The sun was shining brightly and there was a gentle breeze in the air as the members of Fairy Tail walked through the countryside following the map. They had already covered a lot of ground yesterday and they be at the Rat key's location by the end of the day if they kept up the pace.

"How much longer until we get to the key? This is taking forever," Happy whined. He was nibbling on his last fish. "Do you think rats taste good?" he pondered.

"You can't eat a Celestial Spirit Happy! Sometimes I wonder about what your mind comes up with," Carla muttered to herself. She was reading up on the Animal Zodiac, specifically the pages dedicated to the Rat. There was a picture of rat with silky black fur, with a very pointed nose on standing on two legs smiling happily with his brown eyes sparkling. He wore a simple little hat, reminisce of a chef's hat, with a little blue gem with his picture on it.

"What are you reading Carla? Did you find anything interesting?" Wendy asked curiously. She was enjoying the warm sun and the beautiful scenery as they walked along the path. Hearing her question everyone stopped for a minute to look at the little Exceed.

"Hmm I wondering if going after this key would be the best start in our quest is all. According to this book, the Rat is the first year in the Animal Zodiac, meaning it would be considered the leader of their group I presume?"

"Maybe, Loki is the leader of the star Zodiac, and he comes in the middle of the year. He was chosen to be their leader because of his strength and power," Lucy pointed out. She tapped her chin trying to recall what her mother had told her about the Rat. "I seem to recall my mom telling me about how the Rat is a very good year to be born in. The people born in this year are popular, clean, and smart. They love being sweet and fair to everyone."

"If the Rat is able to install such wonderful traits in people, why would it be a problem for Lucy to claim it?" Ezra asked, her eyes narrowing as started to think of a plan to deal with any problems on the quest.

"The Rat and the Rabbit, don't get along very well or in some cases never. They are consider a bad match because of their clashing personalities, their years apart and other issues with what they stand for. It says here that Rat will argue forever with Rabbit."

"So you think the Celestial Spirit won't work with Lucy because she carries the Rabbit key, or because, she was born in the year of the Rabbit?" Gray asked wondering if they were a little over their heads with this mission.

"Both."

"Oh come on Lucy fights with everyone! I mean sure she can have a surely personality at times," Natsu said, ignoring the enraged look on said person face as she got ready to pound him, only to held back by Erza. "But she always manages to make it work. Look at her relationship with Aquarius, that's a bad match if I ever saw one, but somehow they make it work."

"True, but we should still approach this situation very carefully. Getting to the key will be a dangerous task in itself. We can worry about the bonding issues later. We need to pick up the pace. Lucy, which way do we go?" Erza barked as they came to a crossroad.

Snapping open the map, the blond furiously looked over the map. A little picture of her group appeared on the map, right where they were. Looking over the map she could see the picture of her rival slowly making her way to the Dog key. Ignoring that for now she traced the path to the Rat key. Both paths would eventually take the group to the key, but the shorter route to the left had a section of the path highlighted. It read Stone Forest.

What in the world is a stone forest? Lucy thought. I know Master Markov said to take my time with this quest, but something inside me is saying I need to get to the key really fast. "We should take the path on the left. It's shorter, but there could be danger up ahead, be prepared for something called the Stone Forest."

"We can handle a measly forest no problem! Let's get going already!" Natsu shouted as he started running down the path with Happy. Gray called out to him to stop being a knucklehead taking off after him in only his pants. The girls sighed, as they hurried down the path.

With all the running they made it to the Stone Forest in under an hour instead of the hour and half it would normally take. At the edge of the forest was a sign that read, "Beware the Living Stone." They were all puzzled by what that meant, but nonetheless they entered the forest.

The forest was composed of petrified trees, which were slowly decaying. Shadowy shapes with glowing eyes could be seen darting around the thick cover. In the distance they could hear the lapping of a stream. All around them were large stone carvings shaped like trolls. The sunlight was having a tough time to pierce the darkness. Even when Natsu lit up one of his hands it was still difficult to see the path.

"We can't even see the path now, how can we be sure that we're going in the right direction?" Wendy asked nervously. "It's too thick for Carla or Happy to try to fly into the sky to check our position. We could end up walking in circles."

"Looks like it's time to call on a little help. Open the Gate of the Compass: Pyxis!" The Celestial Spirit crooned as he appeared. He nuzzled Lucy's face happy at being summoned once again. She rubbed his head asking him if could help them find their way out of the forest.

Pyxis nodded as the compass started to spin. It wobbled back and forth before pointing due north. Thanking him the members of Fairy Tail followed him. Erza and Gray were super alert, feeling a presence watching them as they continued on their way.

