A/N: Okay...well here it is! Hello, if you have read the original chapter one, you will notice a huge difference yet some similar scenarios. I have created a new path for Unexpectant Situations. But let me know what you think and here is chapter one. I do not have scheduled updates due to other projects as in; intensive editing for UE, my newer fanfic called Lightning Among the Stars, and my non-fanfiction book I am writing. I will certainly do my best on keeping up this time since I'm no longer in my slump.
Enjoy.
~~~Chapter One~~~
Lucy's eyebrows furrowed together as she concentrated on the cards in her hands. She wasn't an excellent card player, but she had fun regardless of if she won or lost. She placed a card down after deciding it would be her best bet.
"You didn't forget, did you?" Cana asked in silence. Lucy glanced up at her brunette friend. She gave a slight shake of her head.
"No. I didn't forget." Lucy commented as she waited for Cana to lay down her cards. "That was a huge promise. How could I?"
Cana snorted a laugh. "Good." She took a giant swig from her bottle, burped then laid down a card. "Good. I'm holding you to it." Lucy nodded, remembering the conversation. Cana had told her she wanted to tell her all about Gildarts but didn't think she would ask for such a huge favor, especially considering she had been missing for well over a year in another realm.
"I need your help," Cana announced. She fumbled down into her purse and pulled out a flask. She unscrewed the cap and took a loud gulp. She wiped her face with the back of her hand after her swig.
"Oh, well, how am I able to help?" Lucy asked, tilting her head to the side in curiosity. Cana coming to her for a serious favor was out of the norm, so it piqued her interest.
"I did a card reading the other day for shit and giggles, you know, on random people." Cana started swooshing the liquid in the flask. "I did one on my dad." Lucy pursed her lips, not liking how Cana was sounding. "I can't put my finger on it, but there's something he's hiding. Now, I know you're doing your little research for Ciel, but can you do this lass a favor?"
"Well, how can I say no when you ask that way?" Lucy chuckled. "I have something small I'm figuring out myself with the celestial spirits, but I can help out in any way I can. What do you need me to do?" She clasped her hands into her lap.
"I think he found something he shouldn't have. Pretty sure that's why he didn't stick around long this time, and his whole demeanor was crazy." Cana started looking up with tears forming in her eyes. She didn't like getting mushy like she was beginning to, but damn, Cana just wanted that bond with her long-lost father that she was still getting used to as a father figure. She can't form a bond with him because he is always disappearing without a trace.
"Did he mention where he was?" Lucy asked.
Cana shook her head. "I just know he was towards the borderline of Bosco. There was apparently some legend somewhere around there, and I need you to find out what it was when you go back to your mansion." She asked. Lucy's mouth gaped open for a moment as she moved her hand to her chin, curling her finger under in thought.
"I think I'm aware of the legend you're speaking of. The legend of a Griffin who protects the treasure of its golden eggs filled with gold nuggets. They are said to be a creature of royalty, protect the good, and defend against evil." Lucy stated. "I remember reading it in a book, but other than that, I don't know much about that tale. I was still rather young and wanted to play with dolls and tea parties and get my father's attention. Hence, how Elizabeth was created."
"I think my father may have taken something that doesn't belong to him," Cana stated, taking another swig. "I need you to find more about that legend or even anything else that may come about in that part of Fiore. Or even if you hear rumors, I don't care. Just please, can you help me?"
Lucy nodded. "Alright, I promise I will figure it out. One way or another."
"Drink up bitch," Cana said. "I beat you again." Lucy groans loudly as she realizes she zoned out during the game again, making her lose again.
"Cana, no. You know how I get when I drink. I really don't feel like making a fool of myself tonight." Lucy said, stacking her cards. "I actually should be heading back before there's a search party sent out for me."
"Whatev," Cana said with a roll of her eyes. "You are a grown adult."
"It's not like that, Cana," Lucy said with a sad smile.
"You leave in a couple of days for mavis. How long with him and everyone else? Be selfish for once," Cana commented, taking a swig from her beer. Lucy bit her lip, knowing Cana was right. She had only been back for a short period and was about to turn around and leave right out the front door again.
"You win," Lucy announced as she sat back down onto her legs. "I'm still not drinking."
