Pride and Perilous

The ice dragon left her illusion copies to their work. While they could not attack themselves, they would circle and make faints and purposefully missed physical attacks to help sell their threat. Thankfully, she did not have to consciously control them, They would carry out their last instruction, until dispersed, dismissed or Arcadia concentrating on them again with new instructions.

That was proving more necessary than Arcadia would like, as Kane's copy was proving more difficult than she guessed to get a clawed hand on him. While he was proving elusive, she did not give him enough time to do more than focus on evading her icy teeth and claws. Finally, she managed tos wat him dawn, but she heard Pegasus' warning before she deliver a more final blow. Arcadia opened a portal, swinging her ice blade-tipped tail through it with the exit portal opening just behind the charging licker's head.

Arcadia leapt and beat her wings to let her body turn in place more swiftly than she could on foot, bringing the heavily beaten copy of Kane and his lickers all in front of her again. She meant to ready herself to unleash frosty blast to finish them all. The copy of Kane realized what was about to happen. He took full advantage of the extra time Arcadia fully repositioning herself gave him. It was just enough time to cast a final, and full counterattack. The copy's spell triggered an item of last resort in the true Kane. The artifact took a toll on its owner's health for its price, but in exchange it stripped the target of the owner's choosing of every last ounce of magic power.

Additionally, the copy and all lickers near Arcadia exploded around her. She momentarily obscured by the converging fiery blasts. All things considered, that should have put Arcadia out of the fight. Regardless of her protective spell and ongoing healing spell mitigating some of the injury she took from those explosions, being drained of all internal magic power would stop any wizard in their tracks.

Much to the true Kane's surprise, Arcadia was still standing after the latest explosions cleared. He had no way of knowing, but she was only still standing was literally because of the power of love. The glowing crystal rose she had been wearing behind left ear had melded into dragon form along with the rest of her belongings. A gift from her boyfriend, it held the power of their divinely blessed love. That power transformed the simple flower into a mana battery. It held only a fraction of Arcadia's true magic power. It did, however, count as an external source of magic power. Not technically part of Arcadia's internal pool of magic power until she taps into the rose to draw the power into herself, the rose had not been drained by the artifact that had drained Arcadia dry. While the rose naturally replenish its power, it did not regenerate fast enough to keep her in the fight for a prolonged period.

While Kan could not know any of that, he could sense her greatly diminished magic power. That, plus the ice dragon finally visually wounded after those combined explosions showed that while he had not put Arcadia out of the fight as he would have thought, the odds were greatly shifted in his favor. Notable fissures had opened up in her bodily ice, red seeping from her deepest icy wounds. The fissures did not cover a great amount of her surface, so it was not likely he would put her out of the fight with brute force. Kane would know further attrition of Arcadia's magic power was the key, and that would be easy enough by prolonging things as much as possible. That would be all the easier with the stolen magic power slowly being to fed to reinforce his.

Kane easily dispersed one of her illusions with his blast of flames, and when he felt his copy cast the spell to call in the magic power draining artifact, he would know the other dragons facing him down were as fake as the first one. Unleashing another fiery blast was an easy choice now that where the real dragon was known.

Arcadia knew that just trading magical blows was not in her favor, not running on emergency reserves of magic power alone. She needed to end the fight and end it now. The last thing she wanted to was let a rejuvenated Kane past her to focus on Zachary, Ruby and Pegasus. If she were alone, she would retreat now. Her new friends were relying on her though, and she wanted to demonstrate what Fairy Tail did for its friends.

The ice dragon was in Kane's sights for another fiery blast, but she still had two more illusions that had retreated from him. That left her a simple trick to call on. She traded places with the illusionary dragon Kane had turned his back on most, leaving that illusion to take the full brunt of the other wizard's fiery blast. She struck from behind, where the illusion had stood just a moment before. Her deadly ice breath would be his first clue he had blasted the wrong dragon again. In the moment of the confusion that followed, she would slap him to the ground and freeze him momentarily in place as ice grew swiftly all over the ground around him.

With him temporarily frozen prone to the ground, she had the opportunity she need to ready the strongest spell she knew. Her position as Fairy Tail's Executive Manager is the only reason she knew this particular guild spell. She hadn't yet fully mastered it yet, so matter what, this would take every last bit of her reserve magic power. If Kane could withstand Fairy Fireworks after everything she had thrown at him through the battle, then maybe they had never stood any chance.