"I don't like this, it's too quiet. Why would this part of the map be highlighted if it wasn't a dangerous section to get through?" Gray whispered to Erza, his magic twinkling in his hands

"Agreed, something is very wrong here. We'll need to keep our wits about us," she agreed with him. Just then they reached a small clearing where a stone circle stood. The carvings here were more elaborate and detailed troll like warriors. They all seemed to be carrying weapons and their eyes appeared to be peering down at them. Most of the group stopped except for Natsu and Happy, who started to enter the circle, but turned around to see why their friends weren't coming.

"What's the matter with you slowpokes? We've got a key to get to and it's on the other side of this forest? What's the matter, you afraid a few statues."

"Shut up Natsu and look around you! Something feels off about this place, don't you feel it? There's a lot of magic here."

"So what? Any kind of magic we can push right through! I won't be held back by a little bit of magic. Come on Happy let's get out of this forest."

"Right Natsu! I think I can see daylight just up ahead!" The two friends ran into the stone circle, ignoring the warnings from their friend. Just as they entered the middle of the circle all the statues eyes started to sparkle and the ground shook. The rest of Team Natsu fell into the circle as the statues came to life! The ten statues let out a roar as they twirled their weapons as they moved forward for the kill.

"Wait to go Natsu! This is all your fault," Gray snapped as he dodged an attack by one of the statues carrying an axe. As another statue came at him he used his magic to form an Ice Shield, just as the statue attempted to skew him. The shield shattered as he pushed himself out the way of harm.

"Not good, I'll have to try something else. Ice Make: Battle Ax!" With weapons in hand he charged the two statues swinging his weapons in a melee attack.

In the middle of her own battle was Wendy. Carla was flying her around trying to keep her out of danger. Instructing the Exceed to land on top of one of the statues she clung on for dear life as she struggled to keep her balance.

"This is not a smart idea Wendy! Maybe you should let the others…"

"I'm fine Carla, just trust me on this and be ready to catch me!" Wendy picked herself up, wobbling a little. She saw another statue approaching her with a halberd determined to cut her in half. Taking a deep breath she cast her spell: Sky Dragon Roar!"

The tornado obliterated the other statue sending rocks everywhere. Many of them tore chunks out of the statue she was standing on. Gather her strength she once more used the spell to destroy the statue she was standing on. Before she could fall much Carla rescued her.

Erza was nearby battling in her giant armor. She was thrusting her De-Malevo-Lance, through one statue destroying it instantly. Whirling around she blocked two swords managing to hold them back with her strength. "I will not allow living rock to block my friend's path. Take that!" she shouted tossing her weapon she used her telekinesis to aim it at their heads. Both were taken off, but the bodies continued to fight. Not to be deterred, she drew back her fist punching hard as the battle continued.

Natsu was feeling the thrill of the battle. "Now I'm all fired up. Time to melt this rock into slag! Fire Dragon's: Iron Fist!" With his hand a lit he drew back before striking fast, taking out one leg of a statue. It wobbled, but used its spear to regain balance. Angry he hit the statue again this time taking out an arm, but still the statue attacked with his partner. Seeing his distressed Happy flew in to help.

Lucy was fighting the last statue having dismissed Pyxis. She flicked out her Fleur de lease, wrapping it around the statue's arms preventing it from attacking. She pulled as the magic from the weapon lashed against the stone. "Come on fall you big guy, go down alre…ahh!"

Lucy went flying as the statue snapped off her whip. Once free it came after her with its giant sword intent on killing her. She didn't think, she just reacted opening Yue's gate. The speedy little bunny grabbed her with her teeth before speeding out of the danger zone. Depositing her mistress, she went zooming up the statue to its shoulder hopping back and forth. The creature tried to grab her, but she managed to zip out the way eroding the rock until it was gone.

Yue hopped over to her mistress looking at the battle scene. Everyone had managed to finish off their foes and the path out of the forest was lit up. "A pleasure to serve you Miss Lucy. Feel free to call on me anytime you're in trouble. Until next time, goodbye." Yue vanished in a cloud of smoke as Team Natsu tried to figure out what to do next.

"What just happened here?" Happy asked tiredly. "All we wanted to do is get out of the forest. Those mean statutes didn't have to come alive and attack us!"

"Happy, sometimes you can be a fool. The sign at the entrance to the forest warned us that we had to look out for living stone! I'm guessing it was a guardian to block people from proceeding to the Rat key," Carla lectured him.

"Makes sense to me. Guardians and traps could be all over the place, which is the reason so many Celestial Spirit mages have died on this quest. Only the strongest and worthiest one would be able to make it through," Erza commented.

"So why is Lucy able to make it through, come on I know she's got some power, but worthiness, that could be debatable," Natsu commented before started kicking him and punching him for his words.

