Chapter 27: The Climax
"It's been far too long since I've tasted the sweet winter winds of Earth, same as always don't you agree, Abnaxus?" Lucifer, cloaked in robes or darkness and omitting strangling waves of power, he asked the small goblin-like creature that shuffled around in the snow beside him.
Abnaxus let out an ugly guffaw and licked his knobbly fingers, chewing on the crunchy cartilage of his knuckles. "I haven't been to Earth for so long master, I'm very excited!" Abnaxus chuckled wetly, large eyes flickering back and forth in his misshapen skull.
Lucifer looked down upon Abnaxus's greasy head and smiled. "We've been waiting for this day to come for nearly a hundred years my little Abnaxus and today it's finally here." Lucifer fiddled with something inside his jacket pocket, a evil glint in his black eyes. "I wonder what I'll have the young Heartfilia do once she's back home with us." Lucifer mused, beginning to make haste towards the house. "She's much too fair to work the mines for eternity, maybe I'll have her chained beside my throne to feed me delicious treats for the next several hundred years," Lucifer grinned down at Abnaxus.
Abnaxus let out a approving whistle, the sound high pitched and wet from the gooey flaps of his slobbery lips. "Or! Or! We could give her the same fate as her treacherous great grandfather! I love the sound of women screaming!"
Lucifer frowned down at his companion. "I'm afraid she won't have it that easy, my little Abnaxus; maybe after three hundred years of servitude your idea might come to pass but I wish to have some fun with her first."
Abnaxus chortled and nodded his head eagerly, "yes yes yes." He chanted, waddling alongside Lucifer, stubby legs swallowed by the snow. "Can I eat the ones that get in the way master? Like that fireboy and Azael?!" Abnaxus licked his lips hungrily, "oooh how tasty!"
Lucifer considered the request and nodded, "oh I suppose Abnaxus you have been a good slave for many years, consider this your reward."
Abnaxus let out a whoop of excitement, kissing his masters pant leg with appreciation. "oooh thank you master! I'm very much looking forward to chewing on their crunchy bones."
Lucifer ignored the goblin and instead continued trudging through the snow, he wanted to waste no time on this world and quickly get back to his own so he could truly enjoy his prize.
XOXOXOX
Lucy stood in the centre of the ballroom, eyes closed and hands limp at her sides. Her whole body shook in anticipation and she couldn't help but feel her legs wobble with nervous energy. Ever since Azael has shared his part of the story all the puzzle pieces had come together. A connection between herself and her past lives had bloomed and now the voices and wisdom of her ancestors, Layla, Lauren, Luna and Lucia hummed within her. They guided Lucy and pointed her in the right direction, not as a moral compass but as your heart's way of encouraging yourself to do the right thing.
Lucy smiled, her mother's spiritual energy coming forth, loudest and clearest of all the others.
"Lucy it has been a long time since we've spoken my dear child." Layla said, voice as soft as a feather within Lucy's mind. "Although I'm unsure that title is fitting considering we are much the same person. The only thing that differentiates us is the experience's we've both concurred and the men we've fallen in love with, I am proud to be a part of you Lucy, my dear."
Lucy could feel warm tears well in the corners of her eyes, and she nodded, unable to speak. "Thank you mother," she whispered. "And although we are one in the same you'll always be my mother in my heart."
A surge of warmth spread across Lucy's body and she knew it was her mother's swelling spirit. "My child," Layla cooed. "Time was stolen from us and there is so much I regret. I regret not telling your father about the fate that ties us and I regret not telling you; but that is in the past and your story's climax awaits."
Lucy nodded her agreement, she knew this was the end. "Now that I've called you mother, and your grandmother's Lauren and Luna and Lucia. Because as the string that binds us as one tightens I'll need to call on all of you for guidance in this battle."
Lucia stepped forward, her energy like a calm lake in the woods, sincere and soft spoken. "Hello my dear," she greeted, voice like wind chimes. "We've never met but I know you. Out of all of us you are the bravest, brashest and most courageous. I'm glad it is you that is fighting this battle and not I. For I believe you're the only one who can win."
