A/N: Over a hundred follows, yay! Fun fact about this week: School started again but we only came back on Wednesday and Thursday since the last day of our Easter Break was Tuesday and because Friday (today) is also a holiday. Also, did anyone see the Lyrdis Meteor Shower? Unfortunately I missed it since I was sent to bed early for the sake of awakening early for the beloved thing they call "High School" but if youdidsee it, tell me how it was, please! Fun Fact: On the 29th, which is next Tuesday, we get a Solar Eclipse! You'll need to purchase special glasses to look at it though, but DO NOT look at the sun with just sunglasses, you need to proper Solar Eclipse viewing ones. Where I live, the Council sends everyone a few pairs in the mailbox but I'm sure you can find some somewhere. Apparently "The path of the Eclipse will begin off the coast of South Africa and move across Antarctica and into the east coast of Australia." So I hope you enjoy it!
Thank you,FairyDemonDust, I really appreciate it and I'm happy you like it so far! Thanks for commentingDark Shining Light, I'm glad you're enjoying it! If Lucy was scared of fire, it would probably crush him, I agree, but I guess everyone will have to wait and see what happens when they return, which is soon! I don't really think I can separate the paragraphs more than they already are, unless you're reading on a mobile device. On a computer, I think they're pretty decently separated, but sorry for an inconvenience and thanks! Thank you toDemonmiko14as well!Coolanime14thank you! I think one of the main focuses I like in fanfics are to keep charactersin character. I'd glad you like my writing so much, thanks! ;)Bentears, the reward and the party will be awesome, I promise! ThanksWoobaby, and NaLu is my fave pairing as well. I'll elaborate more on the Fallen Star soon, because the whole story is going to revolve around it, hence the title, which also has a lot to do with future scenes. Thank youRose's Shadowand I'll continue to update of the Celestial occurrences in the future.xXxSatasixXx,thank you so much! *Cheers in celebration for reviewers saying I'm keeping characters in character successfully*. I'd like to gush and go on about how grateful I am for everything you said but just a million times, thank you! I think everyone is so powerful because of their friends like Lucy and her Spirits. Loke said that love is what gives them power, after all! Thank you, I really hope some more people come to read it like you said, but I love everyone who's reading so far and how supportive everyone is! 3
Finally, to starfire…*Slams fists on table and glares at you over the internet* I demand you get an account so we can PM each other and become best friends this INSTANT. *Hugs you back and spins you around as well for being amazing* Even though I don't eat cheesecake, I will eat every single one you buy for me! I love that fact that you always say how amazing each chapter is, you have no idea how much you can brighten up my day by making up words for me! Thank you! *Hugs you and kisses you back* You're welcome, since I'm obviously going to reply to every review, especially yours. I hope no one interrupts you, because then you'd be in jail and you couldn't read the updates! Iwillcontinue to make long chapters, don't worry! I'll also continue to tell people when I update. I'm starting to update on Monday's now as well…ahh. Good luck on your exams, by the way! And I was actually planning on putting some of the stuff you suggested before you reviewed, but I tried to add as much stuff as you suggested because I guessed you wanted to read that happening! AND THEREWILLBE ROMANCE. THERESHALLBE NALU. Just not yet, like it'll be agradualbuild up instead of instant make-out sessions. I kinda want them to slowly realise their feelings for each other before everyone in the Guild basically force him to ask her out. I liked Erza's reaction too. Thank you for everything! Last thing, I'm part of the female population on Earthland, since you wanted to know.
The Secrets Stardust Hold
Erza was out like a light.
Literally. Grey, Mira, Erza and Happy were chattering away for a few minutes, Natsu sulking in the corner, and they turned away for a moment, looking to Erza for her opinion on whatever they were conversing about, and she was asleep. Out cold. Under the covers, laying on her side, eyes closed, and lips parted slightly as she breathed slowly and deeply.
"Geez, that was quick." Grey said, scratching his head. "Forbid the day we ever have a sleeping contest at the Guild." He chuckled.
