I hope you enjoy! And I look forward to your thoughts.

CHAPTER 18

BACK IN THE DOMUS CAELESTIS

Loke paced to and fro in front of her room, clearly agitated. Behind that door, his master was unconscious, slowly but surely regaining her magic and her strength. Almost a whole day had passed since she collapsed, and the poor lion spirit didn't know what to do.

'I told her.' he thought

'I told her this might happen, and I told her I'd take her straight back to Earthland…'

But she did it. She cast Urano Metria all on her own, the power behind the spell, absolutely devastating. She'd not only taken down the giant tree, but a decent bit of the surrounding area as well. And it was only her first attempt.

A prodigy like her, who clearly wants to learn…is it right to take her away?

'But she can learn the same spells back in Earthland'

'There are distractions in Earthland,' his mind retaliated.

'They're our family.'

'But she'll feel like a failure if she doesn't wake up in the Domus Caelestis.'

Back and forth, his thoughts bounced from one side to the other, never agreeing, neither side coming out the winner.

But, in the end, both sides agreed on one thing.

'She can't stay here forever….'

Frowning, he looked at her door, contemplating his next move. He took a step towards the door, but before he got the chance to even touch the handle, the booming voice of His Majesty rang through his skull.

"All zodiac members, report to the Celestial World at once!"

Reluctantly, I force my eyelids to lift. I can feel the crust buildup in the corners of my eyes and my mouth feels like it's full of cotton. I bring a shaking hand up to my face to get rid of the offensive eye boogers and squint around to take in my surroundings.

Presumably, I was in my room, but my personal belongings are nowhere to be found. I glance over at the window, and while it's in the same position as usual, the curtains are drawn, so I can't see the giant planets orbiting the night sky to confirm where I am. The only thing that's familiar are the thick covers I'm tucked under. My head spins as I slowly rise from the pillows, and I can't help but to bring up a hand to rub my dizzy head while bracing my other arm behind me.

'….Am I back in Earthland?'

As the panic starts to build in my chest, I begin to frantically look around the room for any signs that I might've missed.

My eyes take in a nice tall glass of life-saving water sitting on the floor at my bedside. Unconsciously licking my dry lips, it gives me pause long enough to stretch a trembling hand out to reach it. Taking in the tremors running through my arm, I frown at how weak I still feel, but I'm pulled from my frustrated thoughts when the door opens.

Virgo walks in and seeing me awake, doesn't hesitate to bow respectfully before her keyholder.

"It's good to see you are finally awake Princess…punishment?"

I let out a small laugh and grimace slightly when the sound scrapes roughly against my vocal cords. Virgo rushes forward and brings the water to my lips. I shoot her an appreciative look before downing over half the glass in a few pulls. Once finished, I clear my throat to speak.

"Thanks Virgo, and no, it's still not time for punishment." I croak.
Hesitantly, I look into my spirit's flat blue eyes, looking for any indicators.

"Am I…am I back in Earthland? Or am I still…"

Virgo prepares to answer, but the door opens again as Loke strides in grandly.

"Princess! Seems you finally deemed to join us back in the realm of the living."

He walks over and sits on the edge of my bed before taking my right hand.

I snort. "Good to see you too, Loke."

I turn to look over at Virgo expectantly only to see the maid spirit is gone.

"Eh? Why did she leave?"

"To give us a minute."

I could feel my forehead crease in confusion.

"First, lemme just come out and say that no, I didn't take you from the Domus Caelestis." he states seriously.

"But I-"

Loke nods, cutting me off.

"Yes, you did pass out after the spell. You've only been out for a little under a day but still, a lot has happened and ultimately, I was ordered not to take you from the Domus Caelestis," he finishes rather despondently.

I cock a brow.

"By who?" I ask.

As far as I knew, the only person Loke took orders from was-

"By order of His Majesty, the Celestial Spirit King." Loke responds. I don't miss the fact that his frown grows as he says it.

My spine straightens in shock, dizziness all but forgotten.

"Wh-what?! Why would he do that?!" I screech.

