Coco: Hey, guys, here's another chapter for ya :D I hope you like it. And just a few things I want to go over with you all.
I am warning you now that Laelaps is a slightly different character than last time. Appearance wise she is very different. Personality wise she is basically the same. Though a bit more...wiser? I'm not sure how I should put it. She's definitely more confident. Like, she recognizes her power as a primordial zodiac key, and doesn't hesitate to point out when she believes her opponent is unmatched. She also won't call Lucy Alpha anymore.
Another thing is that I changed Sanju's name. I know a lot of people never understood why I named Sanju as Sanju. Honestly, I was going with a Japanese theme and when I used a translator it said Treble was translated to Sanju. So it was supposed to be a play on their old guild's name. However, I used google translate, so there's no telling how accurate that is. Anyway, I decided to go with a more Egyptian theme since Jaser's country is a combination of Egyptian/Indian culture. So her new name is Bast! Which is the Egyptian Goddess of Cats.
And I'm not sure if I mentioned yet, but I changed Sven's magic. Yeah, I know, a lot of you loved his magic. And I did too, but I just couldn't work with it anymore. I tried to get it to work for me, but gave up. I'm sorry. So now his magic is based off of the alchemy from Fullmetal Alchemist :D Some of you may know that I have a FMA story. One I haven't worked on in a while. I haven't given up on it, and I promise to try and get back to it as soon as possible. Until then you can enjoy using magic based of the alchemy from FMA :D
Anyway, I'm sure I have more to tell you, but I'll do that at another time since I'm tired XD Anyway, here's the chapter! Enjoy!
"I can't believe we're here!" Lucy said as she was looking around in awe.
She and Rizzo paused in their walk through Alchemilla, which was large city in Fiore that housed many scholars and wizards on the path of higher learner. It was a beautiful city, and the second largest city in Fiore after the Capital. In fact, Fiore didn't have many large cities. Probably only three to four tops. Alchemilla was known for housing scholars and wizards that worked hard to either better Fiore, or to keep the country's history preserved.
It had many libraries and other structures for learning within the city. Lucy has always wanted to come here just to browse through the libraries or look at the stars in the city's famous observatory. Though the most beautiful and most well-known place in all off Alchemilla was the Institution of Advance Learning.
It was a grand building in the center of the city where many great people—including wizards have studied. You don't have to attend this school to become a wizard. Or any magical school, really. But some of the greatest wizards in history have come from this school. And not just wizards. Many people, who have made history in Fiore, studied at this school. It is also a place where people just curious to learn more may enter. Lucy honestly couldn't believe she was here. It was like a dream.
"Never really been here either myself." Rizzo said as she stood beside Lucy with her hands in her pockets. "But they have a symphony hall here that my grandfather played in once or twice. Then Satyr Reed was always welcomed to perform in the Institute play productions."
"Satyr Reed?" Lucy murmured. "Oh yeah, I remember that they were not only talented wizards, but talented performers as well."
Lucy's parents had taken her to a show before when she was little. The guild had been having their harvest festival, and every Acacia Harvest Festival the local Guild—Satyr Reed—would put on a musical performance. They even added magic to it. It was something Lucy would never forget.
"But how do you know about Satyr Reed, Rizzo?" Lucy asked curiously.
Rizzo let out a slight sigh as she put her hands behind her head while looking up towards the sky.
"I was born into that guild before it's disbandment." Rizzo explained. "My ancestor Raoul Sweeney had created with alongside a childhood friend of his. It lasted a hundred years, but then the guild's longtime rival White Fang really hit us good. And once the fire settled and the ashes cleared, what was left of the guild disbanded."
Lucy's eyes widened. She, of course, knew about the attack on Satyr Reed. She had been young at the time, but the news had gone through the entire kingdom. No one had ever thought a guild as old and prestigious as Satyr Reed would up and disband. As far as guilds go it was one of the oldest guilds around alongside Fairy Tail. However, the attack from White Fang had really done a number on them. They lost their master and all their elite wizards. Lucy was sure it had to be spirit crushing to go through such a loss.
