Good Meets Bad
Epilogue
NOTE: A big shoutout to my lovely beta, Ella! Thank you for beta reading the last chapter of GMB :) Oh, and I suggest you ready the song The Call by Regina Spektor.
Genre: Romance, Humor, Friendship, Hurt and Comfort, Drama, Action
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Fairy Tail, Hiro Mashima does.
The light from her eyes faded
And her grip on my hand loosened
I reached over to hug her close
For the pain in my chest intensified a thousandfold
"Shh, shh, stop crying," Lucy shakily said, clinging onto the other girl as tight as she could. Her body trembled and she blinked back the tears in her eyes, listening to the soothing words of the boy sitting beside her.
"I—I'm scared," the cerulean-haired girl whispered, her eyes filled with fright as they met hers. "I d-don't want to d-die."
Jellal's voice quivered as he spoke. "W-Whoever said you were going to die?"
"T-The c-c-clock, it v-v-vibrated," Reina said, her breath coming out in short gasps. She clung tightly to Lucy who couldn't say anything. The item in her hand continued pulsating, delivering waves of shock through her.
"It's a miscalculation." He sounded like he was trying to convince himself. His shoulders shook with sobs and he wiped away his tears. He had to be strong for her.
Lucy had had enough though. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. "I-It isn't a miscalculation," she whispered fearfully. "It's happening."
"Well, do something!"
She jumped at his outburst, turning her head away from him. He breathed heavily as he stood in front of her, anger coursing through his face. He didn't know who he was mad at, but he just felt frustrated. Sweat dripped down his face, joining his tears, and falling to the floor. He fisted his hands and cursed, running his fingers through his hair.
This couldn't be happening.
"I… I c-can't save her." It was barely audible, but he heard her. "I-I'm s-sorry…"
Jellal gripped Lucy's shoulders, shaking her. "You can!" he cried out. "Just try!"
"I can't!" she shouted back, the tears finally slipping from her eyes. "I can't, okay?! I want to, but I can't! My mother knew this would happen, and she couldn't do anything to prevent it! What makes you think I can?!"
"You're her daughter!" he argued back, his voice hoarse. "Y-You might be able to do s-something!"
"But that's it!" She sobbed. "I'm her daughter, and that's it. I-I'm not a doctor like her. I don't save lives! I take them!"
Jellal was ballistic. "Are you saying we just let her die?!"
"What else can we do?!" Lucy asked. Their fight made the girl in her arms trembled further, and she hurried to comfort her. She cradled Reina in her arms, kissing the top of her head and running her fingers through her hair over and over.
She whispered in her ear. "Everything's going to be alright, okay? Jellal and I will be here."
Reina couldn't stop shaking even as her temperature rose.
"Y-You're safe, in my arms, and y-you're going to be just fine."
Lies. Lies. Lies. Lies.
She fed her with lies.
"Y-You're not going to die."
She tried to steady her voice.
"W-We'll figure s-something out."
A loud thump came from the clock in her hand and she gritted her teeth, burying her face in Reina's hair. It continued to throb, her fingers going numb from holding onto it for too long. She bit her lip and leaned back at arms-length, staring into the other's odd-colored-eyes.
"Do you trust me?" Lucy asked, her voice almost cracking in the end.
Reina looked at her like a helpless puppy and nodded, her tears unending.
The blonde forced a smile on her face and hugged her. "Then go to sleep, and believe me when I say that you will wake up."
"B-But w-what if I—"
"Shh," Lucy said, placing a finger on the girl's lips. Her throat contracted as tears dared to come once again, and she pushed them back. Her smile widened slightly. "W-We'll wake you up w-when it's time for you t-to go home, okay?"
Reina looked at her, the intelligence in her eyes finally fading. Her façade collapsed and she leaned into Lucy's embrace like the child she was, nodding slowly. "Okay."
Lucy scooted to the side, and saw Jellal look away from the corner of her eye. Her chest squeezed once more as Reina slowly laid her head on her lap. She stared at the ceiling with unblinking eyes, her fingers twitching. Sensing her discomfort, Lucy started to hum a lullaby. She ran her fingers through her cerulean hair, the other rubbing circles on her arm comfortingly. She opened her mouth and began to sing.
