Bound by Fire and Stars [Rewritten NaLu Fanfic]

1. Beneath the Starlight

1

Lucy awoke to the soft morning light filtering through her bedroom window, casting warm, golden beams that danced across her walls. It was a gentle, quiet moment, a stark contrast to the lively chaos of the guild. She felt the familiar pang of loneliness; the silence reminded her that Natsu was likely off on another adventure, his laughter echoing through the guild hall without her.

Stretching her arms above her head, she felt the coolness of the air brush against her skin. She slipped out her soft, cotton pyjama pants and an oversized T-shirt featuring her favourite celestial spirit, Leo. After a quick shower, she dressed in her usual attire: a fitted white blouse with a slightly frayed hem and a light blue skirt that fluttered around her thighs. Her signature brown boots and a silver bracelet, a cherished gift from her father, completed her look. As she brushed her hair into a loose ponytail, she caught her reflection in the mirror. She gave herself a small smile, a gentle reminder that she'd keep moving forward today

The morning air was crisp, filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers wafting in from her window. Grabbing her bag, she set off for the guild, her heart quickening with anticipation.

The streets of Magnolia bustled with life, vendors setting up their stalls, children darting around, and townsfolk greeting each other with cheerful waves. As Lucy strolled through Magnolia, she noticed a small, cosy shop nestled between two larger storefronts. The sign above read "Celestial Curiosities," a beloved spot with magical trinkets, including celestial keys, which she couldn't resist checking for new arrivals.

Pushing open the door, a tiny bell chimed, and the familiar scent of wood polish and dried herbs enveloped her. The shop was filled with an array of colourful items such as sparkling crystals, intricate charms, and rare magical artefacts. The shelves seemed alive, with each object glimmering. She moved toward the display of celestial keys, her heart pounding with hope.

"Good morning, Lucy!" came the warm voice of Mr. Ren, the kind elderly shopkeeper with a twinkle in his eye. "Looking for something special today?"

"Hi, Mr. Ren! I was hoping to find some new celestial keys. Have any interesting ones come in?" she asked, her excitement evident in the slight tremble of her voice.

Mr. Ren's smile faded slightly. "I'm afraid not, dear. The travelling merchant who usually supplies me with new keys hasn't been around for quite some time. I'm starting to worry something might have happened to him."

Lucy felt a small knot tighten in her stomach. "That's strange. He always has the best keys. Do you know why he hasn't come back?"

"Rumours have been spreading," Mr. Ren said, leaning in closer. "Some say he got caught up in the disappearances in the area. People have been vanishing without a trace, and it has everyone on edge. But last I heard, his back injury had him talking about retirement..."

Lucy's frown deepened as a chill crept down her spine. "That sounds... unsettling. I'll check back another time, Mr. Ren. Take care." She offered a soft smile and went to exit the shop.

"Oh, Lucy!" Mr Ren shouted. It startled Lucy, her mind already lingering on the mystery. She looked up as the shopkeeper presented a key she hadn't seen for sale before in a velvet box.

"That's the key of the bear, Callisto!" Her eyes lit up. It was a successful trip to the store after all.

As she continued her walk toward the guild, each step brought her closer to the lively heart of the guild, where magic thrived. The grand wooden doors of the guild hall stood before her, and as she pushed them open, the familiar cacophony washed over her, laughter, the clinking of mugs, and the unmistakable crackling of magic. Banners and flags adorned the walls, the air thick with the scent of ale and freshly baked bread. This was home.