So! It did not take as long to organize my thoughts on this chapter and it's not as long as I believed it would be. Please take the moment to review at the end, i live for feedback! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail!
Lost in The Past
Phase Two - The Walk
"Good morning Starlight, are you ready to get started?" Draco brushed the hair out of Lucy's face as she leaned over the sleeping couple.
Gray slowly opened his eyes to the celestial dragon leaning over them in her human form. Taken back with the sudden closeness, he gently unwound his arms from around the sleeping blonde and attempted to shake her awake. "Hey Luce, it's time to get up."
Lucy rolled over and nuzzled further into Grays chest. His warmth surrounded her and attempted to lull her back to sleep. "No. Five more minutes."
Chuckling at the tiny blonde, Draco attempted again. "Come on my little Starlight. We have a lot to get done and not much time to do it."
Lucy rolled out of her cocoon of warmth and comfort to look at her spirit. 'Spirit, dragon, person… I don't know anymore and it's much too early to attempt to figure this out.' Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Lucy stood to make her way to the bathroom. When she finished relieving herself and brushing her teeth, she found Gray dressed waiting on her. Clothes were laid out on the bed for her to wear for the day. A pair of black spandex shorts and a yellow razor back sports bra were sitting on top of a white mesh cutoff tank. Pulling the clothes on, she grabbed her keys as Gray emerged from the bathroom. They walked hand in hand over to the small table set with a modest meal.
Virgo stepped over from the counter and placed a pitcher of orange juice on the table. "Good morning, Princess. Punishment?"
"Ahh, no, Virgo. Good morning. Thank you for the meal, it looks delicious."
Draco walked in from speaking with Capricorn outside. "That old goat is really something else. He hasn't changed one bit." Noticing Lucy and Gray eating at the table, she brightened as she plopped herself down on another one of the fluffy pillows. "Eat quickly, little one. We have a lot to get done and not too much time to do so."
The fairy couple nodded as they scarfed down the remainder of their food. Pour Gray a glass of juice as he swallowed his last mouthful, Lucy poured her juice and sipped as she contemplated her next question. "Okay Draco, where are we headed for this dream walk?"
"It is my understanding that this island is sacred ground for your guild, correct?" She grabbed a lock of her own midnight blue hair between her fingers, absentmindedly twirling the strands around her digits. "There is a small place that I have in mind that should be perfect for the occasion. As soon as you finish your meal, we will head over."
Nodding, gray drained the last of his juice as he stood from the table. "Alright, may as well get started since there is so much to do." Gray grabbed Lucy's hand and helped her up from the floor.
Draco stood and led the two out of the small barn. Pausing to ensure they were following closely, she started down the small path. It was unnoticeable to those who did not know where to look. The last thing she wanted to do was lose them in the middle of the forest. All the native creatures were harmless, docile; very friendly. However, spending the day tracking them down was a waste of time and they were already running short. Moving swiftly, she led them to the heart of the island.
Just under the Tenrou tree, marked from the beach by a lettered path, stood the memorial resting place of the first guild master of Fairy Tail; Mavis Vermillion. Once upon a time, Draco was close to the spritely woman. Mavis acted as a sister to her, meeting in the forest to talk about their lives and spend time together. When she became involved with the cursed wizard, Draco knew it would not end the way they wanted it to. Acting on instinct alone, Draco headed over to the small island to set up a protective barrier around the small stone paved clearing; just in case she needed to hide her kin from being detected. The barrier blocked any light magic within from being detected, creating a safe place to store the spell Fairy Glitter. Of course, Cana came across the clearing during the S-Class trials and used the spell to protect her family, but Mavis replaced it the moment it was cast. As Draco moved to inform her kin of the plan she had in place, it was too late. She lost her sister to a kiss and Mavis was placed inside a lacrima. The clearing became a formal resting place and Draco returned to the Celestial Realm, only leaving when summoned by her key holder.
As sad as the origin story of the clearing may be, it was the perfect place for Lucy during this period of her training. Physically, she will only be slightly affected; the harder impact will be on her mental state. Having her within the protective dome will ensure her safety as well as the much-needed discretion.
Lucy watched Draco closely as they marched through the trees and underbrush. It seemed her dragon was lost in thought, a rare occurrence for the ancient beings. With the amount of time Draco spent in her own plane of the celestial realm, she was not surprised the dragon was easily caught in her own thoughts.
Lucy, Gray and Draco made their way to the stone enclosing for Mavis's grave. Draco knew she needed to explain the next phase of the training since it was going to be so difficult on the woman in front of her. She motioned for the fairies to stand in front of her so she could begin her small speech.
"I need to explain what is going to happen for this phase. It will be hard on the both of you."
"Go on." Lucy was anxious to get this over with, she was not looking forward to reliving her life.
"Once inside the dream walk, you will already know what to expect. Reliving our life will not be easy, nor will it be quick. In total, you will spend a full day within the dream space. However, as with the celestial realm, time flows differently here than it does there."
