The feeling of victory was brief, cut short by the sudden and horrifying feeling of despair as tendrils of darkness wrapped around him, yanking him off balance. They were cold, so cold they hurt. He couldn't pull himself free, no matter how hard he fought.
What the hell is this? He thought as the tendrils began digging into his flesh. His heart jumped in terror; there was no way to even think of combating this! It was worse than any torture he'd endured, or ever thought of.
A cough yanked his attention in front of him; Levy spat out a string of bloody saliva, then heaved herself out of her jacket and sprinted towards him. She's coming, his mind cried in hope. She's comin-
His feet were swallowed in a icy crush, forcing a stunned gasp out of him. He couldn't get free… and if she came near enough to get caught… Despair flooded his senses.
She couldn't save him this time.
Not anymore.
It took all of the last of his magic to finally pull his arm free and pin her to the rock, keeping her free of the trap. The look she shot him was heartbreaking, and he let his hand get sucked back into the void. So, as we met, we part now…
Flashes of memories he'd cherished washed over him, some happier than others, thankfully the better ones were of her. Like the first time she smiled at him, unafraid and grateful. He'd found it annoying at first, unsure as to why his heart fluttered so happily. Or when she insisted on coming with him no matter what. The trials, the dragon, the seven year gap they miraculously survived. The battle with the dragons, the labyrinth… their kiss…
He promised he'd make her big, and true to form, she was indeed bigger than she had been when they met, slicing her foot through the air and breaking his trap, intent on coming towards him.
You can't!
If you do…
A large form slid behind her and wrapped her up, stopping her cold in her charge. Lily!
She was crying. His heart was breaking at the sound, listening to her words. He had to say it. Say it before it was too late. He opened his mouth and words began to flow. It was probably the most elegant he'd ever allow himself to be with her, with both of them as they stared, watching his body dissipate.
There was too much he wanted to say, too much he couldn't say. Yet, there was something he couldn't without completely breaking down, and he had to leave her with a smile. It was killing him more than the cold was, stabbing him in the heart as she wept in front of him, reaching for him.
You were my future.
He wanted to simplify it. He wanted to sing it out, but it was getting hard to breath as the coldness was closing in on his throat. He was out of time.
Live for me!
He could feel it pulling him in faster, his strength finally giving out. He pierced his best friend with a desperate look, grateful when Lily nodded, swearing to keep his love safe. He could hear her gasping as she lunged for him, fighting the strong embrace Lily had her in.
She'd be safe.
He wanted to say it, say the words he never wanted to say to her and completely regretted not saying. He opened his mouth, and found himself unable to talk. How fucking ironic, he mused sadly. The cold was pulling at his sight now, tearing at the corners of his vision. He locked eyes with her as the blackness finally slipped over, and swallowed him from the world he knew.
I love you…
Live for me!