Chugging along, chugging along. Thank you very much for the encouragement. Please keep the reviews coming.
And anonymous reviewer inquired about my names. I gather my names from a mixture of mythology and lore spanning multiple cultures. I am borrowing more from Greek/Roman and Nordic mythology, however.
Disclaimer: cred to me for the OCs. So much fun.
~OoOoO~
Lucy couldn't help but feel that she had tainted the innocence to the Oneiroi's first two forms. She had a sneaking suspicion that this form was rarely experienced, as it likely ended unhappily to Morpheus' enemies. Of course, that was also supported by an earlier discussion with Adie or Veleda—Lucy couldn't recall—that insinuated that their third forms were most feared. She swallowed the lump in her throat, her eyes darting left then right in hopes of spotting Natsu. She wondered what he'd think of all of this. Would he be impressed with her strength? She could see the looks of awe from the surrounding mages, and she felt a swell of pride at how much she had grown. She knew the whispers were about her. She would have basked in their praise for a moment longer had Adie not cleared her throat impatiently.
Lucy straightened, noticing the army of Oneiroi awaiting something—anything. She strode forward with as much surety she could muster. She looked up at the tallest of the creatures. "Master, erm, Chiron? M-May I make a request?"
He shifted and swung on his haunches, a move that was both graceful and deadly. Lucy did all she could to not jump. He bowed his head, voice surprisingly kind, "Miss Heartfilia, I will hear this request of yours. Master Morpheus does not leave us to just anyone."
He glanced at Adie. Lucy ignored the feeling that he was seeking affirmation, her shoulders squaring with determination. She noticed the other Oneiroi watching her, their dark deep-set eyes filled with muted indifference. They moved about on their hooved feet, as if impatient for her response.
Lucy's attention returned to Chiron, their leader. She hoped her voice was as clear and strong as she intended. "Yes, uh, um, could you not harm any humans?"
He angled his head as if to study her, teeth bared slightly in a look that Lucy would call one of uncertainty. His voice betrayed his hesitation. "You would prefer we wound spirits?"
A rustle moved through the centaur army and Lucy thought she had erred grievously.
"No!" Lucy waved her hands, palms suddenly slick and sweaty, "T-That's not what I meant! I would like you to leave the spirits to m-m-me." She inwardly sighed, collecting herself. Where was Natsu to give her strength? The thought gave her courage. "The ones—from the Otherworld—those you may get rid of. But, please leave the human mages to us and, again, the spirits to me." She whispered the last part, her right fist clenching.
"That's a big request for such a tiny human." Chiron stared down at her, thoughtfully. He threw his head back before bowing at her on his muscular front legs, throwing his weapon into the opposite hand. "But, I will do as you wish, Miss Heartfilia."
"Lucy," she exhaled after what felt like an eternity of holding her breath. "No Miss, Mistress, My Lady...just…just Lucy, please!" His head shot up faster than she had expected. She offered her most polite and sincere smile, "You are, after all, helping me, and I'm at your disposal, Chiron."
He drew back, and Lucy saw the shift in the Oneiroi. They did not make a noise, as she would expect from such large beasts. Chiron turned, with one last look at Lucy before lifting the crook he carried. He shouted something in his guttural language and the others lifted their weapons before quickly dispersing. Lucy watched in shock as they swiftly leaped over her allies—the wonderstruck mages falling to the ground out of fear of being trampled—meeting the enemy forces head on. Lucy was impressed by the agility at which they were able to maneuver through the battlefield; cutting down the enemy and making the humans look like weaklings. All their efforts to this point appeared moot.
Her friend was watching her carefully. Lucy sighed out of curiosity, "What did he say, Adie?"
The corners of the demi-spirit's mouth twitched upward, "It was mostly praise for you. Then he called you a "little human girl"."
"Oh." Lucy shrugged, feeling weary and finding those words funny. She chuckled. "It could have been worse." She tried her best to smile as she turned toward Adie, still unable to find Natsu. "Well, are we goin—oof!"
