It was night-time in Magnolia. The streets were illuminated with dim lighting, but it was still dark outside. A never-ending cage of grey clouds hung over the city. It was eerie. A small shiver ran down her spine while she watched the clouds crawl through the sky, guided by the passing wind. It was making her claustrophobic. She curled her long fingers around the edges of her hood and she drew it down further. Magnolia was a bigger city which meant the risk of her being recognized by someone was that much higher. Alas, she didn't have much choice in the matter. She'd heard rumours that there was a golden key hidden in one of the more obscure magic shops in this town. Naturally, she packed her things and travelled there right away.

Lucy Heartfilia was a celestial mage. That meant that her magic was tied to celestial keys. When in possession of a key she could make a contract with the spirit whose gate it opens; rumour has it…. even share in its power. The corner of her lips quirked upward. Not so much of a rumour anymore…. She grinned to herself and gently touched the keys that hung at her hip. Momentarily they warmed, egging her forward. Grateful for the support she stepped into the drenched cobblestone street that stretched all the way to the famous Kardia cathedral that stood proudly in the centre of the city. She had to admit, it was a sight to behold. She'd love to see it basking in the sunlight. She'd love to see the intricate murals play with the light. Sadly, this was no time for sightseeing. One other building rivalled its majesty, and it was located towards the mountains at the edge of town. Lucy squinted her eyes, so she could see better; a flag danced with the wind. It was light with some sort of emblem in the centre, but she was too far away to make out the exact shape. Maybe she'll go investigate it later on.

Her keys warmed once more, and she felt the warning all the way to her core. Hurry up. Draw no attention. Someone might be watching. The hairs on the back of her neck rose and she set off to complete her task. Her step quickened, gaze searching the street signs in the dim lighting. She turned into a narrow alley that lead to the docks and her pace quickened. Maybe she was just being paranoid, but the sounds of the murky water splashing against the stone canal made her edgy for some reason.

Drip… Lucy stopped in her tracks as the first drop of rain landed on the cobblestone street. Drip..drip… The droplets became more frequent and in a matter of minutes she was caught in a downpour. She did the only thing she could think of; she ran. Her boots splashed every time they met the floor as the rain pooled into puddles that now riddled the floor.

Just a little farther. Just a while longer. She chanted to herself. A flash of light caught her attention and she skidded to a stop in front of a large glass window. Her heart skipped before she launched herself at the display to get a better look. She couldn't believe it. There it was. It was slim and delicately ornate. The tip of the key was curved into a heart shape, the top decorated with a crimson symbol she instantly recognized. Virgo. The virgin spirit. Grinning wildly she darted into the store.

She was greeted by a small chime when she opened the door. An elderly male raised his spectacled gaze to meet her and gave her a kind smile.

"Welcome little lady." He greeted with a gravelly voice. "How can I help you?"

Lucy drew back the hood and shook her head, shaking out the golden strands dampened by the rain. Most of them were tied into a loose side-tail, but the ones that were free were sticking to her clothes – courtesy of the rain as well. Lucy put her best foot forward and returned the gentleman's kind smile.

"Good day to you as well mister. I couldn't help but notice the exquisite antique key you have in your display."

"Oh, that old thing?" He grunted. "It's been here for ages. Nobody really wants a key that doesn't open anything."

Lucy kept a calm façade, but inside she was screaming with joy. He didn't know the keys purpose. Celestial magic is very rare. Only those born with the gift can contact the spirits; not even that guarantees you a contract. You had to be raised in one of the old families that were still aware such magic existed to be conscious of your gift. Many centuries ago celestial mages were a favoured sacrifice for dark magic rituals. Since then they went into hiding and they let their abilities become legend. Today, only a few celestial mages still exist. Even fewer hold contracts with the Zodiac spirits.

Zodiac spirits are immensely powerful and coveted. There are only 12 golden keys in the entire world. Lucy had three. With any luck, today she'll have four.

She gave herself a moment to regain her composure then she set off to do what she did best, play the stupid little blond.

"It doesn't open anything? That's a shame." She puckered her plump lips in disappointment and the shopkeeper gave her a sympathetic look. "It's really pretty though."

The shopkeeper nodded before offering her a closer look, which she gladly accepted. Resisting the urge to run her fingers over the metal she raised her gaze to the male, fluttering her eyelashes just a little.

