For as long as she could remember, Lucy Heartfilia had always loved the tales and stories of the constellations.
Every night, before she would go to sleep, her mother, Layla Heartfilia, would tell her any kind of story that involves each of the constellations. She would, also, be told on how special kind of Mages, called Celestial Mages, can summon them to their world by using Golden Keys, called the Zodiac Keys, and can only be summoned by whomever they formed a contract to that Celestial Mage that has their key.
Lucy always holds her mother's stories close to her heart, and knew, without a doubt in her mind, that she speaks the truth... After all, Layla Heartfilia is a Celestial Mage, herself, and is the proud owner to three of the twelve Zodiac Keys in her possession: Aquarius, Cancer, and Capricorn.
And, being the daughter to a Celestial Mage, Lucy dreams to one day become a Celestial Mage like her own mother and, when she's old enough, to go on adventures.
Her, her Celestial Keys she intends to find and bond with, her beloved parents and, most of all, every friend she intends to make in the very future.
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...Sadly, like many unexpected incidents to come into every person's life, a great, and terrible tragedy has befallen onto little Lucy Heartfilia... And through the progress, a dream that she longed to become a reality, became nothing more than just a childish thought... That ended up being destroyed.
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...Layla's untimely death took a heavy toll for those who cherished and loved her, which included her beloved husband, Jude Heartfilia, her only child and her three Zodiac Spirits.
Jude, Lucy, the three Zodiac Spirits and servants of the Heartfilia Household all knew her illness was fatal and was on borrowed time before she succumbs to death... They just never thought it would be so soon and even when they knew she wouldn't be with them for very long, they all mourned for the loss of a great and kind woman, who was beloved by all.
As she cried and wept over the loss of her mother, Lucy knew that her dream would never be perfect if her mother wasn't there to be by her side, to guide her when she needs help... Including, her training on becoming a Celestial Mage.
A year before her death, Layla gave two of her keys to two of her servants. While for the last key, she gave that to Lucy when she was five years old... That being the Zodiac Key of the Water Bearer, Aquarius.
Of course, Lucy wanted all three of her mother's keys, but Layla wanted her to focus on training with one of her Zodiac Keys. When she proves to be strong enough and understand the rules she must keep as a Celestial Mage, her other two servants were told to give the other two keys to Lucy, but only when she was ready to have them.
It seems, even before her untimely death, Layla somehow knew she wouldn't be the one to give her own daughter her three Zodiac Keys and had entrusted two of her servants to hold on to the other two keys until Lucy was ready to have them.
For Aquarius... She wasn't very thrilled on having her master to give her key to a child... Though, even as she sneered down at the five year-old girl, who could barely wrap her small-arms around her gorgeous tail, beamed up at her and saying how she was beautiful and can't wait for them to become friends... She couldn't stop herself from warming up to the little mini-version of her master.
...So, when she, Cancer and Capricorn sensed Layla's life energy vanish, they knew that she was gone... Still, as a soon-to-be seven year-old Lucy summoned her, it was still hard for the Water Bearer's mind to process that her former Master is gone.
Ever since then, she made a silent vow that she and the others, just as soon as she is giving their keys, will look after Lucy and do whatever it takes within their power to protect her and make her the strongest Celestial Mage they knew she will become.
...Then, as Aquarius was summoned for her annual routine on bathing Lucy and helping her train on increasing her Spiritual Powers... Only to be completely taken back, when she saw a dark-red handprint on the child's right-cheek.
Lucy did try to shake it off, saying that it was nothing... Only to eventually break down and cry, when Aquarius shook her back and forth and demanded to tell her who it was that hit her.
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...Aquarius wished, if she was strong enough to summon herself to the Human World, she would drown Jude Heartfilia in his sleep, for raising a hand to Lucy... But most of all, for making her cry and forgetting her own birthday, all because he was grieving in his own way and seemed to value wealth over a life of an innocent child.
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...It was there and then, as she pulled Lucy into a much needed hug, running her finger through her golden-blonde hair, letting her cry out her tears... That Aquarius, the Water Bearer Zodiac, had become not just her overprotective Spirit...
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...But has, also, taken the role at becoming Lucy's mother... Thus, in the Ways of the Celestial Spirits, adopted Lucy as her own daughter.
And so, on her eighth birthday, when the servant that has ownership over Cancer's Key gave it to Lucy, Aquarius convinced her comrade to help train Lucy on combat skills, since the servant that has Capricorn's Key had left and neither of the two had seen him since Layla's funeral.
After meeting Lucy for the first time and, making her very happy with her new haircut, Cancer was more than willing to help their new master get strong... Thus, in his own point of view and having a sibling relationship with Aquarius, becoming Lucy's uncle.
The servants within the household eventually learned about the Zodiac Spirits plan, when witnessing Lucy running laps within the garden and practicing on her punches with Cancer. And so, they, too, assisted on helping Lucy with teachings of their own: How to cook food, to sneak around places in silence, learning how to forage in the wilderness and, of course, some fighting tactics of their own. Heck, they even taught her how to figure out a truth from a lie and to use every little detail to figure out a serious problem, like a detective.
To further build her independence, they would even pay her for assisting them in some of the chores/laboring tasks that's acquired to be completed in the household. Whether it be raking the leaves during the fall, doing the dishes every night or even vacuuming the long hallways.
Yes, despite being alone and having to lose her mother at a very young age, Lucy was very much blessed to have her Zodiac Spirits and servants to help her in her time of need.
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...The only one who hadn't helped her, let alone supported her on her task, was her own father.
A strict, Jewel-hungry man, who only focused on his work and nothing else... A man, named Jude Heartfilia... Lucy's own father.
There was no surprise that Jude Heartfilia would rather work, than to spend time with his own child, a child he and his late-wife created out of their love and devotion to each other. So, when Layla passed away, nobody was surprised that he would continue to work, as if nothing happened.
...However, none of the servants of the Heartfilia Household ever expected that he would, not only focus his time on keeping the Jewel flowing, but would neglect his own daughter... Some were still in tears, when they secretly witnessed Jude slapping poor seven year-old Lucy, after she placed a rice ball with a smiley face on his desk and asked him to play with her.
Since that incident, she never went to check up on her father, again... And for Jude Heartfilia, it was a vast relief for him... He couldn't stand seeing her, as if to become a reminder on what he lost.
So, for the last eight years, Lucy was raised and educated by servants... As well as her two Zodiac Spirits, who, also, pitched in on her education and training her to become both a strong Celestial Mage, and a tough human being.
...Her father, whom she rarely seen, let alone interacted with, was nothing more than a stranger... And, in terms of neglecting her, an abuser.
And while she gained knowledge, strength and independency from those who helped her... She, also, had to go through heartbreaking partings and farewells to some that had helped her on raising her, but can no longer work at the Heartfilia Household.
She made sure to never forget those who cared, loved and raised her to the young lady she became, hoping to one day meet them, again and see that they are happier than they ever were when working for her father.
...By the time she became fifteen, her father paid her an unexpected visit when about to eat dinner... There, he made one of the worst decisions that broke whatever bond she has left with him.
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...Jude Heartfilia wanted Lucy to stop becoming a Celestial Mage, and to soon start focusing on business, so she could one day take over his estate... He even told her that she is to find other Celestial Mages, and surrender her Zodiac Keys.
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...That night, Lucy made one of the biggest decisions, that would lead her to what her future will have in store for her.
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...By then, nearly two years later, it had finally found her, in Hargeon.
"Have you've found something to buy, young lady?" The seller asked the sixteen year-old blonde, who stared down at the Silver Key through the glass case.
Lucy smiled down at the symbol on the key, knowing to being the mark of the Canis Minor Spirit, Nikora.
"I wish to buy this key, please." She answered.
The old merchant, wearing a small-cone hat with a small-star on it and an old cape, stared down at the key she pointed out... He didn't seem that much happy to sell the key to her.
"You sure?" He asked, being cautious. "You do know that the Spirit isn't very strong, and is more for a pet than a fighter."
Lucy nodded her head, holding that smile of hers.
