Before we start, quick question. Don't know if you guys noticed it, too, or not: While I was looking up the Fairy Tail wiki on Sagittarius, to see which days he can be summoned... It doesn't show which days he can be summoned, like the other Zodiac Spirits... Anybody know? Because, I'm completely at a loss.
...Don't know if this means he can be summoned whenever and whichever day... But, if that were the case... Would you guys want me to decide which days he can be summoned, or say he can be summoned whenever Lucy needs to?
If he can be summoned whenever... Could this mean there are Celestial Spirits that can be summoned, any day of the week, twenty/four-seven?
Also, small moment of Miraxus ;)
Three Days Later: Monday, July Fourteenth; Magnolia...
Lucy sat in front of her desk, writing a letter... To her mother.
'Eisenwald's failed attempt to use Lullaby to attack the Guild Master, ended up being big news.' She thought, as she written into the letter. 'It made it to the papers, and everybody can't stop talking about it.'
She paused for a moment, staring out of her window, looking at the bright sky and, with the window open, felt the gentle breeze blowing through her hair.
The seventeen year-old beamed at the gentle caresses, then returned to writing.
Before joining Fairy Tail, I never thought I would be part of something so major. At least, not until I'm a high-ranked Guild Member. It still feels so surreal, yet my heart still raced from what the team and I went through.
I had heard that the authorities were able to capture most of the Eisenwald Guild that were involved. Kageyama was compliant to be taken away, after his injuries were treated... Karacka, when seeing his friend, apologized profusely and swore he never wanted to kill him. Before we left, I gave my statement to the army on what occurred. Hopefully, it'll be enough to have Kageyama and Karacka face a slightly lesser charge.
Despite having to know what'll be like to be part of a guild like ours and the other Guilds from Master Bob and Master Goldmine, Kage and Karacka decided they wanted to join Fairy Tail. But, before they do, they wanna take some time off to clear their minds and better themselves, when they get out of jail. I wished them luck.
...I'm sorry to inform you this, Mom, but I failed ... Erigor escaped from the authorities, and was nowhere to be seen, since. I have a hunch he'll come after Fairy Tail for revenge, but wouldn't be stupid enough to try and take on the whole guild on his own... It's only a matter of time, before he reveals himself. And when that happens, I'll be ready to face him and make certain that he doesn't slip through the crack.
I know it sounds scary, but I'll be all right, Mom... I have great friends, who'll have my back. Natsu, Gray and Erza are all powerful and can handle themselves. Not to mention, Happy can be helpful in his own way.
...Fairy Tail is amazing, and all of its members are great people. So, just to let you know, I'm doing fine and will continue to strengthen my bond with Mom and my Celestial Family.
Oh! Speaking of which, I almost forgot to tell you! During our chase for Erigor, Happy remembered to give me Virgo's Key when we were trapped within Erigor's Wind Wall. I was able to form a contract with her, the instant we got home. So, now, I got myself a new sister. Though, I feel there's something a bit off with her, when she stared down at my whip. I'll ask her about her fascination with my whip, when I get the time.
Then, before we left Clover Town, Master Bob from Blue Pegasus gave me a Crystal Key, as a gift to show his gratitude. And, after seeing how I fight with Big Brother, believe I would be a great summoner to this spirit: Pegasus, the Winged Horse.
I haven't formed a contract with him, yet, but I'll do so, today. I'm going to do so outside of Magnolia, so he won't feel hostile or stressed.
...I miss you, Mom. There won't be a day, a second of my life, that I won't wish you were still here, with me. And, my spirits and I will always love you... Please, take care, and rest assured that Aquarius and the others are doing a great job at raising me. I don't know what I would be, without them in my life.
...P.S.: If you can, please don't have Dad find out where I am. Some of the Guild Masters in Clover Town seem to recognize me as Lucy Heartfilia, but had all sworn to secrecy and even told me that they'll help keep him off my tail... I still hadn't told the guild about my past. And, I know, I need to tell them. I just want them to see me for myself, and not some rich, entitled, spoiled little princess.
I promise, when the time is right, I'll tell them. So, in the mean time, all I ask is for him to give up on his search in Fiore and believe I'm at the other parts of Earthland.
Finished writing her letter, she folded the piece of paper to fit into the envelope and sat it on her desk... She'll never mail it, just like the rest of the letters she written to her deceased mother. And, tonight, like her first few nights in Magnolia, she'll head for the highest hill and burn it, so that its ashes can be delivered to the sky.
She stretched her arms over her head, popping the kinks out of her arms and shoulders.
'Today feels so great,' she thought. 'I should summon Pegasus and form a contract with him, before I do anything else. Maybe, after that, take this moment to rest up before I go take a job, tomorrow. I need to buy that Lock Lacrima, if I wanna keep my food safe from Natsu and Happy.'
...Then, she felt as if somebody is in her house... In the same room with her!
She didn't need to think when she acted.
Lucy pulled out her whip and sent the cracker towards the direction where she felt the presence.
"Gah! What the hell, Lucy?!"
To her greatest surprise, turned out that intruder was an almost nude Gray.
She glared at the raven-haired man.
'It's bad enough that Natsu and Happy breaks in, but now Gray?! Who's next, Erza?!'
The seventeen year-old folded her arms over her chest, glaring at a wincing Gray who's now kneeling on the ground, holding his injured cheek.
"Geez, Lucy, what was that for?!" The eighteen year-old grunted.
"That was for being in my house, without my permission." She growled, then snapped her whip in the air. "And now, for being here, in nothing but your boxer."
Quickly. he got to his feet and held out both hands.
"Hold on a second! Let me explain!" He urged, not wanting to be hit with the whip, again. Then, he turned his back to her, acting calm. "I was already naked, when I got here."
...That earned him a good kick in the back of his head.
"Aw, come on!" He yelled, holding his injured head.
Lucy didn't look in the least amused.
"Lamest excuse, ever." She told him, putting her whip away and tapping her foot on the floor. "Just tell me why you're here."
Gray shook his head, then got back to his feet.
"So, that means you forgotten what today is." He pointed out, folding his arms over his chest.
That got her attention. She raised an eyebrow at his meaning.
"About what?"
He gave her a smirk.
"Remember that rematch Natsu wanted with Erza, back at the train station... It's happening."
In Front of the Fairy Tail Guild...
A big circle stood outside of the guild. Within the large, cheering circle of Fairy Tail members, Erza and Natsu stood. The two glaring at each other.
"Kick his ass, Erza!"
"Show us what you got, Natsu!"
Lucy, pushing her way through the front, standing to the right of a cheering Wakaba, couldn't believe what was happening.
'You gotta be kidding me!' She thought, shocked.
"Hi, Lucy!" Mira greeted, skipping over to the girl and pulling her into a big hug. "We were wondering where you were, so I had Gray go and fetch you!"
Being pulled into a hug by the beaming woman, Lucy winced from how tight she was hugging her. Nevertheless, she tried to return the embrace and, awkwardly, pat her back.
"Good to see you, too, Mira."
Her younger, but tall bother, Elfman, focused on the fight that hadn't started, yet.
"If Erza and Natsu both value their manhood, then they better go through with it." He stated.
Still hugging Lucy, Mira gave him a confused look.
"Uh, Elfman, Erza isn't a man."
To her right, Macao chuckled.
"True, but you gotta admit that she is manly."
When Mira finally released her from the hug, Lucy couldn't help but worry.
"Is this really a good idea?" She asked, though not really asking anybody. "Won't this tear up our strongest team apart?"
To her left, Gray, who's wearing black-pants and a white-shirt, overheard her comment and gave her a confused look.
"What are you talking about? 'Our Strongest Team'?" He asked.
