Gaining Courage: The Search for the Lost Keys (a Fairytail Galu story)

Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Staff Abides

The next morning as I was packing away the camp site I didn't know what to feel; he'd left her, again. This was the only thought running through my mind. I could understand and even forgive him leaving at first as I didn't really like thinking of him and Levy in love even though Levy was her best friend, let alone thinking about what that love might have entertained. I knew thinking about her being with Natsu had to be hard for him but to leave her like that and not come back, to let her explain.

As I once more forced the tears away as I had cried enough last night after he had stormed out of the tent into the darkness. Virgo quickly popped out and without saying anything took up the supplies and vanished back to the spirit world; I couldn't have been more grateful for her friend, if she'd said anything I didn't think I would have been able to hold it in.

Glancing round it occurred to her that the first part of her mission was finally over, I had the Staff other than dropping it off in Kalum City I had finished the S-Class mission. At any other time she would have been ecstatic at her accomplishment but now all I could feel was sadness. If I hadn't opened my stupid mouth maybe he wouldn't have... Pushing away the thought of what could have been I finally came to a decision: it was done, done waiting, done hoping, just done.

Picking a direction away from Oak Town and all its memories I strapped the Staff to my back and took one last glance at the lone pack left in the clearing. Staring at his bag I couldn't force myself to pick it up or call Virgo to come and get it. Slowing I started walking leaving what could have been behind.

As I started out at a brisk pace I knew I'd make better time if I brought out Argo but just right now I couldn't. Even if I told myself I had given up on him I couldn't find it within herself to completely leave like that; if I used Argo without Pantherlily here there would be no way for Gajeel to ever catch up.

Shaking off my thoughts I pulled out the key from yesterday and I finally saw who her new family member was. I couldn't even say I was shocked when I gathered it was the key for Leo Minor; all my emotions seemed to be on hold. Sighing I called out Leo and explained the situation. Smiling he was glad to see his sisters key had become Lucy's and told me what he could. Making the call the power drain wasn't even noticed as the light faded on my new spirit.

"Well well well if it isn't big brother Leo's princess. My I have been waiting to meet you but I thought I'd never get the chance what with my other keys being in the backass of beyond."

Standing slightly taller than Loke the spirit had long sandy-red coloured hair which you could see barely covered her cat ears. She wore ripped jeans and a dusty yellow leather jacket, built slim like her brother she gazed at Lucy and winked at Leo who smirked back in return.

"Leona's my name, my friends call me Lottie. My abilities as being the opposite of big brother over there, Leo used light while I used darkness. I'm fast and love a good fight when I can get one. Bringing us out together as you being strong enough will double down on all our attacks. Us being opposites and all you'd think it wouldn't work but something about that void in-between seems to really pack a punch. The only days I'm not any good are them full moon nights, does something to me it does"

She winked as she said goodbye and I let Leo go so he could have time to catch up with his sister. I threaded her key onto my ring and continued making my way back toward civilisation. It had barely been half an hour afterwards when I realised someone was watching me. At first I assumed it was simply Gajeel watching from afar. It was only after several more minutes that the feeling of being watched started to really make my flesh crawl and I had to acknowledge that it probably wasn't Gajeel that was stalking her.

Being as calm and unassuming as possible I brushed my hands over my hips and my right one coincidentally right down past my key pouch. Summoning Virgo silently and underground I had her stay out of sight asked her to prepare herself for what was to come. I didn't think that it was a coincidence that in the middle of nowhere right after I'd found the Staff someone was watching, as I hadn't forgotten all of the attempts that had been made while I had been on this stupid quest. Going for unaware and hoping this worked I started humming and singing softly as I reached over in plain view and held out one of my silver keys.