This story's concept was heavily influenced by a song called "Sing Me to Sleep" by Alan Walker. This isn't a song fanfiction per se. I liken any song I reference throughout to be more like influential soundstracks to the story. If there are any songs that you haven't heard, I recommend pausing where you are and listen to the song, if possible, to enhance the story experience. Even if you have heard it. I like to play the song while reading too.

There is a handful of original characters that were made by each of our household members that are in this story. Some are main characters and some are supporting cast, mixed into the rest of the characters in the Fairy Tail universe. This fanfic was written for my household to enjoy, but all are welcome to read this and come up with your own theories as to "who done it." Feel free to post your ideas in the reviews. There is a little bit of wiggle room for some of the plot. I'm always open for suggestions, IF I can adjust it for a good idea I will. *wink*

Chapter 1

Blood on the Banshee's Hands

The first time I heard Eurielle's "City of the Dead", it seemed to just fit the theme of Morrigan in this story. Especially since I had most of the chapter written before I ever heard this song.

"I'm scared of what's inside my head, what's inside my soul;

I feel like I'm running, but getting nowhere.

Fear is suffocating me, I can't breathe.

I feel like I'm drowning, I'm sinking deeper.

White light fades to red, as I enter the City of the Dead..."

Morrigan's Point of View

On any normal day, standing on the high cliff that overlooked Magnolia would have felt enchanting and whimsical with the cool breeze that softly caressed my face and pulled its fingers through my hair. The dark purple and blue hues that reached towards the orange and reds of the fading daylight feels more grim and oppressive tonight. It seemed fitting as the pain and sorrow threatened to envelope me.

The Earthland Mother was not offering me any solace tonight - not that I deserved any. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes attempting to ward off the symbolism of my soul. If I didn't know better I would have thought I was alone, the silence laid on my skin like a poison. I could feel it seep into my blood and paralyze me, as if that dopplegänger of my mine, Evergreen, had turned me to stone. As if to continue to show I'm wrong, the wind carried the barest hint of a sob or a sniffle from the somber mages that had gathered to share in their outward display of grief.

The great memories of here - spending time with my beloved sister, Raven, relaxing after a stressful mission, drinking and purely enjoying the evening; ending an exceptional date with Freed, in our early days, watching the lights dance in the town below; even the happiest of memories, reciting our wedding vows on this cliff the day we decided to be together forever - couldn't help lift the pressure I felt from all the eyes on me.

It was my wish to never forget her smile. The one that she reserved for those she loved and held dear, not that she smiled often anyways. I could faintly feel my lips temporarily lift into a small smirk at that thought. That smile that made the rest of us forget how hard of a life she and those in Bloodborne, that came from the Tower, had had it back then.

How crazy her hair would look when she would come out of her room in search of coffee from the brewing shrine in our kitchen before she could even form enough thought that maybe she should make herself presentable, but even that didn't guarantee she cared enough to fix it. The smirk returned and I shook my head, a lady my sister was not. This suited her best, I think. I couldn't picture her wearing any of the dresses I used to have to wear or the hair updos I had to endure back when I was still the princess before I was rescued from that life in Edolas. My father, King Faust, would have had a canary if he ever saw me now. I suppressed a giggle, taking the smallest amount of pleasure in this thought.

How readily she and the rest of Bloodborne and the Raijinshuu had accepted me... I owed them everything! The kindness of the early evening shifted and brought the winds to a cold howl killing the last embers of hope. Nothing would be the same again. The chill froze my lungs making it difficult to breath as my emotions threatened to crush me. I miss her so much. How can she be gone? I asked myself for the millionth time. I felt my throat tighten and I struggled to swallow as the first of what I was sure to be far too many tears began to wet my lashes. I blinked in hopes of quelling the flood. I've cried enough already haven't I?

I know I'm expected to speak soon, but I'm afraid my voice won't hold out. At least they are being patient - for now... or maybe they are just to overwhelmed to be aware of the silence? Either way I am grateful.