"Does that mean she will be gone for three months?" As persuasive as Gray was, he didn't think the guild would take it too kindly if he let Lucy disappear for an extra two months. Natsu would probably burn down the island.
"Not at all, you obviously don't have that kind of time. Plus, the time there is not that much slower than here. It will only be a total of four days that you will miss."
"Four days is not that bad, will I be asleep the whole time?"
"Not exactly. Your body will slip into a stasis of sorts. It will seem like you're asleep, but most bodily functions will cease. Just like when the island disappeared, you will be suspended in time at the exact moment you left."
"What will happen on this side of things for four days?" Not knowing what to do, Gray tossed his shirt to the side.
"That is where you come in, Gray Fullbuster. There is an enchantment to protect the clearing from outside sources detecting us, however we won't be completely safe. It will be up to you to ensure no harm comes to us while we cannot defend ourselves. I am sure Leo will be here shortly to check on Lucy. Now, if we are done with questions, let's get started.
Draco began by having Lucy sit on the stone and cross her legs in front of her. Mimicking the actions, Draco sat in front of Lucy with their knees touching. She placed her own hands on the small space of their knees as she looked up at the curious blonde.
"Now," Draco began "I want you to place your hands on top of mine, palm facing down." When Lucy did as she was told, she continued. "Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Remember that feeling from yesterday when you fought to get to Gray."
Lucy closed her eyes and started her breathing exercises. She closed her mind off from the surrounding world to focus on her task. Sounds gradually fell away as the tingles started in the center of her chest once more. One more deep breath and they spread outward, enveloping her in the warmth and security of light.
"Very good. Now, I want you to open your mind. Don't think, just feel." Draco's voice sounded further away to Lucy, almost as if she were listening through a wall. Following her words, Lucy let go of all thoughts. Soon she felt lighter, as if she left her body. Opening her eyes, she noticed she was back in the mysterious dreamscape. Draco must have brought her here when she gave her the necklace resting on her collarbone.
"Welcome to the walk, Starlight."
Gray watched as a bright light filled the small clearing. Once the light faded, he was faced with Lucy and Draco laying on the ground facing one another. 'Well I guess this is the beginning of day one. DO I just leave them as is?' Luckily, Gray did not need to answer his own question. Aries and Virgo stepped through their gates at the same moment.
"I'm sorry, Master Gray. I am here to help you make our princess comfortable." Aries lowered her head as she greeted the Ice Make mage.
Virgo addressed him next, "If you wouldn't mind, Master Gray, I need you to pick up the princess so we can begin." Bending down, Virgo scooped Draco into her arms to get her off the ground.
Following suite, Gray placed one arm under Lucy's knees and the other behind her back as he cradled her to his chest. Aries wasted no time lining the stone where they were just laying with the fluffiest wool he has ever seen. It looked like a cloud of the softest cotton candy in existence. Stepping back, he gave the ram spirit the room she needed to finish. Surprisingly, she made enough space on the cloud for Gray to lay down, if he chose. He gently lay Lucy down on the wool, being careful not to hit her head as Virgo placed Draco on the other side of the blonde.
"Big Brother mentioned that they will be out here for the next four days. I took the liberty of packing a bag of clothes and food for you. I have no illusion that you will not be by her side until she wakes again." Virgo handed the black backpack to Gray as Aries left to the spirit world. "I also made sure your communication lacrima was in the bag as well. Leo suggested for you to call your master to inform him of the situation. I am sure he would want an update as soon as she awakens."
"Oh, thank you, Virgo. You are an amazing spirit. I know Lucy would be grateful for everything you and Aries has done. I know I truly appreciate your actions."
"It is my pleasure to serve, Master Gray. If you'll excuse me, I must me going." Virgo disappeared in the familiar shower of golden light.
Gray placed the backpack on the ground and unzipped it to take stock of what the pink haired spirit packed. Inside lay enough board shorts for the week along with a couple bottles of water, apples, oranges, granola bars, trial mix and, as promised, the tiny communication lacrima. 'May as well get this out the way.' Gray picked up the small orb as he focused on the master of his guild. Sending a small pulse of magic through the orb, he was greeted by Makarovs smiling face.
"Ahh, Gray. It is good to see you once again. Have you called to provide an update for me?'
"Yes, it will be a quick call because I should keep an eye on Lucy, but she has begun a new phase of her training. Draco mentioned she had more power locked inside of her, and they are both in a sleep state to awaken it." Turning the lacrima around, Gray showed Makarov Lucy and Draco's sleeping forms on the cloud of wool. Turning back, Gray continued. "From what Draco has said, they will be like this for the next four days."
Makarov stroked the hair on his chin in thought. "I see. Keep an eye on them both and call immediately if something should happen. You are strong, but you should not have to defend them alone. We don't want a repeat of the trials."
"Understood, thank you, Gramps."
"You're welcome my child." With that the connection was broken. Gray placed the lacrima back in the bag and sat on the wool next to Lucy. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes to begin his own meditation.
