I'm kind of disappointed… not many people tried to guess. Oh well, enjoy the secrets revealed and, of course, the chapter.


Lucy's eyes gleamed as she studied the old and dusty books on the shelves. No wonder why these were in the restricted section, they were all about Lost magic. And despite Arc of Time and Embodiment, Dragon Slayer magic was its main topic. A frown took over her face.

"What I want is…" she whispered, and then a wave of relief and joy washed over her when she spotted what she so longed for. "Here we go!"

Her hand now held a massive book in a dark blue color, entitled Celestial Magic: Origins. Hopefully this one would give her information that suited her desires. She quietly slid down to the cold floor, face buried in the dusty pages as she read the mysterious book.

Celestial magic is often referred to as Holder magic, with special keys that call forth spirits to fight or fulfill whatever needs the summoner might have.

Lucy was starting to frown at the repeated information, and was about to groan in frustration, if the following paragraph hadn't caught her attention.

However, most mages are oblivious to the real potential of Celestial magic. Most Celestial mages are Holder mages with said powerful keys that open gates from the Spirit World, but there is a Caster side to Celestial magic. A side which does not involve the aid of celestial spirits, but instead allows the magic power within the mage to run free by their own hands.

"This is it!" Lucy hissed, now fully focused on the book.

One of the Caster sides to Celestial magic is the Ultimate magic of the Stars, its most known spell named Urano Metria. Yet due to this Caster side being affilliated with stars from other galaxies, there are minor spells involving certain constellations, even if weak.

There are many Celestial spells, existent and manoeuvrable, and most mages are unaware of them only family that has ever mastered every stellar enchantment is the Heartfilia family.

Lucy felt her eyes grow wide. Her family was the only one that had ever mastered the Caster side of Celestial magic? Why hadn't she been told of this? Her mother must have known about this and didn't tell her… perhaps because Lucy was far too young to hear her out. Or maybe Layla Heartfilia knew her daughter would somehow discover it.

The Holder side of Celestial magic is the easiest to master, but the Caster side requires the mage to invoke magic by their own hands, if the mage holds the brain capacity of understanding the contents and concept of their own magic. This is why the Heartfilias were the only ones known for having this abillity, they were exceptionally cunning and intelligent, thus able of deciphering the codes within themselves and becoming one with the enchantment.

The most important and powerful spells in the celestial magic are afilliated with the Solar System, and each has an element of its own.

"Who's there?"

Lucy gasped quietly when hearing the clerk's rough voice. She hadn't read the whole book yet, and she needed to know about this Solar System concept. Nervous with the woman's approach, she scanned the shelves quickly, roaring inwardly in triumph when her hand came in contact with a slim book, named Solar System: The Eight Grand Spells. Now, about escaping.

"Follow meh, Lucy-sama," a deep voice said, and the blonde lifted her chin.

"Capricorn!"

The humanoid goat walked steadily into a darker zone of the small room, and a flash of light filled her vision as he opened an almost invisible door. Lucy glanced at the shadow of the woman behind the door, before hurrying through the new door with Capricorn not far behind. Soon, she was going down the stairs, through the dark, the two books tucked in her arms as she and Capricorn fled the library. The Spirit kicked the back door open for her, and she ran out, the light shining down on them. Lucy felt so bad for stealing from a library, from stealing books, but these were tecnically hers. She was a Heartfilia, after all, and if the books said she belonged to the only family that had mastered Celestial Caster magic, she had the right to own them. Though, she knew Levy would be disappointed with her.

"Thanks, Capricorn," she huffed, bent over to catch her breath.

"It is my duty, Lucy-sama," he answered curtly.

They were both in what seemed one of the gardens of Crocus, and Lucy was thankful for the nearby bench she plopped down on. Brown eyes gleaming, she eyed the covers of the two books she had snatched, reopening the one she had been reading.

