A/N: I thank you all very much for taking the time to read my epic story (it grew, I swear). A warm thanks to all of my reviewers as well-it makes me keep on brainstormin'!
I smell some action in the next chapter...
Thanks for reading and/or reviewing! Enjoy!
Anonymous Reviewers:
Shae: Thanks! I'm sure there will be a kiss (at some point), when the time is right ;)
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Tare_Chan: haven't seen you in a while, are you still our there?
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail nor its characters. I'm only responsible for the OC's I've created to make this plot run more smoothly.
Adie's face paled at his demand. She said nothing, only staring at the short, squat man in front of her. He seemed to be taking joy in the predicament he had created. Her knuckles turned white as her fingers gripped the table.
"Is that a 'no'?" the man purred. Lucy had never wanted to punch someone so badly. She began imaging what it would feel like—her hand hitting his face.
"You know...you know I can't do that!" Adie answered, her voice strained.
"Why not? It's a simple transaction. A key is your promise to behave around my mistress," the man replied as if it were a simple thing.
Adie slammed her hand on the table, "You damned well know I can't! And she would never ask that! Never!"
"What's the big deal? Just give him the key," Natsu muttered under his breath.
"It's not that easy, Natsu," Lucy whispered. He looked at her expectantly, as did Erza and Gray.
She sighed, "She can't let anyone get their hands on that key. If she's anything near as powerful as her sister...then if it fell into the wrong hands..."
"I get it," Natsu nodded. He glanced at the man behind the table. "So, d'ya want me to hit him? Or no?"
Lucy closed her eyes and sucked in a deep breath. "Not a good idea," she replied as she exhaled. She glared at at the man as Adie argued with him. His smug look was making her increasingly angry.
"Yet," Lucy added softly. Natsu glanced at her, his eyes wide. Was Lucy really telling him that violence may soon be a solution? He grinned his appreciation.
"Well, then, it seems you are out of luck, my dear," the man replied, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back in his chair. A fox-like smile spreading across his face.
"Wait!" Lucy hesitated, had she said that aloud? It's now or never, Lucy! she silently urged herself forward. The man angled his round, mousy head so he could get a better look at her as she approached the table, her fists clenched at her sides.
"J-Just wait a second!" she was practically seething as she slammed her own fist onto the table. She didn't wince, despite the pain. Good girl, she prompted herself, keep going!
"You just need a key, right?" she glared at him angrily, her dark eyes flashing their distrust.
His smile shrank as he realized her words. "Yes...but..."
"No buts, mister, you said 'a key' and you didn't specify!" she pointed out, triumphant that she had cornered him. "Or are you not good for your word?"
"I-I..any key will suffice," he deflated, angry that his own arrogant pride had hurt him in the end.
"Then I'll give you one of mine," Lucy answered softly, leaning over the table. She could see her reflection in his dark glasses. "You are nothing but a bully. If you had any idea of what is going on out there, you would know better than to ask for her key."
He said nothing, his stony demeanor replacing his former entitlement. Adie watched helplessly as Lucy removed the key-chain from her belt and dropped the ring onto the table. The keys spread around like rays of sunshine.
"Lucy, you can't-" Adie attempted to stop her.
"I can! I'm not going to let this ignorant fool manipulate you!" she spat her eyes narrowed as she silently chose her key.
"But they are your keys. Your spirits!" Adie replied.
"They are not mine," she grimaced. She hated the thought of owning another human-being-spirit or not. "They are here to help me. This is how they can help. Besides, we get this back when we return, right?" she shot a vehement glance toward the stout man behind the desk.
"You have my word," he answered, his face solemn.
Lucy scoffed, "Like that'll account for much!"
"I'm no thief!" he retorted, looking offended. He opened his mouth to say something more, but decided otherwise.
"Just a bully," she shot back. Again, he said nothing. He suddenly looked as if he had aged years in the few moments Lucy had been standing there.
Adie looked nervous as she watched Lucy choose a key. "Lucy, you really don't have to do this-"
"Is it important to see this woman?" she asked, glancing at Adie. She could feel her comrade's watching the scene from behind her. They had been quiet for most of the adventure. Lucy assumed it was because, this time, the events involved something they didn't quite understand. For once, Lucy was the one whose knowledge was crucial to the renegade mission. She felt herself grow taller with pride.
"It is," Adie nodded, her concern still apparent in her features.
