Everyone was still in shock as their minds tried to process what they were seeing. Lucy was still divided into three parts, but deep blood jagged lines had split her up. The celestial side had dimmed. Her eye was losing color as she bled from an open wound on her side. The thin strip of human that made up her middle had turned ashen as her magical core slowly leaked out magic through a hole in her body. The monster side appeared to be dying. The remaining part of the wing was about fall off like her nails had already done. The skin was changing rapidly because her stripes had broken into large splotches. She wasn't really conscious at this point.
Shoving past everyone, both Hoshi and Corvusina, reached Lucy at the same time and stared to exam her. Both started talking to each so rapidly that nobody could make sense of what they were saying. It appeared they were arguing at one point because Corvusina tried to peck Hoshi, who just shoved the beak away before brushing her hand against Lucy's magical core and showing it to the bird woman.
Kentaru, in a rare moment of impatience, rudely asked. "What is going on with my wife? Are you going to save her life or just argue some more?" he demanded. Just looking at her was causing him to lose his emotional control. His wife was hurt and no one was doing anything. They had to save her life! He couldn't imagine not living without her anymore.
Corvusina spoke first, her bird legs trembling. "My prince, this is not an ordinary situation that can just be healed by a potion or magic. Your wife was split into three parts of her personality, her forms if you will. She was in mid change of a Stardust healing, before your strongest attack landed on her. That is making it difficult to figure out how to save her life."
The others looked confused so Hoshi explained that since Lucy had been born human it was her anchor to her other forms. When she stopped her three loves from killing one another, she had drained almost all her magic from her human core, leaving her in a delicate state near death. The Stardust was no longer able to connect with the human core to spread across her body. Also, because her sides had been fighting for dominance, none of them had been full in control so the healing had been divided by thirds when she had blocked the attack, so now all three parts of her were dying. "This is the worst thing that can happen to her in this state."
"Why? She's partially immortal isn't she? Won't that part survive?" Wendy questioned. She kept hopping up and down, wanting to use her magic to heal her big sister, but not sure how to do so without making things worse.
It was Queen Brighantia who answered the child. "I'm afraid not dragon of sky. Each creature has their own way to sustain life. For instance; my life and that of my husband's are tied to the source of our magic. If my river dried up or his treasure stash was stolen and not recovered in time, we would die. Some monsters can be killed and regenerate themselves after a period of time. Others have long life spans, such as Kentaru here, but will die eventually. Your friend hadn't been a Dark Fairy for long; so she never learned how to regenerate. With only a third of her still a monster, she doesn't have the strength to heal."
"She won't be reincarnated either. Her Celestial form isn't complete. She's lost to much blood and magic to allow that to happen," the Celestial Spirit King admitted. Next to him, Celestial Spirit Queen was weeping openly, unable to accept that her daughter was dying and nothing could be done.
"Worse, there's so little human left, that her two other forms are dragging her down with them. Her soul is weakening fast. If she dies now, it won't ascend to the afterlife. Lucy just will cease to exist," Hoshi admitted sadly. The other humans looked shocked upon hearing that.
"There has to be something you can do. We've got mages, monsters, and Celestial Spirits. Are you telling me that we're just going to give up? Between all us there has to be something we can do. We all care about Lucy right?" Natsu shouted angrily. He was on the verge of blowing up. He couldn't lose her, not before he got to tell her how he felt.
"I could freeze in cryogenic state. That would keep her in suspended animation, until we could cure her," Gray suggested. Daichi shot that down saying that the shock of being frozen would cause her fairy half to shut down completely due to the rapid change to her body.
Taro asked Corvusina if one of her magical cocoons could be used to restore the girl to her full monster form. The Seeress said that the transformation was a one-time deal. You either survived it or not. No turning back if the person got hurt like this.
Loki asked Erza if she could just store Lucy in her requip dimension for a time only for the Knight to point out her dimension was for inanimate objects, not a living being. Even the animals' suggestion of replacing the missing magic with their own was rejected. It had to be hers or none.
Kentaru reminded quiet, having settled on the ground next to his wife. He held her right hand in his, feeling her life slip away. He could see his red string starting to vanish. As he looked down at her, a memory surfaced in his mind. A passage he had read in a tome when he was child. It had been the first book of magic he had managed to keep hidden from his family, the one that lead him to learning his magic. "There is something I can do to save her," he whispered drawing attention to himself. "After all, there is more than one way to fulfill a prophecy."