The Eight Grand Spells of the Solar System are extremely powerful spells, difficult to master if your lineage does not belong to the Heartfilia family tree, for the responsibles for these powers have contacted this family and just this family. If the mage happens to be a Heartfilia, even if just a descendant or a distant family memver, the holders of this magic might just trust them. If not, it'll be just a little harder.

Each of the spells have a proper element, and these spells involve the core of the element, not just properties of it. For example, if one spell belongs to the element Water, the caster, if experienced enough, may create water and use it to extensive levels, enough to create tsunamis and even lift the local sea area.

There is a very rare advantage to these spells, which might or might not be activated, depending on the mage's capacities. Due to being used to borrow magic from the universe above, the caster's magic vessel remains full. None of its magic is wasted.

Lucy never felt more astonished. Magic spells that didn't use a single drop of her own magic?

"Is this true?" she said, turning the book for Caprico to read it. He gave her a small smile.

"Yes, Lucy-sama. You master the eight spells, you become invincible."

Lucy felt her jaw drop. I'll become even more powerful than Natsu… or even Erza.

"I don't see how that's possible…" she breathed. He nodded in understanding.

"But it is, Lucy-sama. The Heartfilias are the only ones capable of doing this, of requiring elemental magic from the rulers of the Universe. But, you will read about it in the other book," he said, and then pointed at the slim orange book. "The Eight Grand Spells are just what you need for enhancing your magic knowledge."

Lucy followed his advice, placing down Celestial Magic: Origins and slowly spreading the smaller book open. She came face to face with the index, which listed off eight names: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

"As you can see, Lucy-sama, each spell is attached to the eight planets of the Milky Way galaxy," Capricon explained, as Lucy flipped the page. The first one was Mercury.

"Aestus Mercurius, the Fire spell. This spell is related to the element of Fire, and the caster is capable of controlling it in any possible way, be it for fighting or for the user's benefit," she read aloud, and glanced at Capricorn. "So, if I master this spell, I can control fire?"

"You create it and control it. You borrow the element to use it for your benefit, without paying any cost. That is, if Lucy-sama trains hard. If you work hard enough, your magic will be exceptional."

"Like… like Natsu's Secret Dragon Slayer Art?" Lucy questioned quietly. To her pleasure, Capricorn nodded.

"More, Lucy-sama. Perhaps this spell can even match the magic vessel of fire within Natsu Dragneel's body."

The blonde returned her attention to the pages.

For beginners, Aestus Mercurius simply creates flames, but when exceptionally concentrated and to the point of mastering this spell, the caster can enhance the flames and use them however they see it fit. They borrow this element from the holy Hephaestus, when upon enchanting its sacred words, with body and soul fully focused, the mage performs a contract with the God of Fire. The only difference is that this holy spirit requires no Celestial key, instead the call of the caster.

"To put it basically," Caprico began, "when you've managed to balance your thoughts and soul, you must read these words aloud, and Hephaestus will come to you. After you've contracted with him, the only thing you need to do in combat is shout out 'Aestus Mercurius'and fire will be at your mercy."

"I'm going to see a god with my own eyes?!" she exclaimed, in disbelief. Caprico showed mild bemusement at her reaction.

"If you weren't a Heartfilia, it would take you years to gain the gods' trust. But, since they know of your heritage, and can sense the strong Celestial magic within you, they must all be eagerly waiting for you to start working on the Grand spells, so that they can come in contact with you."

"So, Loke was right? It'll take me a year?"

"That depends, Lucy-sama. If you train hard, you might just reach eight months. Each month for each spell," he said.

Lucy leaned on the back of the seat with a thoughtful expression. This was a gigantic leap. If she had known about the Grand Spells of the Solar System before, she would be a lot stronger than nowadays. Not to mention that this kind of magic involved contracts not with spirits, but with gods. Lucy had always been a bit more of agnostic when it came to these sorts of beliefs, but if what Caprico said she'd be changing her mind in no time. This magic sounded difficult, risky and positively dangerous.

"I'll do it," she blurted. Caprico smiled, nodding appreciatively.

