(Warning: I'm sorry ahead of time for this and the next chapter to come.)

Song: The Power of Epic Music
By: Pandora Journey

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~Lucy~

There are those that believe Time is valuable, the ones that wake up knowing what they're going to do and complete with the limited Time they have in that one day. The ones that place order and restraint on Time even within the remaining sixty years they have on this world. They are the ones that have this need for control even against their Time left alive. And then there are those that think without worry about Time. They wake up whenever they like, decide whether to complete any activities aside from the fact their errand should have been done a week ago, and go to sleep even after midnight. Unlike the ones that demand more Time, they on the other hand couldn't seem to care less. Such a chaotic way of thinking with the little Time they truly have.

Time itself is an untamable thing. It doesn't matter how hard you pull on the leash or how long you tend to ignore it because it will always be there; moving at the pace it so wishes. Bringing the events that you could only prolong ever so long. Unlike the order or chaos of any person living, Time always decides when to strike.

No one, not even I, could escape its grasp.

~~~

The End was here, facing me and those that believe there is hope in stopping it. I stood in the front still in my human guise whilst preparing for the reveal of my siblings. The ground still trembled and shook as my allies and comrades held onto each other to stop from falling. There was already panic in our lines, but the wizards around me assured victory and revived their spirits. I hadn't said anything still pondering on when the Gods armies will make themselves known. Where were they? Where were the Shadowlings and Guardians? Where were the Celestial Spirits? "Lucy!" My thoughts snapped when I looked to see Natsu running towards me with Happy following close. My tense shoulders relaxed as I opened my arms to let Natsu wrap his arms around me. My husband ran into me already hugging me tightly with his face in my neck. "This is it," He sighed holding me closer to him. "The Day of Reckoning is here."

"Yes," I answered. Everything has come down to this. The years before I was human, the heartache of my mortal life and the loss of every person I held dear to me came to this. It was time for my siblings to answer for what they have done. Even as Natsu let me go I still kept my head on his chest. With our hands intertwined I knew no matter what humanity had to win. "Promise me something," I began with my eyes glancing up to Natsu. He met my gaze when my other hand rested over his heart. "promise me you won't die. You may be immortal but you're still human. If I lose you-" I choked up. If I lost Natsu our baby would never know her daddy. Natsu would never be a father, and I would lose myself if he was taken from me. I could never love anyone or anything if Natsu dies. Natsu shushed me as he placed a kiss on my jaw. "Don't worry about me, Luce. I didn't make a vow at our wedding to "till death do us part" that day. I vowed to live with you for eternity, and I intend to keep that vow." I weakly nodded but still fought back tears. Natsu again kissed my jaw. "Can you promise me something?" He asked in my ear. I stared at him waiting to ask. "Promise me you won't be a hero."

"What do you-" I realized what he meant. "Oh," I said understanding what Natsu was implying. "Yeah." He replied laughing, but hiding behind his eyes he was terrified even thinking about it. "You may be a lot harder to kill but I'll be damned if I find you fighting for your life. Your body isn't impenetrable Lucy. If you suddenly decide to be a hero to save someone I'll never forgive you."

"You have to forgive me if it's you I'm saving," I said showing a complacent smile. Natsu shook his head. "Even me. Give me credit Luce I'm not a child that needs protection. Don't forget it was me that kept you safe before you became a God." I jumped on my toes to place a kiss on Natsu's lips. "You proved your point in Crocus," I replied now smiling. The ground stopped rumbling. I returned my attention to the vacant field in front of us with the only touch of my hand holding Natsu's. It was time.

The ground split and groaned in pain. The formation of EarthLand's army held itself together as I slipped away from Natsu's hand. With me, in the very front, I pushed my arm out to my side calling for the Goddess Sword. The blade came to my call and appeared in my hand as my Balanced Form transitioned. My irises changed to their counter colors of gold and red. Power surged through my veins which I had to control before it overwhelmed Natsu. "They're here," I announced when a purifying light came out of the tear in the world. It was pulsating faster as the wind picked up and tore through the space between us and the Gods. Then the matter of reality changed. Even with the little visibility of sunlight, I noticed a change of color as the Gods surfaced. There was a humming of intense particles exploding and then returning to their normal state until repeating the process again and again with the energy of the Gods true form. They were large, great, and beautiful with such an intense light that weaved them together. Though they had no state of matter to them I could vaguely see the shape of the godly forms. Ankhseram was by far the greatest among the three. The God of Life and Death had an ethereal essence that was held around the form. Ankhseram didn't have a description, none of them did, because there were no words that any human could describe the magnificence the Gods were.