Loke winces at the high pitch of my voice, but responds, nonetheless.

"He wishes to speak with you. Get dressed, we're going to the Celestial World." he says flatly.

I look worriedly at my lion spirit. It's clear that whatever it is the Celestial King wishes to speak to me about, he isn't happy about it. But before I can question him further, he's already standing and making his way for the door.

"I'll be downstairs waiting for you. Virgo will be here to help you if you need anything."

As if she'd been waiting for her name to be spoken, Virgo poofs into being right beside the bed, pulling another surprised squeak from me.

When Loke is finally gone, I turn to her.

"What's his deal?" I ask.

"Big Brother is simply worried as usual. He was getting ready to take you back to Earthland when we all received summons to the Celestial Spirit World…"

My eyes widen. "Why were you all summoned?"

I watched the look of hesitance cross Virgo's face, and I'm not surprised when she finally responds with,

"I'm not allowed to say. You'll find out soon enough anyways."

I let out a long sigh before swinging my feet off the bed. Now that the slight vertigo is gone, I want nothing more than to get up and moving.

I head to the bathroom to shower as quickly as possible and when I emerge back in my room, the bed is made, an outfit laid out, and Virgo is gone.

A small smile on my lips, I quickly throw the clothes on before heading downstairs.

I meet Loke on the landing and he glances over me with stoical eyes before simply nodding and leading me outside.

"You ready?" he asks.

I nod. "Yup."

Despite the obvious discontent on his face, a sly smirk turns up the corners of his lips as he holds his arms open.

"Hang onto me, I'll teleport us there." he says.

"You can do that?" I ask skeptically.

"Only under special circumstances like this" he responds, arms still open. He flexes his hands in a "come on, now" motion.

Rolling my eyes, I step into his embrace before wrapping my arms around his shoulders. I feel his hands grip my lower back, dangerously close to the top of my ass and I proceed to glare at him.

Seeing the look on my face, he simply tips his head back and laughs as the world falls away into dazzling golden light.

As it turns out, getting to the Celestial Spirit World is just as jarring as getting to the Domus Caelestis. Nothing is discernable from the golden light flooding my eyes and the sounds of the howling wind brushing past my ears. As soon as I feel like there's no way I can tolerate the sensory assault for another second, it stops as a familiar 'ding dong' rings out around us. I feel myself being dragged forward through what feels like an invisible barrier. The pressure of the air drops suddenly as I pass through Loke's gate, almost as if it's reluctant to let me through.

I stumble forward in relief, gasping for air as I try to slow my racing heart. I'm so occupied trying to gather my bearings that I don't immediately take in my surroundings.

"Welcome, old friend." A deep, booming, voice rings out from behind me, sending my heart into third gear all over again.

A small squeak escapes me as I whirl around on my heel and take in the towering spirit sitting atop his throne. My eyes widen as I tilt my head back to meet his kingly gaze. I can't help but notice his mustache is as impressive as ever.

"Stache Face! It's good to see you again!"

Behind me, Loke chokes on his spit.

I can feel a grin overtaking my face and although he doesn't smile back, it's not hard to note the amused twinkle in the old king's eyes.

"It is wonderful to see you too, Lucy Heartfilia, although I wish it were under better circumstances…"

I cock my head to the side in confusion as I wait to hear what he's called me here for.

"Do you know the history of the Black Wizard Zeref?"

I stiffen before nodding hesitantly.

"He was a dark wizard that created demons and monsters a long time ago, almost 400 years if I remember correct. Even today, some of his creations are upheld as the darkest creations in the history of m-magic."

Stache Face nods gravely.

"There is more to it than that, but yes, what you say is true. And it would seem, he has finally risen again."

"W-what do you mean?"

"To put it plainly, for the past 400 years, Zeref has walked the Earth suppressing the side of himself that is referred to as the Black Wizard, but as of a week ago on Earthland, he has awakened, and with it, his true power has been unlocked."

'My father! My friends…'

"Has anything happened back in Earthland? Is everyone okay?!"

I swiftly glance behind me to look at Loke, eyes pleading. "Is…is Fairy Tail okay?!"

