real difficulty will finding a colour palette to match everyone's skin tones and body shapes! We better get started right away! Lucy, Lisanna, Cana, Juvia!" Erza barked, "come with me! We need to get started right now, and I must inform my mother of what's happening. She loves balls." Erza said, then ushered them out of their chairs, hustling them out of the dining hall and up the grand staircase.

"Lucy? What're you doing?" Natsu had appeared at the top of the staircase his pink hair bedraggled and he was still shirtless, his tired eyes darting between the girls curiously.

Lucy opened her mouth to answer but Erza cut her off, "I'm sorry Natsu but it's confidential." Erza said, folding her arms over her chest. "Don't worry, you'll see your girlfriend later tonight, breakfast is being served as we speak I suggest you eat something." Erza then began dragging them up the staircase again, shuffling past Natsu.

"Luce," Natsu hissed warningly, his hand catching her wrist lightly.

"I'll be careful, I'm with Erza and the others, I'll be fine." She assured him, smiling in hopes to ease his worries.

He looked at her, brows pinched, but nodded begrudgingly, he leaned in to kiss her on the cheek. "Be careful if you don't come back I'll come find you." He muttered, letting his lips linger on her cheek for a moment more.

Lucy flushed deeply then nodded stiffly, hurrying back up to the top of the stairs to meet the others, darting a quick glance back at Natsu before walking away.

Once out of ear range Lisanna let out a squeal, "oh my god you two are so cute together! Whoever thought you two would be so perfect together after hating each other for so many years."

"I agree," Cana said, "it's weird but kinda nice that you two are so close after despising each other for so long."

"Juvia wishes Gray will see her the same way." Juvia said sulkily, hanging her head.

"I wouldn't worry about it too much Juvia," Erza said confidently, opening a door to to their left and ducking inside the others close in tow. "Because once he sees you at the ball he'll never take his eyes off you again."

All the three of them could do was look around the room in wonder, jaws slack and eyes bulging. Hundreds of silks, suede's and satins hung from hooks and piled on chairs like colourful waterfalls of exotic colours and hues. Mannequins wore tight bodice dresses spun with jewels that shone like nebula's in the night sky, hemmed in gorgeous laces and gems.

"This used to be my mother's sewing room before the arthritis in her hands got so bad she couldn't sew so now it's mine I suppose. Though I rarely come in here." Erza said with a nostalgic smile. "Please feel free to roam around and pick out anything that interests you or you like, once we're done I'll get the seamstresses to come up here and whip them together with a quick spell. Now get going! We have to have everyone clothed for this evening and I haven't even addressed the tuxes for the guys!" Erza demanded, pointing to the stacks of cloth and material.

The three jumped to attention, diving into the mounds upon mounds of fabric, searching for just the right pieces and accessories. Lucy took her time, picking through the fabric slowly and thoughtfully, a sheet of soft cream pink slung over one arm, a pair of twinkling diamond earrings clasped in her other hand. After an hour of cruising through the aisles and closets of the enormous sewing room Lucy had all the materials she needed and she looked down upon her pile proudly.

A sheet of light, fluffy pink would be the main part of the dress, flowing down to mid knee where it would give into dark magenta trail with glittery stars. The neck line would be the classic sweetheart, hugging her curves and keeping her chest covered; she also decided she wanted it to be sleeveless and open backed, showing off smooth, white skin.

"Hey Lucy, it looks like you're finished." Erza said, popping up behind her and looking down at Lucy's pile of findings.

"Yeah, I'm quite happy with what I found." Lucy said with a smile.

"That's great, Anna will be right over to make it up, then you're off to hair and makeup then it's time for the ball." Erza said, "Anna! Can you come over here for a moment please?"

A short mousy haired girl dressed in maids clothing hurried over, wide blue eyes almost over large for her head. "Yes Mistress Scarlet?" She asked keenly, bowing her head slightly in respect.

"Would you mind just tapping into Lucy's head for a moment and making her up a ball dress? I know you're super busy working with the boys but Lucy's dress should be perfect and you are the best." Erza requested, throwing in a compliment for good measure.

"Of course Mistress Scarlet, as you wish." She said, smiling gently at Lucy. "Will you give me your hand ma'am? I'll need it to read you thought process."

Apprehensively, Lucy gave the girl her hand, curious on how she was going to do this. Closing her eyes Anna began to hum a simple pretty tune, her burning warm hand clenching Lucy's tightly. Lucy watched in awe as the fabric of her dress floated in the air, invisible hands sewing them together faster than humanly possible. Before her eyes the dress she had envisioned had life breathed into it, right down to the very last detail.

Anna let go of Lucy's hands and reopened her eyes, blue eyes now speckled with purple and her full lips smiling almost smugly.

"H-how did you do that?!" Lucy asked, flabbergasted. "I've never seen magic like that before!"

Anna gave her an all knowing smile, "you still have much to see, my magic is something passed down throughout my people generation to generation. It is something that can't be taught, I just know, deep down in here." She pointed to her heart, looking up at Lucy. "This is also something your mother also asked, she got the same answer "

"You knew my mother?" Lucy breathed, astonished.

Anna's face darkened, "indeed. In fact I made her wedding dress and to this day it is the most beautiful dress I've ever made and she looked absolutely stunning it it. You look so much like her, your mother."

Lucy swallowed, fearful of crying. "I've been told that." She said with a weak smile, "thank you for making my dress Anna, it's absolutely gorgeous."

Anna's eyes refocused, returning from deep thought. "You're welcome Miss Heartfillia, may the Sister Weavers forever sew a piece of your heart." With her farewell Anna left, hurrying out to go help Erza work on the others dresses.

