Everyone was staring at the spot where the black hole had disappeared. The wreckage all around them spoke of the battle that had just happened. The spirits were actually crying and shivering. It was such a shock to their systems it was impossible for them to determine if their bond with Lucy had been completely severed or not. Most of Team Natsu couldn't speak as Hoshi was on her knees crying her heart out.
"Sob, I never….never… wanted…this. All I wanted…was to prove...that I surpassed…my rival. I wanted…us to share the title… of Star Maiden…not have her die!" Hoshi continued to sob uncontrollably. She was then yanked off the ground and shoved into the wall. Chocking she struggled to get free as a fist full of fire struck next to her hair.
"YOU DIDN'T MEAN THIS? HOW DARE YOU CRY WHEN IT'S YOUR FAULT SHE'S DEAD! I knew you were trouble the moment you sent that first message! You don't care about anyone, but yourself!" Natsu shouted at her, his body starting to get covered in fire. "I won't let you be rewarded for killing my friend. The title and powers of the Star Maiden are now voided!" Vigorously, he drew back his fist aiming for her heart. Hoshi closed her eyes not wanting to see her own death.
After thirty seconds she wondered why she wasn't dead. Blinking her eyes open, astonished by what she saw. Scutum and Aries were both in front of her protecting her from Natsu, who had been pulled off her by Loki and Quing. Slipping to the floor she noticed Ling eyes glowing, an indication she had predict his attack. Panting hard with sweat dropping down her face dared to hope she would be saved.
"Let me go Loki! How can you defend her! She killed your fellow guild mate and your owner!" Natsu screamed. He was still on fire spewing it everywhere, even clawing at the spirit in trying to get free. Loki endured the attack as Quing squeezed tighter around his wrists trying to prevent him from casting magic.
"Enough of this Natsu! You can't kill her no matter how much you want to. Do you want her death on you head? I lived three years of torture for causing a death, believe me you don't want that." Loki hissed in his friend's ear.
Quing gave him a pleading look. She was desperate to keep her best friend and mistress alive. "Please, you can't do this. If we don't have a Celestial Spirit Mage, then how can our royals reunite? They've been separated for a millennium! The Queen and King deserve to be together."
The words seemed to go over Natsu head. He was too angry and hard-headed to see beyond his rage. Literally his world was on fire. All he could think of was turning the world to ashes. The pain he was feeling was almost worse than the pain of losing his foster-father. He wanted someone to suffer, to literally have their heart burnt to a crisp as the agony took them away forever. With a roar he broke free tossing both spirits off and broke through the duo. Hoshi was to frighten to cast a spell. For a second time she saw her life flash before her eyes.
"NATSU DRAGONEEL, YOU WILL STOP YOUR ATTACK THIS INSTANT!" A loud female voice called out. Frightened, Natsu stopped in his tracks, his fire gone as he curled up into a small ball. Twitching, he slowly turned his head shrinking under the gaze of Erza. "Erza…I'm…trying…"
"Avenge Lucy? Natsu, don't be a blockhead" she replied, tears were falling from her real eye. Next to her the rest of Fairy Tail were trying to hold it together. They were very sad, but a look at their expressions wasn't sad, it was disappointment, maybe even, disgust. He couldn't be sure wondering why they were
Gray let out a cold breath, slowly strolling over to Natsu. He helped him up, giving him a tight embrace. He started rubbing his hand over his shoulders soothingly before gently sliding his coat on the fire mage. The others joined him sharing their grief together while drawing strength from one another. A little off to the right side of them the Celestial Spirits had gather around Hoshi also comforting her.
Surprisingly, it was Happy, who explained what Erza meant. "Natsu, believe me, we all understand what you're feeling. I know I want Hoshi to pay, but I won't betray Lucy's memory by killing someone she thought of as friend," the blue cat told his friend. Gesturing to the trembling teen, he reminded him that Fairy Law would have destroyed Hoshi had Lucy's heart believed her to be an enemy. Yet, here she was standing grieving with them. Happy's brown eyes locked eyes with Natsu's, conveying a message. Fairy Tail defeated their enemies, sometimes they died, but it was by their enemies own actions. To take a life would betray Lucy's sacrifice. Natsu finally released his grief crying.
Hoshi wanted to fix this, but didn't know how. In the past seven years she had searched for redemption; hoping to find a way to forgive Oba for her betrayal, maybe find in her heart to let go of her anger with her family. All the magic inside of her and she couldn't do anything. Not even help her spirit friends apparently. The crystal was still hovering in the air, its glow faintly shining as the two sources of power lost their strength. A single eyebrow raised up in puzzlement. The battle was over so why hadn't the power gone to her to merge the two Celestial Worlds together?