"I know," she said. "It's true, the Canis Minor Spirit aren't fighters and are looked down for their small stature and nervous nature... But, to me, every spirit is special in its own way. Plus, the Canis Minor are great companions to travel with, even to be known as to being loyal to whom they bond with, and have a great sense of smell for tracking. -She gave him a slight, pleading look.- So, please, sir, will you sell me the key?"
The old merchant stared at the blonde before him and while he still feels like she shouldn't waste her Jewel on something so weak, despite being rare to only Mages who are trained to being Celestial Wizards, he truly saw how much she values the Celestial Spirit.
...He gave her a kind smile, before he pulled the key out from within the glass case and handed it to her.
"Here you are, my dear." He said, smiling up at her.
Lucy smiled in gratitude at the merchant.
"Thank you, Sir." She said, reaching out and pulling out her wallet. "How much is the key?"
The old man simply beamed up at her.
"20,000 Jewels," he replied. "...However, for you, fair maiden, I want you to consider this as a gift and a way to show my own gratitude, for finding and capturing the thief that ransacked my shop a few months ago and getting my stolen items back to me."
Lucy's chocolate-brown eyes widened to at his words... She was completely taken back to what he just said.
'I caught a thief that stole his items?! But, I was never in Hargeon a few months ago! I was in Clover Town, at that time!How could he figure out that I was the one who got his stolen property back?!"
Seeing her confusion, the old merchant let out a couple of happy laughter.
"I heard about a young woman, with golden-blonde hair and eyes like melting chocolate, who summoned her Celestial Spirits to fight and apprehend the thief in Clover Town. As she fought alongside with her Spirits, with nothing but her whip and cooperation with her 'companions'. -He sent her a sly smirk.- To my deepest sorrow, nobody was ever to know the name of the mystery Celestial Mage that caught the thieving bastard... But now, I can finally express my thanks to the hero of my shop. -He gently pushed the Silver Key case towards the stunned blonde.- So, please, my dear, take this key, as a gift."
Lucy never thought that she would ever encountered one of the owners of a magic shop, that she was able to subdue the thief responsible for stealing their shipments and help the authorities force the locations out of the criminal to which shop he stole and where those shops are at, and be given an award for her aid.
...However, in her mind, she didn't find that to be right and, because she knows how rare it is to come upon a Celestial Key, it would feel like she's stealing from the merchant.
So, in response, she gently pushed the case back to him.
"I can't accept it as a gift. -The merchant was very taken back by her words, as she smiled sadly down at him.- While I do appreciate you wanting to thank me for getting your shipment back, I can't take something that's very rare and valuable, without paying for it... So, if it's possible, will it be all right if you give me a discount on it, instead?"
The old man was very surprised and touched by her words and suggestion, as he rubbed at his chin.
"'A discount'?" He repeated, earning a nod from the girl.
"Yes, Sir." She answered. "To me, that seems more fair, than to take it without buying it, as if it were payment for my service. That way, you'll be more satisfied that you gave me a way to show your gratitude, and I will be happy to know that you'll still get something for giving me a new Spirit for me to bond with."
He thought very hard on Lucy said... Until, with a big smile, he slammed his left-fist into his right-palm.
"Very well," he replied. "I'll give you a discount. However, I'll decide on what the price will end up. -She nodded her head, agreeing to his request.- And I price of the key for you, young lady, will be 1,000 Jewels!"
...Again, she couldn't believe on what he decided on what the price will be.
She tried to protest, wanting him to give her a fairer price, but he held up a finger, stopping her in her track.
"That's my only offer, young lady. 1,000 Jewels for the Silver Key. You can take the deal, or I'll have to insist that you take it for free. -He extended his hand out to her, wanting her to shake on it.- Do we got a deal?"
Lucy stared down at the newest Silver Key she bought from the old man, still feeling somewhat sad that she paid a small amount for something so rare.
'I shouldn't complain; Celestial Keys are expensive, nowadays, so I should be grateful I got one at a very cheap price... But, still, it feels wrong that he had me pay at a very low price, when he clearly needs to make a lot of Jewels. Being the only Magic Shop in Hargeon, with most being fisherman that lives in this town and only having some Mages and/or Wizards to walk on by, must be a hard living for him.'
As if it were listening to her thoughts, the Silver Key glistened from the sun's light, as if try and cheer her up and to tell her that she deserved to get the key.
She smiled down at the key, then hooked it to the key holder she keeps hooked to one of her shorts' belt loops.
'I'll make a contract with you, once we're someplace private... Now, I better ask somebody for directions.'
"Are you serious?! He's here?!"
From behind her, two girls ran past her, with blushes on their faces.
"I can't believe it! The Salamander is here, in Hargeon!"
Lucy's eyes widened at one of the girl's words, before she realized, down below her, there was suddenly a crowd of people circling a large building, cheering and gushing.
The sixteen year-old glared down, trying to see what it was that got them so excited but was unable to tell from the distance.
'One of them did say "Salamander" was here... Could she mean that "Salamander"?'
Something in her gut told her that something wasn't right and when her stomach doesn't feel right, it means that something isn't right.
She gripped at the handle of her whip.
'I better go down and check it out for myself. Even if it isn't the actual Salamander-... Whoever that person down there is, he must be trouble.'
"Oh, Salamander!"
"Salamander, we love you!"
"I can't believe it's him!"
"He's so dreamy!"
"Stay with us, Salamander!"
Lucy slowly pushed her way into the group, trying to get a better view at who these girls are fawning over. It was there and then, as she makes her way closer, she noticed on how it seems that every girl has hearts in their eyes.
...Lucy took it as a bad sign.
"Ladies, Ladies! You're all too kind! And all so lovely, I can't choose who I love more!"
A male voice called out within the crowd. His flirtatious tone made her skin crawl, as she looked to see who these girls are screaming over.
He was a relatively tall and slim man with mildly short, spiky hair that jutted outwards, with a long fringe left hanging over the upper left part of his face, in a dark-blue shade. He possesses a mildly rectangular face with sharp features, dark eyes and thin, dark eyebrows. His most distinctive facial feature, is the dark-tattoo covering the right part of his forehead, just above his right eyebrow, this being highly reminiscent of a thin, stylized pair of tongs placed horizontally, with the handles pointing towards his right.
For his choice of clothes, he wore a white-tunic shirt, red-striped pants and a dark-purple cape with a white-underbelly. On his right-wrist, four golden bracelets. On his middle and index fingers, two rings.
...Needless to say, Lucy knew, from reading the Sorcerer Magazine and finding the description she read on what the Salamander presumably wears, that the man before her... Isn't the Salamander she heard of.
...Lucy, also, noticed that her heart was acting strange... As in, pounding rapidly against her own chest, as if she ran a marathon and was about to explode.
'...What's going on? Why is my heart pounding so fast? And why do I want to fall into his embrace, and have him whisk me away?!'
"You've all made me feel very welcomed, my fair maidens!" The imposter continued to whoo with the ladies.
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...Then, to her complete shock, he looked over to her and gave her a wink...
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...Her heart felt like it was going to burst with joy...
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...Then, her eyes trailed at his right-hand, which he placed over his right-eye and flashed her his two rings on his fingers...
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...That's when she saw one of the rings with a heart symbol on it, next to a ring with a moon with its eye closed, as if sleeping...
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...Lucy immediately realized what was going on, and why all of these girls are awestruck in love with him.
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...And the instant she realized what was going on, not only did her heart stopped acting wild over the imposter...
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...A new voice called out from the crowd.
"Igneel! Igneel! It's me!"
Popping right out from the crowd of girls, with a bright big smile on his face... A person that Lucy never thought she would ever see.
His hair, a spiky pink-like color, though it's actually Salmon-color. His eyes are Onyx-black. He wore an slightly over-sized red-coat, with baggy white-pants, black-sandals and a scarf that she never seen before.
...Lucy wasn't certain on what to think about this person, especially one with odd-colored hair, but her gut feeling told her that he isn't a threat.
The mystery person stared at the imposing Salamander... Before asking, in a confused tone.
"...Who the heck are you?"
Apparently, the imposter acted shock, before gathering his composure and turning on his charm to empress his adoring fan girls.
