Song: The End for a New Beginning
By: Emil Nilsson (Epic Music World)

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~Lucy~

I've had many regrets in my life. Too many to count. Sometimes, I thought about my old memories, the ones that returned to me, of living among the Gods. The moments I was only clay, trapped. Watching. I was envious of the countless beings that I watched pass me without a single mind of my existence. It didn't matter if I screamed until my voice was shattered, because no one ever heard me. Trapped in this prison of my immovable body with my eyes my only way to watch outside. I hated to be a prisoner in my mold and the mold of the Gods plans. The plans of my fate. Why did I have to unwillingly subject myself to being the next Dark One? I didn't want to be their pawn to the Balance. I was my own person forcefully being held captive. I wanted to be a soul the Gods created with their love. I wanted to be sent to Earth and experience the same life as all humans lived. Fate wasn't fair to me. Fate, the Gods. . .everyone. . .hated me. That's when I knew I would never be a prisoner to fate. I am the master of my own life, and what I wanted was to find my family. So, I did the only thing I had to do...

I leaped.

~~~

"So that is what went through your mind. That is when became an abnormality." My eyes opened when I was greeted by three people. The group was two men and one woman all the embodiments of beauty. I didn't have to ask who they were. "Where have you taken me?" My voice was quiet when I asked. I rubbed my throat with my right hand whilst my other hand rubbed my left eye. My memories were fuzzy, but I knew before I lost consciousness I lost my eye and arm. And yet, I was now whole. There wasn't a trace of injuries or marks on my body. "The Abyss. You are having an out-of-body experience. You're still alive, but right now you've simply left your physical body. You wanted to talk to us, Lucy. We're here now to listen since you've captured our entire army in that barrier."

My barrier, the plan worked. I can hope that the Union army has made it back to the Guild Hall. "You may have detained the army, but we are still your Gods. For a time before humans, we have made it rain fire and drowned worlds you cannot comprehend. We have done just that. When you awaken the majority of your world will be cleansed in fire." My hands returned to my sides clenched. "Everything you have done is because you hate me. The three of you have this idea that I want to overthrow you and take the Cosmos! I've never wanted any of that! You saw my memories, I just wanted a family!"

"You were never meant for that life. You were a Dark One." I wanted to fight back against the Gods words, but what could get through them that they were wrong? Nothing I say would. I'm only a mistake in their eyes. A chaotic entity that has this plan to destroy them and everything they've created. I couldn't fight them against words. Then out of nowhere, I felt a large presence behind me. The voice spoke before I could turn and see who it was. "You are all wrong. Lucy Heartfilia has made herself more than a Dark One. She is a human that has learned love, and loyalty, and has lost those she held closest in her heart. She is more human than your very creations." Solantir, the Spirit Dragon said with his large body sitting behind me. The Gods stared warily at the Dragon. "We didn't expect to see the Father of Dragons. You would speak up for the Deceiver that has taken your daughter's place?"

"She hasn't taken anyone's place." Another voice answered to which my stomach dropped. She appeared from thin air with her signature devious grin. Her hair was still the same cloud white whereas her eyes were now crystal blue. Gwen was standing on my left as crossed her arms towards the Gods. "My sacrifice was my decision to make. I wanted Lucy to live. She has a soul, unlike any creature that has existed. She's the decider of her destiny. Though her decisions have brought a great deal of pain to the world Lucy has also given people the free will of their fate. She's saved innocent lives! Lives that had no reason to be taken so soon!"All the Gods's eyes snapped to the little woman. "How have you left Heaven? No human soul leaves the Holy Lands."

"You've three have been away for some time. I got bored and decided to take a stroll outside." Gwen's sarcastic smirk made me let out a bubbly laugh. "Gwen, it's really you!" Gwen looked at me, changing from a smirk to a genuine smile. "Hey Cub, been a while huh?"

"Too long," I replied rubbing my happy tears away. The Gods didn't even bat an eye. "Return home, child. Your time is finished-"

"Yeah, yeah and I've achieved so much to live my eternal life peacefully! I remember you've told me already. But I'll be damned if you try to erase my Cub without so much listening to what she has to say! I didn't die just so you guys can erase this woman I've come to care for and love. Lucy is like my child!" I wanted to retort Gwen for thinking of me as her child but just decided to stay quiet. The Gods's had grim expressions due to Gwen. "This is none of your concern child."

"It's not just her concern, but ours too!" Over to my right appeared Seraphina and Talon. Both of them stood together glaring at the Gods. "Lucy Heartfilia was meant to be the Balance. She was the only one that was able to bring the two chaotic entities to become one. She's the only one that has never given up on keeping Magic alive or given up on the Balance. With there being two Keepers of Light and Darkness, it tires you to the point you don't care if Magic or the Balance even existed anymore. Like Zelroath, I was tired."

"The Deceiver also had these doubts you mention, Lady Seraphina. Many to the point she almost allowed herself to die." Talon spoke up. "Because unlike the last Keepers none of you stepped in to help her! God Ankhseram you've lent your aid to Sera or Zelroath if they were ever in dire! You gave them multiple blessings even for the most absurd requests. But when it came to Lucy you hadn't even so much counseled her! You've cursed Lucy to live with the guilt that still consumes her for eternity. How could you condemn Lucy Heartfilia and the Balance to be erased if you had never even tried to guide or bless your aid to them?"

"Lucy Heartfilia is not even a child of our creation!" The Gods exclaimed with frustration. A small figure showed itself behind Seraphina. His large eyes furrowed at the Gods. I saw his purple and white jacket that open in the front showing the brown and white spots on his fur as his little wings kept him the same height as Sera. "Was it not your decision not to contribute to the creation of the new Dark One? All of you allowed the Bringer to have full control when it was time for the new age of a Dark One. Are you implying this to not find your faults that the Gods were wrong about Lucy-nee's existence?" Teral, my long-lost Exceed, explained. My heart felt constricted to see him again talking and breathing. If my feet could move I would stagger forward to hold him again.