At that moment Wendy broke free her nose sniffing. Ling and Lyra joined her as they walked/hovered around the crystal. Their intense expressions curiosity drew the others in. Wendy bent down sniffing the air around the crystal as Ling rubbed her nose among the rubble. Lyra had cocked her ears, strumming an unfamiliar tune. The others felt hope rising, was it possible that Lucy was still here?
Wendy took a deep breath before turning around with a small grin, but raised eyebrows. Brushing off the dust and dirt she spoke up. "I can still smell Lucy in the air currents." The others open to their mouths to speak, but she cut them off. "No, I don't smell her scent from before, this one is faint, but fresh. It's almost like the air is carrying her all over the room."
Ling grunted in agreement. Her precognitive senses were seeing, tasting, and touching the area before her. They told her that a flesh and blood person, not a ghost was lingering around the crystal where the black hole collapsed. In her mind the pig was very certain that someone just beyond their senses, stood in front of them.
Lyra strained her ears. Her playing was a little off, but became steady. Her mouth moved lip synching with a song only she could here. As she played Aquarius, Capricorn, and Cancer's faces started to dawn with trepidation and hope. That music, the song, it was ingrained, in their memories years ago. Capricorn addressed his friend. "Lyra, that song your attempting to play, it was a song Layla would sing to Lucy, to help her sleep. Have you heard it before now?" The lyre constellation shook her head, telling him it that her hearing had picked up the faintest voice singing it. The song was being sung, as it was a light from a lighthouse guiding someone to safety.
Hoshi snapped her fingers drawing attention to herself. "Of course, the pressure of the collapse!" Team Natsu appeared to be stumped by what she was talking about as she hurriedly explained it to them about the internal pressure becoming insufficient to resist its own gravity, thus the hole become incredibly dense collapsing on itself to become a compact star. While this mass stayed, the energy from the collapse released quickly, but because of the time dilution it was still present for a length of time to reach their eyes. No one understood what she was saying so she blurted out, "Her particles are in the air spreading out quickly before turning into something else. There's still time to pull her together, resurrect her!"
Excited as they were Erza was cautious. "How do we merge her particles together? Do you have a spell that would work?" Hoshi nodded eager to fix what was broken. With time short they had no other option. "Cast it, now."
"Lyra, I need you to keep playing. As long as Lucy sings, I know she's alive. Ling, help me concentrate her particles into place. Wendy sniff out the particles to tell me if any get loose. Ready?" The others nodded as Hoshi moved her hands in a complex pattern. "Space Magic: Birth of a Star!"
The air became tinged with green as a tiny spark formed in front of the crystal. With the help of the others, Hoshi started to gather and reform the particles. The spark grew slowly becoming bigger and taking shape. Suddenly they could all hear Lucy's voice singing.
"Somewhere there's a river. Looking for a stream. Somewhere there's a dreamer, looking for a dream. Somewhere there's a drifter, trying to find his way.
Somewhere someone's waiting, to hear somebody say…
I believe in you. I can't even count the ways that I believe in you. And all I want to do is help you to Believe in you.
Somewhere someone's reaching. Trying to grab that ring. Somewhere there's a silent voice, learning how to sing. Some of us can't move ahead. We're paralyzed with fear. And everybody's listening. 'Cause we all need to hear…
I believe in you. I can't even count the ways that, I believe in you. And all I want to do is help you to believe in you.
I will hold you up. I will help you stand. I will comfort you when you need a friend. I will be the voice that's calling out…
I believe in you. And there are just so many ways that. I believe in you. Baby, what else can I do but believe in you? Believe in you, all I want to know is you believe, yeah, yeah. Believe in you"
Before their eyes the particulars clustered together growing and changing. There was a bright green light that flashed causing them to cover their eyes. When they looked again Lucy stood in front of them, smiling at them, as if nothing had happened. "Hi everyone, it's good to be back."
"LUCY!" Everyone shouted, tears of grief changed to joy. Soon the blond-haired girl found herself being crushed under the weight of all her friends so happy to see her. The Celestial Spirits were shouting in joy and even dancing knowing that their friend was alive. Lucy enjoyed the attention she was getting. It was good to solid and truly alive again. Still, there was one thing she had to do first before she completed the task ahead. Pushing past everyone she approached the other Celestial Spirit Mage.
