Chapter 4 - Gathering allies
After Lucy explained the situation again, Harlequin stepped in and took me and Elaine to the time warp chamber. The flight there was very pleasant. I understand why Natsu doesn't get sick when Happy carries him.
"So Lucy, from the description you gave, this must be one of our forbidden spells." - said Harlequin - "Just a few years ago, we had an incident with a person who used one of these spells and was supposed to be punished for it, but he escaped from the Fairy Realm. He also stole one of the Special Celestial Spirit Keys."
"Special?" - Lucy asked.
"These are keys that do not belong to the 12 Zodiacs but are much stronger than ordinary silver or bronze keys. Even stronger than gold." - said Elaine - "In the human world there are only the 13th Zodiac, Black Key, and Ophiuchus. Many of them are even capable of defeating the Zodiacs in their current form. We usually call them Colored Keys because of their variety."
"Wait, these are bronze keys too?" - Lucy asked - "Are they only in your dimension too?"
"In fact, it was the fairies who first discovered the Celestial Spirit Realm and created the first keys and contracts." - Harlequin said, shocking Lucy.
"So until now, I and the other Celestial Spirit Mages have only imitated what you have achieved?" - Lucy asked.
"You're mostly right, but there have always been special cases." - said Elaine - "If I remember correctly from history, a certain Anna discovered a completely new field of Celestial Magic. And you're the first one to get the Celestial Spirit King to change the law, which saved Leo, so you're quite famous here for this feat."
"You will be able to learn more from the books we gave you, but first we will show you the magic you want to master." - Harlequin said.
After reaching their destination, Harlequin began to explain to Lucy the basics of performing this spell. It was called Fairy Magic: Soul-Body Creation. It allowed the mage to completely rebuild the body of a companion who had lost his body as a result of an enemy attack but was still alive. Originally, it was supposed to reverse the effects of Petrification magic, but after moving to the Fairy Realm, it was forgotten in her world and fairies no longer had to use it.
And so she spent several weeks in the chamber learning this spell.
Meanwhile in the Earthland
"Unfortunately, I couldn't find the book with former members." - Loke said to Gajeel, Wendy, Carla, and Lily. Juvia went to inform Wallieg, Sho, and Milliane of the situation.
"Well, it's not like we could expect anything from them." - Gajeel said.
"Unfortunately, you're probably right. If they left the Guild, they must have had a reason." - Lily said.
"But Master Bob said Blue Pegasus would help us." - said Loke.
"How did you contact him, Loke-san." - Wendy said.
"In the past, I was a Celestial Spirit of one of the S-rank mages of that Guild. He said he would inform the other Guilds and have them send support, but he doesn't know how long it would take."
"You can also count the three of us." - Sho said as he entered Lucy's house. He was followed by Wally, Milliana, and Juvia. After short pleasantries, everyone started talking to each other and informing each other about their plans. Loke stayed to also find out what would be needed. Until Lily asked a certain question he wanted to avoid.
"So, what really happened on Lucy's last mission, anyway?" - he asked Lily.
"She already told you." - said Loke.
"Although the explanation is correct, it left out some details. First of all, where did she get the new spell books?"
"Come to think of it, Juvia has never heard of the magic of rebuilding someone's body."
"Secondly, this new key that she used to open a gate somewhere. She definitely didn't have it before her last job."
"And then there's the fact that she could suddenly sense a specific magic." - added Carla - "The fact that she even sensed Ur magic in the river is truly amazing, but she has never demonstrated such skill before."
"So, Bunny Girl is keeping secrets from us." - Gajeel said, grinning - "Actually, that explains why her scent changed a bit."
"I'm sure Lucy-san had some reason not to tell us about it." - Wendy said.
"Maybe she found some great kitty for herself and doesn't want to share it." - Milliana said, and the room fell deadly silent.
"Not the best time to joke." - Wally whispered to Milliana.
"Sorry." - said Milliana, with her eyes downcast.
Loke simply sighs - "Oh well. I knew she wouldn't be able to keep it a secret forever, but I didn't think it would be necessary to start revealing it all at once."
"So something happened." - Sho said.
