(Guild hall No one's point of View noon)
At approximately noon Lucy walked into the Guild hall with a bright smile on her face greeting everyone in her normal way. She looked as refreshed as she did any other day, but those who knew her story, looked the other way avoiding her. They would let her play out her role until she willingly let them help her or were told by the master to step in. It would hurt to watch this, but it's all they could do for her. She walks over to the bar and begins a discussion with Mira while drinking her normal juice when she's interrupted by some of the newer young members who excitedly surrounded her saying, "Wow, you were amazing this morning. That's why you're an S-Class right? We've heard stories but we've never seen you fight before." Not realizing the effect of their conversation or how it would make her feel, Mira tries to redirect the conversation and interrupts them saying to Lucy, "These are some of the newer members that have joined these last four years. Not all of them were here yesterday when you arrived."
Lucy smiles at them sadly and says, "I'm no longer an S-Class mage like I was, but it's a pleasure to meet you. Some things have changed and because of my recent training accident my memories and magic have been severely limited. I do apologize for not remembering you all very well, but appreciate your very kind words." Bowing her head a little she looks back at them and says, "If you wouldn't mind though I would like you to not watch my time in the training arena anymore. I wasn't aware I had an audience this morning."
"Why would you ask that? You were outstanding. You moved so strategically and you were still using magic. Well it looked like magic kinda. We don't really understand though." They ask again with a confused look on their face but continuing to be ignorant of her feelings and facial expressions.
Lucy pouts cutely, but says, "How about this then… I will show you how I do what I do in a small lesson right now and in exchange you won't ask me any more questions or watch me train." Mira tries again to interrupt this interaction from happening because of one specific little girl scowling at her and it's clear that Lucy missed the disappointment in the girls eyes when she said training accident. Trying to tell Lucy it's not necessary to push herself, she only receives a hand raised in return and continues, "Its ok Mira. One lesson is all I'm willing to give right now and they're young. They don't understand." With them nodding their head begging Mira with puppy eyes she nods ok regretfully. They quickly follow her outside to a small open area and listen.
"First off no questions. Listen to everything first then I will allow you to speak. Now close your eyes all of you." She instructs towards them quietly. You can tell she doesn't want to do this, but for her guild she will do anything. Older members begin watching from the window closely and listen carefully to what she has to say.
"Release all your thoughts and think about nothing but the feelings and flow within you. Feel your magic and think of the unimaginable endless possibilities it possesses." Waiting for a little bit she continues, "Now I want you to push that magic you feel from you, not your element into the environment. Now feel how the environment is pulling at your own natural magic. Once you find that pull and understand why it's there you can bend it to your will and use it to your advantage. Until then work on finding the similarities and differences between them and last but not least contemplate the possible effects and differences of your element on the environment surrounding you and use that to your advantage as well. Once you know this your element can grow and improve with you. You will understand in time, but this is the only lesson you will receive. Don't forget it." Lucy finishes quietly with a sad smile and walks away from them into the guild and straight to the library for no one to bother her for a bit.
The younger members with their first real lesson stare at each other with wide sparkling eyes and large grins even if they don't fully understand what it was completely about. Chattering excitedly one boy says, "Wow I never thought about things that way. I wonder how long it took her to learn that." One little girl interrupts them from their moment of awe and responds harshly with, "Well probably forever duh. I mean considering she had a training accident and can't recover I guess she's not as great as we thought. She probably never was able to do much more then what she was doing earlier." Crossing her arms she hmphs to herself and then thinks, "Why did I look up to her? No longer an S-Class all because of a training accident. That's just stupid." Unfortunately for this member they had said the wrong thing at the wrong time with Natsu's hearing and watching Lucy from the entrance.
Walking over and responding quickly to the group of children about to rebuke her statement he interrupts her and scolds severely, "You don't know what you're talking about and you should learn to think before you say anything at all until you know all your facts. You just received a lesson from someone who is part of your family and you treat her that way? She's not old and has excelled far faster than any of us. She trains every day to protect people like you and if she is doing everything without her original magic, what makes you think you could ever dream to be anything like her even with your magic when you get older? What makes you think you have the right to talk about her at all? You asked her questions not the other way around! Don't think so lowly of her because of an accident!." Natsu roars at the end scaring her. Erza walks up beside him placing a hand on his shoulder preventing him from saying anything further, but unknown to them all Lucy was walking back out of the library with a book in her arms wondering what all the commotion was.
"I'm sorry Natsu, but still. If a training accident did that much to her and she can't recover she shouldn't be an S-Class mage. She should be strong enough to rebound from it, but she's clearly not. Aren't we Fairy Tail?" She tries to say bravely but when she finally sees Lucy's broken smile behind Natsu she realizes Lucy heard it all and she now regrets her words.
Interrupting Natsu from speaking any further on her behalf she says, "So then because I don't use or wield magic freely like you, you think I'm weak. Because I couldn't handle my own personal training I'm weak…Is that it?" Lucy says quietly making everyone around her step back leaving the little girl to be left alone to be spoken to, she continues softly with that sad smile everyone hates, "You believe everything is about magic instead of the lesson I just taught you. Being young and inexperienced it's understandable though. Someday you will understand my lesson was more in strategy and utilizing your environment to your advantage then in magic, but until then I wish for you to stay as far away from me as possible. I'm not weak and I refuse to be called weak. I protect my family and we stand stronger together regardless of our abilities. That is Fairy Tail after all. I will always be here regardless of my class and I will always love you like I love everyone else in this guild and maybe someday you'll learn there's more to life than just magic." Lucy whispers out with a ghost of a smile towards the young girl. Walking past the girl not noticing that her book called The First Masters guide to potential battle strategies caught her attention Lucy disappears in the distance without another word said or a second glance back.
