The Forsaken of Fiore

Chapter One: A New Encounter

Hey Folks! So, here's the first chapter. I just wanted to let you know that yes, these aren't my characters; they belong to Hiro Mashima. Also, now that I've started to get my sea legs, I'd like to dedicate this chapter to theFairyTailFantic! They're a great friend of mine and made the cover for this book. So big shout out to them! Anywho, feedback is greatly appreciated and lets me know if you guys are enjoying the story. 

With that being said I hope you guys enjoy!

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Lucy's brown eyes were downcast as she walked along the dirt path, her boots squelching in the thin layer of mud. Even though it was spring, she wore a simple black cloak with white lining along the hood and shoulders. Her blonde hair poked out from the hood, framing her pale face, a slight breeze forcing her to pull at the cloth. Here in Fiore all mages were viewed as enemies of the state, and after her parents' passing, her face was plastered all over the place.

Lucy's stomach grumbled, but she continued to deny it. If she stopped in a town she'd be locked in a cell before a steaming plate of buttery mashed potatoes and crisp chicken could reach her.

The thought didn't help her, so instead she tried to distract herself.

"Mom..." She said, quietly, even though she was quite sure she was alone. "Could you give me a hint?"

Of course no one replied, but she continued nonetheless.

"All I've managed to figure out about celestial magic is that there are gold keys and silver ones." Her free hand traced her fingers over the objects at her hip, the designs familiar, but not at the same time. Her mother had taught her all about the zodiac and constellations, but never once had she thought it had been linked to magic.

The longing for her mother's smile and warmth strained her heart, but she refused to let herself cry.

Her gaze shifting back to the foggy city in the distance, the trembling in her voice was barely keeping away.

It was hard.

"Why Magnolia though?"

Magnolia was ginormous; it similar in size to her parents' estate, but this city was even more widespread, clouds of chimney smoke piling above it. She started down the hill, and into the crowded streets.

Her mother had told her Magnolia would be the best place to find mages, though it might not be the safest place on earth, she would find results. Lucy's grip tightened around her hood, making sure it was secure. She had been told to find a book, a rare one on celestial mages.

Merchants shouted out their wears as she passed, others ignoring them alongside her as they walked through the vibrant streets.

"Ten jewel a piece!"

"Fresh apples. Get your fresh apples!"

"Mysterious treasures lost to time! Could you posses the next relic?!"

The last one caught Lucy's attention; her line of sight swerved to the source of the voice. A man stood with his arms open wide, a book clutched in his right hand as he called the attention of a few in the bustling street.

"Ah young lady!" His bright eyes shone with greed as his gaze caught her's. "You seem like a girl with style, luxurious jewels perhaps?"

Lucy eyed the rusted metal warily, having little interest in such things now, but a smile lit up her face soon enough. "You know, I'm looking for a book."