UPDATING: no new chapters coming on June 26th, sorry ;(

Hey, everyone.

Now that's what I'm talking about! The response to last chapter was amazing, thanks for everyone who left a review. I decided to reply to your comments here this time because I was too lazy to send out individual PM's. Sorry about that.

Mikasa-Chan: Poor Jellal, he's going through a lot. Erza too, I just can't leave them alone.

Guest: The situation with Lyon will drag on for a few chapters, I'm afraid. But I can assure you that he won't actually die, killing expectant parents is a line I'm not willing to cross.

kaat: I knoooow. I wanted the realization scene to be as angsty and dramatic as possible. Glad it seems to have done the trick.

I love writing internal debates too and I don't know why I hadn't done Jellal before, but it fit to well to do it now.

Agreed with everything you said, I believe that just like Gray, Jellal has the "everyone dies because of me" issue and I wanted to explore that here. #TheyWillDefinitelyHealEachOther. I think you're gonna enjoy the Jerza scenes in this chapte and the next.

Also, Yessss someone who ships Midnight x Angel. I was really looking forward to including them here and have a whole plot planned for them. It will be explored in the next few chapters, although they won't get all that many scenes since they're a minor couple.

memoriwanderis: Chapter 11 was definitely emotional and sad. Thanks for pointing out my mistake, I've already fixed it. I completely forgot that miscarriage was a better word than abortion.

NyanMew123: I'm very glad you liked it!

Lieutenant Myst : Sorry, but once again your guess was incorrect. But good point bringing up Gajeel's family, shows that you've payed attention to the inclusion of his father. There'll be more flashbacks to the relationship between Zeref and Ethan Redfox in the following chapters.

So, this is a BIG ONE! Plenty of reveals here, so I suggest that you pay good attention!

Happy reading!

S.O.S-Mamma Mia

Yes, I've been brokenhearted
Blue since the day we parted
Why, why did I ever let you go?
Mamma mia, now I really know
My my, I could never let you go

The year X363...

Acnologia walked along the river, enjoying the cool breeze on that sunny day. He wore a cape that covered him from head to toe, leaving only his dark green eyes to be seen. From beneath it, a pale hand was lifted as he used dragon slayer magic to keep the deer he had hunted trapped on a water sphere.

Water. The word had always brought him joy, because it reminded him of his beloved. She was the reason why he had chosen to learn water dragon slaying magic.

At first he had intended to accept help from the great fire dragon king, Igneel. However, after falling in love with her, he decided to choose water instead.

Luckily enough, it so happened that Igneel's partner, Azure, was a water dragon and willing to teach him dragon slaying magic. So for years he had learned everything from her, while also getting some tips from his now wife.

The thought of her brought a smile to his face; she was perfect. Beautiful, kind, clever and patient. Sometimes he wondered if he even deserved to be with her, but she always reminded him that she wouldn't have chosen anyone else.

They were happy, having been married for over 10 years and with two lovely children. At that point, he wouldn't have wanted his life to be any different, but fate decided that everything should change.

Acnologia never understood why it had happened; even after many centuries wondering if perhaps he deserved it. But then he thought, even if he'd been the worst human ever, did he deserve to have his entire life ruined? Did anyone?

He didn't know how he had missed the signs. He always guessed it must be because he'd been lost in thought, so focused on his beloved that he didn't notice that the water of the river, at some point, had been stained red or that the small cottage that was located a few miles away from his village had been turned to ash.

He only realised that something was wrong when the grass underneath his bare feet started became different. Looking down in confusion, his eyes widened once he realised that it had become red. Blood, he immediately knew.

Once he gathered himself and concentrated, he finally noticed the smell of ashes. Removing the hood and revealing a head of short, spiky pink hair; Acnologia tried to listen for the familiar voices. Nothing. Only silence.

Desperate, he started running in the direction of his village, passing through the ruins of many houses until he finally reached his. For some reason, it wasn't destroyed like the others and the fire that had affected the entire place had somehow just reached it.

