SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 55 out, this is Chapter 56 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and my OCs.

Chapter 56: Human Gate

"What's wrong?" Gray inquired when Lucy stopped in her tracks. "We don't have time to stand around."

"Right," Lucy nodded. "I'm sorry. But I think it'd be better to go back."

"I know how you feel," Mercury remarked. "But we can't."

"Loke had a reason for what he did." Gray agreed.

"That magic is his," Cana added. "We'd get in his way if we were around."

"Come on," Gray smirked. "You shouldn't be worried. He's the leader of the 12 Zodiac Gates, remember? Go ahead and believe in him."

"You're right." Lucy relented.

"Let's get together with the others and go search for the enemy." Cana took the lead. "What's the matter?" she blinked, Lucy's key pouch starting glowing golden.

"Did something happen to Loke?" Gray asked.

"Yeah." Lucy beamed. "He says he won. He said he'll explain more later, but Capricorn is on our side now. Also, he needs to regain his energy, so he's returning to the Spirit World as my spirit again."

"What?" Gray gaped. "Hold it! What about being my partner, huh?"

"He said to tell you he's sorry, Gray." Lucy explained.

"Screw that!" Gray fumed. "I haven't given up on being S-class yet. Sheesh."

"Hold up a second, Lucy." Cana voiced. "Why don't we split up and search for the 7 Kin of Purgatory?"

"But I don't wanna go alone." Lucy shivered.

"Don't worry!" Cana assured. "I'll protect you, Lucy."

"So, you mean split into two groups, not 'split up'." Gray realized.

"What?" Cana joked. "Wanna mix it up with the girls?"

"I don't know…" Mercury teased. "I mean, he's seen more of me than any other male have."

"Oh…" Cana smirked playfully.

"That's not what I meant!" Gray exclaimed. "I think it'd be smarter to attack with everyone together."

"I want to attack the enemy as soon as possible." Cana argued. "That way we can resume the S Class exam. That's why we should split up and search."

"Fine then." Mercury sighed. "We'll split up here."

"You just love teasing me, don't you?" Gray deathpanned, the quartet going their own separate ways.

"We're girls, love." Ulyo giggled. "We gossip."

"Got that right." Gray muttered.

"What was that?" Ulyo smiled sweetly.

"Nothing." Gray answered.

SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.