The final battle agaisnt the Alvarez Empire is intense and with the arrival of Acnologia, things just worsen as minutes pass by. Gray is able to get to the guild first, deciding to end everything himself. He has learned it, an advanced level of Ur's ultimate spell, Lost Iced Shell.

Lost Iced Shell…

A powerful spell with additional drawbacks

A powerful spell that will completely erase the caster's existence from the memories of all who know them.

With this magic, Gray will be able to finish off Zeref, his friends and family won't have to experience the pain of losing him and he's finally able to meet Juvia again…

At first, he blamed everything on Natsu, a demon in Zeref's book. But he understands now that Natsu, regardless if he's E.N.D., is still his friend, his brother, his family. He's one of those people that hold a spot in Gray's dark soul and will always be…

In the midst of casting, Gray sees her, Ur…

The woman gives him a sad smile, telling him that he's still young and has a whole future in front of him.

Stop it, Gray. You can't give your life away…Not yet…Not now…

But he wants to…He has lost all his hopes, his dreams, and his loved ones. With Juvia no longer beside him, Gray feels like his world has ended. The woman that he's always loved and vowed to protect, the woman who shines her light in his dark soul is dead…

Juvia is waiting for him in the other world, he can already imagine her happy face when they meet again. Her loving smile, her beautiful ocean blue eyes and her soft voice whispered in his ears soothing words and encouragements. She will blame him for his stupid action but it's okay, as long as Gray can be with her in the afterlife, that's enough…

His wish isn't able to be fulfilled as Natsu barges in, stopping him from carrying the spell any further. It's a melancholic moment as the pink-haired man sheds his tears, saying that he should never underestimate the value of his life, that he must keep moving forward for the sake of himself and Juvia. Because they're friends, they're family, they're brothers, Natsu will never let Gray do such a thing…

Never…

With his promise to change his own fate, Natsu begins his battle with Zeref as Gray leaves the scene with Lucy, following the advice of Master Mavis to believe in Natsu. On his way back to the battlefield, Gray meets the First Master who then gives them the book of E.N.D, hoping that they can somehow change his friend's fate. Lucy suggested rewriting the content of the book with the hope of curing the man as well as changing his destiny. Gray says nothing, letting the blonde mage tamper with the book while aiding her with everything he can.

While decoding the book, Lucy's body is affected by the curse yet she doesn't stop, it's the only hope to change the dragon slayer's fate and she is determined to let that happen. It is a painful process as the celestial mage screams out of pain and agony, affected not only by the curse but also the heat and Gray has to cool her down with his magic, saying that THEY will save Natsu no matter what.

And they succeed…

Or at least, that's what they thought…

Lucy manages to unbind her friend's life from Zeref but that doesn't mean the war is over. Zeref is defeated and dies in the arms of his love as both he and Mavis vanish, using their last bit of power to restore the life of Makarov. However, in the middle of their return, Natsu disappears, leaving Lucy to have a mental breakdown.

"Come with us, I'll explain everything." Erza appears with Mest beside her "Hurry!"

"Erza…Natsu is…"

"He is alive, but we have to act fast."

Hearing this news brings joy to Lucy but she doesn't understand, Natsu and Zeref are now separate entities, so why…?

With the arrival of everyone, Erza begins to explain how Natsu and the other dragon slayers are trapped in a time rift with Acnologia's spirit while his physical form is on his way to destroy everything left in this world.

With Lucy's knowledge and wisdom, she's able to come up with a plan to trap the monster's physical form while hoping that the dragon slayers can defeat him in the time rift.

First master's spell, Fairy Sphere…

Although it sounds crazy it's the only option and they have to make it right…

"Pluto, please tell me what's wrong?" Neptune and Uranus step inside the chamber "I can sense powerful magic coming from this room and it's awfully similar to Juvia's…"

The green-haired woman nods and looks at the pocket clock in her hand, Juvia's clock.

At first, she thought it was just a mistake, Juvia's clock indeed stopped moving but a few seconds later, a small bubble of water circled around the clock causing Pluto to startle and drop the clock.

Instead of falling down the floor, Juvia's clock floats on the air as the hands begin to move or they're struggling to move. Pluto notices it immediately, the clock is fighting, trying to stop all three hands from reaching number 12…

"Juvia…"

"Pluto, please tell me wh-?!"

"Juvia is fighting back her fate…" a small feminine voice coming from the corner as Saturn steps in "She's trying to rewrite it…"

"Bu-but how? How?"