He guessed that his wife had managed to create a water barrier in order to protect the house.

The door was wide open, as if someone had just ran out of there. He hoped, prayed that they had ran and escaped, but as soon as he walked in, all hope was lost.

The first thing he noticed was the body by the window, glass scattered around her and some of it piercing her arms and legs. There was so much blood, too much for her to have survived.

Acnologia still prayed though, as he reached her with shaky steps. Dropping to his knees by her side, not caring about the glass, he quickly gathered her in his arms. "Laura." Her name came out in a broken whisper once he checked her pulse. Nothing.

"No. No, no, no. Don't do this to me." He touched her face; it was so cold and pale, and those beautiful dark eyes were closed. "Laura, please." He pleaded, tears streaming down his face. She couldn't be gone.

The house was silent, disturbingly so. He'd give anything to hear her voice again, to hear her laugh. She couldn't be gone.

Unwilling to accept the truth and determined to save her, he stood up and walked around, searching for something. What he didn't expect, though, was to find another body buried under the wardrobe.

"No!" He screamed once again before running, removing the object with full force and taking the small child in his arms. "Natsu, son, it's time to wake up." He pleaded, rocking the little boy while the tears kept falling.

He didn't stop crying that day or in the weeks that followed. While Igneel scolded him for being weak, he knew that the dragon couldn't possibly understand human emotions.

In the centuries to come, Acnologia actually began to envy him as he prayed to be free from these emotions that threatened to destroy his soul.

Many centuries later...

After the devastating war against Tartarus, everyone had decided to reunite somewhere so they could plan out the next steps to defeat Zeref and find the missing Juvia Lockser and Natsu Dragneel.

Itchia from Blue Pegasus was quick to offer their secret hideout, where the allied forces had once gathered when planning on defeating the Oracion Seis.

The members of Fairy Tail, Lamia Scale, Sabertooth and Mermaid Heel agreed to go there since it was rather hidden and away from any towns, so no civilians would have to get hurt in case another battle began.

So everyone was reunited in the huge mansion, which had enough space for most people to sleep in while some camped outside or built a place to stay with their magic.

All of the dead and injured were also brought to the hideout and plans for a joined funeral for those who had sacrificed their lives for the sake of Fiore began.

Unfortunately, the search for Zeref, Juvia and Natsu led them no where; neither Meredy's sensory link nor Warren't telepathy managed to reach either missing person and not even Master Mavis managed to find them.

With midnight on September 22nd having passed; Gray, Gajeel, Rogue and all that cared for the bluenette were deeply worried; knowing that when they did find her, she wouldn't be the same.

After all, everything indicated to the fact that Zeref had managed to carry out his ultimate plan of transforming her into E.N.D, the most powerful demon of his books.

The thought of her becoming evil brought sorrow and disbelief to many, but they had to remind themselves that it wasn't certain. So they held onto that hope while trying to heal their wounds.

September 23rd, X791... 2 PM

It was around lunch time, so everyone was gathered in the huge saloon. The loud sound of chatting and eating could be heard as the black haired man walked away from it, closing a door behind him as it led him to an empty hallway.

Rogue had just been about to enjoy his meal when Rufus asked where Sting and Yukino were, reminding him that the two should join them. He had offered to look for the couple, being sure of what must be going on.

His suspicions were confirmed when his perfect hearing caught the two voices of his best friends and he smiled.

"Yukino, I wanted to say..." Sting tried, but was interrupted.

"I think I know." There was silence. "You do?"

"I wasn't sure, which is why I never told you how I felt. But after what happened yesterday, I saw the way you reacted and I think you feeel the same way."

"I do; I'm sorry I waited so long, but I...I was scared you wouldn't want to be with me." By then, Rogue could spot them through the window; they were standing by the cliff.

"Why?" Yukino looked confused.

"After what I did...The games..." She understood.

"You still blame yourself, don't you?" He looked away.

