Sorry for the slight delay, I had a few issues with the internet as I was trying to upload this chapter yesterday, thankfully someone came out this morning to sort out the router!

Chapter Seven: Responsibilities.

Lucy was beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. It had been a few days since becoming Natsu's protector/fake mate and to say she wasn't feeling a little...off about it was an understatement. Yes, this kind of thing isn't exactly taboo in this realm but it was still strange and not exactly a common practise, more so when she didn't think it was right. He was a child and as such having a mate shouldn't be something he was subjected to, but she also knows its for his safety.

However, what was tearing her up was her duty as Queen of the Dead. Now that she had a somewhat full-time job as a nanny, how was she meant to collect the souls from the human realm? The blonde couldn't exactly leave them there as they'd just end up causing chaos, nor could she just get one other person to do it as it's not just souls that need her attention but any cursed being or demon that had managed to get into that realm also needed dealing with. As well as her own people, the needed a ruler and right now Lucy needed a stand-in in case something drastic was to take place.

Luckily enough Cana helped ease her mind with the matter.

"If one other can't take on your responsibilities. What about 13?" The brunette asked curiously as she bit into her turkey sandwich "14 if you include your old friend Yukino? I'm pretty sure the goddess half-breed would be happy to lead a team for you or better yet, being your stand-in Queen, she's very good with that kind of thing, she had to do so for Grandeeney when she was having the twins. It was a rough pregnancy after all, and as I'm aware the veterans of the Zodiac are still about". Lucy stopped mid-bite as she pondered her friend's suggestion.

The Zodiacs were indeed suited for the tasks she had to deal with daily and likelihood is they won't all be needed 24/7 meaning it's not like they'd be hammered with work.

It also meant that should something bad happen, they'd be able to handle it quite easily, much more easily than she would.

"How would we assemble them though? Aren't half of them in hiding?". The fortune-teller shrugged.

"Who knows? I'm pretty sure Loke is still in contact with most and whoever he isn't I know Yukino is".

That was good news for Lucy. The Vampire Queen was also in luck as Loke, A.K.A Leo, worked in Igneels castle, the very one she is currently staying in. In fact, she had only passed the man an hour prior. "As my oracle, is it in my best interests to leave that side of my responsibilities with them?"

"Yes. There is a lot that will soon take up your time. I don't know the full details yet, but something will happen soon, something involving Natsu that will force you to take him away from here and everyone he knows. That's all I can say" with that, Cana finished off her meal, dusted her hands and skirt then left, her hand squeezing the other woman's shoulder lightly.

Lucy sighed as she placed her meal back down, the deep red liquid sloshing against the side of the glass from the slightly rough treatment. Great. It was a sarcastic comment that made her roll her eyes at her own stroke of bad luck coming her way.

Standing up, she straightened out her blouse and cuffs before leaving, sniffing out the man who was now her target. Thank god she was on good terms with him, though she couldn't say the same with some of the others.

I wonder if Aquarius will ever forgive me.

After wandering around the castle for a while she finally caught Loke's scent and followed it to the gardens outback.

He wasn't stood in his usual golden armour she had become familiar with, but a simple suit that fitted him just as well. His golden orange hair glistening as he sat next to a fountain, a sad smile gracing his features. Lucy wasn't sure if he was aware of her presence or not so when she cleared her throat and he gave a slight startle. She couldn't contain the giggle that erupted past her lips. "Sorry, I thought you knew I was here". The male's smile turned soft as he moved aside and patted the place he had just sat moments before.

"It's been a while, Princess".

"Queen now" Lucy winked and accepted the seat offered to her.

"Wow, that long? What can I do for a newly appointed Queen, your highness?" He smirked and tipped his head to her. Lucy had missed the Zodiac member deeply, not realising just how much until now and yet they spoke as if they had never been separated. It was a comfort she wished would last for a little while.

"I have a favour to ask of you...and the others, including Yukino. I'm not sure if the others are likely to accept but I'd like to propose it first" Loke watched her and let out a breath.

"I can only speak for myself, but you're already aware of that, aren't you?".

"Of course."

Turning to face the Queen a little better, he glanced her over. "I feel like you've not changed a bit and yet I've heard about how you've been since the last time I saw you. It seems you've become a great leader for your Kingdom. Aquarius was the one who boasted about you to be quite honest. I was surprised to hear that hard-arse sing your praises as much as she did. Just so you're aware".

