It has been years since I left but I'm back now. If you're still here reading this after all these years then you have my absolute thanks for reading again,
Please enjoy this remake!
"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"MONSTER/BEAST SPEAKING"
'Monster/beast thinking'
"Spells"
The wind howled through the abandoned ruins, whispering secrets of the past. The stone walls were worn, etched with ancient symbols that pulsed with an eerie glow under the dim light of the moon. A boy, barely in his teens, crouched among the rubble, his fingers tracing over something cold and metallic.
A key.
But unlike the simple Celestial Spirit Gate Keys he had read about in old tomes, this one was different. It was black as obsidian, with crimson veins running along its surface, pulsing as if alive. He felt an unnatural chill seep into his skin as he picked it up.
Zeref Dragneel had always been a curious child. His mind was filled with knowledge beyond his years, yet no wisdom could have prepared him for what was about to unfold. He turned the key over in his hands, feeling a strange compulsion—an urge that demanded he turn it.
And so he did.
The air around him thickened, the temperature dropping drastically. The ruins trembled, the symbols on the walls flaring to life as a rift tore through reality. From the depths of that darkness, a being emerged—a devil clad in shadows, its red eyes burning like molten embers. Black flames coiled around its form, licking at the air but never consuming.
Zeref fell back, his breath caught in his throat.
"Who dares summon me?" The devil's voice was like cracked stone and whispered screams, layered and resonant.
Zeref swallowed his fear. "I—I'm Zeref. I didn't mean to summon anything. I just—"
The devil chuckled, a deep, sinister sound. "Curiosity is a dangerous thing, child. But fate has brought you here. And fate is not to be denied."
Zeref's mind raced. He had heard legends of summoners and their spirits, of mages who wielded powerful contracts—but nothing like this. This was no mere celestial being. This was something far worse.
Yet, despite his fear, one thought burned brighter than the rest. His brother.
"I—" Zeref hesitated, then clenched his fists. "I want to bring someone back. My brother. He—he died, and I need to bring him back."
The devil grinned, sharp teeth glinting. "A noble wish… but all things come at a price."
Zeref's heart pounded. He had always known magic required sacrifices. He was willing to pay.
"What do you want?"
The devil tilted its head. "Life for a life."
Zeref froze. "What?"
"You ask for the return of a soul. To balance the scales, another must be taken. But not just once." The devil leaned closer, its breath like ash and decay. "For the life I grant you, you will take the lives of others. Again, and again, and again. Until death no longer claims you."
Zeref shuddered, his mind screaming at him to stop, to run, to forget this ever happened.
But then he saw his brother's face in his memories—his smile, his laughter, the warmth of the only family he had ever known.
"...I accept."
The devil's grin widened, and the deal was sealed.
A searing pain shot through Zeref's body as dark symbols burned into his skin. He gasped, his vision blurring as an unnatural force wrapped around his soul, twisting it into something new—something cursed.
The key in his hand shattered into dust, vanishing as if it had never existed. The devil gave one last smirk before fading into the darkness.
And then—
A soft breath.
A stirring in the rubble.
Zeref turned, his heart leaping into his throat.
His brother lay there, eyes slowly opening, life returned to his body.
It worked.
But deep inside, Zeref felt it—an insatiable hunger, a darkness curling within him, whispering its demands.
The cost had been paid.
And it would never stop.
Chapter 1: Key of Wrath
"The Keys of the Devil and the Keys of God… When all are gathered by a single mage, a wish shall be granted."
Lucy Heartfilia murmured the words aloud as she traced the inked letters in her mother's old journal. Each key held its own power, independent of its wielder's magic. Unlike Celestial Spirit Keys, which required summoning, these keys acted as gateways—portals allowing their entities to move freely between dimensions.
But why did my mother know so much about them?
"Ah—ow!"
Lucy stumbled as she bumped into someone, quickly muttering an apology before hurrying off. She clutched the journal tightly to her chest, her heart pounding—not just from the unexpected collision, but from the weight of what she had discovered.