"This is preposterous! All of you return home and allow us to deal with the Deceiver!" The Gods we're growing antsy now. Had they not realized how many people were wanting to defend me? I mean, I didn't think that the ones that lost their lives due to me would come forth in my defense. I hadn't expected any help even in my standoff against my siblings. Just when I thought Teral was the last one to show himself, I felt hands place themselves on my shoulder. My eyes looked back and forth to find my parents standing at my side. My father, Jude, was still in his formal three-piece suit with his blond hair slicked back and his eyes nailed on the Gods. Layla was wearing her orange evening gown when springtime came. Her elegant glow had never left her with her shoulder squared and chin held high. "You've deceived yourselves. Just like the Balance had realized, you need Lucy just as much as they do. What you've done to the Realms was a way to admit you weren't wrong. The Cosmos has been slipping from your grip for a long time and the way to not blame yourselves was by placing the blame on our daughter! If you had come forward and admitted your wrongdoings I know Lucy would have forgiven you three! Instead, you punished her for something she had no involvement in." Layla's grip became tighter. "Even if you restart your great plan it will be too late. The Cosmos has become too unstable even for you three together to control. Lucy is the only one that can help you."

"I don't understand. What's happening with the Cosmos?" The Gods's face fell. Their anger left their expressions as they somehow looked. . .broken? "It's bound to happen. As it has always happened since the first Gods awakened. It was bound to happen even to us." The Gods's ethereal faces contorted in pain. While Kemoriyon held her chest, like a person suffering from heartburn, Chronos rubbed his head from an incoming headache. Ankhseram and I locked eyes when I knew what he meant. "You're dying."

"Not dying. Gods cannot die, we slowly wane. It's only natural as the Cosmos is reborn to a new set of Gods. But, there is a key to the rebirth of Gods. It is the heart of the Bringer. Hades, though we created the physical body, his heart is the Cosmos heart. The heart is the essence of creation." My heart curled over my chest. Hades's heart was mine now when he gave his life for me to live on. I never knew Hades's heart was also the Cosmos heart. "The Cosmos has a heart?"

"There are many things you cannot understand. Before the Cosmos, there was nothing but the Abyss until it had given life to the First. The First is the first of all life to which it created Gods to spread its life. The First was also the first Bringer. When the Cosmos is close to chaos, the Bringer must cleanse the chaotic energy and expel it through the Gods. When the former Gods wane new Gods will be reborn and carry on the Cosmos Rule." I swallowed my patch throat. "So. . .without the heart what happens?" The Gods faces showed fear for the first time. "We don't know. It could be the end of the Cosmos if the heart is not returned. It could bring utter destruction to even the Abyss. It is our duty as the servants to the First to keep the Cosmos Rule safe."

"But what about the Realms! You've brought havoc to my home and my family! I refuse to help any of you until I find even ground between us!" This was my leverage. If I play my hand correctly I can save my loved ones and survive. I had to be smart about my next words. "Your hearing is working, isn't it? If you don't return the Cosmos heart then everyone dies! You die, the Cosmos dies, and so will the souls that live on Earth or in Heaven!"

"Either way if I willingly return the heart you could just continue the assault on the Five Realms. I'll help you, but only if you call off your army and release the innocent soldiers, creatures, and Celestial Spirits from possession. No more deaths or killing on EarthLand." I said with my eyes glaring daggers at the Gods. They all seemed to discuss in silence of my wish until they nodded. "Very well. The army will withdraw. But, the cleansing must happen to save your Realms from falling into chaos and the Balance must be destroyed."

"No. The Balance stays." I answered authoritatively. The Gods scowled at my rebuttal. "The Balance is one of the sole reasons the Cosmos has fallen to chaos! They are a liability to a living host. They are too close, too powerful, and far too dangerous to be left unchecked."

"They won't be alone. They'll always have me!" The Gods and I had a stare down until they spoke. "That's the whole point. If you lose control then they can manipulate your physical body. It's happened once. It will happen again." I clenched my hands to the point I'd break my skin. "If you want the Cosmos heart then my bargain is gonna be big! To ensure the lives of everyone I care dearly to be safe I won't lift a finger until I know they're safe. That includes the Balance!" The Gods's eyes widened. "Lucy," They murmured. I didn't expect the sudden change in their tone. "The heart alone cannot save the Cosmos. There was a reason why it needed a physical form because it's an equivalent exchange. A life for a life."

A gasp came out.

"No," I said this time panicked. "No! I didn't fight tooth and nail to be the Chosen One! I didn't fight against fate to be-" The hero. . .My lungs deflated. Suddenly my limbs felt so heavy that I just wanted to sit and stay down. An overbearing weight rested itself on top of my heart; if I could even call it mine. "To let the Cosmos continue to live, the Bringer's physical body is sacrificed to keep the Cosmos alive. It regains its heart for a short amount of time until it births a new Bringer. Though the Realms stay in place, it's a new age of the Cosmos."

"And in some twisted way, I'm the closest to a Bringer the Cosmos has. You're telling me-" A choked sob restrained me. "That in the end I still die? After everything fate still wins when it comes to my death?" My sobbing grew worse. My hands were wrapped around my belly with tears thwarting my vision. "No." The Gods replied truthfully. "You have a choice. You could return to the EarthLand Realm and live with your family and husband. You will still be immortal as will Natsu, and you will give birth to your daughter. But, you will know that someday the essence of life will perish, and so will everything you love. However, if you sacrifice your life now then the Cosmos has a second chance. The dead will still rest peacefully in Heaven, and your family lives."

"What about my child?" I asked with dilated irises. "The child is a part of you. And since Hades no longer exists we must create a new Bringer when the heart is returned to us from the Cosmos. The child would be the one to expel the chaotic energy when you cleanse the Cosmos and Realms. For us to keep our promise in the Realms we cannot wane away." How was this fair! While my child and I are sent to our deaths the Gods are happily living another life when they should be the ones to die! None of this was fair! "What will happen to me?"

"When the Cosmos takes the essence of the heart and your physical form you will go to the Abyss. You are neither worthy of Heaven nor Hell, and that will be your indefinite limbo until you are ready to be erased." Solantir roared with his nose flaring. "That is absurd! Lucy has earned her rightful place in Heaven!"