Mira giggled. "We've certainly had a lot of strange competitions over the years." She said.
"Aye!" supplied Happy. "Like that sun tanning contest!" he looked up at the ceiling, reminiscing on a hot summer's day two years back when everyone was so bored they'd agreed to the stupidest ideas for the sake of entertainment and their own amusement.
"How many people got sunburnt that day?" the Take-Over Mage asked, shaking her head. "I lost count, but I think about three quarters of the Guild turned up completely red the next day." She recalled as they shared a laugh. "Trust Cana to come up with an idea like that."
Happy grinned. "Didn't she end up winning?" he looked to Grey for confirmation.
"Yeah, but I didn't really care because I had to give everyone ice because their skin was burning." He muttered, rolling his eyes. "And ever since that day and that drinking game from the summer after, Gramps made a rule to never try out Cana's ideas when she's really under the influence." He reminded.
"That rule has saved many trips to Magnolia's Base Hospital." Mira agreed, stifling a yawn. "I guess we should get some rest too." She said for afterthought. Once the guys agreed, she clicked the lights off, casting the group in darkness. "Goodnight, guys!" she cheered, moving back over to her own bed, crawling under the covers.
"Night!" Happy and Grey called back. Natsu remained silent, staring at the ceiling, having not moved once from his spot the entire evening, except for when he got changed for bed.
Happy flew over to him, nudging him as he alerted the pink-haired Mage it was time for rest. Humming a half-hearted response, Natsu pulled the blankets up to his chest as he leaned back in the bed, his blue companion soon slumbering beside him. Absentmindedly patting his fur before folding his hands behind his head, dark eyes had closed, yet sleep was not within grasp.
Travelling for such a long amount of time with his motion sickness certainly took a toll on the teenager and he was defiantly tired…though he tossed and turned in the sheets unable to fall into slumber as an hour had passed and all of his comrades had achieved the state of rest he soon began to beg for. Frustration soon settled in as another sixty minutes passed and he began to envy the ones surrounding him. Rubbing at his eyes, a groan escaped his lips as he tried to forget the sight of Lucy's pained expression a mere few hours ago, the image having been lingering in the back of his mind the entire afternoon. During most of that time, his Nakama had kept telling him the same thing that he'd been telling himself for hours. You need to apologize.Even without Erza's threats, even if the Weapon Mistress hadn't told him to do so, he knew he was going to. Lucy hadn't deserved for him to treat her poorly, nor had she deserved the pain she had gone through at his expense to protect him from the Titania's growing wrath. Guilt plagued his being and encased him like a second skin that he couldn't shed. It's the middle of the night, but I can't just barge in there and wake her up like this.Natsu told himself, slightly exasperated. Who cares if I can't sleep? I probably deserve this. I need to apologize to her, dammit.He kicked back the covers in anger, folding his arms. But she's asleep. And I can't sleep. Ugh, what the hell am I doing?
His legs were working before he realised it, moving him towards the door as his mind remained focused on his internal debate. Eyes widened in surprise as he found himself in front of the exit to the room. Sighing, deciding he couldn't wait any longer, the pink-haired teenager moved. His hand grasped the cool, smooth metal of the handle and he gently twisted it, quietly pushing the door open and closing it behind him as he left the room. His footsteps were quiet, uncharacteristically so for the Dragon Slayer, as he'd heard Erza mention how he stomped around loudly sometimes at the Guild when going to fight Grey. He crept along the hall until he reached the room where his best friend was residing in, with the most possible scenario having her fast asleep. He hesitated for a moment, his fingertips brushing against the wood of the door ever so lightly. Why are you acting nervous, idiot? Grow up and apologize already.He gritted his teeth, he eased the door open, stepping into the room, leaving it open a crack this time as he moved to Lucy's bedside. A sliver of light from the hallway peeked its way in behind him, yet he blocked it from reaching his friend as he took a seat in the chair beside her bed. Now that he was finally here, Natsu wasn't sure as to what he could do. He couldn't have waiting until morning to apologize, that was for certain. The guilt wouldn't have allowed him to rest. His instincts had always told him that he needed to protect his Nakama, especially Lucy, yet here she was. She was in pain because he had not here and because he was being an asshole to her at the current moment. His excuse was strange to him. Anger was the first emotion, an almost default reaction that he'd feel whenever seeing someone as close to him as her injured. But guilt had soon taken over, stopping him from having an outburst like he had in the past in an occasion like this. Gritting his teeth once again, he curled his hands into fists on his knees. You can't just wake her, apologize and then leave, idiot. His own voice whispered inside his mind.
