Here's the next chapter, hope you'll enjoy it.
NinjaFang1331 - Thanks so much, I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
Wolfking0811 - Thank you. An excellent question that will be answered during the Tower of Heaven arc.
Djinn - Yeah, poor Night Terror. There are many disadvantages being a Phobos. Thanks for reading and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
wellingtonlucas282- Thank you so much. I'm always happy to see you review of the stories. It inspires me to carry on.
K. God - You're too kind, thank you so much. I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
Neo Infinity - No problem, I'm glad you liked it.
Guest - Thanks so much. I guess it isn't bad, but I've been doing too many serious chapters lately that I was feeling a little tense about this one. Thanks for reading.
Lelouch of Zero - The last chapter was fun to write so I'm glad you enjoyed it. Flare will get another opportunity in the future and hopefully it would go much better then last time. Thanks for reading.
Lupa Lazuli - Thanks so much, I put a lot of effort into it so I'm happy you're enjoying it.
MDM11 - Thank you, I definitely look over your requests. I especially like the sound of Night, Lucy and Levy going on a mission. Hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
ikusatsunagi - No problem, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Blaze1992 - Yeah, it wasn't a major event in the manga either, but it was fun to write. Thanks for reading.
glassowl304 - I'm so happy to hear it. I love the filler chapters and OVAs as well. It's just nice to see them doing random stuff without anybody...you know, almost dying.
Skull Flame - Erza was so cute in the manga and anime trying to rehearse for the play, despite her being an awful actor. Thanks so much and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
Thank you all for reviewing :)
Chapter 20: The Star That Fell To Earth
Magnolia Town
"Almost got it," Flare grunted, concentrating on a braid of hair held up in front of her, "Almost...got...it."
However, just as she thought she achieved what she wanted to do, the braid suddenly fell lifelessly to her side once more. Flare cried in irritation and threw her arms in the air, causing to almost fall off the shadow horse she was riding. Nonchalantly, Night Terror reached out his claw, caught her and set her up straight again whilst still steering the reins. She crossed her arms in front of her and pouted.
"Thanks," she muttered.
Night Terror sighed, "Please be more careful. That was the fifth time you almost fell off."
After a long week of putting on show, after show...after show, Night Terror and Flare were returning to the Fairy Tail guild. The had paid off the debt they owed Labian and had even made a respectable amount of profit for themselves. As they rode across Fiore, Flare wanted to practise some offensive techniques with her hair and Night Terror suggested that she should try and make a fist with her hair braid. However Flare was finding it too difficult. No matter how hard she concentrated, she just couldn't make it get into shape.
Flare hummed crossly, "What am I doing wrong? I'm focusing as much as I can."
"Perhaps your focus is not at fault," Night Terror replied as he raised a shadow tendril and began morphing into shapes, "Your magic is not a tool to wield, but it should work with you like it was part of your body."
"It is a part of my body."
Night Terror chuckled, "I meant more in the way of an extra limb or if you suddenly grew another head. You will get used to it over time. All you need is practise and determination. Two things you have an abundance of," he told her, making her give a small smile, "It took me years to master the shadows and even longer to reach my current state and it will take me longer still to overcome my next perilous danger...whatever that danger will be."
Flare looked up at him strangely, "But you're like the strongest mage I have ever met...sure I haven't met a lot of mages..."
"I may be a strong now, but there world is vast and filled with many people. Therefore, I can't always expect to be the strongest. That is why I must always be doing my best to improve myself and so should you," he encouraged as the rode closer to the construction site that was their guild. However, as soon at got to the entrance and Night Terror dispelled Mabel, he noticed an unusual sight, "How strange," he murmured.
At the bar, a group of young attractive women were creating a commotion while a slightly overwhelmed Mirajane and Lisanna tried to calm them down. A few women were berating the two barmaids over the counter, a few others were chattering among themselves while one poor woman was crying into her hands. All the other guild members either moved away from the mob or tried their best to ignore them, but it was clear that it was getting out of hand.
"I believe those are Loke's girlfriends around the town," he hummed.
"How do you know who they are?" Flare curiously asked as they started to walk towards them.
"I keep note of anybody who enters the guild. Names, the reason they come to guild, what sort of magic they use, etc, etc. I've been doing it ever since I arrived. However, I never seen them gather like this before," he explained, "This could get violent."
As they got closer, they were able to hear what the women were talking about.
"Where's Loke!?" one woman demanded.
Mirajane smiled nervously, "We really don't kno-"
"What he did to me was awful!" another woman shouted.
"I'm sure it was," Lisanna said in support, "But can you please-"
A woman, in the middle of the crowd, grumbled angrily, "Who do all of you think you are anyway!"
"I could ask you the same thing," another woman spat in response.
"Don't talk to me like that!"
"Please don't fight among yourselves again," Mirajane called out.
