Song: Forgotten Odes
By: Eternal Eclipse

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~Lucy~

It was my third day of being away from the Guild, otherwise May 4th since I arrived at what was once Aria. The two-day journey flying here was shorter since I flew without any rest; it's not like I had to rest my eyes since I didn't feel tired at this point. I made it to Aria yesterday evening and promptly started my work to lay my respects to my people. With my Goddess power, I used the tree roots and vines to grow living shrines made from the Forbidden Woods. I made for every last citizen, growing a sprouted shrine in their honor for them to always be remembered. I pushed through the night and early morning working without a stop. The evening arrived when I finished the remaining dozen of shrines I needed. I bowed to the shrines saying a soft prayer. I hoped my children can hear from their Light Goddess, a prayer of hope that they will find peace and forgiveness in their foolish Goddess that should have been there for them.

I knew it was time to see the last two shrines that I had to say goodbye to, but I couldn't bring myself yet. I slowly walked through the Forbidden Woods going the long way to make my way to my destination. My hands trailed over every tree bark and lily that sprouted with life and their gold shimmer of light. The Guardian that once protected the Woods had left seeing that it no longer had anyone or a city to prevent harm from befalling it. The Guardian of the Woods had left also dying with the Arians too. "I'm sorry too," I murmured to the tree that kept the Guardian was now dead and twisted. No sign of life was in the old tree. I progressed on.

My last destination was where my home used to be. I remember bringing the home of the Light Goddess back to its former glory, Teral and I sneaking off to go play in the pond at night, Adroath living his final days in his bedroom, and when I needed to talk to someone that troubled me I'd always go to Adroath to lend an ear to listen to my troubling thoughts. Though the shrine had cracks and Teral's right corner had fallen off it was mostly intact for the shrines. They were beautiful when they were first placed; white smooth stone that never found itself dirty with gold lettering on the stone. I sat between both shrines with my body leaning on Adroath's memorial shrine. "Hey, it's me," I said tears already threatening my eyes. "I know I'm half a year late. So much had happened ever since you left. So much craziness, so much sadness, so much joy I can't even believe it." I hugged myself tighter. "Natsu and I are married. Four more days and it'll be our six-month anniversary since tying the knot. Turns out the Gods are going to erase everything they created because of me. . .and I'm pregnant." My left arm held my stomach. Quickly I wiped away my tears and chuckled under my breath. "Knowing you Adroath you would be ecstatic to hear about me having a baby. I'm sure you would announce it to the whole world if you could that your Light Goddess was pregnant. Nashi would have loved you like the grandfather I wish she could have. I think my parents would be happy too if they were alive."

I thought back to Layla and Jude reminiscing about my childhood. I hadn't remembered most of my childhood, only that I knew I wasn't the usual child that wanted toys or venture out to make friends. I was attached to the hip when it came to my adoptive parents, and when I knew that my mother was dying from Magic Exhaustion, I slowly lost memories of when I was a child. When Layla passed, Jude solely focused on his business and stopped seeing me in general. It was always empty in the Heartfilia mansion; Jude was never home as the business grew more all to where I forgot what family even meant. I lived in isolation for years just like when I was a clump of clay in the room Hades created me in. Nothing changed, and I was tired of still not being in control of my life, so I ran away when the time was right.

I found Fairy Tail and had a family again. All the memories I carry now were of Fairy Tail. From the moment I first stepped into the Guild Hall was my beginning, my new home. I don't regret ever leaving my old life behind or regret the bad memories of everything that's happened either. Meeting Teral was when I truly felt that I had found the missing piece of myself when I first arrived in Aria. Teral was the one that helped me find myself when I was the Light Goddess as did Adroath. They say the day I lost my Exceed was a day of darkness. Then I hurt so many people being the Dark One, killed and slaughtered as if they were farm animals. I believed I would never be able to grasp my emotions until Gwen came to my rescue. She gave me my life back. Gwen gave me a piece of her soul so I could live again as a human. I thought I would always have Gwen with me; she was strong and durable to face anything when it came to her. But in the end, I lost her too. And now I lost you, Adroath.

"I hate you for leaving me." Tears fell from my face. "I hate that you left me. Just like the rest of them, you had to go! Just like everyone else you died because I wasn't able to help you." I hid my face on my knees. The anger returned tenfold as did everything else. All of the pain, the secrets, grief, all of it never seemed to end. "Tell me Adroath," I begged as I began to hiccup from bawling. "after losing you and everyone else, tell me that I can protect my baby from the Day! Someone tell me that everything's going to be alright! I can't put my child's life in danger if I know I'm going to lose her..."

It will be alright, Lucy.

The Balance cooed. I didn't stop my bloody tears but hearing from them that it was going to be okay helped. If anyone shared what I felt right now was them. They were part of me and they knew what troubled me. "Keep my baby safe guys. When I break the news to Natsu I have to make sure she's going to be okay so I can tell Natsu he's a father."

