Somewhere deep at one of Fiore's forests, far away from civilization. A shadowy figure, jumps through one tree to the other. Her phase quick as time was some sort of the essence for the person. For the normal eyes the figure would have mistaken it for an actual fairy, with its slender frame, bouncing freely through the air as if the height of the trees does not scare her, not in any way. Her golden hair shines brightly every now and then in the bright light that peeks through the trees, and her agile speed makes it looked like it flies with her wings spread through the forest. The feeling of mirth, that it was playing hide and seek with normal travelers, jumping off and on without anyone catching a sight of its full appearance. But in reality, it was just a simple celestial spirit mage, who was leaping to and through the thicker branches of the trees. The reason for her haste was due to the upcoming and forming storm above her. A darker shade of grey clouds starts to form and almost filling the whole sky in a dark shade. Her phase quickens as she was nowhere close to finding shelter, eyes darting and shifting to and from one place to the other as she desperately looks for possible shelter, all the while maintaining her balance as she had trained a few weeks ago.
Lucy remembered how one day she approached her goat spirit and requested to provide a new training procedure that would greatly increase her abilities and magic. All that happened two weeks later after the guild's disbandment and her closest friends had leaving to find themselves. She all too remembered how it felt to be alone again on those times, the emptiness and grief that she has felt as to losing a dear friend and family. Her memory of how they parted was still fresh on her mind and their short goodbyes before going off and taking on their own paths.
Lucy was walking through the town; the whole town was still in ruins. And it has only been a day had pass since the whole tragedy. The town however has started getting up on its feet, and started building up again, you can see construction being made to the areas that were destroyed because of the fights. Lucy sighed as she felt sad at how things ended up regardless of how they'd struggle to fight off the end of the world. The demons almost could have won if it weren't for the extended help that came at the time. A help that bears great loss for the slayers and everyone else around them. She couldn't help but feel sad for her family.
Lucy stops at her tracks and look up at the broken down building, with nothing much left of it. Not as single indication of what the building was supposed to. Only small piles of rubble and burnt wood ashes remain at the lot. This place was supposed to be her home, a place for the rowdiest members of Fairytail, a place for her family. The guild that stands no matter the situation and came right back up, but right now, neither any of the members are rebuilding the guild, nor anytime it would stand again. Since Makarov disbanded the guild officially. And because of this Lucy felt another pain shot through her chest for the nth time this week. Everything was gone.
Lucy's POV
The next few days, I was walking with Gray through the town. The construction was still on going, but the city seems to have gained back its liveliness. All throughout the way there was an awkward silence between us, something that is rather quite different and weird for me. Usually at this point Gray would point out things to her or tell her things that happened to him for the day, but this time was different. He seemed to be out of it, like there was something on his mind that has been bugging him to no end. And I can't help but looked at my friend in worry. We ended up sitting in the park during their walk and I just watched the kids on the playground, play and laugh with their heart's content. This made me smile, one of the few sincere ones that I had since the events that transpired.
"Lucy…" Gray started which made me look at him. "I'm leaving this town for a while." He finishes, his tone was serious and it seems like he is thinking about something deep again. This made me stare at him for some time and couldn't help but laugh. He just looked back at me surprise written at his face. He wasn't expecting it maybe.
When I had calmed down a bit, I looked at him again. A smile still plastered on my face. "This is something that you need to do right?" I ask, shifting my gaze back at the kids that were playing. He looked at the kids as well. "Yeah"
"Well, you're not really obliged to tell me this. But it makes me happy that you want to tell me something that you wanted to do or what you are about to do. As long as this is what you want and what would make you happy. I don't really have any reason to stop you from doing it." There was a pause. We were watching the kids while we let silence envelop us then I broke it. "Just… Just promise that you would still stay in touch, no matter what." I said, and I felt him nod. I looked at him at the corners of my eyes and couldn't help the edges of my lips as it form a smile. This was the Gray I knew, no matter how serious the situation is, he always got that calm and collected smile on his face.
"And besides, I'm sure a certain rain woman would be more than happy to accompany you to wherever you had to go, even without your permission." And as if on cue, a shiver went down his spine and I giggled at that. He just continued on his usual Gray antics and kept denying things, telling how he didn't want and need a stalker holding him down. The next day Gray left magnolia, and I could have sworn I saw a certain blue haired girl following without him noticing.
