Chapter 16: Masterpiece Theatre III – Mariana's Trench

Seto wore the jewelry which adorned his body like war medals. Each piece came with a story of how he conquered and destroyed their original possessors back on Earthland and was testament on how much power he controlled. As he fingered a deep red jewel, his curious jade-green eyes gazed over the body of a young blonde mage who wore an airy pastel coloured robe decorated with a leather brown holster on her hip, her hand at the ready.

"Come now Ms. Heartfillia, there is no need for violence," Seto replied as he gingerly placed a hand on Lucy's, a gesture to release the holster. "It would seem Asami has told you many lies about who I am."

Unimpressed, Lucy looked up to the iridescent man. "So you killing off the Celest bloodline happened to be a lie?"

"Course it is, Asami Celest still breaths does she not?" Seto replied as he eyed Lucy's robes, smiling in approval. "Can't very well kill the bloodline if a member still lives but let's not get into history dearest, I much rather the future. Tell me, as a young mage of twenty-four, maybe twenty-five, why are you not with someone? Surely a mage with your kind of power is sought after back on Earthland."

A fire was lit under Lucy's skin as heat rose up to her cheeks. The blonde mage wasn't sure if the warm sensation was caused by flattery, embarrassment or by the memory of recent times spent with a pink haired mage. As she cleared her throat Lucy responded, "My Father-"

"Yes, yes. You grew up in a wealthy household where your father asked you to find a suitor but you rebelled, I know of your history. My question is why are you still wondering this world alone?" Seto asked as he leaned into Lucy's ear. "I never needed a reason for keeping secrets from myself, perhaps I can shed some light on the situation."

Lucy quivered from the voice and pulled away. With a glance back at Seto, the young mage kept her distance as she composed herself into a defensive stance Ami taught her, although the stance would have been more menacing if Lucy's face didn't combat worry and indecision. A smile bloomed across Seto's face as he walked over to the conflicted mage and placed his hands on Lucy's wrists, "Wait, I recognize this one. It's a Northern Temple defence stance. Only issue is-"

In three moves, Seto had Lucy's arms pined to her back as he leaned against her with a chuckle, "You are no monk." Oriented towards Lucy's ear with a tightened grip on her wrists, Seto once again commented, "I'll wreck this if I have to but what good would that do. You are after all, very beautiful."

With no reaction from the blonde mage, Seto soon became annoyed. As he released the girl from his grasp he continued, "One sided conversations are really annoying. Here I thought that you were growing to be quite the powerhouse."

As a determined smile spread across Lucy's lips she let out, "I was deciding if I should be worried about you or not. I realize now that you're just a child with a gun, even if you did know how to use all those magical items, I bet that your power would be nothing without them."

"Ah, there it is. The spunk I grown so attracted to." Seto smiled and snapped his fingers together, "Although, you still have a long way to go."

Lucy blinked at the sound and soon noticed that the mage never wore the enchanted jewelry, he simply used his own magic to trick Lucy's judgement. As Lucy's brow knitted together Seto let out a laugh. "Still wish to take me on with that smart mouth of yours?"

Lucy's eyes narrowed at the man who continued to chuckle, "One of the perks about being a mimic mage, I can take any attack I want and add it to my arsenal. Too bad Sohei's physic ability wasn't fully developed otherwise I could have had a lot more fun with the illusions."

Seto lowered himself to the grassy plain and patted the ground as a gesture for Lucy to sit next to him only to receive a hard glare and a step backwards. "Fine," Seto commented at Lucy's decision. "You and the other mages may not know this but I take interest in each and every soul on this island. I know all about their personal history, their keys, wants, and so on. That includes you Ms. Heartfillia, your mother was also a Celestial Spirit mage too, was she not? I believe she was the previous possessor of a key or two from the zodiac spirits which you now hold ownership over."

Seto smiled once again at the oblivious discomfort he put the girl mage in. as he watched her squirm here and there he continued, "But lately they all become a bore to me. But you Lucy, your history and desires are fascinating. Even when your spirit is crushed, you still pick up the pieces and find a way to come back stronger. We are the same, you and I."

"We are nothing alike-"

"We should marry," Seto ignored the mage. "It's a good thing you weren't born Celest because the power I see brewing inside of you would have outranked that of Rika Celest. That kind of supremacy will be very valuable to me in the near future, but you will need training in order to unlock that potential and that, dearest, is something that only I can teach you, if you marry me of course."

