Song: Caruso
                        By: HAUSER

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~Lucy~

Mutt, please, you must see the premonition.

We wish to be of help, but for Us to do so you must witness the premonition.

I can't. I can't see what's to come and face the outcome. If I hold hope that we can make it to Aria in time then I will refuse over and over to not seeing the premonition. Sterling and the Guardians will protect Aria till their dying breaths until I can make it there. No, I won't... I can't look into the premonition.

Listen to Us, Mutt! The premonition will not only show the future, but it will also show if the Gods are a part of this possible attack coming to Aria. Please, We beg you, look into the premonition. We must see the answer Ourselves as well, but We are unable to unless you agree.

I'm too scared to face the truth. I don't know if I'll be too late. If I am then I failed Seraphina. I failed Talon...and worse...I'd fail Teral and Adroath. Why must I see this premonition if you both desire to do so?!

Because We need your Sight. All three of Us are one, and without your Sight, We are blind until you open your eyes. This is the only option to see if the premonition can give Us answers. If it becomes too much to handle, then We'll stop gazing into the premonition. That is a promise We both keep.

I must think. If I am to do this let me think about the possibilities. The chances and the realization I could have already failed the people of Aria. It's a burden I couldn't carry. A heavy boulder that would lie itself on my shoulders, and I'm afraid I will be crushed by such a weight. Can I truly do this? Face the premonition and be certain I am not too late? What other choice did I even have? Regardless of not, my children needed me. I had to do whatever I can to help them! Fine, show me the premonition, and no matter what I don't want you to stop it even if I beg. I have to see it through...

Very well. Do not forget that if it becomes too much, We will stop it. Don't destroy yourself from seeing this premonition, Mutt. For all We know it hasn't come to pass in reality just yet. Maybe not even at all if We're being hopeful.

I didn't need to say another word when I waited in silence for the premonition to begin.

Fire.

A fire consumed the plains of Aria. Thousands of people cried out in horror, in terror as they screamed my name. "Light Goddess! We call for your aid! Lady Lucy! My Lady! Lady Lucy, we're dying! They're killing us! My child, MY BABY! Where are you, Lady Lucy! Light Goddess!"

"Light Goddess!"

"Light Goddess!!"

"LIGHT GODDESS!!!"

I shouted in horror as I could only listen to the cries of my people. Too many voices called out to me, pleaded, and begged that I come and save them. I could only listen to the sound of their blood spilling on the ground of Aria. My children being killed where they stood as fire destroyed the homes and shelters they sought for. My kingdom, my castle, fell to ruins. Men, women, and children were not spared. Every last Arian was left to die.

And I, their Light Goddess, could only watch.

I couldn't take it anymore. I sobbed in tears begging the Balance to stop the premonition. The possible future was too great for me to hold onto any longer. I had to stop seeing it!

The fire. Why is the fire only harming the citizens and structures? The forest is not blazing into flames.

Please, I can't take another second of this! My people are dying! The Balance managed to stop showing me the possibility of this future. I gasped in pain clutching my chest in fear that my heart was close to shattering. This couldn't happen. It wasn't possible! There was a barrier around the city's vicinity before I left! No one can ever enter the city except me! Not even the Gods could step foot!

If this was a possibility of happening in the future, then how does it even happen?!

All We can hope for is that the possibility hasn't come to happen in reality. For all that matters right now the Arians are still fine. The Guardians of Light is still there protecting your sacred home.

The Balance had to be right. If my barrier has fallen...then the last line of defense is my Guardians. If they have failed...no. No, they mustn't! Please, please do not let me be too late!

