Chapter 2

So… my mom was a mage.

And a Celestial Spirit Mage at that.

Whoop-dee-doo.

The last thing I recall before fainting was my mother's voice calling out my name. When I woke up, Libra's figure was hunched at me, staring at me impassively as if she was analyzing me for an experiment.

My instincts kicked in and I quickly bolted out of my bed. I grabbed the nearest object to my left and held it in front of me, trying my best to make it a point to threaten the woman in front of me.

"Don't come near me!" I cried, pulling the blankets close to me. "I'm armed!"

"… Eufelia-sama, is your daughter trying to threaten me with a spoon?"

I heard the door to my room open, revealing my smiling mother. She took one look at the scene and laughed. I wasn't the least bit ashamed for threatening a powerful spirit with a spoon. If my mom can beat me with a frying pan, then I can beat Libra with a spoon!

Mom pried the metal spoon away from my hold. "Erika-chan, calm down. This is Libra, one of the many Celestial Spirits I have a contract with." She explained gently.

"You're a mage?" I asked incredulously, though it was pretty obvious. It's just that the sentence and its meaning could never register in my head unless I see more valid proof. Yes, I'm just that effin' stubborn.

My mom nodded. "Yup! A powerful one at that!" she answered cheekily.

I could imagine a bead of sweat rolling down my face as I muttered, "You could be a little more humble about it…"

I stared at Libra then towards my mom. "But how did you manage to have a contract with Libra?" I asked. "Libra is one of the 12 rare Zodiac Keys! How could you have received them?"

Libra gave me a look. "Are you informed about the 12 Zodiac Keys?"

I kept quiet. How can I explain that I know all of the information needed because this world is supposed to an animated series and that I got the information via Wikipedia and internet? (Say that 3 times fast!)

"I've heard about it." I replied.

Libra hummed. Mother smiled at me and turned to Libra. "My father used to be a Celestial Spirit Mage, just like I am." She said. "He used to wield Libra and a few other spirits I have right now."

My ears perked up. "Wait, you have more than one spirit?"

Mother gave me a look. "Of course I have, Erika-chan! How on earth would I be able to live with only one spirit?"

I looked nervously behind my mom, spotting a depressed aura hovering over Libra's head. "Mom, you really need to think before you talk…" I muttered, looking with a comical face as my mom continued to say things cheerily, as if not noticing Libra's aura at all.

"But I really didn't know that you were a mage mom," I said, still amazed. "I would have mistaken you for a super fighter or martial artist."

Mom looked at me, puzzled. "Why would you say that?"

I paled as memories of when I angered her during dinner last night came back to me. I waved my hands in front of me, a sign of defense. "N-nevermind." I said.

"You said that in this world, there usually is a 90% of the total human population that don't know how to use magic and 10% that are." I said.

"Yes, that's correct." My mom said with a nod. "Do you wish to become a mage, Erika-chan?"

I blushed slightly. It was childish of me to dream of becoming a mage, even though there's a huge chance of me not being able to wield magic. "I want to, but only few people can master magic." I grumbled sourly.

My mom shook her head. "No, that's not the case. Anyone can become a mage."

I turned to her, confused. "Heh? But you said only 10% of the total population can master magic."

"Exactly." My mom confirmed.

"You're not making any sense mom." I stated blankly.

She gave me a slight glare. "Only few people can master magic." She continued. "And the key word is 'master'. Anyone can use magic. It's only that there are a few people who have the inner potential too."

I raised my eyebrow. "I'm not exactly understanding…" I admitted.

Mom smiled and poked her finger on my chest. "Magic starts with one's firm belief in it." She said. "Horoscopes, faith, religion— those are the many things related to magic. You just need to find that little trigger button inside of you to use your magic to its potential."

Where have I heard those words before?

I hummed and looked at my hands. So, if just find my so-called trigger button, I'll be able to use magic?

"Sounds easy enough!" I said with a grin.

Mom smacked my head lightly. "Easier said than done, Erika-chan." She chided.

I held my head and pouted.

Our house was a few blocks away from the nearest town, which was named Cedar. Not much mages live in the town because the citizens solely depend on the soldiers to defend them.

It was slightly annoying that some people prefer knights in shining armor aside from awesome mages, but hey, maybe that's just me.

Today, both me and my mom are shopping for some groceries. It was a really warm afternoon, and I didn't mind at all. We strolled around town, buying some items such clothes and books as well as our groceries.

We were about to head towards a nearby restaurant when I spotted a store called 'Mage Quotto; A store for all mages!'. My eyes sparkled as I quickly darted inside the store, ignoring my mother's protests and calls.

As soon as I entered, the scent of flowers filled my nose. I was amazed by all the magic items and junk I spotted in the store but I stopped when mother pinched my ear, scolding me for leaving her like that.