A golden tattoo revealed itself around her left draconic arm. Its golden light glowing brighter as she reared up on her hinds and raised her arm toward the sky. Streaks of light and color began to form in the air around her upraised arm, and the tattoo began to radiate a pulsing aura of powerful energy.The magical pressure around her grew to the point that Kane or any of his summons would have a difficult time getting close without already being iced in place. All the wind, sparks and energy coming to swirl around her making difficult for anyone to draw near. All the streaks of light of energy swirled around tightened into the tattoo around her upraised arm. As they all merged together on her tattoo, there came a brief moment of complete silence.

When the tattoo was fully charged, she leveled her arm at the prone Kane. An immense ring of golden sparks converged on the area, quickly shrinking around her chosen target. When the ring had shrunken to surround only Kane and any of his summons if they were a few steps away from him, the ring burst apart. A huge explosion of powerful sparks filled the area the ring had enclosed, landing on everything within. Even if Zachary or anyone she considered her ally in this fight had accidentally gotten got in the ring, the sparks would land on them harmlessly. Kane and his summons though would feel the full fury of Fairy Tail.

Casting Fairy Fireworks ended both her icy armor and healing spell early, on top of draining her once more of any magic power. Without any further magic power to draw on, she could not maintain her draconic form. She returned to her golden haired and faerie-green eyed human form, and fell over. Passed out, she had given her all. Anything more would depend on Zachary and Pegasus, as the blonde girl lay there bruised and bleeding. She was at the mercy of any enemies that remained, because it would be a few minutes before the rose could help her recharge enough magic power to recover her senses.

WC: 1342
Arcadia WC: 7240

The result of Arcadia's Fairy Fireworks had a surprising effect as the remaining summons came to Kane's defense to take the blow from any that would of hit Kane-- and even then the blast of it was overwhelmingly powerful as it blew him back several meters. The residual burst of Fairy Fireworks and her other attacks now had taken a toll on him as he grimaced . It seemed the real him was revealed-- and no more blind effects would cover and substitute him. He placed a hand on the ground for a moment, as if he was exhausting. Still, he was not about to give up.

"I underestimated you... little wizard. To think I would face a Dragon Slayer of your calibur and a Fairy Tail wizard of your power. I wonder if I could make some money for your bones..." he teased in a wicked tone. "However... you focus on the wrong thing. You may be strong, but is your friend?"

"STOP IT RIGHT NOW!" Zachary's voice cried out.

With no more moving Lickers around, Zachary came out from the cover of the ruins. Showtime was a few meters away as he now held up his hand-- holding the Golden Key of Leo. He showed it clearly to Kane and Arcadia. "It's over! I'm now the owner of the Golden Key Leo. This fight is pointless now. Just give up and leave. I'm sorry but you know as well as I do. Once a contract is formed, the key is useless to anyone else. So just leave." Zachary declared with a firm glare.

Kane blinked at this, his attention now to the blue-haired boy. "Hmm... That would be a problem. I guess you beat me to it..." he said as if he casually spilled some coffee. However, his face changed with a sly grin. "However..."

It was then that something lashed out-- and wrapped around Zachary's neck! A gasp escaped him before he was lifted upward, by some sort of invisible presence. A cry escaped Zachary as he felt his neck being squeezed. Showtime entered a state of alarming ringing as he shook his wand.

It was then that the invisible presence shimmered-- and appeared behind Zachary as a mix of a Chameleon and a scorpion-- another one of Kane's Infernals. The object was its tongue now trying to choke Zachary.

"Zachary! NO!" Pegasus cried, seeing the beast.

"Foolish boy," Kane said with wicked delight. "True, no one else can use a key when a wizard is contracted. However-- should the key holder die, the contract is broken and the key is free to take by whomever. You should of seen this coming, and yet you took possession so eagerly."

Zachary struggled, his own keys and the Leo key in his hand. One he used to try and pull himself up, to keep from breaking his neck-- the onter trying to pry himself free-- but the demon's tongue was strong and squeezed tigher. His head felt hot, unable to breathe.

"Op... Open... Gate of... the.. Lyn...x" Zachary squeaked, trying to summon but his keys soon fell to the ground.