"During the mission, things got complicated. I couldn't tell you everything and neither could Lucy. We are bound by an oath. But the demon held a certain person hostage. After freeing this person, the demon attacked and while saving her, Lucy was cursed. To save her, this person had to do several things that I cannot reveal. After rest and treatment, and a few gifts from the rescued person's family, Lucy returned and was found by Sho and the others. If you have any questions feel free to ask, but I can't answer them."
"Will Lucy-san be okay?" - Wendy asked.
"She is out of danger, but she will have to leave you at least once a month to go to this person due to her condition. Again, she's in no danger."
"Is her magic detection due to her condition?" - Carla asked.
"Yes."
"What gifts did Bunny Girl get?" - Gajeel asked.
"A few books on magic and this key that allows him to go back to that person's house plus some clothes and that's it."
After a moment of silence, Loke decided that they knew everything they wanted and decided to check on her mistress.
Meanwhile in the Fairy Realm
"I didn't know this spell was so tiring." - Lucy said, falling onto the bed.
"But you're doing better." - Elaine said.
"But at this point, I won't be able to use it in human form in time. So I'll have at least one witness. And I know how much you don't want to talk about it."
"Considering that it was a rebellious fairy who caused such trouble, the council will forgive you. After all, we should be the ones to take care of this, and now we're relying on you."
"You've done enough anyway. I wouldn't be able to cope without this gift. Of course, I will return after the fight." - Lucy said.
"Princess, are you here?" - Loke asked, appearing behind the door. But for some reason, the flash of light was much larger than normal.
"Give me a moment Loke, I'll be out soon." - Lucy said.
"He won't hear you." - Elaine said.
"Why?" - Lucy asked before it dawned on her. He's in the form of a fairy, which means Loke will be gigantic.
"...Ohh. Sorry, I forgot." - Loke said and disappeared in a flash of light before appearing in front of Lucy, her size.
"How?" - Lucy asked.
"Remember Virgo, when she was serving Everlue. A spirit can adapt to its master's preferences. In this case, I decided to size down to make it fit better." - Loke explained.
"So, what brings you here?" - Elaine asked.
"Everyone is getting ready to fight. We already have Blue Pegasus on our side and probably other guilds." - said Loke, then paled a little - "But, unfortunately, I had to reveal something about your condition. They don't know anything about the Fairy Realm, so you don't have to worry about that."
"Well, at least they're not too inquisitive." - Elaine said.
"Wait until Natsu or Erza wakes up." - Lucy said, painfully aware that these two weren't going to give up that easily.
"Well, since the king has already allowed you to show your nature, maybe after that, I will teach you another way to summon the celestial spirits." - said Loke.
"Is this another way?" - Lucy asked.
"Actually, another form would be a more appropriate word." - Loke stated - "Your current magical power should be sufficient for this. And since you're half-fairy now, I won't break a single law."
"Ohh." - Elaine said - "Guardian form."
"Yes." - Loke said, then continued explaining - "It is a more combat-oriented form. The Celestial Spirit gets weapons and armor, but it requires more magical energy, about one and a half of what you would normally need to open a gate."
After a while, Lucy said - "When do we start?"
The next day, in the sewers under Magnolia.
Lucy quietly returned to Magnolia where she had started, her room. Loke had checked if anyone was there and luckily everyone had already left. In her new size, the room seemed really huge. Lucy just wanted to see everything and feel like a little explorer. But she had more important things on their minds.
The window was slightly open and she quickly flew out, then moved low to the ground so that no one would notice her. She followed Ur's magical signature and reached the sewers.
Now just complete the spell and Gray's master will be back in the human world.
After a few minutes, Ur rose from the dead in the sewers and the first thing she did was hit her head.
"Ow." - Ur said, quickly crouching down and rubbing her head - "What ha-"
Suddenly Ur started staring at an exhausted Lucy who was in her fairy form. Lucy didn't know what to say either, so she just waved at Ur. She didn't have the energy to get up right now, so she would have to hope that Ur would pick her up herself.
"Well, hello, little one." - Ur gently placed her hand next to Lucy - "You better step into my hand and I'll take you out of here. In return, you will tell me what happened."
Lucy slowly stood up and stepped onto Ur's arm, but collapsed there from exhaustion. Ur simply moved through the canal until she reached the exit. Fortunately, he was in a dark alley and it was already quite late, so the chances of him meeting someone were small.
