"I can't believe we're here!" Lucy said as she was looking around in awe.
She and Vivi paused in their walk through Alchemilla, which was a large city in Fiore that housed many scholars and wizards on the path of higher learners. It was a beautiful city, and the second largest city in Fiore after the Capital. In fact, Fiore didn't have many large cities. Probably only three to four tops. Alchemilla was known for housing scholars and wizards that worked hard to either better Fiore, or to keep the country's history preserved.
It had many libraries and other structures for learning within the city. Lucy has always wanted to come here just to browse through the libraries or look at the stars in the city's famous observatory. Though the most beautiful and most well-known place in all of Alchemilla was the Institution of Advance Learning.
It was a grand building in the center of the city where many great people—including wizards have studied. You don't have to attend this school to become a wizard. Or any magical school, really. But some of the greatest wizards in history have come from this school. And not just wizards. Many people, who have made history in Fiore, studied at this school. It is also a place where people just curious to learn more may enter. Lucy honestly couldn't believe she was here. It was like a dream.
"Never really been here either myself." Vivi said as she stood beside Lucy with her hands in her pockets. "But they have a symphony hall here that my grandfather played in once or twice. Then Satyr Reed was always welcomed to perform in the Institute play productions."
"Satyr Reed?" Lucy murmured. "Oh yeah, I remember that they were not only talented wizards, but talented performers as well."
Lucy's parents had taken her to a show before when she was little. The guild had been having their harvest festival, and every Acacia Harvest Festival the local Guild—Satyr Reed—would put on a musical performance. They even added magic to it. It was something Lucy would never forget.
"But how do you know about Satyr Reed, Vivi?" Lucy asked curiously.
Vivi let out a slight sigh as she put her hands behind her head while looking up towards the sky.
"I was born into that guild before its disbandment." Vivi explained. "My ancestor Alexiel d'Autriche had created with alongside a childhood friend of his. It lasted a hundred years, but then the guild's longtime rival White Fang really hit us good. And once the fire settled and the ashes cleared, what was left of the guild disbanded."
Lucy's eyes widened. She, of course, knew about the attack on Satyr Reed. She had been young at the time, but the news had gone through the entire kingdom. No one had ever thought a guild as old and prestigious as Satyr Reed would up and disband. As far as guilds go it was one of the oldest guilds around alongside Fairy Tail. However, the attack from White Fang had really done a number on them. They lost their master and all their elite wizards. Lucy was sure it had to be spirit crushing to go through such a loss.
"After the guild disbanded, it left my brothers and I with nowhere else to go." Vivi said. "Though they're not really my brothers. Just boys I grew up with in the guild. Chris, Morgan, and Matt were all orphans at the time. The guild kind of adopted them like sons, so I thought it only natural to call them my brothers. Then Dom—while he had a family—looked out for us since he was the oldest. It was only natural that we stick together even after the disbandment."
Vivi let out another sigh as she looked back forward with a sad look in her eyes. Lucy immediately regretted asking her previous question. She never meant to bring up such sad memories.
"Gramps came and found us though." Vivi said. "Fairy Tail has always been close friends with Satyr Reed. Master Makarov was even present when I was born."
Laxus had been there as well, but that felt like ages ago. Laxus wasn't the same kid Vivi idolized and called big brother anymore.
"So to him it was only the right thing to do to take us to Fairy Tail." Vivi said. "We joined not long after Natsu, and the rest is history. We found our home in Fairy Tail, and the members became our family. That's just how Fairy Tail is. It's a place for people who need a place to feel part of a family. To feel as if they have a home."
Lucy smiled because she was already starting to understand. Fairy Tail really is a remarkable place. She was so lucky to have become a member.
"But I guess we better keep going." Vivi said. "Can't keep the client waiting."
"Right!" Lucy said, nodding. "This is going to be so much fun."
Vivi chuckled at Lucy's enthusiasm then patted the blonde on top of her head. After that the two started moving towards the center of the city's square, which had a large, 50-foot fountain in the center. Lucy looked at it in awe. It was so well detailed. Not to mention beautiful.
"This is where we're supposed to meet the Professor, right?" Vivi asked.
Lucy hummed a confirmation as she pulled out the flyer to look at the directions that had been written on it.
"It says we're to meet here by noon." Lucy said before looking at the large clock tower by the institute. "We're a little early. We still have about fifteen minutes."
Vivi nodded her head a bit surprised they made it on time. Whenever she goes on a job with Natsu or Gray, they never make it on time—if there's a time set anyway. Of course, Natsu must have time to recover from his motion sickness once they get off whatever mode of transportation they took. Then Gray just slows them down since she annoys her so much that she must kick his butt to remind him who's boss.
