Disclaimer: At the beginning of the previous chapters.

Author's Notes: I am giving a huge shout-out to my 'mane' five ladies and fellow authors: Leoslady4ever, LittlePrincessNana, DragonsHost, ErzaDLaw, and Ithillokte for the help and ideas they provided when I was stumped when I began planning this chapter (almost six months ago) due to not being one for riddles.

It was a standoff of egos. But there was no doubt who'd lose as impatience was written across the face of a person those gathered knew was arrogant. However, to those of the group watching, it was amusing to see this reborn, arrogant bastard twitching since he knew he'd lose the staring contest.

Finally, after a few more drawn-out minutes, dark and beady eyes like chips of onyx blinked.

"Fuck!"

"So, ready to quit being childish?"

The words had one member of the group snorting. Though none would dare look at that person. Not with how irritable (more than usual) they'd been acting of late.

"Woman, if anyone is a child here, it's you and the kit. So shut your mouth and save face."

Soon they all took a collective step back as a smile appeared, curling full pink lips into a perfect cupid's bow. Pressure began to fill the air as a green-gold-and-pink aura popped out around Lucy.

"He is doomed now," Shippo muttered, kicking his tongue and making a "tsk" sound.

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"I'd thank you for the advice, but I can't choose words small enough for your intelligence to understand."

At her words, Lucy watched as the man, no tiger demon, before he snarled. She could feel the tension and danger rolling off him. Yet it didn't phase her. She was used to men with arrogant personalities and a sadist side. After all, she was a noble and attended the social scene before running away and joining Fairy Tail.

The cards were in her hands as she watched this Spirit begin to lose his temper.

"Woman, you may be a mage, but you aren't impressive."

Lucy fluttered her eyelashes coquettishly at the Spirit's words as she let more of her odd mix of magic, demonic energy, and holy powers out.

Then deliberately, Lucy places her hands on her hips and slowly drug them up her body, tracing her curves. When she reached her breast, Lucy cupped them and bounced them twice for effect before continuing until her fingers were folded under her chin.

"Why, yes, I am a woman," she said, making her voice soft and teasing. "Thank you for noticing. And I don't think you can handle the type of woman I am."

His actions and words had the Spirit reacting as well as every man present.

The low growl from the Tiger Spirit as his dark eyes seemed to expand made Lucy change her smile to a smug smirk.

"Now, you giant pussy cat cut the bullshit," she said, dropping all pretenses. "Name your challenge if you have the 'brains' to do so.

To punctuate, she meant business Lucy slammed her mix of powers into the Tiger Spirit, sending him stumbling back and provoking him further.

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Jura was angry. He wanted to harm this woman. She was as arrogant, if not more than himself. And she wasn't weak! It pissed him off that she was a Celestial Mage that could redeem him.

Smiling as he bit out his words, "Fine. I challenge you to answer five riddles and one question from me by yourself. If at any point you can't, leave me be."

He saw the damn woman's eyebrows jump as she stared at him. Jura felt pleased as that smug smirk turned into a displeased frown.

"Really? That's all?"

Jura allowed his canines to show as his smile grew wider, and nodded affirmatively.

"Okay, I accept," She said, looking suddenly confident. "Give me your best, sir."

Narrowing his eyes, Jura spoke," "I am tall when I am young and short when I am old. What am I?" (*given by Leoslady4ever)

He watched the woman, who pursed her lips and let her eyes shut in contemplation. It was an easy riddle; Jura was sure she'd get it correct. He had to toy with her before tearing her down and shoving her confidence and arrogance into the dirt.

"A Candle."

Snorting, Jura tilted his head to acknowledge she got it right while thinking of his next riddle.

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Sesshomaru knew he'd have rolled his eyes if he were a lesser demon(person).

However, he was not. And a part of him was pleased that Lucy had manipulated Jura the way she had. Yet he was angry she put herself in such a situation.

"Okay, woman, the next riddle," Jura said. "What is red and smells like blue paint." (*LittlePrincessNana)

Huffing, Sesshomaru instantly knew the answer. He could tell Lucy did, too, but she acted like it was difficult.

"Uh, um...is it...no...maybe?"

"Woman, answer or forfeit," Jura snapped, causing Sesshomaru to narrow his eyes slightly.

"Uh, is it red paint?" Lucy finally said. Her lips curled into a large and childish smile.

"Yet Sesshomaru could smell how smug she was.

"Yes," Jura said. "I am being nice and giving you easy riddles now."

