Thank you, Nashi

Chapter 14

The sound of water droplets echoed throughout the cold cell. In one corner sat the figure of Lucy Heartfilia. She was curled up, trying to seek what little warmth her own body heat could offer. Her clothes were filthy and she hadn't showered in days. She wished that was the least of her problems, because her daughter was still out there somewhere.

The thought of poor Nashi out in the world on her own scared Lucy stiff, but if Nashi did what Lucy asked then by now she should be in the safest place in the whole world. Fairy Tail would protect her as long as she stayed in their sights, she just hoped that she got there safely.

Lucy was startled when her cell door was opened. Not once since she arrived has anyone been in contact with her, only her food being brought reminded her that other people were there. She scowled at the white haired man at the door. A playful smile was on his face.

"Well Lucy Heartfilia, I do hope you are enjoying your stay here," he said strolling into the cell. Lucy struggled to rise to her feet from lack of nutrition, but did it anyway. The man before her started to chuckle.

"But I suppose we aren't the most hospitable people, I mean , I haven't even told you my name." The man bowed before Lucy, "You may call me Shinzō Hossa." Lucy glared at him with malice. Shinzō smirked playfully at her, inching closer to her.

"I suppose you're wondering why you're here or who I am."

"I assume you're the guild master of Scarabs Wings, the dark guild known for killing large numbers of people and taking the dead bodies with you." Shinzō was taken back by her answer. He chuckled to himself. He took a strand of Lucy's blonde hair into his hand and rubbed it between his fingers.

"I knew you were smart Miss. Heartfilia, however I never expected this. Tell me, how did you know?" Lucy refused to look him in the eyes.

"Years ago, one of my father's warehouses was attacked. All the men but one were killed and taken. Your guilds crest was painted in blood on the warehouse wall." Shinzō nodded, remembering that attack with great detail, "You're father feared we were after his money, so he got the council involved in the investigation. But as I recall, they came up empty handed, so the case was soon forgotten," he said, letting Lucy's hair fall from his grasp. He circled the blonde woman.

"While the council was working on the case, I took the opportunity to study their findings and conduct my own little investigation. Your attack matched many in the past that were connected to an urban legend, the guild Scarabs Wings. The mark on your buddies foreheads matched the one of the guild." Shinzō clapped slowly, impressed with the woman.

"Bravo Miss Heartfilia, but if you knew about us, why didn't you tell the authorities?" Lucy's eyes fell on the dirty floor beneath her.

"Your guild is classified as a Ghost Guild by the magic council. They could never track you down or find any of your members, so they never revealed you to the general public or put you down as a real guild. You really are nothing but a legend."

"Ahh, but you figured it out, and I must commend you for that," Shinzō spoke, snapping his fingers, " and now you have the opportunity to assist my guild." The two large twins from before lugged into the room and restrained Lucy with magic cuffs. The two forced her toward the exit, following their guild master.

It wasn't much, but Lucy was still pleased to be out of that dreadful cell. As they left the dungeons, an offending odor hit Lucy's nose. It smelt purely of blood. The metallic scent made Lucy's stomach churn. Shinzō's lackeys led Lucy into a large factory-like room. Up against the walls were large containers with red liquid inside them. Lucy didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure what they were, the appalling smell was enough.