Song: When I Swore to Protect You
                   By: Elbroar

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

~Three Years Later~

Vivian

The upcoming fifth anniversary of the new age was upon us. Everyone, guild members and Magnolia citizens were preparing the decoration of the Town Square and Cathedral. I had finished my booth which was next to the other booths that sold magical items and glass vases for Lucy's Lilies. In my second year after joining Fairy Tail, it was one of the new members that gave the guild the idea of me telling fortunes to the townsfolk during the first week of Lucy's anniversary. Since then, that's what I've done, though it's only my second year of Fortune Telling to the public. "There, that's settled. All mystic and a little spooky for my taste, but that's the people for ya when it comes to Fortune Telling." I smiled and began my walk back to the Guild Hall to go look at the mission board. April was coming to an end in just three days which meant I had enough time to spare in doing one mission. Living expenses wouldn't pay themselves if I didn't go on my missions and Fortune Telling could only go so far to pay the bills.

I entered the Guild greeting everyone when a child with a bundle of light blue hair ran into my legs. "Veeee!~" The little girl sang already trying to climb into my arms. "Layla you're gonna get too tall to keep doing this one day!" I picked her up and spun her around as we both giggled. Layla was about to be five years old when it felt like I just met her yesterday hiding on her mother's shoulder to avoid meeting new people. She was an extrovert at heart and was always ready to greet people no matter who they were; if they were walking through the door Layla had to be the first one to say hello to them. I glanced around the floor. "Where're the twins?" I asked when Layla pointed to the second floor. To my horror, I watched a boy with black hair and mischievous eyes helping his younger by one-minute blue-haired sister climb over the railing. I ran with Layla still in my arms to reach where the youngest of the children was about to fall. "Look out below!" The boy announced then let go of his sister. The girl was free-falling until I managed to make it by jumping over a table and one barmaid then caught the girl with my free arm whilst the other decided to hang on to Layla. "Ava! What are you and Axel thinking?!"

"Fly?" Ava asked sweetly. Layla, that was facing my back, explained that Ava wanted to fly like the dragon in her book and Axel wanted to help her out. I sighed and placed both children down to look at Ava. "Ava, you can't fly sweetheart you don't have wings! What would your momma and daddy think if they came back and saw you were hurt?" Ava shamefully looked down. "I'm sorry," Ava said with her eyes downcast. I was about to tell her it was alright when the other twin was screaming. Just when I looked up I was greeted with Axel as he used my face as a landing pad. Axel was cheering and laughing from the fall that happened to be cushioned thanks to my head. "Again! Again!"

"Axel Redfox have you no sense!" I picked my head up already feeling a large bump on my forehead when the little boy stared at me. "Hm?" Axel said with an unamused expression. My mouth gaped open from such audacity. "You-You punk!" I said with small tears. I couldn't believe how much of a butthead he could be. They weren't even three yet and they were already getting into trouble. Layla stomped and pointed at Axel. "You dummy! You or Ava can't fly! You're gonna give Aunt Vee grey hair if you keep acting dumb!"

"Where are your parents? I gotta tell them to beware their children of trying to fly." I asked rubbing my head again. Layla scratched her head. "Going to visit a friend. That's where mommy and daddy went. Aunt Juvia, Uncle Gray, and Auntie Wendy went as well. To pay resperts?"

"Respect?" I asked Layla. Her eyes lit up. "Yeah! Resperts! They were dressed in sad colors and left together. They should be back soon." I rubbed the nape of my neck. "So, who's watching you guys?"

"Aunt Mira, but she had to help Miss Veda with someting. I said I was old enough to watch them!" I crossed my arms scrunching my lips. "And what were the twins doing just now?" Layla opened her mouth but then promptly shut it. "Oops," Layla admitted embarrassingly with pink cheeks. I shook my head not being able to contain my laughter. "Good news is that it ended well. Thankfully I have a thick noggin' so crisis averted. You three go sit at a table and wait for Mira to get back to you alright?"

"Alrighty, Aunt Vee!" Layla took the twin's hands and led them to go sit down. After shaking my head with a smile I resumed going to the mission board and found a quest that should be easy and taken care of within a day. "Hm, Clover Town isn't that far away by train. 'Need assistance in finding missing animals. 30,000 Jewels as a reward.' Not your quest for a mage but I think I can handle something that easy." I took the paper in my hand and waited for Mira to return. While waiting I watched the kids from afar playing together. Layla was telling a story to the twins when she used her hands to emphasize a climax in her story that made Ava hide in her brother's arm. Axel rolled his eyes as if bored of listening to the story; in turn, Layla smacked his head so he would pay attention. I continued to wait until Veda and MiraJane's voice was heard. "Thank you for helping again Mira. Gawen would have helped but with him and the girls on their expedition it's been hard to get this library sorted."

"I'm always happy to help. I'm surprised that Santos wasn't here to help you. How is he?" Mira asked. Veda chuckled. "How else can I say it? In love. He and Wendy have been doing missions without stopping. Follows the girl like a lost puppy." The two women giggled. "I've seen Wendy and Santos have been getting along quite well together. It took time but I'm happy they're a couple now. If he looks like a lost puppy now I'm sure he appeared like a man in the desert looking at the coldest water when it came to her. They seem to be doing well."

"Very. I don't know if she was the missing piece, but Santos has never been this happy until they started seeing each other. His hands are healing more and more every day I see them. I thank Wendy every day for doing what no healer could do for my son." Mira and Veda chatted some more until the bar maiden returned behind the counter. "Hi, Vivian! Can I help you with something?"

"Just need you to stamp this mission request!" I showed her the paper when Mira nodded. "Are you going to be gone long?" Mira asked while stamping approval on the request paper. "No, I plan to be back tomorrow. I have my booth set up at the Square and decided I could use the Jewels." Mira smiled and then gave me the stamped paper. "Alright. Please be careful Vee. Normally it's safe but there's been a rise in hostile animals in the woods. The Magic Council is still looking into it." I showed her a thumbs-up. "Don't worry about me. I am now a master in self-defense and you're still teaching me Transformation Magic!" Mira called the children to her when I left the bar. "Were you three good?" She asked them with a warm smile. "Yeah! Ava and Axel jumped off the second floor and flew! You should have seen it, Aunt Mira!"

"What?" Mira asked, but this time she looked like she had seen a ghost. I left the Guild Hall before Layla mentioned my name and made my way back to the center of town. I was humming a small tune listening to the sound of the water canal against the wind. The pink petals of the sakura trees swayed so that it appeared like it was dancing. There was laughter and joy in the Spring-filled air; almost symbolizing a perfect day. I noticed a small group of people dressed in dark blue walking in my direction when I noticed it was the children's parents. Erza, Jellal, Levy, Gajeel, Gray, Juvia, and Wendy were on their way back to the guild. "Hey, guys," I said with my expression soft and timid. Erza and Levy were the first to greet me. "Hey, Vivian. We just finished our visit to the mausoleum. The Lilies are flourishing around Lucy's grave if you want to pick one?" I bashfully shook my head. "I have no one to exchange a lily to. My love life is still the same: fictional." I chucked to hide my awkwardness. To be honest, I'm in love with someone I know will never reciprocate my feelings. From the moment I first saw him, I saw a glimpse of my future, something that has never happened since learning I have Fortune Telling and saw my future with him.