The little girl still not fully understanding, but knowing she hurt a member of her family steps forward and reaching her hand out yells, "Wait. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." But it goes on deaf ears. "I don't understand. Being brave and using magic to protect everyone, that's what I've seen from all of us here. That's what you all taught us I thought. You all told us stories about her and her magic…" She whispers looking down at her feet.
Master walks through the crowd though and stops in front of her and says, "That my child is the big lesson for you to learn. Not everything is fought with magic. You have to have heart and yours is strong, and with the right guidance will continue to grow, but you have hurt her deeply. You won't understand now, but Lucy is what makes Fairy Tail and is everything you really should continue to strive to be." Patting her on the head she begins to sniffle and cry a little. She turns towards Natsu who is still staring off towards Lucy with clenched hands and says, "I'm sorry Natsu. I didn't mean to. I just don't understand it all."
Natsu turning to her with a neutral soft expression says quietly, "Just learn from this. Do just what she said." Turning back towards the exit he continues walking with the rest of his team towards Lucy's house.
The little boy from earlier walks up to the girl and says quietly as the crowd disperses, "That wasn't very nice even for you. I know you were trying to show off and sound better than us, but you should have just appreciated her teaching us. She hasn't so much as spoke to anyone out of the guild for years from what I understand. We should feel honored. We're a team but please next time just don't spout off again. You always do that stuff and none of us like it you know." She nods her head in response, but remains quiet. Following the boy they both walk out of the guild together with the other members of their team.
Master watches everyone from the second floor after returning from the confrontation downstairs and thinks sadly that that was not something Lucy needed to experience right now. He knew the young members wouldn't understand, and Lucy being Lucy would forgive them like she had, but he saw how she was pulling away again. Pushing everyone around her away to isolate and control the pain on her own for no one else to experience. Only thing that was different from before is without her magic there was no shield. She was only capable of protecting herself using her strategies and natural magic from within leaving her feeling exposed and vulnerable. Easy prey for people to try and get close to her. With her first real day being back he predicted a new trend for her, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that. He would put his faith in her family and that they would pull through for her. Whispering out he says, "Please don't close yourself off Lucy.
We are here for you and we know it will take time..." One final glance down across his guild he notices that his guild is once again less vibrant but is incapable of doing anything about it for now. Sighing the master turns and walks towards his office closing the door behind him.
(Cliff above Magnolia No one's point of view)
After leaving the guild with book in hand Lucy proceeded to the market to pick up a few things deciding she needed some space for a bit. Grabbing snacks as well as a housing magazine, a new notebook and some pens she took off towards the cliffs of Magnolia. It was a nice day out so she wasn't too worried about bringing an extra sweater. She was wearing one of her three quarter sleeved shirts and some comfy jeans that hung lower on her hips with her belt holding her keys and whip like usual. She wanted to be comfortable she decided earlier and after the work out she had she did just that. Finding an open area that overlooked the ocean but included the city to the side she set her battle strategies book down carefully next to her other bag and just stood there. Closing her eyes and feeling the flow through the air and opening her eyes to see the slight sparkle from the water reflecting from the sun, she knew this had to be the most amazing part of Magnolia besides Fairy Tail. Sitting down she looks over and contemplates which she wants to read first, but thinks maybe pulling her notebook over first and deciding a few things first would be smarter.
Grabbing a pen and her notebook she thinks to herself out loud, "What should I think about first? What's the most important thing to me?" Looking down at her blank page she scowls at it. This shouldn't be that hard. Looking over at the magazine again she sighs and then says, "Ok think about what you have right this moment instead and write it down." She knew talking to herself was weird, but she needed to do this to get herself going again. She needed to stay positive if she was going to be able to remain in Fairy Tail as a happy member. Writing down how much she has saved over the years, the last things she remembers, what she knows about the members of the guild and their current relationships she stops and looks up, and thinks out loud again, "Wow. Looking at it from that perspective they've all changed so much from what I knew. It's like the seven year time skip all over again." This made her sadder. Reading her diary and the letter that Makarov had given her that she found out she had wrote to herself and him, she filled in a lot of holes but it still didn't make her feel much better.
Remembering though that she had reached all her goals prior to this mishap made her gloat a little. She never thought she would really actually make the S-Class. She remembers being nominated and talking with Loki and Draco about it, but she always figured Natsu, Gray, or even Wendy would get it before her. Smiling at that piece of knowledge made her feel a little better. Yea it may have been taken away, but at least I decided how all this turned out. It may have been selfish, but I had been a solo mage for 5 years and 3 months supposedly. My actions didn't directly affect any of their decisions and I've always wanted for them to be happy so staying out of their way just seemed like the correct answer. Like Draco said, "If you want to support them from afar all you have to do is smile for them and make them happy in as many indirect ways as possible." Every day I had gone to the guild, smiled and laughed with them. Went on jobs every morning. No one was ever forgot and keeping up on the details made everyone closer. However this was all getting off topic and bringing her back to thoughts she didn't want to think about right then.
