"Lucy!"
"I got him guys don't worry!"
Lucy pulls out fleuve de etoiles expertly wrapping it around the final dark guild member as he tries to escape through a window.
She pulls him back inside his now desecrated guild and kicks him hard, delivering the final blow to knock him out.
"Good job Lucy, thats all of them, now we just have to tie them up and contact the magic council."
"Thanks Ezra, but you took out so many! I'm going to have to train more if I'm ever going to be on your level."
"Don't worry about training too much Luce I'll always be here to save your butt."
She opens her mouth about to say something but is interrupted by Erza telling Natsu to get back to work.
The group quickly tie up the members of the dark guild, finishing with the guilds master who took a particularly brutal beating from Erza.
"Gray did you find anyone else upstairs?"
"Nope we got them all, now let's hurry it up and get our reward, I want to get back to the guild already."
Lucy looks to Gray only to avert her eyes seconds later. "Gray your clothes."
"Crap, where the hell did my pants go?"
He rushes back into a room and emerges soon after pulling his shirt back on.
"Hey stripper, mind helping us? I wanna get out of here and away from you as soon as possible."
"Shut the hell up flame brain I already took out way more guys than you."
"What the hell, no you didn't, I took out way more than you princess!"
"Is that fighting I hear?"
"No way Erza, me and Gray here are best buddies."
"Heck yea Natsu, lets go round up the tied up guys together."
They quickly rush off, each pulling the tied up members into the centre of the guild hall while Erza calls the magic council.
"The council will be here soon, until they get here we'll have to guard these guys."
The group all nod in understanding and settle in to wait for the magic council.
Lucy P.O.V
Three hours later
We walk through Hargeon to the train station finally done with the long mission. My muscles ache and I'm covered in bruises from the fight, meanwhile Natsu, Gray, and Erza walk through town none of them very injured.
I start thinking of my training regimen and make a mental note to ask for Loke's help with some more advanced hand to hand combat.
'I wonder what Erza does for her training.'
"Hey Erza? What kind of training do you do for hand to hand combat?"
"I don't think my training style would be helpful to you with your holder magic Lucy."
"But you technically have holder magic too."
"Yes but my magic allows me to re-equip armour and swords which I must know how to fight with, whereas your magic allows you to summon spirits. Now I know you don't want to hide behind them but really the best training for you would be to increase your magic so they can better protect you."
"But I. . ."
I don't get to finish as Gray interrupts me.
"Hey Lucy don't worry about strength and endurance, you've got all of us to take care of you so you don't really need it."
I want to protest but Erza starts up a conversation with Gray, and Natsu remains happily conversing with Happy.
I sigh in defeat, feeling annoyed with the lack of support but push those feelings down as best I can. 'They're my family, they'd just rather protect me.'
We board our train home and Natsu immediately doubles over, his head in my lap as he turns green from his motion sickness.
"Oh jeez please don't throw up on me Natsu."
"Here Natsu, I'll help you."
Erza quickly lunges from her seat and punches Natsu hard in the gut, he passes out a second later, head still in my lap but much less likely to throw up on me. I settle in for the ride home, glad to get a bit of relaxation after a very busy day. I look out the window at the passing scenery and the sky that's quickly growing dark. 'I'll have to train without them I guess, I was hoping they would be more supportive.' I look across me to my friends who are both doing their own thing, Erza studying one of her swords and Gray falling asleep with his head against the window.
With fresh resolve I look out the window again plans rapidly formulating in my head as I decide on the perfect training regimen. 'I'll get stronger for all of you, that way you don't need to protect me.'
The Next Day
As soon as we got home Natsu ushered us to the guild to let everyone know we were home, what ensued was a brawl lasting for one hour that destroyed nearly every table in the guild and which resulted in a very angry Master Makarov.
Today the guild was closed almost all day and I thought I'd start my training except Natsu wouldn't leave me alone and made me spend all day wandering around with him and Happy.
I just finally got away from him a few minutes ago and decide it's best to find myself a spot other than my apartment to train.
I walk towards the guild without really thinking. When I get there I walk to the nearby lake and decide to walk along it in hopes of finding a good spot. Luck is finally on my side when half an hour into my walk I find a large clearing hidden away behind a layer of trees.
"It's perfect." My whisper travels on the air and I walk into the centre of the field while pulling out Loke's key.