Looking up to the stars that are now becoming visible, I offer a silent prayer to my namesake. Morrigan is not my name of birth, but it was the name I chose when I came to Earthland. Lore says she's a Goddess of War, Death and Fate. A shapeshifting patroness of the night and revenge. Mother had given me a book of her that she had brought from Earthland to Edolas. My magic and I resonated with her as I grew up. Even more so now - now I understand the need for revenge and to fight for what I believe in.

'Please Lady Morrigan, please continue to watch over my loved ones. This family I have now. What would we do without each other? She wouldn't want her passing to ruin us. Help us keep faith that we will come out of this disaster as a whole.'

I lifted the small round crystal I have in my left hand to the last of the daylight. It was so clear, no blemishes to speak of, but the colors of the rainbow danced and sparkled through it. I could feel the magic, that I knew resided in it, pulse. A soft voice echoed in my mind. Raven? My heart started to speed up, but I shook it off. Last time I experienced this was the day she died and I wrote it off as just my imagination and my instincts taking over. After what happened, I didn't expect her to forgive me. The crystal fit perfectly in the palm of my cradled hand, it pulsed again and I felt a warm sensation spread across my chest from where I held it. The Crystal Dragon lacrima that was forced into her by Jellal to further his plans for the R-System was all I had left of my dear sister.

The tears finally broke running hot down my cheeks, the breeze that blew up from the cliff's edge cooled the heat that had built up from my emotions, and jumped off my chin to land on the crystal. It pulsed again and I could swear I heard that same echo of her voice in my mind. How? The voice was indistinct, but my heart wanted me to believe it said 'Don't cry'. The Nether Raven I created that contained her soul was gliding high in the night's sky. Raven? Nothing... As often as I tried to talk to her telepathically - as we used to when she was alive - I have yet to be successful. So I shook it off for the third time. My eyes continued to follow the glow of its wings as the raven changed direction to circle back high above the group that had gathered for her memorial.

I couldn't help but wonder if she was able to tell what they were there for. Did her soul exist on this plain beyond being the nether creation I made to preserve her? Was it the connection I have with the creation or was it her choice to follow me? I truly hoped for the latter.

Clearing my throat I tested my voice. "Lady Morrigan help my sister find peace. Give me the strength to find out who's behind her death so we can find peace for her mate, Bickslow, and those of us that care about her." It was shaky at best and the tears came faster now. I didn't bother wiping them away, just to have them immediately replaced with new ones. "Dear Sister, I promise I will find your retribution and my vindication. We WILL rain vengeance on those responsible for your death so you can move on. May your next life reward you with all the things you deserve." I felt my voice catch as I struggled to swallow.

"It's already been a week since I held you in my arms. I miss you so much. I love y..." The words died on the winds as I continued to watch the raven float in the updraft.

I couldn't hide the streams of tears that trailed down my cheeks now, even if I tried. There's no shame for missing my sister, regardless what others thought. I felt bitter due to circumstance, I'm sure I looked severe from pain and remorse that shown plainly on my face.

I always thought I was an ugly cryer, not that it mattered, I rarely gave a rat's ass what others thought... Never had a reason to.. until now. Many are reasonably convinced I am responsible for Raven's death. Some even had the balls to openly accuse me out right of cold blooded murder. Fucking sheep, the same people that never took the time to understand our team, let alone get to know me, but 'hey, let's formulate our own theories of who done it.' Wish I could say these were all people that were outside of the guild, but... 'We're all nakama', they say. Since folks couldn't see my face at the moment, I allowed myself to physically eye roll.

Even now I could here the random soft whisper calling out monster... murderer... mingling in with the soft sobs of their shared grief. I don't blame them really. I'm not blind, I know what the situation looked like to most people. Hell, even I don't understand it.

As if on queue, the instant replay swarmed my mind's eye with the memories of that night... All that blood, holding my sister's lifeless body. The screaming.. My own voice, sharp, shrill.. a Banshee's cry echoed. I could still feel the reverb through my whole body and the gooseflesh that was not from the cool evening. Cries of pain and mourning. What looked to be the last expression on her face would forever haunt me and riddle me with guilt. Sometimes I can still see the blood on my hands. Red became the dominant color in the crystal as it started to glow brighter than the rest. That was Raven's favorite color. How can it be possible to cry more heavily than I already am? Fu-u-uck... I hiccuped and snuffled my nose.

