Lucy Heartfilia's world stopped.
Time seemed to froze as she stared at her teammates in front of her.
Her mind couldn't comprehend the question, never mind get an answer.
They, her team, was asking her to leave the team. They said they wanted - no, needed - Lisanna on their team.
And she was the weak link in their ultimate team so she had to go.
Even though they didn't say she was weak in so many words but it was crystalclear that was what they thought.
Ever since Lisanna Strauss returned from Edolas, Lucy felt left out. Their lost comrade was the center of attention. For three months it went on like that and Lucy hadn't gone on a mission with her team since. She either took solo missions or she partnered up with Wendy and Carla. They're plus Gajeel's and Juvia's worlds didn't turn around Lisanna. Likely because they never knew Lisanna.
She never went on a mission with Gajeel due to him being scary. And for Juvia, she was too paranoid that Lisanna would steal her beloved Gray if she was not there.She had expected this but now that it was happening, it hurt so much more than she expected it to.
Her world was crashing down around her.
"Lucy?" It was Natsu's voice that brought her back to reality. She had no idea how long she had drifted away but she knew, she had to answer their question.
"Sure..." She struggled against the lump in her throat and the tears.
"Fine, I resign from Team Natsu." She didn't know where she got the strength to say those words. Her former teammates face's broke into huge grins.
"Thanks Lucy! You're the best!" Natsu slapped her on her back. That goofy grin that she loved, was like a thousand knives stabbing her.
Didn't they know how much she loved the team...how much it meant to her?
"Lisanna! Guess what!" Natsu yelled as he waved, moving towards her. His team following him.
Lucy's sight became blurry with tears as she watched them leave her.
She wanted to run... to find the safety of her apartment to cry.
Her pride which she inherited from her father was all that kept her from crying right there and then.
Instead she tried to walk as calmly as possible to the door, biting back the tears and sobs that wanted to consume her.
The weather outside was just as troubled as she was. It was pouring rain but Lucy did not notice. As soon as the cold air had hit her, she ran.
Her tears falling with the rain and the sobs deafened by the thunder. Everything was a blur. It was just her and the pain. Alone once again. When she finally stopped running, she realized she was in front of her apartment building. Her body was numb from the coldness and she was soaking wet.
Tiredly, she made her way to her apartment. The room was warm and comfortable but she did not take notice. She made her way to her bed, falling on it she cried. She cried until there was no tears left to cry before she fell in to a deep and restless sleep