Alarm and fear radiated through the fear, that Zachary might very well die...

"GRRROWL!!" A shrill cat-like roar filled the battlefield and a blur of light slashed out behind Zachary. The light struck with a bright flash and sliced into the tongue of the chameleon demon. It let out a low growl as its tongue weakened-- and severed, causing the pressure around his neck to let go.

Zachary crumbled to the ground gasping-- as he tugged the remains of the disgusting appendage away from him. He held his neck for a moment, easing the pain but soon realized he was free. The demon beast reeled back-- upset such an organ had been cut.

With a pounce, the creature revealed itself to be a rose-colored feline with golden accessories and  an Amythest crystal collar. Despite its regal and elegant form, it let out a fierce growl at the demon, its claws glowing with a powerful light.

"*Cough cough*... Amethyst..." Zachary gasped, catching his breath. As he did, Ruby quickly ran up to him and eagerly licked his cheek-- worried. "H-how did you?"

"Do you truly need to ask, dummy?" she growled, "Like I need permission to open my own gate to save your pretty neck. As for you demon-- no one lays a scratch on Zachary but me! Got it!"

For a cat, she was oddly bossy and intimidating-- even for her smaller size by comparison. But then again Amethyst, as Zachary called her, was one of his more aggressive and intimidating spirits. WHile often hard to mediate with sometimes, she was loyal and fierce.

While Kane was distracted, it was now Pegasus who came to the rescue-- for Arcadia's sake. "Lady Arcadia!" The horse neighed and flew overhead to her. He only assumed from what he heard of slayers-- and now knew what he could do to help her. "Do not fear! I shall aid you!"

The Pegasus' wings shimmered, gleaming with blue light. He then released flap after flap of them-- casting numberous streaks of light. To the untrained eye, they would appear to look like comets, streaking across the air-- but in truth they were shards of magical ice. Pouring as much magic as he could, Pegasus launched several bursts of his Crystal Wing spell to produce a storm of ice that would make its way down to Arcadia.

To Kane, it looked like 'friendly fire'-- but as he would think again, he realized the danger. "That spirit uses ICE?!"

The numberous bursts of Pegasus' spell would strike-- or with the right time, give Arcadia a grand burst of magic she needed.

WC: 1052

(Pegasus duration: 4/5. Showtime duration: 3/5. Amethyst duration: 1/5 )3 summons out now-- Pegasus used Crystal Wing several times, all aimed at Arcadia to replenish her magic. As a signature, you gain numerous counts of C rank mana to refil. The number is up to you.)

The world remained dark to the young dragon slayer, Arcadia unaware anything.  The first thing she realized since passing out was a mildly chilly sensation. It took a moment or two for Pegasus's gift to wake the barefoot slayer, her sparkling faerie green eyes fluttering open. When she recognized the magical ice,  she reflexively opened her mouth. Breathing in deep, she inhaled shards raining down on her. She feel the magic power absorbing back into her body.

Arcadia got back to her feet, she kept inhaling the mana gifted from above.  After she got her feet, she finally realized  it was Pegasus giving her the reinvigorating shower of ice, she smiled. Arcadia also summoned up a half shell of ice around herself to provide cover from any tricks Kane or his summons might have.  ”Thanks, horsie! Yer totes a life saver.”

She didn't know how much magical shards of ice Pegasus had to give, but she kept on breathing in the mana that came with them, taking only the most minor of scratches in turn. When Pegasus was finished, she was still far from back to full power, but if Pegasus had that much magic power to spare he might have finished Kane off  by himself already.

Arcadia had just enough magic restored to flare into Dragon Force at will. She usually needed at least half her magic power to reach it. Her pale blonde hair lightened completely to white, and her faerie green gaze glowed crimson. An icy aura raged up around her, and she punched through her icy cover, ready to rejoin the fight!

Arcadia back in Dragon Force:

Despite the length of the fight, her blizzard as still raging where she had conjured it earlier. Arcadia lamented that was still going, with no way to easily direct Kane back into it. It would still be a short while before it blew over, and she cod recast a new one. Her trump card was spent, and Kane was still going strong. The good news was, it looked like Leo was out of harm's way. Now she just needed to get   Kane to surrender or out of the picture.

