A few hours had passed since Natsu had made his request to the governor. Since then, the rest of the guild had been given permission to come over to the mansion as well. The mansion was bigger than Fairy Tail's (now destroyed) guild hall, so there was plenty of room. Besides, it was only going to be a short-term stay.

It was the middle of the night, and some of them had been sleeping for a few hours. Others couldn't sleep, or didn't want to. Romeo was sleeping in a private room, and was being left undisturbed as usual. Freed and Evergreen were in a room together. Natsu was in a large hall on the first floor. For a little while, he just sat there by himself. Eventually, Lisanna came and joined him, but they didn't say much. Lisanna did wonder what he was thinking about. But she decided to leave it for now. He would talk sooner or later. Some more time passed, and others began wandering in there, and eventually most of the guild was there. For some time, no one talked about the big things. Some people made small talk, or talked about potential strategies for fighting. Finally, Mirajane stood up and addressed everyone.

"Now that we're all here and awake, I think its time we talk about a few things." She said. Everyone stopped what they were doing and listened. "First of all, the governor agreed to Natsu's request. He said that he would do his best to… contact Erza. If it works, then we can speak to her, one last time. Does anyone have any questions or concerns about that?"

Gray raised his hand. "Yes, Gray?" Mirajane said.

"I don't know if it's the best idea to do this." Gray said. "Contact Erza I mean."

Natsu stood up. "What's wrong with that?" Natsu said. "Don't you want to see Erza again? Don't you want to talk to her?"

"Of course I do." Gray said. "But the governor said he probably only has enough power to do this once before we leave. And he might not let us do it again. I think if we're going to speak to anyone, it should be Master Makarov."

"I think we can convince him to let us speak to Makarov another time." Mirajane said.

"No offense, but you don't know that." Gray said. "What if he doesn't? We're about to go into what might be the biggest fight of our lives. We could really use his advice right now."

"I'm sure Erza will have great advice too." Natsu said.

"But she's not the master." Gray said.

"Before we decide, let's hear some other opinions." Mirajane said. "Anyone else?"

Laxus stepped forward. "I don't know if you want my opinion. But personally, I don't know if I want to speak to Makarov right now." Everyone seemed surprised by this.

"Why is that?" Mirajane asked.

"Because… I kind of feel like I let him down. I don't know if I want to face him right now."

"What happened wasn't your fault." Mirajane said. Laxus just shrugged and said, "Yeah."

A few others voiced their opinions too, having mixed feelings. But then Lisanna spoke up. "It's your call Mira. You're the guild master. What do you think?"

Mirajane looked at Lisanna, and nodded. "You're right. I am the guild master. I think… I think we should speak with Erza. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to speak with Master Makarov one last time. And I could use his advice. We all could. But I feel like we need closure with Erza. Her death left a huge wound on this guild that still hasn't healed. That was where this all started. My head is telling me the smart thing to do would be to contact the master. But my heart is telling me that we need to talk to Erza. And somehow, I feel like if we don't do it now, then we might not get another chance."

Several people nodded in agreement. Gray said nothing.

"So if that's settled, then there is one other thing I want us to talk about." Mirajane said. "Governor Till said that he can get us an airship in the next few hours. And then we'll be going. He said he should be able to give us a location by then. We already know its not anywhere in walking distance. He also said that the ship he's giving us can only fit a dozen people, max. So, we're going to have to pick and choose who is going, and who is staying. I know this isn't going to be easy, but we can't bring everyone. Some of you will need to stay here."

"I'm definitely going." Natsu said. "I have to. I started this, so I have to finish it."

"I'm going too." Lisanna quickly added.

"Me three." Happy said.

As they said this, Mirajane remembered what Carla had said back in the sewer. The vision she had of Mirajane herself kneeling on the ground, splattered with blood. She was crying while looking at someone on the ground. A corpse? And then she said, "Lisanna". Mirajane had dismissed it. Just as she had dismissed Carla's earlier dream about the attack on the guild hall as a coincidence. Or at least, that's what Mirajane had said out loud. Inside, she wondered if there was something to it. She had thought about it from time to time since then. She had even dreamt about it. And now, the final battle was approaching, and Lisanna wanted to go. What should she do?

