Welcome readers new and old. As I promised, this story is the sequel to Journey through the Stars. I've waited patiently for the Tartarus arc to end to write this, but since it doesn't seem in sight, I've decided to go ahead and write this story as if the Tartarus arc has ended, so if it doesn't match cannon I apologize. A reminder as well, in my last story Lucy did gain a diamond key to summon the Celestial Spirit King, so she didn't have to sacrifice Aquarius in this story. I hope that you enjoy this story a lot. Please support my original novel "Battle for the Stars" by ordering it or requesting your library to carry it. Thank you. Also Happy Thanksgiving!
Underneath the earth and through a magical veil, an unknown realm stretched across the land of Fiore. It was comprised of endless series of caves, abysses, and tunnels that was the home to thousands of different kinds of creatures. These creatures loved to create fear, panic, and nightmares. Many humans who encountered them didn't survive long and if they did, many ended up changed for life. The creatures of myths and legends, inspiration for horror movies, lived together preparing for the day they ruled the world humans. They were monsters!
Deep in the realm, known by the residents as, The Endless Realm of Monsters, lay the capital city of Shadow Crystal, in the midst of a large grotto. Millions of glowworms living on the ceiling created light to see. The city's layout resembled a giant cage with a padlock where the palace sat. The palace was built in Gothic manor style complete with a high wrought steel gates and thick walls. Ornate gargoyles, detailed spires and sprawling designs on the gray bricks, highlighted the grand arches making up the four halls. Detailed crystal glass windows showed stories of triumphant victories. They style carried inside with flying buttresses, arches, and grand ceilings. It was truly a grand design.
Inside an old drawing-room converted to a viewing theater sat a single being covered in the shadows. The outline revealed the being to be a male, but no features could be seen. Resting on one of the many seats was a long haired gold and black Keukegen. He whined a bit as a Hibagon, (who looked like a well groomed butler with his black furred body and white furred hands and feet), served him a meat snack. Standing tall, he walked over towards the shadow, but the man shook his head. As the Hibagon sat down with the pet, the hidden male watched his large lacremeia viewing screen.
"Restart play from the beginning. Enhance sound and image. Speed 3," a polished and mannered voice, with a tiny hint of an accent spoke. The lacremeia screen complied starting the show once more at the beginning. Once more he watched as the start of a Celestial Spirit Mage's journey began. A beautiful port could be seen as the picture zoomed into a magic store where a blond hair girl appeared. The man ordered the image to pause as the girl tried to get a lower price with her looks.
"She's very pretty isn't she Daichi?" the man asked. The Hibagon nodded and spoke with a grunting voice. "She's pretty for a human. She needs lessons in enticing men. She's trying too hard." The man nodded absentminded before asking play to fast forward to a certain segment. This time the image showed the girl doing her best to command Taurus, though the disgusting Celestial Spirit spent more time ogling his mistress then fighting. The two beings watched a bit more carefully taking in every detail of the girl's actions as well as her companions.
After a while the man ordered the video to stop. "Is something wrong Master? You don't seem to be enjoying yourself. Perhaps I should change the video. Clearly this girl has some talent, but she's unworthy of you. She screams and cowers so often. Her dreams aren't attainable. I do believe there are stronger, beautiful, and less crazy girls to view as a possible match to the ..."
The majordomo was interrupted by his master, whose tone became slightly colder. "Don't change the video Daichi. What you see as weakness and insanity, I see potential and growth. After all, being sheltered and refined most of your life, can make you act in unexpected ways. Her common sense, dedication, and willingness to risk it all for a prize, a golden key amongst demons and evil mages, is testimony to her true character. So far nothing she's done has proven she's not the one we've been searching for. Now let's resume the video."
The video showed many scenes. The girl mage fighting for her guild and refusing to be hidden. Even in the direst situations, such a being tortured by the Iron Dragonslayer her courage never faltered. Watching the mage summon another Celestial Spirit to aid her teammate was noble. He chuckled a bit as she tore her clothes off and left her family. "I approve of her casting her family aside. That man didn't deserve the title of father in my opinion."