"I shouldn't have let master do that to you." She shook her head before sighing.

"It's in the past, Sting. I've moved on from it; I've forgiven you and Rogue a long time ago." Hearing that, a smile appeared on the latter's face.

"I know, but there's also yesterday." Sting's pained eyes stared at her. "You got hurt because of me, you almost died. I don't know if I can get over that."

"You can, you just have to let me help you." Then she was bringing a soft hand to his cheek. "We can heal our wounds together."

"I don't know if I deserve to be with you." He wanted to; he loved her after all. But after almost losing her, doubt had filled his mind.

"Of course you do." Yukino immediately said. "You've changed so much, just as you promised. You deserve to be happy."

"You make me happy." He cursed himself for being so cheesy; that so wasn't how he planned to confess.

From afar, Rogue smiled even more. "I'm glad to hear that." Her hand was frozen on his cheek as they stared at each other for a few moments, lost in thought.

"I love you." Both said at the same time and their eyes widened before they burst into laughter.

"Look at that, perfect synchrony." Sting said while snaking his arms around her waist and bringing her closer.

"I could get used to this." Yukino replied before they leant in for a long awaited kiss while Rogue watched with a smile; happy that things were finally right between the two of them.

In the chapel close to the hideout... 5 PM

The chapel had been built during the seven years after the defeat of the Oracion Seis. Blue Pegasus had decided to use the hideout more often after this battle, so as to honor the man who had created their guild 200 years before.

Much like Mavis Vermillion, his grave was placed inside the chapel, hidden by a protective spell that only allowed someone with the guild's mark to find it.

After the war against Tartarus, the allied guilds decided to use the chapel to keep all of their lost friends before a proper funeral could be arranged. They hoped being in such a sacred place would provide the deceased with some peace and it was also a way for the living not to be forced to see their dead loved ones everytime they entered the hideout.

The chapel was located less than a mile away, but it seemed like a hundred meters for the man who walked the hidden path along the forest towards it. His steps were quick yet silent and if a stranger saw him, they would assume he was lost in thought.

Most people knew, however, that he was actually listening to everything around him; using his incredibly enhanced hearing.

The clothes he wore were simple; a black pair of pants and an open vest that revealed the large bandage on his chest. Cobra had been advised not to move for a couple days, but as it always happened with wizards, chose to ignore it.

He was a powerful mage, a dragon slayer, and sitting around wasn't his thing.

Besides, there was someone he needed to find; someone whom he could hear even when he'd been far away. Her voice was unmistakable and unforgettable, but the sound of her crying was something he had wished never to hear. Yet it was so loud and heartbreaking; he imagined what could have someone so kind and cheerful sobbing so hard.

Knowing she was at the chapel, he could only imagine what had her so upset and it killed him. The last thing he had wanted was for her to be hurt, but he couldn't protect everyone she loved.

Standing in front of the chapel, he hesitated; wondering if she'd want to see him. Another loud sob led to his decision not to dwell on it. After all, making sure she was okay was his priority; so he slowly pushed the door and entered.

The sight that met him was nothing short of chilling; all those lifeless bodies joined together, each on a different table-some made by ice, he noticed; probably the work of Gray Fullbuster.

Close to the altar, where Fairy Tail members were gathered, the lone figure of the woman he seeked sat. She held onto a body, a young girl with lilac hair and fair skin. Her sobs were louder once he entered the church and Cobra stared at the scene in sadness.

"Hey." She lifted her head, staring at him in surprise.

"Erik? Why are you here?" Then understanding crossed her face and she glanced towards another body, of one of his best friends, Racer.

"I had to see you." He replied, catching her by surprise.

"What?" He took a few steps in her direction.

"I could hear you crying and I couldn't take it anymore." Guilt filled her face as she sniffled. "I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize for being sad; I understand." Cobra quickly reassured.

"After what happened, I think everyone's feeling sad." Kinana told him while caressing her friend's hair. He frowned; trying to recall the unfamiliar face. "Who's that?"