She felt as if her wrist was going to be ripped from her body as she was yanked into motion by her forearm, which was now locked in Adie's tight grip. "Let'sgodammitIdon'thavealldayHeartfilia!"
Her boots expedited their trip, allowing Adie to quickly maneuver around, ducking under blows and leaping over Oneiroi—all while dragging Lucy with her. Occasionally, she'd wield a weapon in her left hand, cutting down whatever was in their path with sloppy ease. They passed Wendy and Nani, who shouted encouragement. They cut down Gray's enemy, as the ice mage stared, shocked. After what seemed like an eternity of being dragged, Lucy realized they had stopped running, despite feeling as if the ground was still moving beneath her feet. She tumbled forward into what she recognized was Jellal's back.
"You said you could bring down the barrier. You know the person who made it," Adie reminded him, barely out of breath. Lucy skidded to a halt, nearly colliding with Jellal, who kindly stepped out of the way and allowed her to fall to the ground. She cursed, scraping her knee for the hundredth time that day. Adie didn't miss a beat, picking her up by the back of her shirt while talking to Jellal in rapid succession, spouting her theories, and pointing at the wall that Lucy still couldn't see.
"I'll do my best, but," Jellal eyed the invisible barrier, looking uncomfortable. He licked his cracked lips. She hadn't realized how pale he was, or how dark the bags under his eye truly were. "I don't recognize all the ruins. I looked for Fried—as Erza recommended—but I cannot find him."
"You said—" Adie argued, irritation in her voice.
"I know what I said!" Jellal snapped, teeth bared. Lucy suspected he was more angry at himself than anyone else. He inhaled deeply, "I was premature in my assessment."
"What's the worst that could happen?" Lucy asked, brushing at her bruised and bleeding knees as she attempted to cut through the tension. She heard Adie swear under her breath and Jellal looked away momentarily. "What?"
"The worst that could happen, Lucy," he said, his eyes darting back to her. "Is that you could be trapped in that barrier indefinitely." His gaze shifted away once again, fists clenching.
"That it?" She wasn't the least surprised by that revelation. With a field full of mages, she knew someone could figure out how to release them.
"No, that's not all," he shook his head, sighing in resignation. "It could also mean instant death."
"I knew I'd run into you again!" Natsu growled as Happy dropped him on the ground in front of Zalty.
"Out of my way, this is not your place," his masked opponent shouted, attempting to dodge right. Natsu blew out an impressive stream of flames, forcing Zalty to come to a halt.
"Let's stop playing games. I know you're a woman. Why hide it? You reek like one," he glanced over his shoulder, where Cana was fighting with Fried and Macao. His eyes narrowed. "Who are you after?"
"Who said I was after anything?" Zalty answered impatiently, toe tapping and hands on hips.
"Because I don't think you're a friend," Natsu replied smartly, "And you've passed by plenty of opportunities to take out my nakama."
"What of it?" his opponent hissed in annoyance.
"Because," Natsu cracked his knuckles. "They are my friends and if you plan to hurt them, you'll have to get through me."
"And me," Happy replied, landing next to Natsu, looking up at him.
The masked mage watched them, fists clenching and unclenching. "So be it."
"Let's do this!" Natsu growled impetuously, fists bursting into flames as he smiled menacingly.
Zalty straightened, "I told you once before that you hadn't experience my full power."
"I remember," the dragon slayer shot back, refusing to be jarred by the remark.
"Well," Zalty hissed, "I've grown much more powerful. Much. More."
"Then this should be good, lady." Natsu chuckled, his fist burning brighter. "I don't get why you don't drop the act."
"I won't hold back," the masked mage warned, blue orb now in hand, "I have vengeance that needs to be reaped."
"Fine by me," the dragon slayer agreed, his body covered in tiny, glistening scales and muscles tensed for his impending charge, "Because I have friends who died for Ultear's stupid cause. So if one of us has more at stake, I'd say it's me."
"She's finally arrived," Porlyusica told Makarov. He glanced at Ivan and Laxus, who were fighting back to back. He had waited nearly a decade to see this moment, only to have it turn bittersweet.
