The Dragon's Mark

What Have You to Say?

Six Months Later, at Lucy's Apartment:

"Hello! I'm back!" Lucy announced as she appeared in her apartment. Looking around, she noticed it was dark and empty. It looked - abandoned. She frowned. Where was Natsu? He and Happy had basically moved into her place. She figured the place would be trashed, honestly.

Her unfinished novel lay on her writing desk. When she picked it up, the dust on it made her sneeze. She frowned. It was like no one had been here since she'd been gone. How long HAD she been gone? It had only taken her a celestial week to perfect her new moves. She couldn't wait to show Natsu and the others!

Glancing at her calendar, she saw it was still on the same date as when she left. Maybe they're at the Guild Hall, or on a job. She smiled, thinking of surprising Natsu. She decided not to change and to keep her celestial fashion on. I look hot, she thought with a smirk, looking in the mirror. Natsu won't know what hit him! She couldn't wait to see him!

Summoning Pluu, one of her companion spirits, they set off for the Guild Hall.

"Not much of the town has changed. That's good, right?" she questioned Pluu as they walked along the canal. "Don't fall in, Lucy!" came a familiar cry. "I won't!" she called back with a smile.

Pluu nodded in agreement with her earlier question. "Pluu," he merely said, but it sounded like a yes.

She studied the outside of the Guild Hall. "This is still standing too and," she smiled, leaning her head slightly forward, "I can hear the ruckus going on inside, so things are pretty much normal!"

Opening the door, she smiled at her guild members going about their daily business. There was Cana, mug in hand, talking to Troy. Mira was at the bar, talking to Lisanna and Elfman. Juvia was sitting next to an uncomfortable Grey, her head on her shoulders, while he talked to Erza across the table.

"I'm home!" she announced, more to herself than to the guild as a whole, but her announcement made Levy's face lift up from her book and she squealed, "Lu-Chan!"

Running towards each other, the two best friends embraced. "Levy-chan! I missed you!"

"Lucy!" a lot of the guild members called, seeing their celestial spirit mage standing in the doorway.

"Hi guys! I'm back!" Lucy smiled. She glanced around, but didn't see Natsu or Happy.

Lisanna joined the two friends embrace. "Lucy! We missed you!" she cried.

"Lucy!" a grim voice greeted her. Lucy looked up from her two friends and faced Erza, Grey, and Mira. The three mages almost looked....hostile.

"How could you be so selfish?" accused Erza in a harsh tone. "I am so disappointed in you."

Grey and Mira crossed their arms and seemed to be in agreement with her.

"Uh, what's going on guys?" Lucy asked nervously.

"Because of your selfishness, you abandoned Natsu. Because of your actions, he became reckless, careless, and more volatile. What have you to say?"