The Heartfilia mansions are located in the northern part of Fiore; Magnolia, home of Fairy Tail, is located in the south. I, knowing I'd never be able to make the journey on the measly collection of jewels I currently possess, travel one city before stopping at a pawn shop. I had packed all the jewelry I could for this reason. Without hesitation I sell my jewelry for as much as the pawn shop owner and I can agree on. The only other stop I make is to grab food. Finally away from Father's critical eye, I gorge myself on the fattiest foods I can find.
Hungry no more, I make my way to the train station. I purchase a one-way ticket (like I'd ever be coming back here) to Magnolia and sit down to wait. I don't have to wait long, thank the light. Eagerly, I find my way inside and prepare for the journey that will take most of the night. Maybe I should be upset that the sun goes down after an hour or two, it certainly makes it a lot harder to see the countryside through the window. But, the night sky, particularly through less populated regions of the country, captures my attention even more. I trace various constellations against the window, the mystery they once held intensifies, now that I know there is something magical to them. Eventually, my eyes begin to close, and I lean against the window, exhausted, letting sleep capture me, my hand unconsciously clasped around my mother's golden keys.
I wake with a start as the train jerks to a stop. I peek out the window to see the shadowy outline of buildings.
"Welcome to Magnolia Station," the conductor states through the speakers.
I stand, eagerly, grabbing a hold of my bag. I exit the train, looking for the time. It's only 5:30 AM. I groan slightly. I may act like a heathen with my father, but I still have manners. It would be quite rude of me to show up at Fairy Tail so early. So, I decide to wander the streets a little, hoping that nothing too dangerous will happen to me in the process.
I can't help but wonder about the keys around my neck. I'm still not even sure which key is which. Well, except for the one that belongs to Aquarius. I've been having the same dream for years, so I'm happy to say that I can at least recognize hers. But, that doesn't mean I really know how to use it. I make my way through the streets, pausing when I see the canal that is running through the middle of town. I remember mom dipping the key inside our fountain. Carefully, I make my way to the water's edge and pull out my keys. The water level is a lot further down than I thought. I can't afford to get soaked at this time, not having a place to dry off. I wonder if I should abort and look for a fountain or puddle. But, I decide to take my chances, beyond curious about the key.
I lean over the edge, doing my best to balance as I push farther down. The key finally brushes the water and I scramble to remember the words from my dream.
Hoping that I've got the words right, I proclaim, "Open! Gate of the Water Bearer, Aquarius!"
I hold my breath, eyes half closed, when the same golden flash of light and other colors, just as in my dream, form into the mermaid I'd thought was nothing more than overactive imagination.
Aquarius stares at me, eyebrows twitching. At first, I think it's in humor, I probably look absolutely demented. But her voice finally snaps out, "Took you long enough, Brat." I let out a partially relieved, partially nervous laugh as I go to move back up.
However, I find I can't quite get my muscles to work anymore. "Um, help?" I ask, nervously?
Aquarius takes one look at me before muttering, "Useless," under her breath.
She moves forward anyway and pushes me back up the wall, hovering at street level. I catch my breath, staring at her.
"You really are absolutely beautiful," I whisper.
"Flattery won't help you, Brat," She snaps, but I notice the smallest signs of a blush.
"I'm so pleased to finally meet you." I stand up as I say this, brushing myself off. I make sure my bag is still sitting on the street.
"Layla passed the key on years ago, what took you so long? Are you so weak that you couldn't even summon us until now?"
"Mother may have passed the keys on, but they were intercepted by Father. I only just discovered their existence, yesterday." My voice probably sounds more bitter than I intend. "I didn't know you were real, I thought my memories were nothing more than dreams. I'm honestly shocked I remember enough of you to have called you forth. I don't even know who is who," I state pathetically, holding the rest of my keys out.