After that they had to drag an unconscious Natsu out of the forest and half a mile down the path. Happy started to scold Lucy for her behavior, but Carla wrapped her tail around his mouth and gave him a look. That shut up the blue Exceed really fast.

"Do you think we'll make it to the key's resting place by tonight?" Wendy wondered thoughtfully. "We could go faster if you let me heal Natsu with my magic or use a potion from the med kit."

"Ah forget if for now Wendy, we'll actually cover more ground without him running ahead and causing a bigger mess," Gray called out over his shoulder. He cracked his shoulders trying to get the feeling back in them. Those living rock statutes had really done a number on them.

As they were walking down the path he looked up to see a glowing light that touched down a bit ahead of them. It was glowing slightly and he could feel the lacremeia flowers in the bag reacting. "Hey, I think there's a lacremeia flower ahead. Could be a response to your message Lucy."

"You think?" Lucy said. She rushed up and plucked the flower from the ground. At this time Natsu was waking up and was trying to stand, only to end up blinded as the flower delivered the message.

"Hello Lucy Heartfillia of Fairy Tail. It's an honor to be working on this quest with the daughter of the last Star Maiden. My name is Hoshi Supernova, I hail from the Starwatcher Village. I've trained my whole life for to undergo this quest. I look forward to meeting you in the near future. As much as you want us to, I'm afraid working together is not an option. As the best Celestial Mages, we must get stronger and be ready to prove which one us is to earn the power and glory of reuniting the Celestial Spirit world. Therefore you be sure I will do everything in my power to claim the keys so that I might fight you, my rival. Until we meet in person, keep your guard up, there are many hidden dangers in this quest. You never know what might happen."

The flower in her hand started to spark and twitch. Lucy was so startled, couldn't let go off it. She was screaming as it started to explode when Gray used his powers to cover it with ice as Erza used her tremendous strength to rip the item from her hands and hurl it a distance where it exploded.

Natsu was hopping mad. "That flower was booby-trapped. That Hoshi girl was trying to kill Lucy!"

"Natsu, please, we can't be jumping to conclusions. It's against the rules to directly harm me. Maybe when it got sent some sort of trap was set up on it to make this harder."

"Perhaps, the attack might have been unintentional, but we must still proceed in caution. We don't know anything about this Hoshi. I've never heard of the Starwatcher Village before. Have any of you?" Everyone shook their heads as Erza eyes narrowed. They needed to learn more about the other girl. A casual glance to the map showed that Lucy's health and magical energy had gone down a bit. A look at Carla, who slightly shook her head told her the book hadn't update to give them information on the girl.

They silently agreed to keep their guard up. The path ahead was narrow and getting very muddy. The trees around them were changing going from cheery to mangrove. The scents of bog gas was heavy in the air as they listened to the irritating sounds of the insects buzzing.

Wendy started to choke a bit, the stinky air zapping her strength a little. Carla pinched her nose and tried to keep her clothes from getting mud on them. A thick patch of ferns blocked the path. Gray pushed them aside only to fall into the murky water ruining his clothes. "Ah this is just great, now I have a reason to strip."

"Get out of the water now!" the Team shouted pointing behind him. His eyes went wide as a giant alligator with its jaw opened wide was coming after him! He tried to get back to the ledge, but his legs got stuck in the mud. Thrashing around wasn't helping matters. Twisting around he got ready to use his magic when two arrows whizzed past his head piercing through the reptile's thick scales puncturing its tail and closing its jaw. The gator let out a muted growl as it swam away to try to get the arrow out to recover.

Natsu and Wendy pulled Gray out the mud, only for him to lose everything, but his boxers. Not even looking at him Lucy tossed him some clean clothes. Looking at the map she saw the key was in the middle of this swamp. "The key is here in the middle of this swamp, but I don't know how we're supposed to get there. None of my Spirits except for Aquarius might be able to help us, but I can't summon her."

"Happy and I could fly you all one at a time to the key's location, but our magic would be used up rather quick."

"There's an ice bridge option…"

"No your ice here won't be effective. You tried to summon your magic, but couldn't once you were in the water. I was standing on a ledge so I could, I thing if we get any water on us, our magic will be no use to us."

"Then why don't we just use our combined power to get to where we're going? I bet I could zoom all the way to the middle no problem!"

"Except you might get tangled, attacked, or stuck in a tree, and the rest of us can't find you?"

"Are you calling my plan dumb? I ought to knock your block off!"

"Enough both of you! I think there's another way to get to the ruins," Lucy stated as she looked at the map again. There was a tiny star mark right next to the swamp. She gently touched it giving it a bit of her magic.

