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Disclaimer: I own nothing. It's a sad but true fact. I really don't own anything.
Plus I'm bonkers
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Chapter 3 Flight
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Lucy shimmied out of her room in her gold-inked diaphanous dress. The glowing fairy wings reattached themselves once she crossed the door's threshold, much to her dismay. They made her a blinking bright target, not that the wings cared. The hazy violet dress was skin tight–the guilty culprit clearly Levy- and grazed mid-thigh. Any sudden or ungraceful movement would mean irreparable embarrassment for life. The only structural plus to this dress was the numerous gold chains used as straps, offering some security for her chest. Fairy lights and a sunny glow topped off the number, further emphasizing her affiliation to the Fairy Tail guild. As if the wings weren't enough.
"Ready to go Frosch?" the celestial spirit mage asked the cosplaying Exceed in the black and gold cape. The kitten nodded with a big grin and flew into the blonde's arms. They both waved Plue a farewell and turned to leave.
I wish I didn't have to find his owner she thought wistfully as she clopped off on her 6" pumps. Maybe I should ask him his partner's name. Naw. Maybe I can hide him instead…
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The majority of the Fairy Tail Guild was already in the main lounge, courtesy of Cana. As promised, Lucy summoned Loke and Aries to the join in the fun. Lisanna, in a blue and silver version of Lucy's number, fed the adorable Exceed in turns with the celestial spirit mage. Frosch insisted on announcing "Lucy is Fro's date!" to anyone in audible range range in between swallowing the hors d'oeuvres.
The great hall continued to fill with more guilds; feathered creations, Grecians, snow people, animal spirits, beasts, sirens and angels were a common theme in the room besides the fairies. There was also a surprising amount of guild-less mages present. Lucy took a guess that most of these magic users were S-class, dark or both, seeing as how people skirted away from a few.
A sharp laugh drew the golden blonde away from her appraisal of the ballroom and turned to the take-over mage in hysterics beside her. Lisanna was practically choking on air upon seeing Natsu pulled out from under a table by Gray. He wore only a pair of ragged pants and sandals, like the other male guild members, but sported a fiery red dragon tail around his waist. He looked so uncomfortable, earning an 'unmanly' snort from Elfman. In one moment, Gray was bragging about his arctic fox tail while in the next, Erza and Lisanna were breaking up a fight between the Ice Mage and Fire Dragon.
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Juvia looked from left to right to see a wall of males. The lovely buzz she had earlier acquired was starting to wear off; with it, went her patience and friendly attitude. A cool hand snaked around hers and pulled her through the rowdy bunch of men. She was so relieved to be out of that cramped space. Her saviour? Lyon. A rather treacherous giddy feeling made her cheeks flush. The handsome ice mage gave her a reassuring smile and led her out to the gardens. She could see the faint tint of pink on his neck in the soft glow of her fairy lights and it made her chest tingle with excitement. The pair stopped at a large water fountain and sat an awkward distance from one another. Juvia wasn't sure what the older ice mage was planning to do, but whatever it was seemed to involve holding her hand and not looking at her.
"Juvia, I want to talk to you -to know you better," Lyon began, teasing the tips of her fingers with his own. He was trying his best to not scare her off with his new approach. "And only if you want to, of course." The silver haired mage glanced through his tresses to see the water maiden smile softly. "I think you are a much different person when you're not around Gray." He gauged her reaction, noting the confused and guilty look crossing her features. He sent a silent prayer to the Gods that the guilt was not directed towards him.
"Juvia is –ah, I am glad you see it that way. I agree." She stumbled through her words, hoping that he didn't notice her use of third person. Gray never failed to remind her that her usual way of speaking drove him crazy (the bad kind, unfortunately). A tiny gloom was forming over her head at the thought of him but Lyon was having none of it.
"Juvia," he paused to garner her attention again, "talk the way you want, act to way you want and just be yourself. I like you for you, not who other people want you to be." The sincerity of his words opened a floodgate of emotions she couldn't sort through at the moment. What she could discern from them was that she wanted to stay talking to him for the rest of the evening.
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Rogue looked around his guild's turret for his exceed. Fro's scent was all over, but it was old and fading. The dark mage had a nagging feeling that his cat was off somewhere sulking again. Perhaps he'd gone ahead to the lounge to cheer up? The thought of the Exceed's unusual behaviour unsettled the shadow dragon slayer. He'd have to search for him tonight and set the little bugger straight. The dragon slayer stepped into Minerva's room and saw her awake and grumbling. The black haired mage was fiddling with a fur coat in her bed.
"You look well," was met with a sharp glare. Well, it would have been a sharp glare had one of her eyelids been less puffy. She had a split lip and was a little bruised here and there but the damage was not bad as they had originally assumed. The Demon must have scared the black haired harpy into a faint after ruffing her up a little.
"I'll get her back. There's no question about it." The promise hung heavy in the air as if her pride was on the line. Rogue stood patiently at the foot of his comrade's bed.
"No you won't."
"Yes I will." She replied just a calmly.
"You'll end up back here in worse shape if you try."
