Trash: A Collection of Stories

Chapter 2

The wheels of the carriage clacked against the road. They slowed to a stop and two Royal Guards were already positioned outside the door. One opened it and I climbed out, smoothing down my blue dress. For things like this, I had to dress my best and Virgo brought me the most formal clothing in the celestial world.

I walked up to the front of Blue Pegasus's guild hall. Knocking on the door, I adjusted the white gloves I was wearing and gripped the invitation.

"Hello?" Eve answered.

"Good morning, Eve. Is Bob here?" I asked.

"Hey, Lucy. You are looking very official today," he noted, stepping back to let me in.

"Thank you. Oh, we are going to have to reschedule our practice."

Eve and I have been meeting up once a month. After seeing what I do for the kingdom, he has wanted to join and I've been training him for a position similar to mine. He would have to leave Blue Pegasus, but his guild members are supportive of his decision.

"If it isn't little Lucy," Bob smiled as I walked up to their bar.

"Hello, sir. I am here to invite you and your guild to a banquet the king is holding," I slid the invitation to him. He looked it over.

"Oh, we will definitely be attending, being invited to anything held by the king is a great honor."

"Yes, sir. I speak for the royal family when I say we will be delighted by your appearance."

"You are so sweet, I remember when you would throw someone across the room if they touched you."

"That was a few years ago, I have matured. Thank you for having me, I must be on my way now," I bowed.

"Alright, thanks for stopping by!"

"GoodBye, Eve," I shot him a smiled and let myself out. I got back into my carriage and slumped back, glad that I was out of anyones presence. It's hard sometimes to be like this. Well, at least there only five more places to go, two I am dreading.

We arrived at Mermaid Heel next, and then to Lamia Scale. They acted the same way Blue Pegasus had, I've worked with them both recently, especially Lamia Scale. Jura and I have been doing a lot of teaming up lately, even after the whole me almost killing him in the Grand Magic Games thing. I've even worked with Lyon of all people.

But now came the guild I've been avoiding the most. Sabertooth. I stood in front of their door, shaking my hands nervously. 'You can do this,' I pumped myself up, then finally knocked on the door.

The person who opened the door made my heart jump. "Good evening, Rouge."

"Lucy? Is that you?" I nodded. He instantly engulfed me in a hug, and I did the same to him. We broke apart and he kept his hands on my upper arms. "You've changed so much, it's been way too long."

"I know, with the whole break up thing, I haven't had the guts to come back..."

"That's understandable, but why are you here now, and so late?"

"I need to speak with Sting."

"Uh, sure, come on in." I followed him past the groups of people who stared at me. So they do remember me.

"Ahh, Lucy!" Lector and Frosch jumped at me excitedly. I caught them in each arm.

"How have you guys been?"

"We are doing good," I put them both down carefully.

"That's good." I smiled and continued after Rouge to a room behind the dinning area. There was a swimming pool and Sting was doing laps around the edge.

He stopped for a minute when he heard footsteps across the tile floor. His head popped up and he wiped the water out of his eyes.

"Lucy? What are you doing here?" He swam over to the edge we were standing at.

"I have come by the word of the princess, to invite you to a banquet the king is holding," I bowed. He pulled himself up and out of the pool, dripping wet. Rouge threw a towel at him and he began drying off.

"What's this banquet for?"

I handed him the invitation, our finger tips brushed against each other's. I showed no emotion, but he seemed to notice. "It's for a few of the select guilds in Fiore. We would love it if your guild attended."

"Sure, we'll be there."

I bowed again,"Thank you, I must be going, I still have one more guild to stop by." I stood straight up and smiled. "I'll see you there."

I turned away and walked out, deciding it was best not to look back. Everyone still had their eyes on me as I waltzed through the dinning area and out to my carriage. One last place.

We got there way to quickly. My nerves were through the roof, but this is what the princess wants. I sucked it up, and knocked on the door, hoping they were still here at this time.

"Who's here so late?" Bickslow was the one to answer the door.

"Good evening, Bickslow," I did my usual bow.

"Lucy!" He, like Rouge, engulfed me in a hug. "Oh man, it's been a while, come in!" He pulled me inside and yelled out,"Hey guys, Lucy is here!" Oh no, not this.

"Aye, Blonde," Laxus walked over with Mira under his arm. She wiggled her eye brows at me and I just returned it with a small smile. "What's with the get up?" He looked me over.

"I am representing the royal family, so I must be my best. Is Makarov here?"

"I heard my name?" He popped up next to Bickslow.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see you there. Good evening, I have been sent by the princess to give you an invitation to a banquet," I handed him the invite.

He skimmed it as the others continued chatting.

"What's all the commotion?" Another group of familiar faces joined us. "Oh my god," Gray gasped.

"Good evening," I sent the two a warm smiled. They reacted the way I thought they would.

Gray and Natsu wrapped their arms around me, knocking us to the ground. They laughed, but all I could do was take it and smile. After getting off me, Natsu helped me up. I dusted my dress off and stood up straight, keeping good posture.

"Sounds like a good time, we will be there," Makarov finally looked up at me.

"Thank you, we will enjoy seeing you there," I bowed once more and turned to the door.

"Wait, you aren't going to stay any longer?" Bickslow asked.

"I'm sorry, I have to get back to the kingdom. Duty calls," I gave them one last smile before exiting.

**Hope you enjoyed!!**