Luna joined the mental circle, her energy uncontrollable and wild, unsought turmoil much like a coiled snake ready to pounce. "I agree with my mother. I am too twisted to fight a battle of such importance, those final years of insanity tainted my heart and soured my mind. I would not be fit to fight this battle for my heart is too corrupted." Luna paused, energy faltering. "You are the strongest of us and I shall assist you in any way I can."
Lauren cleared her throat, ready to add her piece; her energy of a vibrant dove, happy and peaceful. "Luna, my mother, and I are very much unalike as much as you are alien to me." Lauren began, voice clear. "Although Lucifer tormented you from the hands of my lover you never felt the warmth of my affection for you, until you released Azael from his mental prison that is; and for this I am sorry." Lauren had to pause, spirit bubbling with emotion. "Thank you for releasing him. He shall return to me once this battle is over, if we win or lose and for this I'm eternally grateful. You are so strong Lucy and so smart, thank you."
All the Heartfilia's had spoken and Lucy could feel her heart lighten, hot tears falling down her face. "Thank you all," she whispered, voice cracking, furiously wiping tears from her cheeks.
The spirits of her mother and her ancestors buzzed comfortingly in the back of her mind, waiting. Lucy opened her eyes and focused. Scanning around the room Lucy concentrated, needing her voice to reach her Otherworldly friends. "Eve! Rouge! All of you! I know this is a lot to ask but I need your help! To clear all your memories and to put to rest a man that has haunted me for a hundred years! Please answer my call!"
There was a long pause, a soft wind blowing back the strands of hair from Lucy's face.
"We are here Lucy," Eve spoke, voice collected. "We do not know the consequences of answering your distress call but we owe you and your mother a debt for helping us in our times of need so we're coming! Don't you worry." Eve's voice silenced and again Lucy's heart swelled.
A loud howl sounded, echoing around the room and Lucy jumped, eyes phasing into yellow. She looked around the room warily, eyeing the dark shadows. Eyes seemed to pop and dance from the shadowy corners, taunting her.
"Lucifer!" Lucy called out, voice edged with fear. "If you're here show your face so we can finish this battle without a hitch."
A loud, cold laugh danced off the marble walls, vibrating menacingly in Lucy's ears. Lucy felt her knees buckle underneath her as she thought of all the battles she'd fought leading up to this point. Everything seemed to slow as Lucy turned around in frantic disarray, eyes boggled and scared. The hum of her ancestors ringing in her ears.
Lucifer emerged from his hidden haven, slouched and hands shoved deep in his pockets. His dark hair snaked and coiled around his strong face like smoke, lifting and falling lazily. His own eyes then took on a deep red hue, displaying thousands of years of wisdom, haunted intelligence and power. Tattoos as red as his eyes streaked across his face, curling and unfurling like falling leaves. His presence was stifling and Lucy could feel the weight of his being press against her with a thrum of power, demanding.
"So you stand before me as the fabled hero do you Lucy? Unfortunately, my dear servant Abnaxus is already hunting down the scent of those you tried to save." He smirked, voice as slick as oil, his posture relaxed. "I was afraid I'd end up looking like the bad guy again," he tutted, "but alas I guess that's how your story will end. A hero in her lone fight against an overwhelming threat. It's funny how cliche these things always end up being; for once I'd like to be seen in a good light."
"Shut up," Lucy said, voice a hard rasp. "I'll fight you with the power of my past selves. I hardly consider myself alone. And the overwhelming contradiction you pointed out earlier is simply that no matter what sinister hand you play you always end up losing." The confidence in Lucy's voice surprised even her, steady and driven, ready for whatever onslaught Lucifer prepared for her.