King Mortain figured out what he meant a split second later. "No, I forbid you to do this! If you go through with it you'll…"
"If it will save her life and bring an end to this war, than I will do what is needed. You and mother taught me that my duty is to our people. That nothing else matters except when it comes to protecting your family. She's my wife! I made a vow to her."
Taro spoke up, "A vow to the enemy, a girl who was forced into this situation. She could reject you, even take you down with her. Is it worth the risk?" Daichi punched Taro in the gut and then held him up in the air. "If you have nothing positive to say then be silent! My master is in charge of his own destiny, not you," he growled before tossing him to the ground. He watched as Nori ran up to his master's side whimpering. Kentaru petted him, giving him encouraging words.
With determination on his face, he hugged his adoptive parents' tight and whispering goodbyes to his friends. The mages and the Spirits looked on puzzled. What was he going to do that would cause this reaction? Kentaru spoke one last time, in a tender voice to Loke and Natsu. "Take care of her, love and protect her, with all your might. Despite what you think of me, know that I truly loved her more than life."
Taking her hand once more he whispered a spell. His lock necklace glowed brightly. Tendrils of different colors sprouted out of it and started to cover his body. At the same time those same tendrils appeared on Lucy. A huge black magical circle appeared underneath the two. The tendrils on Lucy sucked some celestial energy that traveled through her body. When it touched her monster side, that side turned white and transparent, at the same time it was happening as Kentaru's true form started to dissolve. The mages watched in disbelief as the two forms came together as a gem grew in their clasped hands.
It was a huge moonstone that kept growing. Inside, the silhouette of the two monster forms grew. They held hands as a heart grew around them. Once it was finished growing, it floated into the air spinning around, sending glitter all over the battlefields creating boundary lines across the entire peninsula.
Tearing their gaze from the moonstone, they looked at the couple again. Kentaru was once more in his human form, but he didn't look good. He was aging rapidly until his body fell over dead. Something rose from the body, a sphere of light. After shedding a layer, it traveled through the remains of the string into Lucy's magic core. Her body jerked in the air and twisted before settling down. Her celestial side faded inside her once more as her human form took over. She started to breath normally again as life flooded back into her. Tears appeared on her face.
The magic circle vanished. The moonstone floated into Queen Brighantia's hands. She was shedding tears. Corvusina looked at the stone whispering the last lines of the prophecy. "Triumphant victory will be ours as those spirits of skies fall, humans be caged as monsters roam free. The opposites now as one, will reign for centuries to come until the heir of their power comes of age and once again protects are freedom from the heavenly spirits."
Daichi, who was holding a grieving Nori, thought over the words. "Our victory was the successful transformation and marriage of the heirs. Spirits have fallen. We do roam free on the surface now, no longer sealed away as humans stay within their boundaries caged by fear of us." He looked down at the ground, he couldn't believe his master was gone.
King Nain looked at the moonstone, understanding the rest of the prophecy. Two opposites, a princess of the stars, who chose the transformation, and, a prince of monsters, who chose to give up everything for love, had become one in this stone. Moonstones took a long time to form. When this stone broke another would have formed, still containing the powers of the heirs to ensure they remained free.
Natsu gently picked up Lucy in his arms, holding her close. He felt his string getting stronger and the tug from Loke was still there, but not as strong as his. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw the two sets of royals talking with one another. Daichi was collecting the locks as Hoshi started to free the trapped spirits. Erza and Gray seemed to be in the midst of things as they argued with the adviser and seeress. Wendy was comforting a distraught Onyx and Nori, with the Exceeds help.
He tuned it all out, watching Lucy slowly breathe. Tears kept sliding down her face as she whimpered. He saw her hands trying to clutch something invisible. "You're safe now Lucy. Don't worry, that monster can't hurt you anymore. Why won't she wake up?" he surprisingly whispered to himself. Was she still afraid that Kentaru was holding her as a prisoner? He jumped when someone touched his shoulder, but relaxed when he saw it was Loke. The lion was carrying a small urn and placed it in Lucy's hands. Instantly she relaxed and the tears stopped.
"I don't understand, what did you give her?" He looked past his friend and saw the ashes were gone. Also everyone else was standing down as Hoshi's spell came undone. With his enhanced hearing and smell, he could tell the war was over. What in the world was going on here? Seeing his confusion, walked over to him and explained in a gentle tone.