Pulling her dimensional scissors from her dress, she had an idea, but ti might take a little set up. Illusionary copies of herself  spread out as she charged ahead, each opening a portal in front of her  and coming out in another portal to once more surround Kane. He may have known which was the real slayer going in, but it would be another  big guessing game to figure out which of nine girls surrounding him was the right one.  Another blast of her icy breath wold give him a good guess, right up until the point that she traded places with one of her copies to find herself standing on the opposite side from where she was. If she could taunt him into losing his patience, she  could spring her portal to another world right when he was frustrated enough to rush blindly at one of the Arcadias now surrounding him.

She was past talking at this point, so she left any of Kane's questions or words unanswered. If Zachary could shake  whatever summon was dogging him, maybe he could get Kane to see reason. If not, Arcadia was certain it was only a matter of time before she could get Kane to trip up.

WC: 561
Arcadia WC: 7801

Pegasus let out a pleased 'neigh' of relief and enthusiasm as he saw Arcadia rise back up with renewed strength. It was a given that any Ice Slayer ate Ice-- and luckily Pegasus was gifted with a small bit of Ice Magic to create his Comets. Naturally it had given her what she needed most.

While Kane was distracted by Zachary, and the rose-colored cat that had cut him free-- he didn't see it coming. That cold chill that now swept over everything around them in a flurry. The wave of snow and ice easily surrounded the field-- but what they didn't expect was the sheer cold had an interesting effect on the summons. The infernals began to chill and freeze-- especially the chameleon. Likely, cause such a beast was naturally cold blooded. They didn't move as the ice easily caked over them, leaving Kane in shock.

He soon was surrounded. Before he could say word-- the blast of the adorable dragon slayer's roar sent him flying-- and ice crystalizing all over him. That critical moment, and jump through the portal was a key victory as Kane was soon frozen solid.

With the chameleon now a popsicle, Amythest let out a growl of excitement and pounced. Claws of light illuminated from her front paws as she lashed forward and slashed several times upon the reptile. The light cuts sliced right through the ice and into the beast, dicing him up into bits in a few seconds. After which, as the cat landed-- the pieces crumbled.

With Kane now encased in ice, frozen solid-- there was no action and the rest of his summons had been dispatched from the second coming of the Force. The air of calm settled as Pegasus softly flapped his wings and landed to the ground in a clap of hooves. The horse walked right up to Arcadia and nudged her in a friendly gesture-- careful for his horn to not poke her.

Exhausted, Zachary crumbled with the gold key tight in his hand. "That was close..." Zachary breathed as Amethyst prowled over to him. Grateful, he patted the cat on the head as she purred in content, despite her sausy attitude.

"For a little girl, she is gutsy. I like her," the cat purred in compliment to Arcadia.

However, just as they were about to feel relieved-- a sudden crack sounded. Zachary gasped and turned, to soon find shards of ice explode in a blaze. He braced himself-- but was soon confronted with the lunging motion of a mad Kane, flame and ice around him.

"DIIIEEE---!" he roared, followed by a sudden flash of white.

*ROAAAAR!!* KRRRISH!!


A figure had jumped right into Kane and lunged-- a furry, humanoid creature. A fierce lion-like growl echoed into the fields as a splash of blood went flying. Kane's eyes were wide with fright and shock as he now had the maw of a white lion bit down on his neck-- a critical blow to the mad infernal summoner.

Ajani gave a fierce growl as blood spattered, staining his angelic white fur and leathers. After a moment Kane went limp-- and soon stopped moving, his last breath drawn.

A growl of fury escaped Ajani-- aka Leo-- as he slowly turned, Kane still in his maw like a cat who had held on to a chew toy or naturally a lion whom had been tugging his prey back to his den.

Zachary was in shock but amazement to see Ajani again , despite his previous wounds. "A-Ajani! You're okay? But... your wounds..." Zachary gasped.

"All healed. The magic in the celestial world easily restores wounds, at least it did this time." the lion said as he soon realized he was talking with his mouth full. He soon spat out Kane's lifeless corpse and spat out the blood he had. With a mild glance, the blood on his fur began to fade, like water in the sunlight. "As grateful as I was for you defending me... I was going to be sure this monster got what he deserved."

Clearly, Zachary was surprised, might even make Arcadia interested too. Most of all, Amythest soon let out a pleased growl and pawed her way over to Leo. "Mrrrow. Name's Amythest, darling. Aren't you the cat's meow. Purrrrrr...." she said and nudged against Leo's leg with affection.