The next few arcs pleased the man greatly. He pointed out how much stronger the mage had gotten. Her personality changed, still retaining some of that innocence, but she also became strong willed, brave, and never back down from a fight. Even in the face of defeat she was willing to lay her life down for others. The more he watched the greater he respect this Celestial Mage.
It took another hour to get through all the other arcs in the video. Edoloas, Tenrou, returning after seven years in stasis. The Magic Games and the Sun Village arcs impressed him, but the best one was her quest to become a The True Star Maiden. Gifted with great powers and responsibility, it was no wonder those stuck up demons lost. Turning off the screen the man rose. "Nori, come here." The doglike creature barked joining his master by his side as Daichi escorted his master out the room. "There is no doubt in my mind old friend. No matter how much Taro protest, he's wrong. Star Maiden Princess Lucy Heartfillia Celestial, is the one I need. Our entire way of life, the dreams of the people, rest on capturing the girl and have her brought here."
"Master, I don't disagree with you. While the court majority will follow your recommendation, the retrieval of the Princess will not happen without Taro's approval. Indeed, the only way to gain his approval would be for the mage to prove herself in combat against his champion.. It would hurt your reputation if Lucy failed."
"I'm well aware of that, I know many still don't believe I earned my title and rank because of what I was. This is the last time I will have to prove that the prophecy wasn't wrong." A bark from Nori confirmed his pet believed in him. Daichi sighed, but didn't argue. He only hoped his master would succeed where everyone else failed.
At the moment the Princess of the Celestial Spirits was on a short visit 'home.'" After what started out as a never-ending battle against the demon guild, had finally been resolved. The world was safe once more and Fairy Tail had become stronger than ever. Now in her room, in her Star Maiden Princess attire, she sat at her desk in her nook writing a few pages down of the Celestial Spirits heroism during the battle with Tartarus.
I give thanks to my new family for without their help our guild would have been defeated long before I used the diamond keys to summon forth my adoptive parents. I recall the stunned expression on Maud Geer when my King Father confronted him using his Meteor Blade to counter his thorn magic. Under Queen Mother protection Comet Scepter the demons that had attacked me received my pain times three. Though they couldn't remain long on the Earth, their presences allowed me to gather the strength to activate my Star Maiden form holding Tartarus off until our guild could come up with a counter attack. "
Lucy paused in her writing, glancing over to her guild stamp. No longer was it surrounded by four symbols of Fairy Tail's great powers. Using them in the fight had nearly killed her. After the fight she had spoken with Capricorn, Hu, and Crux, trying to understand the reason she could wield the powers during the battle for the True Star Maiden only to almost perish in another fight. Her spirits explained that enhanced celestial energy had allowed her to safely use the spells. Since she hadn't tried to use them since, her body didn't have the strength to use them a second time. Upon hearing that Lucy had made some difficult choices.
First, she had returned the powers to Master Markov and Mavis Vermillion's ghost. Mavis had tried to persuade her to keep them until she gave in to Lucy's pleading. Then she had gone to visit Hoshi in Starwatcher Village. The green haired priestess had been surprised by the visit. Lucy had assured her this wasn't a check in to see if the priestess continued her atonement. Instead, against much protest, Hoshi had finally accept Lucy's blessing for Space Magic, promising to ensure no one misused its power. Giving away these powers had made her slightly weaker, but made it easier to handle her other powers and responsibilities.
Getting up, Lucy stretched a bit and checked her Celestial Watch. The watch was able to keep time for both the Celestial Spirit World and Earthland, so she could leave without being gone to many days. "Oh, I've been here later than I thought. I have to return home. Better get an escort. Ardtree and Beteniforven I need you!" She reached up pulling a rope to ring a bell. Immediately two little brown new stars toddled in the room. One was starting to look a small tree and the other was resembling cursive numbers. "Princess, Princess! We're here to serve you!" they both chirped in high pitch tones.