"Then I do have to...here," Lucy handed her key to the man. He immediately took it between his short, stubby fingers. "I better see this when I return. You don't want to see me angry!"
"No, no you don't," Natsu agreed.
"Damn right you don't!" Lucy smiled to herself as she returned her keys to her belt. She looked between Adie and the mysterious man, "Now let's go!"
As suddenly as Lucy had spoken the words, the wall behind the man slid to the side, revealing a long, dark tunnel. Lucy groaned, "Oh, no."
"What'd you expect? Golden stairs?" the man replied.
"Shut up!" she snapped, giving him one last glare.
Adie walked past the desk, being the first one to enter the dark tunnel. She turned back, expecting hesitation. She was surprised to find that the four mages and Happy were right behind her.
"You're staring. Did you expect us to run?" Gray asked as he walked past her, a slight grin on his face.
"Sort of, yeah," she answered as Lucy smiled at her as she walked past.
"See you when we get out," Natsu growled at the man, grinding his fist into his hand in warning. "Better have that key." Adie thought she could see sweat beading on the man's upper lip as the door began to close. They were soon plummeted into the cold darkness around them.
"We need light," Erza murmured. "Natsu, think you can light those?" She pointed toward the long row of lanterns encased into the wall.
"Yup!" Natsu nodded as he blew fire into them, the wicks immediately catching, despite the dampness around them.
He reached up and pulled the first lantern from the wall, passing it around. He continued this until everyone had their own lantern. When he was satisfied, they began their descent into the mountain. Adie fell in step next to Lucy, who was walking behind everyone.
"Thank you," the pale-haired woman whispered.
"Don't thank me, it was necessary," Lucy answered kindly.
Adie pursed her lips, her forehead knitted in concentration. "How many keys do you have, actually?"
"Why?" Lucy asked, curious as to whether the blacksmith was thinking about stealing her keys. Again.
"It's just that you have a lot. Most of the zodiac keys, correct? Those can't be found in one place..." she trailed off, hoping Lucy would take over.
"My first one was given to me by my mother. Upon her death, I was given her jewelry. At the bottom of the box was my first key, Horologium." she explained. "I don't think my mother was a mage, but I don't really know..."
"The silver key," Adie confirmed. "I saw a handful of those, I think. But, zodiac keys are reveled amongst spirit mages," she continued, glancing at Lucy from the corner of her eye.
"Some I received from fights and missions," Lucy admitted.
"So you killed someone?"
"No! I...I fought them, yes," Lucy frowned. "But, no, I didn't kill anyone."
"Then they relinquished their contract?"
Lucy shook her head. "The last person I had fought, Angel, had been arrested. Scorpio, Aries, and Gemini asked me to take them. They said that their contract was void since Angel was arrested by the Council."
Adie chewed her lip. "Did the Old Man change the Rules?"
"Huh? Your uncle, you mean?" Lucy asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, him. There used to be only two ways to end a contract with a new spirit. Unless you found a newly born key, of course," she glanced into the tunnel. "Hmph, musta changed it, I guess."
"Probably," Lucy added weakly. She was slightly baffled by Adie's questions.
"Shit," came the echo a few yards ahead.
"What is it?" Erza asked as she raised her lantern.
"There are a million different tunnels we could take," Natsu called back. "Adie, I hope you know where your going."
Adie raised her lantern, looking into dozens of dark tunnels identical to the one they were now in—she had been here, long ago. But, she didn't remember this complication. She put down her lantern, closing her eyes. "I need a few minutes," she murmured.
"What are you doing?" Happy asked.
"I'm gonna try to see if I can feel where she is," Adie whispered.
Lucy walked ahead, pacing in front of the tunnels, as an odd-feeling tugged at her consciousness. She glanced back at her companions, she could see Natsu watching her. She said nothing as she stood in front of the tunnel that attracted her. Natsu followed her, walking in front of the tunnels, sniffing.
"What are you doing?" Lucy asked softly, as to not interrupt Adassandra's concentration.
"Smelling," he answered. He, too, stopped in front of the same tunnel. "Yup, I think this is the one, too."
"What are you talking about?" she looked at him, suddenly curious. He glanced down at her hand, but said nothing.
"Hey, Adie!" he called back. "I think we found the right one."
Adie opened her eyes, she hadn't quite been able to track Veleda's presence. Natsu smiled, waving for her to hurry up. "What's the worst that could happen?" he asked.
"We could wander around here for the rest of our lives," Adie answered calmly. Everybody turned toward her, shocked.