Me and Natsu Dragneel.

In my vision, he was smiling at me. I felt the way his arms held my body close to him as his eyes looked down at me with adoration. He was happy to be with me. He wanted...me. That vision alone made me fall for him. I don't know if it was fate or the Gods that showed me this sign, but ever since then, I've hardly seen Natsu. Years back I attempted to talk to him but it only ended in disaster. I could barely talk and fumbled around when he just walked away without saying a word to me. I also knew the feelings would always be one-sided as he is still searching for the ghost of his late wife. Most of the Guild members believed this would only end when Natsu realized that Lucy could never be found again. It seemed like I was the only one that hoped for a different ending. I love Natsu, but I wasn't going to chase after someone that I know won't love me in return. I still hope and pray he finds Lucy. All I wanted for Natsu was for him to find happiness...even if that happiness wasn't with me. The worst part of it all was the fact I continue to fall in love with him. Everything I do to try and connect with him never works. He purposely avoids me like he somehow knows I have feelings for him. I haven't told anyone of my secret crush either so no one could have told him. Maybe I'm just that obvious and can't hide my emotions well. My mom always said I wear my heart on my sleeve; it didn't matter where I was or who I was with, I would always show how I was feeling. I was also known as the biggest crybaby to my closest family and friends. That was so long ago...and I wanted to change that flaw about me. But, old habits die hard five years later.

"Vivian? Are you alright?" Jellal asked when I realized I had been standing there without saying anything this entire time. "O-Oh! Yeah, I'm fine! I have to go catch my train before it departs! I'll see you guys tomorrow." I waved goodbye and went on my way to go do the mission I signed myself up for. The thought of occupying my mind and not thinking about Natsu Dragneel or past traumas felt like a dream. When would my dream of getting closer to Natsu come true?

~~~

The train ride was quick and quiet when I stepped off the train cart. Clover Town has grown some in the past year as more people wished to live closer to Magnolia. It was bustling with people doing their daily shopping or their jobs of expanding the city limits. I walked across the city to find the outskirts of where the farm would be that I needed to do the quest. With my guild mark, a few people greeted me and some even bowed with respect. Fairy Tail has made a name for itself when it came to the battle against the Gods and it was settled after they earned the title of Protectors of Fiore. I hoped to one day stand alongside my comrades and fight with them against any for that wishes to harm our home.

When I checked the address on the quest card I noticed I turned in the wrong direction. "Crap. With all this construction I'm getting lost." I scratched my head whilst reading the road signs. The original way of crossing Clover Town was simply going straight across, but now it was a maze! "At this rate, I'm not gonna make it in time!" I bundled the paper into my pocket about to ask for help when someone came up to me. "Excuse me, are you lost?" I turned and saw a woman wearing a blue dress with pretty bows. Her hazel hair was carefully wrapped in a bun and her eyes stared at me. It was the color violet whereas her other eye was grey. In her arm was a bag of fresh bread her remaining free hand holding a child's hand. The child resembled her features as well with hazel hair and violet eyes. "Ah, I'm sorry. I seem to be lost due to construction! I'm trying to find the other side to get to the farming district." The kind stranger smiled. "I'll be walking in the direction you need to go. Allow me to help you if you'll follow me." I thanked her and joined the mother and daughter on their walk.

While we walked I decided to strike up a conversation. "Your daughter is very cute!" I began and waved at the little girl. The woman chuckled. "I'm her aunt, this is my brother's daughter. Once again that idiot ate all the bread in our house so I decided to take Lucy with me to the shop." My smile faltered. "Her name is Lucy?" The woman's eyes shined. "Yes. My brother named Lucy after the one who saved my life. She saved our family. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here. Evan and I owe everything to the Savior."

"You knew Lucy from Fairy Tail?" She nodded. "Not personally. About six years ago she came to us on a quest to help us, but what I never expected was her curing my brother and me of a family curse. Every day since Lucy saved me I try to return the favor by helping anyone in need. It looked like you needed help, and I wanted to help. It also seems you're from her guild." She pointed at the guild mark on my hand. I bashfully rubbed my marked hand. "I joined two years after the war. I never got the chance to meet Lucy...many people still miss her." The woman somberly smiled. "She was in a dark place when I first met her. I didn't need to ask to know her state and the power she used to cure me. She was a brave woman. Someone that wanted to help everyone no matter what...I knew she would do great things. It's terrible she was taken so soon." The woman glanced at me like she was admiring something. Then, she smiled. "You look so much like her. If I was looking behind you I would think you were her from afar. Even your face resembles her, save for your eyes."

"Lots of people have said that since I joined the guild." My cheeks were warm and rosy from the compliment. Probably another reason why Natsu refuses to even look at me. I resumed our discussion. "I'm sorry I didn't even introduce myself. I'm Vivian."

"Edith Bryster. Thank you for talking to me." Our group stopped walking when I saw where I had to go to find my quest giver. I bowed also thanking her for helping me find my way. "Take care of yourself, Vivian." Edith and Lucy waved goodbye as I was walking away from the helpful woman. I somehow came across another person that met Lucy Heartfilia. Everything said about her becomes more and more true; she was a selfless person that wanted to help everyone. I wanted to be just like her and help not only my nakamas but the people that needed Fairy Tail's help. I am a Protector of Fiore so it's time I start acting like one. I never met Lucy Heartfilia, but I will live up to her expectation. I pumped my fist into the air with an energized smile. "I'll be the best I can be to help those in need! Just like Lucy Heartfilia, I will help everyone!" I was now sprinting to reach the quest giver and give it my all to help them. "Because," I began jumping over a wood post. "that's what Fairy Tail members do best!"

•~•~•~•~•~•

Natsu

13,271

Another day of this search.

13,272

Another year that I haven't found her yet.

13,273

Another second of my sanity slowly crumbling.

How have five years already passed and nothing can be shown of my efforts? I should have seen her by now. Five years of effort and nothing has come out of it. Over 1,800 days since I lost my wife. 1,800 days of her not being in my arms, not seeing her smile when she looks at me. The days when we would create a family of our own. We would have children by now and I would be a father. Lucy would be the mother she was meant to be. I would be happy again...and she would be alive.

Over 1,800 days since Lucy gave up her life. All for what? What was the real reason she chose to die rather than be with me for eternity? It wasn't to save my life or EarthLand! It wasn't anything when it came to the ones that love her! Lucy left me when she knew I couldn't live through it. Even when I made her promise me she would rather break it than live with me. Was I cursed by the Gods? Am I cursed to endure this heartache for the remainder of my days?

13,274

Is this...even worth it?

A flare of pain throbbed behind my left eye jolting down to the right side of my arm. A spasm caused me to fall to my knees and drop the remainder of my Everlasting Candles from my bag. A hoarse cough tore out from my lungs just as hot tears were about to fall down my cheeks. "No! I'm not going to start crying now. I can't stop trying now...not after putting so much time and effort into my search. Lucy is still out there waiting for me! She's waiting for me to save her!"

I can't give up. The day I give up will be the last day I live. What would my comrades think if I didn't come back home again? It's almost been a year since I went back...the longest I've ever been away from home. But when I'm there in the Guild Hall...all I can see is her...Vivian. Her beauty which was too identical to Luce was a knife in my chest. I had to stay away from her because I didn't know one of the two options would happen. I was afraid I'd finally snap and hurt the poor girl. She hasn't done anything wrong, quite the opposite. She was kind and endearing and her voice was soothing like rain during the Spring. But, she causes a certain pain in my heart I fear I would take it out on her. The anger, confusion...the hatred of what my wife did...would burst. What scares me even worse is that I'll fall for her. In the beginning, I would ignore her despite the countless attempts she did to talk to me. It was adorable to watch her start a conversation then she stuttered over her words from being so nervous. I tried to scare her away by scowling or cutting my eyes at her, but nothing seemed to work on her. Vivian would come back and speak for both of us; that's when I decided to leave the Guild longer than I could anticipate. Last year, on the anniversary of Lucy's death I returned and did my part in the festivities, then shortly left after I was finished. I didn't even so much as tell my nakamas. I was gone and back to searching for a new clue to find the Tear of Ankhseram which turned out to be a complete bust.

It was close time for me to leave the Abyss and breathe clean air. The air in the Abyss was always heavy carrying a weight of longingness and unfinished business. That's how it goes when the space is occupied by ghosts. "I gotta leave for a bit. I'll come back and finish my candles after I find myself something to eat." I placed the bag over my shoulder and pick myself up. The portal to the EarthLand Realm opened and was ready for me to pass over. I was about to step through when I noticed movement past the portal. Ahead of me were more candles I've placed days ago still lit with a few ghosts sitting around the lit candles. Ghosts in the Abyss didn't move like when they were alive. At one point they would be standing in front of me and the next moment they would be gone in a blink of an eye. With no light, they didn't have many features besides their height and the way their hair was done before death. When ghosts were close to the candlelight their features were still vague, almost too plain. The elderly kept their crows feet around their eyes and the small wrinkles around their mouth, and the ones that died not so peacefully followed them to the afterlife. I could tell the difference between a burned victim and someone that drowned. The ghosts that carried bruises from a rope were comparatively different from the bruises of someone's hands around their neck. I've seen ghosts that died at their own hands. A long cut on each arm indicated they went out on their terms. I wasn't sure how Lucy's ghost would appear in the afterlife, but I know the fact that whatever physical infliction happened before death was a part of you after death. I've found a couple of people with a missing limb, but none of them were Lucy.

Whatever I was seeing was not a ghost. They were moving just like me. I stepped away from the portal and coned my hands over my mouth. "Hey! Who are you!?" The figure had disappeared long after I noticed they were there. Was it a human looking for a ghost too? How would someone even cross to the Abyss in the first place without Solantir? No, it wouldn't be a human. "I'm just seeing things. I gotta leave this place and clear my head." I went back to the portal and walked through to go home.

