~Natsu~

The sensation of cold water ran down my body as I laid my head against the cool tiles of the shower walls. We walked for hours, not resting our feet nor filling our stomachs that growled with hunger. The walk was long after we left the unnamed graveyard of Aria. What should have been almost an entire day journey to the next town over was only a long, struggling, fourteen hours trudging through the sun over our heads for half the journey for the sky to change to a dark starless night. Due to Autumn, the temperatures became freezing until we eventually arrived at Duskwallow after nighttime came. It was a small town with its only major key buildings being a library, a little medic shop, and the church which could hold up to no more than fifty people. Needless to say, they were not expecting visitors when we stumbled upon their only inn that happened to still be open since it was the only bar within a hundred-mile radius.

My feet were sore as were my muscles cramped, but my only thoughts were to the woman I love beyond words. Lucy, after saying her final goodbyes to her people, hasn't said a word to me since the destruction of Aria. She hasn't spoken to anyone which caused me to worry even more about her. Every time I tried to initiate a conversation or even ask a question as to what could have happened Lucy would only shake her head with her hand up in a stop motion. She wasn't ready to talk, and now I believe she isn't ready to face actuality either of what happened over these struggling hours.

Aria was gone. Forever. Just like that, erased from existence.

I sighed lowly as my fingers brushed through my wet locks of hair in a motion of distress. My thoughts were bouncing through my skulls as I racked my brain and extended my Connection to Lucy to reach. I talked to her through our bond hoping that if she wouldn't speak with her mouth then maybe she'll open her heart. But instead, she's enclosed herself into this imperishable cage she's imprisoned herself in. It was stronger than I've ever recalled when she's done something like this before. I couldn't feel her emotions. I couldn't read her thoughts. Somehow Lucy has managed to hide her emotions even from me. And here I thought I could finally read her clearly as a book. Then I remember I was never a good reader, to begin with.

I decided it was time to leave the shower after the water only became steam when it landed on my skin. It was more like a sauna than it is a washroom. I turned off the water before stepping out and moving to the mirror with a towel sitting on the counter when I threw it over my head to help me cool off. The mirror couldn't be seen through so much steam latching itself on the surface of the mirror that I had to use my hand to wipe away the excess condensation. It was still hard to see, but I could somewhat make out my face that had a tousled amount of hair that sat like a rats' nest. I still didn't feel clean.

My hand that fell into the puddle of old blood felt like it needed to be washed again. I lost count of how many times I scrubbed my hand with soap until it became red with irritation, but it still wasn't enough to rid the feeling of blood. The smell was trapped in my nose and latched itself on my skin. Even after washing myself, I could only smell death. The sight of countless bodies was too much for anyone to behold. Worst of all Lucy had to bury them along with her city.

"Shit." I breathed out whilst rubbing my eyes with my hand as my other palm stayed in the mirror. "What the hell is happening? How did so much happen in a day when it was starting to brighten up for a change?" It was worse that I still didn't have answers as to what even happened. I know for a fact the Gods were the ones that did this, but if Lucy said her barrier couldn't be broken through then what transpired in Aria? Did the Gods just set the city aflame with the snap of their fingers; or the real question is could they just set everything on fire?

"I need some answers," I said as I dried myself with my towel. When I eventually exited the washroom with only my pants on and scarf wrapped around my hips I glanced to the bed not finding Lucy. She was standing near the window with her arms crossed over her chest; her eyes gazing so far away I wonder what she was looking for. Thanks to Erza, Lucy and I were able to snag a room for just the two of us whereas everyone bunked together for the night. Happy went off with PantherLily since everyone has seen the state Lucy is in. She wanted to be left alone, to mourn and carry this burden of grief on her own as she's always done, but this time had to be different. If the cycle of Lucy's guilt continues again then the same conclusion will happen once more. I don't care if she hates me tonight or for the next hundred years because of whether or not I'm going to make her talk to me.

I walked across the room until I hovered behind Lucy's back when I clasped my hands around her waist. "You can't continue doing this to yourself," I started with my eyes gazing lowly to the ground. I felt Lucy's muscles tense, however, she still didn't say a word. "I understand you're in pain, but not speaking isn't going to help you. I'm surprised that you're so smart and yet you continue to make the same mistake repeatedly!" Lucy scoffed when she shook her head in disagreement. I felt it then. She may have cracked through her cage for a sliver of a moment but I felt it.

