NaLu! -He's my neighbour-

Determination

It was nearly dawn when Erza arrived home. After parking her car in the garage, she went straight inside. Juvia greeted her as soon as she opened the door. Eyebags distinctly on her face, adding more pale color to her already ghastly face. 

"Wait here," Juvia then moved quickly to the kitchen.

Erza could sense that the teal-haired friend of hers is brimming with curiosity, so she took off her outer layer of the suit, throwing them carelessly on the table before diving into the sofa. Deep sighs escaped her lips, as she wracked her brain trying to find the right word to explain to them, that Lucy is going to be their new leader.

A few minutes later, Juvia comes back with a glass of warm milk.

"Is Lucy asleep?" she asked, carefully taking a sip. The Titania may seem strong on physical but she's still had her adorable habit; she didn't like bitter food/drink. Everyone close to her knows that she never drink coffee, and she loves strawberry shortcake(aggressively)."Yeah, Natsu-san coaxed her to sleep. He went already went home," there is a small smile on her lip and a short paused as if she was reminiscing something. "Do you want me to wake her up?""No, let her rest. Tomorrow is going to be a shock for her,""Wh-" before Juvia can continue asking Erza already pointed to her suit.

"In the pocket, there's a letter."

Silent enveloped them as Juvia started to read. "Thi-this!" Juvia's mouth gape opened, confusion written on her face.
She slammed the letters on the table dramatically as soon as she finished reading them.

"No way!" She refused. She refused to accept this. After she was taken away from an abusive orphanage by the Heartfilia family, she promised herself that she would protect Lucy. This is putting Lucy's life on the line.

"We have no other option. Are you trying to disobey his last word?" at Erza's word she went silent.

"I don't want to put her in danger too. If she becomes the official leader, that means she's going to be targeted. Lucy knows how to protect herself. we both know that, but I can't help but still worries for her."

"But I've got a plan."_________________________________________________________"So, that is my plan," Erza stopped talking and all people on the screen have this straight line of frown on their faces. After nearly a minute, Aries's timid voice broke through the silence.

"Won't that be dangerous?"

That morning, Celestial top-level decided to do a video conference. It was Erza's idea. They're trying to keep a low profile for now. Therefore, a video conference was the safest one as they're concerned if the spy of their enemies is alerted if they made a big move. Of course, their conference is encrypted and protected.

All twelve trusted representatives are present. Aquarius and her boyfriend from the harbor, Capricorn the secretary, the personal twin hacker Gemini, the sharpshooter Sagittarius, the special maid Virgo, Leo, and Aries who usually handled the main house, Taurus the head of the offense department, and Cancer the manager.

"As much as I think this is dangerous, I thought this is the time for you to make your appearance my lady," Capricorn replied.

"Exactly. You've been incognito all this time. Don't tell me you're going to run away again this time. Layla and Jude never raised an irresponsible daughter," Aquarius words seemed harsh but everyone knows how protective she is when it comes to Lucy.

"Don't worry we will protect you!" -the high-spirited Taurus.

"If we do this...can we find dad's killer?" a realization suddenly struck her.

"Yes. The person behind your dad's assassination must've thought I will be the one next in line. According to Je- ahem, my trusted informant, their motive is to destroy Celestial from inside. They must've planned everything. But with your sudden appearance now, their plan hardly useful. They will need to take a hasty measure." Erza explained.

"Strike while the iron is hot," Juvia muttered under her breathe.

"Exactly, so if we're going to counterattack now is the most suitable time,"

After another half an hour they discussed all of them decided to end it and meet again before the plan is executed.

When Lucy was climbing the stairs to get back to her room, Erza stopped her. She passed an unopened letter to her with a soft smile.

┌─────────────────────────  ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆  ────────────────────────┐

   To Lucy my dearest princess

                 If you're reading this it probably meant that something bad has happened to me. I'm sorry I had to leave first. I'm merely human, I couldn't possibly stay with you forever.
You might be wondering why I give this responsibility to you instead of Erza. 

            I couldn't give it to her. She sacrificed a lot for our famiglia, and I don't want to put anymore burden on her. Sometimes I wished she could have a normal life, maybe get her own family. Actually, I wished every one of us had a normal life. I would give it to Loki, but then that guy is too playful. 

           After a lot of thinking, I'm giving this head position to you, my daughter. I hope you will forgive me and I hope you'll be stronger so that you can protect all of them. 

         I know you can.Your mother and I love you till the end. Please be strong, I know my daughter will be able to face anything. You're our daughter, protect your family, and stay as the brightest star in our hearts.

└──────────────────────── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──────────────────────────┘

Hot torrent of tears courses down her face along with heartbreaking sobs. She was clenching the paper so hard, lips trembling as a soft voice escaped calling for her mother and father. But she knows that they would never come back again.

On that time, she was determined to avenge her father.

A/N: Woww... that's the longest chapter for now.

Classes is starting again so I might take a bit(lies) of time. Why did I choose this course again? *Sighs*

Anywayy stay safe people!