Chapter 11: Celestial Realm

{Beach: April 8th, 6:57am - X791}

Saya sat upon the beach, her toes being touched by the water as she took in the early morning sun. Despite having not gotten more than an hour or so of sleep, she was wide awake, and more than ready for the remainder of their training period. However, the more time she spent with FairyTail, the more she was reminded of past events that pulled woefully at her heartstrings as the sun started to dance across the rolling waves before her. Saya had experienced a lot since the devastation of the attack upon the village that she, and Natsu had grown up in had taken place, but none of those experiences had precisely endeared her to the bitterness of the life of a Wizard who lacked a Guild.

Now, she belonged to one, but still felt tremendously out of place; even with Natsu by her side again. Perhaps, in retrospect, she should have supposed trust wasn't her strong suit, especially in lie of what had happened, and what she had learned. A single threatened to slip down her face, but she shook the notion of crying away quickly - she had no more tears to shed for the past right now, and had no desire to do such a thing like wasting her emotions on bitter recollections.

Keeping her legs pulled up to her chest, she rested her head upon her knees, her long black and metallic hair falling around her to caress the sand she sat upon while the water continued to lap at her toes as her mind wandered towards the upcoming Grand Magic Games, and what she sensed would be far from an easy battle. A tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she considered that FairyTail was a strong Guild, but it didn't mean they were above horrible damage that could forever change them.

Saya knew this all to well, yet at the same time, she prayed to whatever deity would listen, that this new place would be somewhere she and others could belong, and remain as a family forever; however, she couldn't ignore the strange twist within the pit of her stomach, and the sensation of oncoming danger, and there was nothing she could do to change it. Time magic varied, but that didn't equate that it was all powerful in various forms, it had its limits, and there were certain points that were inscrutably fixed. Heather-pink eyes blinked open slowly as a pale hand touched the scars upon her left shoulder, and the girl bit into her lip.

"Why did it have to happen? What was the purpose of that betrayal? Let alone the pain and misery they put all of us through? I don't get it… even after all this time… none of it makes any sense… so why? Why did we have to lose so much? At this point, I can't even tell if we've gained anything from it… doesn't anyone have the answers? Because I sure don't," she muttered as the sun started to rise higher in the sky.

"Saya? What are you doing out here all by yourself?" the dark-haired girl turned to see Erza standing behind her.

"Just… thinking is all," she explained as the red-haired woman hummed.

"I see… well then, it must be pretty important." Erza walked over to her, and slowly sat down beside the girl, noticing her mournful expression as she looked out to the sea.

"Not really…" the Queen of the Fairies glanced her over.

"Saya, I get the feeling that you don't quite feel comfortable around us," she stated as the girl glanced her way.

"Natsu trusts you… so… I feel obligated to do the same. But I have a hard time doing that…" Erza smiled.

"There must have been some horrible things in your life to make you so unsure around other people. But, you trust Natsu wholeheartedly," she pointed out as Saya shifted a bit.

"I trust him because he's always been my friend. Ever since I was little… after the attack and during all of my time training with Tempiria… I made it my goal to find him one day, so I could be with my friend again… and maybe…" the girl bit the inside of her cheek as Erza looked at the pain within her eyes.

"Maybe what?" Saya swallowed nervously at the trail the conversation had gone down.

"Find our other friends. We were all together before we got attacked… I'm not sure what happened exactly… but I know for a fact that the others survived, and if we received help… we could find them again." the red-haired swordswoman observed the Dragon Slayer beside her in questioning before taking in a deep breath.

"Is that what you've been so secretive about with Natsu? Why you keep taking him away from us to talk, and doing certain things? So you can maybe rouse his memory and that way the two of you can start looking for your friends?" she inquired as Saya took in a steady breath, keeping her eyes forward.

"Yes." the woman next to her reached out, placing a hand on the girl's scarred shoulder, gaining her attention as Erza pulled her into a firm embrace, somewhat startling the Time Dragon Slayer as her heather-pink eyes widened.

"Don't be afraid of speaking with us, and letting us help you. I understand that look in your eyes… its the look of someone whose been betrayed. Maybe I don't know who did it, but I can assure you that I won't let it happen here… FairyTail will never betray you, Saya… no matter what the situation may be." Saya bit her lip.

"Erza, you can't promise that. There's no way you can speak for everyone in FairyTail," she stated as the woman smiled.

"Perhaps, but I know I'm speaking the truth. Whatever has happened to you, it doesn't matter anymore, because your family is with FairyTail now." Saya slipped her arms around the red-haired woman, remaining silent for the time being, feeling the embrace of someone whom she hoped would become a trusted friend.

"But your wrong about something Erza… my past… and all those connected to it… do still matter… because what we endured… isn't over... and I'm beginning to think that it never will be."