Inside the dream scape, Lucy and Draco were walking down a long hallway lined on both sides with variously designed doors. Each one lead to a different memory from Lucy's past. So far, they have not seen anything beyond her birth and the first two years. Seeing her mother looking happy and healthy once again caused a few tears to escape Lucy's eyes. The way her mothers' eyes shone with love and adoration while watching her play or her father work made her heart ache for the past. Those days filled with love and laughter were lost once she passed.
"Okay, Draco. We have watched the first two years of my life. Yet, I cannot figure out what is so important about being here." Lucy wiped a stray tear from her eye before it could fall down her face.
"Patience, Starlight. I am sure you realized that I have known about you for a while now. Have you ever wondered why?"
"I just assumed you were told about me while in the spirit world."
"No." Draco gestured to the next door. It was an ornate wood carved with hearts decorated along the border. A key stood boldly in the middle. "Please, open the next door."
Lucy turned the knob and stepped into the space. In front of her, the scene started to play.
Lucy hid behind a rose bush in the garden. Her mother told her to go inside and wait for her to be called, but she wanted to see her spirit friends. Mother was speaking with Capricorn as they finalized details for something she couldn't understand. She stood tall while giving instructions to her spirit. Suddenly, she pulled out a key to summon another and Lucy's jaw dropped. There, in her human form, stood Draco. Her hair was billowing behind her and a bright smile crossed her face.
"Good evening, Lady Layla. How may I be of assistance to you?"
"Draco, I believe it is time to start her training. She already shows an interest in my keys. Soon, she will be able to summon Aquarius on her own." Layla's voice was a sweet lilting melody.
Lucy smiled fondly of memories listening to her mother's voice when she was tired or scared. All too soon, she was pulled from the memory and was left looking at the wooden door.
"You were contracted to my mother…" Lucy spoke barely louder than a whisper, but it was enough for Draco to hear her.
"Yes, I was. Layla was my last key holder before you." Draco turned and pointed at another door. "From here on out, your memories will not seem like your own. I apologize in advance for the anguish you are about to experience."
Lucy stepped up to the door and braced herself for what she was about to find. This door looked as if it were made of solid gold.
Layla Heartfilia stood next to her daughter, holding her hand tightly. She planned for Draco to open her own gate for the two to meet. Soon, a bright light engulfed the gardens and here stood the petite woman she had the pleasure of calling her best friend. Closing the distance quickly, she gave a half hug to the woman before stepping back to introduce her to her little girl.
"Lucy, this is mommy's' dearest friend, Draco."
Little Lucy stood staring at the woman before she offered a small smile and greeting. "Hi" Clinging to the back of her mother's dress, Lucy tried to hide herself from the stranger.
"Hello there little one, can you tell me your name?" Draco squatted down next to Layla to peek around the frilly dress her daughter was clutching in her tiny hands.
Lucy cautiously stepped out and came face to face to the new person. "My name is Lucy Heartfilia."
"Hi, Lucy. My name is Draco. Would you like to learn about magic with me?"
Lucy's eyes lit up at the mention of learning magic. Her mother had all those pretty keys that open gates for her friends. "Will I be able to summon friends like mommy?"
"Maybe one day, little one. For now, I want you to hold onto this for me." Draco opened her hand and inside there was a necklace with a small star shaped pendant. The star was made of the purest diamond set around the brightest blue sapphire she has seen. The necklace was placed around her neck and fell to the center of her chest.
"It's so pretty! Thank you!" Lucy leaped forward to hug Draco around the neck.
Once again, Lucy was pulled from the memory room. Her face was expressionless as she coolly regarded the woman standing behind her. "What magic did you teach me Draco?"
"Magic of my brothers and the stars. Please continue."
Lucy stepped up to the next door and turned the knob without stopping to look at the design.
A four-year-old Lucy stood in front of Draco with a larger than life smile. She was jumping up and down excitedly, screaming "I did it!"
Draco picked up the excited child and spun her in a large circle. "Yes, you did my little Starlight! I am so proud of you! Can you show me again?" Placing Lucy down on her feet, she stepped back as the little girl took on a look of concentration.
Lucy stood with her feet apart, gathering her magic into her chest. Exhaling, she shouted the enchantment. "Starlight Roar!" A small blast of condensed magic energy came out of her mouth and various colors swirled through the air. The lingering gas left behind sizzled on top of the few blades of grass it happened to touch.
Lucy didn't want to be pulled out of the room. Instead she turned and ran out of the room to confront her once mentor. "You taught me dragon slayer magic?!"
"Yes, I did Starlight. Your mother was told a prophecy that has been passed down for generations the moment she found out she was pregnant with you. "
"What would that prophecy be?" Lucy was exhausted with all the prophecies and fate telling her what to do. It seemed everyone wanted to control her life for one reason or another.
