The Day She Vanished

Announcement

Even though Pin came back just as quick as always, Lucy didn't write me back. That was yesterday. A part of me is worried that something happened and Pin can no longer find her, but a bigger part of me is excited because that might mean she's close to home.

My thoughts were interrupted by the ground shaking, causing me to look up from my meal to around the guild hall. I hadn't really paid attention to everyone's behavior all day, but now that I think about it, they've all been so alive and excited. These two things meant only one thing: Guildarts is back!

Natsu was acting like a child again, spouting flames all over the place and picking fights with Grey and Elfman, Mirajane had her hands full with serving drinks, especially Cana who looked less enthusiastic to hear of Guildarts' return, cards on the table in front of her.

It's not every day I talk to Cana, so I picked up my food and made my way beside her at the bar and struck up a conversation, "What do the cards say?" I ask as she takes another swing of beer.

She sighs and puts the empty mug down and I take a bite of my lunch, "Today will be full of joy." She looks at the card in her hand and drops it onto the layout.

"You don't seem to be all too excited..." I recognize.

She shakes her head, "I've just not been into it recently... I just need some time." She gathers all the cards together and starts to lay them out.

The guild hall doors opened and everyone rejoiced, and I looked back to see the old man with a big smile on his face. He greeted as he walked the familiar path to Makarov who was a few bar stools down from me, sitting on the counter with pink cheeks. They engaged in a friendly discussion, but it was under hushed tones so I couldn't exactly hear.

I couldn't help but look back at the large, wide open doors that invited the cool winter breeze, imagining Lucy walking through those door with a smile on her face, gaining the same welcome that Guildarts had received. Lulu... please come back soon... I thought with hands clasped together.

Makarov called Erza and Mirajane to him before standing and calling the guild to attention. It was amazing just how fast the guild could fall quiet at the master's command, "I have a very exciting announcement for all of you!" he projected his voice loudly throughout the Guildhall, "We will be holding the annual Fairy Tail S Class trails!" The guild let out one loud and excited cheer in unison.

Natsu had a fire of determination in his eyes that he couldn't contain, "That win is mine!" He called out, challenging all of his unknown competitors. Several guildmates called out playful challenges and I couldn't help but laugh.

Makarov cleared his throat, gaining full attention once again, "As for who is competing: Natsu Dragoneel, of course-" The guild let out another string of challenges, "Grey Fullbuster!" claps and cheers erupted as he threw his shirt off, "Freed Justine!" A glimmer sparkled in his eyes and everyone knew what he was thinking, I'm following in Laxus' footsteps! "Juvia Lockser!" Everyone was a bit surprised, but not as surprised as her, yet they still cheered, and I cheered along with them, "Levy McGarden!" I stared at master in shock as he gave me the thumbs up, "Cana Alberona!" She buried her head in her arms, hopefully just because she drank too much, "Elfman!" The large man erupted in a bunch of 'real man' sayings, "And last but not least, Mest Grider!" He had almost won the trail last year but sadly could make it.

I still couldn't believe that I was selected for S class! I mean, I always thought that my magical skill was mediocre at best, never strong enough for S Class level...

Makarov started speaking once again, "Now that we all know our candidates, we-" he stopped as he looked up, shock on his face, and we all turned to where he was looking.

There she was, Lulu, standing in the doorway to the guild with quite a new look, longer hair that was not pulled up in a ponytail but hung loosely as her waste with armor that resembled green vines, and my flower barret in her hair. She scratched the ack of her head awkwardly, "Oh wow..." She said in the silence, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything important..." Her eyes looked around the room before they met with mine.

I jumped up with glee, so did Natsu, Grey, Wendy, and Erza, but I got to her first, and I hugged her so tight that I bet she couldn't breathe, "Welcome back Lulu!" I say in a hushed tone as four other bodies crash into us, creating a very large group hug.

natsu was the most talkative, and really, he could barely be home as the guild cheered and welcomed her back, "Don't ever disappear like that again..." He said. I couldn't see her face at first because my head was on her shoulder, but as we all pulled away, we could see tears in her eyes.

"It's nice to be home..." She cried with a smile. Others came to greet her, including Lisanna who seemed to be more passionate than most.

Makarov's voice once again rang out, "Lucy, my child," She turned to him, "Welcome home." His eyes were holding back tears of his own as he smiled proudly at her.

She nodded, "It's good to be back, Master." She said happily.

Erza returned to the master's side so he could go into detail about the trial, We could tell Lucy had questions, but three out of the five people sitting at the table had been nominated, so we all had to pay attention and explain everything later. Lucy was twiddling her thumbs with a small smile on her face, only half aware of what was going on.

She was finally home, and that's all I needed to know to win this thing.