FATE
Summary: Fate brought them together and Fate gave them happiness. But Fate just had to be cruel and take the girl away, seperating them. Still, the girl comes back. How will she survive against the game of Fate?
Main Pairing: StiCy (a bit slow -_-)
Rating: T for SafeT and Character Death
Genre: Romance, Drama, Humor, Hurt/Comfort
DISCLAIMER: Fairy Tail is the property of Hiro Mashima.
How long has it been since the last update? -_-
Ugh. Nevermind. -_- It's been TOO long, and I'm really REALLY sorry. To be honest, I was kinda disappointed because the reviews went a little...low. Maybe it's because of me and my slow-ness? =3 I'm sorry. Really.
This story's also being published in Wattpad. And I didn't realize that the ffnet version is outdated. I'm sorry.
Okay, I'm starting to sound desperate here...
Anyway, here is the next chapter :) Hope you guys would still enjoy :)
This chapter is unedited. Watch out for mistakes. .
Chapter 10: Preparation and Training
"This would be a great opportunity to cool off, to enjoy... And move on."
Previously in Fate...
"Lucy has touched our lives, our hearts, and left a fingerprint that would never heal."
"We would join this year's Grand Magic Games."
"It's about Lucy."
"She doesn't know what her life was about, who she really was apart from her name, who her family was, who her friends was, and how she'll remember all those. And I, her Master, had nearly neglected it."
"It's my duty, as the Guild Master, to protect and care for the wellbeing of my guild."
"Then I'll support you with all I've got, Milady."
"...Time will wait and time will come. Be patient, Gabriel. As horrible as Fate can be, it will find a way to fix its own problem."
- ~ ~ ~ -
Somewhere in Galdmiore, Fiore
December X791
Lucy's POV
"Shante, where are we?" I asked the raven-haired girl walking ahead of me. Minutes ago we were still in the city proper, but then she had made a turn and went into the forest.
Shante looked behind to face me, a cheerful smile plastered on her face. "We're heading somewhere to train."
"Well... That I know, but... Here in the deep parts of the forest?" I asked, not really wanting to train in this dark place. Shante just giggled and continued on. I sighed. Guess I have no choice, then...
The tree leaves rustled as a cold breeze blew. I looked up at the sky. Winter is near. Here in this parts of Fiore, winter comes a little late, which is why it hasn't even snowed yet until now.
Speaking of winter...
"Ne Shante, how do you guys celebrate Christmas?"
Shante stopped walking and turned to face me. She paused for a bit, before answering with an apologetic smile, "Sorry Lucino-chan. We won't be attending the Christmas party at the guild this year because of some...conditions."
My expression saddened. "That's...too bad, then. I was kinda looking forward to it, since it's my first Christmas here you know," I said with a small smile.
"Sorry..."
"It's alright..."
We continued to walk on, in silence. Minutes later, we arrived at a small clearing with a small wooden podium. On the podium, there was a white altar with a strange crystal ball. There was a golden plate with the words "Magicum Diorama Spheres" inscribed on it.
"We're here," I heard Shante say. Here?
"What do you mean?" I questioned.
"Well, we're going to train here for the rest of the 6 months."
My jaw dropped. "EHHHH?!"
Shante sweatdropped. "E-ehehehe..." she chuckled.
Suddenly, bright light enveloped our surroundings and a magic circle appeared below our feet. The crystal ball glowed brightly, momentarily blinding me as I shielded my eyes away from the light...
When the light disappeared, I slowly put down my arm, letting my eyes adjust to my surroundings. Where are we? I thought as I scanned the environment.
I was standing in the middle of a huge and beautiful - scratch that, magnificent garden. Flowers surrounded us and pillars and arcs with intricate designs could be seen here and there. There was a fountain with crystal blue water not far from us.
"Welcome to Lavender Palace, Lucy," I heard Shantel say. She called me Lucy so I guess there's no one else here except for the two of us.
"Lavender Palace?" I questioned. She nodded.
"It's a magical villa-slash-dimension owned and created by The Guardians," she explained. "In here, one day would be an hour in the outside world. And two years here would approximately be a month outside. No need to calculate it to make sure. It would just make you more confused."
"I see..." I muttered, then it struck me. "Wait, then you mean we're going to stay here for 6 months?!...for the outside world I mean. But that's not my point. We're going to stay here for like, 12 years!?" I exclaimed. I certainly do not want to be 12 years older than the rest by the time I enter the GMGs!