"Er-- I'm what?" Ajani said, the white of the fur on his face becoming a hint of red.

A soft laugh escaped Zachary as his heart settled down once again. He took a second to lie down on the long grass-- soon accompanied by Ruby who sniffed and licked his cheek in concern.

WC: 845

Watching the sudden turn and abrupt end to the fight and end to Kane, it took Arcadia a moment to accept this time the fight was finally and truly over. Her heart soared when she recognized it was Ajani who had returned to strike the final blow. Happy and relieved that the celestial spirit was back in good health and that the fight was won, Arcadia dropped out of Dragon Force. Her hair grew softly golden once more, and also her eyes lost their crimson glow to sparkle faerie green again. Like anyone clenching a fist or any muscle for too long, she dropped to her knees in exhaustion. There was time enough to let her guard and mind relax. It was heavily draining to stay on her toes all that time.

Exhausted Arcadia:

Ajani and Ruby's dignities were both spared too, in that the fight had robbed the barefoot slayer of enough energy that she would not be brushing or adorning either of them in ribbon bows. Arcadia did adore the two of them together though. "Awww... You two are so cute together."

Watching Zach lay down did not concern Arcadia, so much as serve as inspiration. Such a good idea of seemed, she followed suit. She laid back in the gas to, letting her one healing spell numb and heal over any physical injury suffered during the prolonged fight. Ice growing over and in said injuries, before crumbling away to leave behind uninjured flesh.

WC: 244
Arcadia WC: 8045

Despite the bloody carnage of demons and the attacking mage, peace had settled upon the planes as Zachary slowly sat up, brushing away Ruby from wetting his entire face with her licks. As the little Carbuncle perched herself on Zachary's shoulder, Zachary sat himself up and slowly got to his feet to check on Arcadia. "Are you okay?" Zachary asked and offered her a hand to help her up.

After he had her back on her feet, he turned to Leo. Though he was happy... he realized what this meant. He made a promise to Leo. As much as he wanted to try and convince him to change his mind, he knew the lion wanted what only any true celestial wizard could give him. His freedom. "ER, Leo... I mean... Thank you for coming to help us when we needed you. You didn't have to," he said .

At this time, Amythest made her way over to Arcadia-- no doubt the little slayer might want to pet her. Though she might want to be wary of how fussy the cat would be.

Leo growled softly. "You're welcome." he said, and stood there, as if in wait.

Zachary knew what had to come. He gave his word-- and he would not allow himself to break it. He slowly reached into his pocket and took out the golden key Leo gave him to hold on to-- till they met again. The meeting just came sooner than expected. "I made you a promise, Leo. While I wish I could be your partner wizard, I keep my promises. So... here," Zachary said and handed the key out  for him to take.

Leo glanced down at the golden key, realizing that Zachary had every intent to give it back. For a moment, the lion was indeed speechless and puzzled. "You know, as my present owner... you could circumvent my request. You could keep the key, and I would be powerless to oppose you otherwise. You came here to seek out my strength as your Celestial Spirit, and you're willing to relinquish it just like that." he asked.

Zachary looked at the key. It was hard for him, after he came so far, studied so much and wished to be a wizard worthy of Leo. He truly wish he could... but he turned back to Leo, looking at him in the eye. The honor and majesty he had just by his appearance alone awed him, and respected him.

"I know... and a part of me still does. While I do want the key..." he said and handed the key over to him fully. All the while he looked at Leo, not turning away. "... I want to be your friend, more.  "

Leo's eyes widened with surprise. It had been years, decades--- maybe even more since Leo was treated with such kindness from a human. It was indeed a surprise for him. After a pause of his own, he slowly took the key from Zachary, the human not resisting to let go of the object. Leo held the key in his paw, realizing the strength of will Zachary must have had to freely relinquish the key.

"I thank you, hu-- I mean, Zachary... If only more humans were as honorable and compassionate as you." he said humbly.

Zachary smiled as he looked to Leo. "If I may be so bold, however, can I make a request?" he asked.

Leo rose his head in curiosity. Well, of course... you had indeed come to my aid. It be remise of me not to at least repay you somehow," he said in a deep tone, but wary of what the request could be.