"The war is over Natsu, there's been enough death on each side. The monsters have what they always wanted; freedom from their prison. To live on Earthland once more. The Celestial Spirits have their princess back. The cost of this war was too high." She looked back at the crying dwarf and fairy feeling their pain and loss. "King Mortain and Queen Brighantia have lost their only child."
"Kentaru might not have been born to them, but it all the ways that matter he belong with them and they loved him. Kentaru gave up his life, both of them, to save Lucy. By releasing his monster form and binding it to hers, with the help of a celestial spark and string of fate, their joined for an eternity inside the moonstone. Never to be free again," Loke stated, pushing back his own mixed feelings. "Without his monster side to keep him alive, his human body crumbled to nothing as his soul merged with hers, restoring her humanity so she can live, with her magic still intact along with her Celestial form." Finally Natsu understood, Kentaru for all the evil he did, truly loved Lucy and gave his life for her. He had to respect that.
A week had passed since the end of the Second Spirit/Monster War. Everyone was picking up the pieces. In the end, the death toll was; a hundred monsters, seventy five Celestial Spirits, and surprisingly no human deaths. Somehow everyone human that had been injured had miraculously survived. The damage was also not as bad as first thought. Already towns were rebuilding and mages across the countries did their best to help.
For now there was a truce between all sides. The monsters had enough to deal with reconstructing their society and finding homes in their boundaries, to deal with anybody. The Celestial Spirits had returned home to start the process of mourning their fallen friends. While all this was happening, in the castle of the King of Fiore, in a beautiful guest room lay a sleeping Lucy. She hadn't woken up once since her life was saved. Hisui, after the battle, had contacted them, saying she had resources that could help with Lucy's recovery. Not having a better idea, Team Natsu had brought her to the capital, staying there to keep an eye on her.
Hisui entered the guest room along with Hoshi. A magical doctor was already in there, finishing his checkup. He packed up his healing crystals and bowed to the Hisui. "You're Highness, always a pleasure to see you."
"As it is to see you, Dr. Avalor. Please, can you tell me what's going on with my friend please? Everyone is wanting to know when she'll awaken," the green haired princes asked with a bit of worry in her voice. She could also sense Hoshi's concern for her friend.
"Ms. Heartfillia body has completely recovered from her transformation. My healing sessions have helped restore her magic to normal levels and all her keys, along with her whip, respond to her. I've run dozens of tests and the only reason I can come up with why she isn't responding, is that she doesn't want to wake up."
Both the Princess and High Priestess looked at each other in understanding. Going through an experience like that, along with the death of someone you were connected to, many wouldn't want to face reality. Also, this could be self-inflected punishment for making a choice that ended up hurting a lot of people. If that was the case, both girls worried that Lucy would lapse into a coma and die.
"Is there anything we can do to help her? There are so many people wanting to see her wake up. Dozens of them are in the castle this moment praying for her," Hoshi stated. It was true. Every day more and more Celestial Spirit Mages had arrived at the palace after receiving invitations from Hisui, back when she had been asked to make a list of all mages to form a registry. They had all arrived in anticipation of meeting the Star Maiden Princess and hearing her talk to them.
"You can help, by telling her that if she remains like this, there's a chance that she'll develop Broken Heart Syndrome that could kill her," Dr. Avalor replied. With another bow, he left as the girls sat down next to Lucy.
After some time, both girls took turns talking to her. Reminding her about all the people that loved her. Mentioning Kentaru wouldn't have given his life for her if he didn't want her to go on living. That even if heart was breaking, there was already someone here to help her through tough times. That she wasn't the first Celestial Spirit Mage to make a bad choice. Hoshi mentioned she was still repenting for her actions and Hisui deeply regretted her part in the Eclipse Gate plan.
"Both of us accept our accountability. Others have forgiven us, but we need to do penance in order to forgive ourselves. Allowing yourself to die is no way to honor those who fought for you," Hoshi reminded her.
"So much has been lost already. Do you really want to waste the sacrifices others made? You're the true Star Maiden, the Princess of Celestial Spirits. The greatest Celestial Mage in our generation. Fairy Tail never give up and neither should you. Your parents will wait for you until the time is right, but it's not now. Please wake up," Hisui pleaded gently.
