A/N: Tad spoiler if you haven't read Fairy Tail 100 Year Quest. No Major Plot revealed just using a concept brought up.


January 3rd x778

Mikage Forest

11:30 AM

After enduring a torturous train ride, Sting and his two companions made their way to the Tartarus faction's location. Leo reassured the time travelers that the base was hidden away in the depths of the forest, to avoid the authorities from noticing. The lion spirit led them through the damp path, littered with dying trees.

"Hey Loke, this is completely unrelated to the case, but I have an important question." Lucy inquired as she rubbed her arm. To be honest, while it wasn't urgent. The situation itself was unnerving, to say the least.

"Sure Rebecca, what's on your mind?" The Celestial Leader answered as he pushed a tree branch out of the way.

"It's about Aquarius. I haven't been able to summon her for the past couple of months, and I'm starting to get worried." She replied. "Aquarius and I have always had a rocky relationship, ever since I was a child, and she never hesitated whenever she wanted time off. But, this is the first time Aquarius ignored my calls."

Sting let out a scoff of disbelief. " 'Rocky' does not begin to describe the hell you two got going on."

"...Anyways, I'm worried that something happened to her. Ever since Veilstone, Aquarius refused to answer any of my summonings, let alone come into the human world." Lucy continued on, refusing to acknowledge the dragonslayer's comment. "At first, I thought she was upset about the wager, but now I'm not sure. Aquarius has been angry at me before, but it's never been severe before."

"I will certainly take a look into this for you. Aquarius has always been temperamental, but this sounds unlike her." Loke said with concern in his voice. "Once we secure Pisces, I'll talk to Aquarius myself."

"I got a question," Sting folded his arms as we approached the dark guild. "Has a human ever been inside the Celestial World? I mean if y'all live there, can your master visit?"

"Technically speaking, a human can go to the Celestial World, but I wouldn't recommend it," Lucy stated before grimacing at the memory. "Time isn't exactly parallel between the two worlds. A day in their world is about three months on Earthland. Trust me, I learned this the hard way."

In a hushed tone, Sting let out a low scream. "What do you mean three months?!"

"Yeah, three months here is a day in their world," She stated. "For Capricorn and the others, this entire trip has been like two days for them. That's why I'm worried about Aquarius. She's never ignored me for this long. She even turned down visiting Celestina City."

"This is interesting. I haven't heard too much from the other spirits, but I will personally check on Aquarius," Loke reassured her as they arrived at the dark guild's base. "For now, Pisces needs our help escaping. I don't have to remind you two what's at stake, right?"

"Yeah, yeah, we know." Sting complied. "The magic council, Pisces, and the lives of two hostages are on the line. So, what's the game plan?"

Lucy knew very well that they couldn't rush in guns blazing. No, they had the element of surprise on their side. If they waste this opportunity, the faction master might fire the Eclipse Cannon prematurely. "Well, first we'll need to save the hostages. Without them, the cannon can't be fired."

"Unless they're willing to sacrifice one of their own." The dragonslayer pointed out. "If they're anything like those Zeref cults, they'll do anything to reach their goals."

"But without Pisces, they can't do anything," Loke responded. "If anything, Pisces should be our priority. The only problem is that we don't know where their key is hidden or who has it."

"Then, we have to bring it out hiding," Sting smirked as a plan began to form."It's a bit risky, but it's crazy enough to work. And, it all depends on Hearts."

"Wiess...what are you planning," Lucy groaned as they continued to weigh Sting's plan.

"It's simple. Leo and I will bust through the front door and cause a distraction. With Leo backing me, I'll have an endless supply of energy. Meanwhile, Rebecca will sneak in from another door or whatever and search for the Eclipse Cannon. "

"Okay, but what about Pisces? How are we going to get them back?"

"Easy, someone important has to have the key, right? So, with Leo and I breaking shit in the front, that person is gonna try to blast a hole in the Magic Council with the cannon."

"Meaning they'll probably need to bring the hostages and Pisces along to accomplish that goal." Lucy realized. "Wait... What if the Faction master has the key? Are you sure I should be the one fighting him? If you do it, there's no doubt you'll win."

