The blonde Celestial Spirit summoner was smiling.
She was so glad to have run into Master. As perverted as he can be, she knew that the old man had a heart of gold. He was the kind of person Lucy considered rare gems, the people that you would be lucky to have in your life, those that you could definitely count on.
It was good to know that, even if she relocated to another continent, there was still people from Fiore that she could trust.
Speaking of which, since her new home was across the ocean, she was now in the process of returning.
Her ride was a rather different one. She was flying in a gigantic eagle, her whole figure lying down on the birds back, its great feathers cutting the sky and never slowing down. The wind blew and whistled around her, making the sleepy mage even more sleepy.
'Man, this things are brutal to my sleeping hours. Wake up early, travel to another kingdom, listen to that boring and seemingly endless thing and then make the whole trip back to then be pestered by those damn idiots'.
"Oh, come on, you love them", said Loke, appearing suddenly by her side.
Lucy shrieked and almost fell from the animal. Luckily for her, the eagle noticed her weight shifting towards its side and maneuvered to make sure she didn't fall.
"Wow, thanks Aquila! You saved my life just now!".
"It's nothing, it's only natural I save my hatchling. After all, if I became this strong, it's because of you", the bird replied.
"Nah, it was because of your own strength, I merely tried to help".
"Whatever you say, my child".
"Awnn, this is so cute!".
"Loke! What the hell were you thinking! I could've fallen to death!".
"We both know that wouldn't happen, Lu. You have too damn many spirits by your side now, and all of them would appear just to help, even if they couldn't do a thing. Especially her".
"Yeah, I guess she got a little possessive, didn't she? But that's not the point, you jerk! Don't scare me like that!", she slapped his arm.
"Okay, okay, sorry. But I was just curious, how did you like this first reunion?".
"It was worth every mile. Well, the part where I reunited with Master and met Maddy was. The rest was pretty boring".
"So does that mean that Mel played you?".
At this Lucy started to emit a murderous aura.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
In a guild in Fortuna, a girl shivered suddenly.
"You okay, Mel?".
"Yeah, Ken, it's just...I think Lucy found out I lied to her about the gathering being fun".
"What makes you say that?".
"I just felt like I was marked to death. Like a sniper had his sight on me and I couldn't escape".
"Well, that does sound like how Luder makes you feel. And we both know she's way more dangerous than a sniper. Or several snipers. Or maybe a full army".
"Yeah, she sure is strong. And stop with the Luder thing. It's not a good mashup".
"But it perfectly mashes Lucy and Leader! Luder! It will be a thing, just you wait!".
"Yeah, well, you got until she comes back for it to become a thing. I don't think I'll survive past today".
"Then I should start now! Bye! And good luck!".
And with that the boy ran, leaving the soon to be hospitalized girl alone with her thoughts on who should inherit what from her belongings.
'Well, better start writing my will'.
/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
"That girl is gonna die when we arrive at the guild".
"No, she is not. You wouldn't really hurt her".
"Maybe, but I sure as hell am gonna make her spar with me for a week".
"Isn't that too little roughness?".
"One more word and it goes up to a month".
"So? I don't care, it's not me you're punishing", Loke shrugged.
"Wow. Great to see how highly you think of her. Total team player".
"She replaced my lunch with catnip three days ago. If I could make it to a year, trust me, I would".
Lucy laughed at that. Maybe she wasn't gonna kill Mel after all. She was pretty funny.
"Just maim her a bit, then", Lucy quipped, smirking.
"Seems more acceptable than death to me, I approve", Loke agreed, with a smirk of his own.
The wind continued to blow past them, and it's coldness made Lucy shiver a bit and press herself against the soft and warm fur of the eagle.
She yawned. He noticed.
"I'm gonna go back now then, Lu. Try and get some sleep, you've earned it".
The girl only had the energy to nod before falling asleep.
Lucy's memory
"Man, where do I start?", she asked herself.
She started her search for Aquarius three days ago, full of confidence and dedication, but now she had finally discovered a fatal flaw on her plan.