"Just kidding?" she offered as she carried her lantern past them. "I hope you're right about this," she called back.
"I hope you're right about this, too," Gray replied as he walked past Natsu.
"Aye," Happy added. Erza said nothing, smiling grimly as they forged on. Lucy shrugged, following Erza.
Natsu watched them continue on without him. "She's kidding, right, Luce?" he called out. Eh, my nose never lies, he told himself before following them.
They walked through the echoing cavern, taking sharp turns and avoiding the giant craters that would suck them into the darkness. After nearly a half hour, a faint light began to twinkle at the far end of the tunnel. "I-I think I see something," Erza squinted.
"I think you're right," Adie nodded.
"First one there is the strongest in Fairy Tail?" Natsu asked, before taking off.
"Idiot," Gray murmured as no one took the dragon slayer up on his challenge.
"I second that," Lucy chirped as she continued walking.
Natsu stood at the end of the tunnel, awaiting his companions. "Oh so now you're going to be patient?" Gray asked as they approached the light.
Natsu shrugged, "I'm letting Adie lead us from here on. I dont' know what we are going to find. I just hope there's a fight, soon."
"Your first idea was a good one," Adie replied as she took the first step into the brightly lit cavern. "The second one...not so much."
Lucy suppressed a snort, though Erza hadn't been as able. Natsu shot the two women a glowering look. "Why not?" he pouted.
Adie sighed, "No fighting, Natsu. This is a sacred place."
"This?" he looked around, waving his confusion. "It's a cave. Perfect for fighting."
"Dumb ass," she mumbled under her breath as she continued ahead, shaking her head.
Lucy shielded her eyes from the unfamiliar light as they descended the steps. It no longer looked like a depressing cave. Instead, it appeared to be someone's living quarters. She could see and smell a roaring fire in large fireplace. There were armchairs scattered about, plush rugs haphazardly strewn across the floor, various musical instruments, bowls of fruit, and other signs of life. It actually looked...quite comfortable. There was an instant feeling of calm as they entered the new environment.
"What is this place?" Erza whispered to Adie.
"This is her home," came the soft reply.
"The Veleda woman?" Natsu asked, his eyes darting around the unfamiliar territory. Adie nodded as they reached the bottom of the stairs, and began following the maze of carpets. Lucy could feel the warmth from the fire. She wanted so badly to curl up in front of it with a good book.
"Adie, what does this woman do? Or, uh, who is she?" Lucy quietly asked.
She opened her mouth to answer the spirit mage, but the words never escaped. Instead, a purring, soothing voice echoed through the cavern. "Adassandra," she cooed, "I've been expecting you."
"What the-" Gray and Natsu hissed in unison. Erza reached for her sword, but Adie put out a hand to stop her.
"Veleda," Adie greeted the woman. "I'm sorry for stopping in like this."
Lucy gaped at the luminous figure that sat before them. The carved seat looked more like a throne than an arm chair. The woman was shrouded in shimmery golden and ivory robes, her hands gently resting on the armchair. Her hair was a deep golden red. It was neatly and intricately secured at the crown of her head. Her skin was a ruddy color, not something Lucy had seen before. She wondered if the woman was of a different race. Veleda's eyes were hidden behind a thick, gauzy veil. Only her dark lips were visible as she spoke.
"Ah, no apology necessary. As I said earlier, I've been expecting you," her lips curled into a smile, as she tapped her dark nails on a carved arm of the chair.
"I see you brought friends, as well. Welcome."
They mumbled their greetings, unsure of how to address someone who already knew what they are going to say. The woman smiled, sighing softly, her voice thick, "You have a request, yes?"
"I need your help," Adie's voice wavered.
"Child, I haven't seen you in nearly half of a century and you come to ask me for help?" Veleda mused.
Adie bowed her head, "That was with my mother, yes, I remember. You were frightening then."
"Am I still so frightening now, child?" More tapping of her dark nails.
"No," Adie answered honestly.
"If you wish to ask about your Freya's whereabouts, I cannot answer that for you. All I can see is pure, blinding, whiteness. I do not know what it means, as I have never experienced such," the woman answered kindly, a hint of sadness and regret in her voice, "She was a great woman. A fierce warrior. A loyal friend. I wish I could help."
Adie softly nodded, "I see." She opened her mouth to speak the second question, but her words failed her.
"What about her sister, Lilith?" Lucy interrupted, speaking for Adie.