"I will give you a brief explanation on how you will study this magic," he started, and Lucy joined him down on the grass and flowers, brown eyes practically bulging with enthusiasm. "First of all, meditation. You did this when you trained for the Grand Magic Games, Lucy-sama. Balance your mind, reach out for your soul."

It took her about ten seconds to realize he wanted her to do what he was saying, and setting her legs into a crossed position, she closed her eyes. Immediately her senses went on high alert, while her body relaxed as she took shallow breaths, slowly and tentatively. Her ears caught the soft rustles of the leaves nearby, the faint noises coming from the perky side of the city, the occasional birds, everything.

"Lucy-sama," Capricorn called, sternly yet quietly. The blonde reopened her eyes, staring up at the Goat curiously. He continued, "This magic sounds complicated, no?"

"Yes."

"Well then, you mustn't worry. The book implies it to be difficult for the ones that don't have Heartfilia blood in their veins. Therefore, there are steps you will follow."

Lucy leaned forward, fully caught in his words. Capricorn however, shook his head, much to her confusion.

"Today we merely meditate, Lucy-sama. You must do so every morning, in order to gather your magic and grasp it," he explained, and dropped his tone to a whisper. "You have a lot of potential. I can feel, just as we all spirits can, the level of your magic. You will make it."

She nodded slowly, and took it as a cue to begin meditating again. She refocused on the nature around her, the faint clatter of shoes that briefly went by, the voices coming from her surroundings, her own breathing, her heartbeat… it amazed her, the sounds a human, more specifically a mage, could pin point if focused enough.

But then an unwanted image struck her, filled with dark onyx eyes and toothy grins.

Lucy yelped, breaking the process. Her body snapped back to its usual, due to being glowing a bright light not a few seconds ago. She had her cocoa eyes wide and hurt all of a sudden, her lips parted in a silent cry and shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

"Lucy-sama," Capricorn called. His voice held a tinge of worry.

"He's not even letting me become stronger," she murmured, more to herself than to answer her spirit. Her head hung low, loose braid dangling over her shoulder, with blonde strands over her eyes in a dark manner.

No doubt of it, she was sure she looked pitiful. But she wanted to look strong. She wanted to look something like 'Hey, guess what Natsu? You ditched me, but I'm as strong as steel!'. That was nothing like how she looked. A sigh escaped her lips.

"How am I supposed to forget him?" she mumbled. Fake smiles were overrated for her now.

How was she supposed to forget her first friend? The one that showed her freedom? The one that brought her to Fairy Tail, that protected her, cared for her… until Lisanna came back from the dead, that is. Was it going to be like that in every attempt she made for happiness? She hoped not.

"You don't."

Lucy snapped her jaw up at the new voice. Loke was on his feet behind the sitting Capricorn, and for once he wasn't wearing his tinted shades. He held concern, yet kindness and determination in his dark eyes. The blonde frowned at his answer.

"I don't?"

"You don't forget Natsu, that's a fact," he said, smiling. "It's impossible, given how you feel for him. But what you can do is smile for his happiness, and become stronger in order to move on."

Though saying those words were a bit of an outrage for Loke—he still believed strongly that Natsu harbored the same feelings for his Mistress—he had to restore Lucy's belief in herself. And upon seeing her large smile and pink cheeks, he reckoned he did a good job.

"That's the first valid advice I've gotten in a while, Loke," she said, standing up from the grass and brushing off the snow on her knees. "Thank you."

"You're more than welcome, my princess," he said, smirking. Lucy's eye twitched.

"Please don't, I already deal with Virgo too much."

Loke chuckled, seemingly disregarding her request. Lucy rolled her eyes, but followed him away from the garden with crossed arms. Capricorn saluted her briefly, before going back to the Spirit Realm. A her brow creased when Loke placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Wha—"

"I'm taking you to the forest in the outskirts of Crocus," he said, and before Lucy had the chance to reply, her head was already swirling in nausea, a burst of colors dancing in her sight.

