Hello everyone. This is my first attempt to write a story for Fairy Tail, so please be kind to me. This story takes place just after the Sun Village arc, but before the start of the Tartarus Arc. Please support my original work, "Battle for the Stars" by buying it or requesting your local library to carry it. Thank you.
p.s. I don't own Fairy Tail and I think everyone knows that.
Team Natsu was getting ready to leave the Sun Village. Helping to restore the Sun Village had been a rewarding job and it was great to work with Flare this time, instead of against her. She had shown herself to be a true friend and mage.
Lucy had just finished packing her bag. Behind her she could hear Gray and Natsu getting into another fight while Erza tried to keep them from causing a lot of trouble. Happy, Carla, and Wendy watched from the sidelines with sweat drops on their faces as they watched the fighting break out once more.
"Oh Natsu can't you keep from fighting for just a few minutes? I sometimes wonder if you got dropped on your head by Igneel," she whispered palming her head. Hearing footsteps approaching she looked up to Flare standing a foot away. The hair mage was rubbing her feet together and playing with her hands. "Flare, is there something you wanted to say before I left?"
Flare started to speak then stopped before trying again. "Blondie, I mean Lucy, I need you to follow me please. There is another beloved treasure of the Sun Village, something that I think has been waiting for you." Puzzled by her words, nonetheless she followed the red-head through the village wondering where she was taking her.
After walking for about fifteen minutes they came upon a small hill. On top of the hill was human size building that was very beautiful. The entire building seemed to be made of glass, but was in fact marble and gems mixed together. There were catwalks running the length of the roof with a huge glass dome on top. Stain glass windows dotted the side of the building, each showing a different animal surrounded by stellar phenomenon. Decorating the sides and front of the building were beautiful calligraphy scrolls with words saying; yearly, spirit, and star maiden. Flare led the blond up the stone walk way placing her hand on the cherry wood doors which slowly opened.
Inside the building, Lucy let out a gasp as she saw the interior of the shrine, for that was what this had to be, was dedicated to the Celestial Spirits. Along the rows of seats were beautiful statues depicting the Zodiac spirits, with a smaller pedestal in front of them. These pedestals had animals carved out of precious stones with engravings of keys at their feet. At the far end of the shrine was a raised altar covered in silk white sheet with silver chalice and pearl white bovine knife resting next to a small tablet with a small brown and white box with stars on it placed in the middle of the tablet.
"What is this place? Why do I feel so much celestial energy here?" she asked, she felt her keys light up with power; as if sensing something powerful here.
"This building has stood here long before the village was here. The shrine is protected by a magic I've never seen or felt anywhere else. I was the first person to enter this place in the village history, but I could never make it to the altar. Something told me that I wasn't of the right magic, I need to have the power of the stars," Flare explained as they slowly walked down the path, but stopped just before their path got blocked by two statues, one which looked suspiciously like the Celestial Spirit King. Gesturing to the statues that had blocked her way, she gave Lucy an encouraging smile.
Lucy bit her lip hesitating as she tried to come to a decision. There was a great power calling to her, it felt both familiar and strange to her at the same time. On the one hand this shrine wasn't related to the Sun Village at all, but what if the item here was protecting them much as the Eternal Flame had done in the past? Looking at Flare's pleading expression she could see her resolve, that she wanted Lucy to claim this treasure.
Clapping her hands the blond girl approached the statues with determination in her eyes. The statues pointed spears at her, their eyes glowing with Celestial energy. Some instinct told her to present a key and her guild mark to them. Seeing these things the statues retracted letting her pass. She let out a sigh of relief as she continued down the path.
That was too easy. If all they wanted proof that I was a celestial spirit mage, then anyone with that magic could come here to claim this mysterious treasure. There has to be more to it she thought in her head. As if responding to her thoughts columns shoot out of the ground trapping her in a cage. She let out a squeal of fear stumbling backwards injuring her back slightly. Hearing her sounds of distress Flare tried to use her hair magic to push past the statues. "Stop! I'm okay really. Don't do anything that could cause the shrine to attack you!"
"Lucy are you…"
"I'm sure, just give me a second. This is another test to see if I'm worthy for whatever that treasure is," she responded. Shakily getting to her feet she looked at the bars in front of her. As the light passed through the windows as a hidden riddle revealed itself to her.