Goals. What were going to be her new goals. She needed to stay positive she decided. Moving seemed like a good option. She had always dreamed of owning her own home. With her quick calculations she could afford a house on the outskirts of town far enough away for her privacy and silence, but close enough to her family Fairy Tail to visit regularly. She would look into the magazine in a bit to see what was out there, but she wanted to finish listing out her goals. Collecting more keys was a big one especially Dracos. Not wanting to think those specific thoughts again though she pushes forward to the next thing a little sadly and says, "I won't be leaving for a while though. Master said I couldn't leave Magnolia until some things cleared up and they had some leads." Missions and training would be her last goal for now. She was sure until the mess with the dark alliances cleared the master would allow her to tend to the library for a small bit of pay, and Team Natsu was sure to cause a big enough fuss that the master would let her go on an extremely close one, but for the most part she would be staying local. She could afford it, but she felt trapped again.
Deciding that was enough of her contemplating and goal making she shifts her attention to the magazine. She find out prices for movers and factors it into her budget and decides that it's not worth it. Besides she could use it as training in a way. She would just make sure she rented her house for an additional month after buying her home and it still would be cheaper than movers giving her plenty of time to move her things. Finally getting to the fun part she starts flipping through the pictures and scanning down details comparing and contrasting the magazine to her notepad. She sighs over and over again not finding what she wants until three quarters through the book she finds what she was looking for. A project she could make a home in. Surrounded by the forest with a small clearing for star watching at night and a little pond it reminded her of her old training area they used to take her to. Stroking the picture in the magazine fondly she looks over at the house and notices that it was definitely a project, but it would be worth it in the end. With her penny pinching skills she could work it so she could afford the house, as well as expenses for at least a year after. Hopefully by that time the master would let her go on some bigger missions to get some things she would want, but she was done being selfish in hurting people. Listening to others would be what she would work on, but for the most part she would be alone if she had her way. She knew it would hurt her guild, but she accepted. Reaching over to her snacks she opens a drink and when she hears that the bushes are moving behind her, she already knows who is there and throws the bag of chips next to her in the air behind her only to be caught and opened by Natsu.
"You know me so well." He smirks down at her looking at her surroundings and trying to see what she's doing. "What are you doing all the way up here by yourself?"
Happy floats over and plops on her head looking at her cutely and says, "Yea we stopped at your apartment, but you weren't there. We figured you would have been back there by now, but we got worried something happened."
Laughing a little Lucy simply says, "Of course I know you would come out when I open the snacks Natsu. Who else would only pop out of a bush with that kind of perfect timing." Waiting a moment longer she pulls out her container with the special cake she purchased and put a fork in it and set it to the side knowing Erza would be there any moment which only surprised Happy when a sword came flying at his tale almost pinning it when it came close to the piece of cake. This affectively scared the daylights out of Happy who was now clinging onto Lucy's arm for dear life. He had only got off her head to get more comfortable sitting next to her. Waiting one more second she reached in and grabbed the mint gum Gray liked so well and through it forward towards the now ascending Gray up the cliff on his ice stairs saying, "Thanks Lucy."
Lucy shaking her head says, "You all always know how to make an entrance. So predictable but always a blast." Continuing to laugh at them Happy interrupts her by saying, "But Lucy what about me." Giving her the best kitty eyes he can she looks at him and says, "Happy did you even look in your backpack at the snack I snuck in there while you weren't looking? You usually pull out a fish by now. I'm surprised you haven't yet."
Erza now eating her cake happily next to Happy says, "I apologize for the slip of my sword. I didn't mean to throw it in that direction." Lucy giggles at their exchange and Happy stutters out, "No worries Erza it was an accident." Gulping a little and scooting closer to Lucy with his now fish sticks courtesy of Lucy they continue to enjoy their snack in silence just enjoying the view of the cliff. Finally finishing her drink she pulls over her notebook and pen again and opens it to a fresh page and pulls the book she borrowed from the library out and gets ready to start analyzing, but is interrupted by Natsu who is flipping through her magazine.
"What's with the magazine Luce? Moving?" It was a simple question, but it was one that caused him to worry. He didn't want her to move away from him. He wanted to be with her and protect her. If she moved would he be able to see her as often. What would he do?
"Actually yes. I'm looking to buy a home and I think I found one." She responds excitedly. "I looked at my finances and from my penny pinching over the years I have a lot saved. I've organized it and have enough aside for purchasing it outright and then one year of additional expenses if careful. It'll be a good project for me I think." She finishes happily thinking of the future she wants to make there.
"What about your apartment though? You know picking up and going and your rent….Where am I going to crash at after late nights at the guild or from missions?" Natsu says confused. Being left out of this decision was making him feel uncomfortable like she was leaving him behind.
"Natsu you pink haired idiot. I'm not going far far away, look at the one I have circled. You guys can come over whenever you want, you can even help if you want. It's a bit of a project and needs a bit of fixing, but it'll be nice to fix it into a home for me. Just think Happy you get your own personal room now!" Lucy says with a wave of her hand hugging Happy.
"Do you really mean it Lucy?" Happy says dreamily thinking of his future in his own little cat cave. "What about Natsu though? I can't leave him at his house by himself…" Bringing his mood down considerably.
"You guys really are dumb sometimes. It's just a room Happy. You won't be living there with me. You can just stay whenever you want or when Natsu's away or something. That goes for all of you. I think there will be enough for two guest bedrooms, my room and Happy's room. I'm not leaving anyone behind or anything, I just have to keep myself busy and think about some other things for a while. That's all." Lucy explains with a heartfelt smile this time. She knew they would worry about her, but she wanted to assure them nothing would change.
