~Lucy~

To wake up in the arms of the man I love reminded me I was still alive. How long has it been since I slept so soundly in my own bed; resting my head in Natsu's chest while his arms were wrapped around my hips. Even if we were sleeping on a mattress with only a sheet that could barely cover us, I haven't slept this good since the first nightmare that began all of this. I didn't want this to end even for a second. What's even more strange, I didn't dream of anything either. I didn't see a premonition, nor live through a never-ending torturous nightmare. I slept and that was that. "Did you have anything to do with it?" I asked to the Balance.

We wished for you to sleep peacefully. As you said, you wanted one normal night as a human girl. So...We pushed away the premonitions that were going to be shown as you rested.

I nodded. "Thank you," I whispered snuggling closer to Natsu for warmth. The gentle sunlight that cast itself from my window showed the dust that floated in the room. It goes to show no one hasn't stayed in this apartment in a long time. What if Natsu and I were to just buy a house and call it ours? Or maybe, we can rebuild his and Happy's house and live there instead? I sighed one last time until I told myself it was time to get up. Today was going to be one of discussions and traveling if I were to go and talk to Sterling in Aria. The train ride there is already a three-day journey. The sooner we leave the better.

One last time I glanced at Natsu to view his peaceful sleep. His eyes were closed and lips barely parted as he let out a gentle snore. I moved myself to where I placed a kiss on his forehead until I rested my head on top of his. "I love you," I murmured not sure if he heard me or not. Right before I tried to slide off the mattress, Natsu's grip became tighter. "Don't." He whispered in a pleading voice. "Don't leave..."

"But we have to get up silly," I replied tracing my hand over his cheek. Natsu lazily opened one eye to look at me. "Is it morning already?" He asked when I nodded. "No later than eight I suppose. I'm surprised that we didn't sleep in."

"We have to go to the Guild Hall." Said Natsu as he sat up whilst rubbing his eyes. "Not before showers and breakfast. I'm not sure if there's any fresh food in the fridge but I'll check anyway." I swept across the room avoiding any hazardous clearing that we still needed to fix. I didn't need to open the fridge to smell the awful stench of over expired food. "Toast and tea it is then." I muttered grabbing the stale loaf of bread and a box of black tea. Natsu stretched his arms out whilst still sitting on the bed sleepily. "There's much to discuss as to what we need to plan. The Day of Reckoning is coming closer every day and I still haven't been able to find clues as to when it will arrive."

"I think you should make breakfast." Replied Natsu which caused me to glare at him. "What? I haven't eaten in what feels like days!" He joked smiling lazily at me. These moments we shared, reminded me that after all we've been through, we're still the same when it comes to each other. I could be human or a God and Natsu will still joke around like his usual self. It gave me hope that things can still be normal for us. A normal, healthy relationship for eternity. An eternity...together.

You're blushing mutt.

"Shut it!" I uttered before quickly turning away. Natsu only continued to laugh wholeheartedly. Breakfast wasn't much since most of our food spoiled. What we had this morning were stale toast and black tea. Needless to say, Natsu was not satisfied with his empty calorie breakfast. "Luce, I love you and all, but I'm starving to death eating this."

I handed him the rest of my toast with a smile. "Then I think we should head to the Guild Hall. Not only will they have a hearty breakfast waiting for you, but we can also continue discussing plans and future reference on what may come between the Realms and the Gods." Natsu looked at me, his eyes softening when he sat his last piece of toast in his bowl...an actual bowl because all of the plates were shattered...again. "It was so nice to pretend everything was normal last night. No need to worry about death and the Gods; I wish we can do that again." I listened to him wholeheartedly when I squeezed his hand in mine. "We will. It'll take time and patience, but soon enough everything will be back to normal. At least, most of everything will be." Natsu smiled. "I'm sure we can make immortality a normal thing too. It's nice to know I'll never have to see myself with grey hair!" Natsu chuckled with a childish grin. I cocked my head to the side imaging an older version of Natsu Dragneel. "Well, I think you'd look handsome with salmon or grey hair. I... kinda wish I could see you with grey hair." My eyes trailed away to the ground. We're never going to grow old. I'll never see myself with wrinkles or silver hair. For all of eternity, I'll look like this.

'Will I even be happy seeing me like this in a century? I'm sure I'll be disgusted by my appearance in a decade no less.'

Natsu furrowed his eyebrows.

'I think you'll look gorgeous in a million years from now.' Natsu shrugged his shoulders whilst taking a sip of his bitter tea. 'Just sayin'.'

