Supernova

Prologue

A/N: What can I say? I'm a sucker for Lucy-gets-stronger-and-more-badass stories. :) I hope y'all enjoy it!
Also, expect some canon divergence. It's not a whole lot, but it's there.
~~~
"One day," Lucy huffed, dodging the barrage of flaming spears aimed at her person. She landed harshly on some sharp rocks, ignoring the pain that lanced through her body. "One day we'll get a mission where we don't get into any unnecessary fights!" Her eyes widened when a huge boulder hurtled towards her, and she shrieked, crossing her arms in front of her face. There was a burst of heat, but no pain, so Lucy slowly opened one eye to assess the damage. Natsu stood before her, wielding a shit-eating grin on his face, his hand extended towards her.

"Oh come on, Luce!" he said, white teeth flashing. "It's so much more fun this way!" He suddenly jumped, bending his back into a perfect arc and executing a perfect back flip. He landed a meter away from his previous spot, three spears sticking up from where he was standing just seconds ago.

"Show off," Lucy grumbled, thoroughly not amused and maybe a little jealous. Natsu only grinned widely at her again before taking a running leap, flames engulfing his arms as he leapt over her. She felt the heat of his fire as he soared over her, feeling as if the wild hairs standing innocently atop her head would burst into tiny little flames. Lucy watched as Natsu jumped in front of one of the cloaked people that were so kind to have ambushed her and taken her whip and keys when she wasn't ready, a wicked grin on his face illuminated by his fire. She'd known Natsu for years now, not including their time at Tenrou, and yet she'd never understand the thrill he got from fights.

Of course, how would she know the thrill of a fight since all she got from them was a beaten body? How would she know the thrill of a fight since she had her spirits do it for her? Lucy watched as Happy carried Gray over a flaming rock and straight into an ambush-er. Damn it, even that damned cat was in on the action, and yet, she was standing there like an idiot because she didn't know how to fight properly without her items.

Fuck her life.

She needed a vacation.
***

Mirajane was highly amused.

It had only been six hours since Fairy Tail's legendary team had come back from a month-long mission, but their antics once more plagued the guild as if no time had passed. Gray and Natsu were at each other's throats again, with no one being able to do anything since the only one who could was too busy cherishing her precious strawberry cake. Wendy was caught in between Charle and Happy, who had attempted to give the young dragon slayer's Exceed fish that was long past its due date. And Lucy...

Well, Lucy was too busy mumbling into her cup of beer, with Cana by her side, no doubt influencing the younger mage to join her daily drunken practices. Mira supposed that she could've protested against it, but Lucy's rather aggressive agreement to Cana's proposal momentarily stunned Mirajane. By the time she shook herself from the initial shock, it was too late; Cana had transformed Lucy into a drinking monster.

Lucy slammed her mug forward, drooping eyes attempting to hold contact with Mirajane's own blue ones. "Yes, Lucy?" Mira asked, her lips twitching as she attempted not to laugh. 'Dear Lord, she's so adorable!' Mirajane squealed internally, an affectionate glimmer appearing in her eyes.

"Where's all the rum gone?" Lucy slurred, her head nodding forward before snapping back up.

"You were drinking beer, Lucy."

"Uhuahhghh," Lucy said in reply.

Cana slung her arm around Lucy's shoulder, laughing hysterically. "That's so funny, Lucy!" she howled. "Tell me more, tell me more!"