Aquarius looks at me for a brief moment before snapping out, and pointing to each key in turn, "Capricorn, Gate of the Goat, Cancer, Gate of the Great Crab, and Taurus, Gate of the Golden Bull." I study each key as Aquarius tells me their official titles.
"Do I have to summon them through something related to them, since I use water with you?" I ask, curiously.
Aquarius snorts, "They all wish they were that special. No, I'm the only spirit that has a special circumstance tied to summoning. The rest can be opened anywhere. Although, I guess it would be a hassle if you died. So, for now, don't you dare try summoning more than one gate at a time. And make sure to charge up between summons, if you can. I didn't let Layla pass you on only to be sold to some mediocre pawn shop." I hold back my smile. I can already tell Aquarius is more bark than bite.
"I can't thank you, enough."
"Whatever," she snaps, "I expect you to get better at this soon or I'll never be able to last in a fight." I look at her confused before I notice her body fading into a golden mist.
"Until next time, Aquarius," I whisper after she fades completely.
I lift her key back to the chain and pause as I feel a sort of electric hum in the air. I take my hand off the key, once it's in place, and the hum fades away. The same feeling arises as I touch each key. The way my magic responds to the keys fills me with warmth. I can't help but smile as a tiny piece of the hole in my heart seems to fill.
I make my way through town, once more, pausing in wonder to stare at a tall cathedral near the center of town. It is massive, and completely breathtaking. Especially as the sun begins to rise behind it, toughing its spires with a glow that reflects majestically. I've only been in Magnolia a single hour; but already, I know I am going to love it here, that is, if the headmaster lets me stay.
A nervous ball forms inside of me, gnawing at the corners of my heart. I really hope he lets me stay. I slowly take in notice of the various streets, following them as best as I can. I open up my bag, long enough to double check the address on the envelope. I turn a corner, noticing the street sign. A rush of excitement has me turn expectantly. But, no expectations can match the sight I see before me. I know, instantly, that this is Fairy Tail. It doesn't look like any school I've ever seen, before.
For one thing, it's gigantic. But, instead of being wide, it's tall. Multiple stories extend towards the sky, narrowing slightly as they climb. There is a beautiful gated fence, closing off the area. Picturesque carvings line the sides of the gate, arching upwards into a sign. One reason I knew the place instantly was because the words on the sign state: Fairy Tail Academy, in big, bold letters. I can see a few other buildings behind the main one, one which I can see has a sign on it, reading: Fairy Hills.
I move to the gate, slowly, falling more and more in love with the building each step I take. I don't know what I was expecting, I really don't. But, this is more than the imagination could conjure. I reach the gate and stop. Not sure what to do. I can't see any form of camera or speaker nor are there any form of guards. But, the gate is closed, and I don't know what to do. Figuring it couldn't hurt to reach out and just touch the polished metal, I stretch my fingers out. The second my skin brushes against it an electrical charge fills the air. I jump back, fearing that I've just electrocuted myself. But, the gate merely swings open, as if my touch beckoned it do so.
Biting back the part of me that is scared of getting called a trespasser, I step through. The gate swings shut behind me. Maybe I should be less scared of accusations and more scared of assassinations, I muse, nervously. I step forward, inching towards the massive building in front of me. I climb the few steps to its door and knock. 7:30 AM isn't too early, right? The doors push open, just like the gate, and I peer inside.
The first thing I notice is an aroma. The heavenly scent of bacon, eggs, sausage and pancakes fills the air. My stomach grumbles in hunger. The room is still slightly dim, but I notice tables scattered around the open area of the room. The only real light streaming into the room comes from what appears to be a bar, well a doorway behind a bar. The light trickles over the floor, almost like a pathway meant for me. I glance back around the room, quickly. I notice a curtained area, with a raised platform, a stage? There is also the sign of a staircase at the far end of the room. The room is tall, with the hint of balcony's up above. My nose and eyes return to the pathway of light and I find myself moving forward.
As I get closer I can hear the sizzle of oil on a pan as well as the hum of a woman. "Hello?" I call, tentatively. The humming stops.
