Keeping Secrets

My Enemy Is Human, Too

Welcome back everyone! This chapter's a little more chill compared to the last few. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter title taken from the lyrics of the song Quiet War by Les Friction

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KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 37: MY ENEMY IS HUMAN, TOO

At the very least, when Lucy awoke from her nap in her guest room in the Imperial Palace, she didn't tense up like she was going to be attacked this time.

And there was no awkward confrontation/ conversation needed so she could use someone else's bathroom- this time, her room came with its own private one. She took advantage of it, soaking in a long, hot bath. It certainly eased the tension in her muscles, but did nothing to calm the storm raging in her thoughts.

After drying off and changing into a simple robe she found hanging on the door, she found herself sitting on the bed, absent-mindedly running her fingers over her keys.

She needed to talk to someone. And maybe, get some answers.

Natsu, Zeref, and that Jacob guy were able to use spatial magic earlier, despite Marin being around... maybe he can allow exceptions for his allies.

While she wasn't exactly an ally, perhaps he didn't view her as a threat anymore. It was worth a shot.

Taking a deep breath, she held up three of her keys: "Open! Gate of the Lion, gate of the Maiden, gate of the Goat! Loke, Virgo, Capricorn!"

Her magic swelled, a golden light filled the room, and three familiar figures materialized before her.

"Lucy!" Loke stepped forward immediately, his usual smirk missing, replaced by genuine concern. "Are you alright? We tried to get through to you, but something was blocking us!"

Virgo dropped into a bow. "Princess, please direct me to the one responsible, they are in need of punishment."

Capricorn adjusted his sunglasses. "Seeing that you're able to summon us again, I take it the threat has passed?"

Lucy sighed, dragging her hand down her face. "God, where do I even begin..." She exhaled again, before saying, "Well, I'll start with why you couldn't reach me. That Marin guy from Alvarez was back, and blocked my magic again... and then the empire took me captive."

Loke's eyes widened. "W-what? But, how'd you get away?"

"I didn't." She said flatly. "We're in Vistarion. This is a guest room in the Imperial Palace."

All three spirits stared at her.

"Wait... a guest room?" Loke asked, his sunglasses sliding slightly down his nose.

Virgo blinked. "In Zeref's palace?"

Capricorn titled his head. "And they let you keep your keys? Most curious."

Lucy let out another sigh. "Yeah, well- guess that's one of the perks of being friends with the prince."

Her spirits stared again, eyes wider this time.

Loke folded his arms. "Okay, now I know I misheard you."

"Prince?" Virgo echoed, her head titled and finger on her lips.

"Friends?" Capricorn added, disbelief in his voice.

Lucy stared back. "Wait... you guys really didn't know?"

She thought after what she witnessed in the hall of memories, they would have known the truth about Zeref and Natsu's relation. After all, her ancestor Anna had helped with the plan. She had thought they might have been contracted to stay quiet. But their confusion seemed genuine.