400 years

12

Meanwhile in the town below the castle..

Jackal looked around, taking shock of the prosperous town and it's cheerful residents.

"Where'd the hell did Brandish go? I haven't heard from her since yesterday."

He turned toward the main keep of Magia Castle. Determination, tinged with hatred, pooled into his yellow eyes.

"I'm coming for you, Natsu." He said with a malicious chuckle.

~•~

The room I'd be staying in was rather spacious and comfortable looking.

"Here we are, now, take your leisure. Someone will come to fetch you soon."

"Thank you.."

Smiling politely, Gray left the room and closed the door behind him. I sank to the floor, out of uncertainty and exhaustion. I emptied the contents of my bag before me. There was my little note book, flashlight, wallet, makeup bag, cellphone, camera, house keys, and the keys Happy had given me. I held the heavy golden keys in my hands, looking at the symbols on them.

'Hmm, what was the thing mom use to say again?' I was thinking back to the bedtime stories mother use to tell me. I held out the key to Leo. "I think it went something like this.. Open, Gate of the Lion! Leo!" Suddenly at what sounds like a door bell the key envelopes with a soft, golden light. At the same time a golden silhouette of a man starts to manifest.

"Wha-who?"

The Golden man spoke with a smooth tone, "The name's Loke, sweetheart."

The golden light disappears to reveal a man with large spiky hair, tuffs on either side resembling animal ears, through his grin I can see his sharp canines, and he's wearing glasses.

"Whoa- that actually worked!"

"My, you are truly gorgeous and you summoned me on your first try." Loke said while adjusting his glasses.

"So, your Leo the lion? Nice to meet you, Loke."

I bowed deeply, by the time I straightened back up Loke had swooped in. Taking my left hand in his, he kissed the backside of it.

"The pleasure is all mine. How may I assist you?"

"Well, ah.. think you could explain what all this actually is?"

Loke looked a bit down, but smiled anyways. "Of course, I understand that your from an area without magic?"

"Yes. But, how did you know?"

"Miss Lucy, the stars know all.."

With this Loke began to explain how magic worked and it was an overwhelming thing. So I took out my note book and started to jot down information. He then explained being a celestial mages, the contracts, and bonds. Before to long though I started feeling week, before he vanished he explained that this happens to  inexperienced mages and with practice I'd over come it.

I was able to get a few hours of sleep before a knock at the door woke me. Opening the door, once I'd given the ok was none other then Jellal. 'Hmm'

"I see you were unable to get away from Natsu after all. However, he's calling for you. He's wanting to see you."

Jellal said nothing more and turned to go, I followed after him quickly. 'He betrayed Natsu in the history I know and arranged the assassination. However, the person that I saw attacking Natsu was different. But that doesn't let Jellal off the hook.' I was dragging my feet, forcing myself to this unwanted audience.

"You'll damage them if you keep squeezing so tightly."

'Huh?' Jellal lifted one of my hands. I then noticed I'd been squeezing my hands so tightly that my knuckles were white. He then took my borrowed hand and kissed it. I leapt back.

"What do you think your doing?"

Jellal replied while smiling. "Trying to calm you."

"Just so you know, it didn't work."

"My apologies."

It was the least sincere apology I'd ever heard. He continued walking, while still smiling. 'What the heck, was he just messing with me? This guy is dangerously unreadable.' After reminding myself to stay wary, I continued following behind Jellal. But at a safe distance from then on.