Erza told me too, how she wanted, more like needed to leave the town. She got invited by Crime Sorciere, when they had passed through the town a couple of days ago. She kept insisting that I join her on her travel and that she would feel bad for leaving me behind. Though no matter how tempting the offer was I couldn't take it. It felt a bit odd going with her. No, not her but with what she wanted to do and it just doesn't seem to sit right on my stomach. So I downright refuse her. But promise that we would still keep in touch. No other words were said at that and Erza gave me her bone crushing hug one last time before she bid farewell.
Wendy was crying, and her hug tightened around me. She was to go to Lamia Scales to join them, since she received an invitation to join the guild when they heard about the disbandment and Chelia told her to join her at the guild, she was ecstatic at the idea, because she gets to hang out with her friend who is at least close at her age and told her that it would be a good thing too, knowing that Jura would be there to look after her, places me at ease knowing that she'll be in good hands. Currently we were at the train station early in the morning. And thank the gods there weren't much people around this time thus we weren't' attracting much attention. She also cried the other day Erza left town. She insisted and cried to Erza that she joins her but Erza refused and told her to join the guild, Lamia Scale. Now she won't let me go as well, and was trying her best to ask me to join her, which made me and Carla sigh a bit. I felt sad letting the small slayer go but it didn't feel right as well as like how Erza invited me. After moments of talking, crying, comforting and more crying. I made a promise to visit her whenever I can, and she seems to accept so long as they take care of themselves as well as a promise that they would write to me as much as they can with all the adventures they would have. With a last goodbye and more tears Wendy and Carla boarded their train to Lamia Scale.
The same day Wendy and Carla left, Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe woke up. There weren't many people in the guild now, that which whom we know is still at the town. Most of them disappeared without a word. Some said a brief farewell and left. So I was visiting the Thunder God Tribe, since Laxus woke up and the other three members stayed saying they couldn't leave their leader and would follow him at the end of the world. I felt a bit envious at their loyalty, only if team Natsu could just stay together as well. But I set aside those thoughts knowing deep down that we would most likely see each other and that we are just taking a break to find and collect ourselves, and just felt happy that Laxus and the Thunder God Tribe was feeling better. I kept them updated with the news knowing how much it would let them down, but they too had to know.
The next few days was visiting the recovering team since I had this much time at my hands and I wasn't too sure as well on what I plan to do or where to go next. And seeing them interact with each other every day was a nice change of pace. For once I never felt sadness looking after them. Though what I thought that things were to stay like that I guess it was a bit naive to think it would just stay the same. The day Polyrusca thrown them out of her house saying they were all healed and everything and with nowhere to go, they thought about joining another guild. This does not seem to fit well in my stomach. They invited me to come with them, to which I refused, but they were insistent and kept bothering me that I joined them. Still I refused.
The day after they were thrown out, they were at the train station. The other member of the Thunder God Tribe has already boarded the train, having said their own little farewell. Laxus though remained standing just outside the entrance. He was staring at me, his face serious as if contemplating something important. Then what felt like a couple of moments which was just mere few minutes. He let out an annoyed sigh. I just looked down at my feet. Feeling a bit ashamed, nervous at what he might be thinking. What surprised me and made me look up was his large hand on top of my head, ruffling it. I might have looked stupid, staring wide eyes while he just smirked at me.
"Don't look too surprised. I may be a bit against it, leaving you behind and alone. But since you're too determined to stay I'll trust you on this." He reassured, his smirk turning to a smile. And I smiled back at him. "'Sides if you got into some deep shit you can always call me and your big brother will come out to help ya" He smirked again. I laughed at that and waved off his hand on my head. "That a bit cliché and cheesy, so not you!" I continued laughing. He chuckled. "I mean it. I'm just a call away Blondie. And since we're the only blondes on the guild, we have to look out for each other." I nodded in response. I couldn't help myself as I throw myself at him for a hug. I never expected that I would miss him and the Thunder God Tribe this much, and I just felt like doing this. He hugged me back, laying his chin on top of my head. "Thanks Nii-san." A whisper that only he could hear. A few minutes the train departed and I was left alone again. But I don't feel down as much.