"After the guild disbanded, it left my brothers and I with no where else to go." Rizzo said. "Though they're not really my brothers. Just boys I grew up with in the guild. Breccan, Craylee, and Jaser were all orphans at the time. The guild kind of adopted them like sons, so I thought it only natural to call them my brothers. Then Sven—while he had a family—looked out for us since he was the oldest. It was only natural that we stick together even after the disbandment."
Rizzo let out another sigh as she looked back forward with a sad look in her eyes. Lucy immediately regretted asking her previous question. She never meant to bring up such sad memories.
"Gramps came and found us though." Rizzo said. "Fairy Tail has always been close friends with Satyr Reed. Master Makarov was even present when I was born."
Laxus had been there as well, but that felt like ages ago. Laxus wasn't the same kid Rizzo idolized and called big brother anymore.
"So to him it was only the right thing to do to take us to Fairy Tail." Rizzo said. "We joined not long after Natsu, and the rest is history. We found our home in Fairy Tail, and the members became our family. That's just how Fairy Tail is. It's a place for people who need a place to feel part of a family. To feel as if they have a home."
Lucy smiled because she was already starting to understand. Fairy Tail really is a remarkable place. She was so lucky to have become a member.
"But I guess we better keep going." Rizzo said. "Can't keep the client waiting."
"Right!" Lucy said nodding. "This is going to be so much fun."
Rizzo chuckled at Lucy's enthusiasm then pat the blonde on top her head. After that the two started moving towards the center of the city's square, which had a large, 50-foot fountain in the center. Lucy looked at it in awe. It was so well detailed. Not to mention beautiful.
"This is where we're supposed to meet the Professor, right?" Rizzo asked.
Lucy hummed a confirmative as she pulled out the flyer to look at the directions that had been written on it.
"It says we're to meet here by noon." Lucy said before looking at the large clock tower by the institute. "We're a little early. We still have about fifteen minutes."
Rizzo nodded her head a bit surprised they made it on time. Whenever, she goes on a job with Natsu or Gray, they never make it on time—if there's a time set anyway. Of course, Natsu must have time to recover from his motion sickness once they get off whatever mode of transportation they took. Then Gray just slows them down since she annoys her so much that she must kick his butt to remind him who's boss.
"You are early." A new voice cut in. "And there's two of you. Not what I was expecting."
Rizzo blinked along with Lucy before turning to see who was speaking. She had ash blonde hair that was tied in a tight braid that fell down her back. Her eyes were a grayish color and her skin tanned. She wore tight khaki pants tucked into chestnut brown boots that were knee-high in length. She had a white dress shirt tucked into her pants with a brown tweed jacket over it. On top her head was brown fedora and perched on her nose was a thick pair of round-framed glasses. When Lucy gave a squeal, Rizzo looked at her curiously.
"It's her!" Lucy said. "It's Professor Jones! In the flesh!"
Ah, now Rizzo understood. This was their client. The one Lucy went on and on about during the train ride here.
"Pleasure to meet you both," Professor Jones said with a dip of her head. "I was only expecting one Celestial Wizard but having two is a nice surprise. It will certainly make this trip more interesting."
"Well, actually, Professor Jones, I'm not a Celestial Wizard." Rizzo said. "My name is Rizzo Sweeney of Fairy Tail. I am a wizard who practices music magic. Lucy—here—is the one who uses celestial magic."
Rizzo put her hand on Lucy's shoulder as the blonde continued to stare at the professor. Rizzo slightly nudged the blonde, which snapped Lucy out of it.
"Oh, uh, sorry." Lucy apologized. "We know the flyer asked for Celestial Wizards, but I am fairly new to the guild. Our Master didn't want to send me to another country on my own, which is why Rizzo is here. She's a six-year veteran meaning she has way more experience than me. I hope it isn't an inconvenience."
She really didn't want to upset the client. Especially since the client is someone she admires. Professor Jones just smiled.