That was a bit of a surprise to the seventeen year-old.
"Uh, yeah. You, Natsu and Erza. You three our the Guild's Strongest Wizards." She stated.
Gray raised an eyebrow to her claim.
"We are? -He then scoffed under his breath.- Yeah, right." He chuckled. "What kind of stupid idiot fed you that lie?"
Hearing what they were talking about, Mira beamed up at Gray... Then, she pulled Lucy into another hug and cried into her shoulder.
"Lucy, Gray called me a 'stupid idiot'!" She sobbed.
Gray, taken back that it was Mira, felt really bad and tried to apologize.
"Wait, you're not an idiot, Mira! I swear!"
Lucy glared at the raven-haired boy.
"Nice going, Gray. You made her cry." She growled out, as she tried to comfort the nineteen year-old girl.
While Elfman glared down at Gray for making his sister cry, he decided to explain to Lucy the truth.
"I'm manly enough to admit that Natsu and Gray are tough," he confessed. "But neither of them are anywhere close to being the strongest. There are a handful of men who are stronger than those two pipsqueak combined. Like this guy!"
He jerked a thumb at himself, beaming down at the blonde.
Next to them, Levy and her two team, Jet and Droy, overheard the conversation.
"That may be true, but calling Erza the Strongest Woman in the Guild is very much true." She confirmed the younger seventeen year-old.
"As for the strongest guys, I'd put my money on either Laxus, Mystogan or Gildarts." Jet commented.
Mira, still sniffling, felt as if they weren't seeing to her claim.
"All I meant was the three of them work so well, and have the best team chemistry in all of Fairy Tail!" She bawled, still crying into Lucy's left-shoulder.
Lucy sweat-dropped.
"...Yeah, they worked so well together, that they needed Erza to threaten them to work together." She flatly brought out.
Mira continued to sniffle.
"If Natsu hadn't requested for you to join them, I would've asked you to go and help keep an eye on them!" She admitted.
Changing the subject to the fight, Elfman and Gray commented of the fight.
"I gotta say, I'm pretty stoked on how the fight will turn out."
"Yeah? I bet she'll end up moping the floor with him."
It seemed as if Erza and Natsu were talking, before they start the fight... Then, the pink-haired male sniffed the air and looked behind him, seeing Lucy.
He beamed at her.
"Yo, Luce!" He greeted, waving at her. "You made it! Now, you can watch me kick Erza's ass!"
She let out an irritated grumble underneath her breath.
"As if I wanted to see them kill each other," she muttered.
Mira, finally done crying, giggled at Natsu's joy that Lucy showed up and how she doesn't seemed to notice how happy he is that she's here.
'He's still like a kid, but he's definitely showing he's just like every other man when it comes to their soulmates.' She thought, praying that the seventeen year-old will take notice and the two will end up as a couple.
"Natsu!" Erza barked, drawing his attention back to her. "You must take this seriously, otherwise you're just wasting everyone's time!"
Hearing the warning in her tone, Natsu turned to her and slammed his left-fist into his right-palm.
"I am taking this seriously," he argued. "In fact, since this'll be Lucy's first fight to watch, I'm going to give this my all."
The nineteen year-old female let out a small-sigh.
'So, it seems that my hunch is more accurate than I expected.' She thought, looking over to Lucy, who couldn't believe that Happy, giving a few Jewels to Cana, was betting against his friend/father figure. 'He's not only going to use this match to show he's stronger than me, he's going to demonstrate to Lucy just how strong he is.' "In that case, Natsu, I have the perfect Armor to use against you."
She summoned her Equip Magic and, in a glowing light, changed her uniform to what will aid her against his fire.
The armor is predominantly dark red in color, but also has orange and black parts, with the orange parts being shaped like flames and the other parts being reminiscent of Dragon's limbs. It consists of the breastplate, gauntlets and greaves. The breastplate lacks pauldrons, revealing Erza's shoulders, and extends down to cover her groin, revealing her legs and, in a way, being reminiscent of a one piece swimming suit. The breastplate also possesses a pair of Dragon-like wings attached to it. The gauntlets posses small claw-like protrusions on the hands. The greaves are shaped like Dragon's claws. In addition, her hair is tied into a pair of high, long pigtails by clips, resembling Dragon horns in some way.
This is her Flame Empress Armor*.
"Flame Empress Armor. Perfect choice on Erza's part." Macao commented.
"That means Natsu's flame will only do half damage. Plus, she can manipulate and produce her own fire." Laki brought up.
Lucy seem to do an evaluation of what she heard.
'That means, Natsu will have to rely on pure strength to take her down. Erza, obviously, has the speed advantage, thanks to those wings of her and, as Laki stated, will only take half the damage his flames can do. However, since she can use Fire Magic in that outfit, Natsu can devour her fire attacks and increase his usage of fire and their strength. And, depending on how much damage her armor can take, she can risk her armor taking too much damage and leaving Natsu an opening to bring her down. So, really, this battle can end up with either of them as the victor. Or, if they both use up too much of their magic, be knocked out and end in a draw.'
"That's cool, that you're using your Fire Empress Armor." Natsu said, smirking and summoning fire into both his hands. "That means, I can turn up the heat!"
The two stood still on opposite side, waiting, when Makarov came out.
"Round one, start!" He announced, signaling the fight to start.
Immediately, Natsu charged and went to deliver the first blow.
Erza jumped out of the way and, summoning fire from her sword, went to deliver an attack.
In response, as Natsu delivered a fire-covered kick, he opened his mouth and began to suck in the fire that left her sword*.
She then tried to swipe him when he was open, but Natsu was quick and twisted himself to avoid the blade, his mouth opened to absorb more of her flame.
Erza charged to get in close, and that's when Natsu released a mouth full of fire to hit her at long-range. She chose to dodge the attack and move out of the way, as the fire hit the ground near the crowd watching the fight.
Lucy was more than surprised, but also a bit nervous on how intense it was getting.
"See? It's a good fight. Right?" Elfman asked her, but kept his eyes on the fight.
Gray didn't seem that impressed.
"This is getting boring," he commented.
Natsu charged, two hands full of burning fire, pulling back a fist to lay an attack. Erza, with her wings, shot straight for her opponent. Her sword, aimed and ready to cut through his fire.
The two almost made contact, when...
Gong!
The two froze from the pulsing. And, when they turned to where the sound came from, they saw a humanoid-frog, wearing a robe, slowly walking into the middle.
Everyone turned to the frog. All confused, and curious.
"This match is over!" The frog announced.
Murmurs could be heard within the crowd. Lucy recognize the robe it wore... From the Magic Council, itself.
'A messenger? What does the Magic Council want?'
"May I have your attention, please!" The frog called out. "I have come, on behalf of the Magic Council!"
Everyone got nervous, and on high alert. Lucy and Gray turned to each other. They don't know how this is going to end, but it can't be good.
"As a result of the Eisenwald Incident, a member of your guild has been charged for eleven counts of Property Damage!"
She then pointed a finger in front of her... At Erza.
"Erza Scarlet, you are under arrest!"
The whole guild is quiet.
Since the messenger from the Magic Council came and took Erza away, in handcuffs, it was as if the messenger had also taken away their joy and happiness, replacing it with depression and worry for their scarlet mage.
"Come on, you guys, this isn't fair! Let me out of here!"
From within a glass-cup, turned upside-down, is a pink-lizard. Possibly to be a salamander, or a baby bearded-dragon... Apparently, with the small-vest and the familiar dragon-scaled scarf, with small-flames raised off the top of his head and the end of his tails, is Natsu.
Mira, standing behind the bar, gave the lizard-turned Natsu a concern but stern look.