Loke opens his mouth to respond, but Stache Face beats him to the punch.

"As of now, I do not believe anything too heinous has taken place on Earthland."

"A-and Fairy Tail?"

"I cannot be certain, as I am only able to sense drastic changes in the balance of worlds."

'That isn't good enough.' I think frantically.

"You are more than welcome to check on them, but first, it is imperative that I speak with you, there is no time to waste.

I meet his all-knowing gaze again and I'm slightly shaken by the seriousness I see there. It pains me, but I force myself to put my worries aside so I can hear what he has to say.

I nod.

"Lucy Heartfilia," his voice rumbles.

"I have a rather enormous task to ask of you, old friend."

I gulp before nodding for him to continue.

"I wish to make you, my Champion."

I blink. He continues to look at me expectantly, so I awkwardly clear my throat before breaking the tense silence.

"…I'm sorry, your what?"

That amusement is back in his eyes, if only for a second, but it eases my worries ever so slightly.

"My Champion,"

"As the Celestial Spirit King, I am bound to this realm in a way that other celestial spirits are not. I do not possess a key, for I shall never have a keyholder. My powers are an integral part of this world and as such, I am not permitted to part from it for too long."

I nod slowly, trying to follow where he's going with this.

"With Zeref back, it is not a matter of if, but rather when he will deem to bring an end to your world. And since the Celestial World is tied to Earthland, if anything were to happen to it, the effects would be catastrophic here as well."

"Old friend, in short, I am asking you to fight for both Earthland and the Celestial Spirit World in my stead. Zeref must be defeated, at all costs."

At this point, I'm speechless, but he isn't done yet.

"I've watched you progress these past few months, you've become a true prodigy. Both your bloodline and raw talent, not to mention the concern you show for the wellbeing of the spirits you are contracted to has made this a fairly easy decision."

"Although there are other celestial wizards in the world that outrank you in terms of raw magic power, I believe in due time, you will have the ability to surpass all of them."

"As my champion, I will be able to grant you immense magic power in times of need. You will have the power of the entire Celestial Realm to back you in the fight to take down Zeref."

There's a pause and I realize he's waiting for my response.

I open my mouth to reply, but no words form. I'm left frozen in my spot by all he's dumping onto me. A gentle but firm hand placed on my shoulder is what finally breaks me from my stupor.

I look to see Loke has stepped forward to stand beside me.

Sending a grateful look his way, I finally turn to Stache Face.

"…I honestly don't know what to say. I'm honored you think so highly of me, Your Highness."

"Are…are you sure you want to choose me for this? You said so yourself, there are other celestial wizards out there with way more experience than me. Surely they'd be a better choice?" I ask rather desperately.

He hums in agreement, a hand reaching up to fix his immaculate facial hair.

"It's true, there are others with years more experience than you, and the magic power to show for it, but as it stands, you currently hold the keys of nine of the twelve zodiac spirits. And, if your training thus far is any indicator, I have faith that you will only continue to grow stronger."

"But we don't have time for me to get stronger! Zeref is here now!" I argue, still slightly panicked.

I can't help but think of them, my old family. If there was trouble, Fairy Tail stood a good chance of stumbling across it. I briefly wondered if the guild was cursed, or simply had the longest running bad luck in all of Fiore. It's a struggle not to grow too concerned. I'm supposed to be done with that chapter in my life but…

'They're still a part of me.'

The Celestial King shakes his head.

"If there is one thing I know, it is that the Black Wizard is not an impatient man. Time moves differently for those blessed or cursed with immortality. Zeref has practically all the time in the world to gather his plans. His powers are still weak. It's been 400 years since he walked this world as a malevolent force. I have no doubt it will be years before there is any true cause for concern. Not to mention, he has yet to return either.

"Who?" I asked. I can feel a chill run down my spine, fearful of someone that can be deemed as bad as, if not worse than the Black Wizard himself.

"Acnologia, the Black Arcane Dragon, slayer of dragonkind, and the proclaimed Dragon King." he replied gravely, eyes narrowing.