"I am the Great Salamand-"
He was cut off by his own shock, when the younger male, who appears to be nineteen at best, had already started to leave.
...Sadly, he didn't get too far, when some of the girls attacked him and pinned him to the ground, demanding that he apologizes for disrespecting the imposter.
Lucy was about to pull out her whip and try to scare the girls off of him, but the imposter, acting all gentleman-like, told the girls to let him go and wasn't offended at him 'not knowing who he was'.
The sixteen year-old glared at him, tightening her left-hand on her whip, as she watches him signed an autograph for the pink-haired boy.
"Here, Kid. Have an autograph."
"Eh... No thanks."
...The poor boy ended up being beaten to a pulp, and thrown on a pile of discarded trash by angry, lovestruck girls.
The imposter let out a dramatic sigh of regret.
"I'm sorry, my pretties, by I must be going. There's great business that needs my attention."
All the girls gaped at him.
"NO, PLEASE DON'T GO!"
...The man gave them a smirk, snapped his fingers and, after a red-symbol marking appear, light-purple encircled around his feet... He ended up standing at the very top of a light-purple fire-spin.
In excitements, all the girls gushed and squealed at his use of magic, some still begging for him to stay and to not leave.
"I'm having a special party on my yacht tonight, and all of you, my lovely pretties, are invited!"
He blasted off right into the sky, leaving a trail of light-purple fire behind him before it vanished.
The moment he was gone, Lucy looked over to the boy on the ground, who had a blue-cat with a white-belly and white-tip on his tail at his side... That was standing on its hind-leg, as if it was a human?
She never seen a cat to be able to do that... But, she's always a believer to creatures that may or may not exist... Like how people claim that the Zodiacs are nothing but a story for little children.
The girls finally started to disband... No doubt, they were going home and/or the mall, getting themselves ready for that party they were invited to.
Lucy went over to the pink-haired boy, who glared up at the sky.
"Who the heck was that guy?"
The blue-cat shrugged his shoulders.
"I don't know, Natsu, but it's clear to say that he isn't Igneel." The feline replied, smiling.
The eighteen year-old folded his arms over his chest.
"Well, that's a total bummer. We came all the way here, hoping to find Igneel, only to find that it isn't him. We basically came all this way for nothing, Happy."
As if to add more into his disappointment, his stomach let out a mighty roar, telling him that he's hungry.
He let out a grumbling, moaning sound, as his companion turned to his friend.
"And to make matters worse, we didn't bring any Jewels with us to get anything to eat." The cat replied, before his own stomach let out a growl for food. "Too bad; there are a lot of fresh, tasty fishies we could've bought and had for dinner."
Lucy, seeing how low in spirits they are and are clearly hungry, had little time to persuade herself to help them out.
She let out a deep sigh, before finally gaining their attention.
"Excuse me," she said to them. "I don't mean to intrude, but if you two are hungry, I know a place where they sell some decent food."
Both the boy and cat blinked up at the girl, as if to realize that she was here this whole time and neither one of them noticed her presence.
At Hargeon's Restaurant...
Lucy was expecting them to chow down... What she didn't expect, was for them to be tearing at their meal, that food would end up flying everywhere.
'I swear, if I were to chow down as if I hadn't eaten in days, Mom would whip me until my bottom would be glowing red.'
Speaking of eat, her own stomach growled for food, since she hadn't eaten in two days and was traveling to Hargeon by foot. Though, just by watching the pink-haired boy slurping up a large-bowl of noodles and chugging down a mug of juice, she felt her appetite instantly die away.
'And, if either she or the other Spirits were to hear that I'm skipping meals, again, Taurus will bearhug me to his chest and keep me pinned to him until they force feed me to eat ten pounds of food. I swear, he's just as bad as Mom and Uncle, when it comes to them wanting to check up on me to make sure I'm not, in their term, "wasting away".'
Pushing back the feeling of nausea and hoping to try to get them to talk, she tried to start a conversation with them.
"Sorry about not introducing myself, earlier." She started off, giving them a small-smile. "My name is Lucy, and it's very nice to meet you both."
The blue-cat simply gave out a quick "Aye!", acknowledging that he heard her, as he continued to munch down on some fish he ordered to be brought to him. As for the eighteen year-old, shoveled tons of food into his face.
...Clearly, they're both more into eating than to have some small-talk with her.
...Lucy let out a low sigh, laying on her right-hand and staring out at the window.
'Of course they don't want to talk with me. The only reason they're here, is because I'm buying them food. -Her chocolate-eyes harden at the thought.- ...They're probably one of those kinds of people. Those who take advantage of other people's kindness, and ditch them when their usefulness is over... Figures. Guess it'll be pointless to get them to introduce themselves, despite hearing their names being "Natsu" and "Happy".'
Her mind instantly went back about that imposter she encountered today, her gut telling her that the man is doing exactly that to those girls by using the Charm Ring.
"I can't believe he, somehow, got a hold of that Charm Ring and is tricking those girls into thinking they're in love with him." She grumbled out, tapping a finger onto the wooden table. "To the fact that he's somehow able to get his hand on a Charm Ring, despite them being banned for years and nobody sells them in shops, anymore, means that that man is bad news."
"Is that so?" The eighteen year-old replied, his mouth still full of food and continues to shove more.
She turned back to the two and, while still a bit grossed out of their poor table manners, she knew that, in a way, they helped her by interfering to prevent him from trying to use his Charm Spell on her.
With that realization in mind, Lucy gave them a kind smile and bowed to them.
"Forgive my rudeness, for I hadn't thanked you for earlier." she replied. "If you two hadn't came in, that guy would've tried to use his Charm Spell on me and forced my feelings against myself to fall for him like those other girls. So, I hope this meal will suffice you both enough to show you my thanks... Though, I still feel as if this isn't enough to show my thanks."
Natsu, ripping into some white-spotted meat, gulped it down in just one bite and went to chucking tomatoes into his mouths. In-between them, he was able to make a response to her comment.
"It's no problem."
"Aye!" The cat, Happy, replied, still wolfing down on some fish.
...Again, Lucy was at a loss on how to keep engaging conversation with the two. She even considered that perhaps she should just pay for their meal, and leave Hargeon... But, finding that to be rude, she decides to push on making small talk with the two boys.
"I know it's none of my business, but I was wondering." She said, getting the two slow down on their eating. "Earlier, you called that person 'Igneel'. Is this 'Igneel' person somebody you're trying to find?"
"Aye!" The blue-cat replied, raising a paw in the air.
Natsu, with a disappointed look on his face, tore up part of a pizza.
"We've heard that a Salamander was coming to Hargeon, and we came here to see him... Turns out it was somebody else." He sighed out, before stuffing the rest of hsi pizza into his mouth.
"That guy didn't look like a Salamander at all." Happy agreed.
"No kidding. I bet that poseur can't even breathe fire, like a real dragon."
Their words both confused, and intrigued Lucy.
'I'm not sure if they actually meant a real dragon, or somebody who appears to be a dragon... Though, they came to look for a Salamander, maybe it's the latter.' "So this Igneel person, does he look like a dragon?" She asked, hoping her deduction is correct and, if possible, can assist them on their search to better repay them for saving her from falling for that imposter's Charm Spell.
...What they answered with, very much shocked the sixteen year-old.
"No, it's not like that. He doesn't look like a dragon... He is a dragon."
...She really didn't expect them to be serious, but just by the look on their faces, they were dead serious.
"Aye! Igneel is a real live Fire Dragon!"
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...That's when Lucy came to realize, that the two of them... Are complete idiots.
...She pinched the bridge of her nose.
"...Let me get this straight: You two were told that a Salamander was coming into town, an area full of buildings and fishermen, and thought that Igneel, a dragon, would be here?"
Both nodded their heads to her question, their eyes sparkling that somebody is actually taking their conversation seriously and not calling them crazy.
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...She let out a tiring sigh, before staring at the two with a blank look on her face.
"...Question... Why would a dragon, a big, Fire Dragon, come to a town, that doesn't have said dragon anywhere within the city and no citizens screaming in a panic, yelling of a dragon seen in the city?"
Both stood up, ready to give out a reasonable answer... Only to come up blank, to then realize that she made a very valid point that they can't counter.