"Natsu, you need to calm down!" She scolded.
"I am calm! I swear!" The pink-lizard argued, still rampaging. "Just let me out of this cup! I'm telling you! It's getting hard to breathe!"
Nobody within the room bought his lies.
"Natsu, the moment that we let you out, you'll go on a rampage!" Mira argued, walking over to where he is.
"No, I won't! I promise! So, please, turn me back to the way I was before!" Natsu yelled, waving his arms.
The nineteen year-old glared down at the pink-lizard.
"The very second we turn you back, you'll go and save Erza!" She stated, not showing to let him go.
"Give me a break! I can care less to what happens to her!" Natsu denied, yelling back at the white-haired mage.
"It's pointless, Flame Brain." Gray stated, his back turned to his guild mate. "Even if you wanted to go and save her, we can't just go fight with the Magic Council."
Natsu turned to the Ice Mage.
"But don't they realize that Erza did what she had to do, in order to save others from the bad guys' evil scheme?!" He argued, not seeing why nobody was going to join him to wanting to bust out their friend.
"It doesn't matter how justifiable your actions are. If the Council say 'you're guilty', then you're guilty." Gray replied, though not really happy with the answer he gave to Natsu. "They won't care what we have to say, when they're the ones making the rules that we have to follow."
Elfman, leaning on his left-hand, grumbled at the situation.
"I don't get it," he said. "We damaged or destroyed many stuff, in the past, and they never made a big deal about it. So, why is this anything different?"
"I know." Laki agreed. "It doesn't make any sense. It's almost like there's a completely different reason behind it."
Everyone is left pondering on figuring out what would it be that would have the Magic Council go after Erza.
It was then, that Levy realized something.
"Hey, where's Lucy?" She questioned, looking around the room.
Gray shrugged his shoulders.
"She said something about forming a contract with one of her new spirits," he said.
At the Forest...
Plue circled around the area, on all four, his cone-nose near the ground and sniffing the ground.
"Pun. Pun-pun." He muttered, turning his head from one direction to the next, making certain to keep his sense of smell locked on to the scent.
Standing a few feet behind him, Lucy waited for what her spirit has to inform her. Staying quiet.
Plue then ran towards a few bushes in the back and, barking out "Pun-pun!", alerted his Summoner that he found something.
Lucy ran towards the bushes.
"You found something, Plue?" She asked, seeing her spirit standing over something on the ground.
...When she got in closer to see what it was, she found herself staring at deep shoeprints in the dirt. More specifically, sandal shoeprints, which she knew belonged to one person she knows to wear sandals.
Plue, after taking a few sniff at the shoeprints, took a few steps forward and then pointed his nose towards the direction they lead to, towards the deeper parts of the forest away from Magnolia.
The seventeen year-old glared towards the direction her spirit is pointing towards.
'I knew there was something off, from how easily Romeo caught him and why we didn't see Macao after the capture.' -She smiled gently at Plue, who turned to her, laying a hand on top of his head.- "Good job, Plue." She praised, gathering him into her ams and, from her saddle bag, pulled out a carrot and handed the food to the Nikola. "Thanks for your help. You can go back to the Celestial."
Holding the carrot in both paws and nibbling his treat, the spirit beamed up at his summoner and vanished in a beam of light, leaving her.
Lucy's smile left her face, her frown back on.
"If I were to place a bet on where he'd go, I'd be rich." She muttered, reaching for one of her other Keys... It being the only Crystal Key of the group, having the mark of a horse with wings.
The key for the Winged Horse, Pegasus.
She stared down at the key in her hand.
'I hope Pegasus is in a friendly mood, today.' She prayed, before she summoned her magic. "I call upon thee, in the world of the Celestial Spirits! I beckon you to my side, at once! Pass through the gate! -She brings the key down, as a white-insignia appeared.- Open! Gate of the Winged Horse: Pegasus!"
The thumping of hooves echoed and, when she moved away, a brilliant bright light shot straight out of the insignia. A strong whinny of a horse called out to the sky, before the light circled and came before the awestruck girl.
The light slowly died down, revealing the spirit that she summoned.
It's body revealed to bring a snow-white color, with a slight mixture of very-light pale-blue in the mix. Both its mane, long and wavy, covering the right-side of its neck, and thick tail in a pale-azure color. It's hooves, appearing strong and hard as stone, a silver-color. Around its neck, a Cerulean sash, with gold-trimming at the end of the sash and golden-wind markings at the middle.
And then, there are its wings: Large and feathery, as big as paragliders, opened wide in the air.
Lucy is positive that Pegasus is absolutely beautiful, and hoped that she makes a good impression of her new spirit.
The horse, appearing to be a white-Arabian, turned its sky-blue eyes to the mesmerized blonde.
It took a few steps forward, gently folding its wings to rest against its side.
"Are you my new master?" It's voice, deep and strong, revealing the horse to being a male, asked the teenager.
Lucy swallowed the lump in her throat, slightly tightening her grip on the key in her right-hand.
"I summoned you, yes." She confirmed, then made a quick response, slightly panicking that he would misinterpret her to being a master than a friend. Let alone, family. "But, I don't want you to think of me as your master, Pegasus! So, you don't have to call me master or anything title that you think you have to call me by!"
The horse cocked his head to the side, intrigued by his new summoner's response. Though, is more focused to the fact that his new summoner is a child and, eyeing at the key-holder, sees that she has multiple keys in her possession. Nine, including his own key, to be exact.
He may not be able to see how many key she has, but his sense of smell gave him the clue to the answer. So, to his astonishment, smelled four Zodiac Spirits.
It was then and there, that the horse realizes who this girl is.
"You are the Water Bearer's Daughter?" He asked, slightly snorting to clear his nose and catching a clear scent of Aquarius from the girl. "You have four of the twelve Zodiac Keys, in your possession?"
To that, Lucy nodded her head.
"Two of my keys once belonged to my mother, Layla, before she passed away." She revealed, reaching to her key-holder and pulling out two gold-keys, being Aquarius and Cancer's keys. "Since my mother's death, Aquarius had adopted me as her daughter."
Pegasus lean his head forward and sniffed at the two keys she held in her hand, his muzzle gently brushing against her skin.
Lucy blushed, nervous at what his response will be, while trying to stay calm.
The horse then pulled back, staring at the girl.
"How long ago did she die, and when did you begin your training?" He asked.
The seventeen year-old immediately answered.
"It's been over ten years, soon to be eleven years ago, since she passed. She was able to teach me a few basics on using my powers when I was five, but then I have to learn from a master since her death. -She put away the two keys back into the key-holder.- By the time I became eight, Mom and Uncle Cancer had me training to become a strong summoner, along with some people who worked at my-... Home."
Hearing the low growl in her tone at the mentioning of her home did have Pegasus curious, but also skeptical, to wonder why she seems to despise her home.
In the back of his mind, he made a mental note to ask the Water Bearer and the Giant Crab about her past. For now, though, he has a contract to make with his new summoner.
Before he could commence the process, Lucy gasped in realization and, digging into her salute bag, pulled out something the Winged Horse never thought to see.
A golden apple.
"Here," she gently offered. "I don't know if you're hungry, so I brought this, if you want."
Pegasus could only stare at the offered food in her right-hand... He never thought this would happen, again.
Like his previous master, four-hundred years ago.
Thinking he was offended by her gift, or has any thought that she was trying to bribe him, Lucy pulled back.
"I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't mean to offend you, or make you think I'm trying to bribe you to like me! I swear! I just really want us to be friends, and not have you think that I was going to treat you as some pet or a slave! -She started to pull her hand back.- I'll put this aw-"
"Don't." Pegasus cut her off, walking closer to the flustered girl. "You did not offended me, in any way, Child. -A chuckled, blended with a nickering sound, left the horse.- I'm just completely taken back, that you just did something what a previous master of mine has done for me, the first time we've met."
