Here it is. The final chapter of Evangeline. Thanks for following along to this story! I may occasionally put snippets in or do a sequel. NOTE: This chapter is highly cannon divergent, but the same outcome at the end. A bit shorter than usual, but I just wanted to wrap this up finally. Characters may be OOC.

Evangeline stood on the mostly deserted train platform. The station that was usually bustling with activity was dead. Magnolia had been evacuated, as had many more cities holding Fairy Tail's allies. Yuri was asleep in her arms as she said goodbye to her husband, possibly for the last time.

"Take care of yourself. They are powerful, but we have something they don't," Evangeline said. Laxus smirked.

"That is true. We've got our bonds to each other, and that will get us through," Laxus replied. Evangeline smiled sadly.

"Make sure you come back to me, okay?" Laxus nodded to her and held onto her, careful not to squish their son between them.

"I love you," he told her.

"I love you, too."

Evangeline caught the last train out of the city. A few leftover civilians and weaker mages had fled with her. The ride was solemn. She was blind as to what would happen. She couldn't defend herself, much less her son, if she was to be found. She was still mostly powerless, only able to slightly feel emotions and some thoughts if they were quite loud.

She got to her hotel and checked herself in. The hotel was mostly booked from citizens fleeing their homes. Alverez would have no mercy on them if they were caught.

Hours passed while Evangeline held Yuri close to her. He was quiet, as if feeling his mother's fear.

Then Universe One was cast.

Evangeline, who was once huddled on the ground with her son, was now in the fragmented remains of what must have been Magnolia, as well as several other cities combined. She had never felt such immense power in one place before, and she was terrified of it.

"I was wondering when we would get to see you, Lady Evangeline," a voice spoke. This one she recognized.

"God Serena, I was wondering when we would get the chance to meet again," Evangeline spoke, a quiver in her voice. Undoubtably the man was able to feel her lack of power.

"It's unfortunate that you had to lose that demon of yours. It makes killing you a lot less fun. However, now I can take something from you that will hurt you even more. You were always a threat to me. It's a pity you have fallen so far from your glory," Serena smirked. Evangeline's blood ran cold. She clutched Yuri tighter to her chest.

"You will not harm my child," she spit, venom seeping in her words.

"Ah, Goddess, there's nothing you can do about it. I will take from you whatever I can. There can only be one God of Ishgar," Serena said as he approached her.

"It is neither of us," Evangeline said as her tattoo started to glow. "There is only one that rules this continent, and this entire plane of existence. Just because she is no longer with me doesn't mean that I'm alone."

"And she's right," a familiar voice said from behind her. Evangeline froze. "It took me almost a year of siphoning your power, Evangeline, I apologize. However, my sacrifice for you broke the curse. I just needed time to recover to the point where I would be able to save you and our family."

"But the demon is dead," Serena blanked. "The Demon Goddess Lilith is dead."

"No, I'm right here. And I was given the name Aspen by my friend here, and that is what I shall go by. Now, you have dared to not only betray your nation, your family, your friends, but also threatened to harm the one who finally freed me from centuries of torture?" Aspen spoke, her voice thick with hatred. She walked in front of Evangeline, who was finally able to see the Goddess in her true form again.

However, just as Aspen was about to attack, a man beat her to it. His hair was dark, and Aspen glared at the man.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it? Acnologia," Aspen stated.

"That it has, Lilith. I'll leave your precious host for now, as I have more slayers to kill," he said before he took off. Evangeline was still in shock over what had all happened. Aspen came to her and kneeled in front of her.

"Evangeline," she said softly. Evangeline loosened her grip on her son, for which he was quite grateful. The boy turned to face the demon. Evangeline was only holding onto him with her right arm now, and with her left she reached out for her demon. As soon as Aspen took Evangeline in her arms, she finally broke down.

"I'm so sorry," Evangeline sobbed. The demon held onto her while she cried.

"It was the only way, Evangeline. I realized that while I was healing. We were meant to see you, or your husband, die in that vision. I was meant to take your places. That was the only true way to break my curse. I contradicted the curse that was placed on me, proving the curse wrong. Every curse has a key. I was cursed because I didn't know love or sacrifice. I stayed cursed because I never learned. You taught me, Evangeline," Aspen explained. Evangeline was still crying while clinging to her. Baby Yuri started tugging on Aspen's long, black hair.

"And I assume this little one is the one who brought you so much trouble," Aspen said, a delicate smile on her face. Evangeline released her demon and let Aspen take the boy from her. He tucked himself against her body as soon as the demon had him in her arms.

"His name is Yuri," Evangeline sniffled, trying to stop crying.

"He looks like his father. But he has your eyes. Your heart, too," Aspen whispered.

"Why did they believe you didn't understand love or sacrifice? And why go to such lengths to curse you?" Evangeline asked. Aspen sighed.

