FATE
Summary: Fate brought them together and Fate gave them happiness. But Fate just had to be cruel and take the girl away, seperating them. Still, the girl comes back. How will she survive against the game of Fate?
Main Pairing: StiCy or LucyxOC
Rating: T for SafeT and Character Death
Genre: Romance, Drama, Hurt/Comfort, Humor
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT HIRO MASHIMA! Therefore I don't own Fairy Tail.

I'm back~! Here is chapter 4 of Fate! Although I'm sooo late... (it rhymed!) I was planning to post this last Monday, but I had guitar lessons :( . I hope this chapter will make up for my lost time and I WISH I would be able to post chapters faster T_T!

Ugh. I don't really like this chapter... I had a hard time writing this, my brain just wouldn't work... *frustrated sigh*

To avoid me becoming so talkative, I'll go straight to the point: READ ON! (Remember: English is just my second language.)

Chapter 4: Resurrection
"I choose to go back, to Fairy Tail, to my Nakama... and to Sting."

Lucy POV

Ugh... What's with the sudden bright light...? I groggily opened my eyes, sat up, and scanned my surroundings. Where... am I?

I was on a small hill, in the middle of a lush green meadow, surrounded by colorful wild flowers that gave off a sweet fragrance. Somewhere a little far off was a small river with crystal clear waters winding its way through the field. The sky was clear and blue, and the sun shone just right. Is this... Heaven? I stood up and eyed my surroundings with awe. What I was seeing was a truly magnificent sight. I could see a gigantic castle far in the distance, laden with presumably gold, diamond, and precious stones. "How beautiful..." I muttered.

"Isn't it?" said a kind and gentle voice. I turned around to the source of the voice, and my eyes widened.

"M-Mama? Mama!"

Mama smiled and spread her arms wide. "Mama! I missed you! So much!" I ran towards her and gave her a crushing hug, not bothering to wipe the tears threatening to fall. "Now, now, Lucy, don't cry. I missed you too, sooo much." She brought her hands up and wiped the tears off my cheeks. She tilted my chin up to face her and she smiled at me. "Now, turn around." I did as she told and, once again, my eyes widened.

"Good to see you again, Lucy."

"P-Papa...?"

He smiled and walked slowly towards me. Then he tenderly wrapped his arms around me, enveloping me in his warm embrace. Unconsciously, tears ran down my cheeks. "Papa, I... I'm sorry, I... I was a bad daughter..." The words came out broken because of my muffled sobs.

"Hush, Lucy. It's okay," he comforted. "Now that I have seen you again, safe and sound, I couldn't ask for more." With that, he loosened his embrace and held me in arms-length. He brushed his thumb across my cheeks, wiping my tears, and smiled - a sight that I have missed seeing all these years. I muttered a 'thank-you' and the both of us turned around and walked to Mama. We walked, hand-in-hand, down the hill and across the flower fields, with no destination in mind.

"You did a splendid job, Lucy. I'm proud," Mama started, as we sat on the side of another hill, overlooking the crystal clear river.

I looked up at her from the flower crown I was crafting. "What do you mean, Mama?" Her expression softened, and she averted his gaze from me to the vast open field in front of us.

"You did a good job destroying the Soul of Dread to save your friends. You made such wonderful friends, too." At her words, my happy mood dropped. Bits of the incident started filling my mind, and I couldn't help but feel sadness and regret; not to mention the feeling of longing to meet my friends, because I wasn't able to see their faces before I died. Apparently, Mama and Papa noticed my sullen expression and they each put a hand on both of my shoulders.

"What's wrong, Lucy?" Papa asked. I smiled a sad smile. "I-It's just that... I wasn't able to see their faces one last time. And I didn't give them a proper goodbye before I left... A-at least, that's how I feel," I replied. I saw them glance at each other knowingly, like they were having a silent conversation.

Slowly, they stood up. Papa held a hand in front of me, motioning me to get up. "Come, we'll show you something," he invited. Curiously, I accepted his invitation and he helped me up. He held my right hand tight, while Mama took the other.

We walked silently past the fields and through a small forest. Luckily, there were no sharp vines and thorny thickets, but only clear pathways and tall trees. After quite some time, I found myself in a vast clearing. The place looked beautiful. No, scratch that. It was heavenly, pun intended.