He eyed the apple in her hand and, leaning down, gently took the fruit from her hand, took a single bite, munching and chewing through his meal with ease.
A low groan of a snort left the horse... Then, he laid his muzzle into Lucy's empty hand... Resting his large head against her chest.
The seventeen year-old did gasp from the sudden contact, but smiled at her new spirit, as she used her left-hand to gently and slowly stroke his pale-azure mane.
"Tell me: What is your name?" Pegasus asked, breathing in her vanilla and strawberry scent.
The girl laid her head on top of his.
"...Lucy... I only go by Lucy, now."
A deep sigh, followed by a snort, left Pegasus, as he pulled his head back to stare right into her chocolate-eyes.
"You reject the name of the herd you were born into?"
Lucy turned her gaze towards Magnolia, to where Fairy Tail would be.
"The 'herd' I was born to, is only made of stone and greed. -She pulled away from Pegasus, slowly walking towards the direction of Magnolia, only to stop when she stood at the ledge.- My Celestial Family and those who worked for the one I'm forced to call my father, were the only ones to love and care for me, since my mother's passing. And since she was gone, he never stepped up to care and love me."
The Winged Horse only stared his new summoner staring down at the town, watches as her hands clench tightly into fists.
...When the wind blow against them, he smelled tears coming from the girl.
"He wanted to forget about Mom, by keeping himself busy. Distancing himself from me, because I look so much like her... Then, the bastard decided to make the most unforgivable decision that I can never do: He told me, gave me an order, as if I were an obedient servant, to stop becoming a Celestial Mage and to surrender my keys, my family, the last of my mother. -She quickly wiped the tears off her face.- I would never go through with it, and so, with some help from those who helped raised me, I escaped and never looked back. I've been on the run, for almost two years, and now have joined the Fairy Tail Guild."
Pegasus was, indeed, touched by her story and his heart went out to her when hearing her father practically abandoned her and even go as far as to make her follow his own path, and not the past she wishes to choose for herself.
With his mind now positive that he will be happy with his new summoner, the Winged Horse walk towards the girl and, extending his head over her left-shoulder, laid it down.
His sky-blue eye stared into hers, as she laid her right-hand over his face.
"You are brave, for a young mare." He commented. "You've endured so much, yet are still just a filly. -When she turned to face him, he stepped back a bit and then spread his glorious wings open.- You will be in need of assistance and because of that, I shall give you aid. I shall be at your service, whenever you're in great need for my wings. -He then slowly lowered his head near the ground, his right-hoof slightly raised and resting the tip on the ground.- It would be a great honor, to form a contract with you... Lucy."
Seeing the Winged Horse bowing to her, stating that he wants to make a contract with her, made Lucy a bit embarrassed but very much happy that he wants to be her Spirit. A member of her Celestial Family.
She gently kneeled and laid both hands to Pegasus' face, smiling at the horse, before slowly and gently resting her forehead against his own.
"...Thank you," she whispered. "I accept to form a contract with you and swear to care, to bond with you, like with my other spirits. -She pulled away, to lay a kiss on his forehead.- ...Welcome to the family, Pegasus."
After forming a contract with the Winged Horse, Lucy went back to Magnolia, heading back to Fairy Tail.
With Pegasus, interested on meeting her guild mates and making certain that she gets there safely, accompanying her.
The walk to the guild wasn't so bad, despite that many people turned and stared at the horse following the blonde-teen. A few children even came up and pet him, which he tolerated but is a bit uncomfortable, since he's technically still wild and hadn't been in contact with humans in such a long while.
Luckily, Lucy was there to help ease his stress. Thanks to her past experience on interacting with horses, she knew how to help him calm down. She did offer to let him to go back to the Celestial World and wait for her to summon him again, but he refused to leave her.
After twenty minutes of walking and getting hauled back, they eventually reached the entrance of the guild, much to their relief.
They can hear voices coming out from inside. Clearly, they're still arguing about going to defend Erza or to stay.
"We should be there, testifying! Erza needs our support!"
"We can't go against the Magic Council's decisions!"
"Even if we do leave, we won't make it in time."
Lucy sighed deeply from hearing their words.
While walking, she had been thinking on why the Magic Council would want to arrest Erza. It was during that time, that she recalled a similar case that happened, while studying on history about the building of laws.
It was then and there that she figured out why the Magic Council arrested the scarlet mage... And, how much trouble Natsu is going to be in.
She turned to Pegasus, beaming up at the Winged Horse.
"Thank you for coming along, Pegasus." She thanked, nodding to the mighty stallion.
The horse snorted, stomping his right-hoof against the pavement, nodding his head once.
"My pleasure," he replied. "Of course, it'll take some getting use to interacting with mortals, again. Other than my foal, of course."
The news was very shocking to Lucy; she didn't know that Pegasus is married. Let alone, had a child.
"'Your foal'?" She repeated, hoping she heard right.
Again, Pegasus nodded his head.
"Yes. -He took a few steps forward and, lifting his head over her right-shoulder, laid it against her back.- ...My foal."
Hearing the emphasis on the 'my', did Lucy quickly get what he said when talking about a foal.
...He's referring to her, as his.
Instead of feeling irritated or annoyed that he would think of her as a child, Lucy smiled gently and gently wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Aren't I a bit old to be called a foal?" She giggled, gently stroking his mane.
Pegasus nickered.
"Just as I said, earlier: You've endured so much. Practically grown too early into a mare, but are still just a filly. And, hearing that you didn't have your sire to help raise you, I will be more than willing to aid the Water Bearer and the other Celestial Spirits to help guide and raise you. And so, I will accept you. Not as my summoner, but as my foal."
In all honesty, Lucy wasn't really certain on how feel about having one of her spirits becoming a father figure to her, despite Aquarius wanting Scorpio just step up in your relationship and become a father to the girl.
Since she was little, three being the farthest she can remember, she recalled a time when Jude was a loving father. He worked, but he always made time for his wife and daughter. Heck, he and his wife even made her a doll, when she asked for a little sister, and that was the greatest gift he ever gave her. Back when he used to care about her.
Back when he used to love her... Before her mother died, and a cold, empty tyrant took his place and left her in the care of servants and her mother's celestial spirits.
She'll never admit it, but she always hoped that the man she knew as "Daddy" would one day come back, and the past nine years of neglect would be nothing more than a nightmare.
The moment he told her to quit being a Celestial Wizard and to give up her keys, both hers and the keys that once belonged to her mother, she knew that he was never coming back and that she could no longer stay with him.
Pegasus sensed her unease, but didn't question about her change of mood nor did he remove himself from her. He remained still, patiently waiting for her to respond to his words. Words that he spoke from the heart, when deciding to acknowledge her as his foal.
...Then, he picked up a familiar scent. A smell that gratefully puzzles him.
'That scent,' he pondered. 'Another celestial spirit...? And, without a Summoner?'
He was so distracted by the smell, that he didn't realize he started to walk towards the double-doors until Lucy's voice and gently patting against his neck brought him out of it.
"Pegasus? What's wrong?"
His sky-blue eyes glared at the double doors.
' This scent is so familiar, and yet I can't figure out who it is. It smells too much like a human, as if that spirit had been living in the Human World. I wonder...'
He turned to the girl.
"Lucy, does Fairy Tail have another Celestial Mage joining them, or are you the only one?"
The seventeen-year-old cocked her head to the side, confused as to why he would ask her that question.
"It's only me." she informed. "Why? do you sense another Celestial Wizard in the guild?"