"Open, Gate of the Lion! Leo!"
In a flash he's next to me in his usual suit.
"Ah princess how can I assist your loveliness today?"
"Hi Loke, I want your help with hand to hand combat training, I really need to get stronger and I'm tired of everyone always protecting me."
"Say no more princess I'd be happy to assist you in getting stronger, and knowing you I doubt it'll take much."
"Thanks Loke you and the rest of my spirits seem to be the only ones who are willing to help me train."
"You mean your team wouldn't help you?"
"They always say I just shouldn't worry, that I should just let them protect me, that is not how I want to live my life."
"Well I'll definitely help you, we'll start with running, give me ten laps around the fields perimeter."
"Alright!" Excitement pushes me to a quick start which I quickly learn was a mistake.
"You're only three laps in you can't be tired, This is why you need to learn how to pace yourself."
The following hour is filled with Loke yelling out commands and me attempting to complete his workout from hell.
I collapse finally being granted a break as Loke stands over me.
"Well now we know where you are, I'll put together a workout routine for you, it won't be easy and it will get gradually harder but it'll help, trust me. Once you've gained enough strength and stamina we'll start hand to hand combat training."
"Thank you Loke, I'm glad I can count on you."
"Of course princess, now if I can make a suggestion? I think you should call out Capricorn to help you meditate, it's the perfect way to end such a strenuous work out."
"Thanks, I'll do that then. You can go back now."
"See you later princess."
Loke quickly disappears into the celestial realm and I call on Capricorn who arrives ready to train.
"I hear you've started more strength training, I'm proud of you Lucy-Sama. Now let us begin."
I nod too tired to speak and sit with my legs crossed and arms out with my palms facing up.
"Find your magic container within yourself, imagine magic pouring into your container until its full. Now allow the magic to fill more until it expands your container."
I imagine the container in myself expanding as it's filled with magic.
"Remember to breathe. Calm your heart."
I breathe as he instructs me further until a stalemate sort of peace washes over me. I feel calmer than I've ever been before and more capable but as soon as the feeling appears it vanishes and I open my eyes to find the stars staring back at me.
"You did well Lucy, 30 minutes is your best time so far for meditation, let's try to get that number up."
"Thanks Capricorn, I'm sure I can with your help. I'll see you tomorrow night then."
"See you soon Lucy-Sama."
He disappears in a flash leaving me alone in my new training ground. I stare at the stars above me to calm myself before finally heading home.
It takes me almost an hour to make my way home but when I get there I almost wish I had just stayed in my little training area.
My room is a mess, and that's putting it lightly. Wrappers cover the surface of my small apartment and I can tell just by looking at the bloated dragon slayer on my bed that I have absolutely no food in my house anymore. I want to get mad, to wake him and through him and his stupid cat out of my home, but my need for rest after a long night of training is more demanding than my anger.
I dust the garbage off my couch and make myself as comfortable as possible before drifting off into a restless sleep.
The Next Morning
It's official, I hate Natsu. It wasn't bad enough that he trashed my place and stole my bed, but now he's violently shaking me trying to wake me up. My muscles scream at the action and I just want to hit him but know it'll only make the pain worse.
"Natsu, what the hell do you want!" I finally give up, showing I'm awake and venting only a fraction of the anger I feel for the moron in front of me.
"I'm hungry Luce and you don't have any food in your house."
I push down the need to snap at him and tell him how there's no food because he ate it all.
"Then go to the guild and get something to eat." I say quietly before turning over on the not very comfortable couch.
"Are you coming then? Me and happy don't wanna go without you."
"Aye, you eat so much Lushy, it's funny to watch."
"Shut up you stupid cat I don't eat nearly as much as you." I groan to tired to scream
"Then why am I so much lighter than you?"
"Your like a foot tall you idiot."
"C'mon Luce, lets go to the guild." Natsu says, not letting up. It takes an immense amount of patience to not forcefully remove him from my home in the most violent way possible.
"Natsu, in case you didn't notice I didn't get home until very late last night, and had to sleep on my couch instead of my very comfy bed. I'm going back to sleep, you go to the guild yourself."
"Okay, okay we'll go to the guild ourselves. No need to be grumpy Luce. See ya later"
I hear him leave through the window and groan as I turn over. 'Great now I'm wide awake.'