There was a large lake in the middle of the clearing, and like any other body of water here, the water was crystal clear. Surrounding the lake were a large variety of beautiful flowers - roses of red, white, and gold, yellow and orange marigold, daisies, lilies... pretty much all the kinds of flowers that grow on Earthland.

But what was really breathtaking was the perfectly still crystal waters that reflected the skies like a mirror. I could practically see the lake sparkling!

Behind me, I heard Mama and Papa giggle. Then a thought crossed my mind and I turned to face them. "What was it you wanted to show me?" I curiously asked, feeling that all traces of depression and tension that surrounded us a while ago has disappeared. They smiled and led me to the lake.

"This is the Lake of Memories, or otherwise known as God's Mirror, because it lets us see what's currently going on with our loved ones, as well as glimpse some of our past precious memories," Mama explained. I looked at her curiously. And what does that have to do with me here? Not that I don't like it, but...

Then Papa spoke up. "We occasionally came here to see how you were doing in Earthland, and we," he paused for a bit, glancing at me while I raised my eyebrows in confusion. "...happened to see that Soul of Dread incident through this," he stated carefully. Realization dawned on me, and I instantly knew why they brought me here.

"You said you weren't able to see your friends, so we decided to bring you here," Layla followed. She looked at me kindly before continuing. "But, the thing is, we don't know if what you will see will be for your liking..." she trailed off at the end. I glanced nervously between her and Papa. A part of me wants to try it out and the other part was hesitating, scared of what I might see.

I gulped, and slowly turned towards the Lake, carefully walking nearer to it. I stopped halfway, and turned around to my parents again. Both of them smiled at me and nodded, Mama adding, "Go when you're ready."

Once again, I gulped and turned to the Lake, which was now in front of me. "W-what do I d-do now?" I stammered. I heard them walk towards me, and they put a hand on my shoulders. "What do you want to see?" they asked. I thought for a moment and asked back, "How much time has passed since I died?"

"3 days."

"Then... From the day they returned to Fairy Tail without me..."

I glanced at them before turning to the Lake. To my surprise, the Lake was sparkling and glowing, ripples started surfacing, and images were appearing on the water... My eyes widened as I recognized them.

Sting, Natsu, Erza, and the others, and even the Fairy Tail building...

Normal POV

(Opt. BGM: Fairy Tail OST - Kanashiki Kako "Sad Past" or any sad FT OST of your choice)

The group opened the doors to the guild, and were immediately greeted by cheers and praises from their fellow guildmates.

"You're back!"

"We knew you'll make it!"

Master approached the group at the door, and noticed their sullen expressions, especially Sting's, who was silently crying. Carefully, he asked, "What's wrong? Where's Lucy?"

Slowly, Erza faced him and opened her mouth to reply. "G-gone..."

"What do you mean she's gone?"

"She's gone... She d-died."

Gasps and murmurs quickly filled the room. At first, they didn't believe them, but the look on their faces erased those thoughts. A dark atmosphere enveloped them, and the whole guild turned quiet.

"N-no way, Lu-chan..." Levy sobbed. Gajeel put his hand on her back and rubbed circles, trying to comfort her, but he was also crestfallen.

"A-and she wanted everyone to know that she loves us all, and she a-always will."

Sobs could be heard in the whole hall. Erza lowered her head and let her tears fall. Sting dropped to his knees and covered his face with his hands. Natsu and the others continued to sob and tried to wipe the tears threatening to fall. Wendy was blaming herself for not being there for her.

"No... Everyone, please don't cry... Wendy, it's okay... I..." Lucy dropped to her knees at the scene she saw, and let the tears drop freely. Her parents kneeled down beside her and muttered comforting words to her.

The scene on the Lake changed, and showed Lucy's apartment.

Team Natsu and Sting entered Lucy's apartment. That one single place held so much memories to them, so when they entered, a wave of nostalgia hit them and they immediately broke down. They rummaged through Lucy's things, recalling all their past memories and reliving it.

Natsu sat on the floor beside her bed, with Happy beside him, their heads hung low.

Sting laid down on her bed, taking in the scent that he has always loved, and cried.

Erza rummaged through Lucy's drawers and closets, with an occasional blush. Memories of her and Lucy flooded her mind as she looked through Lucy's clothes.

