During the Seven Years

Chapter 9

A few days have passed since I returned from my meeting with the Magic Council, and a strange stillness has settled over Fairy Tail. It's unnerving, like the calm before a storm, and I can't shake the feeling that something significant is on the horizon. Just as those anxious thoughts begin to consume me, the guildhall comes into view. Maybe today will be the day Natsu and the others return from the S-Class trials.

Pushing through the heavy wooden doors of the guild, I make my way toward the bar. Kinana is there, meticulously cleaning a plate. "Good morning, Kinana!" I call cheerfully, my voice echoing slightly in the large room. She turns to me, her warm smile instantly brightening the atmosphere.

"Hey! Good morning!" she replies, her eyes sparkling. "How has it been today?"

"Pretty good," she says, placing the plate aside and stepping closer. "Alzack and Bisca ended up taking a job this morning together." She tucks a strand of her purple hair behind her ear, a habit of hers whenever she's a bit nervous. "I can't wait to tell Mirajane once she returns. One of her ships is sailing."

I raise my eyebrows in astonishment. "Really?"

"Yes! Mirajane told me about that the other day," Kinana points out, scratching the back of her head as if to ease her own nerves. "She also mentioned you and Natsu, saying how cute you two would be together."

My cheeks flush with embarrassment, and I purse my lips in concentration. What is that she-devil thinking!? I don't think Natsu likes me that way! Besides, I have no experience when it comes to romance. How would you even know if someone likes you?

"You didn't deny it," Kinana remarks, and my eyes widen in surprise. "Do you have a crush on one of our dragon slayers?"

My cheeks turn bright red, and I bury my face in my palms, feeling utterly flustered. Why am I acting like this!? My body is completely betraying me!

Just as I'm about to gather my thoughts, the doors to the guild slam open, interrupting our lighthearted conversation. I turn my head, and my heart sinks at the sight of Lahar, flanked by a contingent of rune knights. A heavy silence falls over the guild as I exchange a concerned look with Kinana. What are they doing here? Did we do something wrong?

"What's going on?" someone asks, voice trembling with apprehension.

"We didn't do anything wrong!" another chimes in, but Lahar raises a hand to quiet them.

"That's not why we're here," he says, his expression serious yet sympathetic. "A few days ago, some of your guildmates set out to Tenroe Island for the S-Class trials." He heaves a sigh, and my heart drops. "Although they managed to defeat Grimoire Heart, they were attacked by a dragon."

My eyes widen in shock. A dragon?

"What happened?" I manage to ask, my voice trembling.

"Are they okay?" Kinana whispers, tears brimming in her eyes.

I purse my lips, dread pooling in my stomach. "Where are they now?"

"We don't know," he admits, lowering his head in dismay. "The island was there one second and gone the next." Lahar's expression is grave, and my breath catches. "I'm sorry, but your friends are gone."

Tears sting my eyes as I clench my fists in desperation. That can't be true! Natsu and the others wouldn't just die! They couldn't, right...?

"That's impossible! They wouldn't just lose like that!" I cry, my voice breaking.

Lahar nods, his gaze heavy with understanding. "It was unlike anything we've ever seen before. They sent numerous attacks and tried their best, but it didn't even scratch him."

An eerie silence falls over the guild, the once vibrant atmosphere now shrouded in sorrow. Members who were once lively now sit in shock. Macao buries his face in his palms, attempting to hide his tears, while Jet and Droy stare at Lahar in disbelief. Kinana, too, has tears streaming down her cheeks.

"I can't do this..." I whisper, my voice barely audible as tears begin to spill over. I slowly get to my feet and head toward the entrance of the guild, my heart hammering within my chest. I refuse to believe it! Natsu and the others can't be dead, can they?

I walk past Lahar and the rune knights, stepping outside into the cool air. A soft wind blows through my hair, but it does little to soothe the turmoil inside me. Tears stream down my face as I clench my fists tighter, feeling utterly helpless. Natsu brought me into Fairy Tail, always protecting me. Erza and Gray looked after me like a big brother and sister, while Mira and Cana were my teasing, supportive friends. And Levy...she was my best friend.

I lower my head, the weight of despair pressing down on me. This isn't fair!

"Lucy," a voice calls softly from behind. I slowly look over my shoulder to find Lahar standing there, his expression serious. My heart races with annoyance and confusion; what does he want now? Fairy Tail just lost so many of its strongest members!

I meet his gaze, trying to maintain my composure. "Yeah?"

"Honestly, I don't know how you feel right now," he admits, and I cross my arms defiantly. "You may think that the Magic Council doesn't care about the individual guilds and what happens, but you're wrong." I tilt my head in confusion, unsure of where he's going with this. "Not only did the magic world lose many talented wizards, but the ones left in Fairy Tail are forced to pick up the pieces and move on."

I scowl, frustration bubbling within me. "It's not that easy."

"I know," Lahar says, his tone softening. "It will be tough now, but things will get better with time." He meets my gaze, and his expression holds a weight of understanding. "Take as much time as you need. If it helps, don't worry about your mission to find the planet spirits for now."

I shake my head, a serious expression forming on my face. "I have to find them," I say sharply, determination igniting within me. "I already told the Magic Council that I would help find the celestial spirit keys, and that's what I'll do."

Lahar arches a brow, intrigued. "Where are they?"

"Well..." I begin, running a hand through my hair, trying to organize my thoughts. "I really haven't had time to look into it, but one of my celestial spirits told me to think of the continent of Ishgar like a map of the solar system." Lahar furrows his brows, clearly processing this information. "He also mentioned that certain planets are in different climates compared to others."

"I see," he replies, a hint of respect in his voice. "It seems your celestial spirits already have knowledge about the planet spirits, so that would be a good resource to use on your mission."

A realization strikes me. If my celestial spirits know about the planet spirits, I could ask Crux for help in locating them. Not only is he one of the smartest celestial spirits, but if these spirits don't have holders, then finding them shouldn't be too difficult.

"Oh my gosh! You're right!" I exclaim, excitement bubbling to the surface as I look at Lahar. He tilts his head in confusion, unsure of what just changed. "Thank you so much! I know exactly how I'm going to find them! I just need to get a map!"

Lahar nods, appreciating my determination. "That's good to hear. I'll let the Magic Council know."

"Alright!" I say, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

"If you need any help, let us know." Lahar narrows his eyes, his expression serious once more. "This mission is dangerous, so please proceed with caution. There's no shame in asking for help."

I stare at him in surprise. So, the Magic Council would actually help me with this mission if I just asked?

"I really appreciate it!" I state, nodding in his direction. "I'll do my best to keep the Magic Council informed about what happens." He shoots me a supportive smile before walking away, leaving me standing in the bright sunlight.

With a serious yet excited expression on my face, I look out toward the horizon. There's no doubt that this mission will be difficult, but I can feel the fire in my heart burning bright. I will find the planet spirits and accomplish my mission, no matter what! I owe it to Natsu, Erza, Gray, and everyone else. I won't let them down!