Lucy couldn't recall a time when she hadn't loved her golden keys that belonged to her mother, Layla, once. Each key was no bigger than her pointer finger, but they were all made out of pure gold that gleamed in the sunlight. Its ridges were needle sharp, and on each key was a zodiac sign that seemed to pulse with life. She always kept them by her side, even at night, and relished in its comforting tinkling.
She clutched them now, as her father's luxury, magical-powered limousine rolled by. Her father had insisted that she would come with him to supervise his assets, but she could already smell the alcohol all over him. Her suspicions were confirmed when she entered the glittering car, to find her father swaying in his seat with abnormally rosy cheeks and glittering eyes. Dread clung to her like a hungry python. While Jude Heartfilia, her father, was the richest man in the country of Fiore, he was also a violent drunkard who directed his rage on his only child Lucy. After her mother supposedly "died", despite the lack of body, her father had been a wreck. Since she was only six years old, both verbal and physical abuse was the treatment she got from him. However, the car ride was deafeningly silent. When the limo finally halted at the end of his property, her father whispered in a hoarse voice, "Pigs are flying, so they can finally eat my apples."
**************** Flashback ****************
"I'm going to explore the world and find out that I have superpowers!" cried five year old Lucy.
While Layla only gave a soft chuckle, Jude looked like the grave reaper was out to get him and gasped, "What about me!"
"You can't come because you're too old, "was all the pouting toddler had to say while pointing at his streak of white hair.
With an evil grin, Jude scooped up the shrieking girl and exclaimed, "Then you may only go when pigs are flying so they can finally steal my prized apples!"
**************** Flashback over ****************
Lucy startled as she realized hot, salty tears were streaming down her face, and couldn't identify the fiery ache that coursed through her body. When she saw the luggage in the trunk, she knew she wasn't dreaming. Hadn't she been wishing this for years? Wasn't this her life-long dream? If so, why did her tears feel so bittersweet? Without thinking, she gave her father one last bear hug and whispered, "I'll find mom for you".
Before she could hear his response though, she was sprinting away, luggage in tow. Maybe if she waited a minute longer, she could have heard his hoarse voice apologizing and hoping that she liked his gift of freedom.
A/N: Please tell me what you think of this story! Tips and what to do differently are welcome, and I'll try to update as often as possible.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fairy Tail; the only exception is in my dreams.