That was when Natsu then noticed he was staring at her face, examining her features as he'd done more times than he'd like to admit over the past year he'd known her. He'd started doing it unconsciously soon after he'd met her when sneaking into her house at night or waiting for her to wake up for a mission in the mornings where he'd gotten up before her. If the Dragon Slayer had a talent for art, he was sure he could paint a perfect portrait of her face from the amount of times he'd looked at it, he'd committed each feature to memory. From the ways her lips formed a soft pout in her sleep to the way her lashes would flutter and dust her cheeks. There had been so many nights he'd just catch himself gazing at his best friend before he'd feel like he was becoming perverted like his rival who had that tendency of his to strip at the most inappropriate of times. Breaking from his thoughts, he realised she'd turned over in her sleep, now laying on her side, facing him. From the illumination the moonlight provided, he caught sight of the scarring on her cheeks and let out a slow, heavy sigh. "Damn…" he cursed quietly, grumbling under his breath, a hand grasping at Igneel's scarf. "Lucy…I'm sorry…for everything…" he scooted closer to her bed, sighing. "Y'know, for being a jerk and whatever. You didn't deserve that. It's just…" he couldn't grasp hold of the correct words to say, making a strained expression as he tried to piece together the apology she deserved. "Why do I suck at saying stuff like this?" he demanded, turning his head, looking about the room to aid him in his quest.
He was so focused on trying to find the right words that he hadn't realised he'd woken her up as he mumbled under his breath and she'd heard everything he'd just said. She looked at him with a fond smile gracing her features as he continued to mutter quietly to himself.
"Natsu…" she giggled softly at his childlike mumblings until he suddenly reached up to quieten her.
"Ssh, Lucy." Natsu pressed a finger to her lips without looking at her, silencing the blonde. "Shut up for a sec, 'kay? I'm trying to tell you something…" He continued looking at the wall, hoping that the words would seep through the wallpaper and into his mind, yet he had no such luck. Then the eighteen-year-old paused and slowly, ever so slowly, turned his head. Their eyes met, hers reflecting the moonlight like a dark shade of caramel, his sparkling like the sky at midnight, ebony but filled with twinkling stars. He retracted his hand back and a soft red dusted his cheeks, and this was the barely ever embarrassed Natsu Dragneel. "Sorry." He said sheepishly before mentally scolding himself. "Well I was gonna say sorry before but sorry. For before. And now too, I guess. And for leaving you like last week. For everything." His fingers twitched to slap himself in the forehead for how stupid he was looking in front of her, but she only giggled in response.
"Couldn't have waited till morning?" she teased, causing him to crack a grin.
"Couldn't sleep." He replied, shrugging as if the answer was obvious. "I felt bad."
It was Lucy's turn to blush now, but she hoped he couldn't see it and that the darkness of the room obscured the red. "Thanks, Natsu." She whispered. "I understand, but you don't need to feel guilty or anything-" this time, he pinched her lips shut, shaking his head.
"If I'd come sooner, you wouldn't be here." He argued, eyes narrowing. "You'd be sleeping next door with the rest of us, not stuck in a hospital bed wrapped up and shit." He gestured angrily to her bandaged arms with his free hand. Her eyes softened as he dropped his hand, allowing her to speak once again.
"I don't blame you, so stop blaming yourself, weirdo." She said, lightly slapping his shoulder as she sat up to properly face him. "I heard everything you just said, and I promise you, I'm fine. But thank you." She reached out and lightly patted one of his fists, her bandaged hand gently unwrapping his tight grip on air.
