Chapter 4
Soft fabric caressed the back of her arms and legs. An all-encompassing warmth surrounded her entire body as she slept. Four posts cornered her into a sinfully comfortable mattress; Sheer drapes stretch across the posts, creating a canopy of lavender. Walls were sparsely decorated with elegant pictures of regal persons. Two floor-to-ceiling windows sat opposite the grand door to the room, welcoming the sunrises ghostly rays. Lucy stirred where she lay. Eyelids fluttering open as she gained consciousness. She sat up, slowly taking in her surroundings. Her belt and whip sat on the end table next to her bed, a comforting sight. The only thing missing was her beloved pouch that housed her precious keys.
Extending her arms above her head and arching her back, she stretched in order to drive away the fatigue that came with a good night's sleep. Or in her case, a couple days' sleep. Realization struck her, no shackles, no bumpy carriage, no mysterious strangers seated beside her. Quickly, she patted her body making sure she was fully clothed, hoping nothing had been tampered with. Finding only the bandage still wrapped snuggly around her waist. She winced as sudden reminders invaded her mind. Now is not the time, Lucy. She chastised.
She slowly crept out of the warm bed, trying to make as little noise as possible. Gathering her things, she stalked out of the room into a cold, darkened hallway. Where am I? she thought to herself as she quietly shuffled down the hallway towards what she hoped to be the entrance to this house, if that's what it was. I can't leave yet; I still need to find my keys! She cursed herself for being so forgetful.
Lucy had just entered the main foyer when a smooth voice spoke from above. "Leaving so soon? We haven't even had breakfast yet. Please won't you stay for a while. I still need to explain this whole convoluted situation, and the important part you play Lucy Heartfilia." A woman said, leaning against the banister that outlined to second floor hallway. She had cascading hair of a dull yellow hue. Wore a sleek black satin top with matching shorts and a sheer baby blue robe that had feathers on the sleeves and train; it billowed as she moved toward Lucy. Her petite body seemed even smaller as she descended the massive curved staircase, closing the distance between them. As she neared, Lucy's heart rate rose to dangerous tempos, fear of the unknown taking over. Once the mysterious woman was near enough, she took a hold of Lucy's wrist, an endearing smile gracing her rosy lips. With a firm grasp, she led Lucy down several long hallways, snaking her way through to mansions maze.
Soon enough, they entered a room with a long table centered in the middle. White tablecloths hid its grainy surface. The entire length of the table was filled with every breakfast food you could imagine, just waiting to be devoured. Sage green paint covered the walls, golden sconces displayed illumination lacrimas that gave off a cozy glow within the room. Lucy was at a loss of words. Her mind completely blanking at the sight. Natsu and Happy would be in heaven right now. She finally thought. She hadn't noticed the woman's movement around the table, placing various item on a plate for her to enjoy.
"Come on Lucy, the food will get cold if we don't eat soon." The woman advised. Lucy recovered from her stupor and followed the woman's lead, grabbing whatever she thought delicious. She then followed the woman into an adjacent room. Its entirety was glass and steel framing. Precariously perched upon the edge of the mountain the house stood upon. Smooth concrete floors left the room a chilly temperature from the night before. Steel chairs with plush cushions circled the glass and steel table centered in the room. The early morning rays seemed to cast a light fog with in the room giving an ethereal feeling.
The view from the room was breathtaking. One would think that a peak north of Mt. Hakobe would be covered in snow and deathly cold. This is the opposite in every way. The Lush green trees of Wasa Forrest gathered around the base of the mountain. Billowing plains just past the line of trees, stretched into what Lucy knew as Bosco territory.
"The view is amazing, isn't it?" The woman's voice asked. Lucy could only nod while staring out the glass panels. "Come now. This food isn't going to eat itself. And I bet you have a lot of questions for me, my dear." At this Lucy turned around and slid into one of the chairs surrounding the table. They began to eat in silence, both waiting for the other to start this long awaited conversation.
The woman placed her fork beside her plate, then dabbed her face with her napkin, seeking any stray crumbs. "Well, I suppose I'll start then", placing down her napkin. "My name is Lilisaundra Armillo. I am a former member of the dark guild, Golden Dagger; specializing in Subordination Magic, Human Subordination to be exact. Don't worry though, I've brought you because I need your help, Lucy."
The atmosphere adapted a serious feel when Lilisaundra paused. With a solemn look, she stared down the Celestial mage.
"Why me? What can I do to help? I'm not strong physically; at best, I am more of a support ally. I'm no….." Lucy tried to justify why she wasn't a good fit to help Lilisaundra in any way when she was abruptly cut off.