The first location written in her mother's journal: Hargeon Port.
She had found the journal hidden away in her old room, tucked behind the wooden frame of a bookshelf, as if it were never meant to be found. Its pages told a story she never expected—a story that changed her life in an instant.
That was the day she made her decision.
For years, she had dreamed of leaving the Heartfilia estate, of escaping the suffocating walls of her father's world and joining the most renowned guild in Fiore. But now, she had a new goal.
The Fourteen Lost Keys of Earthland.
She didn't just want them. She needed them.
If the legend was true… If a wish could truly be granted… then she would bring her mother back.
Nothing else mattered.
But her mother had been cryptic in her writings. The locations of the keys weren't straightforward—just scattered riddles and fragmented clues. It had taken Lucy nearly a week to decipher the first one, and even then, she wasn't certain she had done it right.
"I really hope at least one key is here…" she muttered as she entered Hargeon.
The town was as picturesque as the books described—old cobbled streets, buildings lined with colorful awnings, the scent of salt and fish thick in the air. Though part of Fiore, it was known more for its bustling port than for its magic. Only about ten percent of the population were mages, which made her wonder—
Why would one of the lost keys be hidden here?
Had her mother found a key in this town before? Had she… used it?
Questions swirled in Lucy's mind as she checked into a cheap inn, paying for a small, dimly lit room. She had only 200,000 Jewels to her name, and until she found work, she needed to budget carefully.
She dropped onto the bed with a frustrated sigh, flipping through the journal again.
"A land rich in water and fish. A treasure hidden and can't be found. The good dealer holds a clue."
Lucy groaned, rubbing her temples. "Mom, why did you have to make this so complicated?"
She read the words again.
"The good dealer holds a clue."
A dealer… A good dealer.
Lucy sat up abruptly. The port was filled with merchants, fishermen, traders. There were hundreds of people selling goods every day. How was she supposed to know who the right one was?
Frustration built as exhaustion settled into her bones. "I am so not good at riddles," she grumbled, flopping back onto the mattress.
She closed her eyes. Tomorrow, she would begin her search.
Somewhere in Hargeon, the first key awaited.
A warm glow bathed the room, soft golden light filtering through sheer curtains that swayed gently in the evening breeze. The scent of fresh flowers lingered in the air, but it did little to mask the underlying fragility of the moment.
Lucy stood beside the large canopy bed, clutching her mother's frail hand. Layla Heartfilia lay against the silk pillows, her once radiant complexion now pale and weakened by an illness that had no cure. Her breathing was shallow, each word she spoke carrying the weight of fleeting time.
"Lucy," Layla whispered, her voice delicate yet firm, "I want to tell you something."
Lucy's grip on her hand tightened. "What is it, Mom?"
A small, tired smile graced Layla's lips. "I want you to be yourself when you grow up… Don't let this fortune cloud your heart. Don't become someone you're not."
A violent cough interrupted her words, and Lucy's heart clenched.
"M-Mom?" Her vision blurred as tears welled in her eyes.
Layla's free hand reached up, gently brushing away a stray tear from Lucy's cheek. "Follow your heart, my daughter… Don't let anyone stop you from chasing what you truly want."
Lucy bit her trembling lip, nodding frantically. "I—I will, I promise!"
A weak chuckle escaped Layla as she exhaled slowly. "I have… a gift for you. Find him, and he will guide you… protect you."
Lucy blinked in confusion. "Him? W-Who is he, Mom?"
Layla hesitated, her gaze distant as if recalling an old memory. For a brief moment, sorrow flickered in her eyes before she shook her head with a wistful smile.
"He was my…" Her words trailed off, and she let out a soft chuckle, as if the explanation didn't matter anymore. "He's a good man… He'll keep you safe. That was my wish."
Her eyelids grew heavy, her breaths slowing.