"She is not seen as our child! Be grateful that she isn't sent to Hell for the pain and suffering she has given to the Realms. Her soul is an abnormality in our eyes, and the Rule of Cosmos has already stated our views when it comes to our children. Her only place that doesn't overthrow the Cosmos is the Abyss." Layla's grip grew firmer. "How is that fair to Lucy? She's just a child herself! How can I be happy in Heaven knowing my daughter is to be stranded alone in the dark Abyss!" My mother cried now holding me. Jude caressed my head with his large hand. "We won't stand for this. I won't allow my only child to be erased from existence!" My father's remark was snarky towards the Gods. "This is only Lucy's decision to decide. Despite leaving your homes to come to speak in Lucy's place it is her choice." The Gods said without expression. The frustration that they showed was gone now as their perfect faces were donning their passive expressions.

This was it. My only options were to ignore the death of the Cosmos to live my life how I've always wanted to. For the remainder of eternity, I will be with Natsu. The Balance will live and so will my child. And in the end, we all die. Even the dead will experience their death one more time. The people that stand before me, the ones that gave up their life for me, will also die. No one is safe when the very essence of life is extinguished. If I decide to give the heart and sacrifice myself. . .and my child. . .then the Cosmos is saved. The future of mankind will live another day, and so will the remainder of my family. Natsu can be free of the Souls Connection. He can be free from immortality. For me to believe this will work I had to tell myself Natsu will find happiness in the end. Vivian is his true soulmate. She'll be the only one to heal him when I'm gone.

When I'm gone. . .I guess I made my decision.

"I'll do it," I answered somberly. My deceased close ones strongly disagreed and refused on my behalf. I could only stand there, the feeling of a vacant hole growing bigger in my chest, engulfing me. I condemned myself and my daughter to our death. Aren't I supposed to protect my child even in my womb?! When she is unable to speak I'm meant to be her voice! "But I have requests! And you will follow them down to the wire or so help me I'll let the Cosmos burn." I warned with dark eyes. The Gods nodded willingly listening to my requests. "The Balance will live! Use whatever remains of my body and let them use it as an immovable host. They must stick together, and as long as the host is incapable of moving then it should be good enough from letting the Cosmos fall to chaos."

"Very well." The Gods answered. "Your next request?" I put my second finger up. "Natsu Dragneel will carry Solantir to prevent himself from becoming a Half-Soul. He will be mortal and at all costs prevent him from harming himself. I don't care if you have to spout a river out of nowhere if he throws himself off a mountain! Keep him safe! I'm losing our child, but I refuse to let my husband throw his life away." The Gods looked amongst each other until they nodded. "We can do that. The Spirit Dragon will move to the Dragon Slayer and we will prevent any action of Natsu in an attempt of taking his life." My third finger went up. "As I said earlier, you will call off the possessed army as well as entrust they will live. The Dragons, the Celestial Spirits! All of them! When that's all finished the Gods must never do any harm to the Realms unless necessary!"

"What counts as necessary?" They asked. I sighed at their question. "If any godly being is purposely spreading harm or hate against your creations then stop them! If there is a godly being like me that wants to just live like a normal human being, leave them alone!" I huffed in annoyance. The Gods considered my example and then agreed. I placed up my last finger. "My last request is that my baby goes to Heaven."

"The child is a part of you."

"That doesn't matter when I'm dead! If I am to die for you and the Cosmos then fine! I already have to force my baby to expel the chaotic energy of the Realms and Cosmos, but I refuse to let her be forgotten. My baby deserves to at least go to Heaven and be happy there! I'm giving up everything to do this. My child spends her eternal life in Heaven or the deals off." I held my belly with a maternal awareness to protect my unborn child. If she couldn't live, meet her daddy, or family then she should rest peacefully in Heaven. In time she'll greet her nakamas and daddy. In time, maybe she'll get to know me through the stories they'll share. If I'm not forgotten by the time they pass away...

"Very well. The child will be spared." A sense of relief flooded over me. I've done all I could to keep mankind safe. I bargained my life to protect my family and the future of Fairy Tail. Now, it was time to do my part. "What do you need me to do?"

"You will return to your physical body and perform a rite on holy ground. The cathedral would be your best option. From there, whisper the Cosmos name and it will all come together. Do this and we will abide by your requests. With your sacrifice, the dead will return to life. All of the lives lost will come back from before the war started. You must keep this secret. If the ceremony is interrupted you will not have another chance."

"I already knew that. I won't even get to say goodbye to my comrades. Natsu, he'll hate me." My heart throbbed from the mere thought. I wouldn't blame him if he did. If he was doing what I was about to do I'd hate him too. "He'll be happy in the end. It was never good for him to be with someone like me. I love him more than life; that's why I have to do this." I wiped away my bloody tears. Now wasn't the time to start crying for what I haven't lost yet. I'll have all the time until I'm erased to cry my heart out. A hand caressed my cheek when I saw it was Ankhseram. His vibrant eyes peered until his thumb caught a tear that fell. "You do not cry like a mortal, but the emotions you must feel are ones a human feels. They feel to the point it could break their heart if such emotion is that powerful. I know we lack the characteristics of humans, but we feel love. We understand love. Until now I simply believed you were using the Dragon Slayer as a way to protect yourself, but I've never been more wrong. You love him."

"Yes. He means everything to me. Please," My hand clasped Ankh's hand that was still resting on my cheek. "take care of him. He's stubborn to the point I could strangle him, but he means well. I won't be around to watch over him anymore. Promise me you'll watch over him." My voice croaked to the point I couldn't hold in my tears anymore. Ankhseram simply stared until he returned a single nod. "I will." Through my thick bloodied tears I noticed something on my sibling's face. His expression was still passive and beautiful, yet something was off. His eyes, still open and stunning, had tears falling past his cheeks. I watched with my mouth agape when I realized his tears were the same as mine.

Blood. He was crying tears of blood.

Ankhseram moved to rejoin his siblings not even concerned about the tears on his face. "Lucy Heartfilia, you have shown me a new light. You have moved me, and for that, I must apologize for all the trouble and anguish I put you through; which is why I have a proposal. Lend me your attention for a moment longer and we will end this discussion." A proposal? What did he mean? The God of Life and Death began to speak. . .