It started out as a feeling, which then grew into a hope, which then turned into a quiet thought, which then turned into a quiet word.
Reina shakily spoke. "N-Nii-san?"
The said boy refused to look at her. "Yes?"
"W-Will you h-hold my hand for me?"
And then that word grew louder and louder till it was a battle cry.
"Okay."
Jellal sat on the edge of Lucy's bed, gently reaching for his sister's hand. He laced his fingers with hers, and gripped them firmly. He smiled painfully, "Sleep."
I'll come back when you call me. No need to say goodbye.
Reina sucked in a deep shuddering breath, not wanting to close her eyes. "I-I'll try."
Just because everything's changing doesn't mean it's never been this way before.
"Nii-san?"
"What is it, Reina?"
"Should I tell mother and father that you love them?"
All you can do is try to know who your friends are as you head off to the war.
He paused, his throat clogged. "Please do."
Reina smiled softly. "Alright then."
Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light. You'll come back when it's over.
They descended into silence as Lucy continued singing, tears streaming down her cheeks. She licked her lips.
No need to say goodbye.
"Nii-san?"
You'll come back when it's over. No need to say goodbye.
"Yes, Reina?"
Now we're back to the beginning. It's just the feeling and no one knows yet.
The girl remained quiet, staring up with a small smile on her face.
But just because they can't feel it too doesn't mean that you have to forget.
"Reina?"
Let your memories go stronger and stronger until they're before your eyes.
"Nii-san… I love you."
You'll come back when they call you. No need to say goodbye.
"I… I love you too."
You'll come back when they call you.
Reina gave Jellal's hand one more squeeze and she looked up at him through teary eyelashes. He saw her resolve. She acknowledged death. She accepted her fate. For that, he was proud of her.
No need to say goodbye.
And as the clock in Lucy's hand gave one last thump, the light faded from her eyes and she breathed her last. Jellal reached over to close her eyelids, his tears falling to her face. But it was alright, because she was finally at peace. It was okay, because they knew she was happy.
It was okay, because everything was going to be alright.
"Lucy?"
The said woman diverted her gaze from the horizon and to the bluenette, smiling wryly. "Jellal," she said carefully, her eyebrow arching in question. "What's up?"
"It's time to go."
Lucy blinked, lifting her necklace and looking at the clock. "I didn't realize it was time already."
"Yes, well, time flies by quickly. Let's go already!" the bluenette whined uncharacteristically, grabbing her hand and dragging her off the balcony. "You've been out there for too long."
She passed a hand over her forehead, a small smile briefly appearing on her face. "I was just," she paused, glancing at the distance once more before ducking under the door and into the building, "reminiscing." Her eyes softened.
"When the time is right, I will forgive you. But for now, you will have to wait. What you've done is unforgiveable, but everyone deserves a second chance and I am giving you that."
They neared Jellal's car and she tapped his shoulder. The bluenette turned around to arch a brow at her. "What is it?"
"Can you wait for me?" she asked, smiling. "I have something to do."
Jellal was about to question her but stopped, nodding instead. He leaned on the hood of his car and said, "Go on then. I'll be here."
She stood up on her toes and kissed him. He smiled against her lips and then pushed her back, chuckling. "You know… if you want to do something, then do it already before you lose track of time again."
Lucy pursed her lips. "Fine," she said and laughed before turning around and heading down the street. She took out her phone and dialed a number, holding the gadget close to her ears. After a few rings, the call was answered.
"…Lucy?"
She released the breath she didn't know she held, her hand shaking. "Gray."
There was a long moment of silence on the other side of the phone, but after a while, he spoke. "Do you need something?"
Lucy looked up at the scarlet sky, her other hand playing with her necklace. "Can you meet me at the park?"
"Now?"
She bit her lip. "Now."
"…Okay. I'll be there in five." With that, he hung up. Lucy's phone lingered close to her ear before she sighed and pocketed it, arriving at the said place. She walked towards the swing and sat on it, absentmindedly swinging back and forth.