"He still slumbers somewhere in Earthland, but once he awakens, the end of the world will become fast approaching."

"A dragon." I whisper.

Bittersweet memories force their way to the surface of my mind.

BEGIN FLASHBACK

Evening was fast approaching as Natsu and I huddled together on my sofa with Happy fast asleep between us. We were leaving out on a mission the next day and Natsu and Happy had barged into my apartment like they normally do, insisting we go to the train station together in the morning. But instead of going straight to sleep to be well rested for the job ahead, we'd hung out in the living room for a while, exchanging stories of our childhood of all things. It was the first time Natsu'd told me about the time he spent with the great dragon that had raised him, Igneel, the Fire Dragon King.

"He's amazing Luce! The strongest dragon out there!" he declared.

He paused, as if something occurred to him, his head tilting to the side adorably, a lock of spiky pink hair falling forward over his brow. My hand itched to reach forward and brush it back, for some reason, I was slightly curious as to how it would feel beneath my fingers, but before I could gather the guts to do it, he threw his head back and snorted.

"But the day I find him, I'm gonna beat the scales off him for leaving for so long! Just you watch!"

I let out a small chuckle, the strange thoughts fleeing my mind.

"I'm sure you will Natsu. I hope I'm there to see it." I reply good-naturedly.

"Of course, you'll be there! We're a team, aren't we? Where I go, you go." he proclaimed, before flashing a goofy smile, canines and all.

END FLASHBACK

I inhale deeply. The pain of recalling that memory is hard to ignore, the irony not lost on me, but it sparks a question as well.

'Maybe Stache Face knows...'

"Are there any other dragons in Earthland?" I ask bluntly.

There's a moment of silence as I attempt to stare down the almighty Celestial King, and while his eyes remain kind, they are unreadable, guarded with countless secrets locked behind them.

I hold my breath, awaiting his answer.

'Igneel, Grandine, Metalicana…could His Majesty know where they went?'

After what seemed a rather long pause, he speaks, albeit cautiously.

"If there are, I am unaware of their whereabouts. Ultimately, I do not know for sure if dragon kind has truly been wiped out."

"But you suspect it hasn't." I finish confidently.

A small smirk pulls at the King's lips.

"I believe we should get back to the topic at hand. There isn't much time left before you must leave the Celestial Realm."

I frown, but ultimately nod in agreement, realizing I'll get no further answers from him on the subject. But it does bring forth more questions.

'What is he hiding? And why?'

"I need an answer, old friend."

"You are not in any way obligated to accept. And I will hold no ill will toward you should you choose to decline for it is an arduous task at best, and I cannot guarantee your safety,"

"And, know that if you do accept, your vow is binding. You will forever be known as the Champion of the Celestial King, whether you wish to be or not."

It's the Celestial King's turn to stare me down. His burgundy eyes appear to look straight into my soul. And the seriousness of this moment presses down on me quite heavily, leaving an unsettling feeling running through me. I gulp, thoughts of dragons and past adventures once again drifting to the back of my mind.

"So, Lucy Heartfilia?" he rumbles.

In that moment all I can feel is…fear.

Fear for myself, fear for those I hold close to my heart, as well as for those I've pushed from my life. Fear for the future and what my choices may lead to, fearful of not being enough, fearful of not living up to everyone's expectations, fearful of being the disappointment I've always secretly thought of myself to be...

My mind is beginning to spiral. I can hear my heartbeat pounding behind my ears, and as it begins to accelerate, Loke's hand, which had continued to rest atop my shoulder, gives another firm squeeze, pulling me from my suffocating thoughts. Instinctually, I look up at him, and his smile, while a bit strained, is completely genuine.

"Hey, whatever you choose, we stand by you, Princess."

I look behind him and see all my spirits standing there, united. Even Plue is there, as wobbly as ever, and it reminds me of how long it's been since I've seen him. Tears spring to my eyes when I realize they're all looking at me with pride.

"You guys…"

I catch the eyes of the spirit that all but raised me and it's the knowing smirk and the challenging gleam in her gaze that gives me the courage to make my choice.