Hoshi had retreated into a corner, not wanting to intrude on the joyful reunion going on. She didn't deserve it after all the trouble she caused over the last seven years, let alone the last week or so that they had been on this quest. She wouldn't be surprised if all her keys were confiscated once Lucy united the two worlds as one again. Suddenly someone was standing in front of her, the "elder" girl looked up to see her "younger" rival looking at her with eyes of kindness. The Indian girl wanted to get away, but Lucy grabbed her hand, pulling her across the dirty floor back towards here. "Please let go. I'm glad that you're alive, but I don't deserve your forgiveness."
Lucy chuckled, her eyes full of amusement. "That's the funny thing about forgiveness. No one deserves it, but will still give it." Clutching both her hands the two girls stood face to face, really seeing each other for the first time. "I never thought of you as my enemy, a rival and sister mage, that's why I couldn't let you die. I had already forgiven the people who wronged me, you still needed the closure," Lucy whispered to her friend, before jokingly adding she still had a promise to keep to Yukino. That earned a laugh from the other girl.
"You are truly deserving of the tittle True Star Maiden. I will gladly follow your orders without complaint. If there's any way I might help with uniting the two parts again, please let me."
"Hey," Natsu voice interrupted the two girls. Splitting apart and turning to face all the others the two girls felt silly for forgetting they were there. Natsu started talking again, his feet tapping with impatience. "How are you going to use your bonds to open a gate made of energy?"
"That's the easy part Natsu. Just watch because you're about to witness a one of a kind event. Ready for your coronation my lovely Lucy?" Loki asked teasingly. Pushing his glasses up, he got serious placing his hand over his heart. His ring started to dazzle in the brilliant moonlight. All of sudden a stream of colored energy zipped from his heart connecting with the crystal, stabilizing it ,causing it to regain it color, in turn its power.
"What are you…?" Gray started to ask, but stopped in mid-sentence, as the other spirits started doing the same thing. One by one they placed a hand or other appendage over their hearts. A variety of colors flew through the air connecting with the crystal until it shone with the colors of the rainbow.
A sharp crack caused Team Natsu to jump in the air. Wendy ran to the edge of the room looking out the slit in the dome. She gasped, along with Carla. "Look! The ley lines! They're getting brighter and are they…?"
Carla finished her sentence also stunned by what she was seeing. It wasn't like when Anima spread across the land, sucking everything into Edoloas. This was different. "The ley lines are starting to stand up! It's almost like their manifesting into a physical gate!" The teens looked outside agreeing that was what was happening. Before their eyes the different colored energy flowed into the ley lines raising it until a solid door of all the different colors stood upright just outside the village. It was pulsating in synch with the alignment, waves of celestial energy were emitting from the door.
"It's time now Lucy, together!" they heard Hoshi's voice stated calmly. Whipping around, there both girls had taken their place next to the crystal. The outline of stylized key, the handle looking like the heads of the King and Queen together, started to form in Lucy's hands. Lucy started feeding the outline with her magic, along with Hoshi. Within two minutes a diamond key appeared which Lucy grasped tightly.
"Open the Gate to the Worlds of the Spirits. I command thee to bring forth both worlds at once. May King and Queen reunite as one!" With her voice echoing she slipped the key into a hole that appeared in the crystal. There was a heavy click as the lock turned and the gate opened wide.
The world around them vanished, leaving everyone floating in pure darkness. The only light came from the diamond key. Natsu tried to light a fire, but found he couldn't. Sensations of moving forward at hyper speed to a different location, caused Natsu to get motion sickness, causing him to fall on top of Gray. Wendy even looked a little nauseous as she gripped Erza tightly.
"It will be fine little one, don't worry," Erza comforted the girl, unsure if her words rang true. Glancing over at Loki, he seemed to be slightly afraid of what was going on. If he was worried, then she was concerned as well. Before she could ask him what was going on she spotted two stars shining up ahead, a great distance apart. "What stars are those?"
"They're not stars," Yue whispered catching Erza attention. "They're the two halves of the Celestial Spirit World." The little rabbit trembled in anticipation. For a millennium they had been separated, now they would be together again. Was Lucy truly capable of uniting the worlds while keeping the peace between the different spirits?
