After that night, the next morning, there were people swarming at our very door, knocking loudly. Mother opened it, surprised to see the sea of E's outside our very house, shouting my name and cheering. My whole family stared at the crowd, jaw dropped. Then at the midst of our amazement, a man wearing a suit and tie squeezed his way through the crowd until he reached us. A lot of people have been giving me flowers and a lot more stuff, Dad had to run out to push them away.

"Ahem." He started. "I am a messenger from the palace and I'm here to tell you what you need to know to start everything off once you enter the palace."

"Well, come in." My mother stepped back to give space for him to enter and she closed the door. Michelle went down as well, smiling happily.

"I just have to ask you some questions, tell you a few things and inform you everything you need to know." He started. He looked at three of us, Mom, Michelle and Me.

"Uhm...is it okay if the little one could leave the room?" He asked with discomfort. Michelle gasp and resisted. What was he going to tell me that Michelle shouldn't hear? I'm getting nervous.

"But--" She tried to protest.

"Come on, Michelle. Lets just do what he says." I told her. Then I quickly leaned down to whisper to her. "I'll tell you everything once it's done." I knew she heard it and acted disappointed as she climbed up the stairs.

"Let's talk in the kitchen." Mom suggested and we proceeded to the kitchen. We sat in front of one another.

"Well, since you will be temporarily living in the palace, and possibly someday permanently stay there. You must learn the basics of everything. The day after tomorrow, the mayor of your town would prepare a farewell speech for you, and you should do the same. There will be an escort waiting for you in the town square after you're speech is done."

"I have to make a speech?!?" I repeated.

"It's nothing to what our policy says, but your mayor suggested to do it. Moving on, since you are an E. You must be lacking a few health requirements. So here." He pulled out a bunch of small bottles filled with colorful pills. One different color in each.

"What are these?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. I looked at it for a while and then set my gaze on the messenger from the palace with a kind questioning look.

"Those are vitamins that you'd be needing. It will keep your skin, hair and everything healthy."

We listened carefully to what he kept saying. This is such a pain in the ass, daily vitamins? Really?

"Now, you'd be living in the palace. You are technically living with the royal family, so you should act as royalty. Each selected woman has a scheduled meeting with the prince, but if the princes wishes to meet with you, out of schedule, then it is allowed. You may not be allowed to go out of the palace without permission. You are permissible to go out the garden when you are told, but as you please is strictly prohibited."

'So I'm basically a pet, huh...?' I thought to myself.

"Since you might be one of the prince's wife, you are not allowed to have any lovers starting now and while you are in the castle, if ever we find out about a case like, is automatic treason and is sentenced to death to both."

I gulped at the thought. So....Basically....oh no...I can't back out now..so..

"And one little private question..." He said with unease and leaned forward to both of us.

"Are you a virgin?" He asked. I blushed and took a few spaces back. A bit gasping.

"What??!??" My mother reacted. "Of course she is!" Oh no, I think she snapped. "What kind of freakin' question is that?!!"

"Yeah!" I exclaimed back. "What she said!"

"My goodness. Don't fret too much, Mrs. Heartfilia, It is just a prior question to every selected woman. If she is that's good. Well then, I will be off. You don't need to bring much clothes as well, your dresses and gowns are already prepared in your room in the palace."

"Dresses and gowns??"

"Yes, that's all. I'll be on my way." He bowed and I leaded him to the door. He paused and turned to me. "Oh and one tip." He leaned down and whispered. "If the prince asks you do to something he pleases. Then grab the chance. Do you understand? Anything."

I was silent as he left the house and closed the door. What does he mean by anything....? Like...like, I'm like his doll, is that it?? Is he pertaining that he could do anything he wants with us and we just have to be alright with it?? To hell I ain't! I'm getting nervous.

Then I suddenly remembered a rule that would cause death. If they found out I have a lover...so I have to...Oh no...no...

