Story will take place after the final battle.

Authors Note

It has come to my attention that they're a couple chapters that may upset sensitive readers. Mild violence and language is used in this story. There is no extreme trigger content :ex death.

Thank you for understanding! Enjoy!

"I've heard rumors that a celestial key was found up in north Fiore near the mountains."

Lucy turned her head to the side, acknowledging the conversation quietly. It was Macao and Wakaba, they stood nearby, a drink in each of their hands. A celestial key? Could that be you Aquarius?

"Yeah, those were the rumors- and a new listing came in, asking specifically for a celestial wizards help."

Lucy perked up, slamming her hands on the table and standing from the bar. The two wizards jumped, startled, "A mission for celestial wizards?" Lucy asked.

The two of them glanced at one another and Macao spoke, "yeah, of course... since you're the only one in Fairy Tail- I would assume that would go directly to you, yeah?"

Lucy's eyes veered over to the mission sign up board and raced over without a reply.

"Whoa, she seems pretty excited doesn't she?" Wakaba noted.

Macao nodded, then glanced around, "Something seems missing...it's awfully quiet, where's Natsu, or Gray?"

"I don't know where Gray is currently, but Natsu just took a mission a couple days ago that requested a dragon slayers assistance. Mira jane said it was dangerous."

Macao glanced over, "I'm surprised Lucy didn't go with him, don't they usually pair up as a team on missions?"

Wakaba shrugged, "beats me, something tells me that he left without saying anything."

Lucy glanced up and down the board and let off a huff of frustration, she turned to the two men and crossed her arms, "Man I was really excited too, I guess it was just a rumor."

The two men glanced at one another, "it's not there?"

"Lucy!" The celestial wizard glanced over to the bar where Mirajane was handing out a drink to Cana. She waved the blonde over and Lucy complied.

"I pulled it down from the board, I was going to give this to you directly, but I got a little caught up in my work." She smiled and brought out a folded paper stuffed in her pocket and handed it to the Celestial Wizard.

"I assume that's what you were looking for." Mira continued.

"One meat pie." Lisanna stood behind Lucy, placing the food down for a couple guests at a nearby table. She then turned around and leaned against the bar to strike up a conversation with her sister.

Lucy's eyes glazed over the notice and read: "Immediately for hire: A celestial wizard. Location near the edge of Shirtosame. Quest needed to retrieve belongings only a celestial mage can attain."

"Sounds like it's meant for you." Lisanna offered and Lucy looked up and nodded, "yeah, this might be the lead I've been looking for."

The two girls glanced at one another, "you mean for that key you lost during our last battle?" Mira Jane offered and Lucy nodded.

"You might be right." Lisanna mused.

"What if it's a trap though... to lure you there? Wasn't there a mission like that before?" Mira continued, "I would be careful...why don't you take someone with you?"

Lisanna looked around, "Where's Natsu, don't you guys usually tag team?"

Lucy folded the paper and stuffed it in her pocket and sighed, "he went on a mission without me."

"Oh, well, I still wouldn't go by yourself." Mirajane replied with a soft smile.

"Don't worry about me, I won't be alone." She smiled and tapped at her side where her keys lay. "I have my spirit family to help me out."

The two of them exchanged glances as they watched the blonde retreat from the bar and head out of the guild with the notice. Lucy felt the sun hit her back and she stretched before reaching back in her pocket to read the notice one more time. A second piece of paper fell out and she kneeled down, hesitating to pick it back up.

Barely legible, black ink smeared across the center that read:

Lucy, I'll be going on a mission with Happy, I'll be back in a week or two! -Natsu

Lucy frowned and stood up, leaving the note on the ground.

"Thanks for the heads up, jerk." Lucy muttered before taking a few steps forward, stepping over the note and heading home to pack her supplies for the trip. Lucy passed by a few homes and stepped up to her apartment, digging in her pocket for her apartment key. The train won't take her directly- she will have to walk or pay for a ride for the rest of the trip from Kunugi to Shirtosame. The mission may take up to a week or more if she was estimating correctly. She smirked as the key slid into the hole and the door flung forward. Shadows danced in her room and she half expected to see the fire dragon slayer lounging on her couch, waiting for her.