"What about her?" Veleda turned toward the voice, angling her head as if she were studying Lucy from behind the veil.
As if Lucy had strengthened her resolve, Adie's voice returned, " I need to find her. Can you tell me where she is?"
The seer was silent for some time, aside from the tapping of her nails on the arm of the chair, "She is in the company of a guild. A dark guild..." Veleda's voice was more high-pitched and grainy.
"She is captive. No, wait! Something is preventing her from leaving. A physical prevention of sorts. A new magic? Dark, very dark. There are other spirits there. They, too, are captive," her voice was becoming strained, as she gripped the arms of the chair—her knuckles turning white. "I..I see a woman. Dark hair. She desires Zeref's freedom. His keys. She's sent..." she trailed off, her body relaxing.
Adie took a step forward, "What is it?"
Veleda shook her head, "My visions are becoming less clear. I'm sorry."
"What is it that you do?" Natsu interrupted.
"Do?" the woman asked. "I sit in here, hiding from the world. I'm nothing but a blind, old woman."
"Blind?" Erza murmured.
"How can a seer be blind?" Natsu scoffed.
Veleda sighed, impatiently raising her veil to reveal her milky white eyes with their matching pupils. "These eyes have been both a curse and a blessing," she smiled sadly.
"I'm sorry," Natsu replied, his face turning white.
"I'll forgive you," she murmured softly, "on one condition."
"Condition?" Lucy replied. "Why do you need a condition to forgive someone?"
Veleda ignored Lucy's question, quickly looking toward Adie, "Before you were born, I predicted your forthcoming. After your birth, the same prophecy as before it. And now, I cannot see a single, clear future."
"I'm sorry," Adie murmured, her eyes narrowed in confusion.
Veleda hurriedly answered, " I see two futures—neither of which have been guaranteed."
"What kind of futures?" Lucy asked, her heart pounding.
This time, the cloudy eyes were directed at her. "I see one where there is calm after the a giant storm," she shook her head. "The second, I see death. Lots of death. Lots of war. Lots of evil."
"I don't understand, how can you see two futures?" Adie asked.
"I don't understand it, either. Perhaps I have lived too long, I don' t know. I'm a century older than you. But, one thing that is for certain, the outcome of those futures are dependent one person. I was able to trace it back to the one thing that seems to affect the future's outcome: me."
Sharp gasps were heard throughout the cave. Adie's face became a stony slate, "You are not serious."
"I am very serious, Child. Zeref will be unleashed if that future is not undone! I can see it. Your key will help accomplish that!"
Adie's eyes were wide, "I won't allow it!"
"Allow it? It's already begun! The one who is trying to free him is trying to use Stellar Spirit keys to release him."
"How can those keys release him? I was under the impression that the keys to his prison were not spirit keys," Erza spoke, her voice hardened. She, too, knew the seriousness of the Prophetess' conviction.
Veleda continued to stare at Adie, "Do you think there is no magic greater? Destroying hundreds of Spirit keys will release greater magic than that."
"What kind of magic is in Spirit keys, Luce?" Natsu asked, scratching his head as he tried to keep up with the conversation.
Lucy's voice was shaky as all eyes turned toward her, "It is recorded that Celestial Spirit keys are an actual piece of their Spirit's heart-"
"It is their heart!" Veleda snapped. "The power to call them forth is buried in that key—their heart. That same heart vowed to protect humanity and was given to humans in the form of a key! And right now, those hearts are falling into the wrong hands. Hateful hands!"
Lucy's face paled as her body trembled. Adie stepped forward, "What is this woman planning on doing with my sister and the other spirits?"
Veleda shook red hair, "I cannot speak for her. She wants the keys for one sole purpose: releasing Zeref. She will either wage a war on the Council or she's found a way to use Celestial keys to free him. Either way, she will achieve that goal if I am living."
"You're not a spirit, are you?" Lucy asked softly. She understood what the seer was insinuating. If Veleda were to be captured, she would be able to tell whomever possesses her key the whereabouts of any Stellar Spirit, aiding in the dark guild's quest.
Veleda chuckled at Lucy's discomfort, "No, my child, I am not. I am what Adassandra and her sister are."
Lucy looked at Adie, incredulous, "You never told me that!"
"There aren't many of us, I only know of her. Besides, I didn't think it was important at the time," she replied, her eyes on Veleda.