"Phew I was worried. First I thought you were leaving me, and then I thought you were trying to steal my exceede." Natsu laughs, but continues, "Could I help with the house though and what not? I think it would be fun."
Erza and Gray nod their heads knowingly at the conversation and pitch in that they would willingly help where needed too. Deciding to change the topic Lucy asks, "So what about you two? Gearing up for those S-Class exams. I bet you're both excited to make it this year. Supposedly master may allow two this year to qualify." Watching all their expressions falter though and turn away concerns her. Proceeding cautiously she says, "Why the glum face? This is you guy's dream to surpass each other and see who gets there first…" Turning and looking at Happy he just looks down. Finally looking to Erza she says, "You aren't telling me something…"
Erza responds quietly but gently, "I believe you already know the answer to this one Lucy."
Laughing at that she looks over at Gray and Natsu shakes her head and laughs a little more until it becomes a little uncontrollable and she tips over accidentally. Finally stopping she wipes a small tear from her eye and says, "You guys never cease to amaze me." Standing up in front of all of them she holds out her hand for each of the two boys to stand up and pulls. She walks forward to the edge of the cliff and softly speaks out for the two to hear, "Come join me for a bit guys." Watching her they walk forward just enough to be slightly behind her. Her voice then rings out sweetly to them,
"Look around us. Beautiful ocean as far as the eye can see with the sun beginning to set. Just beautiful isn't it…. And with every sunset that gorgeous moon comes out with the million stars beside it…" Pausing and looking at the moon just starting to come out she smiles a sad smile up at it but continues, "Now look at our home." Turning slightly she gestures to Magnolia and says, "Right there to enjoy it all every day…. Ya know dreams are beautiful things too. Everyone has them and they all vary from person to person. Lisanna told me she recently teamed up with our new dragon slayer Carson in the guild. She said she's dreamed of a team mate like him and that things are really working out great for them. She's so excited for the adventures to come for them. Wendy's much the same adding Romeo to her team. I expect she'll be selected for the exams this year, and I'm sure she'll give you all a run for your money.." Laughing slightly she goes on with, "I reached all my goals too ya know. Every dream I wrote down and worked for… I read through my diary and sought answers where I didn't have any. Mira's been a great help here and there today, but it seems that with all my hard work and strategic planning to make the best decisions possible to prevent you all from getting hurt I still failed. For you all to give up your dreams because of some kind of irrational feeling about me…. I really am terrible person." Lucy finishes smiling sadly tilting her head back at them. Frowning from her last statement they remain silent studying her knowing she has more to say and decide to not interrupt her train of thought.
Turning around completely she then asks "Natsu, what is it you want in life? What makes you happy? With all the stories I've heard from what seems to be missing from my memory you seem to be at a standstill. Never moving forward, and never moving backwards. Just like the sun.. Beautiful and vibrant, full of life and color but only rises every morning with maybe an occasional cloud to drift past for some relief or change." Looking at Gray now she further asks, "And you Gray. I've heard your relationship with Juvia is going great, but how strong do you think it is when you give up your inner most desires for another of your family? What is driving you now? What do you want with your life? Just as Natsu is the sun you're the moon. Rising in the sky forcing him out of your way and bringing your gorgeous and vibrant stars along with you, you demand the presence of all around you only to be tugged right back down by the life and color you are lacking for not knowing what is most important to you." Walking past them she begins to clear her items away and then nudges both Happy and Erza to make a little space.
Turning back around she interrupts them from their thoughts and says, "Now step back from the cliff both of you and come here." They follow her directions and face her. Stepping in between them making them face the setting sun and rising moon and she faces the forest she intertwines her fingers with theirs. Then she continues, "Remember what I told the younger members this morning? About feeling the magic around you and focusing your own? I want you to do that, but don't push your element out just your natural magic. The moment it reaches your hand I'll take it from there ok? I want to share something with you."
With both now focusing on their respective magic's Gray's hand begins to glow a faint pale grey like the moon he's staring at with a small tear running down his face, and Natsu's hand begins to glow a pale yellow for the last ray about to escape from the sunset but continues to frown with a small sniffle. Lightly Lucy begins to release her hand so just her finger tips touch only immediately she clenches each fist and pulls hard away from them. Each gasp at the sudden intrusion of their magic being invaded and ripped away, but recover naturally after breathing for a few minutes. Looking at Lucy to see what had just happens she holds in her hands two small molded keys. One a mixture of the pale gray with a mixture of blue sparkle here and there with a splash of pink while in her other hand was that pale yellow with a fierce gold and red intertwined through it. Turning around Lucy holds both keys and speaks up and says, "In normal circumstances when this is done with the environment it is simply absorbed and slowly restored to you once released. I was taught though when doing this with a combination of another it would maintain its physical form because its more stable. I form keys when I do this because it's what I'm comfortable and familiar with. From this form you can mold it into anything though."
Smiling softly she molds them both into her short sword she loves to wield when she's not wielding her whip. Examining them lovingly and doing a quick stretch with both weapons and flick of her wrist she slams each down next to the respective owner's foot making them screech and jump into each other. Looking up with a fierce determination startling them she continues, "I know I'm a selfish person and I made a lot of decisions that have hurt many, but for you to turn around and throw that back in my face indirectly is quiet cruel. It was never my intention. When you are ready to give me my answers to the questions I have asked come find me. Until then I wish to be alone." Lucy finishes coldly. Turning back towards her things she picks them up and quietly says, "Now you always have a piece of me with you so throw your sadness and pity and whatever other useless feelings I never wished for you to have towards that instead. That will be my curse since I was the one that created them." Continuing to walk away and ignoring their sad faces no one stops her but Happy who bolts over and says, "Lucy wait! What do you mean that's your curse."