The dragonslayer answered with sincerity in his voice. "Hearts, I know better than anyone else that you're capable of winning. I trained you, so I know what your strengths are, and I know you will win. Believe in your magic and your brain cuz those are your strongest assets."

"He's right. You have ten of the Golden Zodiacs standing behind you. While I won't be there in person, I will be there in your heart." Loke added before winking. "And hopefully, I'll be there at your wedding."

"Annnd, there goes the moment," Lucy sighed as she shook her head.


January 3rd x778

Death Faction Base

12:00 PM

The lone Celestial Wizard squeezed through the tight air vents. After breaking off from Sting and Loke, she managed to find a suitable entrance to sneak in, well break into. To be completely honest, she didn't expect Sting to allow her to leave his line of sight. Was she too accustomed to Natsu's protective nature? With the fire dragonslayer, she was never truly left alone. He would tag along regardless of what she said, and she was always thankful for his company. Sting's trust in her powers was new, to say the least. It was refreshing to have some responsibility behind being the damage control for her team. Sting's trust gave her the strength to meet his expectations.

If anything, Lucy was more concerned about leaving Loke and Sting alone. With that much testosterone raging between them, the duo might fight each other more than the dark guild. She will never understand what part of being a dragonslayer makes them so hostile towards other guys. Between Gajeel, Natsu, and Sting, she didn't know who was easier to provoke.

Pushing those thoughts to the side, for now, Lucy peeked through the open vents as she searched for Eclipse Cannon. Although Sting's plan sounded extreme, there was enough merit and thought put into it for Lucy to co-sign. Her only concern was fighting alone. Minus the fight with Kisa, Lucy always had someone to rely on, and this was the first time where she wouldn't have anyone coming to her rescue.

So, that just means she needs to work even harder to prove she's capable of becoming independent.

Lucy kicked open the correct air vent when she finally stumbled across the device pointing out the window. The Eclipse Cannon was as grand as the Eclipse Gate. Whoever built the cannon followed the same design gate. The twelve keys were etched into the back of the cannon. The weapon had the sun and moon designed as the clamp. Two torturing rack were hooked to the cannon with restrains present. She glanced out of the telescope present and saw a clear shot of the Magic Counsel's main base of operation. Underneath her feet, Lucy felt the floorboard tremble.

"Alright, let's get this show on the road," Lucy smiled to herself as she pulled a key out of her pouch. "Open! Gate of the Goat! Capricorn! And! Star Dress: Leo!"

Lucy became cloaked in an elegant, frilled, black ball gown that is slit up to her left leg and tied with a gold sash that sits around their hips. A black, frilled choker sits around her neck, and a ribbon with the mark of the Leo zodiac emblazoned upon it falls between her chest. The accompanying sleeves of the dress are detached, sitting on Lucy's upper arm and falling to her forearm, where they flare outward. Around the bodice of the Celestial Wizard's dress is more golden trim, curving inward under her bust. Additionally, she sported black heels, and her hair is now tied up in a quaint bun that is decorated with a black flower.

"Quite elegant, Miss," Capricorn commented on her as they heard the door burst open.

"Thanks, Capri, I haven't tried this power out, so I'm excited to see what it can do. It's Leo's power, so it gotta be strong, right?" Lucy cheered as three figures came into view, two being familiar faces.

Nyx and Thanatos appeared with two unconscious girls thrown over their shoulders. In the middle of the former tag-team participants, there stood a light-skinned man who has short spiky hair with bangs that are brushed to cover his right eye. His attire consisted of a black blazer, worn unbuttoned above a grey shirt, and black trousers with a brown belt around his waist. His footwear is a pair of black boots that went underneath his trousers, and he wore a military tag around his neck.

"It seems where the light mage goes, his partner is not far behind." The presumed faction master grunted.

"It's not like we can let you kidnap women and blast a hole in the Magic Council," Lucy shrugged. "Now, if you would kindly handover the girls and Pisces, we'll be on our way."

"Do you really think it will be easy, girlie? I am the reincarnation of Death, itself, and I don't submit to anyone who aligns themselves with the light guilds." Death sneered as he cracked his knuckles.

