Written in the stars

A big decision

Lucy knew what she had to do. She was almost in tears. She hated to leave her true friends, Wendy, Levy, Gajeel, Mira, Lisanna and Carla. And Lily.
But she had to get stronger.
"Open, Gate of the lion, Leo!"
"Are you ok, Lucy?" He asked, without any flirtatious behaviour. She saw how worried he was and hugged him tightly. "Thank you for being here, Loke!"
"I'll always be there for you, Lucy." He hugged her back. "You're the reason I'm alive today. You're my beloved friend."
"Thanks, Loke. I have to ask a favor of you."
"Anything, love," he said winking.
"Can you help me train? I want to be stronger. Stronger than Titania or Dragneel. And I want my other spirits to help me as well."
"Naturally we will help you. There is a lot more to celestial magic than summoning, stardress and Urano Metria. It's time for you to learn them all.... but, Lucy," his voice drifted off, "What about Gray?"
"I love him, and no question about it. I also want to be strong for him. I'll come back soon, Loke."
"Then as you wish, Lucy. Do you realize you must leave the guild?"
"Yes, I know." The resolution in her eyes was firm and unwavering.
She erased her guild mark, and began writing some letters. She asked Virgo to pack her things, and had Loke speak to the master.
He knocked, and Master Makarov said, "Enter." He looked up, surprised. "Loke! What brings you here, son?"
He explained the purpose of his visit, and the master was almost in tears. "She left some letters, and asked me to tell you she still has much respect and affection for you."
And there was a small letter for Master also.

Dear Master,
Please forgive me for leaving so suddenly. I know I have become stronger than before, but it's not enough. I will return the day I can take on Salamander and Titania on their equal terms.
You have always been a second father to me, and I promise you I will write back.
Accept me again when I return.
With affection and respect,
Lucy.

I will await your return, my child. Come back soon.
And Loke disappeared.
Master went to the balcony and shouted, "Listen up, brats! I'm sorely disappointed and upset to tell you that Lucy Heartfilia, our beloved guild member has quit!"
"How could you let her quit?!" Gray shouted, and the others chimed in. Especially Wendy, who started sobbing, and Mirajane.
Natsu broke down crying. I'm sorry, Luce, I don't know what came over me. Come back!
Erza started to weep silently.
"She has letters for you."
The first one was for the entire guild.

Dear Fairy tail,
I'm so upset and disappointed that ever since Lisanna came back from Edolas, you have been treating me like I'm non-existent! You hurt me, verbally and physically, ostracized me, and left me all alone! Is this the same guild that protected me from Phantom Lord? The same guild that cared about their comrades? I don't know what has changed, but it's certainly for the worst. You called me weak, unfit, awful, ugly, a slut. Did you think I was all that? Probably!
Just to tell you, I summoned five spirits at once while defeating that 'puny' dark guild, used stardress and Urano Metria! Still weak, right?
Well, as Wendy, Gray, Mira, Lisanna and Carla already know, I almost killed myself. A celestial wizard fights by her spirits, she is not weak.
Cana, who helped you with Gildarts?
Natsu, who helped you during Phantom?
Who defeated Sherry by herself on Galuna island?
Who helped you during that infinity clock business by merging with the clock?
Who defeated Angel in Oracion Seis?
I am not weak, and I will prove it.
I loved you guys like family, but is this what I get?
Look forward to another encounter from me, Fairy tail!
Your ex-friend, ex-guildmate, ex-family,
L. Heartfilia.