A/N: A small recap because it's been a minute since my last update, and I don't blame anyone if they forgot some details.
In a desperate attempt to save the world from Future Rouge's, Mavis sent Lucy and Sting into the past to prevent the disaster. Of course, nothing is ever easy for a Fairy, so the unlikely duo is sent 14 years into the past where the Eclipse gate was last opened. Upon meeting Lucy's ancestors, they learn how to return to their correct destination. With each battle and trial, Lucy gains more confidence in her abilities, and Sting begins to understand what it means to be a more compassionate person. It seems the two are learning more about themselves each day. However, it is not blue sky and pretty rainbows because there are two detectives interested in learning the truth behind our time travelers. What awaits everyone in the past?
January 3rd x778
Fairy Tail Guild
3:55 PM
With one official meeting, Makarov leaned back in his office chair as he pondered their impending doom. Fourteen years until their final moment. No matter how he looked at the facts, Makarov was always brought back to one singular fact.
He failed to protect his children he grown to love, and that hurt him deep within his heart.
The elderly man knew he accepted this position with the intent to raise the next generation of Fairies. That is the responsibility Precht left behind. Although he enjoyed every moment with his children and fellow guildmates, he couldn't shake this uneasy feeling. There were several questions left unanswered.
What was a third-generation dragonslayer, and where did Nastu fall in all of this? What was a second or first-generation dragonslayer? From Natsu's testimony, he was raised by a dragon named Igneel. He has seen on multiple occasions Natsu eating raw flames without any hesitation or regard for his safety. Natsu eats Macao's flame sometimes, and there is a noticeable difference in the boy's power afterward. Which proved Natsu's word to be true, Makarov worried if there were more dragonslayer wondering out in the world. He would have to ask Natsu one day. He might make a mission out of it.
Then, there was the issue about the First's mark. How First was involved? The First's mark was something lost in history, so why did someone outside the guild bear it? But the dragonslayer Master Mavis is the guild's closest kept secret. There are only three people who should know where to find her, and Sting is definitely not one of them. Precht only mentioned the marking in passing once and told Makarov to look more into it if he was interested.
In the midst of his thoughts, Makarov noticed another incoming call on his lacrima. Makarov could count the number of people who could connect him, so he was more than willing to answer it. Accepting the call, Makarov saw Bob's face appear before him. The usually happy man was now wearing a grim expression and had a worrisome shine in his eyes.
"Good afternoon Bob, is everything alright with your guild?" Makarov asked out of genuine concern. It wasn't like the Pegasus to wear a frown.
"Makarov, I know we've spoken about the discovery involving Rebecca and Wiess in September, and you promised that you will handle the situation." Bob rambled off as he usually does when nervous. "But, I believe this grown into a larger issue than either of us have originally planned."
"Yes, I do recall that conversation..." Master Makarov did speak with Lucy, Sting, and even King Fiore about the situation. The plan was laid out fairly well, so there wasn't much left to do outside of letting fate running its pace. "Has something developed?"
"There are two detectives here, and they're question Karen, one of the guild's members. They've already questioned me about what I know about Rebecca and Wiess, and I fear they might confiscate Karen's key."
"That's right. Karen used Scorpio during her fight," Makarov remembered. "But, why would the detectives be at Blue Pegasus?"
"I don't know, hon," Master Bob said as he glances over his shoulder. "But, whatever Rebecca and Wiess are planning, it will drag us down if we leave them alone."
"I understand, Bob. I will put all my efforts into pinpointing their location." Makarov let out a heavy sigh. "I need you to keep Scorpio out of the detectives' hands. If we want to uncover the truth, we'll need the twelve zodiacs together."
The Blue Pegasus master nodded along as he followed his friend's logic. "That's the thing, Maka. I heard from the grapevine that Rebecca and Karen wagered their keys, so it's only a matter of time before Rebecca comes by the guild for Scorpio."
"Then, we must act quickly, and I pray we uncover the truth before its too late. Do what you can Bob and keep your guild safe, please."
"I will. Please, if you need anyone to watch the kids while we prepare, I can have a few guild members volunteer." He asked with a hint of sincerity. "Ichiya has always been good with kids. I don't know why, but Ichiya has been creating more perfumes than usual. So, I'm sure he has some magic to entertain the kids!"
"No, but if we cannot meet at your guild or mines," Makarov answered as a plan formed in his head. With all the pieces on the table, he only needs to bring all the pieces to their respected positions, beginning with Karen and Scorpio. "The detectives have already visited my guild, and I fear that if we have Rebecca and Wiess come to Blue Pegasus, then the detective to cross their paths."
