Rising Goddess

Author's Note

If you guys are reading my other fanfics, I'm sorry about not updating. I found this old document e-mailed to myself on my g-mail account, and I decided to upload it just to see what you guys think.

This is my first Fairy Tail fanfic, and I hope you enjoy it!

Prologue

"Master Makarov? Master, may I speak with you?"

Lucy Heartfilia of Fairy Tail stood in front of her master, clutching the silver and purple cloak around her. Her eyes had eye-bags under them, and there was no life in her brown eyes.

"Yes, Lucy?" He asked glumly. Ever since the death of Natsu Dragneel, everyone was sad. The guild never celebrated or fought each other. Most just drowned themselves in their sorrows by drinking.

Lucy knew she would never do that. It was degrading to the fire dragon slayer's name, so she avoided drinks. Lately, things had been too hard for Lucy. Everyone, the guild, and arguing reminded her of her dead best friend.

She couldn't bear it anymore. She had to leave.

The old Lucy Heartfilia was gone. Here came a new one, one who would avenge Natsu's killer. She was going to get stronger, and she was going to kill.

"Master, I have to leave. Seeing this guild kills me. It reminds me too much of...him," she explained, heaving a defeated sigh as she watched her master. Makarov sighed, slumping forwards on his desk. "I knew you would be the first to leave. You and, er, him were so close," he said knowingly. Lucy took the hood of her cloak off, looking her master in the eye.

"I know. Thank you for everything you've done for me. I plan of finding his killer. I'll miss all of you. Please don't tell anyone about this until tomorrow. I'm leaving Magnolia today," Lucy said. Makarov nodded sadly before going over the guild leaving tradition.

"You must never reveal sensitive information about Fairy Tail to others for as long as you live. You must never use former contacts met through your being in the guild for personal gain. Though our paths may have diverged, you must continue to live out your life with all your might, you must never consider your own life to be something insignificant , and you must never forget about your friends who loved you." he finished.

Will you ever come back to us?" He asked hopefully.

She waited for Makarov to rub the Fairy Tail insignia off of her hand. "Maybe one day. You can't hold me to that, though," she replied. Makarov hugged Lucy. "Be safe, child."

Lucy cracked a grin. "I will."

From that day forth, Lucy searched for Natsu's killer while learning new magic. In order to kill the mage, she learned all sorts of magic that she was capable of. Molding magic, lightning magic, water magic, and celestial spells. She changed her name to Alastrina Eden, meaning 'avenger'.

Following a clue for Natsu's killer, Lucy came across a large forest in a small village outside of Viliane, Sabertooth's town. The locals warned of a mysterious beast in the forest that tore up trees with a claw and allowed no one to pass. Suspicious of these stories, she ventured into the forests to investigate.

The birds stopped chirping all of a sudden, and the entire forest became silent. She walked further in, hands glowing with defense magic. Suddenly, a barrier rippled behind her before turning invisible. Concerned, she attacked the barrier, but it held.

"Hey! Are you the one in these forests that scare the villagers?" Lucy cried. A silver-haired woman materialized in front of Lucy. She wore simple white and blue robes and belt with golden stars. Her eyes were a brilliant gold shade, and she had unearthly beauty. She gave off a powerful and wise aura, and Lucy sensed that she was much older than she seemed. Her cheekbones were high, and her hands were delicate-looking and slim. Lucy stared in awe at the woman, her defense magic disappearing.

"Welcome to my territory. Most are not worthy enough to be able to enter, but it seems that you have been allowed to pass through," the older woman said to her, tilting her head. Lucy swallowed, answering, "I am Alastrina Eden, a celestial mage. And you are?"

"My name is Astra. Your real name isn't Alastrina Eden, is it?" She asked. Lucy stiffened, feeling the urge to tell the woman her true name. "No, but that is the name I go by," Lucy said softly.

Astra smiled. "Ah, I believe that is a reason from your past. I understand. It always difficult to overcome the past," she said sympathetically. Lucy stayed still.

Astra dipped her head. "Now, I have a proposition. You call yourself the avenger, yes? I can teach you a great magic to heighten your already fine-tuned celestial mage skills. Then you can truly avenge," she said. Lucy stepped back slightly, surprised.

"What do you mean?"

"I have been searching for an apprentice, a child, to bestow my magic upon. You are worthy. I can see it in your blood. Yes, you would make a fine apprentice," Astra mused. Lucy opened her mouth to speak.

There was a flash of brilliant gold light. Lucy covered her eyes, wincing from the light. As the light faded, in Astra's place was a large, beautiful silver dragon with blue ridges and horns. Lucy gasped. "A-astra? You're a DRAGON?" The dragon gave a bellowing laugh, vibrating the air. "Yes. Alastrina, you will become the first celestial dragon slayer in a millennium," Astra announced.

Lucy bowed. "I would be honored to learn from you. I...used to have a couple dragon slayer friends, too," Lucy said, pausing. Astra's eyes lit up. "Oh? Who?"

Lucy smiled. "Well...one was a sky dragon slayer, daughter of Grandine. Then a iron dragon slayer, son of Metallicana. There was also a second generation dragon slayer, a lightning dragon slayer. And then my best friend, son of the fire dragon Igneel," she replied, deep in thought.