"Mom?" Lucy's voice cracked, panic creeping in as she felt her mother's hand grow colder. "No—stay with me! Please!"
Layla's grip weakened, yet her fingers gently squeezed Lucy's one last time.
"P-Promise me…" she whispered. "Promise you'll follow everything I've said."
"I—I promise!" Lucy sobbed, her heart breaking as the warmth of her mother's presence began to fade.
A final breath.
A final whisper.
"I… love you… my daughter…"
And then—silence.
Lucy clutched her mother's lifeless hand, tears streaming freely as she shook her head in denial.
"Mom…?" Her voice was barely a whisper, lost in the stillness of the room.
But no answer came.
Lucy sat on the bed, hugging her knees tightly. The dim glow of the lamp flickered in the small hotel room, casting shadows that danced along the wooden walls. Her fingers trembled as she brought a hand to her cheek, feeling the damp warmth of tears she hadn't realized she'd shed.
"I miss you, Mom…" she whispered.
Her voice cracked as she hugged herself, the weight of loneliness pressing down on her chest. Layla Heartfilia had been more than just a mother—she had been her guide, her protector, her source of warmth in a world that often felt too cold. And now, with nothing but cryptic clues and fading memories to hold onto, Lucy felt more lost than ever.
She didn't know how long she sat there, letting her emotions run freely. Time blurred. The soft hum of the town outside continued on, indifferent to her grief.
But Lucy wiped her tears away.
She couldn't afford to break down.
An hour later, she gathered her resolve and stepped out into the cool night air. The streets of Hargeon bustled with evening activity—merchants closing their stalls, fishermen returning from the docks, and townspeople moving about their routines.
She spent the next few hours wandering through the town, questioning vendors and shopkeepers, hoping for a lead. She never mentioned her name—being a Heartfilia carried too much weight, too many expectations. Instead, she only asked about Layla Heartfilia.
The responses were always the same.
"Ah, Layla-sama! Of course, I remember her!"
"A wonderful woman. A true noble!"
"She was famous, even outside of Fiore."
None of them provided the answers she was looking for.
Disheartened but not ready to give up, Lucy decided to make one last stop for the night—a small shop tucked away between larger buildings, its worn wooden sign reading:
"The Proper Grocer."
As she pushed open the door, a tiny bell above it chimed, announcing her arrival.
"Ah! Welcome, young miss!" A cheerful voice called from behind the counter. An elderly man with a round face and kind eyes stood there, grinning as he polished a glass bottle. "What can I do for you?"
Lucy approached cautiously. "I'm looking for information. Do you… happen to know Layla Heartfilia?"
The old man's eyes twinkled with familiarity. "Layla Heartfilia? Oh, but of course! A truly remarkable woman. I remember her well!"
Lucy felt a small flicker of hope. "Really? You knew her personally?"
The old man squinted at her, tilting his head. "Come to think of it… you look a lot like her, young miss."
Lucy's breath caught in her throat. She hadn't expected to be recognized so easily. "N-No! I—I'm just a traveling mage curious about her!" she lied quickly, averting her gaze.
The old man chuckled. "Oh, come now. I may be old, but I'm not blind." He set the glass bottle down and crossed his arms. "If you're not going to buy anything, then I'm not buying your lies."
Lucy stiffened. Crap.
Her heartbeat quickened. If the people of Hargeon discovered that a Heartfilia was in town, rumors would spread fast. She didn't know who she could trust.
"O-Okay, fine!" she admitted, lowering her voice. "But I ran away from home, and I don't have any money!"
The old man's expression softened. "Hmm… a runaway noble, huh?" He let out a sigh before turning toward one of the shelves behind him. "So, why are you so desperate to learn about your mother?"
"I'm looking for something," Lucy confessed. "A person, actually. Someone known as 'The Good Dealer.' Do you know who that is?"
The old man scratched his chin, deep in thought. "Hmm… 'The Good Dealer'… Nope, doesn't ring a bell."
Lucy's shoulders slumped in disappointment.