Big brown eyes widened as water began to build up and mist her vision. Perhaps Aquarius didn't hate her for her mother's passing as she had thought. Yet the blue-haired woman has not glanced or spoke to her since the outburst at Layla's funeral. Wiping at her eyes Lucy smiled. She wished the smile had been a kind one but she knew it was twisted, bittersweet.

"She loves you, you know? Cherishes you greatly, always has. Aquarius...she's difficult and has never been in control of herself or her emotions, she can be brash and explosive at times, but she's always seen you as a daughter, how could she not when she had practically raised you when your parents were busy? Please Lucy, just go to her and talk. She'll be reserved, cold even, to begin with, but you know she'll warm up and I know she'll be glad that you have gone to her. After all, she's done nothing but wait for you to do so, and each year that has passed that you haven't" He stopped to run a hand through his hair, huffing out.

"Every year for your birthday she visits one of us, she gets angry and slates you" Loke laughed, a hint of sadness tinged the edge of it "but she misses you deeply. She cries to us sometimes, about how she wished you would suck it up and speak to her. She's apologised numerous times, but she's a coward when she wants to be too, and she'll never be the first to apologise even when it eats away at her."

Lucy had hoped she had heard this from the bluenette herself, but Loke was right. That was how Aquarius was. Perhaps she had just been overthinking all these years.

"I'm a bit of an idiot myself. I should've gone and visited her to apologise as well. I had said some nasty stuff".

"In retaliation and she is well aware that you meant none of it. She has tough skin, do you think telling her that you hate her would damage her love for you? You were both hurting from Queen Layla's passing and nasty stuff was said" Loke shrugged "Personally, I think you both should get over it, but that's me being an arse and putting it bluntly. Honestly, I'm not the only one who thinks it's a bit childish. Ignoring each other when you're both clearly hurting and wanting to talk again? It's stupid". Lucy bit down on her lip as she frowned.

"Just because mama passed, just because I had retaliated and just because we both love each other, doesn't give me an excuse to be a horrible, self-centred bitch."

"I didn't say it did. All I'm saying is that it's an explanation as to the 'why'. It's been a ridiculous amount of years and yet neither of you have seen each other nor have either of you even attempted to apologise to the other. They say in an argument it only takes one of you to back down. So stop being a stubborn brat and go and apologise. If you are both waiting on the other, regardless of who started it, then it will never be solved. It takes one of you to be the bigger person and give yourself a real push to face the other."

Heartfilia knew he was right and she let out a sigh, letting her shoulders slump in defeat.

"I wouldn't even know where to look".

"Believe it or not. She'll be arriving at the castle within the next two hours. I suggest you pull yourself, and what courage you have, together. Anyway, it seems we've gotten off-topic, what was it you wanted to ask of me? I'd wait for Aquarius but I feel like having me already in the loop and at your side will give you a bit of supporting strength". Loke rested a hand reassuringly on her shoulder and Lucy felt a bit of energy seeping back into her through the contact.

Taking in a deep breath she explained what Igneel had asked of her and how she needed help with her daily responsibilities as Queen.

"Hmm. I see. Well, that sure complicates your life and position, I'm guessing you didn't think of what it would mean to be Natsu's surrogate mate? How inconsiderate of Igneel on his part though, he is fully aware of your responsibilities and yet he still asked for that of you" his left hand was rubbing at his chin. "What a sticky situation you got yourself in, are you sure you're actually Lucky Lucy?". Her blonde head dipped and tried to keep a smile off her face at her old nickname.

"I'm not even sure myself, perhaps my luck had run out?".

"Perhaps. Well, I can't speak for others, but I am willing to do my part and take a load off your shoulders, Prince- I mean my Queen" the ginger gave a half sheepish smile though it faded as he looked back towards the castle. "I do believe, however, that the others would be willing as well and not just for 'old times sake'. You are dear to us, in different ways, but we cherish you all the same. Do not falter" standing up and walking away, he waved over his shoulder "Do look after Natsu though, that boy means a lot to me as well".

To say she was feeling a little at ease was an understatement, as soon as his figure walked through the doors and away from site Lucy felt as if she was about to just melt into the stone and water that was the fountain.

Few minutes had passed and Lucy was beginning to find the strength to stand and head back inside when a young female voice startled the blonde.