"No, but it would've been a nice change of pace," The Celestial Wizard sighed before readying herself for the fight.

She summoned a ball of light in between her hands that quickly consumed the room. Taking the opportunity by the hand, Capricorn pressed his sunglasses closer to his face before striking the blinded Nyx and Thanatos. The Celestial Being swiftly rescued the woman from the enemies' grasp and joined his master on the other side of the room. Following Sting's plan, Capricorn escorted himself out of the room and forcing his gate closed, leaving with the girls in tow. Once the light began to die down, Lucy brought forth two more keys.

"Open! Gate of the Maiden and the Ram! Virgo and Aries!"

By her side, her two trusted spirits appeared and shined with confidence. With her Fleuve d'étoiles in hand, the trio charged towards the dark wizards. The ground underneath trembled as Nyx began to work his magic. The floor wrapped the girls' feet and caused them to halt their assault. Thanatos followed behind by spraying a poisonous mist into the air.

Virgo whipped her chains around Nyx's arms and pulled him into reaching distance. The maiden crumbled the floor underneath everyone, successfully freeing the girls from the trap. Aries countered the poison mist with a barrier of her own. The wool disintegrated upon impact, but the attack was enough to protect them. Lucy followed up with their attacks by slamming her fist into the ground and creating pillars of light that consumed the dark mages.

The faction mage created a magic circle to protect himself from the bulk of the attack whilst leaving his follower to suffer. Nyx and Thanatos withstood the attack but suffer heavy damage.

"Heh, you think you're cute, trying to take down someone of my caliber." The faction master growled. "I'll break you like the plaything you truly are. Death Typhoon!"

A wave of damned souls overtook the room as the girls were quickly swarmed around. In the distance, Lucy watched as Nyx and Thanatos were pulled into the pool of darkness while her spirits struggled to escape the current.

Stepping through the darkness, Death grasped Lucy by the throat and lifted her from the deathly sea. He wore a disgusting smile as he slowly tightened his grip on her until it became difficult for Lucy to breathe. Scratching at his scarred hand, the Celestial Wizard's vision began to blur. Her mind raced as Death blasted her bruised body. There must something in her arsenal that can turn the tide. Sting and Loke are trusting her to win. Their hope is riding on her learning to stand on her own feet. Wait! That's it. "I won't let you have your way! Lion Furiousity!"

The air around her erupted with light as she felt her body became weightless and strength increase tremendously. Death was blinded by the sudden burst of light and cried out as he covered his eyes. Lucy's spell dispelled the darkness surrounding everyone as a white light developed around her body. Aries and Virgo rose to their feet and stood behind their master. Taking this opportunity, Lucy held her hands outward as a magic spell shined in her eyes.

O the Light of Regulus!

Grant this power!

Grant me this strength!

The Luminescence needed to face my opponents!

To bring forth a brighter future!

I call upon thee!

Lion Brilliant Roar!

The radiant blast from her mouth absorbed the light surrounding Lucy and consumed Death and the barrier he threw up. Once Lucy's attack died down, Virgo and Aries followed up by kicking the faction master across the face and successfully rendering him unconscious.

With the fight finally over, Lucy dismissed her Star Dress and smiled at her spirits. "Thank you, Virgo...Aries, I couldn't have down this without you."

"Oh n-no, you did the heavy lifting. We only supported you," Aries quickly dismissed the compliment with a squeak as Virgo searched Death's body for the missing key.

"Miss Rebecca," Virgo called out with a hint of horror in her voice, "This faction master doesn't have Pisces key."

"Wh-What?! But who else could have it?!" The ram cried out.

"Do you truly believe I would leave that much power in the hands of a faction leader, and Death no less." A new smooth voice rang from the door. A shadow cast over the man, making him indescribable. "Now, dispose of the trash."

Before Lucy could react, two blurs attacked the unsuspecting Aries and Virgo. The ram and maiden faded away while wearing shocked expression. Once the dust settled, Lucy recognized the two new minions.