"I meant it, though." He said as he unclenched his fists, the tension leaving his muscles as he sighed in relief at seeing her smile. "I'm sorry, Lucy." He lifted his head, gaze moving over the scars marring her cheeks.
"It's fine." She assured, retracting her hand.
He smiled at that, stifling a yawn, finally able to rest as the guilt had simmered down in his heart. She doesn't blame me. "I…I should probably let you get back to sleep…" he muttered, rubbing his eyes, reminding Lucy of seeing little Romeo do that recently when Macao had brought him to visit.
"You should get some sleep, too, Natsu." She said, noticing the sudden fatigue washing over her Nakama. He nodded in agreement, and then there was a moment of silence between them.
Then Natsu looked at her with a hopeful, sheepish smile, and she knew what he was about to ask. Sighing, she shuffled over, creating space for him in the bed. Rolling her eyes, she tilted her head, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Get in." she said. He defiantly didn't need to be told twice, eagerly crawling underneath the sheets alongside her. Pulling the blankets up to their chests, Lucy snuggled beneath them, closing her eyes, a comfortable, content smile gracing her features at the added warmth. That was the second time that night the Dragon Slayer caught himself staring at his closest friend before he fell asleep as well, close beside her.
LINE BREAK
The sun soon rose in the Kingdom of Constellar, and Erza was the first to awake. Stretching her muscles, which were stiff from sleep, was a pleasant feeling, yet as she scanned the room that feeling seemed to vanish as she realised one of her childhood friends was missing from his bed. It was a strange sight for Natsu to ever be seen up early unless she had dragged him from his house and to the Guild for a morning mission or if Lucy had convinced him to get up. The worry soon faded as she realised where he must have been, with Lucy. There would have been nowhere else he would've gone, and it was known throughout most of Fairy Tail of Natsu's tendency to break into the Celestial Wizard's house because Happy had once mentioned that the Dragon Slayer had more peaceful rests when at her house. This caused to questioning the exceed further, pressuring him into asking for more details, but he simply said that's all Natsu spoke of when he visited. Either how comfy the home was, how good Lucy's cooking was or how he could sleep easier there. Smiling at the memory, Erza slipped from the comfort of her sheets and headed towards the bathroom to shower briefly before she would await her friends' awakening.
Across the hall, Natsu and Lucy were still asleep, resting peacefully. Sunlight slowly made its way into the room, the rays dancing across Lucy's eyes, causing her to scrunch up her face at the sudden brightness as her eyes slowly, reluctantly opened. Letting out a soft yawn, she soon became aware of the warmth that the Dragon Slayer had provided her with the night before had gotten exceptionally warmer…or closer.
As she had slept on her back, he'd slept on his front, their heads both turned, facing each other's, she realised. His left arm had tucked itself underneath his pillow and he had draped his other over her abdomen, his hand resting curled around her side. As she breathed, his fingers would graze against her ribcage and she noticed how close his face was from hers, mere inches that caused her cheeks to heat up involuntarily. Each rise of his chest was slow and deep, his breath hitting her face as she somehow couldn't tear her eyes away from the pink-haired idiot sleeping beside her. She recalled once watching him during a brawl at Fairy Tail as he had fallen unconscious, and her crouching over him, realising how cute he seemed. Natsu can be cute when he sleeps.Were her exact thoughts, and many months later, she realised that it was still true. Then she came back into reality and realised she was staring at Natsu Dragneel of all people in all of Earthland and she was thinking about how adorable he looked. Alarmed, the brown-eyed girl tried to shift back to create some distance between them, but her plan backfired when her partner moved his arm and pulled her closer in his subconscious, and her face came into contact with his scarf. A soft, startled shriek left her lips at the sudden action, but he didn't seem to hear her, even with his Dragon Slayer senses. She tried to say his name to catch his attention, but her voice was muffled as from being buried in his scarf. She reached a hand up and shook his shoulder, easing her head back from the muffler. "Natsu, hey, Natsu." She shook him again. "Natsu, you're crushing me~!" she whined as his hold had suddenly gotten tighter.
