Hey guys, I'm back. Hope you enjoyed the last chapter and here's the next one. I promise the story will pick up, I'm just working on characterization and setting right now.

Okay, so I've totally gone against Lucy's dad being the bad guy in this, pruly because her mom isn't dead and I feel that's the whole reason behind her dad's anger.

Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail (It's magic is credit to the amazing Hiro Mashima), only the my ideas and love for the show.

Chapter 2- The Ball

Lucy P.O.V

"Ladies and Gentlemen," my father booms, a smile plastered onto his face, "it give me joy to see you all in front of me. This party marks a momentous occasion. My daughters eighteenth birthday." The crowd goes wild and I smile brightly along with my mother.

"As you know in our kingdom, we do not force marriage on our children," Father continues. "And I do not intend to start. However, I do say one thing. Any of you find gentlemen are free to pursue my daughter but if she rebuffs you, do not try again. I have an army you know." I groan as the crowd laughs along with my father. "Let the dance begin."

He turns and sits on his throne between me and my mother, smiling at me the whole time. I scowl playfully back before laughing. Typical of him to turn my coming of age into a joke. Someone clears their throat in front of me and I turn to see Lyon Basta Fullbuster standing in front of me. He's actually Gray and Ultear's cousin but was adopted my Lady Ur when her sister, Lady Basta, her her husband died. Lyon was only 3 and he took up the second name Fullbuster, though kept his true name as well.

"Would you do me the honor of a dance, Princess?" he asks, smiling at me, hand outstretched. I smile and nod, standing up with the aid of his proffered hand.

We glide onto the dance floor and begin a slow, steady waltz around, following the flow of the crowd. I glance to my left and see a beaming Juvia in the arms of Gray. A little further away from them is Levy, her face bright red as she dances with Gajeel Redfox. Gajeel came to work in the army a few years ago and is somewhat a mystery to us. He was the captain of the army of the Kingdom of Lotus, Fiore's sworn enemy and yet, suddenly switched sides. At first I was suspicious but he has proven time and time again to be loyal to us.

"How have you been, Lyon?" I ask, turning my head to face him. He smiles back at me, his white hair shining in the light of the chandeliers.

"Good, Princess. Thank you for asking," he reply's, his voice smooth and velvety He always did have a way with words. Even when we where kids, he could get people to do what he wanted with a few choice sentences and a dazzling smile. "Yourself?"

"I'm good," I mumble. I now remember why I haven't talked to Lyon in a while. His constant attention seeking personality makes it hard to talk to him like a normal person.
"That is excellent to hear, Princess." He beams at me and I smile slightly back before focusing my attention on the dance. I see Levy smile sympathetically at me and I shoot her a grimace back.

Luckily for me Lyon does not ask for a second dance when the music stops and I am grateful. One dance is painful enough. He is taken to dance with Ultear, who has just left Jellal Fernandez. Jellal is another mystery in our army. He used to be a criminal, back when he was younger but turned over a new leaf when he reunited with Erza, his childhood friend. I've never heard the story about how they met, or why he changed his life because of her; all I know is it's a happy story. And Erza blushes every time he's mentioned or in the same room as her. I feel a tap on my shoulder and turn to face Gray.

"Care to dance, oh esteemed Princess," Gray mocks, grinning. I've known Gray my whole life, he's practically my brother.

"It would be my pleasure, My Lord," I laugh, taking his arm. I glance around for Juvia, to find her already looking back, She squints slightly before smiling. She knows I would never hurt her- I hope. I notice her partner is Gajeel, so I look for Levy, finding her not far off, sitting at a table. Her head is buried in a book, as usual. I sigh and turn back to Gray.

"Typical Levy, eh?" he says, moving to the song and towing me with him. I laugh and nod, finding the beat easily. "Never without some form of book. I thought she's be dancing with Jellal. She usually dances with everyone at these things."

"Come to think of it, where is Jellal?" I ask, turning my head from side to side, trying to find the blue haired man. I spot him, leaning against the far wall, staring into the crowd. I fallow his gaze and laugh. Erza stands with Makarov Dreyar, the army's Head Commander, and Gildarts Clive, second in command. I never did understand why my father had two second in command's for his army. I guess they are both on the same level or something.

"Found him," I laugh, nodding my head to the man I was looking for. Gray looks to and cracks up, seeing where he is looking.

"When are they ever going to realise they like each other?" Gray laughs and I join in. When the music stops, we break apart and smile at each other.

Layla P.O.V

"She's beautiful," Jude says to me, my hand clasped in his. "Your exact image." I nod, my eyes never leaving my daughter.

I watch as she laughs with her friends, he brown eyes, exactly like mine, lighting up when Gray makes a joke or Levy says something smart. I have never seen her more alive that when she is surrounded by her friends. I'll never have to worry about her, because I know she will always have them to protect her. I smile and turn to my husband.

"The Dragneel's are late," I state, my head tilting. "I do wish they would hurry, I haven't seen Grandine in so long and I wish to meet her daughter."

"Yes, as do I, my dear," Jude says, turning to the door. "They had better hurry, otherwise they will miss the feast. And Igneel does like his food." We both laugh, remembering our younger days with Lord and Lady Dragneel.

"Do not worry, they will be here soon," I say, tracing my fingers over his hand. He smiles down at me and I smile back, happy.

Lucy P.O.V

"Gray, don't be such an idiot," I laugh, looking at my raven haired friend. "Why would you want to try and freeze an ocean?"

"I don't know," Gray retorts, pouting. He then mumbles, "well I though its sounded cool." He stands with his arms crossed, pouting, with his eyes narrowed. I giggle, covering my mouth with my hand.

"You are such a dunce," Gajeel laughs, popping a sandwich in his mouth whole.

"Gross!" Levy yelps, laughing. I laugh to, happy to see she's having fun.

"This party is beginning to tire me," Lyon states from his seat next to us. "Juvia' do you wish to accompany me to the gardens?" He stands up and turns to the bluenette next to me.

"Juvia will have to say no, Lyon," said girl murmurs "Juvia is quite happy here." She stares off into space, not noticing the hurt look from Lyon or the calculating on from Gray.

"How about a dance then?" Before Juvia can answer him however, the music stops and the doors to the hall open revealing four people, accompanied by Laxus Dreyar, Makarov's grandson and a member of our army. The Dragneel's have arrived.

Well that's chapter two done. Updated faster than I thought I would. What did you think? Review please, it helps me figure out where I'm going wrong.

I love you guys that have followed and favourited the story, makes me feel like this is worth while. So thank you guys.

Till next time