"When I was sealed, it was a different age. Magic ruled all, and non-magical humans were afraid. Humans in general were afraid. They stood no chance against dragons, demons, and gods. I was cruel. My home realm of Hell was getting boring for me, so I decided to venture out of that plane to Earthland. I wiped out more villages than I can even remember, but I still remember the screams of the people as they died. I never held any remorse for what I was doing.

"Finally, a mage strong enough to hold me still for a moment cursed me. His wife and child were killed by me. His wife died for his child, and then the child still ended up dead. He was not angry, though. He was sad. He was sad I never experienced love for another. Truly, he created the seal, and the Wasting curse was added onto it for me to be forced to be sealed into another. His intention was only ever to teach me, regardless of how awful the method was," Aspen finished.

"And it was Henry Danshaw who sealed you away?" Evangeline questioned. Aspen nodded in confirmation.

"He was a powerful mage when it came to seals. He had a good heart. I can see that now. You remind me of him, actually. While he lived with me sealed inside of him, he never once talked or thought of me poorly. He was killed three years later, and then I was passed between hosts until I was sealed into that artifact," she said. "However, sealing wasn't his only talent."

"What else was he capable of?" Evangeline wondered where this was going.

"He had another child, older than the one I had killed. She possessed his gift for emotional magic. She had two children, one who would go on to become the patriarch of the Hastings, and the other who would be the patriarch of the Reinharts." At this, Evangeline's eyes widened.

"My mother was a Reinhart and my father a Hastings," Evangeline said. Aspen smirked.

" That they were. Both lines drifted away from each other, however, their magic stayed the same. There was one more gift that Henry possessed. That was premonition and illusion. I presume he had sealed some of his magic into me, therefore, when we started getting closer, it seeped out into you. You saw the events; however, he must have altered some. He likely had some of the same visions with different outcomes and needed you to follow a specific course of action for the best. Just like with your parents. They would have died either way that day. Gildarts would not have arrived on time. You got to say goodbye. You awakened a power that you needed to keep yourself and your friends alive. With the island, you had to stand and fight for yourself. You had to use Fairy Law there. Laxus needed to be frozen on that island with you," Aspen explained. Evangeline furrowed her brows.

"My father said that it was passed down in his line. Why wouldn't that be passed down my mother's line as well? They both had the same common ancestor?" Evangeline asked.

"It was still rare, even in your father's bloodline. The Hasting's patriarch married a woman who was from a clan of Seers, so it was likely stronger in his bloodline due to that. You are the first in over a thousand years to have the blood of both Henry's grandchildren, and that combined blood is likely what set you up to be my host. There are no coincidences, my dear. Everything in this world happens for a reason that is preplanned. Everything that has happened was meant to happen." Silence fell over the two while Evangeline processed the information she had learned.

"You said he sealed some of his magic into you, that's why he was able to alter my premonitions. Is there any of it still left?" Evangeline asked after a while. Aspen sat quiet for a moment before shaking her head.

"It's all gone. When I broke the seal and the curse, he was released from me," Aspen said.

"Not all of it, Lilith, or should I say Aspen as that is your chosen name," a deep voice chuckled on the wind.

"It's been a very long time since I have heard your voice," Aspen said. A figure materialized to their side. He reminded her of Mavis. He was there, but not really.

"That it has. I am relieved you were finally able to learn this lesson. I had planned on holding onto you longer, however, the universe had other plans. I'm glad Evangeline was able to finish my mission," Henry stated.

"She is a great contradiction, Henry. Capable of using my dark magic while also using light magic. She's gone through great pain and suffering and has always come back to hope for a greater future then. She taught me what it means to live. As a demon, I had my own family unit. However, we are not immortal. We have extremely long lives, sure, but we can die. I was the last one left of my family. The rest were killed. We did not mourn, nor did we express feelings about one another. We simply existed for a common goal. Most demons are gone now. Those that are left will be old and too far gone to change. Perhaps it is for the best that we may become extinct someday," Aspen sighed.

"Never lose hope. You will be able to teach them in due time. With this, however, my time is up. Evangeline, you have taught a demon how to love. Many thought this was impossible, however, I never agreed. You are strong, my dear. And your parents are so proud of you," Henry said as his form faded away.

Evangeline and Aspen stared at the place the man had been for a moment before Aspen spoke again.

"Evangeline, the final battle is coming. I can feel your friends fighting all around. You are able to access your magic now, but you don't have enough strength to use most of your spells. I need you to get away from here. It's not safe," Aspen hurriedly said.

"But where should I go? The whole country is a mess right now. Nothing is where it is supposed to be," Evangeline asked. Aspen sighed.

"As soon as the mage that cast this is taken out, the magic will be undone. I don't sense any more hostile mages in the area, so I will head to aid our friends. Keep yourself and your son safe, Evangeline. If you get into trouble, I will know. Part of me will always be with you," Aspen said, handing Yuri back to his mother and then putting a hand over the tattoo on Evangeline's arm. Aspen stood and then disappeared. Minutes later, Evangeline was back in the hotel she had previously been in up north.

