Mercurius, Corner of the Grand Banquet Hall
Future Lucy stared at Nate in confusion, speaking softly to what seemed like empty air as she spoke about her origins.
"Was it really the First Master? Oh, right, my guild mark."
Future Lucy suddenly realized something and raised her regenerated right hand. Its skin, as tender and smooth as a newborn's, now bore no mark. Where her pale pink Fairy Tail guild emblem had once resided, there was now nothing.
A regenerated limb couldn't restore the mark with it. And without the mark, she couldn't see the First Master, Mavis Vermillion.
"So that's how it is… from the future…"
After listening to Nate's explanation, curiosity flickered in Mavis's eyes. The perceptive Fairy Strategist quickly zeroed in on a key question: Why doesn't Future Lucy's world have a guild mark for her future self? This strange anomaly was troubling.
Noticing Mavis's wide-eyed curiosity directed at him, Nate chuckled and asked, "What do you want to know?"
"Nothing," Mavis said with a smile and a gentle shake of her head. She wasn't one to pry into someone else's secrets; perhaps even Nate didn't know the reason.
The more pressing concern was how to help Future Lucy. But for the moment, even the brilliant Fairy Tactician had no solution.
Nate noticed Future Lucy gazing at her hand absently, a trace of sadness in her eyes.
"If it's the mark you're worried about, we can just reapply one at the guild later," Nate offered.
"Really? Is that possible?"
Future Lucy instinctively stroked her right hand, as though already imagining the mark's return.
Nate thought for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the bustling banquet hall, then decided quickly:
"Let's leave now. Let's head back to the guild and reunite with everyone."
He then glanced at Mavis. The tiny ghostly figure shifted her gaze guiltily toward the banquet table but quickly looked away when caught.
"Fourth Master, while I was here, I sensed an evil presence!" Mavis said gravely, her small hands clenched as though ready to fight. "Why don't you and Future Lucy return first? I'll stay behind to investigate."
Investigate... the dessert selection?
Nate suppressed a laugh, letting the gluttonous little ghost keep her cover.
After notifying Princess Hisui through Magic Net, he teleported away with Future Lucy.
…
Deep Beneath the Royal Palace
The Eclipse Gate stood in a shadowy chamber. This imposing, majestic gateway emanated an aura of mystery.
Before the grand door stood Arcadios, the Cherry Blossom Holy Knight Squadron Chief, clad in his signature silver-white lily armor.
"The bodies of Pokémon are created from celestial magic," Arcadios explained gravely. "Each time they are defeated, injured, or killed, a trace amount of celestial magic is released. All of this magic has been absorbed by the Eclipse Gate."
He turned to Princess Hisui. "Your Highness, the gate has now accumulated enough power to be opened!"
However, Princess Hisui shook her head. "Not yet. Lucy-san only has nine of the twelve Zodiac Keys. She's missing three."
To open the Eclipse Gate, all twelve Golden Keys were required. Without the complete set, the gate would draw on the life force of the celestial mage instead.
This was why the Pokémon Championship had been held—to gather the residual celestial magic from battles and fill the gap. But the three missing keys were a critical obstacle. If it were just one key missing, things would be so much simpler.
The princess sighed inwardly. The plan was proving more difficult than anticipated. If they couldn't find the missing keys soon, they'd need Lucy herself to work harder to retrieve them.
While mulling over her options, a notification pinged from the ring on her finger. Princess Hisui opened the Magic Net and found a message from Nate.
Sigma Male: "Princess Hisui, Lucy and I have something to attend to, so we'll be leaving first."
Sigma Male: "Also, please prepare more desserts. There's a ghost who's quite a glutton. 🤣"
A ghost? Princess Hisui tilted her head, confused.
…
Magnolia, Fairy Tail Guild, Tavern Hall (First Floor)
Mirajane held a magic stamp in her hand, her gentle smile like a spring breeze. "This reminds me of the day you first joined the guild, Lucy. Is it still the back of your hand this time?"
