Thankfully Yukino agreed to be my partner for the maze challenge. Yukino, Sting, Rogue, the Exceeds, and I decided to stay in the city for the night, then head to Magnolia tomorrow morning. Sting had suggested that Rogue and he accompany us to tell Master,"In case Natsu tries to stir up trouble," he said. There were no objections on my part.
Our train was to depart at 9:15, and we were there bright eyed and bushy tailed at 8:46.
The train ride back to Magnolia seemed faster than it was coming to the city itself. I was amazed at how controlled Rogue and Sting were with their motion sickness, all though Sting looked obvious.
Train Station in Magnolia
Sting and Rogue were getting my bags,as Yukino and I were walking ahead making plans for the day.
"Okay Yukino. First we have to go to my apartment so that Rogue and Sting can put my bags there." Yukino nodded.
"Then I have to go to the guild and report back to Master and tell him who my partner is. After he approves us. We can go have breakfast and Caprico will help us set our training schedule for the next four months." I looked at Yukino to see her reaction.
She nodded again, smiling and said," Sounds like a plan."
I gave her a smile before turning around and shouting to Sting and Rogue, " Hurry up boys! We have to hurry and drop by my place before we head to the guild."
We stood in front of the guild doors. The usual ruckus made by my nakama could be heard several feet away.
"What are you waiting for blondie?" Sting asked impatiently. Yukino, who was standing beside Sting, lightly elbowed him in the ribs.
"Don't be rude Sting."
"It's okay Yukino,' I said turning to the two of them,' He's right. I'm not sure why I'm just standing here." I looked back to the door. I took a deep, slow breath and reached to open the door, when I felt someone put a hand on my shoulder.
Glancing back, I saw Rogue give me a calm, steady look. I nodded at him and centered myself, then opened the door.
"I'm back!" I exclaimed as loud as I could over the commotion. A few heads glanced in my direction, but did a double take when they noticed the people behind. I saw Wakabe and Cana lower their booze and stare. I directed my gaze to the bar and saw Mirajane gasp before leaving the bar and running upstairs towards Master's office.
I looked back at my Sabertooth companions and motioned for them to walk to the bar. While we headed to the bar, the racket died down and were replaced with hushed whispers.
"Lucy!" a voice called from the second floor.
"Yes Master," I said, looking up to the small man.
"Welcome back my dear child. I see you have brought back quite the group. Which of the three Sabertooth mages will be your partner for the Maze Course?"
"Yukino, Sabertooth's Celestial Mage," I confidently responded, glancing at Yukino swiftly.
Master nodded. "Very well, I hope you both are successful with your training. Mirajane please register Lucy's partner."
Luckily for us, Team Natsu wasn't there at the guild so we came and went quietly. The six of us went out to breakfast to discuss our plans for training. I had already summoned Virgo to pack my things and know we were talking to Caprico about training techniques for celestial magic.
"For the first month I want you and Yukino to practice summoning spirits and practice your usual attacks. The second month, you both should be traveling to a celestial sanctuary to deepen your magic capacity and learn more techniques. That should take about a whole month. The third month you will move into intensive training with Rogue and Sting in hand to hand combat as well as strengthening your magic. The fourth month the two of you will go into a battle against various opponents, such as your spirits."
I nodded at him.
"I want you both to know that your spirits are capable of more than just their generic magic."
Guys Im sorry for the short choppy chapters. Forgive me. I really hate reading short chapters and writing them short makes me just as guilty, but I'm trying guys. The next chapter will start off probably a week or so after this little planning session.