The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 15

True to his word, Gray took care of all of the family's expenses and money problems with his fortune. But he knew that his family line couldn't rely on the fortune. They needed to restore the Fullbuster shipping business. According to Erza it had gone bankrupt due to losing all it's clients and employees to a rival company but Gray was nothing if not determined. One way or another the family business would be restored.

Then came the matter of Gray's killings albeit he was compelled to kill and he felt unbearable remorse and guilt which each life he took. However he was able to choose who he would direct his killings to. Murderers, abusers, criminals, people who were the scum of the earth. But they were still people and the police were becoming more and more involved with the killings. Eventually it made it to every news paper, television broadcast, and other form of media. Of course nobody suspected Gray so he was safe for now. Well...Almost nobody.

One person suspected him right away and her suspicions became more confirmed with each killing she heard about. She was the owner of the rival company that led to Gray's business going bankrupt and when she was fully convinced she knew the identity of the mysterious killer she drove down to the manor house and banged on door.

"Coming." Natsu said walking over to answer the door.

Standing on the other side of the door was an extremely attractive woman with long dark purple hair and seductive yet intimidating red eyes, dressed in a very revealing attire.

"May I help you?" Natsu asked trying not to look at her cleavage.

"Yes I wish to speak with Gray Fullbuster." She said.

"Who?"

"I think you know. Black hair, handsome features, eyes like hard cold stone."

She walked right into the house uninvited and made her way toward the living room. She took notice that all the windows were covered by curtains. She grinned at this. At the top of the stairway Erza stood and she was not pleased with the presence of this woman. Not only because she just barged into someone's house without permission but she seemed to take great pleasure in how Erza and her family would struggle.

"Miss Milkovich." Erza said walking down stairs.

"Hello Miss Scarlet." She said putting on a friendly facade. "Good to see you again. It's been awhile."

"Miss Milkovich not that I don't enjoy your company but must you waltz your way into my home without permission?"

"Your home? So you really have moved in here. I'm surprised that you could afford it."

"What do you want? Come to insult my family again? Or mock me about my money problems?"

"Oh Erza do lighten up. I mean no real harm when I make those remarks."

"I'm sure you don't." Erza said not believing a word out of her mouth.

"But to get to the point I heard you have a new edition to the family and thought I would introduce myself."

"Really? And how did you find out about that?"

"It's a small town Erza. Everyone talks." The two women stared down at each other like two wild cats ready to go at each other. "So where is this new family member?"

"He's asleep."

"During the day? How odd?"

"What was that infernal banging?!" Gray shouted as he went downstairs. "Can't a man get any sleep around here?!"

"Sorry about that Gray but we have a guest." Erza said. "A guest who apparently wants to meet you."

"My apologies Madame." Gray said fixing his composure and taking her hand to shake. "I was just-"