"Laki. She is..." She paused, swallowing. "Was my best friend."

"I'm so sorry." He was right in front of her by then and didn't hesitate to sit by her side. Unsure how to comfort her, he chose to wrap an arm around her shoulder, bringing her to lay her head on his own.

For a few moments, they were silent except for the sound of her sobs, until she removed her head.

After pushing Laki's body away, she turned to him with a grateful smile. "You're being so kind to me. Thank you."

"I should be the one thanking you." He quickly told her. "Without you, these past few years would've been way more depressing."

"I feel the same." Kinana replied sincerely.

"The thought that I might still be lost in darkness..." He paused as a dark look came upon his eyes. "I can't thank you enough for bringing me into the light."

"I think you would've found your way either way." He shook his head.

"No. Not without you." Cobra took her hand in his, squeezing it tight. "You mean everything." The confession surprised both.

"Do you mean it?" Hopeful blue eyes stared at him in surprise.

"Yeah." He blushed, looking away.

"I feel the same." Even if he'd known it, his heart was filled with happiness.

"Good." Cobra looked back at her, smiling sincerely. "Because I want you to count on me. Even though I'm still new at this 'being a good guy' thing, I'm a quick learner." She laughed before wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I will." His own arms immediately snaked around her waist and he brought her closer for a desperate kiss full of hope and, although they weren't ready to say it yet, love.

In one of Crime Sorciére's make-shift tents… 8PM

Jellal and his allies had chosen to stay outside, not wanting to push on the other guild's incredible hospitality. In all honestly, none of them had been expecting to be so well received by Blue Pegasus, Lamia Scale and, specially, Mermaid Heel. However, after many Fairy Tail Members made clear that Crime Sorciére was not the enemy and even Sabertooth's Yukino, Sting and Rogue and Lamia Scale's Jura and Sherry defended them; it was settled. They would stay.

So Midnight had built two tents with his illusive magic and the group of 6 had settled there. They talked a bit the night before, but stayed clear from the subject of Racer's death, Jellal's clear struggle, Cobra's reunion with Kinana or Midnight and Angel's clear tension. Their conversation was focused solely on Zeref and how to defeat him.

It's how it had been for the past few weeks and the former members of Oracion Seis liked it that way.

Early in the morning, the group had decided to go back to their mission, so Angel and Cobra had gone searching for Dorenbolt, who had yet to contact them after disposing of Tempester; Midnight disappeared somewhere and Richard had stayed in charge of the king's protection-the latter's army had arrived right at the end of the war, when everyone had reunited. After making sure that Princess Hisui was alive, they had disappeared, most likely back to Crocus.

The last member of Crime Sorciére, Jellal Fernandes, was alone in the tent. Unlike the others, he had no wish to do anything; still too broken about Milliana's death. The night before had been plagued by memories of that and Simon's murder, so he hadn't slept a wink.

For hours he had stood by the tent's built-up window; exhausted, frustrated and self-hating. Guilt and regret had only increased over the past 20 hours and he was close to completely losing it. Too close.

His mind had just began replaying his worst sin once again when there was a voice. Soft, calming and yet broken, shaky.

"Jellal?" He ignored her, but she was persistent.

"You've been avoiding me." Erza accused, entering the tent and closing the zipper behind her. She had made sure to soundproof it so not even the dragon slayers could hear their conversation. It wasn't anyone's business, after all.

"I'm sorry." Jellal whispered for what felt like the millionth time.

"I know you're still blaming yourself, but have you considered how I'm feeling?" Of course he had. The memory of the heartbroken look on her face when Milliana had closed her eyes would never leave him.

"Of course I have." He turned to look at her. "But I can't do this."

"So you'll just push me away right when I need you most?" Erza couldn't deny; she was angry. After believing that he was dead, the last thing she needed was for him to disappear on her. Yet he'd been avoiding her all day.