"Chill, Lucy. I knew you'll react that way," Shante chuckled and sweatdropped. "The way time flows here won't affect your age. Unless you stay here for a really long time, you know. Like, a really long time. Your age here remains the same as how you should be outside."
I breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness."
Shante giggled. "Anyway, let's get started with the training. Follow me."
I nodded and followed her as she led the way out of the maze of flowers. Along the way, I marveled at the colorful flowers and took in their wonderful smell. There were red, blue, yellow, and white roses; colorful daisies and lilies; yellow and orange marigold... I can't help but stare at their colors in awe. Wait, what's that? I think I saw a jewel inside that flower...
"Ne, Lucy..." Shante suddenly said.
A bit surprised, I gasped inaudibly before facing Shante who had her head turned towards me. "W-what?"
"How much have you remembered?" she asked.
I squinted and thought about it. "I...think I remembered some more..." I mumbled. I saw Shante's expression change into a somewhat interested one.
"And?"
"I remember waking up in a heavenly world and meeting my parents," I continued. Shante stopped in her tracks and turned around towards me. I took it as a sign for me continue.
"My parents took me to a lake, and showed me some vague... images, though I don't really remember what they looked like. Then I saw this man who looked like an angel in the middle of the lake. I think I can remember his words..."
"What did he say?" Shante inquired.
I massaged my temples, trying to recall the exact words.
"You seem to still have regrets and important connections in the living world. Therefore, you are not yet supposed to be here."
"You still haven't moved on in life, and I am here to help you. I've heard your heart's pleas and cries. You long to be with your friends and your loved ones. You wish for it."
"I give you two choices: Stay here with your family, or Go back to the living world."
"When you die and still have regrets, I apologize, but we wouldn't be able to help you anymore. "
I told Shante all the words I could remember. I watched as Shante's expression twisted, deep in thought. She closed her eyes and after what seemed like hours to me, she opened them.
"I think it's safe to assume that," she paused as she looked directly into my eyes. "You had died some time ago." Her conclusion made me gulp. I had a feeling it was like that, but to have it confirmed by someone else was another thing. "And you were just recently resurrected."
Again... I gulped.
"Can you remember how you died?"
I shook my head.
"Anything before you died?"
Once again, I shook my head. She sighed.
"At least we've got new information. I'll notify the master after today's training," she said. Then she turned on her heel and gestured for me to follow.
"For now, let's continue on our training."
Fairy Tail, Magnolia, Fiore
March X792
Sting's POV
"BRATS!"
A loud voice was heard throughout the guild and everyone stopped whatever they were doing. I silently looked up to the second floor balcony and looked attentively at Master Makarov.
"We're going to join the Games again this year, brats!" The Master shouted from his place up in the second floor. The guild whooped with cheers... but to me it still lacked its usual vibe. Is he doing this to help us move on? I thought. I sighed inwardly. I guess it'll be fine. I need the treatment.
"Who's participating this year, Master?" I asked from my place, looking up at him.
The Master looked down at me and offered a thin smile. He coughed to call everyone's attention. Immediately, everyone looked at him, anticipating the names of Fairy Tail's contestants for this year.
"Natsu Dragneel."
"Alright!" I heard Salamander shout. No surprise there. It's only natural he'll be one of the contestants. After all, he's the Great Salamander. Fairy Tail wouldn't be complete without him.
Or her, my mind spoke.
I shook my head, trying to regain my focus.
"Erza Scarlet."
The guild whooped with cheers. Again, no surprise there. Of course the Titania would be called.
Meanwhile, Erza calmly nodded and thanked the Master for choosing her for the team again this year.
"Gray Fullbuster."
Of course. When Natsu's present, he should be, too.
"Rogue Cheney."
Rogue's in, too? Well, I shouldn't be surprised. The both of us are among the strongest in the guild after all. And since he's in, then there's no doubt that I'd be in, too.
"And Sting Eucliffe."
I sighed and smiled thinly. Great. I'm in it! This would be a great opportunity to cool off, to enjoy...
And move on.
"Wendy Marvel, you'll be the reserve for the team."
A squeak was heard coming from the young Dragon Slayer maiden. She pointed hesitantly at herself. "M-me?" she stuttered.
The Master smiled down at her. "Yes," he answered soothingly. "Who else?"
Wendy smiled up at him. "T-then..." She clenched her fists, determined. "I-I'll try my best!"