~~~

Before I could open my eyes I knew something was wrong. The left side of my vision was clouded by a crimson hue even with my eyelids closed as I attempted to move. My body was broken. When I could eventually open my only good eye the world was still dark and crimson. I went to move my right arm to rub my eye but was halted when a bolt of pain shot through my arm. I gasped and went to hold my arm, but I couldn't find it. Like an idiot, I was trying to find my right hand. Then it came back to me; the moment where I lost my eye and arm in my Dragon Form. I cast the barrier over the army and myself, and what happened next was blurry. I fell whilst changing back to my human form right before I blacked out. That's all I could remember. Using my left hand instead I rubbed my good eye and blinked a few times until my vision slowly returned.

I was in the Master's office lying on a makeshift bed made of blankets and bloodstained towels. The clothes I was wearing were gone with just a used robe to conceal my body. I did my best to see the damage, but my eye was still lacking in perception. My somewhat good eye could see the discolor of bruises that littered my skin. Deep cuts that were stitched moved all around my body and bones were still broken. My right arm had countless layers of bandages and gauze around the stump to stop the bleeding, but the bandage had already been bled through. I didn't even want to know what the left side of my face looked like.

I managed to sit up and lean against the wall to catch my breath. I surveyed the room not finding anyone else that was wounded. It was just me in the office. Maybe my comrades didn't want anyone to see me in this state? Or were they hiding my critical state from my husband? Where was Natsu? My left eye throbbed which caused a splitting migraine to overwhelm me. I tasted blood in my mouth which made my stomach coil up. Oh, Gods. . .Nashi! "M-My baby. Balance! Is she-" Bile crawled up my throat. If my baby was harmed I don't know what I would do. I needed Nashi to be okay. She had to hang on for a little longer until the Gods were ready to take her.