Laxus was exhausted from the hours of fighting. He had been pushed to his limits and beyond. He had defeated Wall. He'd watched his friends fight valiantly against Alvarez's forces. However, this day was not without great loss. His grandfather died protecting everyone. The war was not yet won, though, so there was no time to mourn.

A powerful magic signature appeared beside him. He felt his stomach feel with dread before he left a hand on his shoulder. He was finally able to bring himself to look around to see that it was Aspen, who was somehow alive.

"Seems like you've been through some shit on this side," Aspen told him while surveying the battlefield.

"How?" Laxus asked, his voice cracking.

"When the land shifted, Evangeline and Yuri ended up here in Magnolia. Unfortunately, she ended up right near Serena," Aspen started. Laxus's breath hitched.

"Hush, let me tell my story. They are fine. He threatened her and your son, and that's where I come in. I was freed from my curse when I sacrificed myself for you both. I'll tell you more later, but I was the one that was drawing her magic power in order to recover my strength for when she would need me. Given the threat, and given that I had collected enough magic, I was able to appear. Part of me will always be with her. I will know if she's in danger. I plan on sticking around regardless, though," Aspen explained. Laxus finally let out his breath.

"You were still with us the whole time?" To this, Aspen smirked.

"Yep, and I got to see you be a fuck up again, buddy. I should beat you for that, but you've made up for it. Regardless, I'm able to hold my own form now. Evangeline and Yuri are safe. You have a battle coming up, Laxus. Acnologia has made an appearance. He was the one that killed Serena," Aspen said, turning her attention to the guild hall. A massive amount of magic power was coming from inside. Aspen disappeared, once more leaving Laxus on his own.

Evangeline felt the magic in the air around her change again. Aspen appeared by her side once more.

"Don't worry, Evangeline," Aspen told her.

"What is going on?" Evangeline asked.

"Time Magic. Acnologia has absorbed the Space Between Time. He will attempt to decimate humanity; however, he is gone for now. He's taken the slayers into the Space Between Time," Aspen explained.

"He's trying to annihilate them all," Evangeline gasped in horror. Aspen put a hand on her shoulder to attempt to calm her.

"The slayers will succeed. Tyrants like Acnologia who consider themselves above all will never succeed. I've learned that. The difference is that he isn't able to. They will win. Have faith in your friends."

After what seemed like hours, the magic that surrounded everyone on Earthland went back to normal. It was over. The slayers had won. Aspen decided to bring Evangeline and Yuri back to the guild hall so the Fairy Tail family would be together again.

Three months later

Reconstruction was ongoing all over Fiore. Crocus was heavily damaged, as were many other cities. Magnolia, surprisingly, was one of the first cities restored. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that it was due to the dedication that Fairy Tail members had towards their family as well as their home. The guild hall had been rebuilt and was more beautiful than ever.

Makarov had miraculously survived, but not without consequence. He was bound to a wheelchair, but you wouldn't know it unless you saw him. He kept his same lively spirit. The day he met Yuri was one that would be one of Evangeline's favorite memories of all time. He had seen the small boy with eyes shining like his mother's. Makarov's eyes filled with tears and Yuri had reached out to his great-grandfather's face. From that moment on, the two had a bond that no one in Fairy Tail had ever seen. Except, perhaps, Makarov and Laxus's bond when Laxus was young.

Evangeline and Laxus also moved Makarov into their Magnolia home with them, not that Makarov complained about it. He had happily joined them on the main floor of their house (which also happened to be the floor they made Yuri's nursery on). Since Yuri was older, he was able to sleep in his own room and everyone was getting much more sleep.

Evangeline stood behind the new guild hall facing the sea. The warm, salty breeze felt good under the hot sun.

"Evangeline," Aspen said from behind her.

"Aspen, I was wondering if you'd come," Evangeline smiled. Aspen rolled her eyes.

"Do you really think I would miss seeing Laxus panic as he takes over as master? I'd almost rather be cursed again," Aspen snorted. Evangeline laughed.

"He'll do fine. He's grown," Evangeline said. Aspen moved to be standing next to Evangeline.

"He's a great man. Not because of who his grandfather is, not because of his power. He's a great man because he has made mistakes and learned from them. He's let himself be vulnerable in front of others. He's learned that the meaning of weakness and that no one in Fairy Tail can ever be weak. Weakness is the denial of love. I've heard for a long time that the reason why humans kept surviving was because love was stronger than anything else. I daresay that love is the strongest magic of all."

Evangeline was quiet after this, letting Aspen's words sink in. She'd come a long way since they'd met and quickly started sharing a body years ago.

"Yo, Aspen, Ev, are you coming inside? The party's been going for a half hour already and Sparky is getting worried. It's sick," Gray called out from the guild hall. Aspen and Evangeline shook their heads before taking one last look at the sea together.

It was a crazy life, but it was theirs. Fairy Tail was theirs. Fairy Tail was for all who were lost and needed a home: demon, human, or Exceed.

And that is that! I was struggling with this chapter for over a year. I finally decided that I was happy with this story. Thank you for joining me for this journey. 3