Zachary just gave an almost goofy grin. "May I give you a hug?" he asked.

The lion's expression twisted into one of surprise and he almost seemed to lose his balance for a moment, taken aback by the odd request. "Er, excuse me?" he said, his calm demeanor broken by the desire for affection.

"Its just... you are so fuzzy, cool and large too. I mean, I'm not THAT kind of guy. But , there is nothing wrong with a friendly hug right? Besides, I don't think I will ever get to hug a white lion in my lifetime otherwise, right? " Zachary asked, trying to convince him.

Leo hesitated-- truly an odd request, but nothing that would hurt him. Though while it ebbed his pride as a lion, considering what the boy had sacrificed... how could he say no. A growl escaped Leo. "Very well. That is perfectly fine..." he said.

Before he could say more, Zachary threw himself into a hug into Leo's arms. The warm sensation of his fur was comforting and warm even after their hard battle. Zachary gave a pleasant hum, feeling the closeness to Leo and the trust that followed to accept a hug from him-- as valuable as any handshake.

Ruby on his shoulder also purred as she nudged her head into it.

"Hey, don't snuggle him without me!" Amythest growled-- rushing over to nudge him like before.

By now, Leo's fur would have gone full red in embarrassment, if his fur wasn't so white.

(NO doubt Arcadia will join in :P )

WC: 926

Arcadia was the kind of exhausted where she was content to lay right where she was. The idea of standing back up felt impossible that moment. It was the last thing she wanted to do. So much so, she almost turned down Zach's offered hand up. It took her a moment and the lure lyric how close her own warm bed was via her dimensional scissors to make her accept his kind offer.

She grimaced as she stood. With the heat of battle over, and is adrenaline rush fading, Arcadia began to feel the bruising she managed to ignore until now. The barefoot slayer cast the numbing and healing freeze off the glacier over herself one more time. She smiled to Zachary, "Thanks. I'll be okay. Nothing a little rest and maybe a super lazy day at home can't fix."

Arcadia brushed off and smoothed down her dress, the little slayer had gotten through in on piece. All her movements were slowed, she just did not have the energy left to move at full speed. Not being at full tilt genki girl, she also unwittingly spared Ruby a huge crushing hug. Instead, she gave the spirit a light squeeze and little scratches behind the ear. "Thank you, kitty. I don't know what we would've done without you. Looks like it took all of us to get through. Thanks to you and especially your horsey friend. I would've been some for without that extra taste of ice."

The barefoot slayer let Ruby go and skilled to Leo, watching the bigger kitty and Zachary, made her happy. She early felt the fight has worth every bit of risk. Winning Leo's freedom and hopefully Leo's trust, made it so. She could help a leeks lab escaping when Ruby joined their hug. "Awwww."

Even as tired as she still was, Arcadia could not resist adding one more to the group hug. Poor Leo would have to endure one other gentle hug. He did not know it, but he was lucky the barefoot slayer was not at full energy.


WC: 344
Arcadia WC: 8389

Now four people were hugging Leo, and the lion let out either a purr or a low growl of annoyance as he was forced to endure the odd display of affection he as a warrior never experienced. It was kind, but uncomfortable for the lion. The little girl now hugging him made him actually blush so much his face showed it.

"Okay, okay... that's enough," he said and gently used his superior strength to push them apart. Zachary clung for a second but soon let go with a sigh of gratitude.

"Thank you, Leo... I'm sorry things ended so badly with our meeting but I'm glad I got to meet you. You'll be okay on your own?" Zachary asked, and the lion nodded softly. Another sigh escaped Zachary, this time one of reluctance but he knew it was time. "It was a real honor, Leo. I hope we meet again. See you around...."

With that, Zachary turned and left. Amethest gave a small reluctant growl-- but soon her time expired and she faded back into the Celestial Realm in a shower of light. Ruby remained as the little cat spirit found a small nest on Arcadia's head for the moment, grown to like the little slayer.

At this point, Zachary could only assume that Arcadia would question if Zachary was okay to leave like this. He knew he had to though. "I know... after all this it feels like a loss to leave, but... " he smiled the thought of Leo's gratitude being reward enough. "Some things are more important than having a Zodiac spirit as your Celestial Spirit. I would rather have his friendship than his key against his will..." he said, still a bit sad the likely hood that they would meet again would be slim.