All was still for a moment. Suddenly Lucy's hands started to unclasp the urn as Hoshi caught it before it fell to the ground. Lucy took a huge breath as her eyes fluttered open. Pushing herself up in the bed, tears fell from her face. Tears of both sadness and joy as she embraced her sister mages. It was a long road for recovery, but with the help of all those who loved her, Lucy knew that she would make it.
Two days later, every Celestial Mage had assembled inside the same grand ballroom that had hosted the end of the Magical Games Tournament. Everyone was having a good time, either eating the feast or discussing their spirits. Some even were dancing around. Suddenly a gong sounded and the doors to the balcony opened. Everyone turned their attention upwards as Hisui, Hoshi, and Lucy, in her Star Maiden Princess form, entered the room. Cheers erupted almost instantly as they all connected with their Star Maiden's aura.
Hisui raised a hand as everyone quieted down. "Welcome Celestial Spirit Mages from all over Fiore. It is great honor to have you assembled today. We've come together to not only strengthen our bonds between ourselves and our spirits, but also to witness our Star Maiden Princess, performing her duties. I know present to you, the True Star Maiden and the Beloved Princess of the Celestial Spirits; Lucy Heartfillia Celestial!" More cheers went up as Lucy stepped forward.
Gazing down at all the mages she felt her heart connect with each of them. She could sense their honesty, their joy, and most importantly the love they felt for their spirits. Even though only a few months had passed since her coronation, she was proud of all that had been gained up until now. Standing up straight and tall, she had a look of determination on her face. She let her aura flare as her birthmark shimmered brightly. "Greetings to all of you. I'm so happy to see you all here. So much has happened in such a small amount of time. We've learned so much, about our shared history with the spirits and what we're capable of." She paused for a minute placing her stamped hand over her heart. She reached down for all her keys stroking each of them with tender love. "It's been a time of new friends and challenges. I never dreamed that some as amazing as becoming a princess and adoptive daughter to the Celestial Royals would happen. Nor did I ever suspect that a choice I made, might hurt the ones I love."
There were murmurs throughout the crowd. Lots of them couldn't believe that someone as powerful and great as Lucy could ever make a bad choice. Others knew from their spirits what had happened, but most didn't blame her. In fact the entire crowd sympathized with her because of the impossible situation she had been. Who could willing sever a red string of fate or not become close to the people who captured you and cared for you after being alone for so long?
Feeling their love and understanding, Lucy gathered the crowd's attention once more, by simply raising her left arm. Writing had appeared on her arm along with an image. It became bigger and brighter until they could read the word, Kurma and see the image of a giant tortoise appeared in the air. "I carry the name and image of a fallen Celestial Spirit. Kurma gave his life to protect his fellow spirits in a battle along the coast. This is my penance and way to honor the dead. I will carry on in his memory. My friends here also carry a name and image as well. It's my hope that we can become living reminders of everyone who has suffered in this war."
All together every girl raised their arms or showed some skin. Casting a powerful spell, Lucy gave them each a magical tattoo, that would be visible to the Celestial Mages at all times, but invisible to others when they wished it. Hoshi stepped forward as Lucy shuffled back. As a Celestial Spirit High Priestess, it was her duty to perform the final rights for the fallen.
"Please touch your tattoo and hold for a few seconds." They did as asked and the broken key remains appeared in their hand. Holding their palms flat out the remains hovered in the air. Bowing their heads in silence as Hoshi started to eulogize. "Honorable spirits from the stars, we thank you for your tremendous service and your faithful bond with all of us. Our hearts weep for our fallen friends and family."
A small portal formed at the top of the domed roof. The broken keys slowly started to ascend to the portal back home. Anyone who took a quick glance up, saw that the Celestial Spirits who survived, standing on the edge, watching the proceedings. Each girl prayed silently for the lost spirit, whose name they now bore.
"We return your keys to your sacred realm, where you can rest among your kind forever, your stars will still burn bright in you name. In this day of sorrow, we renew our sacred pact, our promises to you. We pledge our friendship, love, and loyalty to all spirits. As they have been there for us, we vow to be there for them no matter what the danger is. It is our honor and responsibility to protect your keys in exchange for the trust you have given us. We work together, two as one. So mote it be."
