-Aquarius, Celestial Spirit King, And Uncertainty-
Again, I apologize for rewriting so frequent and suddenly... Due to some plot twists I had to make some adjustments. I own nothing but my ideas. Feedback is Appreciated and Pawsome!
Song Tile - Fairy Tail Main Theme [Violin Cover]
Artist - Taylor Davis
Normally, the blue-haired Mermaid would have thrown a fit having to be summoned for any reason under the moon. Having a bad attitude is a normal relationship for her towards Lucy... Aquarius was never shy in drowning her own Key Holder if she felt like it and was notorious for yelling at the young blonde Mage while saying sarcastic and snide remarks.
She stared at Lucy in her straight-faced mask. You wouldn't be able to tell but deep down, Aquarius was deeply scared for Lucy.
The only thought going through her mind is, 'After all the years I insulted and treated her badly... I didn't expect her future to turn out like this. She's far too young to be experiencing what her mom is currently going through. My connection with Lucy is far from the relationship I had with Layla. But I know most of it was my fault for not being patient, forgiving, or willing to move on. Lucy's mom entrusted me with her daughter and I couldn't have failed more than I did right now. I know what's to happen now, but I don't know if my Key Holder is willing to keep trying or wish to give up. I know I have no right to ask, but I hope she keeps going because I have a lot to apologize and make up for.'
Aquarius stopped her thought process when she felt someone wipe her tears away. Her focus landed on her boyfriend Scorpio who gave her an understanding smile while trying to bring as much comfort he could. His body was able to block the duo from nosy and prying Spirits so she felt her emotional flood gates open as she quietly sobbed on her boyfriend's peck. He in return wrapped his arms around her waist, letting her have her moment to just grieve.
Once the Mermaid was all cried out, she looked up at his handsome face and gave a teary smile in thanks. He nodded in return knowing his girlfriend always preferred to show how she felt rather than saying it.
After the couple disengaged from each other, they looked around and gave a sigh of relief no one noticed. Even though it's normal to show emotions, this couple in particular prefer some things stay personal.
Once Scorpio made sure his beloved was okay, he made his way back to the male Spirits to see what he could do.
Aquarius gave a small smile towards her man then looked at her ring finger with unadulterated joy. Besides the couple, only 2 other Spirits knew of what her and Scorpio are about to embark on. The last thought that went through the Mermaid's mind was, 'I swear this might be the most selfish I've ever been. But Lucy you better continue and give me a chance to be better. If not, I'll never forgive you!'
Feeling calm once more, the Mermaid's attention left the young blonde and Exceed lying on the floor and got into business mode.
"Virgo!" Aquarius shouted in demand that echoed throughout the cave, shocking every Spirit aside from Leo. "Go get something to block the male Spirits while us females take care of Carla and Lucy's wounds."
The Mermaid's tone was one of finality and no one was dumb enough to argue with the bluenette's demand. So the Maid Spirit left with a poof and golden shimmers. Just to return shortly, the same way. Virgo now carried a screen big enough to enclose all the female Spirits in with the comatose duo. While being able to move around freely without bumping into each other.
The Lion Spirit however hasn't heard or noticed, due to his deep thoughts and refusal to leave Lucy's side. Before Aquarius' fire red tick mark temper could flare up more than it has internally and externally, Libra stepped in. She is known for balance with many things, including situations. The Scale Spirit turned her attention quickly and asked the rest of the male Spirits, "Can you please remove Leo? We need to work now. And the sooner we start, the better we can assess the damage that's been done to the injured."
The males nodded and did as they were asked. It was the only time every Spirit in attendance saw their leader turn feral and thrash after being forcefully dragged away from Lucy's hand while yowling in anger much like a cat about to be given a bath. Since most felines detest water. None of the Spirits noticed the Exceed and Blonde's lack of reaction. No flinches nor jolt... Not from the yank of Lucy's hand or the ruckus everyone around them was making.
None of the Celestial Spirits knew what to make of their leader's exclamation, "GET OFF ME! I SHOULD BE BY LUCY'S SIDE!" The Lion's voice sounded so inconsolable and heart shattering. Everyone heard it in his tone and action. At this point, even Aquarius didn't have the heart to yell at their leader. Even though her face showed she was getting low key pissed.
"Leo." A calm and motherly voice of Mother Pieces spoke up while the Lion continued to thrash trying to break free.
"I understand how you feel, a few of us are no longer contracted to Yukino. But even though she's no longer mine, my child's, Libra's, and Ophiuchus' partner... We're all still shaken up, blaming ourselves, panicked, hurting, and more. But loosing yourself won't help right now."
