"So your leaving?"
He stopped at the sound of her heartbroken voice replying evenly," Yeah. I don't have a choice anymore."
He felt someone grip him tightly from behind and bury their head in his back as she cried," You do! You do have a choice! Don't Leave me again, I couldn't bare it a second time."
He held her hand the pain in his chest growing now that he knew doing this would only hurt her, he promised to protect her and always be there when she needed him.
Pulling her hands away he walked away leaving her there as she shouted desperately," Don't go! Please I don't want you to go. What about our promise? You didn't forget I know you didn't, just stay with me no one else needs to know. Just.. don't leave.?"
He looked back regretting it almost immediately as he saw her tear stained face filled with hurt. The words he had to say would end everything. His memories with her wouldn't have meaning. The life they lived worthless. Their time together.. forgotten.
He had to look at her or else she wouldn't believe him. It had to be done.
Staring deeply into her chocolate eyes that were glistening like the finest jewels he steeped himself," That promise... it means nothing." She stopped the color fading from her face," What?"
"It never meant anything. You never had a place with me." More of his soul withered away as he fulfilled the final task of protecting her from the worst thing. Himself.
"I merely let you come along with me, who wouldn't do the same? You are just another face in the crowd of followers who know nothing about me. Friends? Family? What are those? I don't have them your not part of them."
He couldn't face her anymore and walked away hiding the immense pain that stung him as the world around him no longer meant anything without her in it with him, bowing his head tears finally fell taking away the last of what made him him," This is goodbye... Lucy."
A single phrase passed his thoughts as everything fell around him losing its color and meaning,' It's always more fun when we're together.'
The red insignia faded away from its signature place upon his right shoulder and with it the remainder of his memories along with the few memories he'd fought to treasure.
Behind him a golden haired girl wailed her heart having been crushed by the man she would have given anything to be with.
With his memories gone he didn't understand her sadness or the way his own heart ached at the sight.
He left her there as she watched the light of her life leave her forever.
Lucy would never again have the pleasure of meeting him, Natsu Dragneel.