His eyes slowly opened and he blinked a few times, adjusting to the sudden light in the room. Then he looked down and noticed he was practically holding the poor girl in captivity in his arms, squeezing the life out of her. Her cheeks were burning as he stared down at her for a few moments, completely silent as he was processing the situation carefully. His memories came back from the night before…when he'd apologized and his eyes suddenly widened in surprise. Natsu cursed as he remembered that she was injured, and he was almost crushing her. He began scrambling backwards away in fear of harming the blonde, yet his body became tangled in the sheets and he fell off of the bed and onto the floor, cocooned in white. He hit the ground with a thud and groan, trying to escape, flailing around.
"Natsu!" the colour had faded from Lucy's cheeks as she looked over the edge of the cot and saw him rolling around helplessly against the carpet, unable to do anything else to free his limbs.
"I can't get out~!" he wailed, somehow managing to slam himself face-first against the wall with a muffled yelp of pain. The Stellar Mage couldn't help but laugh, getting out of the bed to come to his aid, when she suddenly stopped. She was walking perfectly fine, and she no longer felt pain anywhere on her body. She looked down at her body in awe, noticing that while she had slept, someone had carefully taken off all of the bandaging, and yet no scars or bruises were visible. Miraculously, all of her injuries had vanished. She didn't stare in wonder for too long as the weirdo she called her closest friend looked like he needed help badly. "Lucy, help me~!" he shrieked as he turned his body around and around, rendered powerless by a cluster of blankets. It was an amusing sight to see him in such a panicked state over such a small thing, but she simply giggled and moved forwards.
"Calm down, Natsu, sheesh." She crouched down beside him, commanding him to stop moving before she gently rolled him across the floor, untangling the bed sheets from his body as she did so.
"That was a nightmare," he sighed in exaggeration as he was finally free, panting. Once he had composed himself, he looked to her in surprise. "Hey, you're okay!" he gasped. Lucy nodded, looking down at herself once again.
"Yeah, I have no idea how this happened." She shrugged. "But how did you get taken down by a sheetof all things? The almighty Natsu Dragneel, huh?" she burst into laughter as he pouted, folding his arms.
"It was more than one, actually." He muttered under his breath. She giggled softly, shaking her head as the door opened.
"I thought I heard a bit of screaming." A small but very familiar voice spoke up, causing the Dragon Slayer and Celestial Mage to turn towards it in confusion.
"Wendy?"they both cried in unison.
The blue-haired girl laughed at their reaction, skipping into the room cheerfully. "I got here a little while ago, Mira said you were really hurt so I came all this way!" she rose her arms in the air as if describing the length of the journey. "I think I healed everything…" she tilted her head to the side, examining the elder girl who simply smiled.
"I'm perfect, thank you so much, Wendy." She brought the girl into a long hug. "You came all this way by yourself?" she asked in awe.
Wendy merely shrugged. "Mira said you did, too." She giggled. "But it's a good thing you're fine now! I promise I didn't leave any scars!" at her words, Lucy brought a hand up to her face and felt for the marks that had been there a few hours ago.
"I defiantly owe you big time, then." She smiled.
Their reunion was cut short as Jerome, the man from the day before, came in, carrying in a pile of clothing, including the kimono Lucy had worn when first meeting with the Queen of Constellar. "The King and Queen have requested for you to join them for breakfast." He informed, placing the clothes in Lucy's arms. "I will escort you to the dining hall once you have dressed." With a curt nod, he exited the room, shutting the door behind them. Wendy and Lucy turned to Natsu in sync, their expressions blank.
"Out." They ordered. Sighing in exasperation, he stomped out of the room, his clothes bundled under his arm.