Astra nodded. "Igneel...I came back from the dragon world, just to see if his son was truly dead," she said. Lucy's eyes were dark. "He's dead. I saw him die," she said flatly. Astra opened her mouth to speak but decided against it. "I suggest we start training. Sit down, Lucy. You need to focus on the magic power inside of you. Close your eyes. Breathe in, out. In, out. Don't lose concentration. Now, continue," she instructed.

Lucy obeyed. A heavy pressure was placed on her body. The air felt like it was heavier. Straining, she continued. Slowly, the pressure built up until Lucy could no longer continue. She gasped for air, choking.

"I c-can't..."

"Is this what Fairy Tail has made you, Alastrina? Don't give up! Push yourself to the limit. I know your magic abilities are far better than you would believe," Astra encouraged.

Beads of sweat popped up against her skin. She waited, gasping. Finally, the pressure was lifted. She let out a huge sigh of relief and fell backwards onto the ground.

"Th-thank you...I'm sorry if I was a disappointment," she said, bowing. Astra smiled. "Child, do not be like. The first thing I would like you to try is to be one with the stars. This is the essence of Celestial dragon slayer magic. Concentrate once again. Think of the stars and their light."

Following Astra's instructions and focused on the source of her powers. "Now focus this energy into a ball in the palm of your hand."

She cleared her thoughts and tried this. Nothing happened. This happened ten more times before Lucy grew frustrated.

"How am I supposed to do this?" she asked in exasperation.

Astra closed her eyes. "Celestial magic is not something tangible. It is more spiritual than any magic you will ever learn. Sine its source does not come from anything on Earthland, it is usually mostly impossible for people to truly learn. Now, again. This time, I want you to imagine yourself in an orb of light. Pretend this incredible power is all around you and you can use it to your expense."

Lucy did as told, feeling an enormous tremor of magic power burst to the surface. She was engulfed in glowing light, but she did not feel anything. "Well done. Now, I want you to focus your power on that tree. Heavenly bind. It is a binding spell as you can probably tell." Astra explained.

"Astra, I succeeded!" Lucy celebrated as she felt exhausted from this new spell. The dragon smiled.

"Yes, you have."

For Lucy, life with Astra the celestial dragon was difficult. The training was long and body-breaking at points, but she persevered. She would avenge Natsu. After all, that was why she had agreed to train with Astra.

Everyday made her more and more powerful due to her hard work. Sometimes, Astra and her went on for days training without resting. For some reason, the dragon always seemed to be in a rush. Lucy never questioned her teaching ways, but she would have liked longer to work on her skills.

One day, Astra was very concerned. She looked afraid. Asking Lucy to repeat all of the things she had been taught, she was finally satisfied with the mage's training. The dragon nodded, breathing heavily.

"Master Astra, are you all right?" Lucy asked in concern. Astra lay down on her side.

"I...Alastrina, my dear, I am sorry. The reason I decided to take up an apprentice was because I'm dying. Today...I can sense that I will die. I'm sorry, Alastrina. Your training is complete, so you may leave. You are a complete celestial dragon slayer," she said sadly.

The large dragon sighed.

"Astra...Astra, please. You can't...I can't have you leaving me, too! Let me help you. I should find someone to help you!" She told the silver dragon, tears in her eyes. Lucy cried. Astra shook her massive head.

"You can not hinder fate, my child. I want you to promise me two things after I die," Astra said. Lucy nodded swiftly, sitting next to the dying dragon. "Anything, Mistress," she agreed.

"Promise me...to join a regular guild. Not a dark guild, definitely not. Second, promise me to never stray to the dark. Always help others and be kind. I know...I know that you will make me proud, Alastrina," she said.

Lucy wrapped her arms around the dragon's neck, smiling. "I will. I...I definitely will," she replied. Astra finally clipped one of her beautiful, shimmering scales off. "Take this. You will understand what this is one day. I know you will," she said. The dragon pointed a claw at the small wooden shack. "There..there is a single book with my handwriting in there. Please retrieve it and treasure it. I leave it in your possession."

Lucy sighed, getting the book from the shack.

"Astra, I need to tell you something."

The dragon made no motion signaling her agreement. Lucy continued. "My birth name isn't Alastrina Eden. It's Lucy Heartfilia, daughter of Layla and Jude Heartfilia. My mother and father used to be part of a guild. When they were older and settled down, they came back to the guild to see the guild sign. Instead of seeing 'Lucky', like there should have been, there was 'Lucy'. That is where my name came from," she told her. Astra chuckled slightly, her breathing pattern still slow and heavy.

"After my mother died, my father neglected me. I missed my family. We were wealthy, and my father was always focused on his business," Lucy said. She continued to tell her entire story, up to the time she met the celestial dragon.

"That man who killed him. I'm going to kill him."

"Lucy...I know you are hurt because of this man. Just remember that vengeance is not always the best way. Please remember for me, child. Now that you have told my story, I understand. I must sleep now," Astra said.