"On an old sheet of parchment, hidden in a journal Anna Heartfilia once wrote: 'The third female born of heart blood will know the call of the heavens. As she grows stronger, so does her allies and soon she shall harness the power of the stars in both body and soul.' Layla found the parchment when Capricorn presented her with the old journal. Once she saw how early you began to show signs of celestial power, she figured you were ready to begin your training."
"You mean to tell me, you taught me magic because of a prophecy that was told centuries ago?"
"Do not mistake my intentions, young one. I taught you because your mother requested it of me. You are like the daughter I never had myself. We spent countless hours refining your skills and building a bond that could not be broken, even through years of separation. Now, let's continue, our time here is limited."
Lucy wiped a stray tear form her face as she walked the few paces to the next door. Pushing the wooden obstruction aside, she stepped into the bright light of the next memory.
Gray slowly opened his eyes to the bright rays of sunlight peeking through the treetop canopy. Looking over to his right side, he watched Lucy's face closely for any sign of change. The day before was uneventful and Gray quickly realized he did not get many details from the dragon before the women were unreachable. Content to spend his time alone in silence, he rolled off the woolen cloud stretching the muscles in his back and neck as he stood. A satisfied smirk crossed his face as the sound of his spine popping into place graced his ears. Gray rolled his shoulders and neck as he moved to the furthest bush to relieve himself.
Magic pulsed from the communication lacrima as Gray finished off the last bite of his granola bar. Master Makarov smiled as he asked for the daily update. "Good morning, my boy. Any progress to report?"
"Not yet Master, I don't believe there will be much to tell until she wakes up. When inside the clearing, you can feel the magic swirling around them, almost teasing the air. Outside, you can't even read them. If I didn't know they were here, I would think I were completely alone."
"That's probably the barrier. I am not sure where it came from, but it keeps dark guilds from locating Mavis's resting place. After Grimoire Heart, I am grateful for its placement."
"Right." Gray shifted the lacrima to his right hand as he gestured behind him. "Do you need me to see them?"
"No, I am sure they are in the same state as yesterday, just as you said. I will let you go."
"See ya, Gramps." Gray cut off the flow of magic to the orb and placed it back on top of the bag Virgo dropped off. 'Not much to do, is there?' Bored, Gray began making small ice trinkets while waiting for something to happen
Lucy panted as she was pulled from yet another memory. So far, she has watched herself learn most of the dragon slayer techniques and even a secret art. Placing a hand on her chest, she finally felt complete. Through her entire life, she always felt as if something were missing. Now that she is experiencing all that she lost, she can feel the lost pieces of herself clicking back into place.
The next door was different from the rest. It was slight transparent but she couldn't make out any details from the other side. Pushing the frosted glass aside, she took a deep breath as she stepped inside.
"My Lady, I know this sounds impossible, but I have been here since the beginning. I am telling you, you are the one meant for this task. However, it is not without cost."
"How much of a cost, Draco?"
Layla and Draco were engrossed within a hushed conversation in Layla's private study. Lucy was supposed to be in the library studying the celestial bodies that made up the northern sky, yet something pulled her to the adjacent hallway. Stepping quietly, she was grateful she was not old enough to be forced into the higher heeled shoes that made noises with each step. They looked painful and uncomfortable. She admired her mother for being able to stand in the for hours on end.
Looking down at her attire, Lucy smiled softly at the dress her mother picked out for her this morning. It was her favorite shade of pink with a poufy skirt that she loved to twirl around. Her favorite part of the dress was dancing with her father. Occasionally, Mother would be able to interrupt Father during his work to enjoy a meal together. Once done, they would retire to the parlor and dance for hours around the small room. Lucy loved those nights spent laughing and giggling with her parents. Even though she was an only child, she never felt lonely.
Creeping closer to the cracked door, she covered her mouth to prevent herself from making noises that would attract the attention of the sharp sensed dragon.
"Are you sure? Is this the only way?"
"Yes, My Lady. I am deeply regretful that you are faced with a decision of this magnitude."
"What will become of my family?" Layla lowered her head in deep thought, sadness seeped through her natural floral scent that Lucy loved to nuzzle into.
"I will not lie to you Layla. It will be very dangerous for Lucy afterwards. We would need to take the necessary precautions to ensure her safety."
Layla gasped, "Dangerous?! What of my husband? Jude would never allow anything to happen to our baby girl."
"Sadly, it will be Jude she will need the most protection from. He will not be the same without you."
Without her? Where was mother going? She didn't mention a trip to Lucy and even if she did, why couldn't she travel with her like usual? Pushing the door open, Lucy halted the private conversation she was listening to.
"Momma, where are you going? Can I go with you?" Lucy turned her bring brown eyes on her mother and gave her best pout.
"I am not going anywhere right now, my little Lucy. Why don't we go out to the garden and summon Aquarius for tea?"
Lucy stepped back at the same time the unseen force pulled her out of the memory. Shaking her head to clear the raging emotions within her, she took a calming breath before stepping to the next door. Once again, it was different from those of her early childhood. Glancing down the hall, it looked like the next few sported similar looks. All held some form of frosted glass. Draco silently nudged her forward with a hand on the door knob. They were short on time and could not risk wasting anymore with the frequent stops they were making.