It was anger. So much anger raging inside her.

I pulled Lucy closer, my lips caressing her ear that she shivered underneath my touch. And still, she wouldn't budge. "Are you not gonna open up once again Luce? Hate to say it but when has that ever worked out for you."

"Don't test me, Natsu." She seethed under her breath. "So it finally speaks!" I announced that I could only crack a scowl when she forcefully turned to look at me. "Yes, I can! Satisfied now! Satisfied that I said something after losing an entire city and thousands of citizens!?" Lucy yelled when I returned to a tolerant manner. "You can't blame yourself if it wasn't your fault. The damage was already done by the time we arrived. I can't watch as you let yourself be consumed by these endless waves of guilt over something you had no control over! You'll only kill yourself again if I don't step in and stop this!"

"I know I had no control, but I should have seen it coming! I was told over and over that I am the strongest among the Gods by many people, and yet I can't see ahead and find out if my people are bound to die?!" Lucy shouted with bloodied tears ready to fall down her cheeks. "I was a leader to their eyes, and I wasn't there. They called out to me when their family and friends died around them with no one to answer their prayers and pleads. That isn't something I can just move on from when I'm responsible for their demise." Lucy shook her head with her eyes closed. Her hand laid over her heart when she was shaking from the emotions that collected itself over the last fourteen hours. "And here you are forcing me to speak to you! I don't want to talk to you, Natsu! So just leave me alone for once!"

"You and I both know I have left you alone to grieve. I've done it repeatedly and the results of leaving you end with someone hurt or you dead!" Lucy clenched her fists. I noticed she was suppressing something, a powerful force of overwhelming power from escaping her when her anger reached. "You're a complete nuisance." She spat at me when she walked past me and locked herself in the bathroom. I know she didn't mean what she said, but it still hurt. I'm only trying to help her and here she is making it harder than it needed to be. I shook my head finding my vest hanging on the bedpost when I grabbed it to get dressed. "Fine! Do whatever you want! Like always be alone!" I yelled slamming our door so she can hear me leave. I had to think and just walk away before we fought any more than we needed to. She makes everything more difficult. When we could just talk about how she feels so she doesn't have to live with this guilt our life would be so much easier. But no! Lucy has to do it her way or else!

I passed the other bedroom doors my comrades resided in not giving a damn if they heard our argument or not. Right now I wanted to just walk away for a minute and forget what just happened. When I came downstairs I saw only a few people sitting at the bar drinking quietly. The barmaid was cleaning for the night with only the candles from the few scattered tables and the worn burned-out fireplace being her source of light. I passed all of them going outside to the night sky and cool breeze. The moon was starting its waxing phase as it showed itself in a crescent shape with many stars shining all around it. Whether if this town was done for the night I had to go and beat a tree to death before I was able to get sleep tonight. It was nearing eleven o'clock at night when I kept my pace slow. My hands were tucked into my pockets as the wind slowly dried my wet head. I neared the outskirts of town when I saw a particular lonely tree that I'm sure no one would miss having around. I was readying my fists until I threw a punch and landed into the bark of the tree. I continued hitting never ceasing my aggravation and anger into each punch I landed. I hadn't noticed my hands were burning with flames and still I threw every punch I had into the side of the tree.

So much anger was cluttered and stored in my heart. I'm sure not all the trees in Fiore would help me with my rising anger problems. The roots of the tree gave way when I stepped away and watched the tall tree fall into the ground. The smell of charred wood wafted my sense of smell that I realized I burned the tree on one side. "How wonderful." I huffed not feeling anywhere near better. I sat down placing my back against the tree and leaned back to stare at the sky. There was an eerie sense of calm with no sound of birds or animals. Even the wind came to a stop when it was only me and the moon that was left awake. I tried to focus on my Connection to Lucy again wondering if she was trying to see where I was, but her walls were still up. I wonder if she could read my emotions in her state? If I can't reach through her then can she not also? Perhaps tomorrow when everything sorts itself out I'll ask her. That is if she'll start talking again.