"I see," he nodded. His heart had broken a hundred times over at the sight of his dead children—who he had raised in his much-loved guild. "Then I suppose it's time."
"You are sure this is what you want, Makarov?" Porlyusica asked softly, her hand resting on his forearm. They had discussed this once, and she knew that he was serious in his intent. Part of her wished that he would change his mind. There may be another way…
He blinked back tears as he averted his eyes from the pile of bodies, "I'm getting soft in my old age, Porly. I can't let my children's death be for nothing."
"Well then, you know I can't let you face this alone," she told him softly.
He shook his head, "No—"
"You will not dissuade me, dear friend. We started as teammates, we will end it as such," her crimson eyes were filled with her past pain—pain that he would never be able to heal. He had loved her deeply at one time, but she had rebuffed his advances. Deep down, he had never truly stopped loving her. And he knew, somewhere within her, she reciprocated those feelings though never as much as she had loved Barsky. They both knew what loss felt like, and he would not tell her otherwise. He would never deny her anything. It would be an honor to die by her side. She had always been his closest friend and confidante.
He smiled and chuckled, "Fine, you strong-willed woman."
She squeezed his arm, before nodding at Laxus and Ivan. They moved quickly, anticipating her warning. They both were aware of Makarov's plan, and had been vocal about their disagreement.
"We are coming as well," Laxus informed the older mages, Ivan nodded his agreement, nursing his injured shoulder. It had been some time since he had fought, and he inwardly grumbled his discontent at his weakness.
"Mutiny on all accounts," Makarov muttered under his breath to the pink-haired mage.
"It's only right," Ivan quickly replied, glancing at Porlyusica with a reminiscent expression. "One should die surrounded by family, no?"
No one said anything for some time, all understanding that the goal was to kill Ultear if she was not dissuaded. Punishment was inevitable for her, Makarov knew, as she had cost them all too dearly. And the price would be hefty.
He inhaled deeply; he would need a prayer. "Where is Gray?"
"With Gajeel and Wendy," Porlyusica answered.
"Bring him." Makarov told her sternly, growing two feet taller. "I made a promise I intend to keep. If he fails, then I will do what must be done."
"The time which you can pass through will be limited," Jellal told them, the tattoo on his face crinkling as he squinted at the nearly invisible barrier. Erza and Jura were covering them as he attempted to negate the rune spell. Lucy had thought Erza was going to insist on following them, but Lucy assured her they would be fine. Finally, the red-head had conceded.
"If I calculated correctly," he added quickly.
"Right…" Adie muttered sarcastically, leaning over to pick up a rock.
Lucy hoped the demi-spirit wasn't planning to use it on Jellal's skull. For a moment, she noted the clamor of battle closing in around them. She could see the Oneiroi easily loping through their enemy, and she recoiled at how barbaric they had become. It was truly a gruesome sight, the once peaceful creatures decapitating and dismembering the enemy without hesitation. Unfortunately, those same enemies kept rising from Ultear's influence.
"I think..." Jellal interrupted her musings, his outstretched palms glowing as he reached toward the invisible wall. A bead of sweat trickled down the side of his face as he concentrated. "…now."
Adie easily tossed the rock, which silently bounced off the barrier, falling to the ground below. They stared at it in disappointment, and she could hear Jellal growl under his breath. The pale-haired woman raised an eyebrow as she bent over to retrieve the fallen object.
"Got any other bright ideas?"
She was becoming testy, pacing in front of the invisible barrier. She hesitated, reaching out a finger to touch it, and the smoke that erupted from the movement made Lucy feel even more hopeless. Adie withdrew the digit, her flesh singed. She popped it into her mouth with a look of defeat, annoyance, and frustration.
"I...I don't get it, that should have worked!" Even Jellal was becoming impatient, his expression growing dark. He hurled a ball of light at the barrier, only to have it explode in an upward billow of smoke. "Dammit!"