There are two of us, we are very different, yet connect to one another. I am alive but the other is dead, but still is a source of life. The second of us is pale white and glows, but the first can come in white, but other colors as well. Both of us are considered female symbols of power, luck, and prosperity. Though the second one cycles from waning to full and lost, I am only in the heavens for a year before waiting another twelve years to show my face again. What are we?
"Riddles, why did it have to be a riddle? Okay Lucy time to think, you can't guess wrong. What are two things that are different, but connect to one another?" she muttered to herself. She went over the roads very carefully. She searched her mind coming up with possibilities, but none of them seemed to fit. She was getting frustrated when something mysterious occurred.
My lucky Lucy, don't push so hard. Remember the stories I told you when you were young. They will help you on this quest."
"Mother?" she looked around frantically, hoping that her mother was here, but nothing had changed. As she looked back at the riddle, her mother's words helped bring back memories of when she was young. Stories about celestial spirits, two Zodiacs and about other celestial related spirits. She snapped her fingers the answer was right there! "The answer is Moon Rabbit."
Instantly the columns withdrew freeing her from the cage. She heard the statues standing down as she walked up to the altar. Taking the bovine knife she cut her finger letting a few drops of blood fill the chalice. The water glowed as she held up the offering to the skylight. Though it was still daylight somehow it transfuse into pure moonlight. When the light touched the water turned pure gold. Drinking the offering she felt her bond with the Celestial World strengthen as her power increased slightly. Once finished she put it down and picked up the box. Slowly she opened it staring at what was inside.
"Lucy, are you okay? Lucy can you hear me?" Flare said shaking her with her hair. The shaking brought her back to reality as she shut the box. "Nice to see you responding. You've stared at the contents for almost an hour now."
"I have? Sorry, I need to catch up with my friends. Thank you for bringing me here. You were right, this treasure is meant for me." Without another word she hurried out of the shrine.
Later that night, as they were staying at Walrod Cken home, they were sharing a communal bath. Natsu and Gray were having a water fight as Erza tried to relax. Happy was munching on a fish while Carla shook her head. It was Wendy who noticed Lucy looking into the treasure box one more time. She scooted over to her fellow guild mate. She gingerly reached out with her hand to touch Lucy's arm. "Are you okay Lucy? You've seemed distracted ever since we left the Sun Village."
"Yes please tell us what has entranced you in that little box," Erza urged the girl.
"Is it fish?"
"No I bet it's a lifetime of food!"
"You guys are really dumb sometimes."
"Hey, take that back Gray!"
"Enough you are both acting like children! Be quiet now so we can hear what Lucy has to say."
Lucy nodded her gratitude to Erza. Turning the box so everyone could see she opened the box revealing the treasure. Inside the box lay a beautiful key made of platinum, blue gems were found on clavicle tips. The top part of the key was an octagon with a blue gem on top. The inside of the octagon was pink with a picture of rabbit on it. It glowed briefly before returning to its normal state.
"A Celestial Spirit key? But how is that possible. I was under the impression the only keys you could have were gold or silver," Carla pointed out to the group. Hearing those words the others wondered if it was a fake.
"Are you sure that's a real key? Have tried summoning the spirit yet?" Gray asked.
Lucy shook her head. "No not yet, but I know a powerful spirit is attached to this key. It wouldn't have been protected so well if it was a fake." Holding the key in her hand she felt a surge of energy and heard a voice laughing. "When I was trapped, I heard my mother's voice telling me to remember the stories she told me. I may not remember them all, but I'm sure I heard one about platinum keys when I younger. When we get back to the guild, I'm going to borrow books from the archives dealing with folk stories and anything on the celestial spirit. I'm also going to get Crux to search for information. No matter what I need to know about this key and what it has to do with Celestial Spirit, or, my future."
Once back in Magnolia town and checking in with the guild, Lucy headed off to her apartment arms loaded down with books. She made sure to pay her rent first before entering her apartment and securing her newly bought deadlock. She was tired of uninvited guest showing up at her apartment and she made sure that no one knew about the deadlock.
"Time to get down to work. Open the Gate of the Southern Cross! Crux!" In a burst of smoke her Celestial Spirit appeared in front of her. Though his eyes were closed he bent his head a little to acknowledge his owner. "Thank you for coming Crux, I need your help. Can you please research for me any stories related to the Animal Zodiac and what you can find out about a platinum key please?"