I slowly sit up and fight back yet another groan as my little workout from yesterday catches up with me. The need for a nice hot shower is overwhelming as I push myself off the couch, move to my dresser and pick out an outfit.
Once done I move to the bathroom and undress, depositing my dirty clothes in a laundry basket and climbing into the shower. The water cascades down my body massaging my sore muscles and refreshing me to the point where I might not kill Natsu the next time I see him.
The shower is over all to quickly. I step out, drying myself off with one of my nice fluffy towels before wrapping it around my hair and getting dressed.
I complete my morning routine by calling out cancer to have him style my hair for the day, it ends up in a cute fishtail braid that stops at the base of my neck, perfectly matching the midnight blue dress with gold trim that I wear. The dress stops just above my knees and has a jewel neckline.
I smile at my appearance and move out of the bathroom into my apartment. The apartment I had forgotten was completely trashed by my idiotic friend and his cat.
With a sigh I start the long arduous task of cleaning up my apartment. I end up with a full garbage bag and having to clean my bedding which ends up taking well over an hour. With every bit of cleaning I do my anger only grows and by the time I'm leaving my house for the guild I'm seething.
Jaw clenched I walk down the side of the canal ignoring the call of the fisherman to,"be careful!" I want to go to the store and pick up some food but our reward from our last mission barely covered my rent. Now with only a few jewels left I decide to take a simple solo job if only to have food in my house again.
My shoulder is pushed back suddenly as I bump into someone while walking by, I'm pulled out of my angry thoughts and turn around to see Evergreen glowering at me.
"I'm sorry." I say simply not knowing what else I should say.
"Why do you look like you want to go on a murderous rampage?" Her tone is condescending but her eyes say she's actually curious and a touch concerned.
"Natsu broke into my house again and trashed it, he ate all my food and I don't have enough to buy more so now I have to take a job which I know he'll make me let him come along and then he'll destroy something and I'll be back to square one." I vent to her even though this is the first time we've really spoken, I look at her, ready for her to dismiss me but she doesn't.
Her eyes soften uncharacteristically as she quickly says a goodbye and saunters off.
Evergreen P.O.V
'If someone did that to me I would have turned them to stone and thrown them into the canal.' My thoughts drift back to her angry face the one tinged with defeat. I suddenly have an overwhelming need to help her and formulate a simple plan as I walk to Laxus' house where I know Freed and Bixlow are waiting.
The house is well out of the way, just outside Magnolia. When I arrive I can hear things smashing and know Bixslow is being a moron. Sure enough when I walk in he's letting his creepy babies fly around Freeds head while Laxus broods in a corner, clearly not in the mood for their idiocy but too tired to put an end to it. A glass smashes against Freed's rune barrier and I quickly decide enough is enough.
I smack Bixslow over the head with my fan causing him to stop long enough to look at me and see the murder in my eyes. He immediately pales, like the smart little switch mage I know he can be, and wanders away to sit next to Laxus.
"Freed, did you know that Natsu breaks into Lucy's house and trashes the place?"
He looks at me with the ever stoic mask before responding.
"I know from a few guild members that him and the rest of her team break in often, although I'm not sure what they do there."
"All I know is I bumped into her this morning and she looked like she was about to murder someone. When I asked she said Natsu wrecked her place and ate all her food, and it's going to be hard to make enough money for more with his destructive habits."
"Hey Ever, are you actually worried about cosplayer? She's fine, she beat the hell out of me."
"She's too nice in my opinion so Freed I was wondering if you could put up a rune barrier up for her and Laxus," my eyes drift to the brooding man who seems to be paying attention although looking very tired likely from a night out, and a lost drinking contest with Cana "I was wondering if we could take her on a job with us so she can have some extra money that won't be taken away for repairs by her destructive team."
Freed is the first to speak but only to ask a question. "Why are you worried about her?"
"She's far too nice to do this on her own and I'd kill all of you if you did what her team does." My answer is only partially truthful, in all honesty I worry about the girl, it's true she's very nice but she's also a formidable mage. Seeing the way her team treats her is frustrating to say the least. They always talk of protecting her when she's more than capable of keeping herself safe.
My silent monologue is cut off by Laxus who finally decides to answer me. "Yeah, go ask her if she wants to do an s-class job with us but make up an excuse like they requested a celestial mage that way her team won't be too annoying."