That's when she noticed Night Terror coming towards them and instantly wave to him and pointed to the crowd. The Phobos nodded in response and released a little bit of Fear magic instantly startling the mob into silence. He cleared his throat, making them all turn towards him.
"Ladies, I know you are upset but please do not take your anger out on our staff," he told them, earning an appreciative nod from Mirajane and Lisanna, "Now what seems to be the problem?"
One of the braver women stepped forwards, "Loke broke up with me last night and I want to know why."
"He did the same with me!"
"Me too!"
As Night Terror was dealing with them, Flare walked up to Lucy who was sat nearby at the bar. She stared intensely front of her, not even looking around when Flare approached.
"Hi blondie-"
Before she could finish her sentence, Lucy glared angrily at her.
"What do you want?" she muttered crossly
Flare took a step back in surprise, "Sorry, I was just asking a question. You don't have to bite my head off."
Lucy's anger immediately disappeared into sadness, "I'm sorry Flare," she sighed, "I didn't have a good night. Loke was just...being a jerk."
"Is it the same reason why they are here," she said as she pointed at the mob.
Lucy looked up to where she was pointing and frowned in worry as the women were starting to get aggressive again.
"Why are you defending him!?" a woman shouted at Night Terror.
"He better not be hiding from us!"
"Bring him her so I can kick him in the-"
"Please madam, there are children present," he interrupted, "My apologies, but nobody at the guild has seen Mr Loke in quite some time. I am sure he will explain once he returns. Now I must ask you to vacate the premises since you are disturbing the patrons."
"We're not leaving until he comes back!" one of the woman shouted.
"Yeah, why would break up with me!"
"It couldn't be," the crying member of the mob sobbed, "He's found somebody else, could it?"
Night Terror cleared his throat again and used his Fear magic to simmer their anger, "I assure you madam, that Mr Loke hasn't found anybody else. You are all very dear to him. He could of acted horrendously and ignore all of you entirely, but he took the time to inform the termination of each of your relationships in person. Not by letter or via messenger, but in person. Nobody who truly cares about their significant over would even consider that."
His words seemed to calm them down and even made the crying woman wipe her tears away. Over at the bar, Mirajane and Lisanna smiled in relief as he was able to supress their fury.
"Huh, he really is improving socially," Lisanna said.
"I'm so proud of him," Mirajane giggled.
"Besides," Night Terror continued confidently, "If he was seeing somebody else then they would be here right now, asking the same questions you are asking."
"Eh!" the women uttered in bemusement.
Mirajane shook her head, "No Night, what are you doing?"
"I mean, logically, if there was another woman; why would he need to break up the rest of his relationships all at once. It seems unlikely that Mr Loke would give up his gathering technique without a valid reason. No, there must be another reason why he left..."
He trailed off when he noticed Mirajane and Lisanna making hand gestures to make him stop talking. It took him a while for him to wonder what they were doing, but it soon dawned on him. He looked down and gulped when he saw the mob of women glaring daggers at him, a deadly aura surrounded them.
"Ahem- That's not to say, that you are objects that are supposed to be gathered. You are all women who should be treated with respect...and...and you are all individuals...who happen to share the same boyfriend...not that it is a bad thing. Who am I to judge what sort of relationship other people...should have..." he saw that he was not doing nothing to calm them down and started to back away, "...and I am just going to stand in the shadows and pretend I do not exist. Sorry. Sorry."
"Two step forwards and one step back," Lisanna sighed with a sweat drop.
"He's getting there," Mirajane said with a sheepish smile as the women turned against them once again.
Night Terror hung his head in defeat as he approached Flare and Lucy, "That was...awful."
"Were they the 'perilous danger' you mentioned earlier?" Flare joked, earning a light glare from him.
"I do not how you became so mischievous over a short period of time and I do not appreciate it one bit," he grumbled, causing her to giggle. He looked over to a saddened Lucy and frowned in concern, "Miss Lucy is everything alright?"
Lucy sighed and shook her head, "Something happened last night...with Loke," she explained.
Night Terror raised a curious eyebrow.
Lucy's Apartment
Lucy had taken Night Terror back to her apartment and told him as well as one of her other Celestial Sprits what had happened between her and Loke. The Celestial Spirit was called the Stellar Spirit: Crux Of The Southern Cross, although Lucy just called him grandpa-Crux. He was an elderly spirit whose head was a large silver and gold while his body was skinny and seemed to be tanned orange. He also wore a green medieval-looking clothes. He had a large white moustache that sprouted from his nose, the ends of which crosses, and his eyes were closed as if he was sleeping. Crux levitated in the air as Night Terror sat in Lucy's chair, listening to the blonde girl sat on her bed.
Apparently, Loke had approached her last night and told him that he he was dying. She was shocked at first, but then Loke immediately laughed and told her it was one of his pick-up lines. Night Terror didn't seem to understand how that was supposed to be charming at all and neither did Lucy.