Crux nodded and went into a thinking trance to research anything his mistress asked for. While he was doing that she sat at her desk going over the books she borrowed hoping to find some answers. As she paged through the books she couldn't help but run her fingers across the illuminated pages, these images were made with pressed chalk and plant mix, from days long ago. She was very careful not to damage the images.
I remember these pictures, they were in the story books mother read to me. I loved all those stories, she thought, as she looked at one picture in particular. It was an image of the Celestial World with all sorts of spirits having fun with one another. She recognized her spirits, but closer looked showed several animals dotting the starry sky. Animal spirits again, weird and who is that standing next to Spirit King, a queen perhaps?
She copied down some of the information and turned her attention to another book. It was a slim green novel with the image of female mage dressed in white and gold, her hands in a prayer position with a key clasped between them. The maiden was bathed in gold light. The title read, "Legends of the Star Maidens".
Opening the book she read out loud the first page. "The legends contained in this book are stories told to the celestial mages and the village of Starwatcher. Since the beginning of time the celestial spirits have had a strong connection to female mages. In these pages you will hear stories of mages who gained the title and position of Star Maiden. These maidens were responsible for many glorious deeds and their ability to change both the Celestial Spirit World and Earthland."
The girl just stared at the page, hesitant to continue reading. Something about the words triggered something in her body. Clutching her abdomen she cringed as her magical energy pulsed and twisted around inside her. "What is going on?"
"You've stumble across something that most Celestial Mages wouldn't even attempt for the price is very high to pay," a male voice said from behind. She spun around and saw Loki sitting on the bed with Crux gone. "When Crux started researching on the platinum keys, I asked him to return home. It's my duty to explain our history and what you're getting yourself in as the leader of the Zodiac."
"Loki what is this key? How is it connected to the bedtime stories my mother use to read to me? Exactly what is a Star Maiden and the connection between Celestial Spirit mages?"
Playing with his ring for a few minutes, he debated on how to tell her. Getting off the bed he took her right hand and pressed his left hand on the cover of a book labeled, "The History of the Celestial Spirits." There was a flash of light and her apartment vanished replaced with the Celestial Spirit World.
Lucy punched Loki in the arm, "Are you crazy bringing me here? I can't survive without special clothes remember? Did you bother to bring them?"
Loki merely pushed his glasses up and laughed a bit. "You're viewing the past Lucy-chan. You're a ghost in a memory. The world around us doesn't exist. I wouldn't ever hurt you Lucy" Loki assured her by gently taking her hand and leading her into the main plaza were the spirits gathered.
As they passed through the spirits Lucy looked around. The plaza appeared different then the time she had come here. There many more stores and homes. In the center of the plaza was a two story fountain with what appeared to be a Star Maiden on the top with gold water spilling out of her hands, the second level was a small circle with stars decorating the underside and on top was animal figurines. The large bottom level had the Zodiac spirits on top and their constellation on the panel underneath.
"It's so beautiful here, but it seems different then when I visited before," she commented. As she further observed the plaza she figured out what was really bothering her. There more spirits here, she spied several of her silver and gold spirits, but there were tiny brown ones crawled around, as animals wearing jewels appeared. Watching over them from palace balcony was the King and next to him a beautiful queen dressed in purple and red armored dress. In between them she could just make out a human girl with green hair and brown eyes dressed in a white robe.
"This is millenniums ago, shortly after the first Star Maiden Danica had broken through the barriers of the two worlds forging the gates and keys. She was much beloved of our world treating all of us with great respect. This was our Golden Age, when two Zodiacs lived side by side. Where constellations and new stars helped one another."
With a wave of his hand he sped up time. Watching the blurred image Lucy felt the peace and love change to bitterness and pain. Spirits were starting to argue and fight one another. She saw as different Star Maiden, this one having Persian features trying to calm them down one minute the next coming to Earthland teaching female mages the art of Celestial magic.
Loki explained to her as the time stopped. "What you witnessed was a breakdown of our society. Star Maiden Esther was responsible for teaching female mages the art of Celestial magic. She believed only the strong and fierce love of a female could bond with the spirits and guide them while on Earth. That is why this magical art has been exclusively female." Lucy started to protest reminding him of Everlue when she was cut off. A look from Loki made her realize why he wouldn't have been a true Celestial Spirit mage. He didn't focus specifically on the art and hadn't been able to bring out the full power of Virgo.