Mother Pieces' voice cracked, making her son feel protective over her while Ophiuchus and Libra looked down in grieving pain. After a deep inhale and exhale, the older 1/2 of the Twin Fish regained her composure and continued by saying, "Please calm yourself and let us patch up our girl and her comrade. Then I promise, you can return to her side." She begged with tears threatening to overflow.
But the Lion Spirit wasn't convinced. Before he could voice his aggression, another voice boomed, "LEO THE LION! I Know You Are Emotionally Distressed... BUT, If You Can't Calm Yourself, I'll Send You Back To The Celestial World By Force! The Choice Is Yours!"
All the Celestial Spirits, "Gasped!" Wide eyed/ speechless/ and frozen into silence. The Celestial Spirit King had graced everyone with his presence above the holey cave while time paused around them. Only the Celestial Spirits and Celestial Spirit King could move at this point.
'This is the 2nd time He's come down to Earthland of His own volition...' Leo thought with astonishment in mind
The Lion Spirit was still feeling chaotic inside. Sure, Leo was a little scared of the Celestial Spirit King like all the Spirits. But he's faced much worse in the past. So, the Lion figured, 'There's not much more I can lose at this point. I might as well release my wrath.'
With thoughts finalized, he let his anger boil over while shouting, "DON'T THREATEN ME! Why Am I NOT Allowed To Act This Way?! Is It Because You Don't Think I Deserve To Be At Lucy's Side Anymore?! I Remembered You Suggested Me To Protect Lucy With My Life And I... Failed!."
Leo chocked while whispering the last word in a low tone. If it wasn't for everything around them frozen except for those present, none would've heard the brokenness crack in their leader's voice.
Though everyone was sad, all the Zodiac's were stunned speechless. This realization caused them to believe this experience must've shaken their leader more than almost everyone present. Leo himself was glad to be wearing his shades. It helped shield the onslaught of tears, while he mourned.
After regaining his voice, Leo continued deathly calm at first, then flared once again with a vengeance, "Why Aren't You All Blaming Me? IT'S MY FAULT ISN'T IT!? WHY DIDN'T LUCY LET ME HELP?! Or Better Yet!" Loke's voice was caught up in his throat. So, he paused for a moment to catch his breath, while whispering the last part, "Why couldn't I have found a way to prevent this... I'm the leader so why did I fail her? AAAAAAH!"
Leo's scream vibrated off the entire inside of the cave. He couldn't keep it together anymore. His outcry finalized everything he couldn't speak in words. Everyone witnessing this was deadly silent. The only noise that could be heard was their leader. Crying, as his body gave in to gravity and dropped to the floor like a ragdoll. He curled into a ball while his body trembled like he was having a [tremor: Involuntary shaking.] Leo was no longer being held onto by the rest of the male Spirits. Everyone saw the fight within their leader disappear and it left everyone feeling numb, emotional, and lost.
No one knew what to say. Including The Celestial Spirit King. All the Spirits feared for Leo. No one ever talked back to The Celestial King that way. Even the Mermaid who had the worst temper amongst the females made sure to keep her attitude in check while around The Celestial Spirit King. Besides that, they were shocked at how deep the Lion's feelings are for their Key Holder. Plus worried if Leo's mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health will ever be the same. And unfortunately, no one could've foreseen the attack on Fiore, which wiped out almost all human and Exceed's existence.
The Celestial Spirit King looked straight ahead and became deep in thought. 'I realize... I'll need to tread carefully. Everyone's in a fragile state and I'd rather not inflict more undeserving pain on anyone. I've already made that mistake in the past by banning my dear old friend, due to an old law that honestly didn't make sense now looking back on it...'
He paused in his thoughts to look directly at the golden-haired Wizard that has Earned the hearts and respects of many Celestial Spirits just by being who she naturally was. The Celestial Spirit King admitted in his mind, 'Lucy was right to yell at me while speaking on Leo's behalf back then. I didn't want to acknowledge or question the law at the time but…. After hearing both sides of the whole story and taking a moment to process, I understand how wrong my judgments were. I may be The Celestial Spirit King, but even I'm not perfect and nor is the law no matter how good its intentions can be. She's grown so much since the 1st time I met her many years ago. But now, I need Leo to understand why the female Spirits need to work fast in checking on the injured. Everyone is going to find out sooner or later. I've already been told of what the future can look like for the 2 from Earthland. I just hope, Lucy and Carla will make the right choice. Many lives can be affected in this 1 decision.'
