A/N: 4th of July special! To the reviewer asking what the amulet is, as the chapters go on, each passage will reveal a little more history about it. Thank you to those who reviewd. Don't know how much that means to me and to those who have followed ans favorited.

~- The Celestial Amulet ~ ARC I -~

Chapter II

"In theory, his plan was ideal. But after talking to his castor source, the outcome seemed unlikely... until they found a solution. It was ingenious and the spirit king found the salvation of humanity with newfound hope. But there was only a small set back. Due to the pure magic of the stars and the raging inferno fire, the creation would only accept one holder and if someone outside the holder obtains it, the purity could be tainted."

YearX794

She felt oddly warm, more so than usual. Very warm indeed as she felt her body begin to sweat. Her eyes flew open as she sat up with a bounce glancing around. She was definitely not in her room. She saw Gray on the bed next to her, lying on his back with a knee drawn up and an arm slacked over his face with soft sounding snores escaping his gaped mouth A soft murmur made her snap her attention down to the body lying next to her.

Not that she should be remotely surprised that none other than Natsu Dragneel was asleep on his stomach clutching the pillow as one arm was under the pillow and the other beneath his cheek next to her. Happy was sprawled out on top of her pillow kicking in his sleep, his tail twitching every so often.

She inhaled a deep breath. "NAAATSU!" Lucy screeched kicking him. "Why the hell am I in your room? Start explaining now!" Natsu slapped the floor with a thump and groaned causing Gray to jump up ready to freeze whomever broke in. The last thing she remembered was being outside with Aquarius and Lucy knew for a fact that Aquarius would never leave her in his room willingly no matter how much Aquarius teased her about a boyfriend.

"What the hell..Lucy?" Gray asked with an arched eyebrow as reality slapped him in the face. Finding Lucy in his room was a good morning perk, but unexpected. "Not that I mind or anything but why are you in our room?"

Lucy crossed her arms in front of her chest. "I'm wondering the same thing." She said upset as they both turned towards the general area Natsu fell off the bed. Lucy wanted to know why exactly she was in his room, his bed instead of her shared room with Erza and Wendy.

There was a muffled 'sigin woke mew up' as Natsu sat up on the floor yawning loudly before repeating what he said when he noticed the baffled looks on their faces. "Singing woke me up. Sensitive hearing.." He tapped his ear. "I went outside to see who it was and that's when I saw Aquarius holding you. Then the next thing I knew you were in my arms and your spirit started threatening me about if I woke you up before she disappeared on me. She's a scary woman..mermaid..spirit thing." He scratched his head.

Lucy pinched the bridge of her nose while releasing a slow sigh. "I see." She mumbled looking at anything but Natsu. "So you had to bring me to your room?" Her hand balled into a fist. "And sleep in bed with me?" There was a chuckle behind her as Gray shook his head. The behavior between the blonde and dragon slayer was very common and one day, Gray deciding he would make happen, the two would date- officially.

"Well yeah. You think I wanted to risk waking the monster?" He asked wide eyed. There was a laugh behind him as Gray popped his knuckles.

"Come on man. Do you really think Erza wouldn't figure it out when she wakes up and sees Lucy gone?" Gray asked. He stood up stretching, his pants hanging low on his hips as he made his way to the bathroom.

Lucy covered her mouth as she giggled. "You'd think over the years you would overcome that fear but I guess not."

"Not that scary Lucy is any better. I think that's actually scarier." Natsu huffed in a pout with his arms crossed. "But then again, I'd rather not deal with either."

"Say that again. I dare you." Lucy warned as she felt a paw on her arm, lightly kicking her. She went to yell at Happy only to hear him speak first.

"Fishy fishy fishy. Get in Happy's belly!" Happy mumbled in his sleep. Lucy eyed Natsu as she bit her lip, trying to not burst out laughing. Happy's wings flapped excitedly as he rolled to his belly. She felt the irritation of Natsu's gesture leave her as she relaxed. She couldn't stay mad at him long. And even when she was pissed, he always knew how to cheer her up even though ninety-five percent of the time it was him who caused her to get pissed.