Said girl, looked at the approaching worlds with confidence. Holding the diamond key in her hands she willed it to change, it became a connecting rod. Holding it out in front of her, the rod started spinning around like a baton before it flying through the darkness. The entire group halted in midair watching as the two worlds started to come together. As they drew closer together, the blackness melted away as they hovered in the air seeing the two sides from above. On either side many spirits and their royal leader waited at the edge of the world. With a determined cry, Lucy clasped her hands together fusing the worlds together again. Thrusting her hands up the diamond became a statue, both Lucy and Hoshi, holding hands in unity. Cheers filled the air as they all landed in their united world again. It was done, the impossible prophecy was fullfilled.
The Spirits broke out into a festive mood conjuring food and drinks. Fireworks zigzagged around the sky. Laughter was heard echoing all over the square. Hesitantly the new star spirits, the ones that looked as if they were brownish shifting semi humanoid masses, approached the constellation spirits. It was an awkward situation at first, neither side wanted to move first. At last one little brown spirit (star designation XXVI) made a few awkward steps towards Pictor, a French painter with an easel, started talking with one another.
At first no one knew what to say or do. After a little more time passed the two different spirits started mixing together making new friends, talking about their lives. Seeing their friends getting along, the two Zodiacs let their hair down as they took one partner from the other side, joining in the gala.
"Now, this is what I call a party! Come on Happy, let's celebrate!" Natsu roared out taking five steps before falling down gasping for air, his body getting covered in with bruises. The rest of the Team started to suffer the same effects, only Lucy and Hoshi remained unharmed. Seeing their distress, the Celestial Queen started to chuckle. "Oh my, dear husband, how often you forgot that needs of our kind human friends." With a wave of her hand; purple energy swirled around them, as a glowing aura surrounded them allowing them to breathe and move again.
"Forgive me members of Fairy Tail. My King has the power over time, myself is space. Together with our "children" we keep the heavens in balance," she said in a kindly, loving voice. Kneeling down, she placed a single hand on each Celestial Mage' shoulders before bringing them into her loving embrace. "I'm beyond proud of you two. For so long, I worried no one would truly understand Star Maiden Estrella's prophecy."
"No one understand that, while one gains the power, it is the other who earns redemption. When combined together it heals both spirits and humans," Hoshi spoke up smiling at Lucy. She squeezed Lucy's hand, feeling content and peaceful, here in the Celestial Spirit World. "I've always dreamed of being the True Star Maiden, the one who carries the powers of the stars in her hands. I'm not the one worthy of that title, but you Lucy are."
"But Hoshi…"
"She's right Lucy, don't mistake her humbleness for sadness," Erza said approaching them, her walking boot making a faint scuffing noise as she moved. The other members had joined in the party, releasing all the tension they had felt. "You have always been willing to give your life for others: Fairy Tail, Loki, and Aries. The list goes on and on. There is a certain nobility inside you that shines brighter than any star ever could," Erza assured her friend. Sweeping her arms she gestured to all around them where everyone was happily together. Jerking her thumb towards the royal, it made both Fairy Tail girls to let out a romantic sigh, watching the king attend to his queen.
"I guess that means I am ready for the blessing. My humble King and Queen. I, Lucy Heartfillia of Fairy Tail, beseech you to bestow the promised blessing to me." Hearing those words the two royals clapped their hands commanding everyone to gather at the foot of the castle's grand entrance way. It was time for a blessed coronation of a newest Star Maiden. The entire populace turned out at the steps of a giant multi mineral palace. Silver halls, with gold columns, along with platinum roofs and bronze fences. Symbols relating to then two zodiacs flew on flags or spotted on tapestries. The exterior was exquisite.
The humans and Exceeds had a front row seat (literally) as waited for the coronation to begin. Hoshi had gone with Lucy, saying needed to prepare for her own punishment upon the blessings completion. As they waited for the music to play Wendy was getting a little anguish. Petting Yue, who had settled on her lap, she asked the little spirit, "What is Lucy-Chan being blessed with? How does one gain the powers of the starts?"
"Hush little one. You'll see and hear what becoming a Star Maiden all is about. Shuu, the procession is about to begin." Turning their eyes to the staircase they watched as several guards escorted the King and Queen to a dais where their giant thrones and a normal size sitting between them. The couple took their seats. The procession of newborn star spirits then escorted Lucy to her throne.
Lucy had undergone a fashion change. Her hair was a faded gold in voluminous curled locks stopping just below her shoulders. The light make up made her look mature and regal. Her accessories included: Bronze diamond-shaped earrings that dangled daintily. Her platinum and gold necklace matched her gold armbands.
Her outfit was very beautiful. A gold, decorated bodice, connected to a silvery see through kimono top, showing her white tights through the split. Long, off the shoulder draped sleeves were pure white nearly touching the floor. Just before you reached the elbows there were to silver cuffs with delicate silk fabric draping behind her. Her white and gold sandals hardly made a sound as she stood in front of the throne awaiting the blessing.