Raven and I were enjoying an evening in the compound after returning from a mission we took by ourselves. Something simple to pass the time. A glass of wine, the fireplace crackling, soft lounging furniture and the best company ever. Both of us couldn't wait for our husbands to return home. The Raijinshuu were due back any day now.

Then a stillness came over the house, almost like time stopped, yet I noticed we could still move freely. I couldn't even hear the soft sound of our breathing. The specks in the air and the flames in the fireplace froze. A green flash and everything went white. Next thing I remember I was on my back against the far wall in our living quarters. After a few attempts I was able to lift myself up to a sitting position, rubbing my eyes and looked around. Blood was literally EVERYWHERE; my hands - which meant my face now too - the walls and furniture. I could feel the thickness of blood coagulating on my skin, my clothes and in my hair, as it dried. My Sister Souls were out and covered in the same red as me and the house. Why are they out?! My lips pulled down in a disgusted frown. I tried not to lick my lips, I could already smell and taste the iron, but I was panting from.. exursion? Why am I struggling to breath? Why do I hurt all over? My back and the back of my head pounding and pulsing with my heartbeat. WHAT HAPPENED?! "Raven?" No response came. "RAVEN!?" I paused and stopped breathing. Maybe I just couldn't hear her over my heavy breathing... Still no response.

I struggled to focus. The red canvas made it hard to see any detail. Finally looking at the ground in front of me, I could see the streaks on the floor tile from where I sat that led to a bloodied crumpled mass on the ground. NO.. "Raven?" I repeated, not wanting to believe what I was seeing. Signs of panic were becoming more apparent. Slowly rolling over onto my hands and knees, I frantically started to crawl and slip my way over to the body. "Noooo. N-no. No. NOO!" I could see some hair that wasn't covered in the viscous, yet still the same color of dark red. I could feel my heart shatter and my brain fragmented. "RAAAVENN!" it was more like my high pitched Banshee wail than a cry of pain. "Sister no, please no." Moving the hair away from her face. Soft and void of any expression, Raven's mouth hung open from the same position her body had been laying. I could feel the stiffness in her muscles. Dead long enough for rigor mortis to set in. "No, n-noo, please Gods NO!" I felt, more than heard, another wail rip from my lungs as I quietly sobbed.

I took a deep breath, forcing myself to come back to the present. I could hear the sound of throats clearing among the sobs and whimpers behind me. I rolled the Crystal Lacrima in my hand. Maybe they were right about me being a monster. One thing I have in common with Bickslow is our connection to the realm of the dead. The moment people realize your magic has a connection with death or the dead it is automatically dubbed as creepy, at best. My eyes anchored onto the Nether Raven again. She was making another pass above me. Another pulse in the crystal. Raven would disagree with this chain of thoughts, but there was no chance I could stop from thinking them or stop the feeling of disgust that bubbled up from my stomach.

Granted my magic was able to preserve her, to a point, but I can't help but wonder if it had a part in her death. I was nowhere closer to an answer for any of it. My Sister Souls have to be summoned by me to cross to this realm, yet they were there. Why? Were they defending me, us or were they attacking? I have no experience with any of this to even consider a guess, let alone a hypothesis.

What right did I have standing there in homage of her? I shook my head defiantly to clear it. 'No! I know I'm innocent!' What did I have to gain? Why would I do that? No one could think of a single possible or impossible motive. That's the main reason why most believed in my innocence.

I loved my sister as much as her mate did. We're kin for Mavis' sake!

My green haired partner was close enough if I needed him, but he understood I needed a little space in this moment. There was a soft encouraging sound from my husband, followed by a light touch of his hand on my shoulder closest to him. Freed had been amazing and so very supportive through it all. More than I could ever hope for from the man I chose to marry. Yet, I don't know if he could properly process the images that have been coming to me. Hell, I don't even know if they are memories or what? As if they were quick flashes of what may have happened. I don't think I could properly express what I have seen to make any sense of it.