As time resumed she watched tensions run higher and higher until the two zodiacs and their allies attacked one another in a brutal battle. "It was so pointless, a minor argument that turned into a bitter fight. The zodiacs argued over who was more powerful and more important. Regular spirits grew boastful of their recognition of being known while the baby celestial spirits threw tantrums and great chaos to prove they were worthy of having keys attached to them. This fighting went on for ages, our ability to influence and control things from our world sent Earthland out of balance."
Lucy was shocked not able to truly process what she was seeing. She knew that Celestial Spirits could be prideful, but to wage war on one another? That was beyond belief. With tears in her eyes she saw as the King and Queen used their powers to separate the groups. Though she couldn't hear the words, their expressions told her the story. The King and Queen would split their world in half, him taking charge of the regular Zodiac and Constellations, the Queen the Animal Zodiac and the Baby stars. With heart filled tears they said goodbye to another. As they left another Star Maiden appeared, this one was petite with flowing red locks and emerald-green eyes. She started to speak, but before Lucy could listen they were back in the apartment.
Angrily she pushed him onto the bed. "Why did you stop there? That maiden may have the answers to about the key and why I heard my mother voice mentioning a quest!"
"Because, it's not my place to tell you about the prophecy or quest! You need to bond with the platinum key you found. It's a key belonging to the Animal Zodiac. Once you've summoned Rabbit, she'll finish explaining everything to you. I'm not ever supposed to be here when she comes, but I'm making an exception to make sure you'll be safe."
"Thanks," she said sarcastically. Flipping the lid she gingerly took out the key feeling its warmth inside her. Somehow she knew the words to open this particular gate. Twirling it around her head she called out, "Open the Gate of the Leporidae: Rabbit!" A chime was heard as a platinum gate formed in front of her. Smoke filled the room before dissipating to reveal a pure white, blue eye angora rabbit with a gold and amethysts collar, the center gem having a picture of rabbit etched on it.
"That's the Rabbit of the Animal Zodiac? I thought it would be bigger," Lucy pouted.
"Hey I'm not an it, I'm a she! Don't let your eyes fool you, things aren't always what they seem!" The rabbit snapped in a Southern accent. She stood up on her hind legs so Lucy could scratch her ears when she spotted Loki. She hissed at him, "What are you doing here Leo, or do you still go by Loki? Last I heard from the grapevine was you were stuck in the human world, but judging by your healthy status I assume you've been welcomed back into your side of the world."
"Nice to see you too Yue. Your personality reminds me a bit of Lucy here, but then again she's kinder," The celestial spirit snapped. Angered the two Zodiacs started yelling at each other in their own language. Lucy couldn't understand them, but she caught a few words; influence, power, and bonds. Getting angry she pulled the two of them apart throwing them to the floor. "Enough, I get that you two don't get along, but I need you to put your difference aside for a moment and tell me what's going on. Can you do that?" she demanded looking each of them in the eye. They nodded and broke apart.
"Sorry Lucy, I'll behave."
"I will as well Miss Lucy. Now that I'm here, I guess it's my turn to take over explaining the prophecy and quest. But first I think I should change." There was a purple flash of light causing the mage to blink. Standing in front of her now was a petite little girl with soft wavy brown hair and light blue eyes. She wore lavender top with cap sleeves and pearls all along it, with light purple and white pants with indigo flats. "Told you looks could be deceiving."
"You can change forms?" Lucy responded in disbelief. What else could she do? As if reading her mind Yue demonstrated her special power, super speed, racing around the apartment before coming to a stop in front of her. Touching Lucy she could feel her compassion and sensitivity getting stronger. With a twinkle in Yue's eye she explained that their bond meant she could strengthen the parts of her personality that she inspired in others.
Hopping backwards into a chair the little girl giggled. "I'm glad that my new owner was born in the year I watched over. That makes our relationship special. At last we must get down to business." Snapping her fingers a leather traveling bag appeared. Out of it floated a worn map showing all of Fiore.
Lucy wanted to take a closer look, but Loki stopped her. She gave him a puzzled look, but he told her telepathically to wait until she actually committed to the quest.