Lucy laughed, scooping up the two spirits, she hugged them. When she nuzzled them with her face the little spirits started to blink a multitude of star colors. Once a new star Celestial Spirit was given a name, they started to grow and change to resemble their name. The Naming of the Stars, was one of the many responsibilities that her Queen Mother presided over, but occasionally she allowed Lucy to take part in the process. Lucy had personally named these two and declared them her escort companions and little helpers. You could see their pride in their eyes with being charged with such a great responsibility.
"Princess must you leave us now? We still haven't had a chance to play in the enchanted playground yet," little Ardtree pouted. She tightened her branch hand grip on Lucy's right hand. On the opposite side Beteniforven tugged on her left. "Can't we got to Earth with you? How can we help you if we're not on Earth with you? It's our joy to serve you!"
"Ardtree, Beteniforven, I've told you before, without your own keys you can't leave the Celestial Spirit World. I promise I'm working hard to create your bronze keys, but it will take some time. You two just need to be a little more patient okay?"
The new star spirits grumbled and nodded. Smiling Lucy let go of their hands and entered a small alcove that opened a preset gate to her apartment. Reaching down she patted them on the head. "Take care of yourselves okay? You're the inspiration for your fellow spirits. They look up to you to teach them how to be good spirit and loyal friends. Until we meet again." The spirits waved their hands as their Princess disappeared through the gate.
In Magnolia Town a light show could be seen from the windows of Lucy's apartment. The two men in the fishing boat watched the show from the river, never getting tired of the light show and trumpeting. The landlady grumbled a bit, before going back to work. Stepping out of the gate that looked like grand castle doors Lucy reverted to her normal clothes as her powers settled down inside her.
Yawning a bit, Lucy contemplated about not showing up to dinner at Erza favorite restaurant. No, if I miss Erza's dinner she's sure to come after me with a sword. Besides, I promised to tell them about my visit. Better get going. With a quick change of clothes Lucy was out the door, making sure to deadbolt her door to prevent unwanted guests.
At the restaurant it seemed that Natsu and Happy were once more in competition to see who could eat the most food in one sitting. Gray was adding more ice to his drink and Erza was eating her favorite desert; cheesecake. Wendy was talking with Carla about new ideas for styling her short hair. Lucy smiled, even after only a few weeks passed since the crises, her friends quickly returned to their normal routine. Well, almost all of them. For some reason Natsu had grown skittish around her, sometimes not talking to her at all.
"Sorry, I'm late. You wouldn't believe how easy it is to lose track of time when I'm visiting my new home. I hope you left some food for me to eat," she joked.
"Do you really need to eat more food? You're already heavy enough," Happy teased her. He chuckled at his own joke. Patting his full stomach, he asked her what she had been up to when she visited home. He didn't notice the twitch from Natsu. The Fire Dragonslayer still was having a bit of problem accepting her new role and that she wasn't the same as before her quest.
Lucy waved her hand a little. She launched into a story about helping name some new star spirits before having court to listen to the others spirits about any problems between them and their owners. Wendy was very interested asking questions about her duties.
Soon the conversation changed as each of the friends took their turns describing what they had done with their newfound powers. Erza, was working hard to learn how to fight again without her senses after regaining them. She started to demonstrate with one of her swords before they protested that they didn't want to be kicked out of the establishment. She concede and ordered more cheesecake. Wendy talked about how much Carla and her were training to master her dragon force. Before long Gray and Natsu got in a fight about whose new power was greater. If the manager hadn't come over and warned them about fighting they would have been forced to cook food for the patrons all week.