The swamp water started to gurgle as giant gas bubble formed in front of them. It looked about to explode so they took cover as the mud went flying all over the place. A giggle caught their attention as they spied a young woman with dark features and her hair tied up in elaborate braids, dressed in a form fitting dark brown dress and little boots. She appeared to be hovering over the water. "Sorry about that, I tend to forget that mortals can get wet."

"Are you not mortal?" Wendy asked timidly.

"I was once, but gave it up to fulfill my duties to keep the fortress safe. My name is Star Maiden Izar. A pleasure to meet you all," the spirit said bowing at them. "I'm here because a candidate for the true Star Maiden title asked for my help."

The others looked at Lucy who just blushed and gestured with her finger on the map. She quickly got over that and addressed Izar. "You can take us to the fortress safely?"

"Of course, that is my purpose. I sense you have formed a strong bond with your spirits, they are your friends and family. I can hear Yue praising you. All of you gathered close together. This will be a bit tricky," Izar said closing her eyes and she waved her hands around in a complex design.

The Fairy Tail members watched in ah as hundreds of tiny fire flies came out and started to stick to the clothes and changing them so now they appeared to have wings on their back. A twist of Izar's hand and the bugs lifted them off the ground as they made their way to the Fortress.

It was fun ride as they all witnessed the beauty of the swamp. The plants swaying, the gentle music as the wind brushed through the reeds. Even the animals that appeared looked mysterious, but kind. The only one not having a good time of course was Natsu. His motion sickness was getting to him again so he couldn't appreciate the beauty. Not even when an osprey flew over him and rained a few feathers on top of him.

At last they arrived on a large sandbar where a fortress stood covered in vines and flowers. The stone stained by the water and parts of it were crumbling. The four wall stood tall, but one of the towers had crumbled with age. Inside the courtyard there relics of old armories, fire pits, and a crumbling platform to give speeches.

Team Natsu was deposited just outside the doors. Thanking the fire flies they watched them fly off doing a little blinking dance. Izar coughed drawing their attention. "The Rat key is the general's private room on the third floor near the western tower. You'll have to make your way there, where a final test awaits. Remember, the Maiden must face this test alone to earn this key. I wish you luck Fairy Tail, goodbye." With that Izar dissolved into sparkles and was swept away in the swamps current.

With a bit of muscle power they managed to push the doors open. The doors creaked open and shut quickly behind them as they entered the courtyard. A look around made them a bit uneasy. This fort had been abandoned for some time. The smell of decay was everywhere. Natsu and Wendy noses were pinched to keep out the smell.

"Come on, we need to get to that key as soon as possible," Lucy said, heading to doors across the courtyard that would get them inside the building. As they were walking the wind seemed to get stronger, and the smell got worse. She could swear she heard laughing and jeers in her ears. She started to get nervous her eyes looking all over the place.

"I don't know about this, I'm getting weird vibes from this place. After everything we've been through could it really be this easy to obtain the key?" Gray asked as they approached the door. Looking around he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Twisting around he tried to get a better look, but it was gone.

"The energy in this place is enormous. A battle was waged here a long time ago. Whatever happened here, many people died. With such a horrendous death, the place is most likely haunted by the souls of those who perished," Erza said, drawing her sword to be at the ready. It made sense to her that ghosts could be around. After all their guild mate Chico=C=Hammitt had the power to use ghost in combat. Therefore there could be ghosts here.

"You're all just scary cats. Come on, we can handle a bunch of ghosts! I'll just roast them."

"Yeah Natsu!"

"Quiet!"

Just as Lucy shouted, her echoing voice seemed to give life to the spirits of the fort. A wail of moans chorused in the air as they watched scores of ghosts poured out all the place. Some popped up from the ground, other pulled themselves out of the walls. Looking up at the top of the building they saw the general himself appeared. He peered down at the group, his ghostly eyes narrowed on then as he pulled out a nagitina pointing the blade at them. "Intruders! Destroy them by any means necessary! They will not get the treasure!"

The ghost army shouted in agreement as they charged them. The group slid into their stance as they got ready for the attack. "Are ghosts able to attack the living?" Lucy asked quietly. She let out a scream as a spear grazed her hair taking several strands with it. "Ahhhhhhhhhhh! Ghosts can attack!"

"Worry about that later. We must fight now!" Erza shouted as she requiped into her Black Wing Armor. Summoning two swords she flew over the ghosts using her Moon Slash attack to dissolve several ghosts. Turning around she requiped again this time summoning a katana and a sharp edge boomerang. She pounced into the middle of the army and pulse magic spread through the ground eliminating several ghosts. Flinging her boomerang it flew through the air arching for the general, but his lieutenants blasted it out the sky with their guns.

Gray used mass freeze sending up the walls to the catwalks hoping to freeze the enemy on the walkway. Unfortunately they could simply pass through it. Frowning he tried a different spell forming a pillar under him before jumping on the walkway. "I'm going to freeze you back to the afterlife! Ice Make: Fishnet!"