Natsu shook his head at Happy's sleep talking before looking at Lucy with a serious look. "Are you not sleeping?" He jumped straight to the punch knowing between Gray and Erza either one of them could interrupt at anytime. She looked away from him only confirming his question, her shoulders squaring back up. "Okay so I take that as a yes?" He saw he struck a nerve.

He didn't like being nosy, he just cared. A lot. More for Lucy than others. So it was natural he was worried about her well being.

He watched as she stood up and grabbed her keys, her eyes staying on Happy. "It's been going on for a while Natsu. I'm fine." She knew she needed to get back to her room before Erza found her missing. "I've been handling it fine without anyone knowing."

Natsu however wasn't convinced. "You're not fine. I have noticed. Remember? I said something last night about it. But I just thought it was because I've been dragging you on too many jobs." He stated. "Why didn't you tell me?" He pushed himself off the floor standing up on the other side of the bed from her.

"Because Natsu. There's no need to worry. I'm fine. Promise." She wanted to swear when she said promise. She locked eyes with his onyx ones as he studied her. She wasn't thrilled with his meddling but she knew she was also hurting him by curving the truth. But until she had more answers, she wanted him to stop bringing it up, to stop talking about it.

"I guess I believe you." He shrugged as he finally answered. He walked over to a chair that sat in the corner of the room as he twirled his one sleeved shirt-jacket back on. "I'll walk-" he didn't get to finish when they both felt the aura change. The room was silent besides the sound of water running in the bathroom that Gray occupied and Happy smacking his lips as he finally got that 'fishy' in his tiny belly. They managed to exchange a look between each other before they felt her at the door.

"NATSU!" the door to the room was kicked in swinging back nailing the wall with a crash as Erza stood in the doorway. "Lucy is missing." She walked in to stand in front of him. Happy fell off the bed from being startled as Gray popped his head out of the bathroom with a toothbrush hanging from his mouth to see the commotion, not all that surprised.

"Uhm Erza?" Lucy said nervously with a small wave. Erza turned at her name and saw the blonde standing there, bouncing between feet in between both beds. Erza studied the antsy body until her facial expression softened and she gave Lucy a small smile.

"Oh Lucy you're safe. That's a relief. But if you don't mind me asking, why are you in the boys room? At five in the morning?" Erza's shoulders relaxed as her nerves calmed down after the thought of Lucy getting kidnapped again.

"Erza did you find her?" A frantic voice asked as Wendy appeared in the doorway with Carla flying next to her. "Lucy! We were worried when you weren't in bed."

Lucy held her hands up. "I came over to wake the boys. I was up a little earlier. Sorry guys." Natsu shot Lucy a look of amusement on her lie to cover him when she shot him a look that could kill. He would much rather deal with Lucy than Erza any day he decided suddenly.

The train ride was uneventful, boring, and long as Lucy stared out the window absentmindedly running her fingers through rose pink hair. Natsu was sweating, keeping his eyes closed as he fought off nausea. Wendy wasn't fairing much better as she curled into Erza's side with a green look. They were to arrive in Magnolia around nine leaving only ten minutes left of the train ride.

The train finally stopped in the station, announcing their arrival. Natsu shot up quickly pushing his way through the crowd as he jumped outside onto solid ground, grumbling as he laid down. Lucy rolled her eyes as she finally departed the train, Happy on top of her shoulder as the others trailed behind her.

"Don't you think you're being a little over dramatic?" Gray asked as he lifted his bag over his shoulder, glancing down at the pitiful dragon slayer. Natsu scowled at the ice mage before he jumped up to stand in front of him.

"Shut it ice princess." Natsu hissed as Gray chuckled at the man's childish response understanding that he didn't have a comeback.

"Did he just walk away?" Wendy asked blinking confused as Natsu walked ahead of all watched as he disappeared into the crowd, Happy giving Lucy a worried look before she shooed him to go after the fire mage.