They talked for ages it seemed. Everyone was doing a lot better. Reconstruction of the guild building was nearly complete. Soon jobs would be flowing in again only they would be a distraction. Until they gathered more information about Zeref and Acnologia, they would remain a threat. If they didn't stop them, the devastation brought on by those two evils would eventually destroy not only Fiore, but the entire Earth as well.
The group left to head to their homes Natsu and Happy opted to walk Lucy to her home. He was quiet as he watched Happy and Lucy tease one another before they started fighting. Happy activated his wings flying out of reach from Lucy's celestial pulses. "Just you wait Happy! One day your nine lives will be up! Ugh, sometimes I wonder how you can live with him. Hey, what's wrong Natsu? You seem very sad for some reason."
Natsu's head shot up as he hurriedly shook his hands and head. "Me sad? I have nothing to be sad about! Igneel's back, the Guild is safe, and we all still have our magic. Life couldn't be greater." He picked up the pace running ahead surprising his best friend. After all, he was supposed to walking her home.
Why does he keep running away from me? I thought after this last crises we'd grown even closer. He doesn't even attempt to get into my apartment anymore. I wish I knew what was wrong she thought.
I can't keep running off every time she attempts to get closer. I know she was just being a concerned friend, but it made my heart flutter for a moment. I can't like like her can I? Lucy is just good, loyal, and fun partner that is. Okay, she's a princess and has great magic. How could I have been so oblivious that she was cute before? I wish Igneel could help me with this!
Before they knew it, they had reached Lucy's apartment. Once again Lucy tried to invite him to come inside, but he refused. His excuse this time was he needed to wash his clothes, a blatant lie considering how clothing didn't matter to him. Still she let him go home wondering when he would stop acting so strange.
The next day, Lucy was in the practice grounds behind the guild. Since Tartarus attack and defeat, every mage in the guild had been practicing their magic again and again to grow stronger than before. They couldn't afford to be caught off guard again. Face had been destroyed, but who knew for certain if something like that still existed out there? With so many threats out there in the world it was more important than ever that Lucy master her new abilities.
Focusing on her inner spirit, she drew the energy out letting it surround her very being. Bringing her palms together and straight up starry yellow energy crackled together, becoming a solid beam of light. "Celestial Magic: Energy Beam!" A beam of tightly bound energy shot from her palms thinning as it hit the target. There was a small crackle, then, the entire target was obliterated!
Twirling around on one foot she sent the magic to the tip of her free leg. "Celestial Magic: Spirit Ribbon!" A series of fluttering gold, silver, and platinum ribbons twisted through the air wrapping themselves tightly around trees and cut outs. Jumping into the air several darts shot at her from hidden traps. "Celestial Magic: Shield Guard!" A diamond shape shield formed around her. Sweat trickled down her forehead as she pushed her magic to keep the shield up.
When she landed on the ground, she panted a little. Her reserves had barely been tapped. Grasping three keys at random she prepared for the next part of her training. "I open the Gates of Water Bearer, the Compass, and the Leporidae! Appear Aquarius, Pyxis, and Yue!" The area became engulfed in smoke as the three Celestial Spirits appeared before her.
"You dare to summon me without water?! Lucy, how cruel are you?" Aquarius shouted. She prepared to attack, only to look down and realize she was in a small fountain. Pyxis had landed on a branch of a nearby tree and Yue had already raced to Lucy jumping into her welcomed arms. "LUCY! You haven't summoned me lately! Why not?" the little rabbit asked nuzzling against her mistress's chest.
"Yue, I may have the powers over the Spirit Gates, but I'm not going to break the contracts so easily. I'm still trying to master how to call for a Spirit I don't own from other people." Lucy giggled. It was true that she had the power to call forth any spirit regardless of contracts and ownership, but so far the only two she had managed were Yukino's silver Spirits, Polaris the baby bear, and Deneb, the Swan. Not to mention it only happened when Yukino came to see her a few days after the final battle. The Star Maiden Princess, suspected it worked only because of her close friendship with Yukino and trust her spirits had in her.