Pegasus shook his head.
"Not another Summoner. But, I can smell the scent of another celestial spirit." The Winged Horse answered, turning his head back to the double doors. "It's faint, but I know the smell of another celestial spirit when I smell it. I don't know who, though."
Hearing that there was another celestial spirit within the guild was really a major shock to Lucy.
'If there is a Celestial Spirit within Fairy Tail and is able to hide their spiritual power that even I can't feel out, then this spirit must be very strong.' -She gently patted him against his neck.- "Thank you for the info, Pegasus. I may not know who or which celestial spirit it is, but I'll make certain to keep an eye out for any abnormalities that'll give me a sign as to who this mystery spirit is. You may return to the Celestial World."
The animal let out a whinny, stomping his hoof against the pavement.
"Goodbye for now, Lucy." He replied. "I shall await for your call, when you are in need for my aid."
With that said, pegasus stood up on good hind-legs and let out a whinny, before vanishing in a glowing light.
Lucy smiled, taking a moment to stare at where Pegasus was just at, before she turned back to the double door and, with a frown replacing her smile, entered the guild.
Her chocolate-brown zeroed in on the pink-lizard on the bar, held captive within an upside-down glass cup.
She darted for the lizard.
When they heard the doors open and saw Lucy coming in, Levy got out of her seat.
"Lucy!" She cried, walking towards the taller-girl. "Where have you been? We were all wondering where you went off to."
She didn't turn to the blue-haired girl, but did responded to her question.
"I'll tell you about it later, Levy." She promised, as she came to the bar and glared down at the nervous lizard-Natsu. "But, first..."
She brought out her whip, coating it with her magic.
Everyone but Makarov gave her confused looks on their faces.
"Lucy?" Mira said, wondering what she was going to do.
...Then, Lucy brought her whip down at s now panicking, screaming lizard-Natsu.
"You rotten little snake!"
The crackle broke the glass, hitting the lizard-turned Natsu and launching him off the counter.
...Then, smoke encircled the lizard and when it cleared, instead off the pink-haired Dragon Slayer they expected to see, a wincing, nervous chuckling Macao appeared before them.
"Macao?!" Levy cried, completely taken back.
"But, how?!" Jet yelled.
"Better yet, why?!" Droy argued.
Macao, rubbing the back of his head, gave them all and apologetic look.
"Sorry for tricking you guys, but I owe Natsu a favor." He revealed. "I turned myself into a salamander, making everyone to believe that I caught Natsu and turned him into a lizard, in order to give him time to escape."
As soon as he finished tell them what he did, he found himself coiled within Lucy's whip and, when he was pulled towards the girl, he trembled in fear at the rage of her chocolate-brown eyes.
"And if we're to guess as to where he went, just at the top of our heads, he went after Erza." She growled. "And don't even try and lie; Plue followed his scent towards the same direction she and the Messenger went, while you mysteriously vanished the instant Romeo called out that you caught Natsu."
She may be seventeen, but she can be very threatening when she wants to. Even way before she met Erza, and she's the most terrified woman in all of Fairy Tail.
Immediately, Macao nodded his head.
"I'm afraid so," he confessed.
"You gotta be kidding me!" Elfman yelled, irritated that one of their own would pull a trick on them like that. "That idiot will probably end up trying to fight the whole Council!"
"Or, end up doing some so stupid, that it could end up having both him and Erza actually be locked up if he causes damages." Lucy added, tightening the hold of her whip to instill more fear into Macao, before she let out an irritating grumble and had her whip uncoil from the trembling adult.
"Would everyone just calm down." Makarov ordered, remaining where he sat. A gloom look on his face hardened his face. "We have no choice, but to wait and see what happens."
Most of the guild mates paled to his decision, but none dare try and argue.
Lucy sent a warning glance to Macao, who slowly got back to his feet and immediately went for an empty table near the doors. A deep sigh left her lungs, getting over what Macao did, coiling her whip back to her hip and then started to head for the doors.
Levy, noticing her leave, went over to the blonde.
"Lucy, wait!"
Lucy stopped in her tracks, turning to the shorter blue-haired girl. Her silence told Levy she's waiting to hear what she wanted to say.
"What you said earlier, about Natsu and Erza actually being locked up. What do you mean by that?"
Hearing the question, other members of Fairy Tail turned to the blonde in question. Even Makarov was intrigued by Levy's suspicions of Lucy knowing what was the fate of their scarlet mage.
Being put on the spotlight and seeing nobody appearing to know what she found out, the seventeen year-old knew chose to tell them of her discovery to help ease their mind for their two guild mates.
She had an annoyed look on her face, but her eyes told Levy and the others that she isn't towards any of them.
"It did took me some time to figure it out, but I'm absolutely positive that Erza isn't in any kind of trouble, at all. In fact, the only reason they 'arrested' Erza, is to protect the law and remind everyone that it still has power and must be enforced to keep holding society as it should be."
To her words, many were taken back and at a lost for words.
Levy, however, jumped and gasped, as if she remembered something that's connected to Lucy's discovery.
"I heard another wizard from a different guild being arrested, but was then immediately released and nobody was told why they were arrested in the first place!" She cried out, as she grabbed for both of Lucy's hands. "Are you saying, that Erza...?"
Lucy gave her a gentle smile, nodding her head.
"Erza isn't in trouble and will be returned to us, without any kind of punishment. -Then, her smile turned into a scowl, aiming her glare back at Macao.- Of course, thanks to Macao allowing Natsu and Happy* to go after them, without having any knowledge on what's going on, I won't hold my breath if the Magic Council decides to lock them up for collateral damage that Natsu will be causing."
To that added information, the other guild-mates turned their own glaring eyes on the poor wizard, who quivered in fear from their glaring eyes and held up both hands in defense.
...Makarov, remaining where he sat, paled from the thought of the complaint he'll be getting from the Council.
'That boy better not think about demolishing the whole building, otherwise we may end up with a fine that can leave us bankrupt till kingdom come!' "My children, the only thing we can do is hope... And pray to Mavis, to not be severely punished by the Magic Council for Natsu's destructive actions!"
Next Day Later: Midday...
"ALL RIGHT! WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT FRESH AIR WOULD TASTE SO SWEET!" Natsu, with a fist raised in the air and fire rising from his mouth, cheered. "I'M GONNA BREATHE IT IN, TILL I BURST!"
Like a kid in an amusement park, he cheered and ran all around, celebrating his 'freedom'.
"FREEDOM! I'LL NEVER TAKE IT FOR GRANTED!"
Some of the guys glared in annoyance at his cheering.
"Hey..." Jet grumbled.
"Will you give it a rest, already?" Droy asked, irritated at the peace and quiet was long gone.
Some of the guild-mates laughed at his goofball, childish behavior. More so, that he and Erza are back and aren't in trouble with the Magic Council.
Though, for some, they think that Natsu should be back behind bars, for disturbing their peace and for being an idiot.
Erza did seem somewhat happy to be back home, but wasn't in any mood at all to run around the guild and enjoy her freedom like her friend/little-brother figure does.
Lucy sat at the the table near the bar, reading a book on certain food ingredients to help strengthen her physical ability but not enforce too much body muscles to make her sluggish or restricting of movement, while sipping a milkshake to keep her blood-sugar stabilized.
She summoned Virgo yesterday to help assist her to start training/bonding with her new sister, along with better preparing herself to train with Taurus. Though, Virgo insisted that they helped get her to a healthier eating habit and to focus on food that'll better strengthen her body, before she even tries to train with the Maiden.
She's still low on food at our home, but she had a few items left that she's able to eat for now. Tomorrow, she'll take a job and earn herself some more jewels to shop for food... And to buy that Lock-Lacrima, to keep Natsu and Happy from eating her food, again.