Lucy! Oh, Lucy, you're awake! We were so worried! You weren't with Us. You just disappeared and We didn't know what to do! Nashi is fine. She's scared, but she's okay.

The bile was still in my throat. My nausea was going down over time until I managed to swallow the bitterness that was about to force itself out of me. "Thank Gods. Thank you, Balance. I was so scared. I thought I lost her." My left hand held my stomach while my head rested on the wall. After catching my breath, I collected my thoughts to focus. I don't know how long I was out, or how many hours or days might have passed, but I knew what I needed to do. "Balance, please, help me stand." The power moved from my baby back through my muscles. I was able to move easier when I stood up swaying just for a few seconds. I caught the edge of Gramps's desk to steady my feet just when the door opened. I was still catching my breath when the calloused hands eased my shaking body to stand better. "Take your time, my child." The Giver murmured. She glided me to sit in one of the chairs as she sat opposite to me. Her sown eyes were on my open eye, gently taking my hand into hers. "How do you feel, Lucy?"

"Like broken glass," I said managing to let out a laugh. I grasped my guardian's hand to hold onto someone. We sat in silence for a minute since neither of us preferred to speak. The Giver knew. She knew anything and everything. "How is everyone? The Gods told me they made it rain fire. Did the majority make it out okay?" The Giver's face fell. "Many were injured. Your comrade, Freed, cast a barrier spell around the vicinity of the Guild to prevent further devastation, but the damage was done. All of Magnolia is scorched to ruin. Many lives have been lost." I gulped the lump in my throat. "Natsu?" I asked with a cracked voice. The Giver held a firmer grip. "He's in the critical stages. Most of them don't understand why, but it's his mind. He endured the same pain you felt. Physically he has his eye and arm, but his mind begs to differ. The trauma will be near impossible for him to move on from." I hid my eyes over my hand. A soft sob tore out of me upon hearing the Giver's news. "I tried to protect him from this. He was supposed to make it out of this without a scratch. How could I have been so careless? I should have tried harder."

"You did the best you could for him, child. Now, you have to finish what you started. I see the future clear as water. You will go to the cathedral on its holy soil and call the Cosmos name. You will heal the injured and bring the dead back. You will give them a second chance, Lucy. You'll give the Realms and Cosmos another chance."

What does she mean mutt? What is the Giver talking about?

"Honestly, I'm terrified. I want to be a coward and run away from this. Yet, I couldn't live with the guilt if I just ignore this. Why am I so scared when I already made my decision?" My guardian smiled with quivering lips. "Because you are a human." Her words uplifted me. For months now I thought I was losing that side of me, the human side. Until now I was afraid I would become something else. I knew now I would always be a human. Being scared right here and now proves that I am a human. I let out a sigh of relief returning my hand to the Giver. "At least I can say goodbye to one person. He'll hate me after I do this. I know he will."

"Natsu will hate your decision, but he can never hate you. Love is complicated; it never gets easier the more you love a person. He'll be hurting for the remainder of his life." She didn't have to tell me what I already knew. It was all the more making it harder to go through with doing this. I clenched my hand. "I can't even see him? He's unconscious that I could just see him one more time-"

"If you go see him now you'll refuse to do your part! There are two visible paths Lucy. One where you see him, and one that you don't. If you go to your husband then you will seal the Cosmos fate. The essence of life will perish, and so will you and him." My body was shaking now. I can't even see my husband. I couldn't even tell him goodbye. Why? Why does my heart work against me?! "Then," I began while sniffling. "can you pass me some paper and a pen? If you can also go to the library there should be lacrimas on one of the bookshelves. Find the green one so I can save a record of my goodbye to Natsu. I have to write a few letters before I go. Without my dominant hand, I'll need a little time to write. Give me thirty minutes?" The Giver agreed as she ushered and placed sheets of paper and a pen in front of me. "I'll return with the lacrima then give you a moment to yourself. When it's time. . .I'll come to get you."

"Thank you, Giver." I smiled. I did the best I could to smile because I knew the second I let my smile fall my tears would betray me. I told the Balance to return to Nashi and leave me in peace; I would need to gather my thoughts to even begin writing. There was so much to say in such little time. I couldn't give everyone a letter, but by now I'm sure they were used to receiving a single letter from me. I wrote with my heart as I reminisced about my comrades. I looked back to when the brawls would break out destroying everything in its path, and the times when we would celebrate just to be together. I missed when the team would go out on quests with it all beginning with Natsu whining about getting on the train. After completing the quests we'd still get an earful for destroying half the town to catch the vigilante with us not even getting paid. At the end of every quest, we'd spend the night under the stars, all of us talking and laughing about the events that happened that day. It was those moments that I would miss the most.