She will be kept safe. Nothing shall harm her for as long as you draw breath. We will protect Nashi.

"Thank you." Solantir will keep Natsu safe and the Balance will keep Nashi safe. The two most important people in my life will be safe, that's all that matters. I sighed once again leaning my head on the shrine. "I didn't mean what I said. I don't hate you Adroath. I do hate you leaving but you had no choice. You were in so much pain. . .and if you had seen the fall of Aria your broken heart would have killed you. No, at least you were able to pass while seeing a peaceful Aria."At least Adroath was happy when his time came. I rested my hand on the smooth stone still leaning close to Adroath's shrine. "I don't know what's to come when the Day is at my doorstep, but I'm scared. It's silly, if I think about it, of how much I fear the Gods compared to their hatred for me. I've been told that I'm stronger compared to any of the Gods, but over and over again they have taken everything I hold dear to me. I'm not even sure if they truly fear me at this point. Still, I have to win. So much carries on winning this war, Adroath. If I fail that's it. Everyone dies, my baby and I will be erased, and the Gods will have their wish to start over. I can't let it happen no matter how scared I am to face them. What would you tell me Adroath?" I asked aloud knowing there won't be an answer. It was nice to imagine Adroath was sitting next to me, simply listening to my troubled mind. Imagining his crystal blue eyes watching in devotion as his face holds a hopeful smile.

Adroath was always hopeful no matter the circumstances.

I believe deep down Adroath still had that glimmering hope when he passed. There was no reason to have hope, I didn't have hope when Natsu showed me the bloodied handkerchief, and yet Adroath still smiled. "I see now," I said whilst standing back up to stand in front of the shrine. "that was you holding your promise. When you said you'd help me when I was frantic about the Souls Connection and my immortality. . . you wanted to give me hope." I smiled heartbrokenly. "I understand now, Adroath. It's just like what Gwen said. It's what everyone has told and given me all the same. I was always given hope, and now, it's time to believe in the hope you've all shown me." My heart was filled with determination. I was still scared, but the feeling of hope overwhelmed all else. I bowed to the shrines giving my thanks. "I won't fail you again; that includes everyone that has given their life to keep me safe." I knelt placing a small kiss on the white stone then returned to my feet. "I don't know when I'll return if I ever do, but even out of my reach you've helped me find my answer. Thank you, Adroath." I did a silent farewell to Adroath's shrine before looking to Teral.