"No, there aren't many of us," Veleda interrupted, spitting the last word. "In fact, our births are such taboo in the spirit world, that we are deemed as disgraces. Perhaps it's because our powers constantly threaten the balance of the Celestial World."
"What do you mean?" Lucy blurted.
"I mean that we are created with the power to hurt or help that balance. There are three essential realms: spirit, demon, human. Spirits are created to help protect human from the demon or darkness. But, in the instance of Lilith, a spirit can open that gate, thus creating harm. I can predict the whereabouts of any celestial spirit—and half-spirit, it seems. That is not something that the King looks highly upon. It's a danger to the Celestial world for us to roam freely with our keys, as well. Though, it appears that if you are of royal birth," she smiled at Adie, "that you will still get royal treatment."
Which is why you've been in hiding," Lucy shook her head, suddenly feeling sorry for Veleda. "It's not fair!"
"What's fair in life?" Veleda stood, slowly walking toward them. "There are no guarantees. No equality. We are treated like utensils by humans, yet we protect them."
"You said you predicted our birth," Adie butt in. "Explain."
"Ah, yes. Your mother knew she was pregnant, and your uncle was not happy about the implications that could have on the Balance. Your mother, like I, believed that demi-spirits are born out of need, not to cause harm. She wanted me to ease the King's concerns," Veleda looked at the ceiling.
After a short pause, she continued, "But, I was only able to predict three things in relation to your birth. Two Gatekeepers and a Guardian. It was the same prediction I had a half-century earlier. I eased no one's worries."
"Guardian?" Adie repeated softly, more to herself. "Same prophecy a century before?"
"Gatekeepers?" Lucy murmured.
"Yes, demon and-" Veleda began, but was interrupted. A strained smile crossed her face. "There isn't much time left, before one of my predictions will be sealed to fate! You must do as I ask."
Lucy could feel the panic rising, something was horribly wrong. "D-do as you ask?" she stammered, beating everyone to the question. She had a feeling she knew where this was going...
"It is my life that predicts the future," Veleda hurriedly explained. "Whether I live or die predicts how the future will pan out."
"We won't let you die!" Gray promised as Natsu and Erza nodded in agreement.
"Oh no, that won't do," Veleda's silky voice held a note of sadness.
"Wha?" Lucy and Natsu echoed in unison. She couldn't be asking what they thought! Could she?
"No..." Adie whispered, suddenly aware of Veleda's omen.
"Yes," the seer answered, her eyes locked on Adie. "You must kill me."
"NO!" Adie yelled. "There's got to be another way!"
"There isn't!" Veleda answered her tone sharp.
"There has to be," Lucy's voice was high.
"Fools!" Veleda hissed, as she closed her eyes. Her body became tense as she concentrated.
Everyone collapsed to their knees from the overwhelming heaviness that had been pushed upon them. Lucy could see the brief flashes of images throughout her mind. Death! War! Destruction! Evil! The muted images were enough to bring tears to her eyes. She covered her ears to drown out the silent screams that were echoing in her head. When the images had disappeared, she opened her eyes to find that everyone had shared the same experience. Erza's face was streaked with tears, as Gray and Natsu stared at the ground wordlessly. Happy shook his head sadly, as he wiped his nose.
"Now do you see what I see? That is the future that will occur if you do not do as I ask!" she spat, her white eyes widening with fear.
"I'll do it," Erza murmured as she climbed to her feet. She reached for her sword.
"No you won't!" Adie stood, stepping between seer and mage.
"You saw that same image, did you not?" Erza asked. "I believe she is telling the truth when she says it's the only way. I'll do it, your hands will be clean. I've killed before."
"No," Lucy whimpered, though she knew Erza was right.
"I can't let you do that," Adie replied throatily. "It's...just wrong! There has to be some other way."
"It's too late," Veleda answered stonily, her eyes downcast.
"Huh?" Erza asked, confused as she gripped her sword's hilt.
"He's here," Veleda whispered, her head hanging in defeat. "No...they are here."
"Who's here?" Natsu growled, obviously becoming impatient with the back and forth conversation. "Who the hell is here?"
"Now, now," came the unfamiliar voice, as it echoed throughout the cavern. Lucy could feel her blood go cold. She saw the dark figure at the top of the stairs, leaning against the stony lip of the tunnel.
The newcomer chuckled deeply, "There's no need for such language. I'll take it easy on you if you just hand over the Prophet nicely. You can keep your filthy human blood in exchange."