Lucifer's red irises momentarily darkened, his calm composure slipping for a split second before an easy smile crossed his disturbingly handsome face. "You truly do have a witches tongue, such powerful words and such conviction. It's such a shame that your cycle has come to end and now you'll die chained to my side like the useless puppet you are!" Lucifer shouted, voice rattling the room as the crescendo of his power rocked the whole mansion. "Have a quick taste of the pain that will soon become your every waking second!" He cackled, a long, slender finger extending and pointing directly at her heart; the cry of a thousand crows dampened the air as a blistering column of power shot towards her.
Lucy barely had time to move before the overpowering burst of dark energy whizzed past her head, singing her; the awful scent of burnt hair filling her nostrils. Grunting in effort Lucy forced her magic to envelope her body, the thick tendrils of yellow power bubbling over her like a bullet proof casing. Then, like a rocket, she shot at Lucifer, hoping to throw him off balance. Time blurred as she shot toward him, yet his eyes remained on her, Lucifer stared at her with only a faint bit of respect, red eyes impassive. She crashed into him, but he stood strong, his own freezing energy like black hole sucking in her resolve. She grit her teeth, fists smashing at him, trying to find leeway. She buzzed around him like a furious lighting bug, repeatedly smashing into his purple shield covering.
He let out a low laugh as she fought to break his shield. "This is truly pointless. For everything that Azael said he gave you truly came from me. You're nothing but a fly stuck in your captors net."
Lucy's vision burned and energy surged like a glowing enigma in her hand, thrusting forward Lucy flung a scorching mass of yellow light at Lucifer, her rage ripping out of her throat in a feral yell. Caught slightly off guard Lucifer's dexterity slowed and he was just a hair late, the intense magic of Lucy's anger scorched his pant leg, instantly burning his skin.
Inhaling sharply Lucifer looked down at his puckered and oozing leg, red eyes blurred in pain. Refocusing he glared at Lucy, the look he gave her was that unrestrained animosity, "you'll die for that, bitch!"
Lunging forward Lucifer kicked out at her with impossible speed, clipping her right under her ribcage. The blow sent Lucy flying, she let out a cry of pain as her vision blanked and her body convulsed in terrible pain. In a instant Lucifer was looming over top of her, heaving in strain, red eyes filled with blood lust.
He cocked his head in a look of mock innocence, "now shall I strangle you here or keep you as a scarred slave for the rest of your life? The choice is up to you."
Lucy snarled, knee aiming at the tender spot between his legs. The muffled yelp signalled that she had hit her mark, jumping back and distancing herself from him she called upon her magic again.
"Starlight Rain!" She shouted, hands raised to the heavens, yellow eyes as bright as the sun. Burning comets of pure magica fell from the ceilings, the building crumbling around them; rubble scattering in flaming streaks.
Lucifer, recovering his composure, wrapped himself in a cloak of midnight magic, gasping for air. He laughed dryly as Lucy's magic bounced off his shield like rain droplets. "Face it!" He shouted wildly, eyes crazed. "You're never going to win!" He laughed uncontrollably, dark head tossed back in a fit of laughter. "How could you possibly win against me?"
Lucy straightened, letting her magic cease for the time being. Blood trickled down her forehead, matting her hair and stinging her split lip; her ribs were certainly broken and she could barely stand. Despite all this she smiled, white teeth gleaming under the grit of her skin. Lucy still had her trump card up her sleeve.
"I'll admit it, Lucifer you terrify me."
Lucifer grinned ferociously, red eyes dancing like bonfires.
"But," Lucy continued, "you don't scare me enough that I'd submit to your insanity. I think it's about time the Otherside became a bit more hospitable!" Smiling one last time Lucy took a quick breath, preparing herself. "Eve! Will! Rouge! It's time to shine!"
Distant laughter shook the broken walls, the rubble and trashed remains of the Scarlet manor rumbling with incredible force.
Lucifer looked around horrified, dropping his cloak. "What have you done?!" He whispered hoarsely.
Lucy just smiled.
He turned on her, aura flaming, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
"I've just invited some friends back for a little bit of a family reunion." Lucy said, eyes shifting back to yellow.
In that moment a crescendo of laughter shattered the room. Thousands of voices tumbling from the skies, shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The sound of children laughing.