"It's no problem at all." Professor Jones said. "I only wished for a Celestial Wizard because if we do manage to find the key we will be searching for, I plan to give it to the Celestial Wizard who helped me."
Lucy's eyes widened because she had no idea she'd be getting to keep the key. She couldn't believe it. She could be the owner of a Primordial Zodiac Key. It was more than a dream come true.
"Really, Professor?" Lucy asked.
"Of course," Professor Jones said. "There is no reason for such magic to be locked away here for people to gawk at. Also, it isn't as if I would get any use of it. I am not a Celestial Wizard. They key should go to a loving home where the spirit can be happy."
Lucy felt like crying. Never in her wildest dreams did she believe she'd ever get her hands on a Primordial Zodiac key. Sure, she's always believed they've existed. Her mother used to tell her so many stories. However, she never thought she might have the opportunity to call one of them her own.
"The key we will be going after on this adventure is the Key of the Great Dog: Laelaps." Professor Jones explained. "She's more commonly known as Sirius by mistake as her real name got somewhat lost throughout the ages."
Lucy knew about that spirit. It was her favorite one to hear about when her mother told her stories. Lucy could listen to stories about the Great Dog Spirit for hours.
"Laelaps, huh?" Rizzo murmured. "And what makes you think her key isn't in Fiore?"
Lucy wondered that as well since the request said they would be going to Kea for this journey.
"Excellent question." Professor Jones said smiling. "You see, I have been doing research on the Primordial Zodiac longer than some people might think. In that time, I've come up with a theory on where the keys disappeared to over the years. My theory is that the Primordial Zodiac returned home. To where they all originally came from."
While Rizzo blinked in confusion, Lucy gave a gasp as she brought her hands together.
"Are you saying that the stories about their first origins are true?" Lucy asked.
Rizzo looked at Lucy now even more confused. First origins? Did the Primordial Zodiac not start off like all other Celestial Spirits?
"I cannot confirm the stories are true, but if they are, it'd only make sense that Kea would be the place to look for Laelaps." Professor Jones said. "In the tales of this spirit, she was once a simple dog of Kea. However, this simple dog helped the nation survive during some of its most trying times. Some even save it's only thanks to her that the nation is here today. Her great heroics in life is what supposedly earned her a place amongst the stars after her death."
"Wait, so you're saying this dog was once part of our world." Rizzo said. "But after her death she became a constellation, which made her a Celestial Spirit."
Professor Jones nodded her head as Rizzo was kind of starting to understand. So Laelaps's original home is the Island Nation of Kea. However, how does one become a constellation after death? Who chose that?
"Here, Rizzo, let me explain a bit more." Lucy said. "You see, my mother used to tell me in her stories about the stars that at one time the Celestial King was all alone in the sky. There were no other stars to keep him company, and he grew lonely. However, one day he had met a dragon. The first dragon known as Draco the Dragon God. This Dragon was so magnificent in life and brought in a new era for the world. The Celestial King was so impressed by Draco's power and charisma that after the great dragon's death he was offered a place amongst the stars. Once taking the Celestial King's offer, Draco became the first Celestial Spirit and the first Celestial Key was made."
Rizzo nodded along to the story thinking she was seeing where Lucy was going with this.
"The other Primordial Keys followed in suit." Lucy continued. "Each one chosen by the Celestial King for the great deeds they did in life. Each one chosen had done something great. They left their mark on this world and are still remembered in their respective homelands. I'm sure you know about Draco. He was supposedly from Fiore before it was Fiore. Some even say he created the nation himself and appointed the Royal Family who took on the name of this country."
"Yeah, I know the stories." Rizzo said nodding. "My dad used to tell them to me as bedtime stories. So, all the Primordial Zodiac were animals or creatures who made a difference in this world, and the big man upstairs was so impressed, he made them the first Celestial Spirits. And the theory is that after they kind of faded into legend, they returned to where they had originated from."
"Correct!" Professor Jones said nodding.