"That's debatable, honey," Cana grinned.
Lucy groaned, holding her head as she woke to a bright light shining on her face. She had no idea where she even was until she remembered the night before. Cana somehow managed to get her to drink, regardless that Lucy had rejected the idea multiple times.
Lucy regretted it so.
"My head hurts," She whined, sitting up, the sheet falling to her lap. She was still at fairy hills in Cana's room. She could only imagine Laxus's reaction to her not coming back last night. "He's going to kill me."
With a sigh, she got up quietly, swaying as she put weight onto her feet. She steadied herself for a moment before leaning down, grabbing her belt, keys, and shoes before heading to the door, leaving Cana's abode. The dormitory was quiet. Lucy had no idea what time it was. She fumbled, wrapping the belt around her waist, and when she finally succeeded, she waved her hand over Horologium's key.
"Seven," Lucy said out loud, her voice cracking. She kept her head down, leaving the building, wincing as the brightness from outside blinded her and made her head throb. She put on her boots and then started heading toward home.
She got onto the familiar path, focusing on getting home and downing water. She felt awful and didn't understand why people drank themselves to oblivion like that to feel this way.
"Fancy meeting you here," A voice called out, startling Lucy. She jumped to see Gray walking beside her shirtless.
"Gray, your shirt," She commented. "But yeah, fancy is the word. Are you heading to the house?" She asked. He nodded before throwing his shirt over his head.
"Yeah, looking for you, actually," he replied. "I wanted to talk to you before we all part ways." Lucy nodded.
"That is coming up, isn't it? Which reminds me…my group is meeting tomorrow to discuss details, and I promised Natsu I would meet him at the guild hall later." Lucy sighed but smiled at Gray. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Gray stopped and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Are you okay?" He asked in seriousness. Lucy stopped turning to face Gray.
"Yes? Why do you ask?" She tilted her head, her blonde hair swaying. She was curious as to why Gray thought something was wrong with her.
"Something just seems different," Gray noticed. "It may just be me, but just be careful. Something doesn't sit right with me, and with us all going on different paths, it just worries me."
"I mean, we're all different, Gray. The experiences we have all endured left a huge impact on everyone. I'm not surprised you felt the difference. Right now, I'm just a little hungover because Cana doesn't understand the term no." She rolled her eyes as Gray arched a brow.
"I meant you specifically, but I do agree." Gray nodded. "You said you have the Spirit King's magic inside you?" He asked, bringing a hand up to fiddle with his necklace.
Lucy nodded. "Why?"
"Maybe that's it…." Gray said quietly. "Nevermind." He shook his head. "I may be overthinking it." Lucy reached out, grabbing Gray's hand.
"Thank you for worrying. His magic has strained my body because it's so much greater than my own, but my container accepted it, and there was no rejection. It will just take some time getting used to it." She explained. She pecked him on the cheek and then started walking towards the house.
"I'll see you later, Lucy," Gray called to her. Lucy glanced back with a smile and waved.
At the house, she wasn't surprised to see Laxus standing with his arms crossed, pissed. Ciel leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, just watching the staring contest between Laxus and Lucy.
"You could have told me you weren't coming back," Laxus finally broke the silence.
"I had every intention. Cana, however, didn't approve. She told me to be selfish for once," Lucy replied.
Laxus sighed, staring up. "Cana," he mumbled. "That woman, I think, is worse than Mira." Lucy giggled quietly. She wrapped her arms around Laxus's frame as he wrapped his arm around her. "You reek of booze."
"Cana," Lucy mumbled into his shirt. "But she asked me for a favor, and it's a pretty big one. I'm not sure I can honestly keep it to myself." She pushed herself back to detach from Laxus. She glanced between Laxus and Ciel. "It's about Gildarts."
"Gildarts?" Laxus raised a brow in question. Gildarts was one who could hold his own and definitely didn't like sticking around.
Lucy nodded. "Yeah," she sighed, biting her lip. "He did something not good."
"Like what?" Ciel asked, clearing his throat.
"Have either of you heard of the legend about the Griffin?" she asked. Ciel and Laxus looked at each other. Ciel rubbed his chin with a finger.