"That's odd. That's not like him at all. Normally I have to pry you both apart. You think maybe the motion sickness got to him this round more so than normal?" Erza pondered in question as she tapped her chin. "He didn't seem like he was acting off though."

"I hope he's okay." Wendy chimed in as she carried Carla in her arms. "He didn't even ask me for trolia this time. I didn't even think about it." She looked down at her feet as they walked.

Lucy bit the inside of cheek before popping her lips. "He'll be fine. Let him walk it out. I'm sure he was just ready to be back at the guild." She waved her hand as she shifted her bag on her shoulder. She didn't want to admit that her best friend was acting more than strange and she was worried.

Lucy dropped her bag off at her house and changed into a sun dress that stopped at the top of her knees and slipped on some flats. She tied her loose, curly hair in a ponytail as she skipped down the steps of her apartment and pushed the door open to be greeted with pure sunshine and fresh air. A smile lit her face as she headed in the direction of the guild hall.

"Princess." Loke said as he appeared, already walking in step with Lucy. She jumped slightly giving him a dirty look before she softly tapped his arm with a fist.

"You have got to stop doing that before you give me a heart attack." She grumbled at him but fought to hide back a smile. Loke was one of her closest friends, like family. She loved him dearly.

"Never." He shot her a smile holding his heart before she rolled her eyes and pushed him as they appeared in front of the guild hall. He opened the door, waving her in first.

"So Loke." She started. "What's the occasion? Did you come to mingle or did you need to talk to me?" She asked as she slid onto a bar stool, tucking her dress underneath her. Loke turned and leaned his back against the bar with his elbows propped up.

"I always love to mingle. Gotta show all the ladies my love." He winked at her. She mumbled 'gross'. He laughed as he fixed his glasses. "But, no I'm actually here because of my promise." He stood up as he dug into his pocket and pulled out the amulet. "Spirit King said for you to wear it." A few heads turned in their direction at the mention of Spirit King.

"Oh?" She said eyeing it.

"Hey there Lucy. Loke. Can I get you guys anything?" Mira asked closing her big sapphire eyes with a smile.

"I'll take a tea. Thanks Mira." Mira smiled at Lucy making her a tea as Loke declined the offer.

"No problem." Mira responded sitting the glass down in front of her. Her eyes caught the amulet in Loke's hand. Her eyes stared at it with curiosity.

"So, want to continue as to why stache man would want me to have it? Is it special?" Lucy asked taking a sip of her tea while Mira leaned on the counter to join the conversation.

Loke snorted. "It's of the celestial realm. I don't know a whole lot about it, but he was pretty adamant for you to have it." His curled his fingers around the amulet in his hands.

"Why do I get the feeling that you have an opinion about his decision?" Lucy asked glancing around the guild hall. Natsu wasn't there like she thought he would have been. Made her feel a little guilty but she shrugged the feeling off as she turned her attention back to Loke.

"Because. This necklace can only be worn by the maiden." Loke stated. "No one has been able to wear this amulet because it was made in the year X777." She choked on her tea, sputtering as Mira tapped her back eyeing Loke with a look, trying to figure out what he was aiming at.

"What?" Lucy coughed as her eyes watered. "I don't want to wear it if it's some type of voodoo."

"It's not voodoo Princess." A female voice said. "I came as a backup for big brother."

"Huh?" Lucy asked. "Back up for what?"

"Oh dear." Mira said. "Should I be concerned? Should I get master?" Lucy quickly waved her off. Even though she herself was concerned as to what 'back up' meant, she didn't want to get Master involved unless he needed to be.

"The amulet Princess. Spirit King states you are to wear it." Virgo said firmly. Loke's jaw clenched. Lucy quickly realized what was going on. Loke was weary about her wearing it so Spirit King sent Virgo to make sure Loke did what he was told.

"I see." Lucy said biting her finger. "Okay. What harm could be done?" She reached out her hand for the amulet as Loke ignored her. He unsnapped the clasp and stood behind her placing the amulet around her neck. The amulet itself wasn't huge. About the size of one of Cana's tarot cards. It wasn't too heavy but wasn't exactly light either. She felt the warmth of the metal against her bare skin.