"How much does it cost? It seems like it would be a wonderful necklace." She wondered innocently.

"Hmmm…." The shopkeeper mused. "...well normally I'd sell it for 200 000 jewel."

Lucy knew it would be pricey; it was made from real gold after all. Her blond brows furrowed a little and she clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

"Rather steep for a key that doesn't open anything." She commented, and the shopkeeper squirmed.

"It is gold…" He offered.

"I don't know." She drawled before crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"You know what, since you're the first person interested in it in a long time, I'm willing to sell it for 180 000 jewel." He bartered. Internally screaming, Lucy was overjoyed he took the bait.

"Make it a 160 000 and I'll buy it right now." She grinned. A little taken aback the owner of the store blinked a few times before chuckling at the young girl.

"Sold little missy. I hope it makes the most beautiful necklace." They exchanged goods and Lucy said her farewell before leaving the safety of the shop and stepping into the rain.

"You have no idea." She murmured to herself not even caring that she was getting drenched by the near torrential rain. She ran her fingers lovingly over the metal until it warmed beneath her touch. She couldn't wait to return to her room and make a contract with Virgo! Seeing her spirits for the first time never ceased to fill her with wonder.

She hooked the key onto the metal loop with the others she possessed and started towards the inn, not bothering to pull up her hood. She was already drenched, there was no changing it. Deep in thought she traversed the web of streets in Magnolia, yet something still felt off. She had the same nagging feeling in the back of her mind since she came into town. Someone was watching her. She was sure of it. Her gaze scanned the area discreetly, but she didn't see anything this time either. Quickening her pace, she rounded the last corner before the inn. The soft light of emanating from the windows illuminated the street in front of it; the sign Magnolia inn swaying gently in the wind. Home stretch Lucy, you're almost there.

The blow came out of nowhere connecting to her right shoulder and Lucy crumpled to the floor below its weight. A small cry of pain broke out before she could control herself, horror flooding her when the dark voice cooed:

"Finally found you, Miss Heartfilia." The hooded figure purred as it closed in. "Your father is beside himself with worry." As if Jude Heartfilia would ever worry about his daughter. More then likely he was worried about the money he was losing while she was away. The cruel bastard… Her brown eyes grew cold and she steeled her gaze at the unknown male, rising to her feet.

"I hope you haven't bragged you caught me." She offered him a challenging grin. "Best not to disappoint the megalomaniac, he tends to punish people. Especially useless lowlifes like you." Promptly she reached into her coat and curled her fingers around the whip handle. The whip snaked out slashing against her attacker's face leaving a nasty gash in its wake. He shrieked planting a hand against his face to dull the pain.

"Why you little…." He growled and launched himself at the blond.

Natsu grunted in exasperation. Who knows how many leads he followed and all of them seemed to turn out rumours; this one was no different. Natsu was bone tired and frustrated. He spent years, years dammit, looking for Igneel and there was not even a scrap of news about him anywhere. It's as if he disappeared from the face of the earth in x777 and no one had seen him since. How does a giant ass dragon like that just vanish? How? A low sound built in the back of his throat and he growled, angry now. A small paw pressed against his forehead reassuringly and he spared a glance at his closest friend. Happy was lounging in between the light pink strands, watching him with warry eyes. He didn't even know Igneel, but he helped search for the dragon anyways. Natsu's gaze softened with affection for his little friend when the cat purred reassuringly.

"We'll find him Natsu. I know we will." He even lost his snarky attitude when he sensed Natsu's mood. Natsu just sighed in response. How could he still believe that after all those years? Happy was his dearest friend, but even with him around he felt alone. He wanted his father back. He wanted to see Igneel. Why was that so impossible? He crossed his arms over his chest deep in thought while he walked back to the Guild. It was dark already and it was raining. Figures. It didn't bother him that much since rain evaporated when it neared his body. Such was the heat of his fire these days. Happy didn't mind either. He hated getting wet. Naturally any time it rained he stuck to Natsu like glue, so his fur wouldn't get damp.

Suddenly Natsu stopped in his tracks, those pink brows furrowed in confusion. Happy mewled and dug his claws into Natsu's skin so he wouldn't fall off. Absently Natsu swatted his paws away, completely distracted by the scent he caught.

"What's wrong?" Happy questioned, but Natsu didn't respond quite yet. The scent was nothing he'd ever caught before and he'd travelled everywhere in search of his dragon parent. It was pleasant, inviting and almost ethereal. He imagined that was how stars would smell.