A middle-aged man walked towards us, wearing a pleasant smile. "Welcome to Mage Quotto!" he greeted politely. "I'm Wilbert, the store owner. What would you like to see?"

I turned from side to side, analyzing the store's contents. It was my first to see the insides of a mage store, and I was fascinated. I looked at Wilbert.

"Ne, ne! Do you have any Celestial Keys in store?" I asked excitedly.

Mom gave me an exasperated look. "Erika-chan!"

I grinned her way. "Why not? Please? Pretty please? With a flaming dragon on top?" I pleaded, mustering puppy eyes.

She stared at me for a few moments before sighing in defeat. "Fine, but only two keys. That's all." She said sternly.

That's all I needed. Wilbert motioned for us to follow him, and we walked to the counter. He pulled out the table's drawer and took out a small box. He opened it, and revealed a set of silver keys.

I gasped in amazement. "Wow!"

Wilbert took one key. "This is the key of the healer, Asclepius. As her gate states, she's an amazing healer. Her use for magic is to heal her master, so it takes only a few magic power to summon her."

He took another key and showed it. "This is the key of the weapons bearer, Gladius. He's a combat spirit who fights for his owner. The amount of magic power needed isn't that great, but it isn't that small either."

I took hold of both keys, staring at them with admiration. "Gladius and Asclepius…" I murmured softly to myself.

From the corner of my eye, I saw mom giving me a soft look. She turned to Wilbert and gestured to the keys I held in my hands. "How much for each, Mr. Wilbert?" she inquired.

My eyes widened a bit. "Mom?" I asked. "You mean— I can— Really?!"

She closed her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "Well, since you want to become a mage so much—"

"THANK YOU SO MUCH!" I exclaimed, hugging her torso since I was too short to reach her shoulders.

She laughed and patted my head. "So? How much?" she asked as she turned to Wilbert.

"Well, each key is a silver, so 70 jewels each would be my price." He said. But then a smile came up his face. "But since this young lady seems to love the keys… I'll give them to your for 40 jewels."

I grinned and hugged my two keys as mom paid for them.

"Alright!"

I hummed, trying my best to concentrate. After a few moments, I exhaled.

"I knew it. I give up!" I exclaimed childishly.

"It's only been five minutes!" My mom exclaimed comically.

I pouted. "But how am I supposed to do this?" I asked. "You said I need some sort of trigger to awaken my magic. I don't think sleeping is exactly the trigger, you know."

My mom placed her fingers around her chin. "Hm, perhaps you're right. Meditating to find your inner magic is most likely the worst method for you."

I twitched. "Should I be offended…?"

My mom sigh. "Well, there are two other choices in unlocking your potential." She said.

I tilted my head. "What are they?" I asked her curiously.

She turned to me and held up her hand, raising one finger. "One is an event that would let out your emotions. Either it would anger you to a level where you can't stand it or feel the loss of a friend and experience pain and frustration."

A memory of Erza flashed through my mind, back when she was at the Tower of Heaven, still a child as she watched Rob turn into ashes before her very eyes when he used his very own body as a human shield.

I shivered. Nope, I don't think I want that method.

"How about the other one?" I asked weakly.

"It's by holding out a source of powerful magic for a certain time." She said. "You could either spend time with a very powerful mage that would leak out magic intentionally, so that in time, your magic will awaken by the magic surrounding it."

I brightened. "Let's do that technique!"

"But this technique takes time Erika-chan." She noted, shaking her finger. "At least, you'll need to be around a lacrima that's full of raw magic power for a week or around me for a month."

I looked at her, dismayed. "That can't be. Lacrima prices are high!"

I was really crushed when she noted the cons of the third method. Well, I guess that the easiest method has to have some drawbacks. Darn it!

Mom hummed, crossing her arms. I looked at her expression, only to spot her doing the thinking face. I stayed quiet, waiting for her to finish thinking. It's best not to disturb her while she's thinking. I don't want to be beaten by a rolling pin again.

Suddenly, she snapped her fingers. "That's right! I remember!" she said to herself, leaving me to stare at her with a literal question mark hovering above me.

We reached the attic of our house. It was pretty dusty, so I brought a handkerchief with me to cover my nose. My mom didn't mind the dust at all and walked in.

We walked around the attic for a few seconds before mom finally found what she was supposed to be looking for. She spotted a huge chest near a few crates and ran towards it.

I followed and watched from beside her as she unlocked the chest and opened it, revealing a few things I don't recognize. Mom placed her hands inside the chest and took out a sack. She untied the string closing it and took out its content, which was a lacrima in the shape of a circle.

I gasped silently as mom gave the lacrima to me. I held it in my hands, gazing at it with amazement. It was about the size of my fist, but it was considerably heavy. It was sky blue colored, but the light that reflected past it created a rainbow.