LINE BREAK
Once everyone had changed into their respective attire, they followed Jerome towards the dining hall, chattering to each other. Everyone was overjoyed at the sight of Lucy completely healed, yet they were going to give her the massive group hug of celebration after they were outside of the castle. Grey and Natsu had been cracking jokes about speaking formally, but once they'd entered the grand dining hall, they realised how indeed classy they would have to act. The blonde-haired girl in the group had to nudge the Dragon Slayer to stop him from staring at all of the chandeliers towering over them. "Everyone, be formal." She whispered to her friends, who nodded in understand. Then, straightening her posture and lifting her head, she met with the King and Queen. "Good morning to you both, Your Majesties." She said, immediately adopting her formal tongue. "I believe I have not had to honour of becoming acquainted with you, Your Highness." She bowed low to the King, who smiled, along with his Queen, at the elegance this young Mage had, even with the rumours of Fairy Tail's not so great reputation when coming to manners.
"I am King Harold of Constellar, and you must be the Lucy Heartfilia I have heard so much about." He said. Lucy smiled bashfully as she straightened up again.
"Yes. I cannot express my gratitude towards you both for the excellent hospitality and treatment I have been blessed with here." She said.
The Queen shook her head. "It has been the least we can do." She smiled. "Your achievements here have protected our Kingdom, we cannot thank you enough." Then she looked towards the Mages who stared at Lucy like they'd never seen her before, as they'd never heard anyone speak the way she was currently before.
"They are all my close friends and Nakama from the Fairy Tail Guild in Fiore." Lucy introduced, gesturing to her friends. "This is Happy, Erza Scarlet, Grey Fullbuster, Mirajane Strauss, Wendy Marvell and Natsu Dragneel." A look of confusion crossed her features at Carla's absence but she merely ignored it.
"You seem to care for each other very much." King Harold said.
"You could say we've all been through a lot together." Mira responded.
The King and Queen nodded, understanding. "Well, I'm sure you can tell us some of your adventures." They gestured for the group to sit down as the butlers brought out a grand feast, making Natsu and Happy's mouths water. As the food was set down, they immediately tucked in, savouring delicacies that they'd never even heard of before. Erza and Mira shared stories of their various S-Class missions and Lucy and Natsu retold the story of the adventure they'd just recently returned from, which was their time in Edolas. Grey created a cluster of small snowflakes to float around the room at the Queen's request and Happy showed off his wings. Their conversations flowed naturally, easily, and they'd forgotten a few times that they were in the presence of a Royal Family, not just regular people. After a while, the dishes were cleared away and everyone rose from their seats. Then, Lucy had remembered something from the flyer that had gained her attention.
"Excuse me, Your Majesties." She said. "I was wondering on why I was requested to stay in Starlight for eight days after completing the task." She also wondered about the reward, but that was for later.
"We had made an assumption that these Dark Mages would be more dangerous than we thought, so we had written that in hopes it would show anyone who would take the job that they'd stay longer than previously believed." The King answered. "I apologize for misleading you." He said.
Lucy was about to assure him it was fine when Jerome entered, quickly striding towards her and placing large, heavy bag in her arms. "W-What's this?" she asked, struggling with the weight of it.
"We are in your debt, Miss Heartfilia." King Harold said as he and his Queen smiled at her. "We cannot repay you enough for avenging the many deaths of our men, but we hope that this sum of reward money will tide you over for some time." He said.
Lucy chuckled at the weight of it, looking amused, as if it was a joke. "H-How much is this?" she asked. However, when the King answered, she felt strangely light-headed at the large amount and Erza had to catch her elbow in order to steady her. "T-Thank you…" she stuttered, in awe as countless numbers swirled around in her head.
"We apologize that we mentioned a rare Celestial Key that we no longer hold in our possession." Queen Angelica added sorrowfully. "It seems to have vanished abruptly." She sighed. "
That's fine." Lucy said, swaying slightly as Erza took the bag from her. "We will take our leave now. Thank you for your hospitality." She smiled.