Master Makarov grinned at her, then faced the rest of Team Fairy Tail - of course, including me. "You all have 4 months to train and prepare for the Games. I bid you all good luck," he said as he smiled at each of us. Then he grinned widely before adding, "Don't do anything reckless! Especially you, Natsu!"
"I'm all fired up!"
Another cough from the Master caught our attention once again - well, most of us, that is. Salamander's too enthusiastic and fired up he didn't hear him. The Master only ignored his shouts and proceeded on to his next announcement.
"There would be a Team B again this year," was what he said.
"Geehee," someone snickered. I turned my head to face Gajeel who was sneering. I guess he's confident he's going to be a part of Team B.
Which was a fact, for right after that, the Master started announcing the members of Team B and he was the first one mentioned.
"Gajeel Redfox."
"Prepare for your defeat, Salamander," Gajeel immediately sneered at Natsu.
Natsu flamed. "What did you say, Ironman?!"
"Clean your ears, Flamebrain!"
A loud cough quickly stopped the two from arguing any further. "The second member is Laxus Dreyar."
Cheers filled the hall as Laxus respectfully nodded his head at his grandfather, who nodded back in return.
"Mirajane Strauss."
The barmaid stopped wiping the bar counters and flashed a big smile as her fellow guildmates' cheers went louder. Some (or maybe, most) of the men even whistled and whooped in glee.
"Juvia Locker."
The clapping and cheers continued. Even though she was called, the blue-haired rainwoman still stared at her Gray-sama with hearts in her eyes, ignoring all other sounds.
"Cana Alberona."
"Cheers!" the brown-haired drunk beauty whooped as she drank another barrel of wine. Macao and the rest cheered her on and patted her back to congratulate her.
Cana flashed a grin to her master and gave him a big thumbs up.
"Finally, as our reserve member, Mystogan."
As the cheering still continued, I could hear a few whispers going around.
"Wait, he's actually still here?"
"What's he doing here?"
And things like that.
"Well, I decided to keep him here in our guild for now, just in case - you know, things happen," Master explained. I have no idea where he's trying to get at, but I decided to ignore it anyway. "Now, you brats have at least 4 months left to train your butts off for the Games. Get a grip and don't do anything reckless! But most of all...
"Have fun!" he boomed throughout the hall.
The guild bursted out with loud cheers and continued on to their party business, filling up the air with chattering about the upcoming Games. After Rogue and I had a short chit-chat with the rest of the participants, we decided to take our leave.
"Oh, out training so early?" Gajeel sneered as he watched us start to head out the guild.
I gave him a smirk. "Yeah, because as you can see," I paused to point at Salamander who, by now, was already carrying a gigantic hiking bag. "I don't want to be left behind by Dragneel."
He chuckled at my remark and gave Rogue a pat on the shoulder. "Alright, ya guys make sure you could beat the Salamander when you get back. Geehee."
Rogue gave him a tiny smile before nodding. I gave him another one of my famous smirks. "Roger that."
Shante's Diorama Spheres: Lavender Palace
June X792
Lucy's POV
After approximately 11 years of training here in Shante's alternate dimension, I have finally accomplished my training. Of course, even though I know it hasn't been that long in the outside world, I really miss all of my friends. Since 2 years equal 1 month, I guess it hasn't even been 6 months in the outside world since I left to train with Shante.
During this years, Shante has helped me to master my Celestial Spirit Magic. As a result, I am now finally able to summon three to five of my spirits at once while only consuming half of my magic power. The training was harsh, but Shante's methods worked and it all became worth it.
Shante also taught me Star Magic, the magic Yui Aldernaie of the Big 3 uses. Star Magic allows me to move and attack like a shooting star or a comet, or even like a meteor. The major spells are also named after constellations. Like for example, in Starfall: Auriga, small yellow orbs or 'stars' would form a chariot in mid-air and would shoot at the enemy in fast speeds. Another one would be Starfall: Phoenix in which a yellow phoenix would be formed out of the light from the 'stars' and it would follow every movement and attack I make as I move around.
Another magic she taught me is Celestial Spirit Power Channeling Magic. This unique power permits me to use the power of my Celestial Spirits, like Leo's Radiance and Virgo's Earth Magic. This power has downsides, though. It has a long incantation process and can only be accessible if I enter Astral Guardian Mode.