Gray sat near Lucy's desk and read her unfinished novel. He half-expected Lucy to scream at him, but when he remembered Lucy was dead...

"E-everyone..." Lucy stuttered. Her sobs were making it hard for her to speak, and her vision was already getting blurry. Her head hung low, like she was trying hard not to look. Her mother patted her shoulder. "Lucy, look. It's showing what's currently happening. Right now."

Obeying her mother's words, Lucy slowly raised her head to watch the next vision.

Again, the scene changed. This time, it showed a funeral scene.

"I-Is this... M-my funeral?"

It was raining at the Acalypha cemetery. The whole Fairy Tail guild were gathered there, with the ones who were closest to Lucy near the front.

Levy and Mira were hugging each other, while Gajeel , Elfman, and Lisanna were behind them. Gajeel was silent. Drops of tears that would occassionally appear would be quickly wiped off.

Wendy was on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. Happy, Lector, and Frosch were beside her, and they were trying hard not to cry (especially Lector). Charle was nearer to Wendy, with her arms folded, letting her tears flow freely. Pantherlily was quietly crying beside her.

Master's head was hung low, his hands folded at his back, as he spoke a heartwarming yet melancholic, speech.

Unlike him, Gray was facing the sky, letting the rain wipe his tears away.

Erza was covering her face, trying to muffle her sobs. She and Gray would occassionally stop Natsu from causing a racket.

But right now, Natsu was on all fours, punching the ground and screaming Lucy's name from time to time.

Rogue's eyes were overshadowed by his raven bangs, but it wasn't able to hide the tears that were evidently running down his cheek and chin.

And lastly, Sting was by her coffin, crying loudly. He gripped the coffin like it was his only lifeline, muttering or shouting Lucy's name over and over, drowning out the racket Natsu would occasionally cause. To everyone's eyes, especially to Rogue's and Frosch's, his cries were louder and there were more tears than when Lector "died".

Lucy felt her chest swell in pain and... regret. What she was seeing was worse than what she saw in her dream. No words can make it out of her throat, since, right now, she was crying uncontrollably. Then when her ears picked up Sting's voice, she jerked her head up to look at the Lake.

"...You are everything to me. You are the best that has ever been mine."

Magically and slowly, the images on the Lake started projecting out of the Lake. Lucy's eyes widened at the funeral scene right in front of her, although it was just a hologram caused by the Lake's magic.

Lucy stood up slowly, staggering a bit. Her parents helped her steady herself, whilst she kept her eyes on the scene in front of her.

"... because you are, and always will be, my most precious treasure."

Strangely, Lucy felt drawn to the projections. She trudged her way carefully to the lake. To her surprise, when she stepped in the water, her foot didn't sink in; instead, she was standing on the Lake itself.

The clouds parted a bit and the sun shone on Lucy like a spotlight. Her parents stood by the shore, watching her as she made her way in front of the hologram of her coffin.

Everyone was starting to leave, and as Sting's hologram was about to follow, Lucy called out to him, inwardly praying that he would hear her.

"Sting."

To Lucy's happiness, Sting turned around and he gaped at her. Lucy smiled.

Sting regained his composure and mouthed... "I love you."

Lucy felt tears welling up in her eyes, and she happily returned it by saying, "I love you, too."

Once she saw Sting smile, she felt happiness welling up inside of her. It felt good to see his smile once again. He turned around and as she was about to reach out to him, the projection started disintegrating.

Sting turned around once again, and said, "See you later, Luce."

Then he disappeared completely.

Lucy sunk down to her knees, her tears making ripples on the lakewater. Her parents called for her, and she reluctantly trudged towards them. They slowly set her on the ground, wiping her tears.

"Why are you crying, Lucy? You wanted to see them again, and you did," a voice said from behind them.

All three looked towards the Lake, and saw a shining winged white figure standing on the Lake's center. He was shining so bright that they couldn't see his face.

"Who-"

"You could all call me Gabriel. I am one of the angels of this Lake," the white figure introduced. "Now, tell me, Lucy. Why are you crying?"

Lucy shook her head cluelessly. She doesn't know if she's crying tears of happiness that she has finally saw them (or mainly Sting) again, or tears of sadness because that might be the last time she'll see them ever again.