With thoughts finalized, The Celestial Spirit King spoke in a calmer and more empathetic voice. "Leo, I understand your pain and frustration. But you can't let your negative emotions cloud your judgement or stand in the way from Lucy and her guild mate being healed right away. The reason it's urgent to heal them is because we're all tied to Lucy, I as well. Your bond is your connection to her. And if you paused for a moment, you could feel your Tether to her becoming more... Unstable with each breath she's taking."
Every Celestial Spirit paused for a moment, even Leo. Many mistreated Spirits were shocked and overwhelmed to feel this sincere sensation, after not feeling it for so long until Lucy. Amidst everyone's panicked states, their bonds with their Key Holder was the epitome of pure unadulterated Love. The revelation was revitalizing. The feeling could only be described as anything or anyone that can put you at ease. Most of them had melancholy and thankful smiles for having a loving partner and Key Holder. But the peaceful moment didn't last long. The deeper understanding sunk in, and a shocking epiphany hit them painfully like a female having period cramps or a male getting kicked below the belt. They all realized in their minds, 'If we don't hurry, our dearest Nakama, may be in danger!'
The Celestial Spirits glanced quickly towards their leader, hoping he'll let the females work without a fuss. Leo though overly emotional gave a curt nod to his female friends. Signifying he'll back down and allow the female Spirits to work in peace while he stayed nearby. Relief swept over everyone while feeling sympathetic towards their leader. But now, it was a race against time.
The female Spirits all pulled together to prevent their closest Nakama from slipping through their fingers... Permanently. They went behind the screen to aid in the healing process. Which took 2-hours total.
Once finished, the female Spirits made their presence known to the male Spirits including The Celestial Spirit King who waited patiently alongside everyone present. The Celestial Spirit King already knew what's about to happen but kept silent due to a dear friend's special request which he's in agreement with.
Leo rushed over 1st followed by Sagittarius, Cancer, and Taurus being the 2nd group to notice. The rest of the males followed, ending with The Celestial Spirit King. All the male Spirits gazed at the females worriedly, since they never left each other's side. Their silence was deafening, and the reason of stress exhibited by males, especially their leader.
Finally, it was [Mini: Female ½ of Gemini that broke the silence.] "Piri, Piri Lucy and Carla both have multiple deep cuts and bruises throughout their bodies..."
She paused for Virgo to continue. "So, from what we can tell, Princess and her guild mate has nothing broken. No signs of any internal bleeding, and any damages missed areas that can become fatal at the very least."
All the male Spirits let out a sigh of relief, they didn't realize they've been holding back from the very beginning. Though [Gemi: Male ½ of Gemini] has a blank expression. But he felt sad on the inside, knowing what his other ½ knows. Since he technically shares the same body and mind as his twin.
Scorpio was deep in thought. But after becoming very unsure for the lack of better word, he spoke up, voicing not just his but every male Spirit's unanswered question, "But…. What's this have to do with a Tether being unstable? Wicked."
The females all glanced at each other, unsure who or how they'll answer. Aquarius took it upon herself and decided to deal the final blow. "It took 1 hour to clean all the wounds thoroughly, check their vitals, waiting on supplies we didn't have or ran out of, and giving them an attentive bath without opening or disturbing their cuts further. The second hour was devoted to drying them off carefully, wrapping each wound attentively, dressing them in Celestial clothing, giving them water to replenish from dehydration, and see if they'd wake up after some rest. But... Throughout their baths or patch ups, they never made a sound or movement. Plus, their breathing is shallow. They've also yet to awaken."
Before anyone started to act irrational, The Celestial Spirit King spoke up. "I can honestly vouch that Carla and Lucy are more or less okay. Before anyone says anything, I may know what is possibly going on. But the outcome will rest solely with the 2 females. I will not be divulging what I know but there's someone you may ask. I won't say who it is nor will you expect to be answered by said person. What I can say is it will be wise to not jump to conclusions. Let the Lucy and Carla rest. Most of you must return to the Celestial World to rejuvenate and rest up. However, if Carla or Lucy needs a new place to stay, The Celestial World will welcome them no questions asked. And before you ask, yes you may stay by Lucy's side but with an additional Spirit Leo. You as well if you choose to Aquarius."
And with that last statement, The Celestial Spirit King returned to the Celestial World quickly. Leaving the rest of the Celestial Spirits down on Earthland feeling more dumbfounded, while struggling with more questions than answers. Aquarius looked thoughtful for a moment before quickly vanishing back to the Celestial World as well, ready to gain some answers.