"Yes, actually. I have encountered one. Griffins are very loyal creatures." Ciel commented. "But I feel you're about to announce what I hope you're not about to."
"He stole one of the golden eggs," Lucy said as her voice got high-pitched. "And Cana asked if I could find out what exactly happened." The falling silence made Lucy uncomfortable as she watched Laxus's face patiently.
"Does Master know?" Laxus asked slowly, his eyes burning into Lucy. Lucy shook her head. She didn't think master knew.
"Only me and now the both of you." The silence fell again. It was so quiet that if a ballpoint pen fell, you would hear it perfectly.
"I feared that," Ciel finally spoke. "I'm not sure if we should get involved or not, being mages that possess a type of divine magic. Griffins are the guardians of the divine. What he did…." He didn't have the word.
"Did he or did he not steal an egg for sure?" Laxus asked, rubbing his face.
"Cana seems to think he did," Lucy told.
"Where is Gildarts now?" Laxus asked. He was having a hard time processing what he was hearing. Laxus wasn't even sure what a Griffin was. And of all people, why the hell did Cana have to go to Lucy?
Lucy shrugged as she sat down on the couch. "She doesn't know. I don't think she expects me to track him down or anything like that. More so, just figure out what happened."
"How does she expect us to do that?" Laxus asked, pacing. "Please tell me you didn't promise." He pleads, stopping to look at her. Lucy bowed her head. "Blondie. Seriously?"
"I'm sorry, Laxus. I couldn't turn her down. We will just figure it out." Lucy pinched her lips together because she hadn't even announced that she had her own research she needed to do that would take a little longer than Ciel's.
"Does this not bother you at all?" Laxus asked with aggravation. Lucy looked up at him with confusion.
"What do you mean?" She asked.
"Leaving already," Laxus said bluntly, crossing his arms. "You just got back from the spirit world, and now you want to go go go without even taking a second to breathe." Lucy slumped her shoulders, feeling bad.
"I know, and I'm sorry," She said. "But this is important in many aspects." She stood up, popping her back.
"I agree with Lucy on figuring out the Griffin ordeal. If Gildarts truly stole a golden egg, that creature will hold no mercy wreaking havoc until the egg is returned," Ciel input.
"For right now, this has to stay between us," Lucy interjected. "Let's do our original task, then figure out the Gildarts situation."
"I agree," Laxus said. "But do not think I am happy at all with this. I'm pissed."
"I'm sorry," Lucy apologized. "I'm not trying to be insensitive." She started fidgeting, avoiding his gaze.
"I know."
"Earth to Lucy." A hand waved before her face. She jumped from startlement- almost falling flat on her face off the bar stool she was seated on. She narrowed her eyes, giving the fire dragon slayer an annoyed look. After a hectic time at home, she had finally told Laxus she needed to go and meet Natsu.
"Why do you have to scare me like that?" She whined as she situated herself. Happy seated himself in her lap, tucking his wings into his back. It had been a while since they sat next to each for a meal like this.
"Do you have to leave again?" Happy asked in a somber tone. Lucy gave a sad smile as she patted the exceed on his head and then scratched behind his ear.
"I do, but don't forget, so are you guys." Lucy reminded as she glanced up at Natsu. He avoided her eye contact, causing her to sigh. "Look, I'm sorry we're taking Wendy, but Juvia is an excellent mage. She would be quite a beneficial addition to the group." Natsu crossed his arms with a huff.
"It's not that." He finally spoke. "You were supposed to be on this mission with us." He reminded. The emotions hit her like a bomb. She bowed her head feeling the disappointment that laced his voice.
"I know." She whispered. "But things changed Natsu over the past year. This is your mission. This is the mission you've wanted forever. With or without me. I have a different path than you." She said, lifting her head up. What she wasn't expecting was the warm smile across Natsu's face.
"I understand. It just sucks." He admitted. "And it won't be the same. It wasn't the same the first time we left before being summoned to come back." Natsu sat down on the stool beside Lucy placing his elbows on top of the bar counter.
"Here, Happy." A soft voice said as a plate with a giant fish was placed in front of where Lucy sat. She crinkled her nose at the smell of the raw fish as Happy scrambled from her lap.
