Spooplez

In a land, far, far away, lies the kingdom of Fiore. A small peaceful land of 17 million, and a place filled with magic! Found in every home, bought and sold in every marketplace, for most, magic is merely a tool, a mundane part of everyday life. For some, however, magic is an art, and they have devoted their lives to its practice. These are the wizards. Banded together into magical guilds they apply their skills in search of fame and fortune. Many such guilds dot the landscape of Fiore. But there is a certain guild in a certain town that soars high above the rest, one from which countless legends have been born... a guide that will no doubt continue to create legends well into the future. Its name... is Fairy Tail.

The guild is bustling with life, the recently formed "team Natsu" has finally found their way home after the incident with Jellal and the Tower of Heaven. Lucy is at a bench catching up with Levy, her eyes wander over to a peculiar figure, someone she hasn't seen before...

A taller figure sitting at the recently rebuilt bar, hunched over a bowl of stew.

Now this mysterious woman is known as Celia, a contender for Fairy Tail's most powerful wizard...

"CELIA HELP MEEEEEEEE!" yells happy as he flies over. "I DONT WANNA GET HURT IT WASNT MEEE" Happy says as he clings to Celia's shoulder, "DONT LIE YES IT WAS YOU!" Natsu yells out running towards the two jumping over Celia to catch up to Happy. Smacking her head into her bowl.

"Natsu." she says, stopping him in his tracks. a shiver runs up his spine as he turns around. "IM SORRY PLEASE DONT KILL ME!" she stares blankly at him, "You need to be more careful," she states sternly as she wipes her face off. "AYE SIR" he says as he and Happy stumble away.

"Who is she?" asks Lucy as she walks over to Levy. "Oh! That's Celia! I'm surprised you haven't met her yet, you should go talk to them! I'm sure they'd love to meet you." Levy says with great enthusiasm. "You think so?" Lucy watches Celia for a moment.

A tall lean figure, short cropped black hair, an aura about her she can’t quite describe. She looks strong. Not just in the magical sense, her body looks like it was built for fighting. If she looked hard enough, she would bet she could see the wear and tear of fights and battles. After a minute or two of ogling she finally decides to walk up and talk to her. "Hi! I'm Lucy, I don't think we've met?" she says with a wave and a gentle smile. Ciara turns to face her eyes widening with recognition "You're Lucy? I've heard so much about you!" Ciara says with a toothy smile. She puts out her hand for Lucy to shake. Her hand is firm, but not harsh. softer than Lucy had thought they would be.

"I've been wanting to talk to you actually," Ciara says as her smile falters a bit. "It’s about the Phantom Lord...fiasco if you would call it, I wanted to say I was sorry." Lucy looks perplexed as she says, "For what?" her head tilts to the side with intrigue and a slight bit of worry. "I wasn't there to help you, when Mira called I was on the other side of Fiore for a job, I did my best to get back..." Ciara's expression saddens, "By the time I did it all had ended." she says finally. "It’s okay! You don't have to apologize, you tried to get back as soon as possible, it’s not your fault you were on the other side of the kingdom!"

Ciara's face relaxes at her words "Thanks, I was so worried, especially after I heard Laxus refused to help..." Ciara's expression changed, realizing what she said, now eager to change the subject. And Lucy noticed, "So what kind of job were you on?" She says as she gets comfortable next to Ciara. "Oh, it was a job in the Phoenix Mountains, a village there was having some serious monster problems. It ended up being a whole ordeal I had been there for weeks trying to find the source." She says plainly "Oh wow, so you went there all by yourself? Or do you have a team?" Lucy asks. "No, I went by myself," "It wasn't that big of a deal." she added shyly. "Oh, stop being modest Ciara," says Erza from behind her. "Ciara here is one of Fairy Tail’s S class mages. She is quite the capable wizard." smiles Erza while putting a hand to her shoulder. Lucy's eyes go wide as the puzzle pieces fit together. "Oh! That makes so much sense! Why else would Mira have asked for your help! How come I've never seen you on Sorcerer Weekly?" Lucy asks. "Ciara here doesn't quite like being in the spotlight. She has somehow managed to avoid it all this time." Erza says, and Ciara smiles at that, "Yeah, I don't really appreciate all the attention it brings." Ciara laughs.

Now that lucy has a closer look she takes note of Ciara's features. Her black hair is actually dark purple in the light, her eyes are tired, but happy. Crow’s feet around her eyes when she smiles, and dimples, she has dimples.

"Well in any case, I’m glad I’m back now. I couldn’t miss the Fantasia Parade." Ciara says with a gleaming smile. "I’ve been in it every year since I was a kid! I wouldn't miss it for the world." Lucy looks happy at Ciara's enthusiasm. Her joy is contagious. Lucy can't help but get excited along with her as Ciara continues to rave on about the upcoming festivities...

The lights go dim and everyone’s attention is brought towards the stage at the back of the guild hall. A spotlight shines brightly onto the performer of the night, Mirajane. For once the Guild Hall is silent, waiting eagerly for her performance... Her voice travels through the Hall, putting everyone at ease, the trials of late have seemed to roll off of everyone’s shoulders as they listen to her sweet melody.

meanwhile...

The sun is setting on Magnolia... a cloaked figure stands on the edge of a cliff facing the town. sparks emanating from his body. "It’s almost time..."