My apologies for a delayed update! Thank you for the continued encouragement. I didn't get back to everyone for the last chapter, and I am sorry!

Please READ & REVIEW! - I always like to know what you think of my chapters. I don't always think much of them.

I think this one is a little more "Fairy Tail-ish" than usual for me. So much hope. So many mushy emotions.

Disclaimer: I don't own FT.

~OoOoO~

As she had so many times in the past few days, Erza felt as if the wind had been knocked from her lungs. Her heart raced as she processed what the wry woman had shared with her.

"My….p-parents?" she whispered, mouth dry and eyes wide. There had been a time where she dreamt of finding her mother and father. She envisioned that they had searched endlessly for her, and she had just so happened upon them in their quest. Her imagined reunion was not bittersweet, but one filled with happiness, open arms, and warm hugs. She had imagined her father tall and handsome, her mother beautiful and kept. There had been a lot of love in her fantasies.

And now she was facing the culmination of her lost dreams and years of stalled hope. They were not what she had envisioned. Of course, the current situation was not what she would have considered a suitable environment for a reunion, either. The stale irony grabbed at her gut, causing tears to well in her eyes. The Fates had been cruel to them this very day, and Erza's tiny shred of dignity had nearly snapped.

It would be only a matter of moments before Jellal countered on them, attacking with false fury and clouded judgment cast upon him by Ur. Erza's eyes darted from the man to the woman, then back again, etching their wearied and aged faces in her memory. There was very little familiarity in her gaze, though their eyes showed a vague hope that she would remember them. Remember their love.

Yet, she had no memory of them that she could recall. She could only conjure the Tower. She studied them more closely. She had spent very little of her time on vanity, only glimpsing herself in passing, but the resemblance was uncanny. Even she couldn't deny that.

It doesn't change the fact that they are…strangers, she told herself. But there was a boy, as well…..

She recalled the gangly young man—their son.

My brother! He had looked like her, more so than the others. How had she not seen it? She felt a swell of pride that only served to come crashing down upon her as she pondered his fate. He had been killed, and she had witnessed their grief. She could only imagine what it was like to lose a child….

Two children, she bitterly supposed. I had a brother….I never met him…

Anger clawed at her. Perhaps, had she known, she could have protected him. Tears spilled over as she bit her lip.

"You can only protect what you know, my child," her father whispered. "And what you've come to love."

"Love…" she hissed the word. It was such a cruel feeling. It was such a blinding emotion, hiding away the most obvious revelations and keeping secrets buried in one's heart. She clutched her chest, holding in a bitter sob. She didn't want to lose anyone else.

Perhaps it was that thought—that promise to protect that had been so deeply imbued in her that brought about the flood of dammed memories. Something whispered in her head, and she allowed her mind to fade out for the briefest of moments. That was all it took. Flashes of thoughts reached her—bits and pieces of a fragmented childhood she barely knew. Fistfuls of red hair like her own as she rode on broad shoulders. She remembered the rounded belly of a woman—her mother. Tender kisses on her forehead as she was gently carried to bed. Soft caresses and warm hugs. Smiles and happiness surrounding her as they sat together watching the sun set. Then came the fear and anxiety as smoke filled her nostrils and flames licked the night sky. She remembered being torn away from an elderly woman—her grandmother, maybe? Horses and strong hands quickly knocked her unconscious and pulled her away from her worldly comforts. The last thing she heard was the muffled screams of that woman as they suddenly died away.

Those fractured flashes were all Erza had to hang onto as she faced her uncertain future. Tears stung her eyes and stained her cheeks as she squeezed her fists against her thighs, fighting the sobbing that was tearing through her chest.

Love. There was so much of it.

Always, love.

"Your friend," the woman murmured suddenly. "What would you like to do?" The burly mayor was swinging his hammer deftly, prepared to strike in anticipation of a counter attack.

Erza was pulled back to her reality, glaring through singed auburn locks. Her salty tears burned the oozing flesh on her face. Jellal.