I turn to the Celestial King, head held high.

"I-I accept."

It's weird, but as the words leave my mouth, I swear I can practically feel the pact already forming, the promise almost like a material weight on my consciousness.

The king nods in approval.

"Very well, then step forward." he bellows.

I do as I'm told and watch as the old king rises from his throne. I'm forced to crane my neck to continue meeting his gaze.

"I, the Celestial Spirit King, eternal ruler of the Celestial Spirit World,"

Slowly, he draws his impressive longsword from its sheath at his hip.

I gulp, as cold sweat begins to trickle down my forehead.

'Just what does he plan to do with that?!'

"Dub thee, Lucy Heartfilia, as my Champion, to act as the bridge between the Celestial Spirit World and Earthland, and a protector of both realms!" he proclaims before swinging his massive sword towards me.

I can't help it, my eyes squeeze shut, bracing for impact, the strong gust of wind created by the downstroke whips the hair back from my face.

When the blow doesn't come, I cautiously open my eyes, only to go cross-eyed as I zero in on the sharp tip of the blade scant inches from my forehead. My eyes widen further as golden light begins to flow from the sword to me, and the moment it touches my skin, I can't hold back the scream that rips past my lips.

It's the same icy heat that encompasses the magic of all celestial spirits, but I've never experienced it to this degree. It paralyzes my muscles, leaving them to spasm sporadically as my body tries to comprehend the immense sensation rushing over my nerve endings. Wave after wave of blistering cold runs through me until I'm sure I'm going to pass out.

I can't see, I can't think. All I can do is endure, until finally, thankfully, it stops.

I can feel myself crumbling and as always, my loyal lion spirit is there to catch me.

"Forgive me, Lucy, the feeling should subside momentarily." The king rumbles regretfully.

I barely make out his words, and the remorseful tone that accompanies them, but I'm still unable to respond just yet. My heart finally begins to slow, no longer threatening to beat its way out of my chest, the small muscle spasms begin to cease before finally dissipating out of my fingers and toes. As gentle warmth finally begins to make its way back into my body, I breathe in a large gulp of fresh air, relieved when my muscles don't constrict.

Bracing myself, I take a step out of Loke's arms, casting a shaky smile his way as thanks before facing the king once more.

"What…what the hell was that?" I gasp. Internally, I flinch at my crass language in the presence of royalty, but I figure I'm granted a pass seeing as he didn't deem it necessary to warn me.

"I placed the Seal of Champions onto you. It is necessary to allow you certain powers other celestial wizards aren't granted. Leo should be able to answer any questions you may have about it."

My breathing is finally returning to normal as I let out a long sigh.

"I forgive you. I-I didn't think this would be easy. Still, you could've warned me." I pout, slightly annoyed when my voice slightly tremors.

Loke sends an empathetic glance my way.

"Unfortunately, time is running out. Before you go, I have a few more things I need to discuss with you."

I straighten from my bent over position to look at him.

"There are two things I wish for you to accomplish in the coming years."

"First, you must continue training. It is imperative that you grow stronger. Stronger than any other celestial wizard in Earthland."

I flinch, before reluctantly nodding. I shove the panic threatening to overcome me deep, deep down. 'I'll deal with it later' I tell myself.

"And second, I need you to gather as much information on Zeref and his plans as possible. Like I said earlier, I can only sense so much of what occurs in Earthland, I need you to act as my eyes and ears."

Dread sinks into my very bones. That means…

"So, you need me to return to Earthland." I reply sadly.

The great king nods.

"Leo already informed me of your unwillingness to return as of now, but unfortunately I must insist. The risk is simply too great."

I nod, a small frown gracing my lips.

From behind me, I hear Leo sigh before stepping beside me again.

"Your Majesty, is it at all possible Lucy can remain in the Domus Caelestis, at least until she masters the remaining Grand Celestial Spells?"

I turn, shocked, to stare at him. He doesn't look away from the Celestial King as he continues.

"There, she regains her magic at an unmatched rate. It could take her years to master the Grand Spells back in Earthland."