Natsu listening carefully because he doesn't like where this is going but knows she wants to be alone lets her continue, "It means Happy that whatever they are feeling towards me regardless of where or what I will feel it. That is my burden for making them believe they needed to give up their dreams and goals for my decisions. It's a heavy burden, but it's one I would always willingly bare for them, so they don't have to ever feel alone." Gently patting his head she releases him, but in a flash Natsu speeds forward and trys to trap her but gets tossed to the side easily.
"Why would you do that Lucy? That's not how family works. We don't curse each other because of simple feelings or conversations." Natsu growls out.
"You clearly don't look at the positives of such gifts either do you Natsu? Not only will I feel all the useless emotions I told you not to bother feeling, I will feel all the loved ones too. Whatever emotion you put into it I will feel. So like right now you feel a deep anger in that gift. So I in turn feel your anger. I only told you to place your useless feelings in there because if you are to feel that way, I deserve to feel your pain ten fold and this way I could support you. I never said not to feel anything else toward that gift." Lucy finishes quietly.
"So right now because I'm admiring this gift and think that it's beautiful you're capable of feeling that Lucy?" Gray asks softly now understanding the true meaning behind this gift to him. She said it to them in such a manner so that she could always be reminded of the pain she caused them, but if they chose to they could see that she has accomplished her goals and started creating new ones and they should continue after their's as well with her support always by them. She could be thought of as a reminder in a way that dreams are attainable. He just has to reach for it.
Lucy looks over with a sad smile and says, "Of course Gray. I'm glad you appreciate the gift. Know that you can mold it to anything you wish since your natural magic is a primary element within it. Give it a try ok Natsu?"
Natsu looking at her unsure and a little confused still walks back over and gently pulls the sword out of the ground but feels a small sting and then a warm feeling spread making it mold into a small smooth plate. Running his fingers over it softly he smiles up to Lucy and asks, "How sturdy is this? You always use it as a weapon or it looks that way, but you said this is different."
"You are the only two I have and probably ever will do this to or for. I don't intend on teaching anyone else, and I was only taught by Capricorn and Loki to make sure if they weren't around I was capable of protecting myself regardless of my keys or being alone at the time... It's not my original magic, but by using my natural flow within me it makes it possible. Your molding takes practice and you can be as creative as you want. I'm pretty sure though that if those particular objects break it will be a little painful for me since I created them and stabilized them completely though. Kind of like an extension of myself I guess so enjoy them but please be careful. I'll always be with you guys this way." Turning and walking away with one hand in the air she tosses over her shoulder, "I still wish to be alone though. Nothing has changed and our conversation still remains incomplete until you figure out your answers."
Watching her retreating figure Natsu looks down at his gift and smiles lovingly knowing that he will always have a piece of her. Blushing immediately after hearing a laugh in the distance he realizes she knows how he felt! Feeling paniced he drops the plate on the ground and stairs at it trying to figure out something else to think about. The laughter further in the distance grows more and he instantly becomes irritated with the gift again, and he hears an amused chuckle coming from next to him. Giving Gray a dirty look he asks, "What are you laughing at?"
Gray replies, "I take it you've realized the full affects of this gift and you now don't know what to think about it because you don't want her to secretly find out that you're in love with her? Hmmm. Tell me I'm right." Gray taunts amused the dragon slayer didn't pick up on it quicker.
"Dam Ice Princess. What am I supposed to do now? It's embarrassing." Natsu grumbles back to him. Looking anywhere but at the plate laying at his feet.
"Well you may want to pick an emotion and stick with it because she has enough on her own that she's dealing with." Gray says quietly staring at his wondering just what he should mold it into.
Natsu contemplating it decides to try his hand at molding it one last time. He wouldn't use it as a weapon like she probably would, but he wanted to keep it with him at all times, but for him alone. Observing it he started feeling it between his hands began pushing it in random directions swirling the colors in random patterns finally, choosing to mold it into a thick wrist band he could wear. This could be his constant reminder that Lucy willingly gave him a piece of her to stand by his side when he believed he had failed her in someway. This was what he believed her way of supporting him in his dreams and wants and needs and now he could look down at his left wrist and know its true. Putting it in place he molds it a bit tighter to make sure it doesn't slip off randomly he whispers, "Thanks Lucy."
(Lucy's home waking up at midnight)
Waking up and looking around her apartment she yawns and stretches forcing joints to pop and wake up from her dreamland. Looking out the window she smiles gently at the few stars that have decided to come back to the skies. Pulling over Plue's key she gently pats it then quickly summons him. She grits a little but withstands much easier this time getting used to the unfamiliar pull. Patting his head she says quietly, "Thank you Plue for being so sweet. Let the others know I was thinking of them. Ok? Oh and tell Capricorn to come out sometime this week for training. I don't want to get soft with my hand to hand combat or weapons training." Plue hugs her and dances a little making her laugh but finally bows and disappears in a soft flash. Seeing that she's alone again she starts her routine. As she changes she begins to start going through memories of past training. Some are good while others were hard. All the things she worked on when she separated from her team. Loki was the first to help her to improve. Surprisingly Virgo was next, while Capricorn remained hesitant. These memories were making her mood deteriorate considerably quicker than the good mood she had woke up with though.
