Stellar Mischief
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 24

Normal POV

  "What is her current situation, Porlyusica?" Fairy Tail's dwarf sized Master asked, giving the unconscious Celestial Mage a worried glance.

  "As those two slayers had said, she is in grave danger. I'm still working on the antidote but i can't assure you that i would be able to finish it on time. As you were told, she has very limited time. Almost six hours left, actually." The aged pink haired healer informed the two qualified groups of Fairy Tail, their master and acquainted Celestial Mage. They were all gathered at the same room reserved for the medical needs of their guild, which was provided by the administrator of the Games. The rest of the guild, however, were closed by. Some were on their designated balcony, few were walking around Domus Flau, most were scattered around the hallway just outside the room. They needed news regarding the condition of their beloved member. Earlier, when the blonde was rushed into the infirmary, the whole guild attempted to follow and enter the room as they were worried for their brave comrade, only to be stopped by a snappish and short-tempered old healer. Though reluctant, she allowed the current visitors to stay and watch over the blonde while she was trying to formulate a cure. Porlyusica even sent out the guild's bookworm to do research in the city's library.

  "The poison that coated the knife.. I don't have much knowledge regarding it. It's lethal and really deadly. If we don't hurry up, she'll definitely die." The ones in the room had on somber and dark expressions, all choosing not to say anything as they tried to process the information they were being given.

  "This girl's condition is not the only thing you should be worried about." The elder said, confusing them all. What could possibly be more worrisome that this?

  "What do you mean, Porlyusica-san?" The requip mage asked, givibg her guild mates cautious side glances.

  "That poison, though i still have no distinct idea what it's called, is probably made under the influence of dark and ancient magic considering it's fatal symptoms and after effects. The fact that that Sabertooth Member had the nerve to use it in front of so many witnesses is quite disturbing, don't you think? For sure, she knows the consequences of even be seen carrying such illegal weapon." She furrowed her eyebrows, a few layers of wrinkles were showing.

  "You're saying that..?" The one they call 'she-devil' trailed off, still trying to digest the information.

  "Minerva might be involved in something illegal. I won't be surprised if she uses dark magic herself."

~☆~

  "It's been 5 hours already and Porlyusica-san hasn't returned. You don't think she..?" The sky dragon slayer had trailed off, almost afraid to finish her own sentence in fear of discouraging her guild mates. It's been hours since their private talk with the old healer who had left shortly after informing them that she'll be doing her own research. Still, she hasn't come back and the people concerned were getting worried. They only have a little over an hour left before the unknown poison spread through her entire body from the inside. After the hourly schedule of check-ups done by the young slayer, it was confirmed that the fatal substance was aiming for her brain. This was certainly not good news to any of them.

  The blonde girl's visitors were consisted mainly of the two teams that were participating in the games with the addition of their master and the ex-member of Sabertooth. There was an eerie silence that followed the young girl's unfinished question. It was awkward and somewhat uncomfortable. Thankfully, someone decided to break the unnerving atmosphere.

  "I'm sure Porlyusica is on her way back. She p-probably came up w-with an antidote. She's just merrily trying to make us worry since she hates us—" the ice mage tried to convince the rest though it sounded like he doesn't believe what he was saying either. At that moment, dread and almost hopelessness was felt by everyone.

  "Come on, guys? You're n-not actually thinking that s-she'll.." The brokenness in the dragon slayer's voice, it made everyone's heart drop. It was clear that she was important to him. Lucy was his anchor. His rock. He wouldn't take it well if she really did...

  "What should we d-do? She c-can't—" Fairy Tail's long haired barmaid asked, clearly not taking the news very well. Mira was one of Lucy's closest friend. She was the older sister the blonde never had, next to Erza that is. There simply was no dull moments between them. All the secrets, gossips and advices. They had shared a close bond over the years.

  "Maybe—" Erza's statement was cut off when a blinding golden light suddenly appeared in the middle of the room, almost blinding the occupants.

  "What t-the..?" Once dimmed, there stood none other than Loke, the unconscious Celestial Mage's spirit. He stood with glory, seemingly unscathed from the events prior that day. He wasn't alone, though. Beside the Lion Spirit was another Celestial Spirit. He was a centaur, like Sagittarius, only this one was much bulkier and larger. He was almost as big as Gajeel, much muscular than Elfman and Laxus. His lower body was fully much of a horse, brown in color with a golden tail and hooves. The upper part was mainly of a buff man's torso, with multiple scars and scratches. His face was similar to that of a man who gone through wars and battles. The most distinct feature would be his dark moss green eyes and the long scar that stretched from his right eyebrow down all the way to the right side of his lips. His long hair was the same color and shade of his tail; golden.

  A moment of silence transpired, all spent by the group of wizards staring at the Centaur Spirit which appeared with Loke. The lion spirit merely chuckled at their vivid confusion. Seemingly dusting his usual black suit, he strode towards his sleeping master, the large Centaur following him in silence with a grief and anguish frown on his face.