Come to us, Lucy. . .

Their voices spoke as one. It was the same as I remembered it long ago when I was still a clay model. The whisper that you could barely catch if you didn't listen hard enough. The same hum of their figment vocal cords were the sounds of bells and flutter of wings. In the far distance, I could hear the song on my wedding day. The memory of my wedding day, marrying Natsu, and the plans we want for our future made me reminisce. I felt a sense of calmness wash over me, pulling me under a moment of translucence. It appeared it was happening not only to me but to everyone else around me as well. Some smiled at their thoughts as others looked longingly. I stared at Natsu as he smiled, but his eyes desired something to the extreme. This was the Gods doing. They're making us weak with our minds and thoughts.

Let us speak alone. . .Join us for a moment. . .

This is a trap. Don't be deceived Mutt! If you accept anything they offer then EarthLand perishes. We'll be erased and so will your baby!

My baby. . .Oh, Nashi. How could I pick anything over you? You're here with me even if your daddy doesn't know yet. The Balance will keep you safe, don't worry yourself. I struggled for a moment whilst clearing my mind from the Gods' sway over me. It didn't take too long for me, but the rest of my comrades and allies would have to wait. With my wings out I was ready to fly and be face to face with my siblings. "I'm ready," I said mostly to myself and the Balance. It was easy to fly away from my husband since he was still entranced by his memories and desires. I took my time to fly up still trying to prepare myself to face whatever my siblings would throw at me. They would try to sway me with their negotiations, maybe even attempt to entrap me in the Abyss while the army is stunned, but it would take a lot more than that to take me down. I won't be fooled again.

I greeted the three matter-less entities before, bowing my head one by one to them. "Took you three long enough to decide. That was quite clever not making a decision on the day you will strike to ward off my Guardian from knowing."

Lucy, this army of yours. . .This attempt in stopping us is only futile. . .Stop these people that had been led to be slaughtered because of your deranged desire of living among them. . .No one has to die today. . .

"You are making this happen. The humans know your true intention in restarting the Realms! I won't allow that to happen as long as I stand in front of you."

Oh dear child. . .How far will you go to sacrifice these lives to keep your selfish wish. . .How many people must lose their lives for the abomination growing in you to be born. . .

"Don't you even THINK of speaking about my child! Your words won't let me reconsider anything about my choices. We're here to fight against the End. Every person down there is fighting for something they love! And so am I! So come, throw whatever you got and I will cut through them. The children of EarthLand will know victory at the end of this, that I can promise you, dear siblings."

The Gods stared, frozen in their angelic beauty. Then, the sound of Hell overcame the entirety of Magnolia. They ruptured from the ground the same as the Gods, but they were not graceful nor beautiful. It was Shadowlings, Guardians, and my Celestial friends that have turned Eclipsed. The Celestial King warped in the dark matter without any figure as he coated every last enemy in the dark celestial magic. That was only the first wave.

The second one was the sound of earth-shattering roars. The same ones I heard at the Grand Magic Games. Dragons tore out of the Earth with their wings already expanded as they flew up to the sky. They weren't like the ones I saw in Crocus as they were flying synchronized all together. My head whipped back to the army; they were still entranced due to the Gods.

We gave you one last chance. . .Let us promise something to you, dear sister. . .We promise to you that at the end of this meaningless war of yours. . .You will be extinguished. . .You and the Child. . .

The Dragons readied themselves with their chest growing an ember light within. They were aiming at the incapacitated army. "NO!" I flew with all my might reaching out with my left arm. "BARRIER!" The twisted power of Light and Darkness shot through my hand at the same time the Dragons released their flames. The barrier worked over the entire army from the ones to the front line back to those that were standing on the walls of Magnolia. To ensure extra safety if my barrier didn't hold I wrapped every person like a cocoon that fit their body. It was a thin shield, but highly durable that should take most of the damage. The Dragons swept over the army with a wave of fire left by them. I prayed and begged that my barrier worked and that none of them were burned by the Dragons. The smoke covered the place and in my impatience, I used my wings to sweep away the smog. Tears of relief left my face when I saw the barrier still holding itself. Everyone was fine, and safe for another minute.