Rizzo wondered if that meant Draco's key was waiting somewhere in Fiore just waiting to be found. Or did someone already find his key? She doubted it though. If someone had found the key to the first ever Celestial Spirit after the Celestial Spirit King, they'd be making noise about it for sure.
"Okay, if these keys are meant to be where they originated from, why not check Fiore for Draco's key?" Rizzo asked.
"I've already tried to do that." Professor Jones said. "However, I'm not sure where his key would be. There aren't any shrines or anything depicting where his key might return too. However, Laelaps's key could only be in one place on Kea for that I am certain."
Rizzo and Lucy leaned forward curiously wondering where this place was. Where would they be going in Kea to get this key?
"In the deepest part of the jungle in Kea, there is a tomb." Professor Jones said. "This tomb happens to be the final resting place of Laelaps the Great Dog. It was where she had supposedly had her last battle as she fought alongside Kea against their enemies. She had fell in battle, but not before taking down the enemy's leader. The people thought it only right she be buried where she had performed her last heroic act. I believe her key lays within the heart of the tomb."
"But I'm sure the tomb gets a lot of visitors if the one inside is such a hero to the nation." Rizzo said. "Why hasn't anyone seen it during a visit or something?"
Lucy thought that was a good question. If many people frequented the tomb to pay their respects, someone should have noticed a key made of stellanium laying around.
"The tomb hasn't had any visitors for some time." Professor Jones said. "You see, the jungle is home to many magical beasts and monsters. Only the brave venture into the jungle. In fact, if you want to be a warrior of Kea and join their army, you must prove yourself worthy by making it three days in the jungle. Those who can make it to the tomb and back alive, you are respected by all of Kea. However, after a new kind of beast made its home in the tomb, no one will dare go to the tomb."
While Lucy gulped in fear of the sound of this jungle of monsters, Rizzo grinned broadly. This job was going to be great. Monster bashing jobs were always the freaking best. She really wished Natsu was here to join in on the fun, but it just means more for her.
"Professor, you had me at the monsters!" Rizzo said then hooked her arm with Lucy's. "Let's go slay some monsters!"
"I'd rather not." Lucy whined. "I'm not as insanely strong as you, remember?"
Rizzo turned to look at Lucy causing the blonde to blink when she saw the somewhat serious look in Rizzo's eyes.
"Lucy, you have to want this more than I do, right?" Rizzo asked. "If Professor Indy is right, there's a Celestial Spirit waiting in that tomb. A Celestial Spirit many people no longer believe in. As a Celestial Wizard, you must understand how sad Laelaps must be, right? How lonely she must be. You're not going to leave her there, are you?"
Lucy stood there a moment while looking down. Rizzo was right. Celestial Spirits are living creatures. They shouldn't be kept locked away forgotten by everyone. If they find Laelaps, maybe other Celestial Wizards will start looking for the rest of the Primordial Zodiac. Such beautiful magnificent spirits shouldn't be left alone to collect dust. Lucy looked up with determination shining in her eyes.
"Let's do this." Lucy said.
Rizzo grinned clapping Lucy on the shoulder. She knew the blonde wouldn't give up in the end. She just needed a goal placed in front of her. Besides, Rizzo's seen how much Lucy loves her spirits. There was no way the blonde would leave one alone in a tomb.
"So, you will take the job?" Professor Jones asked.
Both girls turned to the Professor while giving identical thumbs up as their other hands rested on their hips.
"Professor, you needn't worry." Lucy said.
"Yeah, because Fairy Tail is on the job." Rizzo added.
Professor Jones smiled glad to have such talented young wizards joining her on this journey.
"Splendid." Professor Jones said. "Please, call me Indy from now on. I have a feeling we'll become great friends."
Lucy nodded with a smile. It looks like they'll be going to Kea after all. Lucy was ready to go. No monsters were going to stop them. Kea here they come!