It has been precisely five years since Reina died, and until now, they were still trying to move on. Jellal, of course, refused to cry after she passed away. He knew she wouldn't like that and it would be cruel of him to make her feel guilty. Lucy, meanwhile, went to the university to study about medicine. She wanted to be a doctor like her mother and save lives along with being the police. It was an odd decision, but Jellal respected it.
At last, they were taking huge steps forward and they've finally decided to let go. Jellal held onto Reina's heart all this time, and it was kept in a trinket box that she had when she was still alive. Lucy knew that until now, the memory of her death still made him sad at times, but it never distracted him. He turned her into his inspiration and motivation, and he dedicated his work to her.
Smiling fondly, she raised her head and saw the man who had once caused a great rift in her life. Her smile didn't falter. "Gray. It's been a while."
"Yeah," he mumbled lowly, seating on the other swing. He breathed heavily, beads of sweat sliding down his face—apparently he ran all the way to the park.
"So… why did you call me out all the way here?"
Lucy clutched her clock for courage and faced him, her smile widening further. "I just wanted you to know that…" she paused, her heartbeat slowing down from her anxiety, "I forgive you."
His eyes widened, and time seemed to stop for the both of them. His breath hitched and he blinked rapidly, disbelief splattered all over his face. "W-What?" he asked, baffled.
Lucy laughed softly and pushed herself forward and back with her feet on the ground. Her eyes twinkled in a newfound happiness.
"I said I forgive you."
"B-But I thought…" he trailed off, suddenly remembering her words from before.
"When the time is right, I will forgive you."
He blinked away the tears that started to form in his eyes and lowered his head, releasing a heavy sigh. "Thank you…"
Lucy looked at him from the corner of her eye and smiled. "You're welcome." She stood up and stretched her arms, clasping her hands behind her. "Well then, I shall take my leave." She stepped forward—
"Wait!"
She turned around, staring at Gray who suddenly jumped and looked away. He bit his lips. "We're still friends… right?"
Her eyes softened and she nodded. "Of course."
He didn't say anything else after that, and she took that as her cue to leave. She walked on the sidewalk silently, a pleased smile on her face. Now that she has forgiven Gray, a heavy weight was lifted off her shoulders and she was just completely happy. Things were going well at last.
She approached Jellal's car and saw him standing with his back to her, scrolling through his phone. She grinned and crept up behind him, jumping on his back. He gasped in shock and scrambled to catch his phone, nearly glaring at her. She laughed. "Did you miss me?"
"I would've said yes if you didn't scare the living daylights out of me," he muttered then sighed, craning his neck to plant a kiss on her lips. "But yes, I missed you, even if it was only for a while."
"Odd little fella, aren't you?" She whispered and dropped to the floor, leaning back on the hood of his car. He held her waist and kissed her passionately, her hands lacing themselves around his neck. She hummed in delight as he traced circles on her hips, and she laughed.
"We'll never get there if we continue this."
He planted one more kiss before detaching himself from her and opening the door. He grinned. "Don't disappoint me later, love."
She rolled her eyes and got in. "Yeah, yeah, whatever, lover boy."
Finally, after tossing around a few more words, he started the engine and began driving. They passed by the park and saw that Gray was still there. He was seated on the swing, and a smile was on his face. Lucy felt her own lips stretch into one and she leaned her cheek on the back of her hand.
"I forgave Gray."
Jellal glanced at her and saw her smile. He chuckled. "That's good then."
"I suppose," she mumbled, watching the scenery outside the window change. She had always wanted to forgive him, but she knew that somewhere in her heart, she still wasn't ready. But she was now, and he was forgiven.
The ride to the Aoyama Cemetery was quiet, since they were going to visit Reina, they had to prepare themselves. Jellal never had it easy whenever they went there, but he always gathered himself. He told her Reina would frown if he sulked around too much and he didn't like it when she frowned.
Sometimes, Lucy would ask him why he didn't keep her ashes instead. He told her it was because he wanted Reina to see the world and see the green land, rather than to be stuck inside his house. He wanted to make great efforts just to visit her. He knew she preferred having a grave than having an altar at his home. And he knew he'd never be able to sleep with her there because he would want to stay up all night just to watch over her urn. It was a touching conversation, and because of it, she loved him even more.