~~~

Green trees surrounded my vision until I came to my senses. I was in a thick forest with trees giving me shade from the sun. Birds were singing whilst the leaves swayed over the gentle breeze. With my sensitive nose, I smelled cattle miles away and fresh vegetables that had yet to be picked. I'm close to a farm. "A farm means civilization. Civilization means food." I carried the weight of my bag over my shoulder and kept my wings tightly knit to my back. The wings on my back have been nothing but a reminder of all I had lost. The ring carried around my neck was all that remained of my wife. I'll have to visit her soon.

"How could a year go by and I haven't gone to see you yet? I'm a terrible husband." I held the ring pushing it close to my heart. With every fiber of my body, I pushed all my love and affection into the ring, hoping that it would somehow reach Lucy. Wherever she is in the Abyss, I hope Lucy knew she was still loved. That even now, she was missed every single day. "Wait a little longer Luce, I'm going to save you no matter what."

The trees screamed causing the birds to suddenly take flight when I quickly turned around to find the source of the scream. Someone in the woods was in trouble. I was already sprinting running towards the person in need with my lungs burning and adrenaline pumping. I pushed through tree branches and jumped over any debris that attempted to trip me. The smell of blood grew stronger just when I cut across a clearing. There were several cats the size of a grown man that was attacking a person covered in blood. All of the cats were black-striped and had teeth that of knives just when the largest cat pounced and encased its mouth over the wounded person. They yelled in agony then tripped over their footing when the cat was now on top of them yanking and pulling on their arm. Instantly my blood boiled to the point I was already on top of the pack of cats and swiped my enflamed hands over a cat. The two smallest bunches caught fire and fled leaving three remaining cats. One cat cut to my side and attempted to jump on my back whilst the other one jumped to my right side. I threw my cloak off and did my best to expand my wings to make myself appear larger than them. The cat on my right faltered from suddenly seeing my wings. I took that opportunity and grabbed the fur on its belly and threw the cat over me colliding with the one that tried to attack from behind. "Fire Dragon: ROAR!" A wave of fire swirled both in red and white and fell over the two cats. Crying in defeat and ran with their tails on fire. The largest cat was left alone eyeing me with blood staining his mouth. The large cat attempted to intimidate me by roaring in my direction and showing his gleaming teeth.

I decided he would be my dinner.

The cat jumped to the left and back then swiped his claws. I avoided his hits and maneuvered myself to stand in between the predator and the person that had been attacked gruesomely. Blood made the air heavy and thick. It almost paralyzed me thinking back to seeing the amount I've seen. I recalled the whips my wife carried on her back as a way to carry the burden of all she caused when she was the Dark One. As it could somehow be a way to atone for all she did. And when she lost her eye...her arm...it was all coming back like I was reliving it once more. The cat must've noticed I let my guard down when I suddenly felt its jaw snap down on my shoulder forcing me to fall. "AGH! Son of a-" I grabbed it by the neck with its teeth still sinking into my left shoulder until I twisted it with all the force I could muster. The cat's neck let out a gruel snap and its body fell on top of me unmoving. I put my hands over its jaw and forced it open so my shoulder could wiggle itself out from the cat's teeth. I tossed the body over and rested my hand on my shoulder to stop the bleeding. Already my sleeve was wet from the blood that was pooling on the ground. It became too difficult to move my right arm as I attempted to sit upright. "Great," I muttered. "now both of my arms are hard to use." I grabbed my cloak and crawled to the person on the ground to inspect how serious their injuries were.