I can't be! I CAN'T BE!

~~~

"Lucy?" The hand on my shoulder stirred me awake. A gentle gasp escaped my lips when I immediately sat up from the train booth. "Where are we? Tell me it's not too late!" I cried out frantically searching my whereabouts until the person that woke me softly shushed me. "Lucy it's alright. We made it to the outskirts of Aria." I looked around focusing for a moment on where I was. The train stopped seeming to wait for me to get off. I glanced to my left when I noticed it was Erza that shook me awake. Natsu was behind her talking to Jellal and few others in our group when I sighed this time exasperated that I was overdramatic. "I'm sorry...I was having a bad dream." I started praying that it was only a nightmare and nothing more. For once let it just be a nightmare and not a premonition. Erza smiled, but her eyes were filled with worry. "It's okay Lucy. We were all concerned about you as you slept. You didn't appear to be sleeping well. It worried Natsu to death when he stirred awake!"

I small smile lifted my lips. "He tends to be a worrywart when it comes to me." I joked wiping my brow due to my restless sleep. I stood on my feet after grabbing my bag and throwing it over my shoulder. Other than myself and Natsu, Erza, the Exceeds and her husband Jellal decided to join our quest to Crocus. Gray, Wendy, Levy, Gajeel, and Juvia were also enlisted on coming with our party as well whilst they were ready to leave the train. One last time I had to rub my eyes to wave away the remaining tiredness that stuck to me. Not long after, we had finally left the train and were walking down a narrow path to the Forbidden Woods.

Everything seemed fine so far. There wasn't a powerful smell of smoke nor even a sight of a black cloud rising from the city. Perhaps I was only having a nightmare. It was so tranquil and quiet you could hear a leaf fall from a tree branch. I stopped suddenly causing the rest of the party to come to a halt. Before anyone could ask questions I placed my hand up when I closed my eyes. "Barrier." I ordered for it to come down when I saw that being another good sign that my protective barrier was still up. No one was able to cross over it inside nor out. All must've been well! "I think the Giver might have overseen this through. But, before I say another word let's go ahead and stay the night in Aria. I must discuss things over with Sterling as we all rest for a night or two." Everyone agreed as Natsu took my hand into his. We walked together quietly talking amongst ourselves as the pathway kept my comrades from falling to eternal sleep. The path on both sides kept the Lillies of Aria which prevented anyone that didn't hold a tie to Aria from falling asleep. I can still remember the first time I walked through the Forbidden Woods as my nakamas acted like toddlers due to the Woods forcing them to slowly get drowsy. It must've been almost a year ago since that happen. "Gray-sama, when we arrive would you like to go and visit the pond? Juvia has heard many stories of a pond that you can make a wish to!" Gray smiled warmly at the Water Mage. "You'll be surprised to find out it's a lot bigger than your average pond. But, I'll be happy to take you there Juvia."

Levy and Gajeel bickered to each other. Levy stating she couldn't believe Gajeel forgot to bring a book of some importance whereas Gajeel insisted she had enough books that could last her for months. I giggled listening to the couple go back and forth until Gajeel couldn't keep his snicker to himself any longer. Meanwhile, Erza and Jellal continued to talk about what to name the baby if the bean was either a boy or a girl. Though Jellal went on about how he knew the baby was a boy, Erza smiled as she placed her hand over her armored belly agreeing that she just wants the baby to be healthy. Wendy talked to the two Exceeds that followed close to her. Happy of course being goofy that it caused Carla to roll her eyes. The only Exceed that again decided to walk was PantherLily as he kept his intense gaze fixated on his surroundings. I squeezed Natsu's hand tighter. "I think everything's gonna work out." I suddenly admitted when Natsu turned his head in my direction. "You think so, Luce? Even with a war coming soon you're gonna be a positive penny and see the bright side of things?" Replied Natsu with a lazy smile. I nodded in agreement. "Yes. I have faith that it will all work out. We just have to push through and keep our eyes at the end of the tunnel. It'll all come to work itself out."

Natsu grinned like a schoolboy. "You have no idea how happy that makes me hear you say that. This is just the beginning of a new-" when we passed the clearing Natsu and I stopped in our tracks. Everything I said I wanted to take it all back. The light at the end of the tunnel was never there because it never existed, to begin with. The remainder of our comrades caught up when they saw what we were seeing. "Oh no!" Wendy gasped putting her hand over her mouth in horror. I took a trembled step forward until I fell to my knees at the sight. Natsu fell beside me clutching my sides so he can make me face him. "Lucy?! Lucy!?" I've already seen it...

Aria was obliterated.

The scenic fields of lilies were burned to ash. Buildings that stood tall and glorious were torn down or burned to the ground. The bodies....littered the streets of Aria. There was no one left alive. The men, women, and children were all dead. Judging how the smell of soot was nearly gone...this happened almost a week ago.

