Keeping Secrets

The Grand Conjuration

Here we are at long last. I've been itching to get to this, so I hope everyone enjoys!

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Opeth.

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KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 36: THE GRAND CONJURATION

Lucy stood speechless, staring up at the grotesque amalgamation of steel and shadows. The sheer unnaturalness of it sent chills down her spine. She wanted to turn and demand answers from Natsu. She couldn't fathom why he would want to use something so horrific.

However, before she could, someone else spoke.

"It's... ugly."

Lucy turned to find Zeref staring up at the tower, wide eyed. The raw emotion in his voice startled her. He almost looked... distraught.

His fists clenched at his sides. "This... wasn't my design." He murmured, unhappiness clear in both his expression and tone. "I envisioned the R System as something regal, divine- like an old gothic cathedral. Something reverent to match its purpose. Not this... twisted steampunk monstrosity."

Natsu scoffed. "You an art critic now? I swear, you can be so overdramatic, Zeref."

Zeref shot him a look- half exasperation, half resignation. "I suppose it's a matter of taste." He sighed. "However, in the end, I guess it really doesn't matter. As long as it achieves its purpose, I'll be satisfied."

Lucy didn't notice the members of the Spriggan 12 who were present gathering around them until she felt Natsu's hand on her shoulder. Before she could react, the air around them suddenly warped.

Blinking, Lucy took in their new surroundings. They were now in a vast circular chamber, dimly lit by the glass dome above them. No doubt, the control room at the top of the tower.

Against the far wall sat a throne, where Rusty and August, stood beside a levitating, still unconscious Mavis. In the center of the room was a large, irregular shaped lacrima, towering over them and casting eerie shadows in the dim light.

Zeref strode toward the throne, his gaze lingering on Mavis for a noticeable moment before turning to August. "How long until the charging is complete?"

Using his free hand, August swiped the air, and a set of runes materialized before him. A pleased smile spread across his face. "According to my readings, less than ten minutes."

Zeref smirked. "Amazing what infinite magic can do."

Before Lucy could question them, Natsu stepped forward, irritation written all over his face. "Hey, why do you get the chair?"

Without missing a beat, Zeref sank onto the throne, a smug smile curling his lips. "Because I'm the emperor, of course."

Natsu made a face. "bEcAuSe i'M tHe EmPeRoR, oF cOuRse," he mocked.

Lucy had had enough. This was not the time for banter.

"Natsu- what- why- how could you support using this spell? You helped destroy it once! Did you forget how much Erza, and Jellal, and everyone who built the tower suffered in its construction?"

Natsu exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck again, looking quite exhausted. "I've changed my mind, Lucy. What happened to Jellal, Erza, and the others was evil. But the R system is just a spell. It's the mage using it that decides if it's good or bad, just like all magic. The cultists, and Jellal- sure, they had their own twisted vision for the tower. But that's not what it was originally meant for when Zeref created it."

"Lucy," Zeref said, his voice unexpectedly gentle, "I understand your apprehension." There was no mockery this time, no condescension- he sounded genuinely patient.