I would miss Erza's sisterly affection and her love of sweets. She was one of the first people to congratulate me when I joined Fairy Tail and got my guild mark. I would miss Gray and his cold exterior when in truth was an actual softie. Even his stripping habit I would miss...somewhat. I would miss Wendy and her innocence. She was always the little sister I wanted and had thanks to her. And Natsu, my husband, and my best friend was the one I would miss the most. He was the one that helped me find my family and experience true love. In my letter, I did my best to express how thankful I was for all of my nakamas. If it wasn't for Fairy Tail I would still be the little prisoner in her clay body. I owe everything to my family.

I was finished writing the first letter when the Giver returned with the green lacrima. "Forgive me for my tardiness. I couldn't see which lacrima was what so I had to use the Sight to find it. I hope you weren't waiting." The Giver's cheeks grew red in embarrassment. I giggled at her honesty. "It's alright. You caught me at the right time. I just finished the first letter and I plan to write one more to someone. Give me a few more minutes and I'll be ready." The Giver bowed her head and then quietly left the room. I did my best to neatly fold the letter and wrote to who it was for on the folded sheet. The second letter was a request to someone. It was short and to the point when I wrote out my plea and instructions then lastly thanked. I folded the letter and then wrote their name on the front. The last thing I had to do was leave a recording. It was the same lacrima that Monica used when she did the announcement, but instead of the lacrima being live to an audience it was being used as a video recording. I placed the lacrima on the desk before shimmying my chair to sit back a little. With a sigh, I hovered my hand over the green lacrima until it began to glow. A green haze grew over the crystal until a mirror of myself appeared.

I was horrified at my face. The left side of my face was streaked with burns with my left eye appearing to be melted. I gulped from the sight and told myself to ignore how I looked. My appearance didn't matter anymore.

I did the best I could talk to just a mirror. I acted as if it was Natsu in front of me as he for once allowed me to speak before telling me how bad of an idea I made. I tried to not cry, but it was futile. With tears and laughter, I told the love of my life goodbye and then ended the recording. The color of the lacrima changed from green to black indicating of a recording has been saved. I kissed the crystal and hugged it to my chest. This was the closest I can get to Natsu; as close as I can get to hug him and kiss him one last time. "I love you Natsu." My hiccuped cry was a blur to this point. I laid the first letter on Gramps's desk for him to easily find. I hid the second letter and the lacrima under my blankets and towels for the person to find. When everything was finished the Giver appeared with a heartbroken whisper. "It's time."

I didn't move yet. It was all moving too fast. The time I had left had gone by too quickly for me to memorize. I wanted every detail, every speck of my final memories of the Guild Hall to be there. "Give me a few more minutes," I begged with choked sobs. The Giver's closed eyes found me until she moved closer to where I was standing. I was enveloped in a hug with the Giver gently shushing me like a grandmother. "If I could I would my child. If Natsu wakes up then it's over. The first thing he'll do is look for you. Now is your chance to leave. Now is the time to save your loved ones." It didn't matter how many excuses I made to stay a minute longer. The Giver was right. I had to go now before it was too late. I returned my guardian's hug. "Be there for my family Giver. Tell them everything when I'm gone and ease their hearts that at the very end I thought of them."

"I promise." The Giver said. I squeezed out our hug for a moment longer then reluctantly let our embrace go. "Thank you for everything. I won't forget you."

"Neither will I, Lucy. You're a beautiful soul and person. Thank you for all you've done and more." My guardian bowed her head until she moved out of the way of my exit. After I leave these doors I'll be on my own; acting as if I wasn't about to send myself to my death. I exited the doors and overlooked the balcony of the Hall. There were lots of people on cots and makeshift beds like mine moaning and coughing in pain, and there were those that weren't moving. Friends or comrades surrounded the deceased and cried over their passing. My guts twisted from the sight and smell. If there were this many injured and dead I couldn't imagine where the critical stages were. Those that were severely hurt were taken to the infirmary where Porlyusica was working since the battle started. Healers hurried all over the Guild Hall to mend and bandage the soldier and wizards that have been wounded from the war or the fallout. There was only the sound of pain and grief. Hope has left the remainder of the army and guild members.

I made my way down the stairs to the first floor with soft footsteps. The quieter my leave of absence was the better my chance of not being noticed. I looked back and forth taking in the sight of so many lives lost. Kagura, from Mermaid Heel, was on a cot as her teammates were with her. A few cried, and others held their head in dismay. Then I saw Avery's guild hugging each other with one of the own in a bed with her eyes closed. Avery was sobbing whisky hugging each of her sisters. Evelyn was the one that was lying still in the bed. Veda was checking her husband and children's injuries talking softly to each of them in concern. Nari and the remaining two of her comrades placed the bloodied blanket over the other two deceased comrades that lay together. My hand held my stomach as the pain escalated. A few of my nakamas were lying on cots holding themselves in agony. So many people were hurt, or worse, dead.