Though I still wondered why I let those chances pass by. I could have joined any of them in their own little adventures. And everything would have been fine. But I didn't. I don't know why I refused, it was like there was a nagging feeling at the back of my mind. Making me feel how it wasn't right. I thought about this the whole day. Lying in my own bed, until I fell asleep from thinking. I woke up late at night from that sleep, my eyes were wide as saucers. What I thought was no longer there, a sudden spark came out. An all too familiar sense and link. I look at my desk where the broken key lay. And I could have sworn. I felt magic. No, I felt her through the key. Scrambling to my feet, I went and grabbed the broken tool and kneeled at my floor as I tried pouring my magic as much as I can to it. I felt tears fell on my cheeks as I tried my hardest. Maybe just maybe. If I put more magic thinking she might come back again. That we would be a complete family again. I felt pained as I tried my all to put magic into it, feeling all the sadness that hit me, that one exprience that left me with not muh choice but to lose her. That gaping black hole that tore into my heart as I remember how I saw her key break infront of my eyes. For the next few moments, I kept letting my magic onto the key. I didn't stop at it. And just kept going tears still streaming on my face. I can't let go. I can't let her go again. I keep doing that. Until I felt a hand on my shoulders, I still continued ignoring the presence of the other three in my room.
"Lucy. Please stop." I heard my trusted lion said, his hand on my shoulder gripping tighter. I could sense his worry at me and the other two spirits in the room. "Lucy-sama, please stop this." The goat mage said. His voice was still firm and held the same confidence he always had, however I almost felt it crack at some point. "Princess, please do not punish yourself." Virgo's word was full of worry, one that is quite rare to show in the maid spirit, and at that, it made me stop. The key fell on my grasps and a small clang was heard as it hit the floor. And I cried harder as if the event just happened again. Loke turned me around and hugged me tightly. Drawing circles at my back and saying soothing words at my ear. Virgo and Capricorn just stood there worry in evident in their eyes as they waited for me to let it out.
It took me a couple of minutes to calm down. Though I was still sniffing, and my eyes were still watery. I am somehow at my calmest at the moment. I looked up at them and wondered if I made worried them too much and the reason why all three of them were here.
"We got something to tell you Lucy." Loke started. Capricorn cleared his throat and looked at me seriously. "I would assume that you have felt a spark at Aquarius key earlier and thus had you remember her." He said, his gaze lingered at the broken key for a second before continuing. "I won't deny it. It is Aquarius that you felt a while ago and while the key is broken which should have not been impossible in this case. But because of your wish that you want to see her, spark through that old link that she has on this world, that is when a new connection for her was created. There is a secret about the substitution summoning technique that you used. The spell was only used three times in the whole celestial record you being the third. The first two had the key completely diminished during the incantation. But yours set a different result, while the key being stile being destroyed it didn't break fully. This was because of your desire to not let her go at that time regardless. So it left you a memento to her. A small connection that would lead you to her new one on this world. Aquarius key has been reborn and is seating somewhere at this world. All you need is to stand, take the broken key and find her."
I giggled a bit as I rubbed the tears off my face with the back of my hand; I couldn't help myself at how cheesy that sounded. "So we set out, go on an adventure, find her key and have our family completed again?" I said. The three other spirits smiled at me for that. "Yes that sums it up." Loke replied back. I didn't feel down as I was before rather I was felt relieved, happy, hopeful and excited. The thought that I can be with Aquarius again, all that needed to be done is to look for her key out there somewhere from this huge world. An endless adventure to find family. Now I felt inspired about maybe writing a new story line. This feels like a new storyline that I could write and work with. And this may be the chance that I could have gotten for myself. Maybe all those times I rejected the other members was for this, but it could have been something else. Nevertheless I was bestowed this opportunity to find her and to have my family completed again. I felt determined for the first time since everything happened. I won't fail them this time. And I won't fail my other family as well, Fairy Tail. I'll grow strong and learn more about my magic. So that when in the future we became a family again I can protect them.
"Let's do that, let's find her." I said with determination wearing a genuine smile for the first time since the events and they all look at me with awe and a smile plastered in their faces. They had been doing their best for these couple of days cheering me up and I guess they were happy to see me like this. "Then I shall start packing up your things Princess" Virgo started which I stopped her at that. There was something that I needed to do first before everything. I looked at Capricorn, my face serious. "There's something I need to do first before we head out." I start, their focus all on me as to what I was about to say. "I need to train first, I need to know more about my magic and hone the skills that I have and I need to learn how to use that gift as well." The other two seemed a bit taken aback by this; I usually decline the idea of training, and mastering my magic, but Capricorn had that proud smile on his face and nod in understanding. "Understood Lucy-sama I will prepare a new training procedure that we can follow for you. Actually I wanted to present this to you before but the time didn't seem right." he said. "That's great Capricorn! I need to be stronger before we find her, we don't know how long this will take nor where our own feet would take us looking for her. There's a vast world out there and I need to prepare for what's to come.
