Keeping Secrets

Become The Martyr

Woooooo here we are! I hope everyone enjoys the chapter!

Chapter title taken from the song of the same name by Light The Torch

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KEEPING SECRETS CHAPTER 33: BECOME THE MARTYR

Lucy's eyes widened. "Aquarius has a message... for both of us?"

Capricorn nodded. "Since her key has returned to this world, she said she would have come herself... And please excuse me as I am merely repeating her words, but 'You useless brats had to pick somewhere that had no water so I couldn't summon myself.'"

Lucy laughed nervously. "Well, it sounds like Aquarius hasn't changed that much..."

Brandish's expression remained cold, her eyes narrowing. "Why should I listen to anything you have to say? You're contracted to my enemy."

Capricorn titled his head, silent for a moment before replying, "Ah. You really are as Lady Aquarius described. 'A really dour and dull one with a rotten attitude.' She suspected that probably has prevented you from finding a boyfriend as well..."

Brandish's scowl evaporated, her face flushing a deep red. "W-what... but... that's not fair! It's not for lack of trying!" She spluttered, suddenly much more animated.

After their first meeting on Caracole Island and now up to this point, Lucy was taken aback at seeing Brandish so flustered.

"Anyway." Capricorn smoothly redirected the conversation, ignoring Brandish's outburst. "Aquarius told me to speak to both of you because I also... know what truly happened between your mothers." His form began to glow with golden light. "So I'm going to show you."

The light expanded, enveloping Lucy, Brandish, and Happy.

When Lucy came to, she felt weightless, suspended in a dark, star-streaked void. But something was off- her body felt strange...

"Ah!" Happy's horrified cry broke the silence.

"Happy?" Lucy spun around, her heart hammering in her chest, afraid something awful had happened to her friend. "What's wrong-"

Her words died in her throat.

Happy had the body of a goat.

"I'm a goat!" He wailed.

"We're all goats." Brandish deadpanned.

Sure enough, the Spriggan had been transformed as well. Lucy glanced down, confirming she, too, now had a goat's body.

"Apologies if that startled you." Capricorn said, bowing slightly. "But this was the only way to bring you all here."

Brandish's brow furrowed. "And where is 'here', exactly?"

"You're in a place called the 'Memories of the Stars'. It's where Celestial Spirits' memories are archived. I know this may feel like a dream, but I promise everything you see is exactly how it happened. Now, look."

Before them, a scene materialized. They saw a woman with long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and delicate features. Her resemblance to Lucy was undeniable.

"That is Anna Heartfilia, a celestial mage from four hundred years ago. And your ancestor, Lucy."

Anna smiled as a young man in black and white robes approached.

Lucy heard Brandish inhale sharply. "His Majesty?"

Lucy's eyes widened. "Wait... that's the black wizard Zeref?!" She was shocked. She had heard the accounts of her guildmates who had encountered him, but seeing him for herself... he looked absolutely nothing like she imagined.