How to find that damn key.
There was no magic, spell, map or anything of the sort, according to Crux. It was meant to be a show of determination, of the bond they formed. A way to prove the mage truly did deserve the key back.
After all, if the mage broke the key, then said person should face the responsibility to win it back.
Lucy absentmindedly took out the broken key and gazed sadly at it. She was gonna make this right for everyone.
For Loke, the leader. For Scorpio, the lover.
And of course, for her, the one who lost another part of her family with her leaving.
"...arriving in Hargeon in 5 minutes", was what she made out from the conductors speech.
'Huh, must have been even more lost in thought than I figured'.
After disembarking, she went straight to a shop, looking for more keys. She wasn't just on a search for Aquarius's key, after all. She wanted to become even stronger, so that nothing like Tartarus happened again.
So that her family shed no more tears.
Finally, after going through many shops, she found one which showed promise.
And by promise, she meant a billboard saying the strongest silver key in the zodiac you only find here! Bill's shop!
The place wasn't something extraordinary, not in the slightest. It had a smell of old books, which Lucy loved, but it also had sticky floorboards which cracked with every step and an ominous aura, which the mage had a really difficult time ignoring.
"Hello? Anyone here?", she asked.
"Coming!", a voice responded from behind a door near the counter.
The door opened to show a beautiful lady walk in. She had red hair that cascaded down her shoulders and wore a red dress. Her eyes and lips, which smiled warmly, were also of a scarlet-like color, further accentuating her creamy skin tone.
All in all, Lucy found her mesmerizing.
"Yes, darling?".
"Oh, um, I wanted to see this strongest silver key that was advertised".
She narrowed her eyes slightly, but quickly returned to the serene face she was wearing before.
Lucy caught this sudden change, and decided to play this a little more carefully. Years of dealing with shady shopkeepers can make you really aware of your surroundings.
"But of course! I keep the key in the back, because of a few mugging attempts. Would you prefer that I brought it or would you like to come with me to check it, dear?".
"I'd like to go with you, if it's not any trouble".
"None at all. Please, follow me".
Lucy followed, her hands closer to her keys than before, but still keeping a distance to not draw too many attention from the suspicious woman.
The woman in red led Lucy to an opened chest in which resided a shield with two keys wrapped around it.
"Feel free to take them, dear".
"Actually, if it's not too much trouble, could you get it? I'm really clumsy and damaging the chest or the shield is something I don't want to do".
The womans eyes narrowed again.
"Sure".
And then Lucy spoke.
"Oh, and one more thing".
"Yes?".
"How are you staying out of your gate so much?".
The woman freezed.
"I mean, you must be pretty strong to be able to survive that long out on your own, huh?".
She started turning slowly.
"I almost fell for it, so I must give you credit. You were a great actress, and if I wasn't a Celestial Spirit mage with a lot of spirit friends, then maybe you would have got your way".
She fully turned now, finally understanding that the blonde was not the only one there with them anymore, for Leo the Lion was standing by her side, a serious expression on his face.
"I knew there was something off about this place, so I asked Loke his opinion while you led us here. Also, I made sure to leave a friend of mine on the other side of the door guarding it, just in case you were working with someone else".
At this, the door opened to reveal Capricorn, who blankly stared at them through his black glasses and shut the door after nodding to Lucy.
"So, I'd like to know...why is the fox celestial spirit trying to scam me?".
The woman began sweating, she didn't account on the mage being smart. After all, the last three she scamed didn't even come back to get a refund, meaning they most probably didn't even notice they bought items at triple the normal price.
"I...I have no idea what you are talking about, miss".
"Just drop it, Vulpy, you're not fooling anyone", said Loke.
The spirit sighed and lowered her head. When she lifted it, her eyes had taken a mischievous glint, and her flawless smile had now donned small fangs.
"Guess I got caught, huh?".
"Yep".
"Is there any use fighting you?".
"No, you'll lose. And even if you use Scutum over there, it won't help you", the blonde pointed towards the shield.
"Heh, so you've noticed that too, huh?".