...Lucy let out a third sigh at their expressions.
'Seems they didn't thoroughly thought about the rumor they heard, before they even decided to come to Hargeon. -She stood up from her seat, pulling out a few thousand Jewels from her purse.- ...Well, guess the only thing I can do for them, is to pay the bill and give them some extra food to take home with them.'
She walked towards one of the waitress at the front, pulling out another few thousand Jewels.
"The Jewel for the bill is on the table, and, if it's possible, can you give them some food for them to go? Whatever Jewels remains, you can keep the change." She told the waitress, who accepted the Jewel she offered to them.
"Of course, Ma'am. And do come again, very soon!" She replied... Then, to Lucy's confusion, she gaped in shock at something behind her.
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...She, too, gaped in shock, when she sees Natsu and Happy on the ground, bowing to her.
"THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD!"
"THANK YOU!"
...She sweat dropped at their thanks, unable to figure out what she should say.
On the one hand... It was very embarrassing...! But, on the other hand, she was somewhat touched that they would thank her for her kindness.
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...She simply gave them a calm, blank face and bowed back to them.
"It was nothing, really." She said. "After all, this is my way of showing my own gratitude, for earlier."
They both lifted their heads at her, showing their surprised gazes at her honesty... Before turning to each other, whispering their own conversation.
Lucy decided that this should be the best moment to leave... However, there was one more thing she needed to do.
"Excuse me, Ma'am." She said to the waitress she handed her Jewels to. "If it's possible, can you please give me directions to Magnolia Town?"
The waitress was clearly confused by her request, but didn't hesitated to reply.
"If you go west from here, there will be a fountain park, which will take you to the path outside of the town when you go right. Then, after a third sign on the trail, you'll take a left and it'll be just straight from there." She answered. "Though, I must warn you, it's about a few days travel from here just by walking. You best take the train, if you want to get there quicker."
Lucy slightly bowed to her.
"Thanks, but I'd rather walk there, myself."
The waitress couldn't help, but be nosy.
"If you don't mind me asking... Why do you wish to go to Magnolia Town?"
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...Subconsciously, Lucy reached for her keys latched on to her shorts, as she stared down at her B-sized chest, which she clenched her right-hand to her heart.
"...I wish to join the Guild, Fairy Tail. -She stared back up to the waitress, offering her a sad-smile.- My master from home told me, should I ever be off on my own, then I should find Fairy Tail and join them. He told me that there, I should find what I've lost and will regain what was taken from me."
"Oh?" The waitress replied, her eyes flashing with curiosity. "And what was it that you've lost?"
...
...She shrugged her shoulders.
"...Honestly... I don't know exactly what I've lost," she replied. "...But, what I do know, is that by joining them, I'll figure out what I want to do with my life... I know that it's a long shot, but I know that should I join them, I'll finally find some purpose, some meaning, to help me look for that possibility, as a Full-Fledge Wizard."
...Tears sat at the edge of the waitress' eyes, very much touched by Lucy's words and very much want to give the younger-girl her own support.
"Then, I'll wish and pray that you do get into Fairy Tail, and find what you're looking for."
Lucy nodded her head to her, before she went to the door and left... Never knowing that Natsu and Happy heard her conversation.
"Well, here's the fountain, just as the waitress told me." Lucy said to herself, as she sees the fountain in the middle of the park.
In her hand, is the Sorcerer Magazine she picked up a little while ago, before finding the Magic Shop. She's been reading on how the Fairy Tail Guild caused some more trouble with a Demon Bandit that caused seven homes to be destroyed.
Feeling rather calm and peaceful under the blue-sky, she decided to do some reading, before she decides to hit the trail and start on her few days travel to Magnolia Town.
After learning on some of the damages some of Fairy Tail's members caused, she flipped through some of the pages until she reached a modeling shot of one of their S-Class Wizards: Mirajane Strauss.
Lucy smiled at the pictures, having no doubt in her mind that the woman in the pictures is very pretty, as she poses in new sets of bikini swimsuits.
'Mom will probably drown me, maybe even go and drown Mirajane, too, if she ever finds out that I thought she's the most beautiful person in the world, even more than her. -She flipped another page, finding two more pictures of Mirajane posing in front of the camera.- ...I wonder if she's in a relationship with somebody; with a body like that, she's bound to have a lot of gentlemen callers to try and claim her for themselves.'
...
...
...In her mind, Lucy couldn't help but feel somewhat jealous of the white-haired woman in the magazine. While the woman is beautiful with a nice figure and some... Excellent pair of breasts and derrière. The blonde, in comparison, was a bit more thinner than the woman, with only a few muscles she gained from her training... And her chest is a size 28B, which most males find to be near to being flat-chested and a few numbers from being an A-sized chest-size.
In her opinion, she didn't really minded that her chest is small and, to her honesty, she doesn't even care how boys view her as.
...
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...
...
...
...
...After all, she had no desire to finding a love interest...
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...
...
...That dream died, years ago... Along with her hopes and dreams on going on adventures, with her mother and father, and making friends along the way to join them.
...
...
...
Lucy closed the book, as she focused on pushing aside the sad memories that threatened to come out... Before she forced herself to smile.
"Well, I can't keep staying here, when I should start heading for Magnolia Town." She said to herself, getting to her feet. "I may not know how they'll accept new members, but I'll do whatever I can to reach their expectations and join the Fairy Tail Guild."
"You wish to join the Fairy Tail Guild?"
...
...
...Out of nowhere, the very person that made her skin crawl, the last person she ever wanted to see, popped right out of the bushes, posing.
"I've been looking all over for you," he said. "I wanted to personally invite you to-"
...
...He found himself bounded by a black-whip and laying on the ground, as an angry Lucy glared down at him.
"...It's one thing when you use an illegal Spell to force people against their will to get something... But, to come and stalk me, like the creep and stalker you truly are... That makes me more disgusted by men like you." She sneered, tightening the grip on her whip.
...
...
...All the man, Salamander, could do, was stare at her in shock, sweating bullets at her sudden dark and violent nature.
"Me, a creep? A stalker? Your words truly wound me, my beauty- Aah!"
Lucy pulled at the whip, tightening its grip on the man.
"Call me 'Beauty', again, or any other of your pet names you used on those girls you tricked and I'll make you turn red so deeply, that people will think that you are an actual salamander. Clear?!"
Immediately, he swiftly nodded his head, and she eventually released him from her whip's hold.
He slowly got to his feet, dusting off any dirt that clung to his clothes, before flashing his signature smile.
"You know, I knew that you were a powerful wizard, from how you were able to break free from my Charm Spell." He commented, earning a warning glare from the girl and a quick snap of her wrist for her whip to slam against the ground, making him flinch.
"Just cut to the chase, Salamander." She grounded out. "What are you doing here, and why were looking for me?"
He smirked down at her.
"I wanted to, personally, invite you to my party on my yacht, tonight."
...
...
...
...One minute she was standing before him... Then the next, she was already heading for the exit of Hargeon, waving a hand in the air.
"See ya!" She cried out, which stunned the adult.
"Hold on a minute!" He called out. "I can get you into Fairy Tail!"
...
...
...Lucy stopped in her tracks... She slowly turned her head to the left, glaring at the adult behind her.
"...What?" She said, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Seeing he got her attention, the imposter sent her a devilish smile.
"It's true," he said. "I can get you into Fairy Tail... After all, I am their guild member, Salamander."
...
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...She knew he was lying.
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...Yet, a part of her told her that she should go to that party.
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...Her mind went to those poor girls that were fooled by this male's lies and trickery, how they fell victim to his Charm Spell and don't have any idea on why he would host such a party on a yacht... Something a Fairy Tail Guild member never owns, since there are no seashores nearby Magnolia and would have no use for it.
'...It's obviously some form of a trap. I should inform law enforcements about this shady person... But, there could be a chance that he'll end up hurting them... Looks like I have no choice, but to play along.'
She sent him a smirk of her own.
"So, I was right. You are the Salamander." She said, slowly walking back to him. "Sorry to have misjudged you; nowadays, there are Mages and Wizards out there, impersonating other Mages and Wizards. I just had to be certain that you were that actual Salamander, before I could trust you."
