Hideaway

Chapter 12 - The Trade

"Here it is" He handed me a USB. 

"How do I know this isn't fake?" I questioned the man, he gave me a smirk before rolling his eyes.

"Your too smart Layla but I'll prove it's real" Quickly one of his buff body guards handed him a laptop which he opened and inserted the USB in. I watched intently making sure I didn't blink. My mind was cautious, he could easily change the USB's but he didn't.

He flipped the laptop around showing us the footage. The footage that Gray and I originally had. It displayed what really happened to Mr Dragneel, it proved Natsu's innocence and it cold finally get him his life back.

I gave him a nod before he once again handed me the USB, this time however I shoved it into my pocket.

"I have to ask Zeref, how did you get the footage" My curiosity got the best of me.

"If you must know, I've been hacking into my mothers cameras for years, I have a billion copies of that video" He shrugged his shoulders.

"So theres always been more then one copy, why wouldn't you help your brother" I stood up accusingly pointing my finger at the man. He wasn't taken by surprise, instead he stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Layla, or should I say Lucy" He knew my real name and his pale hand flew shivers down my spine.

"I don't help people, I traded this video because I want custody of Wendy" He glanced at the blue haired girl who shook silently.

"Why" I demanded an answer.

"Why, you dare ask why" Now I had aggravated him because he threw his fist right next to my face and got real close.

"Because she's my family, don't act like you wouldn't want to free her of those awful people who call themselves parents" He yelled causing both Wendy and I to shiver but he had a point. Those words were the only things I agreed with. That was the first and last time he showed he had a kind side.

"Now Wendy come sit next to me" He once again spoke calmly and placed his hand on the seat next to him. 

"Lucy I'm scared, I want to see Natsu" Wendy tugged at my top and looked up at me. I couldn't just leave her with this man. Who knows what he would do. 

"Can she please stay with Natsu" I asked terrified of how he may react but I had to try for Wendy.

"A counter offer you propose?" He questioned. I had to think quick, what else could I offer him but I didn't know.

"My necklace" I pointed at the jeweled chain on my neck. It was worth quite a bit but he shook his head.

"My earrings" I pointed to my ears this time hoping they would be enough but once again he refused my offer. 

"Ok what the hell do you want Zeref?" I gave up suggesting options. 

He answered, and what he said not only filled me with fear but also with doubts about my future. Who knows what he was capable of and I wasn't prepared for this kind of trade. Our plan to get Wendy back would work but she was so afraid I couldn't put her through it. Wendy looked up at me, her eyebrows furrowed in worry. I returned the look as I too felt the same.

"You"