HELLO READERS,

No matter where you are in the world HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE and after that HAPPY NEW YEARS EVERYONE!

It'll be a short update sorry OTL, just to tie up the loose ends and then move forward to the next part.

This is dedicated to the 60 ish followers and 30 ish followers and my lovely reviewers. Thank you for your continued support!

Disclaimer: I don't own Fairy Tail. Hiro Mashima does.

-how to dream again

Chapter 4: Past, present and future

Meanwhile, Erza, Gray and Happy returned to the guild, bearing letters and hearts weighed down by the guilt of not realising their own teammate's suffering. When they entered the guild hall, an anxious Fairy Tail quickly surrounded them asking what had happened and looking for any trace of blonde hair.

However all their shouts and demands were quickly silenced by the sound of a familiar roar, distant yet striking close to their hearts as they could all hear the pain but also hope of their fire dragonslayer.

Using their silence, Erza shakily held up two letters and explained that one was addressed to Team Natsu and the other to the guild. Handing the one for the guild to the master, they both slowly opened the letters, adding to the suspense and anticipation of everyone.

What happened next, was something no one expected.

A blinding light created by the two letters enveloped the guild, embracing the members warmly. And then the letters burst apart, forming several small paper birds, each one carrying a small amount of Lucy's magic.

Everyone watched wide eyed as the birds flew into the hands of specific people, each one targeting a specific individual, thanks to the magic they carried.

As they landed into their chosen recipient's hands the bird unfolded themselves into small notes with messages written inside. It was so intricate, so detailed, so Lucy that everyone was immediately brought to tears.

[A/N: Cue emotional music: Secret Base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono (10 years after) by Ai Kayano]

With a shaky, armoured hand, Erza read her message before collapsing, no longer able to deal with the grief of losing Lucy who was practically a sister to her. Erza, I love how pretty and strong you are. With love, Lucy.

After Erza's collapse, the members who did not receive a letter watched with sad eyes as the people who had, broke down.

Gray, I love how cool and collected you are. With love, Lucy.

Happy, I love how much you love Charle and fish. With love, Lucy.

Wendy, I love how sweet and kind you are. With love, Lucy.

Charle, I love how much you care about Wendy. Give Happy a chance once in a while. With love, Lucy.

Juvia, I love how determined you are in everything you do. With love, Lucy.

Levy, I love how smart and friendly you are. With love, Lucy.

Gajeel, I love how protective you are over Levy. Don't think I didn't notice ;) With love, Lucy.

Cana, I love how crazy you get over alcohol. With love, Lucy.

Mira, I love how beautiful and motherly you are. With love, Lucy.

However, before the letters' recipients could properly examine and treasure what Lucy had given them, the notes refolded themselves into birds and then gathered in the centre of the guild where they all collided, creating a huge flash of golden light and sparkles.

Suddenly, they heard Lucy's voice.

"Testing…testing…gosh this is more awkward than Virgo asking for punishment…"

A few chuckles broke out amongst the crowd of teary guild members.

"To the rest of Fairy Tail who did not receive a bird simply because there were too many people I loved but too little of my magic, I'd like to say this. I love you all-"

"Especially Natsu!" Loke piped up, interrupting Lucy's message.

"Loke, shut up!"

The pair continued to squabble for some time causing more smiles to break out in the guild.

"Look what you've done, there's practically no more time left!" Lucy cried out in panic.

"I will return. No matter what. Until then though, may the stars guide you….oh right…they can't see me doing the hand sign…Well…this is awkwa—"

And then Lucy's voice ended, and the sparkles faded into the air.

The guild remained in silence for a few moments absorbing her last words before everyone unanimously raised their right hands into the familiar Fairy Tail sign. Even Natsu from afar.

Even if you can't see us, we're watching over you. The thought reverberated through everyone of Fairy Tail.

xXx

"Lucy Heartfilia, will you swear to protect the celestial realm?" The Celestial King rumbled.

"I will."

"Do you promise to use the powers granted to you righteously and only in the name of justice?"

"I do." [A/N: Its really starting to feel a lot like wedding vows lol]

"Then with my authority as Celestial King, I grant you the title of Celestial Knight."

"Thank you. It's an honour."

Loke watched from his position near the Celestial King as Lucy's mouth twitched up in a smile but couldn't help but feel it wasn't her usual Lucy smile.

I knew she wasn't ready yet, he thought, I never should have mentioned it.

xXx

Unknown pov:

"The past is changing the present. What will become of the future?"

xXx

And that'll be it for this chapter .

I haven't planned much out yet but I know the events leading up to Lucy gaining her title and other stuff will happen... Lol. Sorry for being such a slow updater. I feel amazed at the authors who can update so regularly.

Also, is it the left hand or right hand that they raise for the Fairy Tail hand sign? ;-; I'm really not sure…

Anyways, special thanks to:

-lover: Thanks for loving the story :D I was so worried that the story of Anna bit wasn't good enough. *wipes sweat off brow* Thanks for the review :)

Mkben: Should I make it her? Originally I just used her name cause I was still feeling the aftereffects of the hype of the recent FT chapters. If I do use her, it'll divert from whatever Hiro Mashima has planned. Up to you, readers ^^ Thanks for the review :)

Fiery Shorti: Hahaha, I can't give any spoilers as to what will happen to Lucy ;) How strong do you think I should make her? Like Natsu level? Or like beyond Natsu level? Anyway thanks for liking the story and for the awesome review :)

Hgfedo23: No problem at all :) Thank you for your reviews :D

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE STORY SO FAR! Please favourite, follow and review ^^