Yue cleared her throat, her voice taking on a solemn tone. "As you know, centuries ago we split apart. Right before that happened the Star Maiden Estrella, who was also a seer, proclaimed a prophecy that would lead to our reconciliation. This is how the prophecy goes."
"A war has severed the bond of those who share the stars, can only be mended by the pure of heart. I foresee another Maiden reuniting us as one. A quest shall commence to find the truest mage. Scatter the platinum keys, protected them with traps and guardians. Many will take on this quest, but only the best of two shall retrieve the keys.
"Maiden vs maiden shall complete thy quest until the final clash commences. A final test of will, power and love. Only one Maiden will prove to be the True Star Maiden with a selfless act. Thy Maiden shall unite the worlds once again bringing an end to this parting. In gratitude she will be blessed, with the power of the stars. Embraced by the royals as one of their own, living as a legend forever more."
Lucy was blown away by the prophecy. The title and power of the stars was a prize indeed, but she was more focused on helping reunite the two worlds. Sitting up on the bed she inquired for more information on the quest and star maidens. Loki answered first about the Star Maidens. As the novel prologue read these were great mages, who'd been blessed, with the power of the stars. They had been the bridge between the worlds creating great changes or protecting the world. In the past few hundred years not many had earned the title and nowhere near the full power. They had instead become guardians to the keys, teachers, or finding keys proper owners who wouldn't abuse them. "The last Star Maiden was charged with keeping our history and the story of the quest alive. That Star Maiden was your mother Layla."
"My mother was a Star Maiden? She knew about this quest? Why…why… why didn't she tell me about it? She was healthy for a long while why didn't she complete it herself before she got sick?"
Yue touched Lucy shoulder and she made the teen look at her. "The quest for the keys and power is a dangerous one. Only twenty-three celestial mages have attempted this quest, all but one have perished. Your rival has waited nearly three years now to resume the quest. Only the strongest and purest mages have a chance of completing this quest. If you agree to take up the quest you could very well die in the process. Are you sure you want to take this quest?"
"Yes I do!" Lucy said her brown eyes showing great resolve. Her mother was a Star Maiden and she would follow in her footsteps. She would prepared for this quest and would completed no matter what. Holding out her hand she shook with Yue, a burning sensation racked her body, part of her essences was transferred into the map. It glowed brightly as her image appeared on the left side of the map showing her health and magic levels. It returned to the travel bag which latched onto her shoulder. She collapsed to her knees gasping for breath.
Loki picked her up checking her over. "I suggest you read the rules and inspect the items in this bag before starting out."
"He's right, oh by the way through the quest you can summon me anytime, but once completed I want to be summoned on Mondays, Wednesday, Friday, and on the days with a 3, 4 and 9 in them. Talk to you later Miss Lucy, bye Loki!" With a wisp of smoke she was gone.
Later at the guild Lucy found herself surrounded by her friends and fellow guild members as she recounted the events to them. Many of them were in awe and wonder asking different questions. She answered them best she could. Finally it was Mirajane who asked the most important question. "Lucy what exactly are the rules to this quest?"
"Yeah and what's in the bag anyways?" Natsu asked taking a sniff of it only to be punched in the face by Lucy as she cradled the bag in her arms. "This isn't food Natsu, its precious items to help me with this quest. Let me show you."
She took out the map unfurling it. It was a beautifully illustrated map of Fiore. On the top of the map was Lucy's face on the left with several circles, one which was filled in. On the right side was the face of girl with green hair and eyes. Three of her dots were filled in with a mark that looked like star with a girl in front of it. The map itself was decorated with symbols representing key locations, paths to take, and danger zone. On the right side of the map the rules were clearly written out in gold calligraphy.
Rule One: You may have assistance on the quest, but the Star Maiden candidate alone must complete the final test on her own.
Rule Two: Contracts with Animal Zodiacs must be made directly after securing the platinum key.
Rule Three: 2 Star Maiden candidates must present to allow the quest to commence. Should one quester die before the final battle, the quest restarts at the beginning on her end. If the second quester remains alive she may keep her keys, until the next quester appears. If no one takes up the quest in her lifetime then things also restart on her end.
Rule Four: Only silver and platinum keys may be used during the quest. The final battle is the only time gold keys may be used.
Rule Five: No direct interference against your rival, however indirect is allowed
Rule Six: Use of weapons is allowed for self-defense or aid in the quest.