"Don't say that. You shouldn't need me when all I do is bring you pain." She sighed.

"We've talked about this so many times. I thought we had moved past it." There were tears brimming in his eyes.

"That was before. Before she…before I killed her." Erza shook her head.

"That's not true." She knew he wouldn't listen. He was drowning in guilt and sorrow; stubborn as always.

"It is. Just like Simon, I caused Milliana's death. It's another constant reminder of why I don't deserve to be happy, to be with you." She sighed, knowing he wouldn't change his mind so soon.

Erza knew he needed space and time, but she needed him.

"There are also things I can't forget. Being tortured by Kyoka, screaming your name after she told me you were dead. Having all of my senses stripped until I was begging for death." She approached him.

"I'm sorry." He'd repeated it so many times that he wondered if the words still meant anything.

"I need you." She stood in front of him now. "And I know that you need me too, so can we just forget about everything even if for only a few moments?"

"I can't forget." He shook his head; the tears were falling freely now.

"We can." A hand reached for his cheek and she wiped them while the other grabbed the back of his head. "You just need to let go." Knowing he wouldn't, Erza made the first move.

Bringing his face closer, she kissed him passionately and it wasn't long before he replied, sighing.

His arms wrapped around her waist, reluctantly, and they were both crying; two broken, damaged souls.

"Mom?" Juvia Lockser stared at the woman in shock; her face was unmistakable.

"I missed you, baby." Juliet Heartfilia replied; she looked the same as before she died and even wore the usual light blue dress.

"So have I." A man spoke, Daniel Lockser. He was just as handsome as in life; with his curly brown hair and familiar big blue eyes.

Both parental figures were enveloped in a bright glow; the only sign that they were no longer alive.

"You're as beautiful as I knew you'd become." Juliet told her daughter, who struggled with tears.

"I thought I'd never see you again." Juvia sniffled, but then it clicked. "But if I am… Oh no. Did I…" She couldn't finish the sentence, the mere thought of being dead brought despair unlike anything she'd felt before.

"No, sweetheart." Daniel shook his head.

"You're very much alive." Another figure appeared; this one had long blonde hair and the same brown eyes as her sister.

"You're Lucy's mother." Juvia instantly realized.

"Yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Juvia." Layla gave her a gentle smile.

"I don't understand. How…" Juliet shook her head.

"That's not important, honey. But we don't have much time." Her stare was firm and determined.

"Time for what?" The young girl asked.

"The reason we contacted you is because we needed to warn you that it's not over yet." Juliet said and before the former could ask why they hadn't done so before, Daniel spoke.

"We could only contact someone who's close to death." Seeing Juvia's eyes eyes widen, he quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, you're not going to die. You're just in the place in between for now, but you'll be back to your friends soon enough."

"Speaking of which, can you send Lucy a message for me?" Layla pleaded and the young girl nodded, still frozen in shock. "Tell her that I love her very much and I'm sorry I kept all the secrets."

"That goes for both of us, I suppose." Juliet said.

"You're getting distracted." A new voice spoke and the most unexpected person showed up.

"You're Ur!" Juvia realized, remembering when they'd spoken a few weeks before.

"It's nice to see you again too." Ur Milkovitch sported a soft smile.

"Are you here for Gray?" Juliet asked and she shook her head.

"No, I'm not so worried about him. He will be fine. But Lyon…" Seeing worry cross her face, the young girl frowned. "What happened to him?"

"He was poisoned by a demon." Daniel was the one who answered, surprising her.

"We've always been watching over you, so we know all that's going on with your friends too." Her mother said.

"In any case, we must warn you about Acnologia." Layla spoke once again.

"Acnologia?" Juvia frowned while trying to remember the name.

"The black dragon, Zeref's enemy. He's got plans for you, big plans." Ur looked like she wanted to say more, but suddenly the brightness around the adults began to fade.

"Already?" Daniel wondered, frowning.

"No, we need to tell her." Layla panicked.