Love. There were some things even Ultear couldn't control.

Jellal's eyes were empty as he approached, ready to strike the two people protecting Erza. The flare of his impending attack was blinding, but Erza could predict it. She knew him, even if her were under Ultear's control. She was suddenly ready, her resolve once again burning within her like a reignited pyre. She moved quickly without a second thought, her giant shield protecting them. Jellal's magic died away at the impact. Her feet slid in the dirt, but she maintained her defensive stance.

"You!" the woman croaked, surprised by Erza's sudden recovery.

"Sorry," she smiled, turning her head slightly, "But I think I'll handle him."

Shock and then comprehension passed over their faces, barely hidden beneath the shallow concern. The mayor reached out and patted his wife's hand. "I think she'll be alright. She does, after all, take after you in impetuosity, it seems."

Erza's smile grew, her Adamantine Armor being replaced by her Speed Armor. "Thank you," she told them, this time not looking back at them. Her fight was with her friend.

"We're not leaving," her mother told her, tone defiant. "Not this time."

"I didn't expect you to." Erza shot back. "I've only just met you, again, and I'm afraid….."

"Nonsense," the man waved his free hand, interrupting her, "Do what you must."

Erza nodded, defense falling as she reappeared behind Jellal with renewed vigor. He sensed her, turning to meet her. His movements were suddenly all-too-slow due to her armor, and she managed to change once again. The purple fabric of her Robe of Yuen flowed around her as the wind whipped her skin. Before he could react, she called his name, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him into her. The fabric enveloped them, molding them together in a cocoon.

The world around them stopped and she held onto him, uncertain of how he would respond. She was ready for death if he dealt it, but she had one last thing she needed to do. It was the only thing Ultear could not control: their deeply rooted bond.

"I know you can hear me, Jellal Fernandes. Ultear's magic cannot stop that," she murmured into his ear, arms squeezing him tightly. "Whatever it is you're going to do, you will destroy both of us, now. I will die with you if I must, as you don't deserve to die alone. I want you to know that I love you. I have always loved you. I wish for you to hear my words, Jellal. "

She squeezed her eyes shut, the tears slipping free as the heat of their bodies warmed her. She smiled into the musky skin of his neck, awaiting whatever pain would encompass them. After a moment, she felt none. She only heard whisper of her name on his lips.

"E-Erza?"

"I'm here."

"Where are we? Are we dead?" His words were thick with confusion. "Did I hurt you?"

She breathed a sigh of relief, their bodies tightly wound. The move was difficult, but not impossible. She had been nearly convinced that Ultear's control had entirely corrupted him. "Only a little," she admitted.

"Again." He croaked. "You saved me again."

Erza's energy waned, and she collapsed, her armor disappearing, leaving her clothed in her sarashi with the flame-patterned hakama. Jellal caught her, calling her name as her legs folded. Panic filled his expression as his eyes roamed her face. She winced as his fingers dug into the tender flesh on her back, she ignored the pain.

"Why?" he asked, eyes wide as his fingers were coated with her blood. His face was pale and he looked ready to vomit. "Why would you risk your life, dammit?"

She looked up at him, her gaze holding steady as she smiled, "Didn't you hear anything I said to you, silly?"

He opened his mouth, the words hanging in the air. He looked away, eyes closing. "I felt like I was drowning. Like whatever she was doing was pushing me down into this deep void. It was pure blackness." He stared at the ground for a moment, brow creased. He shook his head. "Then I heard you. It was like a light had turned on in all that darkness. And I could breathe again."

"Then nothing else matters," Erza coughed, attempting to stand. Jellal cupped her cheeks, as if he wanted to say something else—anything else as he blinked away tears. Instead, he said nothing, pulling her into him and burying his face in her hair, closing his eyes and inhaling deeply.

"Always my light, Erza."

"I thought we were going to kill you. I'm glad to see you've collected your wits," the woman's voice interrupted their brief reunion. Jellal looked up into a deep brown pair of eyes like Erza's as the woman leaned on her bow, watching them with a faint hint of amusement as she held out a hand.