"I'll go now to put up the barrier for her while you ask her to join us on a job."
I allow myself a smile too small to truly see before thanking them and leaving for the guild again.
Lucy P.O.V
A full on brawl has desecrated half the guild hall by the time I enter, the instigators, clearly being Natsu and Gray, who's insults I can hear being yelled over the rest of the fighters make their way to my ears and I smack my face in annoyance of their childish behaviour.
"Hi Lucy, how's it going?"
"Hey Mira, it's ok I was actually probably going to do a simple solo job today."
The minute *job* leaves my mouth Natsu is right beside me bouncing like a puppy.
"You wanna do a job Luce? Why didn't ya tell me? I'll go pick a good one." Before I can say another word he bounds over to the request board.
"So much for solo." I grumble to myself and turn back to Mira who smiles apologetically then rushes off to deliver some drinks.
"Hey Lucy, wanna drink with me? You look all annoyed."
"No thanks Cana, I could never hope to keep up with you." I laugh as she nods and tilts a barrel of ale back into her waiting mouth and marvel at how she can do that so easily.
"So why do you look so annoyed?"
I tell her what happened quickly and she nods her understanding. "Well not like it's the first time but if you want to know how to make it stop I'll tell ya." I sit up, listening intently for what she'll say next.
"Just shack up with a guy Lu, that way your team will have to stay away."
My face turns a million shades of red as a spitter trying to respond. She laughs at my reaction muttering something like "too innocent," before starting on another barely of ale.
It's then that I notice Natsu rushing back over to me with a paper firmly held in his grasp.
"Hey Luce, how about this o. . ."
"Heartfilia I'd like to speak with you."
Evergreen walks up to me just at that moment quickly cutting off whatever Natsu had wanted to say. I look to her as she continues speaking.
"The raijinshu would like to request you to come with us on an s-class job."
I must look like a moron with my dumbfounded expression because that was the last thing I'd expected Evergreen to ask me. I pull myself together enough to respond and realize the entire guild has gone quiet.
"Heck yea Luce and I will come with you, sounds fun hey Luce?"
Before I have a chance to say anything Evergreen speaks again.
"This invitation is not being extended to you salamander. It's for Heartfilia alone not her destructive team."
"What the hell? But Luce needs at least on of us there."
"We need a celestial mage she's the only one invited."
"But she needs us to protect her, Lucy can't take care of herself especially not on an s-class job, she already forgets to buy food for her place, she needs us."
That said it only takes me a split second to decide what I'll be doing, I finally respond just before Evergreen can turn my idiotic best friend to stone.
"I'd love to go with you guys, do you think we could all meet tomorrow to talk about the job?"
She nods her agreement and we decide to meet at my place. A second later she's walking out of the guild but not before I see her look back at me with a small smile.
'Evergreen is so nice, maybe we can become good friends.' Natsu of course choosing now to start yelling.
"What the hell Luce! We're your team you can just ditch us!"
"Natsu I'm not ditching you, I'm just helping them with a job, you heard her, they requested a celestial mage, I don't want them to not be able to go because of me."
"But Luce, they won't protect you like we do, it's an s-class job they don't know how limited you are!"
"Natsu you can stop yelling, I've made my decision, I'm going and that's that."
Erza appears behind Natsu followed closely by Gray. I look to them hoping Erza will talk with him.
"Lucy, are you sure you want to go with them, is this really a good idea? We won't be there to keep you safe and I'm not sure how good a job they'll do."
"Yeah Lucy, flame brains got a point as much as I hate to admit it. They don't know your limitations, and they likely won't even think to protect you."
It's anger and a hint of betrayal I feel. They don't believe I can keep myself safe and they think I'm weak without them. I push off the stool trying my best not to show the boiling anger inside and by the look of terror on Natsu's face failing miserably.
"I understand that you seem to think I'm nothing without you guys, but if I am asked to do a mission with a team who doesn't destroy everything in a 20 mile radius then it's my business whether or not I'll accept. I'll be taking this job, I'll be gone for as long as they need me and I expect none of you to interfere in this manner further. I'm going home now, and Natsu there isn't any food in my house because you ate it all."