"Really, sometime I wonder if you forget who you are Lucy. The Queen herself granted you this power," Aquarius reminded her. Hopping out of the fountain she sort of slithered over to the girl as Pyxis came to rest on top of their summoner head. Aquarius used two fingers to tap on the girl's forehead. The Celestial birthmark appeared on Lucy's head.
"You are the True Star Maiden, our beloved Princess, and our greatest friend ever. Even before these blessing had been bestowed upon you, your potential was vast. Think back to the battle with Tartarus. You held your own long before you switched into what you call your, Celestial Spirit form, using your immense powers to fight."
Pyxis crowed, squawking and waving his wings in front of her face. She beat back his wings away getting the message. All this practice wouldn't amount to anything if she didn't believe she could exceed her limits. "I get what you're saying, I really do. That's why I'm practicing so much. I have to master the basics if I'm to use my magic to its fullest at any time. So let's practice! Aquarius! Water Beam! Pyxis, Yue! Use your powers to redirect it and evaporate it now!"
The three spirits sprang into action. A jet of powerful water tore across the training grounds heading toward Team Shadow Gear. The trio turned to deal with the attack only for Pyxis to dive in front of the attack and lead it back towards Lucy. Yue started to run faster and faster, creating some heat which evaporated the water. The three spirits looked very pleased with themselves of having worked so well together. They worked together on a few more moves before Lucy released them back home.
"Boy, I'm exhausted and I still have to tend to my duties this afternoon. I'm going to have to take a break and relax a bit before I carry out my duties. I guess a princess's work is never done." Stretching a lot she headed to the guild for food and a nice relaxing bath. She deserved special treatment once and while for all the work she did for both the Fairy Tail guild and the Celestial Spirits.
Most afternoons could be considered harder than practicing her magic. Carrying out her responsibilities and using her Star Maiden powers could be tricky. The first thing she wanted to do was finish creating new bronze keys to give to local magic shop. Since she gave her first batch to the local magic store young girls hoping to become great Celestial Mages one day, had been begging their parents to get them more. Like Plue , the new bronze keys didn't need a lot of magic to summon the spirit.
Sitting in the guild, she ignored the fighting going on by the others as concentrated on her responsibilities. Creating new keys was a delicate process, one she would have preferred doing at her apartment, but the magic energy was higher here with all the mages fighting all the time. The extra magic in the air helped her create the keys. Besides, she had casted a protective barrier to protect herself from any chaos out there.
Raising and twisting her right hand in the air, Lucy called the extra magic towards her, morphing it into celestial magic. Looking down she saw the fourteen key molds that Queen Mother bestowed upon her yesterday during the naming ceremony. Each mold was slightly different from the others. Inside one half was melted copper and the other was tin. Snapping her left fingers small flecks of brown spirit energy landed in the two halves of the mold. Now the tricky part. "I the Star Maiden Princess, command the magic of the stars, to fulfill my wishes. Bind your power to this key and form the bond to create a gateway path so Celestial Spirits might journey to Earthland!"
The glittering gold magic flew into the mix, magically pressing the two molds together. Surges of magic could be felt as she passed her hands over each key bestowing a name to each one. A small click and rush of wind filled her little area as the molds fell apart revealing brand new bronze keys. She looked at each of them searching for any signs of imperfection. There wasn't any indicating she had done the process correctly. Now it was time to take them to the store.
Upon approaching the store she could already see six little girls bouncing up and down eager to get a new spirit to play with. They were part of Lucy's new training camp for budding Celestial Spirit Mages"Look its Lucy!" one girl with brown pigtails shouted. The girls swarmed her jumping up and down. "Did you make more bronze keys for us?" a girl with a freckled face and orange hair asked, tugging on Lucy sleeve. "Can you teach us how to summon again? I haven't been able to do it on my yet," another one said. "When will we be able to use our magic like you do with those spells?" "How do we become Star Maidens?"