"Who-?" Jellal started as Erza was pulled to her feet. The portly man beside her reached out and pulled Jellal to his feet. He slapped the mage heartily on his back.

"Glad to see she didn't get you too badly," he informed the younger man, though he didn't mean Erza.

"T-Thank you," Jellal nodded, suddenly feeling as if he needed to be on his most pristine behavior.

"Jellal," Erza waved her hand at the man and woman, her words nonchalant, "Meet my parents."

Jellal's mouth opened and closed as he took in Erza's easy confession. She had returned to her usual matter-of-fact-straight-to-the-point demeanor, and he nearly laughed at the hilarity of it. He noticed the battle had migrated to another part of the field, and he knew—from his connection with her—that Ultear had changed her plan. He pushed that knowledge out of his mind for the time being, the stale taste of her magic still filling him.

"Well, Jellal, is it?" The woman suddenly snapped, her lips pursed as she strummed her bow. "What do you have to say for yourself? You nearly killed our daughter! Give me one reason I shouldn't run an arrow through you."

"I—" Jellal was caught off guard, taken aback by her ire.

"Now, now," the mayor waved his hands, attempting to ameliorate the situation. Sweat was beading on his forehead, "There's no need to go to extremes, my dear."

She turned to glare at him, and he cowered slightly at her dark expression. Erza said nothing, doing her best to hide her smirk as a shocked Jellal looked between the man, woman, and Erza. He noted the definite resemblance. He felt a slight pang of jealousy that Erza was given this opportunity. He ran a hand through his hair, hoping it didn't look as bad as he felt. He knew the older woman was scrutinizing the marking on his face.

"I-I suppose this isn't the ideal way m-meet," his mouth was suddenly very dry, "But I'm Jellal Fernandes, a childhood friend of Erza's. We have a habit of meeting and nearly killing each other." He laughed, though no one joined him. "I hope you can look past this, erm, incident…." He nervously glanced between the trio, shifting on his feet. Still, he was met with silence.

He felt as if he were on display at a zoo. Sweat was pouring from every orifice he could name. He wondered how he had gone from one of the world's greatest wizards to a blithering idiot under the scrutinizing stare of one woman. No, not just one woman. Erza's mother!

He cleared his throat. Here goes. "Because when this is all over, and if we're still alive, I'd like to ask your permission to take your daughter out on a date."

Lucy wasn't sure what to expect. She stood there, staring at where Adie's body had been, moments earlier. Did she say the correct thing? Did she kill her? "Gods, I hope not!"

"You're talking to yourself," Leo pointed out from beside her.

Lucy jumped, "Shut up! Where is she?"

Leo was about to answer her, but the monstrous roar from Behemoth interrupted whatever words he would have spoken. Lucy looked up at the massive summon, suddenly feeling overwhelmed, self-conscious, and scared—all of which she'd never admit. Veleda appeared on her left, taking in the scene with a regal serenity.

"W-Well?" Lucy warbled, uncertain. I hope she has a plan.

"It's large, for certain. And will be the least of your worries, I suspect," the ruddy-skinned spirit casually replied.

"What does that mean?" Lucy nearly snapped, teeth chattering. "Where's Adie?"

"Adie?" Veleda turned to look at her, eyes scanning the area behind them. She looked back at Lucy.

"Lucy! Watch out!" Mirajane yelled, her wings lifting her from the ground as she prepared to help.

Lucy felt the earth rumbling with movement, and she knew she was under attack without turning to verify her suspicion. The flames on Behemoth's spine flickered, each wisp becoming a monster on its own. Veleda unleashed her arrows, which sank deeply into the monster's hide after passing through the fiery creatures without injury. Behemoth was unfazed by the attack, the dozens of flame monsters spreading to a radius too great for any one attack. One leaped toward Lucy, only to be blasted away by a dark beam of light from Mirajane. Another collided with Mirajane as she flew toward Lucy, the two beings tumbling to the ground in a flurry of flame and black wings. Natsu yelled as Elfman helped his sister. They were all too far behind to help, though it wasn't stopping them from trying. Behemoth roared gain, rearing up and charging at her. She could feel the heat as the monster came for her, and she wildly thought of what attack would serve her best.