"Juvia, listen to me. Acnologia…" Juliet tried, but something prevented her from saying more.

"Damn it! She won't allow us to say it." Ur yelled, frustrated.

"I'm sorry we have to go now, sweetheart." The former told her daughter.

"But…" Juvia protested, but they shook her heads; they had almost disappeared by now.

"You can save Lyon, you just have to use the spell you learned after Gray's death." Juvia nodded, remembering it.

"We love you so much, sweetheart." Juliet and Daniel said at the same time just before fading away.

"Please, watch over Lucy for me." Layla pleaded and the young girl nodded.

"I will." Ur was the last to go and she cast a worried look towards the bluenette. "Keep taking care of Gray like you promised. He needs you."

Juvia awoke with a jump, breathing heavily. Taking a few moments to calm down, she looked around the cottage; surprised that Zeref was apparently gone.

"Again?" She shook her head before glancing down and that's when she noticed the lilac dress. "What the…" Now this was creepy.

"What's his problem, seriously?" It was all so confusing. Why had he taken her there, then dumped her for hours? Why had he disappeared once again? More importantly, why hadn't he transformed her into E.N.D. like planned?

"It doesn't make sense." Thinking back to all the memories she'd recovered, everything pointed to Zeref's ultimate plan being E.N.D, yet she was still the same. No lack of humanity, desire to kill and serve him. No darkness.

"Well, there's no point in wasting time wondering about it. I need to find everyone, and fast." She recalled how Gray and Gajeel had been with her when she had been kidnapped and were probably worried.

Juvia was relieved to realize that the anti-magic cuffs were gone, but apparently so was her magic. She couldn't feel it, which was concerning. "It can't just be gone." She denied it while closing her eyes, searching.

After a few minutes of doing so, she was frightened to feel nothing. "No." Looking at her hands, she tried to conjure a small bubble, but it didn't work.

The urge to sit down and cry her eyes out was overwhelming, but the reminder that her friends really needed her pushed the water mage to walk towards the door. She hesitated, remembering all the times she'd been zapped back, before trying.

Much to her relief, she was able to step outside. It was already night, which meant she had been missing for at least a few hours. Speeding up, Juvia began walking towards the forest by the cottage.

Miraculously enough, there was a path and, without magic, she had no choice but to follow and hope that it would lead her to a town.

Minutes passed, then an hour, then two. She was just getting to the brink of exhaustion when she spotted a village below the forest.

Getting there wasn't so easy, but she managed to arrive without too many scratches.

Upon walking around, Juvia came to a disturbing realization: she knew this village. She'd been there only a few hours before; when Zeref had kidnapped her.

The sight of the bodies scattered on the street and the houses torn down was just as disturbing as the first time. Her heart constricted with fear that she might encounter Gray and Gajeel's lifeless forms along the citizens.

She quickly pushed it away, though, trying to focus on finding any survivors. After all, she couldn't just leave the town; even if her magic might be gone, she was still a Fairy Tail member.

She called out for anyone who might still be there, but no responses came. She had just been about to turn around and walk away when there was the unmistakable sound of a child crying.

"Hello?" She looked around, but there was no one. "Is someone there?"

No response. Sighing, Juvia decided to follow the sound and it soon led her to a house made of…Ice?

Her eyes widened. "How?" Starting to run, she quickly entered it and spotted two people lying on the cold floor. One was a woman, seeming to be in her early 30's. Her hair was short and dark, like Ur's, and her eyes were closed. It wasn't hard to notice the large gash on her chest; her pink sleeveless t-shirt did a terrible job at concealing it.

The little boy lying by her side, the source of crying, looked so much like Gray that Juvia's heart stopped.

For a few moments, she just stood there, staring at them in shock. But then the little boy moved and his black eyes found hers.

"Hello." The brunette took slow, hesitant steps towards them. "Don't worry, I've come to help you." The boy sat up, staring at her with suspicion.

"Are you a wizard?" She nodded.