"Hold on Happy, we're going to look into something." He stated before running in the general direction the scent was coming from. He could feel magic that's for sure, but it wasn't any magic he felt before. It was different.

Lucy was near her limit. Her chest heaved with laboured breaths and her strength waned. She couldn't use her spirits here, it was too public. She didn't want to think what would happen if her secret suddenly came out. A small shudder rocked her body and she couldn't help but sweep her fingers over her keys. They were searing hot now, the voices of her spirits filling her head. Even Virgo pleaded for Lucy to summon her. They could help, but Lucy would not risk them. She wouldn't falter because of some henchman her father sent. Eve if she was dragged back, she wouldn't endanger her spirits that way. Her entire body was littered with cuts and newly formed bruises and she didn't care. The only one bothering her was the cut directly above her brow, and that's only because the blood slowly dripped down into her eye, hindering her vision. Lucy couldn't take much more of this, and her attacker knew it.

"Come on Miss Heartfilia, give up already." He grinned maliciously and attacked her again, slamming a fist directly into her stomach. Lucy doubled over, clutching her stomach in pain. Her attacker cackled and grabbed a fistful of her hair dragging her closer.

"It's a shame you have to go back to your precious daddy. I'd like us to have some fun together first, but no woman is worth the money he offered for you." He ran his fingers down the side of her face and neck before cooing mockingly.

"Say goodbye to freedom you spoiled brat."

Lucy was ready to give up when the rain suddenly stopped. Not only did it stop but the temperature rose rapidly, the dreary darkness retreating to a brilliant light. She must have been dreaming, because her vision darkened, and she sank into darkness. The last thing she saw was cherry blossom hair, flaming fists and a blue flying cat. Definitely dreaming.

Natsu didn't know what to expect when he followed the odd new scent, but this was not it. The unfolding scene had him curling his fists in anger. A man was dragging a bloodied and beaten woman off the floor, threatening her freedom. He couldn't stand this. He was a Fairy Tail mage after all, and this was fundamentally wrong. Happy spread his wings and fluttered away, sensing Natsu was keen on beating the hell out of the man in front of them. Crimson flames flickered to life swallowing his fists whole, aching to burn, to hurt.

"Oi!" Natsu growled. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" His lips drew back showing the elongated fangs that marked all the Dragon Slayers. The man stared at him in horror when the rain evaporated around them, the damp streets drying from the intense heat. Seemingly catching himself the man spat back at him.

"Mind your own business kid."

That was all it took for Natsu. He dove for the pair. His blazing fist connected to the male's jaw; with a loud crack it sent him flying into a nearby wall. The man crumpled to the floor, the wall behind him denting and crumbling on top. He turned to the girl now and immediately his fire died down; the rain gradually washing over them again. Happy circled above them nervously and Natsu crouched down to inspect the female. Gingerly he brushed the matted hair from her face to take a closer look. She was unconscious, but still breathing. To his surprise she was the origin of the scent he caught, and now that he was closer to her it washed over him in gentle waves. He couldn't help but close his eyes and inhale deeply. Even mixed with the rain, blood and dirt it was still the most captivating thing he'd experienced in a long time.

"Natsu…" The cat mewled nervously. "Is she okay? Should we get help?"

"She's just unconscious Happy."

"What happened?"

"How should I know you damn cat. I got here the same time you did." Carefully he curled his arms beneath the blonde and lifted her up.

"No need to get grouchy, I was just asking." The cat puffed its cheeks in irritation and flew over. He placed her head against Natsu's shoulder before the two of them set off.

"We best ask her when she wakes up, until then we have to make sure she's okay." Natsu concluded.

"To the guild then?" Happy squeaked cheerfully.

"Aye, to the guild." Natsu murmured, his worried gaze still focused on the girl. What did you get yourself into? He didn't even notice the keys jingling at her hip, nor did he notice the whip lying in the middle of the street.

Authors note:

And we met Natsu and Lucy! The plot thickens!

I think I'll have enough time to upload one more chapter by the end of the week, so stay tuned.

Yet again if you have questions, comments or concerns feel free to contact me. And please review so I know if I'm going in the right direction.

{Simple 343 thank you so much for favouriting! I hope the story meets your expectations in the future! : D

~Epomophorus