A sound of a woman screaming echoed the night when I nearly kicked my legs out in alarm. Her cry was a sound of trouble that without thinking I was already on my feet running to go help the unknown lady. I was running further away from town approaching the border of the forest when I came to a standstill. My heart was battering against my chest when I closed my eyes and pinpointed where the scream was from. I was in anticipation; my feet struggling to stop moving until her scream tore the night ambiance. She must have been a quarter-mile away! Far into the woods that I've never even glanced at. I knew I should go back to town and get help, but if I decided to go that route the woman may not even be alive by the time I return. My best option was to go alone, and if Lucy can hear me and is only ignoring my reaching out to her then I hope she'll listen to me now.

'I'm out the outskirts of town due South! I heard the sound of a woman screaming in the dense part of the woods. I'm going in alone.'

I heaved waiting for a few seconds to see if Lucy will say anything. She didn't reply, which told me all I needed to know. "Fine." I seethed, running headfirst into the forest with only my nose and ears to rely on. Overgrown branches swat my face and hit my arms that pushed them out of the way. The cold air burned my lungs as it also tore my muscles from the intensity of the time between finding the lady and saving her. She could already be dead, and I could be the next victim if I don't find out what's going on. "Hello! Where are you!?" I called out as the sound of my voice echoed the thicket within the dark pitted forest. The woman let out a scream once more, this time it being blood-curling to my very bones. I ran further in never taking a glance back when I pushed through an opening. It was a vacant part with several packs of large dire wolves surrounding a woman as she backed away on all fours. "No! No, I don't wanna die!" My hands were already bathed in fire when I jumped into the air to land the first blow. "Fire Dragon: Iron Fist!" I hit the largest wolf in the front as it let out a hideous cry and cowered away shaking its head in pain. "Back away from the area!" I barked at the woman whilst keeping my attention to the pack. Their leader eventually came to, as its glowing orange eyes landed on me. The leader howled calling for more reinforcements meaning sooner or later I was going to be overrun. "Run! Head North and don't look back!" I ordered when the woman ran past me with her hood still covering her face. My hands were burning as I pushed further to bring forth Solantir's Soul Fire. My veins grew hotter whereas my skin was only beginning to steam from the heat growing within me. "You've only made a fatal mistake, you stupid fleabags!" They circled me growing closer by the second until the leader's ears perked back. He looked around for a moment seeming to be lost when he curled his tail between his legs. That's when he howled, this time calling defeat, and ran into the tree line; all of his followers quickly following him without further notice. "Huh?" I questioned smothering my flames when I gradually returned to normal. "What happened? Where did they go?!" I searched back and forth wondering what made them call off their attack. That's when I remembered the woman. What if they were going after her?!

"Oi! Lady! Where'd you go!" I chased after her using my sense of smell to follow the trail she went through. She didn't go North like I told her to but instead went closer to East than she should have. It was only a few minutes until I heard her gasping and coughing for air. "Hey! Are you alright?" I questioned seeing that she was hunched over a tree. She wore a red cloak with its hood over her face. It was too large for her small figure when she used her arm to clean her face. "I'm alright. At least, I think I am." She answered back when I watched as she threw her hood off from her head. "This damn thing is too big! Gods when will this day be finished?!" Long, curly, midnight black hair revealed itself when her hand went over her face again. She was the color of bronze from what little the moonlight showed when her face turned to greet me. I noticed her face was shaped like a diamond, her protruding eyes gazing into my irises when her full-like lips grinned. "Well, this must be my lucky day after all!" She said looking up and down at me. I shyly backed away taking cover by avoiding eye contact. "I was just checking to see if you're alright. And, it seems like you are so-"

"You must be Natsu Dragneel." The beautiful woman said when I noticed she sounded closer. "It seems everyone knows my name now." I sighed still unsure if it was a good idea to stare at her or not. "Listen, I don't know if you're lost, but I'll escort you back to town. I'm currently with my guildmates that are currently staying at the inn in Duskwallow."

"No thank you. I was doing fine by myself, though you showing your face is most welcoming to me. I've been looking for someone, well, I've been looking for my sister you see." She announced when she searched longingly into the forest. "She's lost. I only want to help her, but she's too young to hearken."

"Is your sister in the forest? I didn't see anyone while I was trying to find you." I wanted to return my eyes to her, but I couldn't. Somehow my body was more in control than my brain was, and my body was telling me to get the hell out of here. "She isn't here. Not yet." She replied when I felt her hand move my face to look at her. Her irises...were black.

