Marie swooped over head the large mansion. Lucy hadn't seen the house in years. Her frown deepened as she watched some of the maids sweep away at the garden below her. She sighed and hollered at Marie to drop her down. Marie did as she was told and flew her down to the entrance.

Lucy dressed extra nicely for the occasion. A tight black skirt that reached her knees with black tights under. She tucked in her pink blouse into the skirt and had on the same color high heels on. She tied her hair up into a side pony tail like always, using a red bow in her hair this time. She smoothed down her skirt once more and adjusted her brown bag on her shoulder.

She slowly stumbled her way to the large fountain where the maids were. One of them must of noticed a presence, because she turned around with wide eyes. Tears immediately rolled down her face while she ran to Lucy and hugged at her knees. "Miss Lucy! You came back to us!" The maid, Mrs, Spetto, cried. Lucy laughed and rubbed the small woman's back.

"It's okay now, I'm back..." Lucy said with a sad smile while the mansion staff around her cried. She felt as if her heart was being ripped out of her chest. She hadn't even thought about how the staff would feel about her disappearance. Did they even know why she had to to leave? Did her father leave them in the dark?

"Oh Miss Lucy, you've grown up so much. You used to be shorter than I!" Mrs. Spetto laughed as she wiped her tears. The blonde laughed boisterously. Another maid came up to her and bowed respectfully.

"Miss Lucy, your father would like to request your presence." Lucy snorted.

"I see. I've been gone for more than a decade now and he couldn't even bring himself out of his office..." Despite her annoyed expression, she felt rather hurt by it. Nor her father or mother could bring themselves out of the mansion to come see her? Did they even care? She was ushered in the large home, multiple maids pushing her into a dressing room. A pink laced dress sat on a stool, just waiting for her to put it on.

Lucy shimmied up the dress, struggling to get it over her thighs and bust. She huffed as she slipped her arms in the sleeves. She was rather out of breath. She turned to Marie who had been quiet throughout everything. The cat maid an odd look at the dress.

"It doesn't suit you." She mumbled. She little cat crossed her arms and curled her tail around her body. Lucy noticed just how uncomfortable her companion truly was. Lucy pat Marie's head and gave her a small smile.

"It'll be alright soon. We'll be out of here and back at the guild soon enough." Marie leaned into the touch and nodded meekly.

"Okay..."

Lucy stepped out of the dressing room and looked Into the mirror. She placed her hands in front of each other and tilted her head to take in her look. It wasn't exactly what she was used to. The dress wasn't all the pretty either. And it didn't seen to fit her all that much.

Though the maids cried around her. She was confused. Why were they so sad? "You look just like her." One hiccuped. Lucy began to panic, what happened?

They led her to her father's office. Mrs. Spetto bowed to the man looking out the window, "She's here sir." The old woman sniffled. Lucy stepped inside the large room and stocked up to him as he stood facing her behind his desk. His eyes softened when the door slammed shut, leaving them alone. Tears brimmed in his usually cold eyes.

"I knew you would look just like her..." He whispered. Lucy's figure shook. She was always told she looked just like her mother. Had something happened to her mother? Did it have anything to do with the fact she never came around to check on her when she was with Draco, like she promised to do?

"W-Where," Lucy grounded out, composing herself. "Where is mother?" He sighed and looked to the window again. Not daring to look at his own daughter.

"While you were training with that dragon," he spat out. "You're mother had gotten sick, we all thought it would pass, but as years went by, the sicker she had gotten. At one point, she was so deathly Ill, she couldn't even move. She was bed ridden for months. And finally, on July 7th X777, she had passed." Lucy's shoulders shook as silence filled the room. Only her sobs of sadness could be heard throughout the mansion.

"Please," Lucy cried. "Don't blame me for not being there. I was only a child and had no idea. And on that day, Draco had also disappeared." At this, Jude froze. Did the dragon's disappearance had anything to do with her mother's death? Lucy sniffled, as no tears could be left to fall. "Why? Why do you want me back?" Lucy murmured as she bit her lip.

"I have two reasons," he signed. "I wanted to finally tell you of the dreadful news. And it was pretty convenient as a duke from another company wants to expand his land. It could really be helpful for expanding the Heartfilia Railroads to the west. Of course, you will give birth to healthy baby boy so he can take after the Heartfilia legacy. I think it was about time you distance yourself from that ratty guild and cat and live the luxury life you were destined to have." He hummed. "I think that is all. You may return back to your room."