"I...then slapped him," Lucy told them, her head bowed in distress, "But now...I honestly don't think he was joking. What do you think he meant?"
Night Terror frowned, "I cannot say I know much about Mr Loke, however even I know that he would not joke about dying. I think you are right, Miss Lucy, something does seem to be the matter. Is this why you have consulted Mr Crux's aid?" he asked.
Lucy nodded and turned to the elderly Spirit, "Grandpa-Crux, can you investigate for me any Celestial Spirit Mages Loke has been involved with in the past?" she asked.
Crux hummed thoughtfully, his eyes closed and he began to consider her question.
...
...
...
After a few moments of nothing, Night Terror gave Lucy and odd look, "Has Mr Crux fallen asleep?"
Lucy shook her head, "He's just searching. Grandpa-Crux is an expert on Celestial Spirit magic. He knows all that's going on between humans and the Spirit World. He even knows which Spirits has been summoned by which mages."
"How fascinating," Night Terror mused.
...
...
...
...
...
...
Lucy sweat dropped, "He's quite old so it takes him a while."
"Of course."
...
...
...
...
...
...
Night Terror cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence, "I believe this is the first time I visited your apartment. It's very lovely."
"Thanks...but the rent is pretty high."
"At least you have a great view of the canal."
"Yeah, It's pretty great."
...
...
...
...
...
...
"Nice weather we've been getting recently."
"Oh absolutely, but I think it may rain over the weekend."
"Lucky, I haven't got any plans to be outside."
"Neither do I."
...
...
...
...
...
...
"Are you sure Mr Crux has not fallen asle-"
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Crux suddenly yelled, making the other two jump in surprise.
Lucy was the first to recover and eagerly sat forwards on her bed, "Did you find something Grandpa-Crux?"
'That was unnecessary,' Night Terror thought in slight annoyance.
Crux cleared his throat and calmly explained, "In the Spirit World, one's activities is still a private matter so I can't be too precise. However, the Celestial Spirit Loke has been in contact with is...Miss Karen Lilica."
"No way," Lucy gasped, "the Karen Lilica. One of the most famous Celestial Spirit Mages ever and model for 'Sorcerer' magazine," she said before frowning slightly, "But didn't she die a few years ago."
"She did," Night Terror gravely said, much to her surprise, "She belonged to Maighstir Bob's guild, Blue Pegasus and was quite well regarded among her peers."
"You know her?"
Night Terror nodded, "Do you remember when I said that I have met some unsavoury Celestial Spirit Mages in my time?" Lucy nodded in reply, "Well, I had the misfortune of meeting Miss Karen."
- Flashback Three Years Ago -
Outside The Blue Pegasus Guild
Night Terror rode through town on the back of his new shadow horse. He was quite proud of it; he had been trying to make one for months now. Sure, it was slightly rough around the edges and it didn't act like a real horse, but he loved it all the same. He was now looking over a baby name book, saying each suggestion out loud.
"...Hazel...no...Edith...no that doesn't suit you...Piper...neither does that," he hummed, "Oh, what about Mabel?" he looked over the horse underneath him, "I think you look like a Mabel," he said, snapping the book close.
"P-please don't t-t-touch me there," a timid voice reached the Phobos' ears.
"Aw don't be like that, darling. You know you like it," a male replied followed by the sound of perverted laughter.
Night Terror looked down the street and saw something that made Night Terror growl. Walking the opposite way was four seedy-looking men gathered around a poor young woman who looked liked she would rather be anywhere else but there. She was quite short, with long pink hair that was poofy around her shoulders, brown eyes and pale skin. She wore a short woollen white dress and had a pair of brown twisted horns poking out of her hair.
Night Terror frowned in anger before he and Mabel morphed into shadows.
One of the other men laughed and slung his arm around her shoulders, causing her to squeak in fear, "Hey, you think Karen would let me take her home."
"You kidding me," one of the other men said, "Karen promised me a date so I should be the one to take her home."
"Hey, why don't we let little Aries decided, huh," another said as he held up her chin, "Well, Aries who do you want to go home with."
Before she could answer, however, a cold presence made them all shiver and stop as a dark shadow fell over them.
"I think you should all go home," a dark voice said, "And leave this woman alone."
They turned around and gulped in fear as Night Terror towered over them, the empty darkness under his hood made their hearts pound in their chests.
"Now leave," Night Terror growled.
Aries felt air blow her hair, causing her to look around to see that all four men have scampered off. Night Terror hummed and leaned back, satisfied that he was able to scare them off.
"Good riddance," Night Terror muttered, "Honesty, what a disreputable bunch of ruffians. Are you quite alright, madam?"
Aries nodded her head shyly.
"Oh good," he said before taking a closer look at her, "Your magic is unlike anything I have seen. In fact, you seem to consist of magic. Are you perhaps a Celestial Spirit?"
She nodded again.
"Then you must have a contract with a mage," he glared at the direction the men went, "I hope none of them were a Celestial Spirit Mage?"