{Beach Cove: 11:30am}

The day of training, had gone rather well for the group. Between the intense sparring sessions, and the basic lessons in magical advancement that the group had been working on, progress had been made. Lucy, felt a bit shifty with her own skill training though, and despite her practicing with Capricorn once more, her mind started to focus upon the things she recalled from Tenrou Island. The primordial magic that he sought, and it clouded her thoughts until she spoke to Capricorn about it more thoroughly. In her eyes, the primordial magic was both powerful and weak, as it spoke volumes of the deepest heart of a magic user's emotions, and wasn't something tangible like Hades had believed them to be.

However, despite the session of training going well - and the group considering a sparing session where they went up against one another with everyone involved - it was interrupted when Lucy gave a shriek of surprise as Virgo popped up from underneath her, calling the others to her as she jumped towards Natsu, instantly being questioned as to what the problem was. The pink-haired maid spirit giving Lucy a small smile before the blonde was settled back fully on her feet from her boyfriend's arms.

"Hey Virgo, how's it going?" asked Happy.

"It's fine." Gray smiled while Saya observed the spirit, somewhat curious about her, but not willing to but in on the conversation.

"I'm glad your here by the way. I wanted to ask what happened to you guys while we were in the Fairy Sphere for the last seven years. Did all of you get trapped in your world because she couldn't summon you?" he probed as Lucy gave Virgo a startled look.

"Virgo, I'm sorry! I didn't even think about how that might have affected you guys. I just went ahead and summoned you during the Key to the Starry Heavens incident like it was no big deal." Juvia popped up behind the blonde as Saya chuckled a bit.

"Oh, you poor things. I can't imagine how dreadfully bored you must have been because of Lucy," the blue-haired Water Wizard mentioned whilst the maid spirit shook her head.

"Don't cry. I appreciate your concern, but we were never all that bored." Levy smiled at hearing the news while Saya continued to observe.

"Is there something wrong Virgo? You look a little upset," she pointed out as the spirit thinned her lips in distress, and abruptly bowed.

"The Celestial Spirit world is on the brink of destruction. I was sent here by the Spirit King to seek the help of FairyTail, please… I beg you." the group recoiled at the news, expressions of horror upon their faces as they stared at the spirit.

"Is there anything we can do?" Saya inquired as Virgo eyed her, knowing that she was a new face to the group, but deciding not to speak about it for the time being.

"I've been asked to bring all of you to our world at once. The King would like to explain the circumstances in person." the group collectively nodded as Natsu glanced worriedly to Lucy and her fearful expression as he hoped that this wasn't going to be nearly as bad as Virgo was making it out to be.

"Alright, lead the way Virgo. If our friends need help, we won't let them down," he told her as Lucy approached the spirit, concern in her eyes.

"Wait a minute, I thought humans weren't able to enter the Celestial Spirit world." the pink-haired maid nodded, and went into her explanation of the best way to gather them there, and that meant adorning the group in Celestial robes.

With a snap of her fingers, the group felt their clothing change, startling those who weren't accustom to the costume changes that the Celestial Spirits could provide. Lucy and Natsu found themselves in the attire that had been granted to them during the Nirvana incident after their own clothing had been all but destroyed in the wake of the Oracion Seis's attacks, the two glancing towards one another before blushing slightly as they averted their gazes; both recalling Lucy's abash statement that they had been dressed like a couple back then, and given what their current relationship status was, giving them little room to feel nothing more than a bit embarrassed by the memory.

Gray glanced down to himself, finding his attire to be a pair of dark charcoal colored pants and boots with a top that only seemed to cover his chest, a pair of gloves, and a deep green cloak with a high collar; meanwhile, Juvia was in a white dress with blue accents that almost seemed to be inspired by a swan's wings. Erza found her attire in a top that crossed over her back and over her head, a deep green skirt with a high slit was the bottom while her long red hair was adorned in a bun tied with a white ribbon.

Gajeel found himself in a dark blue vest with slightly tattered pants and boots while Levy was in a green and white sun dress with a match headband and white sandals. Wendy found herself in a pink and purple sleeveless short kimono with a black obi belt and white wing pieces for her hair. Happy, Carla, and Lilly were given small, simple clothing adorned with stars and hued in pinks, purples,whites, and blues. Lastly, was Saya, who looked herself over in curiosity at the cold-shoulder dress in purple with a gold wide belt at the waist, black thigh-highs with silver stars running down the sides, white boots, and her hair done up into a simple ponytail with star-shaped pins around the band.

However, in the wake of them being given a new set of clothes, the group had been transported to the shimmering silver-blue, and pastel rainbow fused world of the Celestial Spirits. Crystals floated in the endlessness alongside jewel-hued bubbles that filtered in the air as stardust flew around them. It was breathtaking, like something out of a dream; however, their astonishment was cut off by a booming, powerful voice that belonged to the Celestial Spirit King.