As Arcadia would no doubt use her astral sissors to make a way back... a voice boomed at them.

"WAIT!!"

Zachary and Ruby turned around to spot Leo running after them to catch up. The lion stopped in a slow stride and stood before him. The lion caught his breath for a second then looked serious at Zachary. "Did you truly mean what you said? " he asked, "That all you wanted from me in the end was my friendship? Was that truly your motivation in seeking me out?"

Zachary blinked, wondering why he would question that. "Yes, it is. I know collecting keys is the goal of any Celestial Wizard, but I always see my spirits as my friends and family. I can't imagine treating them any less."

Leo paused as if he was giving something serious thought. After a tense moment, he extended a paw. "Then consider this a token of our new friendship, Zachary..." he said to offer a hand shake.

Zachary accepted the shake without a second thought-- but paused as he felt something cold and metallic in his palm then. As he let go, he soon found it-- Leo's golden key in his hand once more. Zachary paused and looked up to Leo in convusion. "B-but I thought you said--?"

"Humans cannot be trusted... or so I thought. A part of me is still wary of them, after all the bloodshed done in the Zodiac's name. But... I forgotten there are just as many humans with light in their hearts, " Leo cast his gaze down a bit, as if ashamed for how he reacted to Zachary. He then shook his main and looked back to Zachary. "You were willing to risk your life to protect me. If you could be that selfless to even hand back my key after all this... then perhaps my trust in you will be well placed. I only ask when we formally forge our contract, that you will honor my wishes as I will yours-- to treat one another as equals. "

Zachary's face lit up, his eyes almost watering with tears. Realizing this he quickly wiped them away with his arm. "Leo, I-- I swear. You won't regret this. I promise you, I will make you proud to be your wizard. I won't let you down!"

For the first time, Leo let out a soft smile as his body began to glow and flicker with starlight. His body began to fade as he stood there. "I hope you will show me, the hope that you share for humanity, Zachary..." he said and soon vanished-- returning back to the Celestial World after spending so much time away from it from his own self-exile.

A breeze blew across the planes as Zachary turned to Arcadia, showing her the Golden Zodiac Key in his hand. He felt his excitement bubbling inside him and his smile beamed with glee. "Wow... I really did it. Leo is my Celestial Spirit. This is so awesome! Whoo hoo! The leader of the Zodiac! I can't believe it!" he cheered, almost jumping up and down that Ruby followed his bounces.

(Maybe pitch the actual invitiation to Zachary to fairy tail now if possible Arcadia?)

WC: 824

TWC Zachary: 12627

Arcadia smiled up at Leo and around at her new friends. She stepped back as the spirit dislodged himself from the group hug. The barefoot slayer giggled softly as Ruby took up temporary lodgings atop her head.  The young slayer would, for sure, need to find a way to use magic for bestowing ribbons tied in bows. Sometimes there was just too many kitties in need of bows and not enough to bestow them all the mundane way. This both Ruby and Leo were deprived of bows this day.

She waved and smiled to Leo inn parting, then turned to follow Zachary away. Arcadia believed he did right by the leader of the Zodiac spirits. Knowing how much he had wanted this key though, she wanted to make sure he was sure of it. She tilted her head, "That was supa chill, what you did. Sure yalright leaving things like this though?"

Listening, she smiled kindly and knew he was ready to head off. She nodded as she took out her dimensional scissors. "Yeah. New friends are usually are worth any adventure."

Arcadia snipped open a portal back home to the Fairy Tail guild hall in Magnolia. Not a second later, and Leo's voice sounded behind them. The barefoot slayer was pleasantly surprised to see Leo had a little more to say, happily holding the portal open. Her heart soared as she watched wizard and spirit lay the foundation to a hopefully lasting partnership. The barefoot slayer hopped excitedly, giving Zachary one more celebratory hug after Leo left his key in Zach's care. "Hella sweet! I totes didn't expect Leo to do that. Makes what I was gonna say kinds a cherry on top. I think I asked already, but the offer still stands to come back to Fairy Tail with me. It's not quite always like a family, but you can find one there. Fairy Tail has all kinds of opportunities. Opportunity for adventure, new friends, for learning and of course for jewel."

With that, Arcadia waved her new friends to follow her through the portal to the guild house.


WC: 351
Arcadia WC: 8740

The End.. For Now