"But," he added with a mischievous grin, "I do know a shop by that name."
Her head shot up. "What?! Where?!"
"You're standing in it."
Lucy blinked. "W-Wait, what?!"
"This shop used to be called 'The Good Dealer' before I changed the name." The old man chuckled. "And guess what? Layla-sama worked here when she was around your age."
Lucy's eyes widened. "Mom… worked here?"
He nodded. "She worked here for about a year before she left. The last time I saw her, she was in a wheelchair. She came by and gave me something to keep safe."
The old man reached up to the top shelf and carefully pulled down a small wooden chest. He dusted it off before placing it on the counter in front of Lucy.
"This was my memory of her. But now, seeing as she was really your mother, I think it belongs to you."
Lucy hesitated before placing her hands on the chest. A strange warmth spread through her fingers. She swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered, "T-Thank you…"
The old man smiled kindly. "I never opened it. Maybe it holds the answers you're looking for."
With a deep breath, Lucy slowly lifted the lid.
Inside, nestled among aged parchment, was a single folded piece of paper.
Lucy's heart sank. "I-I was expecting a key…"
The old man picked up the paper and unfolded it, reading aloud:
"The water of life sprouts, and people come by to offer it gold. The top of it holds, the key that I told."
Lucy groaned, slamming her forehead against the counter. "Great, another puzzle."
The old man let out a hearty laugh. "Oh, this one's easy!"
Lucy perked up. "Wait—you understand it?!"
"Of course! The answer is a fountain!"
"A… what?"
"A fountain," he repeated. "Water sprouting, people tossing gold—it's a wishing fountain!"
Lucy's eyes widened in realization. "A wishing fountain… That's it!"
She jumped up in excitement, wrapping her arms around the old man in a grateful hug. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
The old man let out a muffled chuckle—though his laugh quickly turned into a pervy giggle as his face accidentally pressed against her chest.
"No problem, princess~"
Lucy immediately released him, glaring. "Ugh! Pervy old man!"
He merely grinned, waving her off as she made her way toward the door.
"Thanks for everything, Gramps!" she called over her shoulder before disappearing into the night.
The old man watched her go, a nostalgic smile gracing his lips.
"She's just like you, Layla-sama…"
"A fountain…"
Lucy muttered to herself, glancing around the busy streets of Hargeon. The puzzle had led her this far, but finding an actual wishing fountain in a town this large was proving to be a challenge. She considered stopping a passerby when a loud murmur caught her attention.
"Salamander is here?!"
"The famous fire mage? No way!"
Lucy perked up. Salamander? She'd heard of him before—a well-known mage, supposedly powerful and charismatic. A small part of her fangirled at the idea of seeing him in person.
But she shook her head. No! Focus, Lucy! The key is more important right now!
She turned to the nearest person in the crowd—a pink-haired boy wearing a white scaly scarf. He looked eager, as if searching for something himself.
"Excuse me," she asked politely. "Do you know where I can find the town's fountain?"
The boy blinked at her, then tilted his head. "I dunno, lady. I'm not from here." Then, without missing a beat, he grinned widely. "But hey, have you seen a dragon around?"
Lucy froze. "Eh?!"
"You know," the boy continued, flailing his arms animatedly, "big lizard, breathes fire, huge claws!"
Lucy stared at him, debating whether or not he was completely insane. Before she could reply, the pink-haired stranger suddenly gasped, his attention snapping toward the forming crowd.
"Salamander?!" He bolted toward the commotion before Lucy could get another word in.
"That guy was weird…" she mumbled, before shaking her head and getting back to her mission.
—
After asking around, it took Lucy nearly ten minutes to find the fountain—a beautiful stone structure in the center of a small park. Water cascaded gently from the top tier, shimmering under the warm afternoon sun.
To her surprise, the area was empty.
"This is too easy…" she muttered, removing her sandals before stepping onto the fountain's edge. Carefully, she leaned forward, trying to reach the top where the clue had hinted the key would be.