Their clothes were shredded and stained red. Bite marks ran down from one shoulder down to their forearm. They had been clawed all to hell. I turned them over to their back to get a good look at their face when my stomach curled inside out. Despite the blood and small scratches, I knew the person. How did I not notice from the beginning?

"Vivian?" I gasped and quickly went to work by tearing my cloak and wrapping her arms and torso. She was unconscious from blood loss that when I checked her breathing it was shallow. "Vivian. Vivian wake up!" I attempted to shake her awake until I remembered shaking wouldn't help. She needed medical help, fast. I tied the remainder of my torn cloak over Vivian's shoulder which was losing blood the most. "Why are you out here alone? Are you an idiot!? You should have known animals have been on a rampage this year." I pushed aside my pain and picked the petite girl into my arms. "Come on, if I'm correct about where we are I can get you a healer. Don't die on me yet alright?" I quickened the pace fearing how lighter she was getting in my arms. The blood loss was heavier than I thought; if I'm not fast enough...if she dies...

No. Not again. I won't fail again.

~~~

After panic knocking on the familiar door of the old home, I didn't expect a child to open it. The little girl's face grew pale when she backed away. "Daddy!" She cried and ran out of sight leaving me alone at the doorstep. The man I was familiar with swooped the girl into his arms when two women ran up to the door to see what scared the child. They halted upon seeing me carrying a bloody girl in my arms. I was face to face with the woman my wife saved all those years ago. "Natsu Dragneel?" The unknown woman said until Edith's eyes recognized the woman in my arms. "Inside. Now." Edith practically pulled me inside their home and ordered Evan to stay in the kitchen. "Don't let Lucy leave your side!" Edith was ushering me to follow the stairs just as she opened the first door. I saw a clean bed and organized cabinets full of medical items and medicinal ingredients. This room must have one point been a bedroom that changed into a patient's room. "Lay her down. Brianne! Come help me undress her and I'll begin the healing process!" The second woman moved past me and rolled up her sleeves to begin cutting off Vivian's clothes. Edith directed her attention to me. "You should leave. I'll do my best to heal her."

"I'm gonna stay." Edith's face became somber. "I don't know if I can save her." She admitted truthfully. I moved over and away from the women to not be in their way. "I know. If she can't be saved, she'll have someone to say goodbye to her." It was all I could do. I couldn't say goodbye to Lucy, or tell her how much I love her when she died. Maybe...I could be that for Vivian. I shook my head. "I know you'll do everything you can. Please, save her." Why did I suddenly care for her? I don't love Vivian, and yet, the thought of losing her was too painful to think of. I lost Lucy...I couldn't lose Vivian.

Both women worked at an incredible pace. Brianne discarded the torn clothes and was cleaning off the blood whilst sterilizing with Edith healing the deep cuts and bite marks. Edith was a natural healer. She was quick on her feet and healed the wounds to where there wasn't even a scar to remain. Brianne would wet the cloth in her hand and clean every speck or stain off Vivian's skin then ask Edith how she would feel. "I'm alright Brianne. Get a needle and thread ready in case I can't heal all the wounds. I want to prevent any more blood loss."

I hadn't noticed how much time passed with both women working without having to converse with one another. It was like they were one person in two bodies perfectly in synch with what one or the other needed to be done. By the time they had finished the sun was set and stars beginning to shine in the night sky. Edith and Brianne were cleaning their hands and placed a blanket over Vivian to cover her naked body. Edith came over and placed her hand on my shoulder. "May I speak to you outside?" She asked with a straight expression. It should have been easy for me to leave the room, but I felt a strong urge to stay close to the unconscious woman. Feeling this urge I agreed and fought against myself to leave. Brianne stayed behind to finish cleaning when Edith lead the way to the front door. I noticed in my peripheral vision Evan holding the child in his arms staring at his sister if he needed to step in. Edith waved at him with a smile then opened the door and stepped outside. I closed the door behind me and crossed my arms. Edith sat down on the steps and exhaled. "You never fail to make a big announcement when you come to my home." Edith looked up and caught my eyes. "What happened?"

"I found her surrounded by large cats mauling her. You were the only person I thought of going to when I stopped the cats. If I had gone to the guild she would've...she..." My mouth became dry. The healer just nodded her head. "I understand." I looked away and tightened my arms closer to my chest. "Thank you. If you hadn't helped us- I mean- her...you know what I'm trying to say." I sighed and went to move my left hand over the back of my neck until a burning sensation overcame my shoulder. "Ah!" Edith stood up and moved my arm down to inspect the situation. "You're wounded! Why didn't you say anything-"

"I'm fine. My wounds can heal themselves, it just takes a little while." Edith scoffed. "Let me see." I pulled my arm out of my blood-soaked sleeve when Edith inspected and grazed her fingers over my shoulder. "Wow. I mean, you weren't lying. It's just bruises now. Did you manage to avoid the teeth?"

"No. It took a good bite out of me. I just have a good immune system." Edith frowned. "The immune system can't heal this fast, especially if you were bitten by a Wolfkit."

"Wolfkit. That's what attacked Vivian?"

"Yes, and their mouth is incredibly disgusting and full of bacteria. The fact you aren't burning with a fever astounds me." I put my arm back in my sleeve. "Again, I have an amazing immune system." Edith just shook her head. "If you had been a minute late...we would be having a different discussion." The feeling returned to my stomach growing down to my knees and up my chest. "Yeah..."

"Natsu," Edith crossed her arms. "Vivian was traveling alone when I met her. She didn't say anything about meeting a guild member. Though it's none of my business, how did you find her in the open woods which most people happen to be avoiding due to animal attacks?" My fists curled inwards. "Right place and time I guess. I was finishing a quest and was on my way home. I'm gonna help my comrades no matter what predicament they're in. That includes Vivian as she is a Fairy Tail member." Edith looked into my eyes for a couple of seconds, and then she glanced away. "Of course. I was wondering because...she looks just like her." Those five words were like cold water. It was just her appearance that was making me feel like this. There was nothing special about her. Vivian just had the appearance of my late wife. I was starting to lose it if I wanted to stay close to the woman that had the face of the woman I love. "I hold no feelings for her. No one can take my wife's place. It will be Lucy and only Lucy." Edith smiled, but behind her smile held sorrow. "My brother and his wife named their daughter after Lucy Heartfilia. She saved our family. It was one of the biggest reasons I helped without asking so much a question. You needed my help so I answered." Edith looked me up and down, then pointed in my direction. "Last time we met I didn't notice wings."

"They were a gift from Lucy," I answered and finished with just that. It may have been the Balance that gave me the wings, but I wouldn't have them if it wasn't for Lucy. "They're beautiful. You must feel like a bird when you fly."

"I can't fly."

"A man with wings that can't fly. Well, that's unheard of. Then again, you normally don't hear or see a man with wings in the first place."

That managed to bring a smile to my face. "But you did meet a woman with wings." Edith and I both were smiling. "And now she's a bird; flying with more freedom than any person could ever have." My smile fell. No one knows the truth. I told the guild when I explained why I'm going to the Abyss, but that was it. Everyone on EarthLand believes she's in Heaven either serving or standing with the Gods. Lucy wasn't a bird flying with freedom. She is a bird trapped in a cage, waiting for someone that can't find her. Edith also stopped smiling. "Did I upset you?"

"No. I can only hope she knows I still miss her even now." Edith grabbed my hand in a comfort manner. "To see your eyes still sparkle when you speak of her...I know in my heart that Lucy can hear you. No matter the distance, from Heaven and EarthLand, she can hear your words and feel your love.  She may be gone, but the affection you feel for someone can never be forgotten." Edith let go of my hand and turned back to her front door. "Come, you can sleep in the spare bedroom."

"Oh, I can't let you do that for me. You've done more than enough for taking care of Vivian. Just take care of her until she's ready to go back to Magnolia." Edith halted and looked back at me. "You won't stay with her?"

"She's not- I mean I-...we're not, you know, we're not a thing. I dunno- well you know!" Edith crossed her arms again like a stern parent. "You said yourself she's your comrade. Isn't Fairy Tail known for close family bonds?"

"Y-Yes?"

"Then stay for your comrade. She's going to need help to get home tomorrow since she'll be recovering overnight. Do this as a friend that's helping another friend. And if you don't stay the night here I will assume you're going to abandon a comrade of yours." The slightest smirk rose on Edith's face. I stood at the bottom of the stairs until I sighed. "Damn you."

"Excellent! Since you'll be staying you can have supper with us." Edith opened the front door already ordering Evan to get an extra seat in the dining room and yapping to Lucy about not climbing on the stair railings.