Walking into her living room finally she has a quick look around appreciating the silence. Trying to clear her thoughts for training she moves to the kitchen and makes some tea for herself. She needed to get better control of her emotions. Until she did she decided she didn't want to be around the guild. Originally her plan was to pop in regularly to check up on everyone, but that just seemed painful to put them through dealing with her instability. Setting her tea cup down she continues thinking without realizing someone is watching her from her window. Speeding off when she turns around though for her not to notice. Walking out of the kitchen she looks to see that it's time for her to start heading towards the new training grounds she has to utilize. Frowning she locks her apartment and continues to think while going to her destination failing to acknowledge the presence of her team in the distance behind her watching.
(Behind the guild in the training area No one's point of view)
Arriving at the grounds her anger begins to get to her and she begins to quicken her pace to start. Stretching she moves on to racing through the trees to clear her mind. This only furthered her aggravation more though. Her mind was jumbled with memories that were unfinished and this frustrated and hurt her. Stopping and breathing a bit she decides to redirect herself and analyze her environment. Wondering what exactly she should work on first she hops down from her tree and sits on a boulder with her head in her hands. Feeling stressed that things have changed so much so quickly she tries to accept it but gets frustrated. Reaching out her hand and pulling at the environment and forming a key she looks at it softly before releasing it back out into the environment watching it disappear.
She thinks back to when Capricorn showed her. He told her he debated long and hard about teaching her this because he said until she knew how to control it that it would be dangerous for her. Using natural magic instead of her celestial magic is something she as a mage depends on. Her body needs it to live. If improperly pushed against the magic outside of her body it wouldn't be able to reabsorb properly into her surroundings and then return to her. Clenching her teeth she wonders if he knew this would happen in the long run. She had agreed that if people found out about her secret training she was doing it would end but this just made her think more about each spirit. Standing up she slams her hand into the ground and thinks about Loki and Draco who taught her to control her impacts when hitting an object. Seeing the small crater that she had created she roars out in frustration beginning to run again, but moving from the ground through the tree branches, back to boulders and finally noticing the dam stream she can't outrun the memory and lesson with Aquarius flooding her environment to change her surroundings and experience something new. How she told her to move with the flow and use it to her advantage instead of fighting against it.
As if in reaction to her ongoing mental anguish the enchanted opponents from before start rushing towards her and she releases all her pent up frustration towards them. Taurus's and Cancer's lessons using different weapons comes rushing through her mind and she throws her sword down hard on an opponent shattering it and reabsorbing the lost power. Gaining more speed then necessary she proceeds to push them and wraps them with her whip tossing them away throughout the forest that surrounded her. This doesn't settle her though. It's not enough. Seeing that the opponents are beginning to change appearances as well as abilities she thinks of Gemini. With one small tear coming out she whimpers in frustration of not being able to contain her emotions any longer and charges forward again hating herself more and more for all the pain she's caused. Everything that she's done, all the decisions and selfish deeds, was all because of her she had to leave. Never once did she notice that her battle was well past sunrise and she had once again gathered a small crowd who was observing her actions, but not interfering.
Natsu smelled her tears from the distance, but only frowned in sadness observing her. They were told before not to interfere unless they asked to join. They had every intention of asking her this morning, but she failed to notice that they were in fact there because she was lost in her own world. Happy held them back saying let her have time. So they all nodded and sat down to watch the scene unfold in front of them. Watching her stealthily glide through the trees and pausing and sitting down in the center he sees her suffering with her head down. Watching her reach out her hand and then everything disappear in front of her she abruptly lashes out in anger and roars her frustrations. It was painful. Everything… She told them before to not interrupt her in training, and they wouldn't but he couldn't help the pain that welled up inside of him from the sight in front of him.
Gray places his hand on Natsu's shoulder in silent support seeing that he's clenching his fist. He knows and feels the same pain in a way. No one want's to see her go through this all alone, but it seems she won't allow anyone to share in her pain and refusing to accept and move forward she has unintentionally made everyone hurt again. Noticing the crowd gathering and the late time of the morning he saw the master watching sadly causing him to worry more. Switching his gaze over to Erza he sees her stand up and signals them that it's time to intervene.
Erza waited patiently for her friend to release her frustration, but she never let up. She had to much stamina and endurance going for her, as well as an endless supply of memories forcing her emotions to struggle under the surface. She had remembered her warning about interrupting her alone time and she realized that this is why she trained away from everyone before. She didn't want others watching her, but because of the master's restrictions she was forced to stay here which made it impossible for her to ever fully release. This new routine of hers was painful to say the least and probably humiliating for her and having to display that for everyone to see made Erza upset. Seeing the crowd gathering again she doesn't know for sure what to do. Seeing the master begin to walk forward I stand up. He signals with a slight nod making me realize he wants her to stop which forces the fact that we must intervene. Sadly I stand catching the attention of my team and begin to step forward. I hear Happy say to the master, "This really isn't a good idea... You all really should just make the others return to the guild." Shaking his head we proceed forward only this time Gray starts throwing his Ice hammer towards her, but she snatches it and throws it right back at him smashing it into his chest knocking the wind out of him and yelling, "I told you yesterday if you were going to attack me randomly make it worth my time!" Unfortunately for us we didn't realize just how serious she was.
