~Valaymier~

I felt pretty horrible. I could barely move and I was shivering and sweating. I tried to distance myself from Ambrosia as she ran her hands along my chest, but I could barely keep my eyes open. Taking the 'curse' off of me had really taken a toll. Thoughts of the kid, Hugo, were circling around my head. Ambrosia had said that I'd been living off of his heart. If that really was the truth, I didn't want to face it. If I had been slowly sucking the life from him, I would hate myself for it. I pushed the thought aside. I couldn't trust a word that came out of Ambrosia's mouth.

"I'm sorry," I breathed. She wove her fingers through my hair.

"Sorry?" she asked. I cracked my eyes open and looked up at her. Her hair fell down around her face. Her eyes were a bit angry, but also curious. It was easy to tell how she'd caught my attention all those years ago, but after finding out he truth about her, what I was about to do next disgusted me. Even so, I knew I had to go through with it. Right now it was my only chance. I struggled to raise my arm and touch the side of her face gently. At first she seemed surprised, but then she relaxed and closed her eyes. She placed her hand over mine without hesitation.

"All those years ago…when I left you…I'm sorry," I said quietly, struggling to keep my voice level so as not to give away the fact that I was deceiving her.

"Why did you leave me there. When I woke up you couldn't imagine how happy I was. I thought I'd finally found the person that I would spend the rest of my life with…but then you were gone," she whimpered. I winced, not at my pain but at hers. I hadn't realized that she was that serious. I'd really hurt her. Of course, that pity only lasted a few seconds before I spoke again.

"I had to," I whispered. She opened her eyes, a tear sliding down her cheek. "I'm sorry. I didn't have a choice," I whispered, sliding my thumb against her cheek. I tried to sit up, but it didn't work. To my good fortune, she realized what I was trying to do. She leaned down and kissed me gently. I was disgusted on the inside, but didn't let it show. Her mouth moved against mine. When she broke away her face hovered above mine. I stared into her eyes, "Please? I promise I won't leave you again. I'll be with you forever."

She nodded, more tears falling from her cheek. One of them landed on my lips and I tasted salt. She placed a hand gently on my chest and I felt my magic return to me. I sighed in relief as I stopped shivering. I slowly eased myself upright and then turned to her. I looked her in the eyes and smiled. She smiled back and leaned against me. I was surprised that she'd trusted me. On second though, I figured she wasn't really in her right mind, which could have led to her willingness to place her trust in me.

"Val, what are you doing?!" Natsu shouted. I looked up immediately. "You idiot!" I shouted back. Ambrosia stood up and started walking down the stairs. I reached out and grabbed her wrist. She paused and looked at me, "You care for them?"

I didn't say anything, just looked her in the eye. Her eyes hardened, "It's alright. I'll free your heart from them. That way you can be happy with me and me alone," she whispered, turning back to Natsu. I released her hand. I couldn't blow my cover now. If she figured out that I was lying to her, she'd be even angrier. I had to get close to her to deal the final blow.

"What are you doing, Val? I thought you were with us!" Gray shouted and then winced. I stared at him and then glanced to Lucy. She was looking at me, her eyes sorrowful. I felt a pang of pain in my heart. She thought I was betraying her. She probably hated me right now. I stared into her eyes, willing her to understand that I wasn't going to leave her. I would never hurt Lucy.

I glanced down to her arms and saw a blue-headed boy lying there. Hugo. I tore my gaze away from him and back up to Lucy. Her eyes were wide and then she forced her face to go slack. She nodded slightly, almost unnoticeably. I forced myself to look away from her and stared at Ambrosia. She hadn't noticed Lucy and my exchange, and I was glad for that. I stood in place, tensed as Erza shouted at me, "How could you betray your friends like this?!" I stared at her, my face unmoving, "Friends? I don't have friends."

Ambrosia laughed and strode over to me. She kissed me again and I forced my body to stay relaxed. She pulled away and turned to where Natsu and Erza were. They were still on the ground, no doubt too damaged to stand. Ambrosia knelt beside Natsu, taking his chin in her hands. She smiled as tiny shadows crept from her fingers and slid across Natsu's face. I watched in horror as they crept into his mouth and eyes. Almost immediately his eyes turned completely black. I set my jaw, resisting the urge to surge forward and put a stop to this. Ambrosia released Natsu and stood. Natsu slowly rose to his feet. He raised his head and opened his eyes. I stared at him. The whites of his eyes had faded to black.

"Now, my pet. How about you attack…" Ambrosia cooed, stroking Natsu's chest. She glanced at the others and her eyes narrowed on me, "Him."

"Wait, what?" I asked as Natsu's head turned towards me.

"Consider this a test. If you kill him, I'll trust you," she said, smiling and walking back to her throne. She sat down and crossed her legs, staring at me and grinning. Her catlike eyes narrowed and I clenched my jaw, "Fine."