"Rest in peace, Astra. You are the best dragon out of them all. You will be close to my heart always, and I'll miss you a lot," Lucy said, crying.

Astra's mouth curled into a smile. "And I will miss you, child," she said.

The dragon fell asleep, her breathing steady. Soon, Lucy fell asleep curled up into Astra's side. "I'll miss you..."

She died peacefully.

Lucy woke up the next morning next to the dragon's limp body. She quickly said a blessing, and all of a sudden Astra's body started to disappear in golden sparks. "Good-bye, Mistress. The world will miss your pure heart," Lucy said. She bowed, touching her lips to the dragon's last place on Earthland.

The mage staggered onto her feet, breathing steadily. "I am stronger because of Astra. I will fulfill my promise to her!" Lucy decided. She walked, seeing no barriers anymore. The forest birds chirped, singing a sad song for the death of Astra, the celestial dragon.

Lucy walked forwards, coming across the village she had been in a eleven months ago. The villagers gasped. "Y-you? The wandering mage? You're alive!" They said, cheering. Lucy smiled. "Thank you. The beast is dead, and there are no dangers."

She winced. There were no dangers in the first place.

"Arigatou!"

Lucy left the village. She couldn't join Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale, Mermaid Heel, Quarto Cerberus, or any of them. She sighed. "Sabertooth...I'm in the town Villiane anyway. I heard Master Jiemma has been replaced. Minerva is still there, though," Lucy mused. Anger rose in her, remembering what Minerva had done to her. She winced, shuddering.

"Open! Gate of the dog. Plue!" Lucy cried. She looked at her celestial dog, smiling. "Should I go to Sabertooth!"

"Pluue," he said. Lucy nodded. "Okay! I'll join, then," she said. She walked on, tugging her cloak around tighter. She wore gold and purple thigh-high boots, a short-sleeved purple top lined in dark gold, a purple skirt, a silver and black mask with intricate designs and a dragon just like Astra, and a long, dark wig to cover her blond hair. She placed her hood on gently, heels tapping against the pavement. Asking a couple of strangers where the guild was located, she finally found it. She knocked.

All eyes turned towards her as she pushed open the doors.

The Grand Magic Games's last competitors stood, minus Minerva and Yukino. Lucy took her hood off. "I am...Lily Ashley. May I join this guild?" She asked politely. She changed her name, not wanting them to realize her true identity as Alastrina which might trace back to Lucy. She smiled, thinking of her counterpart in Edolas, Lucy Ashley.

"If Master Iris allows it," a voice said. Lucy trained her eyes on the woman pushing through the crowd. Minerva. Fear spiked down her spine as she stared at the woman.

Remember, don't hold a grudge. People change.

Hearing Astra's voice in her head, Lucy calmed down.

"Very well. I will talk to her." Minerva smiled before leading her to the new master. Lucy studied the girl. She had cut her hair short, and there were blue streaks in them. She no longer wore her blue dress, instead, she wore boots, leggings, and an elegant blouse. Minerva had changed without the influence of her father.

"Hey, what magic do use?" Sting yelled as she left. Lucy stopped, her back stiffening. Her heightened senses could hear everything around her. Everyone was wondering who she was. Taking a deep breath, she announced, "I'm a dragon slayer. My dragon happened to die not too long ago."

More murmurs. Minerva looked at her in surprise. Rogue's eyes narrowed. "I could smell dragon on you. Did you happen to kill this dragon?" He questioned. Lucy glared.

"I would never kill her! She was a friend and a mother, and I miss her too much," she replied, her vision flaring red.

She turned back to Minerva, snapping, "NOW, let's see Master Iris, yes?"

Minerva flinched before nodding. "O-oh, yes, Lily-san."

They knocked on a large, brass door. "It's Minerva and a new person, Master!" Minerva said. "Come in," a female voice said. They opened the door, and Minerva bowed before leaving.

The woman had brownish-red hair that was wrapped in a bun. She was beautiful and kind, completely different from the former master of Sabertooth. "Hello, Master Iris. Pleased to meet you. I am Lily Ashley," she said, smiling. The woman nodded. "I am pleased to meet you, too. You want to join the guild? What type magic do you use?" She asked.

Lucy grinned. "I am a celestial spirit mage and a celestial dragon slayer, but I also know water, molding, teleportation, and lightning magic. But it's much weaker than people that use it as their main magic specialties." she explained. The master smiled, impressed. "You would make a powerful edition to the dragon slayer team. We plan on entering and winning this year's Grand Magic Games. We would like a female mage to join, but none of our strongest would like to, even Minerva. Before the games, I would like you to train with Sting and Rogue," she said.

Lucy nodded, smiling and saying teasingly, "If I hurt both of them, don't say I didn't warn you." Master Iris laughed. "I like you! What color and where would you like your guild mark to be?" She asked.

"Silver on my arm," Lucy replied. She lifted her cloak slightly. There was a small glow when Minerva stamped it on, and then there was her mark. "Thank you, Master."

"Welcome to Sabertooth, Lily!" She replied with a smile.

Lucy grinned. Yes, joining this guild had been a good idea.

I hope you guys enjoyed that! Please review, follow, and favorite.

-Flying