"Yo, Erza! You still owe me a fight! Let's go!" Natsu boasted, holding both fists up.
Not even look at him, the nineteen year-old focused on her cake. showing no interest of any kind to fight the pink-haired Dragon Slayer.
"Sorry, Natsu, but I'm not in the mood." She replied.
Her response didn't deter Natsu from his excited nature. In fact, without much thought, he charged.
"Well, too bad!" He yelled, channeling fire into his right-fist. "Even if you don't put up a fight, I'm still going to beat you! Once and for a-!"
A strong, metal-fist slammed him to the gut, forcing the wind right out from his lungs.
"I just told you, 'not now'!" Erza yelled, before turning back to her cake and leaving Natsu sprawled on the ground.
Macao and Wakaba sweatdropped at how quickly that fight went.
"He went down, by a single punch." Macao gulped.
"Lesson learned: Never bother Erza, when she's not in the mood to fight."
Cana, sitting at one of the end of the bar, snickered at Natsu's defeat.
"Nice one, Erza! Got me to win the bet!" She cheered, raising a mug full of wine in the air.
Gray and Elfman laughed at the result of the fight.
"Way to go, 'Champ'!" Gray mocked, holding his side.
"Guess we all know who the real man is!" Elfman praised, slamming his fist against the table.
Lucy rolled her eyes at the outcome of the fight, but a smile on her face showed she loves their company. She went back to reading...
...Then, the words on the book blurry. Her eyes felt heavy. She feels a great wave of drowsiness coming down on her, and then she can't fight it no more and fell into darkness.
Everything is dark. Black.
...Then, she hears voices.
"I sh-... -turn..."
"Wa-... -ft y-... Spell."
Faint footsteps echoed in the dark. Then, the instant the steps faded, so did the weight.
Her eyes snapped opened and she stood out of her seat, on high alert and fighting the groggy feeling of sleep that still lingers in her eyes and lungs.
Everyone around her appeared to be waking up from sleep as well... Except for Natsu, who appears to still be asleep.
"Oh, man..." Jet moaned, stretching his left-arm over his head.
"Was Mystogan here? That jerk." Droy grumbled, rubbing his eyes.
"Why does he have to put us to sleep, every time he comes back?" Levy yawned.
Lucy looked over to Elfman and Gray.
"Who's this Mystogan?" She asked in a quiet, groggy tone.
"For one, he's a contender for Fairy Tail's Strongest Wizard." Elfman informed, seeming to be fully awake and no longer drowsy.
The blonde was surprised to hear that information.
"Really?"
Gray, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, nodded his head.
"Yeah," he confirmed. "And another thing: He doesn't want anybody to see what he looks like. So, whenever he comes to take a job, he uses a Sleeping Spell to put everybody to sleep. -He looked over to Makarov, who seemed somewhat tired but is fully waking up from the effects of the spell.- Master Makarov is the only one who gotten a good look of his face."
"That's not true." A deep voice, coming from above called out. "I've seen his face, before."
Everyone turned their eyes to the person speaking to them from above.
The figure is leaning over the railing, but Lucy can very much guess that he's tall. He wore some sort of heavy coat, which covers from his shoulders instead of wearing them properly. He has thick, spiky-blonde hair, light-tan skin a distinct lightning bolt-shaped scar on his right eye. He, also, wore what looks to be Magic Headphones, though could very much be Sound Pod to look like Magic Headphones.
She doesn't know who this person is, but she has a strong gut feeling that he's strong. Especially from the hard, strong look in his greenish-blue eyes*.
Elfman and Wakaba were out of their seats, completely taken back by the person being here.
"Laxus!" Elfman exclaimed.
"Well, this is rare." Macao muttered, remaining where he sat.
"You're never here, Laxus!" Wakaba pointed out, curious as to why Laxus was even here.
"And here's another contender..." Gray grumbled, showing no sign of excitement nor disproval of the person being here.
Lucy glared up at the older-blonde standing over them, not liking that cocky smirk on his face.
"Mystogan's just a little shy." Laxus stated, sounding more like teasing about their guild-mate. "You should all respect his privacy."
As if hearing his voice is the key to waking him up, Natsu was wide awake and was at his feet.
"All right, Laxus! Let's do this! You and me!" He growled, flashing him a confident look, flashing him his dragon-like fangs.
Gray gave him an annoyed look of disbelief.
"Getting you butt kicked once isn't enough for you?"
Laxus chuckled at the nineteen year-old's challenge.
"Yeah right, pal." He mocked, resting his face in his right-palm, flashing him his own set of strong, fang-like teeth. "If you can't even hold your own against the red-head, why bother picking a fight with me?!"
Erza, hearing the name Laxus called her by, sent him her own warning glance of anger, slamming her fork into the table in the process.
"What are you trying to say, Laxus?!" She demanded, freaking out some of the members by her response.
Gray tried to get her to calm down, though held up both hands in case she decides to fight him.
"No need to get worked up, Erza."
Laxus, chuckling at her question, raised both hands. Acting as if he can lift the building off the ground, or even split the ground and cause an Earthquake.
"I'm saying, that I'm Fairy Tail's Strongest Wizard!" He proclaimed, boasting at his confidence and strength in his voice.
Natsu snarled up at the older-male.
"Then come down here and prove it!" He challenges, again.
As if playing his game, Laxus taunted him.
"You come to me, little man."
Natsu started to take off, launching himself towards Laxus... Only for a large, heavy fist to slam down on him and pin him to the ground. The large fist, came from Makarov, himself.
"You're not allowed on the Second Floor, Natsu! You know that!" Makarov scolded. "At least, not yet."
Lucy slightly paled at the response their Guild Master chose to keep Natsu on the First Floor.
As if enjoying the reaction he gotten, Laxus chuckled at Natsu being pinned by the old man... His own grandfather.
"What's wrong? You cranky, Kid?"
Makarov glared up at his grandson.
"That's enough out of you, Laxus!" He yelled, keeping the pink-haired Dragon Slayer on the ground.
"The most powerful wizard in the guild isn't some chick, or some hooded weirdo." He continued to taunt, ignoring the old man's warning. "You wanna know what the strongest wizard looks like? -He pointed his thumb towards himself.- You're looking right at him!"
Many of the guild could only stare at him. Some of them, especially Levy and Laki shivered at his tone and physical appearance. Others, like Natsu, Erza and Gray, glared at his cocky attitude and acting so high and mighty.
...Lucy wasn't impressed by Laxus' behavior. And for him to talk down at the other members, as if they're nothing but stepping stones? That's something she won't stand.
So, she decided to do something that she knows will get back at him.
She stared up at him... Then, she voiced her her opinion.
"Really?"
Everyone turned their eyes on her, as she closed her book and got out of her seat.
She stared at Laxus, who gave her a raised eyebrow. His smile gone.
"Funny. I didn't think the 'strongest wizard' who would think it be necessary to be on the Second Floor to tell us, just to enforce the Guild Master to keep anybody from getting to him."
Some of the members gaped at her words, realizing she's calling him out and purposely using his example as payback to what he did.
Laxus glared down at her.
"What?"
Lucy, acting innocent, shrugged her shoulders.
"Well, it's just that I expected the 'strongest wizard' to be down here, at our level, to make such a proclaim of his status. But, instead, I see a cocky, cowardly man, who likes to talk tough but chooses to hide behind an old man and get him to protect him from fights he, himself, started and provoked."
Sparks of electricity jumped off of Laxus' body. He stared angrily at a now smirking Lucy, hunched back on the railing.