"I'm still don't like this." Loke mumbled as a satisfied Virgo admired the amulet around Lucy's neck. "No one knows the origin of this besides the Spirit King and he won't release any information. He said it is for you to figure out." Lucy and Mira exchanged worried glances.

"Why do I not like the sound of that. Now you have me worried Loke." Lucy stood up standing in front of him.

"No need to worry Princess. The amulet will protect you. I will make my return. If you'd like to punish me, just call for me." She disappeared back to the celestial world. Loke released a long sigh as he rubbed his face. He had fought for what seemed like hours about that damned amulet. Not one celestial wizard has been able to withhold the power that the amulet carried. And on top of that, there was more to the amulet than what the Spirit King was leading on. Lucy was his master, his mistress, his best friend, his family. She was the most precious gift in his life and her safety is all that matters to him.

"Loke?" Lucy asked as she waved her hand in front of his face. "Hello? Is my loyal lion awake in there?" She joked tilting her head as he shivered.

"Sorry Princess. Was in thought." He mumbled. "I will be back. My advice is to summon Crux and see what you can find out about that amulet." He kneeled down in front of her and kissed the back of her hand. "Until next time." He winked before disappeared.

She scoffed as she sat back on the stool, knowing full well that several guild mates were staring at her with interest as to what was going on. She took a sip of her tea as she stared at Mira. "Why do I have a bad feeling that this amulet holds nothing but trouble?"

Mira dried a cup, sitting it down before clasping her hands together. "Well, because trouble seems to like to follow you. You're like a magnet." Lucy gaped her mouth open but clamped it shut. "Is it because you actually feel that way or is it of how Loke was reacting?"

The blonde shrugged not even knowing herself how she felt about it. When she found it at that abandoned hut, it intrigued her. It was definitely an odd place for such a valued amulet to be just lying around, but the books were old and the covers tattered from the age. But even so, just a touch to the amulet was enough to have Loke summon himself to grab it. She didn't sense much in the necklace but it definitely makes her want to find more out about it.

"Luce, there you are!" A familiar voice roared somewhere behind her. She cringed as she took the last gulp of her tea. She watched Mira's eyes widened in terror. She heard someone yelling, most likely Elfman since the word a real man was mentioned, but the look Mira gave was not a pleasant look in the least. Which only made Lucy think one thing.

"Up or down?" Lucy asked quickly as Mira pointed down and both women dropped to the floor as a table crashed above the liquor racks. There was a domino effect crash of liquor bottles hitting the floor. Lucy flinched at every bottle breaking as she slowly stood up, using the counter to pull herself up. Mira stared at the mess, lips curled in before she shot a death glare at the culprit. Natsu stopped in his tracks as Mira's hair flew up around her face. Lucy covered her face, once again moving out of the way as Mira growled, attacking Natsu who didn't move fast enough.

"NATSU DRAGNEEL!"

She leaned back in her desk chair, one hand holding her pen to her lips as her teeth lightly bit the cap while her other hand twiddled with the amulet hanging from her neck. Many ideas ran through her head as she worked on her second novel. But right now, her brain was in a fog because she couldn't decide which direction to have the story lean towards.

She sighed as she dropped the pen onto her desk and stretched. She closed her eyes resting them for a moment, her mind wandering back to when they were on their mission a few weeks ago. Waking up in Natsu's bed with Natsu next to her. And the fact that her beloved Aquarius spirit handed her off without a second thought to the fire slayer.

There was no doubt. Lucy was in love Natsu and she has been since he saved her from jumping out the tower when Jose from Phantom Lord kidnapped her. It wasn't nearly as strong but she felt the flicker. Then over the years, all the adventures, mishaps they've been through he was always there right beside her.

He was always there without any hesitation. Without question. Without second thoughts.