As she stretched, she felt a cold splash against her clothes. Her white blouse was starting to cling to her skin, turning alarmingly transparent.
Lucy blushed furiously. Oh no, this is so embarrassing!
"Need any help?"
A smooth voice cut through her thoughts, making her jolt slightly. She turned to see a tall, blue-haired man watching her with a charming smile. A tattoo was inked just above his left eyebrow, and his confident aura sent a strange shiver down her spine.
"A-Ah, yes, please!" Lucy stammered, quickly crossing her arms over her chest.
The man chuckled. "The name's Salamander," he introduced, flashing a dazzling grin.
Lucy's eyes widened. Him?!
He effortlessly climbed onto the fountain's edge, reaching up toward the top. A glint of metal caught his eye—a key lodged between the decorative carvings.
His fingers closed around it, and for a brief moment, his grin twisted into something more sinister.
'This could sell for a fortune… and the girl's not bad either. Two birds, one stone.'
With practiced ease, he hid his thoughts and turned back to Lucy, presenting the strange-looking key.
"Here you go," he said smoothly.
Lucy's face lit up. "Thank you so much!"
Bora smirked. "If you really want to thank me, how about joining my grand party tonight?" He winked and slipped an invitation card into her hands before stepping back.
"I-I will!" Lucy smiled, watching as Bora conjured a burst of purple flames and disappeared into the sky.
Finally alone, she looked down at the key in her hands. It was unlike any celestial key she had ever seen—twisted and eerie, its metallic surface a blend of black and chrome, almost as if it were pulsing with something alive.
Lucy's heart pounded in her chest.
"I… I finally got it…" She clenched her fist around the key, a brilliant smile spreading across her face.
"YES! One of the lost 14 keys!"
The weight of the lost key felt heavier than ever in Lucy's trembling hands. She sat at the edge of her hotel bed, her heart pounding in her chest. The dim candlelight flickered, casting eerie shadows along the room's walls.
"According to Mom's journal…" she thought, flipping the worn pages open once more.
Fourteen keys, separated into two factions.
Trixehia and Zion.
One belonged to the angels, the other to the devils.
She swallowed hard, tracing the jagged edges of the black and chrome key resting in her palm. It looked wicked—twisted, sinister, powerful. A deep part of her instinct screamed that this was no ordinary celestial spirit key.
"I-It must be one of the Trixehia keys…" she muttered. "A demon's key."
A chill ran down her spine. Should she really summon it?
Lucy squeezed the key, steeling herself.
"O-Okay, okay… calm down, Lucy. It's not like a huge demon or monster will come out, right?"
Then, in her mind's eye, she imagined it—a hulking, nightmarish beast tearing through the hotel walls, fire and darkness erupting from its form, the entire building reduced to rubble in mere seconds.
Lucy paled.
"…Y-Yeah, maybe I should do this outside instead."
Collapsing onto the bed, she let out a sigh, clutching the key against her chest.
"I wonder… what kind of being you are?"
—
By the time she woke up, the clock read 7 PM.
"Crap! I'm going to be late!"
Panicking, Lucy bolted out of bed, rushing into the bathroom. She took a quick shower, dried herself, and slipped into a red dress that hugged her curves. Her golden keys jingled at her waist as she fastened them to her belt.
Her gaze fell upon the lost key lying on the bed.
She hesitated.
Should she bring it?
After a moment of deliberation, she grabbed it and slipped it into her purse.
—
Lucy arrived at the harbor, and her jaw nearly dropped.
A luxurious yacht was docked at the pier, glowing under the evening lights. Dozens of elegantly dressed women were boarding, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
"This must be it…"
She smiled and made her way toward the entrance, where a burly bouncer stood, inspecting invitations.
"Invitation, please?"
Lucy handed over the card Bora had given her earlier.
The bouncer scanned it before nodding. "You're good. Next."
—
Inside, the yacht was even grander than she imagined.