Rule Seven: Asking for information from civilians is permitted.
Rule Eight: Check in with your guilds periodically for safety and status updates.
Failure to follow the rules will disqualify the candidate immediately and prevent them from retrying ever again. In addition keys may be taken away and given to more worthy mages, should it be deemed necessary.
"Harsh rules, do you really want to risk your keys and your life for this?" Cana asked her friend, stopping her drinking for now. Looking at the determination in Lucy's face she smiled. "Yeah I get it, you have to complete this quest no matter what."
"So what are we waiting for? Let's go already ah!" Natsu started say snatching up the bag only for Erza to tighten her grip around his collar and taking the bag from him and setting him down on the bench so forcefully he split it in half.
"Don't be so anxious Natsu, a quest such as this requires careful planning and understanding of all the items that go with it. I will not have us charging into danger until we have the gone over everything to know. Besides, I need to know what armor and weapons to bring on this quest."
Lucy started to protest, then just groaned. She was going to ask her friends to come along, but they already made up their minds. Sometimes they could be so frustrating! Reaching into the bag she pulled out the first item to go with the quest, handing it to Levy and asked her if she knew what it was.
"Oh my I never thought, I see something like this in my life! Do you realize what this is?" the girl exclaimed excitedly. She was holding a red silver embossed book with a magic mirror symbol on the cover. She flipped it open revealing blank pages.
"Um Levy I think the book's broken," Jet told her.
"Yeah, it's just a bunch of blank pages," Droid added.
Levy waved the boys off, "That's the protection spell on it, but it you speak the magic words, 'Magic Mirror, show me all," Levy said tapping the pages. Almost at once the first page changed to show a picture of the Celestial World with labels, "It will reveal all you need to know. This is a magic know it all book. As you go along your quest you can learn more about the places, the spirits, and any information you need to know. To reactive the protection simply say, 'Magic Mirror, hide from me now." Upon those words the pages became blank and the book shut.
"That's pretty cool! I wonder if I can get one of those," Romeo wondered out loud. His father, Macao, looked at his suspiciously wondering why he would need one of those in the first place.
Juvia saw something sparkling in the bag and pulled out a beautiful lacremeia flower. "This is so beautiful. Gray-sama do you think the flower looks pretty on Juvia?" She looked at her crush, who had once again stripped down and wasn't paying attention to her. She started to cry when Lisanna took the flower from her.
"I know what these are! Edoloas had a few of these!" she said, delicately brushing one of the petals. "These are message flowers. You can record a message in them then send them anywhere you want to go via a map. They can hold a very long message with ease and last for as long as it takes to deliver the message."
"What do you know, flowers can be interesting after all," Laki stated as he handed back the flower she had used to help make a wood replica. Lucy gave her a grateful smile before pulling out the last two items. Wendy took possession of a med kit filled with potions, bandages, and other supplies to help heal anyone on the quest. Erza took charge of the miniaturized camping gear in the bag, saying she would make sure they always had shelter.
Gray commented that they would need to bring some jewels along with them to help pay for food and restock their supplies. Happy and Natsu wanted to be in charge of that, but Carla warned them to not buy only fish.
As the others went to pack their supplies, Lucy approached Alzack, Bisca and their daughter Asuka. "Can we help you with something Lucy," Bisca asked. "It sounds like your quest is going to be a fun adventure."
Lucy simply placed the folktale books from early on the table where Asuka cheered. She was already looking through the colorful pages asking her daddy to read her one. Smiling Lucy explained how these stories had been used by her mother to prepare her for the quest though she didn't know it at the time. She couldn't read them while she was gone, but asked the couple if they could read the stories to their daughter, and when she checked in, could they help fill in any blanks she might have forgotten. The couple agreed to, thanking her for the gift.
A few minutes later she was talking to Markov in private. Fiddling with the skirt, she took a deep breath. "I understand at this time, the guild is very busy, but this quest is something I have to do. I promise we'll return as soon as possible, to help with the job work."
"There is no need to hurry in this quest. Ideally you should take all the time you need. This is a quest close to you heart Lucy, a final gift from you mother. I wish you luck and hope you find the prize you're looking for." Markov told her mischief. Lucy nodded smiling happily at she left the office.