I flew back down allowing myself to pass through the barrier until I landed back to where I was. The barrier seemed to help with the trance they were put under with people shaking their heads and snapping out of it. "What happened?" Avery asked holding her temple. "The Gods, they put you under a trance to distract you. You all would've been burned alive if I hadn't put up the barrier in time."

"A trance? What kind of magic is this?" Asked a footman soldier. "This isn't magic we're facing, people. The Gods use the energies from the Cosmos, the energy of creation. Keep your guard up! I'll put down my large barrier but I've placed an individual barrier around every single person to keep their mind safe from the Gods. It won't be as strong as the large one over us, but it can keep you safe in the long run." Whispers erupted around me. Some were in awe of my power whereas there were some horrified at the scene before us. Natsu was at my side once more his skin the color of his father's scales. The maroon tint scales made me recall one of the Dragons I noticed, the very one that was leading the Dragon's march against us. The same scales that Natsu also has. . . "Oh Natsu. . ." I whispered clutching my hands to his vest. "What? What's wrong Lucy!" He asked fearfully. I glanced up with his eyes following my line of direction to the Dragons. Natsu wasn't an idiot; he knew exactly who he would be fighting against. He saw his father among the Dragons that were being possessed. "Igneel?" Natsu wheezed in horror. Struck by an invisible knife Natsu took a step back looking back at me. "Why is Igneel up there? Why are the Dragons here Lucy!? We sealed them back in their own timeline!"

"Those aren't the same Dragons, Natsu," I began explaining. "Gwen explained it to me a long time ago when we left to train. She said there was a secret in the Fifth Realm that only Solantir knew about. The secret I think was being hidden was the Dragons that were on the side of fighting for the humans. I believe these are followers of Solantir! Your father fought for the freedom of humans!"

"And now he's suddenly against us?! Lucy, he's my dad! I haven't seen him in years and now I have to fight against him! Why is he not on our side if he fought for us hundreds of years ago?!" The memory of the black irises came to mind. "They're all being possessed," I answered solemnly. It was hard to look away from Natsu. His heart was torn by the fact he was reunited with his missing father, only to face him against a war that we had to win at all cost. "I can't. . .I can't hurt him, Lucy."

"Then don't. We'll somehow save him and all the other Dragons as well!"

"And how are we going to do that?" He asked his voice sharp with skepticism. Natsu had me there because I wasn't too sure of how to free the possessed host without them only dying in the end. Who knows how long they've been under the control of the Gods. Weeks? Maybe even months? If the connection of the possession snaps then their body can't handle the unstable matter. The inside of their bodies melts in a second. If it were a few minutes then there was hope in recovery, but I wasn't too certain about this. "We'll find a way. We always find a way." I eventually answered before holding onto Natsu's hand. "Stay close to me," I said wishing I could help more with the emotional turmoil going through Natsu, but there was no more time. The Gods armies circled us like vultures waiting for their pick; the second the barrier is down the fight for EarthLand begins.

With my wings, I hovered to where every face that I looked upon could see me. There was fear in most eyes, some trembled in their very boots. "All of you here today stand as one. Today will change the course of mankind, the course of history, and the people that count on us. Every single one of you have no fear! Today, there will be no mercy! There will be blood spilled, there will be lives lost! With the sacrifices you've given I promise to fight alongside you! I swore weeks ago to be your sword and shield, and now I stand here to fulfill that promise! Take my blessing as the Balance and show no fear for the army of EarthLand! We unite as one! Against the common enemy that seeks to destroy everyone we love! Prove to not only the Gods, but to yourself and your loved ones that we are the deciders of our own destiny! WE ARE THE PEOPLE OF EARTHLAND!"

My hand extended out as did a wave of my power to flow through my allies. The power would only last for a few short hours, but it should be enough to hold the line while I think of a way to halt the war in the meantime. I turned over my shoulder now facing forward. "Today, we go to war as one! Fight for your realm! Fight for your home! FOR EARTHLAND!" My comrades screamed the chant. A loud ferocious war rang across the battlefield with the cry of the EarthLanders. I took this time to slowly breathe, allowing my heart to relax and the sound of drums beating slow in my ears. I picked my sword over my head, determined and ready, then dropped my sword forward.