"Lisanna…" Mirajane said. "Maybe you should stay here."

Lisanna looked confused. "What, why?"

"Well, like I said, someone has to stay."

"You don't want me to go?" Lisanna said. "I can't sit this out, after everything that's happened. Especially with Natsu going. We are life bonded after all."

"Well, yeah…" Mirajane said. "But Natsu also has that soul bond with Boudica too. She could sever it if he gets near her. And then you'd both die."

Lisanna paused for a second. She exchanged a look with Natsu. She then turned back to her sister. "And what if we have to kill Boudica? What will happen to Natsu then?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that." Mirajane said. "Boudica has a family. We should try not to kill them. Especially Seraiisa. She's just a kid. And her brother is… not well." Mirajane sighed. "Second, I don't think anything would happen to Natsu anyway."

Levy stepped forward. "The master and I looked into it, along with Porlyusica. From what we've seen, the soul bond should only affect Natsu if Boudica severs it when she's near him. If he isn't anywhere near her, he should be fine no matter what."

"Then Natsu should just stay away from Boudica." Elfman said. "He can always fight someone else. Come on Mira, let Lisanna come if she wants." Mirajane raised her eyebrows.

"Elfman, I would have thought you'd be a little more protective of your baby sister."

Elfman shrugged. "Yeah, well. She's not such a baby now. She came back from the dead. And she has all those scary monster forms. Sometimes she can be almost a scary as you, Mira."

"You really think so?" Lisanna said. Her eyes twinkled a little.

"Why do you seem proud of that?" Lucy said.

"Because its good to be scary." Natsu said. "If you're scary, less people will mess with you."

"Well, there's that." Lisanna said. "I also just thought it was kind of cool."

"Guys, we need to focus." Mirajane said. "We only have a limited time." Mirajane sighed again. "Fine, Lisanna can come. But when we get there, you follow my orders. Understand?" Lisanna nodded in agreement.

"So, that's Natsu, Lisanna, Happy, and me." Mirajane continued. "Who else?" Elfman volunteered as well. Gray and Lucy quickly stepped forward.

"Okay, that's half." Mirajane said.

"Hey, what about Romeo?" Wakaba said. Mirajane lowered her eyes.

"Right. You're right. I have thought about it. We need to do something about that. We can't bring him with us, not just because of his age, but also because he's still dealing with what happened to his father." Mirajane closed her eyes for a moment. "I was going to wait until after we'd chosen the twelve, but I guess I might as well ask now. Does anyone want to stay with Romeo?"

"Not just him." Laxus said. "Freed too. He can't take care of himself either."

"Evergreen is going to stay." Mirajane said.

"Uh, Mira." Elfman said. "I don't think Evergreen should be left alone either."

"You think she'll run?" Mirajane said.

"It's not that." He said. "She's been really depressed lately and… I just don't want to leave her alone."

Mirajane nodded. "Okay. Then it looks like someone will have to stay with her too."

Elfman opened his mouth, but Bickslow spoke up first. "I'll stay with Evergreen." He said.

"You?" Elfman said. "Like hell. You attacked her last time, remember? I won't let you hurt her again."

"Hey, she's still my teammate." Bickslow said.

"Oh yeah?" Elfman said.

"Yeah. I hate what she did, but I wouldn't want anything to happen to her. I'll look out for her."

"I don't think so."

"Elfman, that's enough." Mirajane said. "I don't think Bickslow wants to hurt Evergreen. I know we've had our issues, but I still believe in this guild. We're still a family, despite everything."

Elfman stood there a moment, and then clenched his fists. "I'm sorry Mira, but I just don't trust him."

"Then trust me." She said. "I promise you she'll be safe. And just to be sure, we'll have other people here too, right?"