"Okay, okay, stop swarming me little ones. You can each get one key, but first you need to pay for it inside. After all, the clerk needs money to live doesn't he?" The little girls nodded their heads and reluctantly followed her the door tingling behind her. "Mr. Avalor, I got a new batch of bronze keys with me and some little ones who want to buy them."
"Thank goodness, they've been driving me crazy asking when the next batch was coming in. Any chance to you can speed up production of these?" Avalor asked taking the small checkered pouch from Lucy. The man counted each key making sure he had an even twelve units. "Let's see 200,000,000 jewels for the entire lot correct?" The Star Maiden nodded accepting her payment.
He had barely put the keys on a display tray when his tiny customers brushed past Lucy to get a look at the new keys. Each of them were exclaiming over the pictures and reading the names inscribed on the clavicle. Less than ten minutes later, each little one had a new key and followed Lucy out to the park where their lessons were held.
The little girls, (Summer, Autumn, Honey, Heather, Abby, Beth), sat down on the ground looking up with some hero worship in their eyes at their mentor. The Fairy Tail mage couldn't keep the smile of pride off her face. "Alright before we try summoning again, let's review from our lesson last week. What are two most important rules Celestial Mages must follow? Summer?"
The freckled face girl cleared her throat and stood up. She started reciting the rules perfectly. "Celestial Mages must abide by their contracts with their spirits. Our bond with them is a sign of trust and we never go back on the promises we make with them. A proper Celestial Mage is friends with her spirits, not their owner and we also treat them with respect and not use them as shields."
"Very good Summer, you can sit down. Who can tell me what keys are counted as? Beth?"
"Units, the more units we collect the more friends we have."
Lucy nodded at her, reviewing their first lessons about Celestial Spirit Keys and asked if any of them had practice the summoning technique. They all had, but hadn't summoned their spirits yet. As of yet they had two bronze keys, but hadn't made contracts yet. Today they would summon their first spirit and make their contracts. After correcting their stances and making sure they had the words down she asked them to use a bit of magic power to call forth the spirits.
Each girl did as she was told. Tiny starburst went off as for the first time, the little new star Spirits stepped foot on Earthland. The girls giggled in delight cheering themselves on. Their new Spirits looked at their new mistresses. They talked with the girls for a while getting to know them before their mentor reminded them to make the contract. She watched carefully making sure the contracts were fair and that the bond between Spirits and girls was a perfect match. She didn't want any trouble down the line forcing her to pass judgment and strip them of their powers. Finally class was over and everyone left on good terms.
It was very late by the time Lucy got back to her apartment. The rest of responsibilities had taken up her whole afternoon. At least no one was misusing their spirits, another sacred site had been found as the nearby townspeople did their best to restore and protect it. No one was in need of healing, no ambassador duties today and no one was ready to be a Star Maiden. Everything was good in the world. "Ugh it's been a long day, I'm going to bed now. If anyone is in this apartment without my permission I'll zap you to next Tuesday if you stay here."
Hearing nothing out of the ordinary, she slipped under her covers falling asleep in her clothes on the bed. Within seconds she was snoring away exhausted by today's activities. She would have to repeat these activities again in two or three days. A Star Maiden Princess's duty was never done.
That night it was a new moon so the skies were dark. Clouds covered patches of the sky blocking the stars. Inside her little apartment Lucy clutched her sheets tightly. Sweat was perspiring from her entire body. She kicked her legs out knocking several of her plushies to the ground. Off and on a golden aura pulsed around her body. "No, get away! Leave me alone!"
Lucy was running through the woods sounds of loud hoof beats following her. For an hour now she'd be running through the mountains and into the forest avoiding thick black inky limbs or holes in the ground. Stumbling, she picked herself up and dove through a bush getting lots of little scratches. "Got to get away, got to get away" she muttered to herself.