I side eyed him and we nodded acknowledging the silent exchange between us, saying it's time. Bickslow was standing close on his other side. Their eyes pleaded for me to say something.. anything! Yet, I continued to stare out to the falling sun.. I know Freed would speak on my behalf if I asked him, but I needed to do this. Bickslow sure wasn't in any shape to talk right now.. Taking a deep breath, I was as ready as I was going to be.

"When I am dead, cry for me a little,

Think of me sometimes, but not too much.

As I was in life, at some moments,

It's pleasant to recall, but not for long.

Leave me in peace and I shall leave you in peace

And while you live, let your thoughts be with the living."

"This prayer was always one of Raven's favorites." I could hear Bickslow's sobbing cries grow in volume. "The fact that Bix and Raven discovered balance in their lives together through poetry is still mildly surprising." Finally allowing my smile to show at the memory of hearing how Bix got the nickname of Glowworm. "Bix, you know your family is here for you. We WILL get through this. We WILL find who's behind this!" My amethyst eyes connected with his dark red ones. The green consentric rings in his eyes were lightly glowing because of his raised emotions.

The Seith mage walked to the cliff's edge on my opposite side so that the alter that held the ashes of our beloved Raven was positioned between us. Bickslow met my outstretched hand with his own as I passed the Crystal Lacrima to him. He pulled me in to his strong arms for a reassuring, if not suffocating, hug behind the alter. I know he had heard the accusations from the crowd all week. Before the funeral, he had expressed his desire to show the guild our solidarity as a family. It was important to him that our guildmates know we will continue to support each other through this.

It was comforting to know that he didn't believe I could be responsible for this, but what other explaination was there? The killer had to have escaped before he and his team had arrived home; yet, as far as I knew, there were no signs of a break in at the compound we called home.

When Bickslow found me, I was holding his mate's bloodied and mangled body in my arms in the middle of the crimsoned living room and wouldn't let go. He had said he will never forget the soul wrenching wailing cries that came from me. A murderer, a monster, would NOT be crying over their prey like that, begging for help. He knew I loved his mate deeply.

"It's hard to believe she's gone..." Bickslow spoke softly with his face buried in my neck. He gently pulled away from me and surprised me by placing the Crystal Lacrima back in my hands. "I feel you need to hold onto this. She's in your hands here and in the skies." His large hands closed my fingers around the crystal, then he pointed up to the sky with his eyes, though I knew he meant to the Nether Raven that held his mate's soul. We had all agreed to keep the fact that Raven was still 'with us' in the form of one of my nether creations among those of us that were there that night.

"Are you ready?" I asked Bickslow while I gently rubbed circles in the small of his back. I felt him nod his head and let out a shuddering breath.

Freed and I followed Bickslow's que and turned to face our guildmates as he addressed them. "Raven was loved for her tenacious attitude. She was a good friend to many of you, a loving understanding mate and sister. She was a strong fighter, but her true strength was in her intelligence, which made her a great leader. When she and Laxus got along, there was nothing our two teams couldn't do." The Sieth mage paused when he heard some of our nakama giggle at his attempt at a bit of light humor. I caught a quick flash of anger in the Lightning Slayer's eye before his stern mask of indifference was back in place. My speculating thoughts on what that could have meant were interrupted when Bickslow continued to talk.

"There are so many stories I could share and talk to you about my feelings; how much I miss her, but I could hear her now. 'Bix, I love ya, but get to the fucking point!'" More laughter and I heard a caw in the distance. Only the dragon slayers perked up to the far off ethereal sound. Bickslow nodded with a small smirk. "Yes dear." I internally gasped, did he hear her too?

"I know many of us have tons of great and funny stories to share, but let us save them for the guild hall. For now, please join me in rememberance and pay homage to her spirit."

Bickslow scooped up a small handful of his mate's ashes and picked up a candle. He lit his candle off the flame brazier that was on the alter. I followed by doing the same. Then Freed went after me and motioned the rest of Bloodborne and the Raijinshu to follow behind. I was grateful that Rolish managed to get here in time. He had sent me a short message saying he would be here and that he needed to speak with me afterwards. I am still curious, he is never this communicative - unless he truly had something to say.