Aries shook her head, "No...my master ordered me to take them home. I told her that I can only serve her, but..." she looked down at her feet, "...but she insisted."
Night Terror hummed and reached out his clawed hand and patted her shoulder, "Not to worry Miss Aries, I shall speak to your contract holder and get to the bottom of this."
Aries looked at the hand on his shoulder in surprise. The Celestial Spirit wasn't used to gentle physical touches, especially after the way her master has been treating her. She felt slightly overwhelmed, then dizzy and then promptly fainted onto her back, swirls appearing in her eyes.
Night Terror yelped in surprise and instantly started to worry, "Miss Aries, are you alright?" he asked in panic, not knowing how what to do.
"Baa!" Aries uttered in her unconscious state.
'She bleated like a sheep!' Night Terror thought in surprise.
Blue Pegasus Guild
The doors to the guild swung open with a mighty bang and all the guild members stopped what they were doing. turned and shivered in fear as they saw the Phobos at the entrance. Night Terror gazed over the spacious room; glaring at each member talking to their friends or having a drink. Every single member he laid eyes on felt a chill run down their spines as they felt compelled to stay very still. Satisfied, Night Terror stepped aside for a recovered Aries to walk inside who looked nervously around. The Phobos shut the doors behind him and went to Aries' side.
"I wish to speak to a Celestial Spirit mage known as Miss Karen Lilica," he proclaimed firmly.
The members of Blue Pegasus simultaneously looked over to the bar at a woman with long green hair, brown eyes and fair skin. She wore a white fur lined red coat, a short purple skirt and a black and white bikini top as well as blue cap on her head. Unlike the other members, she hadn't looked up when Night Terror came in, preferring to drink her martini in peace. She raised an eyebrow as a shadow fell over and winced at the sight of the Phobos. However, she fought down the urge to be frightened of him and smiled confidently.
"Miss Karen, I presume," Night Terror said.
"If you want an autograph then it'll cost ya," she told him uncaringly, "If you want something more naughty then it'll cost you more."
"I am here to inquire why you have allowed your Celestial Spirit to be around unsavoury characters," Night Terror told her, frowning slightly at her attitude.
Karen looked from him to Aries who was cowering behind Night Terror. She glowered in annoyance.
"You can't do anything without getting yourself in trouble, can you?" Karen hissed.
Aries shivered "I'm sorry, but-"
"Do not dare speak to her like that Miss Karen," Night Terror interrupted, "She is not at fault here."
Karen rolled her eyes uncaringly, "Look weirdo, I can speak to her as I like. She's my Spirit. She's my property."
The room temperature dropped suddenly, causing everybody watching them to shiver in fear. Night Terror leaned over Karen, causing the mage to flinch back a bit.
"She is not property," he darkly said, "She may be under your orders and you may hold her gate key, but Miss Aries in a living being and deserves respect. She is more powerful then you will ever be."
Karen snarled, "Who the hell do you think you are!? Coming in here and telling me how I should treat my own Spirits! The only thing those Spirits are good for are protecting me! Other then that they are useless and a complete waste!" she shouted, causing Aries to look down sadly.
"I think you will find that the only thing wasted is there power on somebody so incredibly incompetent and inept such as yourself Miss Karen," Night Terror responded fiercely.
Karen growled, stood up from her seat and reach for the keys on her belt, "That's it! GATE OF THE GOLDEN LIO-"
But before she can complete her magic, Night Terror used a shadow tendril to snatch all her keys away, causing her to gasp in shock. Aries seemed just as horrified as the Phobos held the keys up at her between his claws.
"S-sir, you can't just steal a Celestial Spirit Mage's keys like that," Aries whispered.
Night Terror looked down at here "It would appear that I already have, Miss Aries."
"HOW DARE YOU!" Karen bellowed in absolute fury, "I'M ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL MAGES IN THIS GUILD AND I-ah!" she cried in pain and shock as the shadows wrapped around her and lifted her in the air.
Karen tried to wiggled out, but her prison was too strong. Night Terror lifted her upside down so that her face was at the same level to his.
"This is the problem with Celestial Spirit Mages," he coolly said, causing her eyes to widen, "Once you break through those defences you brag about, you are nothing but weak and helpless. You might as well not be a mage at all. It baffles me how you can be so inconsiderate to those you depend your life on."
Silence fell through the guild. Not a single person did anything to help Karen as she struggled in Night's shadowy grip. That was until a giggle cut through the tension.
"Very well said Night Terror," Master Bob said, seemingly appearing out of nowhere, "Now be a dear and put Karen down."
Night Terror bowed his head respectively and gently placed her on her feet, "Of course, Maighstir Bob. Pardon my intrusion."
"Don't worry yourself," he said before looking over at Karen, "Now what have I told you about treating your Celestial Spirits terribly?" he asked sweetly.
Karen looked over at her guild master in disbelief, "You're scolding me!? The thing just assaulted me!"
