Celestial Spirit World

Lucy's POV:

Blinking to clear my vision, I looked around at the splendor that was the spirit world. The colorful stars, planets and crystals in contrast to the dark blue space.

Remembering the first time I was here: we had gone to a resort to train for three months. After being tricked by Virgo to come here, we spent the day celebrating our return from our 7 year skip. Only to find out that one day here is equal to three months on earthland.

Spying movement to my left, I spotted Plue and the other Nicolas, as well as other spirits I didn't know, crowded around.

Confused by their actions, I look around, surprised to find not only mine, but Yukino's spirits, as well as the thirteenth key, bowing towards me.

Even more confused, I look behind me to find the Spirit King there.

Spinning around I greeted him with a confused smile, "Ohayo (hello) Mustache Man! You requested me?"

"Ohayo, Old Friend. I have called you here to answer a question I have." He replied, stroking his giant mustache. "Why is it that you have yet to call upon the zodiacs since the Eclipse Project? Have they done something to warrant this neglect?"

Shocked I jumped forward, shaking my head and arms frantically and yelled out, "No no no! They didn't do anything wrong! I-I just. . ." I stop as I look down in shame.

"You just what, Old friend?" He inquired, seeming puzzled.

Fidgeting in discomfort at saying this out loud in front of everyone, I look at my feet.

" W-well. I've been feeling very insecure. . . not in magic, of course, but I don't feel as confident in myself anymore. I don't want to always have to rely on someone else. I want to become stronger so that I can protect my friends, just as they do for me."

As I said this, in the corner or my eye, I saw my spirits and friends smiling at me in pride. Looking back up, the Spirit King was smiling as well. Kneeling down, he reached out his hand, gesturing me forward.

Feeling confused again, I stopped in front of him. I smile, not sure what is going to happen.

"Old Friend. Lucy Heartfilia. Family to the Zodiacs and spirits. You have proven yourself to be strong in many ways, not only in mind and body, but in spirit as well. You bring pride to the title of Celestial Spirit Mage. I have seen your determination when you nearly sacrificed your life to bring Leo back to us. Your perseverance in fighting for Aries and Scorpio is unparalleled. The loyalty to your friends and never using them as tools is strong. The capacity of your heart is endless for you forgive those who try to right their wrongs."

Hearing this made me look down, blushing in embarrassment and pride. Everyone chuckled, making me even redder.

Suddenly Mustache Man let out a loud whistle.

"Old Friend. I have called for you a teacher. She has been wanting to meet you for quite some time. You will be training with her, as well as all of us, to become stronger. As you wished."

Confused, I looked around in time to see everyone closing their eyes. It was completely silent but for the sound of breathing. Then I could hear what, to me, sounded like wings, beating at the air. Then there was a loud screeching roar, that I recognized instantly.

Snapping my eyes up in shock, I looked up into the golden eyes of a dragon, as it landed in front of me. The wind tearing at my hair and clothes as I sunk to my knees.

"Nani? (What?)"

Then everything went black as I passed out.

~Next chapter will be up within the week.
~ Love Lin ~