Stellar Mischief
[NaLu Fanfiction]
By: JeRein_14

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Chapter 26

Lucy's POV

  As i opened my eyes to welcome back the cruel and barbaric world, i knew what was to come. Memories of what transcribed at the arena during the course of the third day event started flooding back in like raging water escaping from a crack of a broken dam. It was overwhelming. The first hour of regaining consciousness, no questions were asked about the event. Though, i knew they were all dying to ask. Just by the look in their curious and suspicious eyes. It didn't take long, unfortunately. As the dreaded topic was brought up, it came along with horrendous memories. As Levy gushed on about my supposed 'unknown' ability, she somehow failed to notice that she had stepped on thin ice. Mentioning something about that naval battle had reminded me of what price i paid for just so i could win. Ashamed, i tried to blink back the tears that build up on the corner of my eyes.

  I just sacrificed Loke's key just to win that atrocious and good-for-nothing battle against that vile, nefarious and wicked Sabertooth Lady. She has no mercy or whatsoever to her opponent. She would gladly shatter someone in all aspect, leaving them broken and hard to mend. She doesn't care what kind of scar or permanent damage she leaves behind. As long as she acquires what she needs or wants, then and only then she'll leave you behind like some piece of garbage. Minerva's a vicious villain waiting patiently in the dark, letting her mindless pawns do the dirty work, before going in for the kill herself. Such wolfish features and characteristics. Surely not befitting for her pretty external appearance.

  I want to extract revenge. Make her feel the exact same pain and heartache she had put me through. I've already sum up at least 14 ways to torture her in my mind. But that doesn't change the horrible fact. The damage had already been done. Loke's key is broken. I had won with a heavy heart and burden. What change could it bring if i go after her for revenge? It won't change anything, truth be told. And honestly, i don't want to stoop as low as that. I was raised better than that.

  When Princess Hisui entered the infirmary in the midst of the awkward atmosphere, i was baffled. What would a royalty want from me? Let alone the future queen and ruler? I rampaged through my mind, searching for anything i might had done to attract the government's attention. As i found none, the Princess suggested for Yukino to stay as a compromise and sign of peace. Suspicious indeed. Out of everyone in the room, she had picked another Celestial Mage. It could be just plain coincidence but i'm still having second thoughts. There are 15 people here, including the exceeds, when she had first came. That was a 1/15 chance of being chosen. It makes me queasy and edgy, somehow. Just what is her motive?

  When no one moved, Master Makarov had taken the matters into his own hands, knowing that they were still doubtful. Master had ushered everyone, but Yukino, out. The group grumbled and groan as they not-so-quietly left the room, showing their disagreement with the way things turned out. Unexpectedly, i caught Natsu's onxy eyes as he was leaving. A telepathic message. 'Scream when you need me.' Nodding my thanks, i reverted my gaze back to the Princess who was somewhat nervous. What? Why would she—

  It was when we were finally alone when she finally looked up and met my puzzled gaze. I can't help but suck in breath. That stare. I know that kind of eyes anywhere. She owns a pair of eyes that holds the same secret and pain as mine and Yukino's. Her emerald irises that fakes a shine in order to hide how really broken and shattered she truly is. I recognize that since it's the same kind of eyes i am force to look at whenever i stand in front of a mirror. Eyes that wields too many secrets. That's one of the features our kind has in common. She's a Celestial Mage. Just like me and Yukino.

  "I'm sure you're confused as to why i asked to speak to you, Lucy-san." I was honestly taken a back by the sudden honorific. Suddenly, i don't know how to act naturally. She's the princess, after all.

  "Yes. I'm really surprised that you asked for me." I can't seem to maintain eye contact. Standing in front of me is an actual royalty. A girl raised to run a country. Despite knowing that we have something in common, i still feel quite uneasy being in her presence. She seems so unreachable regardless being just an arm's length away. Knowing that there was another one of our kind didn't feel as comforting as i originally would have thought. Especially coming in the form of Princess Hisui.

  "I'm sure you have noticed by now.. What i'm truly am." I sensed hesitation. I understand, though. There was just the three of us in this very room but the idea of being watched still stuck on us like second nature. Always being aware and attentive. It was a trait taught to us by our mentors and teachers. We were trained to never let our guard down and to always be on high alert. To be able to keep the secret.

  "I didn't expect it.. Really.." She smiled halfheartedly. Something was bothering her. That much i can tell.

  "So, that's why you chose me to stay behind." Yukino muttered, mostly to herself.

  "Yes. Like the both of you, i'm also a Celestial Mage." She offered us a kind smile which i gladly returned. She's not an enemy, i told myself. She's just like us. A mage born with a secret to keep.

