Quest for the Eighty-Eight Keys

Chapter Thirty-Nine: That's Not How You Heal from Grief

WARNING: TALK OF CHARACTER DEATH!

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Lucy looked up to find Rufus standing in front of her, smiling down as he waited for her answer. She nodded, mustering a small smile as she did so, and watched him sit next to her. "Here to convince me to side with you?" She questioned her friend quietly.

Rufus chuckled before answering, "no, not at all. I know that it won't do much besides stress you out more."

Lucy hugged herself and looked at him. "Why are you here then?"

Rufus stared out in front of himself, observing something that wasn't there. "Just wanted to provide you with some company, and make sure you return to the hotel safely."

"What are Freed and Midnight doing?"

"Getting all of us food."

Lucy nodded before returning her gaze to her lap. She felt uncomfortable. Why did she feel uncomfortable? Maybe it was because of the argument she had witnessed just a few hours ago, the final decision weighing upon her. Maybe it was because of the memories of Aquarius that were resurfacing again, making her miss her first friend more than she had before. Or, maybe she just didn't want company at the moment, not even from a good friend. She didn't voice this to Rufus, though, preferring to simply accept his company and push down the uncomfortable feeling she was experiencing.

A few moments of silence passed before Rufus spoke, his tone soft, "I didn't mean to place a lot of pressure on you."

Lucy shrugged her shoulders. "It wasn't you or the others who placed pressure on me, it's the weight of the decision itself. This is such an important mission, and really any decision can put its success in jeopardy."

Rufus nodded, his gaze falling to the ground. "I understand. This is a lot for one person to take on." He then looked at Lucy, drawing her attention. She was a bit comforted by his small smile. "However, you must remember that you are a member of Fairy Tail. You and your guildmates have accomplished many things, and overcome many obstacles. You defeated the Oracion Seis, Grimoire Heart, Tartaros, and have done many more impressive and seemingly impossible things. If anyone can save the Celestial Spirit World, it's you, Lucy."

Lucy felt her cheeks warm a little at his words. She moved her head so that her face was angled away from his sight, hoping that she hadn't noticed her blush. A small smile crept upon her face as she spoke, "thanks, Rufus. That actually helped a bit." That was the truth. His words really did make her feel better, if a little bit.

A short period of silence passed again before Lucy hesitantly asked, "did Nyx really let you go?"

Rufus nodded. "He came down and told me that you, Freed, and Midnight were there to rescue me. He said that he had to go with Terra and Lust, but he would try to find us. Then, he gave me the book and left."

Lucy nodded. She chewed down on her bottom lip as she thought to herself. From what Rufus had said when the question of whether they should trust Nyx or not came up, she couldn't get out of her head just how much Rufus seemed to be convinced that Nyx really did want to help them. Rufus was a smart man, one of the smartest members of Sabortooth. If he didn't see any indication of Nyx lying, or if he is so sure that they should trust Nyx, then maybe Nyx was being genuine. Then again, Freed and Midnight were very smart themselves, and not easily fooled, even though Rufus isn't either. However, neither of them spoke with Nyx.

Lucy rubbed her temples with her fingers. She could feel a headache coming on already. She dropped her hands into her lap. She looked over at Rufus, observing how he seemed to be staring off into space, lost in thought. As she observed him, her eyes ended up landing on his red and gold mask. Now that she thought about it, she couldn't remember having ever seen Rufus' face without it.