A/N: Phew, school has been a *WOOF-WOOF!*. It has been a really long time since have last updated this fanfic. I hope my writing skills have not rusted. Just to inform you guys, I am currently working on an original dystopia story called 'Neopangaea'. I'm planning on releasing it in fictionpress. I have not released it yet cuz, I'm rewriting it. Many parts of it is similar to The Hunger Games and Battle Royale. (Argh, damn it.) Anyway, kinda got stuck on the last chapter but.. here is more for you! I finally got a inspiration for this fanfic~ i hope I'll be about to update it frequently! :D enjoy~!

Chapter 20: Already Gone

She watched her daughter, Lucy, walk through the moon lit gravel road of the Heartfilia Domain - hidden behind the shadow of the Mansion's tower. Despite the aching thought of wanting to be with her, Layla's heart is filled with empty emotions.

She was once dead but, was brought back into the cruel and vile world. The one who brought her back, Wendy, was ordered to do so. She too did not want to revive Layla but she was ordered to.

As Layla continued to watch her daughter leave, Wendy stood beside her. She too is watching over someone she loves - her older brother, Natsu.

"It is tragic that your daughter is going to be sacrificed." Wendy said, looking at the young couple. "I'm truly sorry."

"Don't be." Layla replied emotionlessly.

"I have to. I brought you to life, emotionless and chained. You, the once lady of justice, became my puppet. I did not know that the spell would turn out to be like this." The wind Dragon Slayer argued.

"It's ok. You didn't know the outcome of the spell. You were ordered to revive me. So don't feel guilty." Layla sighed.

The both of them watch their beloved walk out into the horizon under the blanket of stars. They could only wish that their lives would remain this way - peaceful and serene.

"They're gone now, Layla. We should go before the dark mages find us." Wendy informed Layla.

Layla looked away from the horizon where her daughter had slowly diminished into and held Wendy's hand. Wendy activates her magic and strong winds surrounded them. They were going to travel out into Fiore's capital - where the sacrifice will be held. They were going to lead the Angel to her inevitable faith.

...

We had set up camp at the outskirts of Magnolia. Natsu and Happy are now fast asleep. The words my sister and Natsu said to me kept on echoing in my head.

"An Angel" I wondered.

I know that that Angel is me. I am faithed to save the world but, I sense something more sinister. Something darker. I look down to the sandy ground hoping that I might find the courage to move on.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind brushed pass the campsite and the light of our campfire was put off. I stared at the smoke rising up from the extinguished fire and shift my gaze back to the ground.

And when I did, I saw something I could not ignore. The sandy ground that I saw has carvings on it. It looked like letters. I closed my eyes to dilate my pupils and when I open it, the message was clear.

"The Angel will be sacrificed. Your presence at the Flower Blooming Capital is mandatory. If you do not wish to present yourself to us. We WILL kill your mother."

I look at the words. Who ever wrote this wants me to be at Crocus. I do not know why but this might be it. A clue to my mission's real objective.I was about to wake Natsu up when I saw another message. This time it was etched on the tree Natsu and Happy were resting under.

"Do not bring Igneel's son and his blue companion."

I swallowed the air and stand up - my heart tightens with fear and desperation. I'm sorry, Natsu. This is my mission. No one needs me. I'm more like the Angel of death, bringing judgement to those around me. To be honest, my existence is already gone.

A/N: The Mysterious Adventure continues! Lucy heads to Crocus.. and then, the sacrifice begins... Next Chapter! Chapter 21: The Sacrifice! (Nastu)