I wasn't here.

I didn't make it in time.

We were too late.

"NOOO!!!" I shouted in angst until pushing myself away from Natsu. I stumbled back up to my feet before calling my wings to fly. I didn't even hear the cries of my nakamas calling out to me. I had to try and find one survivor. There must have been someone that had survived through this. Where were the Guardians! Where is Sterling in all of this!? I swept across the city after flying downward to get a closer look until I landed in the center of the city. The smell of death wafted the air I nearly couldn't hold my stomach in as bloodied tears fell down my cheeks. The first person I reached was a woman that lied face down on the cobbled street. When I grabbed her shoulder I felt the icy chill of her body run down my skin when I struggled to wake her. "Please! Please you must wake up!" I begged when I saw a baby in a swaddle wrapped tightly in his mother's arms.

The mother and baby weren't breathing.

I fell back heaving for a moment until the stench overwhelmed me; because not a second later I couldn't keep down my lunch from yesterday. My eyes burned and my throat constricted itself from the knots forming tightly in my guts. "They're dead! No, please it can't be true! My people! MY CHILDREN!" My sobbing became uncontrollable. There was nothing left of Aria. Everything, everyone...it was gone. "Who did this to you?!" I screamed out to no one as the Balance shifted and grew.

Mutt, We are so sorry...but the answers you wish to find may not be what you wish to see firsthand. To know the truth as to how this all happened could bring complete disaster to you.

"I don't care!" I yelled at the voice in my head. "I have to know who slaughtered my people. I must find out who I have to kill to avenge Aria!"

Lucy...please...this isn't something you wish to see. Not after already witnessing this...We don't want to hurt you!

"Show. Me..." I seethed speaking through my teeth. My blood burned with power that had to be released or else I felt as if I was going to burst. "Who did this to my children!" The Balance went silent that for a moment I thought they wouldn't answer. It wasn't until I felt a pulse inside me that my head became dizzy. I closed my eyes holding my hand to my head as the dizziness was growing worse. "What did you do?" My words were slurred and incoherent.

The premonition you were unable to see three days ago...you are about to live through this hell. We're sorry, Lucy.

When I opened my eyes I was still standing where I landed and found the dead woman. But this time, the woman was gone, and somehow it was nighttime. The sky that you could once see so clearly was now unseeable because of so much smoke in the air. I coughed from the airborne soot quickly running off while my people screamed in fear for their lives. They were still calling out to me, and still, I wasn't here to save them.

The sound of a sword slashed a person when I ran closer to find who was the culprit. "Please! Why are you doing
th-" The man that begged was killed on the spot by the unknown fiend. I halted breathing heavily when I saw who did this. The same beautiful armor the former Light Goddess herself created...the sword that had itself plunged into the Arian man was a soldier that swore to protect the Light Goddess and her followers. An oath that bound them to the Light.

The killer was a soldier of the Guardians of Light.

My head was close to exploding. Tears welled up in my eyes as I witnessed the same soldier kill the woman and her baby as she attempted to run past him. The woman still ran with all her might as she kept pushing forward, but the baby stopped its crying. "Search through the buildings! The Commander wants no one left alive!" A Captain ordered when the squadron left the vicinity. Sterling...he was the one that ordered this?! He was the one that did this to Aria!?

Mutt, please your body is becoming unstable. If you continue like this disastrous things may happen.

"I have to see this through." My voice was a whisper, uneven and too quiet compare to the sound of the temples and homes that burned around me. I kept on the path to where my home was with only the sound of citizens screaming until they greeted death. Trees fell from being torched with fire. The homes I once passed by were gone. The sky rained ash and the fresh scent of lilies was replaced with the smell of blood and fire. The castle was the only structure that was left standing. An army of thousands of Guardians stood in line with Sterling standing in the front. His helm was over his face when he brought his longsword up to the direction of the castle. "Light it aflame! Let no one survive! Burn it to the ground!" Archers set the tip of their arrows on fire when a storm of arrows flew in the air onto the castle. The remainder of the citizens were inside seeking protection, but not even the castle of the Light Goddess could keep them safe.

In a span of a second, the castle toppled and charred to ash. Sterling cried out victorious with his soldiers following foot. "Down with the Light Goddess! Down to her and her mortal worshipers!" I fell to my knees the feeling of my heart-shattering. Death and despair enclosed me. When the Commander threw his helm off that held the sigil of the Light Goddess, he turned his head to where I could face him. He was someone else, unlike his soft hazel eyes, they were now black.

