"Welcome Jellal..."

    The room displayed in front of me wasn't easy to comprehend. A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, lighting up every nook and crevice in the majestic room. Room wasn't even the right word; it was bigger than my school - almost!

    Furniture topped off the look, decorating the marble floors like the cherry on top of a cupcake. Eccentric designs carved into the red-plush chairs, giving off an antique, yet expensive, vibe. It was furniture fit for a castle, the castle of the vampires.

    I stood there astonished.

    It feels like we traveled back in time.

    I tried to get a glance at the faces of my friends' faces. As I guessed, everyone had their eyes wide open, in shock or surprise.

    I turned to the main figure, who was giving out an aura of authority. She was seated on top of a throne, stairs leading to her spot. Sharing a similar resemblance to Erza, I quickly guessed it would be Queen Belserion.

    "Y-Your Highness," I stuttered, bowing to the queen. I know nothing about this place and nothing about her, but it just seemed right.

    "I've been expecting you and your friends," she started with a cold tone, just like her daughter's.

    I remained silent as she looked down on us. There was a cold rush against my body. It felt as if her voice was figuratively powerful.

    "Do you know why you're here?" She leaned on her right arm, with her fancy, blood-red gloves, that reached up to her elbows.

    "No, your highness..." I replied, not daring to look her in the eye.

    She tutted and clapped her hands in a very cliché manner. In an instant, Natsu and Virgo appeared in front of her, on their knees.

    "You didn't explain a word, did you, Dragneel?" Queen Belserion laughed, and winked at them, "I have to admit, your self-control's gotten better!"

    Natsu merely nodded. It was weird. Natsu's cocky nature - well, the cockiness we'd gotten to know in the past day, or two was gone.

    "You may rise," she said, and they did. Then, the Queen got up from her seat and turned to face my friends and me.

    "My subjects seem to have been influenced by a man named Acno- actually," she sighed, "Names have power. Excuse me for that."

    She continued once again, "A foul man has been influencing my people, making them turn against humans, and brutally killing them, or turning them into Vampires."

    Queen Belserion's tone was sad, "Once, we used to be friends... now, you Humans fear us."

    Lucy, who was behind me, nodded, "I've heard of him! He's the one who tarnished the name of Pure-bloods, right?"

    I was surprised at her boldness when my own knees were shaking.

    "Very good," Queen Belserion gave us a warm smile, something that warmed my heart. I imagined that look on Erza...

    Concentrate, Fernandes!

    "Well, we found something in the archives of our ancestors. And, it says what we needed to do, to stop the man for good. I'm not even sure what he is, the man. He may not be human, anymore."

    My curiosity got the best of me, "What do we need to do? And why us?"

    The Queen shot me a look, "Jellal Fernandes... Your name was specially mentioned in the scrolls. Apparently, Humans and Vampires must form a bond."

    "I do not know more than that. Except that you, Miss. Heartfilia and Mr. Fullbuster will play a role in this."

    I gulped. A b-bond?

    "I don't know why Natsu brought the rest of you," she frowned, "But since you're here," she sighed, "You might as well stay."

    Gray and Gajeel tensed up, "What about Milliana, and Juvia? Where are they?" Gray shouted, growling. I wanted to slap him, but at least he had the guts to ask.

    Queen Belserion remained calm, "Milliana's got another path to follow. As does Gajeel, here. Juvia should meet you in your chambers, later. As for now-" she smiled, mischievously.

    "My daughter would love to show you around, she's very friendly."

    Of course, she is. As friendly as a dagger just waiting to slide your neck open. 

    "She should be in the training arena. I'll let you guys get acquainted before we properly start solving the 'prophecy'."

    "Now, shoo!~"

~~~

"Are you sure this is the way we need to go?" Gray grumbled. Gajeel had left with the Queen earlier, as he had some stupid 'other path' to follow.

    "Yes! For the thousand and eighth time!" Lucy shouted, "We're almost there, lucky the Queen entrusted me with this map."

    "Uh-huh, we'd be completely lost without you, Lucy," I put my arm around her, which she shrugged off angrily, making Gray and I laugh.

    "I don't like the sound of 'training arena'," Gray commented, "With Erza, you never know. She's probably armed in there, and will try to use us as dummies as soon as we set foot inside."

    "Oh, come on!" Lucy punched Gray lightly, "She didn't seem that bad!"

    "True," Gray laughed, a smirk on his face, "Jellal seemed very... entranced by her."

    "Shut up!" I snorted.

    "Awwwww, he's blushing!" Lucy cooed, making me walk ahead of them, quickly.

    "Hurry up and find the damn place," Gray and Lucy started laughing even harder, as I crossed my arms and slowed down.

    "Ok, ok!" Lucy stopped, looking sorry, "We're here, anyway."

    "Huh?"

    I turned to my right, where doors were open. Sunlight bathed my face, as I smiled. Finally, the outside! As I stepped outside, I didn't notice that Erza wasn't there, breathing in the smell of fresh air. Closing my eyes, I sighed.

    Before I was ruthlessly thrown to the floor, straddled, and pinned, the tip of a sword on my throat.

"What are you doing here?!"

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→❤⚘This Chapter was written by Phoenix and Roo~chan⚘❤←

Word Count: 990