Chapter 52: Power Trip.
"You like.. went on a power trip." Gajeel mused as he and Kuma walked to the guild the next day.
"It was not a power trip! But I mean, he aggravated me!" That sounded so terrible that it made Kuma's stomach clench. What happened last night was inexcusable in her opinion. But she didn't deny that she felt no remorse for the fool.
-Flashback!-
We had just came back from investigating the Oracion Seis, a powerful dark guild, when Moka dropped the bomb on me.
Biologically wise, I had siblings.
Two brothers and three sisters. Two I was happy about, two I didn't know what to think and one I was pissed to be related to.
Hikari and Wendy were my younger sisters! I was glad at the news! I already thought of them as so, so it was no trouble. My older sister was the crazy maniacal bitch, Pricella. Oh the irony of it all! I hate her guts! And my last two siblings, Sting and Rouge, were my twelve year old brothers. Actually Ive met Rouge once. About a year ago for a track meet. He was thinking about going to Yokai when he was old enough for high school. We had a race and to this day no one knew who won. Sting, though, was a mystery.
"Is Pricella coming then?" I asked Aunt Moka and she sighed and nodded her head. "Unfortunetly, yes. ALL of the princes and princesses must be present." She informed me and I groaned. I hadn't seen her since the Tower of Heaven fiasco. Her and Jadin were plotting against me from the start. The poor bitch better pray someone can hold me back.
"Well dont you look all spiffy!"
Cobalt growled a warning and I laughed. He looked sooo uncomfortable! But he did look nice.
The blue turned white headed demon wore a black suit with a white undershirt and a satin blue tie. He looked more sophisticated than the goofy boy that he was.
Since he was my demon partner, he was my escort. Holding out his arm, I take it and we head towards the throne room of Yokai.
"You look really pretty." He murmured and I give him a wicked smile. "I hoped I was! It took me like an hour to look this good!" Looking down at this ridiculous ball gown, I feel like punching Big Brother.
In. The. Throat.
He had reminded Moka that the two oldest girls had to wear ball gowns so that they must dance with the incoming soldiers who could be potential generals. I was going to murder him! It was my favorite color though. Purple. And I got away with wearing booties. He he he.
When we arrived at the throne room, Aunt Lucy and Aunt Juvia were already there, practicing their ball room dancing. Well, Aunt Lucy was correcting Aunt Juvia. Cobalt snickered at his mom's embarrassment.
"Well if the partners have to dance, Uncle Gajeel is in a whole lot of trouble."
Juvia blushed harder and Cobalt died of laughter.
"Alright, Kuma, I need you to follow me."
Looking over at Moka, I almost dropped on my knees at how pretty she was!
She wore a dark blue, almost black, evening gown with white gloves. Her silver hair had been done in an intricate braid and instead of her rosary that she no longer needed, she wore a layered diamond necklace that looked really heavy. The only makeup she wore was lipstick. On top of her head was a tall crown that was set in gold and rubies.
Following the beautiful creature, she made me step into her bedroom. I've only been in here a few times but it was just to recieve mission requests.
"Are you able to hold your transformation for the whole night?"
Laughing nervously I looked away. "Yeah about that... see... Takara just sort of takes over and...kills?" Gawds I said it as a question! Moka just sighed and I could practiclly see the over animated sweatdrop on the side of her face.
She reached over and ripped my rosary off. Gasping, the feeling of Takara takes over and a strand of hair tells me she's out. "Takara. I order you to let Kuma be in control for the night." Moka demanded and I feel my lips move on their own.
"On three conditions. Ten bags of blood, four bottles of vodka and out of this dress." I almost cheered when Aunt Moka agreed easily. 'Takara I love you!' I cried out in my mind and she snorted in my subconcious. 'Whatever. You should really consider to stop drinking. It's hurting my eyes.' With that she went back into slumber and I was in control of my vampire body.
"Thanks, Aunt Moka!" I cheered and she chuckled before heading into what I assumed was her closet. Almost immediately, I followed. Walking into the walk in closet, I was surprised at the amount of dresses this woman had. All glitz and glam, I could see in her expression that she found it normal. She seemed to find what she was looking for because she pulled down a piece of yellow glittered down silk.
"Strip." She demanded and I found myself stepping out of that poofy thing immediately. She carefully place the dress over my hair, which was in a complicated updo of braids and ornaments, and let it flow to my feet. It was a beautiful soft yellow evening gown with gossamer sleeves and a blue sash. It tied in a big bow in the back and she made me take my shoes off to put on some white heels. I felt really pretty.
"Beautiful." Was all she said before heading back out the closet. Honestly it sounded sarcastic but knowing how non-discerning showing sentimentality was for Moka made me feel giddy. She said I was beautiful! Ah!
"Imperial Grand Dutchess, Pristine Akashiya."