"But you can bring her to me, can't you?" Before I could understand what transpired I felt teeth rip into both my shoulders before I was knocked over to the ground. The dire wolves returned, and this time their eyes were black just like the woman in front of me. I yelled in agony as they still locked their jaws into my shoulders when more wolves came took small bites one by one. Blood pooled around my body. The woman knelt close to me when she poked into one of the wounds digging and ripping more into my flesh. I couldn't do anything but scream. "Humans are an anomaly. I don't understand how such a small creature can bleed so much. Occasionally, I watch these magnificent beasts that have tied you down with their mighty teeth eat the small preys I have created. It's captivating to watch a hunt such as this one. All along I made you believe I was a simple prey, but in reality, you had fallen into a trap. When will my sister be arriving?"

"She won't! You and the rest of the Gods can all stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Leave Lucy alone and fight me you coward!" The woman tilted her head in boredom. "She won't come to your aid? How disheartening. To think I created this intricate plan and she won't come and save you, well it seems I even fooled myself." Blood began to choke me that I had no choice but to cough it out of my mouth. If I don't find a way out of this then not even my immortality can save me from this. "Why...Why are you doing this?" I wheezed until another cry came out of me. "We've done nothing to you nor the other Gods! Lucy just wants to live happily on EarthLand. Sh-She doesn't want whatever you guys think she wants!"

The woman pulled her finger out of my open wound when she placed her blood-stained finger on my nose. "If you're going to act like a fool then let me make you one. Sing for me, little clown. Go on, sing! Try to enlighten me." She said with a curling scowl on her. "Here's to what I say about your command. Go screw yourself!" The woman stood before turning her back to me. "Very well then, it seems you are of no use to me. Go ahead, my pets, and feast tonight on his bones."

'I'm...sorry. Lucy, I can't...I admit it. I was wrong. Please, forgive me.'

The largest of the pack came forward with saliva dripping out from his mouth. I spat at the creature with my mixed saliva and blood onto his large grey mane. "Damn you! Damn you and the Gods to hell!" I cried out with hostility at the woman who looked back. Her scowl grew into disgust. "Kill him." The wolf howled just as its feet pounced and took the air bearing its teeth for me to behold. It was heading for my exposed neck as it wanted to rip my very flesh apart. I closed my eyes waiting for the fatal blow to occur. Only, there was the sound of a whimper that escaped the alpha until a clear sound of a bone snapped in half. I opened one eye finding the body of the alpha wolf lying before me. Two feet stood in front of me when my eye trailed up to see her.

Lucy.

"H-How did-" Lucy raised her hand silencing me in one motion. The remaining wolves that prowled and kept me down all stepped away. They were cowering away from the woman that stood before them. Some even had their tails shaking between their legs as they awaited orders. "Kemoriyon. I should have expected you to come down and pester me. What are you doing to my soulmate?" The woman, Kemoriyon, grew a smile that should have been on a snake. It was sinister, bearing her pearly white teeth as she tilted her head back to see Lucy. "My dear little sister! I was wondering when you would show your face to me. After Ankhseram informed me of what happened after his last visit I just had to see your powers before my very eyes. He wasn't lying about your growing capabilities."

Lucy knelt with her eyes still focusing on the woman. She placed her hand on top of my back as she was inspecting the damages done to me. I looked over to Lucy when I saw her hand clenched due to incredible pain that not only I was feeling, but she was as well. How she was able to keep a composed face, I couldn't understand it. "You harmed the man I love. Even after I told Ankhseram to never lay a hand on the people of EarthLand-!"

"That's because I ignored Ankhseram, Lucy. You see, I'm not all that frightened of you. All I see is a coward, a small helpless little girl that hides behind the Balance to act all tough and powerful. In reality, you're just a small mistake that needs to be erased for good."

"How dare-!" Lucy began when she bit her tongue back. Then I realized it wasn't Lucy that said that. It was the Balance. "No. Can't you both see that's what she's trying to do? She wants to get a rise out of us. Kemoriyon only wishes to prove her point." Lucy finished standing back up. "This game of yours is futile. Leave now, or regret the decision you're about to make."

'Solantir is going to heal you. After you're mended you have to get out of the forest. She's calling for all the wildlife within a hundred-mile radius. You need to return to Duskwallow and inform the people to lock up.'