"Then where? By that logic, Magnolia and Rose Garden would be dangerous."
"There's always Crocus. It is busy during this time, but it will be difficult to track anyone."
"I hope that you know what you're doing Makarov. I trust your judgment, so I'll bring Karen and Ichiya along just tell me when we should meet."
"Give me two days and meet me in front of the castle's gates."
"Okay, Maka, I will see you soon. Love you," Bob gave a weak smile before signing off.
January 3rd, x778
Hargeon Hotel
3:55 PM
"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."
What they feared the most was growing to fruition. Lucy always knew Karen was abusive towards her spirits and would eventually force Aries to endure horrible punishments. However, Scorpio was her only spirit capable of fighting, so why would she bring him to the brink of death. She knew the consequences. If she was the cause of Scorpio's death, then no Celestial Being would ever sign a contract with her again. Not to mention the fact that there would be no one who will stop Aquarius once the mermaid hunts down the Pegasus.
Lucy tried to swallow the saliva in her mouth but found the guilt lodged in her throat stopping her. After all, she knew all about Karen's abusive nature towards her spirits. It was Karen's abuse that ultimately led to her death and Loke's banishment. So, why did she leave Scorpio? Was it to prevent Karen from tracking them down and interfering with their journey? Could it be the fact that she wanted to know where Scorpio was? What reason could she have for allowing the Scorpion to suffer for so long? What reason could justify her blissful ignorance? Lucy knew the risk...and she allowed it. Sting and she had five months to save him, and they chose to neglect him.
"Hold on, what happens when a spirit dies?" Sting's eyes widened once the news registered in his head. "Like, he'll come back, right? I saw him fighting in the Game Magic Games, so he has to be revived."
"Not necessarily..." Lucy answered as she held herself. "Think about it, Sting. We're an anomaly in the timeline, so every time we interact with the past, the future changes slightly. The detectives weren't supposed to investigate us. Karen shouldn't have lost to me. I know we tried to keep history untouched as much as possible, but I think we've changed too much. And, Scorpio might die because of it."
"And this is unprecedented, minor spirits come and go, yes, but the golden zodiacs are important to maintaining balance in the Celestial World," Loke answered as he leaned against the wall. "It may take an entire Celestial year maybe a decade for his key to reform."
"A year?!" Lucy shrieked. If three months equaled a day in Loke's World and there are 365 days for them, that multiplied should be 1095 days. "That's 91 years for us! We can't wait that long!"
"Hell, we might as wait the years out if we're gonna do all that!" Sting quickly agreed. "Let's beat that bitch of a mage."
"Hold on, Sting. We have to think logically before we rush into this one." Loke urged him to be rational.
"What's there to think about?!" The dragonslayer answered, halfheartedly offended at the lion spirit. "We left Scorpio in that woman's hands for five months and look at what happened! The whole mission could be jeopardized, and you want me to wait?!"
Noticing the growing tension between the guys, Lucy placed herself in the middle of the boys. "That's not what Loke's saying, Sting. I get it. We failed Scorpio when we had the chance, but we can't storm into the Blue Pegasus's guild. Karen is probably expecting us to come, so we need a plan in place."
Then, there was the issue of how Scorpio managed to survive this long. Given how some of the golden keys act, it is possible for them to maintain their gate at will. From what she witnesses, Lucy was aware that Gemini, Aquaruis, Virgo, and Loke were the most likely to survive days on end with returning the Celestial World. But Scorpio and Cancers were the least likely to leave their world on their own accordance. So Lucy could not, for the life of her, understand how Scorpio survived this long.
"Lucy's right. Karen is most likely using Scorpio to lure us into a trap. If we tried brute force, then we'll have to deal with Master Bob and the rest of the guild." Loke nodded along.
"You say it like I can't beat their asses." The dragonslayer grumbled.
"It's not a matter of whether or not you can win. It's a matter of preserving the future." Lucy answered before stealing a glance at Loke. "No matter of painful it is. I promised Anna and the king that I would do my best, and that's what I intend to do."
"So, where do we go from here, Princess?"
"Well, there's no real for Blue Pegasus to outright attack us, so it's safe to say that we can approach the guild." Lucy began to theorize. "If that's the case, then I'll have a word with Karen myself."