  "But why now? I've been participating on this games for quite some time now. Why didn't you.." The former Sabertooth Member trailed off, leaving behind a quite awkward atmosphere. I understand her, though. She felt slightly neglected.

  "I apologize for that. It might seem that i'm not doing anything to assure my fellow Celestial Mages' safety. But i need you understand. No one in the palace and government, aside from myself, is aware of our secret. Not even my father, the king. My actions and decisions are heavily guarded and looked upon on. I needed to be careful." The Princess explained, a look of deep regret and shame on her beautiful features. I guess she had it rough too. Being that a lot more eyes are on her, she needs to be more careful or she might do something that would threaten to expose us. She was capable of helping those Celestial Mages. But she chose against it. She didn't want to risk anything. And i commend her for that. That was probably a hard time for her. Like us, she also felt alone.

  "It's alright, Princess. Though, i still need to ask. Why did you come here?" There was no hint of disrespect or bitterness in Yukino's voice.

  "I needed to discuss a few things with you. Regarding our secret." I know this isn't the time but i feel quite relieved. Hearing the word 'our' in that sentence felt really good. Like i'm finally apart of a group after so long. Yukino and I exchanged glances. Just by merely looking at her, i knew that she feels the same way as me.

  "We're willing to hear you out, Princess." My short haired friend said, finally a content smile on her face. The royal maiden's eyes softened, giving out a smile of her own. She must have realized it. We're offering her a chance. We're giving her our trust.

  "I mostly wanted to apologize. I should have approached you long ago, when i first found out. But i was too caught up with fear and my own responsibilities as a future ruler of this country. I've been telling myself that for quite some time now that i'm starting to believe that i'm just making up excuses. I was a coward." It shocked me. In front of me was a girl from an actual royal bloodline who didn't seem to mind her pride and title as she bowed to us in a way to ask for forgiveness.

  "I actually believed that if i cut all ties with everything related to Celestial Magic, that i'll be free. From all the secrets and isolation. My mom who passed on the magic to me was dead. My father didn't even know she was a mage. I'm not surprised if no one in the kingdom knew i can use magic. So, i thought that i wanted to keep it that way." Hearing her story, i slowly understood her more and more. She was also someone who fell victim in this cursed game. She was also a chess piece like the rest of us.

  "The news that Fairy Tail has a Celestial Mage in their premises reached my ear almost 8 years ago. It made me falter, my resolution slowly crumbling down. Finally. Someone who can understand me. I really wanted to meet you but thought otherwise. What would the council think if i randomly popped up in a magic guild, asking to meet a stranger i have no absolute connection with? As i was thinking of ways to reach you, to make you experience the same feeling your existence had made me feel, you suddenly disappeared. Along with half of your guild. I felt broken. Like i lost a sister i was just reuniting with. Regret. I felt remorse. I should have approached you when i had the chance." She wanted to meet me? I didn't even realize...

  "I was losing hope of finding another Celestial Mage. Around that time, the mass murder began. It scared me when i realized the pattern of the killers. They were after Celestial Mages. Believe me. I tried to help. I tried to track down our fellow mages. To help them. But those murderers seemed to always get ahead of me. I tried. I really did. But i still failed. I'm sorry." She bowed, asking for our forgiveness. We were take aback by her abrupt confession. She, too, had been experiencing the weight and burden. Aish. Those killers must be punished. Fast!

  "Don't worry, Princess. It's still not too late. We can work together! The three of us! We still have time to gather all Celestial Mages and—"

  "The thing is, our kind is currently in the verge of extinction. With the constant murders, the number of Celestial Mages had dropped drastically, according to our records." It made my shoulders slump, my hope slowly slipping through my fingers like sand.

  "How many are still left? A hundred? 70? 50?" I knew our kind isn't that well spread across the world. But hearing the word 'extinction'.. My throat gone dry, wanting water after this revelation. I didn't want to believe it but i somehow knew that the number was lesser. Much lesser.

  "Lucy-san. Yukino-san. As of the moment, the three of us are the only ones recorded alive. I'm afraid to say that we are the only Celestial Mages left on Fiore—no.. On Earthland." Oh, no..

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Hey!

I'm sorry this took so long! I was busy with some things! I'm also dealing with this major writer's block and laziness! I'm being lazy, guys! Help! I think being obsessed with BTOB (a korean boy group) also has something to do with it! I'm sorry! They're just too funny and crazy to not love! 😍😍😍😍

Wwaaaahhhhh! I can't help it! I'm in love with Yook Sungjae and BTOB! I'm officially a Melody now!

Anyways, i'm sorry for not being able to update Hidden Powers! I'll try to do it next week. Keyword being 'TRY'!

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☆JeRein_14