Saturn swings her staff, showing an illusion of a blue-haired woman wandering around an infinite white space, desperately trying to get out.

"Instead of going to the stairs of heaven, she's wandering in the Realm of Death and Rebirth, trying to get to her destination…"

"She's trying to…get to the Rebirth station…"

Pluto bites her lips, such a dangerous action Juvia has chosen. The Realm of Death and Rebirth is a blank space that recreates the dead's memories of their previous life, wandering around the area can result in her spirit getting lost in the realm, where she can never return or be reborn.

"If she stays in there for too long, then…"

"Then let's go get her!" Uranus protests "She's desperately trying to find her way back to this world, we have to help her!"

"I don't think that's possible, Uranus-san…"

Only those who share these memories with her can go into this realm, if they are able to find the spirit of the dead then they can bring the dead person back to the real world, leading that person to a different fate and ending…

"Don't tell me that only HE can do it."

"I'm afraid that's Juvia's only option…"

Juvia sighs as she wanders around this blank space, hoping to find some direction or someone who is brave enough to change their fate as she did. The moment she stabbed herself with a water blade, Juvia realized that was a big mistake…

She's witnessed everything, Gray's agony scream, his fight against Natsu, his decision to cast Lost Iced Shell…

It breaks her heart to see that her beloved has never been able to keep his promise, despite the confidence in his tone. She should have chosen a different path, she shouldn't have killed herself in front of his eyes, she should have done something else…

While ready for her first step to heaven, she met them…Ur and Gray's parents, Silver and Mika…

They came to say hello, saying how grateful they were that Juvia had never left Gray's side. She's able to talk to Ur, the woman left her with a sad smile, remembering the moment she witnessed her students fight with the full intention of killing one another. Lyon and Gray, her precious students, ones that she would do everything to protect. She had believed she made the right decision, casting Iced Shell to seal away Deliora. She never thought that her death could have such a negative effect on her students to the point they were willing to kill each other like that…

She was able to have a small talk with Gray's parents, telling them the story of young Gray and apologizing for putting her in this position. They knew everything, her love, affection, and devotion for their stupid son. It's those moments when Juvia realizes the joy of having parents when they hold her in their arms, expressing their gratitude for her loving Gray with all her heart and soul. They said that Gray doesn't deserve such a wonderful woman like her, one who is willing to sacrifice everything to protect him.

My son…that little brat hasn't grown up a single bit but thanks to you, dear Juvia…he's able to keep on living and walking on the right path…We're happy that he has friends, he has a family that cares for him and he has a woman who loves him with all her heart…

Please Juvia, as his master, I hope that you will once again stay by his side…

We're very grateful that you have always been by his side …

With their last words, Juvia finds herself at the Realm of Death and Rebirth, they had led her here…

Now alone in this empty space, fear rises in her mind as she doesn't know where to go, what to do, or how to reach her destination. She knows based on what Saturn had said that she needs to get to the Rebirth station, but how…?

As she's walking, the space around her changes, she sees buildings and sceneries that are very familiar. She's in Magnolia town, but instead of the lively town, all she sees are empty houses, vendors, and buildings. The Fairy Tail guild is also empty as she walks in, hoping to find her friends or anyone whom she can ask for help.

She keeps on walking, finding herself walking through the Hargeon Port, Crocus, Akane Beach and many more, the places where she has so many good memories with her loved ones. She feels lost, and uncertain as she looks around, not knowing where to go next…

Only those who you share these memories with can go into this realm and help you…

Remembering Saturn's words, she finds herself in another familiar place, the Amefurashi Village. A light lits in her heart as she walks through the village before stopping in front of the house, their former house, the place that has left her with many happy yet painful memories with her beloved Gray.

"Gray-sama, what would you do if Juvia got lost?"

"HUH? What kind of question is that? Gray replies with an irritated tone "Do you wish to get lost?"

"Oh no, Juvia is just thinking to herself. She hopes it doesn't bother you…"

"It does bother me, Juvia. Quit it with that kind of question, will ya?"

She nodded, ignoring the painful feeling inside her heart as he gave her a straight answer. She's just starting to live with Gray, or at least tried to persuade him to let her stay in the house. Seeing her depressed face, the ice mage sighed in defeat as he patted her head, telling her to stop the gloomy aura around her.

"If you ever get lost, I'll find you. I'll do everything I can to bring you back here, to our house. That's my promise to you."

Juvia smiles as she remembers his promise, a light of hope lit in her broken heart as she steps inside the house.