From both sides of the portal the last words were repeated. With a steady hand, Hoshi zapped the key remains turning them into Stardust. A new bowl formed around the glittering dust as it was retrieved by new star spirits. The portal closed. Black and white banners unfurled themselves on the walls, revealing each spirit who had died. Hoshi asked if anyone want to give a eulogy and several did, sharing stories and memories of their time with their spirits. Finally the funeral ended. Princess Hisui asked each of them to sit down at the tables for there was once more thing to be done before this gathering was complete. She stepped back as Lucy stepped forward.
"Today is a new start for all of us gathered here. I will always remain the Star Maiden Princess, but today I am happy to bestow this honor to not one, but two brave and amazing Celestial Mages who went beyond the call of duty to help, not only myself, but both human and spirits." She gestured for Hisui to come forward and kneel. Placing her left hand over Hisui's heart, she started to chant in the language of the spirits.
A silver heart shape outline appeared underneath Lucy's hand. Silver stars fell all over Hisui as skin started to glow. The Princess of Fiore felt her magic core getting bigger. She listened as the words Lucy chanted started to make sense. "Princess Hisui Fiore, you opened the Eclipse Gate, something no Celestial Mage should have done. Through you're quick actions, bravery, and caring nature, you've earned redemption. As the starlight descends upon this Celestial Mage, bless her with the gifts of being a Star Maiden. I, the Princess of the Celestial Spirits, grant you the following gifts: to be able to speak and understand our native tongue, to visit the Celestial World whenever you chose, and lastly your duty per title. You shall be our historian, the protector of our history, to register any new Celestial Spirits. Stand up Star Maiden Hisui, embrace your new title and life."
The Princess of Fiore stood feeling stronger than ever before. Her skin still shone like gentle moonlight. Looking down at her heart, a new birthmark had appeared. A silver heart with a shooting star in the center. A symbol of her new status.
Hoshi kneeled next, her body outlined in green as Lucy touched her right upper arm. Something was glittering beneath the hand. Once more, Lucy chanted in the language of the stars. It was easy to translate what she was saying because Hoshi also knew the language. "My friend and rival, you have grown into a strong, compassionate, and a wonderful Celestial Spirit High Priestess. Without your help, I would still be lost and our world forever changed. Your redemption period is over. Today you have earned your own Star Maiden title. My blessing to you is that you shall teach Space Magic once more to the people of your village and eventually other worthy mages. I give you the ability to bless sacred sites until they can be reclaimed. I also have a favor to ask. Will you assist others on their paths of redemption? Good, now stand up Hoshi Supernova, embrace your new title and life."
Hoshi stood up, hear heart sang with joy. She had earned her redemption and her own title as well. Her new birthmark was a green temple surrounded by a circle of stars. She didn't hear the cheers or everyone settling down to enjoy the feast. All she heard was Lucy's blessing over and over again. Finally, after so many years, she felt herself again.
It was a few days later and small group had assembled in a graveyard in Acalypha Town. All of them wore white/black clothing. They stood in front of the Jude and Layla's graves. Next to Jude, a brand new and beautifully carved headstone, stood next to an open grave. After selling the crystal flowers for a high price she had more than enough money to pay for the plot and the headstone. The headstone read; Prince Kentaru Lucretius Beastil. Monster Lad, Beloved Son, and Fated Husband. Rest in peace in the jewels of the earth."
Gently, Lucy started to place items in the grave. Kentaru's favorite kimono, his katana in his right sleeve. Removing her wedding ring, she placed that in his left sleeve. Finally, she laid the urn on his chest and stood up. Knowing that no priest would ever give final rights to Kentaru, she decided to do it herself. Turning around she addressed those who were assembled; her friends, a few spirits, two monster pets, and her adoptive parents.
"I know many of you don't understand why I'm doing this nor do you believe that Kentaru deserves this, even if he saved my life in the end. To everyone gathered here today, Kentaru was, a kidnapper, monster, and threat. He was a vicious, manipulative, and uncaring person," she said in clear voice. She looked at each of them before focusing on Nori and Onyx. She smiled softly looking longingly into the grave. Wiping some tears away she clutched tightly the only crystal flower she hadn't given up. Softly she whispered, "He was more than just that."
"Kentaru grew up in a very strict and uncaring environment. Through his memories he left me, I saw how horrible he was treated simply because he was born with magic. His siblings mocked and beat him. His mother didn't love him and his father tormented him. I researched his family line that survived. The Lucretius Humanity Company still exists today, though not a prominent because they still refuse to work with non-spells and use any form of magical transportation," she explained. It went without saying what they would do if they found a family member or a mage working for them? It went without saying, they either abandon, fire, or maybe even kill someone.