The King stood up first, then his queen. They held their right hands over Lucy's form as she stood tall and proud. The king spoke in a deep and tender voice with such kindness. "I, the Celestial King, from this moment forth; bless this child, Lucy Heartfillia, now to be known as Star Maiden Princess Lucy Heartfillia Celestial. I and my beloved wife, take you into our family as our precious daughter and heir." He then placed a delicate silver tiara in her hair marking her new status.
There was a cheer from the crowd as they clapped delightfully. Horns blasted while streamers and confetti. Wendy was ogling the crown wondering what it would be like to be an official princess. Erza was acting like a normal girl complimenting Lucy's new hairstyle and wondering if she should try that look. Gray had a smirk on his face; he always thought Lucy acted like a princess, now she was one! Natsu was the only one bored to death. It was great that Lucy had a new family, though he wanted to witness the power of the stars she had talked about.
As the crowd settled down the next part of the coronation begun. Lucy was sitting on her throne as the ceremony continued. She kept a steady gaze at the crowd. Her expression projected calm, warmth, and love. Turning to the right, the Queen used the tip of her massive pinky, too lightly tap her forehead, a birthmark in the shape of a key wrapped up in a star cluster started to appear. "My reborn daughter, I gift you with the power of the stars; to regain the lost secrets of Celestial Magic, to learn the secrets of Space, to combine them as one. From this day forth all gates will open for you and all will serve your desires and needs, no time limit on those." Removing her fingertip the new birthmark flashed for all to see as the spirits bowed to her.
As they kneeled Happy hissed to Cheng, whom he was not chasing, trying to clarify what the queen words meant. The little rat hissed back explaining that his mistress now had the power to open any gate she wished when she needed help; regardless of contract or ownership. That all spirits would gladly serve and protect their princess as she had done for them. Her connection to the related magic's had grown incredibly strong. One day she would be able to use their full powers without worry. At the moment, all she could really do is learn to master the powers she had access to. That settled the blue cat down a bit, he hoped she wouldn't be overly powerful then anyone else. Limits were a good thing. The crowd sat back in their seats as the ceremony pushed on
Now turning to the left, Lucy allowed the King to place an index finger over her heart. He was chanting something in the spirit's language confusing the humans and Exceeds. Lyra, who was sitting behind the humans, tapped Gray's shoulder. She started whispering to him as he translated for the group. "He's bestowing the powers of the True Star Maiden to her. Per the title; Lucy has the right to judge other Celestial Mages and carry out justice if she believes that person is mistreating or using their spirits wrong. Wait, slow down a bit. Oh, she can create new bronze keys for individual stars such as the newborn ones to let them explore Earthland. Other rights include the following: teaching magic to others, protecting sacred sites, an ambassador to humans to strengthen the bonds between them. It's within her right to choose new Star Maidens and their jobs, even heal them or their spirits. Wait repeat that last part," Gray hissed as Lyra got super excited so he couldn't keep up with her jabber.
She explained again that as Star Maiden Lucy could enter and exit the Celestial World any time she wanted, that it was her responsibility to grant the last wishes of a Star Maiden. Gray was humbled and slightly worried. Could Lucy really handle all that pressure when she wasn't even that into fighting? Then again she'd changed a great deal in a short time so she possessed the potential to grow into her role.
Natsu's senses were hyper focused on Lucy. He was growling slightly, his eyes saw one thing, but his sense of smell was detecting something changing in Lucy. The change wasn't something he found comforting, it made him very uneasy. He started to charge towards the stage, hands a blaze when Loki knocked him to the ground while mother Pisces used water magic to dose his hands. "Let me go! I know what they're doing to her! I won't let you turn her…"
"Chill Natsu, it's going to be okay," Loki whispered to friend. He adjusted his hold managing to force the blazing inferno into his seat. He quickly looked up at the stage where the King and Queen, were preparing the final blessing. He let out a sigh of relief that Natsu commotion hadn't been noticed. He winced badly when he felt pressure on his hand. His glasses slipped as he witnessed Erza crushing his hand. "Please, let go. It really hurts."
"After you tell me what's gotten Natsu in such a heat?" she asked, her eyes narrowed as they stared at the Lion spirit. Exerting a bit more pressure she wondered what he was thinking. Ironically, his thoughts were that this pain was worse than the beating she gave him when he asked her out. Letting him go she waited for an answer. Seeing his eyes kept focusing on the stage she decided to wait a bit before getting answers out of him.