Sensing the oncoming attack from the side of me I reach out my whip and delicately flick my wrist back into its direction snatching the hammer and pull it full circle back in its oncoming direction using its momentum to knock out some opponents and land in Gray's chest. I see the air knocked out of his lungs, but think nothing of it. Yelling, "I told you yesterday if you were going to attack me make it worth my time!" They didn't take me seriously and they would regret that. This was my time to be alone, and if they wanted to join all they had to do was ask. I say this for a reason and they were clearly not accepting my reason. I knew I was unstable. They could see I was unstable and I couldn't control everything if I wasn't for sure aware of who was around me. No… I didn't want people seeing me like this. I didn't want to cause more pain, but instead they interrupt me when I can't control myself. Trying to use attacks to signal to me only pisses me off more and not controlling myself I take my whip and slowly extending it out I wait until I find what I'm looking for in my other hand. Pushing some of my natural magic out into the environment surrounding me I mold my weapon of choice into the form of a scaled handled short sword that Draco had taught me to use. I didn't use it very often because I considered it very special, but this was something they needed to understand. This was why. My horrible side, all the pain, humiliation and anger I have… I smash my sword into the ground to the hilt and then reach again forcing a barrier to surround the four of us from the guilds eyes so they can't see. Placing my key ring to act as a link to me on the handle as a center to keep the barrier up, I stand and face them. Speaking while looking down because I don't want to hurt them I say, "Why won't you undertstand if I'm alone it's for a reason. Remaining in control is hard enough with magic and without it and all the insecurities that come with it you all have forced something you should have left alone. This is why I said to just ask. Yes interrupt me if you want in the beginning where my emotions are more balanced and I'm more aware, but now…. No. I won't accept this." Lucy says darkly.
The three only remain standing there not daring to move. Only observing how Lucy has affectively cut them off from everyone. Beginning to become nervous Natsu speaks out, "Could we talk to you for a second though Lucy." More gently he says, "We don't mean to interrupt your training session, but we also couldn't continue letting you precede the way you were. All of us are concerned and being morning now the guild is beginning to show up." Trying to be reasonable was never his strong point and Natsu knew this, but he thought it was better he start somewhere and maybe move the conversation to be aware of the people within her surroundings as well there to support her. All she had to do was let them, but this seems to have struck the wrong note with her. Watching her face now he gulps and shuts his mouth letting her respond.
"So you think you are doing me a favor because others are showing up? This is a training arena! I can't go anywhere else Natsu! I've been ordered to stay in this area so how else do you expect me to release my frustrations?! No I can't stop them from watching. I can only request for them not to, and if they cared in the least they would obey my wishes." Lucy jumps back and punches the ground releasing again her natural magic forcing it to rush through the ground and push more spikes from the earth surrounding him in different directions forming a circle so he can't move. This doesn't satisfy her though. She knows what they are trying to do and to not further hurt someone she truly cares about because of what she is about to say she releases the circle, grabs her whip and then wraps it around him lifting it quickly and smashing him back down using both hands and as much force as she can knocking him out. Letting him go she turns and waits for the rest of their explanation letting Natsu lay there.
"That's not it Lucy. We were just concerned for you. You were becoming more aggressive and you looked like you were in pain. We only want to help. No one wants to see you go through this alone." Gray says cautiously. Seeing that this was not the correct answer she was looking for he makes quick movement to avoid her, but only gets pinned right before he can counter her attack against the wall and silencing him.
"That's just the thing Gray. I want to be alone. I've caused enough harm to everyone, and I refuse to be the cause of anymore. Disappearing is the only option I want now, and as for you Erza. I know you all didn't want to intervene and the master requested this, but I seriously recommend you all leave me alone for a while. It's the best for everyone." Turning she walks over to her keys placing a hand on her sword still in the ground replacing her energy into it. She lifts it immediately throwing hard and fast past the side of Erza's head and just missing Gray's hand and shattering the barrier that she had created. Like glass raining down for everyone to see, she watches as everyone's eyes go wide noticing Natsu laying on the ground unconscious, Gray falling from the barrier and Erza standing stunned. Lucy turning and walking away in the distance wouldn't be seen for days unless requested by the master, or around town with Happy or Natsu.
Natsu slowly opening his eyes sees Lucy walking in the distance. He whispers out, "Please don't go Lucy. Come back to me." Seeing her still going he looks at his wrist he tries to poor all the love he feels into it trying to make her feel what he feels, but she doesn't come back. Hearing Wendy rush towards him, he begins to sit up and look around noticing that Gray has minor bruises on his arms and Erza still isn't moving, but crying. He doesn't know what she said while he was knocked out, but it couldn't have been anything good. Stopping Wendy before she tries to heal us I shake my head and stand up to walk towards where Lucy went. A hand prevents me from leaving though. Looking back I see Gray whispering, "We shouldn't have interfered. We're not able to bring her back…"
"What do you mean by that? This is Lucy. She's stronger than that. She'll get over all of this and come back to us." Natsu replies stubbornly. "Let me talk to her. I mean after she cools down for a second. It'll be fine like yesterday."
"No Natsu. She wants to be alone. She said… she doesn't want to cause anyone anymore pain. One family in pain is too much to handle, but causing two to be. I think she may have reached her breaking point today." Gray whispers and looks to the master who has walked up to all of them.
Walking past them Master Makarov notices something he wishes he didn't. There were projections of all the spirits watching the girl the entire time, but couldn't interfere. Draco with a murderous glare at the ground, Loki hiding his face in his hands, Lyra appeared to be singing a sad song, all of the family she could no longer interact with, but on rare occasions surrounding the area observing their loved one. Waving his hand to Natsu Master gestures towards the direction Lucy left causing everyone to look to see what he's looking at. Upon seeing them some gasp in shock and others ask, "What is that? Who are they master?" He responds quietly, "That is what Lucy has have been forced to give up and leave. Those are her spirits and they miss her terribly."