"Kinda hard not too. You didn't conceal his magic, so it was pretty easy to figure out".
The woman sighed.
"Guess I've lost then. What are you gonna do about me?".
"Well, firstly I want to know what did you plan to do with me, had your plan succeeded".
"I was gonna free your spirits".
Lucy lifted an eyebrow in surprise.
"And what makes you think they want to break contracts with me?", the blonde asked, slightly angered. This spirit didn't even know her and was acting as if she was some bad person.
Wasn't the spirit who tried to trap her the bad guy here?
"Why wouldn't they? Why be bound to anyone if you can roam free in this great big world?".
"Than how about we test that?".
Lucy then lifted her key pouch and opened it, showing all of the celestial spirit keys she had.
"Pick one".
"What?".
"Pick a key. I'll summon the spirit you choose and then I'll let you question whatever you want to question. I promise not to interfere".
The Fox Spirit gaped her mouth in shock.
"Really?".
"Yes, a Celestial Spirit mage never breaks a promise, and I give you my word you can question whatever it is you want".
The spirit looked at Loke. Even if bound to someone, the leader of the Zodiac never once put his masters words above the truth.
"Can I trust her?".
"Yes, you can".
Feeling relieved, she started to look at the collection in front of her.
"Then I choose...this one", and she pointed at a golden key.
"Good. Please take a step back".
The spirit did as she was told.
"Open, gate of the scorpion, Scorpio!".
The spirit appeared in his customary pose, his tail, which snaked to the front as to not hit Lucy, almost hit the spirit, barely missing her nose.
'Thanks for the heads up', she mentally thanked Lucy.
"Well, go ahead".
"Sup, Vulpecula, what's this about?".
"Well, I first want to know if she is keeping you against you will".
"Now, Vulpy...", Loke started.
"Loke", Lucy interrupted, "she has the right to ask that question. Please let her be".
"Fine, but I don't like her tone", the spirit grumbled, and Lucy only gave a small smile of appreciation.
"Well?".
"No, 'course not. I'm here because of my own awesome will, dude".
"Is she making you say that?".
"Nah, she doesn't boss us around or go all tyrant on us. Why would ya think that?".
"Well, she has you bound to her, doesn't she?".
"Kinda, we have a mutual contract, she has to follow certain rules as do I, but I'm not some slave, if that's what you mean".
"Then, are you saying she has imposed boundaries to you?".
"Well...yes, I guess".
Vulpecula smiled. She got him now.
"Why would you agree to that? Doesn't that hinder your freedom?".
She got him now, and for the home run, his answer is of course a resounding ye...
"Not at all".
...what?
"What?".
"It doesn't hinder my freedom at all. She lets all the spirits roam free, so I can go to the beach and dates and stuff anytime. And you forget that I placed boundaries on her too".
"Like what?".
"What days I'm available, which activities I'd rather not take part in, who I'd like to partner with, that kind of stuff".
"Wait, doesn't that make her life harder?", the fox said without thinking.
"Yes it does, but she has not one time went against her words. So why would I choose to break contract?".
"But, but...".
And then the Fox remembered something.
"What about Aquarius?".
Lucy stiffened, and Loke glared at the Fox. That was a very sensitive spot for the summoner.
"Isn't it her fault that your girlfriend isn't out and about on dates with you anymore? I mean, if she wasn't so damn weak you wouldn't be bound to only the spirit world for your little escapades".
Lucy lowered her head, and Loke was growling at the spirit. Scorpio, who was silent for a second, cleared his throat.
"It would be beneficial for you to not talk about Lucy that way. I know Leo won't advance because he's guarding Lucy of whatever trap you might have placed here, but me and all other spirits don't have such a role and we won't hesitate to hurt someone who blatantly tries to diminish the wonderful person Lucy is".
Scorpio was fixing Vulpecula with such a harsh glare that she couldn't help but take a step back.
"Now, about Aquarius. The idea of summoning the Spirit King is something only some spirits know about, for it has happened only a handful of times. And that was exactly what was needed on the battle against Tartarus. There was no other possible course of action. Even if she was the strongest Celestial Mage of Fiore, there was nothing she could have done differently".