Clapping his hands together sending an icy wind in one direction. The wind froze the walkway and covered the ghosts in ice. Turning around he formed his Ice Saucer as cutting the ghosts in half, but they reformed coming after him once more. Picking a crumbling piece of the fort he threw it in their path breaking part of the walkway. Seeing more coming his way he took of his jacket to give him more mobility as he fought.

"Yeah, this is what I like! Get ready to feel the burn! Fire Dragon: Brilliant Flame!" The explosion rocked the entire fortress and melted parts of it. Lucy was mad as she shouted at him. "Are you really going to destroy the entire fort before I get the key?!"

"Stop complaining already Lucy. I'll slow down these guys with Happy. Take Wendy and Carla and get that key!" he replied as he went off to fight more ghosts, specifically the general.

Without waiting the girls burst into the fort racing towards the west tower. As they hurried up the steps to the next floor several ghost soldiers were racing down the stairs to stop them. Wendy shoved past Lucy, "I'll handle this! Sky Dragon: Crushing Fang!" she shouted clawing her wind enhanced fingers shredding their foes. As they made their way to the next floor more ghosts appeared.

Seeing them Lucy got ready to help, but Wendy shook her head. "Go get the key! This spell should end once you have it. Carla and I can handle things."

"Are you sure?"

"We'll be fine Lucy go!"

Nodding she raced up the stairs using her Fleuve d'étoiles to disable and make her way past the ghosts. Even tossing them over her shoulders and kicking them away. At last she reached the general's private chambers, yanking open the door she jumped inside in time to avoid being shot. With the enemy trapped outside she looked around the room. There were flags with different symbols all over the wall, a dusty king size bed leaned up against the wall. Dusty and molding furniture, a vanity, small table and nightstand were scattered around the room. The small rug by the bed was stained with old blood.

Lucy wandered over to the vanity to see if the key was in the draws. The mirror sparkled and a message appeared in it, but backwards.

"M'I a tar, I ekil ot edih morf elpoep, dna evom neesnu. Tub uoy t'now dnif ym yek yb ginkool rednu ro dinheb. Eht yek si ni nialp thgis, tub ta eht emit I n'tod raeppa sa thgiarts. Nac ouy dnif em?

Lucy took a deep breath slowing reading the message and mentally flipping the words around. Once it was clear she turned around to look at the room. The key was not under of behind anything, still the key should be somewhere a rat might appear because of the first line. Hidden in plain sight, but not looking straight. What could that mean?

Hearing the sounds of battle she knew that time was running out. Moving around the room inspected the room, but didn't move anything. Yue telepathically was telling she'd get one chance. As she started to exam the nightstand something on the headrest caught her eye. She inched closer looking at the details in the headboard.

The bed posts had rats on them and the bedding though faded, looked to be the same color as rat. The headboard was decorate with rats doing different actions. One even was holding a key up in victory. Lucy started to go for it, but stopped. The key looked right and was straight. She looked more closely then spotted a smaller rat carrying a key, but it was on its side and clavicles were pointing the wrong way. Tapping the carving a hidden space opened up and the key dropped into her hands.

"I got it, I got the key! Oh right, Open the Gate of the Rodent: Rat!" A small mouse hole appeared and when the smoke cleared the rat from the picture appeared. It looked up at her unimpressed.

"You're my mistress? Talk about bad luck, you even resemble a bunny. How weak are you?" the rat replied with a French accent.

"Hey I'm an accomplished Celestial Stellar Mage! I passed all the traps and guardians to get your key! The least you could do is tell me your name and what contract you want!"

The rat scratched his ears before changing into his human form. It was different then what she expected. He was tall, lanky with a huge nose and curly auburn hair. He was wearing a French style waiter suit with skates on his feet. "Petite please don't raise your voice to me. It's not pleasant to listen to your high pitch screeching. As for my name I'm Cheung Rat, the one who grants motion to the motionless; in other words animate. As for the contract is simple wee?"

"During the quest, I agree to be summoned when you need me, but afterwords you may summon me Friday night and through to Sunday. Also if it is the second or third you may call for me in a pinch understand?"

"I understand. Can you do anything about the ghosts?"

"Petite femme, if what is now animated, I can return to motionless. Watch," Cheung skated out of the room passing through all the ghost stopping him. Making his way through the fort returning all the ghosts back to the underworld. As Lucy joined her group they all looked amazing a Cheung took a bow returning to rat form. "There is a boat behind the fortress. It will take you out the swamp, until next time screaming femme." With that he disappeared leaving Lucy to explain everything.