"TO WAR!!!"

The barrier exploded ricocheting over our heads to lay strike on the flying hoard above us. The swarm divided into two with one swarm still flying overhead whereas the other crashed to the earth in front of us. The swarm above us was the one I worried about most, as most of them were the Dragons. I took Natsu's hand and flew up so we could manage to handle the flying swarm. "The archers can only do so much damage before they're attacked. We have to keep a distraction and bring them down!"

"What do you suggest?!" Natsu asked holding onto my hand whilst his other hand held the white flame of Solantir. I glanced overhead noticing clouds that were still there. "Let's blind them," I said flying faster than before. The battle underneath us had commenced. So far no casualties have occurred. Natsu and I flew into the clouds when we abruptly stopped. "Are you hanging on tight?"

"As tight as possible!" Natsu gripped my hand harder. Not good enough. I told him to hold my hand as if he was trying to break it. "I meant what I said Natsu! You're staying by my side, so this may get dizzy for you! Hang on!" Without him asking what I meant I began to spin by using the force of my wings. The clouds around us swirled and grew faster. The sheer force of the wind was unstable, yet I managed to keep it under my control. Natsu screamed already turning green from his motion sickness when the lightning began. I let the sword vanish so I could use my only free hand and directed the whirling storm to follow the swarm. The archers were gaining their attention, which meant I had to strike now. "FOLLOW!" The dark grey clouds that were filled with lightning were quick. It appeared like the tail of a tornado spinning at a velocity that could shatter a human's body if I wasn't careful enough. With my right hand, I maneuvered it to follow the swarm that was beginning to descend on the walls. "Come on!" I yelled through gritted teeth. "Come on you can move faster!" Pushing my hand forward was no easy challenge. I struggled when I pushed my Balanced powers to cause the tornado to move at incredible speed. It managed to catch the end of the swarm almost sucking them into the vortex of a spiral maze. The Dragons were unaffected, but their attention was on us now. "Keep the wind moving! With enough luck, we can hold off the flying swarm long enough to keep the other swarm from having the advantage."

This is no easy matter Mutt! With the barriers, gift in powers, and the wind you'll strain yourself too far! Our power is being pulled in every direction!

"Don't start complaining already!" I pulled in the remainder of the swarm leaving only the Dragons. They would be another issue to deal with. I maneuvered the tail of the tornado to twist and shape itself until it was an endless circle of the possessed Guardians and Shadowlings from escaping the lightning and ceaseless wind. My next objective we're the Dragons. Before I moved to action I took another glance at the battlefield. The wizards were holding themselves fine, but half of one fleet was lost. The archers were still fine, but not for long if I didn't find a way to stop them. "Hold on!" I was flying again. With my wings in action, I raced against the Dragons that were now aiming for me and Natsu. I was flying up, the farther I was from the ground the better until I could scarcely breathe from the altitude I was at. The dark veins trailed down my arm to the tips of my fingers. "Natsu," I struggled through clenched teeth. My husband looked up to face me and ask what was wrong until he gasped. "Lucy! Your eyes are the Dark Ones!"

"I know." The Darkness fueled my powers once more as did my fury. "I'm still in control! Don't worry. . .but when the Dragons reach us you have to jump on the closest Dragon's back and disorient them! We need them to break rank and lose control!" I hissed through my teeth from the unusual feeling of morphing over to my Dark One form. It was a sharp hotness that was building within me as I grabbed my stomach. "Balance!" I cried out not from pain, but to ask them without saying.

The baby is fine. She just finds it uncomfortable with the shifts from one form to another. Just like her mother as well.

"Luce are you alright!?" Natsu asked with hints of concern in his eyes. "Y-Yes. It's been a long time since I changed into my Dark One state, but it's still me. I'm okay." Sweat trailed down behind my neck. The Dragons have almost reached us when I held Natsu's hand tighter. "Get ready!" The Dragons were nearing close. Almost. Almost. . .The chance opened! "NOW!" With my strength, I swept down gliding over the top of a Black Dragon. I had no choice but to trust Natsu would be fine, so I did what I planned and let his hand go. Natsu skidded on top of black Dragon's scales until he rolled to a stop. I watched in horror as he held on for his life gripping the scales to not fall off. Natsu's entire body went aflame with the white fire dancing over his skin. 'I just need two minutes!' I told him through our Connection. 'Hah! I can give you five if you need it!' He said lighting like a brazier for the Dragons. He indeed caught the attention of a few Dragons around him that instinctively they changed course to attack head-on. 'No! Two minutes and I'm getting you out of there!'

