*UPDATED VERSION 8/3/2018*

Spirit Realm

Lucy POV

"Then let us head to the Royal Celestial Library," the Spirit King said and we walked off down one of the corridors.

"Virgo, who is on duty right now?" the Spirit King asked Virgo. Duty? What the -

"I am but I have my portable screen so that I am accompany you and Princess," Virgo replied.

The Spirit King chuckled "Prepared as always Virgo. Though you won't have to be as attentive as usual since Leo is there,"

"Of course your highness, but it is better to be prepared for anything and know what is going on,"

"Um, do you mind explaining what you are talking about?" I asked tentatively.

"Well in both our houses and in the center of the village Princess, is a screen similar to what a screening lacrima does but is made of a rare mineral crystal that is only found in Celestia, the Spirit Realm. It is connected to our contracts and allows us to watch over our master," Virgo said, the Spirit King nodding in agreement.

"That is a little creepy and stalkerish… and I am not your master! I am your friend," I said in a caring tone.

"Yes, and please do not think of it as an invasion of privacy, Princess. It allows us to know if you are safe, where you are, what is going on and so we do not constantly worry. And so that we can wake up or notify the spirits about what is going on and that they might be called upon,"

"Oh, okay! That's pretty smart in some cases. That also explains how you guys knew about what was going on… As long as you aren't being creeps and watching me bathe and change I have no issues,"

"Females are notified and put on watch if the current spirit is male since the crystal will deny them access to watching and will look like a blank screen to them. It is the same with male masters, females are denied access to watching at those times. It keeps me from punishing Big Brother since no matter what he cannot see the screen," Virgo replied.

"That's relieving, and who is 'big brother'?" I asked Virgo.

"Loke," she responded before stopping with the Spirit King before two intricately designed doors. They were absolutely stunning, with a deep blue background and design made with a shimmering material that made me think of liquid starlight.

"Welcome to the Royal Library," the Spirit King said before pushing and opening the doors.

I was in awe. It wasn't anything like any library that I have ever seen. It was an open circular platform with enormous bookcases, offset by about 10 feet, creating a circle inside of the platform. It wasn't a complete circle. It had spaces in between the bookcases. In the center of the platform was a large carpeted area with lounge chairs as well as a few tables.

If you looked up, or anywhere for that matter, you were greeted with the stars and the universe. It felt like you were in the center of the starry sky.

Connecting to the platform was another platform that had a clear dome surrounding it.

"What is that platform?" I asked pointing at the domed platform.

"That will be one of your primary training areas," the Spirit King said.

"Cool! But why is it connected to the library?"

"Before you work on a spell, you have to do research it beforehand, correct?"

"Yes… Oh! So to save time, you can research the spell and then walk to the training area without losing a lot of time in between venues,"

"Correct Ms. Lucy," a new voice said. I turned around and was greeted with a familiar sight.

"Grandpa Crux!" I said running up to him and giving him a hug which he returned.

"Yes Ms. Lucy. This is my primary domain after all. His Majesty asked if I could help teach you the spells all Celestial spirit mages can learn, and help with other spells as well," Crux said to me.

"Well Old Friend," the Spirit King said, making me turn my head toward him, "we should begin,"

"Of course. What are we starting with?"

"I had planned for this time to give you Celestial Realm history, which is Crux's primary reason, beside teaching you spells, for being here today as well as answer any questions you may have, but it seems that must be another time due to your current predicament,"

"Yeah, it seems that my team is a walking trouble magnet…"

"It seems that way, so you will be learning two spells that should be easy to accomplish. But first, do you have any questions?"

"Yes I do have one. What is the main difference between celestial spells and celestial slayer spells?"

"Celestial spells, any Celestial Spirit Mage can learn. It is just another form of Celestial Magic, however it take a decent amount of magic and strength to complete, which is why they have been mainly lost to time. Celestial Slaying Magic must be taught by myself and is for 'slaying' spirits just like how Dragon Slaying Magic is intended for slaying dragons. Celestial Slaying Magic can either destroy the spirit from existence or purify it. It will depend on the spirit and situation for which technique that must be used,"

"But why would you need to slay a spirit?!"

"When you learn more about this Realm as well as Earthland's dark secrets, you will understand," the Spirit King said in an ominous tone.

"Alright, I will have to trust that I can get more information later. If I come up with another question then I will ask,"

"Fair enough. Let us begin, Crux?"

"Yes your Highness," he said to the Spirit King before turning to me, "The first spell that you will be learning is Star Shower. This should be the easier of the two in the sense that casting and completing it will be easier since you are 'summoning' a star shower,"

"Okay,"

"To activate the spell you need to charge your magic and instead of pushing it into a key to direct you to the path, you will need to push your magic up and into the heavens and 'open a gate' in a way,"

"So I have to create the correct pathway,"

"Yes, you are creating the pathway for the stars to rain down on your enemies,"

"Okay, I think I understand. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, the incantation," the Spirit King said.

"Paired with your magic will activate the spell. This spell can also be enhanced by calling upon a specific constellation that you are contracted to," Crux said

"Okay. So how much magic will it take?"