"Oh boy! It's so huuuge!" Happy exclaimed as he flew a circle around it. Lucy giggled as she watched the blue exceed light up about the most minor thing. "Thanks, Mira."
"He never ceases to amaze me with the excitement of getting a fish," Lucy commented. "Anyways. When do you leave Natsu?" She asked, folding her hands into her lap.
"Tomorrow." He responded as he tucked his mouth behind his scarf. Lucy nodded.
"Right. You leave before us. We leave first thing Sunday morning." She mentioned. "Do you want me to see you guys off?" She asked, turning her head towards him. "I mean, if you want me to."
Natsu shrugged. "If you want to."
She smiled at him. She knew he was hurting. So much had happened, and not everyone had processed the shit show they all had to hurdle through. No matter what obstacle they had to run around, Natsu was and is her best friend. She had a life, though, a new one. They weren't teenagers anymore, and she couldn't live in a fantasy world anymore. It was time for her to move on with her life and settle down. Natsu had dreams, and so did she, but they were just so different from one another. There was no way they could accomplish both of their goals together. It just wasn't possible.
"I do." She finally replied. She leaned towards him, laying her head on his shoulder. "I will miss you, Natsu." It was true. She would miss every single one of her friends. She thought about her daydream that Natsu had interrupted her from thinking maybe she could tell him- but he wasn't the right person. Natsu would flip shit and not leave. He would throw everything away for her sake, and it just wasn't his responsibility.
She wasn't his responsibility.
"Why does everyone have to meet here?" Gajeel groaned as he laid back on the couch with one leg crossed over his knee. Levy swatted at him to hush.
"Because we don't get to go on this journey due to Laken. I want all the time I can get with them before they leave again for god knows how long." She stressed. Lucy was standing beside the couch, cradling Laken and rocking him.
"Yeah, stop being a baby," Lucy giggled. "We still have to inform Bickslow and Freed of their sudden departure. I'm a little scared of how Evergreen will react knowing her whole team is leaving beside her." She bit her lip. She felt guilt that Evergreen wouldn't be joining, but Makarov had ordered the other two to be included.
"I'm sure Elfman will keep her plenty busy," Levy stated matter of fact. "She's been taking more jobs with him this year than with the thunder legion."
Lucy blinked, smiling. "Well, that does make me feel a little less guilty."
"Blondie," Laxus called as he walked into the room from the kitchen. "You did tell them to meet here, right?" Ciel appeared behind him without his cloak sporting a dark green shirt with strings at the collar. Lucy hardly ever saw him without his cloak on, which made her raise a brow.
"Yes, I did. They may just be running late. I hope they do get here soon. I promised Team Natsu I would see them off." She said as she began rocking the snoozing babe in her arms.
Laxus grunted as he leaned against the wall. "Freed is one of the most punctual guys I know." There was a knock on the door, interrupting. Lucy gave him the told you to look as he shook his head. The front door opened, revealing Freed, Bickslow, and Wendy filling in.
"Sorry, we're late. It was my fault." Wendy apologized, bowing.
"It's okay." Lucy was the one who answered. She walked over and stood before Levy offered her the baby. "You're not too late, so no biggie."
"Stand up, child," Carla said as she stood beside Wendy's feet. Wendy moved back to a standing position clasping her hands before her.
"I'm sorry." She said again. Lucy waved her off and smiled at her. Wendy was always an apologetic girl, and she didn't think Wendy would ever grow out of it.
"So what is this about?" Bickslow asked, taking a seat on an empty chair as his totems danced in front of him, one straying to sit on Lucy's shoulder.
"Pack your bags. You're going on a road trip." Gajeel answered with a gihi.
"We are?" Wendy asked. Even though Wendy had returned the night before, there wasn't a spare moment to let the sky dragon slayer know the details or the members of the thunder legion.
"Okay. Where to? What does this job entail, and who is all going precisely?" Freed asked. Laxus rubbed a hand down his face as Ciel fidgeted next to him.
"You're joining us on going to Alcaypha," Ciel stated. "But first, we have to make a stop to where Miss Anna Heartfilia is." He explained. Freed and Bickslow both turned towards Laxus with curious looks.
"Right on. But why are we going?" Bickslow asked, kicking a leg up over his knee. "I thought a team was already assigned?"
