Decision

I don't own Fairy Tail.

Lucy mechanically cleaned up after Brandish left. Lying on her bed, she ponder Brandish's offer. Become a bodyguard for this emperor? If I do then it means I have to deal with high society again. But this time I would have the power to protect myself, both politically and magically. Should I do? It sounds interesting. But what is this emperor like? I don't want to defend a tyrant. Maybe Crux would know. "Open gate of the southern cross! Crux!" Crux appears flowing in the air. "Grandpa Crux, can you do some research on Emperor Spriggan? Crux appears to be asleep. A minute later he let out a shout. Unfazed, Lucy asked" so what did you found?"

"The emperor is well loved in Alvarez Empire. He is known for his kindness and peaceful approaches. He prefers to negotiate with countries before conquering them. He always ensures that everyone has food and a home over their heads. He has always show good will and friendliness to his subjects."

"So he's well liked. So he can at least manage a kingdom properly. Huh, it probably won't be so bad serving him. Can you also search up Spriggan 12?"

A minute Crux let out another scream, before saying, "The Spriggan 12 is an elite unit of mages that serve as the emperor's bodyguards. They have permission to go anywhere they like, though some are tasked with important jobs besides just being a bodyguard. Each member also commands a small portion of the royal army. Each one is strong as God Serena the strongest mage in Ishgar."

"Thank you, Crux. You can go now." Crux disappear.

"Hhmm. It sounds like a wonderful job. But do I have the power for it?" Lucy picked up her mother's silver keys. Phoenix, Aquila, Serpens, Auriga, Canes Venatici, Musca, Perseus, Grus, and Vulpecula. She decides to make contacts with them since she has nothing better to do and she need to burn off some magic. Going to a field just outside of town she made her contacts.

Phoenix –use fire and healing magic- available everyday but summer solstice

Aquila-use lightning magic and transportation spirit- available everyday but not after sunset

Serpens-use poison magic-available everyday but Wednesday

Auriga-transportation spirit-available only when the weather is good

Canes Venatici- tracking spirits-available everyday but Friday

Musca-scouting spirit-available everyday but Tuesday

Perseus-battle spirit -available everyday

Grus-wind magic-available everyday but not after dark

Vulpecula-illusion magic-available everyday unless it's a full moon

Lucy smiled at all the new spirits and friends she had. Her hand brush Carpicorn's key. Carpicorn was her mother's spirit and know her the best. She decided to summon Carpicorn for advice.

"How may I serve you my lady?"

"I need some advice. Brandish invited me to join the Spriggan 12, but I am not sure if I should."

"My lady, you already knew in your heart what the answer is but your feelings are holding you back. You should follow your heart. Also remember you can't change the past, but you can choose your future," Carpicorn disappeared.

Sitting on a rock, Lucy run her hand over her guild mark. Carpicorn's right. I know that I want to join, but I can't let go of Fairy Tail. The past can't be changed, but the future can. Deciding to get in some excerise, Lucy starts jogging around the field. Fairy Tail is gone and I have to accept that. I have to move on. I can't just stay around crying. I need to make a fresh start. Jogging home, Lucy made some dinner and went to bed. But still am I powerful enough?

Dream/ flashback

In a blank room, Lucy and Zeref stand talking to each other.

"When you awaken in the real world, your powers will be greater than of Anna Heartfilia." Zeref told Lucy.

"Do you really believe so?" Lucy asked.

"Yes. You possess 10 of the 13 zodiac keys. If you gain the others, you will be able to summon them all."

"Thank you for your praise. I hope we will meet again soon." Lucy said curtsying.

"Yes. If the gods allows it, I will like to see how you fare in the real world. You're now the greatest celestial mage in the world. It will be interesting to see how you break against the stereotype of Celestial Mage being weak.

I'll make you proud. I promise.

Lucy woke up. I am going to join the Spriggan 12.I will show the world the power of a Celestial Mage. After going through her daily morning routine, Lucy sorted through her mail. A white enevolpe with Sabertooth's crest caught her eye. Opening it, she read:

Dear Lucy,

Could you please come to Sabertooth's guildhall? There is something Yukino needs your help. Thanks.

Sting Eucliffe,

Guild master of Sabertooth

Lucy smile. Short and straight to the point. Typical Sting. I wonder what Yukino needs my help I will have to make a detour. Hope Brandish won't mind. Summoning Virgo, Lucy asked to help pack her things. Picking up the photos of her and her guildmates, Lucy smiled sadly. These were good times. But they are gone. Packing the photos safely and out of view, her eyes fall onto Natsu's letter. Without a second thought, she turns on the fire on her stove and burns it. Watching the ashes crumble, she thought "you can't expect everything to remind the same when you come back Natsu. You can't expect me to just stay here waiting for you. Everything will crumble eventually. Turning back to her apartment, Lucy was pleased to see Virgo had taken everything to the Celestial World. Walking out, Lucy went to her landlady's apartment. Returning her house key, Lucy bid farewell to her landlady. Stretching as she walking out of the building, Lucy smiled at the warm rays. Walking to Magnolia Inn, Lucy smiled. For the first time since Fairy Tail disbands she felt hope and happiness. A new life awaits me.

Sorry, if Lucy's out of character. But I want to portray a different side of Lucy. Lucy's hurt and angry at NAtsu for abandoning her when she needs him most. So she is taking her anger out on the letter, because it's a reminder of his abandonment. She will go back to normal once she move on from her pain. Lucy will rely a bit heavily on Brandish for the next few chapters since she' still hurting about Fairy Tail. Brandish will Lucy settle in and introduce her to the Alvarec Empire and the other Spriggan 12.