It was a matter of seconds before her feet touched the ground again, but her head was spinning and she had to take hold of Loke's arm.

"What… the heck was that?" she questioned, after capable of putting two words together.

"It's a way of transportation. Instead of bringing you to the Spirit Realm and then the forest, I brought us directly there," he explained, and pursed his lips amusingly. "Or here, if you prefer."

Lucy managed to steady herself, stepping back from Loke's chest. Indeed, she was now surrounded by handfuls of snowy trees, smelling the nature and faintly hearing birds chirping. Her eyes widened in wonder.

"I never knew there was a forest in the capital," she commented, lifting her head to study the pinnacle of silvery white that mildly blocked the sky.

"Not quite in the capital," Loke said, "Just near it. Your mood is best when in nature, did you know that?"

"Huh, no. I never really left Magnolia..."

He dismissed the melancholic tone and took a seat on the frosty grass, patting his side. Lucy smiled, and tore her attention away from the little nest of birds in a tree branch.

"What's the name of this forest?" she asked while plopping down on the ground.

"It doesn't have a specific name, so it's mostly called just Forest Groove," he said, "Not many people know this forest, but the ones that do always say it's the best place to strenghten your magic vessel. I think it has to do with the amount of nature in this place."

"If it has that much nature how big is this forest?"

"Not very big. You could say it's a compact forest: all good stuff in such a small space," Loke joked. Lucy giggled, standing to her feet, while he eyed her carefully. "I still maintain what I said, Lucy."

The blonde quirked an eyebrow, her hands casually behind her back.

"What you said?"

"About Natsu loving you back."

Ouch. Talk about party pooper, Lucy thought, caught off guard. She did her best to look uninterested, taking long and bouncy steps around the snow. Loke obviously knew her strategy.

"Maybe you don't want to talk about it, but at least hear me out," he said. "For the time I've known Natsu, he didn't give a damn about girls. He treated them as normal friends and never got too close to one, except for Lisanna. But even that isn't enough to change my opinion, the way he looks at her isn't the same he looks at you."

"I know," she answered, quietly. "He looks at her like she's a girl. He looks at me like I'm weird."

"No, Lucy, he looks at you with the utmost care. When you're not looking, and when I'm around, I notice how he looks at you. With fierce pride, and a visible urge to protect you at any costs. I've never seen him act like that."

"Yes, he protects me, but he doesn't aknowledge me as a girl," Lucy retorted, now fully engrossed in a strange wild flower sprouting off the milky snow.

"About that, I have no comments," Loke said, torn between amusement and surprise. "But I've seen that look before. That look in his eyes, screaming 'I love her'. I know that look."

"Personal experience?" she teased, her tone overy innocent. However, she didn't expect Loke to gain a gentle look and a gracious smile.

"Perhaps."

Lucy didn't have to be a genius to know he was talking about Aries. She had seen the way they acted around each other, and they were her spirits. She just knew. A smile went up her lips before she could even notice, giving an eyeful at Loke. He rolled his eyes, but his smile made the whole purpose of seeming aloof worthless.

"The point is, he loves you. Maybe he hasn't realized it himself, but he does."

Lucy hummed silently with the Leo's opinion. The conversation was cut to a stop as she gathered the information, hearing birds and leaves rustling softly in the wind. After a while, she found herself closing her eyes and enjoying the presence of nature, ignoring the gooseflesh provoked by the cold on her bare neck.

"Then I'll just wait until he does."

Her voice was quiet and gentle, but Loke heard it nonetheless. Pleased with her resolve, the spirit smiled, and got himself up from the ground.

"Why did you bring me here, anyway?" Lucy inquired, bringing her attention to him with a raised eyebrow. Loke smirked, crossing his arms.

"Why, for training, of course."


WOOOOO, training begins now! Watch it Luce, Loke's not exactly a weak fighter.

AAAND we got new Celestial magic! Okay, I made all of that up, Hiro Mashima holds no rights to my ideas, just as I don't hold rights to his awesome characters.

Review, my beloved ones…