I shook my head with a smile. How could I forget he can hear my thoughts, and reply back to me no less? "That'll take some getting use to." I admitted when he chuckled. "We have forever, Luce. Let's not learn how to keep our thoughts to ourselves yet." We both got up, ready to go and see our comrades. "Let me get dressed and we'll head out." I went over to my wardrobe thanking that it was one of the few furniture pieces still upright and not damaged. I went ahead and grabbed black leggings and an overly fitted cream-colored sweater before heading to the bathroom to change. After nearly falling over another small crater on the floor I quickly changed out of my nighties into my day clothes and ready to leave. Natsu leaned against my writer's chair when I walked out as his back was hunched looking at all letters from my mother and pages of my stories left unfinished. "Can I help you with something?" I asked when he returned the paper back on the desk. "It's just funny," He began as he turned back to me. "almost a year ago you would have kicked me out of the apartment for being even near your writer's desk. But now, you don't even bat an eyelash seeing your apartment utterly obliterated." I glanced around the room noting Natsu was right. "Perhaps, it's because I no longer see materialistic things as a way to be happy? I mean, I care for all my memorable items, don't get me wrong, but after facing what I've seen I realized there's more to life than safeguarding your items. I want to protect every last human and creature on EarthLand and save those that are innocent. I'm a God that's tied to the Gods we hold faith in. I know them on a personal scale and I've even spoken to them long, long ago. What's life if you hoard yourself into protecting what doesn't even breathe? At least, that's how I think now..." I rubbed my arms embarrassingly waiting for Natsu to make a comment, but instead, he smiled and came forward pulling me into a hug. Natsu placed a kiss on my forehead and rested his chin on top of my head. "Ready?" He asked when I nodded completely flushed like a red tomato. I slipped on my black ankle boots and grabbed my keys now ready for another day being the new me.