'No! Not without you! We'll fight her together or we flee together!' I yelled back through our Connection until Lucy extended her arm out. The veins of the Dark One showed itself when the Goddess Sword placed itself in her hands. Her form changed to the Balance as both arms pulsed with the dark veins of the Dark One. Her clothes changed into the battle gear of the Light Goddess as her wings appeared before our very eyes. I felt an intense pain go through my head like a thunderous migraine. Her guard went down for mere seconds and I was already inflicted by the shift of the Balance. I felt the burning sensation of bloody tears leaving my eyes when Lucy drew the Goddess sword in front of her enemy. 'Trust me Natsu,' Lucy said with a powerful and commanding tone. 'this isn't going to be a fight. All I'm going to do is teach my sister a lesson by putting God Kemoriyon in her place.'

'Lucy...' I breathed when my wounds were fully healed. The old Dragon Solantir told me it was my time to move. If the people of Duskwallow were in trouble then I had to warn them. Lucy didn't even seem alarmed about a God facing before her. Instead, this is what she exactly wanted; a small form of revenge. Revenge for all that was taken from her. 'Please, go Natsu. I'm going to knock some common sense into the God of Wildlife.' I stood without any hint of pain in my muscles. There were no scars to be seen nor any sight of blood; all except my clothes that would need to be cleaned. "Be careful," I said watching Kemoriyon glance my way. "Leaving so soon? That's expected of you of course. You always tend to run away when you're needed most." She stopped me in my tracks. I snapped my head back at her with my veins nearly popping I became so tense. "What did you say?!"

"Don't listen to her! Natsu she's only trying to make you doubt yourself! Don't listen to the being before you. Kemoriyon is wrong!" Lucy snapped her head to my eyes begging me to leave this to her. I couldn't do it. How many times have I run from every encounter that involved Lucy? I swore to protect her. I swore to be there for her. I'm a liar. I'm nothing but a complete liar to everything I've made myself to be. My eyes closed to resist the urge of my blood-soaked tears to fall as the sudden rage grew ferocious inside me. Even if Lucy was calling out to me I was unable to hear her voice. The only audible thing was my heartbeat becoming erratic; my breathing growing uncontrollably. "I fight," My knuckles curled into a tight fist. Instantaneously my flames were the color of white snow. The darkest pit of my mind wanted to see this woman hurt. I wanted to see this God before me dead.

"FOR LUCY!!!"

It happened all at once. One moment I was targeting the enemy's chest until the last second there was a sound of something being ripped open. I didn't realize it at first due to the adrenaline rush, but when I watched blood splatter across the beautiful woman's face with her sinister grin staring at me, I knew I fell for her trap again. There was a large gaping hole on the right side of my stomach. My lungs seized up which caused me to momentarily lose the ability to breathe. The world became sluggish and slow when the grip of a hand was clasped around my neck. Before the second that this all happened finished, I heard her scream.

A powerful and horror-struck scream tore out of Lucy.

She held the side of her stomach as if she was the one that was hit. I could only hear the agony going through her thoughts. How much pain she was being inflicted because of my recklessness. She was hurting because of me. Kemoriyon's eyes glanced down to my pitiful state. "Magnificent. So much blood with only a hole the size of my fist. I'm sure you smell divine to my pets that are nearing the vicinity. Don't worry, they're going to that small town you mentioned to ravage the poor villagers. I somehow find it amusing to see you slowly lose the light within your eyes. You did all of this, to protect your beloved, only to greet death." Kemoriyon looked back to Lucy who had to kneel to hold herself from falling over. "N-Natsu..." Her voice quivered due to the amount of trauma she was enduring. Kemoriyon turned my head to look at Lucy as I cough up blood out from my mouth. I was suffocating when Kemoriyon pushed me closer to Luce. Lucy's hand went to reach for me shakily until Kemoriyon backed me away. "Don't you just love a good tease?"

"Stop it..." Lucy warned her sibling. Kemoriyon scoffed in return. "Or what, little sister?" I witnessed Lucy pick her head up, both her eyes the Dark One and Light Goddess. She released her stomach as she stood back up on her feet thanks to her wings. "I warned you, didn't I? Hurt anyone I hold dear to me and I will bring the war the Gods wanted to their domain, remember? Well, let's settle this dispute now, Kemi. I won't hold back like I planned to. If I destroy your hostess's body then that's it! Call of your mangy army of animals and never come near me again!" Kemoriyon tilted her head when her grip became tighter. My arms and legs were beginning to grow numb. Somehow I was starting to get cold. "And if you lose?" She asked when Lucy chuckled darkly. "I don't plan on losing."