"No Sprit mage is more powerful than a Celest, and even if I was lucky enough to reach a level close to their power, I will reach it with the help of-"

"Here we go," Seto rolled his eyes. "Lucy, none of the mages on Earthland have any idea of the pain and struggle a Celestial Spirit mage goes through while they're in a group or guild. How many times have you been rescued, felt like you didn't belong in the 'team' or had to save your magic just in case something more important came up?"

As Lucy listened to Seto's words she couldn't help but remember the times when she was kidnaped and rescued by Natsu, the times she wished that she wished she was more valuable to him and the guild and the recent memory Natsu sharing his magic with her before they met Sohei. 'I was weak then, but I'm stronger now.' Lucy thought through the doubt.

"How about the fact that nobody knows anything about your style of magic they take it like a joke, don't they?" Seto's voice echoed in Lucy's head as she remembered how she was treated by Natsu when she originally told him about the 'quest'. 'The argument doesn't matter anymore, we sorted the things out. He believes in me now.'

"I bet right now you're trying to justify past events but let me ask you this, has anyone actually wanted to learn about your style?" Seto asked. "You might think I'm a terrible person but the truth is that I'd be so good to you. Who else understands a Celestial Spirit mage better than a Celestial Spirit mage?"

"No, you were an abusive master to your keys. You-"

"Did everything in my power to be treated like an equal within the guild and mage community," Seto replied. "You cannot deny the fact that they don't know you like I do. I know that you were hurt when you were rejected by your partner, you're tired of being rescued by the same people over and over again and you're irritated at being constantly thought as a weaker member within the group. But look around you Lucy, here you are an equal. Here you have learned to summon numerous spirits alongside other Spirit mages. What have you learned back in the guild or with the friends who constantly outrank you in power and ability?"

"I've gained friendships from those people, I have stories to tell, a place to call home and family," Lucy defended.

"Ah yes, but I notice that you have nothing to say about them accepting your style. Do they use your spirits for their own gain? Or maybe they don't acknowledge them at all," Seto argued back as he basked in the sun. "There is a difference from me to them on so many levels. As for family, I know that I can never go back home but why would I want to? I was treated just like you were until I became stronger, then I was a threat."

When Seto stood up he made his way once again to Lucy's side and rested an arm over her shoulder. Despite the fact she did not pull away, Lucy still felt uncomfortable and glared towards the tall Mimic mage beside her. "I love my guild and I love my life with them."

"I can hear doubt in your voice. If you accept me, I can give you a life where you wouldn't have to doubt, a life filled with knowledge of your own style of magic, a life where you would be treated-"

"I won't marry you," Lucy coldly replied as she shrugged Seto's arm off her shoulder. "You're practically my father's age."

"Age has no meaning to me and I assure you, one day you will change your mind. When that day comes don't you ever tell me that I'm not loving you best. This island was created for spirit mages like you so they can have a fighting chance in this life," Seto replied whilst he gestured at the island.

"It's better in the worst way," Lucy replied with a bitter tone. "You still kidnaped us from our perfect lives on Earthland."

"No, it's getting better in the worst way and I'll make this perfect again." Seto smiled as he leaned down and forced Lucy's chin towards his. Eye contact with the brown eyed mage was soon made as Seto's unique shade of green eyes use Sohei's trance spell. At first Lucy trashed against Seto's grip but was soon calmed.

After a moment passed Seto asked, "Since you are so in love with Fairy Tail maybe you can answer some questions about a magical item within the guilds midst. What do you know about a scarf made of dragon scales?"

"The scarf is made from the scales of fire dragon Igneel. It's just an accessory," Lucy replied in a blunt trace like voice.

"It's much, much more then that my love," Seto cooed, "But rumor has it that the scarf went missing years ago when the dragon-"

"Was given to-" Lucy's body winced. Mentally, Lucy battled herself to gain back control over her body. "Given to, it was given to… son-"

'Why can't I stop talking? Oh no, this must be a trance enchantment.'

"The dragon had a son?" Seto questioned. "It was a human child, wasn't it? Tomo had healed a boy who lived with the dragon years ago, perhaps that child grew up to be one of the mages within Fairy Tail," Seto pieced together.

