Lucy walked down the road alone quietly. Maybe doing missions alone wouldn't be so bad. Sure it was quiet, but that's something you don't find much of being a guild mage. So consumed with her thoughts, Lucy didn't realize that it was almost night. Thankfully, Virgo decided to pop out and tell Lucy she found somewhere safe to set up camp. Walking away from the road and into the forest, Lucy finally took notice of the change in temperature.

"Man, I wish I had a big cup of hot chocolate right now," Lucy mumbled to herself

Coming up to the small clearing, Virgo started setting up camp. Lucy honestly didn't know what she would do without her spirits. They all made sure that she was taken care of when she couldn't do it herself. Maybe when she got back on her feet she could do something nice for them. Maybe make them their favorite treat or find them something they would enjoy.

"Princess, I've set up your tent and brought you food. I'd start a fire, but this area is known for bandits. So I will stay out while you sleep and make sure no one approaches. Punishment?" Virgo bowed

"Thank you, Virgo, for everything, but no punishment tonight. Its been a long day and I only have until the day after tomorrow to get to Clover Town. I think I'll just eat and head to bed." Lucy smiled

Virgo watched as her master ate the sandwich she made. She knew that the young woman had been through a lot these past few years, and if she could she would take all the pain for her. If Lucy would only open her heart to the sieth mage. Oh yes, her spirits all knew of their master's feelings towards the strange man. While big brother might argue that Bickslow was too much of a playboy, Virgo saw how the mage started to make changes in his life for Lucy. Unfortunately, Loke wouldn't hear of it. No one would ever be good enough for Lucy in their leader's eyes.

Finishing her food Lucy stood, "Goodnight Virgo and thank you again for staying the night with me."

"Goodnight Princess," Virgo said with a rare, but small smile.

Virgo stared out into the darkness as she listened to Lucy's breathing even out. Sometimes her princess cared too much about other people that she often forgot to care for herself. That was fine though because Virgo would always be there to take care of Lucy. If it wouldn't upset Lucy, Virgo would've put her team in their place a long time ago. But no, they constantly used Lucy as a doormat. It bothered all her spirits to see her struggle, but she refused help. Capricorn could often be heard muttering about how the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

The next morning, Virgo woke Lucy up early with a small breakfast and a few sandwiches for lunch. For the most part, the day was a good one. The air was cooler and showed signs of fall passing into winter. She would make sure to ask Aries for some extra wool to keep her warm tonight since she would be camping just outside of Clover Town. Lucy, lost in thought, had noticed she was being followed by a strange shadow.

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No one had heard from Natsu, and it was starting to worry the old guild master. He was at least grateful that the boy wasn't burning down Magnolia. It was a good thing that Natsu wasn't here right now though, not only was Laxus and Gajeel irritated that Lucy hadn't come to them for help, but Crime Sorciere would be visiting tonight. Cobra and Midnight would be all over Natsu for hurting Lucy. That girl had every dragon slayer wrapped around her fingers. From the looks of it, she also had Bickslow's brothers wrapped up too.

He finally decided that he was going to split Team Natsu up. The Magic Council has been insisting it for years now, but up until yesterday, he hadn't had the heart to do it. Looking at the latest mission report and bill, talking to Kaleb, and finding out Lucy was now homeless made up his mind. Laxus already made up a room in his house for the poor girl. Bickslow gave Evergreen some money to go buy Lucy some new stuff for her room. Although the boy tried to be discreet about it, Makarov could stop a man in love a mile away. Maybe this would be the push Bickslow needed, and he would finally tell Lucy.

Hearing the front door slam open, Makarov looks up to see several figures in dark cloaks. Already knowing who it was he waved them inside and turned back to the bar.

"Why the is everyone so depressed looking?" Angel whispered to Meredy

Jellal made his way to the bar to talk to Makarov while Cobra and Midnight sought out their favorite blonde. Seeing no signs of her or the pyromaniac she calls a partner, the duo went to the lounge upstairs.

"Hey Soulfucker, where's Bright Eyes?" Cobra asked Bickslow.

Getting no answer from the man, Cobra decided to listen in on Bick's soul.

I wouldn't if I were you. His mind and soul are going haywire, Cobra heard in his mind. Looking across the table, he saw a man he didn't recognize.

Did you just fucking talk into my head? Cobra questioned silently.

I did. My name is Kaleb and I'm Bickslow's older brother. Lucy left on a couple of solo missions. She won't be back for at least a week, depends on if she walks or takes the train. Kaleb responded.

Well, that explains why his soul is a fucking mess. Being away from one's soulmate for too long could drive any man into drinking, Cobra sighed and ignored Midnight's gaze.

What do you mean soulmate?

Ya know, destined for each other and red string of fate shit. I keep telling him to just look at her soul but he refuses. It's there though. I can hear it every time those two are in the same room. Cobra explained

"I let her down again" Bickslow whispered.

"Do what now?" Midnight asked.