"Yes, the same spot. Please help me, Mira."
"Do you still want the same cherry blossom pink color?"
"Yes!"
The magic stamp lightly pressed down, and the Fairy Tail emblem was once again etched onto Future Lucy's right hand.
"Thank you." Future Lucy gazed at her hand, her lips trembling as she was overcome with emotion. Tears began to flow as she whispered, "I'm so glad to see everyone again."
"Waaah!"
She suddenly threw her arms around Mirajane and began crying all over again. Mirajane chuckled, patting her back gently.
"Whether you're Future Lucy or an alternate-world Lucy, you'll always be a member of the guild."
"Yes!" Future Lucy nodded emphatically, wiping her tears. "Where's the Lucy from this world?"
"She's been notified. She was cooking at home when the seal was lifted, but she's on her way now."
Mirajane raised a finger. "Oh, and I should add you to the guild's group chat too."
Opening the Magic Net chat application, she navigated to the group settings. Future Lucy curiously leaned in, spotting a list of groups.
The top one was labeled [Fairy Tail – Bonds of Love.]
The second was titled [Nate's Loving Girlfriends – Bonds of Love.]
Nate? Girlfriends?
Future Lucy's eyes widened in disbelief. "What… what is this?"
"Uh…" Mirajane blushed furiously, covering her face with her hands. "That's not something you need to know right now, Lucy. Pretend you didn't see it!"
If she wanted to know more, Mirajane would leave it to the other Lucy to explain.
Honestly, Nate! That womanizer! That infuriating playboy!
Quickly, Mirajane opened the guild chat and sent an invitation to "Gotta Be Strong"—Future Lucy's nickname.
…
At a nearby table, Nate was engrossed in reading three books on Satellite Magic, his eyes shielded by Gale-Force Reading Glasses. Thanks to his remarkable aptitude, he could speed-read through complex texts and grasp their principles after just one pass. However, Satellite Magic was particularly profound, on par with high-level forbidden magics.
As he flipped a page, a cheerful voice interrupted him. "Sensei!"
"Hm? What is it?" Nate put down the book and looked up.
Future Lucy overheard, perking up at the word. "Sensei?"
Levy had taken a seat across from Nate. She smiled and waved at Lucy. "Hi, Lucy! Good afternoon!"
Future Lucy blinked in confusion. "Levy, you're calling Nate 'Sensei'?"
Levy tilted her head, puzzled. "Lucy, did the seal mess up your memory?"
"She's Future Lucy," Nate explained, resigned.
"Huh?" Levy froze, processing the unexpected answer.
Future Lucy furrowed her brow. She wanted to understand everything about Nate's life here, including that "Girlfriends" group chat!
Seeing her curiosity, Mirajane chuckled. "You can ask the Lucy from this world when she gets here."
Nate shook his head with a wry smile. "Anyway, Levy, did you need something?"
Levy, still a bit rattled, quickly regained her composure. "Oh, right, Sensei! The game is finished!"
"'[Getting Over It]'?"
"Yeah, but… why such a weird name?" Levy pouted. "It sounds so odd!"
As she spoke, she opened the Magic Net and sent Nate the game app. Nate accepted the file, looked at it briefly, and then smirked.
"Lucy," he called, turning to Future Lucy. "Levy just made a super fun game. Want to try it?"
"A game?" Future Lucy quickly moved to sit next to Levy. "You know how to make games, Levy? Wow, this world's Levy is amazing!"
Levy blushed, fidgeting slightly. After all, she knew exactly what kind of "game" this was.
"It's… not that big of a deal…" Levy muttered.
Nate cut her off with a solemn expression. "Trust me, it's really fun. You two are best friends, aren't you? Give it a shot."
Future Lucy nodded without hesitation. "Okay!"
She opened the Magic Net and accepted the client Nate sent her. "[Getting Over It]?" she read aloud, tilting her head.
~~~
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