"I'm with Fairy Tail." His eyes widened in recognition. "My name is Juvia, what is yours?" She knelt down in front of him and the woman stirred, opening her eyes a bit.

"Henry?" The boy turned to her.

"It's okay, mamma. The nice lady came to help us." Juvia nodded, sitting down.

"Yes. My magic is low right now, but as soon as it's back I'll use it to take you somewhere safe, okay?" The woman glanced at her, sleepily, before nodding.

"Okay." Then she groaned in pain and the bluenette rushed to her side, helping her sit up. Upon inspecting the wound, she realized that it was even more severe than she had anticipated. Fear rose as Juvia wondered what would happen if her magic didn't return.

The last thing she needed was to have another death on her shoulders, but sometimes fate just can't be stopped.

Acnologia watched through a mirror as Juvia attempted to help Sabine.

He had long since left the cottage, choosing to hide in the place that used to be his home. The small village that had been destroyed by dragons 400 years ago now stood tall, blooming, known as the town of Marguerite.

It was close to Magnolia, less than an hour by train; and in it resided one of Fiore's top guilds: Lamia Scale.

The dark mage hid on an abandoned house on the south; protective spells keeping any visitors away.

Only one person knew where he was and she stood a few feet behind him. Her dress was once again almost entirely black and her colorful eyes fixed Acnologia curiously.

"You still haven't said why you summoned me." He turned around.

"I'm surprised you actually came; I thought gods didn't bother answering to a human's call." This had her laughing bitterly.

"I know better than to refuse a call from you, Alaric. Besides, you haven't been fully human in a long time."

"That's thanks to you. That link you did between me and Zeref has forced me to stay in dragon form for too long. I'm sick of it!" Ankhseram sighed.

"I know, but you need to be patient." She uncrossed her arms before approaching him. "The day of Zeref's defeat will come soon, and then the link will be undone."

"I'll never understand why you chose to spare me. I thought you wanted to get rid of both of us." Acnologia wondered.

"I did, but over the centuries I've realized that killing you both would only serve to prevent Natsu from ever having the family he deserves." The mention of his youngest son had him avoiding her eyes; a sad, nostalgic look coming upon her face. "And while Zeref is a better option since he actually cares, I can't allow him to destroy this world. That is why I'm choosing you."

"For someone who vows not to interfere with human matters, you certainly like to do so." He commented and she shrugged. "There are times when it's impossible not to get involved."

"Speaking of which, there's another human's fate that could be changed." She stared at him in curiosity before her eyes fell upon the mirror.

"Is it Juvia Lockser?" Much to her surprise, Acnologia shook his head. "No, look at the woman." Ankhseram analyzed Sabine for a few moments. "What about her?"

"She'll make the perfect sacrifice." He replied.

"Sacrifice for what?" The goddess asked and he smirked.

"You know very well what I mean. Don't forget that over the centuries I've managed to gain the ability to see the Underworld, so I know that you've kept her there." Her eyes widened in surprise.

"At first I thought that you couldn't decide where to send her, but now I believe that the reason you've kept her stuck in a limbo is because you intend to bring her back to life."

"Very perceptive." Ankhseram nodded. "I didn't expect you to figure it out."

"So you do intend to bring her back." Acnologia realized.

"Yes and I thank you for showing me how to do it." She waked past him, looking at the mirror. "This woman will definetely die, and soon. The balance will be kept."

"Great." He glanced towards the coffin on the corner of the house, where Laura Dragneel's lifeless body lay. "You can go now, I wish to be alone with Laura."

"I assumed so." Ankhseram nodded just before a small vial appeared in her hands.

"What is that?" Acnologia stared at it curiously.

"The instrument of Zeref's undoing." She replied before extending her hands. "You'll use it when the time is right."

"Why me? And what am I even supposed to do with that?" The goddess approached him, pushing the vial onto his hands before whispering her instructions in his ear. His eyed widened once she was done.

"That's insane! Will it even work?" Could this vial be the key to breaking his and Zeref's curse?