Leo moved in front of her, "I'll handle this, Lucy." His fist was drawn back, ready to unleash Regulus. She nearly pointed out that the beast was upon them and his attack would come too late, but a sudden, blinding white light pulsated from in front of her and spread out around them in a circumferential manner. She shielded her eyes, the warmth of its radiance soothing to her. Her comrades appeared just as confused, Behemoth's fiery army now gone and the beast launched far from where it had towered over her. Lucy breathed a sigh of relief that Mirajane was safe, now leaning on Elfman.

"That was a new attack, Leo!" Lucy murmured encouragingly, silently thanking her luck.

"It wasn't him," Veleda told her.

"Huh? Not Leo—" she looked first at Leo, then to the seer—the latter staring ahead, eyes wide with shock.

Veleda's voice was a dry croaking whisper, "Freya."

Lucy blinked, head whipping around. "That's not possible!"

Standing before them was the tall regal figure of a woman in a red, flowing dress, clad in a shining, snowy armor that covered her torso, shoulders, and legs—leaving her mid-thighs bared and exposed. The gardbraces resembled falcons or eagles—Lucy was uncertain as she did not know bird species well enough—and the breastplate was etched with tiny, intricate feathers that spread into large wings. Her pale hair was long and loose, blowing behind her from under her partial helmet, which only really consisted of a visor that shadowed the upper portion of her face, winging back from where it covered her ears. All-in-all, the armor was a spectacle, and Lucy knew its craftsmanship.

The newcomer looked replenished and fresh, unlike the dwindling human Lucy had gotten to know over the past few months. She seemed healthy and vigorous, unlike Spirit Mage had expected.

"Not Freya…." Lucy whispered, "it's Adie." She smiled. Leo stiffened at her side, thumb turning his ring.

The spirit straightened, turning her head slightly, eyes shielded. "Sorry, I'm late."

"Better than never," Lucy told her.

Behemoth howled, pushing himself up with Lilith's prompting. It shook its massive head, flames lifting higher. For a second time, the flames flickered into enemies, ready to attack.

"Lucy, you won't need keys," Adassandra told her quickly. Lucy's brow knit in confusion. "All you have to do is tell me who you'd like to call."

Lucy angled her head, "But I was able to call them without my keys before."

"That was partly her powers being lent to you," Leo confirmed her suspicions. "But your possibilities are endless, now." He looked at Adie's back.

"Veleda." Adie called out. "Help her, will you? We don't have much time."

"Yes, Adassandra," Veleda quickly reached out to touch Lucy's temples as the Spirit Mage attempted to protest. "Just trust her. And yourself, Lucy. You already know the answers."

Lucy gasped at the sheer power of Veleda's visions. She hadn't realized just how many spirits there were, truly. She was certain some of those did not have keys—at least not in the Human World. Were there no bounds to whom Adie could summon? Lucy wondered.

Leo caught Veleda as she fell, and Lucy wobbled on her feet, Natsu landing at her side, Happy next to him. He steadied her by her elbow. "Gotcha, Luce. What did that old lady do to you?"

"I told you it was Adie," Happy pointed at the demi-spirit.

"Go," Adie commanded to Veleda, the spirit quickly dissipating. Lucy jumped, not expecting the turn of events.

"Here they come," Natsu called out. "Ready, Loki?" The spirit nodded.

"Hold it," Adie told them. Natsu drew back, confused and pouting slightly. He didn't argue, much to Lucy's surprise. She was still shaking the fogginess from her vision. She hated the early side effects of Veleda's powers. "Just keep an eye on Lucy. Got it?"

"Not a problem," Natsu agreed. "But if any get past you, I'm not holding back."