Master Bob's face filled with fury. His eyes narrowed and became dark, his cheerful smile twisted into a vicious snarl and three large veins bulged terrifyingly. The master was usually sweet, friendly and, frequently, flirty man and didn't look threatening at all. However, he didn't become the master of the guild for just being sweet. Master Bob can easily be frightening that even a Phobos would be impressed.
"Don't go playing the victim, girl," Master Bob snarled, causing Karen to flinch, "You have been mistreating your Spirits again. They have emotions and feelings just like you do, so you better start behaving better or else you get yourself in trouble. Do you understand?"
Between her guild master and Night Terror, Karen was in no position to retaliate and just nodded in response.
Master Bob's face lifted into his usual cheery grin and turned to the Phobos, "Night dear. Do you mind giving her keys back."
Night Terror frowned and gave a concerned look at Aries, "I suppose...I have no authority to take them away from you," holding out the keys for her.
Karen snatched them out of his hand and shot him a dirty look. Night Terror ignored the look and turned to a shivering Aries.
"Miss Aries are you sure you want to stay here. I am sure there are more deserving mages who would make good use of your abilities," he told.
To his disappointment, she shook her head no, "I am contracted to master Karen and I can of and will not break it. Thank you for your concern," Night Terror still looked unsure, so the Ram Spirit offered him a small smile, "Please don't worry. I'll be just fine," she reassured.
The Phobos sighed and agreed reluctantly.
Later on, he would regret leaving Aries with Karen. If only he had got her out of there when he had the chance.
- Flashback Ends -
Lucy's Apartment
"The last I heard of Miss Karen was when she had passed away not too long after. I have been trying to find Miss Aries, but I have not been successful," Night Terror explained to a upset Lucy.
"I see," she muttered, "I honestly didn't know there were mages out there who would do that to their own Spirits," she gripped her fists tightly in anger, "It makes me sick. How could she do that to her?"
Night Terror shook his head, "People are just cruel. Other then telling them what they are doing wrong, there is not a lot you can do about it. However, the question is, what does Mr Loke have to with Miss Karen? Are you able to to tell us Mr Crux?"
He looked over at the Spirit and sweat dropped when he saw that he had fallen asleep a while ago.
Lucy frowned in concentration, trying to think why Loke would be involved with Karen, 'Loke said that he didn't have much time left. He looked sickly and pale, but why of all people would he tell me that. He's been avoiding me since I got here...Wait a minute,' she looked up at the Phobos, "Night, you can sense people's magic, can't you? Well, what does Loke have?"
"Loke has a form of Ring Magic which he used during the Phantom Lord attack. However," he hummed, "I have always believed that he was hiding something else, but it was too weak to get a read on it."
"Weak?"
Well, maybe not weak. It is more...more...um..."
"Diluted?" Lucy suggested.
Night Terror eyes widened in realisation, "Precisely. Are you suggesting that Mr Loke is a-"
Lucy nodded, "It makes sense. You said that it happened three years ago."
Night Terror stood up from his chair, "Then we have no time to waste. Mr Loke is in danger."
"But we don't know where he is?" Lucy sighed.
The Phobos hummed, "I can think of one place he could be."
Forest
Night had fallen by the time they reached the site of Karen Lilica's grave. It was situated on the edge of a cliff that overlooked a river below. On the opposite side cliff, a great waterfall towers over them, making the whole area look majestic and magical. However, Loke was not awed by the scenery and instead stared sadly at the grave where Karen now lay.
However, the sound of hooves, captured his attention and he turned just in time to see Lucy and Night Terror riding towards them on Mabel. Loke stepped back in shock as Lucy unmounted the shadow horse and slowly made her way over to him.
"Hi Loke, everybody want's to know where you've gone," she greeted calmly.
"Lucy!" Loke cried, "How did you know about this place."
Night Terror sent Mabel back into the shadows, "I was the one who decided to have Miss Karen buried here after I heard of her death. I found it on my travels and Maighstir Bob agreed and made the arrangements. I reckoned that you would come here."
"So you can be with your summoner," Lucy added, causing Loke to sweat nervously, "Isn't that right...Leo the Lion."
Loke winced slightly at the mention of his proper name, but sighed in defeat, "You discovered my secret."
"I am a Celestial Spirit Mage," Lucy said, "Who's made a lot of contracts with Spirits. I finally felt the real you last night. But...I should have known sooner. Normally when the summoner who holds your key dies, your contract is broken and you will be forced to return to the Spirit World before your next summoner appears. Karen died but you still remain, There must be some reason why you can't return to the Spirit World."
Loke nodded, "Just as humans can't live in the Spirit World, Spirits can't survive in this world for long. I'm surprised you didn't notice who I was before, Night Terror."
"You have been living in the human world for too long, your magical signature has become tainted," he explained, "Not only that, but fear sense can get muddled if there are too many fears associated with one person."