The next two months for me was full of training and magic exercise. Capricorn has set out a routine to follow. And each he pointed out the purpose and value for each training. During mornings I would wake up as early as 5 to start warming up and jogging around magnolia. He said that it's good to keep my endurance and stamina up, he would also teach me fighting stances and martial arts, in cases of dire need to do hand to hand combat with an enemy. He pointed out that most celestial mages fighting relies on their spirits abilities and attacks that we barely had any room to learn close combat experience. In which I agreed, I noticed as well how I unconsciously kept using my spirits abilities to fight though I do often fight besides them but that had not gained me much experience in that field. So he told me that having a fit and strong body can help me keep up with that.
The next part as how he had told me was my summoning techniques.
"Summoning spirits costs too much drained for the holder. Thus they are only able to keep them for a set amount of time. But with your magical abilities, you can hold out three spirits at max but that still has a strain on you. So the best thing to focus now is how to use your ability to summon two spirits at the same time and hold them. There are two ways on how to do that which is consecutive summoning wherein you initially summon a first spirit beside you to fight then followed by another spirit to support in the fight. This process drains much more magic since you has them summoned one after the other having two big tolls taken from your reserves. The other one which is not most known to celestial mages is group summoning. This means that you send out two spirits at the same time, thus you take the drain only once. In this case Lucy-sama I would much prefer that you practice the other technique to keep up with your reserves." he explained that part, something that is already common knowledge to me. And it made me wonder why he had to explain it again. But what confuses me is why I need to focus with the other technique. Wouldn't it be more efficient to have one summon after the other than have the same summoned at the same time? I raised my hand to ask a question as how a student would do during class. "Would it not be more effective to do the consecutive summoning rather than the group one? In this case if the spirits that I summoned first is ineffective against the opponent I can remedy that and summon a spirit that best can fight the enemy." He nodded in understanding. "That is a good reason yes. The reason i ask to focus on using the other rather than this, simply because there a secret with the other technique." He said. Suddenly going quiet and our surroundings seemed become silent as well. "The group drains only as much as how you would use magic to summon a single spirit and plus a half of it." He said, shocked was written over my face. I never knew that. Hell I didn't even notice when I summoned Taurus and Aries during Tartaros cost me that less magic. I never notice my reserves at that time since it was in the heat of battle. But now that I think about it. It did cost me less magic to use dual summoning. I stared at Capricorn with wide eyes and he seemed to just chuckle at my face. I had never been this surprise by Capricorn since. Shaking my head, I pouted and just had him continued his explanation.
"Besides doing the group summoning I would suggest thinking of the best spirits to combine with and fight alongside this way you can still have the upper hand at most of your battles. Though it is wise to still use the other technique but I would pretty much want you to prioritize this one. Other than that we need to also sharpen your own talents." This made me looked at him curiously, he coughed and then continued. "To be honest, out of all the celestial mages that I have been passed down and been in my care on the Heartfilia family, I never seen such talent as yours Lucy-sama. And yes I had been serving your bloodlines since Anna Heartfilia the greatest celestial mage in her time. Through all those century I've seen how the Heartfilia's grew with their magic even your mother, but none of them had a natural talent like yours. Most celestial mages needed to be able to have their spirits work together not just by dynamics but with unison and synchronization in their attacks as well. Thus they need to have their master possess a great skill in doing unison raids. As you might have known unison raids as a hard kind of technique, in both offensive and defensive magic. This type that allows two user to combine different elements to complement each other and become one devastating attack. Most take years to practice and master. But you however are different. Being able to have your spirits do unison raid with each and other and not only that but with other mages as well is what I would call gift. The more that the spirits is able to combine and sync their attacks the powerful they can become, thus you have an unnatural gift to do just that. I can already see you become a strong mage. Now with this, all we need is to sharpen that blade more. For this can become an edge that you will have against all other enemies that you may face. And that is also why I prefer you to use group summoning's since you can have the two spirits set out with the most greatest attacks they can do together."