"Hey buddy, I'm afraid this may be my last time here. I have to go and face my siblings once and for all. I've been so busy since the last time I visited and learned so much about myself. Your head would explode if I tell you everything that's happened." I chuckled. "I wish I could stay longer but it's time for me to go. Oh! Like I told Adroath I have news to share, I'm pregnant which means you would have been a big brother! Nashi would have loved you too." A small smile crept on my face. "I miss you Teral. I don't want to end on a sad note, but it's best if I say goodbye this time. Just in case I don't come back I'll leave with a final farewell." My breath stuttered. "Goodbye Teral." I did the same action of placing a kiss on Teral's shrine. Without looking back, it was time for me to go home.

~~~

I didn't stop for the two days I flew to return to Magnolia. The closer I got the greater the feeling of chaos spurred in my very bones. I held my belly in a way to somehow comfort myself with both my arms straddling the child that was still growing within me. I had to have some sort of control, a way to protect Nashi without fear of any harm befalling her. May 6th had arrived by the time the sun dawned over the valley of EarthLand. I landed on my two feet shortly falling over due to my exerted muscles. I heaved hurriedly gasping for air as the chaos grew even worse. I choked out suddenly coughing into my hands that have held Nashi for two days. This wasn't a good sign. The Day is almost upon us.

I wobbled back on my feet, still coughing and gasping, then ran back to Fairy Tail. I had to warn someone, anyone that I could find to prepare for battle. The time was cutting close, too close to unleashing hell on EarthLand. My heart rammed against my chest as I ran without halt continually gasping. The top of the Guild showed which encouraged me to run faster. I pushed harder when I decided to kick my ankle boots off to run faster than before. I felt the Gods very power overwhelming all my senses, all but the feeling of dread. Everything felt as if it was collapsing around me, all of the planning and strategy and sacrifice had fallen apart. I get as if I had already failed, once again, the children of EarthLand. "No!" I begged which let a storm of coughs and gasps strangle me. I could see the door to the Guild Hall.

Please tell me I'm not too late. Please tell me I'm not alone in this world only to be erased with its very existence. . .I forced the door open at once immediately falling to my knees to catch my breath. My coughs tore my throat and lungs, but as I glanced around I could see my comrades and allies within the Guild Hall. The feeling of dread washed away slowly as I sighed with relief. "Lucy! Hey, are you alright?" Avery asked already at my side helping me back up. I had to catch my breath before I could speak, but no matter how hard I tried to clear my throat something was burning my esophagus. I kept clearing and coughing into my hand until I noticed Avery's eyes dilate. "You're bleeding. . ."

Blood. I was coughing up blood. How did I not realize the wet pooling out of my mouth? And why was the burning not irritating to my esophagus? It was just too hot for comfort. I eventually spat a large ball of blood out of my mouth. "I-I'm fine. Where's Master Makarov!?" Avery couldn't even answer until the sound of a woman's scream tore the silence of the Guild Hall. I knew the one that was screaming; it was Erza. "Why is Erza screaming!?"

"She went into labor about six hours ago. The healers, Guild Master, and Jellal are all in there right now. It's been nothing but silence other than her labor screams. The Dragon Slayers all had to leave due to their sensitive hearing aside from Wendy." I cursed out loud. "Avery! Avery, please listen to me, it's here! The End is coming in moments and I don't know precisely when. I need you and your guild to find the Dragon Slayers and I need everyone in position! Do you hear me!"

Avery's irises shrank. "The End is here?" She whispered. I held her shoulders looking her sternly in the eyes. "It's about to be. Find my husband and he'll help you find the rest. I'll tell him to come straight here to help and you bring everyone together! Is that understood!" Avery nodded shakily. "Y-Yes. I can do it."

"Go then." I left Avery to her tasks. Many eyes were looking in my direction no doubt frightened of hearing my words and seeing what must be a trail of blood staining my chin down below my shirt. I hastened to the infirmary where the red-haired was soon to be a mother. When I entered I noticed Jellal holding Erza's hand as his wife was no longer in armor but in a hospital gown. Erza's hair was tied up in a bun, but she was as pale as a ghost. Her other hand held her big belly whilst she kicked and screamed out in pain. "She's not ready! Her dilation hasn't even reached halfway." Porlyusica stated dropping the blanket back over her legs. Wendy was helping Erza by cleaning her face and keeping her warm. There were towels drenched in blood next to the bed. . .a premature labor was happening. "G-Get the bean out! GET THE BABY OUT!" Erza yelled not before letting out another ear-splitting scream.

There was no way to move Erza and Jellal away from the battle; one way or another they would have this baby here. Jellal cooed and kissed Erza with tears threatening to fall. "They're doing everything they can. Breath honey, you have to maintain an even pace-"

"BEAN IS DROWNING!" Erza sobbed already attempting to push though she wasn't ready. "THE BABY! HE'S SUFFOCATING!" Erza hit the mattress as she somehow how grew paler. The Giver had another towel ready when she soaked blood up from where her knees were raised. Gramps stood in the corner out of the way with tears and snot hiding in his sleeve. I pulled Gramps out of the room without warning him and then closed the door of the infirmary. "Lucy! What- Wait, when did you return! Dear Gods why are you bleeding!?"

"The Day of Reckoning is at our very doorstep. Please tell me there's a way to get Erza and Jellal out of here!" Master didn't answer, but someone else did. "There isn't. With Erza and the baby's condition being critical even moving them could cause issues that will be irreversible. She's having the baby here." I looked back and saw Monica Reaver. She wore a fur cloak with armor made of dark iron and a sword resting on her left hip. "Monica," I began to say when she raised her hand to stop me. "I swore a promise to fight for the children of EarthLand. Micah is safe with a guardian I know will watch over him. I already made arrangements if I don't come back alive."