Lucy frowned, Right...his mission. She closed the door behind her and sighed, well-if he could go on a mission on his own, so could she. It was about time to show the guild she can handle a mission on her own. As a valued member of team fairy tail. Snatching a bag on the floor she began to toss in a few pairs of clothes and required essentials.

This wouldn't be the first time the fire wizard left without warning. Lucy's eyes stung with tears that were brimming at the edge. She sat down on her bed, hugging her pack to her chest. That was of course a year's time away from one another; from the whole guild. That was different. But why does this time make her just as upset? Why did he just leave a note? Why couldn't he tell her in person...

Perhaps it was because the notice asked only for a dragon slayer, or maybe he was finally tired of the duo team. She sighed, what was she thinking? He could do whatever he wanted, and it wasn't like he was going to be gone for a year again. Lucy opened her eyes, a tear slid down against her bag and she stood up. It was only a couple of weeks; that was plenty of time to prove to herself and others that she can be just as dependable as him. She will prove herself.

Besides, she could use the break. Less drama, less destruction, and no annoyances. She smirked, it wouldn't be that bad. Lucy gathered up the rest of her items and started toward the train station, making sure to lock the door on her way out.

The young blonde trekked her way toward the train station, passing by rows of carts and bystanders as she drew closer to her destination. She glanced over, something catching her eye and saw a young girl who held a couple of kittens in her arms. She smiled at Lucy with bright blue eyes as she walked by. The celestial wizard paused, smiled- then instinctively turned around, "Natsu aren't they so cute?"

She paused, staring at the handful of people who were passing her by on the sidewalk and left her staring into dead space. An older gentleman bumped into her with a quiet 'sorry' before rushing forward. In that moment she finally felt it.

Lonely.

The little girl glanced toward where Lucy spoke and tilted her head in confusion.

"Right, I'm such a dork." She muttered and feebly laughed off the mistake and the feeling, Lucy turned around and quickly made haste toward the station for the next departure. How embarrassing, I guess that shows how close we've become over the years. It's become a habit seeing him next to me on a mission... Lucy mused as she bought her ticket and stood in line. Is it really that weird to be on a mission on my own? To not be with him? Lucy tried to recall the past handful of missions she attended, each of them Natsu was present. Whether they were a duo with Happy, or tag teaming with Gray or Wendy.

"Next!"

Lucy looked up to see the conductor reach out for the ticket she purchased and she dutifully handed it to him.

I wonder what that means. We barely have our own personal space these days, and suddenly we're back on our own- and I'm already feeling as if we've been apart for weeks.

Lucy sighed and sat down by a window seat and leaned against the frame, her breath fogging up the glass.

I'm such a mess. I don't need to get my emotions all riled up before a mission. I need to stay focused.

Lucy felt the jerk of the train as it started forward and she watched the trees become a green blur. Leaning back she closed her eyes, relaxed. It has been three days since Lucy found the note on her desk early in the morning. The first couple of days she stayed closed off from the guild, immersed in her writing and continuing on her series with a newfound fire and passion. But eventually she found herself bored and needed to get out of her apartment- so she decided to pay a visit to the guild this morning. Perhaps find Levy or Gray to strike up a conversation. But to her disappointment, neither were in town either. No one quite knew where Gray disappeared; much to Juvia's frantic disappointment. Seeing the water wizard so upset put a different viewpoint on her emotions from Natsu's leave of absence. Levy and Gajeel had decided to tag team on a mission close to Blue Pegasus. From what she gathered, the two of them left last night saying something about renting a nice bed and breakfast together.