"You see, even if she were able to cast Urano Metria more times than she can, it wouldn't have mattered, the only way to save her guild was through the Spirit King's magic. And tell me: is there any Celestial Spirit which could have cut through Plutogrim and did all that damage?".
Vulpecula stayed silent.
"And about her being weak, I can only assume you say that because you are stupid. If you've said that because you have never seen or heard of her before, then her checkmate on you should be enough. But if you know about the Aquarius incident, which I hold no grudges to Lucy for, than you know of her might. And if even that is not enough, than how about a battle with me? So you will be able to see her strength first hand".
"I don't know, how can I be sure you won't cheat?".
"She swore to give you your time and don't interfere, didn't she?".
"Yes, she did".
"Then what's wrong? Scared?".
The Fox then bared her small fangs and entered the shadows, hoping to catch the spirit of guard.
Scorpio stayed silent and still, waiting for his opening.
Loke keened his concentration, trying to anticipate if the spirit tried to attack Lucy.
Lucy was the only one who was visibly relaxed. She already knew the outcome of this battle, although she did not enjoy Scorpio just announcing a fight. It was too much Natsu-like for her.
Vulpecula weaved through the shadows, trying to keep off any attempt of detection from Scorpio.
The thing is, Vulpecula wasn't trying to fight.
She appeared next to the chest, took the two keys and was about to leave when something grabbed her arm.
"Leaving already?".
Scorpio threw her to the door with his tail.
The door broke.
"I thought we were spirits of our words, little fox. Why would you want to leave? Is it something I've said?".
"Now", he said while pinning her to the ground with one hand, "do you admit defeat?".
His response was a punch to the right cheek. He didn't even flinch.
"Was that supposed to have hurt?".
"Nah, it was supposed to distract you".
"Wha...".
And then he was viciously sucker-kneed on the groin.
The wave of unbelievable pain hit him instantly, and he released her.
"Bye, bye!".
And then the spirit was off, fleeing to Mavis knows where.
"That little...".
"Scorpio", Lucy stopped him. There was already a broken door, there was no need for more destruction.
No need for more more destruction. Huh, maybe she had already lost a bit of the Fairy Tail spirit.
"Oh, hey Lucy, sorry about that, I got a bit carried away".
"It's fine, at the very least you stopped her scamming here, so I'm counting this as a win".
"Actually, it's more than just a win", said Loke.
Both the blonde and the scorpion representative looked at the lion representative quizzically.
"What do you mean?", they both asked.
"Well, don't you guys know of her?".
"Nah, bro, should we?".
"I only know of her name, gate and element affinitty", Lucy said sheepishly.
"Well, Vulpecula is something of an informant on the Spirit World, so if anyone has an idea of Aquarius' key whereabouts, it's her. If we get a hold of her, then maybe we can shorten this trip".
Lucy immediately sobered up at that and started running to the door.
"CATCH THAT DAMN FOX!".
"Punishment, princess?", the maid spirit appeared suddenly.
"Yes, let's punish that Fox, Virgo! Catch it and I'll flick your forehead again!".
The maid then got a serious expression and ran so fast that, had her not held Lucy's arm when she started running, the blonde would have been left in the dust.
"Run, Virgo, Run!", the blonde said while being carried by the purple blur that was Virgo.
And the chase, although in the end fruitless, was able to get Lucy to the next neighbouring town without a hitch and then give her a good night sleep in an inn.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/
Lucy woke up with someone shaking her.
"Lucy, come on, we're already here".
After yawning and stretching, she got off Aquila, thanked it and ran to her Guild.
She had to revert all the crap her guildmates had done by night, seeing as everyone slept in the guild.
But before that, she needed to teach Mel a lesson. Maybe she'd do it next to the guys trying to get her guild, just to show that you shouldn't mess with her.
She was never so glad to have taken Loke's advice to sleep on her way home. She was gonna need all the energy she could get.