"…"
"Stop this now Minerva and leave the Fairies be. It's for your own good. Fight when you have to, not when you want to." It was very logical and sensible advice. It was a rare moment that Minerva actually heeded someone's words. After all, it was rare enough that Rogue spoke up and gave his two cents. If he found it important enough to comment, then perhaps she should listen for once.
"Fine."
"Pardon?"
"I said FINE. Now let a lady recover in peace. I have to snag a husband out of this trip to please my father." She huffed. Poor soul, he thought dryly but said nothing more. Minerva watched the typically stoic man disappear through the door and held back a smile.
So he does have a heart. It was not a quality the Sabertooth Guild favoured, but she'd let it slide just this once. After all, he came to visit her, right?
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"Ne Frosch, when you see your partner, let me know and I'll bring you to 'em. Sound good?" Lucy scratched the Exceed's chin, earning an approving purr.
"If I touched you like that, would you purr for me?" A low baritone voice murmured close to her left. Lucy's eyes snapped to the owner of the voice in disbelief, laughing hesitantly at his cheesy pick-up line. Again, why are all the cute ones weird? And why do the weird ones always come onto me? It's so unfair…
"H-How about we start with names?" She countered politely to the feather cloaked red-head. Lucy insisted on using standard manners at large social gatherings. Old habits die hard, and this was no exception. He looked to be in his late-twenties, likely specializing in close combat. His muscles seemed to have muscles of their own. His close proximity was making her nervous and she wasn't sure if she cared for it. Smoooooth Lucy, real smooth. Stop freaking out. She grabbed a drink off a floating tray, hoping to sooth her nerves.
"I'm Alec of Raven Tail." He pressed his lips politely to her hand which earned him a courteous nod.
"I'm Lucy of Fairy Tail" She added not missing a beat, glad the alcohol was making her less jittery. His grasp lingered on her hand before hesitantly letting go.
"I know. So does half the room." He teased with a charming smile, indicating pockets of men openly leering at her. Lucy instinctively shied towards the large red-head, realizing that she might not be mentally prepared for these arduous two weeks. To have to face these mage's scrutiny day after day...She sighed, glimpsing around the packed hall of roaming eyes. How was she supposed to find a proper man out of all this mess? Well, to start, her 'ideal' man was likely not one paying attention to her at the moment.
"Ahaha this is sorta new to me…" She took another sip from her glass, glancing over the rim at Alec. He seemed to have picked up the lecherous gleam in his eye that was infecting the room. I can't do this. I want roses, dates and SUNSETS! "Can I introduce you to Laki Olietta of my guild?" She pulled the passing spinster-like mage into the conversation. Without another word, the blonde and her curious cat companion booked it from the main lounge.
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"Luuucy, Fro wants to know why Lucy left." the Exceed inquired, tilting his head to the side.
"I didn't like that guy, Fro. The room of randy men didn't help…" She added as an afterthought, skirting around the corner at a speed she thought impossible in her shoes. The two ducked behind a pillar in the main lobby area facing the grand stairs. Lucy took this much needed breather to confirm her revelation and cycle her next two spirit guests. Virgo and Cancer appeared before her in a small haze of white mist.
"Have fun inside you two," she indicated the lounge behind her, cutting off Virgo's usual request for punishment. Cancer strode off with a smile and a wave while Virgo bowed deeply.
"I shall await punishment next time, Hime" The pink haired maid promised. Suddenly straightening her back, Virgo turned her attention to the stairs. Lucy would have face palmed at the comment but froze against the pillar at the sight of the Sabertooth Guild descending the grand stairway. She should have connected the dots between the shadowy cape Frosch wore and the ones the worn by the top five Sabers earlier.
Shit shit shit SHIT I'm right in the open. OHHH god. Her worst nightmare was unfolding before her. The males of the elite five began their decent towards her, apparently deep in conversation. They looked like death gods or demons, rather, with their long black smoky jackets and base layer training gear; heavy embellishments of metal talons, chains and spikes, among other 'decorative' weapons, had them looking every bit the lethal killers she knew they were. Lucy wasn't planning on getting a closer look. Just as she was about to slip away unnoticed, Pandora's Box ripped wide opened.
"FRO IS LUCY'S DATE, Rogue. ROGUE!" The Exceed yelled happily. "Rogue is Fro's partner!" he informed her with a grin. Her breath caught in her throat as the entire Sabertooth Guild pinned her under their gaze. Rogue, one of the more dangerous looking elite, flew straight at her. It was like watching her impending doom in slow-mo.
"Bye Frosch," Lucy peeped, realising the cute kitten in pure terror. "VIRGOOO!" The rosette maid didn't need further prompting to jet off with Lucy flying behind her. The girls just escaped out the balcony a second before the death god landed, the blonde's heart racing a million beats a minute. She was going to be slaughtered.
The shadow mage picked up the sulking Frosch with a displeased frown of his own. "Rogue scared Fro's date!" The cat pouted. "Lucy was purrrrdy and gave Fro fishy food. Fro liiiikes Lucy." The Exceed's watery eyes melted the emotionally frigid man; it was the only thing that could move the impartial mage. Bugger.
"What was-" before Sting could get in another word, Frosch was thrust upon him.
