Chapter Two : The Search Begins

Three days have passed since Lucy decided to run away. This isn't a good start, she thought, I've been walking for ages and for two nights I have slept on the road! I'm almost out of food and my feet are killing me! She kept to her complaints while putting one foot in front of the other until on the horizon she finally spotted a town. Thank goodness! Lucy raced forward and with a smile on her face for the first time in a while, she walked chin up through... well, wherever she was. She did have a plan of course. She had thought a bit on her journey and formulated the perfect adventure.
I will be a stronger wizard with more allies by my side. If I find more gate keys I can contract myself with the celestial spirits that can pass through the gate that key opens. Bero was an awesome teacher, I know so much about the spiritual world and the contracts that keep me bound to the spirits. Oh stop that Lucy you're thinking about them again! I know I never said goodbye they are probably worried sick, and it is all my fault. No, Lucy get it together!
As Lucy slapped herself in the midst of the sidewalk, passing residents stared her down.
"What is with that girl?", an elderly woman questioned.
"Mother, why is that lady hitting herself in the face? Doesn't that hurt?", a young boy tugged on his mother's dress.
"Hey man check out that girl, she's kinda cute"
"Yea, but I'd stay away from the crazy ones bro", the men laughed. Lucy had never felt such embarrassment before, and quickly stood up straight, fixed her clothes and claimed a bug was flying around her. The people went about. That was a new experience, Lucy sighed, shrugged and walked it off.
Now, where could I find a magic shop? There has to be some gate keys there, I wonder which ones? I know I already have two golden zodiac keys, they are my strongest. I received Cancer from my mother, in her will. Aquarius as well but... she gives me chills! She is so strong and powerful and I am lucky to have her key, but I wish that she would forgive me for dropping it. It was only once and we weren't even contracted yet... geez I was only nine years old too. Mother was an amazing wizard from what I remember. Aquarius doesn't like me that much, and I a not sure if it really was the dropping incident. Maybe she just wasn't as accepting of me as Cancer is.
Lucy walked throughout the town, asking for directions to a magic shop. She found it after what seemed like forever and ventured into the double doors labeled Fiore's Finest. The shop was full of crowded shelves and colorful items, which all appeared to sparkle in the setting sun. A frail looking elderly woman sat hunch over the counter, asleep.
"Excuse me Miss?", darn a woman! Looks like no discounts for me, I totally had a plan to get cheaper merchandise. The lady remained snoring. Oh geez. Guess I will take a look around and try again if I find anything.
Avoiding fallen items and stepping over strange things scattered over the floor, Lucy examined the stocked shelves. She found colors magic, some holder type ring magic and an entire section devoted to cards magic. The back wall was littered with armor and swords of all types and sizes. I thought this was a wizard shop not an armory, Lucy thought to herself.
"You don't look like much of a wizard girlie". the small voice behind her made Lucy jump.
"AHH! Oh, wait aren't you the shopkeeper?". She calmed down in time for the old woman to answer.
"Who else would I be, young traveler?". The woman gave a smirk and continued. "So whatca looking for sweetie, a gift?". Lucy was offended, yet tried to remain polite.
"Actually I am a wizard ma'am, I am a celestial wizard!". Lucy was proud to have her mother's talent.
"Is that so? Well, lucky me I've caught one". The woman's eyes sunk further into her wrinkled face, and her kindly appearance tore apart. With her disguise gone Lucy stood stunned at the menacing middle aged woman in front of her. She was so scared, What does she mean captured? What is this? What have I stumbled into!?