Lucy clenched her fist, Marie holding on tightly to the hem of her dress as she stood there speechless. "I think you're confused father," Lucy announced. Jude turned to her with wide eyes. "I didn't come back to listen to you any longer. I came to warn you, don't mess with Fairy Tail again. Next time, you'll just be any other enemy we'll crush!" The blonde cried. She grabbed the top of her dress and ripped it apart.

"What-"

"I don't need fancy clothes and food to be happy. I may be broke constantly when I'm at the guild, but I'd take that over being here any day. You and I both know, if mom were still alive, she would tell me to follow my dreams. No matter how silly they may be. Father, I still love you with my every being, that won't ever go away, but I can't be around you any longer. So, I'll see ya." She turned around and picked Marie up, walking out of his office. While her father stood speechless. Then a small smile came to his lips.

"You act just like her too..."

Lucy sighed, changing back into her original outfit. Marie sat atop her head as she hugged the mansion staff goodbye. It was especially difficult to say goodbye to Mrs. Spetto, but it had to be done. Once she was finally alone outside with Marie, she slowly made her way to the large grave stone next to the fountain. How she didn't notice it before baffled her.

She crouched down and skimmed her fingers along the wording. More tears came to her eyes. Though they dried quickly when she heard yelling from down a ways. Shock filled her eyes as a blue ball of fur drove striaght into her chest. It held onto her shirt tightly and cried into her.

"Ha-Happy!?"

"Lucy! Don't leave us!"

"When did I ever say that?" The others ran up to her, out if breath. Realizing what she may have caused, she began to laugh. "I'm sorry I worried you all! I was only here to ask Jude not to try anything again. And to visit my mother's grave. Now I'm happy I didn't have the courage to send those letters...what a waste." She sighed with a chuckle.

"I'm sorry we jumped to conclusions." Erza shook her head.

"Yeah, we should of known." Gray laughed. Lucy waved them off.

"No it's quite alright. I really should of worded my note better." She rubbed the back of her head as she trailed behind everyone. She briefly turned around to look into her father's window. Though she couldn't see him, she waved anyhow. It wasn't as bad of a conversation than she thought. She honestly expected screaming from him.

"You should of heard Happy, he was crying like a baby!" Natsu said, Interrupting her thoughts. She looked forward to see Natsu poking Happy's ear while he snickered. Though Happy just flew next to the dragon slayer as if he had no care in the world.

"You cried just as much as I did, Natsu." Happy countered with a calm smile. The salmon haired boy crossed his arms suddenly and looked away. A small blush decorated his cheeks.

"Tch, no I did not!"

"Aw is someone embarrassed." Lucy giggled.

"You know Lucy, I really like your home town." Gray said suddenly, looking around.

"Yes, it's quite peaceful..." Erza agreed, siging in content. Lucy tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Ah, from what I remember, this isn't my home town. This is just the garden. Pretty sure the Heartfilia estate goes right to the top of that moutain over there." She said and she pointed to a faraway mountain in the distance.

"Oh wow, you're rich!" Natsu and Gray yelled simultaneously, eyes wide. Happy panicked.

"Gray and Natsu are down, Erza what did we do!?" Though the redhead only stared up at the sky in delight.

"They sky is blue."

"Erza's gone!" Happy cried. Lucy looked at Marie with a confused expression for a moment. Before she bursted into laughter.

'Mama, I'm happy at the guild. I hope you can see that from heaven.' Lucy thought to herself, hugging Marie close to her chest.

...

Lucy moved her chess piece over Natsu's, knocking his over and taking the place for her own. Natsu banged his arms down. "No fair! You're cheating!" Lucy laughed and rolled her eyes, nudging him to make a move.

"You're just a sore loser, Natsu." Her growled and sat for a moment, contemplating what to do. They were back at their house, and Natsu was bored. So she suggested playing chess. Though he had idea what that was, shocker. Once she taught him, he wasn't all that bad. But she was still better, and the score was ten to zero.

He sighed and moved his pawn to the space in front. She smiled softly at his consecrated frown. It was so peaceful after what happened with Phantom Lord. Both Lucy and Natsu were finally allowed time to rest. She hummed softly and moved her piece over the other pawn he just laid down. "And you're pawn is captured!" She giggled.

"Aw what! Man, this game sucks!" He pouted. She stood and and stretched her sore back. Then bended down to touch her toes. She walked around their small table and ruffled his hair. She was gone for a moment, then came back back with a glass of water for herself.

"Don't worry about it Natsu. I've been playing against Marie for years. You just learned today. And you're not doing too bad."