"We have to get in there!" Adie cursed in a string of improvised phrases. It would have been funny if they weren't exhausted. Lucy would make a mental note of them in case they lived to tell this tale. She had definitely not known asshat to be a word. She wondered where Adie stumbled upon that particular term.
"Fried won't be able to make it. He's busy at the moment," someone announced from behind Jellal.
Lucy quickly spun around upon hearing the familiar voice. Her eyes were wide with relief as tears spilled over. "Levy!"
"Heya, Lu-chan," Levy offered a half-smile, her arm draped around Gajeel, who didn't look too happy to have her moving about. She was pale, her chest and abdomen wrapped with clean bandages. A small pool of dried blood marred the starched white of the dressings. "I…I wanted to help."
"Are you..." Lucy's eyes roved over her friend, then to Gajeel, who set his jaw, "...OK?"
"I'm fine, or I will be," Levy glanced up at her companion as she attempted to smile. She waved her hand with some effort and her lips trembled. She nodded toward their next obstacle, "That wall causing trouble, huh?"
"You can see it, too?" Jellal looked impressed.
"Of course, who couldn't?" the blue-haired mage smirked. Levy nodded, pushing a pair of glasses up the bridge of her nose after unfolding them from her pocket. She licked her thumb, holding it up to the wall. "As I thought, nearly Eluthyan in tongue, but not too far removed from Karuthrian..."
"What's she goin' on about?" Adie whispered to Lucy, who shrugged.
Leave it to Levy! Lucy thought to herself. "So you can figure out how to disarm it for a few moments?"
"Few moments?" Levy blinked at Lucy, dumbfounded. "How inept do you think I am, Lu-chan? It's Eluthyan!"
Her tone was so matter-of-fact that Lucy was abashed at her earlier question, "I...uh...I don'tthinkyouareineptatall?"
"Good," Levy stepped forward, pushing away from Gajeel with a look of confidence, "Because I'll damn well tear down this barrier forever if it gets you nearer to those spirits and Adie's sister."
Adie's interest was piqued, "R-Really? You can do that, Levy?"
"Sure can!" Levy nodded, brow furrowed and shining with sweat. Her tongue darted out at the corner of her mouth as Gajeel stood by, watching protectively. From his concern, Lucy knew her condition was not as benign as she was pretending. It was for their sake she was there.
"Don't strain yerself, Midget," the dragon slayer muttered to her. She scrunched her nose, eyes narrowed as she concentrated.
"Could you use that light thingy once more, uh, erm," she looked at the unfamiliar male mage.
"Jellal," he answered, nodding. He quickly repeated his earlier action.
This time, the script lit up white and hot against the air. Lucy's eyes fluttered wider as she finally saw the unfamiliar text. Adie was mute and tense.
"Aha! That's the missing piece," Levy whispered.
She muttered a string of words—or perhaps sentences—in an unfamiliar, garbled-sounding tongue. The text floated around her hand and Levy arranged it carefully before placing portions in the blank areas of the text wall. The runes burned more brightly before integrating into the wall.
"Uh, you may want to step back, not sure about this part!" Levy commented. Gajeel shielded Levy, his back toward the wall. Jellal created a barrier of his own, protecting Lucy and Adie as the text turned yellow, then black. Suddenly, the runes fell to the ground, turning into piles of ash.
Adie stared, wide-eyed, her voice soft, "You…did it?"
Jellal and Levy looked where the wall was, once again. Jellal reached out, his hand easily passing through the barrier. All eyes were on Levy.
"What?" she asked, fists on her hips. "I am a rune expert!"
"Impressive," Jellal agreed.
"That's my girl," Gajeel ruffled her hair, and she smiled, falling into him as he supported her. His face betrayed his concern.
"Levy!" Lucy yelled.
Levy raised her hand, licking her pale lips. "I'm OK. Just a bit tired. It's early, I'm not entirely healed."
Lucy noted the bright red blood pooling around the old stain. She covered her mouth with her fingers. "Oh no…"
"It'll be fine. Wendy'll fix me up good as new, Lu-chan." She waved off the concern. "Don't worry about me. You have spirits to save and asses to kick!"