With the Dragons distracted by Natsu and their lines being broken I took my chance. The tendrils of black ooze tore from my back again and my eyes emitted a discolor purple. I slapped my hands together and covered my eyes until giving the order. "Darkness Enchant: Blinding!" Like lassos, the tendrils moved to their own will and went on the offense. What were four tendrils broke off into twelve by ripping themselves to attack more to their advantage. I didn't have to see what the tendrils were doing, because it was me that was controlling them to do it.

The tendrils, though appeared like flesh with oozing tar dripping off them, were harder than steel. And, they cut like steel would too. I could hear the Dragons roar a storm from the pain being inflicted. The tendrils went for the eyes cutting and slashing the irises of the Dragons until they closed their eyes. Even when the Dragons closed their eyelids shut I kept attacking the eyes until blood could seep into their eye sockets. It would be too painful for the Dragons to open their eyes, but it wouldn't kill them either. I repeated the process over and over till I was sure I had blinded every Dragon. When I was finished I took my hands off my eyes and returned to the Balanced Form with the tendrils slipping back where they came from. The Dragons were now at a loss, having no sense of direction they'd hit each other or flew in the wrong direction of the battle. Natsu had jumped onto another Dragon to avoid the chaos that was happening. I caught sight of Natsu keeping hold of himself on a white Dragon's mane. I was already in flight making my way to reach Natsu and return us to our comrades. I was halfway to him when the largest red Dragon, Igneel, managed to open his right eye to find me. Igneel pushed aside the Dragons in his way, the white Dragon being one of them, which caused Natsu to start falling when he lost his grip. Igneel struggled to keep his eye open, but my attention was caught as I watched in horror Natsu falling back down to EarthLand. "NOO!!!" I raised my left hand at Natsu bending time until Natsu was frozen in place. With my other hand, I attempted to do the same to Igneel, but he was moving so fast that I could barely catch him. Igneel opened his mouth with me still in the way. I didn't have enough time to move or else Natsu falls. I couldn't stop Igneel in time when his large teeth encrusted jaw surrounded me. I closed my eyes with the only action I could think of doing. I had to let Natsu's time resume and extended both my arms out just as Igneel closed his jaw.

'I'm sorry. . .' I whispered to Natsu. I knew I could only wait for Igneel's teeth to cut through me like a knife. I couldn't kill Natsu's father and I knew I couldn't escape in time. I waited for his mouth to seal me in, but something blocked it. I opened my eyes with the pearly sharp teeth just about to meet me, but Igneel was struggling to close his hinges. Then I heard the sound of someone struggling against the intense pressure of Igneel's powerful jaw. When I turned I gasped again to find my savior stopping the jaw and snout with his bare hands.

It was Natsu, with the wings of an angel.

He had wings just like me. Though mine were the color of a dark cloud, Natsu's were pristine white with the ends of his feathers the same color as his hair. "Hurry Lucy!" He yelled barely holding on against the force of the jaws. I had to break my awe to fly over Natsu and escape the bear trap made of teeth. Natsu pushed the Dragon's mouth out of reach when we both flew downward to make our escape. I continued to stare when I finally found my voice. "Natsu! You're flying!"

"Don't tell me that Luce or I'll end up getting motion sickness!" We flew close together avoiding the mayhem that was happening beneath us till we hovered over the battle. "What is this? How do you have wings!?" I asked with a silly smile. Natsu looked behind his back then shrugged. "I don't know. When you had to let me go I knew that you were in danger. I had to reach you!"

Mutt, he's closer than ever to the Balance. He's been granted the abilities of some of your powers when he had to reach you. It is Our doing that he has wings.

"The Balance, they gave you wings," I answered Natsu. The roar of Dragons halted our discussion when I returned to the war ahead of us. "Half of one fleet has already been killed. We must move to the left perimeter and help there!" I ordered and then took flight after Natsu agreed. We flew close to avoid the Fallen from attacking our rear and the possessed Guardians that fought vehemently. The strongest amongst the enemy ranks were the Eclipsed Celestial Spirits. Loke fought like a wild lion destroying everything in his path without fault. Two of my comrades were fighting against him with four additional soldiers, but even then they were struggling against him. The weaker fleet needed my help first and then I'd help my comrades against the Eclipsed Celestials.