"Yeah but I'm not winning." He said, trying to fix the strands of hair she messed up when she pat his head. She shook her head. She was about to make another move when she smelled something familiar. Natsu seemed to have gotten the same scent as he froze. Then the doors barged open, revealing a rather tired Gray.

"Guys, you have to help us look for Loke. He's gone missing!" Lucy stood up, dropping her glass of water to the floor. She immediately dashed out of the house along with Gray and Natsu. Of course she would help them find him. Loke was the one who found her keys and gave them all back to her safely. Even if he hardly accepted her gratitude.

She sniffed the air, catching a slight whiff of his scent. But it only led to a dead end. She shook her head and thought for a moment. He's gone missing, he doesn't like being around celestial wizards, and he uses odd ring magic. Usually, simple facts like that about him wouldn't get her anywhere. But she was sure the last two have to do with something about his disappearance.

She groaned and called out Crux. I nice silver key spirit that could give her any information about any person. She sat down on a barrel behind the guild hall alone. While Happy and Marie went together to explore the area from the sky. Her spirit poofed out of the celestial realm and sat there while he closed his eyes.

Only to shout when he found something. "What is it, Crux?"

"I believe your friend Loke used to have a close relationship with the celestial wizard Karen." Lucy gasped. She was a famous wizard from the Blue Pegasus guild. She narrowed her eyes in thought. Clenching her teeth.

"But it doesn't make sense. What would he have to do with her? And Karen had died quite a while ago from lack of magic power on a job. Can't you find anything else?" She pleaded as she looked up at the spirit. He hummed.

"I'm sorry Miss Lucy, but that would go against celestial law." He yawned, actually drifting to sleep that time. Lucy groaned and let him go back to the spirit world. She sat there in the quiet for a moment. Trying to place the small pieces together. That's when she got it. A feeling.

She ran quickly to where she knew he'd be. Stumbling up a steep hill, she made her way through the dense of trees and felt his presence. She smiled when she caught sight of him sitting by Karen's grave. He had his and on top of it while he softly apologized to her. Lucy put her hands on her hip.

"I knew it would be you who would fine me first." He chuckled. The celestial mage walked up to him as if he were a rabbit. Like he was going to jump away from her at any moment.

"Is that Karen's grave?" He nodded at her whisper. "And...you're Leo the lion aren't you? The fifth zodiac key, and the leader." He smiled sadly at the title. Once she was right next to him, she sat down and gave him a sideways glance. "Can't you tell me what happened?" He looked up at the waterfall in front of them.

"Why not. It makes no difference now," He mumbled. "I, as well as Aries, were Karen's spirits. To be blunt, she was probably the worst celestial wizard I had ever come across. She beat Aries almost daily and forced her to stay in the human world for far too long. She would beat the poor spirit for things she didn't even do. I couldn't take it anymore.

I had to do something. So I forced Aries back into the spirit world and told Karen off. I told her to break mine and Aries's contract. And I really kept to my word. Since I was the strongest of the zodiac, I was able to stay in the human world far longer than any of them.

It wasn't so hard at first. I stayed in an old church just a small ways from Blue Pegasus. I didn't eat, I didn't sleep, so it got pretty boring up there. But I still kept my word. And since i was left in the human world, i wasn't just using up my own power. I used Karen's.

She wasn't able to go on jobs. I thought that would teach her lesson about not treating us celestial spirits as tools. A month went by. She came up to me and begged me to stop my strike, that she wouldn't harm us anymore. But I knew she was lying. A week would go by and she would be the same old person she always was.

I stopped counting the days once that first month hit. She came back multiple times and begged me, but I said the same thing I always did. To release our contracts, and she didn't like that too much. The last time she ever came to me, she stomped out of the church and told me she was going to go on a job anyway. And that if she dies it was my fault.

I thought it was a bluff. Once I was done with my strike after the third month, I went back to the guild. I thought that three whole months would be enough of a lesson. But when I asked Master Bob where she was, he told me that she had passed going on a dangerous job. That all she could call out was silver spirits with the amount of power she had.

I didn't think she would actually go on a job. All I wanted was for her to stop beating Aries! And now she's gone. I killed her! And after the Spirit King got a whiff of this, I was immediately banned and had to live the rest of my life on earth land." Lucy listened to his story with wide eyes. So that was how she passed. Lucy looked up to Karen as a celestial wizard, as there was no other wizard out there known. Though after his story, all the respect she had for her went down the drain. Celestial wizards don't beat their spirits.

"Karen has been gone for about three years now. Are you saying you've been here for three years?"