Lucy Heartfilia, your average girl that happens to be a powerful, all-mighty God.

~~~

Turns out I was right, breakfast was better at the Guild Hall than at home. Natsu and I both finished eating a plate of soulful food when the Fire Mage patted his belly. "Now that," He pointed at MiraJane with a wide smile. "was a hearty and delicious breakfast!" Mira smiled in return. "I'm happy you both enjoyed the meal!" Natsu and I bowed our heads to the Transformation Mage. "Thank you for the meal, Mira!" With little coins in our pockets, we gave them to Mira and set out to find the remainder of our team. Gray sat close to Juvia; both engrossed in their conversation when the Water Mage had to look away with a pink blush coming over her cheeks from what Gray said. "Yo!" Natsu announced gaining Gray's attention.

"I'm busy Furnace Face!" Gray retorted when he set his attention back to Juvia. "Actually, we were wanting to get the rest of the team together for Master. Think you can spare a minute or two?" I asked kindly putting my hand over Natsu's mouth before he stirred trouble. Gray perked his eyes up to me when he begrudgingly sighed. "Okay." He admitted when he smiled at Juvia again. "Still up for lunch?" Juvia nodded vigorously. "Of course Gray-sama! Juvia will be here when it's time to go on our date!" The Water Mage stuck her tongue at me behind Gray's back as he got up to join me and Natsu. Even after being with Natsu, and her finally being with Gray, I'm sure she still sees me as her 'Love Rival'.

Wendy was sitting close to the stage talking to Levy and Romeo when the three of us came up. "Hey, Wendy!" I announced with a cheerful expression. "Lucy-san! You look healthier than you did yesterday! How're you feeling today if I may ask?" The Sky Maiden asked with her innocent doe eyes looking up at me. "Much better. I was wanting to ask if it's alright if we steal you for a bit to get the team together. We have much to discuss about yesterday and of what's to come."

"Absolutely! I'm not sure if Erza-san is here yet due to the pregnancy and all, but meeting now is better than to wait for who knows." I nodded in agreement. Erza has much more things to worry about other than the possibility of war coming who knows when. Erza was going to be a mother, which meant she would no longer be able to be on the front lines she used to be such as leading the Guardians of Light as their general. When I come in contact with Sterling when we leave for Aria I have much to discuss and decide on what's to happen. For now, one problem at a time. "Come on everyone, let's go see Master and the Giver."

We all moved up the stairs, knocking on the office until we allowed ourselves in to see the Giver once more sitting opposite of where Master Makarov sat behind his desk. "Children! It's wonderful for you to finally join us." Gramps exclaimed when we closed the door behind us. "Happy to be back Master," I replied whilst placing my hand over the Giver's shoulder as an act of comfort. Master Makarov furrowed his brows when he cleared his throat. "Now that we're all here, aside from Erza, we all must converse about the issue now and for the future." Master's eyes came to me. "Though I am most joyous to have you back my dear Lucy, I must ask what you have learned and tell us everything that shall come." I crossed my arms looking down to the ground. "There's not much to say other than the fact the Day of Reckoning is coming. Something big is happening that is shifting the Realms, making one less tremble the other and Balance is ever so tipping over. I propose we go to the capital and speak to the Council about unity between the remaining continents in EarthLand. Uniting under one banner can be a big step to preparing ourselves to face the Gods."

"I agree, Lucy," Gramps replied when the Giver placed her hand over mine. "You must go to Aria at once." The Giver stated when I furrowed my eyes in concern. "Giver, what's the matter?" The Giver held her head that she suddenly seemed dizzy. "I was searching through the possibilities of a unity happening to the EarthLand Realm until I saw a disaster befalling on the city of Aria. Your people need you, Lucy. They call out to you! They call for their Light Goddess!" My heart seized when I kneeled to the Giver's height. "What's happened to Aria! Has anything happened yet!?" The Giver shook her head. "I'm not sure. But, something...a power draws close to the birthplace of the Light Goddess. Something is going to happen soon, Lucy. I can't see when it does come to place exactly, but you have naught time to waste. They need you now."

"I must leave now then! I'll fly if I must to reach them!" Before I could go without another second to spare, Natsu clasped my wrist halting me until I could exit the office. "Wait! Whatever may be happening I'm sure it's fine. Sterling is there protecting the citizens as your current Second Hand, Lucy. Right now, we need to plan ahead and see what we can possibly do so we can save the Five Realms from being erased."

"But my people need me!" I yelled until Natsu pulled my hands into his chest. "Right now we need you, Lucy! I have faith in Sterling and the Guardians that made an oath to protect the people of Aria. Please, Lucy...I need you here so we can pull through this together." I glanced down feeling my body shaking from the amount of anxiety of not already flying off to Aria. I looked to the Giver, but her face didn't look my way. "...Alright." I gave in, shaking my head as a headache washed over me. Natsu had to place his hand over his temple as he suddenly felt a headache as well. "I'm sorry. Forgive me, but I must also put my people before me as well. I made a promise to Seraphina to protect Aria and her people. I can't allow if something were to happen to them..."

Gramps agreed. "I propose we format a team to send to the capital and hear our case. Once we have a clear notice that we will form a unity, Fairy Tail and the Guilds that will answer our call will leave Fiore and discuss to other continents and sign a treaty for one banner. A banner that will unite us all for the name of the Five Realms." Gramps's eyes moved to me. "But before you reach the capital, if you wish to stop and see Aria then I insist you do so. If the Giver wishes for you all to see what may be happening then by all means go and see. The Gods are our enemy now until we see this through. Who knows what they are scheming next."

"Thank you, Master." I breathed in relief when Gray crossed his arms in deep thought. "Master, who will be going to Crocus with us?" Master Makarov looked down in consideration. "I'll plan this through as the rest of you get ready to go on this troubling journey. Because of the "death" of Daniel StormCloud, I'm sure the council will be ready to make false accusations when all of you enter the city. Be on your guard, and do not be afraid to fight if you must." Master excused us when we agreed on the plan so far. We all left his office when I placed my hand over my chest. "What did the Giver mean, Natsu? What could be happening to Aria right now while I'm not there? I have to know if they're alright. What if something happens and I'm not there to protect my people!"

"Sweetheart, please, you have to remain calm. The Guardians of Light are there keeping watch at this moment. And if something was happening, wouldn't one of the soldiers come forth and inform you?" Natsu inquired when I bit my lip. "I suppose. Maybe I am overthinking it, but I can't help it. I see the Arians like my family, or more like my children because I have to be there to see them safe." I rubbed my arms anxiously. "Can we leave before it gets dark? I would like to get there as soon as possible." Natsu smiled which helped my troubled mind. "Of course, Luce. Come on, let's go and get ready for this adventure!" Natsu grabbed my hand when I showed a smile in return. "Yeah!" I exclaimed with a smile as we ran out of the Guild Hall.

The journey to Aria was going to be the longest three days of my life on that train.  All I can hope is that the Giver's sight is only a possibility. A possibility that won't come to happen if I can make it back in time. Once again, time isn't on my side. 'Please, my children, wait for your Light Goddess. I'll be coming back soon.'

I will keep my promise. No matter what, I swore to keep the Arians safe.

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^-^ Everything's fine~~~.

As always...love you all!❤️