Farther away on the opposite end of the quest Hoshi was making her way to the Dog key with determination. Having dismissed her Celestial Spirits for now, she decided to take a look at her map. She checked the status of Lucy's health and magic levels. A small smirk appeared on her face. Her levels had dropped quite a bit and her health had declined. It appeared someone was healing her with the med kit.

"No matter, she may have the advantage of numbers, but I have the advantage of power," she chuckled holding out one palm watching as a swirling gold magical ball of light in her hand. Forming a fist the light vanished. Pausing for a moment she decided to check her data book on details about the dog.

The Dog is an auspicious creature, who is the symbol of loyalty and obedience to all. To own this key is to bestow good luck forever on its owner. While a dog person will have great courageous, warm heated, and intelligence, but beware the weakness it inspires in others; especially women, include sharp tongue, coldness, and distant.

The Dog has the power of invulnerability protecting its master from all harm. As a side effect the owner will feel their body energized and youthful. The Dog two forms are both powerful and will not be dismissed so easily."

There were two pictures side by side showing the two forms. The dog form was a beautiful soft golden brown cocker spaniel with big brown eyes and was wearing a blue collar with citron diamond with her picture. Her human form was that of a slender woman with short brown hair and blue eyes wearing modified 1910 dress making it very sleek and modern.

"At last another female spirit! Oh males are fine and powerful, but I need more girl time. Judging by the position of the sun I should be able to make it to first guardian in the next half hour or so. Plenty of time to get some practice in."

While she started to climb the steep and rocky path she practiced small versions of her Lost Magic of Space. In one hand she created a miniaturized version of the Van Allen Belt in her left hand and in her right was the forming of a miniaturized asteroid. She concentrated focusing her magic, keeping her powers as small as possible. Then they got bigger and bigger. As reached the top of the path she merged the spells together. "Magic of Space: Radiated Asteroid Blast!" Aiming her hands the spell blasted apart several standing rocks, part of the trees behind them a leaving a scar on the earth.

"Hmm, not as precise as it could have been. I need to practice more. All this practice is making me thirsty. Hopefully I find a source nearby. After all, this area in Fiore is known for natural springs." So in the afternoon sun she went searching for some water in the thick mountain woods.

After a half hour of searching she was ready to give up. She may have been a powerful Celestial Mage with a lot stamina, endurance and natural strength, but finding food and water was difficult for her. Plucking a silver key from her neck she called out, "Open the Gate of the Raptor: Aquila!"

Bursting into the sky was a giant golden eagle with fearsome talons and large eyes, with a sharp beak. The massive eagle touched down in a little clearing. He was preening his wings before looking at his mistress. "You summoned me mistress? What is it I can do for you?"

"Aquila, I need to find some food and water. Can you find me some please?"

"Right away, Miss. I'll also keep an eye out for Guardians on the road."

Aquila soared in the sky his sharp eyes scanning all over the mountain and valleys in between them. He spotted something at the edge of drop off to a gorge about two miles away. Flying a bit closer he saw it was an old church in a state of decay. He could sense another Celestial Spirit residing there. As he turned back he spotted a pond with several fish. Going into a dive he set up his talons to rake the water and catch a fish, but it didn't work that way.

Giant trout leapt out of the water shooting hot jets at him tearing off several feathers from his wings and underbelly. He tried to maneuver out the way, but a giant tail slap sent him crashing on the banks. The fish tried to drag him into the pond as Aquila started pecking and slashing.

"WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?" Hoshi demanded having witnessed the events from the edge of the forest. Spying the fish and her injured spirit her green eyes flashed with anger. "You're the guardians of this pathway? Overgrown dinner without sauce?"

Aquila cried out for her to stand back, but she forced close his gate returning him to the Celestial Spirit world. Returning her attention the fish, she was only partially surprised that they could walk on land, gnashing their teeth trying to eat her. "I really don't have time for this. Lost Magic of Space: Corona Flair!" Her hands spread wide as burning orange energy materialized. Spinning around she gathered more energy before releasing the massive flair across the area.

The fish didn't have a chance as they were burnt to ashes and crumbled. The water was gone along with several trees, grass and other parts that now were dead. Shaking at the damage she looked around and found a bit of water not radiated. Taking a sip she decided to head on. Her bond with Aquila showed her where the church was.

"Such a wonderful and helpful spirit. I'm glad that I took his key from his owner all those years ago." As she continued to walk down the path, old memories from her previous life started to come to life in her mind.

Flashback.

