"Natsu I am leaving for that job. I should be back in couple days. Don't forget to give Happy the fish that is in the fridge." Lucy shouted over her shoulder as she closed the front door. She knew he would be in the bed, like he always was.
It was a two hour train ride to the next town over, where the job was located. The client wanted a full 18 hole, mini-golf course built for his latest attraction. When she got to the town Lucy noticed that the lay-out of the town made it extremely easy to navigate, the streets creating a grid-like pattern.
She made her way to the client's house to get the blueprints for the course and any information that wasn't mentioned on the flyer. Once she got the plans Lucy decided to go eat dinner before finding a hotel for the duration of her stay. Walking around town the stellar mage felt like she was being followed. Wishing that Natsu had come with her, she found a cute little diner and finished her meal quickly. She went to the hotel closest to the site for the future golf course and got a room. Natsu didn't want to come because to the train ride. But, she was really wishing he had come because she still felt like SOMEONE was following her. Once she got into her room she locked all three locks.
Settling down, Lucy decided to take a shower before going to bed. The next morning she had convinced herself that she was crazy and there was no one following her. She ate breakfast and left to finish the job. Expecting a long day ahead of her. When she got to the empty lot she knew that this was going to take a while. The client wanted a full course, but all she had to work with was an empty lot.
"All right, let's get started. "Scorpio! Virgo!" Lucy's two spirits popped out of nowhere and looked at her expectantly. She had gotten exceptionally stronger and could summon her spirits instantaneously.
"How may we help you, Princess? Is it time for punishment?" Virgo asked, turning her backside over for punishment. Lucy decided to ignore the last comment and just told them what they had to do. About an hour into the work Lucy noticed that her magic wasn't being used.
"Are you guys using your own power to be here?" she asked her spirits. They both shook their heads and continued their work. Hmmm I wonder Lucy took out another key. Lucy had finally found the new Aquarius key and they had continued their contract like nothing had happened. "Aquarius!" Lucy shouted holding the key in the air.
"Stupid girl! What do you think you are doing? Summoning three spirits at one time!" The mermaid shouted at the young girl.
"No really, I am fine! Can you make the fountains for the course?" Lucy asked her temperamental spirit, not even feeling out of breath.
"Tcch" was all Aquarius replied before starting her work. It took another three hours, but that was half the time the celestial mage thought it would take to finish the job. She could go home a day early and she didn't feel tired from magic loss. The client was so happy that she got the course done that he doubled the reward to 600,000 Jewels! I should do solo missions more often Lucy thought to herself giggling.
"Leo!" she waited a second before Loke popped into being next to her.
"Need me to take you on a date, my precious Lucy?" Loke asked with a wiggling eyebrow.
"As much fun as that sounds. . . No." the blonde rolled her eyes. "Could you take this reward to the house? I don't feel comfortable carrying around this much money." Lucy asked, handing him the reward "Oh! And can you tell Natsu that I should be back to Magnolia by the end of the day." Loke nodded and vanished.
It was only noon and there was still four hours until the next train to Magnolia, so Lucy decided to look around the town. A quick sandwich for lunch and then she couldn't contain the urge to shop any longer. She went into a clothing store and bought a new skirt; then she went to the men's section and got a new vest for Natsu and a new knapsack for Happy; they were in desperate need of a change in wardrobe anyway. At the bookstore, Lucy had to retrain herself from buying the entire store. Instead she bought herself a book and one for Levy. The day was finally wearing on her and carrying all of the bags was not helping
She checked out of her hotel room and headed out. On the way to the train station, the celestial spirit mage suddenly felt like someone was following her again. She looked behind her and noticed a tall man in a trench coat. How cliché Unfortunately, Lucy's hands were full and she couldn't reach her keys. She decided to duck into the nearest store, which happened to be a candy shop. Looking out the window the trench coat guy walked by without even looking at Lucy. You are paranoid She thought shakily.
"Can I help you miss?" the lady behind the counter asked, making Lucy jump. I might as well get Natsu some fire taffy while I am here.
"Can I get a pound of fire taffy to go" Lucy asked the cashier.
"Sure thing Miss Heartfilia." The blonde jumped again.
"How do you know my. . ." she felt something sharp in her neck before she lost consciousness.
IN MAGNOLIA
Natsu was on the couch waiting for Lucy. She wasn't going to come home for another day but he missed her. Happy was with Carla and Wendy. And Natsu didn't feel like going to the guild. Instead he moped around her apartment eating all the food in the cupboards. Suddenly, Loke popped out in front of Natsu carrying a large sack of Jewels.
"Hey, Natsu! Lucy says she is done with the mission! Here is the reward and she should be home later tonight." Loke said smiling like he always does.
"Great, I should do something nice for her. . ." Natsu looked around with chagrin. "Maybe I should clean" he said, scratching the back of his head with his left hand. Loke chuckled.
"I think. . ." his smile faded ". . .Lucy!" was all he had the chance to say before he was forced back into the Celestial World.
"Loke! What about Lucy?! What happened?!" Natsu shouted to the now empty room. He ran out the front door and sprinted to the guild. Bursting through the doors "Lucy is in trouble" was all he had to say for everyone to jump into action.