A/N: Hey guys, sorry for this being a late upload (for me anyways!) Had a serious block on what to write, but I pushed my way past it. I'll be updating again tomorrow in the afternoon or the evening, so keep a close eye out for me. :) Enjoy! xx

One Week Later

Lucy's POV

I sighed in happiness as I took a deep swallow from Mira's strawberry milkshake she'd handed me as I'd entered the guild hall and slumped at the bar. I was exhausted after the weeks travelling and trying to think of how I was going to find the key of the Phoenix. This was going to be harder than I'd originally thought.

I smiled as I remembered all the fun I'd had with the Raijinshuu over the past few weeks. I'd seen a side to them all that I had the feeling they rarely showed to anyone, and found myself loving them as much as I did Team Natsu.

I'd given Freed and Ever permission to visit the Konzern whenever they liked, on the condition that they helped out Julia while they visited. I had the feeling out of the Raijinshuu and Laxus, they'd be the ones to visit the most, Freed especially now he'd had a taste of my book collection.

I laughed slightly as I remembered his face as Laxus was forced to drag him away from the library. He looked like a puppy who'd lost his favourite bone after being scolded for something. I felt so sorry for him that I said he could take some of the books he really wanted home with him, but told him he'd have to carry them all.

We'd nearly missed the train because of the bulging rucksack that he'd strapped to his back slowing him down.

Either way, I was finally home, and didn't have to worry about rent for once! My cut of the mission reward was just over 200,000 jewels, so I was definitely covered for two months rent, with some money spare.

I began to calculate how much would be left after paying off the most urgent bill at the orphanage, and sighed at the meagre figure I reached in my mind.

'Looks like you'll be eating at the guild on tab for a while Lucy.' I mumbled to myself, dragging my body away from the bar and sitting in a corner of the guild.

I was finally fully recovered from my use of Urano Metria. Apart from that time when I'd cast it against Oracian Seis, I hadn't cast it by myself successfully. What most people don't realise is that the stronger my magic capabilities get, the harder it is to control Urano Metria's drain on my power. It's like I was a huge battery, and casting the spell was the switch, but I was unable to fully control the flow of energy into the spell, so it took more of a toll than I'd expected it to on my body.

I smiled, grateful I could now use magic after a week of pleading with Laxus to give me my keys back, and called Loke forth for an update on goings on in the spirit realm.

'Loke, how is he?' I whispered to my clearly exhausted friend. Loke looked up at me from where he'd appeared sitting beside me at the guild table with tired and blood shot eyes.

'Not good Lucy. We've done ok supplying him with power for the moment, but it's beginning to drain us. We just can't do much else-' I pulled him into a hug, holding him tightly till his arms encircled me, then he pulled away, smiling gratefully.

'Sorry Luce- I just-' I smiled sadly at him as I played with my cool milkshake, watching as a bead of condensation made it's jagged journey down the outside of the glass.

'Don't you worry. I'll help fix this, I promise.' I looked up into his eyes, determined. He stared at me for a moment, before nodding slowly.

'I'm going to have to summon Crux, but not for too long.' He nodded his consent.

'I can take his place for a while, or Virgo.' I smiled before he disappeared. I quickly finished my milkshake, before sneaking into the guild library. No one except me and Levy and possibly Freed ever came down here, but Levy was out on a mission, and Freed was at home unpacking still.

"Open! Gate of the Southern Cross! Crux!" I watched as through a poof of smoke, Grandpa Crux appeared, sleeping.

'Gramps!' I shouted, waking him up.

'Ah, Lucy-sama. What can I do for you today?' He coughed, smiling at me.

'Grandpa Crux, I need to know if there is a way I can find a particular key using a celestial spell. You know what's going on, and I think I can save him, but I need this key.' He frowned, before nodding, and closing his eyes, seeming to fall asleep again, when in actuality he was searching through his archives of knowledge for the information I'd requested. I sat down, tired suddenly, waiting for him to come up with the information.

Freed's POV

I'd used the back entrance to exit the guild, wanting to find a particular book in the library about celestial magic I'd seen a few months ago, but not wanting Mira to question me and hold me up. I had a lot of reading to do if I wanted to be of any use to Lucy.

I stayed silent as I heard someone enter the library, and pressed myself against the shelf so they wouldn't see me in the dim light.

I frowned as Lucy ran past, glancing behind her to ensure no one had followed.

Curious, I dodged between the bookshelves till I stood close to where she had sat.

'Grandpa Crux, I need to know if there is a way I can find a particular key using a celestial spell. You know what's going on, and I think I can save him, but I need this key.' I frowned, listening intently to what sounded like snoring. I heard her sigh as she sat down, waiting. I glanced between the books to see what I assumed to be a celestial spirit floating in the air, snoozing after Lucy had asked him something. I glanced towards her, to see her unconcerned and waiting as she fiddled with her hair.

'KYAAAH!' The spirit screamed suddenly, wide awake, surprising me. Somehow, I managed to not let out a yelp as I stumbled backwards, and listened intently to what he said.

'There is such a spell Lucy-sama, but it can be exhausting and very dangerous depending on how far away the key is.' I frowned as I listened to the old spirit speak.

'You need to know that this spell is a branch off from Urano Metria, and under any other circumstances, you would require the Spirit King's direct approval to learn it. Considering it is required to save his life, I will tell you.'

The Spirit King? I frowned, before remembering a mention of him in one of the books I'd read. I swore softly beneath my breath, finally realising the severity of the situation the spirit world was in, but started to listen once again to see if I could hear the spell. I frowned as I saw Lucy nodding knowledgeably, and realised the spirit had used telepathy to tell her it.