"I don't need protection from weaklings, like that pipsqueak or any of the likes of you." He snarled. "And I sure as hell don't need any protection from anybody! Especially, from the Old Man!"
The seventeen year-old folded her arms over her chest, knowing she's getting to the twenty-three year-old.
"Funny," she grunted. "You're nothing but talk, and aren't going to prove that case by staying up there. Even when you know Erza won't fight you, you still refuse to come down and prove you don't need 'protection' from an old man. And here you are, being called out by a newbie and still refuse to prove your point. -She then pretended to ponder up a thought, leading her to give Laxus a Cheshire Cat smile.- Or, maybe, the only reason you refuse to come down, is because you're afraid that Natsu can, actually, beat you!"
...If a pin where to drop at that point, that would be the only sound be heard, before Laxus jumped off the Second Floor and landed roughly at the table, crushing it by his sheer weight and strength.
Lucy didn't show much reaction to what he did, even as sparks of electricity jumped off his body and hearing a rumbling sound of an angry beast.
Laxus flashed his teeth at her, lifting his right-hand up, as lightning started to gather in his hand.
"Are you challenging me?"
Lucy's smile left her face, but didn't show any sign of fear towards him.
"Of course not," she answered. "Unlike you, I know when I'm no match against somebody who's clearly stronger than me in both strength and magic. So, I know that it would be stupid to even think about issuing a challenge to somebody stronger than me. And I know how stupid it would be, if I were to taunt said 'strong wizard' to fight me, just to prove how much of an ass he's making of himself for disrespecting the other guild members and acting tough. Though, as everyone can see, all I see is a bully and his bullshit, in his desperate act for attention."
His patience finally broke and, with a fistful of lightning, Laxus went to deliver a punch at Lucy.
...Only for his hand to be grabbed and held back. By Mira, herself.
She beamed up at the growling blonde, baring his teeth at her, though the grip of her hands made him slightly wince. Not showing any sign of fear of his attitude pointed towards her.
"...Laxus..."
She spoke in a sweet, innocent tone. A tone that made most of the guild members pale.
Even Laxus, himself, looked a bit uncomfortable when she said his name in that tone.
"Were you about to hurt Lucy, for only speaking the truth and purposely trying to get under your skin?"
The twenty-three year-old growled, wanting her to let go of his hand.
...He didn't want everybody to see him go soft, or witness him do something nobody expects him to do to their bartender. Even when it's a pain to keep holding his beast back from pulling the white-haired female into his arms, pull his coat over her body and cover her in his scent... Kissing her...
He fought off his thoughts, bringing him back to reality and seeing everybody out of their seats, having their magic and/or weapons out.
All armed, ready to defend, to protect Lucy from him.
"It would be unwise to do so, Laxus." Mira warned. Her sweet tone gone, replaced with a low, cold tone. "None of us are going to let that happen. And if you try to test us, I won't hesitate to beak my promise to protect my Mini Me."
Erza walked towards them, gently pulling a stunned Lucy back to stand protectively in front of her.
"I, myself, will engage combat with you, Laxus, if you dare to harm Lucy." She threatened, having her sword out. "You may even end up having an actual fight with Natsu, if you wish to continue your attack on her."
His brows scrunched in confusion... Then, when he looked over his shoulder to see the pink-haired Dragon Slayer, he, indeed, saw his eyes had gone ruby-red, snarling at him, like a caged animal.
He was ready to fight him... To protect what's his.
Just looking at Natsu and seeing his eyes fixed on him, more at the fist aimed for Lucy, and how he's slowly getting back to his feet and holding up Makarov's enlarged fist, slowly freeing himself, it took that few seconds for Laxus to figure out that the pink-haired Dragon Slayer has imprinted the girl as his mate.
In normal cases, he would tease Natsu for finally being a sucker for finding a mate and how he's going to get whipped and be kept on a short leash... But, surprisingly, he wasn't going to reveal that to everyone. Not out of some obligation, or that he actually cares.
No, it's because he can see from Mira's eyes that she knew about it and would skin him alive if he gets in the way of relationships she loves to see happen.
'Even though that we are not mated, I'm still being whipped to keep her happy. Whether she knows that she's my mate, or not, she knows I won't go against what she loves.'
Laxus sighed heavily, forcing his magic to stop.
Then, looking back at Lucy, his smug of a smile came back.
"Gotta admit, Blondie, ya got spunk." He said, chuckling at her confused look.
Seeing his lightning going away, Mira slowly removed her hold on him. Though, was a bit shocked when she felt his large-hand grab for one of her own and held it in its grip for a few seconds before letting her go.
"Though, just remember you won't be lucky the next time we meet, if you dare try and challenge my strength, again." He threatened, then proceeded for three double doors. "I'm out of here. Catch ya later, losers!"
Even when Laxus left, the air still felt thick with hostility he left behind.
Lucy only glared where she last saw him.
Leaving Fairy Tail...
"Bye, Mira! See you tomorrow!" Lucy called out, waving at the white-haired girl.
"Bye, Lucy! Be careful heading home!" Mira replied, back to her cheerful-self.
The walk to her apartment was calm, especially at night and underneath the moon.
...They reminded her of the happy days she had, when her mother was still alive... When everything was normal, and right in her life.
"Hey! Where you going, Blondie!" A male called out from his small-boat, as his companion let out a wolf-whistle at seeing her pink-skirt.
In response, Lucy gave the two a warning glare. Even from a far distance, her cold-glare gave the two a serious chill and didn't say another word or made another sound towards her.
The seventeen year-old let out a sigh of relief when the two boys left.
'Men.' She growled in her head. 'They see girls with short-skirts, and their first response is to flirt with them, just to see if they can catch a glimpse on what kind of underwear they wear.'
And this is why she wears black-shorts underneath her skirts; to give them the dissatisfaction that a girl is being smart, and isn't going to help their sick fantasies to become a reality.
Then, a funny thought came up.
'Maybe, if I had Gray with me when they show up and is able to turn into me, bet they'll be in for a shock of their lives if he appears to them, starch naked!'
She couldn't help but laugh at the thought of shock and horror on their faces, while Gray flashes them his nudeness. But then, she wasn't that interested on wanting to see him in his birthday suit, in the process.
Though, if they were ever in the mood to prank, Lucy knows it'll be a hilarious one to do, in order to get back on all the pervs who view women as objects.
She soon finds herself Strawberry Street and in front of her apartment. She reaches for the door handle.
'Can't wait to go to bed,' she hummed. 'And then, tomorrow, it's back to finding work.'
When she entered, the bottom floor is exactly as she left it.
...When she got to her bedroom...
"Welcome home, Lucy!"
"What's up?!"
There, on her bed, are Natsu and Happy. With Natsu, with his vest off, doing sit-ups and Happy lifting a small-domyos dumbbell.
She greeted them, with a strong kick.
"What the hell is the matter with you two?!" She yelled, glaring down at their slightly shaking form. "Why do you two keep breaking in here?! You have your own house, you know!"
Natsu, shaking off the powerful kick to the gut, got to his feet and beamed at her.
"Come on, Luce. There's no need to get angry." He said, holding up a small-pink dumbbell. "We're a team, and as a team, if we're going to work together, we gotta train together."
"Aye!" Happy agreed, popping up from Natsu's shoulder.
Lucy isn't in the least satisfied by their responses.
"You're not getting the point!" She yelled. "Why are you two in my house, at night, working out?!"
The two boys quickly got on their hands and the tips of their toes, doing push-ups.
"We gotta take our team to a whole new level, if we wanna beat Laxus and Erza." Natsu stated, grunting as he performs his push-ups.
"Aye, sir." Happy replied, doing his sets in unison with his best friend/father-figure.