"I said I let Lucy down again." Bickslow looked up at his friends, "She needed a place to stay because her team fucked up again, and I let her down."

"Dammit Bickslow, you know that it wasn't your fault. She didn't tell anyone what was going on. Shes fucking stubborn and refuses any kind of help because she sees it as her being weak" Laxus yelled catching the attention of the entire guild, "Fuck man if she had asked everyone would've pitched in to help her."

Bickslow stood up so quick his chair went flying, "But she didn't ask just anyone, she asked me." And with that, he stormed out of the guild to go work off some of his aggression.

"Laxus-sama are you alright?" Freed rushed to Laxus' side," I have no idea what has gotten into Bickslow."

Laxus sat down with a heavy sigh, " I don't know either Freed."

"It's the Soulmate bond. You would be the same way if your mate needed help and left without it. It's like your world has turned to ash and you feel like you can't do anything right." Cobra explained as Mira Brought up fresh drinks for everyone.

"Soulmate bond? Kind of like the dragon slayers have?" she asked.

"Yeah kinda. Sieth mages have soulmates. Someone who will help balance out their power. Most don't find theirs and it's why so many turn dark.

Unlike dragon slayers though, the sieth mage can ignore the pull." he explained

"So does that mean you haven't found your mate yet Cobra?" Mira smiled

"Oh no, I have. I'm just not good enough for her. I never will be, but give it another year or so."

"Oh, and who is she Cobra?" Mira asked with hearts in her eyes.

" None of ya damn business Demon," Cobra grumbled and looked over the railing at his blue-haired mate.

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"Man my feet are killing me, but I did it and the kids were super excited. Dontcha think so Loke?" Lucy skipped towards the train station.

"Indeed Princess," Loke looked around feeling eyes on him," The kids seemed very fond of Gemini."

Lucy giggled as she looked back at her faithful lion. They had truly been through thick and thin together. Once upon a time, she had major feelings for the man, but she knew it could never be. But now her heart belongs to another and once again she was quiet about it. The only people who knew how she felt about Bickslow were her spirits. Loke found her crying one night on her way back from the guild. Cana was going on and on about how good sex was with the man and how she always saw women hanging on the tall mage. It ripped Lucy's heart to pieces, but she swore to herself and Loke that once she got strong enough to stand by his side, she would tell him. That was another reason she was going solo. She needed to test herself, and with her team always rushing ahead of her she couldn't. Once she got back, she would talk to Master about going solo more often. Lucy reached the train station without even realizing it and turned to try and find Loke.

"Hey Loke, what are you looking around for?" she asked

"Huh? Oh, its nothing I just feel like we are being watched. Do you mind if I stay out for a while with you?" he looked around again

"Silly lion," she laughed, "how about as soon as I find us a private compartment I call you back you?"

He looked around again, feeling uneasy "Ok, just make sure you do it quickly please"

When Loke went back to the Spirit World, Lucy went ahead to buy herself a ticket. Now that her lion was gone, she could feel what he was talking about. Someone was defiantly watching her. Noticing she still had a few minutes, she decided to go to the bathroom. She stepped in front of the sink to splash her face with water when she noticed a strange shadow slide across the back wall.

Grabbing her keys, Lucy yelled "Alright come on out. I know you are there"

A man suddenly appeared from the shadow. He was tall and broad, and there was no way she would be able to take him in this small space. She quickly transformed into her Taurus star dress and ran outside. Seeing the man follow her, she threw her whip out to catch his ankle. The man fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

"Oh little girl, is that all you've got?" the man laughed

"I'll show you little girl" Lucy smirked.

She needed to finish this quickly. They were starting to attract a crowd and she needed to leave.

"EARTH WAVE" Lucy yelled as she slammed her whip to the ground.

Seeing the man crumpled on the ground, she looked up to see the damage her attack did. Hearing the shouts of the Rune Knights, she turned to face the music.

"Miss Heartfilia, what is the meaning of this?" Captain Lahar demanded

"Oh. Um. Hi Captain Lahar. This man attacked me in the bathroom and I didn't mean to make such a big mess." Lucy cried

"Miss Heartfilia, I don't see a man," Lahar stated dryly as he pushed his glasses up, "I'm afraid I'm going to have to take you in."

"WHAT?!" Lucy yelled, "Ask anyone here, they will tell you that there was a man."

"I'm placing you under arrest. We will notify your guild as soon as we get to headquarters." Captain Lahar placed magic sealing handcuffs on her and turned away, "Be sure to take her keys."

As Lucy struggled to get free of her handcuffs, she noticed her feet started to slowly sink into the shadows. This was not going to end well for her she could see it now.

"Captain." one of the knights yelled out

Turning around Lahar saw Lucy Heartfilia disappear into the floor with her voice ringing out,

"Help me, please"

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Now that my life is back on track, I will be trying my best to keep up with my normal updates. Thank you everyone, who messaged me to make sure I was ok. I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Remember to leave a review XOXO