"Obviously I'm staying." Wakaba said. "Gotta keep an eye on Romeo."

"We'll stay too." Alzack said. Bisca nodded.

"That's good." Mirajane said. "Its also probably good to have a few extra people, in case there are more people in the city working for the Kings, and they decide to attack." Elfman looked unhappy, but nodded.

"Fine." He said. If they're staying, I guess it's okay. Just keep an eye on them."

"Thank you." Mirajane said. "I'd rather have you going with us than staying. Now, let's decide who else is going."

They spent several more minutes talking. In addition to Mirajane, Elfman, Natsu, Lisanna, Happy, Lucy and Gray; Mystogan, Levy, Gajeel, Flare, and Juvia also volunteered to go.

"Well, that's twelve." Mirajane said.

"Hold on, you're not leaving me behind." Laxus said. "That skull head guy killed Makarov. My grandfather. I'm not letting that slide."

"I want to come too." Wendy said.

"We already have twelve." Mirajane said.

"Happy and Carla are so light, they probably shouldn't count." Lucy said.

"What do you mean I don't count?" Happy said. "You're heavy enough for both of us." Lucy kicked at Happy as he flew away.

"That actually is a good point." Mirajane said. "Maybe one more. Laxus is one of our most powerful. We could really use him."

"I won't disappoint." Laxus said.

"What about me and Carla?" Wendy said.

"Wendy is pretty light too." Carla said. "Surely it wouldn't hurt to bring her?"

Mirajane considered. "I'll ask the governor if it would be safe. If it is, then okay. As for you, Cana…"

"I know, I'm staying." Cana said. "That's fine, I'm used to staying behind. I know you'll all kick their asses."

Just then, a door to the room opened. A maid stood in the doorway. "Excuse me." She said. "The governor will see you now. He is waiting for you all in the garden. I'll show you the way."

The group followed her out of the room, and down a hallway. They turned, and she led them to another door. Bigger, and made largely of glass. She opened the door for them, and they stepped into a large, spacious garden. Although it had a roof over it, so it was also a greenhouse. Magic lanterns illuminated the area, allowing them to see all the varied plants, and trees, and flowers. There were tables with exotic looking plants on them, as well as a few benches for seating. Governor Till stood in an open area, the floor made of stone with patches of dirt. He was surrounded by a group of trees arranged in a semicircle. The leaves were blue and purple, and the magical lanterns gave the whole scene a mystical atmosphere. The governor had his back to them, but heard their approach. He turned around to greet them.

"Hello there, Fairy Tail mages." He said casually. "Nice to see you here."

"Hello again, Mr. Till." Mirajane said.

"You know, its kind of funny to think we only just met… not even a day ago. But you've already changed so much." He took a few steps forward. "So, that makes me think that, you know, maybe you really can do this thing."

"Eloquently put." Carla said with a touch of sarcasm.

"So, why are we out here in this place?" Gray said. "Do we need to do the ritual here or something?"

"Not really." Till said. "But I figured you'd want some privacy, and this seemed like a good place for that."

"It sure is pretty." Lucy said. "You must really love plants."

"Nah." Till said, waving his hand. "My ex-wife did. This whole place was her idea. The maids maintained it after she left though. But you're not here to hear about my life, are you? I'll give you what you asked for. The person you want to talk to is named… Erza, right?"

"Erza Scarlet." Natsu said.

"Right." Till said. "To summon someone's spirit, you either need something that belonged to them, something personal. Or someone who remembers that person, and had a close personal connection with them. It seems like we have the latter."

"Definitely." Mirajane said. Till's face turned more serious.

"Listen, you can only do this once, and only for a short time. Maybe just a few minutes. So be sure you know what you want to say, because you're not going to get another chance. This is it. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Natsu said.

"I think we're ready." Lisanna said, holding Natsu's hand.

"I don't know if I'm ready for this." Lucy said. "But I can't say no."