~~~

Early morning rose. I had hardly slept the entire night only tossing and turning as I could only think of the woman on the other side of the wall. I understood last night why I felt the way I did when I first brought her to Edith's home, but the way I still feel now doesn't make any sense. I spoke to Vivian once on the day I met her. That was it. She was the one that tried to speak to me and I would brush her off. I shouldn't feel this way. Not now while I'm still looking for my Lucy. Vivian can't take her place; no one can. Still, I felt like my old self when I swooped in and saved Vivian. I wanted to protect Lucy like that for the rest of our days. To shield her from any foe that dared to lay a hand on Lucy. If I could have prevented the day I lost the love of my life at the expense of my life...I would have done it in a heartbeat.

I'm not getting any more sleep. The sun was dawning over the horizon on the sleeping town. I watched with little patience as the sun climbed slowly up the sky until I felt it was appropriate to get up. My vest and been taken to be cleaned by Edith's order as well as my pants. Evan handed me an old pair of matching pj's as his words were, "I grew out of them from my muscles being too big, so I guess you can wear them." Again his words, not mine. I crept out of the bedroom warily keeping my footlight to not give myself away. The house was eerily quiet. So quiet that I'm sure you could hear a pin fall on the first floor while standing up on the second floor. I was walking to go downstairs until I halted in front of the patient room door, my heart suddenly panicking. I wanted to see Vivian only to make sure she was alright. Just to ease my scrambled mind after getting little sleep last night. There was no harm in checking up on her; she was a member of Fairy Tail so I should check.

I placed my hand on the door, turning the knob excruciatingly slowly. 'I just want to make sure she's okay.' I told myself over and over like I was convincing myself that was the reason. It was the reason! There was no other reason other than to see if she was alright. "Mister Dragneel?" The unexpected voice made me jump and turn around with the back of my head hitting the door. Brianne gasped and placed her hand over her mouth. "I'm sorry! I hope I didn't scare you."

"No, no you didn't. Only a little." I rubbed the back of my head as the small woman returned her hand to her side. "I'm going to start making breakfast. Evan and Edith will be up shortly." I looked down at the floor. "You're up pretty early," I said my cheeks pink from embarrassment. Brianne smiled. "I'm an early bird. I've been that way since becoming a mother."

"Right. How did you manage to fall for a guy that has a big head?" I asked. Brianne giggled. "He doesn't have a big head. Though he loves his physique, he loves his family more. He treats me like he's still winning my affection when he's already won it. He's also an amazing father." I did my best attempt to smile. I was not going to envy Evan and his wife. It was Lucy that threw that plan for our future back in my face. Not me. "Your daughter is very sweet. Very rambunctious" Brianne smiled while agreeing. "She gets it from her father. All my life I was too shy to ever introduce myself to anyone. Evan was the one to come up and greet me." Brianne smiled from a memory only she could see. "That was fourteen years ago."

"So he's been courting you for some time." Brianne shook her head which shocked me. "Despite our obvious feeling for each other, Evan told me the truth about his family curse and warned me of the possibilities of what could happen to our offspring. He made it clear he didn't want to let me live a life of fear for our children's life if he could pass down the curse to them. Evan told me he loved me and stopped seeing me."

"I-I'm sorry. It must have been hard to endure such heartbreak when he left." Brianne agreed. "It was, but I didn't stop hoping. I prayed every day for all those years begging the Gods to free Edith and Evan from their family curse. I waited for years waiting for him to come back and take me away." Her eyes began to grow tears. "Five years ago, Evan came to my family home and told me he was free from his curse. His sister would live a full life and he couldn't pass the curse to his children. He said, "If you would still have me, I will ask for your hand in marriage. If you still love me even now, know there wasn't a day I had not stopped loving you." We were married by the end of the month. Waiting for him to come back...it was all worth it." It was a happy ending for their family...all thanks to Lucy. Brianne wiped away her forming tears. "I owe my happiness to your wife. If she hadn't come to them I wouldn't have an amazing sister-in-law. I wouldn't be with the man I love, and I would have never had a child I love more than life. I can't ever thank the Savior enough for all she did for my family."

There was so much love in Brianne's eyes. Love for her small family. Love for the life she is living. Love for Lucy Heartfilia. I hadn't realized how someone that had never met her could love her so much. All because of her selfless actions to save people like the one before me. People that want to live and grow old, to fall in love and be with their other half. People like Edith want to help people the way Lucy did.

Brianne cleared her throat and excused herself. "I'll have breakfast ready. You should check on your nakama while you wait." Brianne bowed her head and went downstairs. I thought about all the small woman said to me again. Her story was one that somehow found happiness despite the fact of its hopelessness. Brianne waited years for Evan. I kept all of Brianne's words close to me wanting to remember every sentence to remind myself it was worth it too. The pain, the heartache, the days I was close to giving up, it would be worth it when Lucy is in my arms once more.