Just when I was halfway to being outside I felt someone roughly grab my left shoulder until I was turned around. "IT'S YOUR FAULT!" Jellal, with crazed eyes, shouted right in my face while catching everyone's attention. All color left my face when Jellal screamed again. "You brought the dead back once! It's your fault this has happened! My wife! MY CHILD! They're DEAD! BRING THEM BACK!" Jellal grasped both my shoulders not even noticing the flash of pain from my injured limb. "Bring her back! Please," Jellal fell to his knees with tears streaking down his eyes. "bring Erza and our baby girl back!" I watched this heartbroken man beg me to bring back his family. Countless eyes were on me all of them holding their breaths. All of them wondered if I could do what Jellal begged of me to do. If I tell him I will then I've given myself away. Perhaps, it was best if I make them believe I can't do it. No one will go after me when I leave. They may want me to go on the other hand. It hurts to break the remainder of their hope in me. So many lives were lost because of my existence. I deserved this...

"I'm sorry, Jellal. I can't. I can't bring her back." I displayed my arm around me. "I can't bring anyone back. If I could I-" my sense of balance was gone until I landed on my back. Jellal was suddenly on his feet when I realized he pushed me, huffing like a rabid animal with eyes dilated. "WE FOUGHT YOUR WAR! We gave our lives and our homes! Don't tell me you would when you just told me you can't! I lost my wife and child because of YOU! You'll never know the feeling of losing your child! My child, I couldn't meet or hold!" Jellal backed away with his eyes clouded from rage. Jellal suddenly broke down when tears ran down his cheeks. In my shocked state, I could hear Jellal cry out Erza's name under his breath. My heart felt constricted upon hearing about Erza. I blinked away my tears to compose myself. Erza and the baby didn't make it. I felt the weight of guilt build more on too my shoulders that it almost crushed me. "I'm so sorry."

I pulled myself up this time not even worried about being seen or not. The look of hatred and glares followed me until I snuck out the guild doors when it closed behind me. The city was destroyed. Buildings were still on fire and ashen rubble desolated the streets. I expanded my wings from my back ready to take flight to the remains of the cathedral. "Lu-shee?" My takeoff came to a halt when I heard Happy's timid voice. "Where are you going? Natsu is in the infirmary and you haven't gone to see him yet. Are you okay to be standing right now?" The blue Exceed asked worryingly. I didn't turn to look at Happy. "I'm okay. I'm going out to survey the damage, and hopefully find some remaining survivors."

"We already sent a small scout to go find any injured that could still be out there. They came back with no one." My fingers dug into my palms. "Come back inside Lu-shee. You and Natsu have been out for half a day, and I know he'll want to see you when he wakes up. Before I left he was stirring awake." A gasp escaped me. No! If Natsu wakes up it's over! There was no time. "Happy. . ." Tears stained my face. I knew I didn't have much time knowing Natsu; this was my only chance. "Lucy? Are. . .Are you okay?" With my back still in his direction, I did a curt nod. "I'll be fine. At least I know everyone else will be soon." Surprisingly I found the strength to face Happy by turning my head. His large eyes watched intently when he saw my tears and heart-shattering smile. "Never change Happy. I'll miss you."

"Lu-shee what are you saying! Why are you talking like you're about to go away! You can't go! If you leave, Natsu will be sad! We'll all be sad! Lu-shee please don't leave us!" Happy's blubbered with thick tears. I had to go now, or else I'll abandon everything I promised to the Gods. "I love you Happy. Never forget that." My wings raised me from the ground. Happy cried out to me to stop. "Goodbye." I wasted no time flying with all my might. The scorching heat was overpowering underneath me. I flew faster swaying higher until I could see the debris of the charred cathedral. I landed on my feet and called away my wings. I had to move fast before Natsu can realize what was happening. Just imagining Natsu being behind me made my blood go cold. I trudged my way through burned wood and bulk of stone from large constructions. The top half of the cathedral was gone but most of the structure on the ground managed to survive the fire. The pews were damaged as we're the color-stained glass. I walked until I was standing in the center of the grand church staring at my surrounding.

Why did you not tell Us?

"If I did you guys wouldn't have agreed." I stretched out my arm to call for the Goddess Sword. The silver blade shimmered with the goddess's power and then materialized into my left hand.

You said there would be a truce between Us. You said all decisions would be a vote for all of Us. You lied to Us.

"Because this was my decision and mine alone." The dark, murky power traversed down my right shoulder and out from my bandages. It formed a twisted version of my missing arm appearing like a thick substance of oil. It didn't look even human when I saw the new limb of my arm.

Will it hurt? Dying?

"No. I don't think you two understood what I meant. It was my decision because it's only me that will die." The Balance didn't understand. They asked what did I mean by that. "I made a deal with the Gods. When I return the Cosmos heart and sacrifice my body the Balance will live in what remains of my physical form. You'll have a host that cannot move or breathe which will stop the Cosmos from falling to chaos."

No! That is a fate worse than death!

I struck the sword into the ground in front of me. "You'll live and still be together. Plus, I'll be out of the picture now which is something I know you two wanted for a long time. This is good for the Balance." I kept my hold on the hilt of the sword.

But. . .that isn't true.

"What do you mean?" I asked whilst changing into the Balanced Form. My robe changed into the appearance of the Light Goddess as my wings return to me.

We don't want to lose you.