Up on the stage Lucy was steadying her breathing. Her research confirmed by both the Queen and Hoshi. The last blessing was mixed in her mind. It had pros and cons. At least the choice of how to use this unique gift would be up to her. Taking a deep breath, she allowed the two royals to use their magic on her. Her body felt light and airy, while her skin started shining with an off yellow glow. Inside, she felt her whole body changing as the world around her didn't feel so bad. Her mind tingled as it linked up with all the spirits present. Relaxing, she allowed everyone to bow and respectfully to her as showers of confetti rained down. The ceremony for her was over. She was both a princess and a Star Maiden.
Erza had been watching this last part pretty hard. She suspected what had happened, but wanted Loki to confirm it. "She's immortal now isn't she? Like you?" Loki nodded before quickly rushing ahead with an explanation. "She's immortal and eternally youthful here in our world. If she returns to Earth, she can keep the gift with her, or allow herself to live her mortal life out. Only upon that death would she return here forever."
"How could you let this happen? You turned Lucy into something she isn't!" Natsu shouted only to be hushed by others. The redemption ceremony would start in a minute or two. No need for interruptions. Natsu ignored them ready to cause a problem when Erza gave him a nerve pinch causing him to pass out. Picking him up she asked if Ling would mind keeping an eye on him, which she agreed too. The discussion was not over, but learning Hoshi's fate was important to them.
The teen in question stood before the King and Queen, her head down and her hands to her side in a submissive pose. Inside she was feeling a fluttering of thousands butterflies inside her body. Her necklace started to jingle as they batted one another. Trying her best to ignore that she waited for permission to raise her head. Permission was granted as she listened to the charges against her.
A small new star in the shape of a clerk looked up from his scroll before speaking. "Hoshi Supernova, former apprentice Celestial Spirit Priestess Oba, citizen of Starwatcher Village. The charges against you read as followed. Using Space Magic to phase your entire village out of reality. Misuse of Space magic ranging from absorbing magic from artifacts to stealing keys from opponents you defeated. Theft of books about said topic. Breaking a promise to a Celestial Mage. How do you plead?"
"Guilty, except for the last one. I fully intend to return Yukino's magic and her spirit keys, as promised," she said, her new hair ornament shimmer and the jewels jangled. Turning around, tilted her head indicating she wanted someone on the stage with her. Promptly both Libra and Pisces took the stage next her.
The King addressed his two subjects. "Both of you were forced into working for this Celestial Mage against your will. Her actions put you in harm's way and left your owner in the hospital. Do you have anything you want to add to these charges?"
Libra spoke first, giving a graceful bow to both leaders, she jumped upward swaying her hips a bit. She couldn't help it, she was a dancer. Getting it together she explained that their owner had entered into a deal with no reservations and the wording of it did mean that Hoshi's temporary ownership was valid under the circumstances. Her own free will had caused her Hoshi, she hadn't forced her too. Pisces agreed and they were dismissed. The royals placed their heads in the palm on their hands as they thought deeply about what to do with Hoshi. After several minutes passed the came to a decision. Gesturing with a hand the green haired girl kneeled down awaiting her punishment.
"We have reviewed the charges against you. Our new daughter also showed us your history revealing many wrongs against you. While taking this into account some personal responsibility must taken for your actions. Regardless of betrayal, you chose your path. Intentionally or not, your actions led a false prediction to come true. We have every right to seal your magic forever and strip you of your keys."
Hearing those words Team Natsu cringed. The thought of losing your magic forever was unthinkable on many lives. Natsu, who woke up a second ago, fully believed she deserved it. He started to shout for the punishment to begin only stopped when no one else joined in. "What's the matter with you guys? That girl is responsible for nearly killing Lucy a dozen times! She even succeed if she hadn't decided to be helpful for once!"
"It's not so clear cut Natsu. Deep in your heart you know that as well," Gray told him. "Hoshi is many things, but a natural born killer? That's a debatable."
"Who are we to judge her? Only those who are her leaders, should pass judgment. In this case it's the King and Queen," Wendy told him. Looking past the heads of spirits she realized that had missed the Queen speaking. Seeing her disappointment, Fain whispered that the Queen had just pointed out the good things Hoshi had done.