Pricella walked between the curtain off the balcony in a pretty black and gold cheongsam. How she got out of the poofy dress too I had no clue. When I saw her, demonic blonde hair in a simple but high bun, she looked a little guilty and even bent low to avoid my gaze. She wore a similar tiara to mine and I grudgingly admitted she looked beautiful. Polite applause ran throughout the big turnout of demons as she curtsied and took her place on one of the six mini thrones up front in the far left. It was my turn.
As they stated Pricella's age and her current stage process of becoming a full fledged demon, I felt Hikari put a hand on my back. "You'll be fine. Just pretend this is another act and you'll have fun with it! And besides, Mom invited certain people from Fairy Tail so I am sure Ms. Scarlet is here." Nodding, I tug on the sleeves once more, wishing they would be a solid color and block my scars, before locking my fingers together and standing up tall and proud.
"Imperial Grand Duchess, Takara Akashiya."
Walking unto the beginning of the staircase from the balcony, my eyes dart around like I owned this show. Holding my skirt up, I use those lessons Aunt Lucy and Aunt Moka gave me to good use and walk down the marble steps with dominating power in each movement. I could see Mom and Uncle Natsu, Uncle Gray and Gramps. They looked shocked as I curtsied and took my seat.
"...Age fourteen and is moving on into the political plots of her training." The man who announced us in finished and the crowd gives another polite clap. As he announces the next four siblings; Ayano, Kazihiro, Kazihiko and Akira, I notice Sting(Kazihiko) Rouge(Kazihiro) and I(Takara) are all furthest in our training yet none of us have a weapon. The crowd murmered about this as well. But we all sit still and wait for further instructions like obedient little royals.
Then they start naming the guards.
First were the generals: Laxus and Gajeel. The Alpha stigma and First Ganma. They escorted their newest partners, Lucy and Juvia. Lucy was the only other known who could control their stigma which proved it was possible and Juvia was the second part of the Ganma. What that is exactly? I had no clue.
Then they introduced the other personal guards. Vexel(Cobalt), Rhea(Dennevah), Gala(Eve), Persophone(Claire) and Nero(Koga). Why they had demon names and the generals didnt, I did not know that either.
And then the newest guards were christened. Surprisingly DAD! Of all people, but he wasn't wearing his weird outfit. In fact, I don't see why he made such a big deal about hiding his face. He had long purple hair and purple eyes which looked mighty severe. His face was angular in the good way and if I was being tottaly honest he was movie star hott. But according to Moka, that was his demon form.
So what did he look like without it?
Then it was Cousin Mira. She was a succubus and dressed just like it. Her dress was short and her hair was wild-wavy and I'm pretty sure every demon in here with a penis had a boner.
Next there was a guard I've never seen before, Gerard. Believe it or not, he looked just. Like. Jellal. But instead of blue hair, it was a bright white and there was no scar... or tattoo... whatever the hell was on the bastard's face. His eyes were a bright red.
The last new guard felt like a punch to the gut. HE couldn't be a guard! He would get himself killed! He was a human!
"Shinra..."
It had slipped and surprisingly Pricella held my hand.
"You just have to bare through it for a little while longer."
I knew what she meant. I wanted to take that sword from Moka and throw it to Mom and tell her to add to her collection. I wanted to scream and fight and tell Shinra he didn't know what he was getting into. That he would die. But as the sword went down and tapped each of his shoulders I knew it was over.
He was a guard... for life.
"You look beautiful tonight."
Turning to Mom's voice, she walked onto the outside balcony and handed me a flute of wine. Or was it blood? Ah well.
"Did you know he was going to be a guard?"
Mom shook her head. "It was a surprise for everyone. C'mon, you have dancing to do."
Sighing, I walked back inside and was introduced to Lucy's new partner, Gerard. We shared a dance and he seemed a little out of it but nothing to bad. He was actually really funny.
Then I danced with Dad. To say that conversation was intresting was an understatement because I started off with saying "Nice face." He had snorted and started laughing which drew some attention, but was otherwise cool.
Afterwards Shinra asked to dance and I reluctantly granted. I've been trying to avoid him all night. Even now I was searching for a way out.
"I'm sorry, but I was worried about you."
"I told you, demon hunting is fine. Im fine!"
"It's in my instinct to worry about you. Your reckless."
"No. You just don't trust me."
We had slowed to a stop and Shinra looked at me with a expression of disbelief. I didn't want to talk anymore and so I curtsied and he silently bowed low.
"Thank you for the dance, Your Highness." He murmured and I nod. Thankfully Uncle Gajeel whisked me away before I began to cry.
"You know, this is the first time Ive seen you settle something before it started." He said, twirling me around. I sighed and looked around the room filled with dancing figures. Hell even Mom and Dad were dancing.
"It's not like I try to drag things out. It just irritates me. Did you know he was a guard?!"