I silently left the library to report to Laxus. Our celestial mage was in need of our help, even if she didn't know it yet.

Lucy's POV

I thanked Crux, and sent him back to the spirit world, frowning. This spell was going to be difficult to pull off.

I walked out of the library, and absent-mindedly waved to Mira as I walked upstairs towards Master's office. I could feel her concerned gaze follow me, but quickly entered his office, thankful Laxus wasn't seated at the other desk in the shared room. I smiled slightly at the sight of two huge piles of paperwork waiting for Sparky when he got back from unpacking and relaxing at home.

'What is it Lucy?' Master Makarov asked, concerned. I smiled as I sat down in front of his desk.

'Nothing's wrong Master, I just have a small request. Could I go to Tenroujima for a few days?' Master frowned at me, suspicious.

'Why do you wish to go there?' It hurt to lie to Master, but I knew I couldn't tell him the true reason, and smiled through the lie.

'On the job with Laxus and the Raijinshuu, I cast Urano Metria by myself, and I want to go and absorb as much magic from Tenroujima as I can to restore and strengthen my magic levels. They've been a bit shaky since.' I winced as his face bent into concern at the half-truth.

'Of course Lucy, Tenroujima is an island for Fairy Tail.' I heard Master Mavis's voice speak from behind me, and I turned to smile at her.

'Well, if First thinks it's ok, I suppose you can go.' Master smiled, before smirking evilly at me.

'However, upon your return, I require your help with some paperwork.' I looked at the towers of papers that covered most of the office floor and took up both sides of Laxus's and Master's desks. Grimacing slightly, I nodded my agreement as I felt a small hand land on my shoulder.

'Well, I'll be taking Lucy now then.' I heard Master Mavis say, and suddenly, I felt a harsh tug against my stomach, and it felt like I'd dropped through the floor.

I grunted as I landed on the sandy beach of Tenroujima, and thanks Master Mavis as I stood and brushed off my skirt. She smiled at me, before turning and skipping away. I turned and started to try and find a comfortable place to meditate, when I heard her voice call back to me.

'It'll take you three days to absorb the magic required for that spell Lucy. The most concentrated magic is at the centre of the island, inside the giant tree. Good luck!' I span and stared towards where she'd disappeared to, before turning to make my way through the dense forest, following a clear path towards the centre of the isle.

Bickslow's POV

'SHE WHAT?' I heard Laxus shout from Master's office, and turned to stare at the door, worried as to what had happened to Lucy.

Freed had ran to Laxus, and he'd thought projected both myself and Evergreen the conversation where Freed told us about Lucy learning some crazy spell off a spirit who'd said there was some risk involved in her casting it.

I felt my hand tighten around the glass of scotch, before I downed it, muttering to myself.

'Where the fuck are you cosplayer?' Ever sat beside me, sniffling to herself, somehow managing to hold back tears behind that famous snobbish mask she wore.

Though I physically covered my face, all other members of the Raijinshuu had their own invisible masks, and Lucy had stripped all of us of our false identities faster than we could build them back up.

Freed was desperately searching through a pile of books on celestial magic, and had even went and asked Levy for all of her books on the subject; which had been very few.

Laxus suddenly stormed out of the office, lightning sparking dangerously around his body and Master followed behind, a worried expression plastered on his face.

'Laxus, what happened? Where's Lucy?' Ever asked, her nervousness breaking through her facade of calm. We all had risen to our feet at the sight of Laxus's angry and worried face.

'She's gone to Tenroujima to gather magic for this damned spell.' Master looked grim as Laxus said this, his face serious.

The rest of the guild seemed to sense the mood from upstairs, as it was silent down there.

'She'll be fine.' We turned to see Master Mavis sitting on the balcony railing, her bare feet swinging as she smiled at us.

'Master, if this key is on the opposite side of the world, then she could be in serious trouble of using her magic supplies.-' Freed began, but was cut off at a raised hand from First.

'That is why she has gone to Tenroujima. She is filling, and over filling, her magical container. By meditating constantly in the centre of the isle, she'll have a near constant supply of magical energy even while performing the spell.' I relaxed slightly at First's reassurance, but still felt a pull deep within my guts at the thought of cosplayer out there alone.

'She can't summon any spirits though Master! How will she protect herself from the monsters on Tenroujima without them?' Ever reminded us. Mavis smiled gently at her as she explained.

'I created a protected path for her which will lead her straight to the centre of the island. None of the creatures on Tenroujima can stand the high levels of magical energy there. I'd be surprised if Lucy could make it t the exact centre. It's difficult to walk through that much magical pressure.'

I felt us all relax at being assured of her safety.

'You must all understand, what is happening is beyond the realm of your understanding. No matter how many books you read, or how worried you are, she will still do what she must for her spirits, and the spirit world.' We stared at Master Mavis, the building silent as everyone had now found out, our celestial mage was in a spot of trouble.

'Master, Freed overheard one of her spirits say the spirit king is unwell. Is that true?' Laxus asked, his arms tightly clenched into fists by his sides.

'I can't say Laxus. You know too much already. Know much more, and Lucy will have consequences to pay from the Celestial Council. Stop, and trust in her and her abilities. She is far stronger than even Freed realises.' She giggled, before disappearing.

'MASTER! WHERE IS LUCY?' We all heard Demon Mira scream in her Satan Soul form, and the Master visibly paled, before turning to face the furious take over mage.

I sat down heavily, pulling my mask off my head and pushing my hood back, rubbing a hand through my hair.

My babies sat quietly on the table, shuffling only slightly in response to my fluctuating mood, and their own worry. They seemed to love cosplayer as much as I did.

Stay safe, Lucy.