Amid my thought, I again slowly drew the door open. The area was cleaned of blood and the torn clothes were gone. The room smelled of lavender as it eased my body and mind. Vivian was lying the way she was left last night with a nightgown now over her body. Her arms were over her chest with the bedsheet tucked and cleaned. I walked across the room and sat in the chair that was next to her bed hovering my ear over her mouth. She was breathing at a steady pace causing me to sigh with relief. "You gave me a good fright. When you wake up you'll have to explain yourself why you went alone. You should have brought someone, Vivian. The world is starting to grow dangerous again and I can't swoop in and save you again. I was lucky to find you before it was too late."

Vivian still slept. Her hair had been washed and dried. Either Brianne or Edith braided her hair and placed the braid over her shoulder, but seeing her hair out of her face was a nice change. You could notice the beauty mark clearly on the left side of her eye. Her face looked sad when she was sleeping as if her dreams were troubling her. I wondered what she dreamt about. Without thinking, I rested my hand over hers. "I'm glad you're better. When you wake up I'll make sure you get home safely. I...I'll make sure of it." I squeezed her hand and stood up to go. Only one step away from the chair I heard Vivian whimper in her sleep. "No...wait-" She whispered under her breath. "Vivian?" I returned to the side of her bed to listen closer. "Where-...home? Go...home."

"I'm taking you home," I said reaching out to caress her cheek until I stopped myself. Vivian's face contorted. "Please-...no don't. Don't go-..."

"Vivian?" I was about to touch her shoulder when her eyes fluttered. Her emerald eyes found me before anything else. Vivian's eyes were still sleepy, but she was looking right at me. "Natsu?" She asked tiredly. I pulled my hand away. "Yeah. It's me." Vivian blinked to wake herself up. While the woman attempted to sit up I sat in the chair and scooted back some. The blonde woman rubbed her eyes and looked around her surroundings. "Where...Where am I? Why are you here? Wait, what happened?"

"Tell me what you remember and I'll input what happened after." I began with my arms over my chest. Vivian put her hands together on her lap. "I...I was on a mission for a farmer that lost his lambs. The woods were so dangerous he was afraid of going, so he called a mage for help. It should have been easy. I was looking for the missing lambs. But, I was attacked from behind. It...It hurt so bad I couldn't focus on fighting. There were so many. I could only run...but I wasn't fast enough." Vivian put her face between her hands. "Oh Gods, I almost died. The last thing I remember was the beast falling on top of me. I thought I was going to die."

"You almost did if I hadn't found you in time." Vivian put her hands down and stared at me in confusion. "You...saved me? Why?" It was my turn to be confused. "Why? Did you hit your head when you fell?! You needed help so I stepped in! Why wouldn't I help you?!" Vivian rubbed her arms. "I don't know. I thought you hated me or something to that degree." Her honesty made me angry. "How could you think that about me!? Are you saying if you were dying you'd think I would walk away and let you die!?"

"I don't know! You treat me like the plague and avoid me whenever I'm in your sight. I assumed it was because I might have said something or offended you." Vivian looked away biting her lower lip. Not even a minute in I made her cry. I reeled back my anger and forced it down. Now was not the time to berate her. I forgot she had a sensitive heart. Merely raising my voice caused her to choke up. I huffed and looked away as well. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled. Look, Vivian, I care about my guildmates. I don't want to see any harm befallen anyone. And, I don't...I don't hate you." Vivian did her best to hold in her crying. "Y-You don't?"

"No."

"Is it because of something I said?"

"No."

"Then my appearance upset you."

"No, it's not about the way you look."

"So there is something." I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. "There's nothing," I said with tight lips. Vivian sniffled. "There must be something! How can you be so mean to someone when you haven't even talked to them!" I slapped my hands on my knees. "Vivian, it's not you. I can't. Alright? Can we leave it at me saying I can't?"

"Can't what? Be friends with me! Get to know someone you've been giving the cold shoulder to?! What can't you do exactly!?" Vivian said as she now stared at me with tears down her face. Her menial questions were under my skin. It made me hot with my chest holding butterflies. Her voice was silk; smooth and comforting. She was a siren singing to me. Tempting me. I threw my hands over my ears. "I can't risk it!"

"Risk what?!"

"YOU!"

The door opened with Evan standing in the door frame. "Will you both stop yelling! There is a child in this house!" I stood up from the chair. "Then why are you yelling at us!?" Evan flared his nose. "To tell you to stop yelling!" Edith yelled from downstairs. "All of you stop yelling and come eat breakfast!" Evan with his tail in between his legs left the door open. He was gone for a second then popped his head from the side of the door. "Breakfast is almost done." Then whipped his head away. Vivian and I were left alone. The emotional woman threw the covers off herself and sat on the side of the bed. She stood up faltering on her footstep until she caught herself on the bed frame. "This discussion isn't over," Vivian said with a glare in her eyes. I curled my fingers into my palm and then turned to leave the bedroom. What had I done? Why did I have to open my stupid mouth like that?! I moved down the stairs with my fingers brushing against my hair that had grown out. "Dammit, Natsu. Never open your big, fat mouth like that. Gets you in all sorts of trouble."

Breakfast around the table was...quiet to say the least. Brianne was helping Lucy rip her toast into smaller pieces while Edith placed a plate full of hearty food in front of me. Vivian was sitting right in front of me with her eyes pinned to the table. Evan, in his little world, was eating all the bacon and stealing his sister's toast. "Evan, you only get one slice!"

"C'mon Edif, I meed my calories!" Edith narrowed her eyes at the man-child. "We chew and swallow our food first then speak at the table. You're not a child you dumb-dumb."

"I am!" Lucy said with her hand raised and toast crumbs all over her mouth. Evan pointed at his daughter. "That you are my sweet child. Your auntie is being mean again." Edith sat at the head of the table rolling her eyes. "Forgive my brother you two. Vivian, this is Evan, my brother. Brianne his wife, and Lucy their daughter." Vivian raised her eyes and politely smiled. "Thank you all for helping me. I owe you my life."

"Nonsense. We will help anyone that is in need. If you should thank anyone it's your nakama!" Edith pointed her head to me. "He came in like a storm! I've never seen a man run so fast before with a lady in his arms." Vivian didn't look at me. She picked up her fork and played with the scrambled eggs on her plate. "It was surprising," Vivian said quietly. I gripped my fork tighter in my hand. "Thank you for breakfast," I said with a forced smile to Brianne. The small woman beamed. "My pleasure. Miss Vivian, are you feeling better?"

"I am. Thank you again." The two women exchanged smiles and then returned to their plates. It was silent once more with only the clinks of plates against the utensils. Evan drank a glass of milk until he wiped his face. "Alright, I'll break the ice. You two gotta make up or else the tension in this room is gonna suffocate all of us." Vivian coughed from choking her food whilst I almost snapped the fine silver fork in half. "Evan!" Edith gasped. Lucy looked between Brianne and her plate. "Suffocate?" Brianne picked her child up. "Let's get ready for school sweetheart."