The imposter, believing he finally won her over, beamed up and continued using his 'handsome' charm on her.
"It's no problem, young lady." He said, choosing his words carefully and not wanting to risk getting her to use her whip on him, again. "You were right to be wary of me, since you don't know me in person and are right to be cautious, in the world we live in right now. So, there's no hard feelings. -She now stood a foot away from him, smirking up at him. He didn't suspect of her to be playing him.- Now, about that party. I would be very happy, if you were to come. And after that, I'll put in a good word for you and they'll accept you into the Guild, without a second thought."
Lucy forced herself to put on a big-smile on her face.
"Well, in that case, I have no reason to refuse your invitation." She said. "However, I do hope that you don't mind if I come in with what I'm wearing right now. I'm not into wearing dresses in the middle of the night, and prefer to wear what makes me feel comfortable."
The adult nodded his head.
"Of course, my fair maiden. Whatever makes you feel welcomed to my humble abode, I see no reason to why you should change into different clothing. -With a snap of his fingers and triggering his magic, light-purple flame came up and levitated him in the air.- The only thing I ask of you, is that you don't tell about the Charm Spell."
In an act to get him to trust her, Lucy pretended to zip her lip shut.
Sending a final pose of his charm, the adult shot straight into the sky, leaving a trail of light-purple flame to disappear on its own.
...
...
...
...
...The moment he was gone, Lucy glared at where she last seen him.
'...Well, I better head on to the direction of his yacht and prepare myself for that party... Since it'll be on a yacht, that'll give me the perfect opportunity to use Mom to help teach that man a painful lesson. -She stared down at her keys, gently patting them against her.- Mom, if you can sense my thoughts, I want you to be ready... And, hopefully, I won't ruin your night, should you had plans to go on a date with Scorpio.'
In the Celestial Spirit World, Aquarius sensed Lucy's presence, calling out to her.
...
...She gave out a smirk.
"Something tells me that my little girl is going to cause some trouble," she said to herself. "And since Scorpio and I don't have any plans, tonight, I guess I'll come by and give her a helping hand, when it's time to teach some no good wannabes some manners... Don't make me wait for too long, Lucy."
Hours Later, at the Yacht...
She knew that there was going to be a bunch of girls going to the party... She never expected for all the guests to be allgirls. And, because her gut feeling was acting up, she knew that she was right to not trust that man.
'He really was only interested to girls,' she thought. 'And since none of them are Wizards and/or Mages, that makes them more of a personal target on what he wants to have them for. Kidnapping, no doubt... But... Could it, also, be something more?'
"Ah, my dear, you finally came!" The adult replied, clearly happy to see that the sixteen year-old came to his party like she said she would.
She folded her arms over her chest, glaring up at him.
"Nothing personal, but I only came here, because you said you can get me into Fairy Tail. -Her left-hand slowly went to the holder of her whip.- If I find out that you've lied to me, then I'll do more than leave a scar on that pretty little face of yours."
He let out a cheerful laugh, though she can tell that he's nervous to her threat.
"Oh, I assure you, young lady, that I'm a man of my word." He assured her, extending a hand out for her to grab. "Though, before I do that, why not you come with me to my own little VIP Room and we can finally be aquatinted?"
She wasn't stupid. She instantly knew what his intentions are, even though she doesn't show much appeal and is underweight for somebody in her age and height group.
Lucy took his hand... Though, she made sure to grab at the pressure point between his thumb and index finger, making him wince.
"Just so you know, if you do anything to me, I won't hesitate to use my Magic on you. And once I use it, you'll wish we were nothing but myths." She warned, flashing him her smile.
With a nervous smile, he agreed to her warning and slowly guided her to the VIP Room he setup for them.
There, while the other girls enjoyed themselves to the meal and engaging conversation, that Lucy found herself sitting on a luxurious seat, across from Salamander.
"So, my dear, what is the name for such a lovely creature like you?"
She simply folded her arms over her chest, glaring at him.
"I'd rather to address my name to everybody, once I meet the rest of the guild." She replied, eyeing at the bottle he had on the table.
He let out a disappointing sigh.
"...Ah, very well." He said. "But, first, how about a toast? To compliment your beauty, and to personally welcome you to Fairy Tail? -With a snap of his hand, small droplets of water rose from the cup he had his drink in, floating in midair.- Now, open up wide, my dear, and savor every flavor that enters your mouth."
The warning bells rang in her head, as she purposely closed her eyes and opened her mouth...
...
...
...Then, when they were within her range to smell the drink, she immediately shut her mouth and, with a flick of her wrist, brought out her whip to snap them away, breaking the bottle and glasses in the process.
Clearly, the fool wasn't expecting this to happen.
"...Nice try," she said to him. "But, did you actually expect of me to fall for a ruse like that, when I can clearly see you have a Sleep Ring on your finger and was trying to, no doubt, use Sleep Magic on me?"
...
...
...Since it was clear that the jig was up, the imposter gave her smug smile on his face.
"My, you're very perceptive, my dear."
With a snap of her wrist, she sent the end of her whip to slash at his left-shoulder, purposely cutting at the material of his cape and not his skin.
"Enough with the flattering!" She yelled, as her right-hand slowly went to her keys. "I know that you're not the actual Salamander of Fairy Tail, just as much as you're not an actual member of the Fairy Tail Guild, either! Now, drop the act!"
His smile instantly went away, glaring back at the girl that damaged his favorite cape... Then, his smug of a smile came back.
"Well, since it's clear that you're not going to fall for my tricks, I might as well reveal my true colors."
...
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...
...From both corners of the room, the curtains pulled back... Revealing behind them, pirate-like men, surrounding the room she's in.
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...In some of their arms, the girls that boarded the yacht, all knocked out and appeared to be sleeping.
She realized, almost instantly, who this man and these people are.
"I knew it! You're not just kidnappers... You're slavers! -She looked out of the window, seeing they're now in open water, sailing away from the city.- You were only pretending to be Salamander, just so you can attract innocent girls to use as slaves!"
The man chuckled at her deductions.
"For a blonde, you sure are smart." He replied. "And as such, even you should know now that it would be best to behave yourself. Once we reach Bosco, you'll have no choice but to be my personal slave. So, I suggest that you don't make me angry, or you'll end up facing the consequences."
She sneered at his words, as her right-hand tightened around one of her keys.
"I don't think so," she argued.
With a flick of her left-wrist, she sent her whip towards the leader of the group, as she readied to summon one of her Celestial Spirits.
...
...
...Unfortunately, this time, he was expecting her to use her weapon and, with a snap, summoned light-purple fire to, not only knock the whip right out of her hand, but also her Gate Keys... Leaving a burn on her right-wrist in the process.
Her eyes widened in shock, as her keys ended up in the man's grasp.
"I should've known," he smirked. "You're a Celestial Mage."
She glared angry daggers at the man, who carelessly held all of her Gate Keys, containing her Celestial Spirits... Her Celestial Family.
"Unfortunately for me, only a Celestial Mage that forms a contract with them can summon and use the keys... So, in that case, they're useless to me."
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...Without a care in the world, he tossed the set of keys out through the window... Resulting them to sink to the bottom of the water.
All the men laughed, as she's left with no weapon in her possession to become a threat to their boss.
Lucy let out a low growl, as her chocolate-brown eyes sent a clear stare of hatred towards the man that took her Gate Keys from her and tossed them into the ocean.
"You're all just a bunch of assholes!" She yelled, clenching her hands into tight fists. "It's people like you, that I can't stand walking amongst the streets, as they take advantage of innocent people! And you may have taken my keys away, knocked my whip out of my hands and even wound me... But, don't think that I won't go down without a fight!"
All the males snickered at her speech, as two of them slowly walked behind her to grab her.
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...Just as they went to put their hands on her... Something unexpected happened.
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...Something came crashing through the roof of their yacht, startling the men and Lucy, herself.
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...A figure appeared through the smoke...
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...Lucy gasped in shock, as she sees the pink-haired boy she encountered, earlier.
"It's you," she whispered. '...He came...? But, wait... Unless he has some special magic to fly, how did he get here, when it's in the farther parts near the ocean and away from the town?'