"You want to go back, isn't that right?" Gabriel asked.

Lucy stared at Gabriel's form. Does she really want to go back?

"Answer me, Lucy," Gabriel pressed on.

Lucy turned her head to face her mom, then to the other side to face her dad. Both of them were smiling at her, as if encouraging her to answer: Yes. Reluctantly, Lucy nodded her head.

Gabriel smiled, or at least it seemed he did in Lucy and the other's view. "This place, Elim or Heaven or you could even call it Paradise, is the resting place for those individuals who has moved on in life, has no more regrets, and has no more undone business with the world of the living. But you, Lucy Heartfilia, are still hesitant. You seem to still have regrets and important connections in the living world. Therefore, you are not yet supposed to be here - Oh, don't worry. I don't resent you in any way.

"Anyway, you still haven't moved on in life, and I am here to help you. I've heard your heart's pleas and cries. You long to be with your friends and your loved ones. You wish for it. I was told to help make your wish come true from the Father. Since you have died in a fairly noble way - defeating the dreadful Soul of Dread, I give you two choices: Stay here with your family, or Go back to the living world. Of course, there are some conditions."

Lucy gulped and asked, "W-what are the c-conditions?"

"If you stay, we won't give you any other chance to go back to Earthland. However, you could still use the Lake, though I don't guarantee it will be able to cure your lamenting heart. And if you go back, it will be your only and last chance. We might not be able to help you directly. And, seeing as you seem to be a Celestial Mage, you have to search for your keys yourself. When you die and still have regrets, I apologize, but we wouldn't be able to help you anymore. Now, Lucy, choose carefully," Gabriel replied in a serious tone.

Lucy lowered her gaze to the ground, deep in thought. Do I want to go back? But I don't want to leave Mama and Papa behind, now that I have finally reunited with them. But, what he said about regrets and all...

"Go, Lucy. It's okay," Layla told Lucy, interrupting her train of thought. Lucy stared at her mother with wide eyes. "But-"

"Lucy, didn't you tell me before that you have to grab your own happiness? That there's nothing happy about having your fate decided for you? We don't want to force happiness on you when we know you could be happier when you're with your friends," her father tenderly gazed at her eyes in an attempt to convince Lucy to go. Tears welled up in Lucy's eyes as she stood up and hugged her parents.

"Thank you. Thank you, Mama, Papa," she pulled away and curled her lips to form a small smile. She turned to Gabriel and, mustering enough courage, gallantly replied, "I'll go, Gabriel. I choose to go back, to Fairy Tail, to my Nakama... and to Sting."

Gabriel, again, smiled. With one swift wave of his hand, a white portal appeared to his right. He motioned for Lucy to step forward. "You will be asleep once arriving on Earth. But don't fret. You will wake up the next day, when the sun has fully risen. I, myself, don't know where you'll end up. Be careful and don't die carelessly or recklessly again.," he warned.

Slowly, Lucy walked to the portal. She stopped in front of it and turned around to face her parents again. She waved her hand and shouted, "Mama, Papa~! Thank you and goodbye!"

"Take care, Lucy!" they simultaneously called as they waved back.

With a smile, Lucy thanked Gabriel (to which he responded with a nod) and stepped into the portal, all the while still waving goodbye to her parents.

She was ready to live a brand new second life.

She believes that with her friends, her nakama, and her beloved, everything would be alright. Her friends would stop mourning and Fairy Tail would be rejoicing once again.

Everything would go back to the way it was before.

...

Or so she thought.

(A/N)

Is that called a cliffhanger? Oh well... Yeah! Lucy's coming back! The story's getting started (wow, that took a long time...) :D!

Yes, Lucy's funeral was going on at the same time as when Lucy was at the Lake, that's why she was able to momentarily come "face-to-face" with Sting

- "roses of red, white, and gold, yellow and orange marigold": That actually rhymed (O.O) !

GUEST REVIEW RESPONSES:
Psyka: Thank you~! Sorry for being late~!And here is the awaited chapter 4! And I'm glad you felt emotional... since it was my goal (T_T) .
ninjapanda: Thank you~! Sorry for being late~! (T^T) I'm glad you loved the song and the flashbacks! I took quite a long time deciding for it~!

Okay. That's all. Please review and see ya in the next chapter!