Golden chandeliers, silk-draped furniture, a lavish dining area, and a fully stocked bar. The soft melody of a string quartet played in the background, adding to the elegant ambiance.
Lucy was greeted by Bora, the so-called Salamander, who wasted no time in ushering her further inside.
"I never got your name, beautiful," he said smoothly, pouring a glass of wine.
"A-Ah… It's Lucy," she replied, feeling slightly flustered.
"Lucy, huh? A name as lovely as its owner," Bora complimented with a charming smile.
Lucy blushed, but as he handed her the wine, a faint scent made her pause.
Wait a minute…
Something was off.
"This smell… it's familiar…"
Her heart skipped a beat as realization dawned—a sleeping drug.
—
Before she could react, a voice echoed in her mind.
"Don't drink it."
Lucy's eyes widened.
Her instincts took over. She swatted the floating wine pearls away, sending them splattering onto the floor.
The room fell silent.
Bora's once-charming smile twisted into a sinister smirk.
"You're a bad girl, Lucy," he cooed mockingly. "If you had just gone to sleep peacefully, you wouldn't have to get hurt."
Suddenly, two men emerged from behind the velvet curtains.
"Oh, she's a pretty one, boss!" one of them sneered, licking his lips.
"Can I have a round with her first?" the other laughed. "She looks innocent—my favorite type!"
Lucy felt sick.
"W-What are you doing?!" she demanded, fear creeping into her voice.
Bora leaned in, gripping her thigh with cold fingers.
"Welcome to our slave ship," he whispered. "I suggest you stay quiet until we get to Brosco."
Lucy's blood ran cold.
Her keys!
Bora's hands reached for them, ripping them off her waist. He sifted through them with a bored expression.
"Hmm… where's the other key?"
Lucy froze.
He's looking for the lost key…!
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!" she lied.
Bora's expression darkened. "Search her."
Hands lunged toward her, ready to rip her dress apart.
Lucy panicked.
"O-Okay! I-I'll give it to you! Just let me go!"
Bora smirked. "Smart girl. Now hurry up."
Shaking, Lucy reached into her purse, wrapping her fingers around the spiked key.
"Please… help me."
Her grip tightened, sharp metal edges biting into her palm.
"Oy! What's taking so long?!" Bora barked.
Lucy spun around in one swift motion.
"OPEN—GATE OF THE DEVIL!"
A crimson explosion erupted before her.
The yacht shook violently, throwing furniture and men across the room. A howling wind filled the air as a scarlet pillar of light shot upward.
Bora and his men staggered back, eyes wide with horror.
"A-A GATE KEY?! That's not a celestial spirit key!"
The light faded—and in its place stood a blonde-haired figure.
His icy blue eyes gleamed like a predator's. He wore a black and gold-trimmed coat, a red bow at his collar, and sturdy combat boots.
The pressure in the room changed instantly.
The blonde devil cast a glance at Lucy, then smirked.
"You look younger, Layla."
Lucy blinked. "W-What?!"
Then, without even lifting a finger, he flicked his wrist.
A massive explosion followed.
The room shattered.
Walls blew apart, sending debris flying. Bora's men screamed as they were launched overboard, disappearing into the sea.
Bora himself trembled, his knees buckling.
"W-Who the hell are you?!" he stammered.
The devil cracked his knuckles. "You have something that belongs to Layla."
"H-HERE! TAKE IT!" Bora hurled the celestial keys at him.
The blonde caught them effortlessly.
"Good boy," he smirked.
—
The next thing Lucy knew, she was swept into his arms.
"W-Wait! T-There are still other girls on this ship!" she gasped.
The blonde sighed. "Fine."
He stomped his foot.
From the depths of the ocean, a gigantic red fox-like beast rose from the waters, lifting the entire yacht in its massive claws.
Bora gawked in terror.
"W-What are you?!"
The blonde's lips curled.
"Just a devil."
Story should be the same but I'll make these more flushed out