It was three years ago and Hoshi was in the middle of a duel with an uppity little celestial mage wearing a pair of cutoff jeans and white tank top with her messy blond hair held back in a scrunchi. There was sparkly black eye shadow over her brown eyes along with orange lipstick that clashed with her three silver studs in her right ear. This girl, who only told her name was Stella, had stumbled upon the quest accidentally, therefore not a real quester, and was trying to prove her worth against the platinum key holder

"Aquila strike her down with your talons!" Stella commanded with a grin on her face. The eagle responded by flying level readying his talons when Hoshi produced a moon in her hand before causing it to explode. The flying debris showered across the meadow striking Aquila so hard he vanished.

Stella rolled out the way before she could get caught up in the shards. Pushing herself up she grinned, "That's some magic you got there, and I've never seen it before!"

Hoshi rolled her eyes and tapped her boots impatiently. "You're powers of observation are very keen," she replied as sarcastically as she could. "I'm rather in a hurry so if you don't have any more weak spirits, I like to be on my way."

Stella stung her tongue at the girl reaching into her jean pocket. "Hey, Aquila's silver key is rare and hard to come by. I paid 35,000 jewels to get that key! Don't think just because I have two silver keys, I'm weak? I'm going to join a guild and prove myself as successful mage!"

"Really? Then show me your second spirit and see if it can defeat my best key," the green haired mage stated challengingly. Subtly she reached for her snake key. "We'll summon our spirits at the same time and see which one is the best. On the count of three; one, two, three!"

"Open the Gate of the Insect: Antilia the Ant!" There was tiny buzz as her spirit appeared. A giant silver ant with red eyes and piercing jaws materialized. Gnashing its jaws together it started to talk in clicks that only made sense to the owner.

"Antilia attack her, hey where's your spirit? Are you trying to trick me?"

"Trust me my spirit is here and already sealing your fate."

Nervous, Stella commanded Antilia to use his attack, duplication, and track down the spirit and trap it in the jaws. The spirit nodded, turning itself into ten ants before marching all over the place looking for the spirit. As time passed slowly both spirit and owner got nervous. They couldn't see anything and Antilia sense of smell wasn't finding a hint of any spirit.

Suddenly one of the duplicates vanished in a puff of smoke. Stella gasped as she watched as one by one the duplicates were destroyed. She looked around frantically, but she could find anything. "Keep your eyes sharp Antilia! Be ready to make a grab!"

Antilia nodded clicking at her before it was lifted up in the middle of the air clicking frantically as it was strangled. As his owner yelled frantically Quing materialized in the middle of the battle. "What the… what kind of spirit is that?! I've never heard of a snake before!"

"Quing is a very special spirit. Her power is level with a Zodiac! Now be a dear and finish off her spirit." Quing hissed as she wrapped herself tighter around the celestial ant who was screeching in pain. As she watched it happen she looked at Stella was shouting frantically. In a last-ditch effort to protect her spirit she forced his gate closed. "Hmm, a bit cowardly to end in forfeit rather than take a loss, but your ability to force close gates is impressive."

Stella started to back away realizing she had gotten way over her head. Clutching her keys her eyes widened as she saw Hoshi conjure a swirling sparkling wind in her hand. "Who….who….who are you? Do you belong to a dark guild?"

The mage shook her head laughing. As if she would join a guild. "I am or was a Celestial Spirit Priestess. I'm not sure if I still am, but either way it was bad luck to run across me. Since you delayed me I think I'll take something from you in return. Space Magic: Solar Winds Gathering!"

Stella screamed as she was caught in the middle of the storm as the particles bombarded her. Tearing apart her skin she felt her magic being drained from her. She struggled to hold on, but her eyes rolled back as she fainted, her keys falling to her side as she laid on the ground sprawled out with arms stretch. Her breathing was shallow and she couldn't move at all.

Hoshi looked at her victim, she had never used that spell before. It was supposed to partially drain her foes magic, but instead it had taken it all and given it to her. Even now she felt stronger. Leaning down she plucked Aquila's key off the ground. He might be silver, but he was still a powerful spirit. He would be of use to her.

She felt a tingle in her traveling back. Eyes flashing she ripped the map out and groaned looking as her newest rival health vanished marking her dead. "Dang it, how many more weak mages, must I get rid of indirectly before I get all my keys? When is Lucy Heartfilla going to return?!"

"Mistress, that mage hasn't been seen in four years, how can you be sure she's still alive?" Quing asked curiously as she slithered up Hoshi's body. Her mistress laughed remarking she could feel her out there in some kind of limbo. The daughter of the last Star Maiden wouldn't die so easily. The day she returned, Hoshi would finally be able to win this quest and prove she was the true Star Maiden.

End Flashback.

Hoshi was brought out of her memory as she stopped at the edge of a gorge. She was three bridges before her all in different condition. Below was several spikes of rocks as she looked up at the sky several vultures were circling. If she picked the wrong bridge she would be a victim of either one of them.