"I wouldn't expect you to," Adie smirked. She reached out, palm downward. Lucy squinted as the hazy form of a sword rose from the ground, glimmering and fading. She could see tiny circuits of light that flickered through it intricately. It had the basic shape of a sword, the blade enormous and burdensome. Each shape appeared to be a key, fitting together to form the massive blade. As the circuits flickered, faint outlines appeared on Adie's skin, snaking over the porcelain flesh. Lucy wondered what they represented, if anything.

The monsters were approaching quickly, and Adie's right foot slid back. She lifted the sword, and with a twist of her hand, the blade shattered into dozens of key-shaped fragments. They spread out behind Adie like wings on a bird. Adie ran forward, and the blades followed her. She threw her hand out to her side, and they spread out, shining brightly and cutting through the flaming enemies. They disappeared as quickly as they were created, and Behemoth furiously roared its disdain, once again charging. Adie reached for one of the keys, gripping it firmly in her hand.

Lucy immediately recognized the shape on the bow as one of her first spirits. Lucy swallowed down her confusion as the patterns of Adie's arm glowed. "P-Plue?"

"Lucy," the spirit prompted her, "We don't have time!"

"You s-sure?" Lucy squeaked, uncertain of what Adie was intending. The spirit swore at Lucy, and the mage did as she was bid, trusting that there was a reason for such madness, "Open the Gate. Um, please, erm, to Canis Major!"

Plue appeared next to Lucy. He looked up at her and she smiled at him. "I don't know what's going on, but Adie needs your help, Plue!"

"Plue!" he yipped, jumping slightly as he saw Behemoth.

Adie lifted the key over her head, driving it into the ground. Plue continued to run, body morphing and growing as he did so.

"That..spirit…turnedintothat?" Natsu was just as surprised as Lucy, whose eyes were wide as she watched the tiny spirit become the large canine stretching on his haunches near Adassandra. She reached up and placed a hand on his neck. His eyes rolled to look at her. She nodded at him and he returned his attention to Behemoth, long fangs bared.

"He's almost the size of that monster, aye," Happy nodded. "He scares me."

Plue's mouths opened as he howled at the sky, teeth gnashing and claws tearing into the earth. "What happened to him? What is he?" Lucy wondered aloud.

"He's her guard dog," Leo informed her, smiling slightly. It was obviously not the first time he'd seen Plue look like…this.

"He's….her pet?" Lucy croaked, confused.

"That's a pet?" Natsu's mouth was hanging open. "Then I want one, too!"

"Hey, now!" Lucy snapped at him. "Don't talk about him like that! He has feelings."

"You used to call him just to keep you company," Happy pointed out, eying her dubiously.

Lucy pressed her lips together, fists clenched tightly. "I'll ignore that comment and spare your life for now."

She missed Happy's attempt at a smirk, instead watching in wide-eyed awe as Plue—now a large beast—ran toward Behemoth at a speed that took everyone by surprise. The two monsters clashed, the earth tearing up around them as their bodies slid from the impact. Canis bit deeply into Behemoth's haunches, the monster responding with a lash of its fiery tale. The spirit didn't release his grip, shaking his head violently as its prey continued its attack. The monster successfully slashed across Canis' face, injuring the spirit's eye. Canis howled, releasing his grip and backing away. Behemoth followed, and the two circled one another, Canis ensuring that Behemoth was within the sight of his good eye. After their careful dance, the two monsters collided again, Behemoth's size allowing it a vantage as it pinned Canis beneath it, sinking a horn into the spirit's shoulder. Canis managed to kick his opponent away with his strong hind legs. Behemoth landed a distance away, the earth shuddering violently from the impact.

"Shit," Adie grit her teeth, landing neatly next to Lucy, keys now fitted together into the intricate blade she held. "He needs help."