The woman, Kemoriyon dropped me without a second thought on my injured side. It was so numb I could hardly feel the obvious pain that should've inflicted itself. Lucy, on the other hand, must've felt it. She squeezed her hand on that side of her ribs for mere seconds before returning her hand to her side. Lucy took a step forward without another moment to waste. "Take care of him, Solantir. This won't take long."

"N-No Luce...We were meant to do this together." My voice broke from the traumatic pain that was beyond my body to compromise. It was indescribable to express what happened to me and yet what I wanted more than anything was to stand and fight. Even when I would start pulling myself up my arms gave out and I'd only fall back to the ground. Solantir whispered to me. "Stop your foolish actions. You're hurt, badly Natsu. The more you move the worse it'll only be." Lucy was in front of Kemoriyon with both fists clenched. "Let's get this over with." She gritted forcefully as Kemoriyon chuckled. "Gladly. Let me end this with a single blow." Both women stood without moving for a few seconds until it was Lucy that did the first strike. Kemoriyon managed to dodge just barely when the expression on her face was in disbelief. Her face was so close to being decimated by a single punch, and right now Lucy wasn't even trying to win.

Lucy was toying with her.

Kemoriyon ambushed for her legs until Lucy only kicked her in the side of her rib cage as she flew past into the grove of trees. Lucy quickly followed using her wings as an advantage to move quicker than I've ever seen her. The sounds within the woods were terrifying. Wolves, bears, animals that were all predators howled and roared in unison as they moved closer to the town. Solantir told me not to move, but if I didn't reach the town in time they were going to be overrun by man-eating animals. Lucy was fighting with her sibling Kemoriyon, and more than anything at that point I wanted to be there and help her. "I have to help her..." I wheezed still feeling the gaping hole in my stomach. The old dragon was stitching the flesh back together, pulling and restoring my torn organs and healing my bruised skin. It was more painful to heal than it was getting a severe injury. Solantir didn't have enough time to numb the wound and work on it. He was solely focused on getting me back on my feet. "Quit your thrashing and stop moving! You'll reopen the wound and I'll have to start over!"

"You're just hurting me!" I retorted out of anger. "And for good reason! You only made this situation harder for your soulmate when this could have been avoided. Your impulsive action has not only gotten you hurt but Lucy in return! When she tells you to run, you run!" I felt the bitterness rising in my chest. "You don't understand! I always run when Lucy told me to, and every time I did she would get hurt. She always got hurt because I was a coward! I couldn't protect her, Solantir." I laid my head on the grass. The world was still spinning from the blood loss that I had to close my eyes before I became nauseous. "You're wrong, Natsu. You weren't a coward when you were ordered to run. Lucy only wanted you to survive. She only yearned to see you safe just as you did for her all those years. I live in both of your bodies meaning I can also see and hear your thoughts. She's lost right now. Losing her people has made her go into a tunnel of turmoil, and fear is slowly festering inside her heart. She never pushed you out. You may not have realized, but Lucy can hide her emotions remarkably well. It was always there right in front of you, but you couldn't see it. You couldn't feel it."

"She suffered in silence, didn't she?" I whispered with a hushed tone. Solantir was silent until he returned. "Yes. The emotions she would've let out would have been a tremendous impact on you. It would have hurt you mentally for you to feel such pain when she saw the death of Aria. A pain so great I'm not sure you would have recovered. Remember, Natsu, Lucy is a God and you are a human. Every day she is becoming less like you and evolving more like her siblings. You tie her to EarthLand, but her physical form and spiritual form are evermore changing into something incredibly different on its own. You are only a mere human, whereas Lucy is altering into something even greater than the Gods. Everything she does is only to protect you and her family."

"But she does this all alone! How is it fair for her to continuously fight for us at the expense of her own happiness? It isn't fair for Lucy to continue doing this alone. I can't stand idly by as this continues to unfold in front of me!" The remaining patches of my damaged skin encased my innards from falling out. Though mentally the pain was still evident I knew I could move freely again. "There may come a time where you'll realize what I'm saying, but for now, allow me to say this if you haven't listened to anything else I have told you." Solantir finished the remainder of mending my open wound. All that was left was a scar that was sickly brown. "Listen. Follow the order she gives you, for it may not only save your life but others as well. Now, the wound shall leave a scar, but you will survive. Run for the village! Warn them of the danger closing in!"