"Have you seen Natsu or Wendy?" The blonde turned around to see a little girl with twin, pink pigtails. Lucy hadn't seen the girl before but judging from her features and hair colour...

"You must be Chelia, Wendy's non-identical twin, am I right?"

"Yes, I am, Queen Lucy!" She bowed, a smile as wide as Lucy had ever seen plastered on her face and Lucy couldn't help but feel happy too, this girl reminded her of a mix between Natsu and Wendy.

"Just Lucy is fine. I have to be honest with you, Chelia, I've not seen either of them since early yesterday morning" which hadn't been an issue in Lucy's mind, but thinking back on it, it was a little concerning that she had not seen her charge in so long. Perhaps she was already failing her new responsibility as well. Just perfect. He could be anywhere doing anything. Getting himself hurt or even kidnapped. GODDAMNIT. The busty woman could feel her panic begin to swirl with self-doubt and anger, bubbling away inside of her until she shook it away and focused back on the young princess who watched her curiously, probably able to see the emotions on her face just like her mother Grandine could.

"Come on, we should probably go and look for them, perhaps your mother, Queen Grandine may know?"
"Grandine? Mothers name is Grandeeney" Lucy chuckled at the child's baffled face.

"I know, but Grandine's a nickname, it's much easier for me to pronounce when I was a little girl and had trouble, I suppose it just stuck".

By the time they had managed to find Grandine, they had also found Natsu and Wendy.

Completely covered in chocolate, or at the very least Lucy had hoped it was. The older woman looked exasperated as she tapped her foot, her arms crossed and her face twisted into a scowl.

Lucy wanted to both cry, grovel and run away.

"And just where have you been?" The blonde gulped as the older Queen turned her glare onto her.

"Sorry, mother! I asked if she could help me in the garden, I was wanting to pick you some flowers but Queen Lucy said that Princesses don't pick flowers, we help them grow".

Grandeeney's face shifted into a more relaxed and slightly thankful look.

"Oh, I see, sorry for the trouble Lucy, I'm glad. I've been trying to teach the girls for a while now that it's not proper etiquette for a Princess to pick flowers, as I'm sure you're well aware of, what with your mother being quite strict on that part of your training and all"

Lucy sweatdropped in relief, this girl was an actual angel.

"I-I-It was nothing" Lucy glanced down at the pinkette and returned the knowing look and smile the girl had given to her. "To be honest, I didn't do much with helping, she's a very polite and smart girl, I only mentioned that flowers weren't to be picked but admired" giving a wink to the Princess, she turned back to the other two children. "What happened here?".

"The kitchen is what happened" and, just like a switch, Grandine was back to being pissed off that her daughter and nephew were covered in the dessert. "Apparently waiting for dessert after supper was too much and they got impatient" grabbing her younger daughters arm she turned back to Lucy.

"Excuse me, I'm going to get my daughter properly bathed and dressed, sorry for the mood I'm currently in, we have quests tonight and I'm just a little sour that they would do this so soon to the event".

"Event?" Lucy wasn't aware of any event.

"Yes, there's to be a ball tonight in honour of you and Natsu, my dear. Did Igneel not tell you?" Lucy could only shake her head 'no'.

Grandine sighed "I knew I shouldn't have left it to him to inform you. He's just too forgetful. Well, I'm sorry it's last-minute but it will be held in roughly 4 hours. I suggest getting washed and ready as soon as, perhaps find a maid to assist Prince Natsu with getting cleaned up also." the older pinkette smiled kindly as she rushed off and Lucy felt a new tonne of stress settle on her shoulders as she turned to face the boy covered in chocolate.

He grinned up at her as he placed his hand in hers. "Papa says he wants the world to know that his son is to be your future husband!".

She still had yet to figure out how to approach Aquarius.

Now she also had to rummage through her things and hope to whoever is listening that she had a dress, too.

Hopefully, tonight plays out better than today did.

Not likely though.

She had never wished so hard to be able to have Cana's ability to see the future. Perhaps she'll track her down sometime soon and ask. If not, Lucy knows her father, Gildarts, wouldn't be too far. After all, he was King Igneel's advisor with the same ability as his daughter. Just better.

Would the king get upset if she were to take advantage of Gildarts? Probably not, he takes advantage of the man's gift practically every day from what Lucy had heard.

"Come, Natsu. Let's get us both cleaned up and ready".

God, she was starting to regret waking up this morning. She should've just stayed in bed and faked illness.