Mirajane turned to face everyone. "If any one of you doesn't feel comfortable and wants to leave, now is your chance. I won't blame you if you do." There was some momentary murmuring, but everyone said they wanted to stay. "Alright then." Mirajane said. She turned back to Till. "I think we're all ready."

Till nodded. "Okay. The ritual will take a little time. Once its done, I'll give you all some privacy. I can't go too far though, so I'll be out in the hall if you need me."

"Understood." Mirajane said.

"Alright." Till said. "Here we go."

Everyone had gathered around, some sitting, and some standing. Those who had been closer to Erza stood closer to where Till was performing the ritual, whereas those who hadn't known her as well were mostly further back, some sitting close to the entrance. Flare had decided to stay out in the hall, since she didn't know Erza and didn't feel comfortable there. Gajeel had decided to stay with her, although Juvia was in the garden. Wakaba had also stayed behind, so he could keep an eye on Romeo (and Evergreen).

Once the preparations were complete, it took about half an hour for Till to perform the ritual. Everyone waited patiently. The first hints of twilight crept into the sky as Till chanted and muttered incantations. Towards the end, a strong wind blew, rustling the leaves and causing the lanterns to sway. A chill could be felt in the air, but no one said anything, perhaps for fear of disrupting the ritual. Finally, Till spoke the last words, and stopped. There was a long pause. A strange, otherworldly sound could be heard, but it wasn't clear where it came from. The governor let out a long sigh. He stood up and turned to the others.

"Its done." He said.

"Where is she?" Natsu said.

"She's… near." He said. "Any minute. I'm sure this is something very personal for you, so I'll leave you alone. Now that the ritual is done, you don't need me here. I'll be out in the hallway if you need me."

"Thank you." Mirajane said. The governor left through the entrance, leaving the Fairy Tail guild alone. After Till left, the chill remained, but the wind died down a little.

"Where is she?" Gray said. "After all this, he better not have been lying."

"She'll be here." Lisanna said. As she said that, the lanterns flickered. A breeze began to swirl around. Leaves and twigs were lifted up, and slowly moved in a circle in the area the governor had sat. The sound could be heard again.

"Erza?" Lucy said. "Are you there?" No one replied, but the wind kept moving. They all watched, waiting for something to happen. A glow began to emanate from the center of where the wind gathered. Surrounded by the lush, night-colored trees, and under the bright moonlight, something began to take shape. It was something without a clear form, and clearly not solid. It started small, and then grew bigger. It began to take form. It took the shape of a human being. Arms, and legs. Long hair. A skirt.

"Erza?" Natsu said. The form still had shape, but no color, no face. And then, the shape of armor appeared. The hair turned a deep crimson. And finally, a familiar face took shape. The glow surrounded the woman, with her eyes closed. It was a familiar image, albeit ghostly.

"Erza?" Natsu repeated, more cautiously this time.

"Erza, is it really you?" Mirajane said. Her tone was even, but there was a hint of fear. Not fear that it was the ghost of their friend, but fear that it wasn't. But then, the eyes began to open, slowly. The spirit stood there before them, eyes open. And then Erza spoke.

Natsu approached cautiously. "Erza?" he said. Erza Scarlet looked at him. She smiled.

"Natsu." Erza said. There was a slight echo to her voice. Her form was translucent, although under a certain light she looked very close to how she did in life.

"Is it really you?" he asked. She nodded.

"Yes, it's me. It's been a long time. I haven't seen you since…"

"The Tower of Heaven." Natsu said in a low voice.

"…Yes." Erza said. As they spoke, Mirajane stepped forward.

"Erza." Mirajane said. "I can't believe its you. I mean, we expected you, but… seeing you here…"

Erza smiled again. "Mirajane, how are you?"

"I'm… honestly, I've been better." She said, with a chuckle. Erza turned and looked at the other mages gathered around.

"Lucy, Gray, Elfman. Everyone. I see a lot of familiar faces here. And a few new ones." She looked at Wendy as she said that.

"Hi." Wendy said.

"Wendy, right?" Erza said. Wendy's eyes widened.

"How did you know?"

"I've been… watching."

