This is a rewrite of my old fic of the same name. I won't be as serious about this as all my other stories and I probably won't be updating regularly. This is just my word dump that serves to alleviate some stress. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy!
It's been a year since the guild disbanded. A year since the loss of her dear friend, Aquarius. The worst thing about the battle against Tartarus wasn't the fighting and the injuries both sides inflicted upon each other, it was the aftermath. When the adrenaline faded everyone was left to confront their own pain.
Lucy had already been familiar with the pain of losing someone since she'd lost her mother at a young age. Since then she knew that, even though it hurt, life moves on. She tried her best to focus on the positives, to feel encouraged and motivated by the thought of her mother watching over her while she lived a good life.
But how could she feel the same way about Aquarius? Her mother had died due to an illness but the celestial spirit sacrificed herself in order to save her and her friends. What's worse was that it was Lucy's choice. Sacrifice one in order to save many. It was an impossible choice, yet a choice that Lucy had made. That is why she decided to become stronger, she would become so strong that she would never have to face a situation like that ever again.
The disbandment of the guild only served to push her forward. All the others were quick to either leave Magnolia in search for jobs while others left to go on a journey to train.
"You should come with us", the Strauss siblings offered, to which the blonde had politely declined. They were one of the few who said goodbye before leaving. Natsu and Happy left Lucy a letter, while Erza, Gray and Wendy abruptly left town.
The blue haired bookworm made a similar offer and almost insisted that she come with her, Gajeel and Lily to work with the magic council. But when the celestial spirit mage made her decision clear, Levy was sure to give her a lacrima before their departure. "Keep in touch", her tone was resolute before she too left.
Lucy did not mind being on her own, after all she was used to it.