"That's the lacrima me and my father used to activate my magic potential." Mom explained. "When I finished my training, we used it as a source of energy for the house. See? Amazing huh?"

I nodded in agreement. "Yeah!" Then I turned to her. "But how am I supposed to carry this around all the time? I can't possibly place it in my pockets!"

My mom laughed and took the lacrima from my hands and in between hers. A magic circle appeared in front of the lacrima. It spun around before a bright light surrounded the lacrima. I shielded my eyes from the lacrima using my arm and when the light died down, the lacrima shrunk into a small jewel.

My mom looked around and eyed the string laying on the floor. She took it, tied it around the jewel, and showed it to me.

"Ta-da!" she said with a wink, showing to me her self-made necklace.

I smiled and clapped my hands. She hung the necklace around my neck and nodded to herself. "There! The lacrima is infused with some of my magic power, and it'll stay there until you awaken your potential."

I held the jewel in my hand and grinned. "Thanks mom! But how long would it take for me to awaken my magic?"

Mom hummed. "Well, it all depends on you. Magic usually awakens at the most auspicious times. Not even a card mage or a priest would be able to tell when you would earn your magic specifically."

My grin dropped in disappointment. No one would know? Aw, I was so hoping I would be able to find magic as fast as I could!

With that said, the following days passed by rather quickly. I would spend my time helping mom around the house, and usually we would talk about the rules of being a Celestial Mage. She would sometimes summon Libra too, whenever she would have to go out for a few days.

I never asked where she went, because she would only respond with a sad look. I didn't like seeing my mom sad, so I decided to drop the subject.

Today was another day where mom went off to who-knows-where and left Libra to accompany me at home. We were just sitting at the hillside, watching as clouds pass by and silently enjoying the cool breeze.

"Hey Libra?" I asked suddenly.

The said spirit turned to me. "Yes Erika-sama?" she asked respectfully.

I blanched. "You don't have to call me with that suffix." I said. "I feel really old whenever you call me that."

"Oh?" Libra said, quite surprised. "Then shall I can you Erika-chan as Eufelia-samam calls you?"

I shrugged. "You can call me whatever you like, but don't address me with such a formal title. We're equals; you know, buddies."

Libra raised her eyebrow in question. "Buddies?" she asked, puzzled.

"Er, you know, friends?" I said, trying to simplify the term. I forgot that Libra was pretty much from the stone-age and didn't really know what most people use call each other.

Libra looked at me for a moment and gazed down at the grass. "Friends…" she murmured thoughtfully. If I could guess, I think Libra wore a smile underneath her cloth mask. She turned to me and gave me a nod. "This is the second someone has considered me as a true human being."

I tilted my head. "Second? Who was the first?"

"Eufelia-sama." She responded.

I laughed. "Well, that seems about right. Mom is the type of person who hates treating anyone cruelly."

Libra looked at me. "But you noted that she chased you one time with a rolling pin, shouting threats to beat you to death when you called her old, right?"

I sweat dropped and hung my head low. "Haha… Yeah…" I said weakly, reminiscing that painful yet comical memory.

I looked at Libra. "Hey Libra, your abilities are gravity altering, right?"

Libra nodded. "Yes, why do you ask?"

I grinned.

My mom stood there, staring at both me and Libra with a blank face.

"… Libra, Erika-chan, what's going on here?"

"I'M FLYING!" I said happily as I floated in the air. Oh my gosh, this is the greatest idea I had ever thought of in my whole entire second life! Why didn't I think of this sooner? Using Libra's gravity altering magic to make my body as light as a feather, thus allowing me to fly like a bird in the sky?

"This is wicked!" I cried, doing loops in the air. Libra moved her arms around, wearing an impassive yet somehow comical face.

"Higher, Erika-san?" she asked monotonously.

I nodded. "Yep!"

If I had paid attention to my mom, I would've noted her slapping her forehead. But since I was way too busy enjoying myself, I didn't give a flying duck about it.

…

Flying duck?

Awesome! I'm even great at making inside jokes!

I walked into the kitchen, clutching my stomach. My mom, who was busy washing the dishes, noticed my presence and turned to me. "What's wrong Erika-chan?" she asked.

I was on the verge of tears. "My tummy hurts." I whined, clutching my chest.

"Heh?" my mom said in question. She turned off the faucet and walked towards me, kneeling down in front of me. She gave me a worried expression.

"What do you mean? Does it feel like there are bubbles?" she asked. Usually, my stomach aches would feel as if bubbles were bursting inside my stomach, but today wasn't the case.

"No, it's like there's something inside me… like some sort of energy… and it hurts…" I said, my voice sounding strain. Gosh, I should've been able to take pain like this! I've had cramps before! Huh, wait what?! Cramps?! I have my period already?! Holy crap! That can't be! I'm only six!

"If you're done doing strange gestures and weird faces, we can take you to a doctor now." Mom stated blankly.