"Like, from heaven?" Gray said.

Erza paused, and then shook her head slowly. "No. Not that. Its… hard to explain. I'm not entirely sure where I was. It's hard to remember everything right now. But I am aware of at least some of what's happened since I've been gone."

"We've missed you so much, Erza." Lucy said.

"I missed you too." Erza said. "But its good to see you all again, one last time. And Master Makarov…"

"Erza." Mirajane said. "I'm sorry, but… the master is dead. Maybe you already knew that."

Erza paused a moment. She seemed to reflect as the wind blew around her, and through her. "I remember something about that. An attack on the guild. A battle. The master fought. You say he didn't make it."

"No." Mirajane whispered.

Erza sighed. "Did you choose a new master?" Lisanna stepped forward.

"We chose Mirajane." She said. Erza nodded.

"Good choice. I'm sure you'll make a fine guild master."

"I'll do my best." Mirajane said. She looked down at the ground, appearing more humble than usual. Erza then turned to Lisanna.

"And Lisanna. I know what you've been through. I'm so sorry for everything you've endured."

"I'm still alive." Lisanna said. "I mean, alive again. And I have my friends, and family. And Natsu." Lisanna looked over at him, but Natsu looked down. Erza turned towards him, and walked over. Her footsteps made no sound.

"Natsu." Erza said. "Look at me."

"I can't." he said. "I've wanted to see you for so long, but… I can't."

"Natsu, look at me." She said more sternly. He raised his head and met her gaze. Her face was hard to read. "Natsu, so much has happened over the past year. So much pain and loss."

Natsu's shoulders slumped. "I know. And it's all my fault."

"No. You made some bad choices. You trusted the wrong people. And you didn't trust you friends."

"I know."

"But despite all that, I know you had good intentions. I do wish you hadn't gone through so much trouble for me. But you brought Lisanna back. And I know she loves you."

"Yeah." Natsu said, raising his head. "And I love her." He looked over at Lisanna. "But…" he turned back to Erza. "I still failed you. I failed the guild. And Macao is dead because-"

"Stop." She said. "If you feel guilty, then work to atone for it. Fight for your guild, and your friends. That's the least you can do."

Natsu nodded. "You're right. Of course you are. But… I still miss you. I've felt… lost for so long. Ever since I… since we lost you."

Erza put a hand on his shoulder. She couldn't actually touch him, but she held her hand there all the same. "What happened back then, at the Tower of Heaven. It wasn't your fault. It was mine. My choice."

Natsu opened his mouth, as if he were about to argue. "You know that's true." She continued. "I sacrificed myself. Maybe there was another way. A better way. I don't know. Sometimes I regret my choice. I've seen what's happened since then. My death caused a chain reaction of events that I never could have imagined." For just a moment, Erza's face showed a deep pain. But then she took a step back and raised her voice, now addressing everyone. "But I know you will all persevere, just like you have over the past year. I know it's been hard. And the hardest part might be yet to come. But if you all work together, and believe in each other, then I know you'll all have a bright future. So long as you fight for it."

"But the guild isn't the same without you." Gray said. "It never will be."

"We need you, Erza." Lucy said. She was crying. "There must be some way you can stay. Or we could find a way to talk to you again."

Erza shook her head. "No. I'm sorry, but no. I wish I could stay here with you. All of you. I wish I could fight alongside you. I wish I could laugh with you, cry with you, live with you. But I can't. My time is over. I'm part of the past now." As she said this, her form began to shimmer. "But I want you to fight for that future I talked about. All of you together. I want you all to live, and love, and be happy. That is my wish for all of you." Erza was fading away. The spell was ending.

"Erza, I'll never forget you." Natsu said.

"None of us will." Lucy said.

"Thank you." Erza said. She smiled warmly. "Good luck, Fairy Tail. And… Goodbye." With those last words, Erza faded away before their eyes. The magical energy dissipated, and she was gone. The mages of Fairy Tail stood there in the garden, as the wind blew through the trees.