Lucy stood hand in hand with her mother looking up at the massive door towering above them in the dimly lit space.
"Momma, what is that?"
"It's a gate, little love. Very soon, Momma will have to open it and welcome some friends. Would you like to meet them?"
Lucy loved new friends! So far, she has only met mommas spirit friends. One day they will be her friends as well. "Yes! When will I be able to meet them?"
"Soon, little one. Very soon." Layla trailed off with her words and turned Lucy away from the gate. Even without using her magic, she could feel the immense amount of energy pouring off the structure. "Your tenth birthday is in a few days, what would you like to do?"
Lucy's childlike voice drifted as the two disappeared in the darkness that surrounded the cavern.
This was the first time she was not pulled from a memory before her younger counterpart left the scene. She remembered her mother getting sick shortly after her tenth birthday and passing within the next month. Lucy knew she would have to experience her death once again and was not looking forward to it, but what did that have to do with the Eclipse gate? After everything that happened, she didn't think it was possible to forget the magic sucking monstrosity that nearly caused the death of all of Fiore. Looking around, Lucy finally spotted the reason for her staying. In a dark corner, a man went unnoticed by the Heartfilia women. He stepped out of the shadows and pulled a gasp from Lucy. Her father watched the entire exchange.
Finally, she was drug out of the room and back into the hall of memory. Draco shared her shocked expression at seeing Jude in the underground cavern.
"Is this the reason my father despised all forms of magic once my mother passed?"
"I was not sure what caused such a dramatic change in his behavior back then, but I am positive now. He must have known about our plans before they were ever enacted. I am curious as to how much he actually knew."
"You're referring to plans that involve the Eclipse Gate? What possible use could my mother have had with that thing?!"
"Keep moving forward and find out, Starlight."
Lucy pushed open the next frosted glass door and marched through. She was determined to get all her answers before the end of this dream walk. Even if she had to drag them out of the dragon herself.
It was now the third day for Gray and he was getting a bit anxious. Neither Lucy nor Draco has moved an inch. He frequently checked for pulses and watched the slow rise and fall of their chests.
Every so often, Loke would open his gate to speak with gray and catch up with his old friend. Both men missed the company of the other, especially after spending so much time together before Lucy joined Fairy Tail. They were grateful for the sweet blonde, but they missed the comradery of their lost partnership.
"How have you been holding up, Gray?" Loke cast a side glance at Lucy. Through their mental bond, he could feel her emotions rolling within her. All her spirits were worried about the emotional distress reliving her worst memories would cause her.
"I can't even tell you, man. I know Draco said they would be out for four days, but I didn't think they would be so…still… I keep checking their pulse just to make sure they're alive." Gray lowered his head to hide the worry etched across his face.
"They will be just fine. Lucy is not the first celestial mage to take this journey. It seems to be common for women within her bloodline."
"Seriously? Lucy never mentioned anything like this about her mother before."
"That's because she was not aware of Lady Layla's full capabilities." Capricorn cut into the conversation as he stepped through his gate.
Loke was astonished. During the time Lucy's mother was alive, he was serving another mage on the other side of Fiore. He never got the chance to meet another Heartfilia after Anna, until Lucy saved him from fading from existence.
"What were her full capabilities?"
Lucy pushed open another door to find Draco and her mother, once again, locked in a serious discussion.
"I will open the gate Draco. I must. If Anna is waiting for me on the other side with the children, it is a responsibility I must take." Layla made up her mind on the subject just hours before this conversation took place.
"I understand, Layla. If I were you, I would prepare Lucy beforehand." The beautiful dragon gestured toward the young girl sitting in the corner engrossed in a book on ancient languages.
"I open the gate tomorrow. Once it's done, I should have at least a month before I am no longer of this world. I will prepare her then.
"Very well, I shall inform the King at once." Draco closed her gate, leaving Layla alone to watch Lucy read.
"May I be there with you when you open the gate, Momma?" Lucy peeked over the top of her book. She made it look as though she was reading, but she was actually listening in on the important conversation.
"No, you may not. I will bring them here before they must leave for their new homes. Will that be okay with you?"
"Oh, yes!"
Lucy stepped back out of the memory and immediately moved to the next. This door sported an odd color wheel as a design on the door. Starting from the top and moving clockwise, it was divided into five sections of gray, red, light blue, white and black. 'Hmm… seems like specific colors' Lucy pushed the door open and stepped inside.
"Lucy, darling, please come in here." Layla called for her daughter to enter her study.
Sitting on the floor in the middle of the room, five children were staring at their surroundings in wonder.
"Hi." Lucy meekly waved to the group, suddenly shy. All except the pink haired and blonde boys waved and smiled back. The older boy with long black hair just smirked at her. Were those piercings in his face? The other boy with the black hair seemed like he didn't want to be there, but he stuck close to the eldest and the blonde. In the back, a little girl was clinging tightly to what she now assumed was the leader of the group. It seemed like they all watched him in one way or another waiting for a signal of some sort.