After quite some time, they finally arrived and Lucy was the first to get out. She held a familiar trinket box in her hand and she gave Jellal a sideway glance. She smiled. "Ready?"
He took her free hand. "Of course I am." And they headed in.
The cemetery was filled with people and they were all bringing flowers. Some eyed them, wondering why they were holding a box instead. Lucy disregarded their stares and preceded to Reina's grave, her boots crushing leaves. When they reached it, she crouched and held the tombstone.
"Hey," she whispered. "Been a while, no?"
She heard Jellal start digging with a hand trowel and she smiled. "We're here to give you your heart back."
"Yeah, well, hopefully no one will steal it," the bluenette said, huffing. "I'll honestly beat the crap out of them if they do."
Lucy laughed and grinned widely. "Don't worry. We'll make sure no one will know it's here."
"How can you be so sure? Some of the ashes here have been stolen for ransom, you know," Jellal said, raising a brow.
She shrugged. "I just have a feeling. It won't work anyway. I tinkered with it, remember?" Her eyes glinted with mischief.
He shook his head and chuckled. "What a doctor you are," he said and then gestured for her to come closer. She scooted towards him and he met her eyes. "Do you think this is deep enough?"
Lucy pursed her lips. "A bit more."
He groaned and resumed digging. "Fine," he grumbled. Despite of his tone, there was this light feeling emanating from him and she knew he was merely content.
"This enough?"
She nodded. "Yup."
"Let's bury the box then," he said and took the trinket box from her hands. He stared at it for a long time, and he planted a kiss on the lid before gently placing it in the hole he dug. His eyes saddened for a while before he smiled again. He looked at Lucy. "Help me cover it."
Her heart fluttered. "Okay." And together, they started to push the soil back in the hole. The box was soon covered by all the soil and they patted the surface, their hands on top of each other.
She sighed happily. "I'm glad we did this."
"So am I," he whispered, planting a kiss on her lips. "But there's one more thing I need to do."
She drew back and furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. "What is it?"
He slapped his hands together and got rid of the dirt before fetching something from his pocket. He held a small velvet case in his hand and he opened it, showing a single heart-shaped diamond ring. Her breath hitched.
Her eyes met his, and he couldn't get rid of the stupid lovesick grin off his face. "Marry me?"
And she grinned, kissing him fiercely and leaning her forehead against his.
"Idiot. You didn't have to ask."
THE END
A/N: Omg! After two years, I finally finished this story! Trust me when I say I wanted to write the wedding, but this already seemed so perfect that I couldn't bring myself to write any more. You have no idea how sad I am right now. I'm happy that this is finally off my chest, but seriously, ALL THE FEELS T.T And so, I am here to thank each and every one of you, guest or member of FFN, for reading this odd story. I was listing your names, and honestly, I am so surprised at how many you guys are. I wanted to list all of you, but ended up with those who reviewed.
By the way, please don't think of this as annoying. I wanted to list you all, so please be patient and scroll down. (To those who have read this using their phones)
So, thank you to all those who reviewed: (LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL YOU GUYS!)
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This isn't all of you! I haven't listed those who merely favorited and followed this story, because I fear it would be too long and would take up too much space. But seriously, this many people read a JELU? I am quite impressed. And I am thankful for all your support, for all the love, and for all the moments we've shared throughout this story. If you'd like more JeLu, I have another AWESOME one (believe me when I say this hahaha) and it's called The Devil and The Assassin. Take a look at it on my profile :)
Anyway, thank you guys sooo so much. Words will never be enough to express how thankful I am. I love you all. I love you guys SO SO SO MUCH!
Now then, it is time to leave this story alone, and as a favor, please leave a review and express whatever you've felt while reading this. I beg you, just... lend me a few minutes of your time to type down a review.
P.S The picture of Lucy's ring and the trinket box will be posted on my page.
"There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story." - Frank Herbert
Byee! -Anne :D
- Please support/read my other stories: Celebrity Issues, Forgotten Memories, Fragile, The Devil and the Assassin, Life's Challenges, Queen of Stars, A Love That Lasts Forever and Going Against The Current.