She rewrote the book of E.N.D for mavis sake. She rewrote his life. Risked her life to save his. Demonic force trying to take her over. But she fucking loved him and she was going to do whatever it took to save him.

"Boo." A voice teased her ear causing the celestial mage to scream and punch whatever was next to her. Her fist was caught as two different laughs sounded throughout the apartment. She opened her eyes to Natsu and Happy.

"You morons. What the hell!" Lucy gasped slapping Natsu over the head with her free hand. "I ought to Lucy kick you back to edolas for that." She yanked her arm back and folded her arms in front of her chest.

"Ah come on Luce." Natsu laughed as his lips turned into a happy grin. He knew trying to scare her was a risky plan, but he just wanted to distract her. To be around her.

"You should have seen your face Lushy. It was hilarious!" Happy chided covering his mouth floating in the air. Lucy shot the floating exceed a death glare.

"I don't see how scaring the hell out of me was fun." She grumbled. Natsu stood up and wrapped his arm around her neck squeezing her to him.

"'Cus you always have the best reactions!" Natsu stated. "Besides, if we didn't try to scare you who would?" Lucy rolled her eyes and pried Natsu's arms off her as she pushed to stand. Her long blonde hair swayed with the movement, mesmerizing Natsu as he reached out and grabbed a lock feeling the softness in his hand. The gesture made Lucy blush as she quickly averted her eyes from watching anymore.

"Exactly. No one. Only you two idiots find that entertaining." She responded as she walked past Natsu and towards her kitchen. She waved her hand over horologium's key checking the time scrunching her nose to the result.

"Don't be mad Lucy." Happy said landing on the counter. Lucy turned to give the exceed a thoughtful look before turning back to her cabinet to make hot tea.

"I'm not mad." She said softly patting Happy on the head. "So, why are you two here?" She sat the filled kettle on the top turning the burner on as she shifted her attention towards the exceed and roset.

"Huh, that's a stupid question to ask." Natsu chuckled. "We came here to check up on you. We haven't seen you in a few days. Duh."

"He was sooo worried about you." Happy cooed as he unfolded his wings. Natsu stayed silent but glanced away not admitting or denying Happy's antics. Lucy arched a brow as she leaned onto the counter.

"Well thank you I guess?" Lucy said smiling. The amulet clinked onto the counter causing Natsu to eye it. Lucy glanced at Natsu to see his attention was elsewhere. She lifted her hand and waved it in his face. "Natsu?"

Natsu jumped. Lucy and Happy both stared at him with concern looks. He rubbed the back of his head with a huge grin, mentally yelling at himself. "Sorry 'bout that. Guess I was thinking about some 'n." The kettle started whistling causing Lucy to push off the counter and turn the knob to the stove top off. She grabbed a tea bag and stuck it in a mug as she carefully poured scalding hot water over it.

"I'm not sure if I should be concerned over that statement or not." She mused as she sat the kettle back onto the stove top.

Without warning Natsu reached out and caught the amulet in his hand. He held it delicately as possible, drawing a finger over the tribal. There was familiarity with the tribal. His fingers lightly trailed over the topaz a small zap causing him to drop it as it slapped back against Lucy's chest.

"What the?" His voice mumbled as he reached to grab it again. Lucy stood frozen as Natsu snagged the amulet again. "Summon Loke. I want to know why the hell this is made with Igneel's ashes." Lucy's mouth gaped open, wanting to voice her opinion but nothing would form. The look in Natsu's eyes were hurt and confusion. She knew he missed Igneel fiercely and to be holding a magical item that consisted something of Igneel's of course he would be furious.

Finally finding her composure, she mentally requested Loke as a light shone on the other side of the counter revealing a grim spirit.

"Princess." Loke greeted before turning to look at Natsu who was giving Loke a death glare. "You can stop looking at me like that."

"Why is this made of Igneel's ashes? Tell me now." Natsu growled as he let the amulet clash against Lucy's chest again as he stepped closer towards Loke. Happy and Lucy shared a glance as she reached out and grabbed a hold of Natsu's arm.