"And then we will also expand your magic reserve and levels. I know for sure I've already told you this, and yes expanding your magic more not only allows you to have enough magic stored to last in battle but the more your magic increase the more abilities your spirits are able to use. With this you can access more attacks and skills that they may have. And being able to access more abilities grants you more flexibility in most situations." He said. I nodded and I didn't realize I said out loud what I was thinking. "Just like a game" he raised an eyebrow at that. "Yes just like a game." he said back. Making me shrink at my position. This seemed to satisfy him. "Next is learning a new form of magic." My ears perk up at this and my eyes were wide and excited. I always wanted to learn another type of magic so that I can at least have a bit advantage in fights. "I will be teaching a simple yet effective magic that you can use. This can either be used in fight or at least getting yourself in proper position during times. This is also one of the basic that many or almost all fighter mages uses. Magic skin or aura skin, being able to use your magic to expand and surround your entire body as somewhat a second skin and using to increase a person's physical capabilities as well. Most of the mages in your guild uses this. Though I'm sure most of them are not aware about this since it becomes almost a second nature to them. It tremendously increases your physical abilities as I have mentioned enabling you to jump higher, defend against attacks better and even have your Lucy kicks stronger. I'm sure you are wondering as to how Natsu, Erza and Gray are able to do that inhuman act that is because of this certain magic. Once you learn this you should be able to keep up with them with speed and strength." I never actually thought about it much but now that he mentioned it, it was kind of inhuman how they are able to jump from building to building and barely had enough wound and just simple scratches at them. "Since this would act as somewhat a second skin. This magic allows you to protect yourself from physical attacks as well and sometimes magic ones." I smiled at that part. I wanted to be able to do more and last longer in battle and not become like some sort of a ragged doll being tossed around.
Still in my own world and thoughts at how I could battle more without having suffering many injuries. Capricorn continued his explanation. "The last part of the training would be using his majesties gift to you. Also known as the celestial dress." at hearing that, I left my lalaland and focus at what he had to say. "I can only count how many celestial mages have been bestowed by this gift. Almost the same number of people who had summoned the spirit king himself. The gift allows you to manifest the magic and abilities of your golden key in to dresses or amours and empowers you with their abilities. As usual each dress will have their unique trait and abilities, which I will have you debrief later on. I will also pass you records from the celestial library about the abilities of each signs possess. I already had crux look into it for you, he will be giving you the note to review later on. But what we need to focus on is how you will be able to summon it and use in battle. Using this magic is almost as identical as summoning us, your spirits. Each key will be a link towards each dress as well as how they are link to summoning us. Once you have mastered summoning the dress. We will practice using their abilities and how to best use them in most situations. And that will conclude our training routine. We will start the first month sharpening your skills and then the next using the dress. I do not expect you to fail on this Lucy-sama. I'm sure that you will become as strong as how your other ancestors had been. And I Capricorn, the goat spirit pledge on that as how I had pledge to serve your bloodline." Then be next days were full of training. Learning more about my spirits and working myself out the whole day. I did not stop even for a single day. And my spirits made sure to keep cheering me up and pushing me farther than what I thought was already my limit. We work as family, had some times of fun and times of almost giving up. But we never stop since they know I was doing this for our family. And then the two month long training was finished. I felt more powerful than ever before and it was time to set out on a journey and find her. Before the day that I would leave Capricorn opened his own gate. He told me that there is still a small magic lingering on the broken key, and that it could be used to lead me to her. All I had to do was fill it with my magic and the key will point the direction to where I had to go. I thank him for telling me about it. I left magnolia the day before all members of fairy tail is nowhere staying close to the town now. Not when I have left it. I left the place by foot going through the forest passing by an all too familiar house which earned me a yell about disgusting humans and was chased out deeper into the woods. Letting my feet take me to my destination.
And that brings me to where I am now, hugging Plue close to my chest as I bounce off from the trees looking for a cave where I could stay shelter from the upcoming storm. I was desperate at this point since the clouds turn darker each passing second. I was about to enter a clearing when I felt a strong magic ability that made me stop dead on my tracks, quickly camouflaging with the surrounding and making the minimum of sounds that I can make. It was dangerously high, almost the same level as Laxus, and the target does not seem to moving and felt like it has stopped as well. "Sagittarius" a silent whisper that past through my lips and I felt the all too familiar gate being open opposite from where I am at least a good meters away from the stranger. Through training I have learned, or Sagittarius had unlocked an ability that allows me to summon him at a specific point of location within a mile in radius away from me and also had learned full stealth. That allows him to hide his presence completely, thus becoming more effective for surprise attacks and assassinations. Though I can still sense him being his Summoner, I felt that he had an arrow pointed and ready to shoot anytime. But the target stayed still, unmoving. It may seem like he or she felt my presence but I was completely hiding my magic and also travelling as quiet as possible through the area. Which made me wonder and also question what he or she is up to or doing, it's quite unpredictable how the stranger would be thinking now. This situation made me feel nervous because of the magical power emitting from the person, I may be able to only hold him or her out for a few minutes, and then he could just overpower when he or she feels like it. Not even with training I could last long with this person.