"Don't ya think that's the one thing Karen wants? What happens if-"
"No Sting," The Celestial Wizard quickly interjected as she shook her head. "I have to do this. Scorpio and Aquarius are both suffering because of my inactivity. I knew what Karen was capable of and willing to do, and I remained silent. I-I broke a promise. I have to face Karen myself or else I can't look another spirit in the eye."
The Lion spirit and dragonslayer shared a concerned expression before Loke spoke up again. "Very well, if it comes down to a fight. Sting and I will back you up so you can handle Karen alone, but let's try to diplomatic first. Master Bob is friends with Master Makarov, so there might be a chance to avoid all of that."
"From what I remember, Master Bob was once a member of Fairy Tail, so there might be a chance if we can get Master to aid us once more." Lucy tapped her chin.
"I'll handle that part while you two travel to-"
For the second time in the span of an hour, the lacrima rang with Makarov's name flashing on the screen. Curious about the unannounced call, the dragonslayer answered as Lucy and Loke raised an eyebrow.
"What's wrong, Master?" The Celestial Wizard came closer to the lacrima. "I thought you had some business to handle."
"I did, and there's a new development. I need you to report to Crocus in two days." Makarov was quick to his point. "Please disregard whatever plans we previously made."
"But Master, what about Scorpio?!" Lucy took a step back from the shock of his statement. "If we don't get him now, he'll die!"
"...What do you mean?" Makarov paused to shallow his shock. "Is he not in Karen's care?"
"Yes, but... Scorpio hasn't been in the Celestial World since the Veilstone Tournament." Loke explained. "For a spirit, there's no telling how long Scorpio has left before he's wiped from existence."
"...I understand. This only makes the situation more urgent, so, please come to Crocus." The Fairy said with a desperate tone. "If you try the Blue Pegasus guild, Karen will not be there."
Sting frowned as he folded his arms across his chest. "...Why not? What's happening at Blue Pegasus?"
"Detective Saisuke and Kiriyo are interviewing Karen, and Master Bob fears they might find a way to confiscate Karen's key."
"Well, that's a good thing. Karen, honestly, doesn't deserve to own any keys." The dragonslayer rolled his eyes.
"Be that as it may, we should be avoiding the detectives at all cost," Lucy sighed as she rubbed her temples. "What's happening at the capital?"
"That's where we will be meeting Blue Pegasus and a few others," Makarov answered with a small smile.
"...Who else will be there? The King? Anna?"
"Who?"
Sting interjected as he let out a frustrated groan. "Crap, we forgot about her. So don't tell Natsu this but he's like 400 years older than what he thinks he is."
"That explains nothing." Makarov sighed as he held his throbbing head. "Who is Anna, and why did you say that?"
"Anna is my ancestor. She traveled with Natsu, Sting, and a few others to this century because they are our best chance at beating Acnologia." Hearts stated as she tried to condense everything that was important. "We spoke a little about it, but Zeref and Anna pinpointed the time where magic would be at its peak. So, Natsu, Sting, and others will stand a better chance against Acnologia."
"Well, that does explain why Natsu can't read but knows how to use dragonslayer magic. You would not believe how baffled we were to learn that since Lost Magic can only be learned through reading." The Fairy Master answered. "But, how do you two recall time traveling while Natsu can't?"
"Brain damage, probably." Sting shrugged. "I'll be honest. I don't remember it either, but we saw five holes in the ceil. So, we probably crashed through the ceiling and lost a chunk of our memories."
"Which also means Igneel doesn't exist in this century, physically at least," Loke pointed out.
"The fuck is that supposed to mean?" The dragonslayer turned to the Celestial Spirit. "There's no way any of the dragons survived this long with Acnologia around."
"I'm not entirely certain about that Sting. Anna said something similar when we brought it up before," Lucy paused as she rested her hand on her chin. "Loke and Anna might know something we don't, but we're getting off-topic. We should focus on how we're going to get Scorpio and leave before the detectives find us."
"Lucy's right. So, I will leave it to you three to bring Anna while I bring the other guests along." Makarov nodded in approval. "Loke is there any way of reaching Scorpio in the meantime or sustaining his life-force."
"Unfortunately, I can't interfere with another spirit's contract. That power only the Celestial King has."
"Oh yeah, where is this guy's key?" Sting raised an eyebrow. "We've been across this country twice, and we haven't seen him anywhere."
"That's the thing. The Celestial King doesn't have a key like me and Scorpio."
"So, he can't be summoned?"
Loke exhaled heavily before continuing. "He can be summoned, but the method is unorthodox. There are two requirements. The Celestial Wizard must be able to summon three golden spirits at once, and they must break one of their golden keys to summon him."