"You are early." A new voice cut in. "And there's two of you. Not what I was expecting."
Vivi blinked along with Lucy before turning to see who was speaking. She had ash blonde hair that was tied in a tight braid that fell down her back. Her eyes were a grayish color and her skin tanned. She wore tight khaki pants tucked into chestnut brown boots that were knee-high in length. She had a white dress shirt tucked into her pants with a brown tweed jacket over it. On top her head was brown fedora and perched on her nose was a thick pair of round-framed glasses. When Lucy gave a squeal, Vivi looked at her curiously.
"It's her!" Lucy said. "It's Professor Jones! In the flesh!"
Ah, now Vivi understood. This was their client. The one Lucy went on and on about during the train ride here.
"Pleasure to meet you both," Professor Jones said with a dip of her head. "I was only expecting one Celestial Wizard but having two is a nice surprise. It will certainly make this trip more interesting."
"Well, actually, Professor Jones, I'm not a Celestial Wizard." Vivi said. "My name is Viviane d'Autriche of Fairy Tail. I am a wizard who practices music magic. Lucy—here—is the one who uses celestial magic."
Vivi put her hand on Lucy's shoulder as the blonde continued to stare at the professor. Vivi slightly nudged the blonde, which snapped Lucy out of it.
"Oh, uh, sorry." Lucy apologized. "We know the flyer asked for Celestial Wizards, but I am fairly new to the guild. Our Master didn't want to send me to another country on my own, which is why Vivi is here. She's a six-year veteran meaning she has way more experience than me. I hope it isn't an inconvenience."
She really didn't want to upset the client. Especially since the client is someone she admires. Professor Jones just smiled.
"It's no problem at all." Professor Jones said. "I only wished for a Celestial Wizard because if we do manage to find the key we will be searching for, I plan to give it to the Celestial Wizard who helped me."
Lucy's eyes widened because she had no idea she'd be getting to keep the key. She couldn't believe it. She could be the owner of a Primordial Zodiac Key. It was more than a dream come true.
"Really, Professor?" Lucy asked.
"Of course," Professor Jones said. "There is no reason for such magic to be locked away here for people to gawk at. Also, it isn't as if I would get any use of it. I am not a Celestial Wizard. They key should go to a loving home where the spirit can be happy."
Lucy felt like crying. Never in her wildest dreams did she believe she'd ever get her hands on a Primordial Zodiac key. Sure, she's always believed they've existed. Her mother used to tell her so many stories. However, she never thought she might have the opportunity to call one of them her own.
"The key we will be going after on this adventure is the Key of the Great Dog: Millhiore." Professor Jones explained. "She's more commonly known as Sirius by mistake as her real name got somewhat lost throughout the ages."
Lucy knew about that spirit. It was her favorite one to hear about when her mother told her stories. Lucy could listen to stories about the Great Dog Spirit for hours.
"Millhiore, huh?" Vivi murmured. "And what makes you think her key isn't in Fiore?"
Lucy wondered that as well since the request said they would be going to Kea for this journey.
"Excellent question." Professor Jones said smiling. "You see, I have been doing research on the Primordial Zodiac longer than some people might think. In that time, I've come up with a theory on where the keys disappeared over the years. My theory is that the Primordial Zodiac returned home. To where they all originally came from."
While Vivi blinked in confusion, Lucy gave a gasp as she brought her hands together.
"Are you saying that the stories about their first origins are true?" Lucy asked.
Vivi looked at Lucy now even more confused. First origins? Did the Primordial Zodiac not start off like all other Celestial Spirits?
"I cannot confirm the stories are true, but if they are, it'd only make sense that Kea would be the place to look for Millhiore." Professor Jones said. "In the tales of this spirit, she was once a simple dog of Kea. However, this simple dog helped the nation survive during some of its most trying times. Some even save it's only thanks to her that the nation is here today. Her great heroics in life is what supposedly earned her a place amongst the stars after her death."
"Wait, so you're saying this dog was once part of our world." Vivi said. "But after her death she became a constellation, which made her a Celestial Spirit."
Professor Jones nodded her head as Vivi was kind of starting to understand. So Millhiore's original home is the Island Nation of Kea. However, how does one become a constellation after death? Who chose that?
"Here, Vivi, let me explain a bit more." Lucy said. "You see, my mother used to tell me in her stories about the stars that at one time the Celestial King was all alone in the sky. There were no other stars to keep him company, and he grew lonely. However, one day he met a dragon. The first dragon known as Felgran the Dragon God. This Dragon was so magnificent in life and brought in a new era for the world. The Celestial King was so impressed by Felgran's power and charisma that after the great dragon's death he was offered a place amongst the stars. Once taking the Celestial King's offer, Felgran became the first Celestial Spirit and the first Celestial Key was made."