The man was dark-skinned, toned, and muscular body which created a contrast with his extremely spiky light hair and a pair of short strands framing his forehead. He shares the woman's tattoos, fins, and crown but also sported an earring shaped like a shell on each ear and a light necklace with a similarly shaped pendant hanging from it; he wore an indument made of scales, this being a massive belt which extends downwards on his legs' sides to cover the lower part of his loose dark pants. A massive, dark ribbon is tied diagonally on the left part of his chest, going above his left shoulder in close proximity to his neck, around his wrists are massive dark bracelets with light edges, and yet another bracelet, adorned by a series of dark and light triangles, is found on the boy's left bicep. Pisces' male form carries around a polearm in his right hand, this having its upper, offensive edge shaped like the Celestial Spirit's symbol.

The woman was average height and possessed long, straight, and glossy dark hair. She had slanted dark eyes, and two dark protrusions reminiscent of membranous fins sit at her head's sides. She had a very curvaceous figure, with her breasts being hugged and partially exposed by a revealing top made of massive light scales, going from her waist to her neck while baring the central part of her torso, with shoulder pads extending on her shoulders. The woman's arms were covered by light-edged dark sleeves adorned by intricate, light decorative motifs; these very same motifs are present on her full-length, mildly loose matching pants, while plain, dark open top shoes covered her feet. Her forehead is adorned by a simple crown, bearing a massive light gem on the front.

"The pair fish in their humanoid form..." Lucy groaned as the duo towered over her. "So, the guild master truly did exist after all. It wasn't just a group of coexisting factions."

"A smart girl... too smart for her own good." His sadistic grin grew as the male half of Pisces held his weapon against Lucy's throat. "You know what to do."

"You won't get away with this." Lucy glared at the man and earned her a swift kick to the abdomen from the female Pisces. The Celestial Wizard crumbled to the floor as she clutched her stomach. Even in pain, she found the strength to stand on her feet again. "I can't afford to lose to anyone. Knock me down as many times as you wish, but I'll always get back up because I've learned that I can be strong on my own!"

"Perish underneath The World's might!" The gravity crushed the fairy against the ground.

"I. Will. Stand. Again!" Lucy's eyes shined a new Star Dress overcame her body. The Scale symbol was etched into her left forearm as her clothes shifted into something more befitting. The Celestial Wizard wore a frilly green-and-yellow bikini top and a matching pair of baggy sweatpants as a pair of sandals formed underneath her feet. Two scales appeared hanging from her palms as her hair was pulled into a high ponytail. "Zero Gravity!"

A magic spell appeared and caused the room to lose its gravity. Lucy took advantage of the situation and pushed herself off the nearest surface. Rocketing towards the Guild Master's, Lucy slammed her feet into his stomach and threw him towards the ground. Following her attack, the Celestial Wizard spun in midair and use her gravity magic to pummel herself at the World, striking him hard against his back.

"You're still too inexperienced to defeat someone of my caliber!" The faceless guild master negated the gravity changes, and Pisces was quick to attack Lucy. Forcing her out of the room, Lucy stumbled into the guildhall, well what remained. Dark mages were scattered with broken furniture covering the floor. Sting and Loke truly did a number on the place.

Dodging another one of the female Pisces's attacks, Lucy jumped onto the second floor's railing. "Okay, that's enough! Star Dress: Aquarius!"

"Aquarius's Star Dress Secret Art: Tyrannical Typhoon!" The fairy called forth's the water bearer's strength. Just as the pair fish jumped to strike down Lucy, the Celestial summoned five vortexes of water to her side. The first two vortexes managed to catch the pair fairly easily. Once inside water, Pisces reverted to their fish form. Lucy clapped her hands together and forced the third and fourth vortex around her arms. The fifth and final vortex became as razor-sharp as Juvia's Water Jigsaw and collided with the twin fish. Jumping towards the trapped duo, Lucy sliced through the black and white fishes and sent them back to the Celestial World. "Now, back to the guild master."

The Fairy Tail mage stomped back into the room and found the guild master strapping Nyx and Thanatos into the machine. She was running through her magic faster than normal, but she had to keep pushing herself past her limits. Even if no one was watching or cheering her on, Lucy will prove that she what it takes win no matter the obstacles. Cracking her whip against the ground once more, Lucy transformed into her Taurus Star Dress. "This ends here!"