Lucy looked at her, narrowing her eyes. "You need me to call?" Adie wordlessly nodded, confirming Lucy's suspicions that the Spirit's role was to serve as a segway for her summoner. Lucy was certain that Adie felt helpless, now constrained by her Spirit powers. It also confirmed why Veleda had used a substantial amount of power to give Lucy the ability to recall Spirits in the faintest corners of the Celestial World. It was powerful magic, and each time Veleda used it, it lingered longer in Lucy's mind or reflexes. Lucy cast Adie a side glance, "You're the expert. Suggestions?"

Adie straightened, eyes narrowed, "You feeding my wounded ego now?"

Lucy sighed, "Look, I know this isn't your preference, and you feel like you've, erm, lost certain freedoms. But you really do know more about this than I do, and I'm asking for your help." She met Adie's gaze, holding her conviction steady.

Adie gave her a half smile and a nod of appreciatiation. "Fine. Canis Minor."

Lucy's brow knit, "Another Plue?"

Adie did little to hide her irritation at Lucy's simplification, and Lucy waved her hands defensively. "Let's do it! Open the Gate to….Canis Minor."

The Spirit's arm glowed, the black lines snaking down her forearm and into her hands as her fingers easily slid down her blade, finger locking on the correct key, pulling it free. The key grew, the bow looking similar to Plue's. Lucy watched as Adie tossed the key into the air. It caught on some invisible force, sinking into the ground. Her attention was drawn away as Plue's large body was throttled toward them and Behemoth's in the opposite direction. The canine quickly rebounded, using his hind legs to give him traction. He shook his large head, hesitating at he recognized what Adie was doing.

Within a few moments, a smaller version of Plue was standing before them, blinking. It looked up at Canis major, waving its arms and smiling. It turned when Adie spoke, "Canis Minor, we need your powers."

The creature looked at her, nodding sternly. As quickly as Plue morphed, the tiny version changed into a canine form as well. Plue took off at full speed, and Canis Minor caught up, yipping and shaking its head. Behemoth charged, and the two Canises separated, the smaller leaping onto the monster's back and sinking its claws into Behemoth's skin. The monster tried to lash at the smaller canine, but Plue pulled the tail between his teeth, chomping hard and rotating. As his speed increased, Behemoth was lifted from the earth, body circling through the air. Suddenly, Canis Major released the beast and Behemoth bodily soared through the air as Minor leaped upon Plue's back. Adie took off, keys now spread around her, their shanks now blades. She leaped high, her keyblades swinging upward as her arm instigated their movement, followed by a dangerous succession of descent. With clean precision, Behemoth's head was removed, its body slamming into the ground, and Adie landing on top of it. Its head rolled, stopping before Lilith, who looked sickened at the spectacle. Ultear watched with narrowed eyes.

"I won't take it easy on you, sister," Adassandra told her. Her gaze flickered to Ultear, "And your end is near."

"Not as near as yours," Ultear hissed, and Lilith gasped, looking at her summoner. "Lilith, perhaps something…stronger, to rid us of these mangy beasts."

Lilith looked torn, and Ultear grabbed her arm, "I said to do it!"

Adie looked ready to pounce, but Lilith held up her hand, "Don't you dare, Adassandra. I have to."

Just as Behemoth appeared, the sky sucked apart again. A larger beast landed, quaking the earth as it curled around its knees. Or what Lucy supposed where its knees. Adie's eye widened, and she leaped back to where Lucy and Natsu were.

"W-What is that?" Lucy asked, afraid of the answer.

"Ifrit," Lilith called out as if in answer. "Lend me your powers!"

The monster roared, standing tall on hooved feet, clawed hands pounding its thick muscular chest. Flames flickered from his thighs, forearms, and from between the two large, curling horns on his head. He was taller than any building in Magnolia.

"Now that's a big boy," Natsu growled, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

Canis Major and Canis Minor dodged one swing of Ifrit's fiery fists, which left flaming destruction behind it. The earth and grass was dry, and easily burned. The fire spread out, quickly heading for the allied forces.

"Not good," Lucy murmured frantically as she furiously thought of what to do next. The flames roared toward them, and Natsu prepared to ingest them, despite Adie yelling "Don't! They'll poison you!"