"You should have stayed with him. After losing a father he shouldn't lose his mother either!" Monica sauntered over till she was in front of me. "You were right Lucy. I never gave Micah's father a chance to be in his life. Regardless, of whether I live or die, I already have a letter being sent to him about Micah's existence. It will be up to him if he wishes to be part of Micah's life. I'm going to fight for the man I still love, and I'm here to fight for Micah's future. Nothing you say or do will change my mind. I already made my decision, Lucy."

"She is right about Erza." Master intervened. "They were about to leave, but then out of nowhere her water suddenly broke, and then came the blood. It looked as if she lost more blood than when her water broke. She's only begun dilating, but the bleeding has been suffocating the baby. The healers aren't even able to tend to the wound that Erza has because they've been keeping the baby from drowning. Porlyusica is considering just cutting the baby out, but we don't know what that will do to Erza. The Giver said the procedure would be too risky given Erza and the baby's state."

"There isn't a way to get them away from here. No chance of leaving!" Gramps and Monica shook their head. I yelled a curse before kicking the wall which left a hole the size of my foot. "Let the healers take care of this! Master, you have to rally the guilds and move them outside of Magnolia! Monica, I want you to send word to the soldiers to move to the walls for the archers and the rest to rally behind the mages. Go!" Master Makarov and Monica ran back to the first floor. I had to clean myself up and change before Natsu sees me so I returned to the infirmary room and grabbed a towel to clean my face. I removed my shirt and cardigan threw them away then moved to the lost and found where most of it was clothes. I found a black v-neck t-shirt; it was small but I would manage. I threw it on ready to leave until I heard my name. "Lucy-san!" Wendy called out. I was already in front of her before she could ask her question. "What is it, Wendy?"

"Do you think you can use your Dark One powers to find the wound?! All of our energy is focused on keeping the baby from drowning and yet Erza is bleeding out!" I stepped forward with a grim expression. "I'll see what I can do." With my hand raised over the pregnant belly, I rested my palm allowing my power to flow through the bloodstream. I worked my way around the torn placenta seeing the umbilical cord wrapping itself around the baby's throat. Erza's bloodstream was being infected. The infection was faster than I've ever seen! When I even attempted to cleanse the disease it was already located in another part of the bloodstream. This plague that infested Erza. . .had a peculiar power within it.

The power to alter life and death.

I gasped when I retracted my hand away as if I was burned. "This is the Gods doing," I murmured rubbing my hand. Ankhseram poisoned Erza. Not only Erza but the baby too. What I said though did not go unnoticed. Jellal's head snapped to my line of direction while still holding his wife's hand. "WHAT!" Jellal roared in a fury. Jellal stood his chair being kicked away. "How do we stop it, Lucy! How do we stop the sickness!" I stared at Erza, dreading every second to look into her husband's eyes. When I met his intense gaze I shied away. "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know!"

"It means I'm not sure there's a way to stop it!"

Jellal backed away, baffled by what I said. His hand was over his chest with his hand over his mouth. Erza moaned in pain with her arm aimlessly searching for someone. "Jellal? Jellal I. . .I don't know where you are." Jellal's attention snapped back to Erza. He returned to her side clasping her hand in his gently kissing her fingertips. "I'm here honey. I-. . .I have to go fight." Everyone in the room stopped what they were doing. Erza, who was woozy, seemed to snap herself back and looked at Jellal. "No! No Jellal you can't! I-. . .I need you! I can't do this without you here! Please, our baby, YOUR baby needs you! Please don't leave me here. Don't go and leave us. . ."

"I'm sorry, but I have to. If there's a fighting chance to save you then I have to try. Don't worry, my Scarlet, I'll always return. I made that promise to you many years ago." Jellal kissed the top of Erza's hairline.  "I love you, Erza. Wait for me to return." Erza, who was in tears felt Jellal's hands slip from hers'. Erza fell back to her pillow wailing with tears down her face. Jellal had to tune out his wife's tears when he nudged past me. "I'm so sorry." The marked man muttered even when he did pass me. If I could find a way to cure this I would in a heartbeat but I had no answer. It was the same as Adroath, the same helplessness. Even if I did try to convince Jellal that fighting against the Gods is futile for a mortal like him, how could it help him? Would I rather let him watch the woman he loves fall to impending doom, or do I let him risk his life to fight for Erza? He wouldn't listen to me, because in the end, I don't have an answer that can solve this. If Jellal loses sight of hope in saving his wife and child then he'll be too far gone to save. I have to let him go on his will. . .even if it will be the death of him.

'Natsu, please tell me you're on your way to the Guild Hall.'

'I am now. What's going on Luce? Is Erza alright? When did you get back?'

I explained everything from the moment I arrived back. I went to detail all except for when I threw up blood so he wouldn't worry about me.

'Lucy, are you saying the Day of Reckoning is here?'

'Not yet, but it's close. I've already sent Gramps to get every guild to the outskirts of Magnolia and Monica to ready the army. We can meet each other at the frontlines-'

'Lucy.' Natsu's internal mind was alarmed, almost fearful. 'What? What happened?!'

'The sky. . .it's gone dark. There's a solar eclipse happening and. . . And the stars are aligning. They're interlocking with the moon and sun.'

'The Trinity of Demise. It's starting Natsu. The End of the World is starting!' I raced down the stairs not seeing a single soul in the Guild Hall. The windows showed vague darkness outside. The light of the solar eclipse bled in maroon. A sudden sound of rain poured over EarthLand, but I knew it wasn't raining water.

'Blood!? Lucy what the hell is happening!?' I was out of the Guild Hall wings expanded and flew faster than I ever had before. It was a downpour of blood and soot meaning it was only a matter of time before the Gods made the ground tremble to announce they have arrived. 'Reach me Natsu. I love you so much! Find me at the frontline! We're about to face my siblings once and for all!' The ground began to quake.

The End. . .was here.

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The final battle has approached us. Join me and let's face it together, dear Lovelies.
So sorry for a late update, but I am back again and ready to show ya'll what's about to happen. Please stay tuned, for the ending is coming close. Thank you so much Lovelies.

As always...love you all.❤️