"Tch, just like a roach, you never know when to die!"

"And you never know when to quit," Lucy snapped back. "You're willing to sacrifice people who swore their allegiance to you. For what? To disrupt the very foundation of the magic world?"

"If only you knew the secrets the Magic Counsel held, they're more corrupt than any dark guild in existence." He retorted. "I, The World, will do everything in my power lead the rebirth of Earthland."

"And you believe your plan will be any better? It will be born from bloodshed and fear!" Lucy screamed. "I won't let you activate that weapon!"

"Oh really, you can barely stand and there's no spirit who can match my power." The guild master activated his gravity magic once again to crush Lucy. "Hand over your keys, and I might spare you life."

"Never," Lucy spat as she pounded her fist against the floor.

She's worked too hard and grown too much during this journey for this to be her end. Regardless of what Sting and Loke might say, how could she live with such a failure? Her family was depending on her for once, and she won't fail them again. When this journey began this, she promised herself that she would never be the damsel in distress again. If the power of one Star Dress won't cut, how about we up the stakes?

"Taking you down is my number one priority," Lucy struggled to bring three keys out of her pouch. "Open! Gate of the Scales! Libra!"

The Scales spirit was quick to react once she realized what was need of her. "Rebalance!"

"Thank you Libra," Lucy gave her an exhausted smile as she rose to her feet. The two remaining keys in Lucy's hand shined as a new form overtook her body. The differences between this new power to her Star Dress was noticeable. Normally, it felt as if her heart was aligning with one of her spirits, but calling upon two allowed her to be the bridge between two. She was the result of combining two differing powers into one. Although she hadn't possessed Loke's key for very long, she knew in heart that their bond transcended time and their power would be enough to get her through this hard spot. "Second Origin! Star Dress Mix: Leo x Virgo!"

A powerful light consumed the room, temporarily blinding The World. In this form, Lucy wore a combination of the lion and maiden's Star Dress and a tattoo of crossed keys, representing Virgo and Leo.

Lucy raised her arms in the air while crossing them until she made the shape of an 'X'. She began chanting an incantation bestowed upon the two respected spirits as the magic light the room. With Libra canceling the guild master's magic, Lucy lowered both of her arms until her palms face The World. Multiple pillars of light erupted from the ground and caught the enemy inside. All of the pillars of the light transformed into one powerful explosion, encasing The World in the midst of the attack.

O the Light of Regulus

O the Shine of Spica

Lion Maiden!

Lucy involuntarily released Libra and the Star Dress Mix once the spell was completed. Despite the constant magic being thrown around. the Eclipse Cannon kept itself and the ones strapped to it unharmed. The battle was finally over, and she accomplished it without the need of Sting or outside interference. It was the result of her own merit, and no one can say otherwise.

The Fairy took a moment to catch her breath before she grabbed the Twin Fish's key from the unconscious guild master. And with this victory, that marks the eleventh key secured. All that's left is somehow persuade Karen to hand over Scorpio's key. The thought alone was enough to give Lucy a headache. "Why couldn't have she just given me Scorpio as we agreed upon? Then, there's Aquarius who's in the worse mood imaginable."

"Ya know there's a running joke in Fiore...where there's destruction, there's typically a Fairy in the center of it all," Sting's voice rang from what remained from the door frame. Loke stood behind him with a satisfying smirk. "I usually expect that from Natsu or Gray, given their reputation. But damn, you really did a number on this place."

"Very true, Miss. Rebecca is the embodiment of beauty and strength." Leo nodded. "It's only a shame I didn't catch a glimpse of her in the Leo Star Dress. I guess I'll have to settle with the Star Dress Mix for now."

"Wa-Wait! You were watching?!" Lucy stumbled backward a little. "For how long?!"

"Well, you were the one that came flying out the room fighting Pisces," Sting raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Did...Did you not hear us calling your name? We were about to help ya, but you seemed like you had everything under control."

"I-I guess not," Lucy blushed from embarrassment. "I-I was so focused on winning that I guess I blocked everything out. Any-Anyways, let's get out of here. The World and Death are bound to wake up eventually."