"Natsu! I swear, if that's you! You know the rules," The doorway swings open, "Nobody in the great hall until – oh!" A breathtakingly beautiful woman stares at me. She is wearing a long maroon dress, all bows and frills. An apron rests over the front, a few oil splatters marking the otherwise flawless fabric. The woman has long hair, which is a mix between silver and white, with just the tiniest hint of lavender. Her bangs are tied back, freeing up her porcelain face, big blue eyes staring at me in shock. Then she giggles, "You're not Natsu!"
I laugh, nervous and apologetic. "No," I look back behind me, "I didn't mean to barge in, its just the gate and the door, they both were open."
Mira blinks before an even bigger smile lands on her face. "I see. Well, I'm Mirajane Strauss! I'm both the resident cook and Master of Transformation! And, you are?"
"Lucy! Lucy Heart- Lucy." My response is broken up and I decide against giving my full last name.
"Well, Lucy, call me Mira. I imagine you're exhausted from your journey. If you sit down, I'll make you a plate before calling for the headmaster."
"Are you sure? How did you know I traveled to come here?"
She smiles with a small laugh, once more. "Well, besides the fact that you have a bag and look dusty? Nobody gets past the gate who isn't supposed to be here." I open my mouth to question her, but she just beckons me forward. "Sit."
I do as I'm told, not quite understanding what's happening. It's a relief to sit down and after a few moments, an even bigger relief to be eating. Mira brings out a large plate, full of every food my father refuses to let me eat for breakfast. There's also a large mug of Hot Chocolate. I mumble my thanks before greedily digging in to the pile of food on the plate. Mira smiles when I start eating.
"Well, now that the food is cooked, and you are eating, I'll go ahead and inform the master of your arrival. You sit down here and enjoy the food." I nod, mouth full as she begins to walk away. She pauses though, a glint in her eyes. "Just make sure nobody, particularly a pink haired mischief maker, enters the kitchen." And with that, she skips off to find the headmaster.
I continue digging into my plate for a small moment, almost burning my tongue on the hot chocolate. Then, I hear the smallest creak behind me. I turn around, startled. There is a brief flash and somebody's hand is over my mouth, keeping me from speaking. I look upwards, beyond startled. At first all I can see is a pair of tan abs, and a belt buckle. Then, whoever it is in front of me begins to crouch down. I follow the trail of a white scarf as it moves downwards, leading me to the most surprising face I could have imagined.
The boy in front of me has pink hair, not red, not brown, pink. I feel my eyes widen. But, I still can't say anything as the boy continues to cover my mouth. The eyes looking into mine, somewhat confused, are a mix of olive green and black. They may look confused; but overall, they are mostly narrowed in what can only be described as mischief. The scent coming off of the boy is just like the first few seconds after you light a candle, all smoke and char. But, underneath the smoky scent is something husky and warm. And then his mouth opens, revealing a glistening set of teeth, his canines curving down into fangs.
"Shh," he whispers, "I don't know who you are, but stay quiet! If Mira catches us we're dead!" He suddenly grabs my hand and pulls me with him, pausing just long enough to grab some sausage off my plate and cram it into his mouth. He yanks me with him and outside of the building.
"Wait," I try to say, as he pulls me into the morning sun, but he glares back at me, mouth full. I shut my mouth and follow him. He pulls me around to the side of the building before finally stopping.
"Are you trying to get yourself killed? Who even are you?"
"What are you talking about?" I grumble, annoyed. I think of the cocoa waiting for me inside and my mouth waters. "It really isn't your business. But, my name is Lucy and I-"
"Luigi. Got it." I feel my teeth slam shut in frustration. Luigi?! "Well, Luigi, you should know that eating breakfast before everyone else is a capital offense in Mira's book. I don't really know what you were doing, but you're really lucky you aren't dead, right now."