I managed to get back on my feet determined more than ever to get back to Duskwallow. "Thanks for the help Solantir!" I raced off still the pain of the wound fresh and alive in my mind. I ran past through trees and thickets sending a thought to Lucy.

'Lucy, I'm alright. Find me when you're finished!'

She never replied.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~Lucy~

Kemoriyon fell straight into the earth causing a crater to form when I returned to the ground. She let out a cough as she only grinned at me. The hostess she possessed wouldn't bleed, only because there was no blood left in that human body. When a God possesses a human host, their insides are melted to the point they no longer exist. All that remains of them is their skin, with their once colored retinas will be plagued to blackness pupils indicating possession. It didn't matter how many they could possess; all they need is from the host is for them to be at a moment's weakness. This girl Kemoriyon took over was long dead by now.

"What makes you think you can defeat me! If I truly wanted to I can kill you right here and now!" Kemi tilted her head in a cocky way. She showed her teeth when she smiled before laughing. "If that's true then why haven't you? You punch and kick me like a small rag doll and yet you've refused to use the weapon in your hand. Come on Lucy~." Kemi taunted me whilst standing back on her feet. "I know why you aren't being the monster you really are. Ankhseram told me all about what happened at the Grand Magic Games all those months ago. When you lost control. When you wanted to kill that woman that accused you of everything you are. I know you felt it." My fists tightened by her words. "The power. The darkness and light growing stronger to where your morality is simply fading. I wouldn't be surprised if you thought of simply extinguishing life itself on EarthLand!" Kemoriyon cocked her head. "Oh! But you tried once, didn't you?"

"SHUT UP!!!" I roared moving with such speed I somehow was in front of the God of Wildlife already holding my Goddess Sword up to her neck. A ring echoed in the lonely night from how quick I was when Kemoriyon simply chuckled. "Don't you see?" She asked when I saw the seriousness in her eyes. "You're losing yourself. Power can change even the kindhearted, and turn them into a creature of darkness. You were already one, to begin with, but in time you'll become aberrated to the point you won't even remember yourself.  Something you haven't even consider what you've done to yourself. This power in you will only continue to grow, and now that they're together," Kemoriyon leaned forward not caring if the sword dug into her skin. She was close to my face I could see the light freckles across her cheeks. "It's only a matter of time before you are lost. No one can save you from this impending doom. No one."

She lies. How does she know anything about Our powers? It's not true! It isn't true!

"You don't know a damn thing about me! I know my limits, and as far as I can tell I'm only getting started with this useless war you've brought upon me! Let them come. Bring your army. I will only cut through them just like I'm about to do to you." My sibling cackled insanely. "Fine! Go ahead! Prove my point and be done with it!" I raised my sword readying the deadly blow. Something within my mind told me this wasn't right. A small part of me didn't want to go through what I was about to do. I could possibly wound Kemoriyon if I go through this. But my body moved, and I went for the kill.

"Enough!" Time stopped when the blade only skimmed Kemoriyon's skin as she openly allowed her neck to be cut clean in half. My sister glared behind me when I also turned my head back to find who stopped me. A man, taller and more muscular than Elfman came forth with a scowl on his face. He had a square-shaped face with a butt chin and thin lips. Slitted eyes gazed down at not me but Kemoriyon when I noticed his black irises. "Kemoriyon, what are you doing with the Deceiver?" He questioned completely ignoring me when Kemi just blew a raspberry. "Just havin' a lil' fun Chronos. I had to see her for myself when Ankhseram came back after his final meeting with her. She certainly is feisty when you damage her plaything."

"His name is Natsu! And he isn't a plaything he's the man I love!" Chronos still kept his focus on Kemi. "We were given orders by our eldest. I expect you to follow Ankhseram's orders, not break them!" He said in a disapproving tone like a father would to a child. Kemi broke her stoic demeanor when I noticed she flinched from his comment. "I only told her the truth, Chronos. If we don't wipe her out now she'll kill us all. She'll turn into a creature of chaos!" Chronos slapped Kemi. She held the side of her face with our brother's eyes darkened. "You have said too much. Release your host and return to Heaven. I'll teach you a lesson after I return." Kemoriyon had her head down until she gave him a slow nod. "Yes, Chronos."