The pink haired boy was the first to step forward. "Heya! My name is Natsu! What's yours?"
"You idiot! Her mother obviously just said it was Lucy!" The blonde boy was the next to speak, yelling at Natsu. "My name is Sting, and I am going to be the best wizard in all of Earthland!"
The eldest stepped forward to grab both Sting and Natsu by the back of the collar. "Shut yer traps, twerps. How about we all do introductions then we can see about some food?" He turned his crimson colored eyes to the young blonde. "My name is Gajeel. The other male is named Ryos and shorty back there is Wendy."
Lucy was stunned. In the short span of a few minutes she was able to meet five new people. She wasn't sure about Ryos or Wendy yet, but she knew she could become great friends with Sting and Natsu. It seemed like they had a lot of energy!
"Lucy, darling, would you mind showing them to the dining hall? I will be along shortly."
"Of course, mother." Lucy beckoned the group forward and led them out the room and across the estate. The dining hall was empty except the head maid. The group of children each took a seat and she walked through the door to alert the kitchen staff. Soon, a massive amount of food was brought from the kitchen. Everything from thick cuts of steak to soup, salad, chicken, and multiple pastas. Lucy was amazed at the amount of food, there was no way they would be able to finish it all! How did the staff possible think that the group of six would be able to finish this all off? Granted, Lucy could eat more than the average ten-year-old because of the immense number of calories she burned due to her magic, but Wendy didn't look any older than five, maybe six.
By time Layla finally made it to the dining hall, the food had been finished off. Each child had a stack of dishes next to their seats, having had more than their fair share of the food.
"Well I guess I don't have to worry about you all being hungry at this point!"
Lucy was pulled out of the memory as they all started to laugh. Her face was a mixture of confusion and amazement. She was there? Knowing she met all the dragon slayers before they crossed paths later in life stunned her. Even if Lucy did not remember, why didn't they? Surely if Gajeel had remembered her from their childhood, he would not have beaten her so severely during the battle with Phantom Lord. Even Sting and Rogue should have recognized her during the magic games.
"Agghhh!" Lucy let out an aggravated scream. Nothing in her childhood was truth! Everything she had known up until this day was just a fraction of the truth. What else was she missing?! Did she have some sibling she doesn't know about?!
"Calm yourself, Starlight. I know this is a lot to take in, but we are nearly done. Once we get through the next couple door, the remainder will be a recap of the things you already remember." Draco placed a gentle hand on Lucy's back to console the irate blonde.
"What else am I going to find, Draco?" Lucy growled "How many more secrets has everyone been keeping from me?"
"I know you are angry right now, but you must calm yourself or you run the risk of hurting yourself."
Lucy rolled her eyes then took a deep breath. She may be raging on the inside, but she couldn't hurt herself before she woke. It would only worry those around her that were unaware of everything going on.
Moving on to the next door, she quickly noticed it was a steel gray color. Reminding her of Gajeel, she could only imagine what lay on the other side.
A young Lucy and Gajeel sat in the garden underneath a large tree. Lucy was leaning against the thick trunk with Gajeel sprawled out in the grass beside. Since she was raised to be a proper lady, Gajeel was not allowed to have direct contact with the young blonde unless they were under direct supervision. Currently, Lucy was exchanging stories with the older red eyed slayer about their training and adapting to the dragon souls within them. Gajeel spent the most time with his father before they needed to travel through the gate.
"Metalicana always told me that one day I would have to find a way to survive without him. That everything he ever taught me would be crucial for my survival." Gajeel twirled a steel bolt between his fingers while watching the sky.
"Hmm... I bet it will be. Draco has taught me much these last few years. I couldn't imagine being without her. I admire your strength, Gajeel." Lucy cast a sidelong glance at the stoic slayer and sighed. The five of them were heading into a dangerous transition time. Three were so young that it will be hard for them to survive without help. Hopefully someone will step in where they cannot.
"What's wrong, Bunny?"
Lucy furrowed her eyebrow at the sudden nickname. "May I ask why you are referring to me as Bunny?"
"Gihihi, that's because yer small, cute, and energetic. The only one that can keep up with the flame and white dragons. Ya remind me of a bunny, so that's what I'm gonna call ya."
"Very well, I can understand you're reasoning." Lucy offered a small smile as Gajeel started laughing once again. Their laughter was cut short as a blur of blond and pink hair came barreling over the wall of the garden.
"LUUUCCCCYYYYYY!" Natsu and Sting bellowed out her name as they charged the two under the tree. Soon, they could see a mass of shadows dancing along the edge of the wall as Ryos came into view. Lucy guessed the two energetic slayers probably pushed the shadow dragon too far with their games and they opted for a strategic withdrawal before he could cause much damage. She giggled at the antics of the pair and stood to meet the younger red eyed male.