Black like the Gods irises.

Possession.

"It was the Gods! They've possessed the Guardians of Light!" I gasped when it clicked together. The prophecy foretold this. One of an army the Gods will create.

'An army greater than ever seen, touched by the Five Realms, will serve them unknowingly.' The Gods intend to posses every realm and use it against you, Lucy. They will possess not only your Guardians, but your Shadowlings as well, and your strongest Celestial Spirits and Celestial King, and whatever is hidden in the Fifth Realm. The only Realm that cannot be touched, is the one you reside in. Aria is blessed by the Light Goddess, making it a sanctuary for the Light to traverse from one Realm to the other long ago. The Gods killed the Arians with their own defense as a warning. A warning to all three of Us, mutt.

"They were innocent. They've done nothing to the Gods. Sterling did nothing to them...and this is what they do!" I bowed my head low to the ground. My tears were to the point I could no longer control them. It was an endless stream of tears to see a man that at one point wanted to protect a people that were only worshipping to a Goddess that gave them a haven from evil. The Arians never chose violence, and if it came to that they looked for guidance to their Goddess. They looked to me for help.

I. Wasn't. Here.

"I've failed them! The people of Aria only believed in a different faith, and they were killed because of it! Thousands of innocent souls...SLAUGHTERED!!!" My power grew tenfold. The Gods will atone their crimes for what they have done. Fine, they can endlessly pester me, threaten me, attempt to kill me! But, hurting my people, terrorize my comrades and endanger the man I love, it's unforgivable! "I didn't want to be their enemy...but they've left me no choice. If it must come down to it, I will fight a hopeless war to protect the innocent between the Five Realms..." The ground trembled before my knees. Watching Sterling and the remainder of the army one by one vanish to who knows where I knew the mortals of EarthLand were alone. It was truly only me and the Balance that could defend the EarthLand Realm. The Gods have taken control of the remaining four realms, but unlike those, the EarthLand has a secret weapon no other Realm holds.

Stubbornness.

Humans, including myself, will continue to fight no matter how long or costly this war will become. If I must cross the Abyss and breach the gates of Heaven myself so I can avenge my people then so be it. No other life shall be taken because of my sin. No life will be taken because of what I am.

I swear, on everything I am and all the power that flows through me, no more innocent souls shall perish.

Not if I can stop it.

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~Natsu~

"Lucy!" I yelled when I and the rest of our group managed to make it to the city that was in ruins. The smell of decay and smoldering ash filled my nostrils I had to cover my nose to avoid falling over and hurling my guts. Who could have done this? More importantly, why did they do this? The Arians were peaceful people that didn't stir trouble or set out to cause violence. I didn't have to use my nose to find Lucy; all I needed was for my Connection to her soul to guide me. Erza was unable to hold down her breakfast when Jellal had to help her as she vomited from the sight and smell. Juvia and Gray couldn't stand the sight as Levy and Gajeel helped Wendy while she sobbed her eyes. Happy, Carla and Lily were all too shocked to say a word. "Lucy!" I called out again. I looked back to my comrades with my heart hammering against my chest. "All of you go back and wait for the next train. I'll try to find Lucy and get her out of here. None of you need to see this..."

"B-But Natsu," Erza muttered whilst cleaning her mouth with a handkerchief. "We should all stay together. You most of all shouldn't see this! These were your people as well, in a way." Yes, like Lucy I also believed I failed in protecting the people of Aria. But, they didn't look to me for guidance when a situation occurred. It was always their Light Goddess they called for; not the reincarnation of Talon. "I don't plan on staying here for long. All I know is that I have to get Lucy out of here before she tries to do something stupid! So please, get out of here before something happens!"

"Then I'm going with you!" Happy announced tears falling down his eyes. Before I could retort him Happy shook his head. "I love Lu-shee too and if anything happens to her then it's my fault also! Like it or not I'm going with you!" My throat tightened so I couldn't let out a cry. Wendy's shoulders hiccuped when she picked her head up. "I-I'm coming too." Gray put his fist in the air with his other hand wiping away his tears. "So am I!" He shouted with Juvia agreeing. Levy and Gajeel looked certain that they too were coming. Erza held onto Jellal when she nodded. "We love Lucy, Natsu. She's our nakama. We won't turn tail and leave when she needs us most. Lead the way!" My lips wobbled when I quickly turned my back so they couldn't see me cry. I hastily wiped my eyes when I pointed ahead. "Follow me!"

