Time Changes Everything

Harder Than Expected

   Waking up from a well rested nap, she felt ready to take on the day. Ignoring the dull ache in her chest that seemingly came from nowhere, she made her way down the flight of stairs, forgoing the elevator as the stairs were faster. Walking out into the cool evening air, she breathed in heavily. The scent of tropical flowers was pungent, mixing sweetly with the light undertone of spices that hung heavily in the air. 

   Wandering around the slowly emptying streets, she let her guard down for the moment. Seeing as there was no immediate threat, she allowed herself the time to relax, not expecting a shrill to ring out in the night. Jumping into action, she rushed towards the scream, calling upon Corvus to her side. 

   The spirit formed within the black smoke, his deep voice echoing in Lucy's ears as he signaled his arrival. 

   "You called My Lady?" Corvus chuckled, glancing over at the girl running along side him. 

   "I need you to let me borrow your power, you can meld into shadows right?" Lucy glanced over to him, grinning at the nod she received.

   He clasped his hand over her shoulder, muttering under his breath before he looked up and gave her a wink before he disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Glancing into the windows of passing storefronts, she let lose a hearty laugh. There was nothing reflecting back at her, it was as if she were invisible. 

   "Thanks Corvus. I'll keep you posted, I'll need you for the rest of my plan later." She whispered, hearing a grunt in acknowledgement.

   Summoning out Gemini, she told them of her plan. They agreed to help in excitement, bouncing up and down in glee at the prank they got to pull. Stopping in front of the city bank, Lucy made sure to stay quiet as Gemini shifted into a perfect replica of herself. Gemini strolled inside, swaying her hips excessively in hopes of distracting some of the bandits. 

   With the bandits distracted by the sudden arrival of a blonde, Lucy was able to slip inside easily. She didn't want to chance getting caught, even if she was cloaked in darkness. Sliding past the group, she checked in every closed door for the scream she heard earlier. Stopping at a broom closet, she jiggled the handle, frowning as it was locked. She could hear the muffled sobs from a young woman inside. 

   "If you are near the door, back as far away as possible, I'm going to get you out of there." Summoning both Loke and Taurus, she told both of them to assist Gemini in the battle up front. 

   "Open! Gate of the maid, Virgo!" Lucy chants, watching as she got to work the second she hit the ground. 

   The loud squeal from behind the door made her smile. Virgo poked her head up from out of the hole, in her arms was the young lady stuck behind the locked door. She seemed a bit bent out of shape, but other than that she seemed alright. Telling Virgo to take her somewhere safe, she made her way back into the main hall. Still cloaked in shadows, she took out three of the bandits easily. Tying them up with ropes she turned to the two mages that were putting up a decent fight against her spirits.

   "Good job you two! You can go back now, I've got it covered from here!" Lucy sent both Loke and Taurus back, standing up straight as she appeared from out of the shadows. 

   'Keep an eye out Corvus, I'm relying on you here to help me out.'  She thought, hearing a grunt in response. 

   "What's this? A little girl like yourself did all this? I'm impressed, you've bested the weakest of us" One of them cackled, throwing his head back in crazed glee. 

   "It won't take long for me to have you two begging for mercy, I wouldn't be laughing if I were you." Lucy growled, flicking the tip of her whip threateningly in their direction.