The Queen shook her head and stepped forward. "Don't let the darkness consume you, Lucy Heartfilia." Angelica said, pressing her hand over the girl's heart, the sudden action causing her, alongside everyone else besides her husband to stare at the Queen in confusion. "Even though I am not a Mage myself, I can sense great power within you. The ground you walk upon holds remains of Celestial Magic long forgotten, yet not all of it is for the side of the angels." Her features softened. "You have a pure soul, my dear. Don't let it become tainted. Just remember that the brightest stars burn out the fastest." With that, she pulled her hand back and straightened up again. "Safe travels, Fairy Tail." She said.
Lucy smiled, bowing lowly before she took her leave, following her friends out as they were escorted from the castle after collecting their belongings and changing back into their regular attire.
Erza continued to carry the bag, as the weight was too much for the Stellar Mage. It was strange, as if something else had been placed inside the bag along with the reward, but the Titania shook it off.
"What the hell was all that about?" Natsu asked, folding his hands behind his head as they walked throughout the town, towards the exit and into the woods.
Lucy shrugged. "I'm unaware myself, Natsu." She said simply. "I believe the Queen is just warning us that there will be troubles ahead." She straightened her posture slightly as she moved to walk beside the Dragon Slayer.
"Why are you still talking all fancy?" Grey then inquired. At this, Lucy giggled. "You see, you must use formal speech when addressing one of the Royal Family, Sir Fullbuster." She said, causing him to crack a grin as she continued. "For me, as I was raised with proper speech for use at family banquets, it is enjoyable to revert back to a manner of speaking such as this." She chuckled.
"You sound so classy, Lucy," Mira giggled. "You're speaking like that for the rest of the day, no exceptions," she quickly decided. Lucy nodded, agreeing.
"If this is what you wish, dear Lady Mira." Lucy jokingly bowed to her.
The group was able to stay "formal" for exactly two more seconds before all of them burst into uncontrollable laughter. They had to take a few moments to compose themselves before they began journey again. Though as the group travelled back through the woods, Lucy suddenly stopped short, causing her friends to stop alongside her. The light…the fallen star…she had forgotten all about it until this very moment. It had been the reason for her to complete this quest, and she was certainly not going to leave without it. Ignoring her friends calling her name in confusion, she looked around the area.
Lucy felt as if it was callingher, teasing her to come and find it.
Sure enough, she started moving forward, winding her way through the trees, following her intuition. It was leading her forward, so she obediently followed. Her friends rushed after her as they ran through the expansive forest, ducking under branches and leaping over bushes to keep up with the girl's sudden burst of speed. Her legs were working for her, and she could tell she was getting closer. Her pace seemed to quicken and she was sprinting, her instincts leading the way without her knowing where she was going herself. Sooner rather than later, the group found themselves in the clearing where the battle of dark and light had taken place merely two days before hand, though that wasn't what Lucy was interested in. She had finally found it. It was as if it was waiting for her to arrive, hovering a few inches off of the ground, beckoning her to come forth. It was like a star, sparkling like a firefly, shining brighter than it had one moment previous. Crouching down onto her knees, the Stellar Mage tilted her head to the side, peering suspiciously at the floating orb. She was sure that this was it –the fallen star responsible for her burst of power, yet what exactly wasit? It surely couldn't be a legitimate star that had fallen from the sky, after all, it was during the day, not the night that she had seen it for the first time. Yet it resembled a shooting star so much the blonde-haired girl wasn't sure anymore. Taking a deep breath, she reached forward, yet hesitating before she tried to touch it. It was practically light itself, would she be able to physically grasp it?
The moment she cupped the light with her hands, it flashed for a moment, as quickly as the flutter of lashes before it took a solid form in her palms. Her eyes widened as she took in its new appearance, unconsciously tracing the gold –solid gold, she realised, with an amazed expression. It was shimmering with what looked like glitter in the sunlight. Peering closer, Lucy realised that this wasn't the case at all. It was stardust…and what was in her hand was a Celestial Gate Key.
.
..
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A/N: Now the real fun starts! YAY FOR SUMMARY FINALLY COMING INTO VIEW. Next chapter everyone gets to hear Lucy's emotional re-telling of her epic battle, as requested by starfire. I'll try to update on Monday, but if not, you'll have to wait till next Friday, sorry!