Half an hour later Team Natsu was on the road, excited to be on the quest. For some reason they all were wearing their celestial spirit clothes. Each of them was carrying a different item. Erza had placed the miniature camping gear in a pouch on her side. Wendy held the med kit, while Carla was in charge of the magic book. Gray was keeping an eye on the lacremeia flowers in the bag and Lucy had been in charge of the map. The only thing they had trusted Natsu and Happy with was the supplies and food, warning them not to eat all of it or face Erza's wraith.
"So where are we going first on this quest?" Gray asked. Lucy looked up from her map. "Oh, according the map the Rat key is the closest. It shouldn't take more than day and half's travel to reach it. Hey Gray, can I have one of those flowers please?"
He gave her the flower as she cupped in her hands. As she recorded her message the flower changed to a blue and purple crystal form. Once done she place it on the map near where her rival was marked. The flower instantly was sent there. Lucy's hope was this message would tell her rival who she was and hope they could work together to complete this quest. With that taken care of they were off once more.
Some distance away in a small valley was a single one story house. The exterior of the house was very plain, it was light green with a traditional roof and small porch attached to it. There was also a garden full of fresh food and a well on the left side of the house. One could say it was even charming before you detected all the wards around this house. If you made it past them, then you could feel the intense magical energy coming from inside the house.
The layout of the house was simple, there was a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and a study. While the first three rooms were very simple and not very colorful, the last one appeared packed full of strange and wondrous. On the left side of the room were two giant book cases filled thick volumes, many of which related to Celestial Spirit magic and the legends about Star Maidens. In front of them was a small, but plush futon. A giant blue and gold rug with the sun with the moon symbol covered the floor. A large and elegantly carved cheery wood table stood in the center. On it were several items; including an astrolabe, a small, but beautiful, astronomical clock, and a rotating armillary sphere.
On the right side of the room several ceramic figures of Celestial Spirits stood in glass cabinets. Paintings of renowned Celestial Mages, or images of the universe hung on the wall. Next to the window was oak carved desk that had a small telescope and translation pages all over the top. There was a small glow as the lacremeia flower popped into existence on the desk.
There was the sound of rustling and the door opened to reveal a girl about nineteen. She was about five nine, with Indian (India) skin tone, with piercing jade green eye with a small bit of matching eye shadow. Her small nose complimented her semi frowning emerald green lips. Her village mark was on the center of her forehead colored red, which contrasted her emerald green hair, which was wavy and piled on top of her head with a small wavy bun before cascading down her right side. There was glittering gold flower on top of her head.
Her outfit was made up of different shades of green. Her knee high boots with the gold tips matched her hair perfectly. Her tights and elbow length gloves were both lime green. Her halter top bust was grass green and the bottom was yellow green. A gold belt cinched her waist as the same color scheme made up the top of her skirt and the transparent panels on the bottom. Her accessories included a gold and green bracelet and earrings, and a necklace with her keys attached to it.
The girl, whose name was Hoshi Supernova, approached the desk grumbling. "This better be a good, I nearly perfected that spell! If this is another wannabe mage attempting the quest, I will scream! The only thing those mages are worth for is their magical energy!" she grumbled. Seeing the image on the flower her eyes shone brightly.
Cupping the flower in her hand she watched the flower bloom. A small ball of light floated up as the message played for her. "Hi rival! My name is Lucy Heartfilla, I'm a Celestial Mage from Fairy Tail. I know that this quest is dangerous and we're supposed to be rivals, but I hope we can put that aside to work together. The title of Star Maiden is less important then reuniting the Celestial Spirits right? Why don't you send me a message in return? I would love to learn more about you and if you want to work together. There were sounds of arguing and magical blasts from behind. She sighed and rolled her eyes. "I'll talk to you later. I have to go tend to my friends bye!"
"At last my true rival has appeared. The daughter of the last Star Maiden Layla Heartfillia. She named her daughter well, her name translates as heart filled with light. The perfect candidate to fight for the power of the stars!"
She reached up to her necklace, three platinum keys and five silver keys dangled off the chain. She plucked off one platinum key, the one with the green snake on it. Holding it out she called out, "Open the Gate of the Serpent, my bonded year animal, Snake!"
The image of a snake appeared in the sky and out slithered a female snake with light green and yellow scales, with white eyes. Around her head was a small gold crown with an emerald and snake inlay. "Hello Hoshi, how are you feeeellllllllllllinnnnnnnng today?" Quing Snake hissed to her mistress. She slithered up her mistress nudging her with her head. Hoshi scratched her head and gave her a small kiss.