My eyes widened in the state I was in. I quickly ran up stairs and slammed the door loudly. I locked the door and fell down to my knees. If I'm going to join, I have to kick Gray out of my life...I thought, but pulled myself together.

While wiping my eyes and covering my reddish eyes, someone knocked on the door. "Lucy, Gray's here!" She called, I paused and my bones started to shiver like never before. I opened the door and hid my shaking hands.

I walked down the stairs, seeing him holding a large bouquet of flowers.

"Oh, that's so sweet of you, Gray." My mom smiled.

"Oh, this is from Meredy, actually." He turned to his right and saw me, smiling, but his eyes looked as if he was in pain.

"Hey," I greeted, unenthusiastically and he waved back. "Uh...I kinda need help packing up in my room." I quickly turned around and ran up stairs. I didn't need to tell him if he wanted to, he's an F and any job their asked to do. They're suppose to do it.

"What's up?" He asked.

"Thanks for the flowers their beautiful." There was a bit of silent in the air. "Hey, Uhm...Gray--" I was cut off as he rushed in for a tight hug.

(H.I.T.K: please start the bgm now. )

He looked at me and his expression got serious. "You've been crying, have you?" He asked.

"N-No...I haven't.." His face got a bit worried and is in pain. Then he hugged me more tightly then before.

"Lucy," He whispered. "I'm so proud of you..." I smiled, but then the next word came crawling out of his mouth and shattering my heart. "Let's break up." I gasped and pushed him away to see what he looked like. His eyes weren't looking at me.

I couldn't say anything. Yes, I know I was going to do the same thing, but....What does this mean?? All of a sudden?

He looked at me and waited for my reaction. My tears were swelling up in my eyes, but I tried to stop them. I took a deep breath, trying not to seem to weak.

"Why?" I sounded confident, great, I'm trying my best to not sound so broken. But this event would have arrived some day, I just didn't expect it to be today. He didn't react. "Tell me why, Gray!" I shouted. He looked away, face kinda in pain, but is trying not to make it look so obvious.

"I...Lucy," he turned to me. "I just don't want to do this anymore."

"Is it because I joined the D.C?!! I thought you were okay with that??" He was surprised and clenched his hand.

"T-That's right, I'm not okay with it at all..." He said softly. I was surprised and looked up at him.

"It wasn't my decision, Gray! You have to understand!" What am I doing...? I have to break up with him, I should just be quiet and agree.

"But still---I know that you'll be the winner....and Prince Natsu would treat you better than I can. He's better than me! He can provide everything you need. You're just too good for me, Lucy."

"That's not true! GRAY THAT'S NOT TRUE!!"

"Yes I am! Lucy just accept it! Of course you're going to be with him and I have to accept that fact as well!"

"You're talking as if I've already won, but I'm not! I may be eliminated the first day! I don't want him! Gray it's you I want! Don't do this!"

"LUCY!" His voice cracked. I took a step back and focused on his eyes. "Just--Lucy, please, let's stop this. I know you'll win because you're you. Lucy I---" he hesitated on saying something and turned his back around me.

"Good bye." He said, but I quickly grabbed his shirt. The tears came flooding down. He looked back and me and I looked at me. We paused like that for a while ad he stared at my teary face. I sniffed and tried to talk when my voice was trembling so much.

"T-Thank you..." I smiled and let him go....for good. He didn't smile back and he left the room. I am angry at him, but I'm also thankful for making it easier for me to do it. He closed the door and I fell to the floor. Why...? Gray...? I didn't want this!! I never wanted this!! Why did I join this damn thing! Why?! I punched the floor several times and is beating myself up for what I've gotten myself into.

Prince Natsu, huh? What does you mean he's better than you...? Tell me....? Please...?

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Sorry if it's so short! But tell me if you liked it! Just finished Ano Hana and is still crying every time I watch the last episode. I need a hug...TTATT haha, but let's just move on!

Haha, summer's almost near!

I'll be updating more more slower than usual, I think? I really don't know, but let's just wait and see. :)