The war had only begun and we were faltering against the Gods.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Wendy

"Erza-San you have to keep breathing. Stay with us Erza!" Blood stained what were once white cotton sheets. Erza was deathly pale, fighting every breath with both her hands over her enlarged belly that held the suffocating baby. The Giver and Porlyusica worked fast, without even having to speak to each other they handed the utensil one required whilst the other cleaned as they went. The healers around us did their part in exchanging towels that were bloody and healed to the best of their ability to keep the baby alive. Erza gasped and screamed in pain as I rested my hand over her temples. She was too weak to give birth.

"Focus your healing around the child. Any minute this baby is going to come out and we're going to need a miracle to keep this baby breathing." The Giver instructed not even a faint of fear in her collected tone. Porlyusica picked up the gauze once more to soak up the blood coming out of Erza's private part. "There's too much of a strain. The baby won't be able to make it through without suffocation. Erza is too weak to push the baby out." The mother-to-be let out a heart-ripping scream as the pain escalated. "I-I. . .I need my husband." Erza begged with tears. I did my best to soothe Erza as Santos was next to me. His hands extended over Erza's chest glowing with Restoration Magic to prolong the sepsis within Erza. I noticed his hands were beginning to bleed, but even bleeding Santos didn't falter in using his magic. "Don't worry Miss Erza, you're going to be fine. You'll make it." Santos whispered. I looked into his eyes, seeing he wasn't too sure of what he said. Erza wheezed and croaked with sweat trailing down her skin. Her eyes were clouded over and bloodshot from the extreme misery that was unfolding. "Jellal. . .where is. . .he?"

"He's fighting Erza. Jellal is out there fighting to protect you and the baby. It's almost been two hours since we heard the battle start." Erza's head was droopy that I held her head straight still concentrating my magic. "Wendy," Erza slurred. I helped her eyes look at me. "I don't. . .know. . .if I'm gonna make it. . ." I shook my head. "You're gonna make it. When the baby is born we'll do our best to heal you back in tip-top shape. You're so strong Erza-san! So, so strong that I know you'll make it." I tried my best to keep a calm voice, but it broke between every sentence. In truth, Erza was turning frail from this delivery. She and the baby were fighting for their life. "My baby. . ." Erza whispered clinging to her belly with all her strength. "My baby has to live. If I am to die then let my life not be in vain. Do whatever you must! Save my baby!"

"Erza-san. . ." I cried now looking between the Giver and Porlyusica. Porlyusica glanced at the Giver almost like she was asking permission for something. The Giver, who stood like a statue, sighed in the end. "We no longer have a choice. To give the baby a chance we must do the procedure. She won't feel anything due to the lack of blood loss; now's the time to follow through with it." The Giver stepped away letting Porlyusica come forth in front of the pregnant woman. "Everyone listen to me now, to ensure the baby survives the transition I need sole priority on the baby. Put your healing magic on the baby."

"What about the mother?" Asked one of the healers. Porlyusica grimly frowned. She didn't say anything, but no words were needed. Erza kept gasping hollow breaths. "Don't. . .worry about me. As long as my child is born. . .I'll be fine." She whispered with chattering teeth. Porlyusica nodded glancing at everyone that surrounded the bed. "Ready?" She asked holding a clean knife to the belly. "Yes ma'am." We all replied in unison. It broke my heart to tear my hands away from Erza, but we were given consent in forfeiting Erza's health. It all came down to this baby being born breathing. Our hands joined together, every healer as we cast our magic. "Unison Cast: Healing Embrace!" Our magic was directed to the child still in the womb when Porlyusica began the procedure. Erza didn't even flinch like she was being cut open at all. Blood spewed from the clean cut as it oozed over the bloating belly. We focused on the child covering it with the magic's essence. I pushed harder forcing my magic to keep the baby safe. To keep this baby alive.

But. . .something was wrong.