Uncle Gajeel silently nodded. "It's Laxus's and I's job to know. The generals are in charge of recruiting and regesteing every guard to every rank. And it will be your job soon enough when you become queen."
My eyes widened at that last statement.
"Become queen? But Wendy's the youngest—"
Gajeel grunted and looked about before bending over to whisper something. "The way things are looking. It's between you and Sting." That's all he said before giving a nod of respect and walking away. Leaving me dumbfounded and confused. So wrapped up in my thoughts I hadn't notice when Uncle Natsu sneaked up behind me.
"Kuma!"
Immediately smiling, I walk up to him and hug him. Completely forgetting my royal bitchness composure.
"Hey Uncle N!"
The whispers were getting louder and there was one that knew it wanted to be heard. The sentence was so simple yet so snobby that it made my blood boil. It was a voice that said it was Google and knew everything. That their judgement was the rightful one and their opinions should be acknowledged like they were a gift from the heavens. It made me sick and Takara annoyed.
"There is just no way that a royal would ever demean herself by associating with a human freely!"
Uncle Natsu looked confused but I held his hand like it was proof of its own.
"Demean? You mean talking is a disgrace? Whoa you nobility people really need to remove the stick from your asses. A.S.A.P." Looking around the crowd to see who actually talked to me like they knew me, the sea of people split apart to reveal a sour old looking man. I couldn't tell if he was suppose to be an important demon but I really couldn't care any less. Even if I tried.
"She is no princess! She has been around the mortals for far to long. You would look better disowned!"
Takara took over before I could respond. Next thing I know, I was in the old geezer's face with a scowl on mine. I felt my claws grow.
"Oh yeah?" Takara challenged and she smiled. "Then you, in my opinion, would look better dead. Lets test that theory, shall we?"
Not even a millisecond later did my arm pull out and claw the man into pieces. He fell to the floor in ivory dust.
"Anybody else who has an opinion they would like to share?!" Takara called out and her answer was complete scilence. She smirked and oddly I felt just as happy.
"Good. You all know your place."
-End Flashback.-
Gajeel just laughed at the wording. "Well, that stunt you pulled gave you more votes for the crown. Besides, if I killed every person that aggravated me, there would probably only be two or three demons left in the population. Those bastards are crazy."
They entered the guild, people partying for the Fantasia. The swimsuit contest would start in a minute. Gajeel went to go claim his gloomy corner which left Kuma alone. She sighed and looked around. 'Another Fantasia without Lissana.' Her mind reminded her and she gave a wry smile. In a week it would be three years that she had been gone.
"Hey! Why are you looking so gloomy?"
Looking up at Natsu, Kuma smiled.
"I am not! I was just thinking!" Natsu laughed and let out a quick 'sure, sure.'. Grabbing his niece's hand, he lead her to a table so they could watch the competition.
"Cute Mommy!"
Erza winked at Kuma on stage who had just equipped into a gothic Lolita dress. Kuma always betted that her mom would win every year. She's like the prettiest woman ever!
"How come you didn't want to be in it? I'm sure Erza wouldn't have mind the mother-daughter competition!" Natsu exclaimed and they both ignored Elfman's outburst about 'being a man'. Rolling her eyes, and then smiling ruefully, Kuma rubbed her left arm up and down.
"I don't like swimsuits." Was all she said before they both turned back to the show.
After Levy and Bisca went, it was Lucy's turn. She looked so nervous! Kuma gave Lucy a thumbs up before the blonde smiled and began doing her cheer. It was off to a pretty good start when—
"Contestant number eight!"
Murmers of confusion warped around the guild hall as Gray and Natsu shared a glance. Neeya came flying over to Kuma because the voice gave her the creeps. Kuma knew the woman's voice from its excessive teasing. The voice always said Kuma needed a boy toy.
"Evergreen?" She whispered as the woman strutted on stage. Lucy growled and began to tell her off from interrupting. Gray stood up and slammed the table with worry and fear for whom he considered his little sister.
"LUCY! DON'T LOOK HER IN THE EYE!" He roared his warning and Lucy looked back to Gray in confusion. "Wha...?" She muttered and foolishly turned back to Evergreen. The woman in green slipped down her glasses to look at Lucy and rose a brow.
"I'm sorry. What was your name?" She questioned and Lucy turned to stone.
A stream of curses flew from Gray's mouth and Kuma stood up, her new dress- she ditched school today- flying from how quickly she stood up.
"Everyone! Get out! Now!" Max yelled and most of the guild members ran out of the guild hall.
"What the hell is going on?!" Kuma yelled and the curtain pulled back to reveal all of the contestants were frozen.
"On no! Mira!" Elfman yelled and Neeya squeezed Kuma's forearm from holding on so tight.
"They got Erza too?!" The purple cat exclaimed and Kuma growled low. How dare Evergreen to even think about putting her mother in danger?!
"What is the meaning of this Evergreen?!" Makarov roared.
And then there was a burst of lightning.