XOXOXO

~Scarlet Ball room: 7:15 pm : Winter Solstice Eve: Angel~

Angel arrived in the swing of the party, as things were at their highest peak and everyone was littered around the dance floor twirling and spinning across the marble. He had waited long enough to make his advance on Lucy and he had given her lots of time to prepare. For the past week he'd been well behaved and kept his head down and out of sight. He wanted to give her the impression he had been momentarily bested but little did she know Angel wasn't simply bested.

Hazel eyes scanned the dance floor, sipping at his wine carefully and surveying the room over the rim of his glass. There were more people here than he had anticipated and he hoped they wouldn't get in his way, if he raked up to high of a death count Death himself would be after him. Angel shuddered inwardly, Death wasn't a pleasant fellow on good days he wouldn't want to deal with him on one of the bad ones. He would have to be cautious with his plan and he'd have to execute it perfectly for this to work. It would have to happen quickly, before Dragneel could get his filthy claws on her and work his special magic. Angel grunted in disgust, another Drangeel another problem; as if his father Igneel hadn't been enough trouble.

Angel shook those unpleasant thoughts from his head, focusing on better things. He wondered where Lucy was, he had yet to see her and he hadn't caught her scent yet that evening. She was sure to look positively ravishing in her ball gown, her golden hair would be scented and perfumed and her body would be caressed by soft, tearaway fabric. Angel fought to stifle the overwhelming urge to suck her soul dry the moment he got his hands on her but that would have to wait, all in due time.

"Excuse me sir would you care for a refreshment?"

Angel's mind was returned to the task at hand, by a appearance of a weedy looking waiter carrying a tray of tall champagne glasses.

"Yes actually, thank you." Angel took a glass, flashing a diamond studded smile.

"Y-you're welcome, have a good evening." The dazzled waiter stumbled away, no doubt shocked by Angel's beauty.

Angel smiled haughtily, he loved the impact he had on humans. He took a generous sip of champagne, still smiling. Once the liquid hit the back of his throat he instantly regretted taking a sip in the first place, the mud tasting liquid hammering the back of his throat like lead. Choking it down Angel wiped away at his mouth, cursing under his breath.

He had enough of this foolishness, he would hunt Lucy down need be but he wasn't standing here a moment more. Conversing with mortals was way below his pay grade.

~Scarlet Ball room: 7:20 pm: Natsu~

For some reason this scene felt vaguely familiar and it didn't sit well with Natsu. The champagne tasted like shit and the music seemed to grind in his head like churning gears. He stood restlessly and he couldn't help but tap his foot, onyx eyes flickering around the crowd listlessly. Lucy hadn't arrived and they were already an hour and a half into the ball he was starting to get seriously worried, a slick sweat coated his forehead. The eerie feeling of deja vu was still hanging in his mind, shifting and looming like a unshakeable ghost. Foreign scenes danced in his mind but the clips were mere seconds long and nothing made any sense.

Natsu let out a low grumble, rubbing his temples and checking his watch again.

"I can see you're a little wired up."

Natsu spun around to see Lucy standing in front of him, smiling mischievously, brown eyes sparkling. Slowly his eyes drifted up and down her frame, mouth drying. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, wrapped in pink glittering galaxies and sashaying, tantalizing drapes of flushed silk. Her eyes seemed to catch his and hold onto his heart, giving it a thorough squeeze and jerk before releasing.

Catching his breath he spoke, "Lucy."

"Sorry I'm so late, Erza insisted on me being 'fashionably late' or something." She seemed a bit tired out but happy nonetheless, Natsu smiled in relief.

"I was starting to worry there for a bit," he admitted, "but now that you're here let's dance."

Lucy beamed, "okay, I've had a fair bit of practice dancing so make sure you don't step on my feet!" She warned, guiding his hand to rest comfortably on her hip, hers taking place on his shoulders.

He laughed, "oh don't worry I'll be extra careful." He leaned in closer to her, planting a chaste kiss on her cheekbone and inhaling deeply before withdrawing, casting her a devilish grin.

Lucy blushed then giggled, "oh you are such a tease."

Natsu coaxed them further out onto the dance floor, comforting hand supporting her waist as he confidently took the lead. "It's my charm."

"Maybe," Lucy whispered, allowing Natsu to pull her closer to his body as they began to gracefully twirl amongst the other couples.

"Rude." He breathed, soft breath tickling her hairline.

Lucy felt her heart shiver then race a marathon in her chest, she swallowed her throat suddenly dry. The two of them spun and spun, caught up in one another, time seeming to slow.

"Hey Natsu," Lucy peeped up, voice quiet.

"Yeah?" He asked, cheek resting atop her head, eyes closed.

"Do you think we'll get through this? Together I mean."

Natsu paused, eyes opening, "what do you mean?"

"Well," she hesitated, "I'm afraid Natsu, afraid of how much I love you."

His heart stopped, body paralysing as the hammer of emotion crushed down on him, his entire being freezing in stasis.

"Natsu?" Lucy pressed, voice more urgent.

"No, I know it's just _" Natsu's voice trailed off, his eyes had caught something! Wickedly steeley hazel eyes, running like a firecracker across his vision! Eyes he'd have to be dead to forget. Those hazel eyes were filled with so much cold hatred he felt his body numb.

They seemed to dart through the crowd, like a shadow, weaving and slipping around in the darkness. Time stopped, Natsu grabbed Lucy, shoving her behind him before he knew what he was doing.

"Lucy! Watch out!" The words seemed to hang in the air, falling flat.

Then he was in front of him, those same eyes now glowing, hands clenched at his sides, a jagged knife in hand.

"Happy holidays." He said.

Thats all for now, hope you liked it please review and favourite.

See you next time, I'm beat

3 Suicidal