The baby wasn't soaking in the healing magic. I felt a power in its very blood that forced all magic to withhold. Has this entire time with encasing the baby not helped? Erza also hadn't been able to soak the healing magic, but we thought it was due to her critical state! "Something's wrong!" I yelled to the others. Lucy did say the Gods invoked this troubling birth, but had they also cursed Erza and the baby? Had they cursed them to not be touched by magic!? Porlyusica with steady hands went into the cut to grab the baby. I tried harder to wrap my magic around the baby's heart, and still, nothing happened. Inside of Erza was one of the strongest healing spells I've ever felt, yet it did not affect Erza or her baby. "Please! Please work!" I begged whilst everyone continued to stare at me with confusion. "Stop the spell!" Porlyusica ordered. We all halted in unison when she pulled the baby out from the incision. The umbilical cord was dark and oddly purple as the Giver cut the cord that connected the baby and Erza. Porlyusica turned away from us so none of us could see the baby; her shoulders were stiff as was her posture. The old woman took a step forward, placing the baby on the bed but still kept the baby out of sight. "What's wrong?" Santos asked with bleeding clenched fists. What I heard next gave me and the other healers our answer.

Porlyusica was crying.

"The baby. . .The baby-" The old woman wept before she started to bawl. I threw my hands over my mouth. "Oh no. . ." I cried tears leaving my eyes. Erza, who stared at Porlyusica's back weakly brought her arms up. "Give me my baby." She said with shaky hands. Porlyusica faced Erza with a tear-stricken face. "Erza-"

"GIVE ME MY BABY!" The mother yelled. I jumped back in horror from the audibility of Erza's voice. For hours on end, her voice was soft to the point we could barely hear her, but now she yelled as if she was a healthy woman. Porlyusica could only look at the scarlet-haired mother until she turned around. There was a small cotton blanket that was draped over the bed when she began to swaddle the baby. It was the longest minute of my life until Porlyusica returned with the baby in her arms. The swaddled baby wasn't crying, or even moving.

Erza was shaking with such ferocity I thought it was due to being too cold from blood loss until I saw the tears that cascaded her pale face. Porlyusica handed the baby to Erza as the scarlet maiden stared in awe of her child. "Beautiful." She murmured lovingly. "Hello, beautiful," Erza said again caressing the baby's cold cheeks. As Erza stared at the baby with more love than I thought was possible, I could only look at the scene before me in horror. Erza's baby. . .

Her baby was stillborn.

"Erza. . ." I cried. I went to reach out my hand to console the grieving mother, but the Giver stopped me. "No child. She is too far gone." I had to hold my hands to my heart from shattering. The healers, Santos, and everyone watched in agony as Erza continued to call her baby beautiful. "Your baby's a girl," Porlyusica whispered tears still falling. Erza smiled, but her eyes held no light in them. "A girl. . .my beautiful girl. . ." Erza cooed still caressing the baby girl. "You have. . .your daddy's lips. So beautiful. . .so perfect. So. . .cold. . ." Erza slumped over, gasping too lightly.

I fell to my knees from the sight. Santos was the one that had to help me from falling into pieces. "Wendy?" Santos asked worryingly. I could only shake my head. Somehow, Erza pulled herself to sit up again and peer at her daughter's face. "I. . . I wish your daddy. . .could be here. . ." Erza began taking small breaths. "I wanted him. . .to meet you. I wanted you. . .to meet us. . .your parents. . ." Erza's back fell back into the pillow still clinging to her baby with the remainder of her strength. "I'm sorry. . .beautiful. . . I can't. . .I can't see you. . .it's so. . .dark." I held in my breath; my heart had shattered.

Erza, with the smallest breath, gazed to the window with her last tears streaming down her face. ". . .Jellal. . ." Her final breath released, and the last beat of her heart echoed the infirmary walls. I rolled onto the floor rocking myself with the repeating sound of Erza's last heartbeat in my head. It was all for naught. The healing, the blood she spilled, the tears she shed, and the pain she endured. It was all for nothing. "I'm so sorry Erza," I said hiccuping from my continuous tears. "I'm so sorry."

Erza, and her daughter, were dead.

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:(

That really hurt me to write. I love Erza, and Jerza and their baby daughter. I'm also sorry for not putting up a forewarning at the beginning, but I didn't want to give anything away for this chapter. I'm so sorry to the mothers that have gone through this, and those that have lost their lives due to the loss of their child. No woman or parent should ever lose a child.

I'm so sorry for the sad chapter, but the ending is coming, and the writing must go on.

As always. . .love you all.