The table had four remaining adults. Edith glared at her brother for stating the obvious tension between Vivian and me. "You idiot! Evan, you can't make our guests uncomfortable even more than they already are! It's none of our business!" Evan rolled his eyes "Edee, I won't be uncomfortable in our home because of two lovesick puppies. Just kiss and make up." Something popped in my head. I heard nothing to that point when all of a sudden my fists slammed on the dining room table and my breakfast went flying. Vivian cried out and backed away from the table and Edith jumped in her chair with her face in her hands. Evan was now standing and pointing at the front door. "Get out. Get your things and leave this house." Edith snapped her face to her brother and pointed her finger at him. "You don't call the shots in this house Evan Bryster! I am the Head of this family house! What you said went over the line and you know it. You saw Lucy five years ago yourself. You know what Natsu is going through and yet you say such insulting words! In our own home!"

"He can't act like this in our home Edith! We share this home! WE were the ones that took care of it after our parents died!" Edith moved around the table with her finger still pointing. "And WE wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Natsu's wife! I would be dead right now I'd she hadn't come to our home and cured us! You would be alone, Evan! No Brianne, no Lucy! And no me! You would be alone in this world with no one in this house other than yourself!" Evan flinched. The siblings stared away from each other after what Edith said to her brother. The cold, hard truth of how close that alternate reality became real. Evan gripped the top of the chair with all color from his face gone. "I'm afraid...that it will still happen Edee." Evan admitted with eyes downcast to the floor. Edith said nothing. The brother laughed to mask his pain from us, but I knew that laugh because I had to play the part he was in too. "Miracles don't last forever. You said it yourself, Edith. Our father managed to live because of the book, but in the end, he died. Our mother, consumed by her depression, vanished from the world! How can I live here having everything I ever wanted and not worry about the possibility it will all be taken away from me? You don't know if the family's curse can come back! You checked Lucy and told me she's healthy, but what happens if she's a wizard just like you and father?! What happens if she is cursed!?" Evan crumbled to the ground. The man that went so far as to prove how strong he was fell to his knees. Edith bowed and grasped her brother's hands. She smiled, but behind that smile, Edith was also in pain. "My sweet baby brother, I can't tell you what would happen about the possibilities. That's what they are; chances that we can't foresee." Edith pulled Evan into her arms. The siblings hugged each other as if they were holding each other together from falling apart. "But if Lucy carries the curse I swear on my life I will do all I can to help my niece. I won't rest until I find a way to save her."

"You can't promise me that, Edith. If I had to prepare myself when the time came of losing you, then how can I prepare myself for the loss of my child?" Evan sobbed. I turned away to not listen anymore. It wasn't like my Lucy was here to ensure the child's life from their family curse. The Balance was trapped in the remains of what was my wife; left in a body of marble. "I can tell you..." All eyes went to the person that spoke shyly across the table. Vivian held her hands with an uneasy expression. "I have Fortune Telling Magic. If you'll allow me, I can glimpse into your future to see if Lucy is sick or not."

"You would do that for us?" Edith asked now standing. Vivian nodded. "Of course. You saved my life...the least I can do is solace your worries about a child's future." Evan pulled himself up after wiping away any tears he shed. "Thank you. Please, tell me if I'm going to lose my child." Vivian walked around the table and held each of the sibling's hands. A bracelet around Vivian's left hand began to glow a warm light. The bracelet was gold with what appeared to be a purple gem in the center, but I realized it wasn't a gem at all, it was a crystal that Fortune Tellers used to glimpse into the future. Vivian concentrated on the crystal as her eyes glowed. "I see...a house. Many people are living inside...the house grows as does the family. There are children. Your daughter..." Evan held his breath. Edith closed her eyes. "She's healthy. I can see a great power within her, and Edith you will teach her. You will teach her and your children to become the greatest healers the world has yet to see."

Edith opened her eyes and pulled away from Vivian's hand. Vivian stumbled back dizzy from the sudden disconnection. "I'm going to have children?" Edith asked. Vivian rubbed her head. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Sometimes, as Fortune Tellers, it is best to keep the future as close to a mystery as possible. We say riddles, use symbols, and any way to keep the future unknown to people. I don't like riddles; I'm not good at telling them. I like to give answers to those that seek them, but the future is never set. For this, I can promise your daughter and niece will be spared from this curse. She was happy and healthy." Evan released a breath of relief. He wobbled from holding his air for so long until he laughed, this time in the alleviation of the news. "Our family is going to get bigger too. I...have been so scared to have more children since I found out I was going to be a father. Brianne is going to be beyond the moon when she hears this. Thank you, Vivian. Thank you truly for what you've told us." Evan hugged the small woman whilst Edith wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. "Oh let her go, you nincompoop! She'll suffocate if you hug her any tighter." Evan released Vivian as she laughed. "I'm happy to have helped. If you ever need Fortune Telling done you know where to find me."

A racket of small footsteps trampled down the stairs with the small child in school clothes ran up to Evan. "Daddy! Daddy! Carry me to school! Horsie!" Evan swept Lucy up from the floor and spun her around. "While in my jammies? Let me get dressed first and I'll take you to school." Brianne waited up the stairs as Evan and Lucy went up to the second floor. Edith sat back in her seat and resumed eating. "Thank you two for all you've done."