Natsu glared up at the men... Though, when he saw Lucy there, his eyes held a burning rage within his Onyx-black eyes...
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...Then, just as soon as it looks like help had came to save her... It ended up with Natsu crouching low and looking rather nauseous, as the boat slightly rocked within the waters.
"Oh, God. This wasn't such a good idea, after all." He muttered, placing a hand over his mouth to prevent himself from hurling.
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...All the men and Lucy couldn't help, but be completely shocked that this idiot was keeling over, all because he has a severe case of motion sickness.
...
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...Then, realizing that their grip had loosen and all eyes are on the eighteen year-old, Lucy quickly dived down to grab her discarded whip and, with perfect aim, slapped the heart-shaped cracker against one of the bigger male against his face.
That caused most of the men to fall to the ground from their shipmate falling against them, while some stumbled back to avoid being hit.
"Hey, Lucy!"
Above her, where Natsu made the hole, she sees Happy... Who has wings, and is flying?
At the moment, she didn't care and knew that now isn't the time to ask questions.
"Happy!" She cried out. "These men are kidnappers, and are going to enslave these innocent girls to Bosco!"
Clearly, the men were taken back that now they're seeing a flying cat, but immediately snapped out of it when Happy curled his tail around Lucy's hip and took off flying.
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...Lucy was completely nervous on being in the air, but forced herself to stay calm and to not move around.
"Wait! What about Natsu?!" She cried out, keeping a firm grip on her whip. "He needs to get off that boat, since he's clearly too ill to do anything!"
"I can't carry two people at once, Lucy!" The blue-cat replied. "Plus, Natsu told me to get you off and leave him behind! But, don't worry, Lucy! He'll be fine!"
As the cat flew them away from the boat, Lucy caught sight of the imposter coming on to the deck.
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...She instantly saw the Magic-symbol coming out, and saw multiple blasts of light-purple fire shooting straight towards them.
Immediately, Lucy forced some of her Celestial Magic into her whip, coating it in a blue/golden-aura.
"Happy, you focus on dodging those that are aimed to attack you!" She ordered, pulling her whip back. "I'll get the ones aiming for me!"
"Aye!"
Just as she told him to do, Happy swiftly flew and moved with the current of the wind, dodging the few fire blasts that aimed to bring him down... While Lucy, when some charged for her, brought down her whip to have the heart-shaped cracker to slap into them.
...Some of them ended up imploding from the contact they made to her whip. Another few were forced to another direction, ending up colliding with a couple that were aimed for Happy... Even on three of them, She forced her whip to reflect them back down to the caster, who was able to shoot some of his own fire to protect his ship*.
With each strike she made, the pulsing and tightening on her wrist would send a reminder to the girl on how badly she was burnt from earlier. Of course, she winced and gasped in pain, but she pushed herself to keep fighting, not allowing herself to be distracted and risk either she or Happy to get hurt.
She looked up to Happy, noticing his slight worry look on his face.
"Happy, we need to go back and help Natsu!" She said, pointing a finger to tell the cat to go back.
"I'm afraid we've got bigger things to worry about, Lucy!"
His response made the girl even more worry.
"What do you mean?"
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...A second after she asked, Happy's wings poof into smoke, vanishing from his back.
"My transformation's up!"
They both ended up falling towards the water, with Happy screaming in fear.
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...Being trained and having moments where she would end up falling, Lucy was used to this and forced herself to not waste time screaming or panicking.
Staring down at the waters, she immediately saw something flashing, instantly realizing something.
'This area. This is where that bastard-!' -She reached a hand out towards Happy, holding him against her chest.- "Happy, take a deep breath and don't let go!"
The cat only had a few seconds to do as she told him to do, before they ended up engulfed in water and found themselves near the bottom of the ocean.
The instant she stopped falling, her eyes caught sight of something shining up ahead. After making sure that Happy hangs on tight to her white and blue-trim shirt, Lucy immediately started to swim towards the glimmer.
Seven seconds of swimming towards the light, she smirked at the sight of her Gate Keys.
Immediately, she grabbed them and forced herself to swim up to the surface.
Before swimming up to the surface, Lucy grabbed for the one key she knew that will be of great help at this time.
'I hope she won't kill me, for dropping the keys.'
She sprang up from the water, while hugging Happy close to her chest, and brought the key back down to the water.
"Open: Gate of the Water Bearer! Aquarius!"
As if it was in an actual lock, she turned the key.
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...And, with the Celestial Magic Symbols appearing beneath it, an elegant, beautiful figure came forth from the surrounding water.
She resembles a royal blue mermaid. She has a long, blue fish-tail, light blue hair that reaches up to her waist, and a large bust. She has blue-eyes that seem to have no pupils. She wears a revealing dark-blue bikini top and on each arm, a golden armlet and bracelet. She, also has a headband, three piercings on her tail, and a golden-belt at her waist and light blue crystal earrings. A dark-blue tattoo rests right under her collarbone. In her hands, she holds an urn. No doubt, it basis of the Water Magic she employs when in battle.
...This is the Zodiac Spirit of the Water Bearer, herself: Aquarius.
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...
...Rather than be impressed... Happy eyed her with hunger, as drool traveled down his mouth.
"A big fishy!" He cheered... Only to be smacked squared in the head by the blonde, who glared angry daggers at the now scared cat.
"She is not something you can eat, and you are not to ever call her something as disrespectful as such. Got it, Cat?"
Immediately, Happy nodded his head, as he kept on clinging to her shirt.
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...As if a switch was turned off, the blue-cat was completely caught off guard when Lucy, who showed to be very scary when pissed off, was now acting nervous and somewhat scared when turning to the Zodiac Spirit she summoned.
"...Uh, hey... How's it going?" She asked, nervously laughing when the woman glared down at her.
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...Lucy knew that she was in big trouble.
"Look, before you say anything and decide to punish me when this is all over, I would like to point out that the jerk on the ship -She pointed a finger at the yacht.- used Fire Magic on me and forced the keys right out of my hands! And since he knew that he couldn't use them, he's the one who tossed them out of the window to leave me with nothing to fight against him and his me-!"
"...Lucy... -The sixteen year-old immediately stopped talking, gazing up at Aquarius with fear and worry.- I've waited for you to summon me, because I sensed you needed me for an emergency, for hours, only to sense that somebody took my and the others' keys from you. And then, I now found that, not only are you in the middle of the ocean and could've drowned, but that you've been injured by some punk?!"
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...Lucy quivered underneath the woman's glare, as she forced herself to answer her.
"...Well, in all honesty, it's a lot better than to be put under a Sleep Spell, like all those other girls he kidnapped and are planning to turn into slaves at Bosco-"
"HE WAS GOING TO TURN YOU INTO A SLAVE?!"
Lucy let out a yelp, before pushing herself to get back to the task at hand.
"Mom! Now's not the time to worry about that! I need your help to get that yacht back to Hargeon, towards the port! We need to save those girls that the bastard used his Charm Spell on, before they try to hurt them!"
Aquarius glared down at the blonde girl that called her 'Mom'... Then, with a proud smirk, she raised her urn into the air.
"Lucy, Stupid Cat, hang on tight and don't let go!" She ordered, summoning her Water Magic to do her task.
Doing as she said, Lucy wrapped her arms around the midsection of Aquarius' tail, with Happy clinging on to her shoulder.
Once she finished charging up her magic, Aquarius commanded the water to form a giant wave and force the boat to go backwards, heading right towards the port's shoreline of Hargeon.
Lucy and Happy hanged on for dear life, as the water rushed passed them and Aquarius, who glared angrily at the boat that has the one person that dared to harm her Master... Who happens to be her daughter.
The yacht ended up laying on the side of port, sustaining serious damage from the strong waves.
Lucy and Happy soon found themselves on the port, letting go of Aquarius' tail.
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...
...
...Then, to Lucy's shock... And, somewhat embarrassment, Aquarius latched on to the girl and pulled her into a tight hug... All the while glaring at the men that staggered to their feet, all still remaining on the yacht.