"Where am I?" - Ur asked Lucy, who was lying in her hand.
"You're in Magnolia City." - Virgo said suddenly, appearing in a flash of light.
Ur just looked at her and said - "You are a Celestial Spirit."
"Correct. The princess asked you to wear this cloak and not show yourself yet. She will explain the situation in her apartment to you."
"And the princess is..." - began Ur.
"She was saying that about me." - Lucy shouted, now standing on her own - "I'm sorry to be so sudden, but we're really going to need your help. First, I will take you to a more private place, but you must keep me a secret. And let me stand on your shoulder. Screaming like that is uncomfortable."
"Alright." - Ur said, then put on her cloak, put Lucy on her shoulder, and moved according to her instructions.
Upon reaching her home, Lucy jumped off Ur's shoulder and transformed back into a human.
"How did you…" - Ur started, but Lucy interrupted her and simply said - "It's a secret. Please don't tell anyone, I shouldn't appear as a fairy at all."
Ur stood there for a moment and then said - "Well, you saved my life, so I'll grant you your request. But why did you bring me back anyway?"
One explanation and a bath later.
"Something else?" - asked Ur.
"No, that's all." - said Lucy - "So, will you help us?"
"Of course I will help." - said Ur, almost offended - "All we have to do is find whoever cast the spell and beat him. Do you know where he might be?"
"If I understand correctly, he probably possessed Lissana and controls everyone from there. According to what I've learned, control works on emotions. The more attached someone is to an object or person, the more under control that person will be. Therefore, Natsu and Lissana's siblings will most likely be under the strongest influence. Besides, he broke the Taboo to take control of the Celestial Spirit of the Azure Dragon, even if we free Fairy Tail from his influence, we will still have to fight."
"Lucy." - Carla said suddenly, flying through the window.
"Carla?" - Lucy said surprised.
"We have a problem. And who... It doesn't matter. I overheard Gildarts coming back and the entire Guild came out towards him. If they take control of it too."
"Dammit." - Lucy said.
"Gildarts?" - asked Ur.
"Ace of Fairy Tail and next to the master, the strongest magician." - said Lucy - "Where do Wendy and the others meet?"
"At the cottage 3 kilometers to the east." - Carla replied.
"And where will Gildarts be coming from?"
"Northeast, I guess. I don't know how far."
"We will join the rest of the allies. You go inform Gildartas about what's going on. His help would be extremely useful."
Carla flew away and Lucy and Ur ran out of the building.
"Wait Lucy." - Ur said, grabbing the younger girl's arm - "I have a faster way to get there. Ice Make: Horse."
A moment later, a horse made of ice appeared, along with a saddle. Ur, and Lucy quickly mounted it and headed to the meeting place.
After a few minutes, they saw a small hut and Yuka, Toby, and Lyon standing next to it.
"Hi." - Yuka said - "Nice to see you again."
"Who's with Lucy?" - Toby asked.
"...Ur." - Lyon said in surprise, shock on his face - "Is that really you."
"Yes." - Ur simply said as she walked up to Lyon. They stood in silence for a moment until Lyon started crying and hugged each other.
"I missed you so much." - Lyon said.
"I know." - Ur said, and then she hit him on the head - "What were you thinking, trying to free Deliora?! Do you really hate your life that much?! And you have no idea how much that Moon Drip hurt!"
Lyon stood up and tried to explain, but Ur just grabbed him and started crying as well - "What would happen if you died?! I've already lost my daughter, I can't lose you or Gray too."
"It's true love!" - Sherry said, watching from the side.
"Yes." - Juvia added.
"I will cry!" - Toby said when starting crying.
"It's great that they've come together." - Wendy was crying next to him.
"I don't want to interrupt such an uplifting moment." - said Jura - "But I believe we have a plan to discuss."
Lucy looked at the gathered people. From Blue Pegasus came Ichiya, Hibiki, Eve, and Ren, from Lamia Scale came Jura, Lyon, Toby, Yuka, and Sherry, independently came Wally, Sho, Milliana, and Ur, from Fairy Tail came Wendy, Gajeel, Juvia, Lily and Lucy herself.
Now they actually have a chance.