"I don't understand. It seems we made a mess more than helping." Vivian said bashfully. Edith's eyes gazed into mine. "I knew something was troubling Evan for some time now. Every time I tried to attempt talking to him about it, he seemed to ignore the issue. It's unlike him to bottle something on his mind. Evan speaks about his troubled thoughts to me...it was starting to worry me when he wouldn't talk. If you two hadn't shown up to our doorsteps, I fear Evan would have let his turmoil grow to a dangerous point." I looked away. Somehow, I felt that she was implying something between me and what she just said. Edith had a somewhat understanding of my situation between me and Vivian. Whatever it even was...it was frustrating and confusing. It made me happy and angry all at the same time. How would I know what I was feeling it thinking if I don't talk about it? And who would be the person to talk to about it none other than the person herself? Could I even speak to her without losing what's left of my sanity? Could Vivian somehow...help me?

~~~

"Thank you again for the hospitality. If I ever return to Clover Town I'll be sure to visit." Vivian bowed to Edith at the front door; while I was waiting with my bag slung over my shoulder and wings once again folded close to my back. Edith giggled and patted Vivian's shoulder. "I'm sorry your clothes were unsalvageable, but Brianne said to keep the spare clothes she lent to you. Pink suits you quite well." Vivian was wearing a light pink evening dress with a pretty bow around the collar. The skirt ended at her knees and the sleeves also ended at her elbow. "Tell her I said thank you again. I can't ever thank you and your family enough."

"Enough with that nonsense. Any good person would have done the same." Edith waved and then pulled Vivian into a hug. "Take care of him, okay?" Edith whispered in Vivian's ear. "He needs you more than you realize." I flinched after hearing what Edith meant. Vivian didn't say another word when the two of us began walking to the train station home. Vivian one last time waved goodbye to Edith then quietly walked beside me. Neither of us said a word as we strolled the bustling city of Clover Town all across to the train station. I paid for our train tickets with my remaining Jewels and stepped onto the train cart already feeling nauseous. I threw my bag on the booth then sat beside it trying to make myself comfortable despite the futile attempts. Vivian sat in front of me with her hands in her lap staring past the window to look outside. I gritted my teeth from the feeling of my stomach churning. The train jolted, then began our journey back to Magnolia. I noticed Vivian clenched her fingers as she gripped the hem of the dress. She bit her lower lip with her eyes still staring outside, thinking hard about something. "What did you mean," Vivian began saying finally releasing her firm grip. "about what you said this morning? What did you mean about not being able to risk me?"

I kept my eyes glued to the floor. All of a sudden my hands became clammy. My stomach was still suffering from my motion sickness, but I also knew the feeling of butterflies in my chest. It was the same feeling when I looked into my wife's eyes as she smiled at me. There was a distinct memory I can recall whenever I think I'm beginning to forget Lucy's face; a memory about the night I proposed to her at Crocus near the water fountain. I had been waiting for hours at that point waiting for her to come and I dozed off due to thinking so much about how I was gonna ask her. When I woke up she was sitting next to me, waiting, with her eyes puffy and stained from her bloodied tears. I knew she cried at some point during the night and at first thought, it was my fault. Crocus had been attacked by Shadowlings and one of the Gods. Lucy wasn't herself that at some point I had to leave to think without worrying her. We had been at a rough patch during that point, but when I was thinking about the fact I would be there for her every step I knew I wanted to marry her there and now. A lifetime commitment meant enduring the bad times in order to enjoy the good ones; that's why I decided to propose even after the events that unfolded. Lucy cried when I proposed, but they were happy tears. Somehow, I remember a certain glow about her face that night. The way she smiled at me was all I ever wanted. Pure happiness and being utterly in love were all I wanted for Lucy, and she gave me that on the night I asked her to be my wife.

Lucy...She was...everything.

"Cold shoulder again?" My thoughts were interrupted when I heard Vivian. Her face was directed towards me with her eyes somber. I felt my cheeks suddenly burn. "No," I said maintaining eye contact with the small woman. There was a sadness behind her eyes that was luring me. Her emerald green eyes twinkled like diamonds as she attempted to smile. "It takes me screaming at you to open up to me?" I scoffed at her question. "No," I said with accusation. Vivian leaned back into the booth. "You infuriate me sometimes. For years, I'm left thinking I have somehow offended you or for some unknown reason you hate me. Yet yesterday, when I'm about to be mauled to death, you sweep in and save my life. Why?"

"You're my nakama aren't you?" I asked with my arms now in front of me. Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Some of our nakamas believe you left the guild without saying a word."

"Now you're making things up." I dismissed her still keeping my eyes on her. Vivian was silent again. A few minutes passed when she looked at me again tears forming in the corner of her eyes. "You're never going to tell me are you?"

"Vivian..."

"No. It's fine, I should have known better. Despite my constant attempts to be your friend, because I feel like I should be, I'm ghosted over and over. I should have taken the first hint but I'm too ignorant to get it through my head." Vivian adjusted her seating by turning her body away from me. "When we get back to the guild I'll stay away from you. You'll never see me again." My heart suddenly quaked in pain. "No!" I gripped my chest when my eye and arm flared from the phantom pains. Vivian had her arms up to me when she asked what was wrong. "N-Nothing! Just, don't go. Don't...don't leave me to."

"I don't understand. We weren't together to begin with! What do you want from me?!"

I gripped my head. "I don't know! I want one thing... but when I see you Vivian... when I hear your voice..." My throat was suddenly tight. I felt my heart erratically beating against my chest. My motion sickness waned away when I stared at the woman sitting in front of me. There was no smile on her face. She had that damn beauty mark close to her left emerald color eyes. Just like Lucy that night, Vivian had the same glow about her. My hand reached up to caress Vivian's cheek. I could see the light at the top of this bottomless pit I had been trapped in. I was clawing myself out of this dark hole I've been stuck for five years. I was about to feel the warmth of the sun once again. "You make me...forget."

"Forget what?" Vivian asked frozen as she watched my hand reach out to her. I wasn't going to fight against the pull of gravity. The closer I was to touching Vivian the more the constant heartache was forgotten. I was ready to forget the pain, and the trouble of the five years I put myself through. I was ready to forget...Lucy. Suddenly I knew what it meant if I enact this desire to touch the small woman sitting in front of me. I was ready to admit to myself I was connected to Vivian in a way I haven't felt for a long time. I was attracted to her. Vivian was beautiful. Not only was she beautiful but she was kind. She was selfless and helpful. All the same as Lucy. I couldn't forget Lucy. Not now. Not ever.

I retracted my hand. "The pain, Vivian. You help the pain of loss, but I can't let that pain go. Without it I'm nothing. You're too good for me. If anything, I'm becoming selfish." Vivian's eyes widened at my honest statement. "What are you saying Natsu? Was my vision of us years ago true? Is there a chance that we-" Vivian stopped talking when I shook my head. "I won't allow it. I can't deny my feelings anymore for you Vivian. I adore you...maybe I like you too much for my own good. That's why this is the last time you'll see me. I made a promise five years ago to find my wife that's trapped, and I intend to keep my last promise. When I fulfill it...I'll see where I go from there." Vivian's expression alone broke my heart.

"There's no hope then? There will never be a chance for me to win your heart?" She asked holding herself together. I shook my head. "I lost my heart the day my Lucy died. If I give what's left of my heart I'm afraid I won't have the strength to breathe. I'm sorry, Vivian. Not only did I hurt you for three years hiding from my feelings, but now I have to tell you to let go of whatever feelings you hold for me. You're young and full of life, you can still find a man that deserves you." Vivian inhaled sharply like a knife was buried in her chest. She did her best to maintain her tears by wiping them away. The more she tried the more tears fell. "And if I still think that man is you?" She asked still wiping her eyes with her hands. The phantom pains grew worse upon hearing her ask such an innocent question. I said nothing when I realized we had made it home as the train stopped at the Magnolia train station. I stood up with my bag once again over my shoulder. Vivian was still sitting trying to compose herself until I reached my hand out to her. She looked up at my face that was looking down at her when she took my hand. I helped her stand with our eyes still interlocked. Letting go of her hand, I placed my calloused palm over her mouth then kissed the top of my hand where her lips would be. Vivian's eyes watered as her irises shook with heartbreak. I released my hand from her face and sadly smiled. "Then you are wasting your time. Goodbye, Vivian."

I walked away from the possibility of a happy ending. The temptress with a voice disguised as an angel was behind me. What remained of my life was chasing after the ghost of my only soulmate, and after that, it was unknown. What awaited me now was visiting the mausoleum that protected her remains, as well as the remains of what was once Natsu of Fairy Tail.

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

As always...love you all.❤️