Sesshomaru saw the glare the Tiger Demon was giving his companion.

"Next," Jura growled. It was clear he was becoming irritable again. "The smallest lark could carry it, while a strong man may not. What do I speak of?"(DragonsHost)

Sesshomaru pressed his lips lightly. He knew this as if it was something to do with his childhood. A simple task that his mother had asked of his father, only to have his father fail horribly.

It was a fond memory as his mother forbade his dad from ever attempting to do such a thing again in her presence.

A bright peal of laughter had Sesshomaru staring at Lucy. It was clear she knew the answer.

"Oh, I know this one!" Lucy exclaimed. Then, while giggling, she whistled a bit. "A tune! My father was tone deaf, but he would always try to serenade my mother."

Feeling mildly surprised, Lucy had a similar experience; Sesshomaru felt his lips curl into a smile.

"Tch," Jura grumbled before smiling. "Okay, number four. I have a shaft, and my tip penetrates. What am I?" (*ErzaDLaw)

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Several sets of eyes watched as Lucy flushed darkly. They knew their Master, or rather friend, well. And as their fellow Spirit smirked and seemed to ooze smugness at seemingly having flustered her with his double entendre, they couldn't help but feel sorry for him.

"Hime may be innocent, but she is no naive maiden," Leo spoke as he ran a hand through his ginger-colored hair.

"You are right, brother," Virgo said, smiling. "Her guildmates have long beaten any real shyness out of her."

The new additions to their group were curious, yet they dared not ask. The feeling of amusement from their new Master was shock and the need not to laugh.

"Well, woman, answer," Jura said, chuckling. "Or forfeit.

"An arrow, you perverted pussy," Lucy laughed. "And try harder if you wish to trick me with something improper. Otherwise, I might not feel it as it was weak and soft."

The gathered Spirits, new and old, shared a laugh.

"Fine, the last riddle," Jura hissed. "It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars, and under hills and empty holes it fills. It comes first and follows after. It ends life and kills laughter. What do I speak of?" (*Ithillokte)

Silence descended as the Spirits, except Crux, who had fallen asleep(again), pondered over the answer.

"Darkness."

That one word from Lucy had them jolting. They heard the seriousness in the tone she had used. And the answer was simple.

As they continued to watch, they all saw Jura realize he had been manipulated by how easily Lucy had answered the riddles.

"Ask your question, or do you want to forfeit?"

Lucy's question had a few of them openly snickering.

"No," Jura spat as if he'd bitten into a particularly sour fruit. "Fine, my question is this. What are you the Master of?"

Each of them seemed to go still and held their breath. They knew this question was a taboo area for Lucy. She hated being referred to as Master.

"As you will learn, Spirit of the Tiger," Lucy said slowly as anger and sadness colored her words. "None."

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Leo couldn't help himself as he turned away. He had been on death's door, and Lucy had helped him at the risk of his own life. Hence he had promised his key to serve her family bloodline if they were Celestial Mages.

"You're serious?" Jura mumbled.

"Yes. I do not see my contracts with each Spirit as a right to be their Master. Each is a dear friend and family member to me. I trust each of them with my life and allow that same sense of security."

Leo smiled.

"Fine. I'll give you my Peridot key," Jura said. "And as a clause in our contract, I want you to be my woman."

Leo spun back to the viewing pool and saw Jura approach Lucy. As an alpha male cat, he knew what this Tiger was thinking. And that it was another test for Lucy. A long time ago, Jura's key had belonged to an exceptionally lusty courtesan, and he had been forced to fornicate with her, which was against the rules and laws.

"I don't think so, " Leo mumbled, forcing his gate open.

In seconds he stood between Jura and Lucy. He growled low in his chest to warn Jura.

"Oh, you have the lion's key," Jura hissed with displeasure as his eyes flashed.

"I do. I know he's the leader of the Zodiacs. Yet you are not the leader of the gem keys," Lucy said, her voice soft. "And I know a romantic relationship between Mage and Spirit is punishable. I do not want to lose my magic, friends, and family."

Leo shifted to stand behind Lucy, who had reached out and held his hand to calm him.

"Now, what are the terms of your contract," Lucy asked.

Leo felt Jura back down and retract his aura. But another's aura flared and drew his attention. Leo smiled as he met cold, honey-gold eyes.

It looked like Toga's son was still ignorant about his feelings. Meaning there will be many opportunities in the future to tease the pup. And Leo was sure he could convince Jura to help.

TBC!