Chapter 3: Natsu Dragneel

The one person I thought for sure would be in the guild hall, is not. Everyone else is crying and I can't get anyone to answer my question. Where is Lucy? Happy just clinging to me, Gray wanting to fight, Erza smacking me for leaving them all again, and even Grandpa gives me a lecture. But that is the least of my worries. Her scent in the guild hall is not strong.

"Okay, I get it, but I ask you all again. Where is Lucy?" I shout, now the entire room quiets.

"She has been in the guild hall for a few days, but she promised that she would come back today," Happy says with assurance. Lucy has yet to leave us like I have twice.

"Well, then let us go to her apartment," I start out the guild followed by Erza, Happy, and Gray. Their heads hang low. What is going on?

I see her apartment building and go up to her window. The landlady is in the room cleaning it.

"Hey Miss. Where is Lucy?" I ask her.

"You do not know? She does not live here anymore. She moved out about two weeks ago," The Landlady points out. "Before you ask, no I have no idea where she lives now."

I thank the lady and run out, "She does not live here anymore."

"What, wouldn't she tell us," Gray yells in surprise. Nothing that is going on is like her. I head back towards the guild when I get a fresh trail of her scent. I follow it to another apartment complex. A woman is standing out there as if in a daze.

"Hello, Ma'am," Erza pipes up. The woman looks at her.

"You are looking for Lucy. I am afraid you are to late. Though you can check her room," the woman looks at us. "She told me that you might come."

We run up to her room. I can smell her scent like she was here just a few hours ago. Erza checks the closet, Gray checks the drawers, Happy checks the bathroom, and I remain frozen. I missed her, I could get an answer out of the guild. I am so stupid. I should have walked out the moment I did not see her.

Gray calls out, "I found something."

A white piece of paper sits in his hand. Erza takes it and opens it. Lucy's handwriting stands up in my eyes.

Dear Fairy Tail Friends,

I know this must be weird, me leaving like this. But unlike a certain someone, I told Gramps that I was leaving. I am going to be gone for a few years, to a training camp. I decided that I have had enough of being weak. Once I am out of town, I will cover my tracks in every way. Please don't follow. I sure will miss walking into the guild hall and seeing all your faces, and one day I will be back. But until then all I can ask for is that you don't forget me.

Love,

Lucy HeartFilia

She really is gone. Crap, I really missed.