"If it's a capital offense, why were you in there?" I can tell immediately I've hit the nail on the head. A light blush dusts over the boy's cheeks and his hand goes behind his head, sheepishly.
"I was hoping to catch popsicle dick inside." My brows furrow in confusion.
"I don't even want to know what you're talking about. For the record, Mira gave me breakfast as well as strict instructions not to let a 'particular pink haired mischief maker' into the kitchen. You wouldn't happen to know who Mira was referring to, would you?" My voice is dripping with sweet sarcasm at the end. My eyes drift up to his hair, my finger following before I even know what I'm doing, and I lightly tug on the end.
"My hair is not pink!" He suddenly huffs out, pushing my hand away, "It's salmon."
I burst into laughter, "Sure thing, Pinky," I tease him before turning back towards the door. His arms suddenly bolt out, blocking me from moving, trapping me.
"You're not seriously going back in there, are you?" He inquires, eyebrow raised. His body is giving off a strange heat, and I find myself wanting to inch closer.
"Yup! I have a breakfast to finish, after all." I try to push his arm aside, but muscles jump to life in his bicep, refusing to budge. I go to push again, but instead find my fingers curling around his upper arm. So hard, I think, surprised. I look back up at the mysterious boy, trying to hide the approval in my eyes. He's giving me the funniest look. I feel like his eyes are drawing me in, but to where I'm not sure. What were we talking about? I bite my lip, as I so often do when deep in thought, and his eyes follow the action. A hunger suddenly sparks into them and I find myself rooted to the spot. What is happening? I've never felt so, captivated by a look. But as the boy's mouth opens to say something I find myself drawn to the way his lips move. The way his arms stretch out on either side of me excites me, somehow. Instead of feeling panicked, I feel thrilled. I feel the need to move, not away from him but towards him. I'm about to do so when I hear the main door opening.
"Lucy?" Mira calls. I push against the chest in front of me, using our mutual surprise to my advantage. The boy moves backwards, and I push past him to run around to the front. Mira smiles when she sees me, but her face turns to a glare when she sees the boy.
"Natsu! I hope you weren't pestering Lucy!"
"Natsu?" I ask Mira, smiling inside to hear the boys name. "Oh, pinky?" I continue, searching for an excuse, "Nope! I was just doing my job and keeping him out of your kitchen! He is the pink haired mischief maker you referred to, is he not?" I ignore his statements of protest as I move to reenter the building. Mira laughs.
"Oh, that he is!" Mira and I enter the building once more, but she puts a hand out to stop Natsu. "Don't even think about it! You know the rules!" And with that she slams the door in his face. I laugh.
"Why does Luigi get to go in, then?" His muffled complaints reach us.
"Luigi?" Mira asks, eyebrow raised.
"If you ask me, your mischief maker has a few screws loose," I state. Mira just laughs.
"I've no doubt!" She smiles at me before stating, simply, "Master Makarov is waiting on the second floor. If you go up the stairs," she points to the staircase, "and to the right, you'll find his office. You can finish your food once you're done speaking with him. I'll go keep it warm." I nod, gratefully and, after stopping to grab my bag, I walk across the big room to follow her instructions.
I knock on the office, once I find it, and a voice calls from within, "Come in!" I push open the door.
A large desk sits opposite me. However, instead of giving me a feeling of pomp arrogance like my father's study always does, this room is inviting. A small man with a large white mustache gestures to one of two chairs in front of his desk and beckons me sit down. I do so, setting my bag on the second chair.
"My name is Headmaster Dreyar," The man states once I'm seated. "Would you do me the honor of telling me your name?"
I pause for only a second before cautiously whispering, "Lucy. My name is Lucy."
Makarov's eyes widen, and he asks, suddenly, "Heartfilia?" I look up at him and nod, nervously. "So," he begins, "Layla's daughter has finally found her way home." I blink at hearing my mother's name.
"You knew my mother?" I ask, cautiously.