"And so we meet again, human girl. I bid you, and your friends welcome to our world!" all eyes turned to the giant armored titan of a spirit with a flowing mustache, his arms cross over his chest as Natsu continued to look around, the scent and tastes he could pick up just from breathing in the air feeling familiar as he placed a hand to the side of his head, a small pain forming there as he tried to remember why these things were familiar, and most certainly didn't seem like Lucy's scent.

"Celestial Spirit King!" Lucy stated as Erza stepped forward.

"So your the ruler of this Kingdom?" Wendy, Levy, and Saya all wilted a bit.

"Does she have to be so rude?" the three girls thought.

"Indeed, I am," the Spirit King responded as Lucy looked up to him in concern.

"Sir, is it true that your world is on the brink of destruction?" everyone waited anxiously for the news, fear ebbing into their minds as they prepared for a fight that they questioned their capabilities of properly handling.

"Smile, Lucy!" the King replied with a broad grin of his own as the FairyTail Wizards gawked at the giant spirit.

"What?" the King of the Celestial Spirits looked down to the group.

"Lucy, and friends! I have requested your presence, so that we might honor your remarkable return from the prison of time. Now, let us celebrate!"

Though they were thoroughly confused, the group of FairyTail Wizards found themselves impressed with the spirits and their plan to get them all present in their world so that all of them could celebrate together. Saya giggled, happy as the Celestial Spirits began to show the group how they did parties while Lucy couldn't help but cheer and join in on the festivities as everyone began conversing, and discussing the last time they had seen one another whilst Levy was looking at the books as Taurus attempted flirting with Erza, which ended in failure.

Everyone talked, ate, played, and enjoyed their time with the spirits with so much joy and excitement as Lyra played her harp, and sang for them. However, amidst all of their enjoyment and laughter, Lucy couldn't help but notice that Horologium, and Grandpa Crux occasionally would eye Saya, and then glance towards Natsu before sharing some kind of conversation between them in hushed tones as she rose an eyebrow momentarily. Though she was confused by the behavior, Lucy decided to approach the two spirits, glancing back to see that Saya and Natsu were being entertained by Cancer and Sagittarius as she slipped closer to the two spirits, hoping not to draw to much attention.

"They really do favor, don't they?" muttered Grandpa Crux.

"Indeed they most certainly do." Lucy cleared her throat.

"Hey… um… Horologium? Grandpa Crux?" the two spirits turned to the blonde-haired girl.

"Hello Lucy, is something the matter?" asked Grandpa Crux while the Celestial Wizard tilted her head.

"Not really, I'm just curious about what you were talking about." the two glanced between one another.

"I see, well it wasn't anything important," Horologium stated as Lucy rose an eyebrow, drawing the attention of Erza as the red-haired swordswoman observed the conversation.

"Are you sure? You look concerned." the two spirits gave their Wizard a unsure look as the Queen of the Fairies approached, and steadily came to stand beside Lucy, who had a remained quiet while thinking of the best way that she could discuss something that was on her mind; however, ever the openly spoken person, Erza stepped in to do the talking for her.

"If you two don't mind, I have a question," she stated, folding her arms across her chest as Grandpa Crux smiled.

"What is it Miss Scarlet?" burgundy eyes narrowed a bit.

"Saya informed me that she and Natsu came from a village that had quite a few Celestial Wizards, amongst other magic types. So, I'm asking if perhaps any of you knew anything about the assault on the village, and anything about the Silver Celestial Wizards that were present," she inquired about this as Lucy turned her attention to the red-haired woman.

"Wait, Natsu and Saya's village had Celestial Wizards in it?" Erza nodded.

"As well as quite a few Dragon Slayers. Both of Saya's parents were Dragon Slayers, whilst Natsu's mother, if I recall correctly, was a Celestial Wizard." Horologium wilted a fraction.

"Yes, I remember that village, it was quite a splendid place. Tranquil, and somewhere that children could learn their magic and train in safety, even after the assignments, missions, and going for far off journeys, they had somewhere safe to come home," he informed them as Lucy smiled.

"That really does sound amazing; but, Erza? What are you getting at?" the red-haired woman looked to the Celestial Wizard.

"I wanted to ask if perhaps you knew anything about Natsu's mother? Nasuka?" the two spirits seemed to ponder the name momentarily before Horologium, and Grandpa Crux seemed to recall something.

"Oh! Yes! In fact I do - ticktock! I remember her quite well, how could I not?" Horologium exclaimed.

"Ah, indeed I do as well. If I am not mistaken, I also knew quite a bit of Miss Dragnoire's family as well." the two Wizards stared before Gajeel approached with Gray, Levy and Juvia still spending time with the others.