"...Who did it...?" She growled out, gaining their attentions... Which left them shaking in fear when they see an aura of fire burning up behind the mermaid and her nervous daughter. "WHICH ONE OF YOU BURNT MY DAUGHTER, AND THREW AWAY HER GATE KEYS INTO THE OCEAN?!"
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...
...Immediately, all the men backed away from the edge, leaving the imposing 'Salamander' to stand out from the crowd, who cowered in fear when the Celestial Spirit used her water to grab him and pull him to her...
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...The blue-haired man swore, at that moment, his soul was being burnt alive when staring into Aquarius' blue-Sapphire eyes.
"...Listen well, you perverted bastard." She sneered, smirking dangerously at him. "Since you didn't take away my daughter's virginity, I won't kill you."
"Mom!" Lucy yelled, blushing a deeper red at her mother's words.
"And since I've been summoned to get your ship back to Hargeon, I'm gonna take my leave now... However... -She gave him the most evil, angry glare he had ever seen.- IF YOU LAY ANOTHER HAND ON MY BABY GIRL OR IF I FIND THAT YOU BURNT HER, AGAIN, I'LL COMEBACK AND HAVE MY PIRAÑAS EAT YOU AND YOUR MEN FOR THEIR SUPPER! And I assure you, you'll all suffer a slow, painful death, by the time they're done playing with their meal!"
Immediately, the blue-haired poseur swiftly nodded his head, ending up falling on his rear on the sand.
Satisfied that she got her word through, she turned to her daughter that remained in her arms... Which she delivered a loving kiss on the girl's forehead.
"I'm going to be gone for a week with Scorpio, Sweetie... But, should you need me, summon me and I'll be on my way."
Lucy pouted up at her mother, but gave her a nod and laid a kiss on the mermaid's cheek.
"Thanks, Mom. Have fun, and tell Scorpio I said 'Hi'."
Nodding her head, Aquarius vanished away, leaving Lucy to stand before the quivering leader.
A crowd started to form, wondering what the commotion was about and completely taken back to see the ship laying on its side on the port, but remained outside of the port in case something bad was to happen.
The sixteen year-old glared down at the now pathetic adult below her.
"Now that you've seen what one of my Zodiac Spirits can do, do you still have the balls to challenge me and force me to become your slave? -Once again, he shook his head rapidly, which Lucy gave him an evil smile.- Good. Now, there's something else you better answer, and it better be the truth: You claim to be a member of Fairy Tail, but we both know that it isn't true... Am I right?"
Again, the blue-haired man nodded his head.
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...
"Is that so?"
On top of the knocked over ship, stood Natsu... His face showed a clear sign of anger.
...To Lucy, he didn't look like a human... More like a powerful animal.
"So, you admit that you're not from Fairy Tail?"
Thinking that he wouldn't be much of a problem than the girl, the leader tried to put on his brave face.
"What's it to you, Kid?! -He turned to his men.- After him!"
A few of his men charged towards Natsu, who shrugged off his coat, now wearing his blue
"I wanna take a closer look at your face, you poseur!" He called out... As he slammed his fist across from him, punching the two men away from him. "Because my name is Natsu, a Member of Fairy Tail, and I've never seen you before!"
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...Lucy couldn't believe her ears.
'...That's NATSU?!... Natsu Dragneel... The "real" Salamander, of Fairy Tail?!'
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...When she noticed a marking on his right-shoulder and took a long, hard, look at it... She can fully see, in a ruby-red color, the Symbol of Fairy Tail's Guild Mark.
"That guy isn't lying, he carries the mark of Fairy Tail!" One of the men called out to their leader. "This guy is the real deal, Bora!"
The blue-haired man, now known as 'Bora', gaped at the man who revealed his true identity.
"Fool! Don't call me that!"
Lucy glared down at the quivering man... Then, swiftly as she moved, brought out her whip and coiled itself around Bora.
He let out a yelp of fear, as he stared up in fear at a now angry Lucy.
"Looks like my suspicious was correct about you, after all." She said, as Happy, who was just as surprised by Lucy's actions, went and sat on her shoulder, holding a small-fish in his paws and went to eating it. "Bora of Prominence, who bares the mark of tongs on the right-side of his forehead above his eyebrow, ex-member of the Titan Nose Guild: You've been wanted throughout the thirteen towns and cities of Fiore, for multiple counts of kidnapping, enslavement, illegal human trafficking and illegal possession of forbidden Magical Artifact and Spells! The Magic Council had issued a bounty on you to be captured and will be given a severe penalty, should you refuse to not give out information on all the girls you've kidnapped and sold off!"
Hearing the information Lucy had on the dirt bag, Natsu's anger towards Bora grew, as he casually started to walk off the yacht.
"So, not only do you try and impersonate me to trick innocent girls, but you dare try to tarnish the name of my Guild?! I won't allow you to taint my Guild, and the oath that it carries!"
Seeing that his best and only option is to attack the pink-haired member of Fairy Tail, Bora summoned his magic and sent his blast of light-purple fire towards him.
Of course, Lucy gasped in shock that Natsu took the attack head on... Only for her worry to be put aside when she sees Natsu's silhouette within the flames.
"Ugh! This is gross!" He yelled, startling Bora and his men that he survived the attack.
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...Though, nothing could prepare them, when they watch as Natsu sucked in all of the surrounding fire around him, as if he was taking a deep inhaling of breath.
Lucy, too, couldn't believe what she's witnessing.
'I've heard rumors that the Salamander of Fairy Tail is a Fire Wizard... However, unlike the usual Fire Wizards... He can eat actual fire... Seems those rumors turned out to be true.'
When all the fire was gone, Natsu flashed the men a devilish smirk.
"That was some nasty fire, but thanks for the grub, poseur!"
Bora couldn't believe his eyes.
"Who the hell is that kid?!"
Happy snickered at the tied up man, finishing his fish.
"In case you should know, which you should've known already, Fire Magic doesn't work on Natsu. In fact, Fire Magic replenishes him. And now that you've given him fire for his meal, you guys are going to be in deep trouble."
Natsu slammed both his fists against each other, as a Fire Symbol summoned out... In the middle of the symbol, Lucy could've sworn that she sees the mark and face of a dragon.
"I hope you guys are ready, because I'm going to give it to you, now that I have a fire in my belly! -He pulled his head back, building up his signature attack.- Fire Dragon's Roar!"
With both hands out, lungs filled with air and a burning fire... Natsu released a massive blast of fire down at the men.
In response to his attack heading for them, Lucy had no choice but to release Bora in order to push herself to dodge the attack, making sure that Happy doesn't fall off and remains in her care.
Seeing the crowd of people nearby, she called out to them.
"Everyone, get back! And somebody, get law enforcement here to arrest Bora of Prominence and his men! They're wanted men, that the Magic Council had issued an arrest for abducting innocent girls and attempted to do so, tonight!"
A burst of fire rose to the sky, startling the citizens to run back to their homes, with some listening to Lucy and running off to get help.
When the smoke died down, most of Bora's men laid unconscious, most buried underneath the ruble of what remains to being their yacht.
...With his own magic, Bora hovers within the air, using the light-purple fire to keep him afloat.
"Hey, Bora!" One of the few men who remained conscious called out to his leader, completely frozen in fear when he sees Natsu slowly standing up at his full height... A shadow covers beneath his hair, making his eyes glow. "I swear, I've seen this guy before! The pink-hair and the scaly looking scarf! There's no doubt about it! He's the real Salamander!"
Out of nowhere, fire suddenly came out of thin air, encircling Natsu's hands.
"You guys better be paying attention, Because I'm going to show what a Fairy Tail Wizard can do!" He yelled, crouching low before charging towards Bora.
As expected, he sent multiple blasts of light-purple fire towards Natsu, but none laid a single hit on the eighteen year-old, who used his Magic to coat his feet as well and swiftly moved in midair to reach the blue-haired man.
Once he was in reach, Natsu delivered a powerful punch, sending Bora blasting straight into town.
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...Lucy was in awe at his fighting style, but more so curious about his Magic.
"That's no ordinary Fire Magic," she said. "It's something more... Much more. But what?"
Happy simply smiled up at the sky, watching Natsu landing on a red-roof and looming over Bora, who pushed away rubble from his body.