"I'm fine old friend, but I'll need your help."
"What are we doing today, gathering more books on the Lost Magic of Space for you to learn? Steal more magic and worthy keys from people? Just relax for the day?"
Hoshi laughed pulling out her travel bag and watched as her map floated out and unfurled to show Lucy's marker moving towards the first key. Seeing the rival quester, Quing changed to her human form; a small, plump, black woman wearing a white dress and turban. Her eyes covered with small black glasses. "Ah the true quester has finally arrived. It's time to resume our quest isn't?"
"Smart as ever my beloved friend. This girl is the only true rival that I can fight. Those other ones were not worthy and deserved their fate. Shall we return with a message and then tell the group our time has come?" Hoshi laughed and Quing nodded laughing along with her.
Reaching into her own bag she pulled out a lacremeia flower. Holding it tightly she began to record her message, watching with glee as the flower's colors changed to green and gold. After finishing she muttered a spell tapping the center of the flower. "Poor Lucy will get quite the shock when she listens to this message won't she Quing?"
"No doubt about it, but at least you'll be able to gauge her strength and the levels of her friends," she replied placing the flower on the path to the Rat key. Reverting to her snake form she slithered up her mistress right arm laying her head against the crook of Hoshi's neck. "I'm glad that a true rival has appeared now, I was beginning to think we'd been spending another three years here as you mastered the Lost Magic."
"Agreed these last seven years have been interesting and the training brutal, but it's worth it all in the end." Hoshi raised a hand calling forth a large amount of celestial energy. She touched the armillary sphere that started rotating around before creating the stars in the sky. She normally used this device to chart the distance between stars or use for astrology purpose, this time she was using it to create a temporary celestial world pocket so she could summon her spirits with the drain to her powers.
"I open the Gate of the Buffalo: Ox! Open the Gate of the Cockatrice: Roster! Create a mental link with my silver key spirits, Aquila, Lacerta, Pegasus, Scutum, and lastly Vulpecula!" There were pops all around and chimes from different doors. The two Animal Zodiac members fully manifested in the sphere, while on the shadow outline of her silver spirits could be seen,
"I'm happy to see you again Mistress Hoshi, how can I be oooooooooffff service to you today?" a long drown out southern accent spoke. Tong Ox, as he was called, was hefty large brown and tan Longhorn. His hooves were covered in bronze shoes and around his horns a silver brace decorated with onyx stones that showed his picture.
"I was getting so restless in our world. I need to see the sun you understand?" the voice had a distinct cluck, but also a medieval English accent. The voice had come from a rather large rooster who had a five comb on his head with brown and green feathers shining brightly. A brown strap crossed diagonally over his front. Hanging on it was a single pearl with his mark. Sharpening his talons, Shing Rooster, looking up expectantly.
"My friends, I have gathered you here, because we can finally resume the quest! This time we shall not cause deadly harm to the rival. No, Lucy Heartfillia is mine. If we are to have an advantage we must complete the quest first." She told her spirits gently stroking or scratching her friends. "Our cunning plan depends on your special abilities. Without your invisibility, super strength, and levitation we can't win. My silver spirits, your powers will be of aid as well."
Everyone cheered upon hearing those words. Happy as they could be, they all helped pack up the contents of the houses storing them in magical bags. After securing her home with more wards in case she returned, she started walking to key closest to her, the dog.
Accompanying her in their human forms; were Tong and Shing. Tong, appeared as large framed brown and dark red hair, mustache, and goatee. He was wearing a large brown coat, orange sparkly shirt, red frills, a blue tie, both tan gloves and chaps, both brown pants and leather belt with gold buckle, gray Stetson hat with black band around on its brim. Shing was wearing a simple green tunic with black belt with a gold buckle. His shoes were short brown boots with a simple green hat with a red feather in it. Both were pleased to be out in the real world again.
Smiling with her jade eyes with excitement, all these years of waiting and planning, she would finally get the full power of the stars and be known as the greatest Star Maiden ever!
Thanks readers for reading the first chapter. Some of you might have notice the little Easter eggs, I had in the chapter. Can you spot and guess them all? Well we'll see won't we? Until next time have a nice day!