Lucy had a hand over her face, grumbling underneath her breath.
"All I wanted, is to have some peace and quiet, without anybody to bother me and breaking into my house. But, instead, I ended up having the exact opposite!"
Hearing her say something about quiet, Happy and Natsu started to quicken their push-ups.
"Don't worry, Lucy, we'll be extra quiet, while we work out." Natsu whispered.
"Aye." Happy whispered along.
She feels a headache forming.
"How is that suppose to be helpful?" Lucy grumbled.
Natsu then stopped his push-ups.
"...I've decided."
Lucy looked over the pink-haired Dragon Slayer, actually curious as to what he's talking about.
He lifted his head, smirking proudly at her.
"It's time for the next level: We're going for S-Class!" He announced.
"Yeah!" Happy cheered... Holding up a piece of paper that has Lucy paling in horror, seeing a big, red stamp of a giant S on it.
She couldn't believe what she's seeing.
"What the hell?!" She yelled, hoping that this was some sort of prank. "How did you guys get your hand on an S-Class Mission?! Only S-Class Wizards are the only ones to be upstairs and take the job!"
"Well, I just climbed the stairs, and took it!" Happy answered, beaming up like a child that did something they see as a great achievement. "It wasn't that hard, since nobody saw me and we were focused on you telling off Laxus."
Like a mother, Lucy gave glared down at him, disappointed and in disbelief.
"How could you, Happy?!" She scolded.
The blue-cat only giggled at her yelling.
Natsu came up to her left.
"Since it's our first S-Class Mission, we went for the Mission with the least reward." He stated, patting Happy on top of his head. "Even so, seven million Jewels is still a lot."
Lucy didn't need even a second to talk sense into him.
"We aren't ready for this, Natsu!" She argued. "Hell, I'm still new to Fairy Tail! I'm practically a Novice, a D-Class Wizard! And besides, when the master realizes that its gone and figures out that we took it, he'll have our heads mantled on the wall!"
The nineteen year-old simply beamed at her.
"Oh, don't play dumb, Luce. After the way you fought Lullaby, it's completely clear that you're not a D-Class Wizard. You're definitely an S-Class Wizard!"
"Aye!"
Lucy blushed at their words, embarrassed and uncomfortable.
"Apparently, not strong enough to cause serious damage to destroy it. Only to damage it." She muttered, not seeing what they were getting at.
Natsu only beamed at her.
"Still, you're pretty strong to hold your own." He stated. "And yeah, the master would be pissed off, but he'd end up proud when we finish it."
It's pretty clear that he isn't going to change his mind.
Lucy went to her desk, sitting at the wooden chair.
"Besides yesterday attempt to 'save' Erza, this, so far, has got to be one of the dumbest thing you've ever done, Natsu." She said, leaning her chin in her right-palm. "If you want to become an S-Class Wizard, you have to follow guild rules. Stealing an S-Class job, without the master's acknowledge or even having an S-Class Wizard to accompany us, can result to Suspension from Accepting Jobs. Even, the possibility of being expelled from the Guild."
The nineteen year-old lost his smile, slightly annoyed that his partner... His mate is being difficult with him.
"At this rate, we'll never reach S-Class." He grumbled.
Lucy looked away from the pink-haired boy.
"Look, Natsu, it's clear that you can handle yourself. You and Happy can go, but I'm not going to take part of the job, unless we follow the rules." She said, loud and clear.
Natsu pouted at her refusal, while Happy giving her big, slightly watery cat-eye.
"It's to save a tropical island, Lushi." He said, hoping she'll be easily manipulated. to go an island.
...Sadly, it didn't work.
"Let me guess: It's either cursed, or is being controlled by some strong wizard?"
Happy turned off the cute charm. His eyes flatted down.
"...It's cursed." He admitted, lowering the paper a bit. Then, his mood lifted. "But, on top of the guild, the second reward also comes with a Gate Key, Lushi!"
...
...She couldn't believe what she just heard.
"...A Gate Key?" She asked, gently taking the paper from his paw and looking at the spot where it stated the reward for the job.
And, as the blue-cat stated, a Gate Key has been listed.
...More specifically, a Zodiac Gate Key.
Her right-hand reached for her key-holder, curled around her precious possession.
She very much want to get the Gate Key. To add a new member into her Celestial Family, and help improve her strength to help others. And, because it stated that there are innocent people are in great need for help, she very much want to help those poor souls that are being tormented by an unnatural source.
...
...But, as a responsible individual, she refuses to let greed and desire get in the way.
"I'm sorry, but I'm still not going." She said, handing the paper back to the stunned cat. "As much as I do want to gain a new friend, a new family member, I refuse to break guild rules and go on a quest I'm not physically and mentally ready to take on."
Happy turned to the pink-haired Dragon Slayer, who seemed just was stunned that last resort didn't work.
And, like a man on a mission, he wasn't going to give up that easily. Not now, since he knows she'll head for the guild and tell the master what he and Happy are doing, he's left with one final option.
He went to the blonde, stared down at her and, with a cheeky smile, he hauled her over his left-shoulder.
Lucy didn't see that coming.
"What the hell?! Natsu!" She yelled, fidgeting in his one-arm hold and looking over to glare at him. "What are you doing?!"
Natsu only beamed at her.
"What does it look like?" He replied, heading for the window. "We're kidnapping you! After all, we're a team! If one of us goes, then we all go! Because, that's what a team does! They're there for their teammates, ready for adventure and to be there in battle!"
"Aye!" Happy agreed, folding the bounty into his little sack and, flying out of the window, helped Natsu and a squirming Lucy out of the house through the window.
Through the struggling, as they landed on the ground, Lucy was able to open her key-holder and pull her keys out.
'Open: Gate of the Canis Minor! Nikola!'
Plue was summoned, trembling where he stood, cocking his head to the side in confusion to why Natsu was hauling his summoner like a sack of potato.
"Get help." She mouthed, as she continued to struggle within Natsu's hold. "Go to Guild, Plue. Hurry!"
Nodding his head, Plue took off running, on all fours.
Lucy watches him take off, hoping he'll get help on time.
'Please hurry, Plue.' She prayed, as Natsu carried his pack with his right-hand and kept a firm grip on her over his shoulder. 'If this mission is an S-Class for a reason, then I fear we'll be way over our heads for what's to come.'
TBC
*: I know that some of you would want me to not give into much details of their armors, spirits and whatnot. This is for those who don't know much of Fairy Tail, in case they hadn't seen and/or read the manga.
I, also, think that, on the wiki, when it comes to the armor, spells and caster, holder and other types of magic, it should show their strengths and weaknesses.
*: Don't know why he didn't do that, during their fight. Doing that would give him extra fire to use, and increase his strength. Probably would've given him a bit of an advantage.
*: Did anybody else notice that since Erza was taken away and Natsu went after them, happy hasn't been around until Natsu and Erza came back? Did he go with him, went home, or what?
*: In the Manga, his eyes are displayed as orange/dark-yellow, while his eyes are Greenish-blue. But, because he's a Dragon Slayer... You know I'll have them added into the story ;).
UndecidedAnimeGirl, from AO3, asked a very good question. Unfortunately, I can't give any spoilers out. Though, I will say this: You're very spot on, UndecidedAnimeGirl. You'll just have to wait and see.
Sorry for the delay: Work... And, Jury Duty tried to have me in... ONCE AGAIN, DIDN'T GET PICKED!
Also, for those who don't know: My birthday is coming up, next Saturday. Gonna turn 26... Once again, still not excited for it, but it's part of life... And, it's been almost a year, since we're forced to wear masks... Yay...
Hope you all are doing okay out there! Take it easy out there!
R&R