"About the same as opening two Zodiac Gates," Crux replied.

"Are you freaking serious?!" I yelled. How on Earthland do they expect me to utilise this spell!

"Yes," Crux said.

"You are able to use this spell, or we would not teach it to you. You have that much magic and more in you, but you need to pull it forward, old friend," the Spirit King said.

"Alright then. Am I going to attempt the spell or am I to learn the other spell first?"

"If you will excuse me, Big Brother needs me in Earthland," Virgo said suddenly before disappearing. I forgot she was there!

"I hope my friends are okay," I said worriedly. Knowing them, especially Natsu, they probably ran head first into the situation. I hope that Natsu and Gray aren't fighting to much…

"They should be fine. Let us head to the training platform," the Spirit King said before turning and walking in the direction of the training dome. When we got there it was very different than what I thought since the dome hid all the training equipment. It had an area fitted out with mats, another with training dummies, a weapons area and even a spectator section.

"Wait. I don't know the incantation!" I said as we reached the training center.

"I know. You have to find it yourself," the Spirit King said to me, with a hint of a grin.

"What? How do I do that? Do I need to go and research back at the library?"

"No, you must meditate. Feel the power of the stars and listen to them for guidance. Then you will find your answer,"

"Hmpf," I said before sitting, well more like flopping, onto the mats and into my meditation position. Listen to the stars. Feel their power…

I took a deep breath and let it out before emptying my mind. I reached out to the stars, and I could feel their power surrounding me. It felt so warm. I relaxed even more and I then felt the power going through me as well as circle around me. Minutes later, I could hear whispers. I honed in on them and could hear what they were saying to me. The incantation…

I then came back to my sense slowly. While I was doing that I processed what I learned.

"Did you find what you were looking for?" the Spirit King suddenly said, scaring the last of my meditation fog out of me.

"Yes, may I attempt the spell?" I said in a calm voice.

"Of course my old friend," he said with a small smile. I then headed over to the one empty space that I could attempt this spell and not destroy anything. It was flat surface that was in the center of the platform in the shape of a circle.

I closed my eyes and charged my magic to start the spell. I instinctively knew when to start chanting. It felt like a click in my magic and it gathered around me.

Stars of the Heavens…

Make thy appearance…

With magnificent shine…

Release thy dust…

I am thy gatekeeper…

I open thy malevolent gate…

Oh stars of the Heavens…

Open the Heavens and Rain down…

Star Shower!

On the last word, my eyes snapped open and I instantly felt a large depletion of my magic, but I saw the results almost instantly. The Heavens were raining down on me, but it didn't hurt at all. It felt like an eternity, when in reality it was only a few seconds.

"Well done my old friend! Well done!" the Spirit King said, grinning like a fool and with pride in his eyes.

"That was spectacular Lucy-hime," Virgo said. When did she get back? And what in Earthland is she holding?

"Thanks guys! Virgo, what are you holding?"

"Your teammates clothing. I am keeping them dry while they swim. I also provided them with swimsuits. Punishment hime?"

"What? No, no punishment. Nevermind, I'll ask them later,"

"Old friend, you still have one more spell to learn," the Spirit King said.

"Right. We should hurry over to the library then," I said while moving toward the exit.

"There is no need Lucy-sama," I heard from behind me. Geesh what is it with spirits sneaking up behind me!

"Crux! What are you doing here?" I asked.

"Well, you have a limited amount of time here so I might as well come to you instead," he said in a kind voice, but then turned serious, "The second spell is called Celestial Ring. This, while it takes less magic, might be harder to do since you are pushing your magic out of your body and creating something physical out of your power. Celestial Spirit Mages push their magic into keys which then direct the power to a gateway to open. With this spell, you will need to push your magic out of you then shape it and solidify it. When attempting the spell, imagine that your magic is flowing down your arm and out of your body to form a ring around you. Then take it and form it as you want and solidify it. What is very useful about this spell is that you can form anything that you want out of your magic and solidify it. It is all up to the imagination of the caster. A common form has been making them into deadly sharp shurikens that are so thin that you cannot see it,"

"Excuse me," Virgo said again before disappearing, again. Wonder what is going on in Earthland…

"Wow. This is an extremely useful spell to have. How much magic does it take?" I said still in awe of what I could do in this spell. I can finally help out and fight more with my spirits!

"That is up to the caster. You can feed as much or as little as you want into the spell. It depends on what you are doing with the spell, but the spell usually is about opening and maintaining a strong Silver Spirit," Crux answered.

"Wait then why am I learning this second?" I said confused.

"Because while it takes less magical power then the spell before, it is a different way of forming your magic. This spell actually is very much like maker magic in many ways," Crux said.

"Really? I should talk to Gray when I get back…"

"Your Highness, the mages are anxious for their friend to come back. I told them that she will be back within the hour," Virgo suddenly said. Seriously, I'm surprised that I'm not accustomed to this. It happens everywhere and even my friends just pop up randomly.

"Thank you Virgo," he says to her then turns toward me, "It seems, old friend, that we do not have much time left in this session. We have enough time to either attempt the spell, or meditate again but we cannot do both unfortunately,"

"I think that I would like to meditate. I can practice on Earthland as well as ask Gray any questions too. The feelings while meditating here is so unique and amazing that I could not give up the opportunity when I can't feel like this on Earthland," I said.