The forest was endless, everywhere she turned there was more trees blocking her way. Terrifying screams could be heard nearly causing her ears to bleed. She reached for her waist to grab her keys, but they weren't there and neither was her Fleur de Lease!
"Where are my keys? I wouldn't leave them lying around!" Lucy twisted around suddenly realizing she was in her pajamas with no shoes. She didn't have time to ponder this as a loud braying was heard close by. Whatever creature was making that sound she didn't want to meet it.
Her feet hit the earth leaving behind a trail of dirty prints as she continued to run. A giant spider web stretched out in front of her. Getting tangled up in it she struggled as the silk strands brushed against her arms tickling her slightly. A large spider descended from above, its jaws wide open. Screaming her head off Lucy burst free and started rolling down the hill until she came to a stop in a valley.
Turning her head, she let out a gasp. "Magnolia! I just have to get to the guild." She started to get up only to fall flat on her butt as a giant black horse with a red mane and tail landed in front of her. The saddle was made out of tree bark as the rider barked out a command. The rider had the face of beautiful woman with delicate gray eyes, small nose, and a perfect smile. Long beautiful locks of black hair flowed past her shoulders and down to her waist. That was the only part of her that was normal. Her body was that of a troll, very hairy with big limbs and only a simple black pieces covering her upper chest and lower body parts.
"You've lasted longer than most of my victims. Even after all the elements of a nightmare I've thrown at you, you still continue on. However this ends now," the sharp voice of the rider snapped.
"Who are you? Why are you after me?" Lucy demanded, she was trembling. She was reaching inside to call upon her magic, but it refused to come. As the horse walked close the more her heart pounded.
"I am Tory, the greatest Mare in existence. I've lived for centuries riding through the night, finding a human and creating a nightmare to feast upon. I shall enjoy feasting on the Star Maiden Princess dream. You will satisfy my hunger for years to come." Tory opened her mouth as a long tongue lashed out wrapping tightly around Lucy's right arm. It had sharp barbs on it that duck into her skin.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Lucy screamed, she could feel her energy being sucked out of her body. Her pleasant dreams mixed with her fear of the nightmares around her bonded together as Tory grinned madly sucking up the dream energy. The Celestial Spirit Mage struggled, trying to free her arm, but it was no use. Dark laughter filled the air as Tory's voice taunted her. "You'll never break free from grasp. Prepare to spend an entirety with no dreams ever again!"
"LET MY ARM GO!" Lucy commanded as her Celestial birthmark appeared on her forehead shining brightly. A burst of Celestial Magic traveled through the ground striking the horse who reared up and threw his rider to the ground.
Tory rolled and shot up straight. She got in a defense position, her tongue lashing out. She would not be denied her feast. She lunged for Lucy, who ducked and twisted behind her. They repeated the attack three times before Lucy counter attacked. "Celestial Magic: Light of Heaven!" Tory screamed as a brilliant column of white light pushed her, the horse, and the entire nightmare vanished.
Lucy jolted awake, her breathing hard. Looking around the room she saw nothing out-of-place. She got out of bed making her way to the sink. She filled a glass of water and drank it greedily. "Stupid nightmare. It wasn't real. Huh, what is…?" The glass shattered on the floor as Lucy stared at her right arm, there was a black serpent indentation where the Mare's tongue had wrapped around herself. It just couldn't be true, the mark proved otherwise. What she experienced had been real!
Far away in the palace Tory knelt at the feet of the shadowy male from before. "I have failed you my Lord. The girl's power was too strong for me to drain completely. It appears she has a higher resistance to our magic than most Celestial Spirit mages."
"You haven't failed me Tory. I sent you out to see how strong her mind was and she passed my expectations. Tend to your horse and head to the kitchen. I'm sure the chef has leftover dream stew to feed you."
"Of course, thank you my Lord." Tory bowed once more hurrying away as the mysterious shadow smiled. "It appears you'll be more of a challenge my precious Lucy Heartfillia. I look forward to when we meet face to face."