"The what?" Sting and Loke shared a confused stare between each other.

"I'll explain it on the way. Come on, let's report back to Master Makarov and the King." Lucy replied.

"And, I will hold my end of our promise and speak to Aquarius," Loke answered before fading away. "I know it will be difficult, but we'll need her cooperation eventually."


January 3rd x778

3:45 PM

Hargeon Hotel

Once Loke returned to the Spirit World, Lucy made a three-way call to King Fiore about the recent developments over the past couple of days, including meeting Makarov and securing most, if not all the zodiac keys. In light of their recent fight, the King reassured them that the Rune Knights are en route to capturing the fallen factions. Master Makarov reaffirmed that he will ask the Wizard Saints to aid in dismantling the remaining factions.

"But I must admit, my child," Makarov gleamed with fatherly pride. "I am indeed proud of your accomplishments today. Taking down the guild leader is nothing short of impressive. If your strength is any indication of what's to come, we might have a Wizard Saint in our guild one day."

"Makarov, let us first get your rowdy children under control before we reward any of them with such a title," King Fiore said in an exhausted tone. "Let us not forget that the Magic Council continuously reports damages caused by your guild."

"Any-Anyways, we have eleven of the necessary keys, and we know where to find Scorpio." Lucy quickly intervened. "Sting and I should be prepared to leave by the end of the month, at the latest. If everything goes well, we can leave in two weeks. Can you relay the message to Anna?"

The King stated as he made a note. "We're in the final stretch of the first act. Are you sure this will work? It will be fourteen years before we know what to prepare for."

"It ain't like we got anything else to go with," Sting folded his arms. "But Hearts and I got it under control. We're not the same people who you met a couple of months ago. We've grown a hell of a lot. Hell, Hearts can mix her Star Dresses now?!"

"Plus, we have the strongest guilds, the best tactician ever to be known, and the Kingdom's strongest Magic unit in one spot." Lucy reminded them as she glanced at her partner. "With a little coordination and patience, the dragons won't be released, and we can see another day. It's not hopeless, King Fiore."

"Very well," He let out a heavy sigh before smiling. "I will put my faith in the youth of our future, but I must be going. There is much preparation to be done."

The Fairy Tail master nodded in agreement. "As will I, even though we might meet again in fourteen years, the King and I must take each day in stride."

Sting and Lucy waved the two elderly men off as they prepared to rest for the remainder of the day. The dragonslayer took the opportunity to order enough room service to satisfy the bottomless pit he calls a stomach, and the Celestial Wizard gathered a new set of clothes to sleep in once she finished in soaking. Although the victory was sweet, she reaped the drawbacks of fighting well past her physical limits. Her bones ached once the adrenaline died.

"Lucy!" Loke's sudden appearance scared the duo. "There's a problem, a very huge problem. We have to go, now!"

"Woah, Woah, dude," Sting raised an eyebrow as he turned to his attention to the lion spirit. "What's the problem, now?"

"You don't understand. If we don't leave now we won't make it," He urged them which startled Lucy a little. The leader was typically levelheaded but to see him this disheveled...

"Loke, what's wrong. Whatever happened, we can fix it." Lucy reassured him. "Just tell us what Aquarius said."

"Aquarius wasn't hiding from you. She was waiting for Scorpio. He hasn't been in the Celestial World for over five months. If we don't find him soon, Scorpio will die."


Key Obtained: Cancer, Aquarius, Capricorn, Crux, Virgo, Taurus, Sagittarius, Aries, Libra, Gemini, Leo, and Pisces

Key Needed: Scorpio

A/N: Lol, y'all really didn't believe me when I said that cursed ship existed. Since I know not everyone reads manga, I limited the description of the Star Dress Mix: Leo x Virgo and corresponding spells.

I know no one asked but here my logic to Lucy's Star Dress. According to what happened with Tartaros, a Celestial Wizard can use a Star Dress when they can hold three gates open at once. By that logic, using a Star Dress consumes the same amount of magic as holding three gates open, if not more. When mixing between Star Dresses, it must consume the same amount of magic as holding five-six gates open at once which is why Lucy can hold the form for one attack in my opinion.