Tempt me and I will fall

Chapter 15

Lucy and Mira stood before Erza, "Romeo has been taken to Hell." Lucy announced.

Erza looked at her and Mira, perfect composure in place, "The boy you vowed to protect, his souls been taken?" She asked.

Lucy shook her head, "No. He's literally been taken to Hell." She then proceeded to explain what happened during her confrontation with Natsu, leaving out the fact he had, infact, tempted her in the middle of the fight.

Erza closed her eyes and looked down, "I warned you to be careful with your keys, Lucy." Her voice sounded disappointed, "However, I understand that not even the angels are perfect all of the time."

Lucy hung her head, "I know, Erza. I'm so sorry. It's my fault. I allowed myself to get caught up in having new comrades. I wasn't paying attention to my energy until it was too late."

Erza sighed, "If Romeo has been taken to Hell, it's unlikely he will survive long."

"What? What makes you say that?" Lucy panicked. She couldn't let that little boy suffer in Hell. What it had done to Natsu, she couldn't imagine Romeo doing that for all eternity.

"The demonic energies that fill Hell won't let him out without a fight. And even if we save him, it's likely that he will be so affected, he will just end up back in Hell at the end of his life." Erza breathed deeply, in sadness for the little boy that Heaven had been meant to protect.

Lucy slammed her fist onto the table beside her, "No! Sagittarius used feathers from my wings to protect the family! We can save them!" she said, determination running through her body.

Erza glanced up, a smile on her face, "They have internal angelic protection." She clarified.

"Yes!" Lucy met Erza's eyes, begging her silently to aid them in a rescue mission to Hell.

"Well, that changes things." Erza straightened up, and grabbed her sword. She held it, pointed end pointed toward Lucy and Mira, "Angels, prepare for a battle like you've never faced before. We are taking a trip to Hell."

Lucy threw a fist in the air and cheered. Mira wrung her hands together nervously, but smiled. Lucy saw the nervous reaction, "Mira! If we succeed, we could even save Lisanna today!" She grinned.

Mira's eyes widened at the realization, "That's true! Lucy!" she hugged her friend and then turned back to Erza, "This is a risk, but I'm willing to take it. For Lisanna!" Mira's face was set in determination, matching Lucy's.

Erza matched their looks, "Very well. Tomorrow we set out to save Romeo and Lisanna. Mira, please stay and help me prepare. Lucy, go rest and regain your energy. You will need it for tomorrow."

Lucy nodded excitedly and left the room. Erza sat down and began to polish her sword, "Mira, are you sure you want to do this? I know your contract is still there. It will be hard to go back."

Mira nodded, "I've waited over a hundred years, Erza. Tomorrow will be hard, but at last, I finally have my chance to save my little sister." She looked to Erza, "Our bargain still stands, you know."

Erza nodded, and pulled back the sleeve on her robe, showing an upside down cross. The symbol of striking a deal with a demon. "I've never forgotten. I promise you I will honor it."

Mira breathed a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Erza."

"Of course. Now, help me put together a rescue plan." Erza pointed to the chair next to her. Mira sat down and together they began to put together a plan.

XXXXXXX

"How do we tempt Lucy?" Grey muttered, tapping his fingers on the table top. Juvia rubbed his shoulders encouragingly while he tried to think.