I faltered in my process when I heard the Balance. If I expected anything from the Balance was joy when I would be relinquished from them. But this. . .this isn't what I anticipated. "What do you mean?!" I asked again.

We. . .We have grown fond of you. You are unusual and you make Us so angry at times. But, then we feel happy too during the other times. We feel like we're. . . floating when you talk to Us. It feels like no matter how difficult We can be you still care for Us. We care for you too if that's what it is.

A hopeful smile crossed my face. "Is that how you feel for each other?" It was silent for a moment.

We believe so.

"Then you guys can live without me. I was only a bridge between you two. Or maybe, there was always a bridge that you two were too scared to cross, and I was the force that pressured you together. It was uncomfortable and you hated it at first, but it seems you like being together now." A sense of remorse came over me. The Balance had wavered against each other when the remorse passed through me.

We like being with you.

I was silent after what they said. It wasn't a choice to be together anymore. If I want to save the Balance from dying then I had to do this for them. I fell to my knees still holding onto the sword. I bowed my head and placed my disfigured hand on the blade. The etherion around me grew in warmth with a buzzing sound coming from their excitement. I could feel the gaze of the Gods on me, waiting for their blessing. "Promise me Balance," I started just when an untold power washed over me. I let out a gasp from the flourishing power that seeped into my very soul that I thought I would be swallowed whole. "always stay together. You both need each other more than you know. I want you two to live and grow as one. If you can do that. . .then it's worth doing this. Promise me?"

We promise, Lucy. You won't die in vain. We will grow and learn to love each other, just as you did to love Us.

The Cosmos had waited for too long for the heart to return. It was ready. I closed my eyes, still smiling. "Thank you. . ." The name of the Cosmos came to me, and I answered.

"Evös. . ."

The presence of gravity had vanished. I was weightless in the face of the very Cosmos. The essence had taken my blood and bones. I was open to the beauty of everything and nothing. The Cosmos had a greater beauty compared to any of the Gods. The sound of all that was great reached the ends of the universe into my very soul. With my left hand still holding onto the sword, I attempted to reach my other disfigured hand to try and touch the beauty of the Cosmos. "It's amazing. I can't believe what I am seeing. It's glorious."

Lucy. . .

I didn't notice what the Balance said. I couldn't pull my face away from the essence of life. Just as soon as I called the Cosmos name I felt it calling to me by mine. It whispered a word and told me to say it. "Mundarë." The unfamiliar word came across to sound like a spell. I felt a substantial power of a circular rune appear underneath me. It glowed with colors that I had never seen before. It was a color I thought was green but would suddenly shift to a luminous purple. It fluctuated with no sense of what possible color it could be. I had no understanding if I was in pain or not. All of my senses had left when I called forth the Cosmos. The spell grew double in size until it exploded in ripples of the life essence. The power came out of me. I felt the world, molding with it. My power reached from the Abyss to the Realms that cleansed the chaotic energy. The last wave had finished when the essence faded. The Cosmos, in all of its glory, thanked me. The Cosmos took the heart from my chest then dissipated with its twinkling stars.

Reality returned when my knees fell back to the cobbled ground. It was impossible to breathe or to even move. Both of my hands now were resting on the hilt of the Goddess Sword. "I-. . .Agh. . ." I put my weight on my left shoulder to rest myself on the unmoving blade. No matter how hard I tried to breathe. . .I couldn't.

Lucy, your body. . .it's turning into stone.

Just like the former Dark Ones. I moved my eye to watch my transformation from my soft skin changing into white marble. It coursed over to the Goddess clothes I was wearing even to my hair. Tears descended my cheeks when I rested my eye. I slumped on the blade still holding on with the remainder of my strength. "I did it. I saved them." The marble had passed my legs.

You're a hero, Lucy. Our hero. The Realms hero. You're the Savior of the Cosmos.

If that was true, then why was I so sad? I saved humanity, the Realms, and the Cosmos. Why was I still broken? Fairy Tail. I missed Fairy Tail. I longed to hold my child just once in my arms. I dreamt of the day I would go on one more adventure with my nakamas. My only wish was to see my husband one last time. "Natsu? If you can somehow hear me...please find happiness. No matter what...do what I couldn't in the end. . ." The marble had taken my upper body. "Live."

He loves you, Lucy. Natsu will always love you.

Even with the bloody tears falling I kept my smile. The last of my skin had vanished and hardened into marble. I was slipping away with the Balance fighting against the pull of my soul. My child was taken to go to Heaven leaving an empty hole in my chest. The last of my sight on EarthLand disappeared in the distance. I curled into my chest reliving my memories. 'Goodbye, minna. I'll always love every one of you.' The memories came across to Natsu. My husband. My soulmate. The man I would move Heaven and Earth for. The last of my memories were of him smiling his childish grin. When the memories had finished. . .

I fell.

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...

This isn't the end yet for the book. For Lucy, however, her story is finished. Just a couple more chapters, Lovelies.

Goodbye Lucy, thank you for your heroic sacrifice. Now, it's time for Natsu to tell his story. See you in the next chapter my dear Lovelies.

As always. . .love you all.💙