"Hmm, one rickety crumbling bridge, one missing only a few planks, and the last one perfect. It's choice, and the wrong one means my end. Hmm, this calls for help. Open the Gates of the Buffalo and Cockatrice! Ox and Rooster!"

Tong and Shing appeared next to her in their animal forms. They nuzzled her asking what she wanted them to do. "Shing, take the rickety bridge. If it collapses you can get out using your wings. Tong take the stable bridge. If you fall or get attacked then Shing will save you or I'll send you back. I'm taking the middle bridge."

Nodding the three of them took their respected bridges. Shing started hopping along the bridge carefully. He kept his eyes out for the vultures. He could see them circling closer. Hoshi was also keeping a steady pace while Tong just muscled across. As they reached the middle of the bridges, that's when trouble started.

Tong's bridge started to break apart as he rushed to reach the end. Shing found himself fighting the vultures as Hoshi's bridge started to sway and twist all over the place. The mage held on tight as the bridge flipped. She found herself upside down hanging above the spikes. Whipping her head around she saw her spirits in trouble. Anger filled her body as she gathered a lot of magical power sending it flooding into Shing. "Use your powers of levitation now! Send those birds crashing to their death now and get us to the other side!"

Shing felt his power levels increase greatly. His eyes glowed as a blue outline appeared on all the living creatures. With a crow he sent the vultures to their deaths and lifted all three of them onto the stable ground. Once safe he let himself be stroked. "I did a great job didn't I? That was my greatest feat since I helped you retrieve those books of lost magic from the Council wasn't it?"

"Yes, I could never have gotten the books I needed or the power I needed without both of you. Tong, can you take me to the church please? Shing ride with us and prepare to get us out of trouble." The obligated her as Tong bent down letting her on his back as they made their way across the mountain scape with Shing riding on his right horn.

It took the better part of the hour and going a distance around, but they finally made it to the crumbling church. The church had seen better days, the white rocks now a dirty gray and windows partially broken, but the steps were still useable. They could all sense the power of the key inside. Time to claim her prize.

She dismissed her spirits before entering the empty church the dust nearly choked her to death. A few of the pews were overturn and the walls were crumpling. Part of the roof was missing. There was very little light in the church as she walked down the aisle. Pausing, her eyes roamed until she spotted a star mark on one of the few remaining pews.

She pushed it back hearing a click. Looking around she found a panel in the steps to the platform had opened. Kneeling down she pulled out a slim hymn book. Opening it to the marked page there was a song she had to sing.

"All the colors of the rainbow. All the voices of the wind. The dream that reaches, that reaches out where love begins. Every word of every story. Every star in every sky. Every corner of creation lives to testify."

As she finished singing an ethereal body of a women who looked like Hoshi, appeared. With a burst of sparkles she hovered in midair looking like an angel. "I'm Star Maiden Sitara. Welcome to the Church of the Stars. Long ago people here celebrated and sang praises to the Celestial Spirits, praying and hoping for guidance and love. I lead this group almost a hundred and fifty years ago, when this church inherited the Dog Key."

Bowing humbly Hoshi praised Sitara for all she had done and asking kindly what test awaited her to take possession of the key in this church. Sitara held out her hand as the key materialized.

"You may have this key, but you must answer three questions honestly. If not this key will not be yours. Question one; why did you become a Celestial Spirit Mage?"

"Ever since I was young child, I was inspired by stories of the Star Maidens. They were brave, kind, and strong-willed girls. I hoped, no, I wanted to be one of them. To be a friend to the Celestial Spirits and use my magic to help both humans and spirits to grow closer."

Sitara nodded, she had answered honestly. "Second question; what would you do first if you gained the full powers and title of Star Maiden?"

"After I reunited the two halves? I would use the power to help created new keys for the newborn star spirits so they may travel to Earth and help them find good friends."

"Excellent, last question; when you meet your rival in the final battle, how will you treat her and the spirits?"

"With honor and grace. I have waited this long to meet her. This duel will not only prove who we are, but at same time I'll be able to see if I match up to the one I respect the most."

Sitara accepted her answer. The key floated over to Hoshi. The Star Maiden started to fade away, but warned the girl to not go back on her words for that would be tragic. When she was gone Hoshi held the key out. "Open the Gate of the Canine: Dog!"

A bark was heard as tiny doghouse appeared and out popped the dog from the book. She sniffed Hoshi wagging her tail. "I'm Yen, your loyal companion. For the duration of this quest I am at your command should you need me, after this I would like to be summoned Sunday through Tuesday. The only other days you may summon me if there's a nine in the date."

"I understand. Come Yen, I think you and I will get along just fine."

So reviewers, have you figured out the Easter eggs yet? What do you think about Hoshi so far? Will Lucy and Cheung Rat ever get along? Stay tuned to find out.