"You guys were…." Lucy tapped her chin. "A recommended addition to the team, so we agreed."
"So what are we doing in Alcaypha once we get there?" Freed questioned, intrigued. "That's where you're from, right Lucy?"
She nodded. "Yes. We will be stopping by the Heartfilia mansion as well." She informed. "I don't really remember how it got so damaged from the last fight there, so I'm not entirely sure what we're walking into. But, from what I remember, my father's workers still live on the estate."
"So, what does that mean?" Freed asked. Lucy shrugged. "Rephrase. What are we after at your family's property?"
"Research and I need to talk to some staff about something else," Lucy said. Only Ciel and Cobra knew she had a different mission, but neither knew exactly what. She could feel Laxus's eyes on her for more details, but she avoided looking at him.
"I understand. I guess there's really no way we can turn it down. When do we leave?" he asked.
"Tomorrow morning," Ciel answered. The quiet mage was leaning against the entryway to the kitchen.
"I dig. What about Ever?" Bickslow asked. "She's going to be pissed."
Levy snorted with a wave. "Again, I repeat. She has Elfman. She'll be fine."
"Says the one, not on her team." Bickslow chuckled. "But touche."
"So we leave tomorrow?" Wendy asked. "When do Natsu and them leave?"
Lucy smiled. "Tonight. Want to come with me to say farewell?" she asked. She felt terrible taking Wendy away from the team but having three dragon slayers would benefit them, especially if they ran into trouble. Team Natsu was an extraordinary team.
"Really? Yes, please." The girl replied.
"Alright, so meet at guild hall at six am sharp tomorrow," Laxus grunted. Lucy sighed, thinking it was too early, but she wasn't about to argue. Just meant she would have to go to bed way earlier.
"Damn. Are you trying to kill us, man?" Bickslow whined. Laxus shot him a glare that said shut the fuck up. Bickslow rolled his eyes. "Okay then. Roger that. No need for the hostility." He grumbled jokingly.
Levy stood up, handing the baby off to Gajeel. She took Lucy into a bear hug, not wanting to let go. "I'm going to miss you. Be careful out there."
Lucy gave a reassuring squeeze back. "What could go wrong?" she joked. A bad joke at that. "Okay, I take that back." Gajeel laughed, shaking the sleeping baby and causing him to whimper.
"Damn it, Gajeel!" Levy sighed, pulling back from the hug.
Lucy wiped her eyes with her fingertips and wiped her nose on her jacket sleeve. She couldn't help the crying. It was hard not to. They were only waiting on Natsu, which was by far going to be the worst goodbye for her. At least this time, it was a peaceful goodbye, not a heartbreak from unreturned feelings.
"Where is he? He's late." Erza said, crossing her armored arms. Her eyes were rimmed red from the bit of crying she did. Jellal stood beside her, offering his goodbyes as well to the redhead.
"That's Natsu for you," Gray commented, scratching his head.
"Gray dear, your shirt," Juvia said as the ice maker mage indeed stripped his shirt. He looked around furiously for it.
"Not again." He mumbled. Juvia held her hand out with his shirt in tow. He grabbed it from her, mumbling thanks as he yanked it over his head.
"The train will leave soon," Lucy announced anxiously, biting her lip. "Oh, Natsu. Where are you?" she asked herself quietly.
"Heyyy!" a voice yelled as Happy came into view carrying said dragon slayer everyone had been waiting on. He was already blue in the face from the thought of being on the train.
"It's about time," Gray said as the horn on the train whistled, announcing the last boarding call. Happy dropped Natsu not so gracefully onto the boarding platform.
"He got sick once the mention of a train got brought up." Happy stated.
"I see," Erza said. "Well, we should get going. "
Lucy kneeled before Natsu touched his head. "Hey, I'm sure Wendy would cast trolia before you leave." She smiled as he turned his head to look at her.
"It's no use. Trolia doesn't work on meh anymore." He said sadly. Lucy shook her head at the statement, not surprised, considering Wendy had used it many times.
"Be safe, Natsu," Lucy said, extending her hand. Natsu blinked a few times, eyeing her hand as he finally pushed himself up, accepting it.
"You too, Luigi."