"No need to mind me" A male voice shouted, startling me from my thoughts. "Just a man passing through" he finished. Remaining in my position not knowing whether to trust his words or not. He spoke again after a few minutes. "I promise I won't bite. Well technically I don't even with my magic and all, but whatever. Come out 'ere. I can sense you completely." He called out making me click my tongue and step out to show myself. I was looking at a man, he was tall and built like Laxus, and had that dark chocolate brown hair and green eyes. Even with this distance I could make out his face, he wasn't bad looking and wasn't too much invested in trying to look good as well. So Lucy silently agreed that he is just normal. He was wearing black pants and armored boots that reach to the middle of his feet. He got a green tank top and a worn out army jacket over. He got a travelling bag sling over his shoulder. He was staring at me intently. His eyes seemed to or looked serous and I blush at the intensity of his gaze, so I looked away. Noticing that I moved my head and felt my embarrassment, he coughed, I saw him scratch the back of his head at the corner of my eyes. He let out and awkward laugh and look away as well.
A whole silent and awkward minute later. Neither of us saying or uttering a word. Not eve moving an inch. He finally let out a chuckle. "This is awkward." he said more to himself. I giggled at that. I'm guessing he isn't a bad guy but still didn't trust him fully. I looked back at him he was still looking away with a light smile on his face. And thinking back I still couldn't figure out how he was able to sense me when I completely sealed of my magic. I didn't realized I was thinking too much about that when he called out to me again. "Guess you wondering how I know you were there." That caught my attention, I snapped my head towards his direction and he was looking back at me seriously this time again. "That's because I can smell and hear you." A simple yet complicated line that still does not answer much. Well it did answer it but I got a bit more confuse about the situation. "Ya got that dumb looking expression on your face. I'm a dragon slayer; I have heightened senses compared to a normal mage or human. That's how I knew you were there." He said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "I'm sorry you're a what?" I asked dumbly not believing what he said. For all I know there is only 7 dragon slayers alive and kicking.
"I'm a dragon slayer, you know this doesn't seem right. Most people try to introduce their names first before anything. So… uh… let me do that again." he said. And move his body so he was facing me completely now, his head looking up at me at the thick branch of tree where I am standing. "The names Trevor Cledwyn. And I'm an earth dragon slayer. Also could you ask your friend over there to stop pointing sharp things at people? That's dangerous you know?" He said nonchalantly, and I just blinked. Dumbfounded how can he sense Sagittarius? All traces of his sent should be gone as well as his presence. He is standing still and still pointing an arrow but he hardly made any sound that could give his location. Even a dragon slayers hearing should had a hard time getting that. Unconsciously the word went out of my mouth "How.". I saw him sigh. "Do I have to tell you everything? I'm an earth element, he's standing on earth. It's like an innate ability for earth dragons to sense anything standing on solid ground within a certain radius." he said with a puff, a bit annoyed. I'm not sure whether to be intrigued about the new information or be fascinated and coo at how cute he looked acting like a kid. I guess I should not focus on either for now. "Sorry about the rudeness." as I said that I send a mental note to Sagittarius and he went back to the celestial world. "I guess I was just surprised to hear another dragon slayer besides the other ones that I knew of." I saw his ears perk up at this and his attention shifted at me again. I guess he wasn't aware about the other slayers. "My names Lucy Heartfilia. I'm a celestial spirit wizard." I said.
"Okay… so what's a little girl like you doing all alone in this dense forest?" he asked.
"Well this little girl is passing through this forest too and heading for the next town." I huffed, not liking being called a girl. "I was hurrying a bit since it seems like there's a storm coming." As the words went out of my mouth I felt a drop of water on my face which then bullets of rain started falling that turn into a heavy one in mere seconds. He seemed to be alerted as well and notice the coming storm, he slightly panicked, almost looking cute doing so that made me giggle. Composing himself, he quickly signed at me to follow him, without hesitation I jumped down and run at the direction he went through. A few minutes after, we were inside a small cave. One that is manmade. Since I caught him punching his arm over this cliff creating a room and making somewhat a cave like place to cover up from the rain. Good thing that it only took him a minute to complete this and had surely gotten away from getting too wet from the rain. I sigh; the rain was a bit heavy and maybe would take at least the next two hours or so before it calms down. Not liking the situation, also being stuck with a total stranger which I just realize, regardless of how he made a roof over my head, literally. I let out a sigh and just plopped down on the ground and pulled out a key. The gold key shimmers in the dark background as I said the incantation. "Virgo" the maid spirit appeared in a bright light and showed up bowing in front of me. Trevor just watches on the other side about the interaction.