The two royals whispered a bit before they spoke as one. "Hoshi Supernova, your sentence is as followed. On the recommendation of the Princess; you will work towards redeeming yourself by making amends to those you've harmed. Your first action will be to restore Yukino's magic while returning her keys. As you continue to make amends, We declare you the new High Celestial Spirit Priestess. Fulfill your duties, lead your village into a new era. No more isolation from the rest of the world. Guide your fellow citizens while teaching them the true way of Celestial Magic. Protect the secrets of the knowledge you carry. In time you will earn your own Star Maiden title."
Hoshi cried tears of joy, but clutched her keys. Would she be forced redeem herself without her friends. A telepathic message from Lucy assured her that was not the case. Her friends would be hers for life as it should be. Silently she thanked her. Keeping her keys and magic meant a lot to her.
It was Lucy who stood up next making her first royal proclamation. "As the Princess of the Celestial Worlds, I will monitor Priestess Hoshi to ensure she redeems herself. There is business to conclude before returning to Earthland and undoing the spell around the village. Those whose actions caused the events leading up to the final fight are to be held accountable for their actions. I summon forth Priestess Oba, Haruko Supernova, Aiday Comet-Trail, and lastly Hoshiko Comet-Trail. Come forth now and face judgment.
There was a loud pop as the ground beneath them spit up said people. Priestess Oba looked a little thinner, but the same. Haruko, Hoshi's mother, didn't resemble her daughter except for their skin tone. Her features were sharper and darker than her daughters. Her eyes held no warmth, while her mark was right above the dip in her collar. Aiday and Hoshiko were identical with lighter skins, brown eyes, and short brunette hair. Their marks were at the base of the neck or shoulder. All four of them looked in awe at the royals, but then Haruko eyes narrowed at sight of Lucy standing in all her glory next to Hoshi.
Haruko lashed out at her daughter. The arm would have connected, but they were still out of phase. At once the woman was forced back by an invisible field. An invisible box formed around the four of them as the spell wore off returning them to normal phase. "Who, has the audacity, to imprison me? I'm one of the greatest Celestial Mage from our village! If anyone needs punishment; my daughter is the one to whose earned a beating."
"Hey she's got my keys! Those platinum ones are mine! I earned them," Hoshiko whined in a naively voice with a pout to her face. If her body was any indication, she did put in effort to grow, but at the end let others finish the job. It was no wonder that the Snake Key hadn't bonded with her.
"My darling is right. How could this child be the True Star Maiden"Aiday gestured rudely at Lucy. In her mind the upstart blond was to dumb to be a Star Maiden. "When my beloved star girl wasn't on the quest, which was hers to take, not Hoshi's!"
"Ladies please, we are in the audience of both Royal Celestial Spirits. It's not a good idea to upset them," Oba pleaded. Her words failed to penetrate the thee ladies minds.
Lucy marched down towards the box with Hoshi at her side. "Silence all four of you! I am True Star Maiden Princess Lucy Heartfillia Celestial." Seeing their startled expressions, confirming their worst fears, made her smile. "Don't bother trying to explain your actions away. I've read your hearts and seen the memories. All of you are guilty of treason against the code of Celestial Mages. I will exact punishment."
Haruko rolled her eyes. Her sister laughed and her niece snorted. Only Oba gave a respectful nod. She wouldn't underestimate the new Star Maiden. Hoshi gave her former mentor a small smile before becoming stern as the box separated her from the other three.
The formerly big boned lady awaited her punishment. Listening to her charges she knew that her pride and steadfast faith, had comprised her. Worse, she hurt the only child she thought of her own. Gripping the carpet she waited for her punishment. Lucy nodded to Hoshi to read out the sentence. She flourished a scroll reading it in tight voice. "My dear friend and former sensei, High Priestess Oba. From this moment forward you're stripped of your title, ability to enter this world, and read the stars correctly. All, but a tenth of your magic, shall be taken away. To amend for your crime, you shall be my assistant as I learn to grow in my role as High Priestess. Do you understand?"
Oba nodded, her outfit magically reverting to a very pale version of what Hoshi originally wore, except the color was a rust red. Typically the clothes were the same, but each girl picked a color to represent them during the last few years of training. Oba clutched her stomach as she felt her magic being drained no protest though. She earned this.
The other three didn't go as quietly proclaiming their innocence. Pointing fingers at one another or blaming Hoshi didn't help their case, it only proved the evidence against them was true. As punishment; Lucy sealed their magic, taking their keys and removing memories of Celestial magic. They were also banished from their home never to return again. In the end they got what they deserved and would never harm her friend again.