Lucy was pulled from the memory while smiling fondly at the implied antics of the energetic slayers. Even in childhood, they were running to her for protection from the more serious members of their brood.
Were these memories of the other slayers from her childhood? Does each one have a door of their own?! Turning on the ball of her foot, she raced to the next door. This one was a bright red and flames danced around the edges as if fire was licking around the edges, fighting for a way out. 'This one must be about Natsu'. Lucy pushed open the door and sprinted inside.
Lucy and Natsu were racing through the halls of the Heartfilia Konzern. Today, her mother allowed her to wear a set of her training clothes instead of the heavier gowns father preferred. It was much easier to play while wearing the shorts and tank top, her sneakers were much easier to run in than the dainty shoes that reminded her to walk slowly and gracefully.
Layla warned the children that they were not to disturb the staff with their games, but they needed something to do on this rainy day. Skidding around a corner, Natsu slid across the polished marble floor and took off down another hallway. Luckily, Lucy knew exactly how to push the fire slayer in the direction she wanted him to go. A small burst of celestial magic to his right sent him down the hallway to his left. Another to the left, made him turn to down the hall on his immediate right.
Lucy cheered herself on as she herded the excited slayer to the indoor training grounds her mother commissioned for installation under the structure of the konzern. Lucy would get easily agitated and restless during the rainy season and Layla felt it was best if she had a better outlet for the energy than her heiress lessons her husband insisted on forcing her through.
Layla watched as the two balls of energy disappeared down the stairs in the west wing of their home. Jude may have agreed to the training grounds, but only under the condition Lucy learned more languages on top of her steadily increasing business lessons. His wish was to marry her off to some duke or other high ranking nobility of Fiore and she will need to know the ins and outs of her future husbands' work, in the event of her needing to take over. Layla was not fond of giving her daughter to the highest bidder and declined every marriage offer thus far. Eventually Lucy will grow to choose her own path in life, regardless of what Jude may wish.
Lucy finally caught up to Natsu as he reached the middle of the sand pit in the basement.
"Starlight Roar!" A burst of colorfully swirling light and gas burst forth from the small blonde, stopping the fire slayer before he could take another step.
"Woah! Luce! You didn't tell me you had a roar that powerful! Will you fight me?!" Natsu was wide eyed and brimming with excitement.
He would challenge the other slayers all the time, but none of them wanted to fight him. Igneel used to tell him to always strive to fight the strongest opponents to further his own strength. One day he would take his place as the Fire Dragon King. His strength would be necessary to protect his legacy and assert his dominance.
"Is there a reason why you would like to fight me?" Draco always told her to be wary of fighting the male dragons, they will try to dominate and claim if they deemed her power worthy.
Having the mating talk with a blunt and honest dragon was one of the more embarrassing moments of her training. Only topped by the consequent talk of sex and biology from her mother and Capricorn. Lucy shuddered at the thought and focused her attention on the fire dragon before her. Flames were licking his fists and forearms while he held a wide toothy grin.
"I wanna fight you because you seem strong. My dad said to always fight the strongest to make sure I stayed strong."
"Mhmm… I see. How about this. We will fight when you're taller than me?" Lucy stood toe to toe with the grinning slayer and placed a hand on the top of her head. She was taller by at least a foot, it will be several years before he would surpass her in height.
Lucy was pulled from the memory and smiled from the love and adoration she could feel. After her mother passed she could feel the loneliness surrounding her. Her father neglected her due to his own grief and even pushed her to forget all she knew about magic. He was determined to marry her off to a wealthy family to benefit his business. No one wanted a headstrong female with the means to defy her husband.
To know her mother equipped the konzern to accommodate her growing abilities was humbling. She knew that one day Lucy would need the skills and determination she learned over the years to protect herself.
Lucy shook her head clear of the unpleasant thoughts. Turning to the next door, this one was decorated in a swirl of the deepest black and purest white diamonds she has ever seen. 'There are only two slayers that I know that have been bound together in perfect harmony. Sting and Rogue' She pushed the door open and couldn't keep the smile from sliding across her face.
Lucy sat in a large chair in the center of the library. Her father did not mind Lucy sharing her study time with the two slayers so long as they actually allowed her to study. Currently, she was reading aloud from one of the many books on statistics and strategy. Jude hoped Lucy would take the lessons and relate the information to the business world.
Ryos sat on the floor next to Lucy listening intently, soaking up the words and information. Within his partnership with the white dragon slayer, he was the level-headed thinker. Sting could be relied upon for the use of his brute strength and power. He truly appreciated the knowledge of the celestial dragon they just met. Her words were strong and sure, her mind sharp. Very little escaped her notice.
Sting laid back on the chaise nearest his fellow blonde slayer, soothed by the melodic lilt of her voice. He was not as interested in the words spoken as he was in the sound of her voice. Adjusting to life without Weissologia was a challenge, but the presence of Lucy definitely made it easier. It was a shock to find out she held dragon magic as well, but it took no time at all to accept her as one of their own.