"It's high time you pay for what you've done to these lost souls!" Lucy screamed over the noise, "Eve! Now!"
In a crash of light a circle formed around both Lucy and Lucifer. A circle of linked arms and grim faces; the faces of the Inbetween souls seeking revenge. Eve stood there, arms linked to Wills, eyes brimming with tears.
"Thank you so much Lucy," she choked, "for everything and good bye."
Lucy swallowed back her tears and nodded resolutely, the circle became intertwined and tightened like a coiling snake. She meet Rouge's gaze, his eyes burning brighter than ever before. "You sure saved us this time, Lucy," he smiled gently, "meet you back home someday, good luck."
Lucy nodded, dipping her chin in a gesture of farewell. Giving a final nod the circle snapped like an elastic band and crashed into Lucifer with the fury of the trapped souls. One by one they ripped his humanely body to shreds, his screams of horror and pain deafening. Lucy stood frozen, in complete shock as the layers of Lucifer fell away, his previous flesh turning to ash.
Finally all was left was a standing skeleton with a swirling black hole where his heart should be. Blinking in an attempt to see past the blinding rays of light, Lucy watched as it turned it's neck and looked at her; burning embers where eyes should be. All her friends were gone, finally on the Otherside where they belonged, souls at rest in this final act of defiance.
"So now you see me." A voice as thin as paper, yet more haunting than all the nightmares in the world, said. "Yes it's true, my body is nothing but a portal to the Otherside, that was my original purpose. A simple gateway." A skeletal hand reached out to her, white bleached fingers cackling with dark energy. "I'm truly very ugly as you can see so I've created an image, a very human image. It's because in truth I started as a human, very much alive as you are, killed a millennia ago. I'm not even Lucifer, not really, he's been dead for thousands of years." The skeleton let out a thin laugh, "I was repurposed you could say. Used as a gate and then after I rose in rank I claimed the untitled throne and have ruled since that day. I'm a self ranked king and a second rate Devil."
Lucy covered her mouth, heart in her throat, speechless.
The coals of the skeletons eyes looked at her with something close to sadness. "And although I never wanted this life I still want to kill you unlike your dear friend Azael, I'm too corrupt to fix. So this is goodbye Lucy Heartfillia. You're going to die here and then I shall follow. For I cannot live without my pride and today you stripped away mine."
In a blink of an eye four swirling masses of black energy encased themselves around Lucy's ankles and wrists, completely immobilizing her. Lucy let out a scream as the magic began to eat away at her skin, tearing through her flesh with ravenous fury.
The skeleton walked toward her creakily, hands hanging at it's side, the portal glowing and swelling. "This will be quick," it whispered almost possessively, a bony finger stroking her face. "I've had enough fun today." Hand raised, energy pulsing and eyes glowing he looked at her, a hidden thirst barely masked.
Lucy whimpered, squirming in fear, biting back frantic tears, "s-stop!" She cried desperately, shaking and verging on hysteria.
The skeleton shook its head, "no, not today," then he plunged, hand burying itself into her stomach.
Darkness.
Then a pause, blind as the magic swelled over her, Lucy sent a final prayer skywards, as if God had saved her from the expected agony. She had been spared the pain from the blow but Lucy was still positive she'd received it. Her hold on her mortal body was faltering but she could faintly feel warm hands on her face; wetness on her cheeks. Light glowed in the back of her mind and she felt the aches in her mind soothe as she edged towards it.
Just as the flow of light began to strip her of pain and worry a frantic voice tore through the peace.
"Lucy! What the hell do you think you're doing! Fight back!"
Confusion. Who was yelling at her while she was at death's door? Her entire mind was a maddening swirl of multi dimensional colors and unclear images. She was dying. She had tried her best and sometimes failure couldn't be avoided. At least she saved Eve and the others.
"Lucy don't you dare think you're dying today! This is not happening! Now get your ass moving and come back here!" Although the words were harsh she felt the desperation in them as well and that puzzled her. Who would miss her that dearly?
