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Lucy was buzzing with excitement as she eagerly walked through the many stalls and booths strewn through the streets. There wears magic fluttering by creating lights, music, colors, noises of all kinds as she wandered through. The annual art fair was something she had been looking forward to every year since she moved to Magnolia.
It had always scratched and itch in her brain when she was looking for inspiration for her book. There were writers there she could brainstorm with, artists with paintings without stories that they’d allow her to come up with, jewelry that’s pattern inspired the plot flow of her work. She had always felt at home among other artists.
She was well known enough now that most of the older booths expected her there. They’d call out to her, sit with her, and listen as they weaved a story together they would expect to see in a book or a periodical in the news. Lucy was their friend.
On this particular outing, however, she was looking for something specific. Happy hadn’t been sleeping well due to nightmares and she was on the hunt for something, anything that would soothe him. Form magical projections to recordings of lullabies, nothing seemed to fit correctly in tow what she had envisioned for him.
One stall that she had never seen before was a bright purple tent with nature designs crowning it. She absentmindedly made way to it, saying hello to the familiar faces as she passed.
The first thing she had noticed was the wooden figurines on the table. All of them were beautifuly carved and pulsing with magic that made them shimmer under the light. The magic felt familiar to her, but she couldn’t place her finger on why. She gently touched one of them, the warmth of the magic seeing into her skin.
“Lucy!” Laki suddenly exclaimed, gathering the girl’s attention. She looked up and was face to face with the violet haired wizard. “Laki!” She squealed as she brought the girl into a deathly tight hug. “I didn’t know you’d be here!” She pulled away and looked at the mage before her.
“Well, I hadn’t intended on it, but Warrod encouraged me to submit my art.” She smiled fondly. “Warrod?” Lucy questioned. Laki nodded and be inked for her to come around the table.
“I’ve been studying other plant magics from him and more complex spells for wood make.” She gestured to the statues before them. “This is part of my training.” She pushed her glades up on her face.
“I can’t believe I had no idea! You’re amazing Laki.” She focused on a small figurine of Happy. Laki watched as Lucy cooed over her artwork.
Lucy suddenly stopped and picked up one figure. It was of her, standing strong and brave, the look on her face was one full of determination. Judging by the outfit, it was from the gmg. “It’s like you pulled it from life.” She said as traced her hand over the figurine’s face.
“That’s part of the magic. Similarly to memory make, it’s like I take them directly from my thoughts and sculpt life around me.” Laki explained.
Lucy set it down and smiled. “You really are amazing.” Laki laughed. “So you’ve said.” She added.
“Can I buy this one?” Lucy pointed to the Happy figurine. “Have It.” Laki said. Lucy snapped her head toward the mage. “What?! No! I have to pay you for your work!” She began fumbling with her purse.
“And you will one day. When you publish your book, give me a signed copy for free and we’ll call it even.” She winked. Lucy giggled. “Sure, sure.” She sighed and turned to leave.
“Can I commission you?” She asked suddenly, turning back to the wood make mage. “What did you have in mind?”
….
“A fish!” Happy yelled. “A wooden fish.” Lucy corrected. “A wooden fish.” Happy said a bit dejectedly.
“A magic wooden fish.” Lucy added. Happy tilted his head at her. “A magic wooden fish?” He repeated. Lucy stifled a laugh at how they were going around in circles.
She nodded. “Watch.” She pressed the tail of the fish down. Suddenly the room exploded in a soft light. Sounds of waves came through the figurine and projections of fish covered the walls as the seam and taunted the cat. A soft lullaby, recorded by Lyla, played.
“I know you’ve been having some trouble sleeping at night.” She pet Happy’s head. Happy nodded. “I keep waking up and thinking you’re not there, that Natsu is gone for good. That he’s left us all or he’s died or or-that he doesn’t want me anymore That-“ a choked sob cut him off.
“Shh, it’s okay. It’s okay.” She pet his back. “I asked a few of our friends to help make this for you. The simple instrumental continued, but Lucy’s voice joined in. Mostly humming in the way she often did as Happy sat on her lap and slept. When it switched to a different song she actually sang.
If he hadn’t been so touched, he might’ve made fun of her for it sarcastically. Eventually she faded out and Natsu’s humming joined. A few tracks later it had both of them. It had enough music to last all night and well into the day.
“Lushee.” Happy whimpered. She smiled and rubbed his cheeks. “Thank you.” He cried into her torso, smearing snot down her front.
“You’re welcome Happy.” She grinned down at him. “I’ll tell Laki you like it.”
She kissed his head and leaned back, letting him watch the magical projections on her walls. She hoped it would bring him some peace.
….