"I guess so," Loke sighed, "My life force will slowly drain away until I die. It's been three years already and I've reached the end of my line. I'm losing all my will and strength."
"Then you need to tell me what's wrong so I can return you," Lucy firmly demanded, "I'll try opening the gate for you."
"I don't need your help."
"What are you talking about!? You'll die like this!"
"Miss Lucy. There is one possible reason why he cannot return," the Phobos said, "Mr Loke has been exiled."
Lucy's eyes widened in shock, "What no! Exiled for what!?"
"For my sin," Loke said, his face filled with regret, "I'm a traitorous Spirit. I killed my own summoner Karen."
Lucy stood back in shock, not believing what he just told her, "You...killed Karen," she uttered, "But that's-"
"A Spirit that kills their summoner cannot return to the Spirit World," Loke told her as he stared at the ground, "I will simply disappear right here. It happened not long after Night Terror confronted Karen, she believed that Aries snitched on her and beat her up as a punishment," he explained, making Night Terror's heart sink in guilt, "She was threatening to keep her in the human world for a week when I stepped in. I demanded that she should terminate my and Aries pact with her and when she refused...I said that I will refuse to do her bidding and stay out in the human world until she did what I say. Since, she can't summon another Spirit while I'm out, she was practically useless. She won't be able to go on missions and she'll lose her income. For months, I stayed in the human world, getting weaker and weaker. Karen demanded that I return, but I never gave up. As long as she wasn't hurting Aries, I was happy to stay here. However..." he hesitated slightly, trying to not choke on his words, "after three months, I discovered that Karen was killed. She was desperate for money and went out on a mission even though she was unable to call out her Spirits. Because of me, she lost her lif-"
Suddenly, Loke collapsed onto the ground, Lucy and Night Terror instantly rushed to his side and supported him up.
"I...think...I'm going..." Loke gasped, starting to turn transparent.
"Not now! Please hold on!" Lucy yelled desperately, "Night, is there something you can do?"
The Phobos shook his head, "This is beyond me. I am only knowledgeable of Celestial magic, but I cannot wield it. It is up to you, Miss Lucy."
"But I don't know what to do," Lucy whimpered.
Loke shook his head and smiled wearily, "Don't worry...I've had...this coming for years. I've...accepted it. Night Terror, thanks...for defending Aries. I hope you...will find her. And Lucy...I'm so lucky to have met a great...Celestial Spirit Mage like yourself."
"Wait!" Lucy shouted, "You can't just give up! I'll help you just please don't go! I just have to open your gate and let you back into the Spirit World!" she wrapped her arms around his neck and shut her eyes tight, using all her energy she could muster, "What happened to Karen was an accident! I can't let you go! OPEN THE DOOR OF THE LION! RETURN LOKE TO THE SPIRIT WORLD!" she yelled.
Loke stared at her in horror, "No Lucy stop."
She ignored his pleas, "OPEN! Please!" she begged, "I can't just sit back and let my friend disappear right in front of me!"
Lucy gritted her teeth as her body began to grow, using all her magic to open Leo's gate. Night Terror was alarmed by what she was doing.
"Miss Lucy you can't use all your power at once to force the gate open. It's dangerous!"
Lucy looked up at him fiercely, "Wouldn't you do anything to get your Clan back!? Even if it means risking your life!"
The Phobos was stunned by her remark and stood back as she tried to force the gate open. Her words cut him deep and he began to think of all the things that led to his Clan's destruction. Him going to Elend, not being there for Muireall, if he didn't make those mistakes would he have saved his people? And here was Lucy, doing everything to help her friends even if it was dangerous. Night Terror never felt more pathetic in his life.
He retrieved that Tomb of the Phobos out of the shadows and flicked through them, seeing if there was anything on Celestial Spirit magic. Meanwhile, Loke was trying to force Lucy off him, begging her to stop what she was doing.
"Lucy, if you keep this up, you'll merge with the Spirit energy! You're going to disappear as well! Don't add to my sin!" he begged.
"What sin! If that's the rule in the Spirit World then I'll change it!" Lucy screamed back in reply.
Suddenly, Night Terror stopped at a page when he spotted something. He read the small passage carefully before stepping around Lucy and Loke. He raised his arms in the air and with a booming voice he bellowed:
"A RIGH NAN REULT, CLUINN MO GHLAODhH. 'S MISE NA DORCHADES, CÀIRDEAN CHLANN PHOBOS MHÒIR 'S THA MI 'G IARRAIDH LUCHD-EISDEACHD, O MHONARC NÈAMHAIDH!"
Lucy and Loke covered their ears at his roared before gasping when the water from the waterfall rose before them and started to swirl around in the air before them. It got bigger and bigger and bigger until the centre opened up to reveal the dark vastness of space expanding before them. Floating in the middle of it all was a giant blue skinned, red eyed man with a giant moustache protruding from his nose. He was clad in thick bulky armour the shone brightly in the backdrop of the space. Over his head enormous head was a white horned helmet and a golden star above the brow. He had his arms crossed before and stared down at the mesmerised humans and Spirit.