"Indeed, child. Layla was one of my students, many years ago. However, I had almost given up hope that I'd have the opportunity to assist you in the same way." I probably look confused because he continues, "What brings you here, Lucy?"
I reach for my bag and pull his letter from my journal. "This," I answer simply, handing it over to him. He nods at it, not even bothering to pick it up. "I discovered this, yesterday, along with a letter from my late mother. They have been in my father's thieving possession." I pull the necklace from my neck and place it upon the desk, gently. "I had begun to write the few memories of my mother and her keys off as dreams." Makarov looks at me sadly for a moment before nodding, gently.
"They are not dreams, Lucy. You, as your mother before you, are a wizard, a celestial wizard, to be precise. Have you managed to activate any of the keys?" I nod slowly.
"Aquarius, the Water Bearer. I remembered, briefly, a memory of my mother doing the same and summoned Aquarius from the canal this morning." He smiles, pleased.
"As dangerous as it is to attempt magic without guidance, I am pleased to hear you were successful. The Heartfilia women have long had a history of celestial prowess. Although, I am grieved to hear of your father keeping your mother's legacy from you."
"As was I," I agree, simply.
"Only those with magical blood can enter the grounds, here at Fairy Tail Academy. There are wards surrounding the entire complex. Furthermore, only those who have been invited may pass through the gate. I have long hoped you would find your way to us. I promised your mother you would always be welcome here, hence the invitation in your letter."
I nod, grateful. "What is this place, Master Makarov?"
He smiles, "This, my dear, is Fairy Tail Academy, more commonly referred to as just Fairy Tail. Here, students of magic can come and learn from the best, both how to increase their magic and defend against that which would harm them. Most students begin their studies at fifteen. But, if my knowledge is correct, you are now seventeen, are you not?"
"And a day," I nod, smiling.
"As I thought. Well, your age would place you with the third years but your experience with the first years. It doesn't seem right to hold you here until your 20th birthday. But I don't want you to be overwhelmed by the studies."
"Wait, so you're going to let me stay?" I don't mean to interrupt him, but my voice blurts out.
"Of course, Lucy. This is where you belong. Unless, that is, you'd rather not?"
"Of course not! I'd love to stay! And if it's a matter of studying, I promise I'll work hard! I've been home schooled for the last several years but managed to stay on top of each topic. I know how to push myself!" My words are tumbling from my lips, excitement bubbling up at the thought that I might not be kicked out, just yet.
"Well then," Makarov states with a smile, "Let's start you off with the third years. If it becomes too much to handle we can always pull you back. And, I'm sure we can arrange an extra class to help you learn the basics. Furthermore," he pauses, turning behind him to grab a couple of books from his shelf, "If you're as good at self-teaching as you say, you may use these books to teach you some basic knowledge." He hands me the books and I take them, eagerly.
Makarov looks to his clock. "8:45, good. Breakfast will begin in fifteen minutes. When everyone is ready to eat, we'll do some quick introductions, and I'll arrange for a tour with a few of our students so that you can learn the ropes. Once I've had a chance to speak with some of the teachers and consult with Mira, we will be sure to inform you of your daily schedule. Now, off with you." He smiles at me, warmly. "Oh, and Lucy," he states when I reach the door, "Welcome to Fairy Tail."
Wow! Two chapters in one day! I'm having a rare day of intense creative juices, with a surprising amount of free time to explore! Who knows, If I keep this up, you may even get THREE chapters, today!
ALSO! Shoutout to Galp and Morenoel! Reviews make my heart happy, and a happy me means I'll probably feel like writing. You got your Natsu introduction, Galp! He's also my favorite of all time. Like, if any fictional character could be real and in my life I would pick Natsu, hands down, every time. But then, I'd actually probably hate my life because I would just WANT him…. But I love NALU so much that I don't think I could ever act on it because I'd feel like I'm betraying Lucy.
Anyways, Thanks for liking my story, guys! I'm excited to keep writing!
~ M