It was as the congratulations were dying down that Master Makarov approached the young Celestial Mage. Flanking him was his grandson Laxus, and the Fairy Queen Erza. A glass box was held in his hand, and once again the crowd grew quiet in reverence.

"You, Lucy Heartfilia, have already proved to everyone here the strength of your love for your team, your willingness to protect the innocent, the joy of friendship! That is the very essence of being a Fairy Tail Mage!" shouts of praise filled the air. A slightly shy, but happy grin shinning on Lucy's face.

"As to our founding Master's wishes, our Lady Mavis, I gift to you this key!" Lucy was staring at him, the paleness in her face suddenly like death "Our lady Mavis foretold of a Celestial Mage of the purest heart would one day grace our halls! She would shelter our mages, protect our loved ones. Her magic would shine like the sun above us! Today is that day!".

With shaking hands, Lucy Heartfilia clutched both hands to her chest over her heart. Tears in her voice she murmured "Corvus". Glowing light surrounded her before her spirit came to her side. He hovered over her protectively, dark as shadow and looking like midnight come alive, before suddenly spying the key the Master held. Utter, and complete shock was written on both their faces as Lucy's tears fell freely.

Everyone there that day would never forget what would happen next.

In a clear voice, ringing with authority and warmth, she called "Open, the Gate of the Healer! Phoenix!". Light shone so bright, most covered their eyes as another spirit was called forward. When they could see again it was just a moment to spy a small girl, hair the colour of flames and eyes of molten gold, before she flung herself forward into the arms of Lucy's spirit Corvus. As the normally emotionless spirit clutched the younger spirit to him, the Phoenix crying and sobbing loudly that Lucy, with tears of her own, turned to explain.

"Phoenix has been lost for over four hundred years. She had all but disappeared from the spirit world. She and my spirit Corvus are siblings. Thank you, thank you so much" the Master was speechless, but as cheers came from the crowd he smiled.

"This day will live long in our history".

At her side Lucy's five Keys of Fate glowed momentary. Finally reunited together at last, they filled the bond they had with their Empress with love, devotion and such rightness, it took her breath away. Whispers down the bond, Lucy suddenly knew this was the path destiny had in store for her all along.