"Hmm." The king returns to his throne as he contemplates his oldest friend's request.

He looks to Lucy and the hope shining in her eyes.

"…Very well. I will grant you 10 more days in the Domus Caelestis, that's four months in Earthland. Regardless of whether you master them or not, at that point in time, you must return to Earthland to begin the other part of your mission."

It's a compromise, a challenge, and a test all rolled in one, I realize. Ten days…Ten days to master the three remaining Grand Spells?!

The panic I'd been holding at bay this entire time is threatening to break to the surface, but I still manage a nod in acquiescence.

Seeing my somewhat rattled expression, the king rumbles, "I have faith that anything you planned on accomplishing in the Domus Caelestis, you can accomplish in Earthland. Believe in yourself old friend. You are stronger than you think."

His words, while encouraging and kind, aren't enough to totally ease my nerves. Still, I smile softly and bow before him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't let you down."

"I wish we had more time. I know you must have many questions, but most, if not all of them, can be answered by Leo."

I get the sense my audience with him is coming to an end, and as I straighten back up, I prepare to turn to Loke.

"One last thing." The king states.

Surprised, I turn back to him only for my eyes to widen at what he is presenting to me.

It's a golden key.

"This is the key for the zodiac spirit Capricorn, the Sea-Goat. He was contracted to your mother, and you were meant to inherit him, along with Aquarius and Cancer. However, rather…unfortunate circumstances prevented this from occurring, until now. I know he will be of great use to you."

I can't help the awe and excitement rushing through me as he passes the key into my hands. However, as my fingers curl around it, I can't help but get a sense of loneliness and grief omitting from it. Just what had this poor spirit gone through before finally making its way into my possession?

I remember the cruelty I'd seen first-hand with Angel and stories I'd heard of Loke and Aries' previous keyholder, Karen. It's enough to make my jaws clamp in anger, my lips to twist in disgust, and I make sure to gently place his key among his brethren on my keyring.

So caught up in my thoughts, I don't notice Loke lean towards me. "I'm sure he'll be more than happy to make a contract with you once we get back to the Domus Caelestis," he mumbles in my ear, causing me to jump at his unexpected closeness.

He sends me a sheepish smile in apology before straightening to address his ruler.

"I believe Lucy's time is running out, Your Majesty. Was there anything else you wished to speak with her about?"

"I believe that is all. Take care, my friends. I predict the road ahead to be fraught with danger and hardship. I will do all I can to support you in your mission, but ultimately, it is up to you and the people of Earthland to save your world."

I nod gravely.

"Understood." I simply respond.

"Despite the circumstances," I smirk.

"It was great seeing you again, Stache Face!"

At that, he graces us all with a tremendous grin, pearly whites, and all.

"Smile" is all he says.

I take one last glimpse at my silver-keyed spirits.

"I'll see you all soon, I promise!"

"Pun-pun!"

"Can't wait to resume working with you Ms. Lucy!"

"Pikuu!"

Their goodbyes are the last thing I hear as Loke wraps his arms around my waist, and the world is once again replaced by golden sparkles and howling wind.

This time, as the booming 'ding dong' echoes around us, I push through the gate with ease, no resistance to be felt.

It surprises me enough that I find myself stumbling to the ground, a small squeak making its way past my lips.

"Shit. My bad Princess!" Loke pants. I'm surprised to see him bracing himself on his knees, as if fatigued.

I groan as I clamber off my butt, rubbing delicately at the sore spot. A quick glance up above confirms we are indeed, back in the Domus Caelestis, as I take in the gravity-defying planets filling the night sky.

"It's not your fault." I sigh.

"The gate, it felt different this time. Like it didn't mind me going through it?"

Loke nodded, still trying to catch his breath.

"That's just one of the perks of being a Champion. You're one of the few humans ever to be granted permission to travel through gates." he panted.

"The only catch," he continued.

"Is that it drains the magic of the spirit that teleports you." he sighs.

"Oh, Loke! I'm soo sorry!"

I rush to his side, hands frantically waving over him, unsure how exactly to help.