"Well said. I will notify Leo of how this session went so that he may proceed accordingly while you meditate,"

"Thanks Stache Face! May I begin?"

"Yes. I will wake you when it is time to return to Earthland,"

I nodded and sat down again on the mats in my meditating position. As soon as I cleared my mind, the stars power flowed through me and whispers of wisdom was open to my ears.

It felt like an eternity cut short when I was nudged awake. As I came to, the warmth of the stars left me, but the wisdom that I gained stayed in the recesses of my mind. It felt as if I couldn't reach the knowledge but I instinctively knew that I could get to it when it was needed.

"My Old friend, it is time," the Spirit King said to me in a soft voice.

"Yes, but I don't know if I am happy or not about that…"

The Spirit King chuckled and smiled at me "Do not fear, young one. I will be seeing you soon. Now, this may feel weird,"

I suddenly felt a tugging coming from the center of my chest. Like earlier, I let it pull me in the correct direction. I blinked and from the time of my eyes closing to when I opened, I was back in my body and staring at Loke. Him and his smug looking grin.

"Welcome back Princess," he said to me.

I smiled back, "Thanks Loke,"

"Lucy!" I hear a voice say. I sat up and turned toward the voice. Erza, everyone.

"Hey Erza. Hope that I am not interrupting anything by coming back now,"

"No, your timing is perfect. We were about to figure out how to get out of here after finding and collecting Natsu and Happy,"

"What happened to Natsu?" he couldn't have gotten kidnapped as well…

"Flamebrain ran off after being told where Happy was," Gray said.

"Typical," I replied. I looked around and saw two of the mages that was trying to kidnap next to Erza. What the? Well they were her friends before us. Maybe they talked it out? Well everyone was here except for Natsu and Happy I believe… There is Erza, Gray, Juvia, and the two unknown mages. Yep everyone but the crazy cat and dragon slayer duo.

"Yes, now that you are awake we can go and find them and get out of here without having to split up," Erza said.

"Well I hate to disappoint you, but you won't be leaving without my permission," a voice said from the speaker lacrima floating above us. When did that get here?

"Jellal. What do you want with us," Erza said in a menacingly low voice.

"Just a simple game Erza dear. Defeat my mages as well as myself, and you are free to go," Jellal said.

"This should be easy Erza," another voice said to the left of us. We all turned to look at Happy and … some dude with a cat mask? And he was pulling the other half of of the group that tried to kidnap Erza. Both were unconscious too.

"Hey Happy. Who is next to you and why are they dragging an unconscious Millianna and Wally?" Erza asked.

"That's why I couldn't get through to those two…" one of the kidnapper mages that is next to Erza. He had most of his face covered too. That's suspicious…

"It's me Natsu, nya!" the cat mask person said.

"Natsu… Why the hell did you run off!" Erza said and started to lecture and yell at the cat masked Natsu while Gray went over to Happy and the two kidnapper mages went to check on their other half that Natsu just dragged in. And then Juvia was stalking Gray and Loke was off in lala land, probably talking to Stache Face. And we still had the speaker lacrima hovering over us. To say everything was a mess and sooooo confusing was an understatement.

"Can everyone just hold up for just one freaking minute!" I yelled out of frustration.

Everyone stared at me. "I have no idea where we are and what we are doing here. Some guy that hurt Erza before went over the speaker lacrima, that is still there by the way, saying we have to fight our way out of here. The people that tried to take Erza before is here. Half are unconscious and the other half were hugging Erza. Now Happy and Natsu come out of the blue wearing a freaking cat mask as well as dragging the two unconscious mages. I really wanted to come back to Earthland in a semi-calm setting, not this chaotic mess! Now can someone please tell me what the hell is going on!"

Everyone had varying expressions of awe and shock on their face, except Loke that had a prideful grin, that was still filled with smug.

"Wow Luce…" Natsu said.

"Princess, I think that you need to calm down. You are starting to leak magical energy," Loke said to me.

"What?" I said, extremely confused. I looked down at myself and saw golden energy wisps coming off of me.

"I knew that you weren't weak, but I didn't realize you had this much magical energy Lucy," Erza said in an awed voice.

"What many mages do not know nor understand is the amount of magical energy it takes to open a celestial spirit gate and keep it open. It is about the equivalent to a Dragon Slayers Roar and holding it. We spirits have internal power but we are primarily powered by our master. Despite what all mages think, Celestial mages are very powerful in their own right," Loke said, then gestured to me, "this is what happens when mages with a lot of magical power are angry," he finished smugly.

Everyone just stared at him then at me. And kept doing that, trying to digest what they just heard.

"Earthland to everyone! You can interrogate Loke and I about Celestial magic later. Hell, you probably could get a good deal out of Levy since she knows all types of magic. But can we do that later? Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on!" I said disrupting their mental processes.

"Yes, I will take you up on that after this. Well, this is what happened after you left," Erza said.


Tell me what you think! This was one of my favorite chapters to write. Love to hear from y'all!