Lucy smiled, remembering when her best friend told her that Gajeel and her were dating. Lucy could see the difference in not just Levy, but the iron dragon slayer as well. Both seemed to smile more, they cracked more jokes, and even played songs together on stage. Gajeel with his guitar and Levy singing. It was a beautiful romance. She loved watching every minute of it. Watching how happy she was. She almost felt... envious.

Lucy opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling. Did she really just think that? Why? Lucy crossed her arms. No, she should just be happy. But will she eventually be as happy as Levy?

Lucy sighed and leaned against the glass as she gazed outside again.

Of course. One day. With someone.

But she knew she was lying to herself. She knew who she wanted that someone to be.

Don't do this to yourself Lucy.

The train barely had anyone boarding today. It was quiet. She could even hear herself breath as she watched her breath coat the window. It was too quiet.

She looked over at the empty seats in front of her, imagining her friends sitting there. Laughing. Smiling. Joking. Erza criticizing Gray on his lack of attire and Wendy giggling with Charla. Lucy blinked and the image disappeared. She bit her lip.

Hopefully this mission will distract me.

Who was she kidding? This was by far going to be the worst mission she's ever accepted. Why did she do this? Lucy pulled out the notice once more and reread the article.

"Celestial wizard..." She paused and leaned back into the seat. "Yeah, the strongest wizard in fairy tail..." Lucy muttered, laced with sarcasm and oozing lack of confidence. She placed the notice on the seat beside her with a huff of frustration.

The train ride bumped across the train tracks, lulling her back into a peaceful state. But it didn't last long.

"Hey Lucy."

"Loke!" Lucy sat up and glanced to her right where the spirit sat with a renown smirk.

"So it looks like you've been summoned by someone. I'm not surprised they asked for you. You are the strongest celestial wizard to date right now."

Lucy folded her arms, "What are you doing here, I didn't summon you."

"Oh, what's with the same question. "

He continued, "You never say, "Hi Loke, I missed you" Or "Loke you're so cute" or "Loke we should share a romantic dinner one night, just the two of us."

Lucy deadpanned, "because you're my spirit, I don't just expect you to show up unannounced. It takes a toll on my magic too you know."

Loke smiled, "I came with just my own magic, you are barely supplying anything to me right now. You would have noticed earlier if that wasn't the case. I've been here for quite some time." He paused and placed a hand under his jaw, "besides, I thought we were friends, were we not? Or are we just spirits to you now?"

Lucy sighed realizing the tough spot she was placed in. "I get it, and you're wrong about them asking directly for me. It was just addressed to celestial wizards in general." She shrugged, "there are others out there."

"Yeah but in the celestial world, us spirits know where the power directly lies. Spirits envy me and the other keys you have in your possession. They heard the stories and desperately would like to be found by you. If that isn't a strong celestial wizard, I don't know what is."

Lucy smiled, "That's really sweet. But it still wasn't addressed for me directly."

"Perhaps it was indirectly?"

Lucy shrugged, "either way."

Loke gazed at her and placed a hand on her shoulder, "don't be so hard on yourself. I know you're going on this mission to prove to yourself that you are a strong wizard of your guild." He paused, "I don't think it's the smartest decision.."

"Hey!"

Loke put up a hand, "...but I will stand by you either way-you are my wizard, my battle partner and more importantly, my friend.."

"Loke..."

"Yes?"

"Could you just... you are way too close..." Lucy stammered.

Loke blinked, he was leaning into her, his face inches away from her bright red one. He pulled back and smiled, "Well it was worth a shot."

Lucy frowned, squaring her shoulders and twisting away from him so she leaned further into the window pane, their knees just scrapping together on the bumpy ride.

"This is why I don't call on you very often."

"You hurt me Lucy." Loke feigned pain and gazed away.

"Uh huh sure, cry it out buddy. You chose to come here. The least you can do is act appropriate."

"Come on I can't help it."

"You can and you will." Lucy sighed, rubbing her temples in frustration. Perhaps this wasn't going to be such a boring trip after all. She glared over toward the celestial spirit who smirked in her direction. It was going to be a long mission.