"Ho-Hold on, wh-what?!" Lucy gasped before taking an involuntary step backward.
"Well, that explains why we could never find the bastard," Sting crossed his arms as he took in the information. "So, what? Does that mean he can only appear thirteen times?"
The Lion Spirit frowned for a moment before clearing his throat. "...Yes and no, it will take four days in the Celestial World for a Golden key to reform, so it is possible to summon in more than thirteen times. But, the key doesn't reform in their previous Master's hands. If they want to recreate their contract, the master would have to find the key again."
"And how strong is he?"
"Sting!" Lucy glared at him.
Master Makarov groaned as he watched the time travelers begin to bicker about the ethnics of summoning the Celestial King. "Anyways, we're getting off track. I must ask are there anyone who can vouch for your credibility? I understand you kept your identities a secret but has there been anyone you've helped?"
"Huh? Why are you asking that?" Sting turned away from Lucy. "I mean there's a handful, but I don't see how they could be involved."
"In the worst possible situation, the detective will have you tried in the court of law, so I will need a list of anyone who can vouch for you two?"
"Well, there's Luka and Rilo from Veilstone. We got along. I spent some time with Shu from the casino when he asked where his son Sho was." Lucy counted the people on her fingers as she recalled the journey. "There was Lamia University students from when we got Taurus at the diner. Um...Oh! The Agria family from when-"
"Hey, we agreed not to bring up that night again!"
"Er..." Loke and Makarov briefly made eye contact before they realized it was for the best they do not probe deeper. "If that's all, I'll be on my way. I think Aquarius deserves to be updated on the situation."
"And, I will be on my way as well. There's much to do be done in so little time." Makarov waved goodbye to the teenagers as he signed off. Loke followed closely behind as he returned to the spirit world for the night.
The intensity of the conversation had finally died down once they left. Lucy and Sting shared a quiet moment as they tried to figure out where to go from here. In the span of roughly ninety minutes, their reality was brought back to the brink of ruin thanks to some meddling detectives.
"Wanna get some food? We passed a seafood buffet when we came into town." The Celestial Wizard offered.
"Sure, wanna see how long it takes for them to kicks me out?" Sting's lip curved upward as a thought formed in his mind. "I bet they can't satisfy my stomach."
"Meh, I say thirty minutes. An hour if the staff wants to be kind." Lucy joked as she grabbed her purse. "I know after today you probably have a bigger appetite than usual."
"Hey, I treat you to some deserts just choose the place," Sting remarked while holding the door open for his partner. "After all, you did beat a guild master today. That's worth something."
"If I didn't know better, I would think that's a hint of pride in your voice." She giggled. "Is the great Sting proud of me?"
"What can I say, you can teach a Fairy a thing or two." He smirked as they left the hotel and entered the streets of Hargeon.
January 3rd x778
Blue Pegasus Guild's Backroom
3:55 PM
"You want what from me?"
"Let's cut a deal. You help us capture Lucy and Sting, and we'll make sure you get her keys."
"Ideal, but why? Why me?"
"Because you hold the last key, logically, they'll eventually cross your path."
"So, I'm a pawn in your game of cat and mouse?"
"This is a necessary step to prevent them from succeeding. After all, don't you want your revenge?"
"Tempting, but I have nothing to lose. You got a deal Detective Saisuke."
"It's a pleasure to have you on the side of justice, Karen."
A/N: The final pieces are moving into place. In the midst of an insomniac night, I finally managed to push through the last of the chapter. I won't say that I lost interest in this story because I haven't. I still have a lot left to write about. Believe it or not, I've been taking notes about what I want to change about the GMG because Hiro Mashima did a lot of people dirty in that arc. *Cough* Lucy *Cough* In doing so, I will be moving people around (new and old faces) and rewriting some plot points. I'm excited about what I have to show. Thank you to everyone who dropped a favorite and decided to follow!
Here's my headcanon about how old Karen is in x777: According to the Fairy Tail wiki, there's no definitive age for her since she was relevant for a short period of time. However, it does state that Hibiki of the Trimen was dating Karen during the time of her death. Hibiki was 20 years old in x784, so it makes him seventeen when Karen dies in x781. Logically, Karen must be around his age, but here's where it gets confusing. Her character in x781 looks much older than what is expected. I don't believe for one second that woman could pass as a teenager, under no circumstances. Karen is a grown woman in x781, probably in her twenties (25). So, my headcanon is that Karen is a pedophile for dating Hibiki and was twenty-one years old in x777.