Rizzo stood at the front of the ship arms crossed over her chest as the wind howled and the sky roared. Rain seemed to be coming at all sides as the ship sailed towards the shores of Kea. As it was known Kea was an archipelago made of twelve different islands. The islands were also known for beautiful sunny weather. It was the perfect tourist spot. However, today definitely wasn't a day for sailing. People of Kea believed that when the skies raged like this that the god Zeus was angered. Just then a loud clash of thunder sounded followed by even louder cracks of lightning. Rizzo frowned because she would have preferred entering Kea on smoother waters. But there was no turning back now.
"I don't like this weather." Lucy said from the safety of the cabin as she sat at the opened doorway then shouted to Rizzo over the wind. "Rizzo, why don't you come inside?! You have to be freezing?!"
It was true. The rain soaked through Rizzo's clothes a long time ago. Her body was nearly numbed from the cold, but she'd rather be out here. She'd rather be able to see where they were going. In waters like these anything could go wrong at the drop of the hat.
"I think I'll stay out here!" Rizzo shouted back. "If anything goes wrong, I can handle it better out here!"
Lucy frowned in concern then looked up as Indy walked to the doorway to look out.
"The captain said we'd be arriving shortly!" She said over the wind.
Lucy just hoped this weather lightened up soon. She didn't pack for this kind of weather. The ship kept moving along through the rough waves before it suddenly gave a jerk. Lucy cried out grabbing the wall to keep from rolling out onto the deck. Rizzo kept her footing as did Indy as both women looked towards the side where they hit something.
"What was that?!" Lucy asked.
Her answer was large thump from below that sent the entire ship shaking. Whatever they hit, Rizzo was starting to think it hit them. Just then a pillar of water shot up behind Rizzo and as the water fell back into the sea a large sea beast was left hissing down at the ship. Lucy gave a squeal of fright while looking as if she might die then and there.
"It's the Hydra!" A man's voice shouted from above.
"Hydra?" Lucy asked. "But doesn't the Hydra have multiple heads?"
Just after the words left her mouth several more pillars of water shot up into the air. Revealing more serpent like heads as the water cleared away. Lucy's eyes got to the size of saucers.
"We're doomed." She said in a tiny voice.
"I don't think so." Rizzo said with a wide grin as she stood her ground. "No way are we getting stopped here."
"But, Rizzo, the only part of the Hydra visible is its heads!" Lucy said. "And if you take off their heads, more will only grow!"
That did make things more difficult, but Rizzo didn't have to cut off their heads. Maybe she could just give them a little shock. But sending too many volts into the ocean could harm more than just the Hydra. But if there's a way to isolate the Hydra and make it a sitting duck, things would become a lot easier.
"Lulu, you have any water spirits?" Rizzo asked.
Lucy blinked with her hand subconsciously going over to Aquarius's key.
"Think the spirit can trap the Hydra in a whirlpool. I want this sucker to hit the solid ground." Rizzo said pointing down.
Lucy's eyes widened as she was starting to get some of Rizzo's plan at least. If they could ground the Hydra it'd be easier to fight, and it'd expose the rest of it. Lucy's eyes set in determination as she nodded her head and stood up. She turned to Indy.
"You stay here." Lucy said. "You paid us to help."
Indy watched as Lucy, who pulled out Aquarius's key, ran over to the edge of the ship. Due to the waves being so high, she didn't have to reach far before she touched water.
"Open: Gate of the Water-Bearer, Aquarius!" Lucy ordered.
A bright light appeared before them before appeared Aquarius with a not so happy look on her face.
"You really know how to summon at the worst times, girly." Aquarius said glaring down at Lucy. "I was on a date with my boyfriend. So, you better make this quick, understand?!"
Lucy jumped back holding her hands up in a defenseless manner as she looked ready to cry.
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" Lucy said. "I'll make it quick, I promise! We're just having a little trouble with that!"
Lucy pointed with her voice squeaking out as one of the Hydra's heads dashed towards the ship. It was going after Lucy, but Aquarius, who huffed in annoyance, raised a wall of water to protect them. The head was pushed backwards causing the Hydra to hiss.