Suddenly Adie's arms were around Levy's neck as she hugged the woman, her voice soft. "You have no idea how much you may have helped. No idea."
Levy looked as shocked as Lucy felt at the rare display of any sort of emotion from the demi-spirit. She thought she heard Adie whispering into Levy's ear, but she couldn't be sure over the noise on the battlefield. She tried to push away the destruction surrounding them. The earth was stained with blood, and clouds of dust wafted through the valley. What was green was now brown with the physical damage both sides were creating. In the far off distance, Lucy hoped the people of Magnolia had made it to safety. She tried to glimpse Natsu's pink hair—if only for one last time. She had a sinking feeling that whatever was behind this barrier had been placed there for a reason. She wasn't sure what to expect from Lilith, and was even more uncertain of Adie's true power. More so, her role in this was still somewhat undetermined.
Levy drew back suddenly, eyes wide and mouth dropping open as the women separated. She met Adie's eyes, and the pale-haired women nodded quickly as she stepped back. Levy recovered, glancing at Lucy and offering a lopsided smile of uncertainty. Adie stepped backward, embarrassed as she wiped her palms on her pants uncomfortably.
"Good, now get going!" Levy sternly told them as she cleared her throat, tears in her eyes as she looked at Lucy. Adie gave Levy a rare, genuine smile, and a nod of her head that Lucy would qualify as a non-verbal thanks.
Before she could bid her friend a farewell, Lucy was once again swept away with a violent chattering of her teeth as an impatient Adie sprang into action. This time, however, Lucy was more familiar with the relic magic. She saw the black airship come closer, and she let Adie lead her to the door Ultear had disappeared into earlier. With a crushing blow, Adie had splintered the wood, ripping the door off of its hinges with a gloved hand.
"I think that you may have announced our arrival," Lucy told her, head still spinning slightly.
"Too late," Adie grunted. "We'll deal with it."
"Right," Lucy sighed. "Just like Natsu."
"He's fine, by the way," Adie told her.
"What?"
"Natsu, I saw you looking for him," the demi spirit quickly strode through the narrow corridors. "He was with Happy."
"Oh. Thanks."
"Don't mention it," Adie nodded. "You care about him, I can tell."
"I—" Lucy began to protest, her argument weak as it formulated on her tongue.
"Don't owe an explanation or answer, I'm just tellin' you what I see," she glanced at Lucy from the corner of her eye.
Lucy suppressed a smile. It figured that everyone else had noticed it. She looked up, noting their surroundings for the first time. The dank air chilled her skin and she could feel the gooseflesh prickling her arms.
"W-Where is everyone?" Lucy whispered, her eyes adjusting to the dim interior of the airship. She could feel every hair on her neck standing on end at the eerie sensation that they were being watched.
"Keep it quiet, will ya?" Adie warned softly, eyes narrowed as she weaved through the stuffy interior. Lucy followed close behind, keeping an eye out behind them. She bumped into Adie as the woman suddenly stopped.
"What is it?" Lucy whispered.
"Stairs," Adie jerked her head. Lucy peered over her shoulder.
How? she mouthed. They were at ground level already.
"Must be some sort of spacial magic. No wonder they weren't hurt by the explosion."
Lucy nodded. Were the spirits down there as well? "I suppose that's where we are going?"
Adie wordlessly and softly descended the stairs, the mage close behind. The two women looked around at the spacious room—no, hall—that appeared in front of them. It was reminiscent to a Guild Hall Lucy had visited before...
"Well, well, well," someone purred from their left. Lucy spun around with a squeal as Adie moved more cautiously, a hand on Lucy's arm. "Look who stopped by to say hi, Hades."
Lucy's mouth dropped open as the woman slowly stood from where she was sitting. Her body moved gracefully and dangerously toward the two newcomers. Lucy's eyes fell to the large gate behind the woman, where she thought she saw shuffling movement. Her gaze darted to other chair, where a robed figure, likely Hades, was seated. She noticed Morpheus, still disguised at Faux, standing behind the seat. The spirit nodded his head with a minute motion, and Lucy sensed Adie tense.