The three look shocked as I turn and leave the guild. I can hear Natsu sputtering for a response and the distinct sound of Cana yelling "you tell'em girl!" Before the door closes behind me.
My walk home feels much better after telling my team off and I'm in such a better mood I almost don't notice the note taped to my door. I pull it off not recognizing the handwriting and read it over.
Lucy,
Evergreen requested I put up a run barrier around your home, the only way anyone can enter other than you is if you invite them in. If you want any changes made feel free to ask.
Best Regards,
Freed
P.S.
Since you'll be coming on a mission with us Laxus-Sama has requested we bring you groceries so you will be well fed and energized, they've been paid for and put away.
I drop the note on my table as I walk into my apartment a small smile gracing my lips. 'That was so nice of them, they didn't have to do that for me. They even bought me groceries, I can't believe how nice they all are, I'll have to repay them'
I lay down on my bed with my freshly cleaned blanket, suddenly looking very forward to going on a mission with this kind group. I'd always known after the fantasia incident that the raijinshu had all changed for the better, although everyone forgave them including myself they were never quite treated the same as everyone else and rarely made an appearance in the guild especially after Laxus was reinstated. I find myself getting more and more excited at the prospect of getting to know them better.
"Maybe I'll make them some breakfast for when they come over tomorrow." I muse as I make my way over to my desk and pull out my story as well as a pen.
"Might as well work on my novel a bit before I go to bed."
I begin writing, feeling the word flowing through my pen onto the paper and am sucked into my own little world.
Freed P.O.V
I stand in front of Miss Heartfilia's door looking out into the canal. My mind replays the unfortunate event that brought me here so late at night.
~flashback 1 hour ago~
Evergreen walks into Laxus-Sama's home and immediately sets her sights on me. I gulp on reflex not wanting to incite her anger.
"Why are you here?"
"I finished the barrier hours ago so I came back here."
"You idiot. That moron Natsu will keep her up all night banging on that barrier you need to go back and intercept him so he doesn't bother her anymore!"
Bixslow looks to me, his face portraying both our confusion at her concern for the celestial mage.
"Go back there Freed and stop The flame headed moron from bugging her. If Blondie is coming on a mission with us I want her well rested."
I jump up at Laxus-Sama's request and leave immediately."
~flashback end~
"Of course, I'll do anything Laxus-Sama requests."
With renewed vigour for my job I straighten my back and listen for anything suspicious. It's at this moment I see salamander marching down the street with his cat following.
I duck into the shadows next to her building waiting for him to make a move before I do anything. He stops in front of her door and I think he's going to know but instead he jumps up and pulls himself onto the window ledge. As he goes to open the window my barrier goes into effect and pushes his hand away.
"What th-"
He tries again, and again, and again, clearly not the sharpest but not making enough noise to be a bother. I wait for him to give up and leave but instead his features twist in anger and he brings back his fist covered in flames to pound on the barrier. I decide that's quite enough and step out of the shadows and swiftly leap kicking him off the ledge and into another small barrier I've made. It barely fits him and his cat that stupidly followed him.
He stands up prepared to yell but nothing comes out, the cat tries as well only for no sound to emerge. He punches the barrier and finally sees the words printed so he might know how to get out.
The enchantment is simple, all those within the barrier will not be able to speak, the only way to be released is to decide to go elsewhere.
He looks angry again and after briefly going insane silently inside the barrier I see his shoulders slump in defeat, the barrier lifts and he saunters off likely to his own home as I hide myself again not wanting to deal with the rude dragon slayer.
Luckily with him gone and my job complete I am able to retire to my own home and get some well earned sleep.
Lucy P.O.V
-the next day-
I wake up feeling refreshed and well rested for the first time in a while. Thankfully the rune barrier surrounding my apartment did its job and I was spared another midnight ransacking from one Natsu Dragneel. 'I even got to do a little workout in the comfort of my own home, I'll definitely have to thank Freed.'
I go about my morning routine and start making some food for when the team I'll be working with arrives, I've just finished cooking the bacon when I hear a knock on my front door. The feeling of excitement at someone actually knocking overtakes me and I quickly hurry to let my guests in.
I open the door to see the group all gathered behind Evergreen who looks as if she dragged them here to be on time this morning.
"Please come in I hope your hungry I'm making you breakfast."
"Thank you Heartfilia."
"Thank you Miss Heartfilia."