"He has dragon lungs that allows him to breathe fire. Dragon scales to help him dissolve the fire. And dragon claws for attacking with fire." He informed the girl. "His brand of Fire Magic is one that allows his body to take on all the equalities of a real dragon. -He looked up at Lucy, who stared down at him.- It's an ancient spell that's rarely used, anymore."
Lucy gulped from what the cat told her, as her heart seemed to pick up in massive speed.
"If it's rare and has more property than the average Fire Mage can use, that should make it something more than just Fire Magic."
"Aye!" The blue-cat agreed, raising a paw in the air. "This particular magic was originally used to deal with dragons. -Bora shot a beam of light-purple fire, cutting through half of the town... He was unable to hit Natsu, who smirked up at his opponent.- It's called 'Fire Slayer Magic'. Igneel was the one who taught it to him."
Out of desperation, Bora sent a massive ball of light-purple fire towards Natsu, but the eighteen year-old caught with both hands and, like the fire before it, iengulfed it into his stomach.
"Now that was something worth being a meal!" Natsu yelled, as he slammed his fists together. "That wasn't so bad, but now, I'm about to cook you into a smoked fish!"
Bora was freaking out to his word.
"You're gonna do what?!"
Fire surrounded Natsu, then he launched himself in the air, charging up fire into his right-fist.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
He shot up like a rocket, so fast that Bora couldn't react on time to do anything but stand there in shock before getting a fist of fire punching him squarely in the face. The force of the attack was so strong, Bora ended up skidding through the road of Hargeon, slamming at the fountain that launched him in the air and, after jumping off two roofs, hit the bell of the Hargeon's church.
"That Natsu. He should already know that you smoke food with smoke, not fire." Happy hummed, not in the least worried or bothered that Natsu overdid his attack and caused some damage to Hargeon.
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...Lucy, who heard and, turned her head to where the sound came from, the Army of Fiore Royal Military, wearing blue and yellow striped armor and carrying shields with the Fiore Royal Military marking and carrying spears, marching towards them.
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...Thinking quickly, after placing Happy down, she ran to the soldier.
"Men!" She yelled out, standing in front of them and pointing an accusing finger at Bora's men trying to dig themselves out from the rubble. "These men are wanted criminal and followers of Bora of Prominence, wanted for kidnapping innocent women, illegal trafficking and enslavement, and possessing illegal Magical Artifact and Spells!"
Eyeing those men, the head of the army pointed a spear towards them, silently telling his men to go apprehend them. Then, he turned to the blonde, who remained standing in his way.
"Thank you for the aid, citizen. However, we must, also, apprehend Natsu Dragneel, member of Fairy Tail Guild, for damaged property of Hargeon."
He went to walk around her to get to Happy, who panicked and summoned his wings to fly away, only for Lucy to get in front of him, again.
"Forgive me, Sir, but I'm afraid you'll be wasting your time to get Natsu and Happy, when you can charge the true culprit for being the true cause of destruction of Hargeon." She responded, pointing a finger at the church, where Bora remained unconscious in front of the bell, which continued to ring.
"Bora of Prominence had, very much, caused damage to the city, but so had Natsu Dragneel-"
"Which, by capturing Bora and, after getting information on where he and his men had kidnapped other girls, where and whom they've sold them off, and where their hideout is within Bosco, you'll may very well find certain amount of Jewels and items you can use to pay off all the damage the both of them made in Hargeon." She countered, folding her arms over her chest. "Also, you can get information from the girls they attempted to abduct tonight, which they've all were evacuated before the fighting start, and myself, on how he used magic within the city, which is forbidden if he's not engaged in combat and/or authorized to do so unless he's given permission to do so. And before you get on me on who started the fight, many eye witnesses can vouch that Bora started the fight and caused the most destruction within the city than Natsu did."
From behind her, Natsu and Happy were completely taken back that the sixteen year-old is telling the army off and preventing them from trying to grab them.
Clearly, some of the men were taken off guard that this girl is giving them the layout on the law and were very much impressed with her intelligence on knowing things that they don't know some of it.
"You are still required to inform his Guild Master on the damages he caused, but you are, also, required to inform them that the damages will be paid by the true culprit and are not to be punished for doing their job. Plus, judging from how much Jewels Bora may or may not have on him, plus the bounty of his capture and some of his men, Hargeon will have more than enough for the cost of damage and repairs needed to fix the city, with some extra Jewels left over. Therefore, you cannot apprehend Natsu or Happy, and Fairy Tail cannot take the fall for this*."
After going through what the blonde had told them and, realizing that she's right, the leader of the army ordered his men to back away and leave Natsu and Happy alone, while sending some of his men to get Bora and to take the wanted criminals away.
As they started making their way back to their station, the leader of the army turned to Lucy, smirking at her.
"What's your name, young lady?"
Lucy stared calmly at him.
"...Lucy."
The soldier nodded his head to her.
"We've heard stories of a young blonde-lady, who helped captured and/or subdued some wanted criminals in other part of Fiore... I had my suspicions that it's very much had been you, since you clearly carry Gate Keys on you. -Lucy didn't make any response to his comment, but nodded his head, silently telling him that he was right.- ...You may not be in a Guild, but there's no doubt in my mind, any Guild you join will be lucky to have you as their member."
"She's already joining a guild."
To her unexpected surprise, a large-arm wrapped itself around her neck, pulling her against a bare chest, as a light mass rested itself on her left-shoulder.
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...She stared up at a beaming Natsu, smirking proudly at the leader.
"Lucy's going to be joining Fairy Tail!" He proudly announced, with Happy on her shoulder letting out a proud "Aye!"
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...Lucy didn't know what to say, let alone how to respond, as Natsu waved the guards away and, reaching out with his right-hand to grab her own right-hand, he pulled her along.
"Come on, Lucy!"
She didn't know what to say. All she can do was stare at the pink-haired boy, as her body, on its own, ran behind him, with Happy flying above them.
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...A small-smile appeared on her face, unable to fight off the joy and happiness radiating off of the eighteen year-old and the blue-cat flying over them.
'...I did it, Master Bero... I'm going to Fairy Tail, and become a member. -She stared up at the night sky, looking up at the moon... A single tear ran down her cheek.- Thank you... Mom... This turns out to be the best seventeenth birthday present you've given me.'
As they ran towards the direction for Magnolia... Natsu, slightly tightening his grip on the girl's hand, felt his heart leap into his chest.
'...She's the one.' He thought, a small-blush appearing on his face. 'She's the one I've been searching for. I was unable to find you, again, Igneel, but... -He looked over his shoulder, seeing the blonde looking up at the sky and seeing that tear, a tear of joy, run down her face.- ...I was able to find her. The one you've told me will be a part of my life... My Mate.'
TBC
Before you tell me: Yes, I did look up on when her mother died, and how old Lucy was when she passed away. However, in my opinion, I just feel that if Lucy was younger when her mother died, it would've changed her on her own perspective on if she would want a love interest, let alone a family of her own.
So, just for those who are confused on how old Lucy was when Layla died, she was six years old.
*:...This is just a thought, but... For some Wizards and/or mages, they can summon their own magic to cover their bodies, or even a weapon they wield... This is a sort of idea on, what if Lucy could do the same thing with her Celestial Magic, when not summoning a Celestial Spirit.
I mean, when she got her Fleuve d'étoiles, she has to use her Celestial Magic to bring out the whip and attack. This would, somewhat, prove that she could've used her Celestial Magic on her normal whip, if she knew earlier on that she could've done so. However, because it's a normal whip and has no ties to being a Celestial Weapon, when she summons her Celestial Magic to cover the weapon, hey magic surrounding the whip can only block, counter and/or cancel out Magic Attacks that her magic is strong against, while her whip still delivers the same attack strength she puts into it.
*: It may or may not be true, but hey, to me, this would make much more sense. And, really, Bora did cause more damage than Natsu did, before he used his Fire Dragon's Iron Fist on him. So, really, even though he's an ex-member, they shouldn't put all the blame on Natsu and focus more on Bora's scandals and find whatever damages/crimes he committed in the past.
R&R