Kemoriyon's body fell to the ground with a thud. The body was dead just as I figured. "Regardless of Kemoriyon's insubordination, she speaks the truth." Chronos released the time alter that held my sword when I fell to my knees. I heaved in great pain as the man standing before me looked down upon me. "If you refuse what we aim for, you'll become something else entirely. The Balance is only using you. And when you become useless, when you finally lose your mind to their ever-growing power, they will easily end your existence. Then, everything you love...everything you hold dear to your heart...will die." Chronos turned around. "We're only doing this to give the Realms a fighting chance. We are not your enemy. The beings hiding underneath your skin, the monsters that have latched themselves on you, are what you should be fighting against. Those emotion-filled abominations will only be the death of everything."

"You're wrong," I muttered still not able to feel my arm. "At one point I believed the same thing you just told me. They were a menace in my life for so long at one point I wanted them gone! However, they are alive! They feel just like any other human can and I know they can become better. I know they won't hurt me on purpose because I trust them. Can you say the same when you haven't even given them a chance at living!" Chronos turned back when his hand pulled my face to look at his. "That's where you're wrong, Lucy Heartfilia. We have given them a chance."

What? Wait, what does he mean? Is he talking about when they were tethered to their previous hosts? But that's when they were still enemies! They're different now! "Everyone deserves a second chance," I spoke eventually when he let my chin go. Chronos stood tall towering over me as his menacing eyes glared into my very soul. "No one deserves chances. Least of all you." Chronos's body fell, unmoving and not breathing. Two dead bodies were laid before me. I held my arm again feeling the strange energy they used. It wasn't magic, but powers so close to the ones I have. I put my hand out again using the same spell I did for Aria to bury the remains of my city. Tree roots pulled themselves out of the earth and wrapped the two unnamed humans until there was nothing left of their remains. I wasn't sure if they had family, both looking for their lost loved one as they wonder if they're even alive. Somehow, I couldn't feel sympathy for those poor two souls. "They're wrong about us. They're wrong about me! I won't allow myself to be consumed by their words of me being a creature of chaos. They don't understand things have changed." The Balance never replied. I decided whatever they were thinking I would leave them be in the meantime. For now, I had to go find Natsu.

My Connection led me back to town which seemed it was ransacked and torn to shreds. Gardens were destroyed and doors to homes and the inn were clawed and even chewed at. Thankfully, there were no dead bodies to be found. I knocked on the inn door. "It's safe to come out now!" I called out returning to my normal voice. The door gently opened with an eye peering out. It was the barmaid that was cleaning before I left. "Is there any more of them?" She whispered afraid something might hear her. I suppose for Kemoriyon to have her last laugh she did send her wildlife to destroy the village. Everything was ruined on the outside that I was surprised even the buildings were still standing. "It is. The situation is taken care of." The woman finally opened the door for me to enter. When the door closed behind me I saw everyone that was at one point asleep now awake and held worried expressions. Natsu turned when he saw me. "Luce!" He ran up to me pulling me into a hug in which I did not return. "I was so worried." He murmured warmly into my ear.

This power in you will only continue to grow.

Natsu pulled away from his hug when he looked at me with concern. "You're not hurt are you?" He asked when I only shook my head.

It's only a matter of time before you are lost.

"I'm fine..." I said without confidence. Natsu caressed my cheeks with his warm, calloused hands. I again shook my head hiding my face into his chest. "Why did you do something like that? Don't you realize you could've gotten yourself killed!? You would have died, Natsu! Died!" Natsu showed me a sweet smile. "I'm still here aren't I?" He wrapped his arms around me again, this time I returned his affection. "I'm sorry I was brash. I shouldn't have done that when I could have put both of us in jeopardy. I can't help but find whatever way to protect you."

No one can save you from this impending doom.

"Silly, you aren't a God. It should be me the one protecting you." Natsu placed a kiss on my forehead. "Never. I'll always be there to save you. God or not." I closed my eyes savoring this moment for as long as I could. I knew soon we wouldn't be able to do this again for some time. "I'm sorry about our fight-" Natsu shushed me when he placed a kiss on my lips. "I've already forgiven you."

No one.

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Freaking long chapter! Been on a little break but I always come back with long chapters haha! I hope you enjoyed it!

As always...love you all!❤️