"Look after Fro. I'll take care of it." The darkly handsome mage announced, darting after it out the balcony. Sting looked a tad annoyed at his hypocritical friend. The shadow dragon slayer had imposed a Fairy truce on their Guild for the duration of the mating season and now this. Or perhaps Sting was annoyed that the dark mage was going after the blonde he had his eye on. Then again, this was Rogue; the noble and unemotional man wouldn't harm something unless threatened. Reeling his temper, the white dragon mage followed his guild into the lounge with a pouting Frosch safely tucked under his arm, Lector in the other. The white dragon slayer decided to stake his claim when the blonde Fairy next crossed his path.
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Knowing the fairy lights on her pixie outfit gave her away, Lucy quickly shimmied out of the dress and tossed it on a passing tree. Luckily with it being a warm night, gliding about in white lacy undergarments wasn't too uncomfortable however embarrassing the scenario. Virgo placed her master down in a pond to wash off her scent. The moon was bright enough to light the surface, allowing Lucy to make out a thick lining of trees surround the shore. One more dunk under the water completely submerged her hair, washing away all the hard work it took to place curls, ribbons and flowers. Lucy was disappointed but knew it had to be done. After this night, she wasn't planning on leaving her room until the end of the trip. This excursion was one disaster after another and it was only the first day. What she wouldn't give to be at home in her warm apartment with clothes that actually covered her body. Then she could have a nice cry by the warm fire and curse the Sabertooth Guild for ruining her biggest chance at love.
The blonde surfaced the water upon seeing a pink blur above her. "Thanks Virgo. You really saved me back there." Lucy breathed, wiping away water droplets from her eyes.
"Anything for Hime-sama," The rosette paused, doing a brief scan of the area. "It looks like we lost the tracker, Hime. Please call me again when I can be of service. For now you should conserve your Magic for the next emergency." The blonde nodded, feeling her Celestial keys still tied to her wrist.
"Thanks again Virgo. I really appreciate it." With a strained smile, Lucy closed all her open Spirit gates. The magic fatigue she had been feeling was somewhat alleviated. "What a bloody nightmare this has been…" she blonde groaned, diving under the refreshing water in hopes of climbing out the other side of the pond.
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Rogue watched from the shadows as the beautiful fairy dove under the water. He was annoyed and mildly angry that Frosch had been spending all this time fraternizing with their rivals –and with this troublesome female no less. Undoubtedly, her guild was itching to start another fight over her. Nevertheless there was no helping the situation; whatever made Fro happy after Lector's close call was worth the trouble. Besides, he couldn't afford a moping Exceed to distract him further from finding his mate. He'd drag the girl kicking and screaming back to Fro if he had to. The dragon magic humming through his veins kept him constantly focused on his mating task. Now, he was consciously aware of the burning instinct, resulting in less-than-subtle changes in his behaviour. His new found aggression would not let anything stand in the way of his search; human, tree, or mountain –it was all the same to him if it was obstructing his goal.
Just as the winged female stepped onto the shoreline, he pinned her to a large tree at break neck speed.
It happened so fast that Lucy couldn't even scream. The wind was knocked out of her as she was flattened into a tree. In under a second, a strong hand imprisoned hers above her head while the other fisted into her silky tresses. His powerful body pinned her in place so she couldn't even move. She now was more terrified of this one man than the entire Sabertooth Guild combined; he made Sting's abilities earlier that day look like child's play. She didn't even hear him coming. The bark of the tree dug painfully into her burning chest, reminding her fill her lungs once more with air.
"I-I'm so-"
"Quiet." A velvety voice commanded. Rogue was having a hard time concentrating on his intended task. It was like this woman was designed to be touched. Her moonlit skin was creamy and soft under his hold. Her hair was as smooth as silk and looked as if the sun's rays were spun into every strand. Her backside was plump and curvy, begging to be explored. He forcefully turned her around and resumed his unwavering appraisal. Worried full lips and honey coloured eyes met his inspection. Red eyes travelled down her tight torso and lingered over her wet undergarments. His stern expression turned to one of approval over her hips and chest. His blood hummed at a chaotic pace.
Huh. Rogue just found his mate.
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Lucy was turned around to face a terrifyingly beautiful man likely a couple years older than her, perhaps 22? He looked too young to hold such a detached expression in his glowing red eyes. It made her shiver. Seriously. Why are all crazies out to get me today? She inwardly cried at her misfortune and worried her bottom lip. She peeked up again from under her lashes to see an appreciative look on his face. Her breath caught in her throat. If he was less deranged and smiled every now and then, she was sure he'd be a lady-killer. Driving away those absurd thoughts, Lucy drew her focus towards to her feet, thinking of the best way to get out of this bind. Scream maybe? Was there anyone around? The castle was so far… She couldn't even activate her keys what with his tight grasp. She'd have to stay calm and talk her way out of this one.
"I was looking for Frosch's partner the entire day, I promise." Lucy began firmly, noting that his grip slackened. "I didn't know the Exceed was with your Guild-"He tugged her chin upward and met her pleading eyes with his domineering gaze.
"You are coming back with me, Fairy. You are mine now."
…Eh?