The three sat contently in the library for hours. Lucy reading, Ryos and Sting listening to the way her voice floated over the words.
Lucy calmly stepped out of the memory. Draco placed a hand on her shoulder as her heart rate returned to normal. One more door that was colored before they shifted to individual designs once again.
The remaining door was a sky blue with swirls of bright white and blue glitter mixed in. Easily connecting the design to Wendy, Lucy wasted no time in opening the door and stepping inside.
"Nee-chan, will you brush my hair?" Wendy stood at the end of Lucy's bed with her big brown eyes glistening from unshed tears.
"What's wrong Wendy?!" Lucy would not tolerate anyone making her precious little sister cry. The moment the little girl warmed to her, she claimed her as kin swearing to protect and cherish her always.
"I tried to brush my hair on my own, but it's so long that I cannot get the tangles out on my own. Please help me, Nee-chan!" Wendy's resolve broke at that moment and she began bawling while clutching the wretched hairbrush to her chest.
"Of course, little one. I will always help you." Lucy moved to the edge of her bed and removed the brush from her tiny hands. Gently turning Wendy around, Lucy took a small section of the long blue hair in her hands and started humming a calming song as she gently worked the tangles out. Wendy visibly relaxed at the soothing sound and was asleep laying across her lap by time Lucy finished. The celestial slayer continued humming as she picked up the little girl and gently placed her in her bed, curling around her protectively. Tonight, she would keep the young girl close, for she was leaving tomorrow.
"Now you see, Starlight. You have always known those closest to you. The only thing missing was a part of yourself. There is something that I must tell you myself, for it Is not within this hall." Draco spoke quietly as the glittered door closed in front of Lucy. The young woman was overwhelmed by everything she just experienced. How much more could there be?
"What could possibly still be missing? Apparently, everything I knew about my mother was a lie, my childhood was false, and I didn't even know the house I grew up in. Please do explain more." The sarcasm in Lucy's tone was thick, Draco would have to tread lightly from this point forward.
"I need to tell you why, Starlight."
"Why what?"
"Why all of this-" Draco waved her hand in front of the doors that caused the turmoil roiling through her adoptive daughter, "Was locked away."
"Oh? There's a reason? That, I would like to hear."
Draco was fed up with Lucys tone and attitude. "Look here, Lady Lucy. Your mother did her very best to prepare you for her absence and even helped the other children before her life force weakened too far. What she did not plan for was the animosity of your father that began to build after opening the Eclipse Gate. He blamed all magic for having to watch his once vibrantly strong wife deteriorate before him, leaving him feeling helpless to stop it. She knew you would be alone once she did pass and needed to protect you from the back lash."
Lucy could not stop the shocked gasp that froze her anger. "She knew about it all?"
"Indeed. Lady Layla was more observant than Jude gave her credit for. She knew he would follow the two of you to the gate that day and once again when she opened the gate and brought forth the slayers. Once his anger began to build, we began to plan. On the day of her death, I was there with you. I placed you under a sleep spell before I created a magical barrier within your very soul. It sealed the memories of the more powerful magic within you and everything associated. Sadly, that meant you forgot about me and the other slayers."
"So, what happened with the other slayers? Why do they all share stories of waking up with their dragons missing and being completely alone?"
"Unfortunately, that was also my doing. Their parents were my kin and it pained me to lose them all on the same day. I placed their children in the locations they chose for training and wiped their memories completely. Not even a soul seal remained. The tatsu decided they needed the children to believe they were gone. No one ever thought they would all spend their lives searching for them."
Lucy lowered her head in sadness. A curtain of blonde hair covered her face, slick with tears. "That means I am the only one that remembers the moments we shared as children."
"For now, yes. However, I may have a way to change that."
Lucy's head snapped up at her mentors' words. "How?" she breathed.
"An old celestial spell that has been entrusted to me by the King. I've always meant to teach it to you, just never got the opportunity to do so. First, we must finish this walk."
The fourth day of the dream walk was ending. Gray sat patiently waiting for Lucy and Draco to open their eyes. Yesterday, he noticed the small changes within the blonde woman. First, it appeared like she was raging within herself. Unchecked magical energy pressed against him and Gray struggled just to get close enough without hurting himself or her. Holding her hand, he stroked her hair back while whispering sweet soothing words. After she calmed, Gray went to sleep and woke to the sound of weak whimpers coming from Lucy. Rolling over, he noticed the two small tears trailing down her face. Once again, her gathered her into his arms and let his warmth surround and soothe her. Keeping his magic in check was hard, but there was nothing he would not do.
A bright blinding light cut through the deep thoughts of the Ice Mage and pulled his attention to the center of the clearing. Lucy and Draco were completely engulfed in the golden light. The brilliance of it burned the back of his eyelids as he attempted to shield his dark blue orbs from the onslaught. As the light faded, her sweet melodic voice reached his ears.
"Gray?"