Those of us closest to her stood together. We raised our hands that held her ashes. I cleared my throat and licked my lips before I spoke again. "May the Gatherer of Souls call you and lead you home. Your free now and your ashes will become the earth again." As the wind blew passed, we released the ashes and watched as it dispersed into the night sky.

Our group split in half to create room for others to come up and offer their support. Some chose to spread some of her ashes and light a candle. We all knew each other's wishes for when we die. Most shared the same feeling of not wanting to be contained and underground. We want to remain free.

Some adding platitudes, simple well wishes, prayers and others chose to stay silent. Some openly glared their silent accusations towards me.

I simply stood strong and offered a small smirk. 'Don't worry Sister, I can take it. I'll be strong for our family. They will need me strong once we all learn the truth. I can't hold it against them.'

Hope I looked convincing, because I sure didn't feel it. It was a struggle to keep the small smile, that threatened the corner of my mouth, from showing too much. How I can find even a little humor in this.. but that is just how I've always been. It was one of the ways Raven and I connected - we shared a very morbid sense of humor.

It was during the walk back to town I could practically feel the anger radiating off of Laxus. He had been quietly seething behind his mask of indifference the whole memorial - not that he could hide it from me, which I'm sure has been one of the many things I annoy him with - and progressively getting worse as the night drew on.

Bickslow chose to walk, with Evergreen on his arm, a few feet behind Freed and I. I knew Laxus had chosen to be the caboose to our rather large Funeral Procession back to the guild.

We had barely been within the streets of Magnolia on our way to the guild hall when I heard Bickslow grunt and Evergreen squealed in shock.

"Sorry Ever, but I've had enough of this bullshit!" I turned to see Laxus stabalizing Evergreen and towering over Bickslow, who was flat on his back on the ground.

I offered to help him up, but he gently pushed my hands away. The small smile he had for me pulled down when he glared daggers at the hulking Lightning Slayer.

"What the fuck man!" Bickslow slowly flipped himself over to pick himself off the ground.

"All of this is your fucking fault, Bix. If she had chosen me, like she should have, Raven would still be alive!" Did I just hear Laxus snort from breathing in through his nose? This didn't look like Laxus being completely pissed off, but it was clear he was upset with a tight reign on his control.

Something seemed off in Laxus' performance. I mean I could see the anguish and pain in his face, but it was pure hatred I saw in his stormy blue eyes.

The pressure of Freed's arms around me as he pulled me away from the two brought me back to the present. I silently thanked him with a chaste kiss to his cheek.

"Laxus, what were you REALLY doing when you teleported from the group while we were still on the train?" Bickslow finished brushing off the street dirt from his funeral attire.

I gasped. 'That's right!... Laxus was NOT with the team. I remember Bix was first to arrive, then Freed and Ever came in a few mins later.' In fact I don't remember seeing Laxus at all that night! I could tell my husband heard me through our own Thought Link because he side eyed me and I felt more pressure from his arms that were still around me.

At this point, most of the Funeral Procession had turned around and created a circular border around us in the street. Other townsfolk had begun to take notice as well. Most quickened their pace away from the scene. It's no exaggeration that Fairy Tail mages can cause a small war, even in their cherished home town of Magnolia.

"What do you mean? I told you I went to the cliff to calm down from arguing with you and get a snack from the lightning storm that night." Laxus' eyes thinned to threatening slits and a menacing growl rumbled through him.

Bickslow shook his head, obviously not buying it. "No, you clearly still have issues with Raven and I mated. You have motive for killing her."

There was a collective gasp from all within earshot of this revelation.

Laxus' eyes widened for a split second before they thinned again to continue glaring at Bix and then to me. His face changed to a look of amusement and a wicked evil smirk appeared.

"I won't bother arguing this with you." Laxus sharpened his gaze on me. "I'm not the one that was temporarily incarcerated by the Rune Knights! IF you feel I'm guilty have the Rune Knights come for me too. It will just lead you to a dead end. You should be focusing on the real killer."