DISCLAIMER: I don't own Fairy Tail. Cover image not mine.

LUCY

The warm rays of the morning sun kissed my face as I walk the familiar path from my apartment to the guild. It's a beautiful day for a job, I thought, at the same time hoping that nothing would go wrong. After being threatened by seven dragons, Natsu and I, well it was actually just I, decided to stick to the simpler jobs for a while. I just wasn't ready to take so much risk at this point, after seeing myself die in my hands. I shuddered at the memory. It was very understanding of Natsu to agree, though I know that he really wanted to do each and every exciting job that was posted on the request board.

Today's job only requires keeping watch of a hidden magical garden in the outskirts of Magnolia while the owner is out to search for some seed with distinct magical properties. It was not specified how long the job should take though, I just hope the job would be done by the time my rent is due.

I turned a corner walked my way straight into the new Fairy Tail guild. The mood was so light within the guild and I could not help but smile to myself. I still could not get over the fact that I belong here, in Fiore's number one guild. And I owe it all to my partner, the pink-haired mage who, at that moment, was sitting at the counter while talking to Mirajane. The latter smiled at my direction as I approached.

"Good morning, Lucy. Anything for breakfast?"

"Already took mine at home Mira-san, but some orange juice would be lovely," I said, returning her smile.

"Oh sure, just wait here," she said, leaving me and Natsu at the counter.

"Good morning, Natsu," I said, sounding a bit too cheerful.

"Morning, Lucy," he replied without looking at me, his right hand propped under his chin, while other played with the straw in his glass of lemon juice.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, because it was just not normal for him to be in deep thought, especially now that we have a job to do. Well, it honestly just doesn't feel right that he's not looking at me.

"Here's your drink, Lucy." Mira said, handing me a cold glass of orange.

I took it, asking an unspoken question to Mira through my eyes. She just smiled at me knowingly and said "I'll leave you two alone," before turning her back and doing just that.

Just then, Natsu released a deep sigh, catching my attention. "Natsu, are you alright?"

"Yeah," he said, still not facing me.

"Do you not feel like doing the job?" I asked, trying to sound as understanding as I can. I hope he doesn't change his mind though. He agreed to it after all.

"Hmmmm…" he said, thinking.

"What is it?"

"Gray and Erza are going to this very dangerous job…" he started, his eyed fixed on the straw he's playing with.

I can feel my eyes heat up. "A-are you backing out on me?" I asked, already knowing the answer, tears threatening to fall from my eyes. Because this will be the first time, since I joined Fairy Tail, that Natsu would leave my side at his own will.

"They said they would need me," he said, before standing up and leaving me by the counter. "I'm sorry, Lucy."

But you're my partner. I need you more, I tried to say, but no words came out. I left the guild without bothering to take a sip of my orange juice. I tried to calm myself down, thinking that it's only one job, and that maybe Erza and Gray really needed him. I also mentally slapped myself for starting to feel possessive over Natsu. It's not like he's mine.

I can do this even without him.

I knocked on the garden's entrance, panting. I decided to take a long walk in order to calm my nerves, reaching my destination within a couple of hours. The door creaked open and I was greeted by an old lady, wearing a sapphire hooded robe. "Who are you?" She asked, old brown eyes boring into mine.

"I'm Lucy Heartfilia, and I'm here for this job," I answered in between breaths, unfolding the job request and handing it over the old woman.

"I see, get inside." She opened the door wider so I could come in, and what I saw inside was unbelievable.

"It's beautiful!" I exclaimed, not bothering to hide my amazement. I wish Natsu was here to see all this.

The garden was an entire sphere of glistening leaves, blooming flowers, and butterflies. I could see pollen transferring from one flower bud to another, as if following a steady rhythm, as the vines danced their way to the trees. Oh those amazing trees. They were clustered beautifully at the center of the garden, encircled by a magical fountain that followed the rhythm of the flowers. I took a step closer, as if they were calling me.

"Are those, apples?" I asked the lady, upon taking a closer look at the branches of the trees. Suspended from each are luscious red fruits, waiting to be plucked.

"Yes they are," the old lady replied. "Feel free to eat some when you get hungry, I'm afraid that's the only food I can offer you. Unless you prefer the plants, of course."

I cringed. "The apples would be lovely, thank you very much," I answered politely. "Uhm, if I may ask, how long do you think you would take to find the seed?"

"It might require an entire week, or longer."

I suddenly felt cold. That long?

"Oh alright then, have a safe trip madamme?" I paused, realizing I never asked for the old lady's name. When no response came, I turned, but then she was already gone.

I did not even hear her close the door. Oh well, might as well enjoy this beautiful place while I can.

I sat on a bench in front if the magical fountain, taking out the book that I brought from home, thinking that I'd probably get bored at some point. I also took my quill and papers with me, just in case I find the inspiration to write. But right now, reading would suffice.

After finishing three whole chapters, I started to feel sleepy and tried to stretch my arms as I yawn. Just then an apple fell from a branch that was directly over my head.

"Ouch."

I caught the apple with my hands just before it reach the ground.

Hmmm. Looks tempting.

Come to think of it, I'm hungry. The old lady said I could eat them anyway. So I took one gentle bite on the fallen fruit.

"Mmmm. So juuuuicy!"

I was about to take another bite when I suddenly felt weird. Like something was pulling from within my stomach, squeezing until I could not breathe. My head started spinning and the last thing I saw was a butterfly flying over my eyes, before everything went black.

I opened my eyes to the sight of a young woman, looking down at me with concerned eyes. "Princess, thank goodness you're finally awake!"

"Where am I?" I asked, not having any idea of how I got into this room, or who the young lady was.

"In your bedroom, princess. You must have hit your head so hard, not recognizing your own room." She said with deep concern, while helping me move to a sitting position.

"Who are you?"

She suddenly let go of me, as if burned. "Princess, I'm Eloisa, your personal servant, do you not remember me?"

"I… don't."

Come to think of it, I don't remember anything, even my own name. What is happening?

"Forgive me, Eloisa, I think I need time," I told the young lady. "Can I please have some time alone for a while?"

"But princess, the King gave me an order to not leave your side."

I reached for her hand, as if trying to understand. "Eloisa, please, I really need to be alone," I pleaded, squeezing her hand. "I promise, the King won't know."

She hesitated, but then gave up after a moment. "I understand, princess, I'll just be outside your door if you need anything."

"Thank you, Eloisa." I gave her hand another squeeze before letting her go.

Now, what should I do?