"Lucy, this isn't a matter of being strong or weak. You haven't even heard what I need help with!" Lilisaundra exclaimed, tittering. "I need your help because you are the only one who can help me. Out of all the celestial mages in Earthland, you are the only one that holds the majority of the Zodiac keys. You wield tremendous power and have the potential for more. You're also the only one to have been to the Celestial realm on separate occasions. Which is why you are here, Lucy. The Celestial realm is in danger. Only you can save it. Save them, your friends, allies, spirits. You have the power to save them. Well, not yet, but you will!"
Lucy looked at her with a bewildered expression. Her stomach wasn't feeling so good at the moment. The mere sight of the food on her plate made her gag. She couldn't speak. This new information over loading her brain. A million thoughts ran through her head, why me, how can I, what could I do, and those of the likes. She was brought out of her stupor when the graceful woman seated in front of her began speaking again.
"The guild I was a part of, Golden Dagger, is part of the Kuntar Consortium. It's a dark guild association that contains fifteen guilds and one assassin guild. Golden Dagger is the head of the alliance. Master Kantor and his children, the top two S-class equivalent wizards in the alliance, run the whole show."
Lilisaundra paused to take a bite of her food in front of her. This gave Lucy enough time to processes what she was just told. This sounds like a mission Erza and Master would be extremely concerned about. I don't know how I'm going to be of any help besides holding the Zodiacs. Once again, Lucy was interrupted by Lilisaundra.
"Tell me Lucy, do you know about any other keys besides the Zodiacs?" Lucy slowly shook her head as she racked her brain for all the rumors that she had heard. "Well, there is another set of keys. They require a lot more magic power than the Zodiacs, and they only appear to those worthy of wielding them. They are the Diamond keys. With only four in total, they are considered the ultimate set to have. The spirits they hold is not exactly known, neither is their exact location."
Puzzled, Lucy spoke for the first time in what seems like hours. "What do they have to with the Kuntar Consortium? What could they possibly want them for?"
"From the information that I have gathered, they plan on using these keys to obtain Creation Magic. The wielder of all four keys is bestowed with said magic. Kantor plans on training a young mage to retrieve the keys. Once they have been gathered together, he plans on taking them the only way one can take keys. When he has said magic, his intentions are nothing short of dastardly."
"How do you know all of this? Am I the mage they want to kill? Is that why you kidnapped me in the first place?!" Rage bubbled over as Lucy confronted Lilisaundra. Looming over the table that separated the two.
Lilisaundra stayed stoic as Lucy expressed the anger and despair that she felt; continuously taking small bites of her food. "No." was the only answer she gave. Resolving to being patient rather than shower the despair that she also felt. Without Lucy's help, they were destined to die, there was no doubt in her mind. "I don't want to die. It may be selfish of me, but that's how I feel. If I didn't think that you could do it, that you could save us, then I wouldn't have taken you. I'm too young to die." As she spoke, a silent tear cascaded down her face. It was just a glimpse, but that's all that Lucy needed, to feel remorseful for this strange woman who kidnapped her!
"I still have ties within the guild." Lilisaundra continued without missing a beat, trying to conceal her fresh tears. "That is how I know all that I do. Because of my selfish instincts, I am determined to stop him. Kantor doesn't deserve to have his happy ending. Lucy, I am asking you to fight. No other magic can defeat Kantor if he gets these keys. We all die Lucy. Because of his selfish desires, Kantor means to bring death and destruction to all. Do you understand? Everything you know, everyone you love will be gone unless we do something."
Rustling was heard from the dining area across the hall, startling the seated females. Soon enough, three figures entered the room. Immediately, Lucy recognized one to be her dear friend Loki. Capricorn soon following after, both carrying plates piled high with the food from the dining hall. The third man to walk in, Lucy did not know. For someone who had height that rivaled Elfman's, and a broad frame, he delicately toted his less full plate across the room behind the others. Grey hair was slicked back into a pompadour; dark spectacles hid his eyes from all. There was something about his face that Lucy just couldn't put her finger on. She felt a wave of comfort and ease wash over her when she looked at him. Like he was an old friend of hers.
It wasn't until he spoke that the pieces fell together in her mind. "Good morning, sorry for our tardiness, someone couldn't detach himself from his mirror." Sending a pointed glare at Loki, the older gentleman spoke with confidence. "What did we miss?"
"We were just getting to the good parts actually." Answered Lilisaundra. "Maybe when she hears what you have to say, she'll be convinced."
"Splendid!" stated Capricorn from next to the elderly man seated to the left of Lilisaundra. Loki had taken a seat next to Lucy. She had to admit, the sight of her two most trusted spirits gave her relief. She knew that they would protect her if things got out of hand.
"It's good to see you again my old friend." Started the grey haired man.