Lucy's body started to shake as she agreed with the Mimic mage. "Dragon Slayer, Fairy Tail."

"So the child joined a guild, probably to find the dragon." Seto smirked as his assumptions were correct. "The guild is known to have several Dragon Slayers. Since they all hide their age well, it makes it difficult to figure out who has the scarf. Can you name which one?"

'No body, please don't-'

Lucy hesitated and lost herself in the words as she whispered, "Natsu Dragneel."

"The pink haired fool who fought Asami," Seto questioned with an unimpressed tone. "Was he wearing the scarf the day he fought the she-monk?"

Lucy's head nodded to the question. "Never takes it off."

Curious to Lucy's obvious struggle to fight off information, Seto asked "What is your relationship with this Natsu Dragneel?"

A mixture of emotions flickered across Lucy's face that started off as a bashful smile and soon turned into confusion then finally tears. "Part… friend… I think… no, just part…"

"Interesting, you're not sure where you stand with him."

With no clear answer being said, Seto was continuously intrigued at Lucy's control over his enchantment. "If I ripped the heart out from his chest would you stay up here on the island forever, as my wife?"

'Natsu... I need to get back to Fairy Tail, no, I need a plan. Please body, stop!'

After a moment and several tears, Lucy's voice finally squeaked, "Yes."

"So much for being in love with your guild, it's actually the dragon." Seto finished, "Pity you didn't have a chance to admit it. But, this does work to my advantage."

Seto cupped Lucy's face as he poured a hard gaze into her eyes which pulled her deeper and deeper into the spell, "Natsu, does he know anything about the scarf?"

"No."

"Well my dear, it would seem that not only is this Dragon Slayer oblivious to the scarfs power, but I think he is on the cusp of discovering his feelings for you. He's been chasing after the island for a while you know," Seto commented as Lucy's eyes lit up. "No man would chase after a 'partner' or 'friend' this long with nothing to go by."

Lucy's weak lips slowly started to turn up about the news only to be interrupted by Seto voice. "Now, we can't have him spoiling your mind with 'what if's' and 'could be's'. When he crosses our path next, you will be sent to Earthland and you will slay the dragon, retrieve the scarf, and accept my proposal to become my bride."

"No, I won't hurt-" Lucy stuttered as her eyes glossed over.

"Would you rather I do it? This partner of yours has caused you so much pain and sorrow. I bet he's even made you second guess your position within the guild," Seto accused. "You will obey my orders and you will bring me the dragon scale scarf along with the body of its possessor."

"Alright," Lucy let out cooly.

"Good. Now go find Asami and insist on training with her and the group of mages who frequent Earthland. You have a very important battle coming up and I'm sure you don't want to lose to the boy who put you through so much pain and disappointment."

Just as Lucy set off towards the direction of the castle Seto called, "Oh and one more thing my love, you are not to mention this conversation to any one on the island until after you have battled the dragon slayer," Seto ordered as he started the opposite direction. "I already have a lot to discuss with Asami, I don't need her meddling in our plans."

With a slight nod, Lucy slowly phased out of the trance as her emotions caught up with her in the form of tears. As she relived the conversation over and over again, Lucy couldn't believe how easy it was for Seto to cast such a strong enchantment so quickly. As she thought about it more, Lucy came to the conclusion that there was no way she could ever beat her partner in a fight, not that Natsu would ever consider taking her on, so the only solution was to avoid him. "How do you avoid the person who is part of the rescue plan?" Lucy whined.

But a small amount of pleasure was brought to the blonde mage as she remembered what Seto had told her, Natsu was still after the castle. 'After all this time, he hasn't given up.' Lucy smiled to herself.

While the thought of Natsu marinated in Lucy's mind a familiar sensation started to make its self-known, butterflies in the pit of her stomach. Lucy groaned as she mentally cursed under her breath, she couldn't have this kind of attachment for Natsu. He was immature, childish and ruined everything that she worked hard to achieve, but deep down Lucy knew that's why she loved to be around him. 'W-what if I did? Would it really be so bad to see Natsu as more than a friend?'