The clicking of heels brought Lucy's attention back to the woman approaching. Adie boomed a warning, "Don't come any closer!"
The woman hesitated, standing taller as she shed her robe. Underneath she wore a layered white skirt that floated angelically. Her sleeves were long and lightweight, and when she lifted her arms, likely with purpose, the fabric whispered in the air as it billowed. Her silvery hair was long, and her blunt bangs framed her heart-shaped face.
"I-I know you!" Lucy blurted suddenly, eyes wide. Adie looked at her in shock.
"Yes..." the woman replied softly. Her right hand lifted to finger the scar spanning the length of her face, stopping at her now-blind left eye. "I hoped you wouldn't have forgotten me, Lucy Heartfilia."
"Angel," Lucy whispered, her face pale as she noticed the scar on the woman's face. Had she disfigured the Celestial Spirit Mage in her battle with Oracion Seis? She immediately regretted it if she had done so. "Your face..."
"You like it?" Angel purred. "You were responsible for this. I'm blind in one eye, and no one would ever look twice at someone with such a hideous disfigurement." Her voice was growing louder as she hissed the last sentence.
Lucy felt sorry for her, "I-I didn't mean to!"
"Aw, poor baby," Angel mused, stepping closer.
"I said—" Adie bellowed a warning.
"Yes, yes, I heard you," Angel's eye flickered toward the demi-spirit as she tsked her disapproval. She pursed her lips, saying nothing as she studied Adie. Lucy suspected that the spirit mage was well aware of who Adie truly was—as she had been quite knowledgeable of spirit relationships on their earlier encounter. "But my ill will is not toward you. I plan to kill your friend, here."
"Move back, Lucy," Adie softly commanded, her arm shooting out in front of the spirit mage.
"No."
Adie's head snapped toward Lucy, who was staring ahead at Angel. She closed her eyes briefly, a small smile on her face, "I fought her once and won—"
"You had help! You cheated!" Angel shrieked, shedding her earlier reserve.
"I will beat you again." Lucy calmly replied, fists clenched. "No one will help me this time. You will see how strong I am."
"A girl who knew nothing about her spirits? Relied on others to fight for her? Ha!" Angel threw her head back. "This will be just as easy, I suspect, since your lovesick friend will not be here to help you—to save you!"
"You are the one responsible for killing those mages and taking their keys," Lucy's voice was strong as she looked at the keys on Angel's waist. "You are responsible for keeping them here...to die!"
"Yes," Angel's eyes grew wide, "Yes. Meredy's binding collars were lovely, weren't they?"
"You don't deserve those keys at your waist!" Lucy yelled.
"You are truly a joke, Lucy Heartfilia! You are the one who does not deserve to have what you don't understand!" Angel's laughter was maniacal as she threw her head back.
Before Adie could react, Lucy was sprinting toward the other Celestial Mage. Angel stood her ground, hands on her hips as Lucy pulled her whip free from her waist. "Leo! Aries!"
The Spirits appeared in front of Lucy. Leo briefly glanced at Adie before looking at his sister. The two nodded, recognizing Angel immediately. A look of determination flickered across Aries' face as Lucy met up with them. A pink cloud surrounded Aries' hand as her arm darted out; her target Angel.
The attack fluffed toward the ceiling as Leo prepared the light of Regulus. He drew his fist back, as the cloud settled. Aries gasped and the light suddenly flickered out on Leo's hand as his eyes grew wide. He reached out and pulled Lucy backward.
"Peony?" Adie croaked at the spirit Angel had summoned.
A taller, slender woman with long curly pink hair stood before them, swaying gently as Angel laughed behind her. Both Aries and Leo looked at one another, the latter's glance to Adie more knowing. Aries sobbed as Lucy stared, unsure of what to do. Peony's appearance caused distress to both Leo and Aries.