"Calm down Natsu. You can't be freaking out on my spirit." Lucy warned. Natsu stopped in mid step as he glanced over his shoulder at the blonde. "Loke or not, he's still my spirit and I'm sure he'll be more than happy to explain what he knows."

"Have you summoned Crux like I asked you to Princess?" Loke asked as he stared at the pair. Lucy admittedly shook her head, ashamed. She had forgotten from spending so much time working on her new novel. "I would love to explain what that amulet is to you guys but I only know that it's meant for the maiden. Spirit King has his reasons for not telling us the intention of the amulet. Instead he said it is for Lucy to figure it out on her own."

"Bull shit." Natsu growled as tears fought to leave his eyes. He had done so well over the years keeping his head held high and looking forward. He knew Igneel was gone for good, there was no chance of his dragon father to come back but it still hurt to see a pendant like that made of his ashes worn around his best friends neck. "Please Loke?"

"Oh Natsu." Lucy whispered as she pulled him back towards her, his back against her chest as she wrapped her arounds around him hugging from behind. "Loke can see you what you can find out? And I'll summon Crux." Natsu's fingers wrapped around Lucy's wrist his body picking up a slight shake.

Loke sighed but nodded. "I'll see what I can do Princess. I will not hold any promises though because I can't guarantee I can get the answers you want." Lucy smiled in thanks as Natsu stayed silent. Loke returned to the spirit world leaving the pair still embraced.

"Natsu?" Lucy's soft voice called his name. His head was still bowed towards the floor. She felt his shift his weight before her arms were carefully removed from him.

"I'm okay Luce. I'm...I'm gonna go get some air." He finally said as he headed for the window. He gave one glance towards her seeing the worry and tears well up in her eyes for him. He pushed the window open jumping out, feeling like he was about to suffocate. He needed to calm down his nerves and be rational. Not that rational was his thing, but he would try for Lucy. He knew she was worried for him and he didn't like her worrying. He didn't like seeing her upset. He just needed some time alone, to get closure.

"Go with him Happy. I don't think he should be alone." Lucy suggested taking a sip of her now luke warm tea. "I'll summon Crux and see what I can find while your job is to make sure Natsu is okay."

A blue paw saluted her. "Aye sir. Bye Lucy. I'll bring him back don't cha worry!" He called as he darted out the window towards the direction Natsu headed in not being told twice. She could tell the little guy was struggling to not break down either. He was being so strong and it made her crack a smile, just a small one.

She stared down at the amulet, her own fingers tracing feeling the warmth of the tribal on her skin. The stones lit up, pulsing a wave of magic through her body. She winced, her palm pressing over her eye as she crashed to her knees the amulet dropping from her hand.

"What the hell was that?" She hissed. She grabbed her keys off her hip as she summoned Crux.

"Yes, Princess Lucy. How can I assist you today?" The old Crux asked with his arms crossed as he mediated in the air. She pushed aside the pain that coursed through her body as she pushed herself back into a standing position.

"Crux I need you to research what you can about this amulet." She said holding it up. "Every little bit helps." She clutched it in her palm dangerously tight before hugging it to her chest. "Natsu." Her eyes fell back towards the window where he partner had escaped out of it. She hoped he was alright.

Sneak peak at Chapter III

"She's going to be mad." Happy finally spoke as he was growing tired of the silence. "We left again without telling her."

Natsu nodded knowing full well he did it again. At least it was only two days. He saw the glare Gray gave him and the unsure look Mira showed him, weary as she approved his job request.

"She'll understand." He finally responded. "She'll understand." He whispered again. Happy noticed the sad look on his face as Magnolia got closer.

"Yeah she has to!" Happy chirped cheerfully. "Maybe we could go straight to her house and sleep in her comfy bed." He implied. Natsu smiled nodding.

"Yeah she does have the comfiest bed doesn't she Happy." The town was quiet as he followed the dimly lit path towards Lucy's. He was nervous- not quite ready to face the blonde but he needed to. He owed her that and an explanation.