While Lucy started to think about the idea, Seto's voice echoed in her head as their conversation only to further confused the blonde mage. Lucy knew that Seto was a lot of things but he understood what it felt like to struggle as a Spirit mage and he knew what it was like to be continuously undermined by a guild and society. What if Seto was right and she really didn't belong in the guild. Maybe her place is with those who understand her pain and know what it feels like to try so hard only to let her team down time and time again or was this Seto's plan, to corrupt her feelings for the guild. Either way, Lucy couldn't deny the fact that she had grown much stronger and she's learned so much about her style. The only way to truly solve this issue was to face Natsu, as an opponent and finally put these questions to rest.

At the foot of the castle, Lucy overheard loud cheers and squeals coming from an outsized group of Spirit mages. Confused, Lucy searched the gathered crowd for a familiar face only to be greeted by Kai Lan. "What's going on?" Lucy asked.

"Hey there blondie, a few of the originals are facing off with each other."

"Is Ami fighting?" Lucy automatically asked without thinking. 'Damn it, the enchantment is trying to take over again.'

"We usually don't see Ami fight much but she's there beside the Chimera master." Kai Lan commented as she pointed towards Ami and a middle aged women whom Lucy recognized from when she was first brought to the island.

"Who else-"

"Geez you sure don't keep up with society here, do ya'? We have the master of Martial Art spirits, the master of Robotic spirits," Kai Lan pointed out, "master of Weapons and the master of the Mirror spirits, he's my favourite."

As Lucy looked on, she witnessed a large crystal like monster. Its transparent body caught the sun and shined with such beauty that Lucy, shamefully, could picture it attached to a gold chain. "So pretty," Lucy commented at the bearded monster the size of a small hill.

"That's Yohko and one of her strongest spirits, Diamond. She's the master of the Jewel spirits and probably the strongest out of the originals." Kai Lan informed. "She can summon most of her strongest spirits and keep them in this world for a while, can't believe she only has one spirit out."

As Kai Lan continued to explain each original member and their abilities, the crowd started to cheer for Yohko's current win. The tall, pale blonde mage walked to the center of the battle field and held one arm above her head as a gesture to her win then patted one of her spirit's facets. "Does anyone else wish to take me on?"

As the crowd went quiet and whispered amongst themselves, Lucy could feel her body quake. 'oh no…'

"I will," Lucy shouted then winced at her decision.

"Are you crazy? You can't even summon your strongest spirit yet," Kai Lan reminded.

As the crowd faced Lucy, Yohko also looked on in confusion as she blinked quizzically. The area went quiet as Lucy slowly started to make her way to the battle field. Out of the corner of her eye, Lucy could tell Ami was already on her way into the ring with a serious expression painted on her face.

"Are you joking? Ami, tell me she's joking." Yohko asked as she gestured to the young mage that walked towards her.

Ami quickly intercepted Lucy's path as she commented, "You've got to be kidding me, Lucy. I know you want to be stronger but this is not the way."

"I want to train with you and the other originals," Lucy stated with a monotone voice. "I need to get stronger, faster. I have something important to take care of soon."

"Yeah' who doesn't-"

"What was that, little girl wants to join the originals?" Yohko called out. "Lucy Heartfilia, I've seen you around and I'm not impressed."

"Then this fight should be over fairly quickly. But if I win, you'll accept me into the group." Lucy once again commented out of character with a monotone voice.

"Where the hell is all of this coming from?" Ami asked as she placed her hands onto Lucy's shoulders in an effort to physically stop the mage.

"Little girl, if you win I'll take lessons from you," Yohko laughed. "Let's do this."

As Lucy looked back to Ami, she pushed past the monk and continued her way into the center of the battle ground while she reached for her holster. Ami followed closely behind as she tried to figure out the sudden death wish. "I refuse this battle," Ami called out.

"Ha, maybe next time keep a closer eye on your student. It's time she leans what a true Celestial Spirit mage can do."

"This is suicide-"

"Step down she-monk, unless you want to take her place?" Yohko egged on as the crowd held their breath.

Taken back at the comment, Ami looked towards her new companion with a serious face, unsure of which answer to give. After a moment of silence, the crowd of Spirit mages slowly started to chant the word 'battle' as the volume rose to an unbearable level, discombobulating Ami's decision.

"Time's up, Diamond finish this," Yohko ordered as she pointed towards her opponents.

The monster started to charge towards its opponents with impressive speed as it held one fist into the air. Once the fist was plunged into the ground, diamond crystals shot out in a scattered formation which left the arena covered in a thick smoke.

"Too easy," Yohko commented.