"Thanks Cosplayer."
"Thanks Blondie."
I bristle at the two annoying nicknames but quickly usher them into my little kitchen where food is already laid out.
"It's nothing special but breakfast is important. So eat up."
The group don't protest and fill their own plates, Laxus as I suspected filling his to a ridiculous point. They eat however with much better manners than I'm used to and engage in conversation about everything but the job saying, "we don't discuss work while eating."
'Where have these guys been all my life.'
"She'll make a fine addition to the team, her cooking alone attests to that."
"Yeah Ever, if I had to eat another one of your 'masterpieces' I might have killed myself."
"Shut up Bixlow, I'm not as bad as Freed, he makes everything in heart shapes for Laxus and it's all raw."
"Laxus Sama likes my cooking."
"No Freed, no I don't. Biz is better at cooking and all his food turns out grey and flavourless."
"At least is not blackened cause I get impatient."
Freeds face is one of shock as tears flow freely down his face, Laxus and Bixslow have already started laughing at each other and Evergreen pouts about her amazing cooking being 'under appreciated.'
I try and fail miserably at holding in my laugh at the team, they all look so funny and I love how they interact with one another.
"So Blondie once you finish laughing we can talk to you about the job."
I stifle my laugh and calm myself quickly and prepare myself for the details.
"Ever probably didn't tell you but, there's no request for a celestial mage. We just wanted to bring you to help ya out a little, if you still want to come your welcome to."
'They didn't need me? So they just invited me out of kindness. I am going to cook for them every single day for this.'
"Yeah I still want to go if that's alright."
"Your way to nice Heartfilia."
Ever puts her fan over her face but I can see the smile in her eyes and it warms my heart that she's happy I'll be joining them on this mission.
"The mission I chose has been listed to take a month, but with all of us going I think we can finish it in two weeks tops."
'Two weeks!? He's gotta be kidding.'
"I think we can do it Laxus-Sama. Is it in a town or will we have to track something down?"
"Tracking. There's a wyvern nest somewhere in the mountain range near clover, that wouldn't be too much of a problem if they didn't regularly terrorize the citizens of Clover. We'll spend the rest of today and tomorrow collecting supplies and packing and we'll leave on the last train the day after tomorrow."
We all nod our understanding, me admittedly feeling slightly overwhelmed at the prospect of taking out a Wyverns Nest.
"Hey Blondie, you're gonna be in charge of cooking while we're out there. That okay?"
"Yeah, sounds good."
"I'll go with you to make sure you get good ingredients." Ever says nonchalantly, the words once again sound insulting but by the look on her face she seems to be looking forward to some girl time."
With that everyone heads off to their own places deciding to pack essentials today and shop tomorrow. I start pulling out some clothes deciding to only bring one dress with me and keeping the rest combat appropriate. Shorts, pants and t-shirts fill my bag along with some underwear and a few sweaters.
As I pack I become more and more excited for the job coming up and decide to use my extra energy for some training. I rush out to my little training ground and make sure I'm alone before calling out Loke.
"Hello princess, another workout today?"
"Yes please."
"10 laps around the perimeter, make sure to pace yourself."
One hour later
"Come on, one more! Your almost there!"
"Shut the hell up Loke you playboy bastard!"
"That's it let the anger out!"
I finish the last push up and slump down annoyed as hell at Loke for pushing me past my normal 20 to do 30.
"Screw you Loke."
"If you don't push yourself how will you improve?"
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks you can go home now."
"You did wonderful Princess, I'll see you soon for a date."
He disappears as I summon Capricorn rolling my eyes at the last comment.
I don't need much instruction as I prepare myself for Capricorn to start talking me through my meditation. He begins and I pour myself into the training, willing my magic container to expand. I can feel it and almost see as it expands.
Before I know it my meditation is over and with a congratulation on a job well don Capricorn leaves for the celestial realm, while I go home for some well earned sleep.
AN:
I recently finished my first fanfiction (My Hero) and couldn't wait to start another one. I'm not sure if I'll make this one a romance or not but if I do it's probably going to be another Lalu. I kinda doubt it though, I'd like to focus more on the friendships between Lucy and the raijinshu. But at this time I'm seeing how it goes. Any suggestions and constructive criticism are welcome. Thank you for reading.
~ShirakaneChan~