"Night," Lucy gasped, "What did you do?"
"No way, is that," Loke uttered.
"Indeed," Night Terror confirmed, "you are right Miss Lucy. I would do the same. That is why I called for an audience for the only being capable of sending Mr Loke back to his world. May I present to you the Celestial Spirit King."
The king grunted and looked down at Night Terror, "Young Phobos, as thanks for a millennia's worth of support to the Celestial World, we gifted your Clan the right to parlay with me for one time alone. Yet, you seem to have used up your privilege on matters that have already been settled. Do you believe that was wise?" he questioned.
Night Terror bowed his head, "Your highness, Loke is part of our guild and therefore part of my Clan. Without a shadow of a doubt, I know that I have made the right decision."
The king hummed before looking down at Loke, "Old friend, we who pledge oaths to humans...we who bare keys, we are forbidden from killing. Though not directly, you did cause this indirectly, Leo. It is forbidden for you to return to the Spirit World," causing the Spirit to look down in defeat.
"If I may, your highness, Miss Karen knew of the risks when going on her mission without the Spirits, however, her arrogance had made her reluctant to make amends with Mr Loke. Surely, her death was not caused by Mr Loke's actions, but rather her own character," Night Terror protested.
The great king shook his head, "Loke had a responsibility to uphold his contract, but he rejected her orders which led to her own death. It is not a matter of technicality, Phobos, Leo had disobeyed her summoner which led to her death. I am sorry, but there's no way of changing it."
"But he's been suffering for three years!" Lucy cried, standing up before the king, "It was all for his friend! It was Aries' sake, so it couldn't be helped!"
The king hummed, "It pains my heart to see my old friend like this, but-"
"This isn't about an old friend! This is about now! We're talking about a friend right in front of you, right now. Please listened, old bearded guy!"
"Old bearded guy? the king uttered in confusion.
Lucy ignored him, "Can't you see this was just an unfortunate accident!? I'm telling you how is Loke at fault here! I'll never accept him as anything but innocent!"
"That's enough Lucy, I don't need forgiveness," Loke yelled, but Night Terror laid a claw on his shoulder, stopping her from speaking.
"Mr Loke, watch," he simply said as Lucy began to release a magnificent amount of magic.
The area around her started to glow brightly in contrast to the night sky until something happened that not even the king was expecting. Appearing around Lucy, standing in solidarity were all of Lucy's Celestial Spirits. Taurus, Virgo, Aquarius, Cancer, Sagittarius and even the small Plue, faced off against the king with stern expressions in support of Loke.
"IT'S NOT A SIN! CARING ABOUT FRIENDS' FEELINGS IS NOT A SIN!" Lucy cried with tears in her eyes.
Loke was spell bounded while Night Terror smiled proudly from under his mask.
"So many Spirits at the same time," he gasped.
"Miss-" he cleared his throat, "I mean. Lucy is truly a most wonderful person, isn't she?" he whispered in his normal voice.
Suddenly the Spirits disappeared as quickly as the appeared and Lucy fell to the ground in exhaustion. Night Terror was about to help her get up when she he saw her shakily push herself up and look up at the king in defiance once again.
"My friends all feel the same way too. As a Celestial Spirit, you should understand Loke and Aries' feelings too!"
The king looked down at her and hummed in consideration as she fell to the ground once again. Night Terror made his way to her and supported her to a seating position and checked if she was fine. Luckily, she was just exhausted with no lasting damage.
"If you would go this far for my old friend," the king mused, "Maybe the 'rule' is the one at fault," he said, much to Loke's shock, "You committed a sin for your comrade Aries's sake, Leo. For the sake of that radiant bond, I'll consider this case an 'exception'. Leo...I'll allow you to return to the Spirit World."
Loke couldn't believe it. Tears rolled down his eyes as he was finally allowed to go back to home world after three long years. Night Terror and Lucy smiled happily as the great king grinned brightly down at them. The portal to the king's domain began to close and Loke got on to his feet and stumbled forwards.
"But-" he stammered.
"I must leave now. Phobos, it would seem to call on me was a wise decision," the king interrupted, earning an appreciate nod from Night Terror, "Leo, you were falsely accused. Thank the guidance of the stars."
Tears fell from Loke's eyes as he shook his head, "Please wait-"
"Even after this, if you still feel compelled to atone for your sin," the king said, "Then I command you to become a pillar for your friend and live on. Those are the type of friends who have the mist significance. There is much nobility in willing to lay it all on the line...to protect someone."
And with that, the portal closed and disappeared into nothingness. They stared at the spot for a few moments before Lucy turned to Loke and gave him a tired smile.
"What did I tell you?" she asked, making Loke chuckle in relief.