"Is it time for punishment?" Virgo asked as usual. This gained a terrified expression from the other guy as he slowly inched away from me looking like he is about to be violated, his arms crossed around his body to protect himself. "Please don't hurt me" he cried and I just wanted to ignored him at that moment. "Don't worry, it's just her… uhm… quirk, and no punishment Virgo for the nth time, I also need some firewood, food and supplies, the rain would seem to stay like that for a while so I'll take this time to rest for a bit before going to the town. Could you also bring out blankets, lots of them and pillows, I'll call Aries later for some wools." I instructed and the ever so kind Virgo bowed, disappeared in a flash and came back in the next second with all the things that I requested brought, set and prepared. Now I just need some wool from Aries for comfortable makeshift beds. "Is there anything else that you need princess?" she asked. "No, that would be all thank you very much Virgo" the maid spirit bowed again and disappeared in a bright light, I called Aries after that and asked to set up some wools around the small cave like place and once done I covered them with the blankets and added the pillows and all was set. I started preparing a soup as well with the lit fire and just poured in all the ingredients since. Everything was already cut, cooked and prepared and just need to heat it up. So then the set up was a cave that looked like a living room with fluffy bed to sit or lay at, the fire in front of us cooking the soup that was prepared and both of us were sitting facing the rain outside as if it were the television and were watching a great show in 3D.
"So…." he started. "Where were you headed at?" He started; boredom must have gotten to him since the soup was not finish being cooked yet. "A small town north from here. I was supposed to arrive before dusk but the rain kinda gotten on my schedule" he nodded. An awkward silence filled the air again. This time it lasted longer compared to earlier. Well two total strangers don't really have much to talk about; we can talk about ourselves not knowing anything about each other, though it may just feel awkward to start acting like best buds. But still I'm a bit curious as to how he learned his magic, is he a second gen like Laxus as well? How did he get his magic? Did he kill a dragon for that? I wanted to know more about him because of his magic. I turned a bit to face the man, he seemed to be deep in thought or probably just in lalaland staring at the fire, either way I looked at him and he seemed to notice my gaze. I wanted to asked questions so I opened my mouth but didn't expect the words that came out. "Since… you're an earth dragon does that mean you eat… dirt?" I blushed at that, and he looked a bit surprised, who wouldn't. What normal conversation start with that? His brows furrowed at the question, he opened his mouth to try to say something but no words came out, and closes it. Then his face relaxed and opened his mouth again to say something but again, no words were said and close it. He seemed to be having a hard time finding the words to say, being surprised at the question asked made him like this, but who could blame him? I might have acted the same if was ask like my own question. He repeated the same action two more times. Before just chuckling and shaking his head no. That was a first most dragon slayers eat their own element, well atleast all the ones that I know of. I tilted my head curiosity growing. "Then do you spit dirt." I mentally face palmed, I could have phrase that one better. He looks like he's been weirded out by my inquiry and was looking like he could dash anytime and ditch me. "Uh… I'm not s-sure I should be here" And he began to stand that which made me jump out of instinct to pull him back and that earned me a dreaded looked from him. I quickly withdraw my hands back looking a bit flustered then explained myself quickly before he got anymore wrong impressions. "T-that's just the other slayers that I knew eat their own element and had a roar attack with their element. That's why I ask." I quickly finish, stuttering a bit. He looked at me and blinked, notices how embarrassed I was and left out a chuckle "Did you imagine me grabbing spoon and scooping the earth and eating it?" I blushed at that, I was thinking how appealing it would be to eat… dirt… I mean earth, but did not replied so as not to make him think of me as weird. He just sigh and then we were filled with silence again. The only noise was the heavy rain pouring in front of us and a faint sound of firewood burning and crackling. I for once would not want to admit but I felt like an asshole for making his magic look stupid. And this time I feel like I didn't know how to start or want to, not trusting the words coming out of my mouth, for once I was lost at words. Then I heard him sigh again. "I don't eat my magic as how you say it, not literally anyway. Here… Let's try this. Gimme your hand." He commanded and held his hand out. I reached over and let him hold my hands. I blush slightly at the feeling of his warms hands and how careful he was at holding mine. He then placed my palm on the ground, his hand on top of mine and I wondered what he was trying to do. Then I felt it, raw magic power sliding through my hand and seem to going to his and being absorbed. "That's what you would call raw magic power. It's all around us. And that is what I eat as how you refer it. I let the magic flow through me freely and absorbed it replenishing my own reserves" As his explanation ended he let go of his hand. I retracted my hand and put it to my chest. I could still sense the feeling of magic flowing over my skin and his warm hands over mine, that made me blush a bit. The magic that glided over my hand doesn't feel dangerous rather it felt like home. "And I do not have a roar attack. Think of it a huge boulder coming out of my mouth. Not cool." he chuckled after that. And I giggled at his antics. "Were you taught by a dragon?"