After that bit of business was concluded, everyone invited to a magnificent feast filled with dishes from all over Fiore and a few Celestial ones. Team Fairy Tail had seats next to the front. Lucy was getting a lot of an attention sitting between her new adoptive parents. The Queen was especially chatty with both Lucy and her husband. It wasn't a surprise after being separated for so long. Looking upon their faces it was easy to tell how much they loved each other and how having Lucy in their lives was a great joy.
Natsu nibbled at his food. He was hungry, but at the same time he afraid that they be losing Lucy for good. Learning to be a princess and Star maiden would take years. To embrace her role would take many years and hard work. How could a mortal life of taking jobs, causing destruction and risking your life compare to this luxury and amazement? It couldn't.
Lucy notice how subdued Natsu was. The others also weren't their normal selves. They appeared to be acting very humble, being quiet. It was almost too much to bear. Not even Wendy, the young girl, with the heart of a child, was willing to ask her questions about what is was like to become a princess overnight. Putting her fork down, she wiped her mouth before asking her friends, "What is this matter guys? You're acting so glum. Are you that bored with the feast?"
"The food is quite nice Lucy, we have no complaints," Gray said reassuringly. He glanced at the others wondering if they would speak up, but the task was left to him. "We're just wonder when we'll see you again?" he said, missing her raised eyebrow and lips sort of frowning and smiling. "After all you're the new princess and the True Star Maiden. Your duties here will keep you busy for a long time."
"Oh guys is that what you're worried about? That I'm not coming back, well let me tell you something. Just because my status has changed doesn't mean I'm not a member of Fairy Tail," she informed. "In fact," she said with her mischief grin. "We're returning to the guild in an hour or so. I just need to pick a few items up from the castle and say goodbye."
That shocked everyone. "You're coming home with us? We didn't think you would turn your back on all this to resume your mortal life," Erza admitted shyly. The part of her heart that had broken upon separation was restoring itself.
The King and Queen, who had listened to the conversation, laughed upon hearing that. "As if we could talk our new daughter out of returning home. Life on Earthland is a great adventure. I wish I could spend more time there, but at lass, my lovely wife and I will be busy with the reintegration process." He then bent down and kissed her hand. She playfully shoved him away laughing gaily. "All to true my beloved. Having two members of our people in such a fantastic and adventures guild, is wonderful. Both Leo and Lucy will be able to spread our hopes and dreams across the land. Maybe one day they'll realize their meant to be."
"Mom, you're embarrassing me!" Lucy exclaimed blushing red. That got a laugh out of everyone and Loki being harassed by his fellow spirits. Still it was a nice thought. Lucy had all the time in the world to learn the ways of the Spirits. No matter what happen he knew her well enough that her heart would never forget the people she loved.
The feast came to an end as they all got ready to go. Hoshi would be dropped off at Sabertooth to fulfill her promise to Yukino before returning home. The spell over the village had been lifted and the people would soon need her guidance. Hugging her pseudo sister goodbye Hoshi returned to Earthland to start her redemption. When she left a sense of peace went with her. Lucy was sure they meet again someday.
Lucy, had reverted to her normal clothes. The extra marks around her guild stamp had faded and her new mark on her forehead turned invisible. She had promised Mavis to not use the four great powers of Fairy Tail unless it was absolutely an emergency or her guild was being threatened. To activate, her new Star Maiden abilities or to transform, into her princess form, she mentally open the latch on the door behind her mark, unleashing her full powers. Again, this was only to be used in dire circumstances. There were also two special diamond keys on a separate key ring, these belonged to her new parents, who would be ready to help anytime she needed it.
"Okay guys I'm ready to go." In the old satchel she placed books and practice tools to help her learn her magic. The flowers to communicate with her new family. There was also a schedule of which spirits would be her tutors. A helpful list of spirits to call upon that she would memorized. Everything she needed was right there. Saying her goodbyes Loki took them back to the guild surprising everyone at their unexpected
"LUCY'S BACK! You're all alive! How was the quest? Did you encounter any crazy dangers? Did you win the battle?" a hundred questions were being asked at the same time. Typical Natsu and Gray used their magic to help beat up everyone into submission. When the group started to tell their story Erza gave everyone a look and held out two long swords. She was still injured, but no one underestimated her to bring about grave injuries. So they all settled down.
As Lucy talked she felt a surge of pride. A ghostly caress let her know that her mother and father were proud of what she had accomplish. Of course she would have to endure a lot of problems and difficult challenges to learn her new magic. Then she still had to have a private chat with Markov. For right now though, everything was perfect. That was good enough for her.