I turned to Natsu. He charged me and I knocked him aside easily. Even with Ambrosia's magic empowering him, he was still much weaker than I was at full power. When Ambrosia had returned my magic to me, I'd come back strong as ever. This was going to be easy. I would do anything to kill Ambrosia. If I had to do this, I wouldn't hesitate. Natsu stood again, his neck cracked as he tilted his head to one side. He charged me again, brilliant flames whirling around him. I caught his fist and slammed him to the ground. He cried out and a thin line of blood dripped from the side of his mouth.

I knelt down over him, grinding my knee into his chest. I pressed my palm to his chest and whispered the words of a spell. He screamed and grasped at my wrist. I whispered a few words into his ear. It seemed that he didn't hear me. I eased off of him, getting to my feet.

"V-Val?" Lucy whimpered. I looked at her, forcing my eyes to remain cold and menacing. Ambrosia clapped, "Nicely done, Valaymier! That was entertaining."

"You bastard!" Erza screamed. She launched at me, requipping in mid air. I was ready for this, though. I backhanded her and she fell to the ground, panting. "Don't, Erza," I growled, willing her to see the truth. She didn't. I looked over to Lucy who had tears streaming down her face. I cursed silently. She'd misunderstood. I looked down at Natsu who lay limply at my feet. He looked pale. I felt a sinking feeling arise in my chest and looked to Ambrosia.

"Satisfied?" I asked, walking towards her. Her arms snaked around my neck and she pulled my lips down to meet hers. That was her answer. I'd gained her trust. I pulled her close to me, wrapping my arms around her. I heard Lucy crying and Gray shouting something at me. I ignored it. I had to focus. I slid my hands up her body, higher and higher. I placed my right hand over her chest. I pulled away and looked her in the eye, leaving my hand over her heart. It was her most vulnerable spot. I knew that truth, at least.

"Goodbye," I whispered. Her eyes went wide as she realized what I was going to do. She realized it too late, though. I released a powerful shockwave of my magic directly into her heart. This wasn't some shadow copy of her. She was vulnerable and I took advantage of it. Because I'd gained her acceptance, her trust, and her heart had opened up to me, I was able to slip my magic inside. She gasped as her black heart filled up with my light. She fell to her knees and let her head fall against my shoulder. I withdrew my hand and placed one hand on either side of her face.

A tear slid down from the corner of her eye, "Thank you." I nodded. Her entire body began to shine. Soon, the light coming from her was so brilliant that I had to look away. When the darkness crept back around the room, Ambrosia was gone. I knew that this time, she wouldn't be coming back. I stood, clenching my hands into fists. I turned to my friends and walked down the steps. Erza, Gray, and Lucy were all staring at me. Natsu was still lying at the foot of the throne where he'd fallen. I walked over to him and kicked him, "You can get up now, idiot." I'd told him to stay down, and I guess he had heard me after all.

He bolted upright, "What!? What happened!?"

I offered him my hand, "Not much." He took it and I hauled him to his feet. I nodded and turned to the others, "I suppose I owe you an explanation?"

"Is she dead?" Gray asked, still flat on his back. I felt sadness creep up in the depths of my heart, "She's gone."

"Is Natsu…not dead?" Erza asked.

"Wait, why would I be dead?" Natsu asked, grinning.

"I might not like the guy, but I wouldn't kill him," I said, sounding offended.

"Hey!" Natsu shouted, punching my arm. I laughed.

Lucy shakily got to her feet, "N-Natsu?"

Natsu looked to her and smiled, "I promise I'm not dea—" he began. He was cut off as he grunted when Lucy slammed into him. She wrapped her arms tightly around him, sobbing. Natsu's face turned red, but then he returned the hug.

"He was possessed. All I did was remove the shadow from him…then he passed out like a wimp," I growled, turning away from their embrace.

I felt someone tap my arm, "Are you alright?" Lucy was looking up at me, tears in her eyes.

I took a deep breath, "I'm alright." I didn't sound convincing. I sighed and turned to walk towards Gray. I knelt beside him, "Don't move."

"Wait, what are you going to d—" he started. I pressed a hand against his broken ribs and released a bit of my magic. He clenched his jaw in pain as I healed him. When I withdrew my hand he sat up, "Thanks?"

I nodded silently and stood. I walked over to the others and helped them also. They each nodded at me. My mind was a little distracted. I was moving like a robot. I thought of all those years ago when I'd spent a night with Ambrosia. Now she was gone. I'd killed her. I closed my eyes and turned to the last person I the room. I knelt beside him and picked him up in my arms. I hugged him tightly to me. He felt feverish and hot.

"It's alright, buddy. I'll help you," I whispered. I channeled as much energy as I could conjure through my arms. A gentle light shone around us as I held him close to me. Hugo's eyes slid open. He looked up at me and I smiled, "Hey, Hugo."

"Hugo? Who's Hugo?" he asked sleepily.