"It wasn't too bad," he sighed. "But now I think my time is up. See, my hand is disappearing." He showed her is almost nonexistent hand. Reality set in suddenly and she hugged him close to her. She began to do the only thing she could think of.

"Close gate of the lion, Leo!" Lucy screamed. "Close gate of the lion, Leo! Close gate of the lion, Leo!" She cried. That's when she felt her body become lighter with every word she chanted. He gasped and jerked to look up at her, his glasses falling to the grass next to him.

"Stop! If you don't let go, you'll disappear too! I cant live with that guilt too, just let me die! I deserve this, please!" Loke pleaded. Lucy shook her head and hugged him harder.

"I refuse to let you die when I know I can do something to help. You know what that kind of guilt feels like don't you! Why would you want me to feel that too? Close gate of the lion, Leo!"

"Why would you feel that way...?"

"Because you're my friend. And I would always help a celestial spirit out. Always!" One by one, her own spirits began to pop out, surrounding the two. Loke gasped as Taurus gave him a smirk.

"How is she calling out every spirit she has, with just her pure emotions?" Loke mumbled to himself. A bright light shone by the waterfall suddenly, making everyone there turn to it. A large body appeared from seemingly out a nowhere. "Spirit king?" Loke asked in disbelief.

"This is the Spirit King?" Lucy asked, unimpressed. She stood up and stood in front of her spirits. "Hey Spririt King? You can change the rules right? You heard what he said, he didn't kill Karen! She got herself killed. And she beat one of your own. He was just trying to defend her!"

"I'm sorry, but he had indirectly gotten his celestial spirit master killed. I stand firmly by the rules I set, my friend." Lucy growled.

"You're the king, stache face! You can also have a change of heart. Don't you want to protect your spirits too?"

"Of course I do, but rules are rules."

"Yeah and sometimes rules suck! They can bend because everyone can change their minds. Don't you think it's unfair!?"

"Lucy stop, I've accepted this for years. You can't just come in and decide my fate for me!" Loke sobbed. Lucy stopped her babbling and turned to give Loke a smile.

"I don't want you to die with guilt still woven into your heart. It's not your time, Loke." At her words, both Loke and the Spirit King faulted.

"You are like no other celestial mage I've met." The king mumbled.

"Of course," Lucy grinned. "I'm also a dragon slayer!" The Spirit King hummed and crossed his large arms.

"I suppose for my new friend, I can ben the rule just once," Loke held his mouth open in check at his words. "But Leo must serve for you as his master from now until the contracts break." He handed Lucy Loke's key. Lucy smiled softly and watched as her spirits disappeared. Along with Loke, back to the spirit world.

"Thank you...Lucy." Loke smiled, a tear running down his face. The Spirit King went along with them, leaving the blonde alone with her thoughts. She shoved her new key in her pouch. She giggled.

"What a night."

...

"He is!?" Lucy nodded while Natsu and Happy stared at her in shock.

"A lion spirit, he's like me!" Happy laughed.

"Yeah no." Lucy sweat dropped. It was the morning after what had happened the previous night. She explained everything to the guild that night that he was fine. But she was so tired she couldn't even explain what exactly happened to him. She used a lot of magic power that night.

Currently, the guild was still working on the new guild hall. But only Erza, Happy, Marie, Natsu, and Gray were close to her at the moment. Really listening to what she was saying about Loke. She sighed happily and looked down at her key. She was just so content.

"Lucy, my dear!" Loke suddenly popped up, scaring her. She screamed and swiped at him to get him away from her.

"You scared me half to death!"

"I apologize for my insensitivity." He hummed, not bothered by her actions. He grabbed her right hand and placed a tender kiss on her guild mark. She squeaked and retracted her hand with a blush. She looked over to Natsu and watched as he crossed his arms with a frown. She wondered why he was so mad all of a sudden.

"Anyway..." Natsu growled. "Why are you here?"

"To give these to team Natsu," He smiled, happier than anyone has ever seen him. "I really want to thank you again Lucy. Without you, I'd probably be dead right now." He handed Natsu some tickets to a resort and casino.

"Don't worry Loke, I would never leave you hanging." Lucy laughed. He then picked her up bridal style.

"I knew you would say something like that. It touches my heart, lets go plan our wedding!" Lucy squealed and thrashed around in his arms.

"Let me go creep!" Natsu brooded at the scene, trying to ignore the way Loke flirted worh Lucy. He turned to tell Erza and Gray about the resort, but paled when he saw Erza had already had her things packed.

"Come now. We must hurry!"