Suddenly, a giant golden gate appeared behind the Spirit, welcoming him back home. Loke looked back and smiled gratefully as he turned back to his fellow mages.
"This does not absolve me of my sin," Loke said as he began to disappear back into the Spirit World, "But you've given me the courage to move forwards. Night, please keep on searching for Aries. I'm sure she needs help more then ever."
"We will search for her together, Mr Loke," Night Terror told him soundly, "We have both made mistakes and to remedy it we will find Miss Aries."
Loke nodded, "Thank you, I look forward to working with you two," he uttered as he and the gate vanished in flash of light.
Lucy felt something appear in her hand. She looked down to see a golden gate key with the sign of Leo printed on it She clutched the key tightly in her hand and held it to her heart.
"Likewise," she whispered.
Night Terror sighed tiredly as he took in the sight of her. She was coated in sweat and grim from using her magic too much, causing him to shake his head at her.
"That was rather dangerous. You could have died" he scolded her, before he added in a gentler tone "But I suppose the most dangerous things can often be worth while. As long as it's for the right reasons."
Lucy smiled and nodded in agreement, too tired to say anything.
Fairy Tail Guild
The Next Day
"You're a Celestial Spirit!?" Natsu shouted as ha and Happy inspected Loke all over.
Loke, feeling much better now that he was allowed to go home, rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Yeah, that's pretty much it."
Night Terror and Lucy sat nearby and chuckled at the sight. Now that she had rested and got her strength back, Lucy thought it was a good idea to introduce Loke to the rest of the guild.
Fair to say that they were astonished at the revelation.
"It's so weird," Grey murmured as he sat nearby, "We known him for so long and we never noticed."
"He has been keeping the secret for a long time. I can relate," Night Terror said with a slight chuckle.
Natsu suddenly got in Loke's face, "Wait! If you're a Spirit then why do you look human and not like a bull or a horse or something like that?"
"Well, Virgo looks like human," Loke argued.
"No, she turns into a gorilla."
"Fair enough."
Two shadow tendrils smack their heads, causing them to cry out in pain.
"What did I say about insulting Miss Virgo?" Night Terror scolded from his seat he called the shadows back.
"But that was the first time you told me that?" Loke complained, rubbing his aching head with a tear in his eye.
Grey leaned back in his chair, "So, is it alright for you to carry on as you've been doing all along?"
Loke shook his head, "Nah, those say are behind me now that Lucy's my owner," he flashed her a smile, "Whenever she's in trouble, I'll just gallantly come to her rescue like a knight in shining armour."
"Yeah, that's going to be a no from me," Lucy denied with an eye roll.
Loke chuckled at her response, "Oh I see," he said before sending a smirk at Night Terror, "Looks like we're rivals, Night."
"Rivals?" Night Terror asked, cocking his head in confusion, "But I thought we were friends."
"Both of you drop it!" Lucy shouted with a large blush on her face.
"Hang on," Loke said before he rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a few tickets and gave one to each of them, "here. I think you'll guys would like this."
Night Terror studied the ticket between his claws. On it was a brightly coloured castle overlooking a sandy beach. In bold letters across the ticket it read 'Akane Beach Resort and Spa'.
"What this?" Lucy asked.
"I got these tickets for a resort that I was going to invite my girlfriends to, but since I can't stay in the human world for long, I thought I give them to you, guys," Loke explained, "There's a beach, amusement park, spa, casino anything."
"A beach!" Lucy gasped happily.
"No way!" Natsu cried as Happy flew over his shoulder.
"I never stayed a posh hotel like this before," Grey admitted.
Night Terror frowned, 'None of these activities seem appropriate for me' he thought before looking at the excited of his friends. After a few moments, he shrugged, 'I...suppose that it is acceptable...just this time. However, I doubt I'll be able to go on the beach.'
"I gotta go," Loke said as he began to disappear to the Spirit World, "I've already given one to Erza and Flare. Have fun," before he left completely.
"Wow! This is exciting," Lucy happily said, "When do you think we should go?"
The sound of wheels caught their attention as they turned to see Erza pulling a cart packed with suitcases, a parasol and other beach accessories. Flare, who wore a red sun dress, rode on top of the cargo and waved to them excited while Erza wore a one piece swimming costume and a sun hat.
"What are you guys standing around for?" Erza called out, "Let's get a move on."
Lucy, Night Terror, Grey, Natsu and Happy sweat dropped at the sight.
"It would seem we are going immediately," Night Terror sighed.
And that's it! Phew, managed to get this published before the end of the month,
Hope you enjoyed it, it was quite a short chapter and I didn't change a lot from the original. Night Terror had met Aries before and he's determined to find her once again. Although that won't happen until the Nirvana arc.
Also we are finally at the Tower of Heaven arc! It will be broken down into different chapter like before, because there's a lot to get through.
So tune in next time to see Night Terror at the beach and try his luck at the casino.
Thanks for reading :)