"Goddammit!" The voice cried, cracking in emotion; shattering the illusion of peace in her mind. "Don't do this. I need you here."
Lucy paused at this, she couldn't be this selfish not when someone who needed her, wanted her back so desperately. Yet she had to face the facts, she'd been poisoned and she couldn't survive a blow from that much dark magic. She could feel herself being sucked down to the Otherside, as if she was slowly using her grip on her own body.
"You're wrong! You're part Othersider! You can survive this! You just have to fight back against the poison!"
Was that even possible? Fight back poison? It was worth a shot, even if it was just to see the person that needed her one last time. Then, as if she had taken ahold of an end of a rope, Lucy began to pull her way back up into the world of the living. Every time she paused the voice would yell at her to get moving again; that she was wasting time.
Finally the end was in sight and onyx eyes swimming with tears looked down on her, the only heaven in sight.
"You're almost there," the voice whispered, overcome with joy. "Just a little further."
Lucy reached out and, slipping through her subconscious, she found herself in her body once again, fighting for breath. The first thing that Lucy felt was a pair of strong arms wrap around her limp body and drag her into a crippling hug.
Paralysed, her earth-bound memories flooded her mind as Natsu held onto her with no sign of letting her go. Everything that happened lay fresh in her mind and Lucy could do nothing but hold Natsu back, burying her face into his shoulder.
For a long time they sat like this, just holding one another, grateful to have one another and be alive. Natsu's nose was broken horribly and dried blood crusted his face and clothing. The pain in Lucy's rib was stifling and her head ached and throbbed, but she ignored this because she was just so happy to be alive.
Finally Natsu drew back, dark eyes red and puffy, nose bent and lips chapped, he smiled so widely Lucy was sure his face would break. Leaning in he kissed Lucy's nose, then both her eyebrows then cheeks then finally her lips.
"Don't you ever do that to me again." He said huskily. "Dying is a serious matter, especially when you've got a fire wizard on the other end ready to dive into the Otherside to get you back."
Lucy giggled, unable to help herself. "Sorry to keep you waiting, mother."
Natsu's eyes narrowed and he was about to protest but he just let out an exasperated sigh and smiled cheekily. "Okay yeah whatever. I just saved your ass."
"No," Lucy shook her head, still smiling, "I saved your ass. Who was it that killed Lucifer?"
Natsu frowned, "oh shut up!" He groaned, shaking his head in frustration. "Let's just call it even."
Lucy chuckled, snuggling closer to Natsu's warm chest. Natsu reached across the tiles and picked up the only thing remaining of the devil himself; two flawless rubies. Rolling them in his hand Natsu stared at their tantalizing beauty. "How did you kill him anyway? I mean, he did kind of almost turn you into a human hamburger patty. You must have done something pretty wicked in comparison."
Lucy's expression darkened, "actually I didn't do anything." She said quietly, recalling his words, ' you're going to die here and then I shall follow', she swallowed thickly. "He killed himself."
Natsu looked at her with a concerned expression, wanting to question this but as he saw her expression, he stopped himself. "Well it doesn't matter, we've got a lot of cleaning up to do and a lot of explaining, like what the hell's been going on this past month."
Lucy groaned, "what are we gonna tell them? They'll think we're insane."
"The truth. I'm done with lying. But yeah, it's gonna be a long shot for them to believe this insane story."
Lucy kissed Natsu's cheek and beamed up at him, "two crazy people is better than one in this situation."
Natsu leaned in, lips hovering inches from hers, "in all situations, now and forever; until we're both six feet under."
Lucy nodded, letting out a contented sigh then leaned in and her lips meet his; their combined relief orchestrating the kiss as the lost themselves in one another.
They had completely forgotten the disaster around them and Azael was gone. None of that mattered. For now they had peace.
OMFG THAT WAS HARD. ONLY ONE MORE CHAPTER. THE EPILOGUE. PLEASE STAY TUNED AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING.
love you all
3 Suicidal