Gray-sama…Juvia is here, in our house, the place where we have spent so much time together…She'll be waiting for you, always…That's why, please come back to her…

Everyone is celebrating their victory against the Alvarez Kingdom and Acnologia. Happy and Lucy are crushing Natsu in their hugs, Levy is crying while holding onto Gajeel, the Sabertooth guild is screaming and crying as Sting and Rogue return from the battle and many more.

With the power of the First Master, Makarov is resurrected from his death, leaving his children in tears of joy as they welcome their parents back. Everyone is happy. Now that the war is over, they can finally let out a sigh of relief, knowing that their arch-enemy is no longer here to disturb their peaceful life.

Gajeel is looking around, hoping to see the familiar bluenette beside Levy and worries fill his mind when he can find neither Juvia nor Gray. Natsu also senses Gajeel's fear as well as his confusion for not seeing his best friend in this big reunion.

"Salamander, do you see Gray or Juvia?"

"Gajeel…"

His uncertain answer scares Gajeel as he pushes Levy to the side and walks towards the fire dragon slayer, wanting to know what has happened when he's gone.

"Yeah, I didn't see Juvia either. Where are they anyway?" Lucy looks around.

"Do-don't tell me that they're…"

Some of their guildmates joke around as Happy lets out his signature 'He likes her' tone. But all the laughing and giggling stop when they see Gray walking back with someone in his arms.

"There you are, Gray. Have you seen Ju-?!"

Gajeel's heart drops, he runs toward the ice mage, shaking violently at the sight in front of him. Everyone, including other guild members, is in a state of shock when they see a lifeless Juvia in Gray's arms. Master Makarov tries to sit up, trembling to see one of his children has met an unfortunate fate.

"Juvia…" tears start to form in the blonde mage's eyes as she steps closer, touching her friend's cold body "It can't be…"

"You damn Ice Prick! You promise to protect her!" the iron slayer roars painfully, trying to hit Gray but Lily and Levy have held him back "You promise!"

Everyone is crying for their fallen comrade, Erza holds Wendy tight, letting the tears silently spill out her eyes as the young girl wails in her arms. How can this happen…How…?

Meredy comes closer to the bluenette, holding her by the shoulder as she lets out her distress cry. She has lost Juvia, her loving friend and caring sister, how can she let such a thing happen to the water mage like that?

"I…have failed as a parent…" Makarov sighs "I let one of them die…"

"It's not your fault, Gramps." Gray replies with a sad tone "It's never been your fault."

Nuzzles her cheek against his and kisses her forehead, Gray holds the young woman tight in his arm, wishing to feel her warm instead of this coldness.

"Juvia…I've brought you back here with your friends and family. We've won the war so you can finally rest in peace now…"

Gajeel is crying his heart out, in so much pain, so much sorrow as he sobs in Levy's arm. The bluenette too, is crying for the loss of her friend. Natsu is holding Lucy close, letting her cry on his shoulder as he silently sheds his tears for his fallen comrade. Lyon is crying as well, showing everyone his vulnerable side for the first time. Memories of the young water mage fill everyone's mind as they remember all the moments they have shared with her. Such a kind girl, Juvia in their memories was this beautiful bluenette who always welcomed everyone with a smile on her face.

Meredy is still holding on to her body when a weird sensation hits her, she looks up only to see a pink mark form on her wrist as well as Juvia's...it can't be…

"Juvia! Juvia! Juvia, can you hear me?"

"Meredy…" Jellal is holding her shoulder as he shakes his head "Stop, Juvia is…"

"You're wrong. She's not dead! Her link is still with me!" she shrieks and shows off the mark "She's not dead!"

Hearing this, Wendy runs to them, hoping that her healing ability can turn a miracle into reality. But no matter how she tries, Juvia's lifeless body doesn't respond to her magic.

"Meredy-san, her heart is not beating, she's not breathing…"

"No, try again! Only when she dies then this link will disappear! I know my magic, please try again!"

Gray smiles, Meredy's determination warms his heart but just like Wendy's words, Juvia is dead…

"Meredy-san, please…"

"No, she's not dead…she's not…" the pink head sobs, knowing that she can't do anything.

Their link is still here but Juvia doesn't respond to the young dragon slayer's magic. Why Juvia? Why does she have to give her such hope?

A flash of light appears in front of them as everyone turns to it, what is it this time? Another enemy?

Stepping out of the light is no other than Juvia's mentors: Pluto, Uranus and Neptune, along with young Saturn who is still quite dazed with the quick travel spell.

"Uranu-?!"

"No time to talk, you have to hurry. Juvia needs your help!"