We ran at a fast pace as we all kept our focus ahead. Without seeing what was around us but instead concentrated on Lucy it was manageable to ignore what has happened around us. So many bodies covered the ground with old blood that was spilled. Pale corpses were cut open and left to die as others were decapitated never seeing their doom until it was too late. What was Lucy doing at this moment? Worst of all why can't I feel her thoughts or emotions? Has she somehow...closed me off? I had to share this pain with her. Right now, more than ever, she needed a person to lean on. For once, let me be here to help her!

'Sweetheart, if you can hear me or feel my emotions, then don't shut me out! Let me be here beside you! Let me see what has happened!'

I turned sharply until I nearly stumbled over a deceased person that had their insides torn out. I couldn't look back another second regardless of my guilt overwhelming me. We were growing closer to Lucy! Again I called out to her hoping she would answer back, but she didn't. I don't know why she's ignoring me, but my heart can't stand another second of this with her struggling alone! She isn't the only one that lost friends! There were so many people I cared for while I was alone for those two months in Aria. So many kind faces that helped me and cared for me when I felt lost as Lucy wasn't at my side.

I almost tripped again until I caught myself. My hand landed in a puddle that coated my skin in a dark, sticky, and metallic substance. It was blood. Old blood to be exact. "Oh! Gods!" I didn't want to rub the blood on my clothes, however, I also didn't want my hand to be slathered in the blood of a dead Arian. Reluctantly I wiped my hand on the side of my pants when we eventually made it to what was once the grand stairway to the castle. I remember citizens sitting on these stairs talking or sharing lunch. Some were kids playing a game of sorts in a big circle on this stone stairway. Now, it was covered in blood with few bodies also lying on it.

There truly was no one left alive...

Huffing for air I skipped up the grand stairs when I found Lucy. She stood with her head down, both hands up to her face as she hiccuped in tears. I immediately came over to her. "Lu-" My question was halted when I saw her closer. Through her fingers, her eyes were dilated to the point I swore they were no bigger than a drop of rain. Her eyes were bloodshot and streamed with tears of blood, she hoarsely whispered. "They're dead. It's my fault I wasn't here. I'll kill them. I'll kill every last one of them. Those bastards. Those evil, villain, soul-sucking fiends. They'll die. Every one of them will die. I should have been here. I should have stayed why didn't I stay. I kill them I swear they will die before the sun sets. My children. My people. My home. Sera's home. It's gone. It's all gone and there's nothing I can do. I've failed. I'm a failure. I can't do this. I can't be this. Why wasn't I here to begin with."

"Lucy." I placed my hands over her shoulders when she gasped. Her trance seemed to have broke when she looked around confusingly. Lucy looked at my hand that was still smeared in the old blood. She choked, then sobbed when she shook her head. "I can't believe it! Why did they do this to the Arians!" Lucy wept shaking her head harder in defiance. "Lucy..." I said again reaching out to her. "Please, Sweetheart, you need to breathe." Lucy shook her head. "Can't you see!? We're all that's left! You and I were the last Arians to live! Oh my Gods we're the last of them!" Lucy croaked holding her stomach. I felt the coils and knots forming in my stomach as well when tears brimmed in my eyes. I had to be the strong one for Lucy. Right now, more than anything, she needed comfort.

I gently shushed Lucy and pulled her into my chest. "I know Luce. Whoever did this will pay. They won't get away with this." Lucy's fists balled my vest when she looked up at me. "You don't understand! I-It wasn't who really did it! They were possessed! They were forced to kill them!" She shook me trying to tell me what she was talking about. "I don't understand Lucy. Right now you need to focus on what's in front of you. Don't look around you! Look at me. Look at me and calm down. Breathe, Lucy." Lucy struggled, but she kept her eyes on me which helped her at least start calming down. "No one survived, Natsu. They're all dead..."

"I'm so sorry..." Lucy looked away for a glimpse when I placed my hands between her peripheral vision. "No. Don't look around you. Look at me." I ordered when she closed her eyes. "I'm sorry..." I shook my head this time wondering why it was her that apologized. "Don't be Luce. Let's just calm you down before you hurt yourself."

"They were all so kind. None of them deserved this..." The tears I held in for as long as I could fell within an instant. She was right. The Arians were nothing but full of kindness. If I ever needed help if not one then all of them would come to my aid. They loved their Light Goddess, and I wouldn't be surprised if they prayed not only for her safety but for my own as well. As of now, they were gone. All but a memory was left of them.

We're the last Arians.