Vivi nodded along to the story thinking she was seeing where Lucy was going with this.
"The other Primordial Keys followed suit." Lucy continued. "Each one chosen by the Celestial King for the great deeds they did in life. Each one chosen had done something great. They left their mark on this world and are still remembered in their respective homelands. I'm sure you know about Felgran. He was supposedly from Fiore before it was Fiore. Some even say he created the nation himself and appointed the Royal Family who took on the name of this country."
"Yeah, I know the stories." Vivi said, nodding. "My dad used to tell them to me as bedtime stories. So, all the Primordial Zodiac were animals or creatures who made a difference in this world, and the big man upstairs was so impressed, he made them the first Celestial Spirits. And the theory is that after they kind of faded into legend, they returned to where they had originated from."
"Correct!" Professor Jones said, nodding.
Vivi wondered if that meant Felgran's key was waiting somewhere in Fiore just waiting to be found. Or did someone already find his key? She doubted it though. If someone had found the key to the first ever Celestial Spirit after the Celestial Spirit King, they'd be making noise about it for sure.
"Okay, if these keys are meant to be where they originated from, why not check Fiore for Felgran's key?" Vivi asked.
"I've already tried to do that." Professor Jones said. "However, I'm not sure where his key would be. There aren't any shrines or anything depicting where his key might return either. However, Millhiore's key could only be in one place on Kea for that I am certain."
Vivi and Lucy leaned forward curiously wondering where this place was. Where would they be going in Kea to get this key?
"In the deepest part of the jungle in Kea, there is a tomb." Professor Jones said. "This tomb happens to be the final resting place of Millhiore the Great Dog. It was where she had supposedly had her last battle as she fought alongside Kea against their enemies. She had fallen in battle, but not before taking down the enemy's leader. The people thought it only right she be buried where she had performed her last heroic act. I believe her key lies within the heart of the tomb."
"But I'm sure the tomb gets a lot of visitors if the one inside is such a hero to the nation." Vivi said. "Why hasn't anyone seen it during a visit or something?"
Lucy thought that was a good question. If many people frequented the tomb to pay their respects, someone should have noticed a key made of stellanium laying around.
"The tomb hasn't had any visitors for some time." Professor Jones said. "You see, the jungle is home to many magical beasts and monsters. Only the brave venture into the jungle. In fact, if you want to be a warrior of Kea and join their army, you must prove yourself worthy by making it three days in the jungle. Those who can make it to the tomb and back alive, you are respected by all of Kea. However, after a new kind of beast makes its home in the tomb, no one will dare go to the tomb."
While Lucy gulped in fear of the sound of this jungle of monsters, Vivi grinned broadly. This job was going to be great. Monster bashing jobs were always the freaking best. She really wished Natsu was here to join in on the fun, but it just means more for her.
"Professor, you had me at the monsters!" Vivi said then hooked her arm with Lucy's. "Let's go slay some monsters!"
"I'd rather not." Lucy whined. "I'm not as insanely strong as you, remember?"
Vivi turned to look at Lucy causing the blonde to blink when she saw the somewhat serious look in Vivi's eyes.
"Lucy, you have to want this more than I do, right?" Vivi asked. "If Professor Indy is right, there's a Celestial Spirit waiting in that tomb. A Celestial Spirit many people no longer believe in. As a Celestial Wizard, you must understand how sad Millhiore must be, right? How lonely she must be. You're not going to leave her there, are you?"
Lucy stood there a moment while looking down. Vivi was right. Celestial Spirits are living creatures. They shouldn't be kept locked away and forgotten by everyone. If they find Millhiore, maybe other Celestial Wizards will start looking for the rest of the Primordial Zodiac. Such beautiful magnificent spirits shouldn't be left alone to collect dust. Lucy looked up with determination shining in her eyes.
"Let's do this." Lucy said.
Vivi grinned, clapping Lucy on the shoulder. She knew the blonde wouldn't give up in the end. She just needed a goal placed in front of her. Besides, Vivi's seen how much Lucy loves her spirits. There was no way the blonde would leave one alone in a tomb.
"So, you will take the job?" Professor Jones asked.
Both girls turned to the Professor while giving identical thumbs up as their other hands rested on their hips.
"Professor, you needn't worry." Lucy said.
"Yeah, because Fairy Tail is on the job." Vivi added.
Professor Jones smiled glad to have such talented young wizards joining her on this journey.
"Splendid." Professor Jones said. "Please, call me Indy from now on. I have a feeling we'll become great friends."
Lucy nodded with a smile. It looks like they'll be going to Kea after all. Lucy was ready to go. No monsters were going to stop them. Kea here they come!