REALIZATION

Gone.

Chapter One:Gone

I stared at the retreating figures of Gray, Natsu and Erza as they walked away, content with having successfully completed the mission. Tears pooled at my eyes, threatening to spill out at any second. I blinked them away rapidly once Gray turned around, a frown took over his grin.

"You coming, Lucy?"he asked confused. Probably wondering why I hadn't moved from my spot.

"Yeah, I'll catch up in a few,"I said as casually as I could. Satisfied with my answer, he nodded and walked beside the other two who were chatting away.

They are always saving me.

I looked at my hands and clenched them tightly into fist, my nails dug into my palms painfully. Tears finally ran down my cheeks, dropping onto the ground.

I'm weak, I always try and make myself feel better by pretending to be strong. But I can't pretend anymore.

I sobbed quietly knowing Natsu would hear me if I was any louder. I punched the ground as hard as I could, blood splattered over the rock covered ground, my skin had split over my knuckles.

I'm always hiding behind them.
Gray, Natsu, and Erza are always protecting me.

I fell to my knees ignoring the pain of the rocks piercing my skin, and cried a bit louder. I muffled by sobs with my hands, tears mixed with blood as they ran down my arms.

They do everything, all the work, while I just stand there whining about everything and anything.

I tugged at my hair desperately feeling the need to hurt myself, I bit my tongue so I wouldn't let a scream escape my lips.

They always get hurt, and I always arrive to the guild perfectly fine, they have scars to prove their hardwork, I have cuts that would heal fast.

I looked down, my hair cascading to cover half of my face.

I need to stop hiding behind them, I need to be strong for myself and for them.

I looked at my keys. I shook my head and wiped the tears away furiously.

But how? It took them years to get the nicknames they own. Titania. Salamander. Ice prince.

As if on cue, Loke appeared.

"Is there something wrong Lucy?"he asked, worry evident in his voice.

"Yes,"I said as I wiped the tears away."Am I weak Loke?"

Startled by the sudden question he jumped before replying,"What!? Of course not princess, who said that?"he asked anger filling his voice.

"Loke am I weak?"I asked once again, he stopped ranting about beating the person who called me weak. He seemed to be looking at me, but at the same time his mind was elsewhere.

"No princess, you are not weak, you are a strongest and bravest person I have ever met,"he said firmly.

"Loke, I'm asking you a specific question, therefore I want you to answer me with all honesty. Am I weak?"I asked.

"Princess I already said it you are no-"

"I won't repeat it again, I just want to hear the truth,Loke,"I said raising my voice.

"In strength and speed your are weak, but I assure you, you have smarts as well as strategies,Lucy"he said. I nodded satisfied with the answer.

"Thank you for being honest,"I said.