I gathered Lucy closer to me. Gently I shushed into her ear when we both fell to the ground in each other's arms. For the longest time, we both cried. Both of us shared our emotions as we let one feel the other of what was going through our hearts. I wasn't sure if our guildmates stood there watching or if they were waiting somewhere below the stairway. Either way, my only focus on reality was the sound of Lucy sobbing into my shoulder. Her fists tightened the hold of my vest, her small frame sitting in my lap. Somehow, with the smell of blood seeping from her irises, there was the same scent of soft vanilla and strawberries. A scent that I could find comfort in...even in a moment such as this. We eventually came to a stop in our crying state, but the desire to move and see what to do next wasn't even close to coming. Lucy needed solace and my arms to feel safe and secure. And I needed her within reach to make sure I couldn't lose her. Lucy whispered into my ear. "I have to bury them."

"Is there enough time to do such a task?" I asked when slowly Lucy shook her head. "There isn't, but I have to do it. I can't give each of my people an engraved gravestone, though I wish I could. The least I can do is bury their bodies to rest along with Adroath and Teral. I must do this for my people." Lucy rubbed her puffy eyes. "Why did it have to be them? Why did the Gods do this to these harmless citizens?" I shook my head. "I don't know, but no matter what we will bring justice to Aria. I also don't know when that time may come, but when it does we will take that chance and avenge your people." Lucy clasped my hands around hers. "They were our people, Natsu. Not just mine, but yours as well. They saw you as a leader when I wasn't there. I wish I could have been here. I could have stopped this..."

"Don't dwell over this Lucy. You falling into a state of guilt won't bring them back!"

"I know it won't. But if I stop feeling this guilt then I will only feel the wrath that wishes to claw out of me. I've never wanted to hurt or break something so bad until this moment. I need this guilt, Natsu. Let me be consumed by the pit of despair before my anger can control me." Lucy let go of my hands. She released one last weep when she turned to the stairway. "I'm ready to go."

The remainder of the team sat at the last step of the stairway when Lucy and I walked back down. No one said a word when Lucy walked past them and continued to walk ahead with her head held high. When I looked at her I saw the scars that tear through her skin on her back. The look of her golden locks swept to the side due to the light breeze that passed over our shoulders. Even now as I stared at her I realized once again that she was otherworldly. An image of pure beauty and grace that no woman can ever achieve. Even if her eyes were hollow and colorless, even if she cried streams of blood, and even the scars she wore on her back I was beside myself how beautiful she truly was.

Absolutely otherworldly.

It was a long, dreary walk when we returned to the outskirts of the city from where we entered. Lucy halted, eventually when she looked back to the town one final time. A single tear ran down her face when she shut her eyes. "Farewell, my children. I cannot give you all a grave with your name, and I could not visit the shrine of my Exceed or previous Hand, but I can return you to the Earth. Your bodies will be at peace. I pray that your souls are moving on to a serene ending." Lucy faced her body towards the city when the rest of us backed up. Lucy's outfit changed to her Goddess gown with both arms revealing the blood of the Dark One. Her wings expanded out as the flames of Solantir crawled its way over her body. She was unharmed even with the dangerous white flame expanding and moving over her skin. Lucy extended her arms out when she cupped her hands. "Goddess Wish: CONSUME!"

The land moved and groaned in the act of one opening their mouth. The remaining buildings that stood crumbled as the Earth shook and devoured the ruined city before us. Tree roots stretched far and entangled the bodies before they were pulled down to the soil to rest. Aria fell, and now EarthLand had swallowed it whole. It could have been hours or a single minute when I witnessed the land dragging everything underneath the soil, but before I knew what took place there wasn't any indication of a city in front of us. All that was left was barren land that stretched for miles with only a lake left to have survived. Lucy pushed her hands forward exerting her energy more into the soil. Slowly, grass grew to life and small trees sprouted. The only flower that bloomed was the Lilies of Aria. It was an entire field of lilies that covered the scent of death with its sweet nectar. Lucy exhaled when she returned to her normal form. She gasped and fell to her knees with her hand over her temple.

"Goodbye, Aria. Your memory shall live on. Someday I'll return and place a tomb for the fallen Arians. You shall never be forgotten." I was ready to move and comfort Lucy when Gray grabbed my shoulder whilst shaking his head. I was about to argue when I recalled what Lucy said. It being better that she grieves than allow her anger to influence her. I held myself back when Lucy returned on her feet. "We'll walk to the next town. A train will no longer be stopping here." She announced when she passed all of us after turning her back to the forgotten city.

I was concerned for her well-being. Knowing Lucy she will blame herself for all of this. I wasn't sure if she was already planning something for her to end her life. I was terrified when I only wanted to remind her she wasn't alone.

It didn't help that I was no longer able to feel...her emotions.

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

Farewell Aria! We had good memories, but all good things must come to an end. Until next time, my dearest Lovelies.

As always, love you all.❤️