"Yes. But only in this case." With that said, Ankhseram turned around and walked away before fading into the distance; leaving behind a very stunned Alaric Dragneel.

So, thoughts?

Firsty, about the ships, what did you think of Jerza Angst, Kinabra sweetness and Stingyu finally getting together? Here's a hint: there are sexy scenes coming in chapter 13 ;)

On another topic, Juvia is FINALLY back! If anyone's still confused how, I explained it at the beginning of chapter 11.

Anyways, did you like the scene with all the dead? What about the meeting with Henry? For those who don't know who he is, just read the last chapter of the prequel to this story, Connections. It's explained there.

Lastly and most importantly, the Acnologia reveal! Did no one really guess that he was in fact Zeref and Natsu's father? I left so many clues, such as him kidnapping Laura Dragneel's body and Zeref saying his dad was a dragon slayer in chapter 11.

Oh, well. You can't always expect the readers to pick up on every single detail. But I hope you pick up on all the clues I left during the conversation with Ankhseram.

Next chapter: Losing Hope.

Summary: Juvia travels back to Magnolia, where she expects to find her friends in the middle of war against Tartarus, but instead discovers the ruins where her home used to be. Meanwhile, Meredy urges Silver to tell Gray the truth about Ur; Elfman and Evergreen struggle with another unexpected death and Gildarts returns, asking about Cana. In flashbacks, Zeref meets Aisha Marvel, who might have all the answers he's been seeking.

NEW CHALLENGE! Can anyone guess who Ankhseram plans on bringing back to life? If you succeed, I'll send your sneak peek of a Zeref x Ethan Redfox flashback that has all the answers.

I am so sorry for those who were expecting a new chapter coming next Tuesday. I wanted to write Demons, but then I got a brilliant idea for a Gruvia and NaLu short-story and I just started writing. So I'm afraid there's no way I'll be abe to write chapter 13 by then.

I don't know when the update is coming, there is so much that I want to write. I still need to focus on Unforgivable, which is getting a better response than this one, so I'm prioritizing it for now.

Again, I'm sorry. I can't tell you when the next chapter will be posted, but a few comments would help push me to write it soon.

I'll leave you all with a preview of chapter 5 of Unforgivable (which will be posted on June 26th as planned) and the first summary of the NaLu and Gruvia story in hopes that kinda makes up for my lack of update.

Unforgivable: (HUGE SPOILERS AHEAD)

"They're here." Gray, Natsu, Lucy, Levy, Gajeel and Wendy were confused.

"Who's here?" The latter curiously asked.

"No time to explain. Get them out of here!" Juvia pleaded, staring pointedly at her brother.

"I'm not leaving you to fight them alone, you know that." He replied firmly.

"We don't have time to argue, Jellal." Ultear told him.

"Seriously, who's here?" Gray asked. They could all sense a strange presence, but it was faint.

"Damn it!" Juvia screamed, frustrated, before reaching for the ever present heart-shaped necklace. She was just about to take it off when the realization sinked in. "There's only one."

"Why would they send only one?" Meredy asked, confused.

"Only one what?" Lucy asked from behind Natsu, who had placed himself in front of her protectively the minute he heard there was someone else there.

"Are you sure there aren't more, Juvia?" Ultear asked the bluenette, completely ignoring the question.

"Yes, I can sense it." Her hands fell; there was no need to use it if there was only one. But still, as she wondered which one was there, her face paled. No. Anyone but her.

"Don't worry, I come in peace." The voice was unfamiliar to most; only Gray and Juvia recognized it.

"Silver?"

Summary: What if the future had been even more tragic? On the 4th night of the Games, Juvia (not Lucy) shows up while they're wondering what to do. Even more surprising, she's pregnant and the question of who the father is leads to the most unexpected answer: "It's Natsu." Of course, it's not as simple as that. Love never is. (NaLu, Gruvia)

Have a great weekend, everyone!