I snapped to reality and paled as mom's words dawned meaning into my brain.

"Doc… tor?"

I held on to the side of the door for dear life.

"Erika-chan! It's only a check-up!"

"No! I don't wanna!"

Libra watched us from the side, a bead of sweat rolling down her head. "Should I interfere or…?"

I clutched the side of the door. I may be afraid of spiders, I may be afraid of rats, I may be afraid of snakes, but I'd rather find myself in the midst of a pit filled with rats, spiders, and snakes instead of going to the doctor!

"Why can't we just summon Aclepius?!" I offered.

"Summoning a spirit for a mere tummy ache is out of the question!" mom cried, pulling harder.

My fingers slipped, and at that instant I found myself kissing the ground. Mom then hoisted me up and held my body and carried me to the nearby clinic.

I pouted, but I was sort of glad. I guess mom does care about me, even though I acted like a brat right over there.

We walked through the town, and I spotted the clinic. I paled when we entered the building and covered my face with my hands as soon as mom opened the door.

I heard a few murmurs here and there and before I knew it, the pain inside my stomach subsided and I was sitting there on some chair in a room feeling like an effin' chocolate fairy granted me some pixie dust.

I hesitantly lowered my hands and found myself facing an equally beautiful woman. She had sky blue hair and sparkling blue eyes. She bore a great resemblance to Yukino Aguria.

"Well, I think I know what's happening." The Yukino copy said with a knowing smile.

I looked at her, confused. "Huh?"

She closed her eyes and smiled brightly. "Your magic is growing!"

I sat there, wide-eyed. Mom beside me chuckled and turned to the Yukino copy. "Thanks Yurika. I was really worried there for a minute." She said.

Yurika laughed. "It's normal. Usually, most mages-in-training start at the early age of 9 or so, but since Erika here is starting at age 6, it would cause some discomforts to her because her body is adjusting to the magic power collecting inside her."

I sigh in relief. "Phew."

"It would be best if you start training her to use her magic." Yurika advised. "The magic energy that's maturing in her body would eventually have to come out. Maybe letting her summon minor spirits at a time and forming a contract would be best."

"Um, Miss Yurika?" I piped up, raising my hand. "What happens if my magic energy collects in my body for a long time?"

"Oh, you'll bloat and then explode." Yurika answered cheekily.

Cue me and my mom screaming, "EH?!"

Yurika laughed at both our reactions. "It feels as if I'm looking at a mini-Eufelia!" she said.

Mom sweat dropped. "I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or not." She stated blankly.

Yurika patted her back. "Take it as neither." She said.

I stared at Yurika as she conversed with mom. She really was the splitting image of Yukino Aguria! Only that Yukino has brown eyes and her mom has blue. Perhaps it's her father's eye color? Hm…

"As fun as it was meeting you again Eufelia, I have some patients waiting outside." Yurika noted, gesturing to the window that showed a couple of people waiting in line.

My mom nodded and turned to me, holding my hand and helping me down from the chair. "Thank you, Yurika. I'll come by and cook you something in return!"

Yurika laughed. "I'm betting you on that!"

Ever since we visited Yurika, mom has been making me try and open the Celestial Gates. I've first tried to open Gladius' gate because my mom said it's good exercise to exert more force and magic at the first try.

So here I am, standing in the clearing of the woods, holding Gladius' silver key. I closed my eyes, recalling mom's advise on how to channel our magic power.

'I have to feel the stir of energy.' With my eyes closed, I try my best. I don't know how long it took me, but eventually I sensed some sort of energy thingy in my stomach.

'Now, I have to try and pull it out.' Though it was way easier said than done. Mom told ne to imagine my consciousness beside the energy thingy, then stretch my arm out and touch it.

I tried really, really hard, but I couldn't because my mind kept swaying off the subject. Like, I'm thinking of my magic, then the next second I'm thinking of chocolate.

It look me of what felt like decades to get my head straight and to hold the energy thingy. I imagined my energy much like the golden flame Jellal gave to Natsu during his fight against Zero from Oracion Seis. Then I imagined a mini-me, desperately swimming towards the flame.

The mini-me finally swam near enough the flame and stretched her hand, and in that split second I snapped my eyes and by instinct, I raised my silver key and called out,

"Open! Gate of the Weapons Bearer! Gladius!"

A sound of a clock rang through my ears and a blue magic circle appeared in front of me. A powerful gust of wind swiped me off my feet and a poof of smoke popped out of nowhere.

Had I been paying attention, I would've seen Gladius' face. But after summoning him, I felt as if I had just ran a marathon across the world because my legs felt weak, my eyesight was blurry, and my lungs were burning.

The only thing I saw before I blacked out was my mom's worried face and a blurred face of a man I don't know of.

[A/N:] So what do you guys think? :)

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