"Wait, you seriously Natsu and Saya's parents?" inquired Gray in confusion as he glanced towards the two Dragon Slayers.

"Yes, I knew them quite well. In fact, Nasuka Dragneel was at one time my Master." That news did surprise Lucy as she realized that of all the things she had expected to hear, had not been that one of her contracted Spirits, were at one point in the belonging of Natsu's mother. A small smile came to her features as she considered the odds, and how strange such a circumstance could be. To be in a relationship with the son of the Silver Celestial Wizard who once held one of her keys seemed like a humorous, yet fascinating case that suited fairy tales.

"Nasuka Dragneel? I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that Natsu was named after his mom?" Gray probed as Horologium nodded.

"The name does mean summer. Perhaps that is when the boy was born." Grandpa Crux interjected as Gajeel laughed.

"Named after his mom, what a riot!" Levy slapped the Iron Dragon Slayer with the book in her hand, surprising him as he hadn't realized she was listening, let alone being so close.

"Be nice Gajeel! Remember what was just said? Its obvious that Natsu's mother isn't alive anymore. Try to be more considerate," she chastised him whilst he rubbed the sore spot on his shoulder.

"Fine."

"So, it would seem that you and Natsu have a deeper connection than what's already there," stated Gray as Lucy smiled.

"I'm glad to know that… but, I was wondering… do you know the name of Natsu's dad by any chance?" Horologium thought for a moment.

"Thinking about the name his mom had and his own its probably something from that part of the world or -"Gray was interrupted as Grandpa Crux smiled.

"I believe his name was Etherius Dragneel, " he explained as Lucy frowned.

"Etherius? That's… an odd name…"

{Beach Area: June 25th, 2:40pm - X791}

A strangely cold breeze came across the warm, sandy beach as the group of FairyTail Wizards stood facing the vast, blue ocean before them. Still adorned in their Celestial Realm attire, the group remained quiet, all of them looking forward with sullen faces as slowly the group one by one dropped to the ground as they felt as though nothing could be done but admitting defeat. Wendy began crying as Levy crouched to check on her while Gajeel stared in disbelief and irritation alongside the three Exceeds, who were just as stunned as the rest of them whilst Saya and Natsu gave one another a look of anxiety and discomfort as Lucy raised a fist into the air.

"NO WAY! GIVE US BACK OUR TIME STACHE FACE!" she yelled as Natsu went to his girlfriend, knowing for a fact that he had to calm the girl down before she went off the deep end.

"Luce, chill out. Now's not the time to lose our heads." the blonde looked to him with her eyes narrowed.

"Natsu, I get that you're trying to calm me down, but right now I don't want to be calm! I want to chew that Celestial Spirit King out for not telling us about this sooner!" she snapped as he put his hands up.

"Believe me, I get it. But if we're gonna find a solution we need to think clearly, and we won't do that by getting all bent out of shape, so come on, try and help me figure something out, please?" Saya huffed, blowing her bangs out of her eyes.

"Alright! We have a little bit of time still! Everyone best prepare themselves, because until our check-out date, we will be training. It'll be grueling, but we have no other choice!" Erza declared as the Time Dragon Slayer shook her head.

"Um, Erza. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but its five days until the Grand Magic Games. How do you suppose we're going to pack in three months worth of training in that amount of time without being dead on our feet upon arriving in Croucus?" she inquired as the Swordswoman stilled where she was.

None of them wanted to admit it, but Saya had a good point. There was no possible way to get in that much training in only five days without being so utterly spent that they would be useless to their Guild in the games. Lucy slumped to the sand beneath her whilst her eyes started to tear up as she considered that if the Celestial Spirits hadn't interfered with their abrupt - although nice and welcomed gesture - of consideration towards her and the others, she would be strong enough alongside the others to do something and change the current status of their Guild. Saya frowned, looking to the waters as the wind picked up, taking a strong scent into the area as she looked around, finding the smell unnaturally nearby, and how it wasn't a scent she knew.

"Natsu…" the pink-haired Dragon Slayer looked to her.

"Saya? What's wrong?" the girl looked around them, form tense as she tried to find someone.

"Someone's watching us," she told them as the group got to their feet, and looked around as well.

"Can you smell them?" Saya nodded.

"Right now, but the scent is getting fainter. Seems like they're heading away from us. For now we should just get ourselves ready to do as much training as we can," she stated whilst the others slowly nodded, heading back towards their rental cabin. For now, they would focus, and stay alert, but at the same time, they would need to watch out for themselves for the time being.

{.….}

And I know that they can never come undone...

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Author's Note: half a rip from the original chapter, half from the actual episode. Personally, I just focused on the slight slow burning build up to the next chapter whilst focusing on the characters, and trying to flesh out Saya as a character more. Let me know what you guys think!

Arigatou Nakamas!