It was too late, as Natsu was already inhaling. The wall of water that swirled in front of them was the only thing that saved him. Lucy turned to find Juvia standing, hands in front of her as she concentrated on her water wall. Lucy mouthed thank you as it, leaving damp earth and a wide line of wet ground that the flames couldn't pass over.

Lucy breathed a sigh of relief. She reached out and hit Natsu on the back of his head. "You idiot! You can't go eating just anything! Pay attention!"

"Ow! Dammit, how was I supposed to know?" He rubbed his head. "It's flames. I eat flames. It made sense."

"Made sense to me, too," Happy admitted.

"Who's side are you on?" Lucy angrily glared at him. Adie was ignoring them, concerned with the Canises.

"Canis!" she bellowed, "Combine!"

"What?" Lucy and Natsu said together. The Spirits easily obeyed, Major ducking under an attack, picking Minor up by the scruff on its neck. With a quick toss of his head, Minor was flung skyward, landing easily on Major's back. They glowed, their bodies melding, morphing, and growing, yet again. Lucy watched in wonder as they formed the massive two-headed beast before them. Now combined, the beast took off at a speed unexpected for such a large body, barreling into Ifrit. The monster pounded on them with a heavy fist, and Canis yelped. He continued to hit Canis, who cowered under the attack. The combined Spirit backed away, teeth bared as it circled Ifrit. The monster attacked with a wall of flame, and Canis easily leaped over it, colliding with Ifrit—both Spirit and monster falling. Lucy wasn't sure what ensued, but she saw the giant ball of flame that was shot through Canis.

"Oh no no no!" Lucy cried as the Spirit collapsed onto its side, whimpering. Adie's eyes were bulging from her head as Ifrit attempted to bring down his fist with intent to smash Canis' head. The canine's four eyes were helplessly looking at Adie.

"Close," she commanded, the spirits disappearing before Ifrit could crush its skull. Ifrit's head swung toward them, and he roared, his body lifting from the ground and arms drawing across his chest. Light was flickering before his mouth and Lucy knew it was a bad omen.

She looked at Adie, "We need water!"

"Call it," Adie commanded.

"I-I can't think of anyone!"

"You can do this, Lucy!" Adie yelled, staggering slightly.

"You're injured!" Lucy panicked.

"We don't have time for this!" Adie glanced at Ifrit. "I know you can do this!"

"She's right, Luce." Natsu whispered. "Focus."

Lucy squeezed her eyes shut, pulling Veleda's vision from her memory. Water, water, water! Her eyes flickered open, "Open the Gate for…Delilah!" Where have I heard that name before?

Again, Adie plucked a key. Again, it glowed and disappeared into the ground. Lucy gasped at the familiarity of its bow.

Oh no. It can't be—

"What's wrong, Lucy?" Happy asked, concerned by her reaction.

Lucy was pale and confused. Premonition was raking at the back of her neck. Had she been mistaken? She had heard that name before! She looked at Happy, hands trembling. Really, Lucy, it could only end one of two ways: one possibility being your imminent death.

"It's just….complicated," she hesitated, closing her eyes and taking a deep, calming breath. "I don't think that's who I meant to call."

"Uh oh," Happy was sympathetic. "It can't be that bad."

"Girl!" the spirit hissed, causing Happy and Lucy to jump. The Spirit Mage met a narrowed pair of eyes. Her suspicions had been correct. "Pale is not a good look on you."

"I-I'm sorry," Lucy's teeth chattered.

"Hey, we know her!" Natsu looked between spirit and Lucy, stupid grin on his face. The spirit ignored him.

Delilah's fists went to her hips. "I suppose I should warn you: only one other human has ever used my name and lived."

"And who was that?" Natsu ventured, now confused.

The spirit watched Lucy carefully, her mouth a straight line. Lucy was uncertain if she was angry, but she already knew the answer before Delilah spoke it.

"Lucy's mother. Layla Heartfilia."