"You are," I replied, setting him down and kneeling beside him.

Suddenly his eyes went wide, "No, my name is Val!"

"Sorry to break it to you, buddy, but that name's taken," I said, smiling and putting one hand on his head.

"What happened? Why am I…" Hugo's voice trailed off.

"You're free…from me," I said, standing up. I looked at Lucy and nodded, "Take care of him, alright?"

Lucy broke free from Natsu's arms, "Wait, where are you going?"

I shrugged, "Who knows?"

"You can't just leave, Val," she said desperately.

I turned away from her and looked over my shoulder, "I don't think I'm needed here, though." I looked to Natsu, "Keep her alive, alright?" He nodded firmly. Erza and Gray were silent. Gray nodded also and Erza smiled a little. I turned away from them, walking towards the morning light that streamed through the wide-open doors of the Thief Soul guildhall. When I took a step forward, something stopped me. I looked to my leg and saw that Hugo had taken hold of my boot. He was looking up at me, tears in his eyes, "I need you!"

That caught me off guard. I hesitated as Hugo wrapped his arms around my leg. He looked up at me desperately, "Don't leave me alone!"

I felt my heart surge. The child that I'd been practically killing for all these years, who I'd been bound to, wanted me to stay with him. I shook my head, "I can't stay with you. It'd be wrong."

"Wrong!?" Lucy shouted, taking a step forward, tears in her eyes, "Leaving would be wrong!" Natsu placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down and stepped forward. He looked me in the eye, "I get it…but I think you should consider how he'll feel."

I looked down at Hugo and saw that he was crying. My heart wavered. Gray stepped forward and simply nodded in agreement. Erza spoke up, "I think you know what you should do." My gaze flitted between my friends. That's when my heart gave in. I slowly nodded. Hugo hiccupped one last time and then reached for me. I smiled and picked him up in my arms, "Hey, Kid."

"Hi," he sniffed. He snuggled into my chest and I couldn't help but smile. My friends were right. This was where I belonged. Maybe by helping Hugo, I'd be able to atone for all the horrible things I'd done in my life. I swore to myself that I'd stay with him…that I'd protect him. Hugo looked up and me, "Thanks for not leaving me." I nodded and patted his head, setting him down, "I think there's someone who wants to talk to you."

Hugo's eyes went wide and he nodded. He hesitantly detached himself from me and turned towards the others. He shakily took a few steps in his new body. He still wasn't used to it, I guess. He almost stumbled, but he caught himself. Lucy knelt down on the ground and stared at him. Hugo reached for her and she touched his small face.

"Lucy…it's me," he whispered shyly.

She smiled and laughed a little, "Yeah. I know." Hugo burst into tears again and leapt into her arms. Tears streamed down Lucy's face too as they hugged. "I was really worried," she choked, struggling to speak through her sobs. Natsu knelt down beside her and grinned, "Hey, shorty!"

"I'm not short!" Hugo insisted. He sounded angry but he still reached over and hugged Natsu. He whispered something in Natsu's ear, but I couldn't hear what it was. I narrowed my eyes.

~Lucy~

Hugo whispered something into Natsu's ear and his face turned bright red. Natsu pulled Hugo onto his lap and they exchanged a hushed conversation. I was only able to make out a two words: perfect chance.

I cocked my head to one side. Perfect chance for what? Natsu took a deep breath and nodded, "You're right." He set Hugo down beside him and Hugo giggled. He ran back over to Val and wrapped his arms around Val's leg. Natsu got to his feet and offered me his hand. I took it and he pulled me to my feet. I dusted off my knees and then looked up at Natsu, "What were you two talking about?"

Natsu smiled, "You didn't know? Hugo is my advisor."

"Advisor for what?" I asked.

Natsu smiled mischievously, "This." With that he leaned down and took me in his arms. He pulled me close to him and crushed his lips against mine. I felt blood rush to my face as I stood there, rigid and stunned. Soon, though, I melted into his embrace. I relaxed in his arms and even circled my arms around his neck. To my surprise, I found myself kissing him back. He pulled away from me, leaving me wanting more. I had to admit, he was an impressive kisser.

"That was…" I said, my voice trailing off. I heard Gray whoop and clap. I looked over to the others and felt my face heat up even more. Erza was smiling knowingly and Gray was grinning widely. Hugo was giggling and nodding. Val was frowning and covering Hugo's eyes. "Ah," I squeaked. I looked up at Natsu and saw something I didn't expect. He was smiling softly and his eyes were gentle. He leaned down and whispered something in my ear, "I'm sort of in love with you."

My eyes went wide. L-L-Love?

A/N: Don't worry, it isn't the last chapter! There'll be one final chapter after this one, so look forward to it! Please leave me a review if you liked it and keep an eye out for the final installment! OH! Don't worry...I haven't forgotten about Otto. We'll see him in the next chapter. Looking forward to their reunion? I am.