  "Is she it? Your master?" The Centaur asked, obviously unimpressed and uninterested at the matter in hand. It was clear that he had come with the leader of the Zodiac unwillingly.

  "She is. She's quite a beauty, isn't she?" The lion joked. This remark was followed by grumbles from the small crowd around him, all displaying their disapproval and disgust towards the spirit. However, Loke didn't appear bothered the slightest. Instead, he sent the Fairy Tail Mages a reassuring smile.

  "Not quite. She looks nothing out of the ordinary. Makes me wonder why the Spirit King speaks so fondly of her. To be honest, she looks weak and frail. More of a damsel of sort." The half breed earned himself glares and growls from the blonde's friends. It was crystal that he wasn't being liked at the moment, with his vicious mouth and bold personality.

  "If i were you, i'll watch what i'm saying. This room is filled with Lucy's friends, all who wouldn't dare hesitate to attack you at your very spot for insulting her. She's dearly loved, you see." The orange headed spirit declared, a smile of amusement was displayed on his lips as he took notice of his fellow spirit's annoyance and irritation.

  "Whatever. Let's get this over with. I have much important matters to deal with." The Centaur step forward, stopping at the right side of Lucy's bed. He reluctantly placed a hand over the blonde's forehead, closing his eyes in the process. Natsu took this opportunity to question his partner's spirit.

  "Hey, Loke. Who the hell is he and why is he touching Lucy?!" The fire dragon slayer hissed angrily, sending an angry scowl at the highly amused Zodiac.

  "Don't worry, Natsu. He might seem quite.... rude, but he's actually here to help Lucy."

  "Help Lucy? How sure are you that he will—"

  "She is currently in the mercy of an extremely fatal poison that can only be found in a certain part of a plant called Devil's Fruit. It's a plant that was commonly used in executing criminals in Fiore's ancient times. As of now, it's almost impossible to find one unless you really seek or search for it all through out the continent. It's extremely deadly and is believed to have no cure/antidote, that's why using it is now considered illegal and to be a strong offense." The immortal spirit voiced out his thoughts, earning him disbelieving looks from the mages around him.

  "W-What?! Are you—"

  "Do what you have to do, Centaurus. She's slowly slipping away, i'm sure you can tell." Loke may look calm but the edge and sharpness in his voice said otherwise. He was beyond worried for his master.

  "Tch. Don't rush me, Leo. I'm merely stating my findings. Now, if you could all stand back." Hesitant, they did as told. They watched curiously as the centaur placed both of his hands over the stab wound. Bright greenish blue light illuminated from his hand and over the pink dress cloth that covered the still bleeding injury. The unconscious blonde whimpered in pain, but the healer showed no sign of remorse. He continued, not minding the clear distress and misery he was bringing the blonde. The group of Mages, seeing their friend's anguish expression, tried to interject but Loke stopped them. He reassured them that Centaurus, despite his grumpy and rude personality, is a reliable and trusted healer.

  "Centaurus is known all over the Spirit Realm for being wise and strong. He had studied different things over the course of his immortal life. All of which are essential in survival. From sword fighting, hunting, archery to cooking and astrology. He had also studied the field of medicine and healing for centuries, successfully incorporating knowledge all healers in Earthland would be envious of. Trust me, he knows what he's doing."

  "It's obvious that he doesn't l-like Lucy. But why is he..?" The ice mage trailed off, staring curiously at the centaur spirit who was still healing his friend. A progress. Pitch black smoke started to come out of the wound. Though, it didn't linger much. The smoke that emerged slowly disappeared as it hovered up in the tensed air. Centaurus frowned. Sighing, he gritted his teeth and gave off another wave of magic energy. The light illuminating from his palm strengthen even more. As it did so, more of the smoke came out and disappeared much faster. It continued for another minute or two.

  "I'm done. She'll be alright. Probably wake up an hour or two from now." Centaurus grumbled, a cold stare on his face.

  "Thank you, Centaurus. You can go back now." The centaur spirit didn't waste any time. He saluted the leader of the zodiac and disappeared from plain sight, clearly pleased that he could finally leave.

  "Ermm—that's it?" The drunk brunette asked, scratching the back of her neck, a look of confusion in her face. On her left hand was a bottle of booze. It was clear that she had expected something more.

  "Yeah. What did you expect? A blood compact? A surgery? Centaurus heals his patients with magic." The lion spirit merely chuckled at the baffled reactions he received.

  "I.. I j-just can't believe it. He h-healed Lucy that easily when in fact Porlyusica spent hours of research, and still is, just to find a cure."

  "Magic is a mystery, i'll give you that."

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  I'm sorry!!

  We have this big thing going on with one of my subjects in school. I needed to write and come up with an idea for a Mock Trial! Before you ask, NO. I'm not taking up law, nor do i wish or plan to. It's probably on the bottom of my list along with medicine and education. Not that i have anything against any of those courses. I actually salute those who practices them. It's just too stressing, nerve wracking and brain damaging for me. ME. So... Enjoy?

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☆JeRein_14