Oh yes, Astral Guardian Mode. It is the power given to me by Master Sakura herself. Master said each Guardian has a unique Guardian Mode exclusive to him or her. As an example, she told me Anna's Mode is the Crystal Guardian Mode (she said Anna never actually used it yet, and I wasn't surprised because I don't think Anna would need it that bad). While in this Mode, I am given access to use all my magic at once, as well as have access to the Guardian Arts - a special Guardian-exclusive kind of Magic developed by Sakura and the rest of the founders of The Guardians, along with Shante. It includes Blade Arts, Combat Arts, Secret Arts, and more.
I don't feel like delving deeper into that, because I'm afraid it will take me a lot of time to do that.
So anyway, here I am trying to take a breather as I rested on a bench by the seaside (yes, Shante's dimension has a beach; cool, right?). I glanced to my right to see Shante standing in her place without even breaking a sweat. I shouldn't be suprised since I've been with her for - what? - 11 years already but I can't help but wonder, where did she get all her strength, stamina, and energy from? Not to mention she knows A LOT about Magic.
"Come on, Lucy. We haven't got all day~!" she called out to me in a sing-song voice. "This is our final spar in our training and after this, we're freee!"
I inhaled and then exhaled carefully before standing up and walking back to my place. I saw Master Sakura smiling at me and giving me a thumbs up of approval. She's here to supervise my last days of training and is currently acting as the coach for this small spar.
As Shante and I got ready, Master Sakura gave the signal and the match starts once again. Sounds of magic exploding and clashing here and there filled the whole area. The whole time I used my Star Magic to move around the field as fast as I could, but Shante would always read my movements and get ahead of me.
As the battle drew to a close, I gathered the remaining ounce of strength I've got and readied my last spell.
"Meteor Shower!"
Huge balls of light showered upon the air, lightening up the field with its explosions. Moments ticked by and I waited for the lights to diminish. It was when I saw Shante standing in the midst of the explosion site, damaged with only a few scratches in her body and covering her face with both of her arms, when my eyes widened. You're kidding me...
A clap took me back to my senses and I looked to my left to see Master Sakura walking towards me with a smile painted on her face. "That was a good fight you put up, Lucy. I'm impressed, considering you're up to the Ace of the Guardians," she said.
Wait. What?!
My eyes widened. "Shante was the ACE?!" I practically shouted as I pointed at Shante who was jogging un-tiredly to us.
"What's the matter?" she asked innocently with an eyebrow raised.
I facepalmed and sighed. "Shante, all these years you never told me that my trainer - which is you, obviously - was the Guardian Ace."
Shante let out an awkward laugh. "Well, I didn't see any reason why I had to bring it up," she started. "And I thought it might make you uncomfortable if you started worrying about it. It could get problematic, you know."
I just sighed.
Master Sakura laughed softly. "Alright that's enough," she said, stopping me from complaining any further. "Anyway, it was decided that whoever falls to the ground in the duel loses and since no one fell, then I guess this spar ends with a draw."
By now I'm too tired to even be amazed that I managed to have a draw against the Ace. I huffed a tired breath and fell down to the sand. I glanced up at Shante who was smiling at me. It was obvious that she didn't use up much of her magic, maybe not even half.
I shook my head and let a smile graze my lips. Guess I still have a long way to go...
...
Next time on Fate...
"Come one, come all! Welcome to the elimination round of the Grand Magic Games!" The announcer with the weird sunflower mask's voice can be heard throughout the city. I looked up at his giant hologram and waited for him to continue.
"And for this round, we have this!" With one wave of his wrist, a huge spherical globe of blue appeared in mid-air, tied to the ground with large silver chains.
"Welcome, Mages, to the 'Colossal Aquarium!'"
(A/N)
Sorry for the short and boring chapter ;_; I meant it to be something like a prologue to the main part of this storyline: the encounters in the Games~! xD But anyway, I'd like you guys to read this:
PLEASE READ. DON'T SKIP.
1.) I'll be creating a poll about this story in my profile. Please check it out c: It will help me out a lot. ^^
2.) And this one is IMPORTANT. Can anyone please be kind enough to help me and tell me the score distribution for the Games? Like how many points a team gets when they get first place, second place, third place, and so on? I know about the Battle and Tag Team portion already, but I just can't remember in the Competition/Contest part ,
3.) AND. To check if people are still interested in this story, I won't post the next part until I get at least 3 reviews for this part. c:
Alright, that's all I guess ^^
Thank you for reading and I'd appreciate it if you don't forget to leave a comment :)) See ya in the next update ^^/