Chapter Three

Erza Scarlet was walking through the streets of Magnolia, which seemed eerily calm. As she dragged her luggage towards the guild, she expected to hear a riot, a rampage even. But no, all she heard was…nothing. Had the guild finally grown up? Erza thought, as she passed the guild doors. No, her suspicion was far from the truth. She saw a few mages crying, trying to smother their cries, and others didn't even bother to hide their depression. No one greeted her. She saw the Master on the second floor, so she dropped her belongings and raced up the second floor steps. "Master…what's going on? Why is everyone like this?" But Master didn't speak, not breaking the silence that fell upon them once again after Erza finished speaking. All he did, was hand her an envelope. Erza stared at the front while one trembling legs, walked down the steps towards the bar. Quickly tearing it open, she pulled out the folded parchment and started reading.

Dear Erza,

If you're reading this, then I have already left the guild for several years—two to be exact. If you ask around the guild you'll soon know my reasoning for leaving for the two years. Erza, you were like an older sibling that I never had. You are so strong, so keep being strong and live up to that S-Class title of yours. Just keep going on, I'll be back before you know it.

Sincerely,

Lucy

Erza stared at the paper before bellowing: "WHERE'S LUCY?" The guild obviously didn't expect that, and they jumped when they heard the re-quip mage. Natsu spoke, holding his unopened letter in both of his hands.

"She left to train, become stronger." Master tapped her arm, and handed her the guild letter, which she scanned before breaking down into silent tears.

Stella wove in and out of the trees in the forest, before approaching a cave. "Training will possibly take a while, at the most a year. But tell me; is there anything else you would like to work on?" Lucy stopped next to the dragon and pondered on this for a moment.

"Hand to hand combat?" The dragon nodded, understanding.

"Good choice Lucy. Know that we will start with your celestial powers first, before learning the advanced techniques—the spirit magic. We will spend a few hours before we go to sleep on hand to hand combat. How's that?" Lucy nodded.

"Perfect."

"Then we shall start training immediately, so if would drop your stuff inside, follow me."

Natsu and Gray were silent. They weren't glaring at each other or at each other's necks, they were just…there. They were just sitting in front of each other, glaring at not each other, but at the letters that were left for them. Lucy was so close to them, and she just…left. Finally deciding to read what was left of Lucy, they tore open their letters and began.
Dear Gray,

You were a brother to me, just like Natsu and Erza as a sister. Please refrain from stripping, though it DOES amuse me sometimes, how you still unconsciously take off your clothes. But…there's something to ponder about Gray…do you like Juvia? If so, please give her a chance. She's basically begging for your attention (no offense to Juvia) so please at least OPEN YOUR EYES! I hope to find you and Juvia hanging out more constantly when I return in two years' time. Take care!
Sincerely,

Lucy.

Gray had a faint smile on the edge of his lips when he finished. But Natsu's letter was a different story; his message almost broke him down…again.

Dear Natsu,

How are you doing so far? I know I just left but, I haven't talked to you in a while.

That almost made him sob.

I hope you're happy with Lisanna, she's a keeper. I hope you carry on with your life, but don't forget me eh?

"I won't forget you…ever…"

Protect our nakama. I'll be back soon, you just gave me a wakeup call. One that I couldn't ever ignore. So please carry on and…be happy. See you soon!
Sincerely,

Luce

Whatever it was, Natsu, finally broke. His hiccupped sobs started to affect others, especially Master, Erza, Mira, Wendy and Levy. Natsu slid down his chair staring at the letter.

"But how can I be happy, when I'm only happy with you?"
Well, how's that? (This is not part of the story if you haven't realized) Please tell me how my story is so far, so please do review. I'll update as soon as I can (which will probably be tomorrow, if you live in the U.S...probably) But until then...take care!

~Moonlight Listener