"And just what do you want me to do about that thing?" Aquarius asked. "It's not like I can drown it."
"But can you trap it?"
Aquarius looked behind her seeing a pink-haired girl standing on the edge of the ship holding onto rope attached to the crow's nest.
"And who are you?" Aquarius asked with a quirked brow.
"Rizzo." The pinkette replied. "Now can you trap it? You put that sucker in a vortex of water it can't escape and I'll do the rest."
Aquarius frowned at this girl wondering just who she thought she was. Of course, Aquarius could do it. Rizzo inwardly smirked when seeing she got a reaction.
"Fine," Aquarius said haughtily. "But do whatever you're going to do quickly. I don't have time to deal with children who can't get a date when I have my own waiting for me."
Aquarius expected the whine that came from Lucy a second later, but she was surprised when she didn't a reaction out of Rizzo. She was expecting an upset expression or angry outburst, but Rizzo just grinned.
"Thanks!" Rizzo said. "Let's work together then, teammate!"
Aquarius's eyes widened a bit since that wasn't what she had been expecting. She then watched as Rizzo climbed up towards the crow's nest, which wasn't exactly safe in this weather.
"Just ground it in that vortex!" Rizzo ordered from above as she paused just at the next. "After that clear the way. What's going to happen next is going to be a bit...shocking."
Her grin turned impish as Aquarius wondered what this odd human had planned. Aquarius then turned towards the Hydra as it prepared to attack once more.
"Why don't you shut up?" Aquarius asked as her urn filled with water. "You're annoying me!"
She gave shout as she shot the water she collected back out towards the Hydra. It shot it away from the boat, which had Lucy sighing in relief. Now it was time to set their trap. Aquarius dove into the water out of sight while swimming towards the Hydra as it was trying to gain its bearings. She used her urn again to suck in water but being under like this created a pull in the tides that started up a vortex. Water pulled away from the Hydra to force it to the sea bottom as the water spun around it. Up above, Rizzo grinned because this put the Hydra in the perfect hitting position.
"Aquarius, I hope you're out of the way." Rizzo said then placed her violin under her chin. "Song of Raiden."
She started playing this drawn out tune with her violin screeching as she raked her bow across the strings. Down below Lucy shuddered as the dark, violent tune reached her ears as it started to pick up. She then gasped looking up at the sky as the lightning seemed to collect above the Hydra. A large ball of lightning collected while sparking in protest of being contained. Then it shot down in one blinding bolt to hit the Hydra. The sea beast roared in pain as its flesh was burned and charred by the lightning coursing through its body.
Aquarius watched from the safety behind the vortex with slightly wide eyes. So, this had been what the human had been planning. After the lightning died away, the Hydra was left in a burning mass of flesh on the sea floor. As it started to crumble away, Lucy and the others on the ship watched in awe. Indy then looked up at Rizzo, who had put away her violin, as she used a rope to swing down onto the deck. As she landed, the men on the crew cheered for hers and Lucy's triumph over the Hydra, which had Lucy blushing in embarrassment.
"Wasn't that fun?" Rizzo asked Lucy with a big grin on her face.
"I guess it kind of was." Lucy said with a laugh.
She then stiffened when feeling murderous intent behind her. She turned her head seeing Aquarius floating there with a frown on her face.
"Now, I'm out of here." Aquarius said. "And don't call me for a while!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Lucy squeaked while giving a salute.
Aquarius resisted the urge to roll her eyes at her master before turning to Rizzo who chuckled.
"Thanks for the help." Rizzo said.
Aquarius narrowed her eyes at the girl because there was something familiar about her. However, Aquarius soon just huffed while turning away as she disappeared. Rizzo then let out a laugh as she looked forward.
"Smooth sailing from hear on out, Lulu." Rizzo said pointing forward as the clouds cleared completely. "And look that at."
Lucy blinked looking forward seeing the archipelago was finally starting to come into sight. As one man called out land-ho, others gave a cheer.
"…Kea…" Lucy murmured.