Find a Way

Practice Pt.2

Lucy's POV

2 Days until contest - Thursday

I had practiced most of Wednesday, and took breaks when I needed. Mio had left around lunch time and I didn't see her past then.

Natsu was still going on constant missions. I was amazed that there were still any left. So I was left sitting at a table in the Guild alone.

"Hey Lucy, you okay?" Levy questioned me, approaching my table.

"Huh? Oh I'm fine. Why?"

"Because Natsu's been out constantly. Aren't you worried or even the smallest bit lonely?"

I sighed. "Guess I can't hide that. Yeah. I guess it's kinda lonely with him going off without me, but I'm more interested in why. I mean, he doesn't have rent to pay because he lives in a handmade house in the forest. Food isn't all that much so why would he need to get so much cash?"

"Who knows. But I think Gray managed to catch him early this morning. Maybe he knows."

"Thanks Levy." I smiled. "I also couldn't help notice that Gajeels been missing."

"Yeah. He's been at home playing his guitar. After I honestly told him that he needs to actually learn how to play. Not play randomly."

"Wow. You're brutal."

"Just another word for honest."

We both laughed. I thanked her again and went to talk to Gray. He was, as usual, by the bar...shirtless.

"Hey Gray." I greeted.

"Sup Lucy? Heard you were gonna sing at the talent show. Good luck."

"Thanks. Aren't you participating?"

"Maybe. I mean Juvia shoved my name down without asking me and I'm still deciding whether to remove my name or not. If I do I'll probably do ice sculptures."

"Sounds a lot like you would do that Gray."

"Whatever. I didn't even think you would have the guts to perform."

"Well Natsu convinced me." I told him. "Which is why I always to ask if you had any idea why he's always out on jobs?"

"Ah. I would love to tell ya, but I can't."

"So you did talk to him this morning."

"Really early too. I was on my way here and saw him leaving again. Asked him what was up, and he made me swear not to tell anyone."

"Damn it. I guess I'll just have to ask when he gets back. Will he be here on Saturday for the contest?"

"Yup. Said he would be doing jobs right up until then."

"Hmm. Thanks anyways Gray. Good to know he's doing okay. I haven't heard a word from him."

"Well I'm sure he'll explain things once he's back for a while."

"Hope so."

Suddenly, Gray's eyes moved to look behind me for a second before looking back at me.

"I think someone is looking for ya Lucy."

He pointed out the door towards the girl. It was Mio. She seemed to be waiting round the corner of the door, too scared to come in and not really wanting to be seen. I walked over to her.

"What's up?"

"We need to practice your performance. Dancing. How's the singing?"

"It's great. I did exactly what you said and my throat feels better than ever."

"Glad I could help. Now you can give me a quick run through before we start on your dance moves. They'll only be small as your songs more on the emotional aspect than the beat."

"Sure."

We went into the forest to practice, as my flat was too small and I wasn't doing it in public. I quickly ran through the song and Mio was impressed. Said I was getting constantly better.

"Now that your sining is basically perfect, let's try some dancing. Just try your best." She told me. "You have to sing and dance at the same time, and with mic in hand. So I got these little things to use as fake ones so you get used to it."

She handed me a piece of wood which she had calved into a microphone shape.

"Now when I give the signal, start singing. Then I get you to visualise your guy in your head. Then just let your body move on its own." She advised. "Your lyrics are all from the heart, so your moments need to be too."

I took in a deep breath and started on que. I started by just not moving. Just eyes closed singing into the wooden mic. Then when it got to chorus I did some arm movements. Once I hit the last verse, before the final chorus, I visualised the forest as the Guild Hall. Where everyone would be seated. I walked to where the imaginary Natsu was and sang straight to him. Then when I picked up the chorus again I swirled around and went back to where I was before.

"That was really good Lucy!" Mio smiled. "But you know what could make it better. My magic."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

She grabbed my hand and muttered something inaudible. Then, a thin glow of black and purple outlined my body.

"Wha-what's this?" I asked, confused.

"Okay Lucy. Just imagine where you wanna go." She instructed, releasing my hand. "Imagine your body floating horizontally where you are now."

I did so, and I suddenly felt my legs float up I where I was imagining them to be.

"Whoa! What is this?"

"Now try and move."

I commanded my body to move forwards, and it did. Mei kept giving me instructions and I soon got the hang of it. Soon I was easily flying around the forest, gliding past trees.

"Now, when that final chorus picks up, you gotta fly back to the stage. Okay?"

"Got it. I'll need to show you the hall though, so it would be easier to practice that idea."

"Sounds fun."

We went back to the hall. Mei seemed skeptical to go in at first, but I encouraged her. I was immediately confronted with Erza.

"Hello Lucy. Whose this?" She questioned.

"Oh. This is Mio. She's a new friend of mine. She's helping me with my performance with the talent show on Saturday."

"Nice to meet you Mio. I'm Erza."

"Nice to meet you too." She replied, somewhat shy.

All the others came over to join in the conversation. Gray, Juvia, Mira, Cana, Wendy and more. They all introduced themselves.

"Well, we would love to stay and chat, but we have work to do." I stated. "Now if you'll excuse us."

I guided her down to our basement.

"Sorry. With everyone out there, it'd be kinda embarrassing practising in front of them." I said sheepishly. "I could set up some boxes to make it like a stage."

"You do that. I'll use my magic to soundproof the door."

Her magic is really amazing. She can do so much.

"So what was that magic earlier?" I asked.

"Oh. It deleted the space around your body. So gravity wasn't really acting on you. Your mind was your gravity control centre. So whatever you told your body to do, it did." She explained. "The magic I'm doing now is the same sorta thing. I'm removing the space between this room and the hall so that no sound can travel through. That way nobody can hear us."

"That's amazing. I never heard of magic like that before."

"Well it's really rare. So much so, I think I'm the only person with it."

"Why?"

"Heh. Because..." She smiled. "It's Dimension Dragon Slayer Magic."