"I did and I grew up with her, I was a baby when she found me, she said my biological father was carrying me, on verge of dying and found my foster mother, Terra. He asked and pleaded the dragon back then to look after me and protect me. That was the last thing that he said before his last breath. All I had from him was this tag that I had since a baby." He said, pulling out a tag to show me. "Since then I grew up with terra. She taught me her magic and a lot of things. We moved as well from one place to another every other decade that which I remind you that only happened twice. She left a month ago. More like her lifeline has ended and now she is one of the earths and I could still feel her here." As he finished he places his right arm again on the ground again, a gentle smile placed on his lips. "I still remember her as if it was just yesterday and all those times spent growing up with her, she would always say that every moment and every person that I meet either good or bad is something that I should be thankful for that and that I would one day need to go out on my own. Thinking about it now I guess she had been teaching me for this time." He ended in a sad tone, he almost looked like he was about let out a tear but composes himself and looked straight forward. "Enough of that, since then I had nowhere to go, I went from town to town these past two months and ended up here. I guess I was supposed to go to that same town you were referring to." He finishes off. "I'm sorry about your lost." I said. He shakes his head. "Thank you and don't be, it was good while it lasted. What about you?"
"What about me?" I asked back. "What brings you to this forest travelling alone? Surely there's a reason why."
I nibbled on my lower lip. Wasn't sure how to say my reason. "I'm looking for a family." I said. Looking away. "A spirit?" He asked which made me snap my head towards him. "You're looking for a spirit?" he repeated and I nodded. "Why? Were you separated?" I let out a low shaky breath, I've never really opened this to anyone, knowing that just by going through it I will remember the painagain of loosing her, but somehow telling it or opening up to this person feels different. "I broke her key. There was this battle a losing one, three demons against me alone and everyone else being turned to stone. She said to sacrifice her key to summon the king. Even if I didn't want to she kept telling how stubborn and how much of a bratt I was, I was crying then and kept telling her no, but she said more means things to me, telling me it is the only thing I can do and I did it, I broke her key just to save my other family." I finished almost felt like crying about it again, looking away to hide my face. "And I'm guessing this spirit was really importsnt to you?" He got that right. Ever since I gotten Aquarius, she was my first friend and had always been like a mother figure to me. "Yes she was." I said sadly.
"And now your set out looking for her?" he asked and I nodded. Staring at the flames. "If it counts I don't think she ever regretted doing that. She might just have said that only so that she can save you. No one person, either human or spirit would go through that if she didn't love ya." I felt his hand on my head which made me look up. "Instead of rather feeling down right now, hold your head up and do your best to find her. Her sacrifice wouldn't mean anything if you keep being like this." his voice was soft
"I guess you're right."
"Besides I'm positive that we can find her" my attention pick up at the word. "We?" I asked for confirmation. "Well yeah if ya don't mind me tagging along. Sides this seems to promise a great adventure and it'll be a sin to just keep it for yourself." He said. "Fine. As long as you're okay with it I don't mind. And having someone to back you up… is much better than doing this alone." I replied smiling at him and he smiled back. "By the way, how long does that soup does takes to cook" my eyes widen at that and looked at the pot, obvious black smoke coming out from it. "What the hell!" I smacked him. "Why didn't you tell sooner!" I yelled almost crying. He was massaging his head, the part I hit. "I did nothing wrong. This is all on you" he argues back. "It is. Since this is our food! You could've at least warned me about it sooner!"
"I did warn you about it! So why did I get hit?"
"It's because you warned a little too late!" I argued back like a kid
"That does not make sense" He replied shaking his head. "Yes it does! Besides you're a slayer how could you not smell that it was burning!"
"I thought it was the firewood burning, how the hell would I know?!"
"Still your fault" I finalized. He let out a sigh and grumbles something about being unfair. "What was that?" I asked glaring. "N-nothing ma'am" He replied weakly. I sigh and just focused on fixing our meal. This was not part of the plan and I hope this will be a short trip. Though I knew in the back of my this that this is going to be a long one and exhausting at that.