"I'm fine," Peony whispered, her fingers tracing the choker at her neck. "I'm so sorry, my children." She looked past them at Adassandra, her smile fading. "I was unable to find your mother."
"It's not important," Adie replied, eyes widening as the color left her face.
"She's your mother?" Lucy whispered to Aries, who nodded, wiping her eyes with a forearm.
Angel threw her head back and laughed, "A family reunion and Lucy Heartfilia still doesn't understand the relationships of her spirits! How precious!"
"Stop!" Lucy yelled, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
"Don't listen to her," Adie warned from behind her, gaze flickering to Morpheus, who was still disguised as Faux.
With a swipe of her hand, Angel struck Peony, causing the spirit to collapse to the ground. Leo tensed and grabbed both Lucy and Aries to stop them from charging as Lucy screamed, "Don't you dare!"
"Or what?" Angel asked, lowering her face to near Peony's, who was staring at the ground, eyes devoid of fear. Angel brandished a short blade, holding it to Peony's neck just under her chin. "Or you'll kill me? Not before I kill her. You will feel failure, Lucy!"
"Don't." Lucy pleaded. "Please, don't hurt her."
"Touching how much you care for your spirits, yet you know nothing about them," she cackled, drawing back and pulling on Peony's hair.
The spirit didn't fight back. A small smile was on her lips, "Leo, Aries, you protect her. Do not fear what will happen to me."
"Oh shut up," Angel hissed, pushing Peony to the ground after hitting her with the handle of the blade. "I'm not interested in killing you yet. I want Lucy Heartfilia to know who the strongest spirit mage is."
Leo lurched forward, but Lucy's arm shot out, "Leave her, Leo." He looked at her, incredulous.
"She won't kill her just yet. Peony is a bargaining tool. She wants to feel she has the upper hand. Your mother is insurance. I won't let her die. That's a promise, do you hear me?" Lucy whispered from the corner of her mouth.
"I won't leave you, Lucy," Leo told her solemnly.
"Fine, I didn't expect you would," she agreed, her eyes on Angel and fingers closing around her whip. "What now, Angel? How about we fight fair? No more games," Lucy hissed through her teeth, eyes darting to Faux.
Angel's smile grew wider. More tense. More undone. She looked at Adie, and Lucy felt her blood grow cold. "Is that your champion, Lucy? Her?"
Lucy looked at Adie, who stepped in front of her. The demi-spirit answered, "Yes. And you will pay for what you have done."
"Good. I like giving Lucy lessons," Angel looked at Lucy. "This one will be my greatest yet." She turned to look over her shoulder. "Hades, I want you to kill Lucy Heartfilia and defeat her spirit."
Both Lucy and Adie gasped. How had she known? Lucy saw Adie's shoulders tense as the robed figure rose.
"I don't have a good feeling about this," Lucy told Leo, who had made Aries disappear after Angel allowed Peony to go back to her imprisonment. Lucy had heard about Hades-he was responsible for most of this. Was he a mage? She had no idea.
Hades descended from his seat, looming closer as he approached beside Angel. A crazed smile lit up her face as she practically cooed, "Now, now, show them your face. I want them to see your face!"
The hooded figure said nothing as he pushed the cowling fabric from his head. Morpheus stood still, demeanor stony as he watched Adie. Lucy stifled a scream, Leo's face lost all color, and Adie stumbled backward, mouth open and eyes bulging.
"A-Adie?" Lucy's teeth chattered. "Is it—?" She couldn't force the words from her mouth and she drowned out Angels maniacal screeches of sheer pleasure at their reactions. Lucy looked at Morpheus, who stood as still as a statue. Why hadn't he warned them?
Adie's face was as white as could be, and she choked a few times before she collected herself. Leo quickly disappeared. Lucy could not ignore the resemblance. It had to be. There was no other explanation. She shook Adie's arm. "Adassandra, snap out of it and answer me!"
"Yes." The demi spirit's voice cracked as she swayed unsteadily, eyes ahead and rimmed with tears. "Hades is my sister. It's Lilith."