Listening to Lucy describe the good things about Kentaru, made Natsu a little jealous. He was angry still that she had shared a part of herself with that man. His feelings wavered a pit as compassion and understanding came to him. In some ways Kentaru had been just like him. Lost and alone, with no one to love him. That could affect anyone. Kentaru was a monster, but he had also been a human who truly loved his adoptive parents, subjects, and Lucy. That was the person she was honoring today.
Lucy had stopped speaking. She had turned to the grave praying silently for Kentaru's soul inside her. Promising to live on and care for Nori every time he visited. That she would do her best to ensure another war never broke out. With a final goodbye everyone gathered help fill in the grave and smooth out the dirt as the headstone was moved into its proper place. With care, the crystal flower was placed on his grave. Nori let out a howl as she comforted the rag dog creature. Life would never be the same again. An image appeared before her eyes of Kentaru smiling happily. He mouthed the words "I love you Star Maiden Princess Lucy forever," and then he was gone for good.
After that, everyone left her alone for a little while to mourn. Everyone, but Natsu who walked over to her and knelt beside her. "I'm, I'm…I'm sorry for your loss. I can relate to how you're feeling, you know after Igneel died and his soul was dispersed, I tried everything to forget the pain. It doesn't work. Being with your loved ones is the only way to start healing"
Lucy nodded, her gaze looking at her parents grave. Remembering seeing their souls made her sad again. Then she recalled what they said about her choices. That it was never wrong to follow your feelings and walk to the end of the path. She moved her hand and placed it on top of Natsu. "Thank you Natsu, for always being there for me. I know how difficult this situation must be for you. I want you to know something," Lucy said.
Natsu silenced her by drawing her close. They looked at one another before the kissed softly and a warm feeling made some of the hurt go away. A bristled meow stopped the kiss. "Oh Onyx, don't be mad. I'm always going to miss Kentaru, but you and I need to slowly start a new life. Think about it, you get to play with all the Exceeds." The young Cath Sith kitten meowed again rubbing against her owner. Who knew, maybe living with a human and getting to know her mistress's friends and guild would be fun.
"Um do you want to have dinner tonight? Together maybe?" Natsu asked nervously. It felt really weird to ask her out in front of the grave of her husband, but seeing Lucy's face, she wasn't disturbed at all. He swore he heard Kentaru's voice in his head again saying, "Treat her well."
That night back in Magnolia Town, Natsu was nervous. He had taken a bath, put on clean clothes, and combed his hair. He'd bought a single flower for Lucy and actually knocked on the door and waited to be let in.
Lucy, opened the door. She had switched out of her funeral wear and was wearing a simple blue shirt and a comfortable pair of dress pants. "Hi Natsu, come in. I made a simple meal. Hope you like it." She took the flower and put it in a vase as they settled down for a simple meal in bento boxes. They ate together and talked, really talked for the first time. As the night wore on they enjoyed each others company. Right before Natsu left the danced together, to a song Lucy had picked especially for them. "There's a Place for Us," by Carrie Underwood.
There's a place out there for us. More than just a prayer or anything you've ever dreamed of. So when you feel like giving up, cause you don't fit in down here. Fear is crashing in, close your eyes and take my hand yeah.
We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe. It's written in the stars that shine above. A world where you and I belong. Where faith and love will keep us strong, exactly who we are is just enough. There's a place for us, there's a place for us.
When the water meets the sky. Where your heart is free and hope comes back to life. When these broken hands are whole again, we'll find what we've been waiting for. We were made for so much more.
We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe. It's written in the stars that shine above. A world where you and I belong. Where faith and love will keep us strong, exactly who we are is just enough. There's a place for us, there's a place for us.
So hold on, hold on. There's a place for us.
We can be the kings and queens of anything if we believe. It's written in the stars that shine above. A world where you and I belong. Where faith and love will keep us strong, exactly who we are is just enough. Exactly who we are is just enough. There's a place for us."
It was the perfect end to a start of a new path for Lucy. The experience had not only made her stronger. It had also helped her understand her feelings for all her fated loves. As she watched Natsu leave and cuddled Onyx close to her, she knew the rest of her life had changed forever.