Natsu won't accept this though. She doesn't deserve this and she won't be alone if he can help it. Walking over to Draco's projections he yells, "I know you can hear me get your ass out here now!" Receiving a glare back his projection disappears completely. All of them do. The only one to remain is Loki who in a flash is in front of him in his spirit form adjusting his glasses waiting for Natsu's rant.
"I didn't ask for you Loki. I said for Draco to get his ass here. She needs to have some contact with you all. She can't do this complete withdrawal from you all. It's clear to all of us." Natsu roars. Loki only shakes his head and looks towards the master.
"Master Makarov you both are already aware we are not to have any interaction with her. We can only watch. Please see to it that the rest understand that since she clearly will receive no privacy from the guild. At her request is the only time we may appear from time to time outside of Plue to send us letters." Loki says quietly. Turning towards Natsu he glares, "Get over the idea that Draco can come to her. Since the last time he showed and threatened you he's been contained strictly and watched carefully not to interfere. That only leaves you to watch over her and protect her in his place. You accepted that before so quit failing him. We all have put our trust in your guild to take care of her, but from current events including last night I believe we may be coming for her sooner than we thought." Loki says angrily. "Is there anything else? I can't stay much longer and this will be the last time you will see any of us."
Master steps forward and says, "Loki. You are apart of this guild. You know we are family, but it takes time to adjust for anyone in this type of situation. We know she's hurting and we'll take care of her the best we can, but please any advice is appreciated. The Lucy we all know and love has cut herself off from us and this is beginning to get out of hand."
Aggravated at the masters answer he replies frustrated, "Master why can't you see that she's grieving the loss of so much? She hasn't requested much of any of you and in such a short amount of time she's already been insulted by a little girl, told that she is not capable of leaving this area affectively trapping her, interrupted in her training multiple times now and finally feeling as though she does nothing but cause everyone pain. How do you expect her to cope with that? She's moving on in her own way, but none of you see that she just truly needs time. Bringing her to the spirit world would only cause her to grieve you all which is exactly why she hasn't been told when or if she is. That factor we will determine, but the time isn't anywhere near right. She still has many things we know she wants to accomplish here so we will await her return and do so honored with open arms." Loki finishes mournfully. Turning and walking away he slowly disappears with a wave of his hand, saying "Draco's threat isn't empty though Natsu and his patience is wearing thin. I recommend if you all don't begin to take better care of her prepare yourselves to lose her." Disappearing completely finally Master frowns at what he said, but knows he's right.
On the other hand Natsu roars out knowing they can still hear him, "I told you I wasn't confused and I won't let you take her from me!" With a flash in front of him and getting knocked down with a punch to the jaw, Draco says quickly, "You aren't protecting her! Don't yell at me for not doing what I told you to do. Why can't you all appreciate her like we did? Why can't you all understand and respect how amazing she is?" Stomping his foot and pulling his hair in aggravation he continues, "All we're allowed right now is to watch and everything we've seen is nothing but pain. Treat her right Natsu before I bring you into our world for some serious pain! I'm not capable of crossing my new gate limitations anymore outside of this one time because of Loki, but they never restricted my ability to bring you to me." Trying to lash out one last time he's forced to disappear angrily in a flash before Natsu's outstretched hand to is capable of reaching him.
Missing his intended target to keep him in place Natsu stumbles forward screaming out, "How can I protect her if she won't let me Draco? That's all I want to do! Yet all she's doing is pushing us all away keeping all the pain to herself." Grabbing his head in frustration he drops to his knees and starts pounding his fist into the ground over and over again. Mira walks up slowly to him seeing that he's in a rage and places a hand on his head in front of him and squats down eye level to him. Hands bleeding he brings his hands to his face covering his eyes crying dropping his head to the ground. Crying out his sorrows and thinking that all he wants is to be with Lucy and to make her happy creating a family with her. However through all of his sobbing he doesn't miss what Mira says and it brings hope to him.
"Natsu, stop crying and go to her. You're the only one she politely knocked out when she trapped you all in her dome with her. She knew you would take it the hardest if you heard what she had to say. She's trying to protect everyone from hurting, so please. Go protect her for us and bring her back to us. She doesn't need to make any more decisions on our behalf because I know she's tired. So go to her and please take your time and take care of her. She's been strong alone for too long now." Mira says softly.
Happy knowing what to do lifts Natsu faster than he can respond and takes off in the direction Lucy left hoping that she hasn't completely disappeared yet. Happy saying under his breath for Natsu only to hear, but not respond says, "I know you know what to do Natsu, we just need to get to her. That's all. When we see her Let me go to her first when we get there, but be right behind me or she will start running, and I promise no one will be able to catch her."
Mira standing up and seeing Happy fly off in the distance disappearing turns and walks over to the master angrily and says darkly, "I told you too much change to fast was going to be more damaging for her and her team. You dismissed me though. I know better than most how she is feeling, but regardless of how powerful and strong she is she's breaking on the inside. Even your own grandson knows this feeling better than most all of us. Why won't you listen to us?"
Laxus stepping forward interrupts Mira though, "Mira calm yourself. This is exactly why we have family. We help pick each other up when we fall and I agree with you, but I'm sure Master has his reasons." Letting the master dismiss himself quietly from the group they all watch as he leaves knowing he is only trying to do what's best for them all, and that he too is protecting all of them in his own way.