He lets out a shaky laugh.

"It's okay, it was necessary. The Celestial King only granted you passage to the Celestial World. I could've let you recite the spell to get back to the Domus Caelestis, but I didn't want you using your magic so soon after casting Urano Metria. Besides, my magic will return to me soon enough now that we're here."

I hesitate, before letting my hands drop.

"O-okay, if you're sure…"

He nods, "Just know that it's not something you should use a lot in Earthland."

Like he said, his magic was already returning, allowing him to straighten out of his hunched position and finally catch his breath.

"And never use a silver key, they simply can't handle the strain of passing you through a gate." he says sternly.

I nod in understanding.

Once I'm sure he's just about back to normal, I make my way inside the small cottage that's become my home away from home and direct my attention to my keyring as I pull out the newest addition to my celestial family.

I run my thumb over the symbol engraved on the tail of the key and I can't help but think of my late mother.

'I'll write to you later today, mom. There's so much I have to tell you!'

After releasing a deep breath, I begin the summon.

"I am linked to the path to the world of Celestial Spirits, now! O spirit, answer my call and pass through the gate!"

"Open! Gate of the Sea-Goat, Capricorn!"

The familiar 'ding-dong' once again echoes in the air before a bright flash.

Standing before me, is a rather tall figure, he even dwarfs Loke, potentially Taurus in height, although he has a relatively slim build. But the first thing I notice are his strong, hooved legs. Next, is his dapper suit and tie ensemble that reminds me of the butlers' garments back at the Heartfilia Manor. I trail my eyes up and instead of meeting his, I'm staring into a pair of black, mirror-polished shades. They sit perched upon his prominent, large nose, his elongated face having many goat-like traits, including his floppy white ears and ornate yet sturdy horns. At first glance, he seems rather intimidating, so I'm shocked when he graces me with a proper bow.

"My lady, I cannot express what a relief it is to finally be aaaat your service." he proclaims, the goat like quiver to his voice strangely adorable.

I quickly bring my hands forward and shake off his words.

"Please! Just Lucy will do." I say awkwardly.

"Very well, Lady Lucy."

I sweat drop.

'Close enough, I guess…'

"So, Capricorn, I know the Celestial King stated I was meant to inherit your key when my mother passed but, would you by any chance like to be free of that obligation? A lot of time has passed since you made that arrangement with Mom, I won't force you into a contract with me." I state firmly.

A smile graces his lips and although I cannot see his eyes to ensure it's genuine, it feels heartfelt when he says,

"You are the spitting image of Lady Layla, both in appearance and spirit, she clearly passed her kindness and compassion onto you. I would be honored to make a contract with you. Call on me whenever the need arises."

My cheeks grow hot from the praise.

"Th-thank you." I stutter.

"I understand you've been training to unlock the Star Dresses, correct?"

"Yes." I nod.

"I am more than willing to help you unlock mine as well. Although, I do expect it might be a bit more challenging with me as I am a new contract." He says, and I swear I can detect the smallest tinge of sadness to his words.

"I would love that, thank you. I'd like to start sooner than later so some time tomorrow morning?"

"I look forward to it Lady Lucy, until then."

A flash of golden light, and he's gone.

'What a shame.' I think to myself.

'I would've loved to ask him questions about his time with my mother…'

With that out of the way, I have another task to tackle, and I have a feeling that this one will be rather difficult to complete.

"Loke," I call.

His head peaks around the corner from the kitchen.

"Yes, Lucy?"

"If it's not too much trouble, could you deliver something for me?"

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! It was kind of a pain to write tbh lol. Hopefully it wasn't too confusing, I might rewrite it in the future, but I just wanted to get something posted, ya know? If anybody has questions about it, feel free to post it in the review section or send me a PM.

I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say. Any critiques? Predictions? It's always surprising seeing how spot on some of you have been about this story!

I know my posts have been sporadic to say the least, but my free time has been severely limited this past year. Unfortunately, I don't see that changing anytime soon, but I'll do my best!

Lastly, thanks for all the continuous support, it really motivates me to keep writing!